Category Archives: Life & Style

Life & Style

Worry Dolls 4-Track EP ‘The Ride’ … Released Worldwide Today

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‘Once upon a time there was a lively bunch who were worried…

…worried that music had become bland dull and middle-class.

So they put their worries in a jar, and from their limbs they grew guitars.

Johanna’s face was made of string and Emma’s tonsils start to sing.

They collected words and whistled tunes, drunk and smoked and act like loons.

They made a record in a glass, music for the working-class.

So play it loud and dance around, its WORRY DOLLS that you’ve just found!’

THE RIDE EP ART

Feisty, energetic, highly talented and driven to write music that compares with their heroes, the song writing trio of Emma Baldry, Martin Sloyan and Jon Kearley are the creative heartbeat of Worry Dolls.
 
Formed in April 2011 the band spent their subsequent years honing their craft, writing, tirelessly gigging and creating a debut album “The Man That Time Forgot” (released in 2014) that can live up to the hype surrounding the Bournemouth band. 
The Album reached number 3 in the Amazon rock download chart and their single ‘Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds’,  a cover of the Beatles classic, went straight in at number 4! 
 
This year the band are kicking it hard with trips to Ireland and LA for live radio performances supporting their new 4-track EP ‘The Ride’,  with tales of trials and tribulations of being in a signed band,
the EP was released today on download, ITunes etc, and a special limited edition on hard copy vinyl CD. 
Worry Dolls
‘The Ride’ contains brand new recorded WORRY DOLLS music, searing vocals, crashing guitars and loads of attitude.
The EP showcases the band’s development and moves to a rawer sound and won’t disappoint.
To support the release, the band will be gigging extensively and will be doing plenty of radio/media appearances (TBC).
You can get in touch with the Worry Dolls via their facebook page www.facebook.com/worrydollsuk 

Rise of The ‘Returners’ Women Over 30 Starting Their Own Businesses Increases

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feminism, working women, equality, Naomi West is at the front of a trend: Women over 30 taking the plunge and starting their own businesses.

Naomi West, 32, worked in digital marketing for a Financial Services company before her first son, Jacob, now almost 3, was born. She no longer wanted to be on conference calls at 6am with her colleagues in Australia and Skype meetings at 9pm with her American team. She freelanced for a while but still found it difficult to juggle family life with deadlines and client commitments. The peaks and troughs of work made planning childcare difficult and when her second son, Benjamin, was born with a heart defect, Naomi knew she needed to find a new way of working that would enable her to be there for her family.

 

Having enrolled both her children in Baby Sensory classes, Naomi waited for an epiphany about her future career. It came when her Baby Sensory class leader told her she was recruiting for a new class leader and Naomi got the job, gaining valuable experience. When the opportunity to take on her own franchise came up in her area of Bromsgrove, Worcester, she jumped at the chance, borrowing £15,000 in two loans from Startup Direct and launching her first classes in January this year. She now runs 11 classes per week, with up to 20 babies in each class.

 

“When the opportunity to start my own franchise came up, I felt instantly it was something I could make a success of”, said Naomi. ”I had experience with the business as a client and class leader, and had the skills from my career in digital marketing to set up and market the business in my own area. I now have regular class hours doing something sociable and creative, which fits brilliantly around family life. What’s not to love?”

Data released by Startup Direct shows that the number of women over the age of 30 seeking start up finance and mentoring increased by a third in 2014.

 

In 2013 women over the age of 30 made up just 25% of enquiries to the Government start up loan provider, but this grew to 57% in 2014, an increase of one third (32%). This trend is being driven largely by ‘Returners’; women who have taken a break from the workplace to have a family and are motivated to start their own business by the challenges of finding flexible and stable employment which is well paid enough to cover the cost of childcare.

 

They are starting predominantly internet-based micro businesses, employing fewer than 5 employees, which they can run part-time from their homes and are undeterred by the challenge of juggling home and family commitments with the demands of a new business.

 

James Pattison, CEO of Startup Direct, said: “A growing number of women are disillusioned by the difficulties of combining family life with a traditional 9 to 5 job, not least the inflexible hours, lack of well paid part time work and the cost of childcare, which continues to spiral. The internet has made it easier than ever to start up a business from home and women are drawn to the prospect of being their own boss, choosing their hours and cutting childcare bills by working flexibly around family life.”

 

Startup Direct is encouraging more women to follow their dream of launching their own business by running a series of workshops aimed specifically at women, offering advice on all aspects of entrepreneurship as well as practical advice on childcare and time management. In particular it is targeting ‘Returners’, those are want to start businesses following a period of maternity leave or a career break after having children.

To apply for a start up loan, visit www.startupdirect.org

 

 

 

Carole & Nadim Saad Authors of Kids Don’t Come with a Manual Interview

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Carole & Nadim Saad Authors of Kids Don’t Come with a Manual Interview, parenting, kids, book, tips, advice, Tell us about your own parenting experience.

