Tag Archives: traditional

Kettner’s: Quintessentially British Dining and Drinking in the heart of Soho

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Kettners-0Amongst the hustle and bustle of our amazing capital London, lies the iconic Kettner’s. Elegant, glamorous and classy, Kettner’s stands out from the frenzy of the quirky, hip, pop up joints and offers customers everything which is quintessentially British.

Originally opened in 1867 by the Chef of Napolean III, the Grade II listed Georgian building stands proudly in Soho boasting a brasserie, Champagne Bar and eight private functions rooms. If you’re looking for somewhere with a little history and old school glamour look no further. As well as the cocktail menu being rather impressive with a host of Champagne Cocktails, they have a clientele list to match. So if you’re looking to dine somewhere up to the standards of Oscar Wilde, Agatha Christie and Bing Crosby look no further.

Kettner's Bar

 

There really is an enchanting feeling when you walk through the door of Kettner’s. It’s everything that’s glamorous, traditional and old school without feeling stuffy and pretentious and with a price list that doesn’t leave you feeling bankrupt after a cocktail, this is the perfect place to come and admire the stunning decor, have afternoon tea or indeed enjoy a date here.

Kettner’s can be found

29 ROMILLY ST. SOHO,
LONDON W1D 5HP

KEVIN MCKIDD & CELEB FRIENDS RELEASE CHARITY FOLK ALBUM

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Scots Grey’s Anatomy actor, Kevin McKidd is to release ‘The Speyside Sessions’, a charity album of folk music this Friday (15th June) with help from friends Bryan Tolland (Del Amitri) and producer/composers, Nick Lloyd-Webber and James D Reid.

The album, which consists of 14 traditional folk songs, also features performances from Paul Anderson, one of the finest Scots fiddlers of his generation, as well as Bryan Tolland and a wealth of Scottish vocal and musical talent. The album was recorded during an intense week at Hogmanay in a house in Moray, on the banks of the River Spey. Kevin recruited an army of local musicians, as well as friend Angus Robertson MP and Scots guitarist, John McCallum. Iain Robertson, McKidd’s Small Faces co-star has also acted as photographer and promoter in between rehearsals for his one man show ‘Angels’ at the Traverse theatre during the Edinburgh Fringe.

The proceeds of the album will go to charity Save the Children, which Kevin regularly fundraises for. Last year he took part in a sponsored fast-a-thon, as well as completing the Tough Mudder challenge – a royal marine styled obstacle course.

Actor Ewan McGregor voiced a short teaser video for the album – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMr0geZZlJQ&feature=plcp

He has lent his support for the venture saying: “I’ve heard it and it’s really special. A great talented bunch of musicians playing Scottish tunes. Kevin has pulled off something great”.

Kevin, who originally hails from Elgin, has recorded the album to pay tribute to his grandfather, who often sang traditional Scots songs to him as child but says “the most important thing is that it’s all for Save the Children”. He added “What’s great about Scottish folk music is that it’s a niche market, but hopefully I’ll be able to get people listening to this that wouldn’t normally”.

The Speyside Sessions are described as ‘a love letter to Scotland’ and is a mixture of traditional ballads, reels and more rousing crowd pleasers. Fans of Grey’s Anatomy heard Kevin’s vocal talents last year, including Snow Patrol’s Chasing Cars, on a special musical episode of the series.

Kevin did guitar and vocals on most of the tracks on the album and when asked about his favourite tracks, said: I love them all but I feel most proud of ‘These are my Mountains’ and ‘The Muckin’ o’ Geordie’s Byre. On ‘Muckin.. I feel proud because just to get through the song without bursting out laughing is an achievement. It is a very funny song to perform.”

Douglas Hamilton, Save the Children’s Head of Scotland said:

“The album sounds totally unique and we’re honoured that Kevin has chosen to do this for Save the Children. What’s fantastic is that it was entirely Kevin’s own idea and we know that it hasn’t been easy to organise. It’s not just the album but everything else he’s done over the past few years for the charity, raising huge amounts of money, as well as our profile – and it’s brilliant to have him here in Scotland”.

The Speyside Sessions will be touring this summer, for more information, please see – http://thespeysidesessions.com
Amazon MP3 Store –

iTunes Store – : http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/id527614034?uo=4

Scotland’s Islands autumn & winter 2011 events

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Celebrate island culture and heritage this autumn and winter with an action-packed line-up of exciting events as part of the Year of Scotland’s Islands festivities.

Royal National Mod

Lewis

14-22 October 2011

Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival returns to the Outer Hebrides in 2011, providing opportunities for people of all ages to celebrate Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage, including Gaelic music and song, dance, instrumental, drama and literature.

