What's on: Jazz & Lyrics Season at Pizza On The Park

Dates: 7th January - 29th April

Admission: £15

Pizza Express has teamed up with Geddes Entertainments to bring you a season of Jazz and Cabaret performances at Pizza On The Park.

This musical led initiative showcases new talents for 2010 as well as some familiar faces. The lineup includes Sarah Ellen Hughes, award-winning songwriter Michael Omer and US jazz vocalist Pauline Jean.

With live music scheduled throughout January, Pizza On The Park is a cool eatery to grab a bite this month. The recently refurbished venue has a tempting new menu with a choice of 17 pizzas and a charcoal grill. Further information on the forthcoming events is available online at www.pizzaexpresslive.com or call 08456 027 017.


Pizza On The Park
11-13 Knightsbridge
London
SW1X 7LY
Tel: 020 7235 7825
Web: www.pizzaonthepark.co.uk

Main image: Courtesy of kissandtellcabaret.com

What's On: The Very Merry 'Kiss'mass

Date: Monday 21st December
Time: Shhhh! Top secret (read more for details)
Location: Piazza, Covent Garden, London WC2
Admission: Free

Pucker up for what essentially could be London's largest mistletoe gathering. The time will be announced at some point over the weekend, exclusively on twitter.

The mass mistletoe kiss-off on Piazza, Covent Garden may be just the place to get yourself and loved one in the festive mood, or perhaps you'll find your Christmas angel? There will be complimentary mulled wine to warm the cockles, so tell friends, make an event of it and above all have fun. Mwah x

Web: www.twitter.com/CoventGardenLDN

What's On: Carol Nights at the Jazz Café

Image source: www.electrovoice.com

Dates: 21st - 24th December
Time: From 7pm
Admission: £18 (in advance)

Get your carol fest on at the Jazz Café and join The London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) who will be performing soulful renditions of Christmas gospel favourites.

The choir has been dubbed 'the nation's favourite' and was formed in 1982 by Rev. Bazil Meade, who still leads the choir today. LCGC have performed with some great recording artists to date including Maria Carey, Madonna, Elton John and the late James Brown.

Jazz Cafe
5, Parkway
Camden
London, NW1 7PG

Booking lines:
Ticketmaster: 0844 847 2514
See Tickets: 0870 060 3777

Web: www.jazzcafe.co.uk

What's On: Pied Pier

© Alastair Muir

Date: 10th Dec - 3rd Jan
Show times: 19:45, 15:00, 13:00, 20:45, 14:30, 17:00
Admission: £10 - 26 (subject to availability)

If you like slick, choreographed moves and fancy being in the thick of a dance off, then you definitely need to go and see the latest production called Pied Piper currently showing at the Barbican Theatre. This hip-hop performance is back for a second year, with a bold urban soundtrack.

Each danced crew will be keen to show exactly what their workin' with, showcasing their unique style. The production tells a story of the Asbos; trouble-makers, causing havoc on the city streets and displaying their aggressive style with fierce krumpin' moves.

And the Pied Piper crew; who are leading the crowd, setting the trend and working to protect the masses from the menaces in society, they represent with dramatic jumps, fluid moves and soulful street dance. Which crew will be triumphant? Boy Blue Entrainment beckon you to decide, whose side are you on?

Barbican Centre
Silk Street London
EC2Y 8DS
Tel: 020 7638 8891 (9am-8pm daily)
Web: www.barbican.org.uk

What's On: Eat Film at The May Fair Hotel

Date: 9th October 09
Time: 7pm

London Restaurant Festival starts on the 8th of October and to celebrate, The May Fair hotel is offering an tempting way to start your weekend. The hotel will be hosting Eat Film; an event celebrating food on film and featuring the 1963 Albert Finney classic Tom Jones.

Showing in the exclusive private theatre that seats a cosy 201 viewers , Tom Jones is an Oscar winning adaptation of Henry Fielding's novel. You'll be able to watch the movie with all it's comedy and amazing display of cuisine, and afterwards sample the food that you saw on film in the gorgeous Crystal Room. Expect a hearty feast – including a variety of poultry and seafood. Tickets for this evening are priced at £48.50 per person.

You're also invited to visit the hotel's Amba Bar & Grill during London Restaurant Week for a taste of fine British cuisine in luxurious surroundings. The price of a two-course meal starts at £25.

