Category Archives: London Gems

Joo Yeon Sir in Concert at St Martin’s in the Fields 9th January by Margaret Graham

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Some years ago I was honoured to be invited to speak at the commemoration  of Vera Brittain’s life, at St. Martin’s in the Fields. I was delighted to pay homage to the author of Testament of Youth, (soon to be released as a film) who wrote with an eye to the social and political context of the time, as indeed do I. So, on went the hat, and off I went.

pic1 exterior

In the front pews were the great and the good, rewardingly attentive. At the back, secure in the knowledge they were welcome at St. Martin’s whatever else was going on, were the sleeping, snoring homeless. St. Martin’s has endeared itself to me ever since; with its balance of religion, and community.

 

Part of this ethos had led, 65 years ago, to the free lunchtime concerts. At last I caught one, featuring Joo Yeon Sir and what a treat.

JooYeonSir Joo Yeon Sir  photograph by www.benjaminharte.com

 

Joo Yeon Sir (violin), acclaimed and award winning Korean born British violinist, has performed as soloist, recitalist and chamber musician at major venues across the UK. At the concert on 9th January she was accompanied by Russian born Irina Andrievshy .So there I was, sitting in St. Martin’s again: did it disappoint?

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Absolutely not, it was a tour de force.

 

As I sat towards the back, pre-concert, admiring the East Window created by Shirazeh Houshiary and Pip Horne with its etched mouth blown clear glass, I wondered if St Martin’s ethos of ‘all welcome’ still held good; especially in such a full house. Then I heard it… A homeless gentleman sitting in a pew across from me, asking where was God, loudly, and then rather more vehemently where the …. was he? Security arrived, a kindly security, who had a little chat, and the visitor left, amicably, to return halfway through the concert. A frisson ran round our area. He plonked himself in a congested pew, (they all were) getting everyone to shove up, and then settled to listen to the marvelous music, along with the rest of us. Perfection at all levels  – again.

 

Joo Leon Sir had chosen to open the concert with Grave in style of F. Bach. I’m a great weeper when listening to the violin, because I find it the most beautiful of instruments, if played well. It was played, more than well, so things became blurred. What enhanced the piece was the glorious building. Both the playing and the architecture inspired awe.

pic4 ceiling

Then it was the Sonata No 3 in C minor for Violin and Piano, which was beautifully and empathetically imagined and finally a Concert Fantasy on Gershwin’s Opera ‘Porgy and Bess’, which was cheeky, energetic and as haunting, as Gershwin always is.

Joo Yeon Sir plays not just with her fingers, but her whole body. She is a joy to listen to, and to watch. So, take the upcoming opportunity: Joo Yeon performs all ten of Beethoven’s sonatas for violin and piano, in a series of four rush-hour recitals at the Royal College of Music, starting 3rd March.

Again, all recitals are free but tickets are required from the RCM Box Office. 020 7591 4314/ www.rcm.ac.uk/events  Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, SW7 2BS.

Sam Wannamaker’s Globe Works Its Magic By Penny Gerrard

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After unexpectedly warm and fine autumn days the weather has taken a sharp downhill turn and it’s cold and very, very wet.  What better on such a day than a visit to an outdoor theatre?  Courtesy of Amazon local we have half price vouchers for the Globe Theatre exhibition and tour.   We owe the reconstruction of such an iconic building to Sam Wannamaker, the American Shakespearean actor, who made it a lifelong project, sadly dying before he could see its completion.

 

As we walk across Southwark Bridge the contrast is stark between the Elizabethan style of the Globe Theatre, the original of which was built some 300 metres away in 1599,and the brutal architecture of Tate Modern which towers over it.  I know which I prefer.

Sam Wannamaker’s ‘Globe’ works

Inside the exhibition centre we are greeted by a series of fascinating exhibits bringing the world of Shakespeare to life.  We are struck by the London cityscape as it was in Shakespeare’s time with its low rise buildings dwarfed by the original St Paul’s and love the idea of the Frost Fairs which took place on the Thames in times of colder winters .

