Head Down To The Gaucho Polo at The O2 – 21st May 2013

Thought Polo was just for posh folk? Well think again. Polo is a fast becoming a popular sport with the masses. Next week Polo players from around the world will be flying in for the HPA Gaucho International Polo Tournament at The O2 on May 21st. This will be the third year the Gaucho Polo will be happening in London and as well as being a thrilling, fast-paced match there will be  an array of events to  entertain visitors such as:

• Live music, performances from Strictly’s Vincent and Flavia.
• Complimentary tastings at Europe’s largest Argentinian wine tasting village (featuring 200 wines and lots of Veuve Cliquot).

The match itself will be England vs Argentina and celebrity Polo player and Ralph Lauren Model Nacho Figueras will be playing against England captain Jamie Morrison.

At the after party  Strictly stars Vincent and Flavia will be dancing the Electric Tango and Grammy nominated band Tanghetto will be flying in from Buenos Aires to entertain guests.

Hopefully I’ll see you there

Doors open at 5.30pm. Tickets for the main arena are priced from £20 and after-party tickets are priced from £17.50. For more information please visit  www.gauchopolo.com.

Great Gatsby Events In London this May

With the film opening in the UK on May 17th, Great Gatsby Mania has hit London. Great Gatsby inspired events are happening around London this month and is your chance to transport yourself back to the 1920s. Here are some the best events that are happening this month in London.

Great Gatsby at Whiteleys – from Thursday 16th May

Whiteleys shopping centre will be transported back to the 1920s as they recreate a speakeasy bar for Gatsby fanatics and put on themed events. Visitors will be able to watch performances of the Charleston, take swing dancing lessons, watch 1920s inspired fashion shows, get a Gatsby inspired makeover at the beauty boudoir and be entertained by piano playing, photo booths and a lots more! All for FREE!

Visit the Great Gatsby Pop-up Cocktail Bar at Harrods

Luxury store Harrods has opened a pop up cocktail bar to celebrate the release of upcoming film The Great Gatsby. The Twenties-themed space will be open to store visitors from May 9 to 20. The pop up bar will serve a selection of sumptuous cocktails which were popular during the 1920s.  Try an old-fashioned Martini or a tasty cocktail made with Hendrick’s Gin and served in a fine china tea cup.

Northern Ballet: The Great Gatsby at Sadler’s Wells

Can’t wait to see the film? Then head to Sadler’s Wells to see a full length Ballet based on the Great Gatsby. This ballet has a limited run and the has been described a “visual feast”. Choreographed by David Nixon OBE, this piece is set to Sir Richard Rodney Bennett’s musical score which promises to introduce a whole new generation to this well loved novel.

Great Gatsby Cocktails at the Palm Court Lounge, The Park Lane Hotel

https://plus.google.com/108646301676444476200/photos?hl=en

Until the 9th June, enjoy 1920s cocktails at The Palm Court Lounge. The Palm Court’s Art Deco style is sure to transport you back to the 1920s and the  cocktails aptly named the Fitzgerald Manhattan and Daisy’s French 75 will have any cocktail connoisseur reeking of 1920s style.

Great Gatsby Nights At the The Montagu Restaurant, Hyatt Regency London

“The Montagu restaurant at Hyatt Regency London- The Churchill, will be celebrating the roaring twenties, every Thursday evening throughout May. Reveling in this decadent era, guests will enjoy a 1920’s inspired three course set-menu, including a coupe of champagne on arrival and live music with the get-up-and-dance sounds from the Hot Dog Corn Dogs, the Hotel’s resident band. Guest are encouraged to dress for a Great Gatsby party, as they will have the chance to win a three-night weekend stay for two people at the Grand Hyatt New York.

The Montagu Great Gatsby Nights will be held on 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th May between 6:30pm and 10:45pm and is available at £35 per person for the three course set menu and a glass of champagne. Reservations can be made via email at montagu.hrlondon@hyatt.com or by calling +44 (0) 20 7299 2037″.

 

Ways to Become a Savvy Shopper

Guest post by Jenna Lee Smith

Knowing how to spend money wisely is an art that few people have mastered. But if you’re the CEO of your family’s budget, becoming a savvy shopper may be a priority. Increasing cash flow gives your family opportunities. The more cash in the bank, the more opportunities to take a vacation and build an emergency fund.

