Le Bonbon - London - October 2015

ELLE EST

THE WORLD PAS BELLE IS YOURS!

LA VIE ?!

October 2015 - n° 07 - www.lebonbon.co.uk

Photographe : Flavien Prioreau www.flavienprioreau.com flavienprioreau@hotmail.com Modèle : Guillaume Ponsin Peintre - sculpteur www.guillaumeponsin.com

ÉDITO

Founder

Look around you. Isn’t London beautiful with its fading leaves dancing in

Jacques de la Chaise

the cool breeze, and its shades of orange adorning the trees? Yeaaah,

Director

but no… Autumn’s not the best season, I can’t lie about it. The fading

Charles Guillet

leaves are just dead, the cool breeze is a polar wind, and apart from

Design

eternal optimists and the lucky colour-blind, there are only 50 shades

Tom Gordonovitch

of brown on those city-trees.

Sales director Vuk Levkovic

But come on! Cheer up mate, no need to be grim. Summer can leave

Contributors

the room for drizzle and fog, Le Bonbon will still be here to provide

Louise Baxter, Julia Ternon,

you with sweet tips to guide you through this urban jungle and its

Carla Salber, Luke Harwood,

colourful parties. Speaking of which, I’d like to warmly thank you all,

Valentin Vignaud, Sonny Syah,

lovely Bonboners, who joined us in Hackney Wick last month. It was

Pierre Winsborrow, Karina Stridh,

good to see you all smiling, chatting, and dancing to pay tribute to the

Alice Tchernookova,

vanishing summer. It’s even more pleasing to witness our community

Marion Garnier

growing, through these jovial celebrations of ours, but above all, on the

Photographer

streets of London.

Arielle Tapper www.ariellelucettephotography.com

If you’re reading this, then you’re one of us. And if you’re one of us,

Amel Mahfouf

we’ll take good care of you. See that newly reopened restaurant in

www.amelmahfouf.com

Shoreditch, that mesmerisingly colourful shop in Brick Lane, that

Contact us

amazing boutique at the corner of the Old Spitalfields Market? They’re

hello@lebonbon.co.uk

all part of the Le Bonbon family, and they’re waiting for you with open

Le Bonbon Limited

arms, plus a little gift. I’ll let you flick through the pages to discover all

Lighthouse Studios

of them. And feel free to tear out those bonbon vouchers at the centre

Studio B206

of the magazine to remember the ones you don’t want to miss.

89A Shacklewell Lane E8 2EB - LONDON

Oh, and please, don’t be shy, talk to them, hug them if you feel like it. Cause in every Bonboner there’s a big heart beating. And in this Octoberish brisk climate of ours, a little love can’t hurt, can it?

Charles

Advertising and enquiry vuk@lebonbon.co.uk charles@lebonbon.co.uk 079 8365 1644 079 8365 1643

1

CONTENTS

10

2015

7

9

Bottega Prelibato

40 colori

11

13

15

Caravan Palace

Jess swann

The Restoration

29

29

39

The Mercantile London

The Cocktails Trading Company

Lord Bonbon Becomes

SmithďŹ eld

a Movie Star

3

LE BON TIMING

Secretsundaze carnival du freak halloween party at shapes Start planning! This year’s halloween is going to be epic! Secretsundaze will be taking over Shapes, The ultimate warehouse space in Hackney Wick. This year’s theme : ‘Carnival Du Freak’ think evil clowns and broken dolls , think weird, wonderful, and above all very,

The hydra: bugged out XXI birthday at studio spaces e1

very,very freaky…..

Fancy a great party with a stunning line up

Mosse - live, Giles Smith & James Priestley

in a mind blowing venue? Look no further;

Saturday 31st October 10pm - 06am @Shapes - £14,50-16,50

Bugged Out is going all out to celebrate

w/ The Black Madonna, Trus'me, Kassem

their 21st birthday. George Fitzgerald’s 3 hour set will get you sweating for more!

Sounds up your alley ? Le bonbon offers you a pair of tickets. Check our website!

Saturday 10th October 11pm - 08am @Studio Spaces E1; £16,80 www.facebook.combuggedoutevents

ONA – The ultimate Chilean dining experience Named after the Ona indigenous people of the Tierra del Fuego islands in the Patagonia, Ona offers you the ultimate Chilean experience. The concept? A pop-up dining experience – 5 night – 5 courses – in a friendly atmosphere. ONA brings robust flavours together with contemporary styling and presentation to create bold, arty and delicious food, inspired chilean by indigenous foods. Don’t miss it! ONA’s pop up ends on the 17th of october.

