Le Bonbon - London - December 2015 by Le Bonbon

MERRY XMAS

Décember 2015 - n° 09 - www.lebonbon.co.uk

Photographe : Flavien Prioreau www.ﬂavienprioreau.com ﬂavienprioreau@hotmail.com Assistante : Laure Chichmanov Modèle : Christine

EDITO

December is upon us. The days are shorter. The night now falls at around 4pm, and if you’re forgetful enough to miss out on wearing gloves, a sharp pain rapidly seizes the tip of your ﬁngers as you step out of the house. Founder Jacques de la Chaise

Yes, Winter is here but let’s welcome Him with open arms.

Director Charles Guillet

Attacks in Paris have left us shocked, appalled and heartbroken.

Sales director Vuk Levkovic

But our brothers from all around the world — even our frenemies since

Editor

times immemorial, the Brits — sang the Marseillaise from the same hymn

Alice Tchernookova

sheet. And we shall not forget our friends from Beirut, Bamako, or Tunis

Graphic designer

either.

Gaëlle Lepetit Contributors Carla Salber, Valentin Vignaud,

That said, let’s chin up and focus on life, love, music, food and all the good things that make your heart beat faster!

Sonny Syah, Marion Garnier, Charlotte Hermans, Ben Harvey,

And thank f***, the end of year celebrations are here to cheer us all up.

Neus Serena, Chloe Hunt, Chiara Genta, Anissa Boumachouene

In this month’s issue, we aimed at ﬁnding the best gift ideas for you and your loved ones.

Photographers Arielle Tapper ariellelucettephotography.com

Feeling cold? Wrap yourself up warmly with some woollen wonders coming straight out of Wolsey’s cupboard.

Amel Mahfouf amelmahfouf.com Alejandra Carles – Tolra

Looking for something quirky and original? Go for Concept Store Y’s duckhead umbrellas or animal and fruit-themed jewellery.

alejandractr.com Contact us

And if that’s still not enough, head to Choi’s to ﬁnd the perfect custom-

hello@lebonbon.co.uk

made jewellery, visit Balibart to pick some unique prints that will ﬁt

Le Bonbon Limited

your newly refurbished living room, or pop into Mero Retro to unearth

3 Stanford Mews

the perfect vintage dress for New Year’s Eve.

Dalston Lane London - E8 1JA

Wishing you all a great month, full of life, insouciance, and 'joie de vivre', as we say back on the other side of the Channel.

Advertising and enquiry Vuk@lebonbon.co.uk 079 8365 1644 Charles@lebonbon.co.uk 079 8365 1643

Toodeloo, Bonboners! Alice Tchernookova

PUSH

Only £20 for a standard bicycle service (instead of £40 !)*

Bicycles - Repairs - Accessories Please book ahead on - Phone: 020 7249 1351 Email: info@pushcycles.com 35C Newington Green - London l N16 9PR Code : Scream ‘Bonbon’ when coming in and beneﬁt from the offer ! *Wheels, brakes, gears and more.

THE RESTORATION

10% off home furnishings

Vintage furniture & home accessories Phone: 07990 573889 Email: sophie@the-restoration.com Unit 1 Bouverie Mews, 2 Bouverie Road, - London | N16 0AJ

CONTENTS

2015

Mero Retro

Haunt

Concept Store Y

The interview : Steve Lawler

Make a perfect choice at Choiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s!

Residence

Appestat

Le bon Look

LE BON TIMING

Winterville: Christmas cuisine and merry markets for every taste Winterville returns to the capital for a snowstorm of attractions and wondrous events. The festive town pops-up once again for a month-long event, showcasing the best street food, craft beers, hot cocktails and alternative markets, welcoming Londoners

ANALOG NYE 2015 at Scala

and visitors to the capital through its gates.

Returning for a second year, Analog NYE

Winterville is a free event however, if you are

will be taking over north London's music

looking for more, check out www.winterville.

institution Scala. Championing a forward-

co.uk where you can purchase tickets to

thinking approach to programming, Analog

special attractions including the Ice Rink,

NYE will showcase the most exciting, fresh,

Circus, Backyard Cinema and the Spiegeltent.

home-grown talent. Keeping the focus on

When: 26th November - 23rd

music, Analog NYE offers a night of sonic

December 2015

adventure to start 2016 with a bang.

Where? Victoria Park

How much? Tickets start at just £15 Where? Scala, N1 9NL

LWE NYD 2016 PRESENTS: Dream Don’t Sleep at Tobacco Dock Following the huge success of their previous two New Years Day parties, London Warehouse Events are expecting to start 2016 on a whole new level. Having recently celebrated Halloween with their monstrous ‘Drumcode’ party party which saw Adam Beyer deliver an incredible techno marathon, LWE look set to move into the new year with strong momentum and one hell of a celebration. Line up: Maceo Plex, Âme, Anja Schneider, Adam Beyer, B Traits, Bicep, Citizenn, Ejeca + many more! How much? £35 Where? Tobacco Dock, E1W 2SF

LE BON SPOT Text Sony Syah Photos Arielle Tapper

Mero Retro An Ethos For Eastern Flair The word ‘vintage' gets thrown about alot in London...

Bradbury St, who would have

the rows of thick winter coats,

thought they'd ﬁnd themselves

quality shirts, scarves, hand-

amongst a treasure-trove of

beaded sequin party dresses and

quality vintage kimonos; hand-

soft blouses the couple tells me

We Londoners like to think of

crafted Nepalese jewellery

the stock is constantly rotating.

ourselves as cutting-edge when

and statuettes; handmade

So, unlike other vintage stores in

it comes to all things vogue. In

Italian leather cardholders,

London, it’s unlikely that you’ll

our fast-paced and cut-throat

walllets, belts and bracelets,

see the same garments on the

environment new trends seem

created from handbag off-cuts;

racks should you pop in every

to be belly-up as quick as they

sunglasses from discontinued

week.

were in. Precisely this throwaway

ranges; vintage boots & heels

culture has lead Sanju and Ro to

and Japanese vintage items...

