ELLE EST PAS BELLE LA VIE ?!
April 2015 - n° 02 - www.lebonbon.co.uk
Photographe : Flavien Prioreau www.flavienprioreau.com flavienprioreau@hotmail.com Merci au Zoo du bois d’Attilly www.zoo-attilly.com
EDITO
Founder
Spring is in the air.
Jacques de la Chaise Editor in chief
Hike up those skirts, roll up those sleeves and put a smile on your face
Charles Guillet
for April is upon us - not to mention the official start of British summer
Design
time on March 29th!
Tom Gordonovitch Contributors
Even though in France we say, 'till April's dead, lose not a thread,' we
Lexi Rose, Natasha David,
know you Londoners can't wait to cast off your winter wools as soon as
Sophie Guibert, Luke Harwood,
possible. How can you fully embrace East London life if you don't shed
Anna Jacobsen, Deborah
the weather-resistant layer? So please hang the heavy coat up, discard
Bannwarth, Abbie Moulton,
those cosy Uggs, lose the leg warmers and give away your gloves.
Malgorzata Jacygrad, Marguerite Gaudin, Domitille Haffner
Nature's back and so is the will to discover the city, travelling light with
Sales and marketing
a heavy hunger for exploration. Urban safaris are on your doorstep. Just
Sales manager – Vuk Levkovic
rely on us! Le Bonbon is your new partner in crime, ready to paint the
Sales advisor – Benjamin Buring
town red or whatever colour you desire.
Contact us hello@lebonbon.co.uk
We know we don’t know a lot. We know we just set foot on this madcap capital. But it is specifically that candid eye. With this exact eye we
Le Bonbon Limited 16 Palmers Road – Founders
unravelled East London. This is the candid eye we want you to rediscover your city through.
E20SY London Company number 9371015
Le Bonbon loves London albeit the little we’ve seen of this urban sprawl (2566 people, 1245 venues, 298 streets, 3 fights, 756565 red buses, 2545 smiles, 433 pretty girls, 458 kisses, and so many thumbs up!) and this unique city seems to be opening up its arms to welcome us. For this warm ovation, we want to thank you all! Charles Guillet
Advertising and enquiry vuk@lebonbon.co.uk charles@lebonbon.co.uk benjamin@lebonbon.co.uk 074 3686 8236 •1
DIRECTIONS FOR USE HOW TO BENEFIT FROM THE Bonbons
1 CHOOSE
2 DETACH
3 ENJOY
Choose the right one. (Find out the ones that jump out at you)
Rip it off! (Detach the bonbon that will make you happy)
Benefit from the offer. (Present it to the shop and benefit from it)
DESCRIPTION OF A Bonbon Sign
Name of the shop
EPICERIE 56
Offer
Definition of the type of offer
10% discount Want a good french wine or olive oil for a bargain? Bring your bottles and fill them up!
Description
Address and main information
56 Chatsworth Road, Lower Clapton, E5 0LS Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 7.30pm Saturday Sunday from 8.30am to 6.30 pm www.lepicerie56.com
CONTENTS
0415 7.
11.
William Chechire
Tower Lifeboat Station
13.
15.
16.
Best Of
Pimps & Pinups
The Kray Twins
23.
25.
35.
Barn The Spoon
La Bonne Expo
Lady Bonbon
•3
# 1 GOOD TIP / DAY
The garden in the sky APRIL
LE BON TIMING
LUREM Cake & Champagne Afternoon Party Hey, what, is that ? a sunbeam… or am I daydreaming? Maybe it’s time to change our wardrobe for a springy one. Lurem, the new London brand with a Japanese twist, offers a collection of ‘designed to tailor women’s tastes.’ And to celebrate, they are organising an exclusive cake and Champagne afternoon party for you ladies, and for you men (to
The Goat Race
hold the purse). Bring it on!
Ladies and Gentlemen, get ready for
Sunday, April 12th From 2:00 PM at the shop. LUREM, 138 Bethnal Green Road, E2 6DG. Tel: 020 8127 8338
London’s most famous pun-based animal satire sporting event.... rocking out on Saturday, 11th April 2015! Three goats named ‘Oxford’, ‘Cambridge’ and the last (but not least) ‘And,’ will compete in a mad dash around the farm. A key event of the year, not to be missed! Thanks to your support, last year’s race raised over £9000 for Spitalfields City Farm... see you by the track this April!
11th of April Spitafields City Farm, Buxton St, London, E1 5AR £12, free for kids under 12yo.
LA Rebellion: Creating a New Black Cinema Pioneering, provocative and visionary, the LA Rebellion films form a crucial body of work in post-war cinema. Drawing on the dynamic social and political climate of the period, the films emerged from the context of the black liberation and anti-Vietnam movements and in solidarity with the international Third Cinema.
Friday 10 April - Saturday 25 April 2015 Tate Modern, Bankside, London, SE19TG Each screening £5 - £4 concessions. Season ticket £35 - £30 concessions.
