Author Archives

  • Picasso: Minotaurs and Matadors
    Posted in: Galleries & Museums, Reviews

    The Gagosian Gallery presents a Picasso fascinated with his Spanish bullfighting heritage and featuring works from childhood dated as early as 1889 and up until his death in 1971. It’s easy to associate the complex, strong-spirited artist with this dramatic and gory spectacle. Born in Malaga in 1881, his childhood memories are steeped in the […]

  • History of East End Boxing
    Posted in: Features, Sports & Fitness

    Few can argue that British boxing history sprung from within earshot of the Bow Bells as records show that East London has produced more champions across all weights whether professional or amateur than any other place in the country. This history runs deep, as it was Bethnal Green’s bare knuckle world champion boxer Daniel Mendoza […]

  • Venetian Masquerade Ball
    Venetian Masquerade Ball
    Posted in: Bars & Clubs, Events & Festivals, Highlights

    The Late Night Cocktail Club’s Venetian Masquerade Ball at Kensington Roof Gardens on Saturday night featured acrobats, contortionists, stilt walkers, fire and glow dancers as well as a live saxophonist freestyling to the DJ set. Oh and of course cocktails. What else would any self-respecting cocktail club offer? One free cocktail for all who bought […]

  • Boisdale of Mayfair (Restaurant)
    Posted in: Food & Dining, Reviews

    It’s the Boisdale connection with jazz music which has proved such an irresistible pull for admirers of the cool bluesy vibe as you tuck into their traditional British meals or kick back against the Whisky Bar or Cigar Terrace. This reputation is elevated by having Jools Holland as their Patron of Music – but that’s […]

  • Candyfloss Guitar (Book)
    Posted in: Books, Reviews

    This novella by Stephen Marriott winds its way through rural Spain with the free-spirited, metaphysical air of a Paulo Coelho publication. There’s a strong sense of destiny and journey; an underlying message about finding yourself and your potential pervades. We know the main protagonist (indeed, all the characters) by his first name alone – Diego. […]

  • Diverge (Film)
    Posted in: Movies & TV Shows, Reviews

    Sci-Fi London 2017 comes to Stratford Picturehouse with some five-star short and feature film debuts. Star Wars: Rogue One director Gareth Edwards got his break there in 2008, winning their 48-hour film competition with his ‘Factory Farmed’ short which had Hollywood knocking at his door. Rest assured, his position as director heir-apparent of sci-fi blockbusters […]

  • April 28 1789: The Day of the Mutiny on the Bounty
    Posted in: Features

    Strangely enough, many people still believe Captain Bligh and Fletcher Christian to be fictional characters because of the romantic and swashbuckling nature of their exploits on the High Seas and the escape to the idyllic islands of Tahiti. It’s a tale amazing enough to grace any worthy book of literature and, indeed, movie of which […]

  • The Independent Filmmakers Ball
    The Independent Filmmakers Ball
    Posted in: Bars & Clubs, Highlights, Movies & TV Shows, People

    Cafe De Paris, Leicester Square was the place to be for the Raindance Film Festival Independent Filmmakers Ball. It was gathering of film directors, producers, screenwriters actors and the like, suited and booted and in celebratory mood. A 30s style jazz and swing band kept them entertained.

  • Shoreditch Pub Crawl – Thirsty Thursdays
    Posted in: Bars & Clubs, Places, Reviews

    That midweek sense that the world is a weekend away has come to be known as hump day but the official Shoreditch Pub Crawlers have their own Thirsty Thursdays which has no respect for the time-honoured Friday-Saturday tradition of letting your hair down. This hip Shoreditch crowd are open to all newcomers who wish to […]

  • An Interview with Abstract Artist Alexandre Gondim
    Posted in: Galleries & Museums, Highlights

    Brazilian artist Alexandre Gondim celebrates ‘Connections to the Mind’ his first solo exhibition in the UK. Displayed at the Willesden Library Gallery until April 29th, it’s a collection of abstract works with more than a touch of South American colour.  What’s Hot London? interviewed him to find out what inspired his latest work. Congratulations on […]