Beast magazine issue 2 by beastmag.co.uk

BEAST LONDON

TALK OF THE TOWN

Arielle Freeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey from Harry Potter to BBC Radio 1 via Hoxton

Tales, trends & talk from the beating heart of East London

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BEAST magazine is brought to you by Editor Emma Winterschladen Creative Director Nicky Acketts Photographer Kathrin McCrea Fashion Editor Maria Loizou Sub Editor Alicia Sheber Social Media Producer Sophie Castle Music Editor Ed Gibbs Fashion assistant Chloe Shilton Contributors Kelly Beswick, Beth Sidney, Charlotte Davey, Georgie Clarke Publishing Director Jason Frost Printed in the UK by Printwize To advertise contact ann@beastmag.co.uk ON THE COVER Arielle Free. Photograph by Kathrin McCrea. Hair & Makeup Sarah Massie. Styled by Maria Loizou. Blazer, £65, Topshop. Trousers, £65, Topshop, Bodysuit, £48, Ninety Percent. Trainers, £129, Seven Feet Apart. Necklace, £170, Arco. Ring, £155, Jewel Tree. Other jewellery, Arielle's own.

BEAST

STREET FEAST

Make the most of mild autumn evenings with street food, cocktails and good vibes Dinerama, a foodie’s paradise, is just a few minutes walk from Shoreditch High Street, Old Street and Liverpool Street. The brainchild of Street Feast, one of London’s top street food market organisers, it's open from 5pm-late Wednesday-Friday, and noon-late on Saturday. The market is located in a former bullion truck yard, with a resident DJ who creates a festival atmosphere; eight bars serving wine, Champers, cocktails, craft beer and nine global food traders to tantalise the taste buds. Holding up to 1,000 partygoers, the splitlevel venue’s retractable roof means the fun takes place rain, shine or snow. 19 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3EJ streetfeast.com

Food, booze and grooves at Dinerama, Shoredtich

OUT THERE Eyes wide open and ears to the ground

LA VIDA LOCA Amongst the sweetest of aromas wafting from Brick Lane’s storefronts are those belonging to the colourful vegan and gluten-free delights – fresh from the ovens of Vida Bakery. Four years ago, Venezuelan owners Dani and Vani were sharing photos of home-baked creations on social media, with customer demand leading them to open pop-ups at UK markets and festivals. True to their name Vida, Spanish for “life”, the duo is living their dream since opening their permanent bakery and café this summer. 139 Brick Lane E1 6SB London @vidabakery

WHOLE LATTE LOVE Show your love for the planet and your local Hackney Rebel, Dalston Girl, Dalston Dude, Stokey Bloke or Stokey Girl by going paper-free with these fun creamware mugs made in England and sold exclusively at The Ark gift store, 161 Stoke Newington Road, for £11.95.

TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL Birthdays, anniversaries, friendship or excellence in folding clothes, no matter the occasion, the warped humour from George William Browning Rose, aka George The Cardmaker, means there’s a card to express something you didn’t even know you liked about someone. georgethecardmaker.com

For the first time, the nation’s biggest photography exhibition can also be enjoyed in book form. Portrait of Britain showcases the top 200 images of East London and the rest of the country, entered in the British Journal of Photography’s annual, open-call competition. Every September, slideshows on digital billboards across the country’s train stations, airports, shopping centres and high streets display the winning portraits of the vibrant tapestry of cultures, gender identities, ages, styles and personalities that make areas like East London define modern Britain. The new book compiles a time capsule of the Brexit era when the very definition of being British is under the microscope. £20, hoxtonminipress.com 6 BEAST

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WORDS: ALICIA SHEBER & CHARM MATUBA

EAST LONDON EXPOSURE

The Portrait of Britain captures the glorious spectrum of personalities in modern Britain. Photograph by Marisol Mendez

INFORMER

BBC1’s upcoming counter-terrorism drama is a rare and nuanced look at East London life WORDS BY CHARLOTTE DAVEY

COMING SOON

ON BBC ONE

Rizwan’s portrayal of Raza (his TV debut) is sharp and wry rom Fiona Bruce to EastEnders, to exorbitant gender pay and initially wholly invests the audience in his cheeky character, discrepancies, the BBC is known for many things. Diversity, however, is not one of them. So the announcement that a as we're left wishing we could set the witty young man back new thriller, Informer, will be hitting our screens this autumn on the straight and narrow. But his personality inevitably and unstoppably warps and darkens as the episode commences. with a cast led by primarily BAME actors is a welcome one. Informer is set and filmed almost entirely in East London, Considine’s assured, stoic performance as Gabe alludes to a providing a heartfelt, insightful view of our patch of the city problematic and unsavoury past, with consequences that will that stretches well beyond the trendy streets of Shoreditch. The no doubt materialise as the series progresses. As a character, he cinematography in every scene feels painstakingly considered, could probably fill a graveyard with the number of skeletons with awe-inspiring visual results, be it shots of market stalls, lurking in his closet, and we are left wondering whether he’s the right person to take Raza under his wing rooftop bars, train lines or council flats. While to help intercept extremist activity. so many portrayals of life in London feel like an INFORMER SHOWS For a series based around such conflicted, artificial series of edited highlights that reflect difficult characters, it speaks volumes for the the lives of an unattainable elite, Informer LONDON FROM THE craftmanship of new writers Sohrab Noshvirani shows London from the earnest eyes of a local EARNEST EYES and Rory Haines that they have created a thrilling who knows every backstreet, shortcut and OF A LOCAL and utterly compelling narrative, despite the greasy spoon café that would never make it fact that its main protagonists are so flawed and onto Instagram’s ideal of East London. Starting with a shooting in an East London café by a DLR station, not easily likeable. An exception to this seems to be Bel Powley, the first episode then lurches back in time by a year to follow the Considine’s driven and conscientious new sidekick who is trying story of Raza (Nabhaan Rizwan), a twenty-something second her best to incite positive change while being shown up by her generation Pakistani, who is coerced by counter-terrorism officer resistant, immutable colleague. Sunetra Sarker, too, is difficult to Gabe (the inimitable Paddy Considine) into joining an undercover dislike as Raza’s long-suffering mother, who brings a matriarchal informant programme, monitoring potential Islamist extremists. warmth and compassion to this dark thriller. Noshvirani and As the first episode progresses it becomes apparent that the lives Haines have created a fast-paced, eminently engaging series that of a number of young Londoners will become intertwined by a conveys moments of both raw pain and genuine laughter in its chain of crimes and incidents that will culminate in the opening dark narrative. Informer is bound to enthral its audience and is a must-watch for all. Look out for Informer on BBC One. B shooting later in the series.

8 BEAST

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I N D U ST R I A L R E VO LU T I O N

The Isle of Dogs: Before the Big Money is a photo-essay by Mike Seaborne, former Senior Curator of Photographs at the Museum of London. In it he offers a rare glimpse into East London’s industrial heart through images he took from 1982-87, just before Canary Wharf’s development transformed the area forever. Released 11th October, the book captures the spirit of a close-knit community with factory workers on tea breaks, children paddling in the Thames and the DLR’s construction. A launch on the 18th October at Cafe Vert, George Green’s School, E14 3DW, will be followed by the venue’s exhibition of Seaborne’s photographs through 26th October. £17.95, hoxtonminipress.com

EPICUREAN ESCAPADES

WORDS: ALICIA SHEBER

SWEET DREAMS Although the official launch’s not ‘til 1 October, Bethnal Green’s 161-bedroom East London Hotel already opened its doors to those in the know wanting to test drive its £85/night affordable luxury. Designed for business and leisure travellers by OCCA Design, the contemporary hotel will also feature all-day bar and restaurant Due East with a menu focused on locally sourced ingredients such as sourdough bread from E5 Bakery, Crosstown Doughnuts and a signature cocktail, Paradise Rose, developed in partnership with The East London Liquor Company, which is made with small-batch lavender, juniper, fennel seed and bay leaf-infused gin and topped with Fentimans rose lemonade. theeastlondonhotel.com beastmag.co.uk