•5
Anna Jacobsen Text
LE BON BIJOU
Pictures
Marguerite Gaudin
William Cheshire an East London Gem “To me it’s really important to be part of the local Hackney community” says jewellery designer William Cheshire, “I’ve lived in East London for over 15 years and I’ve seen the area, develop and grow-and now I see it as a real privilege to open my business here in my neighbourhood.”
the popular Broadway Market on
list neon heart, complete with
a Saturday, you have to weave
bronze Cupid’s arrows shooting
through trendy parents with
outwards, makes for an intriguing
prams (and equally on-trend
window display (designed and
babies), dogs, Spanish exchange
installed by Cheshire himself).
students, locals doing their wee-
“For Easter we have created a
kend grocery shopping as well as
giant golden cracked egg with a
a myriad of enticing food stalls,
giant sea squid crawling out of
vintage interiors and artisan
it,” says William.
coffee places. And now, to the most important In a prime spot in the middle
bit: the jewellery. Inspired by an
of Broadway Market, William
eclectic mix of everything from
No longer known as one of
Cheshire’s jewellery boutique
vintage Americana, British punk,
the most deprived boroughs
is a tranquil space with an
burlesque, antique perfume
in London, Hackney is still a bit
enchanting mix of exposed
bottles and Art Deco, William
rough around the edges, but has
bricks, dark grey walls, Liberty-
Cheshire’s pieces are influenced
grown into one of London’s most
print jungle wallpaper and
by classic design completed with
desirable areas. A charming mix
wooden floors. Glass cabinets
a contemporary twist, featuring
of local East Enders, creative
display Cheshire’s collections for
lots of tongue-in-cheek stylistic
startups, artists and independent
both women and men and the
references. Oh and of course,
cafés, restaurants and boutiques,
floor-to-ceiling window drenches
perhaps most essentially, a dol-
the area keeps on changing by
the shop in cascades of natural
lop of humour. “All of our designs
the week. Taking a stroll down
light. An over-sized minima-
are made in our in-house works-
•6
hop. We are dedicated to quality
precious materials including
customers are guaranteed to
and craftsmanship and also work
gold, silver, rose gold as well as
get a piece of jewellery which
on a variety of bespoke projects,
diamonds and other gemstones.
will last a lifetime and hopefully
mainly engagement
By incorporating materials such
evoke precious memories.”
and wedding rings,” says William.
as leather and waxed cotton,
Signature pieces include the
he is able to ad unusual shapes,
popular pill necklaces as well as
texture and volume into his col-
the dainty feather earrings (both
lections. “I really want to make
designs available in gold and
all our jewellery as wonderful as
silver).
I can,” says William, “By honoring diverse materials and the process
William works with a variety of
of making pieces by hand, our
Where 14 Broadway Market London, E8 4QJ When Wed- Frid 11am-6.30pm Sat 10am-6.30pm Sun 11am-5pm
•7
LE BON SHOP
FIKA A truly Nordic experience
Stepping into Fika you may be fooled that you’ve actually just walked into a Nordic fairytale.
Bringing the Swedish concept
Menu highlights include Swedish
of ‘taking a fika’ to London, mea-
classics such as meatballs, gravad
ning: to have a coffee break or a
lax (cured salmon), herring, tra-
breather from your daily routine,
ditional plankstek (rib-eye steak),
and is a way to relax, chat and
as well as more experimental
Somewhere in between an art
gossip- preferably with a sweet
dishes such as the mini beetroot
gallery, Scandinavian forest, hip
treat, such as a cinnamon bun
loaf with a birch water shot.
café and conceptual restaurant,
in hand.
Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy Swedish treats inclu- ding
Fika on Brick Lane is a cosy space offering an enticing mix of
Fika is a playful space hosting
cinnamon buns and kladd- kaka
Swedish-inspired food and drink.
a selection of rotating art on
(sticky chocolate cake).
An eclectic fusion of twinkling
the walls as well as creative
string lights, wooden reclaimed
workshops, events and pop-
furniture, exposed brick walls,
ups. Oh, and it also has a lovely
pinecones, tree trunks and of
roof terrace. Attracting a mix of
course Swedish delicacies, Fika
homesick Scandinavians, tourists
was founded by native Swede
exploring Brick Lane, freelan-
Sadaf Malik in 2008, and has
cers having a coffee and locals
since then become an East Lon-
popping in for a quick bite, Fika
don institution.
serves both lunch and dinner (and brunch at the weekends).
•8
– ANNA JACOBSEN
Fika 161 Brick Lane E1 6SB T: 020 7613 2013 www.fikalondon.com
LE BON GOSSIP
A gentle attempt to convince Mr Spring to show up in advance Dear Spring, If you were a human, you would probably be a nice blue-eyed fella with blond hair and big cheeks blushing because of the fresh air. Probably not my style, and too young for me anyway - I don’t really feel like being a cougar already.
a terrace on Regent’s canal. Kids
any remorse. Cause its Easter,
will play around with their shovels
bloody hell! Not having an entire
and their racks, and will cry a
chocolate bunny for myself would
little bit if some brat destroys
be just disrespectful.
their sandcastle on purpose. Wait!
Whatever, spring. We’re all
No no, forget about the kids. I
craving for you to come back
don’t want any bawling crybaby
again, to open the rooftops and
ruining my fantasy. Anyway the
the outdoor cinemas, to get
sandcastles aren’t vital, I’ll save
us the first Pimm’s of the year,
them for summertime.
to give us the chance to kiss underneath the cherry trees in
We’re all here waiting for you to come, along with the beams
Where were we? Ah, yes.
bloom... All those little details that give London a new charm,
of light joyfully shining again, caressing our bare legs. The
I know you’re capricious, you
and that make us fall in love with
gentle wind might play a bit with
like to be hot and cold. But
it again.
London’s girl short skirts, but
I know you won’t be able to
whatever, none of them are that
resist. I’ll seduce you until you
shy anyway. We’ll be looking for
give in. Look, I am opening one
you
more button of my shirt already,
Yours truly, with all my kindest
in Victoria Park, with a
see? April always makes me
regard, xoxo, love you, bisous
picnic basket full of bread,
think about Easter, and more
doux!
cheese, cherry tomatoes and
importantly, that chocolate binge
strawberries, or possibly sitting in
I am gonna have without feeling
Bring it on, Spring.
