Beast magazine - issue 10

BEAST ISSUE 10

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LONDON

STAY TUNED Music Art Fashion Food & more

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BEAST magazine is brought to you by Publisher & Creative Director Nicky Acketts Executive Director Helen Samuel Editor Emma Winterschladen Sub Editor Jane Gazzard Digital Editor Siobhan Gunner Features Chantelle Pattemore, Emilie Wade, Leonie Helm, Penny Rutherford Contributors Jean Egbunike, Lara Mills Press press@beastmag.co.uk To advertise contact helen@beastmag.co.uk ON THE COVER Diana Gomez and Jason Burns, Blast Cult UK. Photography and Styling Diana Gomez dianagomez.com. Hair & Make up Keti Nikolova.

Retouching Melissa Jenkins. Shot on location at Blast Cult UK, blastcult.co.uk Beast magazine is published five times a year and is available throughout East London. Every effort is made to ensure the information contained in the magazine is correct.

We cannot accept responsibility for omissions or errors. Opinions expressed in the content are strictly those of the authors.

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DRAW THE LINE As we move through a period of the ‘new normal’ we are bringing you a form of escapism through music and visuals for issue 10 – in the hope that you can fully immerse yourself in a bit of creativity.

This epic wall art by Paul Don Smith is giving us all the inspiration we need for this month’s musings – pensive and thought-provoking, it certainly captures the mood of the moment for all of us.

If we can find solace in anything this month it should be in our communities’ actions, and how each and every one of us is doing our part to support each other in these challenging times.

Photograph by the fantastic Nic Crilly-Hargrave who is doing his part by providing distribution help for a delivery chef in East London @niccrillyhargravephotography Art by @dongrafitti

OUT THERE Eyes wide open and ears to the ground

LOVE LETTER One photographer’s mission to champion London’s multiculturalism, Sunday Best features Katie Waggett’s stunning portraits of individuals in their most colourful religious outfits, as well interiors from the places of worship. Sunday Best is a feast of colour and a love letter to a city that so depends on diversity for its survival. £16.95, hoxtonminipress.com

Dabbers goes digital! Bingo is undoubtably a social event, so it can be tricky to take part in your favourite activity when we are all staying in. But fear not, Shoreditch's first bingo hall has got you covered. Sign up to their virtual Quingo sessions and have a funfuelled evening with all the dazzling disco balls and uplifting entertainment of a standard Dabbers show. What’s more 10% of all ticket sales will go to support charity Hospitality Action!

Head to their website to get involved. dabbers.bingo/virtual-events

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MINDFUL EATING This is a supper club like no other. Headway East London (HEL) is a Hackney-based charity supporting people affected by brain injury across 13 London boroughs. Headway EATS is a relaxed dining experience led by a group of brain injury survivors who are (re)discovering talents and skills. Due to coronavirus, this unique supper club is currently offering vouchers you can purchase now and use later when they are back up and running. Support this incredible cause and look forward to devouring some tasty eats! For more information on their voucher system head to their website. headwayeastlondon.org, @headwayeastlondon beastmag.co.uk

WORDS: EMILIE WADE

Lucky for some

SUNDAY BEST Photography by Katie Waggett.

Published by Hoxton Mini Press

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Time to POPfit like it’s HOT! While we can’t get to the gym right now, how about jumping on-board with a virtual workout to get your blood pumping and your heart racing. Sign up for free and let off steam from the comfort of your home.

POPfit classes are tailored for all ages and abilities, featuring a catalogue of online workouts on demand and live stream classes. There's never been an easier way to stay fit – plus, no equipment is needed.

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Bliss in a box Made in isolation, for you in isolation. Perhaps you need a little zen in this time of uncertainty or you are just looking for a little pick me up. Urban retreat MASAJ have curated a Calm Kit for all your mindfulness needs – from keeping your vibes high and potential anxieties low. The Calm Kit comes with a cute book sharing top tips from Masaj therapists and a refreshing lavender hand spray to add touches of tranquillity and stillness to each day. All brought together with illustrations from the wonderful Sophie Bansal (@sophiebansal). £1 of every purchase goes to the Hackney Food Bank – so you can do your bit to keep East London thriving. @masajme_

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WORDS: EMILIE WADE

KEEP ON MOVING

Embrace your pencil power Want to tap into your creativity and don't know how?

Or maybe want to brush up on your pencil skills? During the lockdown, the Royal Drawing School want to encourage their artistic community to keep on drawing and creating. The school’s Instagram is sharing short drawing tutorials from their recently published book Ways of Drawing. Written by faculty and artists associated with the school, they are simple exercises that need only paper, a pencil and someone or something to draw. @royaldrawingschool, royaldrawingschool.org

YES YOU KANKAN

LET THE MUSIC PLAY ON East London’s home-grown orchestra is bringing you their dulcet tones and spirit-lifting sounds straight to your sofa – there really has never been a better time to get those toes tapping! Tune into the Grand Union Orchestra Instagram feed each week for a taste of their youth orchestra’s talents. Live performances are streamed online throughout April. GUO is renowned for their cross-cultural music across London and beyond, making cultural diversity an art form in itself and creating epic ensembles for all to experience. @grandunionorchestra, grandunion.org.uk

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Launched in December 2019, Hackneybased KANKAN brings you a new way to wash, consciously and considered. Born from a want of reducing single-use plastic within their everyday lives, founders Eliza Flanagan and Mary McLeod’s indie start-up uses the humble aluminium can to house their scented body and hand wash refills. An eco-essential for your bathroom you didn’t realise you needed until now. Fill up your empties or make the use of their ‘forever bottle’ than can be filled again and again. Both their hand and body wash are naturally free of parabens, SLS and sulphates, using only 100% essential oils.

What’s more, while we are all at home for the foreseeable, why not take advantage of their home delivery? They offer contactless doorstop delivery to local postcodes – like the milkman, but for soap. Head to their online shop to have a browse. kankan.london

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LOVE Musician-craftsman Jason Burns and photographer Diana Gomez are the creative power couple behind bespoke manufacturer of handmade musical instruments, Blast Cult.

BEAST went along to see their talents in full force PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING DIANA GOMEZ MAKE UP AND HAIR KETI NIKOLOVA

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INTERVIEW: NICKY ACKETTS. WORDS: CHANTELLE PATTEMORE

OF

JASON WEARS Grey cat tee shirt by Blast Cult, checked trousers by Albion, vintage biker boots by Frye, blood red UKDC Hollow body guitar

by Blast Cult. DIANA WEARS Black blazer with silver detailing by Rocky Star, lucky charm pins on blazer by Blast Cult, black fedora hat by Victoria Grant, black hoop leaf drop earrings by PK Bijoux, tights by Wolford, pink sparkling boots by Raf Stesmans, maple top hollow vee guitar by Blast Cult. All guitars by Blast Cult and Orange amplifiers

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Jason, Diana and Lulu

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or most couples who meet at work, the first throes of flirtation revolve around stolen moments at the coffee machine or coquettish glances over the tops of computers.

Not so for Louisiana native Jason and Venezuelan-born Diana.

“We met in Cornwall, at the Port Eliot music festival – a line-up of honky tonk, country and rock and roll music,” recalls Diana. There, she was photographing attendees in a Western saloon-style pop-up photo booth, among whom “was Jason, part of the band CC Adcock and The Lafayette Marquis, who had come to play the festival.” Adds Jason: “We hit it off and have been together ever since.”