But even if you’re not the best money manager, there are ways to become a savvy shopper.

1. Compare prices.

Whether you’re buying a small inexpensive item or a large ticket item, always compare prices across multiple retailers. This approach is very time-consuming, and you’ll have to delay your purchase. This is hard since most people enjoy instant gratification. But there are real benefits of comparing prices.

You’ll discover that prices for similar items can vary greatly across retailers. By taking the time to research and compare prices, you can save tremendously. This increases your family’s budget, thus allowing you to save more. And with the Internet and newspaper advertisements, comparing prices has never been easier. Oftentimes, you can compare prices from the comfort of your home.

2. Shop online.

Some people love the excitement of sifting through racks at a department store. But if you’re busy managing a family and working full-time, your time is likely limited. Fortunately, the Internet makes it easy to shop. You can buy anything online from airline tickets to shoes. And if you shop with an online-only retailer, you’ll enjoy greater savings.

These retailers typically have a lower overhead which translates into lower prices. Plus, several retailers have online exclusive coupons, which maximize your savings. Let’s say you need golf supplies. GolfNow.com coupons can help you save on every golf purchase. A quick online search can reveal coupons. You can also receive coupons by joining a retailer’s e-club.

3. Don’t forget promo/coupon codes.

If you shop online or in-person at a department store, never come without a promo code. Promo and coupon codes let you take a percentage off your purchase, and if shopping online, these codes often result in free shipping. There are coupon codes for practically everything, such as a cheap wristbands coupon code. These codes aren’t only for clothes and household items, as several restaurants offer promo codes.

4. Read product reviews.

Before buying anything, check reviews written by real customers. This way, you know what to expect from an item. This approach can help you select the best products for your family, thus helping you avoid wasting money.

5. Decline store credit card offers. 

Most people jump at the idea of saving 10% at department stores. But if this means applying for store credit, politely decline. A credit card can build your credit. However, if you apply for too many accounts, you can damage your rating. Only apply for store credit if you’re looking to diversify your accounts and improve your credit.

If you take steps to become a savvy shopper, your pocket and family will thank you. Improving cash flow and your savings is all about smart choices. Learn how to budget and compare prices, and you’ll greatly improve your household finances.

Win Tickets To The Foodies Festival – Hampton Court Palace – May 25th, 26th & 27th 2013.

 

This May, the UK’s biggest food festival is returning to Hampton Court Palace  and  food-lovers are invited to enjoy the vast array of culinary activities taking place from the May 25th, 26th & 27th 2013.   Now in its 7th year, Foodies Festivals also take place across the UK in Edinburgh, Brighton, Bristol, Battersea Park, Tatton Park and Oxford.

The London Perspective has Five pairs of tickets to give away! So you and a friend  are in with a chance to see demonstrations from top chefs like Gennaro Contaldo – star of Two Greedy Italians and mentor to Jamie Oliver, Vivek Singh from The Cinnamon Club and  Ed Baines from Randall and Aubin, as well as tasting the variety of food from independents around the UK. What a great way to spend your bank holiday weekend!

To win a pair of tickets all you have to do is Like the The London Perspective Facebook page AND leave a comment on this blog saying“I’m the biggest Foodie” your email address.

SIMPLES!

The competition will be closing on Friday 17th May and Winners will be notified by email by Monday 20th May 2013.

T&Cs

- Prize is as stated and no cash alternatives are offered.

- Tickets are valid for  May 25th, 26th & 27th 2013.

- No refunds or exchanges.

- Each ticket is for one single entry to event.

Tickets for Foodies – Hampton Court Palace  are available  from www.foodiesfestival.com 

London from Above: A View From The Shard

The Shard opening is old news, however on Bank holiday Monday I finally got to use the vouchers that I won courtesy of costa bingo to the view from the shard platform and as you can see from the photos we had beautiful clear skies!  I took my brother as a late birthday present and the view from the shard didn’t disappoint! Looking out over the city really changes your perspective of where we live. London actually has quite of bit green land and the railways are massive!

The first restaurant in the Shard will open next week! Oblix, on the tower’s 32nd floor, is a New York style contemporary rotisserie and grill. If I can afford it I will definitely try to go and check it out.