7pm-10pm every Saturday until 17/10 @ Rica Rica 15 Whitcomb Street Trafalgar Square London WC2H ZHA ricarica.co.uk 5

LE BON FOOD Text Luke Harwood Photos Arielle Tapper

Bottega PrelibatoAuthentic Italian in the heart of East London Opening in 2008 as an art gallery, cafeteria and delicatessen, Bottega Prelibato has been serving the best Italian coffee in the Shoreditch triangle for a long time now.

café culture of Montmartre,

restaurants in East London. With

Paris, where Picasso and Matisse

an emphasis on fresh ingredients

were part of a bohemian and

and ‘today’ as a philosophy, all

exhilarating creative ‘scene’,

food comes in fresh on the day

Gian wanted to provide solace

and leaves the restaurant by

from the hustle and bustle of

close. A variety of platters are

London for the artists of the

available to share, with a wide

early 21st Century, “I wanted to

selection of Italian cured meats

After working for many years

create a space for friends and

and cheeses, all chosen for their

in the glitzy art world of West

artists to come and enjoy all the

quality.

London, Gianfillipo quit his job in

good things in life. Art, history of

the auction house, and swapped

art and of course, food.”

There’s no such thing as a paper menu here. Instead,

the fineries of the West End for the vibrancy of East London as he

After the first year of business,

the ever-changing blackboard

set out to create a cosy haunt for

Gian decided to focus more

menus guarantee there’s always

artists and friends alike to come

on the food, and we should all

something different to try. If

and enjoy great coffee and fine

be grateful. Bottega Prelibato

you’re unsure about something

wine. Like the early 20th century

is now one of the best Italian

on the menu, the knowledgeable

6

staff are on hand with samples

delicatessen is a treasure trove

every table and wicker baskets

of different pastas to ensure you

of cured meats and organic

laden with fresh fruit- provides

choose the right one for your

vegetables to ensure that you can

the perfect location for a dinner

meal. The revamped wine menu

take a little piece of Italy home

party, corporate lunch, or a

provides only the best Italian

with you when you leave.

simply relaxed place to enjoy a coffee alone.

and French wines to compliment your authentic Italian dining

Having just expanded the

experience.

restaurant seating area, this intimate and rustic space, with

On the off chance that you’re

artworks and books lining the

still hungry after your meal, the

stairs and walls, fresh roses on

45 Rivington Street London | EC2A 3QB

7

LE BON SHOP Text Karina Stridh Photo Arielle Tapper

The Italian job: 40 colori It’s October in England.

The rain has forced you to retire your chambray shirts and jersey tees for the year.

With a sigh, you resign and admit the only colour you’ll be wearing until christmas jumper season, will be the pink of your questionable #piggate Halloween costume your buddies insist will be a great idea.

lushly knitted ties invite the

might shoot through your mind

passer-by for a closer look.

when you are in 40 Colori. This is only natural and shouldn’t

Whether you are an impeccably

cause concern. You may find

dressed gent or just buying for

yourself lusting after a pair of

one, 40 Colori has you covered.

yellow polka-dot braces (and

The boutique’s intriguing name

that’s ok) or guesstimating how

comes from the brand’s colour

many likes you’d get on Instagram

palette. The rust hues, vibrant

if you posted a photo of that

greens and bright purples will

meticulously colour-coded tie

undoubtedly lift your mood. The

drawer (all the likes). Or, you

range of calf leather wallets, so

might just be wondering how

soft thieves will want at them

an artisanal tie factory in Italy

for the mere tactile experience.

managed to fuse with London

The vintage collection offers a

creatives to create such a

Meet 40 Colori, a charming new

variety of bowties and pocket

charming store in the beating

store in Shoreditch that offers a

squares made from fabric the

heart of Shoreditch.

beautifully catered selection of

family saved from the 50s. For

Italian-made men’s accessories

those concerned with keeping

Well, like any good Italian story,

in an impressive variety of

their trousers on as stylishly as

the cornerstones of 40 Colori

colours, prints and materials.

possible, 40 Colori also creates

are family, flair, and impeccable

Located down the unassuming

high quality braces and belts …

taste. Three generations ago, in

Cheshire Street, just off Brick

but don’t say we didn’t warn you

the city of Como, Italy, Susanna

Lane, quaranta colori’s vibrant

if others have entirely different

Giacalone mastered the art of

blue storefront catches the eye

plans for your trousers upon

tie making. It wasn’t long before

like a sapphire. The visual candy

seeing you.

