Weekend Combo

Candyman returns, Carnival photography and a slice of tofu
27 August 2021
Above:

Sunday of Carnival, 2017. Golborne Road © ALEX KURUNI

This article is part of HERO Dailies – Essential culture, curated daily and also part of Weekend Combo – What to do this weekend

HERO DAILIES: Essential culture, curated daily
WEEKEND COMBO: What to do this weekend

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FRIDAY 27th August – SUNDAY 29th August 2021

Film

This Candyman ain’t so sweet
Jordan Peele’s latest horror spin sees the filmmaker reinterpret 80s classic, Candyman. It’s 29 years since the original hook-handed bogeyman stalked the Chicago Cabrini Green residents and much has changed: the area has undergone major gentrification attracting artist’s agent Brianna (Teyonah Parris) and her painter partner (Anthony (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II). Anthony quickly learns of the Candyman legend and becomes obsessed, leading him to Helen Lyle’s mythologized and misinterpreted tale… and so much more. Through Peele’s unique touch, the story is elevated far above classic screamer tropes, opening our eyes to America’s true horrors: the deep-set prejudice and racism that continues to infect.

Candyman is out now.

Still from Candyman directed by Jordan Peele, 2021

Festival

Back in the mix
Festivals have returned. After many months pining to be back in the fields hanging out with our favourite musicians, the time has come. And smack bang in the middle of East London, All Points East is the place to be this weekend. Across a four day line up, there are sets by the likes of Jorja Smith, Jamie XX, Kano, Celeste, Nadine Shah, Goat Girl, Working Men’s Club, Ghostpoet and many, many more. A little something for everything, why not tease your way back into the festival circuit with one where at the end of the night you can end up back at your comfort zone: the local.

All Points East takes place between Friday 27th and Monday 30th August. See the full line-up here

Exhibition

A Carnival substitute 
While festivals are now happening, Notting Hill Carnival has been paused for two years now: the streets of West London missing its afrobeat. As we wait for the Carnival’s return, an exhibition at White City House pays homage to the storied event through photography, showcasing archived imagery through the years. From nascent London artists to major names including Magnum photographer Martin Parr, all the works on show have been donated and are available for purchase, with sale proceeds being donated to the Grenfell Foundation. Take a boombox and pack of Red Stripe with you to make it a truly immerse day out.

An Ode To Notting Hill Carnival runs at White City House from August 29th – 1st September. More info here

Sunday of Carnival, 2017. Golborne Road © ALEX KURUNI

Food + Drink

Meat-free zone
Long before plant-based protein began imitating actual meat, Buddhist monks in China were perfecting meat-substitute recipes for their strictly vegetarian diets. This ongoing process has been several thousand years in the making, so it’s fair to say China know a thing or two about tofu.

At Tofu Vegan, a new meat-free restaurant newly opened on Islington’s Upper St, evidence of that ancient knowledge abounds. This is tofu as you’ve never experienced before, endlessly versatile and always exciting. Whether cocooned in a soft dumpling, stir-fried with chilli and onions in a more-than-convincing recreation of lamb, or wrapped in a pancake that will have you renouncing crispy duck on the spot, it’s a genuine contender for the best vegan restaurant the city has to offer.

Tofu Vegan is at 105 Upper St, London N1 1QN.




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