Helping foodies discover the East End’s imaginative culinary scene, Taste Tripper’s East London Explorer Pack includes cards redeemable for fullsize treats plus discounts at venues serving F&B like coffee, tea, chocolate truffles, craft beer, and wine. The area’s first self-guided food-lover tour, cards can be exchanged in one day or over nine months at local spots like Kill the Cat, Mason & Co. and Paul A. Young Fine Chocolates. £19.50 per pack or £35 for a pack with two vouchers/destination, it also includes recipes, fun facts, a tasting wheel and a map. tastetripper.com

The Isle of Dogs: a rare glimpse into East London's past

BREATHE EASY Transformational Breath® facilitator and mindfulness coach Stuart Sandeman has developed the Breathpod method for mind, body and emotional wellbeing. From Kingsland Road, Stuart teaches people with overloaded lifestyles, including those affected by cancer who attend for free, how harnessing our 23,000 breaths/day heals, harmonises and instils a happier headspace. Life-altering experiences first led Stuart to change course from finance to music, after losing his girlfriend to cancer, connecting with his breath patterns helped him heal. His calling now is to inspire others to love life and breathe well. breathpod.me Stuart Sandeman

BEAST 9

29 & 30 September 11am - 6pm Old Truman Brewery, Entrance in Elyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Yard, Off Hanbury Street, London, E1 6QR

The best market in London to buy direct from Designer Makers

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DATING

AND THE

CITY

Can an evening of naked flesh, neon paints and creativity lead to love - or even a first date?

e’re always on the look out for East London’s best offerings for single people looking to mingle the old-fashioned way – that is, IRL. This time, we review My Friend Charlie - a dating company organising quirky events for like-minded Londoners. Beth Sidney investigates… It was only as I sat on the bus to a 'neon life drawing’ event that I realised how adventurous and out there it felt. This was no doubt indicative of my onlinefocused approached to dating; meeting real people in real life was a million miles away from my left-and-right-swiping on Bumble from the comfort of my sofa. That said, knowing it was a group event certainly removed those pesky first date nerves. With no online profiles offering names, ages or facial features available on My Friend Charlie, the fellow singletons I was soon to meet were totally anonymous – a ‘blind date’ in the true sense of the word. So, there I was, walking along a very residential street in Bermondsey to Bianca Road Brew Co. Charlie herself greeted me and I got a drink at the bar as she talked me through the concept: in essence, that you sign up for events that interest you

rather than a one-on-one date with a each other. Of course, there was the jackperson who may or may not interest you. the-lad in the corner who was amusing For me, having something fun to do, in himself drawing penises, to mutters of this case neon life drawing, avoided those ‘we know why you’re still single’ around forced, first-date interactions of ‘‘so why the room. are you single?’’ or ‘‘what do you look for There was a chance to mingle at the in a partner?’’ This greatly appealed to me. end, but it became apparent that there I walked into the dark, neon-lit room was nobody for me – although a shared together with Charlie and a few other experience of painting a naked women single girls. From what I could see a group would no doubt have been a great iceof men seemed to be there together breaker if there was! Despite that, I’m a (which slightly defeated the object I fan of what Charlie’s doing. In a world thought…) Being alone meant I had to where finding ‘your person’ seems to introduce myself to people, sit at two extremes: meet A MODEL SAT and I did – although it was online or by chance in a mainly to the girls. We BEFORE US NAKED, cafe/club/festival/dinner took our boards and set party, it’s refreshing to have ADORNED IN ourselves up, as a model sat something that sits halfNEON PAINT before us naked, adorned way. I may not have met in neon paint and vibrant accessories. the love of my life, but I felt heartened that The teacher was fantastic at talking us there are Londoners out there keen to push through our different briefs and I felt my out beyond both their Bumble radar and creativity flicker to life as I experimented friendship group. with different lines and shapes. The next day I had a text from Charlie: There were two partner tasks and it “Mr XYZ would like to connect.” My was a good opportunity to interact with question: if Mr XYZ was so keen why didn’t the group. Alas, I felt no spark with the he venture a ‘‘hello’,’, ‘‘nice work’’ or even guy I was sat next to, but we did share a make eye contact? You can lead a horse to giggle about our attempted portraits of the water I suppose…. B

For upcoming events, head to myfriendcharlie.co.uk. Prices start from £8 and membership is not necessary.

BEAST

Making

air waves

Radio DJ, TV presenter and podcast host Arielle Free’s career is flying, and with good reason. Emma Winterschladen sits down with this rising Scottish star to talk career bucket lists, on-air nerves and the long, winding road to success

e’re sitting huddled in a corner

“It’s actually been a really long and winding road

of Shoreditch House, and Arielle Free – with her

for me to get where I am now.” It’s a rare omission in

flaming copper-hair, leopard silk scarf and jewelled

a world of insta-fame and fortune, where overnight

sandals – is looking every bit the effortlessly glam East

success increasingly seems the norm. That’s not to

Londoner. “I’ve lived here for almost all the eleven

say the seed wasn’t planted early. Born in Stirling, and

years I’ve been in London and I love it – even if I’m not

having moved to Glasgow aged 11, Arielle knew from a

staying out until 5am at The Dolphin in Hackney quite

young age - with stubborn certainty – that she wanted

as much!” she tells me, before quickly adding: “I still

to be a performer. “All my reports would say ‘Arielle is

love a party though.”

a good pupil but she talks too much,’ so I really enjoy

It’s this fun-loving nature, combined with a multifaceted skill set and sheer hard work, that has seen

12 B E A S T

the fact that I've made a career out of that because I spent my time at school being told to shut up!”

Arielle become one of the UK media’s rising talents. Not

Creating a life in London was, she says, always on

only is she an accomplished radio DJ and regular fixture

the cards: “I trained at dance school in Glasgow and

on the UK festival scene, she also wakes up the young

always knew I wanted to end up here – maybe because

generation every weekend on CITV’s ‘Scrambled’ and

my mum did the same, but also there were just so many

was, most recently, the presenter of Love Island: The

more opportunities for commercial dancing, like hip-

Morning After podcast. A colourful and varied CV indeed,

hop and music videos, which is what I wanted to do.” And

and I’m interested to know how she’s done it.

do it she did. By the age of 23, Arielle had performed ➠

HAIR & MAKEUP BY SARAH MASSIE. WITH THANKS TO HOXTON SQUARE BAR & KITCHEN

Photography by Kathrin McCrea Styling by Maria Loizou

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I love discovering that next new thing - coming across a track that isn't out there yet gives me such a buzz

Dress, ÂŁ255, Rixo Boots, ÂŁ70 Amazon FIND

with ZooNation (the British hip-hop dance company), on Top of the Pops and with artists such as Will Young and Rachel Stevens. She’d also landed herself a part in a certain wellknown wizardry film…“I managed to get myself the Harry Potter gig whilst still studying. I actually crashed the audition because first years weren't allowed to do it but I was a massive fan and went along anyway. It was the best eight months of my life.” So how did she make the (hip)

I’ve always been a real music geek, and it’s probably the reason I got into dancing in the first place

hop from dancing to presenting and

station FreshAir. I’ve always been keen to learn and knew if I wanted to stand a chance of breaking into the industry that I had to know my stuff.” After completing a course at The Roundhouse (which she highly recommends

for

young

people

looking to get into media, music and the performing arts), Arielle landed her first on-air gig at Shoreditch Radio – a local community station. From there, she moved to Hoxton Radio, where she still has a weekly slot (Thursday’s 4pm – 6pm). It’s a

DJing? And why? “I’ve always been

testament to her continued passion

a real music geek, and it’s probably the reason I got into

for curating and championing new music that it remains

dancing in the first place. I also think I’d done everything

one of her favourite jobs: “I love discovering that next

I wanted to do with dancing. I started to choreograph

new thing - coming across a track that isn't out there yet

for bands and was meeting lots of the musicians I was

gives me such a buzz.”

listening to. A turning point came when I was at Reading

There’s something infectious about the obvious joy

festival and was asked to interview the band Editors, who I

Arielle finds in her work, alongside her unashamed

already knew. From there I put a showreel together.”

ambition to carve out exactly the career she wants. I ask

Did it escalate from there? “Oh god no! I spent the

if her professional goals have evolved over the years. “In

next few years training myself up in radio production

some ways yes. I have a lot of ambitions and places I’d

and also worked up in Edinburgh on their student radio

like to play, but I've been lucky enough to have a lot

➠

Arielle’s East London hot spots COCKTAILS

ME-TIME

PAMPERING

COFFEE

Mare Street Market,

Broadway market

Cowshed, 1 Ebor St

Ozone Coffee House,

The Hemingway,

117 Mare St

“My favourite thing

“When I need

11 Leonard St

84 Victoria Park Rd

“I love Gizzie Erskine's

to do when I’ve got

some downtime

“This is my go-to if

“My favourite roast

new restaurant.

some time to myself

in-between jobs, I’ll

I have a meeting or

in London. I once

She has done an

is to walk down to

book myself in for a

want to do some work

dragged myself

amazing job with

Broadway Market,

facial here. They do

as it's such a lovely

there on New

the space - they

grab a coffee, and

the whole massage

environment. They’re

Year's Day, which is

have this incredible

have a wander

and the LED light

dog friendly too and

mad because who

central bar and lots

around the shops

brings back all the

their porridge is just

leaves the house on

of fab pop ups.”

and stalls.”

juices in the face.”

the best!”