I couldn't help but mention to

set up Mero Retro (literally 'My

all within a glorious mid-price

Sanju and Ro that they deﬁnitely

Retro' in Nepalese) here in east

range and sourced with Sanju's

have a good thing going on.

London. But wait! Before you say:

conscious mindset of a lighter

Be sure to pass by if you're in

'Oh no, not another vintage shop

ecological and ethical footprint.

Dalston and I'm sure you'll agree, Mero Retro is a welcome oasis in

in Dalston!' let me tell you friends that this is where the similarities

With an online store in the works

end. This local couple have

at meroretro.com, a personal

cultivated an eclectic collection

shopping & styling service, plus

of unique items that reﬂect their

their signature adjustments and

heritage from Bhutan and Nepal.

alterations service, Mero Retro is perfect for those seeking niche

A mere hop, skip and jump from

items with an attention to quality

Dalston Kingsland Station on

and detail. And browsing through

a vast vintage wasteland.

Mero Retro 2 Bradbury St London N16 8JN Phone: 020 7686 6807 Phone: 020 7686 6807 meroretro.com

LE BON RESTO Text Ben Harvey Photos Arielle Tapper

Haunt Eat, sip, dance oﬀ the beaten track The dividing wall in the centre of Haunt is made of a deep, dark grain wood and through its doorway there is a thirty-seater restaurant space, an open kitchen and wall-sized windows so that guests can engage with the outside world and vice versa. As you enter the space there is a collection of comfortable, late modern style chairs, sofas and coﬀee tables.

enterprise, over a quality coffee,

and cold dishes : vegetarian,

it is calm and warm, both

meat and ﬁsh, again a move

comfortable and homely - blues

toward working in threes: “It

music plays over the speakers.

was something that the designer

Alex paints a picture for me,

said to me whilst we were talking

“At night from where we’re sat,

about what we might do here,

looking through the dividing wall

she said that things look good in

at the restaurant space, it is

odd numbers. The number three

dark but lit by candles and full of

just made sense with what we

people in deep conversation.”

wanted to do.”

The concept of Haunt is fairly

Alex, who had been working

simple and the design of the

in nightclubs before setting

space reﬂects its three-fold

up Haunt, which conﬁdently

concept: a bar, a restaurant

opened on November Friday

You’d be forgiven for not being

and an events venue. From the

13th, believes that its location,

able to place Haunt in terms of

bar, guests can lounge with a

just a little off the beaten

a speciﬁc theme or style. Mixed

sophisticated cocktail, a glass

track of Stoke Newington High

between an open Texan smoke-

of wine or a draught beer.

Street, is a positive thing. With

out with a more European-

Each of the sections on the

a programme of events each

inspired decor, hanging plants

intelligent and honest menu,

evening, from live music, DJs,

adorning the chipped ex-tiled

which is constrained by using

comedy, yoga, cabaret, to

back wall, for example. When

only locally sourced ingredients,

working up an appetite with blues

I am there, I sit with Alex the

offers sharing platters, delicious

dance classes, the events space

owner. We talk about the

brunches, composed of hot

downstairs in Haunt is, as the

name might suggest, somewhere

what may be ‘correct’ or ‘right’, I

to be frequented throughout the

get a sense that Alex knows what

week by local people in the area.

people want. At the same time,

“This is what I know the most,

though, an attention to detail with

down here is kind of like my

what is on offer on the ﬁne menu

playground and we have an

shaped from quality products,

exciting program of events

Haunt is there too for the special

booked up through to the middle

occasion, to inspire people from

of February next year.”

across the city to travel to the exciting venue and sit with their

Without being prescriptive to

watch the world go by.

182 Stoke Newington Rd London | N16 7UY Monday - Thursday 12:00 – 11:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

loved ones, friends or family, and

LE BON CONCEPT STORE

Concept Store Y

Discover a colourful Christmas collection

If you’re looking for something special this Christmas, head to Concept Store Y on Brewer Street.

“elegant yet playful,” “bold and

cufﬂinks, chic slippers and shoes

unique,” and wants to step away

(Duke and Dexter’s tassel loafers

from anything too “common” or

are a big hit!), and the perfect

Freshly opened this summer,

“high street.”

New Year’s Eve dress and clutch

the small and cosy shop offers

The shop offers premium quality

bag for you ladies!

a wide, varied and colourful

items and creative designs, all

For this very special period

selection of designer pieces to

within a wide range of prices

of the year, Concept Store Y

match all tastes.

starting from as little as £15 for

wanted to re-create a “fairytale”

jewellery and £35 for clothing.

atmosphere in-store.

Located in vibrant Soho, Concept

For Christmas, Concept Store

Store Y brands itself as a mini-

Y offers a vast choice of quirky

Yifeng’s message is clear: “If

hub that allows talented young

and fun items, such as duckhead

you’re struggling to chose the

designers to express themselves,

umbrellas and animal-themed

right gift this Christmas, come

and showcases some of London’s

unisex rings.

to our store! We have enough

ﬁnest creations.

"The highlight of the collection

stuff to surprise and satisfy

“The space is small, so we only

is most certainly Bill Skinner’s

everyone…”

want the best,” Yifeng, one of the

elegant and romantic jewellery

— Text Alice Tchernookova

shop managers, tells me.

collection, with original pieces

Only a jump away from Carnaby

such as the double-bird

Street, Regent Street and Oxford

necklace, blackberry or snail

Circus, Concept Store Y is

crystal rings, which showcase

careful not to blend in with the

an intricate and breathtaking

neighbouring boutiques. Yifeng

carving."

describes the shop’s style as

Other little gems include men’s

Shop in-store Concept Store Y 57A Brewer Street London W1F 9UL or online at www.conceptstore-y.com

LE BON IDEA

Balibart Get your perfect print

Wazen The spirit of Japanese hospitality

Launched in September 2014, French start-up Balibart is an online platform on which you can buy unique prints at a very aﬀordable price.

A couple of streets away from St Pancras hides one of London’s best openings of 2015. With Wazen, we discover a Japanese cuisine of great refinement but at prices far more wallet-friendly than the Nobu’s and the Zuma’s of the City.

