New Openings

Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art
Re-opening 13 January 2017
Closed since August 2016, the Estorick Collection will re-open early next year following a major refurbishment, presenting new displays of the permanent collection, and a number of exhibitions throughout the year. The Estorick Collection brings together some of the finest and most important works created by Italian artists during the first half of the twentieth century and is Britain's only gallery devoted to modern Italian art. For more information contact alison@alisonwrightpr.com


Exhibitions

War in the Sunshine: The British in Italy 1917-1918
The Estorick Collection, 13 January – 19 March 2017
As commemorations of the Great War continue, this exhibition brings together 25 rarely shown artworks and 50 photographs documenting the little known role of British forces in Italy during the First World War. On special loan from the Imperial War Museum, they include the drawings and paintings of WW1 pilot Sydney Carline employed as an official war artist during the conflict and tasked with documenting aerial warfare. Alongside Carline's dramatic works are contemporary documentary images taken by W. J. Brunell and Lieutenant Ernest Brooks. For more information contact alison@alisonwrightpr.com

Nordic Matters
Southbank Centre, 13 January 2017 – January 2018
A year-long festival of Nordic art and culture in 2017, featuring music, dance, theatre, visual arts, participation, talks and debates, and gastronomy. A particular emphasis will be placed on the idea of play fostering curiosity and creativity, for people of all ages but especially children and young people. Moving beyond popular perceptions of 'Nordic Noir' the programme will embed Nordic culture and artists in Southbank Centre's year-long artistic offer, and provide a platform to some of the more 'hidden voices' from Greenland, Åland and the Faroe Islands. For more information contact naomi.burgoyne@southbankcentre.co.uk

Lockwood Kipling: Arts and Crafts in the Punjab and London
V&A, 14 January – 2 April 2017
This exhibition will explore the role and lasting impact of Lockwood Kipling, an influential but largely unknown figure in the Arts and Crafts movement. Structured around Kipling's biography as artist, writer, teacher and conservationist, the exhibition is directly associated with the origin and history of the V&A and the scope of the objects in its collections. It will consider Kipling's collecting and curatorial practices in the Bombay, Lahore and South Kensington Museums and the influence of 19th century arts education. The exhibition will also mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of Modern India and Pakistan. For more information contact press.office@vam.ac.uk

Photography from the National Museum of Women in the Arts: Terrains of the Body
Whitechapel Gallery, 18 January – 16 April 2017
This exhibition will display photography and video works drawn from a collection of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C. Works by seventeen contemporary artists from five continents capture women on camera in domestic spaces and expansive landscapes. By turning their camera to women, including themselves, these artists embrace the female body as a vital medium for expressing identity, reflecting individual and collective experience, and forming narratives. For more information contact annajones@whitechapelgallery.org


Entertainment

Film in Focus
Barbican Centre, from 1 January, throughout 2017
The power of the moving image and its influence across the arts is celebrated throughout the year with Film in Focus - a series of world-class arts and learning projects, commissions and events that celebrate the medium of film. Highlights include the genre-defining exhibition from artists Richard Mosse and John Akomfrah; a residency from American techno pioneer Jeff Mills, and 'What London Watches: Ten Films Which Shook Our World', which invites London's communities to select the films that mean the most to them. For more information contact lorna.gemmell@barbican.org.uk

London Short Film Festival
Various venues across London, 6 – 15 January 2017
Watch a wide selection of cinematic gems grace the silver screen as the London Short Film Festival flickers into life at venues across the capital. Famed for its bold cross-arts programming, this celebration of short film attracts some of the best raw talent in the film industry. Along with the many screenings, intrepid cinema audiences are also treated to a wide range of talks and discussions, with some of the talent from behind the camera keen to share their film knowledge and expertise. For more information contact info@shortfilms.org.uk

Ligeti's Le Grand Macabre
Barbican, 14 – 15 January 2017
Sir Simon Rattle conducts the London Symphony Orchestra and an exceptional cast of soloists in a major new semi-staged production of György Ligeti's only opera, 'Le Grand Macabre', directed by Peter Sellars. Set in a land of despots, debauchery and drunkenness, this opera is a wild journey through the end of the world, bolstered by music from one of the most imaginative composers of the twentieth century. For more information contact jess.hookway@barbican.org.uk