Prior to her weekend snapping cowboy revellers, Diana had established herself as a prominent music and celebrity

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photographer after relocating to the UK two decades earlier.

“My first move to East London was off Broadway Market, on Broke Walk,” she says. “I got a job working on the door of The 333 in Shoreditch doing the guest list. That was super fun, and we used to hang out with Groove Armada, Lady Miskia and Boy George… the whole shebang was there.”

It was also around this time that she started her career in music photography – pursuing a passion that began in her teen years.

“I first worked for my friend’s record label, Tummy Touch Records on Redchurch Street – when Redchurch Street was nothing but The Owl & Pussycat and Tummy Touch.” In developing her craft, she utilised her down-to-

JASON WEARS Orange and cream stripe short sleeve shirt by Oliver Spencer, grey Cat tee shirt by Blast Cult, beige linen trousers by Oliver Spencer, black leather boots by Grenson DIANA WEARS Burgundy Leather V-neck dress by Malan Breton, lion chain drop earrings

by PK Bijoux, navy blue heels by Malan Breton

earth and approachable demeanour to achieve her goal of Their new space, located in Harringay, “is half studio, “photographing people, bringing out their personality and half woodworking shop – and it gives us a place to work sharing that with the world”. together and create,” says Jason. “We have a nice little Meanwhile in California, Jason – alongside touring – had space for motorcycles, too. It all comes together as a really founded Blast Cult, designing and creating custom guitars. good location spot, which is another thing we do here – “I play the double bass, an instrument designed 400 to 500 lease the place out for photoshoots and films.” years ago, that wasn’t meant to be thrown in the back of Jason notes that their working environment offers Diana a van and carried around for playing in a rock band. So plenty of inspiration for shooting and filming, and a change combining woodwork skills learnt as a child with some prein scene has provided him with new design influences, too. internet library studying of luthiery, I decided I was going to “It’s pushed me out of a zone I’ve been in for 20 years. make instruments more equipped for today.”

In the US, I try to use a lot of indigenous woods and parts, It wasn’t long after meeting at Port Eliot that Diana moved and things like that, I really appreciate the British from her home in Stoke Newington to join Jason in the States. However, “after living in California for a year, I realised I missed East London too much,” she says, while Jason’s connections in the capital developed during his time spent recording with CC Adcock, so meant he was happy to make a move to the UK. “I’ve tons of friends over here and I love London, so we went for it,” adds Jason.

While moving to a base in the capital marked a new stage in their personal relationship, it also provided the opportunity to forge ahead with a professional collaboration – by opening a second outpost of Blast Cult.

‘It was quite a big production as there was so much to move – machinery, tools and equipment,” says Diana. “Jason is obsessed with traditional British-made carpentry tools and machinery, so we started to search for equipment to create the instruments in this way. It took about eight months to get the shop ready.”

Grey cat tee shirt by Blast Cult, olive green jacket by Oliver Spencer

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Grey cat tee shirt by Blast Cult, checked trousers by Albion, vintage biker boots by Frye. Guitars by Blast Cult. With thanks to Orange Amplifiers and Leathergraft straps

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LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS “COVID-19 has impacted our business massively. We had to cancel events that we had planned, and lots of suppliers are shut during lockdown, so it’s harder to get materials to complete instruments,” Diana says.

To adapt to the current climate, the duo have launched a series of live events streamed on Blast Cult’s YouTube and Facebook pages.

Filmed and produced by Diana, LOCKDOWN/ LOWDOWN sees Jason talk with artists from around the world who play with Blast Cult instruments. In addition, Diana has recorded demos of Jason playing the brand’s instruments, to help continue generating interest and sales, and their studio has been opened for packshot photography. “None of the government grants or help applies to us, so we're working extra hard in the hope of survival.”

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RETOUCHING BY MELISSA JENKINS. SHOT ON LOCATION T BLAST CULT UK

aesthetic, so I wanted to create different designs when I moved to London.”

They also hope that the transition will help expand Blast Cult’s reach.

“I sell my stuff worldwide, but the UK has never really been a big market.

That’s been a challenge and one I wanted to take on.”

Diana adds: “Our biggest clients are in Japan. The Japanese are obsessed with high-quality crafted, handmade and unique products with a cool brand and packaging, and that’s what Blast Cult is really good at.”

Away from their studio, the couple is firmly set in Stoke Newington.

“Stokey has such a beautiful village vibe. I can get everything I want there,” says Diana. “Some of the greatest studios, artists, fashion designers, bars, restaurants and rehearsal studios are nearby, along with my circle of friends – so it’s perfect, I don’t need to go anywhere else.”

And despite being more of a newcomer to the area, Jason is equally enamoured. “I love it here. There’s loads of creative people and it’s not supercorporate. People are friendly and I like all the independent businesses – there are so many of them.”

It’s this respect for creativity and individuality that ultimately fuels their work. Diana says the question of “How am I going to combine my photography with my values for life and leave a legacy?” has been a key driver for her path.

Meanwhile, Jason is striving to create instruments that are “unique and inspire something that doesn’t sound just like the next guy. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel, but just have your own voice.” B blastcult.com, @blastcult. dianagomez.com, @dianagomezphoto

JASON WEARS Navy blue jacket by Oliver Spencer, GreyCat tee shirt by Blast Cult, blue jeans by Freenote Cloth, vintage biker boots by Frye, black Batavia guitar by Blast Cult DIANA WEARS Checked black and grey taylor Suit by Helen Anthony, black hoop leaf drop earrings by PK Bijoux, animal print tights by Wolford, navy blue heels by Malan Breton, Blood red flake UKDC guitar by Blast Cult, black and white suede guitar strap by Leathergraft. LULU WEARS Navy coat by Puppy Angel. Vintake dirt bike by Husqvarna

Hidden depths On the surface, Stephen Anthony Davids’ artworks are distinguished by a childlike essence. But look further and you'll find viewers are rewarded with meaningful connections to socio-political concerns affecting East London and beyond

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or Stephen Anthony Davids, the journey to becoming a full-time artist has involved hard graft and many closed doors – but this makes his success all the more rewarding. “It is an achievement that I fail to realise at times. It’s down to me and my tenacity and sticking in there for dear life,” he says.

After working sporadically for years in advertising and illustration, in 1997 Stephen decided to follow his childhood interest in art and “make a go of it professionally”. However, despite studying graphic design for two years, he didn’t go to art school – meaning his early endeavours weren’t supported

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by access to an industry network from which many of his peers benefited.

“I pride myself on being self-taught – it’s allowed me freedom. But it’s also held me back. Not personally, but in terms of access to the system. It always feels like you’re on the outside looking in.”

On a positive note, the element of creative freedom – in that Stephen’s pieces are not being founded on formal teachings – has proved critical in his unique artistic development.

“I think this is quite evident in terms of my work when you see it,” he says. Yet, while his style could be described as

Broken nose

WORDS: CHANTELLE PATTEMORE. PHOTOGRAPH BY LUCY THOMSON. STEPHEN DAVIDS PAINTING BY STEPHEN ANTHONY DAVIDS

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SAD PHOTOGRAPHED BY HUGO DENNING IN STUDIO, STRATFORD.

