Category: FEATURES

Sydney coffee brand Seven Miles launches recycling program in the right direction

Updated: 16/11/2022

To say that Australians “enjoy a cup of coffee” would be an understatement. We guzzle over six billion cups of coffee every year. Manly roaster, Seven Miles are not only committed to roasting the best but being the best in sustainability. Seven Miles has partnered with Terracycle on Australia’s first free-to-use coffee recycling program. The program allows consumers to recycle used coffee bags and coffee pods, free of charge. CEO of Seven Miles, Jenny Willits explains “everything we do is in the pursuit of exceptional coffee, and for us that includes the journey from bean to cup, and beyond. It is expected that the new sustainability initiatives at Seven Miles will reduce landfill levels by a whopping 16 tonnes over the next five years. The 7 Miles in the Right Direction initiatives include: 1/ A free recycling partnership with TerraCycle for coffee bags and capsules 2/ The use of RecycleMe™ cups which can actually be recycled (standard coffee cups can’t be). 3/ The installation of 264 solar panels on their Manly Vale roastery 4/ Collecting used coffee grinds and using them as fertiliser on local farms 5/ The coffee bean sacks are reused in animal enclosures at Taronga Zoo Jenny continues “We know our consumers want to make more sustainable choices, and our exciting new TerraCycle partnership means this can now include even the bags their coffee comes in!” You can purchase Seven Miles coffee online or visit them at their Manly Vale roastery, 75 Kenneth Rd, the espresso bar is open 7:30am – 11:30am, Monday to Friday. Lottie Dalziel is resident… Read More

Category: CITIES, ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Australian coffee, Coffee brand, Seven Miles Coffee Seven Miles launches recycling program in the right direction, Seven Miles Sydney, sydney coffee

British Library: Exhibition on our most impressive skill – writing

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Think about it: Where would we be without the ability to write (and read) words? This article wouldn’t exist. You can forget about anything computer-related, in fact. If you’re a holidaymaker, too, good luck navigating anywhere in the world without knowing which road you’re standing on. Oh, and that menu at your favourite restaurant can go out the window; you’ll get what you’re given. Assuming the chef can even cook anything without a recipe to follow. The British Library in London is a huge proponent of writing – duh – and this season until 27 August, has a seriously incredible exhibition in homage to it: Writing: Making Your Mark. For over 2,500 years now, writing and humans’ ability to do so has shaped the world and contributed to every element of it. The earliest examples of semiotics and writing was found in the Mesoamerican region by the Mayans and it’s thought to have recorded dates. From then, it’s been a pretty steep and slow-burning learning curve as symbols, etchings, carvings and engravings made their way across the world on all manner of mediums. Long before paper, there was stone, then clay, then papyrus before the world of paper made its debut in around 206BC and the world started hacking down over 4 billion trees a year for its production. Here’s hoping the next learning curve takes us to more sustainable means. The Writing: Making Your Mark exhibition explores the history of writing in deep details, from early days, right up to the modern, answering questions… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: British Library, British Library London, Writing Making Your Mark

Buckingham Palace opens for summer: See how Queen Victoria made it what it is

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Buckingham Palace wasn’t always what it is today. And a lot of what made it so comes right down to the woman responsible; Queen Victoria. She was the first to use the Palace as a residence, the first to redo the inside, the first to throw three balls within its walls and made it so much more than a symbol of English monarchy. And now this summer from 20 July, the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace are opening to give you an inside look into the royal era that was filled with music, dancing and entertaining that characterised the Queen’s reign. It’s all a part of marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria (1819–1901) and the exhibition Queen Victoria’s Palace tells the story of how the young monarch brought the Palace to life, transforming an empty royal residence into the most glittering court in Europe. She was only 18 when she became Queen and started turning things around, the tale of which the exhibition tells in great, visually sumptuous detail. You’ll tour the Buckingham Palace State Rooms, formed by Queen Victoria to host foreign dignitaries, throw parties and follow the pomp and ceremony of English Monarchy, developing trends and traditions that are still followed today. Ever wondered why the Royal family steps out on the balcony for public appearances? You’ll find out. Ever wondered whose idea it was to build the big east-facing balcony in the first place? Well, you’ll learn that, too. Ever wondered how many rooms-on-rooms-on-rooms there are in the inner western wing of Buckingham Palace… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Buckingham Palace, Buckingham Palace Queen Victoria, Queen Victorias Palace, THE F blog James Banham, The F London