 

In a display cabinet I spot two small pottery objects – spherical with an elongated pointed top and a slot on the upper slope. One is intact and the other has a jagged fracture on it as if it has been dropped or hit. I recognise these as “boxes” which were used by the ticket sellers to collect the pennies which it cost for a standing only ticket in front of the stage and somewhat more for an actual seat.    There was no stopper at the bottom as in modern money boxes. Instead they were taken round to the “office” where they were broken open to retrieve the takings.   Hence the expression “box office” which we still use today. It also accounts for why intact examples are so rare. It seems to me that replicas would sell like hot cakes in the gift shop?

 

We embark on our tour, escorted by Simon, almost certainly an actor from his voice and demeanour.  We find ourselves sitting on the pine benches (slightly more comfortable than the oak used for most of the theatre construction).    The rain lashes down into the unprotected area in front of the stage – where the hardy audience known as “groundlings” stood in the past and still do today, come rain or shine, but now at the price of £5 (a 1200% increase).

 

My mind travels back across the four centuries since Shakespeare’s time and I can visualise the cast, all male of course, putting on one marvellous play after another, all in broad daylight and with little in the way of scenery. Despite that they still managed to ignite the imagination of the audience in a way that continues to this day. I promise myself to come back next spring and share that timeless experience with them.

 

By Penny Gerrard

 

 

Postman’s Park by Margaret Graham

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There I was, slouching about in London with ‘he who must be disobeyed’ in search of the Postman’s Park. Have you been? If not, nip along. It’s almost next door to the Museum of London. It’ll pull at your heartstrings.

Postman’s Park is on the site of the former HQ of the General Post Office, and is one of the largest parks in the City of London. It is tucked away almost next to the Museum of London, at St Martin’s le Grand, EC1A.Tube: St Paul’s.
Buses: 4, 8, 25, 56, 100, 172, 242

When you see the blue old police box, just turn into the gates. The Postman’s Park opened in 1880 on the site of the former churchyard and burial ground of St. Botolph’s Aldersgate.

As you enter you will see ahead of you, and beyond the circular flowerbed, a loggia and long wall.  It is this you must head for, past the headstones, past office workers eating their lunch, past the circular bed, lovely though it is.

Your goal is Victorian painter and sculptor George Frederick Watt’s wall of ceramic memorial tables honouring the self sacrifice of ordinary people.

In 1900 Watt’s felt driven to create this memorial, determined that acts of bravery performed by ordinary people should be commemorated.

Only four of the memorial tablets were in place at the time of its opening, with a further nine tablets added during Watts’s lifetime.

Watts’s wife, Mary, took over the project after Watts’s death in 1904, and oversaw the installation of a further 35 memorial tablets as well as a sculpture of her husband.

Later, increasingly pre-occupied with the Watts Gallery, which still features her husband’s work at Compton, near Guildford, she ceased involvement, and only five further tablets were added during her lifetime.

In 1972, key elements of the park were designated Grade 11 listed. Following the 2004 film Closer, which set some key scenes within Postman’s Park, interest was stirred again. Recently, a free mobile app, The Everyday Heroes of Postman’s Park was launched which documents those commemorated on the memorial. New tablets are still being added. Mary and George would have been delighted.

I remember the plaque I came across in the West Australian bush, when researching a novel for Heinemann. The plaque commemorated a young girl who lay across her siblings when a bush fire raged over them on their way home from school. She died, they survived.

Ordinary people do extraordinary things, not the least being our young troops out on patrol day after day in war zones. It is right and good that we remember every one of these ordinary people. Are you supporting the Invectus Games? I do hope so.

Westfield’s Launch ‘We Are LDN Summer’ Campaign

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To celebrate the launch of Westfield’s ‘We Are LDN Summer’ campaign, running 16 July – 31 August, visitors to Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City will be treated to six weeks of London’s best in class of dance, music, art, food, children and fashion themed activity. WESTFIELD LAUNCHES WE ARE LDN SUMMER CAMPAIGN Each themed week will showcase the capital’s finest free dance workshops, musical performances, art exhibitions, culinary demonstrations, children’s activities and style sessions along with competitions and offers from Westfield’s dining, entertainment and leisure retailers.   Whether you’re out for a spot of shopping, enjoying a delicious meal or soaking up the sun, Westfield has all your summer bases covered.  

