As we know, London is not famed for being the most economical city to live in or visit, making it inevitable to be caught in the catch 22 of seeing the sites and trying not to go bankrupt. So what’s the secret to enjoying the capital  on the cheap? We’re all for saving money and exploring the city on a different kilt here at TCé, so you might want to incorporate some of these tips for getting round all the sights without breaking the bank.

• Walk it: This is a city that pre dates the automobile and so exploring by foot is the best way around. Just remember to take your map! Have a go at some of Badaude’s London walks this Spring and Summer.

• Bike it: Boris remains in the London Mayor seat and it’s no surprise after he brought us the Boris Bikes! You may have seen them dotted around the city – they are everywhere and a great way to see the sites on the cheap. Priced at around a single pound an hour,  it’s definitely cheaper than the gym.

• Bus it: Not keen on braving the English rain on the bike? Then there is always the archetypal red bus. The old Route Masters run a heritage route that passes some of the famous sites such as the Albert Hall.

• Save it: If you fancy getting a bit closer to the action how does a lovely discount on the best attractions sound? A lot more palatable? How about a 20% London Dungeon discount via SmartSave? Well, this voucher company offers money off  nearly all the attractions in the capital including the slightly scary but hilarious trip into the immersive London Dungeon experience (and  you can get your SmartSave vouchers for London Dungeon just  here ).  You would be crazy to explore London without it.

(Words: Laura Thornley)

This is a sponsored post.

Original Article

If you’re interested in the animal kingdom, then chances are you’re already familiar with West London’s wonderfully impressive Natural History Museum. However, if you have time to spare, then we also highly recommend a visit to the lesser known Grant Museum of Zoology near Euston Station, open 1 - 5pm Monday to Friday. It’s a bit of an obscure gem.

Part of University College London and founded over 170 years ago, The Grant Museum of Zoology is the only remaining zoological museum in London. It was originally founded as a private teaching collection and is still used as one today, but recently became open to the public.

Despite being housed in a relatively small space, the dense collection still manages to cram in some 67,000 specimens  and contains some very exciting treasures of the animal world. It includes one of the rarest skeletons on the planet, the now extinct quagga zebra (a brown zebra – looks a bit like a horse), dodo and Tasmanian tiger specimens, as well as Sir Victor Negus’s bisected heads, which are pretty amazing and bear resemblance to the work of Damien Hirst.

There are interactive activities too, bringing the Victorian collection up to date and you can use iPads or QR codes on your own smartphone to answer relevant questions about the role science plays in society.

And if you’re not around on a weekday, then fear not… As part of the Museums at Night series, the Grant Museum will be open 6 – 9pm on Friday,  May 18 following a jovial treasure hunt around all of UCL’s museums. Simply RSVP to: events.petrie@ucl.ac.uk.

In the words of Girls Aloud: You can’t escape this biology…!

Words: Aoife Moriarty

For more information, go to: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/zoology

Original Article

The speedy success of the MEAT empire feels like the archetypal American dream story, only in burger form. Owner Yianni started out selling burgers in Peckham from a roadside food van. It was unceremoniously named Meatwagon, but popular, so much so that it evolved into Meateasy, a pop-up in an old pub in New Cross. Meateasy sold the kinds of burgers that draw the kinds of crowds only hyped up word-of-mouth can. Soon outgrowing the pop-up, MEATliquor, the first permanent bricks and mortar incarnation of the brand opened to great acclaim last year; again, with the queues. And now, the latest stage on the path to world domination – MEATmarket - has just opened in Covent Garden.

It had to happen of course. The current appetite for Americana in London seems unstoppable right now -  everywhere you look there are burger joints, rib shacks and steak houses opening up - see the hubbub around Pitt Cue Co in Soho, or the Rib Man market stall in Kings Cross where the lunchtime hoards line up for rib pizza. But for burgers, head to MEAT, where the burgers are cooked medium well, and come on the drippy side loaded with condiments; messy eaters will be in their element.

