Category: LONDON

Bluebird Cafe London is putting on a frozen afternoon tea with Halo Top icecream

Posted: 03/07/2019

This American Independence Day, we’ll be celebrating in our own way across the pond in London: Bluebird Cafe is doing something new. Renowned as one of the places to go in Chelsea and White City, Bluebird Cafe is joining up with the American icecreamers, Halo Top, to put on a frozen afternoon tea you want to try. It’s all for National Icecream Month and will be all about dazzling locals combining classic cakes with playful ice cream flavours. The two names in food have worked closely to create a special take on the traditional afternoon tea, fusing unique ice cream flavours with classic desserts. Complete with heart-stoppingly sweet ‘freak shakes’ of cookies ‘n’ cream with whipped cream and a chocolate slice, or a boozy iced tea for those wanting to spice things up, it’s a far cry from your regular Thursday wind-down bevs. Here’s more of the menu to look forward to: Gateau Opera Birthday Cake: an elegant, sprinkled cake layered with a vanilla sponge and birthday cake flavoured ice cream Strawberry Cheesecake Stick: a strawberry cheesecake ice cream stick dipped in white chocolate and topped with dried strawberries Cinnamon Roll Royale: an ode to another very special British/American pairing, this cinnamon roll ice cream treat is lined with candied apples, piped into a ginger snap cylinder and topped with burnt meringue, similar to a classic American pie flavour in a crisp British ginger snap Candy Bar Macaron: a luxe ice cream sandwich in the form of a macaron filled with candy bar ice cream… Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Bluebird Cafe Halo Top, Bluebird cafe London, Halotop, London cafes, London Halo Top icecream, London icecream

Celebrate World Pride London at the LaLit Hotel

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

London’s gone rainbow for World Pride 2019, which will hit the city this Saturday, 6 July and what better way to celebrate than with food and drink? Hotel icon the LaLit London will put on a spread across two days, one for celebrating and the other for lamenting how hard you went; ideal for any party-goer. Friday 5 July will see them turn their Indian offering at Baluchi into an explosion of gay goodness, featuring drag, dining and debauchery. Think, a decadent four course dinner, canapes and drinks, all curated by chef Santosh Shah and an-hour-and-a-half of free-flowing prosecco, wine or beer. Star studded acts include trans icon Amanda Lepore, and the wildly distorted and ever avant-garde Hungry, plus many more. Diner’s £130 per person and you can grab tickets here. Meanwhile, the morning after wouldn’t be complete with a stylish simmer session, putting on all kinds of glamorousness to help ease the headache away. A hearty brunch comprising hair of the dog, the Pride brunch menu will include the likes of samosa chaat with sweet yogurt and tamarind chutney, and slow-braised pork belly with honey and chilli glaze. All from 12-2 it’s £40 a pop. Get tickets here.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Gay brunch London, Gay hotels London, LaLit Hotel London, London brunch guide, London Pride, Pride brunch, Where to eat Pride London

Where to eat the best oysters in London this summer

by James Banham

Posted: 26/06/2019

For the times you just need the flavours of the ocean and you’re nowhere near one to get your fix, the Butlers Wharf Chop House is calling your name. Combined with fine English sparkling wine, Nyetimber, the two brands are bringing London what they’re calling The Oyster Shack. It’s open from 5 June – 31 August and will live in the foyer of the restaurant. They new pop up will specialise in the world-famous Colchester Rock Oysters with their meaty and firm texture, served alongside Nyetimber’s high-quality and complex sparkling wine. They’re also doing packages, of the likes of: Four Colchester Rock Oysters with a glass of Nyetimber Brut (£21.50) four Colchester Rock Oysters and two glasses of Nyetimber Brut (£32); dozen Colchester Rock Oysters and a bottle of Nyetimber Brut (£95); and a seasonal seafood platter (£46). For more or to make a booking to visit, head to the Chophouse’s website, or find it at 36e Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Chophouse Oyster bar, London oysters, oyster bar, Oysters London, The F London