Scotland’s Hogmanay headliner’s been announced for 2019

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Mark Ronson’s your man this Hogmanay 2019 and the world’s having a minor panic. He’s done the Academy Award, Grammy and Golden Globe thing and now, Ronson’s doing the Hog, hosting a whopping party party to ring in 2020 in Scotland’s capital, marking the first time a DJ is doing Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. He did Glastonbury, too, making the UK Ronson’s next big, obvious thing. All this comes after the release in June of Late Night Feelings, a sparkling summer soundtrack filled with leading female vocalists including Camilla Cabello, Miley Cyrus, Angel Olsen, Lykke Li and YEBBA. The whole event’s called Mark Ronson’s “Hogmanay in the Gardens” and will be complete with iconic trumpet fanfares and more bangers than the midnight fireworks, making it the best place to welcome the new decade. Get tickets from 10am on 22 July at edinburghshogmanay.com.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Hogmanay, Hogmanay New Years, Mark Ronson, Mark Ronson Hogmanay, new years eve, nye, Scotland Hogmanay

Trixie & Katya LIVE: The UNHhhh Tour! is coming to Australia

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

For the first time since 2015, drag superstars Trixie and Katya will return to the Australian stage with their YouTube famous series UNHhhh in tour. The two, rich, famous, beloved and – genuinely – hilarious high-achieving women will be on stage all over the country in series of 90-minute, raw, unedited chatter that will either be a dizzying success, or bomb out in flames. First city’s Brisbane on 11 June, so look out. For major fans, there’s the option of a new platinum level of VIP ticket, including a VIP Lanyard and a limited edition signed print along with a meet & greet with Trixie and Katya, and have a professional photographer snap your picture with them. Buckle up and get ready to scream laugh like Trixie all the way through this full length show where they talk about what they want, because it’s their show and not yours. Trixie and Katya tour dates BRISBANE Thursday 11 June 2020, QPAC ADELAIDE Friday 12 June 2020, Thebarton Theatre MELBOURNE Saturday 13 June 2020, Plenary, MCEC PERTH Tuesday 16 June 2020, Astor Theatre SYDNEY Friday 19 June 2020, State Theatre CANBERRA Sunday 21 June 2020, Llewellyn Hall WELLINGTON Thursday 25 June 2020, TSB Arena AUCKLAND Saturday 27 June 2020, Logan Campbell Centre CHRISTCHURCH Sunday 28 June 2020, Isaac Theatre Royal Pre-register and get your tickets from the girls’ website.

Category: FEATURES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE

Tags: drag queen, drag queens

The Little Blue Door Fulham opens a gin summer terrace

by James Banham

Posted: 09/07/2019

Fulham’s late night bar and restaurant, The Little Blue Door is doing gin for summer and it’s the kind of thing you want to get around. They’re putting on an indoor-outdoor garden for gatherings of all sizes for all people which will take on the conservatory, along with the terrace and pose as the botanical sanctuary you want in summer; draped in lights, foliage, adorned in hanging plants and taxidermy, for the game. It’ll be covered in astroturf – shielded from the unpredictable London weather – while the small outdoor terrace will be covered with garden furniture and parasols. It’s all centred around a new cocktail menu for The Little Blue Door. Think cocktails the likes of: Secret Garden (£9), a refreshing combination of Hendricks Midsummer Solstice, St Germain, elderflower and basil, served in a frosted julep with fresh herbs A Streetcar Named Desire (£9.50), a seasonal take on a Mint Julep featuring Monkey Shoulder, peach and mint, served long and fresh in a highball Lady Chatterley’s Lover (£12), a thirst-quenching concoction made with Rekya Vodka, Hendrick?s, Martini Ambrato and cucumber, served Martini-style in a coupette La Dolce Vita (£9.50), a strong, bittersweet drink featuring Solerno Delicato, and blood orange, served as a spritz with fresh orange. They’ll even be doing happy hour from 6-9pm BST. For more, find The Little Blue Door at 871-873, Fulham Rd, Fulham, London SW6 5HP or go to their website.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Fulham bars, Fulham cocktail bars, Little Blue Door, Little Blue Door Fulham