– DÉBORAH BANNWARTH
•9
• 10
Déborah Bannwarth Text
LA BONNE ASSO
Pictures
Nigel Millard
Tower Lifeboat Stations, heroes on the water Some people only get to dream of becoming heroes, while others actually become heroes. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s crew has the kind of people who chose to take action: ordinary people doing extraordinary things. These men are saving lives every day at sea.
River Thames, has actually been
its workforce. Knowing that to
the busiest station both in the
run Tower Lifeboat Station alone
UK and Republic of Ireland.
costs a total of £525, 000 every
With drunken people falling into
year, it needs a lot of generous
the water, party boats crashing
souls, how about yours? To sup-
into bridges, maniacs trying to
port the courageous
cross the ocean on small boats
team and their crucial service,
(for offshore crews), attempted
a Family Fun Day will take place
suicides (sadly far too common),
in St Katharine Docks on Sunday
or even aircraft crashes, the RNLI
May 3rd. From 11 am to 4 pm,
always has much to do! But its
you’ll be able to relax on a mini
crew will never let you down, 4 to
beach, enjoy fun activities, and
8 of them are operating at Tower
meet actual crew members from
The RNLI was originally just a cha-
Station 24 hours a day, 7 days a
the RNLI. On Friday May 1st, an
rity, created in 1815 by an intel-
week, all to save your lives. The
8 ft pair of Yellow RNLI Wellies
ligent man Sir William Hillary. It
Tower Lifeboat, and the RNLI in
will be stationed in St Katharine
needed drama and the death of
general, not only operate as a
Docks. Selfie anyone? If you have
51 people at sea in 1989, before
search and rescue service, but
the soul of a treasure seeker,
the government asked the RNLI
they also have a proactive pre-
there will be a RNLI pop-up stall
to extend their services to the
vention safety course where they
hidden in the Docks Good Food
River Thames. Today, it is a major
teach people all about precau-
Market. Your prize for discovery?
organisation composed of 230
tions to take in and around that
Souvenirs, games and competi-
lifeboats stations and operating
blue stuff…
tions. Oi-Oi!
over 400 high-powered crafts.
Since it’s a charity, the RNLI
Tower Lifeboat Station, one of
survives entirely on donations,
three lifeboats stations on the
and volunteers make up 97% of
Tower Lifeboat Stations www.towerrnli.org.uk
• 11
LE BON BEST-OF
Abbie Moulton Text
Pictures
Sylvain Deleu
Think while you drink London proudly boasts about a range of cafes, bars and restaurants to satisfy the most bizarre cravings - cereal and porridge cafes, restaurants specialising in burger, lobster, vegan dishes, raw food, juices, gin palaces and rum shacks - you name it, we’ve got it. But what about the people who want more - those whose craving is for knowledge, who want to feed their mind as well as quench a thirst? Well of course, London has that too! You just had to ask. This is your -Thinking Drinkers Guide to London- the capital’s best bars for brains - because a pub quiz only goes so far...
• Aptly named, the Book Club in
• Next up is TED Restaurant -
Shoreditch is, well, exactly that,
nope, not a venue screening
bringing people together with
online TED talks, but
thought-provoking talks, works-
instead home to Think.Eat.Drink
hops, film-festivals, new music
- a restaurant with a big ethos
nights and science lectures one
on sustainability and responsi-
big bang of intellectual fun.
bility that carries through how they source, cook and serve
With events every single night
food. Everything is as sustainable
of the week, they have a packed
as can be, from the up-cycled
calendar of workshops, music
interiors to the eco paint on the
and poetry. We recommend
walls. Their philosophy is
'Penguin & TBC Presents Little
to encourage people to think,
Black Classics' - a collaboration
eat and drink more ethically;
celebrating the launch of the
this even extends to not burning
Penguin Little Black Classics
fossil fuels in the kitchen, and
series that promises an evening
making sure none of the waste
of literary lols.
goes to landfill. A visit will leave you with a full belly, a clear
The Book Club
conscience, and a feeling of
100 – 106, Leonard Street
superior smugness.
London, EC2A 4RH 020 7684 8618
TED Restaurant & Bar 47-51 Caledonian Road, King’s Cross, London, N1 9BU 0203 763 2080
• 12
The Book Club
TED
• Duck Soup Soho - This small
• The Proud Archivist - this cafe
• High up in the rafters of the
Soho eatery has a local feel, ser-
space on the canal combines
Hackney Picturehouse you can
ving home-cooked style dishes
a coffee shop and restaurant
find Hackney Attic, an intimate
alongside natural and biodynamic
with a working gallery and art
live music venue that is also
wines. The chefs cook with only
space, offering a diverse range
home to cabaret, short film and
what’s in season and focuses on
of cultural events. A home of
open mic nights. You can attend
locally grown ingredients, crea-
"conversation, conviviality
talks on casting advice, or the
ting a menu that changes daily.
and stimulation,” each event’s
monthly literary event 'Books in
You can follow them on social
program is enough to keep even
the Attic,’ hosted by different
media to stay up to date on that
the most intellectually hungry
authors each month covering a
day’s freshly constructed dishes.
truly satisfied. Events ranging
wide variety of topics. Evenings
A particularly lovely touch is the
from creative design and film to
where poetry and stand up
record player and accompanying
literature and poetry, to politics
comedy go head to head are also
collection of vinyl for customers
and start up advice, it’s the
a highlight in this one- of-a-kind
to browse and play. They even
perfect place to see if you fancy
venue.
operate a 'bring your own vinyl’
enjoying a poetry slam with your
policy, so you can post up and
pint.
