Posts Tagged ‘Shoreditch’

Tunes and Chocs, our first GLP Night

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

You may have noticed a note on the end of the last newsletter saying we had something fun in the pipeline for Thursday 8th July. So here’s the plan.

There’s a gorgeous little bar near Old Street called 3Blind Mice, run by the inimitable Rodger. It’s an intimate and charming, miss it if you walked by kind of place. They do an right old rum and ginger ale. We’ll be decking the place out with a few GLP touches, and we’ve also invited along Jennifer from Chocolate Ecstasy Tours, who will be throwing in some of the very finest chocolate in London along and giving you the story of each.

But the main event will be one young Holly Walker. She’s a-mazing, literally brilliant. Accomplished pianist, stunning singer and, most importantly, really good fun. We thought we might be able to help. We love great little places and occasions, you like great little places and occasions – we hope. So we thought we’d put on out first gig.

Check her out. Her name’s Holly Walker: http://www.youtube.com/user/hollywalkersongs. Here’s one of our favourites:

Tickets are £5 in advance. There are only 50 places, so quickly does it. All proceeds go to Holly and towards making a decent GLP site. If this works it might just be the start of things to come. Look forward to seeing you there.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

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GLP #14: Bar bar be a black sheep; ten great little quirky bars…

Friday, June 4th, 2010

We need your help here people – it seems our little collection is unintentionally weighted towards East and Central London. Should any of you West, South and particularly North folk have a lesson or two to teach us, please do. Now then, if there was one reason we started GLP it was to champion great little places with a story to tell. Labours of love in a world dominated by ‘pinky and the brain’ chains. So here are ten great little places that are themselves a talking point. Remember to post your own little favourites if yours didn’t make this list…

Central:

Bourne and Hollingsworth, 28 Rathbone Place, Fitzrovia, W1T 1JF

A bar of a bygone era. Like your nan’s living room but cool and no way near as pungent.

Thanks for the tip off: Edward Marshall

Circus Bar, 27-29 Endell Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9BA.

Cabaret and cocktails is a potent mix at this surrealist den. Designed by Tom Dixon, of Paramount Bar and Bombay Sapphire pop-up bar fame, this place is slicker than a popsicle dipped in oil.

Thanks for the tip off: Hilary Clemens

New Evaristo Club or Trisha’s to the locals, 57 Greek Street, Soho, W1D 3DX

We haven’t been for a while but this place was pretty secret when we used to go. Enter through its discreet walkway with a whisper not a bang. No sign will guide you to this clandestine speakeasy. Once inside, you’ll feel like Alice in Wonderland, having fallen down into a booze-based rabbit hole.

West:

Blue Bar, The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL

It’s er… well, completely blue.

Thanks for the tip off: Babycat Lane (cracking name).

East:

Callooh Callay, 65 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3QQ

“And hast thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
 O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!” Named after Lewis Carroll’s nonsensical “Jabberwocky” poem, this place is an inspired concoction of quirky-chic. Walk through a Narniastyle wardrobe to get to the rear lounge. Drink delicious cocktails from gramophones. Admire the old cassette tapes that line the toilet walls. A frabjous day indeed.

Thanks for the tip off: Jon Slater

Lounge Lover, No. 1 Whitby Street, Shoreditch, E1 6JU

Minimalist this is not. It’s a miscellany of weird and wonderful objects of all shapes and sizes. But let’s cut to the chase: decadent cocktails in decadent surroundings. Not cheap, but truly immense.

Thanks for the tip off: Laura Guga

The Book Club, 100 Leonard Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 4RH

Ping-pong for free. A whole host of cultural events to tickle your intellectual fancy. Drink for thought.

Thanks for the tip off: John Brearley

Three Blind Mice, 5 Ravey Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 4QW


Round the corner from Book Club, this cosy basement bar is a self-proclaimed ‘unique little den of iniquity’. Incense burning from the air con vents. Peeling posters from the world over. Shabby seats. Chic this place is not. Beer is not this bar’s forte either unless you’re after a can of Red Stripe. However, it does serve up a devilish selection of spirits and is a charming little treasure. It’s so good in fact that we’re going to host our own event here on 8th July so watch this space.

Thanks for the tip off: Riki Neill

North:

The Arches, 7 Fairhazel Gardens, West Hampstead, NW6 3QE

This is a wine bar with real charm, a cute little wine garden with road signs from all over London and an interior filled with antique funky junk.

