Wake up and smell the coffee (and orchids)
9 February - 10 March; The Princess of Wales Conservatory, Kew Gardens, TW9 3AB
The ever-popular Orchids Festival returns to Kew this month and this year the gardens has looked to Colombia for inspiration. Perfect for those who'd rather not spend their weekends shivering in a park somewhere, you can escape from the cold and indulge in a multi-sensory journey around the toasty Princess of Wales Conservatory. It's set to be a bright carnival of Colombian colour with the heady scent of flowers and fresh, ready-to-sample Colombian coffee in the air.
Grab a Pie and a Pint at Rochelle ICA
From 17 February; The Mall, SW1Y 5AH
Never will you ever feel forlorn on Sunday afternoons again, because, starting from 17 February, Margot Henderson and Melanie Arnold will be on hand with pints and pastry to save the day. All you have to do is get on down to the Rochelle Canteen ICA where the two chefs will be running a series of Sunday evening 'Pie and a Pint' dining menus. An excellent pie and a pint (or a glass of house wine) for £10? Monday morning doesn't seem too bad after all.
Have a lovely time with Luna Cinema at the Natural History Museum
Until 12 March; Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD
Let's face it: we've all, at least once, wished that Night at the Museum was more than just a movie – after all, running around all the galleries after dusk seems like a lot of fun. Luna Cinema at the Natural History Museum is a little like that. If you take out Ben Stiller and that whole magical Egyptian artefact thing that is. And this weekend the roving cinema screen will be showing the likes of Kill Bill Vo. 1, Thelma and Louise and Love Actually. Chairs and fresh popcorn are very much provided, too.
Spice up your (love) life at Zoe's Ghana Kitchen Valentine's Supper Club
Until 16 February; 56 Dace Road, E3 2NQ
In honour of Valentine's weekend, Zoe's Ghana Kitchen will host a celebration of love with a nightly supper club on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The rich and romantic menu includes a range of African-influenced dishes. Hot pepper gazpacho with a cucumber and avocado salsa to start? Slow braised goat curry with pepper and spinach for a main? Yep, sounds like love at first sight to us. It's BYOB and tickets are selling fast, so make sure you get yours before they're all gone.
Clockwise from top: chichinga beef kebabs, sardine with kenkey and fried tilapia
Photograph by Camille Mack
Clockwise from top left: oto cakes, koose fritters, yam balls, roasted corn
Photograph by Camille Mack
A selection of dishes at Zoe's Ghana Kitchen at the Institute of Light
Photograph by Camille Mack
Book yourself in for Baba G's Million Pound Menu pop-up
Until 17 February; 7 Central St Giles Piazza, WC2H 8AB
Good news for Million Pound Menu fans out there: alumnus Baba G's are taking over the kitchen at Cabana's Covent Garden location for a proper Indian-inspired feast. The set menu – co-developed by Atul Kochhar – will offer a mix of mains and small plates with an accompanying drinks menu also available throughout the day and night from Cabana's bar. Baba G's signature bhangra burgers are joined by the likes of Keralan salad, green masala tenderstem broccoli and other punchy options. Tickets cost £30 and the last day available to test the menu is 17 February.
Feel the love with the Lover's Feast Valentine's Day Menus at Crispin
14-16 January; Pavilion on The Corner, E1 7NF
From 14-16 February, head chef (and part-time ska band guitarist) Henry Freestone will be cooking up an enticing lover's feast at Crispin. Expect a menu bursting with “aphrodisiacs” – which means oysters, beef, dark chocolate, and red wine to you and us. The kitchen will be open from 6pm. Places are limited and booking is highly recommended. Best of luck (on both accounts).
Crispin is a café and restaurant that serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner to a standard that's downright impressive whatever time of the day
Crispin is a café and restaurant that serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner to a standard that's downright impressive whatever time of the day
Crispin is a café and restaurant that serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner to a standard that's downright impressive whatever time of the day
Crispin is a café and restaurant that serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner to a standard that's downright impressive whatever time of the day
Crispin is a café and restaurant that serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner to a standard that's downright impressive whatever time of the day
Crispin is a café and restaurant that serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner to a standard that's downright impressive whatever time of the day
Pups and Prosecco... and pals?
Sunday 17 February; M1 Fine Art, SE10 9JB
Doggone it, this sounds adorable. M1 Fine Art Greenwich will play host to a 'Pups and Prosecco' event that will take place on Sunday 17 February. From 10am – 1pm, you will be able to sip on a chilled glass of prosecco in the company of your favourite canine pals and some stunning artwork. As if that wasn't enticing enough, tickets are free and there's even going to be complimentary dog treats provided by The Dog House, too.
Book you (and your pup) a place at eventbrite.com