Hackney Picturehouse
enjoy your own soundtrack while
270 Mare Street
dining. Nice!
The Proud Archivist, 2-10
London, United Kingdom
Hertford Road, London, N1 5ET
0871 704 2068
Duck Soho Soup
020 3598 2626
41 Dean Street, London, W1D4PY 020 7287 4599
• 13
LE BON COFFEE
The Store, coffee around the corner
When I asked Antonio why he decided on Roman Road as the location for his latest project, his response was prophetic, “I had a dream about Roman Road. I knew then, that it would be a great road.” A delightful little cafe, The Store is certainly taking Roman Road in the direction Antonio envisaged.
boast about an actual off-the-
With its combination of excellent
street garden?
coffee, a much-needed chill
Perhaps its most exciting
space and an exciting expansion
feature is the basement, with
project with huge potential, The
the beautiful cast-iron spiral
Store is truly adding something
staircase in the centre of the
new to this ever-changing area.
cafe’s front room tempting
Pop in to meet Antonio and the
you to descend and explore. A
rest of the team! Be sure to
pop-up record store currently
check out their Facebook page
Serving one of the best
graces The Store’s basement
as well for details of upcoming
Macchiatos in the borough, The
floor once a month and a red
in-store events.
Store’s affable team provides
bull-sponsored UAL fine art
- LUKE HARWOOD
a location of real majesty
exhibition is coming up. Antonio
while distributing great value
clearly has ambitious ideas for
produce, all within the hustle
this interesting space. With plans
and bustle of the transforming
to acquire the building next
world around it. Come inside
door to expand and create an
and you’ll find a bar laden with
even larger subterranean room,
fresh fruit & vegetables, next to a
a permanent record store will
teasing array of home-made pies,
feature a literal ‘underground’
pastries and all things sweet. How
venue for musicians and other
many cafes in East London can
artists to perform.
• 14
The Store 65 Roman Road, E2 OQN London, United Kingdom Mon - Sun: 07:00-20:00 07903569782 twitter.com⁄thestorecoffee facebook.com⁄thestoregallery
LE BON SALON
Pimps and Pinups Special care for fussy hair
Having a bad hair day? Don’t know where to go to get a total hair makeover? There is one place in London where you can’t go wrong. I guarantee, that Pimps and Pinups in Spitalfields, is exactly what you are looking for.
like environment and get ready
styling to make it look un-styled.”
for a fun experience, with lots of
It is the same for men, for beards
colourful lights, loud rock music,
and moustaches
a chatty team topped off with a
are not going anywhere yet.
glass of wine or a bottle of beer.
Pimps and Pinups’ doors are
As Bob admitted himself, “It
open to everyone, from fashion
keeps the party going,” and we
kids and stay at home mums to
couldn’t agree more. Don’t get
businessmen and women who
misled by their name
work for the law firms. Now it
– you are still welcome, even
is your turn to get your hair
Just five years ago, the two
if you are not a true 50’s fan.
properly pimped!
Australian owners were making
Located in Spitalfields market,
For prices and more info, check
plans to move back to Australia
right between the City and
their website:
and in need of someone to look
Shoreditch, Bob’s team
pimpsandpinups.com
after their place. They found
has became extremely skilled
super smiley manager Bob, not
at pretty much any hairstyles:
even a hairdresser at the time,
from classic, businessy styles
ended up finding the shop new
to to all kind of crazy colours and
life!
asymmetric cuts. But, if you want
The salon is much different from
to look really cool next season,
all the other ones in London.
go for long and natural hair. Trust
Forget about the minimal, spa-
Bob for he said, “It takes a lot of
- MALGORZATA JACYGRAD
Pimps and Pinups 14 Lamb Street, E1 6EA, London Opening hours: 10am - 8pm weekdays and 10am - 6pm weekends
• 15
LE BON FLASHBACK
That Shit Kray
Feared by many but charmed by more, the Kray twins of 1950s Bethnal Green casted a long shadow in East London a mere thirty years ago. The terraced streets of Bethnal Green and the surrounding neighbourhoods that were once under the Krays’ control, pose a very different picture as the hip mecca it is today.
• 16
Unlike their movie star Mafia
local communities. Many believed
counterparts in America, East
they kept the streets safer
London’s infamous gangster
through their extensive networks.
twins Ronnie and Reggie Kray
During the Krays’ heyday they
courted publicity and have
regularly rubbed shoulders with
remained cemented in pop
the hottest actors and musicians
culture as urban legends. From
of the era, all in the blatant face
ruling their notorious ‘Firm’ and
of constant police surveillance.
numerous underground clubs and
Photographed by David Bailey
nightspots across the East and
(above) and nowadays the subject
West end, to running riot with
of numerous books and films,
celebrities and politicians alike
even Ray Davies warned (or salu-
in the Swinging Sixties, the twins
ted?), “Don’t forget the Krays...
still live on in the arts (thanks Jay
the very dangerous Krays.”
