Minnie Driver
“I might be a bit of a cultural misanthrope, but it only means the things I do/eat and the places I shop, are REALLY tantalising. While I'm busy trying not to engage I like to do it at a place that encourages you to disengage. This is handy. ‘The Den’ in LA is a truly a modern oasis, offering sound baths, workshops and breath work. They will also teach you to meditate if you’ve never tried before. I’m booked for a sound bath in April. Digital detoxing is all the rage, but if you want something that offers all that and more, this is your jam. The best place to avoid everything is the beach. Go to Point Dume in Malibu walk down the steps at Big Dume if you're lucky enough to get one of the few parking spots at the public look-out on Sea-Lane drive. Look out for whales and dolphins and walk for a mile and a half to Paradise Cove. Im afraid I cannot recommend the restaurant you will find there on the beach, but you WILL find a beer and a cocktail that will do the trick after your walk.”
- Minnie Driver
HOTEL: The Pig at Bridge Place
On the 30th April the hotly anticipated sixth Pig in the hotel collection’s portfolio will open - The Pig at Bridge Place. Never ones to be considered predictable, this gem near Canterbury succeeds in delivering surprises that are sure to delight guests and Pig aficionados alike. THE PIG-at Bridge Place is a 17th century manor house with Kentish Hop Pickers Huts in the orchard of the hotel’s garden in addition to the indulgent hideaways in the main house. Classic Comfy Luxe rooms are scattered throughout the two main buildings and then there’s the separate Barn which contains two treatment rooms and one huge upstairs-downstairs rustic bedroom, with a private terrace and quadruple aspect overlooking the kitchen garden and water meadows. Utter heaven and everything we have come to know and love about The Pig. In addition to this latest opening, there will also be a brand new and beautiful The Pig hardback book being released in July. The book is a stylish, practical guide to living the good life with tales and recipes from the kitchen garden and beyond so when you can’t make it to one of their venues, you can recreate a little bit of the magic at home.
EXHIBITION: Stanley Kubrick: The Exhibition
Stanley Kubrick is without a doubt one of the best filmmakers of the 20th century. Surely everyone has seen at least one of his epic films? A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, Eyes Wide Shut and Full Metal Jacket are just a few of his cinematic triumphs. Well the Design Museum are honouring his greatness with a brand new exhibition focusing on the man himself and his ‘unique command of the creative design process of film-making, from storyteller to director to editor.’ Visitors will get an insight to how he created the incredible worlds and scenes from many of his movies and you can explore projections, interviews, rare objects as well as his fascination and special relationship with this wonderful city, his primary film location. His own unique interest in design and architecture influenced his masterpieces and can be seen throughout the exhibition. Tickets are priced at £16 and even Steven Spielberg says its a must see. Stanley Kubrick: The Exhibition opens on the 26th April and runs until September.
RESTAURANT: Gloria
‘And you really don’t remember, was it something that he said? All the voices in your head calling, Gloria...Gloria’. Hopefully now you have that song in your head and we can continue to tell you about amazing restaurant Gloria in Shoreditch, a 70’s Capri-style & all-day long Trattoria run by a crazy bunch of 85 young and passionate people from the Bel Paese and the sunny coast of Naples. If that isn’t enough to sell it to you then frankly what’s wrong with you? But we’ll tell you more. From breakfast through to dinner, tuck into GLORIA-ous Italian food like fresh pasta, pizza napoletana, cicchetti, gelato and all the best Italian grub you could crave in between. The expansive site is colourful, decadent and a feast for the eyes too. It’s over the top and that’s just how we like our hang outs to be.
INSTALLATION: I am Bateman
This month sees the launch of 'I AM BATEMAN: The Relations', an installation that blends the boundaries of art, fashion and interiors. It exhibits the world of an imaginary couple who are colourful, eccentric and welcoming individuals. The Batemans travel the world and are patrons of the arts. Their one-of-a-kind collection tells us the story of who they are, where they have been and where they are going. The space is co-created by a female collective of creatives; artist Selena Beaudry, vintage fashion dealer Clemmie Myers and interior designer Natalie Tredgett. The trio felt the need to create a new retail experience with a unique immersive offering where visitors can escape into a momentary world and feel part of the story. The space is intimate and luxurious, with everything on display available to purchase. The creatives carefully curated the displays by championing emerging, independent and more established designers and artists whom together combine to create the Bateman aesthetic. The exhibition will be at 2 Blenheim Crescent in Notting Hill from April 26th - May 11th and Mrs Batemans Boudoir on Portobello Road around the corner April 29th - May 11th.