For Stephen, living and working in self

of the area I’m in, I think it’s still got childlike and playful, Stephen asserts that a isolation has inspired him to explore new a long way to go. Your success is level of control and reflection sits behind it. avenues within his art. “I have been doing measured by what school you’ve “It’s very much an expression of me – who I am, a lot of mark making and working out gone to – and there are people out what I am able to tap into, I have the innocence compositions on paper, as well as crayon there who are extremely talented, of a child with regards to my ability to express and black and white drawings with Indian but haven’t got the access. If you with line. But there’s also a very strong control – ink,” he reveals. “I have also been using haven’t been to art school, it doesn’t so it’s quite complex. It’s a mixture of strength, this time to do more research. A keen mean you haven’t got the ability.” naivety and innocence.” interest has been looking at Nigeria and How to fix it? “That’s the millionAn East Londoner born and bred, Stephen Gabon masks, as well as the Fante flags of dollar question,” he pauses, then takes cues from a range of sources. While Ghana.” Ultimately, Stephen is aiming to suggests that headway could be one of these includes the urban architecture focus on the positives that can be drawn made if people in positions of surrounding his canal-side studio in the from the current challenges. “I see this influence within the industry and Olympic Park, overall they encompass a much time as one for personal and creative associated media “support the wider spectrum. growth,’ he explains. ‘In all the doom, unseen. The right people need “I’m influenced by everything from toys to there lays opportunities.” to acknowledge what others are architecture, to books, design and fashion,” doing.” he says, with calligraphy also a primary Despite the fact Stephen is now well established, these kinds component following his time spent as a signwriter in his late of endorsements continue to play a vital role in introducing his teens. “I love the written word and fonts. I love language as work to new audiences.

For those just discovering his art, he much as I love imagery.” hopes they recognise his work as “accessible, fun, intellectual While Stephen’s ‘inner child’ has long driven his pieces, and intelligent”, but advises them to look deeper than face value. his recent work with school children as a Thrive practitioner “Someone might say, ‘Well that looks easy’, but there are a (a programme designed to support the social and emotional lot of reference points, it’s about allowing the viewer to look at development of young people) has proved equally influential. reference points, composition and imagery, and connect and “I’ve been going into primary schools for the past year, think about what I’m saying.” working with students and using my art… engaging them Stephen notes he often finds among those viewing his work and looking at their wellbeing,” that “you either don’t like it or you love it – which is fine”. But, he says. “Working alongside he says, “it’s always nice to get a new audience who appreciate primary kids, I’m subconsciously Stephen’s what you do”. B picking up how they apply line EAST LONDON stephenanthonydavids.com, @sadstudioe15 to paper, and why it’s very THE BREAD STATION beautiful, as it’s an honest line.”

They do nice bread, Yet behind the elements sandwiches and pastries. of innocence, Stephen’s work Arch 373, Helmsley Place, serves as a meaningful social Hackney E8 3SB commentary and a reflection of himself. As such, race and class WELL & BUCKET are key factors – and areas in It used to be a leather shop, but now it’s a beautiful pub. which he firmly believes the art 143 Bethnal Green Road, industry still has many changes Bethnal Green, E2 7DG to make.

“With regards to music, it’s THE CANALS AT THE BACK really embraced urban culture OF HACKNEY MARSHES and I think there are a lot of young If you follow them, you people of colour who have realised can walk all the way to that they can use their creativity as Hertfordshire. a career,” he reflects. “But in terms

8mm & 16mm – Crayon on paper (2019)

A hive of activity For Calypso Rose, decluttering her life paved the way for a whole new business venture, opening up some of the city’s most unique events to fellow Londoners

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WORDS: CHANTELLE PATTEMORE. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMAL THOMAAS

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any of us routinely clear out cupboards stuffed with unwanted Christmas gifts or wardrobes filled with slightly-too-skinny-skinny-jeans we can only hope of fitting into again. But for Calypso Rose, downsizing was taken to the next level. In 2013, she simultaneously ditched the majority of her belongings to move onto a canal boat in Haggerston and sold her highly successful accessories business, Clippykit.

“I had a huge decluttering and it felt such a relief,” she says.

“You realise that the gratification of getting ‘things’ doesn’t actually last that long.”

It was this revelation that helped drive forward her current venture, The Indytute, an e-commerce platform offering access to a variety of experiences all over London. While she had the initial plans and ideas formed, it was a fortuitous meeting with a buyer from Selfridges at a trade show that ultimately helped her launch.

“I showed her a PDF of what I planned and she said, ‘Great, we’ll get you in for Christmas.’” This proved to be a baptism of fire, with Calypso and her small team organising and running 90 events over 90 days during the festive season.

“Literally, in the middle of the gift department, on a glittery table, we ran all these workshops. At one point, something went wrong with the booking system – we were only meant to have 10 people in for a ukulele lesson and 30 people showed up. We were all spread out in the bedding department! It was an absolute killer, but we got there.”

With the investment from Selfridges providing the funding required to launch the business full-time, Calypso used her existing contacts to help secure workshops to list and run on a regular basis. However, while companies also approach her and request to be listed on The Indytute website, she stresses that their activities have, and will continue to be, curated.

“I don’t want to be one of those companies that just shoves everything on there,” she says, adding that each experience is tried and tested by herself or a member of the team before being given the green light.

While other experienced websites tend to offer spa days and racetrack drives, the activities on The Indytute are notably more unique. Want to tour the city’s best gin joints on a bicycle?

They’ve got you covered. Or perhaps you want to go full-on Moore/Swayze and try your hand at pottery? Not a problem.

When it comes to choosing her personal favourite, Calypso reveals: “I really love the stained-glass window workshop. The things people create are amazing and you’d never think you’d be able to do them as a beginner. And, because I live on a canal boat, I also really love the Shell Co experience, which is a floating restaurant – the food is unbelievable.”

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Calypso’s EAST LONDON

Living in Haggerston affords Calypso the opportunity to discover a host of “really, really creative” local businesses and THE PAVILLION events in the area. As such, a BAKERY number listed on The Indytute They do the most incredible are East London-based, including Sri Lankan breakfasts street art tours, bespoke and Chai tea. jewellery making and charity 130 Columbia Road, E2 7RG shop ‘hops’.

She also notes that diversity isn’t the only thing separating The Indytute from its competitors – it’s financially accessible, too.

“We want to keep it fun and affordable,” she says. “Most experiences sit at around £50. And we also have a function on our website where you can split the bill and people can chip in for a present.”

As eco-concerns heighten and we look to enjoy experiences rather than purchase material possessions, The Indytute shows no signs of slowing down.

“Everyone owns so much stuff,” Calypso says, with environmental concerns even impacting the way experiences are purchased. “I really noticed it last Christmas. The majority of people used to order gift packs to go in the post, but this year nobody did; it was all e-vouchers. They emailed and said it was because they wanted to be more sustainable.”

Looking ahead, The Indytute aims to develop their experiences further, combining several activities to form ‘day dates’.

POPHAMS BAKERY The croissants are amazing.

197 Richmond Road, E8 3NJ

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“Our Bankside date is in partnership with an amazing pancake restaurant [Where The Pancakes Are] and we’ve curated a day around it. So we’ve highlighted some nice cafés you can stop at and there’s an app you can access to look into old advertising signs in the area, too. We’ll be doing more of those.”

She’d also like to venture into immersive experiences, stating that a key goal is to collaborate with dining performance company Gingerline.