South:

Doodle Bar, 33 Parkgate Road, Battersea, SW11 4NP

This place is white. But with scribbling, doodles and drawings all over the walls. Like playschool but for kidults. There’s a lovely outside area with table tennis, patio heaters and a little balcony overlooking a dock by the Thames. It’s an events-only café though so it’s not open all the time. Call them up beforehand to make sure it’s open before you mosey on down: 0207 502 8167.

One last plea before you go, please help out a Camberwell community project by joining their facebook group. They need your help to create a cultural/arts centre in the area: http://bit.ly/aZ6Wi0.

That’s all for this week folks. If you miss us, follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/glpLondon. Otherwise, we’ll see you next week.

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Posted in Newsletters, Quirky Bars |

GLP #13: Rise and Shine, Ten Great Little Breakfasts to start the day…

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Most important meal of the day? We hope so. And to celebrate we’ve decided to sprinkle a bit of GLP onto the topic for you. So here’s to soggy eggs, home-made ketchup and French bread. Or maybe even a fresh glass of orange juice. Just make sure you eat well:

Centralish:

The Botanist, Sloane Square.

A mean breakfast all round from The Botanist. Pretty much everything you’re after and a lovely setting to accompany it.

Modern Pantry, St. John’s Square. Book here with TopTable.

There’s something very right about eating breakfast in a listed Georgian House. The food seems to match the environment and for some reason we had two servings of porridge when we joined the scene. In hindsight we should have gone a little heartier. A second visit is upon us.

West:

Ottolenghi, Notting Hill

There are now 4 of these places dotted around London. Each one tiny, each one amazing at sourcing the finest ingredients for a take-away breakfast. Some of them have tiny tables for you to sit at but we enjoyed sitting down with the owner, creating our very own hamper of items and then skipping off around London eating the finest pastry in the land.

East:

Hackney City Farm, Hackney

It may sound odd to eat breakfast in a city farm. But our experience of the activity went down rather well. Go on a Saturday and walk down the road to Broadway market for some home-made marble cake. Or any other cake for that matter.

St. John’s, Commerical Street, Shoreditch

We shouldn’t have favourites. But we think this may be ours. The best bacon sarnie in London and some home-made ketchup to boot. It doesn’t really get much better than this for taste.

The Counter Café, Stratford/Hackney

This tiny venue is tucked away by the Olympic village in east London. The locals swear by it and they’re pretty proud of their setup too. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the neighbourhood.

North:

Towpath, Dalston

Great porridge and a mixture of alternative café breakfast grub from an esteemed culinary couple. Think American, bit of Italian and a sprinkle of English. Oh, and it’s by a canal. Lovely.

Blue Legume, Stoke Newington

Pancakes and maple syrup was our choice at this venue. It got rather busy with the locals but it ended up adding to the atmosphere, especially outside where tables decorate the pavement and back yard. Sleeves up for this one.

South:

The French Café, Balham. Book here with TopTable.

This place is busy from sunrise to sunset. Getting a table outside helps add to the charm but you’ll enjoy the experience wherever you end up.

Lido Café, Herne Hill

Pool side action in Herne Hill. And a lovely range of breakfast too. Little more to say really.

Just before you shoot off for brekkie, this week at GLP Towers we’d like to ask your support for a community project in Camberwell we noticed come up as a post on our wall. To explain, a group of voluntters want to restore a Grade II listed building (ex-Gala Bingo) to its former glory as an arts/cultural venue that will serve the whole community and enhance the reputation of Camberwell as an artistic and creative centre. At the moment they need to continue to drum up support and get fans to sign up to their facebook page. Camberwell has been a poor afterthought for far too long and this project could potentially make a HUGE difference to living in the area! Please join their page on Facebook here to support them: http://bit.ly/aZ6Wi0. Yes you. You can also volunteer to help out on their website if you’re keen: www.CamberwellVillageHall.com.

That’s all for this week but we have some extra special newsletters over the coming weeks (including the most romantic restaurants) so be sure to come back and visit. Just ring our digital doorbell. More from us on our Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/glpLondon.

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Posted in Breakfasts, Newsletters |

GLP #11: Ten top London walks and scenery and stuff…

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

Last week we walked, skipped, fell over and crawled around London in a bid to uncover the capital’s best scenic walks. Have a gander and select your setting – here’s where we got to. We recommend you pack a good set of alpaca wool socks – like walking on fluffy clouds of joy. Anyway:


West:

Richmond Park, Richmond

Deer, garden cafés (Pembroke Lodge and Gardens) and a ridiculously amazing view (King Henry VIII mound) can all be found at Richmond Park. Especially check out the Isabella plantations – we’re told the azaleas and rhododendrons are sensational. We suggest setting out a day and seeing all of it, with a few drinks on the river to finish off.

Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew

A proper visual treat, and if it’s one of those places you always intend to go to but don’t. Do. The Chinese Pagoda, Treetop Walkway, stunning flowers – it’s a right scene.


South:

Southbank walk, Waterloo

London at its best. Tip: If ever you have a friend coming to London who wants to see the sights, take them on this route. Start off at the London Eye and walk east along the river bank to Oxo Tower – quick drink and a view, on to Tate Modern, then Globe Theatre. Head over the Millennium Bridge to St Paul’s or, if your legs are in good shape by the time you arrive, keep going past HMS Belfast onto Tower Bridge. This shot’s from the North Bank, but you get the picture:

Deptford Arts & Pirate Walk, Deptford
http://www.timeout.com/media/pdf/deptford.pdf

This walk is great fun. Lots of industrial style art houses and piratey-like locations. It sounds odd, and it is. But then again, that’s why we’ve chosen it. Big ups to Timeout for showing us the way.


North:

Alexandra Palace, Muswell Hill

Part of the ‘Better Haringey’ wider walking trail, Ally Pally is just brilliant. Stunning building itself, originally built to host entertainment and ‘information’ sessions for up to 12,000 people, which includes the biggest Willis organ in Europe, and there are 200 acres of untouched parkland and an epic view over the city. Make your way down to Muswell Hill and finish at Toff’s for some fish & chips.


Hampstead Heath Ponds, Hampstead

Weather permitting, the natural ponds in Hampstead Heath are a relaxing, if pretty Baltic, way of soaking up beautiful scenes whilst, well, bathing. It’s also a hotspot for kite flying. All adds to the charm. Once you’re done, pop along to Kenwood House and have a nibble at Brew House.


East:


First Thursday Art Exhibition, Shoreditch

Every first Thursday of the month the art galleries of east London open their doors and exhibit the latest installment of east London grit art. Free booze. Hot spots like Redchurch Street are littered with art buffs and novices until close to midnight; it’s like a monthly arty street party. Did we mention free booze. Absolute dating winner.

Brick Lane on a Sunday, Bethnal Green

Brick Lane is mayhem on a Sunday. But with a bit of mental preparation you’re bound to love it – it’s like everyone’s in Miami camp fancy dress, literally no holds barred. Make sure to visit the various indoor markets and quirky cafés off Brick Lane as you amble through. That’s where the charm really comes from.

Central:

London Aquarium, South Bank (in County Hall)

Sharks, jellyfish and fish you never knew existed. Not the most obvious walk, but a real winner. Nip over to Namco Station after for a smash up on the dodgems.


The free bus tour, Start at Liverpool Street.

We came across these guys – for some reason it’s far more fun doing a London tourist bus route when it’s done on the cheap. This site has a planned route consisting of the 11,9,28 and 15 bus routes. By the end of it all you will have covered most of the capital (and most topics of conversation…)

That’s all for this week. Follow us for more ideas at http://twitter.com/glpLondon

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Posted in Scenic Walks |

GLP #9: London’s Great Little Museums…

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

London is old. With age comes wisdom, wrinkles and museums. Or musea, or whatever it is. London has some of the world’s biggest and best, but also some of the smaller, more out of the ordinary collections. Here’s our pick of the finest:

Central:

1. Sir John Soane’s Museum, Holborn, WC2A 3BP

A huge favourite of GLP’s, you won’t forget your first visit. An eclectic, in places eccentric, but absolutely excellent townhouse on Lincoln’s Inn Fields, left as the former architect and all round winner Soane left it. Be sure to get the guide of the Hogarths, as they tell a fascinating political story, and look for the ceiling on which the iconic British red telephone box is based. Clue below.

2. Pollock’s Toy Museum, Fitzrovia, W1T 2HN

Pollock’s Toy Museum occupies two houses joined together in the heart of Fitzrovia, one 18th century, one 19th. A museum devoted to toys can’t go far wrong, and it doesn’t. The rooms are small and connected by narrow winding staircases, with the whole place exuding character and atmosphere. Literally every corner is filled with little visual delights, bringing back childhood memories of a time before the internet went and ruined everything.

West:

3. Leighton House Museum, Holland Park, W14 8LZ

Newly re-opened after extensive restoration, Leighton House Museum is a really remarkable 19th century house. It was the former home and studio of the Victorian artist Lord Leighton; every inch the chap. Over time it was extended and embellished to become a private palace of art. Inspiration floods in from the Orient and Arabia – you won’t see another place like it.