For more information on Eat Film and the festival activities visit: www.visitlondon.cm/londonrestaurantfestival

The May Fair Bar
The May Fair Hotel
Stratton Street,
Mayfair,
London, W1J 8LT

Tel: 020 7629 7777
Email: mayfairbar@themayfairhotel.co.uk
Web: www.themayfairhotel.co.uk

What's On: Take flight with the London Eye

© Damien Gorman

As one of the biggest and most iconic landmarks of London, the London Eye is visited by over 3.5 million people a year, making it the UK's most popular paid for visitor attraction.

I'd taken flight on the Eye three years ago and in honesty I never fully appreciated the experience due to a bout of the common cold and an unforgivable migraine. And so I set out to ride the London Eye again and this time, the experience was far more exhilarating. I took along my niece; a very 'clued-up' 14 year old from Buckinghamshire and possibly the future editor of Tatler. We set about a late Summer evening of sightseeting.

After enjoying a gorgeous seafood chow mein from Neds Noodle Bar on Belvedere road nearby, we started with a London Eye river cruise: 40 minutes of circular sightseeing and live commentary. Whilst the winds caused the boat to be a little unstable, it made for interesting viewing and provided a difference perspective to London than you would see on a traditional tour bus. As you might expect, the river cruise isn't for everyone; I was quite happily taking in the views, but my niece discovered she was prone to motion sickness.

Next we checked out the New London Eye 4D experience; a perfect prelude to a flight with 3D film and spectacular in-theatre effects including wind, bubbles and mist to add a breathtaking fourth dimension.

© Ajay Blackshah

The real treat however was viewing London by night - some 135 metres in the air. My niece did well to point out other major landmarks, worthy of note. I found it quite amusing being informed where to look for Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, as if I were the tourist and she the tour guide. It was sweet really. That said she certainly made the actual tourists on the flight take note and it was great seeing the grandeur of London through a fresh pair of eyes.

As I gazed out of the capsule onto the vast array of twinkling lights and the serenity of the Thames river below, I began to re-appreciate London's beauty, it's architecture and character - all of which is so easily forgotten when London is your home.

If you haven't already taken flight on the London Eye, I'd highly recommend you do. And If you can stomach a ride on the river, I'd suggest this as a great addition to the experience. Prices for the River cruise start from £12, and trips on the London Eye begin at £8.75 for children (4-15years) and £17.50 for adults.

If you fancy something extra special, a champagne flight would be just the ticket; treat yourself and a guest to a a glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne with the added benefit of fast track boarding. Price from £35.00.

Web: www.londoneye.com

What's On: Nokia Skate Almighty

Date: 5th - 9th August 09
Location: Potters Fields, London, SE1, United Kingdom
Admission: FREE

The Nokia Skate Almighty returns, the event combines live music and an open roller disco, giving you the perfect excuse to wear hot pants or some glam 80's get up. Skates are provided at the event, but there's no harm in making a fashion statement with neon coloured rollers of your own.

Don't miss this opportunity to throw some fabulous shapes to the sounds of Littleboots, Calvin Harris, The Hoxtons plus more of the UK's hottest bands. Tickets available online. What a way to get into the groove.

Order online: skatealmighty.nokia.co.uk

What's On: 'The Ugly Truth' London Premiere

Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler "The Ugly Truth" Los Angeles Premiere

© www.accesshollywood.com

Date: Tuesday 4th August 09
Time: Evening (but the tradition is to get there early!)
Location: Odeon West End, Leicester Square

If you love a good romcom and enjoy the occasional celeb spotting, head down to the premier of 'The Ugly Truth' tonight. The new release, due to hit the UK screens on the 5th of August, is having the red carpet roll-out. The cast of the film are expected to make an appearance, along with much anticipated support from industry personalities and fellow movie stars.

The film stars Katherine Heigl as Abby Richter, a lovelorn TV producer who, despite a long and arduous search for the perfect mate, is hopelessly single. The battle of the sexes heats up when her employers team her up with Mike Chadway (Gerard Butler), an opinionated TV celebrity who plans to put Abby through the wringer to prove his own theories about what makes men and women tick.

Reviews of the film have been mixed; a few film critics have labeled it as a 'hit and miss' comedy whilst word on the net has been more positive; the general consensus being, it was better than expected. I anticipate that it'll never come close to Sex and The City or a classic like When Harry Met Sally, but I imagine it's a feel-good film with a decent story line. Something to watch with the girls before heading out for Dinner and drinks I reckon.