HOW TO ACADEMY: An Evening with Dame Shirley CH on Women, Technology & Philanthropy
The How To Academy was created to offer innovative and educational experiences to adults and teenagers with a wide variety of talks and events throughout the year. In April we’re heading to an inspirational evening there with Dame Stephanie Shirley CH, one of Britain’s most eminent technologists. She is a truly incredible character who empowers women in the world of technology through her software business that offers flexible home working. Something she began back when the idea of working from home was an unexplored and alien concept. ‘In her trailblazing career as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, she co-founded the Oxford Internet Institute, donated millions in support of Autism research and STEM education, and smashed the glass ceiling, making dozens of women millionaires by gradually transferring ownership of Freelance Programmers to the programmers themselves.’ The evening will focus on her extraordinary life and her pioneering work. Inspirational and a real role model. This event is happening on the 29th April and you can book yourselves in via the website. Early bird tickets are available now for £25.
EXHIBITION: Smoke & Mirrors @ The Wellcome Collection
Back in the day crowds were entertained by a smartly dressed man yanking a white rabbit out of a hat or finding a coin behind your ear. Luckily magic and its entertainment form has moved on considerably but continues to entrance the masses. The Wellcome collection have a new exhibition opening this month called Smoke & Mirrors exploring the magical mystery world of this art form bringing together the worlds of psychology and entertainment in search of the truth about deception. Artefacts on display from the world of magic include the head of the gorilla costume worn by Derren Brown, Harry Houdini’s ‘Bell Box’, Tommy Cooper’s fez, and Paul Daniels’s sawing-in-half box. As well as exploring all that’s on display, there’s also accompanying live performances to really blow your mind. So get your ass’s down to the Wellcome Collection sharpish….it’s where the magic happens. Sorry, that was awful but we couldn’t resist.
THEATRE: All My Sons
All My Sons is one of Arthur Millers’ most famous plays and was first ever performed on Broadway back in 1947. There have been countless iterations of the production across the globe and now there is a brand new one about to open at The Old Vic starring Bill Pullman and Sally Field. From the 13th April until early June, catch these two huge household names treading the boards alongside other big name stars such as Jenna Coleman and Colin Morgan. The play tells the tale of the Keller family who are mourning the loss of their son Larry who went missing in World War 2. Presumed dead, his mother struggles to move on whilst her other son pursues his brothers ex-fiance. Sordid and emotional but deeply moving, it explores the trials and tribulations of grief, family relationships and guilt.
Charity of the Month: Tommy’s
Our charity of the month this month is one very close to our hearts- Tommy’s, who fund research into miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth, and provide pregnancy health information to parents. One in four women lose a baby during pregnancy and birth and Tommy’s want every parent to have the best possible pregnancy outcomes and to take home happy, healthy babies. A friend of the Halpern Hotlist lost her beautiful son Teddy at just three days old and her book ‘Ask me His Name’ is a moving account of Elle’s pregnancy, Teddy's life, and what happens when a mother leaves a hospital with empty arms. It is an education in the art of talking and one everyone should read. Giovanna Fletcher said of the book “‘Don’t read it because you’ve lost a baby. Read it because you haven’t.” Ask Me His Name is available from in both hardback and paperback.
APP OF THE MONTH: daisie
daisie is an app and website for creatives, conceptualised and brought to reality by Game of Thrones actress Maisie Williams and 5 of her pals. Filmmakers, Writers, Readers, Listeners & Speakers, Poets, Dancers, Singers, Chefs, Entrepreneurs, Developers & Architects can all come together to share work, discover new skills and learn from others in this collaborative community space that’s essentially a much cooler version of LinkedIn. daisie says “Creators are at the centre of this rapidly changing world. Let’s play.” So sign up and let the fun begin.