MUSIC WEEK (21 – 27 JULY)

 

West & East London Talent, Various Stages, Daily

The very best of London musicians, choirs, writers and performers will be showcasing their talents across a variety of stages at Westfield London and Stratford City. The Mayor of London’s annual busking competition will also be taking place during this week so get front row to see the capital’s next big star!

 

DANCE WEEK (28 JULY – 3 AUGUST)

 

English National Ballet, 30 July at Westfield London, 31 July Westfield Stratford City 11-4pm

Children can experience the love of dance firsthand with this exciting workshop hosted led by the English National Ballet, featuring the enchanting tales of Coppélia, Swan Lake and Nutcracker.

 

Big Dance, Westfield London, Mon 28 July, Fri 1 Aug, Sun 3 Aug, 11-5pm

High energy performances and have-a-go workshops from Big Dance at Westfield including street, Brazilian, Jazz and swing.

 

IMD Legion, Westfield Stratford City, 3 August, 12pm

Check out East London dance crew, IMD Legion as they show off the talent that made them famous on Got To Dance, Nickelodeon, Ashley Banjo’s Street Crew and CBBC Fridays.

 

ART WEEK (4 – 10 AUGUST)

East vs. West Art, Westfield London, Daily

Curated in associating with Jack Jones of The London Collection, the exhibition brings together a selection of established and emerging artists to promote the cultural richness and diversity that West London has to offer. This exciting collection will feature a mix of contemporary painting, photography and sculpture.

 

Kids Arts, 6 August Westfield London, 7 August Westfield Stratford City, 11-4pm

Wednesday 6 August is a dedicated kid’s art’s day. Kids are invited to come down grab a painting easel, a beret and a paint brush and hone their skills.

 

Live Graffiti, Westfield Stratford City, Throughout the day

Check out the week long interactive live graffiti artwork supplied by Graffiti Life. Become part of the daily mural or get your own graffiti name tag giveaway!

 

FOOD WEEK (11 – 17 AUGUST)

 

Cooking Demos, Westfield London, Westfield Stratford City, Daily, See website for details

Enjoy free, daily masterclasses with L’atelier des Chef, the leaders in fun, energetic culinary classes.

 

Kids Cooking Day, Westfield London 13 August, Westfield Stratford City, 14 August, 11-4pm

Kids are invited to try and be the next Jamie Oliver at Kids Cooking Day. Kids can try their hand at making finger sandwiches and pies.

 

Foodie Festival, Westfield London, 16 – 17 August

Top off a week of gastronomy at Westfield London with a weekend foodie festival. Located in the al-fresco surroundings of The Southern Terrace, retailers and guest vendors will be sharing their tasty treats to shoppers.

KIDS WEEK (18 – 24 AUGUST)

 

Dinosaur Train,     Westfield London: 19 August, 11am, 12noon, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm,

Westfield Stratford City 20 August, 11am, 12noon, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm

 

Beloved Nick Jnr programme, Dinosaur Train, is coming exclusively to Westfield! A UK first, Buddy the tyrannosaurus rex and his adopted pteranodon family will be entertaining their fans. Free wristbands collected from 9am.

 

My London Girl Lessons, Westfield London, Daily, 12 – 5pm

During kids week, retailer My London Girl will be holding free in-store arts and crafts such as dolly hair braiding, friendship bracelet making and decorating trinket boxes.

 

Kids Arts & Crafts, Westfield Stratford City, Chestnut Plaza, Daily, 11-5pm

East London themed kids workshops and activities organised by Iced Gems Events, including games, making and decorating bags, jewellery, ceramic plates, clothes, giveaways, competitions, and face paint. Fun for all ages every day!

 

The Kick Off, Westfield Stratford City, Outside Café Football, 21 August

Think you could do better than US goalie, Tim Howard and the 16 goals he saved? Try your penalty shootout skills with Café Football.