As a couple with conflicting parenting styles, we were torn between the gentler ‘laissez-faire’ approach and the more disciplinarian ‘tiger parent’ philosophy. What we really wanted was a way of parenting that could fit with our two different personalities, and allow us to parent in harmony, and raise our children to become happy and fulfilled adults.

So casting the parenting fads to one side, we turned to the latest research in child psychology and neuroscience and devoured hundreds of the world’s leading parenting books to find practical, tried and tested evidence. And we were delighted to discover that there really are clear, straightforward methods for achieving what we call a ‘balanced’ approach to parenting.

How is your book different from other parenting books?

Our book is different in that it gives the perspective of two different parenting styles, which removes the guilt associated with having to fit into an ‘idealised parenting mould’. It also equips parents with specific step-by-step tools that are based on the latest scientific and psychological research in childhood development. These tools are designed to support you through the immediate challenges of everyday parenting, whilst also meeting your long-term goal to raise children to become happy, self-reliant and responsible adults.
Interview With Carole & Nadim Saad Authors of Kids Don’t Come with a Manual parentingexpert

What are the biggest parenting challenges?

It’s difficult to answer this as it largely depends on your child’s temperament/personality and our own personality, as well as our individual style of parenting. We all encounter challenges so the key thing is to learn how to prevent such issues from happening in the first place, which is one of the key objectives of our book. Learning how to anticipate challenges before they happen allows us time to think, so that we can respond rather than react to our children’s misbehaviour. So we’d say that one of the biggest challenges that parents face is learning to be more strategic in their approach to parenting.

Is there ever a right way to raise children?

We are under no illusions about the reality of family life and have no wish to make it ‘perfect’. The fact is that there is no magic wand to make a family life perfect! However, with a bit more awareness of our children’s needs, combined with some simple practical trouble-shooting tools, we can go a long way to making a real difference to our children’s, our family’s and our own lives.

What are the dangers of over-praising our children?

Research suggests that overpraising our children and particularly using evaluative praise with statements such as “You’re smart” or “You’re good” can create a fear of failure, because children become afraid to do anything that could expose their ‘flaws’ and call into question their ‘talent’. This type of praise results in children becoming less likely to try new things or taking risks for fear of not getting it ‘right’ and so they end up missing out on essential opportunities to develop their confidence and sense of self.

How do you stop other relatives becoming too involved?

We think that other relatives will always get involved and we need to accept this as they think that they are doing this to help us. However, if we are more confident in our parenting and we demonstrate that we can manage our kids without overreacting, etc. then other relatives tend to find it impressive, then start making compliments and ultimately become much less involved.

Top parenting tips.

1. Focus on planning and prevention – instead of always being reactive.
2. Give empathy as often as possible – and do not discount feelings.
3. Model any behaviour you want to instil in your children – starting with respect and joy.
4. Use encouragement and descriptive praise – instead of general or evaluative praise.
5. Focus on what you can control – and don’t undermine your authority with empty threats.
6. Allow your children to have some control over their lives – offer them limited choices and ask them questions.
7. Allow mistakes to happen – they are opportunities for learning.
8. Coach your children to own and solve their problems – and they will become self-responsible.
9. If you have to deliver consequences, do it with respect and empathy – and delay them when needed.
10. When you say or do something you regret, ‘Rewind and Replay’ and ‘Repair’ – to keep a strong connection with you children.

What is the biggest mistake people make when raising children?

This is another challenging question as it’s difficult to identify one key mistake! However, one that is really common and can really affect children as they grow up is for their parents to frequently discount their feelings. This is something that parents do, often without even realising it. We tend to either reassure our children or try to ‘toughen them up’ – whichever approach we use, the message they hear is that they’re not supposed to feel the way they are feeling.

They grow unable to trust their feelings and cannot manage their emotions well, and this is an essential life skill. It’s far better to use empathy as a way of establishing and nurturing a bond with your child than try to ‘make light’ of their feelings, as this simply undermines their innate need to be listened to and have their feelings acknowledged.

Can parenting be made easier?

Our book ‘Kids don’t Come With a Manual – The Essential Guide to a Happy Family Life’ is designed to help empower parents to deal with most situations effectively. So that misbehaviour and the challenges that your children throw your way become opportunities for learning and growing rather than being stressors or negative experiences. Our main goal is to empower parents to deal with everyday parenting challenges without confrontation or anger, and raise their children to become the happy and confident individuals that they deserve to be.

Kids Don’t Come with a Manual by Carole and Nadim Saad, Best of Parenting, £12.99, www.bestofparenting.co.uk/books

Kids Don’t Come With a Manual – The Essential Guide to a Happy Family Life is available here.

 

 

 

 

Harvey Nichols (Knightsbridge) Presents A 4-day ‘Festival of Style’ Event Featuring Jessie Ware…

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Harvey Nichols is kicking off the Festival Season in style by celebrating  some  of the most iconic festivals across its landmark luxury shopping mecca. 

