Your social, cultural and gastronomical neighbourhood watch.

Tuesday 30 June 2009

HOTELSALEHOTELSALEHOTELSALE




For those living outside the neighborhood, Hoxton Hotel starts their £1 sale at midnight on Thursday 2nd July. 


500 of the hotel's rooms will be available for £1/night and an additional 500 for £29/night from the 1st August -31st October.  


The last time Hoxton Hotel offered such a fantastic deal they created online chaos,  with over 300,000 virtually vying for the rooms and selling out in 11 minutes.  If you're speedy on the mouse and keys, this is the challenge for you.  


...and for those who do live in the neighborhood, why not have a go anyway?  We will be!

Monday 29 June 2009

This Week...


This Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Rich Mix is hosting the performance 'Suspended Lives'- a drama concerning different groups of refugees and based upon true stories.  For ticket information and times, go here.  

Sunday 28 June 2009

Top Ten - Shoreditch Street Art


Chance Street - #8

Wednesday 24 June 2009

Coming Up...


Saturday the 27 of June and Sunday the 28, Brick Lane Yard is going to turn into Spain!  Rioja wines are putting together two days filled with Spanish tapas sampling and wine tasting, along with guitar based entertainment... and the best part?  It's free!  Quite frankly, I can't see myself wanting to spend the weekend any other way.  

Tuesday 23 June 2009

A truly beautiful day in the neighborhood!

  
It's set to be a beautiful sunny, warm day in the neighborhood (according to the weather outside right now and the plethora of weather websites I check).  So if you happen to have the day off or can escape for lunch we suggest you spend it outside as we all know a beautiful summer's day in London is not to be taken for granted. 

Some of our favourite weekday green spots in Shoreditch...


View Green spots of Shoreditch in a larger map

Monday 22 June 2009

Market Mayhem Part 3




Shh...the secret garden is for sale! Columbia Road Flower Market located on, you guessed it, Columbia Road, is a flower and plant extravaganza that explodes onto the street every Sunday. Some of the most beautiful fresh cut flowers in all of London are sold here, at some seriously reasonable prices. To top it all off, the street is dotted with delightful cafes and restaurants, so if you are in the market for a lovely Sunday afternoon complete with flowers, food and great deals, Columbia Road is your destination!


Local's Tip: head over around 3pm for the end of the day deals, "3 bunches for a fiver!" it doesn't get much better than that!

Why Don't You... Take A Drawing Class?



What: 'Life class: Today's nude.' Channel 4 and Art Angel/Jerwood commision free life drawing classes -"nothing in nature stands still", led by Alan Kane.
 Drop in and take a 30 minute class, master the skill of depicting the unclothed human body with guidance from one of the artist-tutors.

Where: Shoreditch Town Hall

When: 22 and 29 June, 12 -2pm.

Why: Why not?

For more information, go here

BASH



This past weekend us ladies had the privilege of helping out a fantastic growing company called BASH.  While our part in helping out was small, it made us feel good to participate in something that will ultimately be for the greater good.  BASH is a creative agency whose main impetus is to lessen Britain's ecological footprint.  They do this through various methods: from holding events that exude minimal ecological impacts, to having their own completely sustainable rooftop garden filled with plants and innovative new technologies, to campaigning among the community, spreading socially and ecologically conscious ideas.  Our encounter with the team at BASH, though brief, was most assuredly worthwhile- it's always refreshing to see people doing something that benefits society as a whole.  Make sure to check out the website for more information:

Top Ten -Shoreditch Street Art



Cement bollards have always appeared unnecessarily unattractive to me...this unknown street artist comes to the rescue on Waterson Street and in turn earns the #9 spot.  

Wednesday 17 June 2009

Degree Art Shows




The British art school tradition is renowned worldwide and has given birth to many celebrated contemporary artists, designers and musicians.  Although the fashion students receive the greatest attention via the Central St. Martin's show during London fashion week or the respected Graduate Fashion Week, degree art shows are an opportunity to view exciting, innovative art from the masters of tomorrow.   With graduation season nigh, many of East London's galleries are hosting said exhibitions. 



Old Truman Brewery exhibition space is currently hosting the Free Range art and design show.   The show is open till the 20th July, which gives you plenty of time to see the 3,000+  graduates work on display. 


From Thursday, 18th - 22nd June, Vyner Street Gallery is hosting Royal Holloway University's degree exhibit, which will showcase various installations and films.