Whilst some items on the menu will be familiar from MEATliquor such as Dead Hippy, and the fried pickled gherkins (which have people raving like the newly-converted) there are new additions - hot-dogs now join the menu, and there are some new burger appearances such as the Black Palace, a double patty burger topped with extra fried onions. One more difference: the new location is more geared towards ‘convenience’ so there’s a take-away option for those in a hurry and the decor leans much more towards the fast-food end of the interiors scale than the slaughterhouse aesthetic of Liquor. Still, the popularity of this place is sure to echo its previous incarnations. Go now, before those queues start. (Words: Jane Duru, Pic: courtesy of burgeranarchy.com )

MEATmarket is open daily from 1200 - 2300 at the Jubilee Market Hall, 1st Floor, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8BE.  For more info visit www.themeatmarket.co.uk

Original Article

Who can imagine more natural bedfellows than a comfy sofa, a classic cult film and a glass of something boozy? Well we can’t and that’s why we are drawing your attention to this great new series at the Roxy Bar & Screen. Filmbar70 will be taking over the speakeasy style back room at The Roxy  to win you over to their way of thinking: that the 70’s was the golden era of British filmmaking. You may well scoff (as most critics do) at this genre-laden period but these guys know their stuff and with the screening of the original And Soon the Darkness alongside a top ten countdown of their favourite Brit Thrills of the 70s to look forward too, they will be sure to prove just that.

The film follows two nurses who embark on a holiday around southern France. Unprepared for the monotony of the trip, tensions run high until they take the fateful decision to separate (cue screams of “no!” at the screen). But yes, there is much more than meets the eye in this eerie, isolated landscape - a series of unexplained abductions of young women (naturally!). It’s a film full of the kind of suspense Hitchcock would be proud of.

The Filmbar70 people plan to make a night of it so DJ Eldiabolik- a specialist in psychotronic soundtracks- will be on hand to create the party atmosphere later in the evening. So get ready to dust down the flares and feel a little bit patriotic about a much forgotten period of British filmmaking.  (Words: Laura Thornley)

Filmbar70 presents And Soon the Darkness on May 17th.  For more info, visit www.roxybarandscreen.com

Original Article

It’s easy to see how the biblical account of Babel can inspire writers,  with its theme of a united humanity that’s bound by a single language, vision, journey - and put in the context of a multicultural city like London, the idea of this utopia can really get you thinking. Many people from all walks of life live in the capital, but what does it take for us to be truly connected with one another? And if, so, what would that look like? This collaborative production with BAC, World Stages London, Young Vic, Wildworks, Lyric and Theatre Royal Stratford East sets out to explore this question and more, with an ambitious and incredible set-up in Caledonian Park.

There’s a diverse cast of nearly 500 brilliant (and many non-pro) actors and they mix with the audience, whether on the ominous path into the park or within the grounds where you might spot a male Indian dancer delightfully present a folk piece or listen to a laddish security guard pay homage to his town through spoken word. All the while, there’s mysterious bell ringers dressed in Middle Eastern garb  crying “it’s time to build a new city” as the “security” storm around watchfully - but it’s not clear exactly what’s going on until midway into the show and you understand the significance of “The Tower” in bringing the people together once again. It’s just a shame that at times, the storyline is a bit confusing to follow (which could be due to sound issues or the sheer vastness of the park, as where you stand depends on what you pick you up), but for the most part, the visuals, characters and music all make quite an impact. So for an alternative theatre experience where the takeaway will have you appreciating the cultural uniqueness of London that’ll little bit more, Babel’s the ticket (just remember to dress up warm!) (Words: Matilda Egere-Cooper)  

On until May 20th.  For more info, visit www.babellondon.com

Original Article

In February, TCé contributor Flora Baker left the Big Smoke in search of fun and adventures  in India.  She’s been documenting her trip on site www.thirtyonedistant.wordpress.com, and below are snippets from our favourite posts so far:

An Indian Introduction - March 5th, 2012

On the morning of my 24th birthday, I awoke to red ants crawling in my toothpaste and a broken toilet seat. I turned over and groaned; after a few days respite, my stomach was making its ridiculous gurgling noises again.

We were in Mandu, a little village located in Madhya Pradesh, and the unexpected location of a tribal wedding fair that succeeded in both terrifying and exciting me in equal parts (there are no photos of said fair because the drunk and stoned locals were much more touchy feely than usual – there was a fair bit of attempted hair and skin grabbing). Luckily, our wonderful leader, Chetan, was there to navigate the crowds, the staring, and to use his patented subversive tactics when various sadhus tried to touch the white girls or offer us weed.