Customers are invited to indulge in seven  fabulous  festivals  over  four  days,  culminating  in  the  coolest  money-can’t-buy  gig  from  the hottest artist of the moment Jessie Ware.
Each  of  the  floors  have  been  transformed  –  immerse  yourself  in  Field  Day  fashion  on  the  Fourth Floor, channel cool  Coachella  vibes on Third, take respite amidst the mystical  Secret Garden Party surroundings on Second, dazzle amidst the  elegant Serpentine Summer party on First,  discover  the best Bestival buys on Ground, and experience a Wilderness world on Lower Grounds 1 & 2. To avoid festival  fatigue,  take  the Express  Lift  up  to  Fifth  for  a  celebration  of  Taste  of  London  summer indulgence;  spread  over  every  floor,  Harvey  Nichols’  Festival  of  Style  runs  from  March  26-29 exclusive to the Knightsbridge store.

The four day Festival of Style offers an extravaganza of festival activity from  exclusive  pop ups, in
store theatre, DJs across every floor, and  a wealth of  promotions and services from Womenswear,
Menswear, Beauty and Food & Hospitality. Experience the exclusive House of Peroni Vita Al Fresco
summer terrace, indulge in a Bottomless  Brunch, be styled to perfection with the Style  Concierge
Stations, drop by the braiding station and showcase within  the Slow Motion Hair Flick Photo Booth,
or learn the art of packing the perfect picnic from their Concierge team,  all  surrounded by the latest
tunes  and  must-have  brands.  Anything  is  possible  once  you  step  inside  the wonderfully  stylish
Festival of Style.

Harvey  Nichols  says  of  launching  Festival  of  Style:  “Renowned  for  our  perfect  blend  of  insouciant
style,  exclusive  designer  edits  and  ever-playful  spirit,  Harvey  Nichols  is  offering  customers  a  fully
immersive festival experience, celebrating style in all  its glory for the coming season. We are bringing
summer style to our flagship store early this year, culminating in an unforgettable night of music with
Jessie Ware to say thank you to our fearlessly stylish and loyal customers.”

Coming to Harvey Nichols from Thursday March 26:
FIFTH FLOOR – TASTE OF LONDON INDULGENCE
The Money-Can’t-Buy Gig
For one spectacular night only, the Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor Restaurant will be transformed into an
intimate  gig  venue  with  an  exclusive  performance  from  smoking  hot  singer  of  the  moment  Jessie
Ware.  Tickets to this  money-can’t-buy event will be  available to win  exclusively with any purchase
made at the flagship store and, with only 150 pairs  up for grabs in the prize draw, it’s sure to be the
hottest  ticket  in  town.  The  exclusive  gig  will  mark  the  pinnacle  of  the four  day  Festival  of  Style
celebration; hotfoot it down to their flagship store from  March 26 to be in with a chance of winning
your pass to a truly unforgettable evening.

House of Peroni Vita Al Fresco
Kicking off Festival of Style, Peroni Nastro Azzurro brings a taste of stylish contemporary Italian life
to  Harvey  Nichols  as  the  Fifth  Floor  terrace  is  transformed  into  a  stunning  al  fresco  veranda.
Customers  can  kick  back  and  relax  after  an  afternoon  of  shopping  as  they  enjoy  Peroni  Nastro
Azzurro infused drinks and  the most delicious plates of Italian aperitivo influenced by classic Italian
street food and created by critically acclaimed chefs from Bottega Wapping. This culinary indulgence
will  take  place  amid  a  stunning  flower  garden  haven,  filled  with  the  sounds  and  scents  of  Italy  in
springtime.

Bottomless Brunch
Celebrate the new season in style with an indulgent all-you-can-eat Bottomless Brunch up on the
Fifth  Floor.  With  your  choice  of  ten  summer  sharing  dishes  specially  created  by  the Head  Chef,
unlimited own label champagne and fresh fruit bellinis, take your pick from dining within their café,
restaurant or champagne bar and enter the draw to be in with a chance of winning tickets to the
exclusive gig with Jessie Ware.

Picnic Concierge
Need help pairing the crispest Sauvignon with the finest smoke salmon? Create your perfect picnic
feast with Harvey Nichols’ new Picnic Concierge located on the Fifth Floor. Our team of advisors will
provide  tips  on  how  to  prepare  the  most  stylish  of  hampers  with  matching  wine  pairings  and
complimentary tastings throughout the festival.

Havana Club Cocktail Masterclass
Calling all budding mixologists – Harvey Nichols invites you to come and create the newest in season
summer cocktails  courtesy of Havana Club  at their Fifth Floor Champagne Bar. Become the perfect
hostess  with  the  help  of  expert  mixologists  who  will  be  holding  complimentary  15  minute
masterclasses, showcasing the latest cocktail trends for SS15.

