Voice of London

A little guide to help you get through this week. From what to buy, to what to see and even maybe some Instagram worthy moments.

Eating and drinking:

One bar, three restaurants and a city skyline. Olympia welcomes Pergola, with a brand new and permanent space on top of Olympia Car Park. This new addition to Kensington has everything you want from an all-year-round rooftop bar – including a roof. From music to free prosecco punch for every guest that claims on their website, and greeny.

Pergola brings the outside in with its botanical theme. Fancy a burger, or maybe some pizza? Patty & Bun, Passo and the sea-foodies favourite Claw are plating up.

Open every week from Wednesday to Sunday, the five storeys up venue is the perfect location to catch up with friends or go on a date this week. Even if it’s just for the free prosecco punch.

Trying:

Let’s get naked. Well maybe not you, you should keep on your clothes for this class. Hackney Wick Life Drawing invites you to get creative every Monday and Wednesday. Suitable for all levels, whether you’re Picasso with a pencil or an amateur.

Ben Wakeling, the founder of HWLD, told the Voice of London: “It is used as a platform to celebrate, build confidence and showcase people’s talent. What’s been really great is that a network of opportunities has emerged, outside of the drawing group. People have made friends, used the class as a module for university and have found work opportunities as well finding a creative, expressive outlet for a few hours each week. After four years we can finally have an exhibition that’s everyone’s.”

From 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM, the doors are open are People’s Park Tavern on a Monday, and at Stour Space on Thursday. There’s no need to book, and all materials are provided.

Watching:

A racial drama so honest everyone should watch it. The Hate U Give is a film based on the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller young-adult novel by Angie Thomas. Starring Amandla Stenberg as Starr, with Issa Rae, Anthony Mackie, Regina Hall, Russell Hornsby, Algee Smith, Common, KJ Apa, and Sabrina Carpenter.

Starr Carter is continuously switching between two worlds: the poor, mostly black neighbourhood, where she lives, and the rich, primarily white, private school where she attends. The balance of her worlds shatters when she witnesses her childhood best friend’s death at the hands of an unjust police officer. What does she do next?

The film has received mostly rave reviews and is a must watch.

Visiting:

Even if it’s just from the ‘gram. According to TimeOut, Yayoi Kusama is one of the world’s biggest art superstars, and she’s back in London with another Instagram worthy exhibition.

The exhibition features new paintings, including works from the iconic ‘My eternal Soul’ series, a large-scale Infinity Mirrored Room, and painted bronze pumpkin and flower sculptures.

To get your hands on a ticket, follow Victoria Miro on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. If you want the real Insta gold, you better get your notifications on for updates, as the show is currently fully booked.

Buying:

Autumn is definitely here now. Calling for new winter coats. This season, step out of your usual black, beige and white ensembles, and go for some colour. Green? Orange? Maybe some pink? Take some inspiration from some of the ladies and gents of Instagram.

Words: Lauren Coppin Campbell | Subbing: Lucija Duzel