Explore the creative process at this top London design destination
Shoemaking, ceramics, and millinery, oh my!
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Celebrate London Craft Week at Oxo Tower Wharf
One of London’s top design destinations is about to become even more alluring…
From tomorrow (11 May) until 17 May, the ridiculously-talented makers who work and sell out of Oxo Tower Wharf invite you to get closer to their creative processes, at London Craft Week.
This city-wide celebration of outstanding British and international creativity is your chance to discover hundreds of designers, artisans, brands and galleries. If you fancy getting involved, Oxo Tower Wharf is an excellent place to start. For one thing, it’s located in a gorgeous part of the capital (right on the South Bank, in the heart of a leading cultural quarter). For another, it’s a design icon in its own right (a must-visit for lovers of art deco). And the contemporary designers who call it home — some of the UK’s most innovative and internationally-renowned, mind you — are hosting special demos, workshops and exhibitions.
Highlights include drop-in block-printing with luxury fashion brand Furious Goose, complimentary bespoke jewellery consultations with Loveness Lee, and exclusive Japanese lacquerware at wagumi. There’s also a free exhibition at Oxo Gallery, showcasing exciting new works by members and invited guests of Craft Continuum that explore craft as a dynamic, evolving practice.
Over the course of the week, you’ll have the chance to meet, buy and commission direct from dozens of craftspeople including shoemakers, ceramicists and milliners. Just remember to pack a spare tote bag, because chances are you’ll leave with a new handmade treasure or two.
Our show of the month
Don’t miss the chance to see the world’s longest running play for as little as £22. The Mousetrap has been thrilling West End audiences since 1952 and is still going strong — hardly surprising, given that this twisty murder mystery came from the mind of the Queen of Crime herself, Agatha Christie. Book by 15 May to secure tickets for less.
50% off Sri Lankan food
Sri Lankan cuisine is having a bit of a moment right now, with a new wave of restaurants introducing Londoners to its fresh yet fiery flavours and its delicious commitment to coconut. This month, you’ve got the chance to experience it for half the usual price at brand new Sri Lankan restaurant-slash-tropical hideaway, The Coconut Island…
Get (re)aquainted with renters’ rights
You might’ve heard that major legislative changes for renters came into force last week. Confused about where things stand? Over on Londonist: Keys to the City, Ishani breaks down what the Renters’ Rights Act means for those that rent privately in London (and beyond).
All-day Lebanese dining
A 1930s bank in Notting Hill is currently being transformed into a very intriguing-sounding Lebanese brasserie. The spectacular former Lloyds Bank building at 50 Notting Hill Gate begins a new lease of life as KINZ next month. We’re already eyeing up the shish barak (lamb and parsley dumplings in a warm garlic yoghurt and coriander stew) and fattet aubergine (feat. walnuts, onions, pine nuts and a rich tomato sauce).
A solidarity supper
While we’re on the topic of restaurants in converted old banks… tomorrow Morchella in Clerkenwell is hosting the seventh in a series of Solidarity Suppers, raising both funds and awareness for Gaza. At the time of writing tickets are still available, but if you do miss out (or can’t make this one), follow @solidaritysuppers on Instagram to be the first to know about the next one.