You can now do the Greek Islands with one Eurail ticket for ferries

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Greece is a beautful country, there’s no denying, but when it comes to seeing it all, it’s kind of a pain. Why? There are too many islands in the archipelago and there isn’t an easy way to hop from one to the other. Until now. Eurail – Europe and the UK’s biggest train network provider and access point – is doing its darndest to bring the Greek Islands closer to the world, targeting honeymooners and travellers to encourage them to see more. With a Eurail pass, travellers can access ferries to get from Crete to Santorini, Mykonos and lesser known islands including Syros, Patmos, Leros and Kalymnos. The endearing Syros merges traditional and modern Greece, whereas Patmos, Leros and Kalymnos offer an untouched nature, crystal beaches and a relaxing atmosphere, all in which are reached by ferry using the Eurail Passes. Basically, if you wanted to do summer on the Greek islands the right way, this is it. See more at the Eurail website.

Category: EUROPE, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Mr Fogg’s London and Penhaligon’s launch a new cocktail

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Mr Fogg’s is not just an establishment, it’s an experience. Much like Penhaligon’s don’t just do scents, they do olfactory adventures you never want to end. Join the two together and you’ve got one insane combination of two of Britain’s leading brands in lifestyle that are making some serious magic for everyone to enjoy. Mr Fogg’s Residence in Mayfair along with Penhaligon’s has a new limited edition, Liquid Gold cocktail inspired by the historic brand’s newest fragrance, Cairo. From 26 June, the drink will be available in Mr Fogg’s Residence for one month only. Inspired by Cairo – part of Penhaligon’s new Trade Routes collection – it’s a vibrant perfume centred on the richness and sensuality of the fabled Egyptian city. Using iconic ingredients from the ancient spice trade route – saffron and woods – the scent takes inspiration from perfumer Christophe Raynaud’s recent travels to Egypt. The Liquid Gold cocktail features a muddle of Henricks Gin, Fernet Branca, lemon juice, vanilla syrup and egg white. it all makes for a light, super smooth cocktail, the concoction is garnished with edible gold vanilla spray, patchouli incense which is set alight before being served, and hibiscus powder, mirroring the floral and earthy notes found in the fragrance. To try it for yourself, make a booking at the Residence now.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Best London bars, Foggs Penhaligons cocktail, Liquid Gold cocktail, London bars, London cocktail, Mr Foggs, Penhaligons

7 very London ways to get around Wimbledon this summer

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

It’s always a good time for tennis, but there’s no time as perfect for it in London than summer – because, Wimbledon! The tournament of all tournaments sees the world’s top tennis player descend on London for all the good stuff until one of them outdoes them all. Wanna watch the carnage? Of course you do. Wanna eat tennis-themed desserts? Who doesn’t. Here’s where to go in London: The Colton Arms in West Kensington From 1-14 July, they’re doing a picnic hamper equipped with everything to make the day extra special, like salt beef Scotch eggs, fennel and apricot sausage rolls; artichoke, sun blushed tomato and goats cheese pasties; smoked chalk stream trout, cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches; topped off with a traditional mini Eton mess. Get it for £25 – to pre-order your hamper for collection please call 0203 757 8050 or email info@thecoltonarms.co.uk – you can even drop by in person The Hayden in Notting Hill The movie didn’t do this joint enough justice, so head to The Hayden in Notting Hill to try The Ace cocktail. It’s all about a combination of Eristoff vodka, Midori, sweet & sour mix, topped with egg white and a cucumber ribbon garnish. The pub will also be screening the tournament, so you never have to miss a match. get it for £10.50 from 1-14 July. The Waterway in Maida Vale They’re putting on ‘The Smash’ cocktail, a delicious blend of crushed fresh strawberries shaken with Beefeater Gin, velvet falernum, coconut water, lime juice, monin grenadine and cream. Yum! Get it for £9 from 1-14 July. Brasserie Blanc all over London They’ve made a Strawberry Smash dessert… Read More