Degree Art

Free Range Art Show

Vyner Street Gallery

Market Mayhem... Part 2



Looking for some obscure knick-knacks to decorate the place with?  Well then this is just the market for you!  Spitalfields Market has days dedicated to different themes, and Thursdays at Spitalfields provides antiques galore.  These aren't your every-day oriental rug kid of antiques, no m'am!  Among the numerous stalls in this market you can get ahold of everything from a preserved animal fetus to a fantastically maintained and authentic WWII coat.  If you go towards closing (normally around 5 PM) the very few food stalls that are there are usually attempting to get rid of their stock so you can get some great food for really cheap!

Tuesday 16 June 2009

Tuesday night. Movie night.



WHAT: Close-up, the wondrous film library on Brick Lane is hosting its third John Cassavetes film showing tonight.

WHERE: The Workingmen's Club, 44-46 Pollard Road, E2.

WHEN: 8pm, doors open at 7.45.

WHY: Cassavetes' (heralded the father of American independent film) A Woman Under the Influence, delves into the suburban domestic turmoil and stars Gena Rowlands and Peter Falk.  By funding his films entirely outside of the Hollywood system, Cassavetes affords to portray honest, uncompromising accounts of human relationships.  Cassavetes films are rarely shown in cinema's these days and therefore this is an opportunity not to be missed. 



Pixies Surprise Show!



Last night, the Pixies titillated a lucky crowd by performing an impromptu set at the Village Underground in Shoreditch.  Frank Black and fellow band mates played a 13-piece that perfectly  coincided with the artwork from their upcoming boxset 'Minotaur', which was also being showcased at the venue.  Some of the audience included the Klaxons' Jamie Reynolds and James Righton, and My Bloody Valentines' Kevin Shields.  Sure wish we had happened to be there!  Just goes to show you never know what can happen in the neighborhood.

Monday 15 June 2009

Philanthropic Theatre



Cordy House expands its repertoire of event hosting this month with the Carboard Citizens staging of Mincemeat


Cardboard Citizens is a charitable organisation that works with homeless and displaced peoples, both in reaching their practical needs and through theatre and performance arts.  Believing in the beneficial, change-evoking characteristics of theater, they offer free workshops and performance opportunities to homeless people. 


Written by Adrian Jackson & Farhana Sheikh, Mincemeat explores the mystery surrounding a dead body that significantly changed the outcome of the second world war.  The play is performed by professional cast including ex-homeless actors. 



A REMARKABLE PIECE OF THEATRE, MULTILAYERED, PASSIONATE...MAKES YOU ANGRY AND MAKES YOU CRY. **** Guardian


The play opens tonight (Monday 15th June) and runs till the 12th July @ Cordy House, Curtain Road, E2.


Buy tickets here


Find out more about Cardboard Citizens 

Top Ten - Shoreditch Street Art

This derelict doorway on Strouts place adorned with street paste-ups by London based artist A.CE is our #10.

Sunday 14 June 2009

A Shoreditch speciality- warehouse parties.


On Friday night, we of 'In the Neighborhood' attended a Red Bull Music Academy Party held at Cordy House. 

Cordy House is a dynamic event space on Curtain Road hosting fashion shows, samples sales, press days, fashion shoots and private parties galore.  We first made acquaintance with Cordy House last year when it acted as home-base for the 'Shoreditch Shuffle' and its rooftop terrace as a barbecue/lounge spot. 


Thanks to the unique location and music from singer/rapper/electro-girl Goldielocks (not to mention the open bar) the party provided an ideal escape from the circus Shoreditch becomes on a Friday night. 



A huge thank you to Red Bull Music Academy and to our friends at Modus PR.


Saturday 13 June 2009

Job Alert!


STRONGROOM is looking for part time bar staff.  Must be available on Saturdays and Sundays, have a bank account and strong command of English.  Closing date is June 20... so check it out!

120-124 Curtain Road: http://www.strongroom.com

Friday 12 June 2009

ARTSALEARTSALEARTSALE



What: Art Car Boot Fair 2009
 
WhereOld Truman Brewery, 146 Brick Lane

When: Sunday 14th June, 12-6pm

Why: Food, music, fashion, cars and art to boot - this unique 'credit crunch aware' art market promises to shake up your Sunday. 


Why Don't You... Try Some Thai?


