LGBTQ: Bar Zodiac to open on Hampstead Road
Founded by trans woman Jade Phoenix Hoskins and her husband David Hoskins (pictured above), the area’s latest LGBTQ venture has hopped around a bit in the last year – unsurprising given the testing circumstances, of course.
Last summer, post-lockdown, Zodiac started out at the Hideaway Bar over on Junction Road, before moving to the Boston Arms in Tufnell Park between lockdowns.
And now their baby has been granted a proper license for what we hope will be their first permanent LGBTQ venue: the former Shaker & Company cocktail bar on Hampstead Road.
Always an underrated space, with classy libations and an intriguing New York-style two-floor space, fingers crossed this progressive team can make it work again with their varied roster of nights across the LGBTQ spectrum, including those for the trans community, lesbians, bears and fetish lovers, as well as drag acts, cabaret, talent contests and bingo/quiz sessions. Opening date TBC, 119 Hampstead Road NW1, follow their progress on @zodiacbarlondon
ART: No Thing is Waiting, Zabludowicz
In the latest show at the iconic Prince of Wales gallery, there are no clocks whatsoever. Instead you’re encouraged to consider time outside of minutes and hours, a concept which feels truly refreshing after a year framed by 40-minute bloody Zoom calls, 5pm government press conferences and (scream!) beer garden booking systems. Bringing together 17 multi-generational artists, No Thing is Waiting proposes that our experience of time could be reconstructed through engaging with artworks, and use of colour, shifting daylight, changeable sonic tempos and multiple viewpoints. You 100% can’t argue with that. Opens today, ends 15th Aug, free entry, no booking needed. 176 Prince Of Wales Road NW5, Thurs-Sun, 12-6pm @zabludowicz_collection
CAFE: BREAD BY BIKE
The new Bread By Bike cafe on Brecknock Road opened the other week: an open-plan space that serves lunch, brunch and dessert, it boasts a small, changing menu, artisan coffee from local N7 roastery Vagabond and pastries handmade by their chefs. The sourcing is on point: cheese and dairy are from Neal’s Yard, cured meats from Cobble Lane Cured, and fresh fruit and vegetables from Turnips of Borough Market. You can also buy a selection of ingredients (think sour cherry jam or pumpkin seed and white chocolate spread) and ceramics made by a local potter. Open daily 8am-4pm, 30 Brecknock Road N7 @breadbybike
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