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: About Wimbledon London, London bars, THE F Wimbledon, What to do Wimbledon, What to eat drink Wimbledon London, Where to go Wimbledon, Wimbledon

Rainbow brunch for London Pride: VIVI Restaurant and Bar goes gay

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

As rainbows descend on the city of London for Pride this month, you can’t hide away from the fact that as sure as gay is here to stay, you need to eat. So, with that in mind, VIVI Restaurant and Bar in London – see more of it here – is putting on a spread worthy of a kween. Kicking off at 11.30am, VIVI will open up the menu for anyone to enjoy three courses of delicious colourful brunch dishes and bottomless bubbles, Bloody Marys or Aperol Spritzes alongside live music from London’s hottest DJs playing the best of Cher, Gaga and much more! Tickets are £35 for the three-course brunch, and you can go bottomless for just £17.50 extra. VIVI will donate £1 from each ticket to LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity akt. Get your ticket at this website.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: London LGBTIQ restaurants, London Pride, London restaurants, Rainbow brunch for London Pride: VIVI Restaurant and Bar goes gay, Vivi, Vivi London, Where to eat London Pride

ARTS & CULTURE

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Experience break dancing like never before this MAy

24/04/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of hip hop culture, innovation, and artistry at Breakin’ Convention 2024. An international festival of Hip Hop dance theatre, it’ll be taking over Sadler’s Wells in Islington this coming May Bank Holiday. Enthusiastically helmed by the visionary UK hip hop maker and Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D, this festival has become a beacon for fans and creators of hip hop from around the globe. The excitement is palpable as we gear up for two days packed with jaw-dropping performances, interactive workshops, and live music that promise to electrify the Sadler’s Wells venues on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May. With an extraordinary lineup featuring international sensations like Femme Fatale (USA), Sons of Wind (France), and Jinjo crew (South Korea), alongside groundbreaking UK acts such as TRAPLORD, Boy Blue, and When Time Was New, this festival is set to showcase the dynamic and diverse world of hip hop dance theatre. Attendees of all ages can look forward to a vast array of activities including spectacular dance performances, bespoke graffiti workshops, freestyle sessions, and even live DJs sessions that guarantee to keep the energy high and the spirit of hip hop alive throughout the entire building. Not to mention, the festival coincides with the historic moment of breaking becoming an official Olympic sport at the Paris Olympics, adding an extra layer of exhilaration to the festivities. Beyond the performances, Breakin’ Convention 2024 invites audiences to engage directly with the hip hop community through unique events such as the Tiny… Read More