FOURTH FLOOR – FIELD DAY FIERCE
Summer Style Concierge Stations
To celebrate the launch of Style Concierge, an expert  team of stylists  will cut a stylish dash to their
pop up Style Stations  to attend to your every fashion want and need for the duration of Festival of
Style. The team will be on hand to talk through their SS15 buy and discuss the latest trends to ensure
you are summer ready right now. Daily fashion shows modelling the latest mens and womenswear
collections from will also be taking place within the flagship store throughout the day.

Festival Hair Style Stations
Keeping your hair festival-ready throughout the summer festivities is an art form in itself. Learn the
tricks of the trade for style longevity with a SHOW Beauty bar and Kesh Braids bar and master the art
of minimal effort for maximum show-stopping style.

Slow Motion Hair Flick Photo Booth
Capture  your  festival  mane  in  all  its  glossy  glory  with  the  Slow  Motion  Hair  Flick  Photo  Booth.
Created using the latest advanced high speed technology, the booth is designed to showcase your
most stylish swish in high definition. Create a  6 second slow motion video in the specially-designed
booth, record, review, upload and share using #HarveyNicholsHairFlick and watch admirers swoon
with each flick.

THIRD FLOOR – COACHELLA VIBES
EXCLUSIVE Hook LDN Launch
London-based premium eyewear brand Hook LDN launches exclusively into Harvey Nichols on March
26  with a pop up on Third Floor. The unisex brand of the moment will showcase their new line of
opticals and sunglasses in time for the festival season.

Selfie Style Snaps
Perfect the art of the Selfie whilst shopping in store to be in with a chance of winning tickets to the
exclusive  Jessie  Ware  gig.  Simply  snap  a  picture  of  your  fabulous  self  with  your  new  season
purchases, upload via social media using #FestivalofStyle and be entered into a prize draw to attend
the one-off Jessie Ware performance on Sunday March 29.

Hunter Pop Up
What would a festival be without the now iconic Hunter welly? Put your most fearlessly stylish foot
forward with the Harvey Nichols Buyers’ edit of the latest Hunter offering for SS15.

Nails Inc Blossom Bar
To  celebrate  their  new  SS15  collection,  Nails  Inc  will  be  positioned  on  Third  Floor  offering
complimentary manicures with any purchase from the new Blossom and The New White collections.
And,  to  get  your  tootsies  tingling,  they  are  also  offering  £10.00  off  a  Nails  Inc  pedicure  with  any
purchase made within the ladies shoe department from March 26 – end May 2015.

Beauty Concierge
New  to  Harvey  Nichols,  Beauty  Concierge  offers  customers  an  impeccable,  unbiased  service  for
every  beauty  want  and  need.  Whatever  the  query,  the finest  Beauty  Advisors  will  be  on  hand  to
ensure  you  receive  unrivalled  expert  advice  and  an  unforgettable  beauty  experience.  Their  new
Custom Blend Lipstick service is available exclusively through Beauty Concierge.

Joe & Seph’s Pop Up Popcorn & Snowflake Gelato
Get into the festival spirit whilst shopping the latest Leisurewear edit with pop up  gourmet  popcorn
and luxury gelato stations located across the Third Floor.

STYLondon Tattoos
Add a fun finishing touch to your festival styling with STYLondon metallic transfer tattooing station.

SECOND FLOOR – SECRET GARDEN PARTY
Nestled within the exotic climes  of the Second Floor, step  inside the summer  garden party and take
respite from the hustle and bustle with a refreshing  summer Pimms  from the Pimms Bicycle  paired
with delicious scones and delicate cucumber sandwiches.

The Flower Appreciation Society
Independent  Hackney-based  florists  The  Flower  Appreciation  Society  will  be  stationed  in  store
offering  beautifully  handpicked  complimentary  bouquets  with  any  purchase  made  in  store  to  the
value of £200 or more.

FIRST FLOOR – SERPENTINE SUMMER PARTY
Jonathan Saunders SS15 Q&A
Celebrated  designer  Jonathan  Saunders  arrives  in  store  on  Thursday  26,  2-4pm  to  host  a  one-off
style seminar to coincide with his latest SS15 collection.

Live SS15 Fashion Shows
Showcasing the SS15 style offering, models will walk the floor throughout the event with  four daily
fashion shows presenting their Buyers’ picks of the new collections for Spring Summer Womenswear
and Menswear.

GROUND FLOOR – BESTIVAL BRILLIANCE
Louise O’Keeffe Fashion Illustration
Capture your most stylish in store purchases in print with London-based visual artist of the moment,
Louise O’Keeffe. Louise will be stationed in store for four days, offering customers the chance to be
sketched  along  with  their  buys  across  Accessories  and  Beauty;  beautiful  hand  drawn  prints  to
cherish – what’s not to love?

Emotional Baggage Personalisation
Blur the lines between art and fashion and customise your festival look with  beautiful hand painted
embossing  courtesy  of  Emotional  Baggage.  The  full  collection  of  one-off  vintage  designer  bags
launches into our flagship store for the duration of Festival of Style. Bring in your chosen tote to be
customised or purchase new in store and bag a unique object of desire ahead of the summer season.