Yesterday I finally had the pleasure of trying Rosas restaurant on Hanbury street, after quite a few failed attempts... and let me tell you, the wait was worth it!  While the menu may not be as extensive as other typical Thai restaurants, the dishes that are available are very inexpensive, and absolutely mouthwatering.  I got a simple chicken wrap with peanut sauce, and it was so filled with flavor that I devoured the entire dish faster than you can say "I love Thai!"  Perfect for a lunchtime break from work or an easy take-away dinner.  To find out the location and check out the menu, visit the website: www.rosaslondon.com/ 

Wednesday 10 June 2009

City Escapes


It's always nice to know that when the city life becomes too much, there are places of serenity that can provide a temporary break.  When these places are also beneficial to the community as well, they should most certainly be recognised and praised.  Hackney City Farm  is one of these such places.  Hiding among the urban population, the farm boasts eco-friendly practices and is a fantastic place to take children and adults alike.  While I find myself especially fond of the pigs, the other animals that roam around the farm are certainly enjoyable as well.  There is also a lovely cafe on site, serving  wonderfully prepared meals using fresh seasonal ingredients.  


For more information, visit: http://www.hackneycityfarm.co.uk/



Friday 5 June 2009

SAMPLESALESAMPLESALESAMPLESALE


What: Sample Sale Alert

Where: The Boiler House, 152 Brick Lane (opposite All Star Lanes)

An incredible selection of reduced Opening Ceremony, Vivienne Westwood, See by
Chloe, Balenciaga and Biba attire renders the £1 entry fee a small price to pay.  Like most sample sales, be prepared to search through a lot of rubbish in order to find the good stuff.  Pop in Saturday (12-7) or Sunday (12-6). 

PC: TheFashionSpot

'Firsday' Retrospective: June 4th











Stella Dore
Sometimes first time's a charm...that goes double for Stella Dore, as it was our first venture to said establishment, and also the first gallery of the evening. We particularly enjoyed the work by E.C. Woodard, whose slightly perverse and macabre illustrations are reminiscent of a twisted amalgamation of Where the Wild Things Are and Alice in Wonderland.

Thursday 4 June 2009

'Firsday' - Art Appreciation

Today, is not any old Thursday. It's the first Thursday 
of the month...


On the first thursday of the month the majority of East London galleries are open late previewing their latest exhibits.


With 80+ galleries participating across East London it can be 

hard to hit them all, each first Thursday we meander along 

Charlotte Road, down Rivington Street and over to Redchurch 

Street to see our favourite galleries current exhibitions. 

Beyond the art, the eccentrically stylish crowd in attendance 

provide an additional spectacle.  


One of the prime cultural and social events of the month and 

certainly the best Thursday in town.


6-9pm [Be on time for free wine (and beer)], 4th June - East London galleries and museums.




View First Thursdays - East London in a larger map

Monday 1 June 2009

Market Mayhem... Part 1



As you will soon come to realize, we are quite the avid market-goers, especially when the weather permits.  Outdoor markets provide out-of-the-ordinary purchases,  excellent gift ideas, and are ideal for people watching. When it comes to finding the perfect Saturday market, there is no question in my mind that Broadway Market takes the cake, located between Regents Canal and London Fields.  The market provides not only specialised food stalls ranging from wild mushroom risotto to Ghanaian food, but also crafts, clothing, and politically-charged stalls as well.  I am particularly fond of Karin Andreasson's booth, which possesses a unique line of jewelry that will leave any accessory-loving fashionista wanting more.  The cafes and stores surrounding the market are also noteworthy, and the atmosphere the entire experience provides is unparalleled.  



http://www.broadwaymarket.co.uk

http://www.karinandreassonjewellery.com

It's tea time!


VINTAGE HEAVEN is a self-proclaimed “treasure trove of retro and mid-century objets d'art,” complete with a delightful tearoom, the CAKE HOLE, concealed within. 


The boutique stocks crockery of yesteryear combined with quirky thingamabobs and a small selection of vintage clothing.  


The Cake Hole steals the show in my eyes.  The selection of cakes and teas are certainly a special treat and the equally delicious soup of the day is on location for those craving a savoury snack.


Vintage Heaven/Cake Hole is not to be missed.  Where else can you buy your vintage china and sip from it too?

Vintage Heaven: Open Fri. 12 noon to 5.00pm, Sat. 12 noon to 6.00pm & Sun. 8.30am to 5.30pm

Cake Hole: Open Sat. 12 noon to 6.00pm & Sun. 8.30am to 5.00pm.                                   

82 Columbia Road. 


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