 

FASHION WEEK (25-31AUGUST)

 

Style Sessions, Daily, Westfield London, Westfield Stratford City (see website for schedule)

For the forward-thinking fashionista or those after some styling advice, Westfield London will be hosting open style sessions from Westfield’s retailers and team of personal stylists.

PLUS, SAVE THE DATE FOR…

 

ABBEY CLANCY AT SCHOLL EXPRESS PEDI BEACH

Westfield London, The Atrium, 18 July, 11am

As the official ‘feet’ of Scholl, Abbey Clancy will make her exclusive, star appearance to open the glorious indoor beach on the morning of Friday 18 July

 

SCHOLL EXPRESS PEDI BEACH

Westfield London, The Atrium, 18 – 19 July, 10am – 7pm; 20 July 12pm – 6pm

The Scholl Express Pedi Beach is set to be the perfect pit-stop for your pre-holiday speedy summer pedicure. Let the Scholl pedicure team tend to your tired soles with a free express pedicure using the Scholl Velvet Smooth range to give you soft, beautiful feet in an instant.

 

ALEXA CHUNG BOOK SIGNING 

Westfield London, The Atrium, 12 August, 12.30pm. Signing for 1.5hours

Fashion’s It girl, Alexa Chung, will be make an appearance to sign her aptly entitled book, It. A collect of writing, doodles and photographs, It has been a huge success with Alexa’s army of fashion and style followers.

 

BIG HOUSE

Big House, Westfield Stratford City Daily, 11-6pm, Sunday 12-6pm

Daredevil visitors to the Big House can hang from the window ledges by their fingertips with not a care in the world. Well, it will look like you can! The Big House is nothing but an optical illusion. Give it a go and share on social media to trick you friends!

 

Don’t forget to have your picture taken with the great big WEST and EAST letters to pledge your allegiance to #WestLDN or #EastLDN on social media.

 

Tanqueray No Ten Launches Citrus Garden Pop Up at Vista’s Rooftop Bar

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gin Tanqueray® No. TEN™ launches Citrus Garden Pop Up at Vista’s rooftop bar free london

Event:
Tanqueray No. TEN launches Citrus Garden Pop Up at Vista rooftop bar

Date:
16th July throughout the summer

Time:
12pm to Midnight
Where:
Vista (rooftop bar at The Trafalgar)
Price:
Free
Website:
http://www.thetrafalgar.com/vista-homepage

 

Launched yesterday, Tanqueray No. TEN has transformed the rooftop back bar at Vista (The Trafalgar) into an exquisite Citrus Garden, creating an oasis of tranquillity among the chaos of the capital.

The Vista bar and its iconic British skyline acts as the perfect setting for this exclusive Citrus Garden. On entering, a citrus archway adorns the secret entrance and through an assortment of botanical grapefruit, lemon and orange trees, the Tanqueray No. TEN garden awaits.

The Pop Up is in celebration of the new bottle design and has taken inspiration from the whole handpicked citrus fruits and botanicals of Tanqueray No. TEN. Intimate cocktail masterclass sessions hosted by Tanqueray brand ambassador, Tim Homewood, will be held in the Citrus Garden every Wednesday evening inviting guests to delve into the rich history of gin, learn about the distinct flavours of Tanqueray No. TEN and the art to creating gin-infused cocktails.

Guests will be greeted and welcomed with one of the ‘Perfect TEN’ cocktails whilst enjoying the Citrus Garden. The masterclass will begin with learning about the history of the British spirit alongside a gin tasting, allowing guests to explore the fascinating array of botanical notes iconic to Tanqueray No. TEN. After this, Tim will demonstrate how to create one of the ‘Perfect TEN’ serves before guiding the class to recreate and enjoy one of their very own TEN bespoke gin-infused cocktails. Guests will be invited to stay and relax on the boutique rooftop to experience the new ‘Perfect TEN’ menu.

Masterclasses cost £15 per person inclusive of 2x ‘Perfect TEN’ cocktails. For more information visit www.thetrafalgar.com/vista-homepage

 

Tanqueray No. TEN – Perfect TEN cocktails

In celebration of Tanqueray No. TEN and the new bottle launch, World Class finalists have created the following TEN serves all available at Vista and select bars.

