Portfolio - Jem Leslie-24

THE HOTLIST: 20 ?
26 JULY
This week's style, art and culture picks
BY JEM LESLIE 20 JULY 2015
The Pop-Up
The Moroccan Sky Riad, a North African-themed pop-up
dining experience at Searcy?s, opens its doors on 20 July.
The restaurant on the 40th-floor of the Gherkin is usually
open to members only, and boasts 360-degree views of
London. Try the ?Art of Spice?tasting menu, with one of the
herb and spice-inspired cocktails infused with vibrant
saffron and muscovite sugars, and take advantage of this
unique opportunity. A treat for all the senses. Visit
searcysthegherkin.co.uk.
The Screening
On 29 July, laid-back Hoxton basement bar the Book Club
will be hosting a special preview screening of IRIS: the
new documentary about the 93-year-old style icon Iris
Apfel. Inspired by Apfel's maverick attitude, the screening
will be followed by a discussion on fashion as
self-expression. Fashion editors Pandora Sykes and Kim
Howells will be among those on the panel. A must for any
self-respecting style aficionado. Tickets start at £10; the
event is from 7-10:30pm. Visit wearetbc.com.
The Sellout
Founded by Josh Ozersky (formerly restaurant editor of
Esquire magazine), Meatopia returns on September 19 and
20 ? but we advise booking tickets today as the two-day
festival celebrating high-quality, ethically sourced meat is
a guaranteed sellout. Held at Tobacco Dock in London?s
Wapping, this event is not for the herbivores among us:
guest chefs ? including Hawksmoor?s Richard H Turner and
Kurobuta?s Scott Hallsworth ? are famed for their deft way
with barbecues and butchers?cuts. There will also be an
area devoted to craft beer to wash it all down. Tickets start
at £30. Visit meatopia.co.uk.
The Styling
Luxury boutique hotel Belgraves is partnering with the
leading stylists Martha Ward (pictured) and Suzanne
Bernie to offer an exclusive personal styling service.
Starting this week, customers will be taken on a tour of the
best Belgravia fashion destinations ? all a stone?s throw
from the hotel?s prime location near Knightsbridge ? while
the two stylists use their expertise to offer a tailored
insider experience. Fancy indulging in the latest season?s
highlights followed by a Champagne afternoon tea? We
don?t blame you. Packages start at £500. Contact
infobelgraves@thompsonhotels.com.
The Exhibition
From 27 July, the V&A will present Facing History:
Contemporary Portraiture, a display of 80 artworks by over
20 artists including Julian Opie and Grayson Perry that will
explore the theme of portraiture over the past two
decades. Taking inspiration from the artistic tradition, the
collections will examine the ways in which the portrait is
used in today?s modes of identification. Keep an eye out
for Brian D Cohen?s Man with Eyes Closed (Walter White);
you may recognise the subject from Breaking Bad. The
exhibit will run until 24 April 2016, and entrance is free.
Visit vam.ac.uk.
The Collaboration
Furniture designers the Galvin Brothers and whiskey
brand Jameson have teamed up to launch the ultimate
drinking pop-up at London?s Reverend JW Simpson bar on
Goodge Street. The liquor den will be holding their
Spirited Sermons with Jameson Irish Whiskey on Tuesday
28th July; a one-off master-class where guests will learn
how to shake and stir Jameson?s famed cocktails. If you?d
rather leave the mixology to the experts, however, we
recommend ordering the ?Galvanised Jameson? ? the
mixture of whiskey, tea syrup, lemon juice and elderflower
will be sure to have you in high spirits. Visit
galvinbrothers.co.uk.