This weekend is a big one, offering a chance to see one of jazz's remaining all-stars do his thing, fifty years after he changed music forever. But if Herbie Hancock isn't your jam, head to the Standard (the hotel, not our offices), to get down and dance to some salsa. If it all sounds like a bit much, take it easy with some Italian to die for: there's Pollini for those wanting something new, and Enoteca Turi for those after an old favourite. The nights darken, but London remains as bright as ever.
The hot table: Pollini at Ladbroke Hall
Inside Ladbroke Hall is Pollini, a restaurant named after its acclaimed head chef, Emanuele Pollini. The dining room, which in a former life was the UK's first purpose-built car factory, places a heavy focus on the art and design, but the food should be the star — expect the likes of Cornish monkfish with clams and sweet tomatoes, duck ragu, and roasted mango soufflé. On Fridays, there’s live jazz too. Weekly jazz each Friday, 79 Barlby Road, W10 6AZ, ladbrokehall.com
The old favourite: Enoteca Turi
Fine Italian isn’t hard to find in town, but there’s an elegant timelessness to Enoteca Turi. The lightly luxurious space is a satisfying, coddling spot for one of those lingering lunches that make life so enjoyable. With a classic vitello tonnato, bang-in-season truffle pasta and a long Italian wine list that always promises something interesting, Enoteca Turi is just what winter calls for. 87 Pimlico Road, SW1W 8PH, enotecaturi.com
The drinking (and dancing) den: The Headhunters at the Jazz Cafe
It’s been 50 years since 14-time Grammy winner Herbie Hancock formed the Headhunters, his jazz funk and rock fusion band who played on Hancock’s culture-defining, million-seller Head Hunters album. Coinciding with the opening of the London Jazz Festival (on until November 19), Hancock and his band will take over the Jazz Cafe space this weekend promising a show to remember. November 10 & 11, 5 Parkway, NW1 7PG, thejazzcafelondon.com
The culture fix: 7 Deaths of Maria Callas at the ENO
Marina Abramovich remains a fixture of London’s cultural season with this weekend’s UK premiere of her operatic project, 7 Deaths of Maria Callas. First shown in 2020 in Munich, the production is a reminder of how essential the ENO is to London, showcasing a breadth of leading sopranos, performing seven arias from Callas’ glittering career as Abramovich takes the title role (though she does not sing). Essential for opera-lovers and art-lovers alike. November 8 - 11, St Martin's Lane, WC2N 4ES, eno.org
The art fix: Paula Rego: Letting Loose at Victoria Miro
Following Paula Rego’s successful National Gallery showcase comes this free-to-attend exhibition at Victoria Miro, highlighting the artists’ work from the Eighties, a time when she moved away from collage and rediscovered painting. The works are playful and joyous, even childlike, evoking memories of fantasy, stories and memory. Closing this weekend, this is your last chance to see the works.
Until November 11, 16 Wharf Road, N1 7RW, victoria-miro.com
The dance party: Salsa Club at Decimo
This weekend sees the first of many salsa evenings over at Decimo, the top floor restaurant perched above the cool-kids-only Standard Hotel in Kings Cross. Book a late table for Friday evening and when the last of the gambas rojas and Baja tacos have been cleared, and hit the dance floor. Vamos!
November 10, 10th Floor, 10 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EG, standardhotels.com
The ticket to book now (for later): Fix the food chain: Akwasi Brenya-Mensa
Ivan Tisdall-Downes and Imogen Davis haven't slowed down since the closure of Native at Browns, recently launching a successful new dinner series dubbed “Fix the food chain”. The line-up of cooks aims to explain what “sustainability” actually means across different food cultures. Book now for ex-Tatale chef Akwasi Brenya-Mensa, whose Ghanaian heritage and pan-African influences should make for an exciting dinner.