 
1. Nathan O’Neill’s Through the Looking Glass available at Milk & Honey and Dandelyan

2. Nathan O’Neill’s Tiny TEN Collins available at Milk & Honey and Dandelyan

3. Ladislav Piljar’s Finest TEN made upon request at Bam Bou

4. Gareth Evans L’Amuse Goose available at City Social

5. Gareth Evans Madam Camomile available at City Social

6. Tim Homewood’s Perfect T10 Martini available at Aqua Shard, Blind Pig, American Bar, Bar American, Callooh Callay, POLO, The Connaught, Balthazar

7. Monica Berg’s TEN Pollen available at Pollen Street Social

8. Tim Homewood’s Tiny TEN Martini available at Vista only

9. Tim Homewood’s What a lovely Waugh available at Vista only

10. Tim Homewood’s Old Tom Fizz available at Vista only

 

 

Live Music In The Oscar Wilde Bar at Hotel Café Royal

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Live Music In The Oscar Wilde Bar at Hotel Café Royal jasmineflowers

Commencing in July, guests in Hotel Café Royal’s exquisite Oscar Wilde Bar can enjoy live music from singer Jessica Sweetman every Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 7pm. Sweetman has played alongside musicians such as Jools Holland, and at events including Benicassim festival in Spain. She will be featured on BBC Radio London at her first session at Hotel Café Royal. The breathtaking Oscar Wilde Bar (formerly the iconic Grill Room) has been stunningly restored to its authentic Louis XVI detailing. The room oozes grandeur and sophistication, offering the perfect place to enjoy the selection of creative cocktails and live music. http://www.hotelcaferoyal.com/

 

Berkeley Homes’ One Tower Bridge Show Apartments Launch

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Last week I headed to One Tower Bridge to view their luxury apartments. The building is truly beautiful, even from the outside. I headed in and everyone was friendly and smartly dressed, just as you would expect. I see a model of all of One Tower Bridge and it looks very impressive.

They have 356 units in total and have already sold 309. Cambridge House has been launched and that is their flagship block. There are 36 units in total in Cambridge including 3 Duplex Penthouses.  There are private gardens, a new street, Duchess Walk, is being built which will have shops and restaurants. A boutique hotel with 70 bedrooms is also being launched

The apartments are stunning, every little detail is perfect. As I walked around, glass of champagne in hand, I wanted to become a multi-millionaire very quickly. As did every other person who saw them. They are gorgeous apartments: the ultimate in luxury.  Take a look at the pictures and see for yourself. The view is also incredible, as is the location. You are very close to the South Bank but this side of the river is quieter, more calm.

Honky and Casa Forma also did an excellent job of designing the show flats. I loved the sumptuous surroundings.

Berkeley Homes’ One Tower Bridge sales team will be welcoming prospective buyers to an onsite marketing suite for the first time.  In addition to the onsite marketing suite, Berkeley is launching two spectacular show homes, which do justice to the development’s extraordinary location on one of London’s last remaining great riverside locations, at the foot of the world-famous bridge.

The Casa Forma apartments 

1.03 Casa Forma Kitchen 1.03 Casa Forma Living Area 1.03 Casa Forma Living Area

Coinciding with the milestone of the first completions at One Tower Bridge this month, the two-bedroom show apartments, located in Cambridge House, the river-facing block, will provide the first enticing glimpse of what life could look like inside these exceptional residences.

Inspired by the distinctly British character and charm of the Thames Walk location, Berkeley Homes has commissioned acclaimed interior designers Casa Forma and Honky to each present their own London aesthetic in one of the show apartments.

The Honky Apartments

1.01 Honky Apartment EnSuite Bathroom 1.01 Honky Apartment Living Area 1.01 Honky Apartment Terrace

Just as each of the development’s nine blocks is slightly different in character – with variations in architectural styles, size and height to complement the skyline and showcase the magnificent views across the River Thames – the individual show apartments have distinctly different style sensibilities and features, yet each one has perfectly captured the energy, vibrancy and tasteful luxury that are part of living in the capital. The designers have all expressed their personal vision for One Tower Bridge using beautiful bespoke materials and furnishings and original artwork against the interior architects’ strong base palette.

