What to get up to in London this weekend (February 24 — 26)

Mike Daw

Wed, 22 February 2023 at 4:46 pm GMT

Did you hear about last Friday? The ES Magazine and Perfect Magazine joined forces for what — despite the endless stream of drinks — proved to be an unforgettable evening. Sprawling across the newly revamped Dorchester hotel, it drew everyone from Joan Collins to Lisa Rinna to Lily James and Damien Hurley. Perhaps there were 500 people there, people 1,000. It wasn’t the usual fashion week parade of pouts — it was a proper party.

Anyway, it put us in the mood for more. As such, this week there are two seriously over-the-top blow-outs to go to — exactly the sort of thing to sneer at, until someone points out these things are Extremely Fun Indeed. Utterly ridiculous but, why not?

For those who can’t stomach the hangover, there’s also a last-minute show not to be missed, an underrated exhibition and more, including the chance to do a little good. Whatever you get up to, have a good one. And we’ll come back to earth with some more sensible options next week, once the party vibe has worn off. Probably.

The blowout dinner party: Bacchanalia presents Vulcanalia

Possibly Mayfair’s most “Mayfair” restaurant to date, Bacchanalia — apparently not fully sated with the togas, grape-feeders and 10ft tall Damian Hirst sculptures — is launching a series of lavish parties this year inspired by Greco-Roman gods. This Friday sees the arrival of Vulcanalia, inspired by the ancient Roman god of fire, Vulcan. The restaurant, which was hardly a sparse minimalist space to begin with, will transform with new red and terracotta decorations. Keeping with the theme, fire-breathers, a cast of Roman-esque performers and live music will add a highly theatrical flair throughout the night. Designed, no doubt, to keep fashion week’s party-goers from getting a good night’s sleep, the party kicks off at 8.30pm with music and DJs till late. Or, more accurately, till early.

Friday, 1-3 mount street, W1K 3NA, bacchanalia.co.uk

The other blowout dinner party: Amazonico Carnival

The battle of Berkeley Square this may well be. A second highly lavish, highly boujie party comes to its sybaritic conclusion this Friday. Amazonico’s Carnival celebration has been a week-long hedonistic affair celebrating the passion and food of Rio’s renowned Carnival. New dishes and new cocktails have featured on a special menu (the smoked beef and pork feijoadinha’s are of particular note) and this Friday the carnival concludes with an epic all-nighter. Samba dancers, latin music, traditional drummers and DJ’s flown in from São Paulo will ensure revellers remain entertained — whilst the free-flowing cocktails should provide enough gentle inebriation to last until the 3am closing time.

Friday, 10 Berkeley Square, W1J 6BR, london/”>amazonicorestaurant.com

The Soho spot: Beasy Bar

For anyone in this business to survive these tumultuous times, they need tenacity, guts, oodles of hard work and perhaps a bit of luck. Beasy Bar in Soho has the lot. First opened in 2019 and having survived the pandemic, and a move to new digs on Greek Street, it now celebrates its first birthday in the new location. The bar is marking the special occasion by knocking 50 per cent off their menu of moreish hotdogs at lunchtime for the month of February, ideal for a snappy lunch. For the more virtuous among you, there are plentiful vegan options too with fresh handmade juices. If though, you’re looking for a later pit-stop, the reliable cocktail menu and immaculate vibes are yours till midnight.

Until February 28, 58 Greek Street, W1D 3DY, beasybar.co.uk

The new show in town: Rusalka at the Royal Opera House

First performed more than 100 years ago, this Czech opera is a lyric fairy tale, written by Antonin Dvořák and staged here in London by directors Ann Yee and Natalie Abrahami. Following the tale of the titular water nymph (as well as the odd river goblin and wood sprite) this contemporary production juxtaposes a mythic story to our current relationship with nature, and mankind’s futile attempts to influence, tame or control it. With an extremely limited run until just the March 7, and with only a handful of tickets at each performance left, this is one not to miss.

Bow Street, WC2E 9DD, roh.org.uk

The must-see exhibition: Jonathan Lyndon Chase, Now I’m home, lips that know my name

Jonathan Lyndon Chase’s work is little-known on this side of the pond. The Philadelphia-born artist has enjoyed some success in their home state, complemented by shows in New York; but now Sadie Coles HQ on Kingly Street presents their ambitious London debut. An impactful installation that embraces and explores the queer experience of love and black identity coalesce around a central red-brick house, the family home perhaps, with depictions of tussling bodies, soft sculptures and reclining figures surrounding it. Their work is described as visceral yet tender, dynamic and expressionistic, open in Soho until the March 11, this free-to-enter exhibition is a must.

62 Kingly Street, W1B 5QN, sadiecoles.com

Do your bit for a good cause: Chefs Up for Turkey and Syria

Whilst this event technically bleeds into next week, it’s certainly one to book now and enjoy later. The dinner, hosted at Darby’s in the new Nine Elms development, will be cooked by some of the best chefs working in Britain and hosted by the glorious Andi Oliver. Nieves Barragan of Sabor, Angela Hartnett of Murano and Neil Borthwick of the French House are just some of those among the esteemed talent lined up to cook at this feast. Tickets are £250 each with all proceeds from the evening going to Action Against Hunger, supporting their work to provide urgent relief for the survivors of the devastating earthquake which hit Turkey and Syria recently.

February 27, 3 Viaduct Gardens, SW11 7AY, darbys-london.com