Brighter Future: The Trendsetter

Tucked away in St James's Market, Ikoyi has built a reputation of high esteem. The eclectic Michelin-starred London restaurant is the brainchild of Jeremy Chan and Iré Hassan-Odukale. Taking influence from a vast collection of spices, the menu at Ikoyi has a strong focus on sub-Saharan West Africa.

Encompassing a spice-based menu in British climes, likely pose some challenges, but the basis of Ikoyi is that the cuisine takes into account British micro-seasonality - seeking out sustainable line-caught fish, native aged beef and vegetables grown slowly for optimum flavour. The foundation of Ikoyi is an aim to serve produce in a way that simultaneously harnesses as much flavour as possible whilst respecting the true nature and growth of the ingredients used.

A must-try for any foodie with a desire to be inspired by a menu full of unbridled creativity.

Flora is the newest West End creation from Experiential Architect, Meredith O'Shaughnessy at Sofitel London St James. The Flora Terrace takes inspiration from the Royal Parks’ flora and fauna, and features one of London's most decadent seating arrangements - two intricately hand-carved giant swan seats which guests can relax on while enjoying a cocktail or seasonal dish created by Michelin starred chef Anthony Demetre, ‘Flora’ is a summer garden oasis in the very heart of the city.

The award-winning supernatural thriller continues its phenomenal West End run starring Tom Felton, best known for playing Harry Potter's schoolyard nemesis Draco Malfoy. Making his West End debut, Tom Felton stars as Sam in 2:22 A Ghost Story, alongside Mandip Gill as Jenny, Beatriz Romilly as Lauren and Sam Swainsbury as Ben.

Written by award-winning writer Danny Robins, 2:22- A Ghost Story is directed by Olivier nominated Matthew Dunster. The story follows Jenny who believes her new home is haunted, her husband Sam (played by Felton) refutes this. The couple argue with their first dinner guests old friend Lauren and her new partner Ben. Belief and scepticism collide yet the only way to truly see if the house is haunted is for them to stay up until 2:22... so that's exactly what they do.

Playing at the Criterion Theatre on Piccadilly Circus, catch the current cast until 6 September. Fuelled with adrenaline and secrets, this is a play full of intrigue and moments of disquiet.

Flooding onto Trafalgar Square is Summer on the Square, the summer art festival from the National Gallery. Debuting last year, the festival makes a return created in partnership with Westminster City Council.

Hosting a fortnight long festival this August, catch a programme full of free, daily creative session and activities set to inspire. Take to the Square for art outdoors and get ready to immerse yourself in studio activities - sketch, move, explore and be inspired by the collection at the National Gallery.

Getting creative can be hungry work! To ensure you're well-fuelled, a selection of tasty food trucks will on hand on the Square for you to purchase tasty drinks and snacks.

Activities take place daily, and are open to everyone.

FREE
11 – 29 August 2022 | 11am–1pm and 2–4pm, daily

Zarah Hussain is an artist who combines contemporary digital art with hand-drawn Islamic geometry, positioned in Piccadilly Circus, one of the world’s busiest districts, experience Zarah Hussain’s beautiful, hand-drawn kaleidoscopic patterns on two giant icosahedron (20 sided) shapes inspired by her Arabic heritage. Entitled ‘Pop Geometry’, catch Zarah Hussain’s striking and vibrant colours highlight London’s cultural uniqueness and will be installed in Piccadilly Circus for three days from 9th - 11th August.

Away from the energy of Piccadilly Circus, members of the public can head to St James’s Market (9th August - 11th September) to find a calm and tranquil environment to experience her stunning wall murals and patterned flower gardens for relaxing in the city. After appearing in Piccadilly Circus, Zarah’s towering icosahedron models, spanning two metres in size, will be installed in St James’s Market Place until 1st September.

Fiona Quadri is a multidisciplinary artist with a focus on photography and illustration, whose interactive installation illustrates London’s uniqueness. Born in Brussels and now living in London, Fiona uses influences from these countries as well as her Austro-Nigerian as themes to influence her work. Fiona's Brighter Future installation celebrates London’s multiculturalism and diversity. Bridging cultural divides and celebrating individuality, the freestanding designs are accompanied by audio interviews conducted in The Garden at St James’s Church, Piccadilly over the summer.

Guest judge and fellow artist Harry Hill shows you his version of a 'Brighter Future' with Harry Hill's Alien Art Adventure. The trail comprises of a number of sculpted aliens created by the well-known comedian, presenter and artist and is enhanced by a very special tour guide in Augmented Reality form.