April and Awakenings
April may well be the cruellest month, but when you’re a masochist like me, that’s surely not a bad thing.
The weather might not be the glorious spring sunshine we’re all hoping for (yet…) but that doesn’t mean we can’t start to welcome the beginning of Spring by making plans for pleasure, joy and luxury. Here is a handful of things I’m looking forward to in April – care to join me?
Apricity
I was devastated when I heard the news that Tredwells was closing, but luckily for me, the wonderful chef behind it, Chantelle Nicholson, is back with a new venture. Apricity opens on April 12th, and please believe me when I say that whomever is generous enough to take me there first will hold a special place in my heart. The website says,
‘Apricity, symbolising regeneration, warmth, generosity, and light, will reflect in both the menu and the space. The restaurant continues Chantelle’s commitment to running a socially conscious endeavour with her team of innovative and like-minded people, who also share her values of a sustainable lifestyle.’
I cannot wait to see what it’s like!
Raphael at The National Gallery
It’s been a while since I got truly lost in a gallery, and the upcoming Raphael exhibition at The National Gallery feels like the perfect place to do that. This exhibition is one of the first ever to explore Raphael’s complete career, looking at his celebrated paintings and drawings as well as his work in architecture, poetry, and design for sculpture, tapestry and prints.
Dates which include a visit to an art gallery are some of my favourites, the blend of intellectual stimulation and aesthetic indulgence feels particularly vitalising.
Taking Care of Business at the Migration Museum
I love the way that Angela Hui writes about food, and so I was thrilled to hear she was curating an exhibition at the Migration Museum, titled ‘Taking Care of Business‘. Opening on the 9th April, this new immersive exhibition will shine a light on the central role that migrant entrepreneurs have played in shaping our lives.
Jerusalem at The Apollo
‘On St George’s Day, the morning of the local county fair, Johnny Byron is a wanted man. The Council officials want to serve him an eviction notice, his son wants his dad to take him to the fair, Troy Whitworth wants to wreak his revenge and a motley crew of mates wants his ample supply of drugs and alcohol.’
Described by the Guardian as ‘the 21st century’s best play’, Jez Butterworth’s classic ‘Jerusalem’ is back in the West End with its original creative team, led by director Ian Rickson, a decade after its last record-breaking, sell-out run. Mark Rylance is reprising his role as the lead – and I am desperate to go!
I believe tickets are almost completely sold out, so if you feel similarly, let’s put our head’s together ASAP and make a plan.
Wild swimming
Last year, I re-discovered my love for cold water swimming, making regular trips to my local reservoir from the end of April. I stopped when it got just a little too cold at the beginning of November, but as soon as the water temperature hit 10 degrees the other week, I was back in!
I’m hoping that we see a stretch of solidly good weather so I can slip into my devastatingly sexy neoprene gloves and boots and embrace the painful pleasure which is outdoor swimming in the UK in April! I told you I was a masochist…