Autumn literature season at London’s Southbank stars Louis Theroux, Nadiya Hussain and more

by James Banham

Posted: 25/06/2019

Southbank in London, right along the Thames is where the city’s cultural centre really shines. From the National Theatre, to the Southbank Centre and the current Underbelly Festival that’s on right near The London Eye, there’s a lot to choose from; and now, thanks to the Southbank Centre, there’s even more. They’ve just announced their most jam-packed literature season to date with more than 35 events taking place from September to December 2019 across its three auditoriums: the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room as well as in its National Poetry Library, Hayward Gallery and foyer spaces. It’s a whole season of non-fiction talks and discussions with leading writers and thinkers on topics from atheism to parenting to talking to strangers. It’ll also come with a raft of activities by leading authors who’ll talk about all things fiction, TV faces and comedians, reflecting on their careers with the launch of new books, live readings, panel discussions and new creative writing and poetry courses. Here are some of the highlights to look forward to: Talks and in conversation events with leading writers and thinkers including psychotherapist Philippa Perry, science writer Richard Dawkins, cartoonist Randall Munroe, writer Will Self and journalist Malcolm Gladwell Appearances from TV personalities including documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux, Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski and The Great British Bake Off’s Nadiya Hussain who launch new books Comedians Richard Ayoade, in conversation with Adam Buxton, Sara Pascoe and Lenny Henry discussing new books whilst Hannah Gadsby brings her live show Douglas to Royal Festival Hall London exclusive appearances from award-winning fiction writers Malorie Blackman, Etgar… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: London arts, Louis Theroux, Nadya Hussein, Southbank Centre

Movies on the beach in London: Fulham Beach Club Cinema opens

by James Banham

Posted: 24/06/2019

Think bottomless popcorn, prosecco and a little ‘beach’ action, right in the middle of London: the Beach Club Cinema is here. Fulham Beach is being turned into a full cinematic experience, complete with al fresco set-up, to host weekly film nights, taking place every Tuesday throughout summer. Complete with spectacular views over the London skyline, the Beach Club Cinema also comes with comfy deckchairs with blankets to keep the evening chill away, as well as the usual sound quality, food and quality movies you’d expect of a night at the cinema. Each screening starts at 7:30pm, and is limited to 50 tickets. From award-winning movies, to cult classics and weepy rom-coms, the schedule features: the best damn romantic motion picture to grace the big screen, The Notebook; Cameron Diaz’s breakout role in There’s Something About Mary; leather pants and slicked back hair galore in Grease; 80s iconic film Dirty Dancing; and early noughties favourite featuring babyface Leo Dicaprio, The Beach, plus many more. See more about tickets and get your own here, or here’s the info you need to know: Price: £15 for entry, film and seat and bottomless popcorn£30 for entry, film, seat, glass of prosecco, bottomless popcorn and a pizza£45 for two people with entry, film, seat, bottomless popcorn, pizza to share and glass of prosecco eachUnder 10 yrs: £10 for entry, film and seat and bottomless popcorn and soft drinks for under 10’s Schedule: 18th June The Notebook25th June There?s Something About Mary 2nd July Grease9th July Dirty Dancing 16th July The Beach 23rd July A… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Fulham Beach Club, Fulham Beach London, London movies, London outdoor festival, Outdoor cinema London

Aladdin on London’s West End just hit a major milestone

Aladdin Prince Edward Theatre Photographer Deen van Meer. © Disney

by James Banham

Posted: 21/06/2019

It was never going to be an easy feat to bring the magic of the blue, dusty, lamp-bound genie, a flying Arabic carpet and a mythical city to the small stage in the centre of London, but they did and now Aladdin has just turned three. Calling the Prince Edward Theatre ‘home’, the cast of Aladdin, led by Trevor Dion Nicholas as the wildly popular genie and Matthew Croke as Aladdin and Jade Ewan as Jasmine, Aladdin has been selling out the theatre to the tune of two million audience members since it first took to the stage. And to mark the occasion and the achievement, the audience of their third-year performance, were treated to a post-curtain appearance by the genie, who declared that each audience member that night would receive a limited edition poster commemorating the occasion. It’s a nice way to commemorate the accomplishment for the production that has cleverly and tastefully adapted the classic ’92 animated movie to the live stage with all the bells ‘n’ whistles you’d expect. Aladdin features the timeless songs from the 1992 animated film as well as new music written by Tony, Olivier and eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Little Shop Of Horrors). And the whole production even does a stellar job of reproducing the famed ride on ‘Carpet’, the magic carpet, which is a spectacle for every kid – and adult – in the room. Aladdin is on every night, so check out timings and book tickets at the Prince Edward Theatre website.