January 1st? But it

SUNDAY ROAST

sorted me right out.”

14 B E A S T

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Coat, £199, AnonymeTop, £120, SABINNA Pinafore, £29.99, Zara Boots, Stylists own

of 'WOW!' bucket list moments already; DJing at Glastonbury and most recently at Hyde Park to 30,000 people at British Summer were real pinch me moments, as was closing the 10th stage on the opening night at Bestival. Ultimately though my dream has always been to have a regular slot on BBC Radio 1, and still is. ” She’s on the right road then, having covered BBC Radio 1’s Dance Anthems this summer. “That was huge for me but oh my god I was so nervous! It’s the most successful show on the network in the dance genre and the moment I saw the monitor with all the texts coming through I thought I was going to vomit and cry at the same time.” So how did she overcome the nerves? “I just had to breathe and talk really slowly. I’ve always taken pride in the fact that I can hold it together but looking back I think if I didn't have that reaction then it would maybe mean I didn't care about it enough. I do look forward to the day when it isn't stressful though – and when I have a regular slot!” Arielle is unapologetic about putting out into the universe exactly what she wants and it’s refreshing: “the beauty of my job is that there are so many different things you can visualise and manifest and make happen. That's what I've done so far and I hope that's what I’ll continue to do.” It sounds like more than a full-time job I say. “Sleep when you’re dead right?”

Follow @ariellefree on Instagram and Twitter and check out ariellefree.com

26 16 B E A S T

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I did it

MY WAY

FINDING MUSIC HAS PROVED THE PERFECT MEDICINE FOR MODEL-TURNED-MUSO SAM WAY Words by Ed Gibbs

e won’t go into specifics, but a recent loss is driving Sam Way to succeed in a business that is as brutal as it can be rewarding. No ifs or buts, he’s here for the long haul, he says. “Music is a tough game. Full stop,” he admits. “For now, it's all for love, for the compulsion to create. As they say, 'There's a lot of sharks out there' and god knows, I've met a few.” These days, the Devon native is happy to call Bethnal Green home. When he’s not jetting around for work – he’s just back from a shoot in Newcastle – he can be found chilling in his local boozer The Sun, or in the “lush” Typing Room in the old Town Hall. His thirst for performing, he says, goes way back. “As a kid, I'd be making up shows or dances or plays or games all the time,” he recalls. “I lost that for a while when I moved up to London. But when I started discovering the guitar and my voice, it made sense to share what I'd made. Although it’s nerve-wracking, there is something magical about performance. It's like a meditation.”

18 B E A S T

Having toured the UK twice already, the lad’s now debuted the video for new single Hard Feelings (shot during a mad nighttime shoot) and is determined to go all out. “We'll be putting out a single every couple of months,” he says. “So there will be loads of new music coming out. We'll be back in the studio, too, and I'll hold a few intimate gigs over the next few months.” You may also see him in his ‘other job’ on a billboard or two around Christmas as well. Plus, he’s off again shortly, to play a show in Turkey, where he now has “a sizeable fan base, through association with a popular Turkish novel. Weird but true.” Way to go, Sam. B Sam Way: Hard Feelings is out now. Follow Sam on Instagram and Twitter @iamsamway samwaymusic.com

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Bethnal Green's Sam Way has a thirst for performing

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GIRL with a guitar

FOR WEEKLY EAST LONDON MUSIC & GIG LISTINGS GO TO beastmag.co.uk

COMPARISONS TO LAURA MARLING ARE ALL WELL AND GOOD, BUT THERE’S MUCH MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE WITH SINGER-SONGWRITER JELLY CLEAVER Words by Ed Gibbs

einventing the term ‘commitment’, Jelly Cleaver is about to mark a decade of playing live with her own headline slot at Hackney’s Number 90. She confesses to having a weakness for the venue’s burgers, and may tuck into one before showtime. Given she’s been busily gigging since the age of 13, we think she’s earned it. “I'd been writing my own songs for a while and thought I’d better get out and perform them so I could become a rock star,” she quips to Beast, when we ask about her headline spot. “I love that feeling of being on stage when you get some kind of otherworldly connection with the group of people watching you. In the last few years, I've also tried to use performing to raise awareness about certain social and political issues. I just try to spread the love.” Raised in Southampton but based in London, Cleaver’s already graced concert stages across London – from Hoxton’s Number 177 to Soho’s 100 Club to The Amersham Arms in New Cross. But it’s the East that holds a special place in her heart. “I used to gig a lot around Brick Lane,” she says, name-checking an old haunt, Apples and Pears, in particular. “It’s a great supportive venue for singer-songwriter types and they put cocktails in teapots.” Cleaver draws on eclectic influences in her music, which she describes as “very DIY, and vaguely jazzy.” A new album is also due in 2019. So what’s been a career highlight so far? “Playing the main stage at Field Day in the same 24 hours as Eryka Badu,” she says, without hesitation. If she keeps going at this rate, she’ll Jelly Cleaver has be headlining that, too, before she knows it. B already graced Jelly Cleaver plays Number 90 in Hackney on concert stages September 27 number90bar.co.uk across London Follow Jelly's Instagram @jellycleaver

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BEAST

AirBn

beats

Lisa Schumann’s all about sharing the good vibes. In just over a year, the founder of the East London-based collective Makers Record, dubbed the AirBnB of recording studios, has successfully orchestrated a network of 35 home and commercial studios

ot only does Makers Record provide musicians with an accessible and affordable way to record tracks, it also gives independent producers a fighting chance in a highly competitive industry. Studios are free to list, with Makers Record taking a percentage of the booking fee, and rentals range from £60 - £350/day, meaning both up-and-coming and established bands and producers can find matches right for them. Musicians wanting to lay down tracks can connect with producers who have the equipment and experience needed to capture their sound. “It’s very DIY and trust-based. We meet producers in their studio and see what they’re about to get an idea of what they can offer.” With many of the studios tucked into private homes all around London, Makers Record brings what was underground into the public eye. When Lisa first got into the scene, it was a puzzle to figure out how to get her songs produced. “When you’re starting,

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Lisa Schumann founded Makers Record, a synergetic community connecting bands with independent recording studios, music producers and gigs

it’s hard to know where to go,” she says. “You wonder, ‘Hmm, how do I approach them?’" Flash forward a few years, and Lisa grew into a musician and trained producer with her own private recording space (check out her band and studio, both called Matilda Eyre). After developing a database listing her friends’ studios, she realised it could become a business. Convincing friends to upload studio profiles was tricky at first, but once bookings rolled in, word spread that Lisa’s idea was the next big thing and commercial venues like Secretsundaze, Noatune and Vale wanted to join, too. Originally from Dortmund, Germany, Lisa now feels at home in the East End and in her free time likes hanging out at London

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Fields’ exercise park, Violet bakery and 119 Lower Clapton. Her professional experience as a promoter has helped Makers Record organise shows for the bands who use its studios. “East London is a fantastic, creative melting pot for music,” she says. “We’ve set up a series of gigs at The King’s Head Members Club on Kingsland Road, so artists see they not only get good pricing for a studio, there’s also a chance they’ll get to perform. It’s a full circle of support.” “Our next step is developing an app so people can instantly book studio space,” says Lisa. “We’ve had interest from American investors, and are open to other conversations.” So stay tuned! makersrecord.com B

BEAST

HAPPY balance Having dedicated over a decade to strengthening and sharing her love of yoga in the UK and India, Mischa Varmuza teaches East Londoners the path for living conscious, heart-centred lives

When and where did you first practice yoga? I was a teenager in my parents’ living room! I was curious about the shapes made by a lady in a yoga book. However, my first studio class was at 19 while at university in Edinburgh.

