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Stretching along the Thames, London has long been a superlative destination. Distinguished by its stately period homes, deep sense of history, stylish boutiques, bustling restaurants and thriving cultural scene, this storied city attracts a cosmopolitan crowd and some of the best and brightest acts and entertainers in the world.
The perfect balance of classics with the up-and-coming—here are the top cultural picks for September and beyond.
It’s not every day you get to have a one-on-one with an actors of the caliber (or in this case, “calibre”) of Sir Ian McKellen. But that is exactly the premise of this new one-man show, opening at the Harold Pinter Theatre on September 20. To celebrate his 80th birthday, McKellen has written a show in which he shares stories and anecdotes from his illustrious career both on stage and screen. A tour de force, he also performs extracts from his best-loved roles, including Shakespeare’s Lear and Tolkien’s Gandalf from Lord of the Rings.
Nick Offerman lit up the screen in Parks and Recreation, stealing every scene in which he appeared. Now, he is on his way to London to star in a clever, upbeat one-man show at Royal Festival Hall on the South Bank this September 1. It is an hour and 50 minutes of off-beat delights.
As rock star and experts in physics come, Professor Brian Cox, OBE is a Professor of Particle Physics at the University Of Manchester, The Royal Society Professor for Public Engagement in Science and a Fellow of the Royal Society. His live talks and tours are so popular they’ve earned him mentions in the Guinness Book of World Records. He can often be found presenting edifying programs on TV and also cohosted the popular BBC Radio 4 show Infinite Monkey Cage with comedian Robin Ince. Currently, he’s gearing up for a U.K. tour, which includes a stop at The O2 arena on September 19.
See Skyfall In Concert With a Live Orchestra
Even if you’re not sold on James Bond, the monumental and awe-inspiring surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall and with the thundering melodies of a live orchestra makes for a memorable evening. On October 4-5, see Daniel Craig on the big screen again in Skyfall, all in perfect synchronicity with Thomas Newman’s BAFTA-winning original score.
If you want to stay nearby, The Goring hotel in Belgravia is beloved by American travelers and British aristocracy alike. Rich with character, the rooms have been refreshed in the past few years, most by established designer Russell Sage, renowned for his eclectic taste, use of rich and textured fabrics and attention to detail. The restaurant received its Michelin star in 2015, and earlier this year, partnered with star chef Nathan Outlaw to bring his signature Cornish style to new restaurant concept for the property.
Take In A Very Expensive Poison
A perfect play for right now, Lucy Prebble’s new piece of writing A Very Expensive Poison is opening at the Old Vic. Careening between Moscow and Mayfair, this production takes a look at recent political and cultural events, whilst exploring both the investigation led by Sasha Litvinenko for the murder of Alexander Litvinenko, and Marina Litvinenko’s fight for justice years after the former Soviet spy’s assassination. Starring London-born actor Tom Brooke (Game of Thrones, Sherlock) and Swedish-born actress MyAnna Buring (The Twilight Saga, The Descent), it will no doubt be explosive.
Sample The Tower of London Food Festival
It’s not every day you get to waltz through the historic Tower of London with a sausage roll in hand, but this September 12-15, the notorious tower is hosting a food festival. Gathering artisan producers, top-notch chefs and culinary experts, these stone hallways will be alive with demonstrations and workshops led by the country’s leading chefs and mixologists. There is also a participatory element, with the likes of cake decorating workshops and mixology classes.
Not far away, The Four Seasons Ten Trinity is a sight to behold. As one expects of the Four Seasons brand, service is paramount, and there are about 200 keen and bright-eyed team members fussing over the 100 hotel rooms. Inside, one will also find a 14-meter pool, an elegant spa with resplendent gold walls and a public garden skimming the back of the property. The culinary highlight is the outstanding restaurant led by Anne-Sophie Pic, who made her name with her three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Lyon.