The concept of Balibart is pretty straightforward, but quite revolutionary at the same time. The works on display are all exclusive creations made by professional graphic designers, illustrators

Opened only 2 months ago, Wazen has all the

or art directors who normally work for large

potential to be the next hot ticket in town.

companies such as L’Oreal, Nike

Surrounded by sleek and elegant décor, the food

or other equally big names. “Those people have

is served on striking artisanal plates to be shared

already acquired a certain legitimacy within

amongst the table as in the Japanese tradition.

their ﬁeld, but do not consider themselves as

If the guests are looked after by the charming

‘artists’ per se – we want to offer them a chance

staff, tthe kitchen is taken care by chef Toshimasa

to express themselves differently,” co-founder

Tanahashi who’s got an impressive reputation. The

Maxime explains. The styles you’ll ﬁnd here are very

platters of sashimi’s and sushi’s are so exquisite

eclectic and it is guaranteed that everyone will ﬁnd

that we barely dare to mess them up, but the chef’s

something for their taste, with categories varying

sensitivity also shines through dishes such as “Time

from portraits, landscapes or urban, to Surrealism,

Machine”, a piece of pork belly slowly braised in

Pop Art or Scandinavian, to animals, celebrities,

sake. The high-quality products are selected with

erotic or glamour.

extreme care by the chef, like the scallops directly

All the works are printed on Fine Art paper

sourced in Scotland. With daily specials and an

or Canvas and are the result of an exclusive

ever-changing menu, we are surely expecting some

collaboration between Balibart and the artists.

exciting surprises from Wazen in 2016.

— Text Alice Tchernookova — Text Charlotte Hermans

Go and visit Adrien and Maxime at their pop-up shop inside Old Street Station (Unit 8) between December 8th and December 24th (www.balibart.com)

2 Acton Street London WC1X 9NA www.wazen-restaurant.co.uk 11

LE BON ETOILE Text Carla Salber Photo DR

Steve Lawler Hi Steve! In the documentary

I had to travel to Liverpool to

How has the music scene

“The Art of the DJ,” you open up

meet him in a gigantic ofﬁce

changed over the past 20 years?

very freely about your personal

block with loads of staff

It always changes. I have seen a

journey. Why now?

everywhere. Darren was in a big

few switches in trends. It’s quite

Steve: I really don't know why,

ofﬁce with gold records on the

amusing actually – the way I see

but it’s just the way I am. In

wall! That was the point when I

it is that music repeats itself; it

fact, I can’t stand bullshit, or

thought “shit, this is it,” and it

comes around again and again.

pre-tenders or things being fake.

kind of was really. That was when

But the main thing that really

I put everything into everything

I started to actually earn a living

changed everything - and I mean

I do; I give my all, always have

from playing records.

really everything – in the music industry was the birth of the

done, like the ﬁlm tells really. I just get more from something

You’ve been through tough

digital era. This changed music,

when it’s real. I have seen a lot

times, be it on a personal or

it changed media, it changed

of documentaries and in fact

professional level - did that

communication, promotion

I’m a big fan of ﬁlms that say

change your music in a certain

- it literally changed the way

how things really are. Films that

way?

everything works. In some ways

try to cover up the truth annoy

I guess the answer has to be yes

it was for the better and in some

me. When me and Piers (the

- not that I ever saw that, but I

ways it has become worse. But

director) sat down, the ﬁrst thing

do understand that music and

overall, the change has been for

he said to me was, “I don't want

emotions are very closely linked.

good and I, for one, love “now,”

to write a ﬂuff-ﬁlled egocentric

I know that music was always

and love what the future may

documentary," and my reply was

my answer to every-thing, and

hold. I’m not too nostalgic as

- “good, neither do I”.

it still kind of is really. It seems

a person – I get excited by the

to have the power to change my

new.

When did you start realising that

mood weather it be lifting it or

being a DJ was your job, and no

lowering it. I think that I'm quite a

What’s a typical day in the life of

longer a hobby?

sentimental and dramatic person

Steve Lawler like?

I think around 1997 when Darren

and music acts as my soundtrack

It depends what month we’re

Hughes signed me to Cream.

to life.

in, that’s how I schedule my life

in a way. I spend summer time

of that who keep things running

I want to put together a

touring and traveling with my

things smoothly. All I have to

project of releases by artists

daughters. In the Winter, I take

do now is speak to them at

for someone that passed away

a lot less gigs on and spend time

occasional meetings and approve

recently - someone that was

at home with my family and in my

things like the design, layout etc.

part of the scene for many years

studio writing music. I used to

- but all this is very manageable

and truly loved house music. I want a bunch of artists, including

spend a lot of time taking care of business matters as we have

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next on the list?

myself, to write something in

a management company, record

Back in the studio - I haven't

his memory, and to put it out

label, publishing house, and

been in the studio for over 6

as a product that will be there

events section in the company,

months now, and I'm honestly

forever.

but I now have staff taking care

itch-ing to get back in there.

Thanks, Steve.

LE BON JEWELLERY MAKER

Located on the vibrant Bethnal Green Road, just a few steps away from Brick Lane, jewellery shop, Choi’s is every little (and not-solittle…) girl’s dream place.

derived from her surname and

and friendly feeling to the whole

from the word “choice”) some

place, and, if you’re anything

six months ago, what she had

like me, you'll most deﬁnitely

in mind was to recreate the

appreciate the motivational

atmosphere of a little workshop

notes hung above Yun Hee’s desk,

When I ﬁrst walked in, I suddenly

in the style of Paris’ tiny and

which say “Keep looking, don’t

felt like I was back in the

intimate boutiques which she fell

settle!”, or “Stay hungry, stay

bedroom of my 15-year-old self:

in love with on her ﬁrst visit to

foolish!”…

necklaces hung around, magazine

the capital: “France has a lot of

Finally, if you fancy hanging about

cut-outs on the walls, all sorts of

small boutiques with cute, unique

at the end of your shopping, do

bits and bobs here and there…

jewellery; I felt like this was kind

stay to have a chat with the lovely

At the back of the shop, you’ll

of missing here in the UK,” she

Yun Hee and try out some of her

ﬁnd a selection of pretty much

explains to me. After working for

Korean cup noodles, or have a

anything one can think of to

Topshop, Marks and Spencer and

delicious coffee made with her

make up a necklace or bracelet:

other equally big names, Yun Hee

quirky Korean coffeemaker!

pearls (a small bag costs only

decided she wanted to “have her

(Which she sells too.)