Mixed reviews aside, the premiere should have a good dose of eye candy by way of Eric Winter - the guy next door and eligible doctor who causes Katherine Heigl's character Abby's comical bunny boiler tenancies. Other members of the cast include Gerard Butler, John Michael Higgins, Nick Searcy, Kevin Connolly and Cheryl Hines.

Roselyn Sanchez and Eric Winter "The Ugly Truth" Los Angeles Premiere
Photo by © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos, July 16, 2009

See the trailer here
Visit: www.thetruthisntpretty.com

NOTE: This information was sourced from All In London who receive news of film premieres from inside sources. I cannot be held responsible for inaccurate information.

What's On: Lambeth Country Show 2009

Date: 18th and 19th July 09
Time: 11:00 - 19:00
Admission: FREE

The Lambeth Country Show is taking place at Brockwell Park this weekend. The two day festival will be packed with a wide variety of music, food and entertainment. There will be arts and craft available to buy, trade stalls and hands-on activities for children and adults. And of course the show wouldn't be complete without its ever popular funfair, there’ll be something for everyone.

Brockwell Park,
London, SE24 9BJ
Web: www.lambeth.gov.uk

What's On: The Madonna Nudes

Date:
2nd to 19th July 09

Admission:
FREE

The launch party for The Madonna Nudes exhibition took place on Wednesday evening and I took along my very good friend to check out the 'artwork'. Jointly organised by Seven Dials and Impure Art, we were greeted by Madonna herself (well a very, good lookalike: Evelyne Brink) who donned the singer's signature black leotard and knee-high boots combo whilst dancing to 'get into the groove'. It was all very entertaining, especially when the designated photographer initiated a dance off between them ala Step Up style.

As for the images, they were certainly baring all. With Madonna's short and curlies on full display and armpit hair that had been cultivating for some considerable time, I was feeling both surprised, uneasy and yet celebratory. Surprised that the icon that is Madonna, was at the time just hungry for fame dancer, aged 20, who stripped for just $30. Uneasy at the sight of her front bottom and its desperate need for a wax, and celebratory for the fact that I could see cellulite and little flaws. The fact that images were created before the years of Photoshop brought about a feeling of nostalgia. It was good to look back and remember a time, some 30 years ago when it wasn't the norm to perform a digital nip-tuck.

The Madonna Nudes are available to buy from £3,400 and being showcased at the gallery Monday to Saturday, 12-7pm, and Sunday 12-6pm. No doubt the pictures will become serious collectors' items.

Address:
Impure Art Gallery,
19 Earlham Street,
Seven Dials, WC2

For more information visit:
www.sevendials.co.uk or www.impureart.com

Luxe Spot: Jewel Bar, Piccadilly

For a luxurious party experience, a visit to Jewel in Piccadilly is just the place. The bar & club is a regular haunt for both celebs and socialites, and its reputation for being one of London's beautiful venues is completely warranted. The plush seating, chandeliers and rich fabric ceilings all add to it's glitzy appeal. But unlike other luxe clubs, this venue has that air of exclusivity minus the intimidation factor.

You have to try a cocktail or two, prepared by their expert Mixologists, and with prices starting at just £3.95 during happy hour, Jewel is great for after work drinks or a Saturday night chill out. I highly recommend the Vanilla Kiss - my favourite Jewel tipple to welcome to weekend.

On Fridays Jewel puts on a party night Glitteratti - expect plenty of funky, global house music with a little edge. On Saturdays it's all about high class glamour with an evening entitled La Boutique. Rotating DJs on the night include Ministry of Sound's Paul Mako and Bary Obzee of Pasha, Ibiza.

Jewel
4-6 Glasshouse Street
Piccadilly
London, W1B 5DQ
Telephone: 020 7439 4990
Web: www.jewelpiccadilly.co.uk

What's on: Paradise Gardens Festival

Dates: 20th - 21st June
Time: 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Location: Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, London E3
Admission: FREE - except Circus Ronaldo Shows

This weekend Victoria Park will be transformed into a modern-day pleasure garden with circus, live music, DJs, street art and dance. The family-friendly event promises exciting activities for all ages including sideshows by one of the world's last remaining Wall of Death; and Boredbrand's Digital Funfair.

Other attractions include music from The Dynamics, Avant Garde Dance, the world's smallest nightclub - aptly named 'Miniscule of Sound' and the outdoor premiere of Circus Ronaldo's La Cucina Dell'Arte; a theatrical, comedy performance by the sixth generation circus act.

