Apparently, this weekend lands on National French Fry Day, National Day of the Cowboy and National Gummy Worm Day – do what you will with that information.

A queer classic in the East End
When Donna Deitch’s Desert Hearts was released in 1985 it was immediately heralded as a landmark in queer cinema. Set in 1950s Nevada, the film follows a somewhat reserved English professor, Vivian, played by Helen Shaver, who travels out West to ensure a quick divorce from her estranged husband. Little does she know that this journey will lead her on a path of self-discovery and passionate romance when she encounters Cay (Patricia Charbonneau) – a young and vibrant sculptor.

The screening of this lesbian classic takes place in Genesis in Mile End and guess what, if you turn up in your finest cowboy shirt there’s even a chance you could win a bottle of fizz! Yee-haw.

Desert Hearts is showing at Genesis on Sat 15 July. Book tickets here.

The Dolls are dolling
New York-based artist Aurel Schmidt is having a solo exhibition of her recent drawings at Gathering on Warwick Street. Called Trash Dolls, the works that make up this exhibition are the latest in an ongoing series of the same name. Since 2019, Schmidt has been transforming the detritus of her environment into characters that embody the psychosomatic effects of fast-paced life in the big city. The Trash Dolls are formed out of an urban vernacular, the rot and refuse found lining the gutters of New York’s streets or littering an apartment in the aftermath of a late night.

Trash Dolls is showing at Gathering, 5 Warwick St, Soho from 14 – 29 July. More info here.

There were three of us in this marriage…
After premiering back in 2018, Peter Smith’s Diana has finally touched down in London. Based around Lady Di’s infamous Panorama interview from 1995, artist and musician Smith has created a lip-sync drama that uses music, monologues, dance and comedy to extrapolate on idol worship, bodily autonomy and self-love.

The myth of Diana gets dissected through a kaleidoscope – shining new light on words said long ago. Peter also takes a larger look at why it’s so easy for people to love, or quite often – hate people that we’ve never met.

Peter Smith’s Diana will be playing at the Soho Theatre, Dean Street from 14 – 29 July. More info here.

Dance it off
Excellent hosts Wrld Bldr return to the George Tavern this Saturday with a night of raucous rock ‘n’ roll to satisfy your weekly fix. Headlining the night are experimental outfit Man/Woman/Chainsaw, whose pulsating, rhythmic energy flips and twists with unexpected turns. It’s the sound of your inner thoughts you just can’t block out, and, actually, really wouldn’t ever want to. Also on the line-up are Cowboyy, whose track Gmaps has a bit where the lead singer sounds like he’s doing that high-speed talking thing auctioneers do, and we like that, Body Orchestra and House Arrest. A good time guaranteed.

Buy tickets here.

Real Housewives of Clapton, unite
Yes, everyone’s favourite niche Instagram account has come alive. This weekend is the last weekend that you can pop along to La Cave in The Hoxton and experience what it’s like to live life as a true Claptonite. With dishes featuring such Clapton classics as Perelló olives, Ortiz anchovies, and Torres truffle crisps, you’ll never want to go back to plain old Walkers afterwards.

Oh, and make sure to wear your Salomons, there’s a glass of biodynamic wine on the house if you do.

RHOC X La Cave is running until 15 June. More info here.

Eat, sleep, repeat
Or perhaps you’re more of a West London kinda gal? In which case, Lórian is the one for you. Launched by the team behind Notting Hill venue and members’ club Laylow, the new space is a multi-faceted culinary haven consisting of a restaurant, bakery and deli. With its stylish interior, Martha Freud tableware and chilled-out atmosphere, Lórian is a one-stop shop for excellent seasonal dining.

Perhaps start in the morning with a fresh croissant and a coffee, and as time moves into lunch hit the deli counter before digging into the excellent dinner menu. There’s a Pan con Tomate that’ll transport you to Barcelona, a wild sea bream crudo with sea aster, tomatillo and pickled blackberries, and a peach and raspberry salad with edible flowers that looks almost too good to eat (we said almost). Oh, and we implore you to try the gooseberry ice cream and cherry cola made with black cherries and fresh cola plant – a fancy take on an absolute cult classic.

Lórian is located at 162B Sloane Street

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