£1), stones, pendants, all sorts of

own thing.” So, after moving here

strings and ropes… I challenge

from China ﬁve years ago, and

Every Tuesday and Wednesday,

you to not be able to ﬁnd what

having studied jewellery making

Yun Hee also organises free

you’re looking for in this genuine

at Poole College down South, she

workshops open to the public.

cave of wonders! Everything in

ﬁnally went for it and set up her

She also rents out a part of the

here is meticulously hand-made

shop on East London’s buzzing

space for pop-up shops!

by Yun Hee herself. On top of

Bethnal Green Road. “It’s always

— Text Alice Tchernookova

offering you her best and ﬁnest

been what I wanted,” says Yun

pieces, she also gives you the

Hee, “it’s always been my dream

opportunity to create your own

job.” Everything in here remains

design, choosing from all the

very affordable, with each

accessories laid around the shop.

pendant costing around £3-£4,

When Yun Hee Choi opened up

and the strings starting from £1.

Choi’s (which, she tells me, is

There is deﬁnitely a very informal

You can reach Yun Hee at choischoibeads@gmail.com Visit her website www.choischoibeads.com Or in person, at Choi’s 226 Bethnal Green - E2 0AA

Make a perfect choice at Choi’s!

LE BON CONCEPT

Residence Coﬀee by day, wine by night,

design always As you enter Residence, tucked between an oﬀlicence and a money exchange bureau in Clapton, you enter a space in which everything can be bought, prepared, digested and experienced.

for having a glass of wine in the

of art studios with practicing

afternoon...”

artists right next door” Andriana

We sat opposite one another,

explains to me. It is not just art

a terrarium between us on the

either but also reading groups,

late modernist style, low-level

performance readings, sound

A swell of European reﬁnery

coffee table, she is sat on a dark

experiments and launches.

oozes from the organised shelves

charcoal grey retro style sofa, I,

Echoing a smart program of

of designed objects. A tinnitus

on an ornate retroﬁt Victorian

events, the menu of wine and

ding rolls from wine glasses, lines

dress chair. On the speakers,

select charcuterie is both

of sweet smelling tea searching

someone that I guess is beautiful

reasonably priced, considering

throughout the room. The rich

sings something effortlessly

its high quality, and consciously

royal blue of the back wall offers

cool. An exhibition of works by

chosen having been hand picked

an opening from which the room

Beatrice Lozza, a local sculptor

from what’s available throughout

extends to a space where a

and recent graduate from the

the seasons locally. Equally

display of local artistic talent is

Royal College of Art, is being

the design of the furniture and

often exhibited. Residence is the

installed and photographed

objects neatly organised around

perfect place for conversation.

behind Andriana. The scene is

Residence is there to be engaged

The café/ wine bar/ design

idyllic and decadent but honest

with, touched, explained and

store, which opened around

and pure as if having been set

perhaps bought. Without

8 months ago, is an outward

up with a deep-set interest and

shouting, the voice of the

looking enterprise. Andriana

where at no point is the place

space rings out about Clapton,

Cassimatis, one of the owners of

complete but rather in constant

something beautiful and genuine

Residence, explains to me over a

motion, ebbing with the cues like

saying ‘here’s some fabulous

glass of sumptuous natural Italian

those offered in some convivial

design, coffee and food, check

white wine, how the space has

exchange. The Lozza show is just

it out!’

a cosmopolitan New York and

one of a program of eclectic

— Text Ben Harvey

European inﬂuence, “If you would

events offered in Residence.

like a cup of coffee at nine in the

“We’re pretty open to display

evening, no one is going to stop

whatever is going on around the

you here and the same applies

area, it’s exciting to have a bunch

130 Upper Clapton Rd, Clapton, Greater London E5 9JY 15

LE BON BURGER

Big Fernand « The French

Just as music was taken by storm by the French Touch, it was only a matter of time before burgers were revolutionised by, what I like to call, the French Bouche.

Bouche »

materials of warm wood and

meat and strong yet ﬂavourful

strong steel. The ﬁrst ﬂoor is a

raclette cheese. A winter winner.

Launched last March just off

gem, with bargain-hunted tables

Le Lucien, their only veggie

Tottenham Court Road, whether

and chairs, an old typewriter and

option, was juicy and meaty (as

you are a working bee from the

a phone with actual, press-able

far as vegetables go) thanks to

nearby creative agencies or a

digits, just like at nana’s.

the well-seasoned Portobello

starving tourist in need of a quick

But before comfortably sitting

mushroom, served piping hot

ﬁx between two shopping sprees,

down in the upstairs sofa, you

in less than 2 minutes. Plus, if

Big Fernand is for you.

must grab yourself one of their

you’re gluten free, you can bring

Big Fernand is not your average

very frenchly named burgers

your own bread. BYOGFB should

Jean. Yes, he proudly wears a

(L’Alphonse, Le Big Fernand of

deﬁnitely become a thing.

moustache; he is obsessed with

course…). Be ready to be va-va-

Big Fernand is simple yet tasty

bread and, indeed, cheese is like

voomed. All the products are

and, unlike many religions, it

a religion to him. I’ll give you that.

fresh and French: the potatoes

respects its pillars to the letter

Like any religion, they have pillars

are peeled every morning in the

with a nice smile under the

— 3 to be precise — consisting of

restaurant; the non-pasteurised

moustache. La vie est belle !

rapidity, a great service and fresh

cheese; and the secret bun

products. And I, like a missionary,

recipe has been passed down

was to put them to test.

directly from the French baker

As soon as you step in, all your

to its English counterpart.

senses are titillated. The setting

Le Bartholomé is a favourite

is welcoming, with reassuring

amongst us with its juicy organic

— Text Anissa Boumachouene

19 Percy Street, London W1T 1DY www.bigfernand.co.uk

BALIBART

BIG FERNAND 15% on all items

Don't miss out!