Here are some of the pictures that I took:

Looking up the Shard from the ground

Inside the Shard on floor 72

For better views of the city the shard has digital telescopes which are free…

The railways cut right through London..

Can you tell me which part of London this is?

The new walkie talkie building is nearly finished…

My brother obviously thinks he is Lord over London…(delusions of grandeur ha!)

The River Thames, walkie talkie building, the gherkin and HMS belfast

We can almost touch the clouds from the Shard

Looking over south London from above – Strata Tower in the distance

I rare sighting (well for me) of tower bridge opening to let a boat through

Aerial view of the curving Thames going up to Canary Wharf

British Airways flying over..

Lanky Girl looking over London… hmm contrary to what it looks like I was actually very cheerful that day

Lanky Girl goes to Spin Ldn 2013 at Old The Truman Brewery, Brick Lane

Spin Ldn 2013

On Friday evening I went down to check out London’s first ever urban bicycle show, Spin Ldn. I thought I knew most brands of bicycle on sale in London but I was really in awe at the amount of different brands that were showcasing their products. I had a fabulous time looking at all the lovely bikes on sale. Here are  some of the highlights from the show.

We were entertained by some funky DJs and there was a bar serving beers and wine.

Spin Ldn dj’s

The first brand that I came across was Hood Bikes which are from Barcelona, these distinctive cruiser style bikes come in bold colours and are retailing for around 299 pounds.

hood bikes

This stunning racing bike by Festka Bikes  was turning heads for all the right reasons.

Festka Bikes

I also met the guys behind Mango Bikes, who were there to showcase their customized fixies. If you watched the BBC  program Beat the Boss you will remember the boys were seeking funds to start their business. Apparently they didn’t take the funding in the end from Innocent smoothie entrepreneur Richard |Reed and have gone solo with their idea.

Mango Bikes

As well as bicycle brands various companies were showcasing their fashionable bicycle accessories. I tried on a chic rain poncho by Otto.

Otto ponchos

I fell in love with this beautifully crafted bike from bicycle designers Saffron Bikes.

saffron bicycles

Tom from Donhou bikes is a frame builder who makes magic happen. His commissions are one of the kind and are visually stunning. If you have an idea for a  bike and the funds he can make it happen. Prices start from 1400 pounds.

Donhou bikes

If you like you bicycles big and blinging then avenue bicycles are the brand for you, these fashionable bikes scream luxury!

avenue bicycles

At Spin Ldn I also discovered Luv Handles Bicycle boutique, they are currently housed in a warehouse and are available by appointment only. My kind of store, they offer fashionable bicycle accessories and LOVELY dutch style cruisers.  I will be sure to pay them a visit sometime soon.

Luv Handles Bike Boutique

Cono Sur was also there  to showcase their Bicycle Pedal powered cinema.

Bicycle Cinema

Bicycle powered cinema pedlers

Pitango bicycles  make  lightweight cruisers and single speed bikes that you can customize. Ever fancied a dutch style bike with bad-ass racer wheels these guys can make it happen!

Pitango Bikes

Things To Do this Bank Holiday Weekend In London – May 3rd – 5th 2013

Pinch, punch first few days of a new month! We have lots to look forward to this weekend apart from not having to go to work on Monday Woop! We’ve been very lucky with the weather this week and apart from a small rainy spell on Sunday it looks like it will continue. I know many of you are planning Bank holiday getaways but for those of us who have decided to stay in town this weekend here is a list of things to do this bank holiday weekend. Feel free to Tweet, and share on facebook!

Check out No.3 Cromwell Road Bistro and Club opening this weekend

From the people behind Public is a new addition to the West London Club and dining scene. 3 Cromwell Road is a new bar, restaurant and club situated in a three storey Georgian townhouse overlooking South Kensington’s Natural History Museum. Steeped in history, 3 Cromwell Road was the first London venue in which Jimi Hendrix played a live performance, and has been a regular hangout for numerous A list celebrities over the past six decades having been a restaurant, casino and a private members’ club.

For more information please visit: http://www.3cromwell.com/

Head to Little Venice for the Canalway Cavalcade 2013

The Canalway Cavalcade is a unique waterways and community festival arranged by IWA at Little Venice since 1983. Sure to be fun for all the family, there will be  a boaters’ gathering, a pageant of boats, trade shows and stalls, bands, kids’ activities, competitions, Morris Dancers, a real ale bar, a wide variety of snacks and food and admission is Free.