“They’ve been around for a while and just keep getting better and better.” And there’s no denying the same can be said for The Indytute, too. B @indytute, indytute.com

LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS “The lockdown has obviously affected our business loads,” says Calypso. However, to help overcome the challenges posed, The Indytute have switched their focus to experiences that people can enjoy indoors. They’ve launched online experiences from pub quizzes to origami masterclasses, and are selling creative projects that can be completed at home, such as jewellery design and Terrazzo pot making. And to support the East London community, money from sales is being donated to local food banks. “This won’t be forever, and we’ll see you through the other side, stronger and more resilient than before.”

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‘WE’LL SEE YOU THROUGH THE OTHER SIDE, STRONGER AND MORE RESILIENT THAN BEFORE’

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He’s got millionaires on speed dial and will jump on a plane to deliver to clients anywhere in the world, but it’s all in a day’s work for trainer dealer Joe Franklin

kicks TEENAGE

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WORDS: CHANTELLE PATTEMORE

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ost 17-year-olds are busy finishing school people, and I’d be on these looking for good trainers or making tentative steps into the world at good prices – and selling on there, too,” he says. of work. But not Joe Franklin. He doesn’t “As time went on, I built up a client base that I was officially hit adulthood until August, but has selling trainers to regularly. I also built up my contact already earned the title of being the UK’s list from which I sourced my trainers – which is now youngest trainer dealer and sources the worldwide.” These days, he says, “getting new contacts rarest and most expensive sneakers for the world’s rich and clients is all through word of mouth”. and famous. Not bad going for someone who initially It is this extensive network which allows Joe to offer only bought trainers to stand out among his peer group. a personable service that encourages clients to return “It all started when I was about 12 years old. Me and a time after time – even as trading websites such as few friends basically just collected trainers, competing over StockX rise in popularity and allow individuals to see who had the best. Everything changed when he “bought a the average sale price for a particular trainer. pair of Air Max Nike Jessie J’s – her signature trainer – for “I don’t see it as a competitor,” he says. “I offer my £200. The same day, someone I know offered me double clients such a unique experience. I can have a pair of the amount for them and since that trainers for them within 24 hours and moment I’ve been buying and selling.” that’s a hard thing to come across.

‘IT ALL STARTED Five years on, Joe’s business is now People come to me as they know I can WHEN I WAS ABOUT based in the Shoreditch HQ of musicsource the ‘unsourceable’ – whether 12 YEARS OLD. ME AND that’s samples, trainers that are one streaming service Keakie, following a A FEW FRIENDS request from one of the company’s copair out of 100, or ones that were never BASICALLY JUST founders that he set up a guest list-only released to the public.” shop there.

It’s a big undertaking for a teenager, COLLECTED TRAINERS’ “It was kind of a no-brainer,” he says but Joe isn’t fazed. “I know what I’m of the location. “Music and fashion go hand-in-hand. good at and what I can do. Half of the people who know They have so many music artists, DJs and execs coming me, respect what I’m doing at such a young age but, in that me being there was beneficial to them, but also sometimes, I’ll have people who’ll say they can’t deal meant I could grow my business.” with me as I’m just a kid. It’s down to whether a potential So how does an entrepreneurial teenager transition client wants to trust me.” from selling trainers to his friends to dealing with clients For years, trainers were viewed as being simply for worth millions? The earlier days of Joe’s business saw him sports, but they’ve now ascended to the high ranks utilising a platform we’re all very familiar with – Facebook. of fashion – something Joe predominantly credits to “There are loads of forums with thousands of two things. “I think a massive factor is the younger generation. We like to show off and create a good impression, and wearing a rare pair of trainers makes a statement,” he says. However, “The music industry has played a massive part, too. All these artists are doing collaborations with Nike and Adidas, and names such as Travis Scott and DJ Khaled have massive fan bases. These fans will do anything to support them.”

While these demographics are willing to pay tens of thousands for a single pair of shoes, you won’t find Joe splashing out for the newest Nikes. He personally only owns five pairs of trainers, three of which are currently Adidas UltraBoosts.

“It’s just not me to go and spend £2,000 on a pair,” he says. “I’d rather reinvest the money back into my business.” B You can follow Joe @5upplied

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LIFE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS “Coronavirus is affecting the whole trainer industry worldwide,” Joe says. “Buyers aren’t meeting with sellers – for obvious reasons – so everything is being done through shipments; [but] some people are reluctant to ship trainers.” Because many of his main clients seek ultra-exclusive, high-worth shoes, they like to see an item in-person before making a purchase – meaning Joe has seen around a 50% dip in his trade. As such, he is “mainly selling more generic trainers at the moment.” However, he concedes, “it is what it is, and we have to adapt to it – and hope everyone can go back to normal as soon as possible.”

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Named as one of London’s must-visit spots in 2019 by The New York Times, just what makes Hoxton’s Hang Up Gallery so special?

BEAST spoke to founder and director Ben Cotton to find out more

WORDS: CHANTELLE PATTEMORE

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hese days, switching up your career trajectory to try out something entirely different isn’t unheard of – but to successfully do so and position yourself as a leader among your peers is certainly worthy of praise. And this is a feat that founder and director of Hang Up Gallery Ben Cotton can boast – beginning his career in magazine publishing (notably working at leading design and architecture title Wallpaper*) before making a “totally different” transition into the art world.

While Hang Up recently moved to an impressive new space in Hoxton, its beginnings were far more humble. “It was purely online,” says Ben. “I set up a website when e-commerce still wasn’t a huge thing – especially for selling art – and learnt from the very bottom how to run a commercial gallery.” However, he believes this was ultimately the right path to have taken. “It was a really slow process to begin with, but that allowed me to learn how to do things properly and forge the relationships that I did.”

Now, just over a decade later, Hang Up is the world’s largest dealer of Banksy pieces; while also displaying, buying and selling works from leading artists such as Grayson Perry, The Connor

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Brothers, Tracey Emin and Mark Powell. As Ben reveals, the process has been very organic – when it comes to the elusive street artist, in particular.

“I used to collect Banksy's work in the early days and built up my own little portfolio. I met quite a few people who collected, bought and sold his work, people who were associated with Banksy and auction houses – and it kind of grew from there.

“We were the first to put on a permanent Banksy space, in our old gallery in Stoke Newington. It was really just a small room, crammed full of Banksy pieces – and people went really mad for it,” he says.

But Hang Up is far from focused solely on street art, displaying everything from abstract paintings to photography to sculpture. When it comes to selecting pieces, “we’ve got to be beastmag.co.uk

excited by them, and feel they’re pushing the boundaries in some way. It’s got to resonate and have a vibe that we like.’”

This sense of excitement is a key factor behind the gallery’s upcoming exhibition – a retrospective of the works of Nancy Fouts, an American-born artist who passed away last year.

“She’s known as the modern-day surrealist and [did] a lot of sculptural work and taxidermy,” enthuses Ben. “It’s very playful. I like artworks that make me smile – that is what drew me to Banksy’s work and again with Nancy’s. It’s immediate and definitely evokes feeling.”

Hang Up has previously had bricks and mortar roots in Shoreditch and Dalston, while their new Hackney residence is a more “grown up space” that the gallery will reside in for the long haul. However, there was never any doubt they would remain out east.

“I’ve lived east since I moved to London over 20 years ago. I’ve always loved the energy and the vibe, and culturally, I think it has so much to offer.” Plus, “It makes it an easier commute,” Ben laughs.

While world-famous names can be found on Hang Up’s rostra, supporting creatives in the local area has always been a priority too.

