Cassandra's Guide to Winter in London

Discover Cassandra's recommendations for exhibitions, theatre and restaurants.

Exhibitions

Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers, National Gallery

14th September 2024 - 19th January 2025

https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/van-gogh-poets-and-lovers

To mark its 200th anniversary, the National Gallery will stage a major exhibition of the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh. It will feature over 50 works and loans from museums and private collections showing some of Van Gogh's most ambitious canvases and works on paper.

Cassandra hosted a book launch this autumn with the author Sue Prideaux who has written a biography on Gauguin titled 'Wild Thing', where she talks about the relationship of the two painters based on new evidence.

Francis Bacon: Human Presence, National Portrait Gallery

10th October 2024 - 19th January 2025

https://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/2024/francis-bacon-portraits

Featuring work from 1950s, this exhibition explores Bacon's deep connection with portraiture.

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.

Leighton House/Sambourne House

Explore Victorian Artists at Home

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

https://www.soane.org/

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

Macbeth, Harold Pinter Theatre

1st October - 14th December 2024

https://www.haroldpintertheatre.co.uk/

David Tennant and Cush Jumbo return to their landmark performances in Shakespeare's most extraordinary psychological drama.

The Lehman Trilogy, Gillian Lynne Theatre

24th September 2024 - 5th January 2025

https://lwtheatres.co.uk/theatres/gillian-lynne/

Written by the Italian novelist Stefano Massini, this epic three hour play is about three Bavarian Jewish immigrants living in the US who turn a general store into one of the world's most powerful banks - before the institution collapsed in the 2008 financial crises.

Wyndham Theatre

Until 4th January 2025

https://www.wyndhamstheatre.co.uk/

The formidable Mark Strong and Lesley Manville act in this epic Greek tragedy.

Christmas in London

Ice Skating

Skate around the wonderful Christmassy atmosphere at these incredible rinks.

Somerset House - https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/skate-somerset-house
Glide Battersea Power Station - https://glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk/
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland - https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/
Hampton Court - https://hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk/

Christmas Concerts

Royal Albert Hall
John Rutter's Christmas celebration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Bach Choir, 5th December 2024
Carols at Cadogan Hall with the Bach Choir, 11th December 2024

Classic Christmas Plays

The Old Vic - A Christmas Carol on until 4th January 2024

Christmas Tea

Fortnum and Mason
The Langham and Hamleys - as especially designed festive afternoon tea for little ones (and grown ups!)
Browns Hotel
Ladurée

Restaurants

Chelsea

No. Fifty Cheyne, Cheyne Walk
Manicomio, Duke of York Square - casual dining
Mezcalito, Sydney Street - Mexican cuisine
La Poule au Pot, Pimlico Road - superb French cuisine, one of London's oldest establishments

Theatreland

San Carlo Chichetti, Covent Garden - authentic Italian
Petersham Nurseries, Covent Garden
The Haymarket Hotel, Piccadilly
Lima, Marylebone - Peruvian cuisine

Fine Dining

Riverside Café, Hammersmith
Kol, Marylebone - Mexican
Chicama, King's Road - delicious seafood inspired by coastal food of Peru

Cassandra's Musings

The History of Galette des Rois

Galette des rois or 'Cake of the Kings', a staple of French pâtisserie during the festivities of Epiphany, is a beloved tradition celebrating family and friendship. It is an invitation to gather an...