Bubba Gump Comes To London

Posted on October 15, 2014 by Sarah Bacchus

We where invited to the first UK’s first Bubba Gump restaurant last night and we have to say it was oh so very good! The staff where totally brilliant, very helpful and extremely attentive.

The American novelty fast food chain is best known for taking its inspiration from Forrest Gump and has over 30 restaurants around the world. They have a memorabilia shop on the ground floor for all the kids among us! Get ready for a rather picture packed article as we really needed to do this place justice. Here we go….Are you guys ready for possibly the best new dining experience to hit London in a very long time.

This quirky themed restaurant has shrimp as the main part of the menu with over 20 different styles to be precise. They do offer fish, steak, chicken, ribs, salads as alternatives for those of you that don’t really like a good old prawn. We indulged in so many different dishes and all had perfect and delectable flavours.

The menu consists of Coconut Shrimp, I’m not normally a huge fan of coconut but by golly was it good. They do Lobster Linguine, Dixie Style Baby Back Ribs. The most mouthwatering chicken that you will ever have. You will never want any other chicken dish anywhere else! No really it’s seriously so good and knocks spots off anywhere we have been in a long time.

We spent the entire evening indulging in shrimp, chicken, chips and dips. I can’t tell you how utterly impressed we where with this amazing place. You need to get ya running shoes on Forest style and head there very soon.

When we were served the huge portion of creamed mash 2 breasts of the best breaded chicken and an entire corn on the cob with perfect chicken gravy I nearly died and went to heaven. I kid you not when I say I have woken up this morning dreaming of my next visit!!

There was also appetisers like Mama Gump’s Garlic Bread Basket. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms and the Shrimper’s Net Catch!! We didn’t see any ‘Peas n Carrots’ sadly but expect they could well rustle some up for you if you had the whim!!

Oh did I mention the puddings…..

With plenty of Forrest Gump references all over the restaurant! It’s a fun foodies place to try out. Pictures, posters, quotes and memorabilia adorn every scrap of space. It’s a sight the behold and such a great night out you will long to watch the film and remember how wonderful life is. Well it’s like a box of chocolates isn’t it but here at Bubba Gump you know what your gona get… Darn amazing food and wicked cocktails that will have you coming back time and time again!!

It seats 400 over two floors, open seven days a week, 11.30am until late.

Bubba Gump in London is situated on 13 Coventry St, Piccadilly Circus, London W1D 7DH. Strictly walk-ins only. Now you can call an hour ahead but be warned this place is set to rock London so best get your Forest trainers at the ready as you might be standing around for a few blocks!! To get on the queue list and possibly save you some time, call 020 3763 5288. They can’t guarantee it will be really fast but you can be sure that the food is out of this world once yup get in there!!

That’s all I have to say about that!!

Apart from Follow them on Twitter @bubbagumpuk1

Follow me on twitter @sarahbacchus

www.slbstyle.com

www.sarahbacchus.com

Winter Wonderland at Debenhams

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Sarah Bacchus

Christmas is fast approaching, I know you really don’t want to hear that at all but it is. I can hear you shout ‘Lets get Halloween out of the way first’ But hear me out as its a good idea to start searching for all those lovely gifts right now as it will take the stress out of the December rush. Even online shopping has to be thought of. Debenhams invited us to take a wander about the Winter Wonderland press event recently and to take a look at all the lovely beauty items that will be on offer for all the girls. Let me know if you would like me to do a Christmas gift guide to help take the stress out of it even more?

We totally loved this little gadget as its a skin rejuvenator. Perfect for those fine lines and wrinkles.

With all the latest perfumes to try we rather loved the CKReveal as it was so delightfully fresh, vibrant and wears so very well. This is a delicious scent featuring raw salt and an erotic array of sandalwood and glorious orris. Its slightly oriental with its warmth, perfect for the winter months.

Makeup galore and a girls dream. The new Urban Decay Naked pallet is out soon and it had us in its spell. Its a stunning matt collection thats just perfect for the handbag, holidays and little touchups throughout the day. Defiantly a big hint for you guys out there. One of those unwrapped on Christmas morning will get you extra brownie points and lashings of extra helpings we promise!

Manicures where available showcasing the latest OPI winter range.

Stunning box sets from ModelsOwn, with colours so indulgent you will need to pick up a separate one for yourself. Isn’t that the rule when Christmas shopping anyway….Self gifting is what makes this time of year so wonderful and no one needs to know!

Now for the giddy fun bit…Debenhams are doing their very own calendar again this year after the success of last year. Its set to be even better. Here is a tiny sneak peak. Im not going to tell you anymore as you will just have to put one of these on your December pre Christmas wish list won’t you!