LIMITED EDITION Harvey Nichols SS15 Gift with Purchase
Not your ordinary gift with purchase, Harvey Nichols’ now legendary limited edition offering for SS15
arrives this March. Spend just £150 on two or more items across fragrance, skincare of cosmetics in
store or online and receive £240.00  worth of treats from some of the most sought after brands in
the business.

LOWER GROUND – WILDERNESS WARES
The Modern Menswear Wardrobe with David Hellqvist
The  epitome of English  sartorial  style,  renowned  journalist  David  Hellqvist  arrives  in store  to  host
The Modern Menswear  Wardrobe  –  a series of seriously stylish masterclasses from the best in the
business. Offering styling tips and advice on how to dress to impress, you would be mad to miss such
words of wisdom from a true style icon.

Exclusive John Elliott + Co Launch
The latest cult brand you need to know –  John Elliott + Co  –  has arrived exclusively at Harvey Nichols
on Lower Ground Floor. The future classic menswear collection consists of clean lines and modern
minimalism with an innovate twist; the go-to brand for style-conscious gents.

adidas Originals = PHARRELL WILLIAMS Launch
The epitome of original style and creativity, adidas has paired up with Pharrell Williams to showcase
a range of  specially-designed  adidas originals, landing at Harvey Nichols this  month  within the new
adidas shop-in-shop.

Refuel Brands Cap Customisation
Aaron Saunders of Refuel Brands will be  in store on Saturday March 28  with a Cap Customisation
station. The premium streetwear brand will be offering a  customisation service throughout Festival
of Style to spark an injection of street style to your headwear summer staple.

Shoe Shine Station
Show your shoes a little TLC with a pit stop at our complimentary Shoe Shine Station located on the
Lower Ground Floor.

Haig Club Whisky Pop Up
Smooth, sophisticated and stylish  –  new scotch whisky brand of the moment, Haig Club, fronted by
David Beckham, has landed at Harvey Nichols. Take respite from shopping the floors at their pop up
station located on the Lower Ground Floor.

#FestivalofStyle

  Tickets  to  the  Jessie  Ware  gig  on  Sunday  March  29,  8pm  at  Harvey  Nichols  Knightsbridge  will  be
available to win exclusively with any purchase made  at the flagship store  from Thursday March 26  –
Saturday March 28. No minimum spend.
  The House of Peroni Summer Terrace will be open daily from Friday March 27 until Sunday May 24
  Bottomless  Brunch  is  available  daily  from  11am-3pm,  Thursday  26  –  Sunday  March  29.  £65.00.
Available to book online or by phone from Friday March 20. Tel: 020 7235 5250
  Picnic Concierge is available within the Fifth Floor Concierge
  Havana  Club Cocktail Masterclasses: complimentary drop-in 15 minute classes  will take place within
the Champagne Bar, 12.30pm, 1pm & 1.30pm
  Summer Style Concierge Stations are located across every floor
  To  book  a  complimentary  appointment  with  Beauty  Concierge,  please  email:
beautyconcierge@harveynichols.com  Tel: 020 7201 8688 mob: 07860 754111
  Custom Blend Lipstick is available through Third Floor Beauty Concierge. £60.00 for two products
  SS15  Fashion  Shows  take  place  four  times  per  day  throughout  Festival  of  Style.  12,  2,  4  &  6pm
showings, located on First Floor
  SS15  GWP  is  available  throughout  stores  Nationwide  and  online.  Spend  £150  to  receive  SS15  GWP
worth £240.00

About Harvey Nichols Group:
Harvey Nichols is the  world’s leading luxury retailer, renowned for its exclusive  edit of the most  prestigious
brands across womenswear, menswear, accessories, beauty, food and wine.
Founded  in  1831,  today  Harvey  Nichols  has  stores  in  London,  Bristol,  Manchester,  Edinburgh,  Birmingham,
Leeds  and  a  dedicated  beauty  store  Beauty  Bazaar,  Harvey  Nichols  in  Liverpool.  Outside  of  the  UK  stores
include Dublin in the Republic of Ireland and in ternationally Riyadh, Hong Kong, Dubai, Istanbul, Ankara and
Kuwait.
Further information on Harvey Nichols can be found on the website www.harveynichols.com.

Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar Review

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Few building in London are as iconic as Somerset House. Staggering in its beauty, it really is the perfect setting to eat, drink and be merry. We headed to the Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar. It has only been open since November in the New Wing.

The Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar is as beautiful and classy as the rest of the building. It is the perfect setting for dining and catching up with friends.

Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar cola Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar wine

We take our seats and decide on the pre-theatre dining menu. This consists of a sharing board of Mushroom on toast, Beefeater salmon with pink radish, Egg and ham on toast and Fudge. It costs £25.50 per couple and comes with a glass of Prosecco per person. It is available Mon-Fri 5pm-7pm and Saturday all day.

Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar review pre-theatre menu

Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar salmon Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar mushroom toast Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar review] Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar fudge

The beefeater salmon with pink radish is glorious, just very superior salmon. It goes well with the radishes, the egg and ham on toast is delicious and the parma ham is perfectly seasoned. The mushroom on toast is also good and has cheese on top. The bread itself is good and everything works well together. The fudge is also yummy. It is in a bag for the pre-theatre crowd, making it handy to take away with you.

I had some curiosity cola and my colleague had a glass of prosecco. We loved the food, the ingredients were very high quality and everything was perfectly seasoned. Everything worked well together and this was definitely a first-class meal. Our only complaint is that there was not enough of it and we were still hungry after the meal.

The Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar also have an a la carte menu. The service is good, the food is superb and the setting is wonderful. I can highly recommend it.

 

Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar
New Wing
Somerset House
Strand
London
WC2R 1LA

Tel: Pennethorne’s +44 (0)20 3751 0570

Email:

Michela.Mastella@pennethornes.co.uk

 

 

Is Your Mother An Art Lover? Gift This!

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If your mother is a lover of art, a unique and welcome gift she would appreciate 

is a ticket to attend one of London Art Studies’ events.

London Art Studies – a series of exclusive events designed to make learning about art both accessible and entertaining –

unveils an exclusive partnership with the Bulgari Hotel in London’s Knightsbridge.

Expert lecturers on the arts will host a series of classes comprising ‘power hours’ over a cocktail

and morning discussions over coffee in the luxury hotel’s private screening room.

From investigating the works of Warhol, Grayson Perry and Duchamp, to getting the most out of hotly-anticipated exhibitions throughout 2015,

lectures have been carefully curated by London Art Studies to

make each session highly relevant as well as compellingly full of insider knowledge.

Lecturers are selected not only for their expertise but also for their accessible and engaging teaching styles.

The new London Art Studies evening class series (LAS Evenings) and morning lecture series (LAS In Focus)

 at the Bulgari Hotel sit neatly alongside the institution’s established and popular art lectures held

over lunch at Koffmann’s at The Berkeley Hotel.

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Explains London Art Studies Founder Kate Gordon:

“London is the arts capital of the world and I wanted to provide art lectures for people who don’t have

time to sign up for lengthy courses, but who still want access to the very best teaching in a fun and

sociable format. Our courses appeal to both curious beginners and more knowledgeable art-lovers and

collectors. Our aim is to take some of mystery out of the art world and one of the nicest compliments I’ve

received about our classes is from a student who called them a “spa for the mind” – I think she meant that

our classes are inspiring and also an escape from everyday life”.

 

 

As a pre Mother’s Day treat London Art Studies recommends –

LAS Lunch: American Art Since World War II on 12th March 2015.

American[1]London Arts Studies Gift Cards for Mother's Day

A wonderful way to be inspired and escape the ‘daily grind’. London Art Studies founder,

ex Sotheby’s and CNN producer Kate Gordan deems the experiences ‘spas for the mind’

and are also wonderful experiences for mother and daughter (or son) to share.

Lectures include representatives from Christie’s, Sotheby’s, the National Gallery and Tate.

Individual ticket prices range from £50 to £175.

Tickets and gift cards can be purchased from www.londonartstudies.com
 LAS IN Focus on McQueen, Lucas & Sargent

 

March, 2015

3rd LAS EVENINGS The Shock of the Old Ben Street 19.00 – 20.15

5th LAS LUNCH Best of British: From Bloomsbury to Bacon Lizzie Perrotte 10.00 – 14.30

10th LAS IN FOCUS Focus on Impressionism: Degas, Morisot and Pissarro Richard Stemp 10.00 – 12.00

12th LAS LUNCH American Art Since WWII Ben Street 10.00 – 14.30

May, 2015

5th LAS IN FOCUS Sarah Lucas, Sargent and Alexander McQueen Richard Stemp 10.00 – 12.00

5th LAS EVENINGS 20 Great Paintings of the 20th Century Ben Street 19.00 – 20.15

6th LAS LUNCH Modern Art: From Duchamp to the YBAs Linda Smith 10.00 – 14.30

7th LAS LUNCH The Legacy of Minimalism Ben Street 10.00 – 14.30

19th LAS LUNCH British Art from Freud to Emin Richard Stemp 10.00 – 14.30

June, 2015

2nd LAS IN FOCUS Delaunay, Hepworth and Martin Richard Stemp 10.00 – 12.00

2nd LAS EVENINGS Venice Biennale 2015 Overview Ben Street 19.00 – 20.15

16th LAS TOUR Highlights of the Courtauld Gallery Lizzie Perrotte 10.00 – 11.15

September, 2015

7th LAS TOUR The Saatchi Gallery Lizzie Perrotte 10.00 – 11.15

16th LAS LUNCH The Legacy of Surrealism Ben Street 10.00 – 14.30

24th LAS IN FOCUS Ai Wei Wei, Goya, Pop Art Richard Stemp 10.00 – 12.00

November, 2015

10th LAS IN FOCUS Calder & 20th Century Sculpture Richard Stemp 10.00 – 12.00

17th LAS LUNCH American Art Since World War II Ben Street 10.00 – 14.30

December, 2015

1st LAS LUNCH Great Tarts in Art: High Culture & The World’s Oldest Profession Linda Smith 10.00 – 14.30