Z?!). Even in 2015, over a decade
Just how Ronnie and Reg-
after Reggie - the last surviving
gie managed to walk the line
Kray - died, opinions remain
between life-imprisoned murde-
polarised on the true nature of
rers to hyped-up London legends
the twins and their dealings. They
is a testament to how murky the
veer between disgust at their
waters are surrounding the Kray
gruesome gangster underworld,
family and their story. So don’t
to the other side of the spectrum
forget the Krays... yet.
as pseudo ‘protectors’ of their
– NATASHA DAVID
EURO ACCOUNTING
L’EPICERIE 56
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Want a good french wine or olive oil for a bargain? Bring your bottles and fill them up! 56 Chatsworth Road, Lower Clapton, E5 0LS Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 7.30pm Saturday Sunday from 8.30am to 6.30 pm www.lepicerie56.com
UBER - LE BONBON
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Sign up and take a drive. £20 off!
The only restriction would be to reserve in advance
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PIMPS & PINUPS
ÂŁ5 lunch for two!
Hair salon
Canteen
www.pimpsandpinups.com
13 Bradbury street - London, N168GN
0207 426 2121
LE BONBON WANTS YOU
VINVIXEN
Drink responsibly
Come with you mate: buy yours, get his free.
Want to be a part of Le Bonbon adventure? Writers, photographers, graphic designers and eccentric sales men - Send us a few words hello@lebonbon.co.uk
A free tasting glass of the latest discovery on your next visit - while supplies last
450 Kingsland Road, E8 4AE. Transport: Dalston Junction, Dalston Kingsland www.vinvixen.com 07723 720851 Monday - Thursday 2-8pm, Friday & Saturday 2-10pm, Sunday - by appointment
LE BON WALL
Allô London ici Paris ! Va falloir s'y mettre !
Sound of da police! Yeah they make a
Gohu la milf I make
hell of a noise.
City !
you love from Ldn
" Give me some sugar baby " Sam Raimi - Army of Darkness (1992) but also a street Bonbon fan the other day craving for his free mag.
Le Bonbon is happy to bring sweetness in your life. If you want to publish an ad here, drop us a line! contact@lebonbon.co.uk
Happy birthday my Anna, can’t wait to see you !
Please help us with a Pint and a Prayer..
Paoli, dear old chap, I miss you. Good luck with your project !
Thanx Catherine for your help and your support!
Join me on these Future Islands baby.
were only beautiful girlzzzz my vvvvriend !!!
My love, thanks for the roses on my doorstep. A pity they were yellow.
Tokho, I hope your safety jacket proved useful !
Yesterday I went to a museum. Hey man you know what? There
Sometimes I look at trees and I think: 'They seem nicer when filled with flowers...' #springiscoming
Ohhh, and that’s a bad miss.
• 21
Luke Harwood Text
LE BON ARTISAN
Pictures
Marguerite Gaudin
Barn the Spoon On the border between the London Boroughs of Hackney and Tower Hamlets, amongst the chicken shops, bingo halls and strip-clubs, you’ll likely find Barnaby Carder. Otherwise known as Barn the spoon can be spotted in the front of his shopcome-workshop, with an axe in one hand and something between a hunk of wood and a spoon in the other.
corner freshly cut lengths of
faces. Barn smiled, “the reason
sycamore and cherry are stacked
everyone is working so hard is
waiting followed by Barnaby him-
because really they’re panicking.
self sitting at the centre of the
Life is too easy, you wake up and
action, whittling away, surroun-
all the basics are there: warmth,
ded by tools and wood shavings.
food, running water. What else
At journey’s end, beautifully
do they have to do except work
crafted spoons of all shapes and
really hard?”
sizes hang on the wall, price tags attached.
While the pace and concrete of London life might not be totally
Whilst this may seem an
suited to Barn and his need for
unlikely location for a man that
wood-culture, he doesn’t reject
spent three years wandering
it. “It’s important not to be a
the woods with just his back-
hypocrite,” and so he embraces
pack and tools, the shopfront’s
the ‘hypocrisy’ of craftsmanship
Surrounded by a growing mound
proximity to Stepney City Farm
within the context of modern city
of wood shavings that “the pigs
(where Barnaby teaches a spoon
existence. “This is my favourite
at the farm really like digging in,”
carving class once a month) has
tool bag, I’m not sure why except
Barn spends between 20 minutes
made Barn’s London life just
that I like its functionality,” he
and two hours on a spoon, wor-
about acceptable for him. The
said as he held up one of those
king quickly with the confidence
juxtaposition between Barn’s
bright orange Sainsbury’s ‘bag
of a master craftsman, “If I was a
wood-culture haven and the
for life’ bags, the one with the
painter,” he told us, “I wouldn’t
busy Hackney road becomes
smiling elephants on it.
do photo-realism.”
dramatically apparent as a red
He insisted, “it’s important
double decker pulls up outside
to provide the story of the
the shop and a coach-load of
spoon,” and his shop reflects
weary rush hour faces peer in. A
this concept. The literal journey
mixture of wonder and bewil-
is visible to passers by: in one
derment plays out across their
• 22
Barn the Spoon 260 Hackney Road, London E2 7SJ 07950 751811 barnthespoon.com
• 23
Anna Jacobsen Text
LA BONNE EXPO
Pictures
Pascale Marthine Tayou
Pascale Marthine Tayou “I make art because I think about the world, I ask myself who we are, what it is we do, and what consequences that has for humanity. That is BOOMERANG. We are all boomerangs.” -Pascale Marthine Tayou
photography, painting and site-
from the ceiling and handcrafted
specific installations compete
crystal figures oh and a ceiling
for attention. Walk in and be
full of plastic bags. Coton Tige is
greeted by the tranquil sound of
a huge spiky cotton-wool cloud,
birdsong and the calming smell
referring to Europe’s complica-
of hay. However, this exhibition is
ted colonial history and striking
no walk in the park (well it’s kind
traditions comprises a collection
of in the middle of the park but
of hanging objects, from gold
anyway) as it deals with issues as
spayed brushes to crystal masks
diverse as slavery, national iden-
and diamond shapes (symbolizing
Smack dab in the middle of Hyde
tity, beauty, the mundane and
the controversial gem industry).