she opened her own artisanal

Or so you think.

production factory. Her son,

hardly ends there—in the window, skilfully arranged bowties and

8

Now, a number of thoughts

Giuseppe, and his wife, Moira,

pursued Susanna’s dream,

additional mind of PR Cassandre

Consider your sartorial success

expanding the production into a

Rank, Gabriele’s girlfriend, 40

sorted for autumn.

small local factory after Susanna’s

Colori came into being. The

Now, let’s talk you out of that

retirement. But it wasn’t until the

result is a beautiful pairing of

Halloween costume...

current Giacalone generation,

decades of accessory-crafting

with siblings Gabriele and Giulia,

expertise and a keen eye for

that the family had their own,

fashion all aimed at the ultimate

international brand. With the

modern gentleman.

32 Cheshire Street London | E2 6EH

9

LE BON GROUPE Text Carla Salber Photo DR

Caravan Palace We met up with Hugues Payen, violinist and vocalist of the french electro swing band Caravan palace. He told us about their uncertain debuts, their bright future and everything in between.

If you’ve never heard of them it’s about time you give them a listen and get your swing on.

the genre allowed and allowed it

quite individual in the way we

to gain international visibility.

compose. We work separately.

We’re all in the studio composing

I quite agreed with it when

four different albums, when

we first started out but with

we’re done we send each other

emergence of electronic music

our favourite tunes and start

I have to say I feel less and less

working on those together. When

involved in the movement. We’re

we’re done, we invite what we

actually thinking of renaming

call our “stage contributors”

the style. It’s not an easy task as

who are all good friends of ours,

we’re considered the pioneers

but essentially very talented

of electro swing, but we thought

musicians. Whenever we need

People say your music is electro

of the term ‘future swing’ since

more instruments or extra

swing, do you agree? And what

there’s a movement called future

contributors, we reach out to

does the appelation ‘electro

bass (that is basically renowned

other people but we compose,

swing’ mean to you?

electronic music). We’re trying to

record and produce most of our

When we started, there were

make this movement a little more

music ourselves.

no electro swing bands to refer

“ballsy” if I may say. However I

to. There were some tracks that

still completely recognize the

Also we were wondering: why do

sounded a bit like it, but no one

term “electro swing”, that’s how

you sing in english?

had coined the term yet. Then,

we branded ourselves and that’s

Well, good question! First, the

Parov Stelar released some songs

how the world recognizes us.

name Electro Swing is english.

On top of that we didn’t feel

and paved the way for us. We sort of had the same ideas at the

The structure of your band is

like we would be very good

same time.

quite unconventional. How

at writing songs in french, we

do you manage to collaborate

were never into “oh lala’s” and,

We released our first album

so much with other musicians

let's face it, swing is not suited

under the appelation Electro

without compromising your

for french language. Swing

Swing, and so did Parov. Both of

musical identity ?

originated in America, so, quite

our musics are a mix between

We’re all composers. I also play

naturally, we gravitated towards

electronic music and swing, so

violin but, obviously, I don’t

english. However, lyrics were

it made sense. It gave a name to

play violin all day long. We’re

never a major part of our sound,

10

We never claimed to be good

‘Jolie Coquillage’ sounds very

Are you guys going to play in

songwriters. As composers, we

french while having a little

London soon?

tend to focus on groove and

rhythmic, It probably doesn’t

We’ll be playing in London in

rhythmic instead.

make much sense to anyone else.

December as part of our english

How do you guys choose the

Your videos play a major part in

Forum. We’ve already done

name of your songs?

your music. How do you come up

KOKO and Shepherd’s Bush. And

We usually keep the name of

with the ideas? Do you play any

I think in 2016 we’ll be playing

the session, we don’t spend too

role in their creation ?

at.. (I’m not sure i’m allowed to

much time on the name so we

Well, it varies a lot. We put a

tell you but i’m gonna tell you

can quickly move on to the next

lot of trust into the director

anyway) The Roundhouse! Fingers

session. The name of the song is

we choose as we dont know

crossed!

never based on the text as the

much about photography. We

text doesn’t really matter to us.

start with an idea, we then call

Would you have one last word for

We consider that the voice is

several directors, and pick the

our readers?

an instrument like any other so

scenario we like best. I think our

Come to the Forum! If you guys

we never felt the need to write

music suits images quite well

don’t know Caravan Palace yet,

coherent lyrics. When we name

so we always get a lot of great

it’s about time you do. You’ll love

a song, we try to focus on the

proposals from directors.

it and you’ll come back!

tour. We’ll be playing at The

ambiance, the atmosphere…

11

LE BON ART Text Sonny Syah Artwork Jess Swann

Jess Swann: Beauty In The Moment As brilliantly unexplainable as beams of colorful light that pry through one's closed eyelids when they lay in the sunshine, Jess Swann's work is best when experienced individually.