“So many of our artists are local and from East beastmag.co.uk

Ben's EAST LONDON

BLACK PIG AND WHITE PEARLS For amazing Spanish food.

61 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 8EL

London. Mark Powell was originally in Hackney Down Studios; Lauren Baker is in Hackney Wick; The Connor Brothers are in Bethnal Green. A lot of the artists are people I admired when the gallery started out. Now I’m fortunate enough to work with them, and the gallery has helped their careers to grow, which is really nice.”

This down-to-earth approach is an element that Ben credits in helping elevate Hang Up among its peers. “Some galleries can be a bit austere and kind of daunting. We try to be the opposite of that – we’re approachable and friendly,” he says. “Even though some of the works we sell are definitely at a high price point, we welcome all in – and there genuinely is something for everyone.” B hanguppictures.com, @hangupgallery

L’ATELIER Extremely good coffee.

31 Stoke Newington Road, Dalston, N16 8BJ TOWPATH CAFE It’s two minutes from the new gallery space and a lovely place to sit outside by the canal in the sun.

36 De Beauvoir Crescent, Hoxton, N1 5SB LONDON FIELDS LIDO Great for winter swimming, as it’s heated all year round.

London Fields Westside, E8 3EU

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Room with a

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Nelly Duff

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We may not be able to visit in person right now, but we can still support our local galleries and artists from the sofa. Artist and curator Sophie Castle gives us the lowdown East London has been synonymous with art for decades, since struggling artists flocked to the area to take up studios in the 1970s, to its current graffiti-filled streets today. And space after space is used to display work from budding new talent to renowned contemporary artists, from high-end galleries to small craft shops. And lucky for us, many are also online too. Here are the top places to enjoy (and buy) some of East London’s amazing art – without even leaving home.

A Room Upstairs

A Room Upstairs BOW A gallery run by a young team and situated above a pub, A Room Upstairs is one to watch. Having only opened in November 2019 in a post-lockdown world, the small space is set to host budding new talent. Keep an eye out for their preview evenings where you can view some great works, invest in limited-edition prints and enjoy a pint in the pub below. But while you can’t visit they’re partnering with @guts_gallery for an Instagram show. @aroomupstairs, aroomupstairs.co.uk

The Approach Gallery

artworks, you will undoubtedly be giving your home the spruce of a graffiti-like portrait or the graphic quote it’s been craving. For now, find them online. @nellyduff, nellyduff.com

founded in 1997 and now represents an extensive list of international artists. They are currently participating in ‘Platform: London’, a new @DavidZwirner online viewing room series in support of galleries and artists as we navigate The Approach Gallery through this challenging time.

BETHNAL GREEN @approachgallery Another great gallery situated above theapproach.co.uk a pub, The Approach Gallery is a small space with one of its original The Brick Lane Gallery objectives being to offer solo BRICK LANE exhibitions to London-based artists A gallery situated on one of the at the start of their careers – several most artistically renowned streets of whom have gone on to achieve in London and comprising of two international success. The gallery spaces a stone’s throw from each has grown in success since it was other. Normally, each delivers The Brick Lane Gallery

Nelly Duff COLUMBIA ROAD The perfect stop on your Sunday walk along Columbia Road’s flower market, Nelly Duff will have a piece you’ll be desperate to pair with your new Swiss cheese plant. With an array of limited-edition prints and

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Town a new exhibition every two House weeks, ensuring there will always be a selection of new artists for you to discover.

Ranging from emerging artists to mid career, you’re bound to find original investment pieces, so follow their Instagram to stay up to date with their exhibitions, when they re-open. a small, glass-fronted shop @bricklanegallery called Town House, home to thebricklanegallery.com both a gallery and antiques/ craft shop. From handmade Town House pottery to exhibitions by SPITALFIELDS contemporary artists, Town Cross the road from Spitalfields House is the hidden gem we Market and you will enter a implore you to visit. They street that feels like a film set, even have homemade cake in with rows of period properties the basement. A trip to look (one housing the artistic duo forward to.

Gilbert and George). One @townhousespitalfields of the first on the street is townhousespitalfields.com

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Chisenhale Gallery HACKNEY The Chisenhale produces and commissions contemporary art, aiming to exhibit the most exciting and innovative works from both international and UKbased artists. Founded 37 years ago, the gallery has supported their artists in pursuing new directions and creating ambitious work, ensuring their exhibitions are exciting and diverse. The gallery has a reputation for identifying new talent with a commitment to reaching wide audiences. @chisnehalegallery chisenhale.org.uk list. Combining contemporary art with the edgy vibe of East HACKNEY London, this space exhibits This is a gallery set up by Fred young talent changing the Mann and aims to support landscape of what art is today. emerging to mid-career artists From Hunter Potter’s childlike with a focus on painting and drawing exhibitions. The space forms to Anthony White’s pop culture motifs, Public Gallery is hidden and unassuming, will introduce you to the future situated below a block of flats, of contemporary art. Presently, only a couple of streets away they’re excited to announce from Broadway Market, yet NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT the exhibitions are exciting – an exhibition aiming to help with careful curation and imaginative installations. At the stimulate connection and engagement during this period time of lockdown, the gallery of physical isolation and have was exhibiting the works of invited over 50 participating Rob Voerman, which included artists to create one physical detailed etchings. The gallery work and one video in also has a vast collection in response to the current reality, stock to view or purchase, forming a snapshot of how ranging from detailed portrait artists react and adapt to paintings to erotic drawings. such changes; and how they @newartprojects process and question this newartprojects.com unprecedented situation from their individual and shared Public Gallery perspectives. The exhibition HACKNEY will go live on 6th May. With 28,200 Instagram followers, it is no surprise Public @public.gallery publicgallery.co Gallery has made it onto our

New Art Project

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The Whitechapel Gallery

Henry Miller Fine Art

Public Gallery

The Old Bank Vault HACKNEY A welcoming community gallery and event space, working with emerging and established artists and independent suppliers. For now, find them online. @theoldbankvault theoldbankvault.com

Victoria Miro HOXTON The Wenlock Basin branch of Victoria Miro has exhibited the likes of Yayoi Kusama and Alex Hartle. With its

own garden space, it's able to deliver exhibitions that are immersive, unique and alfresco. Yayoi Kusama’s exhibition was one of the most renowned exhibitions of 2018, with halls of mirrors and her famous pumpkin sculptures enveloping the space. Victoria Miro exhibits some of the most famous contemporary artists of our time. They invite you to explore their artists online and on their social media and are available by phone or email. @victoriamirogallery victoria-miro.com

Victoria Miro

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WALTHAMSTOW Henry Miller displays his extensive collection within his own period home in Walthamstow. The theme to every piece within the gallery is the male form. It is the only collection of its kind, with pieces from as early as the 17th century up to the modern day. This is a must-see if you’re interested in anatomical art or even just to see Henry’s stunning period home. @henrymillerfineart henrymillerfineart.co.uk

The Whitechapel Gallery WHITECHAPEL A contemporary art gallery founded in 1901, the Whitechapel Gallery has exhibited masters such as Picasso and Frida Kahlo, as well as contemporary artists including Sarah Lucas and Sophie Calle. It is one of the more obvious choices on our list, but it couldn’t go amiss. The gallery houses an extensive art bookshop as well as historic archives and art classes. It is currently showing Radical Figures, an exhibition celebrating storytelling through painting, featuring

works by Michael Armitage and Cecily Brown. Take a tour online to view exhibitions past and present. @whitechapelgallery whitechapelgallery.org

Gods Own Junkyard WALTHAMSTOW Chris Bracey has been the Neon Man for 37 years creating iconic art pieces for the likes of David La Chappelle and Martin Creed. Displaying a vast neon collection, Gods Own Junk Yard is the destination your Instagram feed has been craving. With great quotes and love hearts aplenty, you’re bound to find countless aesthetically pleasing shots.