Park, nestled between curious
our relationship with the familiar,
tourists, amorous couples,
the foreign and the environment.
Exploring mysterious human forms, fantastical beasts, alluring
dedicated joggers, pigeons and slightly obese urban squirrels
A fascinating, multi-talented
magic and the social responsi-
lies the Serpentine Gallery.
and self-taught artist, Pas-cale
bility of the artist, Tayou has
Well technically it’s actually two
Marthine Tayou was born
created a unique visual language,
galleries, (about five minutes
in Cameroon but now lives in
investigating paradoxes of
walk apart) with the Sackler wing
Belgium. Boomerang is his first
modern life and our relationship
being the newest addition to the
solo London show and mixes
to one another as well as our
renowned cultural space. Desig-
work made especially for the
natural environment.
ned by über architect Zaha Hadid
Serpentine with Tayou’s signature
in 2013, it has quickly become
use of found and made objects
one of London’s most popular art
as well as traditional African
venues.
crafts. Exploring the paradoxes of modern life, artworks on display
Opened earlier this month and
include Africonda, a hundred
running till May 17th, Boomerang
meter long multicoloured snake
by Pascale Marthine Tayou is an
made out of cloth, wood, plastic,
explosion of colour, texture and
glass and consumer waste, as
sound- a multidimensional tech-
well as knotted petrol pumps, an
nicolour world where sculpture,
upside down house suspended
• 24
Pascale Marthine Tayou Serpentine Sackler Gallery West Carriage Drive, Kensington Gardens London, W2 2AR + 44 20 7402 6075 serpentinegalleries.org 4 March- 17 May Tuesday- Sunday: 10am-6pm
• 25
LE BON COCKTAIL
If Ed Miliband was a cocktail: the Virgin Lefty
A thinker more than a doer, Ed Miliband could have been a successful academic but no, he went for average Labour leader instead. Why, oh why, Ed?
in Gordon Brown, somewhere
Shake all that and you have a
left of whatever Blair's New
Virgin Lefty:
Labour was. He was Brown’s adviser while he was Chancellor
Start with tomato juice: he was
of the Exchequer. But in 2002
nicknamed ‘Red Ed’ for being
, Ed decided to go on a gap year
more left-wing than his brother.
to Harvard to find himself. No
Dilute with water: ‘Red Ed’?
His Polish-Jewish-Marxist dad
full moon parties over there, and
Come on.
escaped the Nazis to the UK
sitting around with books while
where he became an acclaimed
feeling powerless against the Iraq
Add lime and ice to pretend it is
intellectual. It's not hard then
war made him crave for more
a drink and not some sort of cold
to imagine young Ed as the
action. That’s it: he was going to
soup.
desperately serious, always
be a real politician! Problem is,
sober, annoyingly political Oxford
that meant starting his own Greek
You can delude yourself into
student he was - obsessed with
tragedy: in 2010, he ran for party
thinking you’re having real
the state of the Left instead of
leader against his brother David-
cocktail, but you know something
getting drunk and naked like a
hello awkward family meals!
isn’t right. You don’t believe in it.
truly devoted student. He is still
The two Oxford alumni shared
You feel that a crucial element
rarely seen drinking alcohol and
the same ambition, but only one
is missing. Something exciting,
seems to be the guy who orders
Miliband would be King of the
that you look for in a cocktail.
a sparkling water while you’re on
Left. Ed was the chosen one. His
Alcohol? Charisma? New ideas?
your third pint.
first election as PM contender will
Just give us a drop of that,
be this 7th May. Ah, the angsty
please, Ed!
He branched out from Daddy’s
excitement of the first time! Just
radical views and found a mentor
try and enjoy it, Ed!
• 26
- SOPHIE GUIBERT
LE BON COCKTAIL
If David Cameron was a cocktail: the Champagne Conservative
David Cameron may be the youngest UK Prime Minister ever, but he is also a surprisingly uninspired and uninspiring one. Judge for yourself.
His political rise has been short
So what cocktail do we have
and sweet. Fresh out of Oxford,
here? Let’s call it a Champagne
young David helped to write
Conservative:
Thatcher’s speeches. He quickly switched to the private sector
Start with gin: the most British of
to make tons of money - I mean,
all alcohol. His family has been
to be Head of Comms of Carlton
in Britain basically since this
David is a pure product of the
Media Group, sorry. He returned
island detached itself from the
UK’s all mighty privileged class:
to politics as MP for Witney in
continent.
all shine and no grit. Although
2001 and became the party
Add champagne: posh boy and
the rumor says he smoked a joint
leader in 2005. So when in 2010,
policies for posh people, but you
in the 1980s - badass, Dave! -,
the Tories won with the help of
can’t help wanting some.
his idea of being rock’n’roll was
the Lib-Dems - who, as we now
Top up with club soda: classic
to rampage restaurants as part
all know, are suicidal - tada!
and unimaginative, but does the
of Oxford’s infamous Bullingdon
Dave became Prime Minister. He
trick. Add orange zest: you think
Club for posh boys. But please,
promised big changes and oh,
it might go well with the rest, but
pay your respects: our Prime
has he delivered! Increase in
it just doesn’t work - like the Lib-
Minister has royal blood. He is
university tuition fees, NHS and
Dem and Tory coalition.
the descendant of King William
benefits cuts, rise of UKIP and
IV, a distant cousin of the Queen
euroscepticism. Yay, thanks Dave!
