Riveting Rivington

The arrival of my daily mail ties my stomach up in knots and sends a shudder up my spine - the usual crew of bank statements, water bills and countless final demands is certainly one to be feared. However this morning one suspiciously inviting envelope was present and called for a closer look. As soon as I recognised the YCN.72 Rivington logo, excitement enveloped me and seconds later I sat surrounded by shredded paper and clutching treasure in my hands, my much-anticipated YCN.72 lending library card!

The lending library at 72 Rivington Street boasts a stimulating selection of publications and books to be borrowed for up to 14 days. Membership is free and the process is quick and easy, simply drop-in, fill out a form and a few days later your library card will be in your hands, yielding access to an abundance of inspirational materials.


YCN.72 Rivington Street
London, EC2A 3AY
United Kingdom
t. +44 (0) 207 033 2140
e. info@ycnonline.com
Monday – Friday
10am – 6pm

PC:DavidBarrie

ALLEY WAY SALE

What: Alley Way Sale (Party)

Where: Cotton's Gardens Alley Way (off Kingsland Road), London, E2 8DN

When: Saturday 22nd August (tomorrow), 11am -6pm

Why: Seize some really great deals on new, used and vintage clothing and accessories, furniture, books, kitchenware,thingmabobs and whatchamacallit's. There will also be an array of home-baked goods, hot-dogs, an old-fashioned lemonade stand and live-music...escape from the Brick Lane/Broadway Saturday market routine and stop by this one time only alley way sale!

In the Future... (and some history)

For those of you that don't know, while Shoreditch has a reputation for being overly trendy and up-to-date, it also has quite a history to boast.  In fact, Shoreditch was none other than Shakespeare's original neighborhood!  Some of his first plays were performed at 'The Theatre', which was located on what we now know as Curtain Road.  Now, the Tower Theatre Company has commissioned and excavation of the site by the Museum of London Archaeology, set to commence within the next two years.  The company hopes to build a modern-day theatre, around the remains of the original playhouse, which will feature a box-office, bar, and 135-seat auditorium, and will stage 18 annual shows along with other community projects.  Keep your eye out for this fantastic new addition to The Neighborhood!

Top Ten Shoreditch Street Art

#6 found on Waterson St.

Neighborhood-ly Citizen of the Week.

Sorry for the poor phone camera quality, but this grinning girl is none other than In the Neighborhood's 1st featured neighborhood-ly citizen, Katie. Neighborhood-ly behaviour is far and few between in these modern times but this act of good-will prove that it is still in existence.

We caught Katie as she leaped from her Sunday brunch pancakes and coveted outdoor table at Little Georgia, sprinted far off into the distance where she retrieved a fallen baby accessory belonging to proud new parents, sprinted a little more when she finally reached the couple and returned the forgotten object. Touching, to say the least.

So if you happen to see this face around the neighborhood, don't despair...she's got your back.

An explanation.

We have all been out of the neighbourhood recently so apologies for the dire lack of posts. If it's any consolation we were unbearably homesick.

Little Georgia Cafe

After a lovely stroll along the canal one sunny morning, Jezebel and myself decided to reward our vigorous speed-walking with a well deserved cafe pit stop.  We had always been curious about Little Georgia Cafe, as it seemed to attract quite a crowd and neither of us had ever experienced Georgian food before, so we decided this was the perfect time to try it out.  We were lucky enough to grab a seat outside, also allowing us to participate in some fantastic people-watching... and who doesn't love some good people-watching?  The breakfast menu was surprisingly varied, offering everything from the typical eggs on toast to pancakes filled with ricotta cheese and cranberries (which ended up being my choice for late-morning munching).  Both of our plates came with a generous helping of fruit salad, and were just enough to fill us up without feeling stuffed... and it gets better.  While looking at the full menu, we realized that nothing is above 6 pounds!  Quite a bargain for such lovely home-cooked meals.  The dinner menu offers Turkish, Russian, and Slavic-inspired dishes, which makes sense when considering Georgia's Black Sea geography.  Needless to say, we have been looking forward to returning for a dinner treat ever since.  

Located on 87 Goldsmiths Row, Bethnal Green.

Brick Lane Vintage

Brick Lane's plethora of vintage stores is surely one of the area's greatest attributes, however there is no such thing as a one-stop vintage shop. Although many of the boutiques carry a range of apparel and accessories, if you're looking for the very best that Brick Lane has to offer, in the words of Smokey Robinson 'you better shop around.'