What created the spark to go on and do your teacher training? Was there a specific moment when you knew you wanted to be a teacher? I started regular practice in my mid-twenties when my life was mainly rooted in the grind of office routine and parties. My friends weren’t into yoga, so classes became a refuge from what began to feel like a toxic, unfulfilling lifestyle. I felt different inside, which kept calling me back. The connection to my centre was growing and my heart beginning to awake. I searched for deeper ways to immerse myself in practice, to learn more about the process. After several years I committed to a 10-month course in London with Claire Missingham. I wanted to learn and grow, but wasn’t set on teaching at first. The deep and beautiful process was completely captivating and was just the beginning. Six months in India helped me realise I wanted to commit to not only my growth, but also share the practices with others. The power blew me away, like there was no other option, and I still feel that way. Although it’s a very conscious journey, the pull, the yearning, the inner-knowing tugging at your heart is quite strong and magnetic.

Life before yoga, was it very different? Ha ha, yes, very different! It was lots of fun, with many beautiful memories including probably more than my fair share of 24 B E A S T

misbehaviour and hedonism. Although in a completely different space now, I’m grateful for the joy, laughter, tears and lessons time gave me. I know myself better, my values and purpose, and want to walk an authentic life connected to these truths.

Who/what is the biggest inspiration for your practice? My main teacher, Sianna Sherman, lives and breathes yoga in the most authentic, masterful and loving ways. Along the path I’ve connected with other teachers and special souls who keep it real while reminding me of the total magic and mystery. The wildness of my journey and unexpected unfolding of my innerquest inspires the knowledge I teach each day.

Why did you choose to live and teach in East London? I’ve been in East London for about 10 years, it's my home. I like the diversity, the vibes and that there’s enough green space to find a tree when I need one. I teach at four East London studios: Yogahome, TripSpace, Yoga on the Lane and Triyoga, and travel abroad a lot, but am always happy to come back to Hackney.

Tell me about your love of chanting, have you always been a singer? Finding my voice has been a huge part of my journey. Five years ago, I trembled at the prospect of chanting “OM”, but now the power and joy of mantra, chanting and singing are daily practice. I’m deeply grateful for the extraordinary, liberating force behind mantra - I’ve felt layers of my old, limited self “fall away” as my body and heart open to a beauty and experience I’d only read and dreamt about. ➠

BEAST

Do you have a morning ritual and does it vary? I have an (almost) daily ritual, at least when I’m not on the move, but it varies. At the moment I’m continuing a process begun last January with one of my teachers in India: I wake up around 6.00 am and oil-pull (Ayurvedic teeth-cleaning) for 15 minutes; drink a litre of warm water; practice my morning puja (worship) with candles, incense, prayer and chants; then meditate for an hour. I need at least two-and-a-half, if not three, hours between waking and leaving home – and I’m still always running out of door! These are essential, and then my asana practice varies depending on my day.

there’s stillness and a quality allowing a retreat to flow seamlessly. Retreat My work with goddess energies planners &Sister, whose founders started four years ago when I Natalie and Alicia Roscoe grew up met my teacher Sianna who at Poundon, pour their hearts into introduced me to the deity Durga. the details so guests feel incredibly I continued exploring them with welcome from the first moment. The Mischa teaches East Londoners the child's pose as her guidance and the wisdom of Oxfordshire landscape is breath-taking well the open-mindedness of children’s hearts other great Tantric teachers like with walks and nature to soothe the Sally Kempton. The yoga tradition soul - a total escape from the everyday recognises the universe is made from sacred masculine and with all needs taken care of. I look forward to leading a Sacred feminine principles known as Shakti. Shakti represents different Heart Retreat there on 19-21st October, 2018. energies and qualities that, potentially, can all be experienced. In The Goddess Series workshops, diverse yoga practices and What other offerings are coming up? rituals explore and awaken these qualities inside ourselves. I’m collaborating with dear friend and talented facilitator Amisha For Lakshmi, the goddess of love, harmony, abundance and Ghadiali on two things over a series of weekends this autumn. generosity, we’ll work a lot with heart energy to cultivate loving We’re offering an immersive course combining our wealth of kindness and generosity, open our bodies and awareness to experience into an accessible offering where participants can fully give and receive, and recognise the energy and abundance explore and deepen their practices and commitment to loving, in our lives. A few other goddesses have resonated strongly at conscious lives. Some elements included are yoga, meditation, different times in my life, but Durga and Kali remain consistent. nutrition, ritual, ceremony, tools and guidance for developing

What do you love about teaching retreats at Poundon House and collaborating with &Sister? What are you doing for your next UK retreat? The first retreat I taught was also the first one for Poundon House and &Sister, so they have a very special place in my heart. You sense its loving energy as a family home, yet equally 26 B E A S T

skills like intuition and self-healing. In January 2019, you’ll find us in India for The Heart of Transformation, a pilgrimage and yoga retreat bringing the essence of this course into a 12-day journey in the heartland of yoga. For more details on these retreats and offerings you can contact Mischa Varmuza at info@mischavarmuza.com or mischavarmuza.com beastmag.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JILLIAN GUYETTE

Tell us about your upcoming workshops: The Goddess Series. What’s the intention behind them?

make your music.

www. m ak e rs re c or d . com

be in the studio.

makers record

The Ai rb nb of Hom e Re c or d ing S tu di os

time to

Couru-ing to

CANNING TOWN

The English National Ballet’s 2019 move to its new, stateof-the-art London City Island home will not only raise the “barre” for the company, but for all of East London Words by Georgie Clarke

or the first time, the world-leading

Professional and aspiring ballet dancers

English National Ballet’s engagement

English National Ballet and English

will share state-of-the-art training, rehab

with community wellbeing programmes

National Ballet School are joining

and teaching facilities and seven stage-sized

such as its flagship Dance for Parkinson’s

forces under the same roof in a

rehearsal studios. Unrivalled in the capital,

classes. A health suite will include a gym,

new, contemporary centre completing

its unique production spaces will further

Pilates studio, hydrotherapy pool

by the end of the year. The company’s

strengthen the English National Ballet’s

and rehabilitation facilities, while

monumental move from South West

acclaim as a leading force for creativity,

advanced digital infrastructure will

London has been made possible in part

excellence and innovation of the art form.

allow the company and school to capture

by a £3 million grant from The Arts Council

England’s Capital Large Grants Programme

Glenn Howells Architects, the building’s

funded by the National Lottery.

open areas and full-height, five-storey

Combining tradition with innovation,

windows form a spacious, welcoming

the new building will not only introduce the

environment where the dancers and their

magic of world-class ballet to Canning Town

creative process can be enjoyed by those

locals and wider East London audiences, it

inside as well as passers-by on the street.

will also showcase the dancers’ outstanding

Specialised training and rehearsal spaces

talent and diversity on a global stage. All

include those for the English National

this will further elevate the English National

Ballet Philharmonic; a theatre-sized

Ballet family into an esteemed creative

production studio with a five-storey fly

powerhouse. In the words of Tamara Rojo,

tower for the development and rehearsal

the English National Ballet’s Artistic Director,

of performances and new commissions;

their new home will “echo the sound of

and dedicated areas to further the

creative Britain.”

28 B E A S T

and share work internally as well as with UK and international audiences.

ballet.org.uk

The English National Ballet's new home brings dancers front and centre in London City Island

B E A S T 29

At Carcass LDN, Dan Rooney plays with fire, cooking the finest British meats over an Argentinian grill

MEATY ambitions 30 B E A S T

beastmag.co.uk

At Carcass LDN, Dan Rooney plays with fire, cooking the finest British meats over an Argentinian grill

arcass LDN is a street food company serving rare-breed British meat to East London and beyond. Since launching just three months ago, this exciting start-up has gone from strength to strength. Emma Winterschladen talks to founder Dan Rooney about his culinary journey so far, what sets his food apart from the crowd, and why this is just the beginning.

