Spend Valentine's at Ascot Chase Raceday
It's free! This Valentine’s Day, Ascot Racecourse are offering complimentary entry to all in the Grandstand to celebrate the golden anniversary of the Ascot Chase Raceday. There are seven amazing races to witness, so maybe you'll even win at more than love this weekend.
Read Carole White Did I Say Too Much?
You may remember Carole – perennial fag in mouth, bleached hair – either as the star turn of Channel 4’s poke behind the curtains at Premier Models Management, where she’s the boss. Or as the surprise star witness at the Naomi Campbell blood diamond trial, of whom she’s the agent. Either way, juice galore for her addictive, fash-filled memoir. Out Thursday 12th, £16.49 published by Cornerstone.
Dine at Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street
Latest contender for most spectacular dining experience in the capital comes on the top, 37th floor of the building commonly known as ‘the walkie talkie’. Not for the vertigo sufferer, The Fenchurch seafood bar and grill does exactly as it says on the tin, with panoramic, birdseye views and every likelihood of featuring in a Richard Curtis film. Open now.
Lose yourself in The Wes Anderson Collection: The Grand Budapest Hotel
One of the most visually idiosyncratic modern film auteurs, hotly tipped for Oscar action for this, his latest. The extensive cultural critique and behind the scenes logue of the his 8th picture, many say his finest, comes from Matt Zoller Seitz. Out now, published by Abrams, £21.99
**Hear Charli XCX’s Sucker **
Remember Kim Wilde? Now imagine her granddaughter. You’re there. Given she’s already heralded a couple of barn-storming global pop smashes for other people (Icona Pop’s I Love It, Iggy Azealia’s Fancy) and one for herself (the irrepressible Boom! Clap) odds on Charli finding a huge fan-base in the next six months look very safe indeed. Album out Monday 16th.
**See A View from the Bridge **
First class hard-man actor Mark Strong gets the leading role of his life, treading the boards in a revival of the Arthur Miller classic. It’s already slayed in rep at The Young Vic, winning two Theatre Critics Circle awards, including one for Strong, and now makes a well-earned West End transfer. At Wyndhams Theatre, London WC2 booking now until March 26th.
Visit the Gareth Pugh exhibition
Is it really 10 years since the humble Sunderland lad with the massive, otherworldly fashion vision first appeared on the couturier’s landscape? Seemingly so, as this decade long retrospective of his exceptional, inventive work, hosted by the shoe brand Melissa finds important gallery space. At Galeria Melissa, King Street, London, open now.
Watch Two Night Stand
An on-the-rebound New Yorker (Crazy Stupid Love’s Analeigh Tipton) quarrels in the morning with her online hook-up (Whiplash’s Miles Teller), then discovers she can’t leave thanks to massive snowfall overnight. Sparky chat ensues in this fun, feisty, agreeably modest US indie flick. In cinemas from Friday. HHH
Discover Magnificent Obsessions: The Artist as Collector
The art the artists love. The Barbican’s big spring show draws from artists personal collections, to give you a view into their inspirations and tastes (and bottomless wallets, obv). Pieces from the private collections of Martin Parr, Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst, among many others, figure. At The Barbican, London EC1 from today until 25th May.
Revisit Casablanca
“Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine…” Back in cinemas for Valentine’s weekend, the 1942 WWII romantic classic sizzles again, as Ingrid Bergman meets former lover Humphrey Bogart in Nazi-occupied Morocco. In Odeon cinemas nationwide on Sunday afternoon. HHHHH