Opera Australia orchestrates a new era with Matthieu Arama as Concertmaster

24/04/2024

By James Banham

In a move that marks a significant milestone in its illustrious history, Opera Australia has announced the appointment of the renowned French violinist Matthieu Arama as the new Concertmaster of the Opera Australia Orchestra (OAO). This announcement follows an exhaustive global search, culminating in Mr. Arama’s selection, a testament to his extraordinary talent and leadership abilities. Set to join the OAO in August of this year, Arama brings with him a wealth of experience as the current Concertmaster of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, coupled with an impressive track record of performances with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by matthieu arama (@matthieu_arama) Arama’s role will be pivotal in steering the OAO towards achieving artistic brilliance across its broad annual repertoire, which spans over 250 opera, ballet, musical theatre, and concert performances for Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. His recent engagements as Guest Concertmaster for Opera Australia on iconic productions such as La Traviata and Swan Lake, alongside The Australian Ballet, and a solo recital featuring opera and ballet excerpts, underscore his extraordinary versatility and musicianship. The enthusiasm within the OAO is palpable, with Acting Concertmaster Huy-Nguen Bui expressing excitement over welcoming Arama to the helm. “The OAO is excited to welcome an exceptional violinist and musician as our new Concertmaster. We look forward to reaching the highest levels of music-making through Mr. Arama’s artistic leadership,” said Bui. This sentiment is echoed by Opera Australia’s CEO Fiona Allan, Artistic Director Jo Davies, The Australian Ballet’s… Read More

Lauren Brincat When Do I Breathe 2024. Performer Jasmin Lancaster. Photographer Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of the artist

Public performance in Randwick Sydney by artist Lauren Brincat

22/04/2024

By James Banham

This week, the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct will experience an exceptional infusion of art and community spirit through a public performance by the celebrated multidisciplinary artist Lauren Brincat. Scheduled for one-night only, on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, Brincat’s performance marks the launch of the new Laneway Art Program. This initiative, commissioned by the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, seeks to enhance perceptions of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people navigating the streets and laneways of the Precinct. Brincat, along with Rochelle Haley, another leading Australian artist, has been entrusted with the mission to improve night-time connectivity and comfort within the precinct through performance-based and site-specific artwork. Both artists have engaged directly with health workers in the area to shape their projects, aiming to make the public spaces more welcoming and to strengthen the sense of community, safety, and inclusiveness across the site. The artwork, titled When do I breathe?, is an ambitious collaboration with sound artist Evelyn Ida Morris, UNSW Choral Director Sonia Maddock, and choreographer Charmene Yap. It invites the public to actively participate in shaping new paths across the precinct, offering a unique experience that encompasses three activation sites within the UNSW Kensington and the hospital precinct. The performance, beginning at 5:00 pm on the UNSW Scientia Lawn, is a reflection on the interconnectedness of local communities, especially those separated by differing work shifts and daily rhythms. Aiming to reclaim public space through collective action, When do I breathe? presents an… Read More

Good news for National Gallery London: Eva Gonzalès piece acquired

22/04/2024

By James Banham

On the occasion of the artist’s 177th birthday on Friday 19th April, the National Gallery has acquired La Psyché (The Full-length Mirror), about 1869-70, by Eva Gonzalès (1849-1883) thanks to three generous legacy gifts from Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver, and Ms Sheila Mary Holmes, and the National Gallery Trust. This is the first acquisition by the Gallery of a work by Gonzalès and the second acquisition of its Bicentenary year. La Psyché has not been seen in public for over seventy years and joins only one other painting by her in a UK public collection, The Donkey Ride, about 1880?2, at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Gonzalès is the 20th female artist represented in the National Gallery Collection, marking a significant addition. The story of Gonzalès’s reputation, during and after her life, reflects some of the reasons why women artists are not well represented in the National Gallery. These include being offered fewer opportunities in life and the lack of interest shown, consciously or not, in works by women artists by collectors of the era and onwards, from whose acquisitions the National Gallery’s own collection was assembled. During her lifetime Gonzalès was an established artist who exhibited multiple times to acclaim at the official Paris Salon. She was the only official pupil of Edouard Manet (1832-83), with whom she studied from 1869. Gonzalès likely painted La Psyché around the same time that Manet was painting his portrait of her, Eva Gonzalès (1870). That work, in the Gallery collection, was the focal point of the recent exhibition, Discover Manet & Eva… Read More

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Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Australia’s Shooshfest, an inaugural silent short film competition, invites diverse creators to innovate in storytelling sans speech. Promising an immersive experience, it will connect with audiences, honour silent film and catalyse cinematic culture.