Although the focus of the Royal National Mod is on competition, the event also offers a wide and comprehensive programme of non-competitive events which include performances from some of Scotland’s top traditional musicians and Gaelic singers.

http://www.scotlandsislands.com/festivals-events/info/64/royal-national-mod

Scottish International Storytelling Festival (Summary of Island-Based Events)

21-30 October 2011

An ideal place to discover Scotland’s treasure-trove of stories in a lively celebration of storytelling performance exploring the links between Scotland’s rich storytelling heritage and other cultures. These island-based events take place on Bute, Fair Isle, Iona, Cumbrae, Mull, Skye, Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Herbrides.

This year the Festival is all about exploring and pursuing the island experience through story, myth, music, song and dance. Greek and Roman myths mix with sagas of the Celts in this ten day festival. Enjoy the traditions of Scotland’s Islands alongside Mediterranean tale spinners and musicians from Corsica, Sardinia, Malta, Greece and Cyprus.

http://www.scotlandsislands.com/festivals-events/info/502/scottish-international-storytelling-festival-(summary-of-island-based-events)

Comedian Ed Byrne

Shetland mainland (24 October 2011 )

Orkney mainland (25 October)

As an observational stand up Ed Byrne, has played in major comedy venues across the UK and Ireland, including the Vaudeville, Riverside, and New Ambassadors theatres in London, and the Gaiety, Olympia, Ambassador, and Vicar St. theatres in Dublin. His UK tours and regular TV appearances are always hugely popular and well received by the critics.

http://www.scotlandsislands.com/festivals-events/info/447/comedian-ed-byrne

Night Time Tour of the Spectacular

Mount Stuart

Bute

27 October 2011

Mount Stuart is claimed to be Britain’s most astounding Victorian gothic mansion. An opportunity to experience the house at its most peaceful.

By candlelight and torchlight, your guide will lead you through the house on a specially devised route, taking in many private areas of the house.

http://www.scotlandsislands.com/festivals-events/info/507/night-time-tour-of-the-spectacular-mount-stuart

Shetland Food Festival

Shetland Mainland

5-13 November 2011

A celebration of mouth-watering Shetland produce, including some more unusual specialities such as seawater oatcakes, Shetland Black potatoes and more-ish fudge!

Food lovers’ events include cookery demonstrations, producers’ markets and Christmas craft fair. There’s also a ‘Ready, Steady, Shetland’ cook-off, where Shetlanders present their take on the popular TV programme, Ready, Steady, Cook.

http://www.scotlandsislands.com/festivals-events/info/440/shetland-food-festival

Harris Tweed – Past, Present and Future (celebrating the centenary of the Orb 1911-2011)

Lewis

18 November 2011

This one-day event marks the centenary of the orb by reviewing the history of this vitally important and distinctive island industry with a variety of engaging talks, poetry, film, story-telling and discussion sessions.

Arranged by the Island Book Trust in conjunction with the Harris Tweed Authority, the event will bring together people from different backgrounds to celebrate the island’s successes and achievements and reflecting on the current and future challenges it faces.

The Ba

Orkney mainland

25 December 2011

Traditional street rugby, played by the Uppies and Doonies with a much prized locally made leather Ba’ (ball).

The Ba’ is thrown up outside St. Magnus Cathedral and the game ranges through the town. This game is played annually on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Spectators are welcome but be careful!

http://www.scotlandsislands.com/festivals-events/info/491/the-ba

Up Helly Aa

Shetland mainland

31 January 2012

Shetland’s biggest fire festival, Up Helly Aa, celebrates Shetland’s history with a series of re-enactments, culminating in a torch lit procession and Viking Galley burning.

Considering it’s held in mid-winter on the same latitude as southern Greenland, Up Helly Aa has never been cancelled

http://www.scotlandsislands.com/festivals-events/info/434/up-helly-aa

Papay Gyro Nights 2012 Art Festival

Pap Westray, Orkney

6-13 February 2012

Papay Gyro Nights is an international film and video art, contemporary art, music and architecture festival based on folklore and tradition of Orkney. The Festival takes place in unique and remote settings on the island of Papa Westray. The idea of the festival has originated from the ancient Papay tradition of the Night of The Gyros. The Festival is also a reflection the island’s landscape and heritage as well as interpretation of tradition and ritual.

http://www.scotlandsislands.com/festivals-events/info/274/papay-gyro-nights-2012-art-festival

For more information on the Scotland’s Islands initiative visit: www.scotlandsislands.com