4. Apsley House, Knightsbridge, W1J 7NT

Otherwise known as Number One London, this is the former London home of the Duke of Wellington. The Waterloo gallery is a spectacular collection of masterpieces, with more paint and gold going on than B&Q and Elizabeth Duke put together.

East:

5. Geffrye Museum, Shoreditch, E2 8EA

Once the centre of the world’s furniture industry, Shoreditch now hosts the Geffyre Museum, showcasing the quintessential style of English middle-class living rooms from 1600 to the present day through a series of period rooms. One of London’s most friendly and charming museums.

6. Museum of Methodism & Wesley’s Chapel, Old Street, EC1Y 1AU

Methodism may not be the first topic you’d seek out the full range of historical artifacts for, but this place is worth a visit just for the building. A neat Georgian affair, it has a gorgeous little courtyard, and the working chapel holds its exhibits down in the crypt. Romantic, no?

North:

7. London Canal Museum, Kings Cross, N1 9RT

A canal museum isn’t the first place you’d think of to find out about the history of ice cream, but at the London Canal Museum that’s what you’ll get – flake and all. In what was once an ice warehouse used by Carlo Gatti for his famous ice cream, alongside the collection featuring the history of the waterways that helped build Britain and the people who worked on them, you’ll find an exhibition on the stuff that is anything but vanilla. Sorry.

8. Freud Museum, Hampstead, NW3 5SX

A beautiful Hampstead house, the inside of which might suggest that the big man Sigmund had a similar level of neuroses to many of his clients. Not only is it left exactly as he left it, but it’s also exactly like the place he fled in Austria in 1938, as he had noted the position of everything in his home so he could recreate it in London. Obviously. Includes the original couch.


South:

9. Old Operating Theatre Museum, Southwark, SE1 9RY

Once the home of grizzly operations of St Thomas’ Hospital, this is Britain’s oldest operating theatre. Think of a time before anaesthetic, biting the bullet and all; well you’ll see all the relevant old surgical instruments here. Shudder. It’s up in the roof of a beautiful English Baroque church, complete with wooden spectator galleries. This is the place to thank God for morphine.

10. London Sewing Machine Museum, Tooting, SW17 7AA

What? You heard us. Only in London. And the only place you’ll see the first ever Singer machine.

That’s all for this week. Follow us for more little winners at http://twitter.com/glpLondon

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Posted in Museums, Newsletters |

GLP #8: Freshen up with London’s Great Little Alfresco Hotpots…

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

Step outside. This week we’re on the lookout for London’s best al fresco dining. Fresh views, fresh ingredients, and fresh rosé spilled on your summer shoes. From cute courtyards to panoramic(ish) views, here are our favourite little outdoor-dining spots.

East:

Boundary (roof), Shoreditch, E2 7JE

 

Lovely people, panoramic views over London. Yes. Relaxed vibes and great food. Yes X 2. The grill here serves some of the best roasts in East London. But the locals know it so make sure you get here early to secure the best seats…

Pavilion Café, Victoria Park, E9 5DU

We love Victoria Park. Last time one of us was here the café was serenaded by a hour long flute class taking place round the corner, which was nice.

Central:

Bleeding Heart Yard, Farringdon, EC1N 8SJ. Book here with TopTable.

It’s pretty hard finding a nice outdoor area in the heart of the city. Cue – Bleeding Heart. It’s tucked away in a tiny court yard so give it a try if you’re in the neighbourhood. Make the most of the esquisit smelly cheeses if you’re going al fresco though – helps stave off the mosquitoes. And ladies, most likely, however.

Saint Christopher’s Place, Mayfair, W1U 1BF

We can’t really recommend any one place here, because this backstreet is full of the blighters. Their website gives a good run down of the various spots. This is as close as we get to the continental café culture square, just with less white linen jackets and peach shorts on show.

South:

Beauberry House, Dulwich, SE21 7AB

This smart Grade II-listed manor overlooks the gorgeous Belair Park. On a sunny day the terraces come into their own for a bit of alfresco, with sort of Anglo-Japanese fusion food. Certainly a very different place to take your someone special, and worth the day out if you’re not Dulwich way often (throw in a trip to the Horniman Museum and you literally can’t go wrong).

Northbank, Blackfriars, EC4V 3QH. Book here with TopTable.

The views from this place overlook Millennium Bridge and Tate Modern. Best if all, the menu celebrates all things local.

