london e2
london e2

The Guide to Eating, Drinking, Shopping and Soaking Up Culture During London Fashion Week

What to watch

“The Sleeping Beauty”

“The Sleeping Beauty” was the first ballet performed by the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House after World War II. A revival of the original staging, this repertory combines magic and fairy tale with Tchaikovsky’s tunes and Frederick Ashton’s references to Marius Petipa’s emblematic choreography.

The Royal Opera, Bow Street, London WC2E 9DD

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“Romeo and Julie”

Staged at the National Theatre, Gary Owen and Rachel O’Riordan direct the modern love story of Romeo and Julie, characters inspired by Shakespeare’s play. Romeo struggles being a single dad while Julie is working toward accomplishing her dream of studying at Cambridge. Despite being each other’s first love, being together becomes complicated when life and family enter the picture.

The National Theatre, Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX

Jim Steinman’s “Bat Out of Hell”

Jim Steinman’s "Bat Out of Hell"

Jim Steinman’s “Bat Out of Hell.”

Jim Steinman’s “Bat Out of Hell” has arrived at the Peacock Theatre. Set in a post-apocalyptic New York City, the musical’s plot is loosely inspired by Peter Pan, set to anthems “I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That),” “Paradise By The Dashboard Light,” “Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad,” and others by Meat Loaf.

Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, London WC2A 2HT 

What to see

Donatello: Sculpting The Renaissance

Donatello: Sculpting The Renaissance

“Donatello: Sculpting The Renaissance”

The V&A’s newest exhibition explores Italian Renaissance sculptor Donatello’s body of work — which ranges from mediums of marble, stone, and bronze to wood, terracotta, and stucco.  The show offers perspective into Donatello’s growth as an artist, from his beginnings as an assistant goldsmith to the sculptor he’s known as today.

V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL

Alice Neel: Hot Off The Griddle

Geoffrey Hendricks and Brian, 1978

Geoffrey Hendricks and Brian, 1978

A retrospective on boundary-breaking painter Alice Neel (1900-1984) is taking

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Where to Eat, Shop, and Play in London During LFW

Although this season’s London Fashion Week is already packed to the gills with shows, events, and watershed moments—celebrating the life of Dame Vivienne Westwood, to whom the five-day event has been dedicated; Daniel Lee’s first fashion show at Burberry; Florence Pugh making her runway debut—there will surely be moments of much-needed downtime for the editors, celebs, and fashion enthusiasts roaming the English city’s streets. Plenty of stylish folks will surely hit up London’s noted hot spots (photo shoot in the bathroom at Sketch, anyone?) through February 21. But where are the if-you-know-you-know bars, restaurants, shops, galleries, and cafés among such classics as the Tate and the original Dover Street Market? Below, you’ll find a list of W’s favorite places to check out during a stay in LDN, from an Indian-fusion restaurant in Brixton to vintage shopping on Portobello Road.

Where to Eat

Rita’s

49 Lexington Street, Carnaby, London W1F 9AP

An intimate choice for dinner (or a drink) in Soho, Rita’s serves modern American food in a wholly British setting. Book a window seat and enjoy the people watching.

Kol Restaurant

9 Seymour Street, Marylebone, London W1H 7BA

Courtesy of Kol Restaurant

With its nine-course tasting menu, Kol offers “Mexican soul, British ingredients”—think langoustine tacos or chicharron with pumpkin. The downstairs Mezcaleria in this Marylebone establishment is perfect for a cocktail before or after dinner.

Rochelle Canteen

16 Playground Gardens, London E2 7FA

Courtesy of Rochelle Canteen

Great for a quick working lunch, Rochelle Canteen offers seasonal dining, feels classic, and strikes a nice balance between local and elevated cuisines.

The River Café

Thames Wharf, Rainville Road, London W6 9HA

A classic favorite within a unique space, chef Ruth Rogers’s River Café is always a good choice. Save room for the lemon tart—you won’t be disappointed.

The Pelican

45

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