2 for 1 burger*

The French Burger Workshop

Art prints, gifts and custom design

Phone: 020 7813 2586

Pop-up store inside Old Street station

19 Percy St - London / W1T 1DY

(Unit 8) from Dec 8th until Dec 24th

*any burger on the menu (buy one burger get the same for free) No minimum spend, eat in or take away!

www.balibart.com

AIDA

CHOI’S FREE workshops ticket *

Hey YOU! Come and get a FREE coffee* Jewellery making classes

Menswear. Womenswear. Homeware. Café

Phone: 077 2052 5199 - @ChoiCHois

Phone: 020 7739 2811

226 Bethnal Green Road - London I E2 0AA

133 Shoreditch High St - London | E1 6JE

*Come in with the voucher and beneﬁt from a spot

www.aidashoreditch.co.uk

in one of our class! Workshops all week long .

*For any purchase in store

QUARANTACINQUE

Ceviche . Patty & Bun . Rosa’s Thai and many more!

coffee and sandwich from 11:30 am on for just £5

45 Roman Road, London E2 0HU phone 020 8981 6765 info@quarantacinque.co.uk www.quarantacinque.co.uk twitter: @cafequaranta5 facebook: /cafequarantacinque

CONCEPT STORE Y

www.takeeateasy.co.uk @TakeEatEasy_UK | #takeeateasy

THE MERCANTILE

10% off French brands

10% off in-store*

Phone: 020 7377 8926 Phone: 020 7734 9594

Email: info@themercantilelondon.com

57A Brewer Stree, Soho, London W1F 9UL

17 Lamb Street, Spitalﬂields - London | E1 6EA

www.conceptstore-y.com

www.themercantilelondon.com

*online expiring on 31 Jan 2016 / code CSY15

facebook/mercantilelondon instagram/mercantilelondon

ROUGE

10% off your in-store purchase!

Bright textiles, cool ceramics and colourful Chinese furniture Delivery available on request Phone: 020 7275 0887 158 Stoke Newington High Street - London | N16 7JL

MERO RETRO

FREE Nepali handicraft or £ 20 off *

40 COLORI

FREE wool & cashmere blend scarf!*

Eastern vintage & alterations shop

Italian accessories

Phone: 020 7686 6807

for 'the modern gentleman'

2 Bradbury Street, Dalston - London N16 8JN

www.40colori.com - @40colori

www.meroretro.com

32 Cheshire Street - London | E2 6EH

*purchases above £70 - until 5th of January

*With any purchase over £20 (excluding products on discount)

FRANCESCO PICARDI

WOLSEY

FREE pair of Wolsey socks*

20% OFF*

Phone: 020 7033 9319 bookings@francescopicardi.com 43 Pitﬁeld Street - London | N1 6DA www.francescopicardi.com *Any salon services including Gents & Ladies haircut, also hair colouring services / Offer valid until 31st of December. New customers only.

STRONGROOM BAR & KITCHEN

FREE hot drink with any breakfast!*

Drink, Dine, Dance… Phone: 020 7426 5103 120-124 Curtain Rd - London | EC2A 3SQ *Available from 10am Mon-Fri

Clothing - Knitwear - Jackets and coats Phone: 020 7434 4257 83A Brewer Street London | W1F 0RD *for a minimum of £75 spend

BOTTEGA PRELIBATO

10% discount at lunch time

45 Rivington street, London EC2A 3QB phone 0207 739 4995 info@bottegaprelibato.com www.bottegaprelibato.com

LE BON WALL

Green beanie, blonde hair, Elephant & Castle “Whether you think tube station. You you can, or you looked WONDERFUL. you can't – think Wish I had the chance to ask ur number at

you're right”

Sam, art without you is not the same thing. Come back to me love

least :( Ethan, WHY WON’T U TEXT ME!? 'I thought I had it all together But I was led astray The day you walked away' ti aspetto per ballare amore <3

Viky + Emma = bffs (I told u I'd have this

“When nothing goes right '

posted on

turn LEFT”

Le Bonbon!)

I haven’t been in love many times but there’s one thing I’m sure of: I’m in love with the coco.

MC, Mitja, Vero, Sara, can we throw a massive house party?

Happy birthday cat-la. mapitos&helenos.

moments where you are truly yourself.” :-)

Can’t wait to celebrate our birthdays together Jeanne and Arnaud. Is this real life?

To my Samzeez — Thanks so much for your support and patience these past few months and for saying 'Je le veux !' Jeuh. Your Beanzeez x

Abbey, I won't ever tell you enough: “You would know exactly how bright and beautiful you are if you saw yourself in the

Nassim, any comments from your side or from the Benzemapp on K.B's performance against Barcelona ? He seems to care more about sextapes than nutmegs, right ? K.F

LE BON COFFEE SHOP Text Charles Guillet Photos Arielle Tapper

Appestat Bellies filled. Souls fulfilled. Ever dreamed of a venue that would be coﬀee shop, a pop-up gallery, a concert hall and a working/ chilling space all at once?

too – so we just wanted to put it

encourages them to help each

all together in one place!”

other. It’s more ethical for the

The leonie Londoner and

planet, and for London too.”

the “Jersey boy” - Anneka’s

Thus, the hungry bite into the

nickname for Sarley - embarked

cakes you’ll try will have a taste

upon a gastronomic journey

of Peckham, and the drops of

Well, today is your lucky day!

on October 4th 2014, which

honey you’ll pour in your oh-so-

Cause a charming couple -

Anneka remembers as “the most

rewarding-tea will come straight

Anneka and Sarley - have bent

stressful day” of their lives:

from South West London.

over backwards to open this

“I sliced the tip of my ﬁnger

Now you’ll get why Le Bonbon

multi-faceted jewel, one year

because I was shaking so much…

and Appestat’s spirits are

ago in the heart of Islington.

We’d never done anything like

intertwined.