The Glass Menagerie
Duke of York's Theatre, 26 January – 1 February 2017
John Tiffany returns to the West End to bring his acclaimed production to town for a limited season. Following its premiere in 2013 at the American Repertory Theater, a multi Tony Award-nominated run on Broadway and a European premiere at this year's Edinburgh International Festival, the fresh staging of Tennessee Williams' classic play will delight audiences. Cherry Jones will reprise her Tony Award-nominated Broadway role, with fellow Edinburgh International Festival cast members. For more information contact su-ann@thecornershoppr.com

Steve Mason: Alive! At the Barbican
Barbican, 27 January 2017
Scottish singer, songwriter and lyricist, Steve Mason, best known as the lead singer and founding member of 'The Beta Band', will present material from his musical adventures to date. From his earlier projects with his bands, to his subsequent solo career, his versatility as an artist will be showcased, with specially commissioned arrangements by British composer, arranger and conductor, Joe Duddell. For more information contact sabine.kindel@barbican.org.uk

The Girls
Phoenix Theatre, from 28 January 2017
Based on the true story, film and award-winning play, Gary Barlow and Tim Firth bring this new British musical to the West End. It is inspired by the true story of a group of ladies, who appeared nude for a Women's Institute calendar in order to raise funds to buy a settee at a local hospital, in memory of one of their husbands. This musical comedy shows life in their Yorkshire village, how it happened, the effect on husbands, sons and daughters, and how a group of ordinary ladies achieved something extraordinary. For more information contact amanda@amandamalpass.com


Events & Activities

Mayfair Antiques and Fine Art Fair
London Marriott Grosvenor Square, 5 – 8 January 2017
Now in its fifth year, and organised by The Antiques Dealers Fair Limited, the Westminster ballroom at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square will be transformed into a haven of luxury shopping. With 44 expert dealers displaying their finest wares to international collectors, interior decorators and visitors, you can find jewellery mixes with fine antique furniture, clocks and vintage watches, antique and contemporary paintings, oriental carpets, ceramics, glass and sculpture and much more. For more information contact mgailmcg@aol.com

London Boat Show
ExCeL London, 6 – 15 January 2017
Visit London's biggest boating experience, the London Boat Show, for a day packed with exciting and interactive attractions, hands on experiences for the kids, celebrity appearances, shopping, demonstrations, live music and over 300 exhibitors. The Show is a great day out and visitors will be able to discover all about activities on, in and under water. Whether you're a seasoned boater or looking to dip your toe into the water for the first time, you'll be able to discover the best in watercraft innovations, equipment and holidays as well as try out the very latest in boating technology. For more information contact agauld@britishmarine.co.uk

International Mime Festival
Venues across London, 9 January - 4 February 2017
First held in 1977, the London International Mime Festival features an extravaganza of innovative visual theatre across the capital. This year the festival celebrates its 40th anniversary. Major venues such as the Southbank Centre, Barbican, Royal Opera House and Roundhouse play host to puppets, slapstick and mime. For more information contact anna@arthurleone.com

NBA
O2 Arena, 12 January 2017
American basketball returns to London's O2 Arena for the seventh regular-season game, as part of the Global Game Series. Catch the Denver Nuggets play against the Indiana Pacers. This will be the debut game for Indiana in the UK, while Denver will act as the 'home' team, as the first Western Conference team to contest a regular-season game across the pond. For more information contact communications.team@theo2.co.uk

London Art Fair
Business Design Centre, 18 – 22 January 2017
Visit the London Art Fair at the Business Design Centre for some high-end artistic wheeling and dealing. The 29th London Art Fair will mark the beginning of the art world year, featuring museum quality modern British art alongside contemporary work from today's leading artists. Beyond the main fair, you can also find two specially curated sections focusing on new work, less established galleries and contemporary photography. For more information contact james.douglas@fourcolmangetty.com

Burns Night in London
25 January 2017
Celebrate Scottish poet Robert Burns' birthday with poetry readings, slap-up dinners and a wee toast with the best Scottish whisky in London. Burns Night is celebrated on the anniversary of his birth on 25 January 1759, often marked with a supper, Scottish poetry reading and a toast. Many London restaurants and bars hold special Burns Night events, so you can get into the Scottish spirit without leaving London. For more information visit http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/11235521-burns-night-in-london


