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What's on in London

Jan/Feb/Mar

The Barbican celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2012 with a host of star-studded performances and collaborations throughout the year. Spring highlights include Hofesh Shechter and Antony Gormley joining forces in a brave and unusual musical work, Survivor; an evening of unplugged music with KT Tunstall, Martin and Eliza Carthy and Robyn Hitchcock among others, and Rufus Wainwright performing with the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

The bicentenary of Charles Dickens' birth is being fêted globally in 2012 with a wide range of events. London offerings include a major exhibition at the Museum of London, including recreations of Dickensian scenes, a season of films and programmes at BFI Southbank, and a one-woman touring show, Dickens' Women, starring Miriam Margolyes.

If you're seeking out new experiences for the New Year, try booking A Room for London for a night. Both an art installation and a fully equipped hotel room, the beautifully crafted timber structure, shaped like a boat, is perched on the roof of the South Bank's Queen Elizabeth Hall, affording superb panoramas of the Thames. Couples can spend one night in it, but hurry to secure a reservation. Visit www.aroomforlondon.co.uk

David Hockney: A Bigger Picture

21 January - 9 April

The Yorkshire artist's magnificent landscape work is showcased in this visual feast of an exhibition. Of particular note are a group of recent paintings inspired by rural Yorkshire, particularly in the area around Bridlington.

royalacademy.org.uk

Without Warning

31 January - 11 February

This unusual dance-theatre piece, inspired by Brian Keenan's memoir An Evil Cradling, is performed by eight dancers in the darkly atmospheric depths of the Old Vic Tunnels. Choreography is by Lizzi Kew Ross.

oldvictunnels.com

Singin' in the Rain

4 February - 29 September

Prepare to get splashed at the Palace Theatre if you're sitting near the front during this exuberant musical based on the legendary MGM movie. Adam Cooper stars in Jonathan Church's riotous new production, which was a sell-out in its inaugural run at Chichester Festival Theatre.

singinintherain.co.uk

5 things to see and do in London

Saatchi Gallery

Fun, baffling, provocative, but always thought-provoking, the contemporary works of art on show at the Chelsea gallery are geared towards a younger audience. Though Charles Saatchi famously owns works by Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, et al, the exhibitions staged here tend to provide a platform for unknown artists from home and abroad.
Discover Children's Story Centre

The East London centre in Stratford High Street allows families to enjoy playing, learning and making up stories together. Let your imagination run wild on the indoor trail, explore a secret cave, have a tea party, dance on noisy polka dots and dress up in weird and wonderful costumes. The “hideous and funny” exhibition, Welcome to Monsterville, runs until March 2012.
Queens Ice and Bowl

The Christmas ice rinks may be closed, but you can skate all year round on real ice at this popular indoor centre in Bayswater, which offers classes for children and adults. Bowling lanes, private karaoke rooms and video games are also available, and when you need sustenance, you can tuck into Belgian waffles and Italian ice cream.
Wellcome Collection

Described as a “free destination for the incurably curious”, this museum in northwest London explores the connections between medicine, life and art in the past, present and future. Fascinating (often grisly) exhibits include skulls and preserved bodies, used guillotine blades, Napoleon's toothbrush and serious works of art. An exhibition of 400 amulets runs until 26 February.
Brunel Museum

This off-the-beaten-tourist-track gem, situated in the Brunel Engine House, Rotherhithe, tells the dramatic story of the construction of the Thames Tunnel by Sir Marc Brunel and his son Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Not to be missed is a tour in the Grand Entrance Hall, one of the great wonders of the Victorian age.

Near the station

The London 2012 Shop, Unit 2A, St Pancras Station, Pancras Road, NW1 2QP

Stock up on official Olympic merchandise, including Adidas clothing, mascot toys and figurines, homeware items, collectable coins and pins, books and guides and bestsellers such as the Routemaster bus die-cast model.

Sourced Market, St Pancras Station, Pancras Road, NW1 2QP

The first farmers' and produce market to be located in a train station, Sourced makes seasonal and regional delights, such as Neal's Yard Dairy cheese, Ginger Pig hams and Secrett's Farm fruit and veg, readily available to busy travellers.

Drink, Shop & Do, 9 Caledonian Road, N1 9DX

Eye up 1950s dresses, vintage tea sets and new products from emerging designers while nibbling on finger sandwiches and quaffing speciality tea at this quirky café/shop. Workshops in crafty pastimes (the “do” part) are also on the menu.

Rotunda Bar & Restaurant, King's Place, 90 York Way, N1 9AG

A canal-side location and daily-changing menu make this a popular spot for lunch, dinner and private dining. Enjoy quality cuts of lamb and beef from Rotunda's own farm in Northumberland and take advantage of the outside terrace from April to October.

Itadaki Zen, 139 King's Cross Road, WC1X 9BJ

The philosophy behind this vegan Japanese restaurant is that what you eat not only affects your day-to-day health, but influences your whole quality of life. Come for fresh, organic, nutrient-rich dishes of sushi, rice, noodles, tempura and salads and give your body a treat.

Karpo, 23 Euston Road, NW1 2SD

Opening opposite King's Cross station in January, this modern restaurant, split over three levels, offers a diverse menu from American-born chef Daniel Taylor, including shrimp and grits and southern-fried quail.

The Fellow, 24 York Way, N1 9AA

This modern pub and dining room, full of comfy nooks and crannies, serves quality ales and over 50 wines. The retro cocktail bar and terrace offers a glamorous cocktail list and, on Thursday and Friday nights, vintage sounds played by DJs.

Hurricane Room, 368 Grays Inn Road, WC1X 8BB

Late birds will love this spacious, contemporary club that mixes all the facilities of a pub, pool room, snooker club and poker lounge under one roof—and is open 24/7. If you want to improve your game, a bespoke coaching service is available.

Camino Cruz del Rey, 3 Varnishers Yard, The Regent's Quarter, N1 9NL

Sherry, no longer the preserve of old ladies, has gained popularity with the young set, as the wine list at this lively, award-winning Spanish bar and restaurant attests. Breakfast, tapas and live entertainment are also on offer.

The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB

The world's largest library in terms of its contents has permanent galleries showcasing treasures such as sacred texts, maps, musical works and first editions, and hosts regular exhibitions. There are also free behind-the-scenes tours of its conservation studios.

The Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ

The story of The Foundling Hospital, Britain's first home for abandoned children, is told at this state-of-the-art museum, which also houses the important Foundling Hospital Art Collection and the world's largest collection of Handel memorabilia.

All Visual Arts, 2 Omega Place, N1 9DR

A contemporary art gallery that runs a regular programme of exhibitions, both of the artists it represents - including Alastair Mackie, Reece Jones and Jonathan Wateridge - and themed and group shows.