Appestat is one of the latest

this before!” Luckily enough

A few products are however

additions to the long list of cosy

though, they made it through,

imported from abroad, such as

and tasteful venues located

and Appestat has been up and

French cheeses, Italian olive oil,

on Angel’s intimate and lovely

running ever since. And what

and other delicacies that will

Camden Passage. From a purely

they achieved was to establish a

tickle your palate through subtle

etymological point of view,

locally enhanced coffee house,

tastes from around the world!

Appestat refers to the area of the

with a community vibe that gives

And frankly, we can’t blame them

brain that is believed to regulate

a unique atmosphere.

for fetching those comestible

appetite and food intake. Few of

One of the reasons for this

jewels from right from where

you will care, but bare with the

human success is the thorough

they’re the best. (No froggy ego

psycho-semantic lunatic I am…

care taken by the lovely couple

here, promise!)

But in this peculiar case,

with sourcing. Anneka and Sarley

You need to know as well, that

Appestat is just to be felt as

give absolute privilege to local

not only do they ﬁll our stomachs

a “big explosion of love and

producers for as many of their

with heavenly food, but they also

creativity”. “We both love good

products as possible.

provide our starving minds with

food and good coffee, and

“Functioning this way helps

art, culture and music.

appreciate good music and art

small businesses to grow, and

Every month, the venue mutates

into a pop-up gallery where local

12am, just before he releases

signiﬁcances of the colour blue

artists get to display their work,

his new single “Force of Nature"

and the notion of alternate

and different series of paintings

(08/01/16). The exhibition,

worlds. And if your ﬁngers feel

or drawings are also regularly

entitled "Les Bleus Aléatoires,"

itchy, you can always go and try

hung up the walls in the cafe.

(“the unpredictable blues”)

your hand at the piano standing

This month, Fritz Helder

is an explosive collaboration

in the backroom! What else?

(fritzpop.tv) of Azarii&III will

of art by India Dewar and

be privately launching his solo

Sarm Derbois. Their work is

music project at Appestat’s

fascinating: a pure and beautifully

next exhibition night on Friday

disturbing expression of their

11th December from 8:30pm to

own obsessions, exploring the

Appestat 102 Islington High Street N1 8EG www.appestat.co.uk 27

LE BON LOOK

LADY BONBON Text Charlotte Hermans Photo DR

There are no bad dates, only good brunch stories “Hi Agathe, listen I think we need

accent that is apparently

pina colada ﬂavoured condoms

to talk… It’s not you… But there

irritatingly charming.

to guarantee fun party pants

is this other girl I met at a party

I was ready to discover what it’s

sessions.

and…”

like to be single in London in

O blissful times! Today though

And this is how you ﬁnd yourself

2015, explore the ﬂamboyance

things have changed. I have a

being single after four years of

of British gentlemen ﬂashing

9am till 6pm job and I’d rather

being in a relationship. This is

red socks under dark suits,

not start having to avoid James

when you pack your stuff, call

and about to realize that the

from the ﬁnance department

your mum to say that you’re

rules of elasticity of supply and

because things got a bit out of

going to be around for a few

demand do not only apply only to

hands at the Thursday after work

days, ring up your best friends

potatoes or Bordeaux wines.

drinks. In Paris I would still have

for a night out like in the good

Last time I was single, I was still

friends of friends to meet, with

old days, down too many Tequila

at university and it was the 1.0

the chance of running into the

shots, throw away the cinema

version. In 2009, there were no

potential love of my life or going

tickets of the ﬁrst movie you and

smartphones yet, your friends

on awkward double dates.

him went to see together but

would still upload 142+ photos

In London though, the “friend

keep the earrings he gave you

of drunken you at the last

of a friend” options are quite

for your two-year anniversary,

Halloween party on Facebook, no

meagre. Indeed, the only people

because they’re just too pretty…

photos were ﬁltered of course

I knew in this city before moving

When going through a break-up,

and everyone was dancing to

here were a Scottish guy I met

some girls change their haircuts.

the raunchy beats of “Tonight’s

when I was 18 and backpacking

I prefer to change cities. Two

gonna be a good night” from the

in Australia, a weird cousin

weeks after breaking up, I moved

Black Eyed Peas. Hook-ups, one

that is probably still a virgin

from Paris to London, found a

night stands, or the ﬁt guy from

and who would probably have

new job in advertising and got

sociology class were plentiful

been happier at the time girls

a phone contract with 6GB of

and easy to ﬁnd. When heading

were locked up in convents,

data (this matters more than you

to a student party, you knew that

and Amelia - my mother’s best

think).

the room would be packed with

friend’s daughter. Amelia is

Oh yes, and I have a French

enough hormones, alcohol and

the kind of girl that describes

herself as “the whole package.”

want?”

bickering with Olivier over who

She would be the one on the

Scrambled eggs on sourdough

never remembered to wash

Apprentice show saying that she

bread did sound tempting.

up the dirty dishes, back in

is not a “one trick pony:” MBA

So here we are, sipping on our

California Sean Rad and Justin

at King’s College, well paid job,

lattes on a shiny Sunday morning,

Mateen were developing what

gorgeous ﬂat in South Ken and a

and chewing on some delicious

would become the world’s most

bunch of hot colour-coordinated

scrambled eggs, avocado

important dating app.

blond friends gifted at ﬁnding the

and toast instead of my usual

By October 2014, Tinder was

best selﬁe angle.

croissant and pain au chocolat…

already processing one billion

Though as one says, beggars

“So, how are you Settling down

swipes a day, and by 2015 single

can’t be choosers, I called up

in London Agathe? Found any hot

people had gained considerable

Amelia and asked her if she

London lad yet?” Amelia cheekily

ﬂexibility in their thumb.

would be up for a drink on the

asked.