Have you always been interested in food? I’m not one of these chefs who’s always known they were going to work around food. I can’t say “I used to eat raw pasta off of my Nonna’s worktop,’’ or that ‘‘I grew up on a farm and ate only the best meat and produce in our area!” In truth, I actually wanted to be a doctor and grew up on things like fish fingers, mash and beans. But after studying at Henley College for a year, I got a part-time job at a restaurant in Berkshire. We got to cook some amazing things in a great location and I think it was from there that my passion for food blossomed.

How did your cooking develop from there? My first proper experience of a busy restaurant was in a kitchen of The Marlow Bar & Grill, considered one of the best restaurants in my area when I was younger. I worked my way up the ranks to Junior Sous before leaving my hometown and moving into the London restaurant scene. I used to travel an hour and half in, and an hour and a half out, to work in Jamie Oliver’s Barbecoa (a steakhouse restaurant) purely because the food, the service and the raw talent were sensational. It was long hours, but I learnt an incredible amount about great food, produce and

how to cook it. From there I went onto work at SushiSamba, Le Gavroche, The Quality Chop House (Butcher and Chef) and then, ultimately, SmokeStak.

Why did you decide to launch Carcass LDN? Coming from an experienced background in fine dining and being a deeply passionate butcher, I wanted to create a concept where I could combine my two specialities. And so, Carcass LDN was born. The idea was to take what I’d learnt and bring simply beautiful, varied cuts of meat-cooked over a large Argentinian grill – to wherever we may be, whilst also offering the quality of a smart butcher’s shop.

Where did you learn to cook on an Argentine grill? Mostly working alongside Dave Carter and the team at SmokeStak last year. You’re fine-tuned to get it consistently perfect, so it was great practice. Fortunately, I already knew a lot about meat and fire cookery, but to have my skills put to the test at SmokeStak really allowed me to develop my own techniques. One of my greatest passions, and something that’s growing in popularity, is the art of fire cookery. That, and an interest in the provenance and variety of meat that we have available to us.

What makes Carcass LDN stand out from other street food vendors?

Carcass LDN's meats are all bloody good

London’s street food industry has blown up completely in the last few years; the cultural and culinary variety that you’ll find in the markets these days is just incredible. When it comes to BBQ and steak pop-ups in the capital, the list is growing by the day, so it is a competitive market. But saying that, I honestly think the simplicity of our menu, combined with the elegance of the setup and execution of the food, makes Carcass LDN ➠

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very different. We work incredibly close with our butchers and farmers to make sure we’re serving nothing but the best product we can. I always said to myself, “What’s the point of starting a ‘Steak and Chips’ concept unless we’re going to be the best and have the highest quality meat on the market?” and I firmly believe we’ve achieved this.

What’s on the menu? Currently we have some really stunning Pedigree Longhorn Beef, Beautiful Texel Lamb from Essex and Tamworth Pork Ribs. We serve our meats on rosemary salted fries and a Scotch bonnet chimichurri. Keep it fresh and keep it simple, I say.

Where do you source your meat? Our meat gets butchered and dry-aged for us in Angel, by our good friends at Turner & George, but we work with several farms up and down the country.

What’s your favourite place you’ve taken Carcass LDN to so far? Over the August Bank Holiday we were privileged to be a part of Px+ Festival, a hospitality festival, ran by industry folk for industry folk. This was a great place for us to network and get our brand out to some amazing people (including BEAST!). The food was well-received, and we got some incredible feedback. It’s the sort of environment we like to be in; our setup has a lot of theatre and we love people taking pictures, enjoying the food and talking about it. After all, food is a social thing and we love providing that service for our guests.

How has the London food scene changed since you’ve been working in it? Well, we’re obviously quite fresh on the street food scene, but it’s certainly different being an owner rather than just a consumer. I’ve got a serious appreciation for the guys who have gone on to do great things. There’s a lot of work and effort that goes into bringing incredible food to the streets of London, and to finally be a part of that movement is an awesome feeling. 32 B E A S T

Meats are served with salted fries and a Scotch bonnet chimichurri

What’s in the pipeline for Carcass LDN? Right now, for us, it’s all about the product. We've recently started trading with KERB, who have markets all over London, which is a great opportunity to really make an impact and grow as a brand. I’m confident we’ve got an amazing product – it’s what we do next that’s going to make the difference. I’d like to get more grills so we can expand the menu to fish, chicken, game and veg dishes.

Anything exciting we should look out for this autumn? I’ll be keeping the menu exciting with some seasonal game. Definitely look out for us at some more markets over the next few months. Events and festivals are always on the cards, and hopefully by the beginning of next year we’ll start to look at launching another set-up. We’re looking to maybe do a kitchen residency and seated dining experiences… but you’ll have to keep us in your timelines for updates on that!

Where can we find you? (both IRL and online) Mondays and Fridays, we’re at Lower Marsh Market. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, you’ll find us at KERB markets, but please do follow us on our social channels @carcassldn to know exactly where we’ll be and when. B beastmag.co.uk

FROM SOIL TO OIL. TM

This is Duchess Oil. It's an extra virgin rapeseed oil that's grown, pressed and bottled on Oscar's farm on the border of Hertfordshire and Essex. This means it hasn't come far from the day it's planted to the moment it's used in your cooking. Oscar works hard throughout the year to make Duchess Oil, and with the help of local East London restaurants and businesses, sells it in and around the area. To find out more about Duchess Oil and how to buy email info@duchessoil.co.uk.

EAT S

From trendy rooftop bars to n e ig h b o ur hood b i st r o s, d i ne o ut and tuck in at these East London gems

SAVAGE GARDEN

Decadence abounds at Savage Garden, where indulgent delights are de rigueur

SAVAGE GARDEN 7 PEPYS STREET, TOWER HILL, EC3N 4AF

Sitting proudly on the roof of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London - Tower of London, you’ll find this recently opened cocktail bar and restaurant. Inspired by Anne Rice’s 1985 novel The Vampire Lestat, this urban luxe hangout is intended to be an opulent, otherworldly escape from the hustle and bustle below. With floorto-ceiling windows and a spacious roof terrace that both offer dramatic views over the city’s skyline, it does indeed feel like a realm of its own. Add its striking décor (think graffiti and bespoke art mixed with plush velvet furnishings and marble floors) and you’ve got yourself a prime spot for an afterwork drink, date night or – as I found out – a mouthwateringly delicious supper. But more on that later. As it’s an experimental cocktail bar, we kicked things off with drinks. Priced beastmag.co.uk

between £14 - £18, they’re not cheap - tucking into the meaty main event: coconut but they are special. The inspired menu beef short ribs for me, and pork tomahawk is curated by award-winning mixologist for him. My beef quite literally melted off the Andre Cavalheiro, and boasts evocatively bone and, although it was served with fresh named conceptions such as Wild Poison, slaw, I wish it had come with potato wedges Devil’s Advocate and, my favourite, on the side, too. My partner’s pork was Horny Beast (a delightfully incredibly succulent and got HIGHLY sweet gin and rum-based bonus points for the ‘black concoction with cinnamon INSTAGRAMMABLE pudding fries̛ and tangy #FOODPORN soda and rhubarb). salsa verde served with it. Savage Garden’s food We didn’t think we’d OPPORTUNITIES menu is no less impressive manage pudding, but after with its selection of small plates. I opted a quick glance over the snappy menu, for Buttermilk Chicken Sliders, and our interest (and hunger) was piqued my partner started with Beef Sliders in by ‘injectable doughnuts̛. Served in a charcoal buns. Both came out looking brown paper bag, as though fresh from like culinary works of art and - most an edgy East London bakery, they also importantly - both tasted lip-smackingly came with two plastic syringes, one filled good. It was only after we’d devoured our with caramel and the other with raspberry dishes did we realise the instagrammable compote. It was a perfectly warm, gooey #foodporn opportunity we’d missed. and sugary end to a truly ‘‘savage” feast. The plates kept coming, and soon we were savagegarden.co.uk BEAST

KOMPASSION is fresh, pure KOMBUCHA brewed in the heart of Hackney Wick

Served on-tap from mobile bicycle bars FIND US HERE: Brockley Market (Saturdays) Victoria Park Market (Sundays) Wholesale Stock available Hackney Wick taproom coming soon!