All in all, a cocktail that does the
herself and of course, his wife is
job but is disappointing, doesn’t
a Baroness.
taste of much and leaves you with a bad hangover. But the end might be near... Cheers, Dave! - SOPHIE GUIBERT
• 27
Natasha David Advertorial
LE BON GIN
Pictures
License free
Butler’s Gin Designed for life Ross William Butler is a man on a mission, and that mission is to share his hand-crafted gin with the world. Often found cruising the East London waterways abroad his vessel Fletcher, Ross started Butler’s Gin out of a lifelong love of beautiful design.
and taste-testing on willing
and endearing business stance
neighbours until settling on the
that makes Butler’s even more
distinctive combination of car-
special. It truely is a lovechild
damom and lemongrass, which
of Ross’ passion for beautiful
defines his product.
design and a desire to nurture and encourage other young
The focus for Butler is his per-
businesses in the Hackney com-
sonal and hands-on approach to
munity.
the business, with every bottle made to order and hand signed.
In between mentoring Hackney’s
Top of Ross’ priority list is appre-
entrepreneurs and hand scribing
ciation and enjoyment. Ross hand
bottle labels Ross kindly let us in
Coming from a background in
delivers for each new client and
on a few of his favourite London
web design Ross began his gin
introduces his product, ensuring
gems to explore (with or without
journey in order to produce a
there’s a face firmly behind his
gin in hand):
“design for life,” going from a
Victorian-embossed name. Even
day job of constantly updating
more than his personal invest-
and reworking ephemeral digital
ment in the gin business, Ross
products, to slowing things down
spends at least one day a week
and producing a finished product
giving advice to friends and
- citing the humble shoe horn as
fellow startups in order to pass
an example of a similar design
on some of the wisdom that he
success. ’The Butler’ of this small
has acquired. “Maybe to around
batch, hand signed gin, produced
200 people, it’s important for me
in the depths of Hackney Wick,
to help spread the thanks for the
created his beautiful drink after
help I received when I started
years of experimenting. Learning
out.” It’s this utterly refreshing
• 28
Ace Hotel, Shoreditch - Best martinis in town - gin of course! Wilton’s Music Hall, Aldgate the best place to “hideaway in a hole and drink” Clutch Chicken, Hackney Road Delicious chicken and a brilliant cocktail bar in the back
• 29
LE BON MYSTIC
Aries As usual, your go-getter attitude will lead you to
Cancer A pigeon will initiate a very important story. On
make some reckless decisions, you crazy kid. Calm
a Tuesday morning this urban bird that we all
down pal, there’s no need to hurry, you will have to
know too well will try to attack you. As soon as
make a big choice this month as the stars recom-
this happens go take shelter in the first café you
mend you to think before you act. Why don’t you try
will find. Order a tall Mocha topped with whipped
these natural relaxing pills on sale at H&B? You’re
cream. Take a sit with a view on the front door. Wait
thinking it’s a scam, huh? Ok ok, we don’t blame
approximately 6 minutes 19 seconds and you’ll see
you. But come on man, make an effort. What about
your soul mate entering the place. If you’re already
yoga? It’s a very good way to improve your flexibility
married it might be your partner. If not ask yourself
that can be useful in some circumstances, you
the right questions.
know. Just saying.
Taurus
Leo
With spring arriving, your favorite season is here.
Could you please stop acting like the king of the
With all the blooming nature flourishing around, you
world? Ok, thanks to Venus and its beneficial align-
are feeling in a bubbly spirit. Capture this feeling
ment with the sun (your leading planet) you got the
and creativity and paint a picture, bake a cake,
mojo all month. Nobody will be able to resist you.
make a mix tape, and maybe pass it on. But don't
This is the time to take your hot new neighbour out
get too ahead of yourself as you know the weather
for a date, or that cute guy at work you’ve been
can still be unpredictable, and you don't want that
fancying for ages. And don’t worry, if you end up
storm to come by. Keep calm and listen to the birds
getting blown off, we’ll be there to hold your hand
tweet and follow that eagle in the sky.
(and to maybe laugh). But you won’t. We all know that.
Gemini
Virgo
With a Zodiac that sounds like a Disney cartoon,
Mercury emanations will provide powerful support
you can only have a great time in April. Cause Ohh
to you dear Virgos! April might even be the best
Apriiiil Day, Oh Apriiiil Dayyy (on the air of Happy
month of the year, considering all the hardships
Day). ‘Nonsense’ I can hear you say. Yeah, maybe. To
you have overcome lately. Relationships will be
be honest, we know that Mars will enter your sign on
easier to deal with, at work and at home. Single, you
the 4th of April, and from now on your life is gonna
might encounter love on your path, so keep an eye
be a mess, you will argue with your friends about
open. Keep the other eye on business, for a lifetime
stupid things and may get into trouble at work. We
opportunity might knock on your door around the
just didn’t want to make you sad, sorry...
13th! Anyhow, virgos, you ought to stay openminded to what April will bring you, for it will be a month to remember.