So by the time our lattes were

following Saturday. I couldn’t

"Well not really, I don’t

emptied, the app was installed

take one more night of “relaxing

know many people here, it’s

on my phone under the guidance

time for myself” - the socially

complicated… I’m just getting

of Amelia, and a whole world

acceptable way to put that I’m

over the break-up with Olivier”.

of dates with hipsters, bankers,

lonely and have no one to share

“Gosh darling! Don’t they have

stoners, architects and other

my open bottle of Sauvignon

Tinder in Paris? Download the

aspiring artists was opening itself

Blanc with. Amelia replied “Oh

app, put a few cute pictures up

up before me.

sorry lovely, I’ve already got plans

there, and you’ll just be a few

And as Amelia rightly put it

on Sat night, you know, King’s

swipes away from ﬁnding the

before she left: “There are no

College girls catch-up! But I’m

capital’s best single men!”

bad dates honey, only good

free on Sunday for brunch if you

Indeed in 2012, while I was

brunch stories”.

LE BON CHRISTMAS

2 5

3 1

4 6

1) Milano Belt - Genuine Italian leather - 40 Colori - £59 Available in 10 colors - www.40colori.com — 2) Men’s Society Trio of Soap @ AIDA Shoredtich - £18 www.aidashoreditch.co.uk — 3) Solid Brass Desk Clock - Barnaby & Co - £42 4) Cocktail Tray - Barnaby & Co - £28 www.barnabyco.com — 5) Mint Original Duckhead Umbrella - Concept Store Y - £22 www.conceptstore-y.com — 6) Tallow Candle - FrenchColors - £16 www.frenchcolors.co.uk — 7) Share the love on #LeBonbonLDN and get a free Johnny!

LE BON MYSTIC

Aries

Cancer

Espresso Martini

Cosmopolitan

It's part of your personality, you always want to do

It may not be the best month of your life, but that

everything all at once. Around mid-December you'll

doesn't mean it can't be reasonably good.

realise the time to enjoy London’s Christmas spirit is

You're feeling so sad that the only thing you should

rapidly running out, and that you still haven't done

focus on this month is yourself. Go to salons, shop

anything because you were far too busy watching

till you drop on Oxford Street (who needs food when

the entire series of American Horror Story. So start

you can buy clothes?) or dance the night away in your

NOW, look for things to do and when you ﬁnd them,

favourite club – the list could go on forever. Actually,

don't wait. Or else you'll end up rushing around on

that's another thing you should do this month: tick

Christmas Eve, running over children who cross your

a few things off that 2015 bucket list. And we mean

path in Winter Wonderland. We really don't want

actually do it. You're allowed one week in bed to

this to happen, and neither do you.

prepare for a wild three-weeks of non-stop party.

Taurus

Leo

Strawberry Daiquiri

Sex on the beach

There is a lot going on in your life at the moment,

Your zodiac symbol has never been more true.

so much that you haven't taken a second to

Nothing seems to be able to stop you, besides...

think. Everyone loves changes, and surrendering

someone. Subconsciously, this person is inﬂuencing

to the whirlwind of excitement is really, reeeaally

whatever you do. You walk around pompously, but

enjoyable. But you might actually need to stop and

does this conﬁdence come from within or is it just a

reﬂect on everything that's happening around you,

consequence of what surrounds you? Who knows. Do

and consider whether or not all of this is necessary

you actually need to know? We'll leave you to ﬁgure

and good for you. We're not trying to put a jinx on

this out, you'll have enough to keep you going for one

you, but you know...

month. But let us give you some advice – sleep on it.

Gemini

Virgo

Mai Tai

Whisky Sour

This month will be full of good surprises. Your ex's

This December you’ll have rainy sad days. Pick up

new girlfriend is getting fat (ha), your exams are

your phone, call your best friend, and take this

going well and apparently you're getting sexier and

months bonbon vouchers out on the town. You see?

sexier every day. Things are going well? Good for

It's not about the situations, it's about what you

you. Don't tell anyone though. People might want

make of them.Baby: you look for the “good vibes”

to borrow some of your luck, and as London's got

and don't even realise that it's you who creates

roughly 8 million inhabitants, you might not have

them! So go for it. Be December's life and soul of the

enough to go around. Or do you?

party. Even though (to be fair) you always are :-)

DECEMBER 2015

Libra

Capricorn

Bloody Mary

Caipirinha

Life is going to be a bit of an exhilarating

Dude, you need to chill! Where does all of your

rollercoaster this month – but you know, what

energy come from? You’ve turned your routine

surrounds you is only a reﬂection of what you are.

upside down: partying all night and replacing sleep

December's rainy, grey and bloody cold weather

with more partying. You might have to think about

makes you want to stay under the duvet and consider

giving yourself a break and starting to live like

what you want in life. Choices are available, but you

normal people do: it might be boring (it is...), but a

have to pick one. Actually, a walk in the rain could

moderate, balanced routine is actually really good for

clear your mind... Just pop some stones in your

your skin, hair, body and mind (not to mention your

pockets, so the wind won't blow you away.

bank balance!) And it's time for you to understand that life is not all about partying. Maybe.

Scorpio Old Fashioned

Aquarius

We all know that sometimes the world isn’t the nicest

Margarita

place to be, and, GOD, we know how frustrating it

You ambitious little being! Apparently you’re aiming

is to deal with getting stuck behind those people on

higher and higher every day. Be it opening a coffee

the tube that move at the pace of a snail. But please

shop, running a boutique or launching a new single,

get out of your house. The fact that you have stocked

you sure have what it takes. But you're missing one

up enough food for the next two weeks and that you

thing: peace of mind. Babysitting your drunk friends

have already started a Netﬂix marathon is not an

and chasing them down the road when they randomly

excuse. You have to know that there is a possibility

and suddenly decide that it’s time to leave. It’s a

that your Wi-Fi will be down for a couple of minutes

great thing – and an act of love – but sometimes you

one day, so be prepared to go out and meet people.

should think about yourself more.

You need it.

Sagittarius

Pisces Gin Fizz

White Russian

Look at you! You, the most conﬁdent and determined

Your extraordinary dedication and determination

person you could ever meet, losing your edge. You

is in there somewhere – but this month a little isn’t

might not notice it yet – even though we're sure you

enough. Everyone around you seems to admire you

have already had a feeling – but all of your certainties

(what a feeling), but do you admire yourself? Use the

are going from “mm!” to “mm...”. All because of...

next 30 days to do all of those things that you really

well, you know. It's not a bad thing though! Just like

want to do. You'll start December with a whole new

you should also switch that summer wardrobe to

mindset. Seizing day is great, but the greatest things

winter. You gotta stop wearing shorts, it's 5°. Like you

are achieved in other ways.

really gotta stop.

