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With all of the messages emblazoned on shop windows and in the ad breaks on television, you’re probably already aware that Mother’s Day is coming up soon. It’s the one day of the year when you can properly show your Mum how much you appreciate all she’s done for you; whether it’s the yummiest roast dinners in the world, the biggest cuddles or the best advice, let her know just how grateful you are. One of...
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Whenever there’s an excuse for some kind of celebratory feast in London, we like to make the most of it. England is not known for having the finest traditional cuisine; we tend to enjoy the culinary delights from other countries here. Indian curries, Italian pasta and pizza or Chinese chow mein. However, no country can really lay claim to coming up with pancakes; archaeological evidence shows that they’ve been around since prehistoric times, across the...
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In this day and age, there is no excuse to pay full price for a meal in a high street restaurant. Although Italian-inspired chains such as Strada, Pizza Express and Zizzi are very reasonably priced, you can afford to eat there twice as often when you find the right vouchers! Thanks to websites like Groupon, KGB Deals, Voucher Codes and Living Social, the hungry hungry hippos of London (like me) can dine out for half the...
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If you’re anything like us, you may be struggling to get back into the swing of things after your lovely holiday break. Work to do, bills to pay, perhaps you’ve got essays to write or a gym membership to make use of. Doesn’t sound like much fun, does it? Luckily, there are plenty of exciting things to do in London all year round - you don’t have to wait until Easter! The novel ‘War Horse’ came...
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It’s here, it’s here, it’s here! Even if you’ve been living underneath a rock for the last month, you probably still have an inkling that Christmas is upon us. Perhaps you’ve heard the jingling of sleigh bells in the distance, caught the scent of warm mince pies wafting through the air or felt the temperature creep further towards freezing. All the more reason not to be a Scrooge; bring on the toasty log fires and...
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For many people, Christmas is a time for family. There are some who celebrate it as a religious holiday, some who view it as the party season and others who just look forward to getting presents! However, it’s a fairly universal opinion that the festive season is all about food. Turkey with cranberry sauce, roast potatoes and parsnips, mince pies, cheese and crackers, sweets and candy canes, Christmas pudding... is your mouth watering yet?! In...
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This week at the Hammersmith Apollo, thousands of people flocked to watch the sell-out show on the London leg of its UK tour, and they all had one thing on their mind: physics. Yep, you heard us right... In the second installment of ‘Uncaged Monkeys’, Robin Ince, Brian Cox, Simon Singh and Ben Goldacre take it in turns to educate the masses in an entertaining and accessible way. Rock and roll. Perhaps a little different...
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He’s bald, bizarre and blimmin’ hilarious; we are, of course, referring to the comedian Bill Bailey. The musical funny-man has already come close to splitting our sides in the dark comedy series Black Books, where he plays piano to Dylan Moran’s diabolical, drunken, dictating forte. Bailey has sold out tours across the UK and internationally, with stand up shows such as Bewilderness, Part Troll and Cosmic Jam. He appeals to a wide audience for a...
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The Roundhouse in Camden is renowned for hosting jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring performances. It’s a creative space aimed at a young audience, giving a platform for music, dance, film, theatre and circus performances. Camden is a great location for a venue like this; not only is the area a haven for enthusiastic, artistic and experimental types, but it’s also easily accessible on public transport and in Camden minicabs. Chalk Farm and Camden Town stations are just a...
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Brrrrr, I’m feeling the chill today. Out comes the faux-fur coat and the fluffy snow boots, despite the fact that it’s still relatively mild for this time of year! However, the true mark that Autumn has really given way is the magical transformation of Hyde Park into a Winter Wonderland (aptly named just that). On Friday 18th November, this Christmas themed utopia will come alive; it will be there until 3rd January so there’s no...
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I know what you’re thinking. It’s not even 2012 yet, and as far as I know there haven’t been any prophecies about fire and brimstone this weekend. However, those cheeky scamps over at Flames & Fortune like to predict their own apocalypse every now and again, just to keep us on our toes! Rather than being a morbid and terrifying affair, it’s actually a crazy club night put on to celebrate life and to dance...
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You’ve probably noticed that a lot of people are sporting red poppies this week, and there’s a good reason for it. This Friday will be a very significant date: 11/11/11. Aside from it being the birthday of Leonardo Dicaprio, Demi Moore and my own dear mother, it’s also the day when we remember those who lost their lives in World Wars I and II. In 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent on...
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Just when you think you’ve recovered from all the noisy Halloween parties and children hyped up on sugar, Bonfire Night is upon you. It’s not quite as scary, but the loud bangs might make you jump out of your skin if you’re not expecting them! It’s a good idea to watch out for wayward sparklers too - the little ones can get overexcited (definitely not myself- I’m very grown up and mature. Honest). The night...
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And so we’ve almost made it through the week; not long until the Halloween celebrations kick off. Do you have your costumes ready yet? Even if you’re not planning to dress up, it’s a good idea to have a bowl of sweets ready by the front door - those Trick or Treaters don’t take no for an answer! The majority or parties will be happening on Saturday night at various bars and clubs across London; you...
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Alright, I know this blog should probably come a little later in the week, since Halloween is still a whole 6 days away. But I just can’t contain my excitement! Rather than tell you about which parties will be going bump in the night, I’m going to help you get prepared for the festivities ahead. Although the day itself falls on October 31st (which is a Monday this year), most of the celebrations will be taking...
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Anyone who has been to Brick Lane at the weekend will understand the appeal it holds for London’s hipsters. Although it’s not up everybody’s street (figuratively and literally), the jumbled mash of colours, sounds and smells attracts hundreds of people to this East End curry mile. The nights are crowded with diners, drinkers, clubbers and ravers, who hop from bar to bar and spill out onto the streets. Day times are perfect for picking your...
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HOW DID I NOT KNOW IT WAS CHOCOLATE WEEK??? This type of rousing information does not usually pass me by! It is music to my ears and wonderment to my soul (I think that’s a word). From October 10 - 16, there will be a celebration of this sweet delight at select venues across London. I am having to physically restrain myself as I write this; the urge to sprint down to La Maison de...
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If you’ve ever been to a city in the United Kingdom, you probably will have been offered a copy of the Big Issue magazine. It’s commonly known as a platform to help homeless people get back on their feet, giving them a legitimate income that they’ve earned themselves rather than them having to depend on handouts. It’s not a bad read, either; there’s a good mix of current affairs and entertainment. Some people make an...
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If you’re going out for the night in London, Friday is one of the best times to do it. Most people are in a celebratory mood for the end of the working week, so the vibe is almost electric: excitement in the air! It also means you have a whole two days to get over your hangover before having to go back to work. Hurrah! If you haven’t already planned your night out, make sure...
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This morning, a chap who was new to the country said to me “You must be rich, living here in London”. Obviously we’re all very lucky in the grand scheme of things; I do indeed have a job, a roof over my head and food on my plate. But alas, dear fellow, London makes us quite the opposite of rich! Anyone who resides in this great capital will know that the prices are jacked up...