Accessories (Belts, Scarves and all that jazz)- Rokit, 101 Brick Lane

Jewelry - Spitalfields Antiques market, every Thursday (alright, not an actual store but to be honest this is one area that Brick Lane vintage is lacking - Spitalfields on a Thursday makes up for this though)

Shoes and Bags - Absolute Vintage, 15 Hanbury Street

Vintage T's -Beyond Retro, 110-112 Cheshire Street

50's garb - Paper Dress Vintage, 114 - 116 Curtain Road ( not Brick Lane but in the general vicinity)

Vintage bathing suits - This Shop Rocks! 131 Brick Lane

Men's - Brick Lane Thrift Store, 68 Sclater Street

Fashion craze of the second - Beyond Retro, as listed above (exploiting tomorrow's trends is Beyond Retro's speciality, rows and rows of what is deemed to be en vogue in the east are pushed to the front of the store periodically resulting in a bevy of homogenous individuals).

BYOB

If you are looking to go out for a fun, tasty yet affordable dinner Tay Do Cafe, one of the many Vietnamese BYOB restaurants located on Kingsland Road is a fantastic venue to consider. The massive menu boasts a great range of vegetarian, fish and meat options (personal favourites are the tofu and bean sprout udon noodles/tamarind tofu and crab and sweetcorn soup). The restaurant is not licensed to serve alcohol so you are welcome to bring your own. However, they will charge a 50p corkage fee which in comparison to other BYOB's in the area, is relatively cheap. The restaurant is always jam-packed, yet even on a Friday night expect waiting time to be minimal...five to ten minutes at most. Tay Do Cafe's bright green walls and plastic furnishings leave much to be desired in the way of decor but ultimately this is a negligible factor as the bustling atmosphere and delicious dishes steal the show.

Tay Do Cafe, 65 Kingsland Road, E2 8AG

Get Krump!

If you're not familiar with the term 'krump', then you have obviously been hiding under a rock for the past few years.  Krumping (also clown dancing or clowning) is a style of dance that originated in the African-American community of South Central Los Angeles, California. It involves elaborate face-painting and freestyle dance moves usually performed in competition with other crews. Krumping really started to capture the world's attention with the release of the movie 'Rize', a documentary exploring the physically astounding Los Angeles worlds of clowning and krumping.  If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing this visually stunning and award-winning movie, now is the perfect time to do so, as Rich Mix is hosting not only a screening of the movie, but also a master class in krumping afterwards!  This fantastic event is taking place this Friday, July 31 at 1:30 PM and costs only 5 pounds for both the movie and the class... just in time to impress the weekend crowds with your new dance moves.  For more information, go here.

Why Don't You... Sing Some Motown?

Tonight, that's right I said tonight, the Vibe Bar is putting on a very special evening of karaoke.  Now, this isn't the kind of karaoke where people with headache-inducing vocals sing along to lackluster backing music, no indeed.  This karaoke has a 6 piece live funk band backing you to all the Motown classics.  The evening, suitably entitled 'Soul Brew', only requires you to sign up to sing and a small 4 pound investment.  So get your fellow Supremes ready and start practicing those moves!

Much like this snazzy dwelling on Columbia Road, we too have a correspondence portal!


neighborhood.shoreditch@googlemail.com


We promise to respond...so start sending your views/ musings/ opinions/ questions/ suggestions/ jokes/ screenplays/ troubles our way!

Coming Up...

While many of you out there may be utterly fed up with the amount of media attention surrounding the late and great Michael Jackson, we at In the Neighborhood (well myself, at least), have not yet reached the point of complete aggravation.  That being said, the Truman Brewery together with HF Contemporary Art are hosting a Michael Jackson tribute at Draywalk Gallery starting this Friday, July 24.  The exhibition will have original new works by international gallery artists, as well as a concert put on by the Esben Tvalje trio with vocalist Lydia Jenkins.  I think we could all stand to pay tribute to MJ one last time, no?   

Shoreditch Services - Locked out?