86B Main Yard, Wallis Road E9 5LN www.kompassion.co.uk

FAYRE SHARE 178-180 VICTORIA PARK ROAD, E9 7HD

Victoria Park Village has to be one of London’s most family-friendly neighbourhoods. And the recently opened Fayre Share only enhances its intimate village atmosphere as a destination for delicious, affordable food in relaxed surroundings for all ages. Fayre Share already has regular custom, which isn't surprising as they embrace wholesome sharing dishes with an understanding of what it takes to feed a family with gusto. Fayre Share's sharing concept is based on bringing back simple values and encouraging families to make the most of their time together through relaxation, chatter and laughter while tucking into delicious food that fills the belly. Bread comes from local bakery Loafing, just a few doors down from the nearby butchers, fishmongers, delis and boutique beastmag.co.uk

shops lining the streets. Today, it’s a rare pan-fried sea bream with grilled baby gem mix harkening back to when local business lettuce; silver-skin onions and peas with a collaboration was standard practice in the cream sauce you’ll want to soak up with East End, as well as sitting down to eat with bread, fries or whatever you can get your family at every meal. hands on; roasted summer vegetables with Simple, Scandinavian-style interiors bulgur wheat and green sauce; and the are sympathetic to the building’s original grilled lamb Barnsley chop, broad beans Victorian features. Tables and onion. These were are large enough to hold FOOD, FAMILIES & washed down with a superb sharing platters, and the GOOD TIMES WILL bottle or two of crisp, white menu is perfectly sized Andaina Godello Adegas NEVER GO OUT with choices for all tastes. Galegas DO Monterrei 2015. OF STYLE Before lunch or dinner, or For dessert, we shared some just because it’s Tuesday, a spot of G&Tea chocolate rice pudding with honeycomb (gin and tonic to share) served in a china and a satisfying arctic roll with jelly. This teapot will quench any thirst. None of place reminded us that food, families the dishes will disappoint and none are and good times will never go out of too heavy, but our faves were the duck style. Whether your family has two or ten terrine with pickled vegetables, and the members, Fayre Share's message is clear delicate crispy squid with chilli and garlic sharing food means sharing love. mayo starter. Next up were the mains: fayreshare.co.uk BEAST

DEVONSHIRE TERRACE DEVONSHIRE SQUARE, EC2M 4WY

SMITHS OF SMITHFIELD 67-77 CHARTERHOUSE STREET, EC1M 6HJ

Housed in a Grade II-listed building and stretching over four floors, this East London institution is often abuzz with after-work revelry and cocktail swilling. But it’s The Grill on the third floor we were here for, with its intimate booths and large city-facing windows. The menu will leave you ripe with indecision - particularly the starters. Think seared scallops with smoked bacon loin crumb and lobster sauce, and a shallot and nettle tarte tatin. Both tasted as good as they sound. Oh, and the bone marrow and wild garlic butter that came with our perfectly cooked steaks wasn’t bad either - so much so we had to ask for more! smithsofsmithfield.co.uk

TRA TRA 2-4 BOUNDARY STREET, LONDON E2 7DD

A hidden Shoreditch gem in the basement of The Boundary Project, Tra Tra is an intimate yet buzzing bistro and bar with a NYC feel – that is: part club, part speakeasy. Only recently transformed, Tra Tra’s new casual dining concept offers a simple selection of sharing boards with something for all tastes; charcuterie and terrine; vegetables; seafood; and cheese. Take advantage

38 B E A S T

of the bottomless charcuterie board, only £10 per person from 5-7pm or £15 per person after 7pm. You'll also find interesting cocktail selections from a passionate mixologist who’s quite keen for you to work your way through the menu! He recommends a popular tipple, the “Fleur Sauvage” with flowery tones. The DJ is notably fab, creating a relaxed ‘80s vibe with expectations of a party later in the evening. boundary.london/tratra

A wonderful place to escape and enjoy the outdoors, even as the weather cools. Situated beneath a beautiful and grand glass-domed roof in peaceful Devonshire Square, Devonshire Terrace serves up plenty of delicious and perfectly-cooked dishes to suit everyone's taste. Make sure to finish your meal with their delicious freshly ground coffee. And it's worth noting they welcome dogs in the bar, which is only a very big plus as far as we’re concerned. drakeandmorgan.co.uk/devonshire-terrace

BRAT FIRST FLOOR, 4 REDCHURCH STREET, E1 6JL

We were lucky enough to stumble upon this recently-opened Shoreditch gem before it, quite rightly, got all booked up. If you’re able to get a table, expect rustic Spanish food cooked over a wood-fuelled open fire and a superb wine menu - all served with a smile. Make sure you don't miss out. bookings@bratrestaurant.com

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LEVI ROOTS CARIBBEAN SMOKEHOUSE 103 THE STREET, WESTFIELD STRATFORD CITY. MONTFICHET RD, E20 1EJ

From the colourful interior to the kitschy ode to Caribbean beach holidays, here you’ll find the kind of food that fuels a hot night in the tropics. The friendly staff offer true Caribbean hospitality to make you feel right at home (in the Caribbean) from the get-go. The chef combines Levi’s passion for traditional family cooking with his compulsion to prove there’s more to Caribbean cooking than beef patties and jerk chicken. Thus, a mélange of soulful food like Curry goat, Ackee & saltfish, Fried fish & Bammies (traditional Jamaican fried cassava patties) and Guyanese fish curry. Along with a wide selection of veggie, vegan friendly and gluten-free dishes like the Veggie platter; Cou Cou bites, halloumi skewers, spiced potato fritter-balls THERE'S MORE and jack fruit roti wraps, served with a TO CARIBBEAN Tamarind sauce, and of course, Levi’s BBQ COOKING THAN sauce to dip. The portions are generous, the jerk BEEF PATTIES chicken succulent and the curries are AND JERK hearty. LOWDAHMERCY! Fill your boots. CHICKEN caribbeansmokehouse.com beastmag.co.uk

BEAST

Fresh Vegan Kitchen Bring a little colour and creativity to your cooking with vibrant, veg-packed recipes from afar

FARINATA Made with chickpea flour and olive oil, these traditional Italian pancakes are a wonderful option for vegans and those following a wheat- and gluten-free diet. They’re also common in the south of France, where they’re known as socca and eaten as street food, cooked on huge tin-plated copper skillets and seasoned with just a little salt and pepper.

SERVES 4 FOR THE FARINATA BATTER 325ml cups water 175ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus a little extra for cooking 125g chickpea flour (gram flour) 3 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves Salt and pepper l

FOR THE FILLING 2 tbsp olive oil,plus a little extra for the tomatoes ½ onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 150g wild mushrooms (we love porcini), sliced 150g button mushrooms, sliced Salt and pepper ½ bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, plus extra to garnish

FOR THE REST 250g cherry tomatoes on the vine Olive oil 4 handfuls of rocket 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 batch aioli (see recipe)

1 Put all the batter ingredients in a blender and combine for about 30 seconds on fast until smooth – don’t worry if there are a few bubbles. Set aside to rest for about 30 minutes. 2 To make the filling, heat the olive oil in a pan, then add the onion and garlic and saute for a couple of minutes on a high heat. Add the mushrooms and seasoning and continue to saute for a further 4–5 minutes. Finish off with the chopped parsley and set aside. 3 Meanwhile, preheat the oven 200˚C/400˚F/gas mark 6. Put the cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil and some salt and pepper and roast for about 10 minutes until nicely coloured. 4 Heat a little olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Pour onequarter of the batter into the pan and swirl round to cover the base. Fry for a few minutes until golden, then flip over and fry the other side. Remove from the pan and keep warm while you repeat with the remaining batter. 5 Place the farinata on individual plates, spoon the mushroom filling on top, then fold over to cover. Sprinkle with a little paprika. Serve with the roasted tomatoes, some rocket an a spoonful of aioli.

FOR THE AIOLI • 1 garlic bulb • A drizzle of olive oil • 150g vegan mayonnaise • 10 strands saffron, soaked in 2 tbsp water 1 Preheat the oven to 180˚C/350˚F/ gas mark 2. Cut the garlic bulb in half horizontally, drizzle it generously with olive oil and put it on a baking sheet to roast for about 15 minutes. Remove the roasted garlic cloves from their shells – they should just fall out – and crush in a pestle and mortar. 3 Put the vegan mayonnaise in a bowl and mix in the roasted garlic, saffron strands and their soaking water, and mix to form a thick sauce. The aioli can be stored in the fridge for 4–6 days.