• 30
Libra
Capricorn
A shiny month is waiting for you. If you can sing
The beginning of the month might greet you with
along with the birds it will be even shinier. Leave all
great opportunities at work. You have good ideas,
your warm winter garments away. You will feel on
and you know it. Be careful though, stubborn
fire so much you could go working undressed. If you
people tend to end hitting the wall of shame! Keep
do so you have a great chance to get an appraisal. It
smiling and your entourage might follow you in
will be a double-edged decision. You might get fired
your clever enterprises. Around the 18th, couples
if your boss didn’t appreciate your boldness (or your
beware, for an attractive creature is about to show
body?). Keep your self-confidence. It will be much
up. Keep a leash on your lover... Singles, keep your
needed.
hormones in check, the second half of April is
gonna be wild!
Scorpio
Aquarius
Keep cool Scorpios, for April is gonna be your
You free spirit! You think you can fly, but you’ll
month! The exclusively positive positioning of Mars
trust us as we lead you into the wild. Though you're
and Saturn will bring you strength and energy.
usually not into nature you'll find a beautiful nice
No matter how hard your competitors are gonna
scented flower. You'll just go with the flow and go
strike, your shell won’t crack! You are mentally and
with her. Don't go too fast though if you don't want
physically on top. Love, however, might be a bit of
the little flower getting too furious. You'll have a hell
a struggle in April, for your overconfidence might
of a month. Enjoy yourself butterfly.
frighten any unprepared partners... Keep calm, and your tails in, Scorpios!
Sagittarius
Pisces
Hop on your horse Sagittarius, for Venus is in dan-
The stars have an explicit plan for you. Next month,
ger! Mmmh, actually, you’re half a horse, so stay as
jupiter, planet of spontaneity, will reign over your
you are... and Venus is in danger, but it might be a
sign and cause you to do some crazy stupid stuff.
bit far for your bow to reach. Actually, your planet-
You might tell your boss to fuck off, have sex with
exalt will provide you with pure energy in April.
your partner in public, or try to play with people’s
Business will flow, love will grow, and if you make
beards like that guy online. Before you surrender to
the right decisions, the stars will simply make you
your uncontrollable temptations, be aware that eve-
glow. Single, you will benefit from the sexual energy
rything you do will have consequences. Like ending
of Mars, taking over Venus, at the end of the month.
up in jail for exhibitionism or being fired. Ha-hem...
Get the hell out!
Pisces and love, folks.
• 31
LE BON SNAPSHOT
• 32
SPRING IS IN THE AIR
© MARGUERITE GAUDIN
• 33
LA BONNE LADY
Lexi Rose Text
Picture
Domitille Haffner
The Adventures of Lady Bonbon Dear diary, Don't you just hate bitches?
the group my best smile, even
really trashy.” She finished.
though her icy glare was making
Oh.
me crumble inside. She dried her hands on a paper
Last night, I went to meet some friends at Dream Bags Jaguar
Mr Handsome moved up so I
towel and swanned towards the
Shoes on Kingsland Road for a
could sit beside him, even though
door. As I watched her leave I
few drinks. All of my favourites
this meant I had Bitch-head to
saw my moment of glory! Her
were there including my beloved
the left... to the right... I had
skirt was tucked into her opaque
Mr Handsome who was sitting
Mr Right. However, Bitch-head
tights. I smirked to myself. I
there looking as handsome as
managed to spend the whole
relished at the thought of her
ever. Perhaps tonight would be
evening chatting up Mr Hand-
standing in full view of Mr Hand-
the night we’d finally get it on...?
some. She even ended up using
some with her skirt caught up in
me as
her hosiery. Oh the joy! This is
But as I approached the table
a human leaning board while she
exactly why we shouldn’t wear
there she was. Yes diary, Bitch-
flirted incessantly across my lap.
tights!
that it might be mean to call
Later, in the bathroom I tried to
But I caught myself before I got
her Bitch-head. But she's the
calm myself down. I took a deep
too carried away and ran after
worst kind of bitch in the world.
breath as I reapplied my make-
her. Just before she got back
The kind that slowly chips away
up. I was going to be the bigger
to our group I snuck up behind
at you until you realise you feel
person. I am a lady and will do
her and gently tugged her skirt
utterly shit about yourself for no
as a lady does... with the utmost
back down. She turned to me,
apparent reason.
class. The cubicle door behind
looked at me as if I was a massive
me swung opened and Bitch-
pervert and walked away without
head emerged.
saying anything.
head was there. I did consider
"Aren't you cold?" Bitch-head piped up.
“You really don’t need to wear
But I went home with my head
When I left the house earlier I did
make-up...” she said to my utter
held high dearest diary. I maybe
wonder if it was too cold for my
surprise and delight.
many things, but a Bitch- head I will not be.
legs to be out. But I thought fuck it and departed my boudoir with
How sweet of her! Yours,
proudly naked legs. Now I was regretting my choice. I flashed
• 34
“... it always makes girls look
Lady Bonbon
• 35
LES BONNES ADDRESSES
L’EPICERIE 56
OUI MONSIEUR
56 chatsworth Road, Lower Clapton
182 Stoke Newington Road/ Junction Amhurst Road
E5 0LS
London N16 7UY
020 7503 8172
020 3674 2967
VINVIXEN
PETER TUCK INN
450 Kingsland Road
13 Bradbury street
E8 4AE
N168GN
077 2372 0851 PIMPS & PINUPS LUREM
14 Lamb Street
138 Bethnal Green
London E1 6EA
E2 6DG
020 7426 2121
020 8127 8338 THE STORE FIKA
65 Roman Road
161 Brick Lane
E2 0QN
E1 6SB 020 7613 2013
BARN THE SPOON 260 Hackney Road
WILLIAM CHESHIRE
E2 7SJ
14 Broadway Market, Hackney,
079 5075 1811
London E8 4QJ 020 7249 6159
• 36
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