Somewhere you should go…After Hours: Science Uncovered at the National History Museum

I’m not a big fan of the sciences, but I do love a good museum - and this trendy event at the NHM was both fun and insightful (Pics: Matilda Egere-Cooper)

10:38 am  •  1 October 2010

Somewhere you should go…Two’s A Pair at the V&A Museum

Last Friday, I headed down to the V&A museum for their Late event, held in conjunction with The Design Festival. Two words: Ridiculously amazing. Amongst all the great and wonderful things going on were games (marbles and memory), installations (peep Paul Cocksedge’s A Gust of Wind), films and even a set from two ferocious looking DJs to top the night off. Big night. (pics: Matilda Egere-Cooper)

11:26 am  •  28 September 2010

Somewhere you should go…Late Shift @ The National Portrait Gallery…

I spent my Friday night last week at this extremely creative after-hours event and ended up 1) Leaving with a take-away portrait of myself, courtesy of artist Joceline Howe  2) Writing poetry and 3) Learning how to draw (!AND I CAN’T DRAW!) Good times? You betcha ;-) ! It’s back on tonight, 6-9pm. 

10:00 am  •  17 September 2010  •  1 note

Somewhere you should go…Silent Cinema at The Deptford Project…

Definitely one of the coolest evenings I’ve had in LDN this year; Silent Cinema was conceived by journo + author Damian Barr, and it’s an awesome experience where you’re given a pair of headphones to enjoy a film (minus the usual distractions!)  On Thursday night it was hosted by The Deptford Project, who’ve created a comfortable outdoor cinema for a three-weekend season of film screenings.  It’s a gorgeous venue; everything’s custom-made - from the wooden seats and cushions to the movie screen - and it’s even served by the railway carriage cafe which is made out of - you guessed it - a real train. Outstandingly creative. 

(NB: The film season wraps up on September 25th with Withnail and I) 

10:00 am  •  10 September 2010  •  1 note

Somewhere you should go…South Kensington

In a nutshell: If there’s one term that could sum up South Kensington, it’d probably be “stush”( aka posh aka bougie-bougie), but in this case, that’s not a bad thing. It’s no doubt a tourist destination, with a exotic mix of French, Italian and Spanish residents representing for the area as well as loads of hotels and things to do. But unlike other tacky locales (SOHO), you’ll feel you’ve got your money’s worth and your, ahem, wallet still in tact (although the only pickpockets here are probably the owners of the Food and Wine newsagents…*see DON’T EVEN below…*)

If you’ve got a couple of hours: Head to the museums, obviously. There’s the Science, Natural History and the V&A (currently showing an exhibition dedicated to Grace Kelly’s wardrobe for all you fashionistas) , or you could visit The Royal Albert Hall, not so much for the classical gigs (unless that’s your thing, not mine), but for the front of house and backstage tours (£8-£12) or the FREE photography exhibitions. There’s also the Serpentine Gallery, which, if you choose to chill in Kensington Gardens, is located smack-bam in the middle, and it’s another freebie.

Foodwise, I’ve heard good things about 1880 at The Bentley Hotel (the Thrifty be warned; 5 Star!), The Bombay Brasserie (Indian) and Bumpkin (English). And it’d be silly to not mention the Hummingbird Bakery and their FANTASTICAL cupcakes. Red Velvet y’all!

Don’t Even: BUY ANYTHING FROM FOOD & WINE. I’m not trying to run peeps out of business, but to try to sell me a 500ml bottle of water for one-pound and change is NOT THE ONE. In fact, it’s is quintessential FOOLISNESS. I beg, take yourself to 297 Brompton Road; it’s called TESCO METRO….

8:17 am  •  28 June 2010  •  1 note

I first heard about Sam and Shaka, the founders of the ACF Gallery, about a month ago when a friend of mine invited me to join her at a party being thrown by these guys to officially launch their spot to the West London massive.  I was impressed - not only does the little venue double-up as their home (minus the kitchen - apparently they live on take-aways), but I was so inspired by their photography work and the people they roll with (pure creative types, no pretense - just good people with great fashion sense lol. Even The Noisettes’ Shoniwa Shingai was in the house!).

On Saturday night, they held a small shindig to celebrate the work of their friend Marcus Morrison-Pemberton, a Central Saint Martins graduate who produced a series of mixed media pieces on the theme of consumerism as well as social and political issues.  Each piece of work was ridiculously dope.  I can’t wait to hook up with these guys in the future because I’ve got a brand new portfolio in the works and you might just see my work here one day too!

On a side note, I made a tiny complaint about the tunes being played (cheeky, I know!) and when I insisted on some hip-hop and even pointed out I had my i-Pod with me, they let me do my thang LOL.  I’ve never whipped together a playlist so fast in my life but I managed to do a nice mix of Miguel, Timbaland, Talib and Mos Def  - I would, however, recommend to never go from Chase & Status’s Heavy to Ty’s Heart is Breaking - POOR MIX, SMH…

To find out more about the ACF gallery, visit www.artcomesfirst.blogspot.com

10:00 am  •  21 June 2010

Somewhere you should go…Russell Square

In a nutshell: Set within Bloomsbury (sounds as posh as crumpet, doesn’t it?), this area is basically overpopulated with students from SOAS and other schools within the University of London, many of whom I doubt know how lucky they are to reside in one of the most historic and tourist-savvy areas in the city; there are hotels everywhere! I also got a sneaking suspicion that the many terrace houses which surround the square are owned by MPs who claimed them on expenses (hee, hee!)