Check out their 360° motion tour online. @godsownjunkyard godsownjunkyard.co.uk B

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IN VOGUE Galina Sherri turned her wardrobe of 50 pre-loved vintage dresses into what has become an awardwinning vintage boutique in Walthamstow. She shares the story of Gigi’s Dressing Room with BEAST

WORDS: PENNY RUTTERFORD

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igi’s Dressing Room is one of Walthamstow’s worst-kept secrets. With her carefully curated stock of clothes and accessories to buy or hire, the boutique’s owner, Galina Sherri (aka Gigi), has been dressing the styleconscious women of Walthamstow – including the local cohort of actors and fashion editors for the red carpet at premieres and award ceremonies.

With a home on Wood Street for three years, the business started in Galina’s bedroom about 15 years ago, as she collected vintage pieces that she sold at markets, including Spitalfields. After a period trading at Wood Street indoor market, a nearby cobblers shop space became vacant. So Galina took the plunge and set up shop, transforming the space and working with local tradesman – she is passionate about supporting other local independent businesses.

Arriving at the boutique, there is nothing on the signage to suggest that this is a vintage shop. The window display is minimal and stylish. Open the door to a rosescented store and thankfully none of the overstuffed racks and stale smells that can be the stuff of vintage shops.

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‘I WANTED TO CREATE A COMFORTABLE, ALMOST HEALING, SPACE FOR PEOPLE TO FEEL THEY CAN JUST WALK IN, DRESS UP AND TRANSFORM THEMSELVES’

Towards the back of the shop are two comfortable armchairs where Galina welcomes everyone for her glorious ‘try on’ sessions. I say shop, but this is not how Galina describes her space.

“The word ‘shop’ doesn’t resonate with me. This is why I named it a dressing room,” she explains. “I always felt I wanted to create a comfortable, almost healing, space for people to feel they can just walk in, dress up and transform themselves.” Growing up in Bulgaria, Galina says she didn’t have a particular interest in fashion, imagining instead a career in psychotherapy.

“But somehow fashion swept me off my feet, all of a sudden I wanted to dress people. But there is a connection, this work is about people,” she says. “I don’t even call it fashion, clothes are just the tool. And as much as I love it, it’s not like I want to make everybody fashionable. Recently, an actor told me that for a red carpet event, all the other actors had their garments given to them by big designers from their latest collections, but she didn’t want that. She wanted to feel she was being styled with love, and that the clothes had already lived a life that was really special.”

Recently being named by UK Vogue as one of the 10 best vintage shops in London had a profound effect on Galina. A long-standing proponent of conscious shopping and sustainable fashion, she says she often felt it was her against the vast machine of the fast fashion world. But her loyal customers are attracted by her ethos and approach, and return time and time again to search her rails and to be styled by her. Nonetheless, the recognition by Vogue and the ‘mainstream’ fashion world is a nice aknowledgment that like her efforts are appreciated and embraced beyond East London. B Gigi’s Dressing Room, 104a Wood Street, E17 3HX @gigisdressingrm, gigisdressingroom.com

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Gigi’s loyal customers are attracted by her ethos and approach

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NATURALLY SPARKLING LOW ALCOHOL

WATER KEFIR Locally fermented in the Casa de Madre, Bohemia Place Hackney Central

aguademadre.co.uk @aguademadre

Saiphin Moore As co-founder of Rosa’s Thai, Saiphin has brought some of her home country’s best dishes to London’s diners – whilst retaining a strong sense of tradition and integrity

WORDS CHANTELLE PATTEMORE

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‘OUR FOOD MARGIN AT ROSA’S IS ABOUT 90% – WHICH IS REALLY HIGH IN THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS. WE NEVER WASTE OUR FOOD’

rowing up on a farm in the mountains of Thailand, Saiphin Moore couldn’t have been further removed from the hustle and bustle of London if she’d tried.

But it was a move to the capital with husband and business partner Alex in 2001 that allowed her to share her long-standing love affair with food.

With 15 restaurants dotted across the city, there’s a good chance you’ve been to at least one branch of Rosa’s Thai, the restaurant that cemented Saiphin and Alex’s names on London’s food scene. Now successful and well established, many are unaware that this eatery’s roots are far more humble – and based in the East End. “I first started a market stall on Brick Lane in 2007,” says Saiphin. “I lived in Wapping – and still do – and the location was really convenient. But another reason we chose to set up there was because Brick Lane reminded me of Asia – it was very similar in its look.”

Although Saiphin explains that her initial aim was “just for people to taste my cooking”, dishes were developed with the local audience in mind. “We wanted to offer food that everyone could afford, as well as having the best that Thai cuisine offers.”

This approach to accessibility and affordability – without compromise – has remained consistent since the duo opened their first restaurant in Spitalfields, two years later.

“When I set up the first Rosa’s Thai, I worked out my margins so that people could afford to come and eat with us at least three times a week,” she says. “But even though the food was cheaper, it was still high quality. We’ve had to put our prices up slightly since then, but they’re still affordable.”

While the UK is now home for Saiphin, she’s worked hard to incorporate her heritage into multiple aspects of her business.

For example, many of Rosa’s ingredients are sourced directly from suppliers in Thailand, cutting out the middle man to ensure the best possible quality and prices. “I go to Thailand to work with the farmers and family-run factories that provide us with our ingredients,” she says.

But the commitment to the country of her childhood doesn’t end there. “It’s not just the farmers I want to help,”

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Saiphin’s EAST LONDON

BARIBARI she adds. When a majority share of Rosa’s people still like to go out and have a nice I eat at this little Korean BBQ Thai was sold to a US-based private equity dinner with their friends. When you go to restaurant, just off of firm in 2018, the shareholders “all decided to a restaurant, you can hear the music and Whitechapel Road, all the time. give away some of their money”, says Rosa. other people talking and laughing, and 24 White Church Lane, “Then we spent more than £50,000 buying the food is fresh. It is a totally different Whitechapel, E1 7QR equipment for the hospital in the village experience to eating a takeaway.”

LAKSHABAY where I come from. It was great to really give Taking a step back from Rosa’s Thai A lovely Indian restaurant near my back to the community.” has allowed Saiphin to focus on new house in Wapping High Street.

Despite the sale, Alex remains a director ventures – most notably the group of 83-85 Wapping Lane, London, and Saiphin continues to play a significant Andina restaurants she and Alex saved from E1W 2RW role in supporting the restaurant’s menu. administration in November last year.

“I work with the Rosa’s team two days “The food and staff are fantastic, but LONDON TEA EXCHANGE a week, creating new dishes, sourcing the operations side of the business wasn’t They’ve probably got about 200 ingredients at the best price and keeping working. I’m very pleased to be part of it.” types of tea, and I usually go there control of the quality of our food.”

But it’s not just behind the scenes that to buy my green tea. I love green A challenge many restaurateurs currently Saiphin will be making her mark: “I’m tea in the morning!