LAS In Focus – £75, includes light refreshments

LAS Evenings – £50, includes light refreshments

LAS Lunch – £175, includes two-course lunch at Koffmann’s

LAS Tours – includes ticket entry to the exhibition

 

Tickets can be purchased for individual events and as season tickets by visiting the London Art Studies website www.londonartstudies.com or emailing/calling London Art Studies direct at office@londonartstudies.com

About Bulgari Hotel…

Located in Knightsbridge on the edge of Hyde Park, London’s Bulgari Hotel is both a haven of calm in the centre of the city and yet under a minute’s walk from such landmarks as the famous Harrod’s department store.  Since opening in 2012 the Bulgari has set new standards among the luxury hotels of the British capital. Elegant contemporary architecture and Bulgari’s legendary flair for design are matched by class-leading quality of service.  Design and service along with generously proportioned rooms and suites combine with unrivalled facilities such as a full gymnasium and physical training centre with on-site personal training team, WORKSHOP; 11 single spa treatment rooms and 1 private spa suite; 25 metre, three-lane swimming pool; 47 seat cinema; unique Cigar Shop and sampling lounge, a stunning Ballroom; to deliver a city hotel experience that is unique in the world.

www.bulgarihotels.com

About Koffmann’s at The Berkley Hotel…

It was a love of international rugby rather than good food that brought a 22-year-old Pierre Koffmann to Britain in 1970. As he says: “Food was not at its best and the rugby more interesting.” Pierre expected to stay only six months.  By pure luck Pierre quickly found himself working for Michel and Albert Roux at Le Gavroche in London’s West End. Within another six months he was promoted to Number 2 and after a quick stint at their Brasserie Benoit in the City, Pierre was appointed Head Chef at the Roux Brothers’ new Waterside Inn at Bray. In his five-year tenure he helped them achieve two Michelin stars.  In 1977, Pierre and his first wife Annie opened their first restaurant, La Tante Claire, in Chelsea and achieved three Michelin stars before taking up residency in the Berkeley Hotel in 1998.  After decades of contributing massively to British cuisine and training some of our finest chefs, Pierre folded away his precious knives in 2003 and realised a dream of hanging up a sign saying “Gone Fishing”. Becoming slightly bored a year later he came back to be a consultant to some major food retailers.  The call of the restaurant trade was too loud. In 2009, Pierre agreed to take a ‘pop-up’ La Tante Claire to be the Restaurant on the Roof at Selfridges for one week. Two months and 3,200 servings of his classic Pieds de Cochon aux Morilles later, Pierre once again returned to The Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge and to open Koffmann’s with partner and business partner Claire Harrison.Koffmann’s offers a relaxed, informal style with classic provincial French cuisine. The food of Pierre’s childhood in rural Gascony and the food that first inspired Pierre to follow his love of cooking using fresh, seasonal ingredients to deliver exquisite unspoiled flavours.

www.pierrekoffmann.co.uk/about-pierre

 

www.corinne-modelling.co.uk

 

The 2015 Revival Of 70’s Fashion… A Pussybow Too Far?

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Was it a collective prodigality that triggered Spring/Summer’s new love of showing off? 

A desire for fabulous wealth? 

Or is fashion’s latest switch part of a conspiracy to make us shriek “Help, I’m out of style!  I need new clothes!”?

All of the above are true, but there’s also the boredom element.

Our love of candy-coloured babedom is powerful but has it run its course?

Has the Seventies secretary gone one pussycat bow too far, and as for spots – enough already!

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This season embraces all things 70’s and when it comes to 70’s add-ons, accessories are the icing on the fashion cake.

They are often the most practical and desirable items from a collection and the right selection can transform an outfit, key a wardrobe together and give a nod to each fluctuating trend without following it slavishly.

And the range of covetable trimmings this season is growing all the time – once, you could never have too many hats, bags and shoes, now sunglasses, belts, corsages and luggage can be added to the ever-expanding list.

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Block heels and wedges are the favourites for this season, alluring metallic in grown-up shades with strong texturizing.

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Chanel brought protest-inspired items to the catwalk, theming some of its bags around the zeitgeist-y notion of feminist protest (a theme which was not treated with any sort of reverence) and others around a watercolor that Karl Lagerfeld painted.

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Sunglasses featuring classic tortoiseshell, bright and funky colours, yellow and plum options, classic white and oversized.

Keep an eye out for Tommy Hilfiger’s square offerings…

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So, commit to memory now … bold status prints, geometry and dazzling swirls are making a noise, prints go tech with sophisticated digital patterns, psychedelic prints create sexy curves and poptastic infusions of technicolour gorgeousness take 70’s inspired fashion for the 2015 season to a new level.

www.corinne-modelling.co.uk

Theatre, For The First Time, INSIDE The Ivy!