Hotels

Four Seasons Hotel London
Ten Trinity Square, 26 January 2017
A new location for the Four Seasons, this Grade II-listed building features just 100 rooms, including 11 spacious suites - some with ornate original plasterwork and soaring ceilings. The hotel offers two restaurants including the first UK restaurant by Chef Anne-Sophie Pic, the only current French female chef to hold three Michelin stars, and a sleekly designed Asian restaurant. The Rotunda, leading off the dramatic lobby, is the hotel's lounge and bar venue. Reflecting the architecture of London's ancient Roman history, the lavish spa includes a swimming pool and luxury hammam. Within steps of the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and the River Thames, this is one of the capital's most remarkable central locations. For more information contact gemma.minto@fourseasons.com

Lalit London
Tooley Street, 26 January 2017
Bringing their first property outside India to London, this new luxury boutique hotel will feature seventy beautifully designed rooms, within a 180 year old, neo-barque edifice. Each room is ornamented with bespoke Indian art, combining Indian culture with a quintessentially British charm. Located only minutes away from Tower Bridge, it is conveniently close to many of the city's best attractions. For more information contact london@thelalit.com

Food & Drink

Kricket Soho
12 Denman Street, 5 January 2017
From its beginnings in a tiny 20-seat shipping container in Brixton, Kricket is now moving their first permanent restaurant space, in central London. The influence comes from living and working in Mumbai, so fresh British ingredients are combined with authentic flavours, aromas and spices. Served in a relaxed environment, enjoy seasonal, modern and deliciously crafted Indian plates and inspired drinks. For more information contact sara.golec@eight-four.me

JAN
78 Northcote Road, 6 January 2017
Caspian flavours reach London, as JAN takes inspiration from the culinary styles of Iran and Turkey. Middle Eastern flavours, combined with innovative cocktails, all set in a flamboyant surrounding, to highlight its heritage, will offer a unique dining experience. Food will be cooked in a traditional charcoal oven, with signature dishes included grilled lamb chops and sea bream with harissa and preserved lemons. There are also small plates perfect for sharing, a heated al fresco space, and a relaxed bar. For more information contact charlotte@samphirecommunications.com

Bala Baya
Arch 25 Old Union Yard Arches, 9 January 2017
Southwark's arches will be home to this new Israeli restaurant, and the first solo venture of Eran Tibi, who has worked alongside culinary legend Yotam Ottolenghi. By day, expect freshly made pitta bread, served Tel Aviv style with a range of stuffings, including slow cooked meats and salads. In the evening, expect more formal dishes, such as salt-baked salmon with tahini. The cocktail menu is curated by Ali Reynolds, who won Diageo Reserve World Class UK Bartender of the Year in 2015. For more information follow @bala_baya

Miusan
16 Inverness Street, 10 January 2017
Opening in Camden Town is a Cantonese, pan-Asian restaurant, inspired by the opulence of cities, New York and Paris. Made up of a ground floor bar and dining area, a basement dance floor and a space for private hire, expect griddled vegetable Buddha dumplings with soy and wasabi dip, and king and prawn squid tempura to get things started. Wash things down with cocktails made from the freshest and most fiery Asian ingredients. For more information follow @MiusanCamden

Burns Night at Lancaster London
Lancaster London, 25 January 2017
To celebrate this annual Scottish celebration, Lancaster London are offering an exclusive set menu, at award-winning bar and restaurant, Island Grill. Guests can enjoy traditional culinary delights, such as black pudding croquettes, pan-fried fillet of Scottish salmon and haggis. There will also be a 'braw' whisky toffee almond tart, to satisfy those with a sweet tooth! For more information contact chloe@luxepr.com

The Blues Kitchen vs Extra Fancy: Surf & Turf Wars
The Blues Kitchen, Shoreditch, 30 January – 1 February 2017
This special collaboration, lasting only three nights, will see the chef from popular American clam shack, Extra Fancy, fly over to serve their 'surf'. Six of their iconic New England inspired seafood dishes will be available in London for the first time, as part of this epic food showdown. Meanwhile, 'The Blues Kitchen' will showcase their 'turf'; six authentic, meaty Texan BBQ dishes. A special cocktail menu will also pit their mixologists up against each other, with three unique concoctions to taste alongside the food. For more information contact ashleigh@anteaterpr.com

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