Karen's blog: Five things to do in London this week

Sunday, 13 February 2022

Five things to do in London this week

With thanks to Country and Townhouse here are five ideas of things to do in London this week:

CULTURE FOOD & DRINK TRAVEL STYLE INTERIORS PROPERTY

Can we talk horses? There’s nothing quite like a little girl’s relationship with her pony. Horses teach you determination and resilience; they offer mindful moments of escape; they are your best friend when you hate the world around you. My relationship with horses and the people who eddied around them had a huge influence on me as I was growing up. I now take my 11-year-old daughter to Ealing Stables on a Saturday morning and pick her up once the sun goes down. She comes home grubby, tired, and ever so fractionally more independent and confident each time. In a world where kids are attached to their phones at every hour, I’m chuffed she’s found happiness in horses.

Have a great week.

Photo: 'Grandiflora Rose' wallpaper design by Designers Guild

WHAT’S EXCITING ME THIS WEEK

VOLUNTEERING
Speaking of which, just as my daughter volunteers at the stables, London offers plenty of other opportunities for people eager to meet new people and give a helping hand. From joining Peckham’s Feminist Library to Dan Atkins’ Buses for Homeless, find out what you can sign up to do.

BIOPHILIA
This desire to fill our houses with greenery is not just a trend, it’s a movement, notes my colleague Charlotte. Bringing nature into our homes can have profound effects on our wellbeing – and businesses are jumping on board to tempt staff back to the office.

TOI ET MOI RINGS
There’s still time (just?) to make a hasty Valentine’s purchase if you’re quick. And you won’t go wrong with a Toi et Moi ring which are all over Instagram at the moment. I’d be happy with Lark and Berry’s Blue Sapphire Open Petal Cocktail Ring, if you’re asking…

FIVE THINGS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS

Heading to London Fashion Week? Get your outfit sorted at Rosewood London, which is launching a pop-up shopping experience in collaboration with My Wardrobe HQ.

Emma Rice’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights has arrived at the National Theatre for a six-week run, starring Ash Hunter and Lucy McCormick.

Rondo at The Hoxton is kicking off a three-month guest chef series in collaboration with Nyetimber – the first event is on 26 February.

Get pampered at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, which has launched a pop-up with hair salon Duck & Dry – you’ll get a facial, manicure and blow-dry.

The Courtauld Gallery’s new Van Gogh exhibition is a must-see, bringing together 16 self-portraits from across his career. (Vincent van Gogh, Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear)