| Home | My Account | Directories |
The Future Of The Blog
Published on 2011-07-01 07:00:00
Just to let readers know that I am leaving for Macedonia and Kosovo shortly. Hopefully I will be able to blog while I'm there but it depends on connectivity - I hear it's OK but we will see. In other news, from next week there will be no advertising > read more
I Just Got Google Plus'd!
Published on 2011-06-30 16:00:00
Just to let readers know that I am now in the Google+ club (Google Plus is the new social network developed by Google which might be aiming to take on Facebook). If you want an invite just visit this link at the Googleplex and enter your details. I > read more
#TweetUpTour @ Wellcome Trust
Published on 2011-06-29 17:00:00
Last night I was part of a small group of people who took part in the Wellcome Trust's #tweetuptour, where we got a 2 hour behind-the-scenes view of the Wellcome Library, parts of the Wellcome Collection and a look around the Wellcome Foundation's HQ > read more
Two Foodie Events - Ben & Jerry's and Free Bagels
Published on 2011-06-27 17:00:00
There are two food-related events coming up that I thought readers might be interested in. First is the annual Ben & Jerry's Double Scoop Sundae Festival, which takes place on Clapham Common on the weekend of the 23rd and 24th July. 15,000 ticke > read more
July Jaunts - I Need Your Help!
Published on 2011-06-26 07:00:00
I'm going to be taking the first two weeks of July as a holiday but as I'm staying in London I'm looking for inspiration about what to do during that period, and I need your help. Is there a particular part of London that you love which no-one ever > read more
The Islington Museum
Published on 2011-06-25 17:00:00
Stepping around mud and stones strewn along St John St at the Angel earlier today (one of the large watermains had burst late last night) I made my way down to the Islington Museum, which sits in an unassuming spot in the basement of Finsbury Library > read more
The Flying Karamzov Brothers @ Vaudeville Theatre - A Review
Published on 2011-06-24 17:00:00
Last night I was over at the Vaudeville Theatre on the Strand to check out the Flying Karamazov Brothers - a group of juggling American comedians and musicians (wearing kilts!) who are playing at the theatre until September. It was an interesting ev > read more
Stella Artois 'Black Diamond' Coming To Shoreditch In July
Published on 2011-06-23 15:00:00
I had a rather strange experience last night. I was asked to go a fairly non-descript 19th century building near Barbican to take part in a preview event for something that's happening next month... To start at the beginning, when I arrived I was d > read more
X-Men First Class - Movie Review
Published on 2011-06-22 17:00:00
This week's turning out to be quite a week for comic book 'origin' movies, as last night I went to see 'X-Men First Class', the new film from director Matthew Vaughn (the producer of 'Kick-Ass'). This movie fills in the complete back-story on the ma > read more
London 2012 Olympic Update - First In An Regular Series
Published on 2011-06-21 17:00:00
As I must be the London blogger living closest to the Olympic Park I thought I should start providing regular updates on what's going on in relation to London 2012 so here's the first. I'll be putting up further posts as major announcements are made, > read more
Green Lantern - Movie Review
Published on 2011-06-20 17:45:00
One of the latest crop of superhero flicks, the Green Lantern hit UK screens this last weekend and I managed to squeeze a visit to the cinema into a busy weekend over in Bristol. This story from director Martin Campbell is another 'origins' tale, th > read more
In Bristol - The M Shed
Published on 2011-06-20 17:15:00
I was lucky enough to be in Bristol over the weekend at the same time as the opening of the city's newest museum, the 'M Shed'. Located on Princes Wharf in the city centre, the M Shed is a repurposed warehouse that has now opened as a museum which d > read more
Takeaway The Musical @ Theatre Royal Stratford East - A Review
Published on 2011-06-17 11:40:00
Last night saw me at the Theatre Royal Stratford East for the new musical, 'Takeaway' which is intriguingly subtitled 'The Devil in Tom Jones'... Created by a team consisting of Robert Lee and Leon Ko, and directed by Stratford East's Kerry Michael > read more
The Great Drag Race - This Saturday In Aid of Prostate Action
Published on 2011-06-16 03:00:00
This Saturday 100s of men in full drag and makeup will be covering a 10.2km course at Highbury Fields, London, as part of the Great Drag Race which is being run in aid of Prostate Action, who fund research and education relating to prostate cancer > read more
North London's 'Them Changes' New Single, 'Lie To Me'
Published on 2011-06-15 07:00:00
I'm always in support of emerging London bands, and I thought you might enjoy a little musical interlude in the form of 'Them Changes' new single 'Lie To Me', with its rather controversial video accompaniment. This self-styled 'psychedelic space p > read more
Rob Shoesmith's iPhone 5 Experiment On Regent Street
Published on 2011-06-15 03:00:00
I got a tweet today from Rob Shoesmith, asking for some advice on where he could find some keen photographers. My curiosity piqued, I did a little investigating and discovered that Rob (who is a refuse collector from Coventry) will be spending some t > read more
Vauxhall Art Car Boot Fair This Weekend @ Old Truman Brewery
Published on 2011-06-14 07:00:00
On Sunday 19 June from 12 until 6pm, the Vauxhall Art Car Boot Fair will be taking over the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane. This will be the event's seventh outing, and this year TURPS Banana – an innovative and highly collectable painting mag > read more
'Set Sail' Landing in Covent Garden This Weekend On Their 'World Stage' Tour
Published on 2011-06-14 03:00:00
I've just heard about a rather fun new acoustic pop band, 'Set Sail'. Consisting of 3 young Australians, this coming weekend they will be on the London leg of a 48 city, 5 continent trip which for obvious reasons they've dubbed the 'World Stage' tour > read more
HostelBookers Charity Donation
Published on 2011-06-13 07:00:00
The good people over at HostelBookers, the budget accommodation specialists, have asked me to mention a charitable donation that they are planning to make in the next few weeks... HostelBookers will be donating £10,000 to one of the following cha > read more
Steampunk @ The Kew Bridge Steam Museum
Published on 2011-06-13 03:00:00
IanVisits mentioned something on his blog recently which I thought a lot of readers would be interested in - the new Steampunk exhibition which takes place until 29 August at the Kew Bridge Steam Museum. The exhibition brings together a huge collect > read more
Visiting London's 'Open Garden Squares'
Published on 2011-06-12 07:00:00
I visited a few of the gardens taking part in London's Open Garden Squares Weekend yesterday, starting with the British Medical Association Council garden, one of the gardens that you can't normally visit as a member of the public. This garden sits > read more
HotelMap.com - A Neat Solution For Finding London Hotels
Published on 2011-06-11 03:00:00
I've recently come across HotelMap.com, a new site from the London information and events people at LondonTown.com. It's a clickable interactive map of the accommodation available in London - you select your dates and are then taken to a bright and > read more
London's Open Garden Squares Weekend This Saturday & Sunday
Published on 2011-06-10 09:30:00
Given how much I love exploring London's hidden corners, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to go along to the 10th annual Open Garden Squares Weekend, which takes place this Saturday and Sunday. Many private garden squares across town that are nor > read more
London's Cathedrals - What You (Probably) Didn't Know...
Published on 2011-06-10 03:00:00
OK, let's start with a quick quiz. How many Cathedrals are there in London? If you answer one, chances are that you're either a tourist or a Londoner who isn't really into exploring, because you're obviously thinking about St Paul's, the large Angl > read more
Bombay Sapphire Infuses 'A Night of Imagination' @ Battersea Power Station!
Published on 2011-06-09 17:00:00
Back in December of last year, Bombay Sapphire (the premium gin brand) launched a competition called 'Project Your Imagination', inviting people across the world to demonstrate their imagination by submitting images, poems and other ideas that would > read more
The Wild Horses of Camden Town
Published on 2011-06-08 13:00:00
A few weeks ago I was over at the Proud Galleries in Camden Town's Stables Market for the Rev78 gig and thought I should pay a return visit during the daylight so that I can show you what makes the market really special. It's a good place to visit, p > read more
The NME Small Venue Awards - Bush Hall for the London Prize
Published on 2011-06-08 05:00:00
You might know that the NME have an annual award to celebrate live music venues across England. Several places in London are up for the award this year including the Bar Fly in Camden and the celebrated 100 Club on Oxford St. My vote will be going > read more
Amy Grimehouse Presents "Welcome To The Dollhouse" @ The Book Club
Published on 2011-06-08 03:00:00
Next Wednesday night, 15 June, Amy Grimehouse returns to the Book Club in Shoreditch for a special screening of the cult classic movie, 'Welcome To The Dollhouse', directed and written by Todd Solondz (who is responsible for the much-anticipated upco > read more
Lucozade Sport Lite Present 'Louder' @ The Ministry of Sound Tomorrow Night
Published on 2011-06-07 16:00:00
If you happen to be at a loose end tomorrow night and fancy an edgy evening of funky beats and roller skates, Lucozade Sport Lite are celebrating the launch of the new advert featuring 'Louder' by DJ Fresh at the Ministry of Sound. There'll be a set > read more
Belgo's June 'Lobsterfest' Begins
Published on 2011-06-07 03:00:00
Yesterday evening I was invited over to the Belgo restaurant's original Camden location, Belgo Noord on Chalk Farm Road, to sample the food available as part of their annual 'lobsterfest', which takes place in June each year.To liven the proceedings > read more
Walthamstow's Water Supply
Published on 2011-06-06 17:00:00
If you live in the East End and parts of North London have you ever wondered where your drinking water comes from? You may not be aware, but it actually originates in the 10 large reservoirs that make up the Walthamstow Wetlands, which sit between Co > read more
Investigating The City of London Cemetery and Crematorium
Published on 2011-06-05 17:00:00
As part of my mission to explore London's more unusual locations, I signed up to the first of this year's Sunday tours of the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium over in Manor Park. Surprisingly, our two hour walk around the grounds today was c > read more
New Buses and Old Trains @ The London Transport Museum
Published on 2011-06-04 15:00:00
There are two interesting events come up, organised by the London Transport Museum, that you might be interested in hearing about. On both Monday 13 and 20 June, there will talks taking place at the London Transport Museum focusing on Boris's new > read more
Visit The Incredible Edible Gingerbread House @ The Brunswick Centre
Published on 2011-06-03 02:00:00
From tomorrow, for just three days, a magical gingerbread house will be on show at the Brunswick Centre over in Bloomsbury in aid of the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity. For young visitors, there will be a trail leading them inside t > read more
Fleet Foxes @ Hammersmith Apollo - Gig Review
Published on 2011-06-02 17:00:00
Fleet Foxes are currently on the UK leg of their tour to promote their second album, 'Helplessness Blues', and I was lucky enough to see them at Hammersmith Apollo last night. If you're not familiar with them, Fleet Foxes are a six-piece folk band fr > read more
Wow Now London Pulls In @ Shoreditch Underground
Published on 2011-06-01 08:00:00
Cast your mind back and you might remember that, once upon a time, Shoreditch had a station at the northern extremity of the old East London Line, which ran under the river to New Cross via Wapping and Rotherhithe. This line closed in 2007 to make wa > read more
Ai Weiwei's 'Circle of Animals' @ Somerset House
Published on 2011-06-01 03:00:00
Stretching out in an arc around the fountains in the central courtyard of Somerset House you'll currently find the 'Circle of Animals' by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei. Styled after the twelve Chinese zodiac signs, these scultptures each stand about fi > read more
The Sri Murugan Temple @ Manor Park
Published on 2011-05-31 03:00:00
Everyone in London seems to have heard of the huge Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir temple over in Wembley, but no-one discusses its immediate predecessor - the slightly smaller Sri Murugan Temple built in 2005, which sits in rather an incongruous spot on > read more
The Royal Gunpowder Mills @ Waltham Abbey
Published on 2011-05-30 03:00:00
Yesterday I visited the Royal Gunpowder Mills just outside Waltham Abbey in Essex. This huge site (half the size of Hyde Park in central London) had an important role in the production of gunpowder, and later cordite, from the early 1800s until 1991. > read more
The National Museum of Computing @ Bletchley Park
Published on 2011-05-29 03:00:00
Yesterday I was over at the complex of wartime concrete buildings and wooden huts that make up Bletchley Park, the site famous for the code-breaking that took place during the Second World War. The main purpose for my visit was to investigate Block > read more
Thrills at Thorpe Park
Published on 2011-05-15 13:00:00
Yesterday I ventured over to Staines, Surrey, to make one of my very rare visits to a theme park. Although it is physically located in Chertsey for those of us who don't have cars, Thorpe Park is a conveniently short shuttle-bus ride away which you c > read more
Dalston's Secret Underground Bunker Plays Host To 'Bunker PLC'
Published on 2011-05-14 13:00:00
Last night saw us descending into what is euphemistically called the Dalston 'bunker', a secret underground complex dating from World War II just off Abbott Street, for a unique event, 'Bunker PLC', organised by ScreenDeep. After queueing up for a w > read more
Artswrap Live @ Electrowerkz
Published on 2011-05-13 17:00:00
Last night I was invited over to the Electrowerkz venue behind Angel tubestation to a live evening of entertainment organised by Artswrap, the news and reviews website to check out for anything and everything related to culture - from the visual arts > read more
Testing Out TasterLab in London
Published on 2011-05-12 17:00:00
For the last few days I've been looking over 'TasterLab', a site that gathers together interesting experiences that you can have in London for the first time to see whether they might become part of your regular lifestyle... Most of the taster sessi > read more
Museums At Night This Weekend
Published on 2011-05-11 17:00:00
Over the coming weekend several museums in London and elsewhere will be opening their doors for special evening events as part of 'Museums at Night'. A 1940s-themed evening at the Churchill War Rooms will be taking place on Friday 13th, while over i > read more
Summer Season & The Open Stage Website @ The Theatre Royal Stratford East
Published on 2011-05-10 17:00:00
I have lots to tell you about regarding my local theatre this week, the Theatre Royal Stratford East. The theatre has just launched the 'Open Stage' website, which is an experimental new approach to programming performances at the venue. They've ta > read more
Serco Prize for Illustration @ The London Transport Museum
Published on 2011-05-09 17:00:00
Unfortunately I wasn't able to go along earlier this evening, but tonight saw the award ceremony for the Serco Prize For Illustration take place at the London Transport Museum. Many of the entries to this year's competition featured very stylised gra > read more
Thames Barrier Park @ The Brunner Mond Memorial
Published on 2011-05-08 06:00:00
Sandwiched between the DLR and the Thames next to Pontoon Dock station you'll find the Thames Barrier Park. Opened in 2000 next to the Thames Barrier itself, the park came about as the result of a competition launched five years before. The park has > read more
The Rich Mix Summer Season Launch Party
Published on 2011-05-07 17:00:00
Earlier this evening I went along to the free summer season launch party at Rich Mix, sponsored by Havana Club, to promote the upcoming events and activities at what many would say is the east end's best arts and culture venue. The Rich Mix building > read more
Screen Deep's 'Bunker PLC' at the Dalston Bunker Next Week
Published on 2011-05-06 17:00:00
From next Monday the 'Dalston Bunker', a genuine WW2 era underground complex on Abbott Street, will be playing host to Screen Deep's 'Bunker PLC' for one week - an interactive experience where visitors are invited to see what life is like in the year > read more
Shrek The Musical Lands In London
Published on 2011-05-05 13:00:00
Just a quick heads up to let you know that previews of 'Shrek The Musical' begin tomorrow night (Friday 6 May). The show features stars such as Nigel Lindsay, Richard Blackwood, Nigel Harman and Amanda Holden and, if they've managed to capture the hu > read more
Chornobyl's Darkest Hour
Published on 2011-05-04 17:00:00
For those with an interest in photography of challenging subjects, the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain and The Embassy of Ukraine in the United Kingdom have organised a month long photographic exhibition to commemorate the 25th Anniversary > read more
East End Film Festival - Movie Mayday Disaster...
Published on 2011-05-03 17:00:00
Yesterday, we went over to Brick Lane to check out the 'fringe' event, Movie Mayday, which closed out the week long East End Film Festival. I have to say that, on balance, it was quite a disappointing experience and I'll explain why. We arrived at t > read more
East End Film Festival in Brick Lane - 'Movie MayDay' Today!
Published on 2011-05-02 04:45:00
Today is the last day of the week-long East End Film Festival, and it's going out with a bang this afternoon and evening with a full programme of free events along the length of Brick Lane and the surrounding streets with 'Movie MayDay'. All you nee > read more
Shlomo @ The Udderbelly Festival
Published on 2011-05-01 17:00:00
To coincide with the beginning of the summer-long celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Festival of Britain, the upturned purple cow has returned to the Southbank with the 2011 Udderbelly Festival. You'll find the cow just west of the Royal Fest > read more
New Sightings in Brick Lane
Published on 2011-04-30 17:00:00
I'm around and about Brick Lane for most of this weekend so I thought I'd share with you some of the new pieces of graffiti art and installations that I've spotted. Two spots in particular - one in an abandoned yard behind one of the stretches of Ban > read more
The Most Outrageous Tribute to Will & Kate?
Published on 2011-04-29 17:00:00
Like most of you I was eating and drinking too much at a Royal Wedding party today - perhaps you can guess my location from this photograph. However, I have to show you what must be the most over-the-top congratulatory message that the couple have re > read more
The Tibetan Peace Garden @ Lambeth
Published on 2011-04-20 17:00:00
Situated rather incongruously in the grounds of the Imperial War Museum in Lambeth is the Tibetan Peace Garden, opened by the Dalai Lama in 1999. It's a very tranquil space, and features a central mandala and four modern sculptures at each of > read more
The Straw Fox @ The Southbank Centre's 60th Anniversary Celebrations
Published on 2011-04-19 17:00:00
Head over to the Southbank Centre and you'll find, perched on one side of the complex, a 30 foot or so high straw fox who has miraculously appeared, towering over one of the buildings! This rather strange creature has been erected to mark the begi > read more
Stratford Site and Sewer Tour
Published on 2011-04-16 11:00:00
Yesterday morning I met a few colleagues from work outside Stratford station to go on a tour of the area around the Olympic site. We were led by one of our senior people, who has been involved in urban development for many years and who is a fount > read more
The Three Trafalgar Square Treasure Hunt
Published on 2011-04-15 13:00:00
Yesterday evening I was over in Trafalgar Square to take part in a treasure hunt organised by Three to highlight the all-you-can-eat data package that they offer to anyone using their pay as you go service who tops up their phone with £15 or more o > read more
Source Code - Movie Review
Published on 2011-04-14 17:00:00
After the entertainment at Andaz last night I headed over to West India Quay to check out 'Source Code', the new sci-fi film from Duncan Jones, who previously headed 'Moon', the excellent 2009 Sam Rockwell vehicle. The main drive of the film centers > read more
Music From The Underground @ Andaz Liverpool St
Published on 2011-04-14 13:00:00
Last night I was over at the Andaz Hotel in Liverpool Street to see the launch of a bold new musical experiment - they have teamed up with London Underground to invite licensed London buskers to entertain guests in rather the swanky Catch Champagne B > read more
Children Of The Kindertransport @ Liverpool St Station
Published on 2011-04-13 17:00:00
Just outside the western entrance to Liverpool St railway station you'll find Hope Square, where a rather somber arrangement of statues sits. 'Children Of The Kindertransport' was put in place in 2006 by the Association of Jewish Refugees and the Cen > read more
Barclays Live Dance Returns to London
Published on 2011-04-12 17:00:00
This coming Saturday, the Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole is returning to London with the Barclays Live 2011 dance competition. The Whitgift Centre in Croydon will see the top ten entries selected from videos of performances uploaded by Londo > read more
Tuesday 12 April is Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day
Published on 2011-04-11 05:00:00
Just to let you know that tomorrow (Tuesday) if you find your way to one of the 11 Ben & Jerry's 'Scoop Shops' in London that are participating in their celebration of 33 years in the business between 6 and 9pm (you can find your nearest one here > read more
Manfrotto School of Xcellence Launches
Published on 2011-04-11 03:00:00
You all know that I'm a rather keen amateur photographer - in fact I hardly go out of the house without my camera and lenses in a bag over my shoulder. Amongst my kit is a Manfrotto tripod - a tripod is essential for photographing landscapes, particu > read more
On The Trail From Old Street To Holborn
Published on 2011-04-10 17:00:00
Just a very quick post that gathers together the photographs that I took of the area that we walked through yesterday, not including the 'Tweed Run'. I always find it rewarding to leave the main roads in London and make my way through backstreets to > read more
The Tweed Run 2011
Published on 2011-04-10 13:00:00
While we were wandering from Old Street to Holborn yesterday afternoon we came across a very strange sight - a couple of hundred cyclists (some riding penny farthings) decked out in historical costume. It turns out that this was the 2011 outing of th > read more
Cheer For The Virgin Money London Marathon
Published on 2011-04-09 17:00:00
Next Sunday, 17 April, the Virgin Money London Marathon will be winding its way around town once again. Richard and Holly Branson are launching a record attempt to capture the world's biggest cheer, which will be replayed to runners at the most diff > read more
Funk It Up About Nothin @ Theatre Royal Stratford East - Review
Published on 2011-04-09 13:00:00
Last night we were at the Theatre Royal Stratford East to see the opening night of the new take on Shakespeare's comedy, 'Much Ado About Nothing', 'Funk It Up About Nothin'. Presented by the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Merrigong Theatre Company an > read more
Save The Ape With Cox Cookies & Cake
Published on 2011-04-08 10:00:00
I do love the little Brewer St-based Cox Cookies & Cake and, as you'll know if you read the blog, quite often they get involved in supporting charities through their sales, the mad Elton John-inspired cakes from late last year for example! They' > read more
New Graffiti For Shoreditch
Published on 2011-04-07 17:00:00
I was hoping to show you some pictures of the graffiti that was commissioned for Tron Legacy which adorned the four 'panels' you'll find just below Village Underground's elevated 'tube train' offices on Great Eastern Street in Shoreditch... Unfortun > read more
Views Over London With Jason Hawkes & The Amazing Nokia N8
Published on 2011-04-06 13:00:00
Now as you know I'm a bit of a fan of 'free and open' when it comes to all things computing, which I sometimes regret because it means that I have to carry my camera equipment around on the off-chance that something interesting might catch my eye. Th > read more
Kylie 'Aphrodite' Tour @ MEN Arena - Gig Review
Published on 2011-04-03 13:00:00
Last night we were at the Manchester Evening News (MEN) Arena to see Kylie on her new 'Aphrodite' Tour! We were seated at one side of the auditorium with a great view of the stage, which consisted of a large area at one side where the musicians and > read more
In Manchester - Silhouettes @ Spinningfields
Published on 2011-04-02 17:00:00
Over in the half-finished Spinningfields development in Manchester you'll find a large group of steel silhouettes -shoppers, footballers and the like. I can't find a reference to them online so I don't know who the artist is - if anyone has better in > read more
Launch of Lucozade Sport 'Yes' Video With Tinie Tempah @ Old Vic Tunnels
Published on 2011-03-30 07:00:00
Last night we ventured down into Leake Street to investigate the launch of the new Lucozade Sport 'Yes' video campaign. Featuring the track 'Simply Unstoppable' from Tinie Tempah's latest album 'Disc-Overy', the video also includes Travis Barker f > read more
John Grant @ 02 Shepherds Bush Empire - Gig Review
Published on 2011-03-28 13:00:00
Last night we were over at the Shepherds Bush Empire to see John Grant as part of his latest tour following the release of his first solo album, 'Queen of Denmark', in the summer of last year. Being first at the doors, we got in with plenty of time > read more
The Adjustment Bureau - Movie Review
Published on 2011-03-27 17:00:00
Another adaptation of a Philip K Dick short story, The Adjustment Bureau is a bit of an odd creature. Watching the trailer of this new film from George Nolfi (who has the Bourne Ultimatum and Oceans Twelve amongst his output) you could be forgiven fo > read more
Experiencing The Rural In Richmond
Published on 2011-03-27 13:00:00
After the sci-fi extravaganza yesterday, we decided to calm things down a little in the afternoon with a long walk around Richmond Park, the largest of the royal parks at nearly 2500 acres. It's always a bit odd to find yourself in the depths of wood > read more
Discovering The Doctor @ The Doctor Who Experience
Published on 2011-03-26 14:00:00
This morning we went down to see the exhibition that has recently landed in Kensington Olympia, the 'Doctor Who Experience'. The 'experience' consists of a long series of static displays of props and costumes which are dedicated to the entire histor > read more
The Eagle - Movie Review
Published on 2011-03-25 18:00:00
Last night we went down to West India Quay to check out the new film from director Kevin Macdonald (who you may have come across as the name behind 'The Last King of Scotland' and future-noir TV series 'State Of Play'), 'The Eagle'. The film recount > read more
Grease Is The Word With The New York Bakery Co
Published on 2011-03-25 14:00:00
I was up at an unearthly hour yesterday morning in order to queue up outside the Piccadilly Theatre in London's West End for an 'early morning musical', a performance of Grease sponsored by the New York Bakery Co. Entering the theatre at just past 8 > read more
KETTLE® Ridge Crisps Dodgem Derby Arriving in London Tomorrow
Published on 2011-03-25 11:00:00
I've mentioned it previously on the blog, but just to remind you that tomorrow sees ex-Stig Ben Collins leading the first KETTLE® Ridge Crisps Dodgem Derby to put some extra wallop into Britain! Ben will be leading four road-worthy dodgems from the > read more
T.G.I. Friday's 'Synchronised Flairing' Record Attempt @ Covent Garden Tomorrow
Published on 2011-03-24 13:30:00
Get yourself down to Covent Garden tomorrow morning and you will be able to witness a Guiness World Record attempt for 'Synchronised Flairing' (i.e. the flashy moves performed when they're preparing your cocktail) by 120 expert bartenders, which is b > read more
Last.Fm's Big Chill Bar All-Nighter Coming This Saturday
Published on 2011-03-24 09:00:00
This Saturday the Last.Fm crew will be bringing Brick Lane revellers the very first Big Chill Bar All Nighter. The night will feature the best music from the weekly hype charts with a little help from from DJ talents Boogaloo Crew, Isa GT, ANXST AKA > read more
A Polish Discovery Around The Corner - Londek
Published on 2011-03-23 18:00:00
Living in London I think it's always important to keep your eyes wide open when you are wandering around, just in case you miss something. I learned my lesson earlier this evening when I discovered, next to the Polish delicatessen in Stratford which > read more
Naming the Olympic Zones - 'Your Park, Your Place'
Published on 2011-03-23 14:00:00
Today the Olympic Park Legacy Company has launched a competition asking members of the public to suggest names for the five zones of the Olympic Park after the 2012 Games have departed. The competition page hints that you might want to echo the rich > read more
What's Behind The Marble Arch?
Published on 2011-03-22 18:00:00
I'm sure that most tourists who have visited London have taken the opportunity to go and see the Marble Arch, which sits at the end of Oxford St in London's West End, next to Hyde Park. I imagine that most of them assume that it is just another of Lo > read more
Such Stuff As Dreams Are Made On @ Mosaic Rooms
Published on 2011-03-21 18:00:00
There are two concurrent shows of young Palestinian artists taking place at the Mosaic Rooms on Cromwell Road in Kensington right now, 'Such Stuff As Dreams Are Made On'. All are winners or finalists in the A.M. Qattan Foundation's biennial awards f > read more
Exploring the British Library @ Euston
Published on 2011-03-20 18:00:00
Earlier on today I went on a little mission to have a look around at the British Library on the Euston Road in London. It's a remarkable building, completed in the late 1990s with the intention of bringing together the various Government collections > read more
Ig Nobel Awards Tour Show @ Imperial College
Published on 2011-03-17 18:00:00
This evening, Annie Mole and I went over to the Sherfield Building on the Imperial College campus for the Ig Nobel Awards Tour Show, hosted by Marc Abrahams, organiser of the Ig Nobel prizes and author of the bi-montly 'Annals of Improbable Research' > read more
A Little Bit Of Lithuania In London
Published on 2011-03-16 18:00:00
I had a strange experience tonight, when I went over to Beckton... read on. Leaving the DLR station, a Lithuanian friend of mine led me down to the unassuming retail park that sits just down the main road and, right next to the defunct Woolworths s > read more
Visiting the London Transport Museum Depot @ Acton
Published on 2011-03-13 18:00:00
Yesterday I was invited along to one of the infrequent open days at the London Transport Museum's depot in Acton, where you'll find various 'works in progress' - historic carriages at various stages of restoration, signalling equipment, switchgear an > read more
Illumini Electro-Late @ The Museum of London
Published on 2011-03-12 17:00:00
Last night I was very fortunate to be invited down to the Museum of London by the creator of the Illumini events, the artist Jane Webb, for a behind-the-scenes look at the build up and execution of another of her amazing performance art events, 'Elec > read more
Brighton - London By The Sea?
Published on 2011-03-11 17:00:00
After the event at the Thistle Hotel last night I had to the chance to have a good look around Brighton today. It's an interesting place, full of contradictions. While the seafront is home to a string of raucous bars, nightclubs and the usual seaside > read more
Being Entertained at the Thistle Hotel, Brighton
Published on 2011-03-10 17:00:00
This evening I was lucky enough to be invited to a bloggers' reception at the Thistle Hotel in Brighton , which sits out on the seafront next to the 'Lanes' and a few hundred yards from the pier. Having stayed at the Hilton in Brighton before I was > read more
Remembering The Bethnal Green Disaster With Jessica Francis Kane
Published on 2011-03-09 17:30:00
Last night, Annie Mole from the London Underground blog and I went to a talk at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden on the circumstances surrounding the disaster in 1943 at the underground shelter which was soon afterwards to become Bethnal > read more
Wanted - Bradford, Dead or Alive
Published on 2011-03-05 13:00:00
We went over to Bradford today, in order to visit the National Media Museum, The museum is a marvel. Containing a cinema (including an IMAX screen), this modern building has galleries dedicated to computer games, the development of photography and > read more
Aftermath - Jameson Cult Film Club @ The Royal College of Surgeons
Published on 2011-03-04 14:30:00
:30Last night we were over at our second Jameson Cult Film Club event (after last autumn's 'Chills in the Chapel') to see Gareth Edwards incredible low-budget masterpiece, 'Monsters', set in the rather creepy surroundings of the Royal College of Surg > read more
The Olympic Rings @ St Pancras
Published on 2011-03-04 13:30:00
I thought you might be interested in seeing the huge set of Olympic rings that have just been set above the Eurostar platforms at St Pancras station to greet international visitors arriving in London for the 2012 Olympic Games... > read more
Jameson Cult Film Club @ The Royal College of Surgeons Tonight
Published on 2011-03-03 08:00:00
I mentioned this event on the blog a few weeks ago, but just to remind you that tonight sees a screening of 'Monsters' at the Royal College of Surgeons as part of the series of Jameson Cult Film Club events. If the last happening is anything to go by > read more
Tequila Tasting @ Wahaca Soho
Published on 2011-03-02 17:00:00
Last night I was a guest of Qype at the Wahaca restaurant on Wardour St in Soho for an evening of tequila tasting and mexican street food. On arriving we were ushered downstairs from the main restaurant floor down into their more intimate bar spac > read more
The New Must Have App - A Public Toilet Finder!
Published on 2011-03-02 08:00:00
My blogging associate, the brilliant 'Ian Visits', has just put together a new website and series of apps for Apple and Android, which you can download from today, that allow you to seek out the nearest public convenience if you get caught short! > read more
You Me Bum Bum Train Promo Posters @ Drawers Gallery
Published on 2011-03-02 03:00:00
From tomorrow, Thursday 3 March, one of my favourite little art venues, the Drawers Gallery under the Haggerston pub on Kingsland Road in Dalston will be featuring an exhibition of promotional posters that have been created for the highly acclaimed a > read more
Crunch @ Music Bar, Brixton Next Saturday
Published on 2011-03-01 17:00:00
Next Saturday, 12 March, my good friend Bea and associates will be putting on a free night at the Music Bar on Brixton Hill, from 9m to 4am on Sunday, dubbed 'Crunch'. You might be interested to learn that the concept of 'Crunch' started as a shed at > read more
David Mitchell's Japanese Teahouse/Reading Room @ Spitalfields Market
Published on 2011-03-01 03:00:00
From Tuesday 15 to Friday 18 March, London’s Old Spitalfields Market will be hosting what the organisers are calling the world's first immersive reading venue to mark the paperback release of Booker prize-shortlisted novelist David Mitchell’s, 'T > read more
The New Bus For London Arrives @ The London Transport Museum
Published on 2011-02-28 17:00:00
A life-size 3D mock-up up the Mayor's 'New Bus For London' is on show from today at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden. It will remain at the museum for three months so the public get plenty of opportunity to get a good look at its sleek ne > read more
March Mad Hatter's Ball @ Bussey Building, Peckham This Coming Saturday
Published on 2011-02-28 13:00:00
Broken Records, Liquid Records, Tribal Vision and Fluorotrash will be hosting the March Mad Hatters Ball, this Saturday, 5 March, at the Bussey Building on Rye Lane in Peckham. The venue has three rooms where the music on offer will range from Liquid > read more
Animal Kingdom - Movie Review
Published on 2011-02-27 15:00:00
Last night we went to see 'Animal Kingdom', the new Australian film from director and writer David Michôd. Set in the seedy criminal underworld of urban Melbourne the film opens with the central character 'J' sitting passively on a sofa next to hi > read more
Sunset Over The Wharf
Published on 2011-02-26 17:00:00
Nipping over to Canary Wharf to visit the cinema earlier this evening (more on that later) I captured this particular scene, of a DLR train passing over the bridge between Heron Quays and Canary Wharf stations... breathtaking! > read more
Pie, Mash And Art In... Deptford
Published on 2011-02-26 13:00:00
It's always exciting to visit a new part of town and come across surprises - London is a mine of hidden treasures, believe me. Today I was south of the river in Deptford to have a look around, and I came across equally mundane and unusual things. > read more
Crashpadder.com
Published on 2011-02-25 13:00:00
Earlier in the week Annie Mole and I were invited along to a get-together organised in central London by crashpadder.com to allow their hosts to mingle for the evening. Described as the grown-up version of 'couch-surfing', crashpadder.com allows p > read more
Laura Veirs @ The Union Chapel - A Review
Published on 2011-02-24 12:00:00
Earlier in the week we were over at the Union Chapel, to see Laura Veirs on the last date of her European tour, dubbed 'The Hall of Flames'. The gig started with Alex Gray, a long-term collaborator of Laura's, who mixes layers of viola tones, bounce > read more
Fantastic Factology in the Olympic Park
Published on 2011-02-24 03:00:00
As you will know, new parklands are being created in the Lower Lea Valley which will be part of the legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games. As part of that process, the Olympic Delivery Authority has commissioned local artists and designers, The Klassnik C > read more
Win £10,000 With the Yell Golden Ticket Competition
Published on 2011-02-23 10:00:00
To coincide with the launch of their new smartphone apps on iPhone and Android, yell.com are running the 'Yell Golden Ticket' competition, which will see someone walk away with a £10,000 prize. The competition is easy to enter - using either the Ye > read more
"Shoulder of Mutton Field" - A History of Butchery In Camden...
Published on 2011-02-23 07:00:00
From time to time I get rather strange requests to review things for the blog, and this one just about takes the biscuit, or perhaps that should be 'takes the beef'. Nottingham University Press have been kind enough to send me a copy of "Shoulder of > read more
The Westminster Dragon
Published on 2011-02-23 03:00:00
When I was out with the camera earlier this week I spotted this creature hovering over Westminster Abbey - looking at Google Maps it appears to be on top of a building that extends south next to the Abbey's cloister. I've struggled to find out any de > read more
The New York Bakery Breakfast Club Presents Grease... at 8am!
Published on 2011-02-22 11:00:00
On Thursday 24 March, at 8am, the New York Bakery Co will be presenting a 20 minute excerpt of the award-winning Grease musical at its home in the Piccadilly Theatre, and accompanying it with a bagel breakfast. If you're a fan of musicals (and an e > read more
Congestion Charge Avoiding Fiat 500 Twin Air
Published on 2011-02-22 07:00:00
I've just come across the video on YouTube of the new Fiat 500 Twin Air, which has the lowest-emission petrol engine in the world, and thus gets a 100% rebate on the London congestion charge. It shares this distinction with a few other vehicles (the > read more
The Big Chill Presents 'History of Hip Hop' This Saturday
Published on 2011-02-21 16:30:00
This Saturday, the 'Big Chill Presents' returns for its first outing of 2011 and launches a brand new residency with the on-demand radio platform Mixcloud who will be kicking things of with an event titled 'History of Hip Hop' Led by a very special g > read more
Holy Radioactive Simpson Superhero!
Published on 2011-02-21 13:30:00
There are some odd things going on in London at the moment! Out and about on a stroll this lunchtime I came across this guy, a nuclear protester outside the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). He wasn't able to engage anyone in con > read more
What's In A Dane?
Published on 2011-02-19 15:30:00
With the Olympics coming up, the main roads leading up to Stratford have been sprouting new high-rise housing developments for a few years now. However, for whatever reason some plots have failed to attract the attention of developers. So it is wit > read more
Martina Cole's 'The Graft' @ Theatre Royal Stratford East - A Review
Published on 2011-02-18 16:00:00
Last night we went to see the new stage adaptation of Martina Cole's novel, 'The Graft', at the Theatre Royal Stratford East. Cole has become notorious for her swathe of popular novels that deal with criminality and the seedier side of life so even t > read more
Hilton Winter Sale Competition Winner Announcement
Published on 2011-02-17 08:00:00
I'm very pleased to be able to announce the winner of the competition to win a £200 Hilton Worldwide hotel voucher to coincide with their ‘Any Weekend, Anywhere’ Winter sale, which offered up to 50% off rooms booked up until 31 January. The > read more
The £7m Fitzroy Square Squat
Published on 2011-02-17 03:00:00
As I was in the area at lunchtime today, I thought I'd share some pictures that I took of 34 and 35 Fitzroy Square, a house recently bought by Guy Ritchie for a cool £7m, but which since Tuesday has been occupied by a group of squatters. They've se > read more
Take A Flying Start With British Airways and Comic Relief
Published on 2011-02-16 14:00:00
British Airways have teamed up with Comic Relief to run a great competition that will see 75 lucky winners travelling on a flight which aims to claim a Guiness World Record for the "Highest Stand-Up Comedy Gig in the World". They will be wined, dined > read more
No 10's Latest Appointment - Larry The Tabby Cat
Published on 2011-02-16 07:00:00
After a rat was seen scurrying along in the background of a BBC report being filmed from outside No 10 Downing St recently, a new member of staff has just joined the Prime Minister's team in the form of Larry, a four-year old tabby cat from the Batte > read more
New Doctor Who Experience Materialises at Olympia Two!
Published on 2011-02-16 03:00:00
Sci-fi fans will be excited to hear that the new Doctor Who Experience will be opening its doors at the Olympia Two venue in Kensington from today! Walking through the exhibition space you'll be taking part in a self-contained Doctor Who adventure f > read more
Strindberg's Apartment @ The New Diorama Theatre
Published on 2011-02-15 07:00:00
A couple of months ago I visited London's newest theatre, the New Diorama in Euston, to see David Benson in his award winning portrayal of Kenneth Williams, 'Think No Evil Of Us - My Life With Kenneth Williams'. This post is an update to tell you abo > read more
The KETTLE® Ridge Dodgem Derby with Ben Collins
Published on 2011-02-15 03:00:00
This one's a bit commercial I suppose, but I thought that you might find it a fun read and it provides a very interesting opportunity for car fans... Ben Collins (one of the ex-Stigs from Top Gear) is currently in training to take part in the first > read more
Gnomeo & Juliet - Movie Review
Published on 2011-02-14 16:00:00
As part of our early Valentine's Day celebrations we went to see Gnomeo and Juliet on Saturday evening, the new animated family film directed and penned by Kelly Asbury (also responsible for directing 'Shrek 2' and an artist on other animated class > read more
Battersea Park
Published on 2011-02-13 17:30:00
On Friday I went for a walk around Battersea Park, the large 200+ acre park on the south side of the Thames between the Albert and Chelsea Bridges. It's a beautiful place, and very quiet and peaceful - at least on weekdays it seems. It has a lot o > read more
Framing The View
Published on 2011-02-13 07:00:00
Just as a little Sunday treat, I thought you might enjoy this photograph that I took yesterday when we visited the Thames Barrier Information Centre, of the barrier framing a view of the O2 and Canary Wharf... > read more
Dinosaurs Unleashed @ O2 Arena
Published on 2011-02-13 03:00:00
Opening on 18 February, 'Dinosaurs Unleashed' brings a whole host of prehistoric animals to the O2 arena. At this new exhibition you'll find 22 life-size animatronic dinosaurs, a computer-generated aquarium full of strange species, fossils and more t > read more
Skyscrapercity.com - Lost London
Published on 2011-02-12 07:00:00
I'm sure this has happened to you online before - every once in a while you stumble across an absolute treasure-trove completely by accident. That's what happened to me a few nights ago when I discovered the skyscrapercity.com forum. It's a place wh > read more
Illumini Presents Electro-Late @ Museum of London
Published on 2011-02-12 03:00:00
I'm a big fan of Jane Webb and her Illumini events (the Crypt-Mas grotto was one of the oddest art installations I have ever seen!) and on Friday 11 March she will be teaming up with the Museum of London to bring "Electro-Late" to life. Expect an eve > read more
Valentines For Lonely Hearts
Published on 2011-02-11 07:00:00
A friend reminded me yesterday that as there are lots of single people in London I should do a Valentine's post for them. I know I mentioned an event in my Valentine's roundup last week aimed at unattached people, but there are a few things going on > read more
Last Chance To See A' Exhibition with Remi/Rough and Steve More
Published on 2011-02-11 05:00:00
A few weeks ago I mentioned the new exhibition highlighting the collaboration between graffiti artists Remi/Rough and Steve More at the Blackall Studios in Leonard St, A'. They've now extended the show until today so if edgy art is your thing then yo > read more
New Music - Rev78 debut album "Boy In The Blitz"
Published on 2011-02-11 03:00:00
February is turning into a bit of a musical month - I've had several friends showcase some new bands to me in the last few days (which I should be talking about on the blog in the next few weeks if I can get to their gigs), but first let me introduce > read more
The Google Art Project Comes To London
Published on 2011-02-10 07:00:00
I thought I should tell you about the new service from Google which was launched last week, the 'Google Art Project'. Google have digitised 17 of the world's leading art galleries, allowing you to view images of the pieces that are on display at the > read more
Once Upon A Wartime @ Imperial War Museum
Published on 2011-02-10 03:00:00
This Friday, 11 February, the Imperial War Museum in Lambeth will be putting on a new exhibition, entitled "Once Upon A Wartime - Classic War Stories for Children". Five children's stories about war will be brought to life with scale > read more
The Old Sweet Factory
Published on 2011-02-09 07:00:00
I do come across some odd sites in London from time to time... On Katherine Road, between Forest Gate and Upton Park in the East End, you'll find the old Trebor sweet factory. A dramatic Art Deco edifice, it was built in 1937 and was a major employe > read more
Engaging With Prince William
Published on 2011-02-09 03:00:00
Here's an interesting piece of news for fans of the Royals... If the sight of Prince William and Kate Middleton with an engagement ring on her finger made you swoon a few weeks ago, you can now pretend that you're the one that will be going down the > read more
Ping Pong Dim Sum Celebrates Chinese New Year
Published on 2011-02-08 16:00:00
Last night I was invited down to Ping Pong's flagship dim sum restaurant on Great Marlborough St in Soho to sample the dishes that they've devised for Chinese New Year, and to try out the rest of their range. What an interesting evening it turned out > read more
Black Swan - Movie Review
Published on 2011-02-07 13:00:00
Yesterday afternoon we were over at the independent Curzon cinema in Soho to see Natalie Portman's latest outing in 'Black Swan'. Nominated for 5 Academy Awards, its a harrowing story about the enormous pressures placed on a prima ballerina before he > read more
The Comedy of Errors @ The Greenwich Playhouse - A Review
Published on 2011-02-06 13:00:00
Last night we went over to the diminutive Greenwich Playhouse (up in the eaves above Belushi's Bar next to Greenwich station) to see a new Sell-A-Door production of Shakespeare's 'The Comedy of Errors'. In brief, The Comedy of Error tells the tale o > read more
On The River At Woolwich
Published on 2011-02-05 17:00:00
I like to the think that when I talk about the more unusual places that I visit in London I might be giving readers pointers to help them explore London for themselves. Sometimes though, I end up in places that I can't recommend at all, the first of > read more
On The River At Woolwich
Published on 2011-02-05 17:00:00
I like to the think that when I talk about the more unusual places that I visit in London I might be giving readers pointers to help them explore London for themselves. Sometimes though, I end up in places that I can't recommend at all, the first of > read more
Future Cinema presents Jean Jacques Beineix's 'Diva' @ London Coliseum
Published on 2011-02-04 11:00:00
On Monday 28 February, Future Cinema will be screening director Jean Jacques Beneix's 1981 cult classic 'Diva' at the London Coliseum, in association with the English National Opera. With Future Cinema's trademark of fusing film and live performance > read more
Future Cinema presents Jean Jacques Beineix's 'Diva' @ London Coliseum
Published on 2011-02-04 11:00:00
On Monday 28 February, Future Cinema will be screening director Jean Jacques Beneix's 1981 cult classic 'Diva' at the London Coliseum, in association with the English National Opera. With Future Cinema's trademark of fusing film and live performance > read more
Chinese New Year in London - The Year of the Rabbit
Published on 2011-02-04 08:00:00
Image by sohl @deviantart.com Although the date for Chinese New Year, the 'Year of the Rabbit' fell yesterday on Thursday 3 February, the official celebrations in London will be taking place on Sunday 6 February this year. Organised by the London Ch > read more
Chinese New Year in London - The Year of the Rabbit
Published on 2011-02-04 08:00:00
Image by sohl @deviantart.com Although the date for Chinese New Year, the 'Year of the Rabbit' fell yesterday on Thursday 3 February, the official celebrations in London will be taking place on Sunday 6 February this year. Organised by the London Ch > read more
New Crime Maps from Police.uk
Published on 2011-02-03 09:00:00
Unless you've been incommunicado over the last few days, you can't fail to have heard about the new clickable crime maps that have been released on the police.uk website. You can select a place to view by entering the place name or postcode on the w > read more
New Crime Maps from Police.uk
Published on 2011-02-03 09:00:00
Unless you've been incommunicado over the last few days, you can't fail to have heard about the new clickable crime maps that have been released on the police.uk website. You can select a place to view by entering the place name or postcode on the w > read more
Jameson Cult Film Club Returns With 'Monsters' @ The Royal College of Surgeons
Published on 2011-02-03 07:00:00
I had a great time at the last London outing of the Jameson Irish Whiskey's Cult Film Club, the 'Chills in the Chapel' event at the Union Chapel in Islington in October, and you'll be interested to hear that they are back this Spring, with a showi > read more
Jameson Cult Film Club Returns With 'Monsters' @ The Royal College of Surgeons
Published on 2011-02-03 07:00:00
I had a great time at the last London outing of the Jameson Irish Whiskey's Cult Film Club, the 'Chills in the Chapel' event at the Union Chapel in Islington in October, and you'll be interested to hear that they are back this Spring, with a showi > read more
TalkTalk 'Communication' Competition Winners Announced!
Published on 2011-02-02 16:00:00
I'm really pleased to be able announce the winners of the photographic competition which I have been running, sponsored by TalkTalk the broadband and home phone company, to provide one lucky winner with £150 of Amazon vouchers, and two amounts o > read more
TalkTalk 'Communication' Competition Winners Announced!
Published on 2011-02-02 16:00:00
I'm really pleased to be able announce the winners of the photographic competition which I have been running, sponsored by TalkTalk the broadband and home phone company, to provide one lucky winner with £150 of Amazon vouchers, and two amounts o > read more
8th Wonder of the World Lecture @ London Transport Museum
Published on 2011-02-01 17:00:00
Tonight I was down in the basement of the London Transport Museum over in Covent Garden for a lecture by Robert Hulse, the erudite and witty Director of the Brunel Museum over in Rotherhithe, on the Thames Tunnel. This lecture is part of a series of > read more
8th Wonder of the World Lecture @ London Transport Museum
Published on 2011-02-01 17:00:00
Tonight I was down in the basement of the London Transport Museum over in Covent Garden for a lecture by Robert Hulse, the erudite and witty Director of the Brunel Museum over in Rotherhithe, on the Thames Tunnel. This lecture is part of a series of > read more
Spicing Up Valentine's Day With Levi Roots
Published on 2011-01-31 17:00:00
Just adding to the mix of ideas that I gave you on Friday, for those of you who are determined to stay at home on Valentine's night, you might want to consider spicing things up a bit with chef Levi Roots' 'reggae reggae recipes for romance'. Here's > read more
Spicing Up Valentine's Day With Levi Roots
Published on 2011-01-31 17:00:00
Just adding to the mix of ideas that I gave you on Friday, for those of you who are determined to stay at home on Valentine's night, you might want to consider spicing things up a bit with chef Levi Roots' 'reggae reggae recipes for romance'. Here's > read more
Hereafter - A Review
Published on 2011-01-30 17:00:00
This afternoon we went over to Wakefield to see the latest movie starring Matt Damon, 'Hereafter'. The film follows several people whose lives, in one way or another, revolve around the fundamental question of what happens when we die. An interestin > read more
Hereafter - A Review
Published on 2011-01-30 17:00:00
This afternoon we went over to Wakefield to see the latest movie starring Matt Damon, 'Hereafter'. The film follows several people whose lives, in one way or another, revolve around the fundamental question of what happens when we die. An interestin > read more
In Yorkshire - Hebden Bridge
Published on 2011-01-29 17:00:00
Today we were in the charming little market town of Hebden Bridge, in the Upper Calder Valley in West Yorkshire. Visually, its a very striking place - it's surrounded on all sides by tall hills and the buildings in the town are made almost uniformly > read more
In Yorkshire - Hebden Bridge
Published on 2011-01-29 17:00:00
Today we were in the charming little market town of Hebden Bridge, in the Upper Calder Valley in West Yorkshire. Visually, its a very striking place - it's surrounded on all sides by tall hills and the buildings in the town are made almost uniformly > read more
London Valentines
Published on 2011-01-28 17:00:00
As we're just over two weeks away now, here's a list of five ideas for readers considering doing something special with their loved one on Valentine's Day, which falls on Monday 14 February this year. I've even included a suggestion for the singleton > read more
Andaz Hotel Liverpool St
Published on 2011-01-27 15:00:00
Today I'm going to tell you about the interesting evening I had last night, being shown around the boutique 5-star Andaz Hotel right next to Liverpool St station in central London. Back in the late 19th century, this building started its life as the > read more
Hilton Worldwide's Winter Sale & An Exclusive Competition - £200 Prize!
Published on 2011-01-26 08:00:00
I've got some great news! To coincide with Hilton Worldwide's Winter sale, "Any Weekend, Anywhere", I am running an exclusive competition where one lucky reader will win £200 of Hilton Worldwide UK vouchers which can be exchanged for a sta > read more
Hilton Worldwide's Winter Sale & An Exclusive Competition - £200 Prize!
Published on 2011-01-26 08:00:00
I've got some great news! To coincide with Hilton Worldwide's Winter sale, "Any Weekend, Anywhere", I am running an exclusive competition where one lucky reader will win £200 of Hilton Worldwide UK vouchers which can be exchanged for a stay at a Hil > read more
EDF Energy Bring 'Sunrise' to The London Eye
Published on 2011-01-26 06:00:00
Very early ysterday morning (far earlier than I'm prepared to get out of bed anyway!) the London Eye was uniquely lit with a spectacular sunrise effect, to mark the beginning of EDF Energy's 3 year collaboration with Merlin Entertainment to sponsor t > read more
EDF Energy Bring 'Sunrise' to The London Eye
Published on 2011-01-26 06:00:00
Very early ysterday morning (far earlier than I'm prepared to get out of bed anyway!) the London Eye was uniquely lit with a spectacular sunrise effect, to mark the beginning of EDF Energy's 3 year collaboration with Merlin Entertainment to sponsor t > read more
All Star Lanes - Bowling @ Bayswater with Qype
Published on 2011-01-25 17:30:00
Courtesy of my friends over at Qype, earlier this evening I found myself just around the corner from Whiteley's in Bayswater at the All Star Lanes.Firstly, put everything you know about bowling allies out of your mind, because this isn't one of those > read more
MICHELIN Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2011 Launches
Published on 2011-01-23 13:00:00
For the gourmands amongst my readers, I thought I should let you know that the MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2011 is now available, priced at £15.99 (and €18.99 in Ireland). This edition is rather special, as this year marks the guid > read more
MICHELIN Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2011 Launches
Published on 2011-01-23 13:00:00
For the gourmands amongst my readers, I thought I should let you know that the MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2011 is now available, priced at £15.99 (and €18.99 in Ireland). This edition is rather special, as this year marks the guid > read more
UKGovCamp 2011 @ Microsoft Consumer Experience Centre
Published on 2011-01-22 17:00:00
I got up early this morning and headed into town to attend the UKGovCamp at the Microsoft Consumer Experience Centre in Cardinal Place at Victoria. The event brought together Government officials, local authority officers, people from the voluntar > read more
UKGovCamp 2011 @ Microsoft Consumer Experience Centre
Published on 2011-01-22 17:00:00
I got up early this morning and headed into town to attend the UKGovCamp at the Microsoft Consumer Experience Centre in Cardinal Place at Victoria. The event brought together Government officials, local authority officers, people from the voluntar > read more
'Project Your Imagination' Competition from Bombay Sapphire
Published on 2011-01-21 17:00:00
The folks from Bombay Sapphire, the premium gin brand, are running an intriguing competition at the moment, 'Project Your Imagination' where they're inviting ideas from people for projecting wrap-around 3D images on iconic buildings in various cities > read more
'Project Your Imagination' Competition from Bombay Sapphire
Published on 2011-01-21 17:00:00
The folks from Bombay Sapphire, the premium gin brand, are running an intriguing competition at the moment, 'Project Your Imagination' where they're inviting ideas from people for projecting wrap-around 3D images on iconic buildings in various cities > read more
London On A Budget From HostelBookers
Published on 2011-01-20 02:00:00
The guys from HostelBookers have put together a series of really great little videos for people coming to the capital who are on a budget. I've watched the 'London Guide' all the way through and it really is useful advice - follow it and you'll reall > read more
London On A Budget From HostelBookers
Published on 2011-01-20 02:00:00
The guys from HostelBookers have put together a series of really great little videos for people coming to the capital who are on a budget. I've watched the 'London Guide' all the way through and it really is useful advice - follow it and you'll reall > read more
The Naked Cowboy Sings 'Ode to the Bagel' Tomorrow at Kings Cross St Pancras
Published on 2011-01-19 17:00:00
Some things could only ever happen in London... The 'Naked Cowboy' (aka Robert Burck), the famous New York Times Square street entertainer, known the world over for serenading passersby in no more than a pair of cowboy boots and a stetson is going to > read more
The Naked Cowboy Sings 'Ode to the Bagel' Tomorrow at Kings Cross St Pancras
Published on 2011-01-19 17:00:00
Some things could only ever happen in London... The 'Naked Cowboy' (aka Robert Burck), the famous New York Times Square street entertainer, known the world over for serenading passersby in no more than a pair of cowboy boots and a stetson is going to > read more
A' Exhibition @ Blackall Studios
Published on 2011-01-18 17:00:00
From 1 to 6 February you'll be able to go along to the Blackall Studios on Leonard St in the City to take a look at A' - a new exhibition featuring work by graffiti artists Remi/Rough and Steve More. The title A’ refers to their starting point of > read more
A' Exhibition @ Blackall Studios
Published on 2011-01-18 17:00:00
From 1 to 6 February you'll be able to go along to the Blackall Studios on Leonard St in the City to take a look at A' - a new exhibition featuring work by graffiti artists Remi/Rough and Steve More. The title A’ refers to their starting point of > read more
The Green Hornet - A Review
Published on 2011-01-17 17:00:00
Seth Rogen returns to the screen this month as the star of a rather camp superhero flick, The Green Hornet, an updated version of the radio serial which ran from the 1930s to the 1950s. He is joined on screen by his faithful assistant Cato (Jay Chou, > read more
The Green Hornet - A Review
Published on 2011-01-17 17:00:00
Seth Rogen returns to the screen this month as the star of a rather camp superhero flick, The Green Hornet, an updated version of the radio serial which ran from the 1930s to the 1950s. He is joined on screen by his faithful assistant Cato (Jay Chou, > read more
Alexandra Palace
Published on 2011-01-16 13:00:00
Earlier today we were high above the London landscape outside Alexandra Palace, the huge Victorian edifice which was built in 1873 as North London's answer to the Crystal Palace. While it's southern cousin is long gone, after surviving several fires > read more
The 3rd London Ice Sculpting Festival
Published on 2011-01-15 17:00:00
Earlier today we went over to Jubilee Park in Canary Wharf to check out the 3rd London Ice Sculpting Festival which started yesterday, and was nearing its end when we popped over at lunchtime (thank goodness, given that in the unseasonably mild weath > read more
The London Chat Show - Launching 25 January @ The Canal Cafe Theatre
Published on 2011-01-15 11:00:00
Here's an interesting concept - an evening's entertainment in the style of a TV chat show, and that's what the guys behind the London Chat Show are bringing to the intimate Canal Cafe Theatre in Little Venice on 25 January. Amira Hashish, the entert > read more
Manga Dreams Exhibition @ Hamiltons Gallery
Published on 2011-01-14 17:00:00
It seems to be all go with funky and unusual art at the moment! I'm really pleased to tell you about a new exhibition, 'Manga Dreams', a series of fine art photographs by Anderson and Low featuring subjects dressed in costumes and poses that reflect > read more
March March March Exhibition @ Drawers Gallery
Published on 2011-01-13 17:00:00
Earlier tonight I was down in the basement of the Haggerston pub in Dalston, where you'll find the Drawers gallery, for an exhibition of some new works by Nick Deeley, Joanna Peace and Lydia Whitmore.If you get down there you'll find delicate pencil > read more
BBC Television Centre
Published on 2011-01-13 13:00:00
I thought you might be interested in some images that I captured from an unusual vantage point today - pictures of the vast BBC Television Centre complex over in White City (think maybe large general hospital or university campus in size - it's that > read more
Hand-Drawn Maps of London Wanted for Museum of London Exhibition
Published on 2011-01-12 15:00:00
Those imaginative folk over at the Londonist, the online news, views and reviews site, are looking for arty Londoners to submit hand-drawn maps of the part of London that they live in, for inclusion in an exhibition in the main entrance foyer of the > read more
London Bloggers Meetup Group
Published on 2011-01-11 17:00:00
After a few months away, I went over to the Doggett's Coat and Badge at the southern end of Blackfriars Bridge earlier this evening for another great meeting of the London Bloggers Meetup group, organised as usual by Andy Bargery. These evenings are > read more
The Big Sleep Out
Published on 2011-01-09 13:00:00
Time to tell you about a really worthy event that's going to be taking place on 18 March in support of the Big Issue Foundation, the 'Big Sleep Out'. As you may know, the Foundation is dedicated to the well being of the 2900 vendors of the Big Issue > read more
Glade Festival Is Back for 2011
Published on 2011-01-08 13:00:00
Just a quick heads-up for the dance fans out there that, after a hiatus in 2010, the Glade Festival is back, with a three day dancefest from 9 to 12 June 2011 at an as yet undisclosed location!THE event organiser, Anselm Guise, had this to say:" > read more
The Superbreak London Theatre Guide
Published on 2011-01-07 12:00:00
I've just discovered a cute little pocket guide for tourists visiting the theatres in the West End for the first time, produced by Superbreak, who provide online packages for stays in London and Europe - the Superbreak London Theatre Guide. There's > read more
The Admiralty Citadel
Published on 2011-01-07 07:00:00
Sitting amongst the grand offices in Whitehall, central London, you'll find an ugly brute of a building, the Admiralty Citadel. Directly behind the old Admiralty on Whitehall, it was built as a shelter for military personnel so that they could contin > read more
Havana Club Wall Project Kicks Off @ Rich Mix Tomorrow Night
Published on 2011-01-06 15:00:00
Just a quick tip off that Remi/Rough, the renowned graffiti artist, is going to be kicking off the Havana Club Wall Project at Shoreditch's Rich Mix venue from 7:30pm tomorrow night. Havana Club, the authentic Cuban rum producer, are sponsoring thi > read more
Announcing An Exclusive Competition with TalkTalk!
Published on 2011-01-06 13:00:00
Readers, I am really excited to announce the start of an exclusive competition which I am running in conjunction with TalkTalk, the broadband and home phone company, to provide £250 worth of vouchers to three lucky winners! In addition to offering p > read more
Vote for DEM LOT in the Barclays Live 2010 Dance Competition
Published on 2011-01-05 15:00:00
As you'll remember, I've mentioned the Barclays Live dance competition on the blog a couple of times over the last few months, and highlighted the fact that the London dance champions for 2010 were DEM LOT, winning out against fierce competition from > read more
Farewell to Germany
Published on 2011-01-03 13:00:00
I'm just going to use this post to show you some of the photographs that I took which don't really fit anywhere else on the blog.Needless to say, I have increased my quotient of 'Berliner Bears' - I snapped several more on this trip and I'm going to > read more
In Germany - Himmelspagode
Published on 2011-01-02 17:00:00
Just to say goodbye to everyone at the end of our German visit we had a meal earlier today in a place that I must tell you about - the Himmelspagode (Heaven's Pagoda) Chinese restaurant just outside of Berlin. It's an amazing structure - three storie > read more
In Germany - The Russian Orthodox Friedhofskirche
Published on 2011-01-02 09:00:00
In the Reinickendorf area of Berlin you'll find a structure that in many ways looks very out of place - the Russian Orthodox Cemetery Church, built for Berlin's ex-patriot Russian community in 1894. It has a classic Russian look about it, with fiv > read more
In Germany - Grunewald Station Platform 17 Memorial
Published on 2011-01-01 13:00:00
Earlier today we paid a visit to the area of Berlin that sits next to the Grunewald forest on the western edge of the city. This area is home to Germany's movie stars, TV celebrities and bankers - there are lots of huge gated mansions around - you ca > read more
In Germany - New Year's Greetings!
Published on 2010-12-31 18:01:00
A Happy New Year to you all from Berlin!Just to note that these photographs were actually taken on the street outside a bar in Schoneberg, where the club next door was putting on the display. Firework safety laws are much more relaxed in Germany, and > read more
In Germany - Lake Tegel
Published on 2010-12-31 13:00:00
Outside the centre of Berlin to the West you'll find the residential and shopping area of Tegel, as well as one of the city's two international airports. We did do some shopping our visit today (including nipping into C&A - still alive and well > read more
In Germany - Deutsches Technikmuseum
Published on 2010-12-30 13:00:00
Given that we have over 10 days in Berlin this Christmas, we've had the opportunity to take in a lot of the sites, including the Deutsches Technikmuseum. This museum is dedicated to various modes of transportation, including trains, aircraft and boat > read more
The Tourist - Movie Review
Published on 2010-12-29 13:00:00
During our visit to Germany we've managed to take in a film, The Tourist, starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie - rather an appropriate movie to watch on a foreign holiday I think you'll agree...Just as an aside, for English-speaking movie goers vi > read more
In Germany - The Pergamon Museum
Published on 2010-12-28 13:00:00
Another day, another tourist attraction, this time the Pergamon Museum which is located on Berlin's so-called 'Museum Island' just up the wide boulevard from the Brandenburg Gate and next to the Dom cathedral in the centre of the city.The Pergamon Mu > read more