May, 2012

Review: Mystery Jets, Proud Camden

By on May 31, 2012 in Music

The Mystery Jets. Not really a band I’ve given much thought to since I was about fourteen. And yet there I was at Proud Camden, standing two rows from the front, expecting to see the same chipper-sweet, awkward-slash-cool group of boys come bounding on stage – but instead I got age. I didn’t know who [...]

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

Cheeky Coffee: Arancini Brothers’ Sunny Garden

By on May 31, 2012 in Coffee

Of course the joint needs no introduction. We’ve banged on about their coffee, their balls, their superior festival fayre. That’s because, if truth be told, in our deluded little minds they’re like The Kentishtowner’s cafe spin-off. We’d be quite happy there in the kitchen, dicing onions and adding wine to the risotto. So we were [...]

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

Review: Taking the Waters – A Swim Around Hampstead Heath by Caitlin Davies

By on May 30, 2012 in Books

Some people might glance at Caitlin Davies’ new book and dismiss it as a niche interest publication. In a way, it is. If you enjoy wild swimming, or live near the Heath, then the above is true, and you should love this book. But Davies’ triumph is to turn a homage to the three Highgate [...]

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

Wednesday Picture: Enjoyed Alma Street Fair? Read on.

By on May 30, 2012 in Wednesday Picture

Alma Street is enjoying its moment in the sun, after another baskingly-hot summer fair (heck, we’re nostalgic already). But what tales lurk behind its well-tended facade? The street dates from 1856, its name commemorating the Battle Of The River Alma, the first indecisive victory for the Allies in the Crimean War. (History buffs will know [...]

Read full story • Comments { 1 }

Life Tips #18: Vincent, Metalworker & Sculptor

By on May 29, 2012 in Life Tips

Don’t Look Back. My Mum and Dad came over from Jamaica in the 60s with the dream of a better life. It was a bit of a shock moving from a tropical paradise to freezing cold urban Edmonton. Dad drove a lorry and mum worked at a local school but they never complained. Know what [...]

Read full story • Comments { 1 }

Review: Buzzcocks, Brixton Academy

By on May 28, 2012 in Music

Gosh, it’s really quick to get to Brixton from North London, isn’t it? Just a thought I had as we fuelled up, post-tube journey, at Honest Burgers in foodie Brixton Village for the best burger ever. And don’t get me started on the startlingly fabulous chips with rosemary salt. This was all by way of [...]

Read full story • Comments { 4 }

Why It Matters Special: Alma Street Fair 2012

By on May 28, 2012 in Why It Matters

Once again, the organisers of the annual Alma Street Fair effortlessly show us how to run a ‘hyperlocal’ festival that manages to be buzzy, peaceful, and representative of our multicultural and diverse community. Hundreds packed the pretty backstreets of the Inkerman conservation area yesterday, whilst residents enjoyed the spectacle from their rooftops, Notting Hill Carnival [...]

Read full story • Comments { 8 }

Community Pinboard: A new Grafton Arms and the Alma Street Fair 2012

By on May 25, 2012 in Drink, Pinboard

Last week’s inaugural Community Pinboard was a H.I.T. We had thousands of views so keep posting your suggestions on our Facebook or comments section below, and the most interesting make the round-up. This week: 1. A new Grafton Arms. Lots of you have already spied the eviction notice on the doors of this Prince Of [...]

Read full story • Comments { 1 }

Review: Elvis Costello, Royal Albert Hall

By on May 25, 2012 in Music

The first hot day of the year. I’m happily drinking rose and nibbling at a rather excellent prawn and avocado salad, giggling and gossiping whilst keeping a beady one on my emails – when a note comes in from a pal with tickets to Elvis Costello. So we’re off to the Albert Hall. In a [...]

Read full story • Comments { 7 }

Thursday Video Club: The Rasmus, O2 Academy Islington

By on May 24, 2012 in Music, Video

The N1 shopping centre is a rather soulless place. And tonight its slightly suburban 02 Academy (formerly Carling) plays host to Finnish rockers The Rasmus, returning to the UK after a four year hiatus to promote their new self-titled album, released here a couple of weeks ago. Here’s the comeback single ‘I’m A Mess.’ Catchy, [...]

Read full story • Comments { 0 }