A tactile artist that paints as freely with or without a brush, hers is a creativity inspired by the moment.

between light and color, and the

she knows her way around dark

patterns in nature that she tries

rooms and weaving looms,

to encapsulate in her art. The

macro-images and microfibres.

glimmering reflection of light on

Be it obscure electronic music

water or the spectral formations

of the late 60's to eclectic

in our natural environment both

African rhythms, Jess Swann

worthy examples. Very much an

often delves into her record

artist inspired by the spontaneity

collection to assist with mood

of the moment, her works are

and channel the creativity to

both expressive and instinctive.

flesh out these landscapes. She

Moving freely from one piece

speaks with fond nostalgia of

to the next, Jess has no qualms

her time spent in West Africa,

Spending most of her childhood

with leaving a project only to

particularly Gambia where

years in Wales and now based

return to it when the inspiration

she taught for a sustainable

in London, Jess has managed

is rekindled. As far as she is

tourism project with the local

to fuse the visual influence of

concerned, being too precious

villages and communities. Jess

her surroundings to create her

about one particular work is

still draws much inspiration

artworks- whether that be from

commensurate to being idle.

from the vibrancy and colour

natural or urban landscapes.

With an insatiable desire to

of African culture; namely the

With a spiritual connection to her

create, Jess certainly is not one

crafts, textiles and local prints...

Maori and Welsh roots, she says

to limit herself to the canvas. Her

her memories still rich with

from a young age it's very much

background being primarily in

sights and sounds from the

been about that correlation

textile design and photography,

marketplace, fruits and vegetable

12

stands and beaches.

with the connection between

Indeed, the future is looking

With a collection of her work

the human anatomy and the vast

bright for Jess Swann. However,

currently posted at “The

cosmos in which we inhabit, Jess

for an artist like her that thrives

Southern Wilds” exhibition in

explains the reasoning behind

on the moment, it is now that she

conjunction with the people at

the premise for her 'Universe

is fundamentally concerned with.

“Marbles And Ware” collective,

Project'. With reference to the

Having the unequivocal freedom

her work has also been exhibited

ideas of Fibonacci, her pieces

to create without constraints

at galleries and film festivals

will touch on the peculiar

or restrictions translates to less

throughout London. It is her

similarities of cosmic clusters and

artistic blocks in the path.

upcoming project however, that

nebulas, capillaries and veins... in

Still very much enjoying the

she speaks of with particular

essence, the universe that exists

journey, this is an artist to keep

endearment. Perennially curious

inside us all.

your eye on.

13

LE BON ANTIQUE Text Sonny Syah Paint Arielle Tapper

The Restoration: Restoring Our Faith Newsflash to creatives, young couples, professionals and those like myself with distinguished tastes but shallow pockets: quality antique furniture and beautiful household items don't need to cost you the heavens and the earth.

unmissable weekend detour for

personal touch they also handle all

many.

deliveries if need be.

Utilizing the limits of this

For the lazy shopper that likes to

capacious setting, the humble

call the shots from the comfort

London flea market and antique

of their armchair, everything is

store has nothing on this. They

available online. However Sophie

have the space to house larger

tells me there will always be

and more eclectic pieces and it

those that particularly feel the

shows... everything from Armoire,

necessity to see/touch/smell

Located on one of the historic

wardrobes and Victorian Chest

the antiques, or those who enjoy

mews off Stoke Newington's

of drawers to mid-century tables

the weekend habits of walking in

bustling Church Street, local

and retro sideboards. Hell, and

from the street and brightening

couple Sophie and Spud have

if it's the smaller accessories

their home with an addition they

converted the massive space of

like super soft sheepskins and

may not have expected. And

an old ballroom and functions

cowhides, clocks or vases you’re

because Sophie and Spud take

hall into a Cornucopia of once-

after, they have you covered

the time to regularly source their

cherished items and accessories.

too. With a knack for restoring,

items from markets and auctions

The Restoration is the product

painting and upholstering, the

outside of Greater London, the

of their vision to source

guys will happily fit out furnishings

reasonable price tags are passed

beautiful antiques that would

made-to-measure for those

on to the faithful.

be accessible not only to the

awkward corners and spaces

privileged few.

only too common to those living

And this is fast proving to be an

in London. And to add to that

14

2 Bouverie Road London | N16 0AJ

15

LE BON PLAN

The Hackney Draper: Proof you can make a revolution wearing silk gloves

Forget everything you thought you knew about drapers: No tacky velvet curtains or Chinese lace table runners are to be found here, instead, a plethora of soft Indian stoles, intricately woven Mexican wools and block printed Indian cottons. The Hackney Draper compiles the best of what the world has to offer in terms of fabric, thanks to the team’s impeccable taste.