BEAST

NASI GORENG The name translates as ‘fried rice’ in Indonesian, and nasi goreng is a very satisfying, quick-to-prepare meal. We generally have it as a dinner, though for the brave it is traditionally eaten for breakfast using leftover rice from the previous night – it’s Indonesia’s bubble and squeak! Fried rice is commonly eaten throughout Asia, but it is the addition of wonder ingredient kecap manis (a sweet soy sauce) that gives nasi goreng its rich, distinctive taste.

SERVES 4 2½ tbsp coconut oil (or cooking oil of your choice), for frying 1 batch Nasi Goreng paste 100g green beans, cut into 2.5cm, blanched 1 carrot, finely diced 500g cooked jasmine rice, cold 4 shallots (green onions), finely chopped 1 tbsp kecap manis 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce 2 red chillies, deseeded and thinly sliced A handful of fresh Thai basil, finely chopped (optional) A pinch of salt 2 bananas, cut in half lengthways ½ pineapple, cut into slices l

TO SERVE 4 spring onions (scallions), thinly sliced 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges ½ cucumber, cut into batons A handful of fresh coriander leaves A handful of crispy fried shallots (green onions) or crispy fried Thai shallots

heat up, add the shallots then the kecap manis, tamari, red chillies, Thai basil, if using, and salt and continue to cook until the rice is hot through. 3 Meanwhile, put a frying pan over a medium heat and warm the remaining coconut oil. Add the bananas and pineapple and sauté on both sides until they’ve taken on a bit of colour. Set aside. 4 Transfer the fried rice to bowls and top each one with a slice of the sautéed banana and a couple of sautéed pineapple slices. Garnish with a choice of the spring onions, tomato, cucumber, coriander and Crispy Fried Shallots and serve.

FOR THE CRISPY FRIED SHALLOTS 500ml vegetable oil 5 small shallots (green onions), thinly sliced

NASI GORENG PASTE ¼ nutmeg, freshly grated ¾ tsp black peppercorns • 30g shallots, finely chopped • 15g fresh root ginger, peeled and finely chopped • 20g galangal, peeled and finely chopped • ½ knob turmeric, finely chopped • 1½ sticks lemongrass, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped • 1½ tsp palm sugar • A pinch of salt • 1½ tbsp coconut oil • juice of ½ lime l

Put all the ingredients in a food processor and blitz to a smooth paste.

1 Place a wok over medium heat and warm 2 tablespoon of the coconut oil, then stir in the curry paste and fry until aromatic. 2 Add the green beans and carrot and sauté for a couple of minutes, then add the rice and cook for another couple of minutes, stirring constantly. Once the rice starts to 40 B E A S T 44

Put the oil in a wok or large saucepan and heat to about 160˚C/ 325˚F, or until a small piece of bread sizzles and turns golden within 20 seconds. Add the shallots to the pan and stir gently, watching closely for the first signs of them turning golden (this should take a couple of minutes). As soon as the shallots start to change colour, carefully remove them from the oil using a small sieve. Drain on kitchen paper (paper towels), sprinkle with salt and leave to cool.

Fresh Vegan Kitchen by David & Charlotte Bailey, published by Pavilion Books. Photography by HaaralaHamilton. pavilionbooks.com

BEAST

Hidden

TREASURE THE EAST LONDON GROUP ONCE EXHIBITED ALONGSIDE CEZANNE, DÉGAS, MONET, RENOIR, PICASSO AND SICKERT – SO WHY WERE THEY ALMOST FORGOTTEN? Words by Alicia Sheber

ast London’s heritage as a home to both the industrial

arts and the working-class has long been discussed. However not so well known is that between the First and Second World Wars, every-day workers in the area had a fondness for drawing and painting and gained

momentum as the East London Group (ELG). They became a force to be reckoned with in fine art, exhibiting in shows alongside the world’s most renowned painters of the time. Active from 1928-36, the East London Group painted scenes from daily, working-class life, avoiding the obvious and preferring to paint realistic snapshots of their surroundings. Formed from an art club founded at the Bethnal Green Men's Institute and led by John Albert Cooper, the members’ paintings and sketches depict an industrial-era urban landscape and culture that no longer exists. Two of the East London Group members, brothers Harrold and Walter Steggles, were primary fixtures on the scene, and in fact, in

Harold Steggles, St Mark's Church, Victoria Park. 1934. Private Collection. Copyright: the artist’s estate.

1928, participated in the first ever exhibit at Whitechapel Gallery. ➠

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Elwin Hawthorne, Demolition of Bow Brewery Private Collection. Copyright: the artist’s estate.

Alan Waltham’s mother-in-law Phyllis, AKA Dilly, is Walter and

Group member Elwin Hawthorne were selected to represent

Harold Steggles’ sole surviving sibling. Alan met his wife to

Great Britain at the Venice Biennale in 1936.

be, Janeta, in 1973 and became aware the two “boys” were

“Was this some form of modesty, or just an oversight on his

artists although the view was that their paintings were “family

part: who can say?,” shares Alan. And why has the ELG received

pieces” rather being widely known. Sadly, Harold died of

little attention? According to Alan, the world’s tastes in art

leukaemia in 1971, however over the years Alan occasionally

changed after the Second World War, and therefore the ELG’s

spent time with Wally.

style fell by the wayside.

He says that Wally, in reverent tones, would drop into

“During its heyday, ELG exhibited approximately 730

conversation that he was exhibiting

paintings and of those, as things currently

in London at the Lefevre Galleries –

stand, I can identify approximately 120 as

which were, unbeknownst to his family – amongst the world’s top venues for fine art. Harold and Walters’ works were included alongside the “greats” from British and French art such as Cezanne, Dégas, Monet, Renoir, Picasso, Peploe and fellow East London Group member, Walter Richard Sickert. Nor, as Alan recollects, did Walter share with the family that he and fellow

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The ELG painted glimpses of the unexpected beauty found in ordinary, working-class life

being extant today,” says Alan. “New’ pieces are gradually coming out of the woodwork, so this number is increasing slowly. Across the country there are approximately 80 examples of work by ELG artists in the National Collection.” Wally died in March 1997, and his work and archives passed to family members. Alan has been unravelling the mystery as

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to why the ELG diminished in popularity, creating a website, Facebook and Twitter accounts whose numbers have blossomed organically as the word spreads. The increase in awareness started with the publication of David Buckman’s 2012 book, From Bow to Biennale: Artists of the East London Group, and subsequent

In 1928, the ELG participated in Whitechapel Gallery’s first exhibition

book launch at Abbott & Holder in 2013. An

includes George Board; Phyllis Bray; B. A. R. (Sam) Carter; Doris Emerson Chapman; Hannah Cohen; William Coldstream; John Albert Cooper; C G Hamilton Dicker; Elsie Farleigh; Murroe FitzGerald; Archibald Hattemore; Elwin Hawthorne; James Izant; James C King; Lilian Leahy; G M McCarthy; W S Mummery; Patrick Murphy; Cecil Osborne; Grace Oscroft;

exhibition at the Nunnery gallery at Bow Arts followed in 2014 and

B Nelson Parker; Brynhild Parker; M G Pole; Ruth Salaman (to

then, in 2016 an exhibition at the Beecroft Gallery in Southend.

become Ruth Collet); Maurice M Shaer; Walter Sickert; Henry

There were two shows in 2017-18: one at Southampton City Art

Silk; C Spelling; F Spelling; Harold Steggles; Walter Steggles; R R

Gallery – its second most popular in 20 years – and a return to

Tomlinson; Albert Turpin; Eunice Veitch; and A J Wetherly.

the Nunnery gallery at Bow Arts. With record attendances at each

So check Grandma’s closets and the flea markets, you

successive show, the East London Group is finally beginning to

might find extraordinary treasures that at last are becoming

receive the acclaim it deserves.

recognised for their stature and unique perspective in capturing

The full list of members in the East London Art Group

a bygone era of East London.

eastlondongroup.co.uk

Stratford. Walter Steggles. 1938. Copyright: the artist’s estate

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BEAST

Fully

engaged BASED IN SHOREDITCH, STUDIO MICA'S INSIDER KNOWLEDGE INFUSED EUROPE'S FIRST NOBU HOTEL WITH A CREATIVE, EAST LONDON FLAIR Words by Alicia Sheber Photos by Will Pryce

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alancing the spirit of the East End with sleek Japanese-inspired design, the Nobu Hotel Shoreditch is a triumph of style and substance. East London-based interiors, architecture and design practice Studio Mica are the creative minds behind it. We talk to co-directors and founders Caroline Shenton and Mike Walter on bringing their concepts to life...