Follow Debenhams on Twitter @Debenhams

Find me on Twitter @sarahbacchus and come say Hello. For Personal Styling advice or to book a session go to www.slbstyle.com

For Photography work check out www.sarahbacchus.com

Boy + Kite Are Back With Blueprint | Music News

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Frostie

Boy + Kite has opened up for acts such as Ume, An Horse, Quiet Company and The Toadies, as well as played at SXSW 2012 and the Center of the Universe Festival in Toronto, CA while hitting the Top 10 Charts on KUT 90.5 in Austin, TX. 2013’s We Can Go Anywhere I Want EP, which was recorded by Nada Surf’s Louie Lino at Resonate Studios, expanded on the bands knack for lo-fi ghost-pop. Their sound also landed them kudos from My Old Kentucky Blog, furthering their momentum as an emerging band…

Then, in December 2013, Darvin Jones suffered a traumatic head injury and spent a considerable amount of time hospitalized in critical condition with his synapsis in both ears broke and the left and right hemispheres of his brain severed as well as a fractured skull. Jones wasn’t sure he would ever play music again and the adversity only made Jones’ desire to play music stronger.

After a miraculous recovery, Boy + Kite was ready to fly again.

The newest three singles, collectively referred to as Blueprint, were a brutal and euphoric release for Jones and company, now consisting of Jones, Puorro, Giuseppe Ponti and Marc Henry. The songs were crafted in their practice space, which sits inside a massive film equipment warehouse, and were then taken to Public Hi-fi Studios in Austin (owned and operated by Jim Eno from Spoon) where tracking commenced. The resulting singles, “Either Way”, “Turned Sideways” and “Touching the Sun” showcase the most balanced work of Boy + Kites career.

The Art of Amputation: Distorted Pop Song | Music News

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Frostie

Ruby Music
17 November 2014
The Art of Amputation are an alternative five-piece from London who combine soaring melodies with experimental sounds and big fuzzy guitars to create soundscapes they claim will “hold your hand in dark times.”

The band consists of Freddy de Lord (Keyboards, Vocals and Saxophone), Hugh Fox (Drums, Drum-Loops/Programming and Percussion), Allan Harrod (Vocals, Guitar and Keyboards), Mark Hyden (Guitars and Vocals) and newly added member Tim Harrod (Vocals and Percussion).

The Art of Amputation began when Hugh and Allan got together as a duo after the break up of a previous band. The pair started writing and rehearsing together as a simple keys/guitar and a drummer outfit. Together they wrote and recorded most of their first EP, though it soon became clear that they needed to find an additional guitarist to attain the sound they wanted. Mark was recruited and the trio began rehearsing and writing based on a shared appreciation of an eclectic range of artists like Weezer, Pixies, The Beatles and Bowie. Time in the studio triggered an influx of ideas and the band needed another member in order to realise them. Freddy joined in a formative period for The Art of Amputation. Each member’s individual styles began to compliment the others and the result was the creation of some impressive and polished tracks.

Allan’s keen ear for melody has been the main catalyst for the creation of each of the band’ compositions with other members working together until the song as a whole falls into place. The bands last writing tool is always the studio. They have big ideas and working with producer Steve Honest in Hackney Road Studios has ensured the creative process progresses seamlessly. Allan’s brother Tim recently completed the band’s line up, joining The Art of Amputation on vocals and percussion for their live shows.

Their new single ‘Distorted Pop Song’ is a stunning and intricately layered composition that channels the influences of The Flaming Lips and The Big Pink with its infectious, uplifting melody climaxing in a Spector-esque Wall of Sound.

Gigs:
17th October – Headline show at Camden Barfly

Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red by Margaret Graham

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Margaret Graham

Yesterday, on a brilliant clear October morning two of the granny administrators of Words for the Wounded, Jan Speedie and Margaret Graham, arrived at the Tower of London to view the art installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red.

The art installation commemorates Britain’s involvement in the First World War, a war to which so many marched in the early days, certain that it would ‘be over by Christmas’. It was not to be, of course. The war ended four years later at 11.00 am on the 11 day of the 11 month of 1918.

One of those who went early to war, was a Derbyshire man who died in Flanders. He wrote in his will, knowing that everyone was dead and he was surrounded by blood, The Blood Swept lands and seas of red, where angels fear to tread. It is these words that inspired ceramic artist Paul Cummins’s design.

In those trenches, classes mixed for the first time, barriers were broken, lives were destroyed. ((888,246 British and Colonial dead) many many others were injured, mentally and physically . It was a defining moment in our history, if you could call such relentless effort and sacrifice a moment.

The setting was designed by stage designer Tom Piper. In total, 888,246 ceramic poppies will progressively fill the iconic Tower’s moat over the summer. One for every single man who was lost. Volunteers fix the stems and plant out the poppies, for sale for £25. In due course, the poppies will be packaged and posted to the purchasers, again by the volunteers. Bravo the volunteers.

