Brilliant things to do in London in February 2024
Leave January's austerity behind with a bevy of events, openings and pop-ups in the capital this month
You nailed Dry January, smashed Veganuary and are even still going to the gym four times a week. It’s safe to say you’ve earned yourself a good night out — and the capital is more than happy to oblige. From decadent restaurants and exciting supper clubs to glamorous new bars (and the new boutiques to help get you ready), here’s our guide to the best things to book, see, eat and do in London in February 2024.
The collaboration: Harvey Nichols Super Glow menu and Dalloway Terrace x Rathfinny Estate
Veganuary left you feeling so good that you’re determined to keep the wellness routine going well into February? Then hot foot it over to Harvey Nichols. The Knightsbridge store has teamed up with nutritionist Emily English to devise a Super Glow menu of juices, smoothies and brunch dishes designed to help you feel and look great from the inside out. Think antioxidant and vitamin-packed juices featuring superfoods, such as kale, matcha, ginger and avocado, and healthy twists on your favourite brunch dishes. All the indulgence of pancakes with none of the guilt? We’re sold.
If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a way to break Dry January in style, allow us to point you in the direction of Dalloway Terrace. The famed Bloomsbury al fresco restaurant has teamed up with Sussex vineyard Rathfinny Estate to host the first in a series of winemaker dinners on 7 February. Diners will be treated to a decadent four-course menu, featuring dishes such as bucatini, poached hak, and apple tarte tatin, each paired with a glass of delicious English Sparkling Wine. Further instalments in the series will see Dalloway Terrace joined by London Cru Winery and Maison Mirabeau.
The Harvey Nichols Super Glow menu is available now at 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ, harveynichols.com; Dalloway Terrace Winemaker Dinner takes place on 7 February 2024 at 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN, dallowayterrace.com
The masterclass: Valentine’s Champagne Masterclass with Searcys
Whether you’re planning on marking 14 February with a fun Galentine’s event with your girlfriends or a romantic Valentine’s with your beloved, Searcys love-themed ticketed events this month are the perfect way to celebrate. Book the Valentine’s Champagne masterclass dinner at Searcys St Pancras on 13 and 14 February from 6.30-8.30pm, and enjoy a three-course dinner led by Searcys head of champagne Martin Dibben who will explore the love stories behind the champagne houses paired with four tastings.
Over at Searcys at the Gherkin on 15 February, Dibben will be hosting another exclusive champagne dining evening in collaboration with French champagne house Laurent–Perrier. Hosted in one of the Gherkin’s private dining rooms, guests can indulge in a three-course dinner paired with Laurent-Perrier Cuvées, including the exclusive vintage and the prestigious cuvée, La Grande Siècle.
Visit searcys.co.uk
The bar: Mezcalito Brompton
Oliver Castilla-Tristan and Laura Gees, owners of Chelsea’s Mexican-style tapas joint Mezcalito, will be throwing open the doors to a late-night spin on the concept in South Kensington this month. Occupying the site formerly home to the Eclipse nightclub, Mezcalito will continue the party tradition with a chic ground-floor cocktail bar and basement boutique nightclub soundtracked by live DJs. Cocktails, naturally, offer plenty of Latin flair, with signatures including exemplary margaritas, palomas, and picantes.
Mezcalito Brompton is open now at 158 Old Brompton Road, SW5 0BA, mazcalitobrompton.com
The shopping: Farm Rio and Soeur
In the mood for a little retail therapy? Buzzy Brazilian brand Farm Rio is throwing open the doors to its first standalone store in Europe on the King’s Road. Famed for its show-stopping prints and masterful way with colour, the new boutique more than meets expectations, with Brazilian architect and designer Marcelo Rosenbaum drafted in to oversee a space that abounds with unique artworks inspired by the flora and fauna of South America.
Minimalism more your thing? Head east to Shoreditch’s Redchurch Street where you’ll find a sleek new boutique from Parisian brand Soeur. Designed by architect Gilles Viard, the brand’s first standalone brick-and-mortar store in London is undeniably cool. Think polished concrete, exposed brickwork and industrial-style rails: the perfect backdrop against which to showcase the brand’s elegantly utilitarian collections.
Farm Rio is open now at 86 King's Rd, SW3 4TZ, farmrio.eu; Souer is open now at 37 Redchurch Street, E2 7DJ, soeur.uk
The gig: Futuretense
Okay, so the Southbank Centre’s Futuretense music series isn’t strictly new but we find it’s always good to be reminded about the incredible array of free art and culture on offer in the capital. Taking place fortnightly on Thursdays, Futuretense has been created in collaboration with BBC Music Introducing to showcase a new generation of talent and help you find your next musical obsession. The 2024 line-up has just been announced and it’s an absolute corker: don’t miss free performances from the likes of Ivor Novello Rising Star nominee Ashaine White, Hackney-born-and-raised singer-songwriter Mychelle, South Asian drum and bass artist Golden Roots, and MOBO UnSung 2023 finalist Deja.
Futuretense is on fortnightly at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX, southbankcentre.co.uk
The restaurants: Sale e Pepe and Freak Scene
If you go in for Valentine’s Day, you’ll know that February is a very good month to be opening a new restaurant or, in the case of legendary Knightsbridge spot Sale e Pepe, unveiling a lavish new makeover. The opulent Italian, which has been a cornerstone of West London’s dining scene for five decades, will reopen on 26 February under the ownership of Thesleff Group, whose portfolio also includes Los Mochis and Viajante87. Expect elegant interiors by Hamilford Design and a menu that pays home to Italian famiglia dining with sharing plates of Vitello Milanese, salt-baked whole seabass, and linguine all’Aragosta.
Another West London favourite celebrating a new opening this month, Freak Scene will open its second outpost in Balham with a fresh concept focusing on sushi and robata. With areas divided between a sushi bar, grand dining room, covered outdoor terrace and subterranean private dining space, chef-patron Scott Hallsworth will oversee the kitchen while Yauheni Kharytonau (formerly of Kurobata) is the maestro behind the nigiri and California rolls. As for perfect pairings? Look no further than a sake list curated by Tengu Sake’s Oliver Hilton-Johnson.
Sale e Pepe opens on 26 February 2924 at 9-15 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0HD, saleepepe.co.uk; Freak Scene opens on 1 February 2024 at 1 Ramsden Road, SW12 8QZ, freakscenerestaurants.com
The play: The Duchess of Malfi
A decade after it first opened at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse – The Globe’s indoor venue modelled on traditional Tudor candlelit theatres – The Duchess of Malfi will return this month in a new production directed by Rachel Bagshaw. If you’ve yet to catch John Webster’s timeless love story-turned-revenge tragedy, which first played to audiences at The Globe in 1613, in the flesh, there are few more atmospheric settings.
The Duchess of Malfi runs from 17 February - 14 April 2024 at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT, shakespearesglobe.com
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