Cassandra's Guide to Spring in London
Discover Cassandra's recommendations for exhibitions, theatre and restaurants.
Exhibitions
National Portrait Gallery
Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize, on until the 16th February 2025
Edvard Munch Portraits, 8th March - 15th June 2025
Jenny Saville - The Anatomy of Painting, 20th June - 7th September 2025
Exhibition of the works of one of the world's most prominent contemporary artists.
Silk Roads, The British Museum
On until 23rd February 2025
https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/silk-roads
A unique opportunity to see objects from the length and breadth of the silk roads.
Naomi in Fashion, V&A
On until 6th April 2025
https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/naomi
An exploration into the extraordinary career of Naomi Campbell.
The Wallace Collection
https://www.wallacecollection.org/
Called a 'hidden gem', this art gallery is located in Marylebone in an inconspicuous 18th century mansion. The collection comprises of a very impressive array of 18th century French paintings, furniture and other artistic spoils. It also boasts a wonderful café - a great spot for lunch or tea.
Leighton House/Sambourne House
https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/museums/
Two beautiful houses occupied by two very different artists in the 19th century. Frederick Leighton was a sculptor, artist and public figures built and resided at Leighton House which was built in the late 19th century. Sambourne House was occupied by the cartoonist and illustrator Linley Sambourne, who was renowned for his drawings for Punch magazine as well as his photography.
Sir John Soane Museum
Open Wednesdays to Saturdays
Discover the extraordinary house and museum of Sir John Soane, one of the greatest English architects who built and lived in it two centuries ago. The museum is kept as it was at the time of his death in 1837 and displays his vast collection of antiquities, furniture, sculptures, architectural models and paintings. Always a source of inspiration!
Theatre
Ballet Shoes, National Theatre
On until 22nd February 2025
https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/ballet-shoes/
Spectacularly reinvented for the stage of Noel Streatfeild's famous book.
Royal Court Theatre
A Good House, 11th January - 8th February 2025
A thrilling and comedic new work about a couple who discover the limits of good neighbourliness and what is required to fit in.
A Knock on the Roof, 21st February - 8th March 2025
An unforgettable new play about obsession, survival and everyday life in Gaza.
The Devil Wears Prada, Dominion Theatre
On until 18th October 2025
https://nederlander.co.uk/dominion/
Wonderful adaptation of the book and movie with music by Elton John and lyrics by Shaina Taub and Mark Sonnerblick.
Backstroke, Donmar Warehouse
14th February - 12th April 2025
https://www.donmarwarehouse.com/
Celia Imrie and Tamsin Greig play mother and daughter in this kaleidoscopic and compassionate new play by Anna Mackmin.
Turandot, Royal Opera House
19th March - 19th April 2025
Featuring the ever-popular 'Nessun dorma', this opera of love and revenge brought to life in a dazzling production.
Restaurants
Chelsea
- Josephine Bouchon, Fulham Road - a fabulous new neighbourhood French bistro
- Chishuru, Fitzrovia - Nigerian modern and unexpectedly delicious food
- At Sloane - brand new hotel in Sloane Square reimagined by Jean-Louis Costes, a tactile Parisian home and art & crafts inspired restaurant and a clubby basement bar
- Stanley's, Sydney Street
Notting Hill
- Strakers, Goldbourne Road
- Dorian, Talbot Road - modern European food
- The Pelican, All Saints Road - classic gastro pub
Theatreland
- Gymkhana, Albemarle Street - Indian fusion
- Petersham Nurseries, Covent Garden
- Café Zedel, Piccadilly
- Lizboeta, Piccadilly
Fine Dining
- A Wong, Pimlico - superb Chinese
- Rick Stein, Barnes
- Chiltern Firehouse, Chiltern Street
And for something completely different...
Bars with a view
- The Shard
- Sushi Samba, Bishopsgate
- The Peninsula, Hyde Park Corner
Cassandra's Favourite Local Shops
- Conran Shop - lifestyle retailer
- Birley Bakery, Chelsea Green - best pain au chocolat outside France
- London Cheese Company, Pavilion Road
- John Sandoe Books - one of London's best loved bookshops that is crammed full of fiction, non-fiction and classic titles