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DAMIEN HIRST AT THE WALLACE COLLECTION
Hirst, whose work fetched £100,000 at a charity sale at Christie’s on Monday night, has spent £250,000 refurbishing the Wallace Collection in preparation for his display there. Twenty-five works, never seen in Britain, will be on display, making him one of the few living artists ever to have their work on show next to the old masters the Wallace favours. Expect lots of sharks and skulls in this Francis Bacon-inspired collection. No Love Lost: Blue Paintings by Damian Hirst is on until 24 Jan at the Wallace, Hertford House Manchester Square, London, W1U 3BN, tel: 020 7563 9500.
LONDON FILM FESTIVAL OPENS TODAY
Kicking off today with a gala screening of Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr Fox, the festival runs for two weeks in a variety of venues, showing the most eclectic mix of films – British and foreign – that you’re likely to have access to this year. From a quirky Romanian comedy to the latest cutting edge Spanish film, to Hollywood blockbusters, there’s something for everyone. Look out for experimental film Enter the Void and a perfectly formed documentary about the Paris Opera Ballet, La Danse. Until 29 Oct; for schedule of films and events and to book, go to www.bfi.org.uk.
NEW MISSOURI ANGEL BAR
Sister to the Aldgate Missouri, a quiet haunt of suits seeking perfect American (Nebraskan, to be precise) steaks, Missouri Angel is definitely the cooler little sibling. The restaurant opened on Thanksgiving Day in 2007, but is now upping the ante with a brand new bar, brimming with all-American cocktails, from Mint Juleps to Manhattans, alongside a stellar whisky list. America Square, 14 Crosswall, EC3N 2JY, tel: 020 7481 8422.