En Voyage_Issue#14_Flickbook

Travel
L-R: PÉROU SHORT EVENING DRESS, AUTUMN-WINTER 1954
HAUTE COUTURE COLLECTION, H LINE. VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM,
LONDON. GIFT OF CECIL BEATON PHOTO ©LAZIZ HAMANI
VA CAFE PHOTO ©VA IMAGES
For those with a love of art, fashion and design,
the Victoria and Albert Museum, also known as
the V&A, opens its brand-new exhibition, Christian
Dior: Designer of Dreams, which will explore the
enduring influence of the fashion house. The
V&A is also the hub of the London Design Festival
and will be hosting a wide range of activities,
from tours and workshops, to installations
and exhibitions from 14-22 September.
For a night of dance like no other, head to
the phenomenal Natural History Museum,
which will be hosting three silent discos in
2019: 25 January, 22 February and 29 March.
Throw your best shapes under the skeletal
model of a blue whale while three DJs do
battle over separate wireless channels, playing
the best in pop, rock and party classics.
One the last few years, Knightsbridge has
attracted some huge names in the world of
catering. There’s Dinner by Heston Blumenthal,
and joining him in time for the new year will
be former head chef of the Michelin-starred
Tamarind, Peter Joseph, who is opening a new
restaurant called Kahani in Chelsea. Inspired by his
upbringing in Tamil Nadu, India’s southernmost
state, the menu features the likes of smoked
Malabar prawns with coconut and Keralan spices,
and tandoori calamari with Kasundi mustard.
Only a couple of hops from Knightsbridge
by Tube, foodies might want to check out
Mercato Metropolitano Mayfair, London’s
next big street food market. Its opening date
is yet to be confirmed, but in this renovated,
Grade I listed, deconsecrated church you’ll
find vendors serving all kinds of international
cuisine, a deli, a coffee shop, a florist, a
brewery, a cocktail bar and an actual farm, as
well as cookery lessons and workshops.
With its incredible cultural institutions and
Hyde Park right on its doorstep, there is
more to Knightsbridge than its posh shops
and fancy restaurants. Although, when a
neighbourhood is as top-tier as this one is,
sampling the finer things in life can be all part
of the fun. When in Rome, and all that.
CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW PHOTO ©VISIT BRITAIN
FIVE OF THE BEST
Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams
This new exhibition at the V&A will trace
the history and impact of one of the 20th
century’s most influential couturiers, and
Dior’s relationship with Britain. It opens in
February 2019 and runs until 14 July.
Barclaycard Presents
British Summer Time Hyde Park
Taking place 5-14 July 2019, this awardwinning
festival enjoys world-famous artists
and rising stars taking to the stage in the
iconic Royal Park for two weekends of live
music, while during the week there are
free summer activities, music and food.
In 2018, festival goers were treated to an
impressive range of acts including The Cure,
Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Michael Bublé
and Bruno Mars, so expect big things when
the line-up is announced for next year.
Cirque de Soleil Totem, The Royal Albert Hall
The world-famous Cirque de Soleil will be
performing the acrobatic extravaganza Totem
throughout January and early February.
Expect physical feats of extraordinary
beauty. Your mind will be blown.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Be dazzled by colourful flowers, innovative
garden designs and amazing horticultural
exhibits at this prestigious annual flower
show, which will be from 21-25 May.
Dino Snores for Grown-ups
Natural History Museum
Taking place on 5 January and 23 March, this
sleepover in the famous institution promises a
night of music, food, science, art and cinema in
one of London’s most spectacular buildings.
48 En Voyage | Aurigny’s Magazine