In case you weren’t already aware, I now find myself in India, one week into a seven week kaleidescopic journey around the whole of the country. When I arrived in Mumbai I met my fellow travellers; a motley crew of Ozzies, Americans and a wonderful Swiss gentleman who tells us he hails from ‘Switzy’. The six of us will be together for the entire trip, but after two weeks, when we get to Delhi, we’ll switch group leaders and perhaps welcome some more travellers into the fold – and the same will happen again in Chennai, sometime in April. I’ve been slowly forcing myself to accept that travelling with an organised group is not something to feel uncomfortable about; by having the crucial elements of transport and accomodation – not to mention the all-important route – already sorted, it leaves me with the luxury of absorbing everything around me. Which, as it turns out, is pretty much a full-time occupation on its own….

http://thirtyonedistant.wordpress.com/2012/03/05/an-indian-introduction/

Settling into the South - April 16th, 2012

http://thirtyonedistant.wordpress.com/2012/04/16/saris-sweat-and-see-you-laters/

The Other Side of India – or ‘Why I Had to Buy a Pair of Jeans During the Indian Summer’ - May 7th, 2012

I’ve been thinking a lot about the way I look at India. And, by extension, the way that India looks at me.

For the last two months, I’ve seen fleeting glimpses of a vast amount of India, whether sitting on buses, sleeping on trains, or fearing for my life in leaking boats and terrifying tuktuks. Many of these glimpses have been caught for posterity through a camera lens; many more have been noted down on paper. I’ve wandered through temples and markets, forts and deserts, rivers and beaches – and every day, I’ve passed countless children, teenagers, adults and the elderly, many of whom have fixed their unblinking gaze on me until I’ve disappeared from view. To counteract this feeling of unexpected exposure, I’ve made it a priority to speak to every local that I can, feeling the need to connect with the ‘real’ India at every opportunity.

For the last two months, I have also been swanning around the country with my fellow Western travellers, indulging in the mystical, spiritual, and ultimately tourist-invented impression of India. I’ve bought whole-heartedly into the Ali Baba trousers, the anklets and toe rings on each foot, the cool, hippy, cut-on-a-whim-in-a-Rajasthani-bathroom hair and, above all, the awestruck expression at every single sight. I felt like I was really tapping into what makes this place tick. I felt like I was starting to belong.

And then I arrived on the other side of India, and my Emperor’s clothes were stripped away (both metaphorically; I wasn’t standing anywhere in the nude. Still looked pretty ragamuffin-like, though). My hair wasn’t cool, it was a mess; my anklets and toe rings are actually a signifier of marriage to most people and are thus quite confusing; and, worst of all, I was told that, instead of cool trousers, I have actually been wearing pajamas. And to think I wondered why people kept staring at me!

http://thirtyonedistant.wordpress.com/2012/05/07/the-other-side-of-india/#more-302

To read more about Flora’s trip, visit www.thirtyonedistant.wordpress.com.

Original Article

Borough market on a Saturday has gone from being a Londoner’s haunt to a tourist destination in its own right, up there with the London Dungeon and HMS Belfast. As good as it is, its popularity means the market can be overwhelmingly full come lunchtime. Luckily, for those craving the ethos and artisan quality of Borough without the scale and the crowds, there is a nearby alternative: Maltby Street market.

A 10 minutes stroll away in Bermondsey, set against the background rumble of passing overhead trains lies Maltby St, where a small cabal of stallholders and producers sell their  wares from under the railway arches and  various stalls. Consisting of no more than 25 producers, it’s a sort of foodie parade rather than outright market, starting with coffee enthusiasts’ favourite Monmouth Coffee selling their wares and ending with patisserie Comptoir Gourmand where, amongst other treats you’ll find pink raspberry meringues and giant chocolate cookies.

In between lies a range of stalls - and fish-lovers should try the smoked salmon from Norwegian producers Hansen and Lydersen, or alternatively, there’s barbecued mackerel baps marinated in Moroccan chermoulla from nearby Christchurch Fish. If meat’s more your thing, on offer are pastrami sandwiches from Monty’s Deli, and if you’re ever in need of wild boar salami, Maltby Street is the place.

It’s not all about the food though - LASSCO, the architectural salvage company, have their warehouse based here, the grittier counterpart to their Brunswick House outpost in Vauxhall. It’s well worth a detour to see all manner of rescued treasures, from large enamel sinks once owned by school art departments, to industrial light fittings; there’s even wooden planks from the Natural History Museum.