Had a little too much fun? Find yourself suddenly keyless/locked out of your home? Thanks to Ryan Nicholl, the 24 hr locksmith, you will no longer have to spend the night nestling on your stoop. This life saviour, yes, life saviour (he doesn't charge a call-out fee) lives in the neighborhood and makes himself available at any hour, night and day. So if you like myself, ever suffer from bouts of scatterbrain-ness, commit his details to memory and all will be well.

RYAN NICHOLL
24 HOUR LOCKSMITH

T: 0207 247 1600
M: 07768587960
E: ryan@cityoflondonlocksmiths.co.uk

Lovebox Fever - let's hear it for the boys...

Festival wear by intheneighborhood featuring Levis jeans

Lovebox Fever - 2 days to go and festival fashion is on the brain...

Lovebox Festival by intheneighborhood featuring Dior sunglasses

Coming Up...

Vauxhall has commissioned artist/designer Kate Moross to customize a Vauxhall Corsa, which will take center stage as part of a celebrity-fueled roller disco event dubbed 'Vauxhall Skate', set to take place July 29 in none other than Shoreditch.  Celebrity DJs including Sophie Ellis Bextor and Alfie Allen will be spinning their sets, Jonny Woo will be hosting a 'car-a-oke' along with numerous dress-up props, and Lyndell Mansfield will be providing free hair styling at a pit-stop salon.  Currently the exact location remains a secret, but you can enter your e-mail address here to win one of the 35 pairs of free tickets being given away by Dazed and Confused magazine, or to put yourself forward for a number of the limited tickets by emailing Vauxhall@mischiefpr.com.

Radical Nature

Is it possible to shift our mood on climate change? A new installation in Dalston aims to do just that.  Linked to the Radical Nature exhibit at the Barbican, the Dalston Mill has transformed an old railway line and subsequent wasteland into a 'fully-functioning' mill and wheat field, in an effort to cause people to realize that way we use land, produce food, and relate to one another, are all inextricably linked.  The origin of the installation is actually thousands of miles away in New York, where Agnes Denes' original wheat field juxtaposed against the Manhattan skyline provided an iconic image of environmentalism that will now be emulated in our very own Hackney.  The Dalston Mill is also providing workshops, theatre performances, bread-making, pedal-powered music, and tea-time talks with artists. How wonderful that the neighborhood is providing a means for people to ponder our effects on the planet!  Open daily from 2-10 PM.

SHOREDITCH CALLING: POETS AND FILMMAKERS

Msft, previously known as Missfit Productions is a self proclaimed ‘storytellers pedestal’.  Since 2006, they have played an active role in supporting and publicizing an eclectic palette of emerging talent, from poets to performance artists. 

Their latest project, Speech Motion provides filmmakers and poets with a platform to preview their work via an open mic/screen night at Shoreditch’s The Horse and Groom.   This exciting addition to the neighborhood's cultural calendar will run every last Tuesday of the month and will culminate in Speech Motion’s headlining talent.

So, if you fancy yourself a poet, storyteller, performer or filmmaker (or all of the above), Speech Motion is a fantastic opportunity to exhibit your work. To be considered for one of the 12 headlining spots get in touch with msft at speechmotion@makingtheatrework.com.  Headlining acts will be paid  for participation.

Upcoming night: 28th July-The Horse and Groom, Curtain Rd. – Doors open at 7pm - £4 entry. 

Want more information? Visit msft's website.

Market Mayhem... Part 3

The Sunday Upmarket on 81 Brick Lane and Hanbury street is a great place to spend your Sunday.  With over 200 stalls boasting everything from worldly food stalls to vintage fabrics, this market has been known to draw quite the crowd, making for yet another great people-watching spot.  The market also has a history of supporting local artists and and deciders, which we think is very neighborhoodly indeed!  Open every Sunday from 10 am - 5 pm.

Top Ten - Shoreditch Street Art

This Michael Jackson tribute on Rivington Street steals the #7 spot for our favourite Shoreditch Street Art.

Our Second Home

The Old Shoreditch Station, located on the corner of Kingsland Road and Old Street, is undoubtedly an In the Neighborhood favorite, both day and night.  In fact, Jezebel and myself are sitting here (here being the station of course) at this very moment enjoying an iced green tea and toffee nut muffin whilst partaking in some excellent people-watching.  Set in the original railway station, the daytime atmosphere is perfect for internet browsing while the vibe at night is conducive for friendly encounters with some fantastic characters.  Like it's sister bar, (Jaguar Shoes) Old Shoreditch Station features monthly art exhibitions and on display this month is Ashley Lande's psychedelic 'Truth + Magical Love = Freedom'.  The staff is lovely, the couches are comfy, and the music will definitely have you dancing in your seat (isn't seated dancing the best?).