103 Brick Lane, E1 6SE face is adapting to minimising food waste, going to work with them in the kitchen but for Saiphin this has always been a once a week to get to know all their priority. “Our food margin at Rosa’s is about Peruvian cuisine and ingredients.”

90%, which is really high in the restaurant business. We never Alongside their work with Rosa’s Thai, which continues waste our food. If we buy a whole chicken, we’ll use the chicken to open new branches in London and across the UK, she wings, the breast, the thighs and the bone.” and Alex plan to expand Andina. And after that? “You never And as companies such as Deliveroo claim their stake in know what’s going to come along. My next venture could be the industry, are there concerns about how this will impact fish and chips – I love them!” B in-house dining numbers? “Delivery is a big thing, but @rosasthaicafe, rosasthaicafe.com 40 B E A S T

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Casa Do Frango, Shoreditch

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EAT S

Here at Beast we fly the flag for East London eateries. There are the hidden gems, the sought-after sweet spots, the large and flamboyant, the small and understated. They delve us deeper into cuisines from around the globe, whether they are authentic, modern takes or total mash-ups.

We applaud our chef talent that is brave, bold and innovative on so many different levels. The seasonal menus, with all the details of the producers and the suppliers, like an introduction to a novel whetting our appetites for the culinary plot to come. The home-grown produce and organic cloudy wines, protagonists in our never-ending gluttonous story.

We adore the adventure of discovering a new restaurant interior. Will it be stripped back and bare? Opulent and luxurious? An old pie-and-mash shop with new life breathed into its cracks or somewhere totally new. We even enjoy the queue to get in there, the one that snakes around the street, building up our excitement for the delights to come.

We cannot wait until lockdown is lifted and we really do hope that we’ll be dining with you again soon. But for now, we celebrate, reminisce and raise a glass from our humble abodes. beastmag.co.uk

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REVIEW: JEAN EGBUNIKE

CASA DO FRANGO

As you can mix and match the flavours, we tried the half chicken with lemon and garlic and a half of the Piri Piri chicken. The 2 KING JOHN COURT, EC2A 3EZ lemon and garlic got our vote, along with a scattering of fragrant dried oregano, as suggested by our waiter. We then shared a side Back in March, before lockdown, we had lunch at the of beyond-good batatas fritas – Portuguese hand-cut fries – to recently opened Shoreditch branch of Casa Do Frango. And accompany the half chicken dishes, plus a colour combo of African worth noting in the current climate, they are still open for rice. This is a tasty mix of crispy chicken skin, chorizo and plantain – takeaways, via Deliveroo. again, mouthwateringly delicious. We were fit to burst!

Casa Do Frango is situated minutes from Shoreditch High Street We sipped light, refreshing gin-based cocktails in a new, ultra-modern, unfinished development THE BEST and a gorgeous fruity blush rosé throughout our that already houses a yoga centre, among other PORTUGUESE banquet, with their signature dessert pastel de nata East London amenities. And it offers up the best INTERPRETATION to finish. Then we rolled back into our respective Portuguese interpretation of the ubiquitous OF THE offices, happily satisfied but not knowing it would be piri piri chicken, Algarve style. The menu is UBIQUITOUS our last restaurant meal for a while. deliciously tempting and is an interesting edit of PIRI PIRI CHICKEN Casa Do Frango is currently offering free meals to eye-pleasing sharing plates. the NHS and has served up more than 1,000 in the We came hungry and enjoyed the sharing last week alone (2,000 in total), which it is only able to do through plates as starters, recommended by our super waiter. We sampled people supporting the restaurant on the Deliveroo app from both the their charred cauliflower (vegan friendly), bacalhau fritters – made London Bridge and Shoreditch branches. with Atlantic cod, potato, tomato and topped with piri piri sauce – They are also currently working closely with an initiative and their garlic prawns with even more piri piri. What a feast! And called Passage, working to provide 30 meals, three times a week actually this could have been a satisfying lunch on its own, but for an 80-bed hostel in Newman Street. we’d managed to leave room for the plat de résistance, the piri @casadofrango_london, casadofrango.co.uk piri chicken – and we were not disappointed.

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ZIA LUCIA

REVIEW: JEAN EGBUNIKE

UNIT 1A, 12 PIAZZA WALK, E1 8ZH

A semi-lux development exuding a glossy lifestyle vibe, this restaurant’s shiny exterior surprised me because I was expecting more of a rustic ambience. But while the interior did have a whiff of a chain about it, don’t let that put you off the pizza.

We started with the burrata, which was creamy and luscious, drizzled generously with olive oil. Then we opted for the shared platter of cured meats and cheeses. The cheeses were superb and went perfectly with the earthy-tasting charcoal focaccia, and this is where Zia Lucia stands out from the pizzeria crowd. Their USP is their experimental dough options – from the traditional flour dough to an unusual vegetable charcoal black base which gives a unique flavour, as well as aiding your digestion. So it’s ciao to post-pizza bloat!

When it came to the pizza part of the evening, it was decisions, decisions – which base to have and what to have on top. But the classic 48-hour fermented

sourdough base with a margherita topping was delicious and the wholemeal with Speck-tacular, a feast of gorgonzola, pecorino and speck ham, certainly lived up to its name.

With wine by the glass, we were rather taken with a fruity Pinot but sadly didn’t have room for a dessert as the pizzas were large. However, as we wandered into the

night, we decided Zia Lucia presented us with a very welcome middle-of-theweek supper – with friendly service and excellent pizzas and a fabulous list of toppings. The locals must be delighted to have it on their doorstep and especially when Zia Lucia is offering a takeway delivery service through Deliveroo. @zialucapizza, zialucia.com

CALDERA 143 MARE STREET, E8 3FW

REVIEW: NICKY ACKETTS

With a modern Mexican menu inspired by the owner’s grandmother and funky, industrial-style decor, this restaurant is an artsy mix of old meets new.

Interesting posters adorn the walls, and art pieces catch the eye. Naturally we kicked off with a margarita – mixed up terrifically by the super-friendly bartenders – we went with a clean, fresh classic to start – followed by their avocado margarita, made with tequila reposado, homemade avocado sauce, agave and lime. And we couldn’t leave without trying Sandy the Showgirl, made with mezcal, tequila reposado, agave and lavender – all beautifully presented and dutifully drunk. Along with their kick-ass margarita menu there’s the food – we started with totopos guacamole served with nachos, along with romanesco broccoli served with aioli and onion dressing, as it looked so good. We

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happened to be there on Taco Tuesday when their homemade tacos are £3 all day, so we dived straight in, and boy they are delicious. We tried chicken tinga with pico de gallo; grilled prawn with guacamole, and wild mushroom with okra, fennel and mole amarillo – each one a juicy tongue masterpiece. If you have the time and the appetite, go for the whole baby chicken al pastor served with habanero and jackfruit sauce, it certainly packs a punch. If you can somehow find room for dessert then the churros with dulce de leche are a perfect ending… along with another margarita, of course.

Before lockdown, Caldera had live music on Wednesday nights and a DJ playing Latin feel music on Friday nights. Right now, they have a collection and delivery service to Hackney and nearby areas via Uber Eats and Deliveroo, with a reduced menu that includes their juicy tacos, nachos, quesadillas, burritos and nibbles. @calderalondon, calderalondon.com

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o t n w o d k c o L

! n w o d k roc

WORDS: EMILIE WADE

s are the k ic p n o d n o L t s a E r u hand – o in d n a h o g d o fo d n a ide! s Music r e th o e th n o u o y e ckdown. Se lo ts o p te o d ti n a t c perfe

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HACKNEY WICK

Perched on the canal in Hackney Wick is Barge East, and it really is a sight to behold. The floating Dutch barge and kitchen cooks up delicious locally sourced grub, made by their evertalented chefs. The once-derelict barge was sailed from Holland by childhood friends, Blandy, Ryan and Tommo, all the way to Hackney in 2018, where it had a complete refurb and restoration.