For more information please visit: https://www.waterways.org.uk/events_festivals/canalway_cavalcade_2013/canalway_cavalcade_2013

See the David Bowie exhibition at The V&A

Apparently online advance tickets for this have already sold out, however you will still be able to buy tickets on the day if you arrive by the museum’s opening at 10am. Visitors to the exhibition will be able see over 300 objects from Bowie’s  career including spectacular stage costumes, handwritten lyrics, fashion, photography, film, music videos, set designs, Bowie’s own instruments and album artwork.

For more information please visit: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/david-bowie-is/

Check out Spin Ldn – London’s first ever urban bicycle event in Brick Lane

Bike nut? Well don’t miss out on your chance to attend Spin Ldn, an event showcasing the best of the world of urban cycling at the Old Truman Brewery in London this weekend.

Spin Ldn Bike Event

Attend East Dulwich’s Real Ale & Cider Festival

This weekend Dulwich Hamlet FC will play host to a beer festival organised by South East London CAMRA, with over 50 beers from brewers like By The Horns, Dark Star, Hackney, Skinners, & Windsor & Eton, plus ciders and perrys, and hot and cold food.

For more information please visit: http://www.camra.org.uk/event_detail.php?id=4

London’s Brewing Beer Festival in London Fields – 4th – 5th May

If you love a good pint then London’s Brewing is a brand new festival just for you. Organised  by the Brewers Alliance (LBA) it will celebrate London’s thriving and vibrant brewing scene. The festival will feature over 100 beers from over 40 breweries that make up the LBA.

For more information please visit: http://londonsbrewing.co.uk/about/

Have some cake at The May Balham Craft Fair

For all of you arty and crafty folk, Balham home of the yummy mummy is hosting a craft fair in the ballroom of the fabulous Bedford pub in Balham. There will be a chance to meet a talented group of local designer makers while browsing the craft tables, and take some time for a well-earned slice of cake! On sale will be textiles, clothing, jewellery, bunting, skin care products, toys, stationery, bags, cards and  much more!

For more information please visit: http://www.emmabarrettdesigns.co.uk/balham-craft-fair

Learn something new by visiting the Imperial Festival

Fancy yourself as a bit of a geek? Or  just love Science?  Then you must attend the Imperial Festival this weekend. Organised by Imperial College the event springs to life this May Bank Holiday weekend with hands-on science demonstrations, music, comedy, dance and art for all ages. Events and activities run from 16:00-22:00 on Friday 3 May and from 12:00-18:00 on Saturday 4 May

For more information please visit: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/festival

Go and see Sleeping Arrangements at The Landor Theatre, Clapham

Last week I had the pleasure of previewing a new musical based on Sophie Kinsella’s novel Sleeping arrangements. Summer holiday romance with twist, two ex-lovers holidaying with their families  find themselves double booked into the same holiday apartment. This musical was funny and the actor amazing in a cozy little theatre above a pub in Clapham it is definitely worth taking a chance to see before it goes away.

For more information please visit: http://www.landortheatre.co.uk/index.php/booking-office/musicals/sleeping-arrangements-56/

A fun night out at The Musical Bingo

I’ve been a very busy bunny of late, so sorry for the lack of posts. Recently I had the opportunity to experience a night out at the Musical Bingo at funky drinking venue The House of Wolf. For those of you who haven’t heard of Musical Bingo it is latest hip happening activity that is taking the capital by storm.

Traditional bingo and bingo online consists of numbers being called out and shouting Bingo! However, the rules of Musical Bingo are different; there are three rounds and each round when you hear music that you recognise on your bingo card you cross it off. There are prizes for the first person to get a line, then two lines then for the full house.

The first round for us was sounds of the noughties and even though I had a rubbish bingo card and won nothing, the atmosphere was infectious and we were all happily singing along and reminiscing about being at uni and listening to cheesy pop music in our bedrooms. The table that I was on was very lucky indeed! One particular lady just kept winning it must have been birthday luck!  I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to figure out what the tunes were but this was no problem because luckily lyrics are often part of the song title and my team was very knowledgeable.