By yesterday the tide of poppies had extended in some areas to the edge of the moat, and in others, were lapping towards the walls, but there is room and time for more, just as there was, sadly, time for more in that First World War.

It is a heart stopping vision, one that promotes a moment of deep reflection, of commemoration, and for the grannies a determination to continue with our voluntary work – raising funds for the recovery of injured troops, so on with the mail shots for our fundraising writing competitions opening on 11^th November.

I believe the last poppy will be planted on the cusp of 11 November.

The Tower of London website says ‘We are hoping to sell all of the poppies that make up the installation and, in doing so, raise millions of pounds which will be shared equally amongst six service charities.’

I would love to know exactly how much is distributed as our servicemen, and ex-servicemen are still sorely in need.

Pictures courtesy of Susan Atkins and Margaret Graham

www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk

Emma-Jane Photography | Wedding Photography

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Out of all of the things to get right on your wedding, the photography is very important. Why spend all of that money and not capture the day properly. Your wedding photographs will be something that even your grandchildren will look at. The pressure to get them right can be tremendous.

My husband and I got very lucky. I met Emma-Jane at a press event and she was an easy choice as our wedding photographer. Talented, friendly and professional. She wasn’t just a photographer on the day, she was someone who was calm and unflappable, she was endlessly helpful and managed every crisis that came her way. She has a great eye and her pictures are just stunning.

She took this picture of me. She managed to capture the light perfectly.

I can’t stop gushing about her. Emma does other photography and has been in Tatler, Hello and this magazine you are reading now. She is endlessly talented and I can recommend her for any photography project you have, including the one on the most important day of your life.

http://www.emma-janephotography.co.uk

A Celebration of Craftsmanship, Style And Generosity: Introducing Chivas 12 ‘Made For Gentlemen’ By Bremont

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Frostie

Craftsmanship, style and generosity are at the heart of the recent collaboration between Chivas Regal and award-winning British watch company Bremont. Known for crafting beautifully engineered chronometers, Bremont has partnered with Chivas to design the latest Chivas 12 Made for Gentlemen by Bremont limited edition gift tin alongside 12 collector item ‘Chivalry’ watches to celebrate excellence and precision in luxury.

The Chivas 12 Made for Gentlemen by Bremont limited edition gift tin houses a bottle of Chivas 12 blended Scotch whisky and boldly features deconstructed watch elements to showcase the elegant and complex engineering of Bremont chronometers. The classically stylish, polished steel Bremont ‘Chivalry’ watch, with alligator strap, features a piece of oak cask used in the maturation of whiskies for Chivas Regal, the signature of James and John Chivas etched on the rotor of the timepiece and the Chivas crest subtly embossed on the dial. An engraved copper plate, taken from a retired Scotch whisky copper still, sits on the leather presentation pouch.

In the spirit of generosity, the Bremont ‘Chivalry’ watches will be auctioned exclusively for charities around the world. Admirers of luxury watches and whisky will have the opportunity to participate in an online auction for one of these watches from 22^nd October to 9^th November, 2014 via www.chivas.com/bremont. Proceeds will go to The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme.

Explains Richard Black, Global Brand Director of Chivas Regal: “In seeking luxury experiences and products, modern gentlemen demand substance and style. We felt there were many synergies between Chivas and Bremont as award winning British brands that reflect the desires of the modern gentleman. What both Chivas and Bremont do is incredibly complex but the art is to present it simply and stylishly and give our customers distinctive luxury items and experiences.”

Nick English, Co-Founder of Bremont, adds: “For me, the collaboration with Chivas was a genuine meeting of minds. We are all dedicated and passionate about keeping traditions of craftsmanship alive and we are also focused upon leaving a positive legacy. Bremont watches are ‘Tested Beyond Endurance’ and Giles and I have been blown away by the level of skill that Chivas Master Blender, Colin Scott, deploys in channeling nature and time in blending their Scotch whiskies.”

The Chivas 12 Made for Gentlemen by Bremont will be available globally from September with RRP of £28.45.

Influencers Attend The Leading Culture Destination Awards

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Frostie

On Friday 10th October, Museum Directors, Artists, Art Patrons and Creative Industry Leaders graced the red carpet at the luxurious Jumeirah Carlton Tower to celebrate the World’s Best Visual Art Institutions. The Leading Culture Destinations Awards is the first and only international awards to celebrate the best non-for-profit visual arts institutions around the world.

The eclectic guest list included Radio & TV presenter George Lamb, Countess Nathalie v Bismarck, Suede band member and Arts Editor Mat Osman, make-up artist Daniel Sandler, model Oooota Adepo, artist Antony Micallef, actor Neil Stuke and fashion designer twins Felder Felder. Cultural institutions in cities as far and wide as Paris, New York, Miami, Shanghai, Oslo and Berlin, were among those competing to win awards at the event with London scooping the prize for “Best Culture Destination.”

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