Tell us about your team Studio Mica is a diverse mix of designers, artists, architects and musicians from London and abroad with backgrounds in boutique hotels, set design and events. Our team continuously challenges, pushes and inspires each other. We’re not afraid of hard work – and hard play! Since a lot of what we do is in hospitality, it’s important we get the time to enjoy our projects, too. However, we also enjoy designing homes that reflect the unique personalities of their residents.

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It’s not about “static” objects, it’s about engagement: how people interact within a space and their associations with it. It’s fantastic when people describe somewhere you’ve designed and the thing they mention is how it makes them feel. The best spaces involve the senses and are experienced through emotions and textures rather than the intellect. Sometimes we secretly test our ideas to see how people react – they’ll always surprise you with new things to consider. For example, an East London bar currently has a prototype of a chair we’re designing and it’s fun to watch how people use it. Creating a hospitality venue is like hosting the perfect party – you want to consider the guests, the food, the soundtrack, etc… It’s not in our DNA to compromise on quality – we enjoy being inventive and are proud of what we create.

Do your projects have a “look” that lets people know it’s a Studio Mica project? We don’t have a house style. For us, it’s more important to be known for our design approach and our delivery of quality results. So specific emblems like a light fixture or chair that could be branded a Studio Mica concept aren’t repeated in projects. “Over-designed” interiors are intimidating; we create environments where people feel welcome to enter and sit down. And when it comes to hotels, it’s great when the design builds anticipation because it’s the “entree” to the service, restaurant and bar experiences to come.

Who’s your dream client? The next one. Our excitement comes from what we’re creating and the teams we’re working with next. Each project is a new opportunity to engage with the personality of a neighbourhood and culture. Challenges keep us interested, and the opportunity work on different styles of projects is inspiring, whether re-imagining a stately home for the 21st century or designing a pop-up restaurant.

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Who are some of your favourite creators in East London? For the Nobu Hotel Shoreditch, we proposed to our client that we work with local artist Sichi at the concept stage of the design in order to really integrate art into the fabric of the interiors, versus simply hanging art on walls. One result of this collaboration was his commission to paint a 22-piece collection. Named “Taizu”, a Japanese expression meaning “to stay”, his paintings were reproduced, enlarged and adhered to full-height, sliding blackout screens that appear to be stretched canvases in frames, becoming the guest room window coverings. Sichi then hand-embellished each with sumi-e brush strokes and gilded details. This project also gave us a chance to meet and work with fantastic local creatives such as Tomi Ahmed from IIUVO fragrances and candles; textile designer Rita Parniczcy; and ceramicist Lisa Stockham. Unfortunately, not everything could be realised in the end, but we got to see their best ideas and their uncompromised thinking.

How is hotel design evolving? From service to design to value for money, people want authentic experiences and realistic connections to a locale.

What’s your favourite hangout in East London, and why? That's easy! The square where our studio is located. We love it, our postcode is number 8, apples and pears. It’s perfect for the early morning coffee or a great fish and chips supper at Fish Central. We’re still the new kids on the block, and just got our own outdoor café seating so we can join our neighbours.

What’s the best thing about East London? Finding out what everyone else is up to – you know it’s going to be interesting! Plus, it’s supportive. If you want help or suggestions, just ask – everyone knows someone they want to recommend.

PHOTOGRPAHY BY WILL PRYCE

What’s your design philosophy?

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A bespoke installation of reclaimed tiles weaves art into the fabric of the building

BEAST

King of

ARTS O

ver the last four years, Zincstyles has shared his passion for art with over 2,000 people in his graffiti workshops, including more than eight hundred children through a youth charity. Participants range from groups of friends

to professional organizations such as NEWH, an international association of hospitality designers who recently explored new pathways for unlocking creativity.

Better known by his alter ego Zincstyles, artist and muralist Danny Mendoza not only makes his own colourful splash in London’s East End, he inspires others to unleash their creative spirits Words by Alicia Sheber

While Danny likes painting for people he gets to know around the world, he thrives on East London’s multicultural vibe. “It’s a big melting pot that just works, there’s a niche for everyone.” He can often be found hanging out in the Nomadic Gardens, where most of his workshops take place. “It’s a hidden gem,” he says, “an oasis in the city where everyone is welcome, a haven where there’s no judgement and we all look after each other.” A 2011 Leeds University graduate with a BA Honours in Contemporary Art, Zincstyles has developed a distinct fusion of graffiti with classical portraiture noted for vibrantly coloured pointillism on walls and canvases. Private clients range from his dad’s housecleaner to CEOs, all via WOM and social media. He’s also been commissioned by music festivals and brands like The Hoxton Shoreditch, Puma, Madtech Records, Sky Sports and Harvey Nichols.

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Zincstyles not only makes his mark across East London, he also inspires creative confidence in aspiring graffiti artists of all ages.

PUBLIC MURALS ARE CREATED FOR A COMMUNITY TO BRING PEOPLE JOY Hand painting is coming back in reaction to the digital

domain. “It’s great to find a new spot and be able to show who

revolution, he says, with graffiti now part of the high-profile

you are through painting and know people have seen you. It’s

fine art world. Yet the commodification of street art, with stolen

fame without a face. It’s magical because it enables anyone to

Banksy pieces shipped to international galleries, exploits

be someone, to be the King of London. No one can take away

creatives and the people they paint for. “The big conflict is

what you’ve painted – even in jail, they can’t take that away.”

with those cashing in because it’s cool and they don’t even like

The unconventional allure of street art can become an

the art,” he says. “Public murals are created for a community

obsession, with some sacrificing their lives, freedom and

to bring people joy and brighten their day when going to jobs

stability because they spend all their money on paint. It takes

they don’t like. Seeing new pieces helps them feel good.”

years of hard work and training to develop techniques. While

And given graffiti’s short-lived, experimental nature,

Zincstyles warns about the risks, he also has tips for those

something new seems to pop up each morning. “Painting

wanting to make their mark: “Be original, paint big and don’t

at night is an adrenaline rush, a bit like a drug but each time

worry about what others do. Move at your own pace, think

is as good as the first,” he says. Street art frees the soul, and

outside the box and use colours well. And don’t try to copy

Zincstyles’ ideal canvas is a large-scale wall in the public

others – it’s important to create your own style.”

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BEAST

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

SWIFT JUSTICE

When people say Hamish Burnett is “for the birds”, it’s a real compliment. There’s nothing flighty about the Hackney Swifts, the small, but growing, flock of enthusiasts with whom he collaborates to encourage the preservation and creation of swift nesting habitats. Two years ago, the group began organising local events to install swift boxes for the vanishing insect-gobblers who promote biodiversity in their travels from sub-Saharan Africa to Spain and France, before breeding in the summer in the UK and across Europe. Migratory numbers to the UK have declined by 50% since 1994, says Hamish, and could be non-existent in 10-20 years, due to refurbishment of Victorian and Georgian properties and hermeticallysealed modern buildings. Hackney Swifts fuels community spirit through hands-on involvement for all ages. Last year, kids block-printed swift patterns on paper at the Woodberry Downs’ Wetland Centre, and this June, for the first UK Swift Awareness Week, a pub crawl saw a team of 30 identify seven new nesting sites. To learn about installing your own swift box and to join the Hackney Swifts, email: hackneyswifts@gmail.com or follow on Twitter @hackney_swifts. B

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WORDS KELLY BESWICK & ALICIA SHEBER PHOTGRAPH BY NCIKY ACKETTS

Hackney Swifts has a mission to provide sanctuary for the endangered migratory birds whose sweeping acrobatics hail the start of each summer

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