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON, THEATRE

Tags: Aladdin, Aladdin London, Aladdin three year anniversary, Aladdin West End, London theatre, London West End

Save the bees by drinking cocktails in London

by James Banham

Updated: 20/06/2019

The bar’s been decked out in flowers and summer blooms for the season, but it’s the drinks Skylon will be serving that will have the biggest impact. Benefitting most from what the bar’s doing, the bees of London will score a boost to conservation’s funding by immersing drinkers into a beetime utopia. They’re donating £1 to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust from each person’s bar bill. From the 17th June, Skylon will be launching a beehive installation transporting guests into a dripping honeycomb of dreams. As well as a visual treat, the bar on Southbank, will collaborate with Laurent Perrier to design three cocktails, each focusing on the versatility of Champagne while enhancing the unctuous floral flavour of honey. Think drinks like the Bee Old Fashioned, Honey! featuring a muddle of Bulleit bourbon, apple, hazelnut, orange, applewood honey smoke, and Laurent Perrier Cuvée to make one tasty, smoky cocktail. Then there’s the Honey Bear, made with Zacapa 23-year-old rum, amaretto, turmeric, honey, peach, citrus and Laurent Perrier Cuvée, is a delightfully refreshing drink with mild spicy notes. While the Queen Bee wraps up the spread nicely, made of Tanqueray No10 gin, Hibiscus, Pimms cup No1, wild berry shrub, honey paint and Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rose. If you’re a bit hungry, too, the menu’s also taken on a honey-inspired slant, with honey-inspired dessert to coincide with the installation, the Honey Nut Hive. It’s a textural delight, the pudding comprises a toasted walnut cake and burnt honey ice cream, topped with shards of honeycomb and bee pollen. See more at the Skylon… Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Bees, Honey cocktails, How to save bees, Saving bees, Skylon London, THE F Cocktails, The F London, THE F Skylon

LONDON: Pop-up mixology classes to get you loose

by James Banham

Posted: 16/06/2019

Cocktails aren’t just for drinking, they’re for making, and there’s no one better to make your favourite libations with than Mixology Events. They’re putting on a summer affair this year if that’s your bag, across London, which involves flash classes in an eclectic selection of venues, from a Shoreditch rooftop to an art gallery in the heart of Fitzrovia. Each pop-up will place a distinct emphasis on learning how to master cocktail classics within a fun and unusual setting. The series kicks off on Friday 21 June with an al fresco ‘Summer Solstice Rooftop Masterclass’ that will focus on the art of perfecting classic summertime cocktails. It’ll go down at TT Liquor in Shoreditch and comes complete with views stretching across East London. Event number two is on Wednesday 24 July at the Rebecca Hossack Gallery in Fitzrovia. It’s all about rum for rum month and will focus on good bevs for the London summer. And the best part is, these two summer events are just the start of what Mixology has to offer. From 7-11 August, there’s an espresso martini fest to educate drinkers about one of the world’ favourite cocktails. And then, they’re tacking on a food-focused instalment with supper clubs, joined by celebrated chefs that will focus on food and cocktail pairings in some swanky London venues. Tickets are priced at £70 per two-hour class, which includes 5 cocktails. Get your tickets here.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: How to make cocktails, london, London cocktail classes, London cocktails, London pop-up mixology classes, Pop up cocktail classes