 

North:

Fredrick’s, Angel, N1 8EG

Fredrick’s main room is the garden room which has a grand glass roof. Semi-alfresco you could say. But if that disappoints you, simply make sure to choose the garden instead. This restaurant has 360 alfresco dining. Well done Fredrick!

West (ish):

Inn the Park, St James’ Park, SW1A 2BJ

Cake, tea and a lovely view of St James’ Park lake is our recommendation here. London we salute you.

 

Duke of York, Chelsea, SW3 4LY

Put on your smartest sandals on and get ready for some lovely, if pricey, contemporary Italian cuisine. But it’s impressive and that’s what you pay for. Fresh fresh fresh.

That’s this week’s round up. Follow us for more great little places at http://twitter.com/glpLondon

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Posted in Alfresco, Newsletters |

GLP #7: Jazzy Jeff and the fresh pints – London’s best jazz clubs

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010

Jazz hands at the ready! Swing by London’s greatest little jazz venues… And don’t worry. There are plenty more puns to come:

If you’re looking for sax appeal, you’ve come to the right place. You won’t get the blues at any of these fine establishments. As always, our top ten guestlist is designed to get you involved with your own suggestions. If you’re positively outraged that Ronnie Scott’s, the Jazz Café or your favourite little place hasn’t made the cut, we want to hear about it. Drum roll please…

Central:

1. Ain’t Nothing But… Soho, W1B 5PZ

This has come up on the GLP wall more times than we’ve had red wine gums. According to an “anonymous” quote on their website, it is the ‘best blues bar this side of the Atlantic’. Trust us, there ain’t nothing better…

Thanks for the tip off: Chris Strutt

2. Charlotte Street Blues, Goodge Street, W1T 4QH

Music is very much centre stage at this chilled out joint. Certified GLP.

Thanks for the tip off: Brittany Berman

East:

3. Charlie Wright’s International, Hoxton, N1 6DA

Down right dirty jazz. Just like it should be. There’s a reason we buy Persil.

Thanks for the tip off: Kirsty Tinkler

4. Lena, Shoreditch, EC2A 3JT

For an eclectic mix of jazz, swing south and visit this lovely Italian number. Inside it’s hipper than a Vespa with its trend-setting décor.

Thanks for the tip off: Thea Dedden

South:

5. Brasserie Toulouse Lautrec, Kennington, SE11 4RN

Here’s what Matt Campion wrote on our wall: “Brasserie Toulouse Lautrec – hidden on the outskirts of Kennington & near the Elephant and Castle… a great experience. Try the fish platter in the bar – served on an artist’s palette and signed in balsamic! Live Jamming Jazz every night too!” He’s not wrong.

Thanks for the tip off: Matt Campion

6. Le QuecumBar, Battersea, SW11 3HX

Le QuecumBar is home to gypsy swing. Cooler than a cucumber. Begona Castro wrote on our GLP page to say: “the Tuesday jam session is amazing!” Begona, we’ll jam with you any day of the week.

Thanks for the tip off: Begona Castro

7. 606 Club, Chelsea, SW10 0QD

According to the cheeky little’n Jamie Cullum, 606 is “London’s best music venue”. Real talk from the little fella himself. Mrs Cullum, you should be proud of your son, he’s no fibber.

Thanks for the tip off: err, Jamie Cullum

8. Boisdale, Belgravia, SW1W 9LX

A tartan clad jazz, cigar and supper club in an elegant Regency town house, Boisdale of Belgravia has the charm of an old fashioned gentlemen’s club. The music is ace but the food is expensive so be ready to snap your purse strings.

9. Bull’s Head, Barnes, SW13 9PY

Jazz has been played at the Bull’s head for over 50 years. They’ve even started their own Jazz festival to mark the fact. Roll on JazzStock.

North (ish):

10. The Vortex Jazz Club, Dalston, N16 8AZ

A beacon for cutting-edge jazz. Playing strong for 20 years… Shaun Cook wrote on our wall to say: ‘Some hot stuff goin on there’. Shaun you only speak the truth.

Thanks for the tip off: Shaun Crook

And one last one for luck, we’ve previously mentioned this little gem – but definitely one for the list:

JAZZLIVE @ The Crypt, St Giles Centre, Camberwell, SE5

Jazz sinners beware! Housed in the crypt of a church, Jazz Live is an unusual and holy little number. Cross our hearts and hope to die. Amen.

Thanks for the tip off: Jesus.

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Posted in Jazz, Newsletters |