A Quick Read

Just some lunchtime literary entertainment for you... an amusing article re Shoreditch House.  Check it out: GQ Daily

Unconventionally conventional - Gilbert and George

The White Cube gallery plays host to Gilbert and George's new exhibition, The Jack Freak Pictures from Friday, 10th of July.   The two artists have been working together since 1967, when they first met at Central St. Martins.  The usually tweed-clad pair say their ideas arise from confusion and  liken their process to automatic writing, which provides for the eclectic nature of  the 153  images on display.

10th July - 22nd August. Private view, Thursday 9th July (today), 18.00-20.00

White Cube

Gig tonight.

'In the Neighborhood' favourite, The Brute Chorus play at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen this evening.  They will be sharing the intimate venue's stage with The Bookhouse Boys and Gold Sounds, followed by Clash DJ's.  The Brute Chorus's live show transcends awesome and stands much closer to mind-blowing.  To miss out would be a very silly thing. 

Tickets are £5 in advance and £6 on the door. Doors open @ 20.15

Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen

Shoreditch in the News!

Hackney was recently featured in the Wall Street Journal in an article detailing the neighborhood and why it would be a good place to stay for the upcoming Olympics.  Journalist Sarah McBride does a decent job at explaining some of the best spots to eat/stay/play while in the area, and we couldn't be more thrilled to see that other people are starting to appreciate and recognize the neighborhood as well!  Although we also couldn't disagree more with her description of Shoreditch as being suffocatingly hip.  Sorry you can't hang, Sarah. Check out the article here.

WINWINWIN!

1234 Shoreditch Festival is providing YOU with the opportunity to win a pair of VIP backstage tickets to the upcoming festival!  Just answer one simple (and I mean simple) question and you could be on your way to enjoying the musical ramblings of The Rakes, Ipso Facto, S.C.U.M., Patrick Wolf, and so much more.  Don't miss this opportunity!  Go here for more details.

Why Don't You... Check out the Idea Generation Gallery

The Idea Generation Gallery, located on on Chance Street, showcases the best of contemporary art and popular photography.  At the moment, the main attraction features work by John "Hoppy" Hopkins, a freelance photographer and former nuclear physicist in the 1950's.  Hopkins' involvement in the London underground movement in the late 1960's has allowed for a unique take on the new politics of peace and counter-culture of the time.  He has not only produced images of iconic figures such as Malcom X and John Lennon, but also the seemingly "seedier" images of London at the time, including tattoo parlours and fetishists.  His exhibit, dubbed "Against Tyranny" is showing until the 19th of July... something that should not be missed.

Macondo

Macondo, the latin inspired cafe-cum-gallery in Hoxton Square is definitely one of my favourite things about the neighborhood.  

Their delicious deli selection is always pleasing and not much makes me happier than sitting on Macondo's deck with a slice of tortilla and a Corona.  Oh and their selection of cakes is second to none in the area.  The menu also boasts a reasonably priced cocktails, breakfast and dinner options.  

If you have yet to visit this charming spot, don't hesitate any longer...and if you need any more encouragement they currently have a lunchtime special offer on.

Shoes of Shoreditch

Somebody: Alicia 

Shoes: Chie Mihara

Spotted: Old Street

Books. Art. Books+Art. Book Art.

A fine marriage indeed.  Book Art emerged through the post-modern impulse to challenge the formalities and commodification of art and a viewing of the V&A's collection last year left me with a burgeoning interest in the medium.  Unfortunately, artists books aren't too easy to come by...unless you live in the neighborhood that is!  Shoreditch has its very own 'bookartbookshop'.   Stop in to peruse the shop's unrivaled collection of international contemporary book art and support this not-for-profit organisation. 

Bookartbookshop

Susan Kae Grant

Artists Books Online

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!

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.  

Top Ten - Shoreditch Street Art

Chance Street - #8

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.  

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

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:

BASH

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.  

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 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. 

Close-up

John Cassavetes

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.

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.

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.

GoldieLocks

Red Bull Music Academy

Cordy House