LE BON SNAPSHOT

Photos Alejandra Carles Tolra

LE BON AGENDA / PARTY

01 Todd Terje at KOKO 'Inspector Norse' is one of the greatest electronic records of our time, and its creator - Todd Terje, is one of the scene's most inﬂuential producers, no question. Rolling Stone-branded Terje was named one of the "25 DJs that rule the world", and for those who've seen him live, you'll know why. His punchy energetic mix of disco, uplifting house and baile funk is enough to take you on a sweat-drenched journey through any club ’til the very early hours. On December 13th, Terje spearheads the incredible KOKO. When? 13th December - Where? KOKO, 1a Camden High St, London NW1 7JE - How much? £25 - Get your ticket with no booking fees on: https://dice. fm/todd-terje-live-13th-dec-koko-london-tickets£

02 Skepta & JME at O2 Academy Brixton The sound of the year has been dominated by grime and that's because of Skepta and JME. The pair have put the genre on the map by releasing hard hitting future classics that have been blasted in clubs across the globe. Smashing shows, freestyles, and collaborating with Kanye West and Drake, the grime legends have completely owned 2015. Heading to the huge Brixton Academy, expect Skepta and JME to ‘Shutdown’ south London. Do not sleep on this one. When? 18th December - Where? Brixton Academy, O2 Academy Brixton, 211 Stockwell Road, London SW9 9SL - How much? £28,50 - Get your ticket with no booking fees on:https://dice.fm/skepta-jme18th-dec-o2-academy-brixton-london-tickets

LE BON AGENDA / PARTY

03 MUMFORD & SONS at O2 Arena Fresh from a huge headline set at this summer’s Re!ading and Leeds Festivals, the Gentlemen of the Road are back where they belong announcing two massive dates at London’s O2 Arena. With their ﬁrst release Sigh No More in 2009, tracks like The Cave and Little Lion Man became global hits propelling the band to a stratospheric stage with their triumphant crescendos, soaring sentiment, and trademark banjo. When? 9th and 10th December Where? O2 Arena, SE10 0DX How much? £40 Get your ticket with no booking fees Dice: https://dice.fm/mumford-sons-10th-dec-o2arena-london-tickets

04 Half Baked & Phonica Records NYE Special at Number 90 Bar & Kitchen Half Baked is back to celebrate what has been another great year with some wicked music, beautiful art and amazing people. This year HB is teaming up with Phonica Records to throw a New Year's Eve party at their home, Number 90, bringing over Chicago DJ Amir Alexander to play alongside Half Baked residents Robin Ordell and Greg Brockmann and of course Phonica's Simon Rigg and Soho. Dress code? FLOWER POWER! When? 31st December Where? Number 90, E9 5LN How much? £20-£30 Get your tickets on RA: http://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?690749

LES BONS ADDRESSES 40 COLORI

HAUNT

32 Cheshire Street

182 Stoke Newington Road

STRONGROOM BAR & KITCHEN

London | E2 6EH

London | N16 7UY

120-124 Curtain Road

Phone: 020 7059 9778

Phone: 020 7249 1203

London | EC2A 3SQ Phone: 020 7426 5103

BALIBART

LUREM

Unit 8 – Old Street Station

138 Bethnal Green

TAKE EAT EASY

www.balibart.com

London | E2 6DG

Your favourite restaurants

Phone: 020 8127 8338

delivered at your home! http://www.takeeateasy.co.uk/

BOTTEGA PRELIBATO 45 Rivington Street

MERO RETRO

London | EC2A 3QB

2 Bradbury Street

Phone: 020 7739 4995

London | N16 8JN

2 Bouverie Road

Phone: 020 7686 6807

London | N16 0AJ

THE RESTORATION

Phone: 079 9057 3889

CHATSWORTH ROAD MARKET London | E5 0LS

OTHER CAFE GALLERY

Chatsworthroade5.co.uk

48 Balls Pond Road

WAZEN

London | N1 4AP

2 Action Street

CHOI’S

Phone: 020 7787 269499

London | WC1X 9NA Phone: 020 3632 1069

226 Bethnal Green Road London | E2 0AA

PIZZERIA APOLLO

Phone: 077 2052 5199

160 Stoke Newington High Street

SPECIAL BON LOOK ADDRESSES

London | N16 7JL CONCEPT STORE Y

Phone: 020 7241 1914

AIDA 133 Shoreditch High Street

57A Brewer Street London | W1F 9UL

PUSH

London | E1 6JE

Phone: 020 7734 9594

35C Newington Green

Phone: 020 7739 2811

DICE

Phone: 020 7249 1351

London | N16 9PR

Phone: 015 6738 0000 DRIPAPP

QUARANTACINQUE

London | W1T 1DY

45 Roman Road

Phone: 020 7813 2586

London | E2 0HU THE MERCANTILE LONDON

London’s best coffee spots dripapp.co

BIG FERNAND 19 Percy Street

https://www.dice.fm/

RESIDENCE

17, Spitalﬁelds Arts Market, Lamb

130 Upper Clapton Road

Street

FRANCESCO PICARDI

London | E5 9JY

London | E1 6EA

43 Pitﬁelds Street

Phone: 020 3538 7887

Phone: 020 7377 8926

London | N1 6DA Phone: 020 7033 9319

ROUGE

WOLSEY

158 Stoke Newington High Street

83A Brewer Street

London | N16 7JL

London | W1F 0RD

Phone: 020 7275 0887

Phone: 020 7434 4257

DRIP

First drink is free!

OTHER CAFE GALLERY

Champagne breakfast £24/pers*

Vintage design and sophisticated food Book via email on: otherinvoices@gmail.com 48 Balls Pond Rd – London | N1 4AP *Freshly baked pastry, smoked salmon and poached eggs with asparagus. Artisan english mufﬁns and a selection of teas.

The east end has changed

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