Don't miss the exhibitors at the Village Fete featuring dozens of stalls selling food and crafts from all the world. Up and coming fashion boutique 7Ribbons will be selling a range of contemporary accessories - check out their stand for shopping bargain.

Avant Garde Dance

Tel: 020 7387 1203
Web: www.paradisegardens.org.uk
Circus Ronaldo Image Credit: Benny Degrove

What's On: Coutts London Jewellery Week

When: 8th - 14th June.

June is the month of this year's Coutts London Jewellery Week: Events and exhibitions scheduled across the city will present a rare opportunity to discover hidden gems around the capital. A diverse and impressive line has been confirmed to include Theo Fennell, Stephen Webster, and Swarovski, as well as participation by some of London's budding new designers and top boutiques. Many events are free, including the family-friendly Hatton Garden Festival running from Thursday 11 – Saturday 13 June.

Hatton Garden is historically known as London's 'jewellery quarter' and home to over 700 specialist businesses. Visitors of the festival will be invited to delve into their expertise and experience the design process upclose. The three-day event will also feature a historic account of the techniques handed down through generations of jewellers right through to present day technology. Other activities include a series of collection shows, DIY workshops and curation by Jacobs Jewellery.

Web: www.londonjewelleryweek.co.uk

Clothes Show London: Shopaholics and Beauty Junkies

Clothes Show London kicked off yesterday. The excel centre was heaving with shopaholics and beauty junkies, and there wasn't one spare seat in the fashion theatre. I attended the 3pm catwalk and was expecting to see Katie Price make her debut appearance wearing her KP Equestrian range, but she was a no show! However, I hear that she was out and about on the grounds and made finally an appearance later in the day. Erin O'Connor presented the catwalk and she looked stunning, but it was her co-host George Lamb that had the majority of the female audience feeling a little hazy.

The bargains at the show are just too vast to mention, it was literally one big outlet bazaar.
I was so tempted to spend but my sensible side kicked in and I deliberately left my plastic at home! So with the £100 I took with me, I bought four summer shades of lacquer from Jessica; my favourite being a delicious melon orange shimmer called 'Bright Lights', it's perfect for tanned feet and adding a little bejewelled elegance to the toes. I also treated myself to fruit and chocolate fondue and bought an oversized clutch from Anita's Vintage Fashion Fair.

So, after 4 hours of non-stop fashion goodness, I left the event with some great notes on the new labels to watch and utterly pleased with my new purchases. Plus I got a little video footage too! Take a look and hope you enjoy. Check back soon for style notes and beauty news from the show.

Clothes Show London is still on!
Dates: Friday 29th May 2009 - Sunday 31st May 2009
Location: The Excel Centre, London, E16 1DR

Book Now Online
Web: www.clothesshowlondon.com

Style Note: London Named Most Stylish City

When I started this blog, I already new this fact, but for those in any doubt, I had to share this news: London is officially crowned the UK's most stylish city! 1,000 people across Britain's biggest cities found London leading the way in style diversity, the latest trends and key looks.

A great look and a fabulous nautical ensemble, love the beret.

Hailed as one of the epicenters of the fashion world, London topped two categories: Britain's Most Stylish City and Britain's Most Eclectic Fashion Taste. All this according to Clothes Show London. To pay homage, I've selected my favourite pics from the blogs that are Style Scout - London's answer to the Satorialist and Style Sightings, the global fashion emissary. Enjoy!

The foxy librarian look of mini skirt, statement socks and t-bar mary janes are really working here.

Retro with a modern twist - the red band with bow adding a hint of Alice in Wonderland.

Fantastic layers, so effortlessly casual and yet smart!

Pink socks and stilettos - a brave move that works well with this stylista's skinny jean, leather bomber look.

View more stylish Londoners at:
stylescout.blogspot.com
stylesightings.com

Image credits: Courtesy of Style Scout and Style Sightings

What's On: Worthless in Seven Dials

Date: Starting on 22nd May
Location: 37 Endell Street in Seven Dials, London WC2

They say one man's junk is another man's treasure. Not convinced? Well a visit to 'Worthless' in Seven Dials may just change your mind. The live art installation has been inspired somewhat fittingly by the current recession. The project organised by the team at Pollocks, a creative organisation, fusing art, music and life, promises to transform everyday junk into priceless pieces of art.

