SPHERE Selects

Ernesto Cánova at Halcyon Gallery
Acclaimed Spanish artist Ernesto Cánovas explores American myths and icons in a new exhibition at the Halcyon Gallery Inspired by the American cinema of the 1970s as well as the artist’s own experiences,‘The Calm Before the Storm’ explores many themes including the Wild West, Las Vegas, Elvis, fame, cars, girls, solitude, horses, loneliness and exploring and debunking myths and realities.  The Halcyon Gallery showcased Cánovas' inaugural exhibition ‘An American Trilogy’ in 2014 which drew upon the artist's personal recollections of the landscape and culture of the United States.  This was followed by Turneresque, an exhibition of paintings referencing the works of JMW Turner and in 2016, Cánovas returned to exhibit Multiplied, a series continuing his exploration of cinema, abstraction and found imagery.
https://www.halcyongallery.com/ernesto-canovas/

Flesh & Buns in Covent Garden
Yes it sounds like an Atlanta gentlemen's club of ill repute, but is in fact a supremely successful post-David Chang izakaya from the same team behind ramen favourites Bone Daddies. Service is splendid, staff are ace and they offer one of the few bottomless brunches in London where one feels as much attention has been made to the dishes as the ‘free flowing prosecco'. Start with Korean fried chicken wings and corn tempura, before snacking on crispy piglet belly with mustard miso and apple pickle. Fun, friendly, noisy, spicy: this particularly snack shack comes unreservedly recommended.
Bottomless brunch from £42.50pp. fleshandbuns.com

Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch reopens
London’s post pandemic luxury hotel boom continues with this revamped property, reopening this week just off Old Street. There's a whole new sixth floor that includes the splendid Penthouse (with private terrace, private lift and the Lee Broom hanging chair beloved of Beyonce) - it'll make an ideal place for a party or a launch this summer. There's also two new bedroom types on offer (Yuhi and Yuhi Skyline), equally inspired by Shoreditch loft living and Japanese Ryokan, with floor-to-ceiling windows, rainfall showers, luxury amenities and a Japanese tea set. Naturally there’s still the NAMI bar, a 200 capacity events space a tranquil spa and gym. And yes, you can still order black cod on room service.
From £295 per night. https://london-shoreditch.nobuhotels.com

The Hansom Introduces New Travel Inspired Cocktail Menu
King's Cross drinking and dining options have never been better - starting with The Hansom, found in St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, The Hansom is launching a new travel-inspired cocktail menu - ‘Platform to Discovery' -  every cocktail has a story behind it that has been inspired by The Hansom’s locations in London and Europe. The Westminster compromised of Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky, Homemade Matcha Tea Syrup and Fever-Tree Soda Wateris inspired by an 1885 Japanese exhibition in Knightsbridge and the Bordeaux takes your tastebuds on a journey across Southern France with a strong, dry Vesper Martini.,sapling Vodka, Hepple Gin, Lillet Blanc and dirty olives.
https://www.thehansom.co.uk

A Climate Change Opera is Coming to South London
A climate change opera is coming to the Lift Festival in Deptford with the Interior of The Albany theatre transforming into a beach. Lithuania’s national entry for the 2019 Venice Biennale with an all-female creative team – visual artist and composer Lina Lapelyte, writer and poet Vaiva Grainytė and film/theatre director Rugilė Barzdžiukaitė, Sun & Sea received the festival’s top award, the Golden Lion for Best National Participation. Audiences watch from the balcony as dozens of performers bring the beach to life. At first appearing to present a vision of a mundane afternoon, at the heart of Sun & Sea lies an exploration of our relationship with the planet, the threat climate change presents and the dangers we face if it is ignored.
https://www.liftfestival.com/event/sun-sea/