January is the perfect time for a fresh start and a new habit and while we’re happy to say we’re sacking off Dry January and Veganuary this year (seriously, who needs that negativity in their life…) we’re chomping at the bit to try out a new hobby. We’ve come across a host of fab things taking place in London this month to turn our hand to, but these are the top three that are really tickling our fancy…
Try a poetry class at The Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre is hosting monthly Out-Spoken Masterclasses, a three-hour weekend workshop led by UK and US poets that explore different approaches to crafting poetry and prose. Taking place in the Royal Festival Hall, which is also home to The National Poetry Library - the largest public collection of modern poetry in the world - these masterclasses are linked to Out-Spoken's monthly gig nights - London's premiere poetry and music event - which fuses performance of spoken word poetry with sets of live music by the most exciting new musicians. The night is hosted by TS Eliot prize winner Joelle Taylor, with Sam 'Junior' Bromfield spinning the best in reggae, soul and R&B throughout the evening. Out-Spoken is a platform to champion diversity in voice in poetry.
Open to members of the public of all ages (from 18+) and abilities, the next one is taking place on Sunday 22nd January from 1pm - 4pm, priced at £20. Participants are asked to bring some of your existing work as well as your own writing equipment.
Take to the kitchen at The Langham
We know lockdown 1.0 was known as the sourdough session, but for those who didn’t quite manage to master the loaf, The Langham has introduced a new range of cookery classes at its cooking school Sauce, including a half day bread making masterclass. Learning the four pillars of bread making, from the classic white load to enriched doughs, wholegrain and heritage bakes, milk buns to focaccia, Chefs Millie and Frances will lead the way to you becoming a real life Paul Hollywood.
£150 per person
Book online at www.saucebylangham.com
Try mindful painting at Belgravia’s MasterPeace
Eccleston Yards in Belgravia is a little treasure trove of lovely independent businesses and one of our favourites is mindful art studio MasterPeace. Founded by artist Zena El Farra and back by Dragon’s Den’s Deborah Meaden, they specialise in guided painting experiences to help bring out everyone’s inner artists. This Saturday (21st) they’re holding a ‘Balance and Bruch’ yoga and painting special, hosted by Zena and mindfulness coach & yoga instructor, Bianca Butler. Beginning with a 45 minute candlelit yoga flow class at a neighbouring studio, guests will then be brought back to MasterPeace where you’ll sit down to a beginner friendly coached painting session, leaving with your very own ski scene to hang on your wall.
From £50pp
Book online at www.masterpeace.studio
