Spring is on its way, which is another excuse to get out of the house and enjoy everything that the capital has to offer. Whether in Hampstead itself, or other parts of London, here are five suggestions from us if you're looking to improve your mind at the theatre or a museum, enjoy some music or simply have fun eating! Culture abounds in our wonderful city, so put your shoes on and get out there...

1. Gillian Anderson starring in "All About Eve"

Ivo Van Hove is directing Gillian Anderson and Lily James in a new adaption of the razor-sharp "All About Eve." Based on the 1950's film (and who can forget that - not just Bette Davis' performance but the 14 Oscars it won!) it's on at the Noel Coward Theatre in London's West End. The play tells the story of legendary Broadway star Margo Channing, who finds herself in personal and professional jeopardy after befriending a young fan by the name of Eve. As Bette Davis commented, "Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night." Tickets can be purchased at0844 482 5151 or take a look at the website. http://www.noelcowardtheatre.co.uk/

2. Natalie Lurie harp recital at Burgh House

A fellow with the Philharmonia Orchestra, and a recent graduate of Royal Academy of Music, join this promising young musician for an Sunday afternoon harp recital featuring classical, romantic and 20th-century works for solo harp.  With a versatile background in different genres, she has command of the stage whether it be playing with the King's College Choir in King's Chapel in Cambridge, England or performing her own songs in Cornelia Street CafŽ in the West Village, New York. Tickets are £10 (or £7 for concessions) and it takes place on 3rd March 2019 at 2 pm, at Hampstead's lovely Burgh House. http://burghhouse.museumssites.com/whats-on/at-a-glance

3. Natalie Williams, accompanied by James Safir, at the Hampstead Jazz Lounge

Natalie Williams has 7 critically acclaimed albums under her belt and a dedicated following that extends throughout the world. She plays regularly at Ronnie ScottÕs and has toured the globe as both a solo artist and lead vocalist of Jazz-Funk sensation, Incognito. She's playing this month at north London's hottest new venue, the Hampstead Jazz Lounge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xZs8vTo8aQ

Indeed, Time Out talked about her as ...one of the UK's hottest singers, she effortlessly moves from soul-diva to sensual andsophisticated jazz. Saturday March 23rd 2019, doors open at 7.30 pm, performance beginning at 8 pm

4. Pierre Bonard's "The Colour of Memory" exhibition at the Tate Modern Museum

This year, the London Tate Modern is holding the first major UK exhibition for 20 years devoted to the works of the French artist Pierre Bonard, focusing on his work from 1900 to his death in 1947. Pierre Bonnard was a Post-Impressionist and tended to work from memory, using drawings as a reference. His work is colourful, full of light and often referred to as "dreamlike." The exhibition runs until end May and tickets cost £18 (free for Tate members).

5. Pancake Day

A very English tradition Pancake Day is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. (Photo belowphoto courtesy of historic.uk.com). Historically, in the 40 days leading up to Easter were a time for repentance, and Shrove Tuesday was the day that people used up their eggs and fat before beginning their fast Lent. Pancakes, of course, were a wonderful way of doing this. Bells were also rung to call people to confession at Church and became known as the "Pancake Bells". Shrove Tuesday, this year, falls on 5th March - so why not head off to Greenwich, south London and watch people running and flipping their pans. There's prizes to be won too and yummy treats for winners and losers alike...(photo below courtesy of foodofengland.com.) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pancake-race-in-greenwich-market-tuesday-5th-march-2019-tickets-54585060385