Two weeks into 2023 and we’re going strong. With plenty to dig into this weekend, just maybe avoid the final suggestion if you’re doing Dry Jan. Or take our advice and bloody enjoy yourself. 

Intense, compelling, brilliant
Tár has already received rave reviews and various award nominations following its theatrical release in the US, now Todd Field’s intense character study lands at UK cinemas. Having just won a Golden Globe for her exquisite performance, Cate Blanchett is in exceptional form as Lydia Tár, a fictional world-renowned conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic who faces a sudden downward spiral when accused of using her power to seduce and bully her younger protegées. A compelling watch, Tár is a bold meditation on the trappings of highbrow celebrity, feminism in a male-dominated industry and the complexity of cancel culture.

Tár is out in cinemas now. 

Body talk
Always at the fore of championing new artists and dissecting crucial narratives, Guts Gallery’s latest exhibition (It’s My Party) I’ll Cry If I Want To is a celebration of the grotesque. Central to the show’s theme is the closing scene of Věra Chytilová’s 1966 film Daisies when the two protagonists systematically devour a banquet table laden with expensive food and rich delicacies. The group showcase revolves around women artists exploring visual motifs relating to birthdays, hysteria and consumption in carnivalesque revelry. Presenting women’s bodies as transgressive, unbound and open-ended, each piece of work treads the line between erotic and abject. Featuring works from brilliant young artists such as Olivia Sterling, Juno Calypso and Victoria Cantons, Guts Gallery is once again opening a space for conversation and creativity.

(It’s My Party) I’ll Cry If I Want To runs at Guts Gallery until February 3rd, more info here.

Cheap as chips
Maison Margiela. Sale. London. Known for its agenda-setting design ethos and the infamous Tabi shoes your grandparents most definitely can’t stand, the French house is bringing its goods to the capital via a special sample sale taking place over the weekend both online and at the Arleitte store on Margaret Street. You’ll need to sign up for a ticket on their website to be in with a chance of snapping up some bargains – gotta be in it to win it.

Tickets for the sale are available here. 

Renowned British theatre company Punchdrunk burst onto the scene two decades ago bringing immersive theatre into the mainstream. Now they return to London with their latest show, Burnt City, taking place at One Cartridge Place, a former military arsenal in Woolwich. The performance depicts the fall of Troy in the mythical world of Gods and mortals, creating a dark, cavernous maze of sprawling labyrinths dark in the eery military building which audience members are invited to explore as war wages on around them. 

Burnt City runs at One Cartridge Place until April 16th, more info here. 

Chill the F out
Two weeks into 2023 and already looking for an escape from the rush? We understand, and so does Birch Community, a luxurious members wellness retreat in north, north London. Here, amongst fields, woods and the occasional chicken, you can chill the hell out thanks to their January Beauty Sleep bundle. Offering ultimate relaxation and zen, this includes a one-night stay, invigorating massages and some re-energising yoga sessions. Or, indulge in one of Birch’s hands-on workshops, including pottery, mosaics and pizza making. It’s the ultimate indulgent getaway without even leaving Greater London.

Discover Birch here.

It ain’t so bad
It’s no secret a definite cloud hangs over most of us during the month of January, but Pilar Corrias’ latest group show is painting a surprisingly optimistic view of the future. Titled Let the Sunshine In, the show narrative was born from a conversation among exhibiting artists on the current state of global affairs and their intention to reconsider the uncertainties and possibilities of our future. Comprising works from the likes of Lina Iris Viktor, Vivien Zhang, Philippe Parreno, Rachel Rose and Rirkrit Tiravanija, each presents a fascinating view of optimistic futures that’ll leave you smiling.

Let the Sunshine In runs at Pilar Corrias’ until January 18th, more info here. 

I’m shaken, and stirred
After a successful four-month stint at Rondo la Cave in the basement of The Hoxton in Holborn, Chet’s has a new permanent home in the newly opened Shepherd’s Bush branch. Created by renowned chef and founder of LA hotspot NIGHT+MARKET Kris Yenbamroong, Chet’s is a harmonious medley of Americana and Thai cuisines. Having created a line up of tantilising dishes including pandan cinnabons, fried chicken Khao Soi and skillet steak served with Thai chimichurri, the eatery offers up both a day and night menu – all of which can be rounded off with a Lychee Martini [chef’s kiss].

Chet’s is located at The Hoxton, 65 Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8QE. More info here.