Buyers can look forward to a home that anticipates all the needs and requirements of contemporary luxury living. All of the apartments are fully fitted with the finest materials and technology, including Miele integrated appliances, built-in coffee machines, wine coolers and individually designed oak cabinets for the custom-designed ergonomically planned kitchens.

Each apartment has a private balcony, terrace or roof garden, and also features the very latest in integrated Smart Home Technology, allowing residents remote access to adjust the automated blinds and switch on the underfloor heating system or air conditioning as they disembark from a long haul flight, as well as control the state-of-the-art security system. The technology hub also communicates wirelessly with the lift, automatically recognizing residents and delivering them to their floor.

Designed by internationally celebrated architects Squire and Partners, these luxurious one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments and penthouses offer an opportunity to live on the South Bank, right beside London’s iconic landmark – which is marking its 120th anniversary this year – and just a short walk from both the Tower of London and the Shard.

Harry Lewis, Managing Director at Berkeley Homes (South East London) Ltd, comments: 

“This is an extraordinary moment, as One Tower Bridge takes the next exciting step towards completion. The stylish interiors designed by Casa Forma and Honky reflect brilliantly all the values and virtues of One Tower Bridge, and will help buyers to get a sense of the complete experience of living in this one-of-a-kind development in a truly inspirational setting.”

Prices at One Tower Bridge start from £1,130,000.

 

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The Italian Boys Putney | Restaurant Review

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Putney, London, has a lot going for it. One of those things are Italian restaurants and one of the best is the newly refurbished The Italian Boys on Putney High Street. They have a good menu with a large selection of food to choose from. It takes us ages to choose what we want but the staff are patient and don’t rush us. We order some prosecco to start and it is very good wine. Some of the best prosecco I have ever tasted.

We finally decide on our starters: I have the Calamari Grigliati Con Polentina Fritta: Fresh grilled squid, pan fried polenta stuffed with peas & mint, slow roasted herbs & cherry tomato dressing and my colleague has Gamberoni Al Prosciutto Croccante: King prawns wrapped with crunchy Parma ham & lentils sauté. The calamari dish is superb, just make sure you add all of the ingredients together and don’t eat them separately. The chef really knows what he/she is doing and has an excellent grasp of flavours and the knowledge to put them together to make a stunning dish. I was incredibly impressed. The prawn starter was also superb, the sauce it came in was amazing and this dish made even the humble lentil into an ingredient worthy of a Michelin-starred restaurant. We cannot praise the starters highly enough: just absolutely amazing.

italianboys1 italianboysclamari

For our main we had the Merluzzo Con Pancetta Croccante E Uova Di Quaglia: Pan fried filet of cod wrapped in crunchy pancetta served with clams & quail eggs with spinach & butter sauce and the Ravioli Di Zucca Con Pancetta: Ricotta & pumpkin ravioli, pancetta & rocket with butter sauce. The mains were just as good as the starters: absolutely amazing. The cod dish is unique and delicious and the ravioli is first-class. The food is so good that this restaurant is unforgettable, you think about the meal you had long after and you just have to go back for more.

italianboysravioli
italianboysputneyFor dessert I had ice-cream and my colleague had the Torta Della Nonna. The ice-cream was great. You get three scoops and I had chocolate with cookies, strawberry and a very alcoholic rum. This was superb ice-cream, showing that Italian Boys even gets it right on the simple things. The Torta Della Nonna is a Tuscan dessert known as ‘grandmother’s cake’, it was also brilliant.

italianboysicecream italianboysThe Italian Boys is a must go to restaurant for all Londoners, not just those in Putney. Both the food and the service is first-class.

 

Address:157 Putney High St, London SW15 1RT
Phone:020 8780 1988
Hours:  7:00 am – 11:00 pm
http://www.theitalianboysrestaurant.co.uk/