From the 22nd - 29th May, you're invited to bring along your own worthless items and see them artistically recycled, ready for auction at a later event in June. And the reason is to challenge the notion of what we consider worthless, as Josef Valentino, founder and creative director of Pollocks explains; “Worthless is a harsh, derogation word - but what exactly does it mean? The term applies as much to every day junk as it does to retail casualties of the current economic climate – none more dramatic than the recent demise of retail giant, Woolworths.”

Don't miss the specially created 'Worthless' store, that will celebrate the institution that was Woolworths, via ironic references throughout the installation space. The pick of the best ‘worthless to priceless’ creations will be exhibited in the store from 1st – 5th June.

Culture Spot: Jazz Café

I'm a big music fan and the place where you'll find me enjoying it live is London's famous Jazz Café. Located in Camden and showcasing some of the hottest, jazz, soul, and world music artists, it's a fantastic groove spot.

With acts like Mor Karbasi (the divine Israeli alternative folk singer), Trilok Guru, (Indian composer and master musician) and UK hip-hop crew Breakin' Bread performing shows all in the same week, the Jazz Café is host to an impressive range of performing artists.

Aside from the music line up, the Café also has a menu of culturally rich cuisine on offer at the restaurant, from Spicy Chicken with Rice N' Peas to Thai Style Sword Fish and Stir Fried Egg Noodles. If you've never been to the Jazz Café, you're missing out!

Mor Karbasi

Jazz Cafe
5, Parkway,

Camden,
London, NW1 7PG
Web: www.jazzcafelive.com

What's On: The Chocolate Festival

Date: 3rd April - 5th April
Location: Southbank Centre Square
Admission: FREE

This weekend is a celebration of all things cocoa confectionery with the chocolate festival at the Southbank Centre. This delicious event is a must for all chocolate lovers out there.

Feast your eyes on demonstrations and workshops lead by master chocolatiers. Satisfy your chocolate craving by creating your own chocolate masterpieces and discover the partnership of chocolate with savoury foods.

With plenty of cakes to sample and chocolate art pieces on display it's going to be a very tempting experience.

Southbank Centre Square

Southbank Centre
Belvedere Road,
London, SE1 8XX
Web: www.southbankcentre.co.uk

What's On: LBD - Bringing Sexy Back

LBD: Little Black Dress
Date: Sunday 29th March 09
Time: 6pm -11pm

Don't we just love our Little black dresses? Otherwise referred to as LBD, it has a firm place in fashion's history, this we know. Almost every girl owns one; versatile, long-lasting, classic...cut simply, often short, sometimes backless... Yes, the LBD made popular by the legendary Coco Chanel has long been a fashionista's must have, in fact every girl’s staple.

Well imagine if you could experience that style, the same elegance and sexy sophistication in the form of an event. Think it can't be done? Think again. There's a new party night launching this weekend that promises to encapsulate the essence of our favourite little black numbers.


Introducing the Sunday lounge night, aptly name LBD - bringing sexy back into serious music on March 29th. Featuring fresh cuts and old school gems... classic lines with modern twists. It's where fringe meets pop culture. It's freedom from genre... you can have it all. Basically put, LBD is very, very LONDON. Expect a playful vibe; the odd special guest, with tables laid with surprises and delights.


11 Market Place
London
W1 8AH
29th March 6pm -11pm

Web: www.virb.com/LBD
Web: www.marketplace-london.com

Main Image credit: Hannah Marshall AW08, girldir.com

Hot Spot: Ruby lo Bar

Today I've been browsing venues to host the mother of all Hen parties for my friend who's getting hitched in the Summer. And at the top of my shortlist is the very cosmopolitan bar - ruby lo.


Located in the heart of the west end (near Selfridges), this basement venue has a dark and sexy décor, serious sound system and a lively vibe. Yes, this venue is the ideal setting for the party's Malonos and Martini theme. The bar also has an impressive drinks menu - you simply must try their Lychee & Rose petal martini cocktails!

Oh and of you're into your Drum n' bass classics then head down to swerve night on Wednesday the 25th of March, where resident DJ LiquidFunk Master Fabio and guests will be enticing you to get into the grove and throw some shapes on the dance floor.



Ruby Lo - W1
23 Orchard Street,
London, W1H 6HL

Tel: 020 7486 3671
Web: http://www.ruby.uk.com/lo/