Here’s your weekly dose of London culture. Take it, use it, live it and then let us know your thoughts. We prefer hand written wax-sealed letters, FYI.

Paul Mescal swaps short shorts for Gladiatorial gear
Although this year has seen a string of star-studded blockbusters hit cinemas, Gladiator II is arguably one 2024’s most epic. Just in case you’ve been living under a rock, the sequel to Ridley Scott’s epic 2000 Gladiator which followed Russell Crowe’s Maximus Decimus Meridius on a journey of revenge was first announced in 2018. This new story follows the son of Maximus and Lucilla – played by Paul Mescal – who becomes a gladiator after his home is invaded by the Roman army. Alongside Mescal, Scott has enlisted an A-list cast including the likes of Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen and Joseph Quinn. Swords at the ready.

Gladiator II is out in cinemas now. 

The Seer, The Seen
Sang Woo Kim’s inaugural UK exhibition is taking place at Herald St, marking the artist’s first solo show on British soil. Titled The Seer, The Seen, the showcase is curated from a series of new self-portraits and pigment transfer works which meditate on the complexities of identity, perception, and otherness. The personal nature of Kim’s practice centres around a desire to “reclaim agency” over his racialisation as a Korean man in Britain, offering viewers an intimate and important insight into society at large.

The Seer, The Seen runs at Herald St until February 2025, more info here. 

More Heat!
Following the release of their debut album, Pop Culture Connoisseur in 2022, Deadletter have become a leading fixture on the London gig circuit. Hailing from Yorkshire and now based in South London, the band is made up of Zac Lawrence, Alfie Husband, George Ullyott, Poppy Richler, Sam Jones and Will King. This year saw the release of their sophomore record Hysterical Strength and with the release of an album as stellar as this, naturally comes a tour. Deadletter will be taking to the stage at Electric Brixton tomorrow night and if you haven’t had the chance to experience them live yet get out from under that aforementioned rock.

Deadletter will play at Electric Brixton on Saturday 16th, more info here. 

A must watch
In Emilia Pérez, director Jacques Audiard has made something unique — a musical about a trans-Mexican cartel boss who leaves the criminal life to set up an NGO to locate thousands of Mexico’s “disappeared”. Having received rave reviews at this year’s Cannes Film Festival with Audiard winning the Jury Prize, and Clément Ducol and Camille winning the Soundtrack Award, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz and Zoe Saldaña star in what is set to be one of the best films of the year. Before tuning in, make sure to read our interview with the Audiard here.

Emilia Pérez is out now. 

New kid on the block
A brand new festival is taking over Hackney Wick this weekend, founded by Alexander Whitley Dance Company, Digital Body Festival explores the relationship between the moving body and digital technology. The programme spans a range of practices including dance, music, fashion and architecture to bring together a schedule of immersive experiences, performances, talks and workshops. Artists to note include Lillian Hess, Liam Young, Jacob Jonas, Vincent Morisset, Elizabeth Arifien and Cie Gilles Jobin.

Digital Body Festival runs in Hackney Wick until Sunday 17th, more info here. 

Pub grub at its best
A 200-year-old boozer restored to all its glory, you say? We’re listening! Located just off Old Street, William IV has been around for yonks but the upstairs dining room is its newest asset and one well worth a visit. Rooted in British pub culture, ‘The Dining Room’ offers ingredient-led dishes that showcase the very best of British cuisine. The menu changes daily but focuses on oysters, fresh seafood, and heritage meat with dishes such as Guinness-glazed beef short rib, Denver steak with Café de Paris butter and Butterflied mackerel with ravigote sauce.

William IV is located at 7 Shepherdess Walk, N1 7QE, more info here. 

A ski lodge in London
As Christmas nears, Fire & Fromage at the Southbank offers an Alpine dining experience to warm you up – and fill you up! Inside a snowy cabana by the Thames (pretend it’s not actually the Thames for full immersion), the chalet-style pop-up offers mulled wine, melty raclette cheese scrapped off a giant wheel, schnitzel burgers with cranberry sauce and an incredibly indulgent version of pigs in blankets alongside tasty vegan options. Surrounded by fire pits, fairy lights and cosy seating, it’s the perfect way to welcome in the holiday season.

Fire & Fromage runs until 31st December at London’s Southbank – book here.