It’s full of charm, clad inside with rustic timber panels to give diners a visceral feel of maritime memories. Hackney’s beloved barge doesn’t stop at food – it holds regular music nights and the outdoor wooden deck overlooks the skyline of London. Sit by the logburning fire and watch the night draw in. The menu combines tasty small plates with flavours across the globe, influenced by Ryan’s time cooking on yachts.

River Lee, Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Lane, Hackney Wick, E9 5EN bargeeast.com, @bargeeast

CRATE TAPROOM & PIZZERIA HACKNEY WICK

A pizza joint-cum-brewery with beats to see you through to the early morn (well, 1am on Fridays and Saturdays).

We love this spot for its earthy interior and cavernous structure. Although it doesn’t seem it, with a craft beer in hand and a human(ish) sized pizza laid out to devour, it really is the best way to see in the weekend. Trust us. Mike’s Garage music makes an appearance every Friday and Saturday with an immersive electronic set like no other.

A weekend antidote for all.

Unit 7, Queens Yard, E9 5EN cratebrewery.com, @cratebrewery

THE CAT & MUTTON BROADWAY MARKET

While away the hours at this pub perched on the corner of Broadway Market, just a stone’s throw from leafy London Fields.

You’ll soon get comfortable here as you take a pew and enjoy the ever-growing food and drinks menu. The Cat & Mutton has it all covered, whether you’re looking

for live DJ record sessions, late-night cocktails or chilled-out Sunday roasts. As many locals would agree, East London wouldn’t be East without this watering hole. Live DJs play every evening from Thursday to Sunday, with tunes to suit all musical needs, from iconic 60s playlists to soul, funk and hip-hop. We also rate the espresso martinis.

76 Broadway Market, E8 4QJ catandmutton.com, @catandmutton

THE DALSTON JAZZ BAR DALSTON

Off-the-beaten-track, open Thursday to Saturday, this small space packs a rhythmic punch and for those of you who enjoy a spot of jazz, this is the one for you. DJB is a spot for spontaneity and it never disappoints – a jazz joint like no other. With outdoor seating for summer evenings and a cosy interior for chillier nights, you can eat until your stomach’s content, whether you’re looking for a veggie snack or a meaty main. Live bands play into the early hours.

4 Bradbury Street, N16 8JN dalstonjazzclubrestaurant.co.uk BEAST

WORDS: EMILIE WADE

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BRILLIANT CORNERS DALSTON

Japan meets Dalston, in the most epic collab ever. Brilliant Corners has a firm place in many a heart, and stomach. Offering up delicious Japanese small plates, fresh and expertly created, your Saturday nights will never be the same again. As the clock strikes 11pm, the dining tables are cleared away to reveal an ambient and inviting dance floor, the ceiling scattered with moon-like lampshades. BC plays a mix of music genres on a unique audiophile system.

470 Kingsland Road, E8 4AE brilliantcornerslondon.co.uk

SHACKLEWELL ARMS

DALSTON

With a performance area that will make all other pubs a little jealous, the Shacklewell’s list of up-and-coming performers is refreshing to say the least, so head to their website to find out who’s performing each week. As one of Dalston’s preferred hideouts, grab some food while you’re at it.

Vegan and veggie offerings treatss galore, with plates to even tempt the meat eaters. If you’re in the area go, go, go!

71 Shacklewell Lane, E8 2EB shacklewellarms.com

THE VICTORIA DALSTON

At the Victoria, tunes and culinary delights melt into one to leave a seamless spot to spend your downtime as the night draws in. Situated on bustling Queensbridge Road, it is hard to miss and even harder to forget.

The music is curated for all tastes,

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while playing eclectic and downto-earth boogie-inducing tunes.

They serve food from Tuesday to Saturday, with an aptly named ‘It’s All Gravy’ hearty Sunday roast menu.

451 Queensbridge Road, E8 3AS jaguarshoes.com

WALLUC BISTRO SHOREDITCH

Inconspicuous, yet alluring, Walluc Bistro is set just off Redchurch Street. Catch a glimpse of diners dipping bread into gooey cheese fondue, and you’ll certainly want a piece of the dairy-fuelled action. A family-run spot with only a handful of tables, making it all the more charming.

Open from 6-10.30pm, there’s only a short window to enjoy Walluc’s delights. Inside, you’re transported to the mountains as alpine appetisers waft from the kitchen. Go for the acoustic guitar music, then stay for the wine and pots of melted cheese.

40 Redchurch Street, E2 7DP @wallucbistro

COACH & HORSES LEYTON

There is never a dull evening at this taproom, a firm favourite among locals. From comedy nights, alternative pub quizzes and live music played late into the evening, the Coach & Horses may be the only pub you will ever need. Peruse the hearty, yet modern pub grub menu while soaking up all that C&H has to offer. Don’t miss their music nights every Friday – see you there.

391 High Road Leyton, E10 5NA thecoachleyton.com

WILLIAM THE FOURTH LEYTON

Oozing energy and good times, you’ll find real ales, creative cocktails, craft beers and a dizzying array of gins. It’s a proper boozer, but with style. Superb food served up by the El Food Brothers and live bands tearing it up – even on school nights.

816 High Road Leyton, E10 6AE williamthefourth.co.uk

THE PIANO WORKS FARRINGDON

Looking to boogie the night away in our favourite part of town?

Farringdon is perfect for afterwork shenanigans and The Piano Works is where it’s at – with the ideal balance of ridiculously tempting cocktails and the ultimate piano playlists, you won’t need to head anywhere else. Set in a Victorian warehouse, pianists perform audience-requested playlists live – a unique music experience set apart from the rest.

113-117 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3BX pianoworks.bar

BEAST

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LAST BUT NOT LEAST

FIRST LOVE FOUNDATION

Beginning with the Tower Hamlets Food Bank, First Love provides emergency food to those in need, donated by the community – schools, churches, individuals, businesses and at supermarket collections. Through the success of the Food Bank, First Love developed a help and advice service in 2013 which involves sitting down with all visitors, listening to their story and offering further advice or help in any way they can.

The First Love Foundation has grown to become an essential part of Tower Hamlets communities, and now more than ever they need your help.

According to the charity, there has been a 700% increase in cases over the last month compared to this

50 B E A S T

time last year. With their new Emergency Model, they are aiming to reach the most vulnerable people as quickly and safely as possible, providing short-term food support and instant access to welfare rights advice, and council and housing benefit support. And all donations go towards continuing to increase operations.

We’ve all learnt recently that life can flip 180 degrees without a moment’s notice, and non-profit organisations like the First Love Foundation remind us that even when things seem bleak, help isn’t too far away. B To offer your support to those most in need go to the First Love Foundation appeal page: spacehive.com/firstlovefoundation#/idea

beastmag.co.uk

WORDS: LEONIE HELM

Founded by Denise and Aerold Bentley, The First Love Foundation has been providing essential food, help and advice to the people in need in Tower Hamlets since 2010

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