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Restoration theatre was a revolution in itself, staged anywhere that was available – from disused tennis courts to ancestral family homes. In light of this, forward thinking theatre company Go People are bringing John Vanbrugh’s The Provoked Wife to intimate venues across London; and see they have an amazing opportunity to explore a revival of this idea, making new and unusual spaces our playground in the delivery of a brilliantly alternative theatrical experience. Their current bookings include both private and public performances happening in living rooms, member’s clubs, churches and hotels and run from 10th March – 23rd March.

The spring tour sets it’s main venue (for 4 nights) in the beautiful 1733 church building of St-Giles-in-the-Fields is a perfect setting in which to view this startling exploration of Restoration morality. The play is also being perfromed in Hoxtorn Holborn Hotel and Private Member’s club Home House.
Additionally, for the first time in history, The Ivy – famous for dining the media, celebrities, actors, directors and theatre goers themselves in it’s exclusive and luxurious setting – will be providing theatre in it’s own premises with Go People’s production. Tickets are available both for the public and for Ivy Club Members and dinner and drinks can be enjoyed in the Club before or after the performance.
Go People’s snappily-cut 90 minute production distills the best of playwright Vanbrugh’s 1697 original play, foregrounding the fabulously funny narrative whilst keeping his deliciously drawn characters firing on all cylinders. Sexy, silly and sumptuous, this contemporary interpretation of a restoration classic showcases the finest of London’s upcoming professional theatrical talent.
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Venues:

10th March      7:30pm            HOME HOUSE

Members only; champagne & canapés before

13th March      7:45pm            THE IVY

Members and public

Booking:          Email lissa@the-ivyclub.co.uk

 

18th March      7:30pm            ST-GILES-IN-THE-FIELDS

Completely open to the public

Booking:          www.wearegopeople.com

 

19th March      7:30pm            ST-GILES-IN-THE-FIELDS

Completely open to the public

Booking:          www.wearegopeople.com

 

20th March      7:30pm            ST-GILES-IN-THE-FIELDS

Completely open to the public

Booking:          www.wearegopeople.com

 

21st March       7:30pm            ST-GILES-IN-THE-FIELDS

Completely open to the public

Booking:          www.wearegopeople.com

 

23rd March      7:00pm            HOXTON HOLBORN HOTEL

Completely open to the public; complimentary drink before

Booking:          www.wearegopeople.com

 

Cast and Creatives:

Director – Oliver Kaderbhai

Producer – Go People

Designer – Emily-Jane Swanson

Music Composer – Alex Woolf

 

Lady Brute – Lucy Eaton

Lord Brute – David Bryan

Constant – Mark Donald

Heartfree – Freddie Hutchins

Belinda – Rose Riley

Lady Fanciful – Greer Dale-Foulkes

Mademoiselle – Suzie Preece

Razor – James Mack

Cornet – Amelia Clay

 

BBC young composer of the year 2012 Alex Woolf has written new incidental music for the piece and has also composed a number of original songs for the production’s musical moments.

 

Director Ollie Kaderbhai is the Artistic Director of theatre company :DELIRIUM. Credits include ‘Go to Your Grave Like a Soldier’ for the Old Vic Tunnels and ‘From Where I’m Standing’ for Pegasus Theatre. Ollie has a long-standing association with the Old Vic Theatre and has directed numerous projects on behalf the Kevin Spacey Foundation, both in the UK and internationally.

 

Designer Emily-Jane Swanson experience covers theatre, film and editorial. She was awarded the NSDF and Methuen Drama Emerging Artist Award for Design at Edinburgh Fringe and also runs a successful online fashion business, popular with celebrities as diverse as Caitlin Moran and Nikki Minaj.

 

About Go People:

Go People are a theatre company formed of three professional actors who first met at Cambridge University, aiming to bring under-appreciated or undiscovered plays – as well as talent – to the London theatre scene. They believe that theatre belongs equally to the people making it and the people who watch – and that this can happen anywhere, from a traditional theatre to a living room, church or hotel bar.

Go People make having a group of actors come to your home to perform solely for you and your guests an utterly unique reality, offering exclusive performances of plays for private parties and corporate events – the full theatre experience without having to leave the house!

The production company aim to recapture the fun and excitement, energy and surprise that private, live theatre can add to any occasion, whether you are planning a celebration for hundreds of people or an intimate soiree with close friends, Go People will work with you to create something truly magical and memorable.

Go People can tailor the event to suit your needs – you might like to select something from their extensive repertoire of modern plays and old favourites, or maybe you already have something particular in mind you would like them to adapt. And, what’s more, they can perform in any space you choose – from a spectacular garden to a cosy living room, every seat is top price quality – no more restricted views or struggling to hear every line!

http://www.wearegopeople.com