Colicci opens The Serpentine Coffee House in Hyde Park London this summer

by James Banham

Posted: 14/06/2019

There’s a new cafe coming to London, right in the middle of Hyde Park. Colicci has partnered with architecture and design practice Mizzi Studio and The Royal Parks to open The Serpentine Coffee House this summer; what will be an all-day eatery on the banks of The Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park London. On the menu is such gastronomic magic to make your visit to the park that much nicer; morning bites through to afternoon treats and freshly churned gelato. And if that’s not enough, take your pick from a deli-style menu which will feature the likes of chicken avocado piadina wraps; sourdough baguettes generously filled with either tuna, egg mayo, or salami and brie, and Puligese ciabattas. The countertop will showcase a selection of artisanal bakery products such as gluten-free brownies, white chocolate and cranberry muffins, almond shortbread slices, carrot cake and blueberry crumble cake. There’s a tonne going on in a setting befitting even the Queen herself – she does live backing onto it, after all – so you know it’s going to be top notch. The new set up even comes complete with stunning views of the Serpentine Lake and the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, so if good views and good food are your thing, this might be worth checking out. Find Colicci in Hyde Park.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Best cafes Hyde Park, Colicci, Colicci Hyde Park, Hyde Park cafes, Hyde Park London cafes, London cafes, The F London

LONDON: Big Screen on the Green is back with its summer festival

by James Banham

Posted: 13/06/2019

Big Screen on the Green is back in London for summer and over 4500 people are expected to pack it out. So, it’s time for tickets, if that’s your bag. It takes over southwest London, putting on a showcase of sport, film and live music at Morden Hall Park and Fulham Palace Private Garden from 13-14 July. The whole thing will feature an extensive line-up of live music, pop-up film, combined with a range of summer sporting action, like the Wimbledon Tennis Championships Finals, highlights of the Cricket World Cup Final and F1 British Grand Prix. And let’s be real, you’re going there to primarily drink, so, summertime cocktails will be pumped out of a dedicated Champagne lounge, complete with experiential entertainment, gourmet food, an elegant picnic area and bask-worthy sunlight. Hopefully. Oh, also, they’re more sustainable than ever, committing to a plastic-free 2019 by way of cleaning up 1,000 ocean-bound plastic bottles per item purchased on site or online. See more at the Big Screen website.

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Big Screen Green, London Big Screen on Green, London festivals, London outdoor festivals

ARTS & CULTURE

Ballet Flamenco – Sara Baras Voces Suite Flamenca cred Santana de Yepes I

Flamenco Festival London 2024 is back

05/05/2024

By THE F

London’s acclaimed Sadler’s Wells Theatre is set to host the exhilarating Flamenco Festival 2024 from Tuesday 4th to Saturday 15th June, now in its remarkable 19th edition. The recent residency by Paco Pena gave us a taste of what to expect! This year’s festival is brimming with anticipation, featuring ten UK premieres and showcasing a constellation of flamenco’s brightest stars. With performances spanning across the iconic Sadler’s Wells Theatre and the intimate Lilian Baylis Studio, attendees are promised an immersive experience into the heart of flamenco’s vibrant tradition and its contemporary interpretations. Kicking off the festival is the critically acclaimed Rocío Molina, who returns to stun audiences with her innovative piece, Al Fondo Riela, on 4th June. Molina’s performance is a profound exploration of reflection and reality, encapsulated through the traditional flamenco trio of dance, song, and guitar. Her artistry is complemented by the expertise of guitarists Oscar Lago and Yerai Cortés, setting the stage for a festival that melds tradition with avant-garde interpretations. The festival skyrockets further with appearances by flamenco guitar virtuoso Vicente Amigo, presenting a mesmerising concert that traverses classical and nuevo flamenco realms, and the dramatic duo Patricia Guerrero and Alfonso Losa in Alter Ego, a show born from spontaneous improvisation that promises an intimate glimpse into the soul of flamenco dance. Adding to the festival’s allure, Eva Yerbabuena contemplates her illustrious 20-year career in Yerbagüena (bright dark), delivering performances that promise to be evocative and spellbinding, while the renowned Israel Fernández teams up with guitarist Diego del Morao to present… Read More

