If you’ve been feeling the disconnect, like the city’s moving fast but no one’s talking, you’re not alone.
My aim is to produce a weekly update highlighting cultural events happening across London that we can attend individually or as small groups. Over time, I’d like this to grow into a regular in-person trend research circle — where we explore what’s shaping culture right now, and who’s behind the ideas influencing today’s creative movements.
Book of the Week - Hôtel Amour by Deryn Rees-Jones — £12.99
Hôtel Amour has had some great reviews. I don’t usually go for poetry — I honestly struggle with reading it and understanding the full meaning of what the poet’s trying to get across. But since I started reading every day (which is now well over a year), I’ve grown so much as a person — and I’m actually a bit gutted that I’ll never get to read all the books I want to. I’ve already got a 5-year plan. Lol.
Maybe that’s why I want to give this one a go. It feels like the kind of book that might stick with you, especially if you’ve ever sat alone in a cheap hotel room wondering what comes next.
If anyone else is reading it, I’d love to chat over a coffee — even if we don’t finish it. It’s more about the attempt, the mood, and the conversation that follows.
The London Stage - The Screen Test by Bebe Cave — Soho Theatre
This performance is only on for three nights, so I don’t think I’ll be able to go — mainly due to lack of funds. It’s well priced at £18 and maybe I could skip lunch for a week, but with only £40 left in the bank to last the rest of the month, I don’t think so. Gutted.
This one’s been on my radar. Bebe Cave’s getting a lot of attention for her solo stage debut — not just for the humour, but for the honesty and vulnerability. I haven’t seen it yet, but it’s the kind of show I’d want to watch with a few people. I’d encourage you to go with mates — I think it’ll be as funny as fxxk. There’s something powerful about watching someone take up space alone on stage, especially when they’re not afraid to be vulnerable with it.
Movie of the Week - Hot Milk – In cinemas now — £6.99 off-peak at Vue Cinemas
I saw Hot Milk on Wednesday at Fulham Broadway Vue — £6.99 at 10am — and I loved it. The stillness of the shots reminded me of Shane Meadows, and the patient build-up in each scene kept you in suspense.
Emma Mackey’s performance was both dramatic and stunning. She was visually striking and brought a real vulnerability to the character, which was expertly directed by Rebecca Lenkiewicz in her directorial debut. Rebecca’s already an award-winning screenwriter, and this is a fantastic start to what looks like a strong directing career.
Hot Milk is full of tension as you follow a captivating story about a mother and daughter navigating illness, resentment, and heat — all set in a dry, Spanish coastal town. It’s the kind of film that leaves more questions than answers, which is exactly why I wanted to see it.
Album of the Week - Kae Tempest – Self-Titled
This one came out of nowhere. I heard “Sunshine on Catford” on Spotify’s New Music Friday and had to check out the full album — and I’m glad I did.
My favourite track alongside “Sunshine on Catford” was “Hyperdistillation,” with that opening line:
“My city don’t listen / People come here to go missing.”
“My city don’t listen / People come here to go missing.”
Kae Tempest’s self-titled album moves between vulnerability and protest without feeling forced. I’ve had it on all week — listened to the whole thing about four times — and it’s really stuck with me. I can really empathise with a lot of it, especially the feeling of being alone and out of place in a city that can be overwhelming, but still full of hope.
If you’ve listened too, I’d love to hear what tracks stayed with you
If you’ve been feeling that distance — like the city’s full of events but no one’s really connecting — you’re not alone.
We’re not trying to keep up. We’re trying to build something.
Friendship, conversation, and a shared joy in showing up for culture — that’s the real trend.
We’re not trying to keep up. We’re trying to build something.
Friendship, conversation, and a shared joy in showing up for culture — that’s the real trend.
Let me know what caught your eye.
#LondonCulture #LiveEvents #CreativeCommunity #BritishCreativity #TrendResearch #CulturalConnection #JaeTempest #HotMilk #TheScreenTest #HôtelAmour