So next time a sunny Saturday rolls around and you want to get your foodie and furniture fix in one go, head over to the arches of Maltby, and stall-hop to your hearts content. Just don’t tell the tourists. (Words: Jane Duru, Pic: Marina Vidor) 

Original Article

The constantly evolving culinary landscape in the capital means you can now expect to see easy dining outlets that specialise in unique international cuisine once the preserve of those-in-the-know - ahem, Mexican -  but now it seems Vietnamese food is happily making the rounds, with Pho now operating in six locations in the UK.  With a heart for simple and nutritious street food, Pho first landed in the UK in 2005 and has been lauded for its use of  quality ingredients and its affordable prices - so being a newbie to both Vietnamese food and Pho, I recently visited the ambient and cosy Wardour Street branch, discovering this cuisine is definitely a refreshing alternative to the usual pan-asian fare.

Starters like the goi cuon ga (summer rolls with chicken breast and fresh herbs - £4.25) and the massive goi du du (papaya salad with chicken and fresh herbs - £6.75)  make for a tasty  intro, with mint  and side sauces like nuoc cham and peanut giving a fresh kick. As for the Pho - Vietnam’s national dish - expect a deliciously hearty main, created with homemade stock, and served with a side of  basil, mint, coriander, bean sprouts, lime and chilli so you can season your meal to taste.  I opted for the tiger prawn version (Pho Tom - £8.95).

Finally, dessert consisted of the pandan pancake (£5.95)  - curiously green and chewy, filled with sugary coconut  and a yummy honey and ginger ice cream - topping off the sort of meal I’d recommend to anyone after a neat and guilt-free lunch option which I imagine is even lovelier after hours. (Words: Matilda Egere-Cooper)

Original Article

Gary Taxali may have won over 500 industry awards (including a Grammy!) and be a household name in North America but since this is his first UK solo show, you will be forgiven for not having heard this Canadian artist’s name being bandied around local art circles before. But from the looks of this exhibition, TCé is pretty certain he will be getting the attention he deserves over here too.

Taxali’s work is instantly familiar, bearing a worn, retro look. He uses found materials as well as inspiration from the 1930s  to produce his illustrative pieces of beautifully realised characters - full of innocence and humour. The variety of methods he draws on is astounding, and techniques including screen-printing, oils, inks and pencil drawing all play a part. His graphic and stylish work has not gone unnoticed either by big brands and companies such as Coca Cola and Levis, who’ve  employed his skills in a commercial capacity. Not only that, but he sits on the Postal Stamp Advisory Board in his home country of Canada and was even invited to design five coins for the Canadian Mint - now surely that speaks for itself? A show, in a vital art space, worth checking out. (Words: Laura Thornley)

Gary Taxali’s My Feelings Like You exhibition is on at The Outsiders Gallery, 8 Greek Street, Soho W1D 4DG until June 2nd. For more info, visit www.theoutsiders.net

Original Article

Back in the 70s when the legendary Fela Kuti had the genius idea of combining traditional Yoruba music with funk, jazz and highlife, it wasn’t long before “afrobeat” crossed over and set the legend on course to becoming one of the greatest musical exports to come out of the continent. Fast forward over 40 years and it looks like a new generation of African artists are reviving the spirit of the genre, but with a reckless twist; instead of the flamboyant tribalism of Kuti’s era, this new brand of afrobeat(s) - african pop music - is fun, flashy and youthful, being led by a gang of sharp-suited, bling-wearing rappers and singers who proudly spit in their mother tongue (and sometimes in autotune). “It’s a good vibe,” says DJ Neptizzle, a Vietnamese DJ who regular spins at afrobeat parties all over Europe. ” It’s almost like how bashment or dancehall was 8 years ago. Everybody can listen to it and they wouldn’t even care (about where the artists are from).  It’s dance music, and it’s different.”

Despite Afrobeats going back nearly a decade, 2011 was a massive year for the music in London, following the soldout Afrobeats Festival in the summer  - and even US heavyweights were getting in on the act, with Kanye West making a surprise appearance at the show of his new signing, D’Banj, a singer from Nigeria.  And now with afrobeats getting playlisted on Radio 1, dances like the “Azonto” catching on  and the popular single  Oliver Twist getting an official release this month,  superfans like Rickie from @AfrobeatsUK believe 2012 will be a massive year for the scene. “People like DJ Abrantee on Choice FM are commercialising afrobeats…and Tim Westwood has started playing afrobeats on his show.  There’s been alot of development, with African artists coming over here and selling out…it will become more popular.”

DJ Abrantee hosts the Afrobeats Music Festival at Roundhouse on Sunday, May 6th (followed by Afrobeat Sundays at Proud 2, O2 Arena).  For more info, visit www.thecamdencrawl.com/artist/afrobeats) 

Original Article