Dutch piano virtuoso returns to the Sydney Opera House

30/04/2024

By James Banham

Mark your calendars and prepare to be enveloped in the soul-stirring sounds of Joep Beving, as the maestro makes his grand return to the Opera House this July. After mesmerising audiences in previous years, Beving is back with a bang, ready to unveil the mystical realms of Hermetism across two spellbinding shows on Monday, 22 July 2024. Each performance promises an experience akin to a spiritual odyssey, underscored by Beving’s deeply introspective, neoclassical sound that has captivated millions globally. This year, the enigmatic Dutch pianist is set to elevate his musical narrations to unprecedented heights, blending his artistry with an awe-inspiring audio-visual spectacle developed alongside the innovative minds of Boris Acket, Merijn Versnel, and Roxanne Percobic. Hermetism, drawing inspiration from Beving’s 2022 album, invites you on an enchanted voyage exploring the essence of spirituality, the elusive nature of time, and the depths of the inner self. This isn’t just a concert; it’s an invitation to transcend the ordinary, led by a masterful storyteller who’s rediscovered his love for the piano and transformed it into a source of universal connection and wonder. Joep Beving’s remarkable journey from personal loss to streaming stardom is a testament to the power of music to heal, unite, and inspire. With over 200 million streams on Spotify and a place among the giants of post-classical composition, Beving’s return to the Opera House isn’t just an event; it’s a pivotal moment in the world of contemporary music. As Ben Marshall, Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Music, aptly puts it, “Joep describes… Read More

Sydney Film Festival’s World Premier of Midnight Oil

28/04/2024

By James Banham

The 71st Sydney Film Festival is set to kick off with a bang as it proudly presents the World Premiere of Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line at its Opening Night Gala on Wednesday, June 5, at the prestigious State Theatre. Following the screening, a vibrant post-screening celebration will light up the Sydney Town Hall, marking a milestone event in the festival’s history. The Hardest Line unravels the pioneering narrative of Midnight Oil like never before on the silver screen. Defiant. Passionate. Vocal. Over their illustrious 45-year journey, ‘The Oils’ have left an indelible mark on modern Australia with anthems such as US Forces, Beds Are Burning, Blue Sky Mine, and Redneck Wonderland. This groundbreaking documentary features exclusive interviews with every band member, unseen live performances and studio footage, and iconic moments like the outback tour with Warumpi Band, the Exxon protest gig in New York, and the unforgettable “Sorry” suits at the Sydney Olympics, encapsulating the extraordinary odyssey of Australia’s quintessential rock ensemble. Sydney Film Festival Director Nashen Moodley expressed his excitement, stating, “We are delighted to feature Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line as our opening film this year. This documentary not only charts the remarkable journey of one of Australia’s most influential bands but also encapsulates the ethos of an era that reshaped our cultural and political landscapes. It is a tribute to their enduring legacy and a poignant reflection on their enduring influence that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.” Writer, director, and executive producer Paul Clarke shared his sentiments, “There exists no… Read More

British Museum and Huw Locke explore legacies of Empire

28/04/2024

By James Banham

The British Museum has embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration with the esteemed Guyanese-British artist, Hew Locke, for a significant new exhibition delving into how the Museum’s collection reflects the enduring legacies of British imperial power from centuries past to the present day. This innovative exhibition, co-curated by Locke, will showcase iconic objects from the Museum’s vast collection alongside specially commissioned new works by the artist himself. Throughout his illustrious career, Locke has demonstrated a profound interest in objects and the narratives they harbor. His connection to the British Museum collection dates back to his formative years as a student in London, where he frequented the Museum of Mankind to draw inspiration from its ethnographic collections. This forthcoming exhibition marks a milestone as Locke’s first venture into artist-curated museum exhibitions, offering him a unique opportunity to delve deeply into a museum collection unlike ever before. The rich history and holdings of the British Museum intertwine closely with the narrative of the British Empire. This exhibition is poised to dissect these intertwined histories while engaging with the contemporary debates swirling around cultural heritage. By focusing on Britain’s historical interactions with Africa, India, and the Caribbean—regions that significantly influenced Guyana, Locke’s place of upbringing—the exhibition will serve as a personal exploration by utilizing interventionist techniques to reframe historical objects within the collection. Locke’s exploration aims to unravel the intricate ways in which museums are entangled in the legacies of Empire, embracing the complexities and ambiguities of these narratives. Rather than providing definitive answers, Locke seeks to provoke introspection… Read More

Michelangelo last decades exhibition at British Museum this spring

28/04/2024

By James Banham

Delving deep into the intricate tapestry of the Renaissance master’s late career, this immersive showcase promises a revelatory exploration of how art and faith intertwined in the twilight years of an iconic artist.