If you’ve got a couple of hours: Chill in the square and visit its cafe – there’s something quaint about it – and you might even be entertained by a classically-trained busker. Or you could pop into the British Museum which is nearby and check out the Kingdom of Ife: Sculptures of West Africa exhibition which has been extended until July 4th (£8 or free for members). Shoppers should head to The Brunswick Shopping Centre which makes retail therapy feel ridiculously elite (Waitrose, French Connection, Space NK you get me?); that’s until you notice it’s balanced off with Superdrug, Specsavers and Nandos. Phew. Foodies will appreciate Carluccios with does great Italian, and those with sweet tooths should probably make a beeline for Patisserie Valerie. There’s also the Renoir Cinema in the mall which is totally art-house and shows some of the best indie films.

Don’t even: Take a picture in one of the few remaining red telephone boxes that are littered around here. Don’t do it, for the love of GOD! (But, if you must - I hope you take down the porn flyers first and try not to step in the wee, urrrrgh!)

10:00 am  •  14 June 2010

Somewhere you should go…Hammersmith

In a nutshell: Hammersmith looks like it’s all about the 9-5, with a number of major companies and venues (Coca-Cola, Disney, Hammersmith Apollo) imposing their gravitas on the central hub; therefore it can feel a bit commercial, which can overshadow the genuine Hammersmithians who you’ll find lurking around the ghetto-ish side roads or holding court in King’s Mall.

If you’ve got a couple of hours: Forget King Street - aka a bog standard High Street – unless you’re visiting the innovative Lyric Theatre, and do the Hammersmith Riviera river walk instead (see this Wednesday’s photo gallery). I was kind of shocked such a place exists; it’s probably idyllic (and romantic – grin!) on a quiet day too and has some well-recommended pubs and restaurants. Thank me later :-)

What else? There’s also the London Wetland Centre which is across the river and for those that are into their wildlife (not me, but possibly you) and lovers of arts and textiles will appreciate the William Morris Society museum on the Upper Mall.

Don’t Even: Come all the way to ‘Smith just for Primark and go back home again (I know you were thinking it).

10:00 am  •  31 May 2010  •  1 note

About a month ago I received a Facebook invite from a friend who asked if I’d join her at  a film club in central London called “Let’s Talk” - a informal night of socialising which would involve watching a film with a group of people and talking about it afterwards, all for a couple of quid. The aim of the night was also to support independent black cinema, and seeing as it all sounded simple enough,  I agreed (as I do with most new experiences these days!)

The first thing I noticed was that it wasn’t your typical venue for a screening, given that it was held at Bar 19:20, and it was important to get there sort of early-ish to get good seats, otherwise you’d be stuck with those backless poof chairs which never do anyone any favours, really.

Minor qualms aside, we settled in with some drinks and bar food and the night kicked off with the film Why Did I Get Married?, followed by a debate about some of the film’s themes, which in this case, revolved around relationships. The good thing about the discussion was that you had the option of texting or e-mailing your views in (what would we do without Smartphones, huh???) and even if you had nothing to say, the array of opinions flying about were entertaining enough to just listen - especially as the two hosts did well to manage the proceedings and play Devil’s Advocate when necessary.

Overall, it was a pretty insightful evening - and I enjoyed it so much I’m off to this month’s event tonight! Film on show: 500 Years Later.

10:00 am  •  24 May 2010

Somewhere you should go…Brixton

In a nutshell: Brixton is fizzy - there’s a lot bubbling beneath the surface, which often manifests into a number of things; hyped up marketeers, loud music, the rastas,  the odd crazy (or crackhead? Shrug), black women with bad weaves and long nails wearing clothes designed for toddlers,  white women looking like hippies (or on the flipside, scared for their lives), and a collection of other characters you’d really have to meet in person. It wears its eclecticism proud and always feels ready to riot (again) and if you’re not intimidated by its exterior, you can really grow to love it. (They’ve even got their own currency! Boom!)

If you’ve got a couple of hours: Foodwise, I’d say go to Bamboula (the West Indian food is good enough to excuse some of the pokerfaced waitresses), Fujiyama on Vining Street (Japanese) and The Prince Pub (silly portions) and I’ve been told Gyoza and Satay Bar’s kinda good too. If you wanna chill, they’ve done up the area outside the Ritzy Cinema (it’s kiiiiiiinda sterile, but there’s a pretty water display), or trek to Loughborough Park, weather permitting. My church, Ruach Ministries, is on 122 Brixton Hill, and I  always encourage people to visit - great Word, great worship.  If you fancy walking, make sure you do Coldharbour Lane, Atlantic Road, Electric Avenue, Station Road. You’ll come across the Brixton Village at some point which has recently been refurbished and is looking like a trendy indoor market for shopping, food and such.

Don’t even: Bother with the High Street (aka Brixton Road) unless you’re desperate for H&M and KFC (and of course, to leave - that’s where the tube is).  (Both are much better on Oxford Street). Also, mind your gadgets - if my camera wasn’t so scary looking it could have easily been swiped and I know a friend who had her phone stolen from her in broad daylight.  Don’t be alarmed; it’s common sense really - you snooze, you WILL lose.  Also, forget hanging out near St Matthew’s Church.  I did it once and almost stumbled upon a fight between some angry drunks.  Not cute. One more thing: I’ve never done Brixton at night (cause we all know the __________come out at night….mmmm hmmmm) and I don’t club, so I might Don’t Even that too. 

10:00 am  •  17 May 2010  •  2 notes