The next round was sounds of the 90′s which I just loved, and I had to resist getting up on the table when Ride On Time came on! OOOHooo! The final round was sounds of the 80′s which was a cheese fest and they saved the best prizes for last which included drinks for your table and a blow up dolphin.

Overall I really enjoyed my night at the Musical bingo, it proved to be a really fun night out and I’ll be sure to trying it again sometime soon!

Afternoon Tea at The Sheraton Park Towers Hotel – Knightsbridge

Sheraton Park Towers Bar

My younger sister recently celebrated her 21st birthday and to celebrate I spontaneously decided to take her for a spot of afternoon tea last Sunday. Since I left it to the last minute to book all the usual options for afternoon tea like Claridges or The Dorchester were out of the question. However I was able to find that the Sheraton Park Towers Hotel in Knightsbridge was available for afternoon tea. Upon arriving at the hotel, unable to gain access through the front entrance we realised that the hotel was undergoing quite a bit of refurbishment. Going through the car park and into the building, I could see why, the interior of the hotel is definitely stuck in a bit of 70′s time warp so it will be interesting to see the changes when it is finished.

Afternoon Tea guests at The Sheraton Park Tower can choose from three very different tea rituals: British Afternoon, the quintessential British afternoon tea; Oriental, a delightful fusion of Chinese and Japanese traditional tea ceremonies; and Tisane, offering an array of herbal and fruit infusions.

As the lounge was closed for refurbishment we were led to a table in the Piano Bar which overlooked a pretty terrace.  We opted for the British afternoon tea which was made up of smoked salmon, cucumber and cheese sandwiches, scones and clotted cream and an assorted array of pastries. For tea I decided to play it safe by going for earl grey and my sister went for the oolong tea.

The bar was quiet and we were able to have a relaxed catch up while stuffing our faces. Our tea was kept constantly topped up and the staff were friendly. The afternoon tea itself was pretty tasty and by the time we arrived at the pastries I felt like a stuffed pig. Even though the hotel seems to be undergoing some refurbishment it didn’t really affect our time there and I look forward to trying tea again there when the hotel has finished its renovations.

Afternoon tea Sheraton park Tower

Hmmm..clotted cream and preserve

The Birthday Girl and her oolong

Lanky Girl and my cup of Earl Grey

It’s Gardening Week in London: 15-21 April 2013

Chelsea physic garden credit – Charlie Hopkinson

 

Just as we thought the winter would never end… spring is finally at our door and so is National Gardening Week. From the 15^th to the 21^st of April London will be blooming with gardening events. If you fancy giving your green thumbs a go, here are some suggestions to get involved!

Container gardening: Living in London, chances are your gardening options are limited to a rooftop, balcony or even a window box. Don’t worry, that’s plenty of space for flowers or herb garden. Pick a spot with lots of sunshine and use deep pots.

Secret garden adventure: Take advantage of the sunshine and explore some of London’s best secret gardens. For example, St. Dunstan-in-the-east is a little known piece of sanctuary located in between Monument and Tower Hill. Once a medieval church, it was reduced to ruins by bombing in the Second World War. Today, it is a lunch break office escape haven for hardworking Londoners.

Urban Oasis: If you enjoy getting your hands dirty, Providence Row charity will welcome you with open arms. They need as many pairs of hands as possible to make their dreams of flowers, home grown vegetables and ladybugs in Tower Hamlets come true this summer. Everybody is welcome on 20 April at 2pm, no experience is needed.

A blooming good pub: Locals love the Churchill Arms in Kensington for its ales and Thai kitchen as much as tourists love it for the incredible amount of hanging baskets with beautiful flowers outside. Enjoy your pint in the sun outside, or head to the dreamy butterfly-themed conservatory indoors for a lush meal.

Going compostal: Making compost isn’t as easy as it sounds. Whether you’re using a wormery, compost heap or bin, the experts from Chelsea Physic Garden can help you out during their compost clinic on 18 April at 10am. Access is free.

Gardening for wildlife:Would you like to attract more birds, hedgehogs and other wildlife to London? On 20 April at 2pm, the Dalston Eastern Curve Garden will be the scene for an introduction to gardening for wildlife. Access is free, no need to reserve places.