After studying sports

as candles, ceramics or old

commentary (you read that right)

fashioned soap flakes.

Daisy decided to take a U turn

One year only after its opening,

in her career and indulge in her

the small boutique, located

second passion: textiles.

on Clapton’s up and coming

In Daisy’s family, soft furnishings

Chatsworth Road, has already

are a religion and Daisy is no

made its mark. Locals pop in

exception. Like three generations

to check the latest arrivals and

before her, she grew up with

enjoy a quick chat with the

her mother’s curtains, collecting

design savvy sales assistants

off-cuts and developing a keen

while passers-by peek in for a

eye for home decor. It was only

closer look at the rustic kitchen

a question of time before she

accessories.

decided to take the plunge and

With its vast array of highly

join her family in the business.

desirable home décor items, the

Drawing inspiration from the

Hackney Draper makes it hard

piles of luxurious fabrics her Aunt

to leave empty handed. Not that

brought back from her many

you’d want to…

travels, Daisy joined with her to

Text Louise Baxter

open an old fashioned draper’s business... with a twist. Going beyond the original draping services, the Hackney Draper offers patterns and thread for those eager to learn as well

16

The Hackney Draper 25 Chatsworth Road London | E5 0LH Phone: 020 3583 8485 thehackneydraper.co.uk

CONCEPT STORE Y

10% off online & in-store !

Concept Store Y

ROUGE

Get £5.00 off when spending £30 or more Bright textiles, cool ceramics and colourful

57A Brewer street, Soho, London W1F 9UL

Chinese furniture

Phone: 020 7734 9594

Deliveries on demand

www.conceptstore-y.com

158 Stoke Newington High Street - London N16 7JL

Voucher code: CSY11 Expiring on 30 Nov 2015

Phone: 0207 275 0887

HOLIDAY INN PARIS OPÉRA GRANDS BOULEVARDS****

40 COLORI

89€*

Standard room

+ 2 breakfasts included +2 "bateaux-mouches" tickets

20% off your in store purchase!* City Break in Paris !

Price : 164€/pers for 2 nights, 244€/pers for 3 nights

Italian accessories

Dates: 18 Oct to 1 Nov included or 11 Dec to 27 Dec included

for 'the modern gentleman'

Reservation : reservation@hiopera.com

32 Cheshire Street | London, UK

* 89€ / pers for 1 night (on a double occupancy basis). Special

www.40colori.com - @40colori

offer with code "Bonbon"

*excluding products already on offer

STRONGROOM BAR & KITCHEN

Yeah! Burger fries & pint for £10 !* Strongroom & the Yeah! Burger 120-124 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3SQ *The Yeah! (meat option) or Morissey Burger (veggie option).

Available Mon-Sun 12pm-4pm - Phone: 020 7426 5103

QUARANTACINQUE

MATERIAL

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

15% off any in-store purchase

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

Material 1-3 Rivington Street, London EC2A 3DT www.materialmaterial.com Phone: 020 7739 1900

HOUSE OF VAPES - LONDON

THE MERCANTILE

10% off French brands

Free Central London Same Day Delivery*

17 Lamb Street, Spitalflields We bring your Vape to your door in 3 hours!

London, E1 6EA - Phone: 020 7377 8926

House of Vapes - London - Phone: 020 3583 4070

info@themercantilelondon.com

www.houseofvapeslondon.co.uk

www.themercantilelondon.com

Voucher code: LEBONBONVAPE

facebook/mercantilelondon

*100 first clients only

instagram/mercantilelondon

THE RESTORATION

10% off all in-store purchase!

OTHER CAFE GALLERY

20% off

Vintage furniture & home accessories sophie@the-restoration.com

Café/Drink/Food

Unit 1 Bouverie Mews, 2 Bouverie Road,

48 Balls Pond Road

London, N16 0AJ

London | N1 4AP

Find out more: 07990 573889

Phone: 07787 269499

BOTTEGA PRELIBATO

10% discount at lunch time

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

PIVAZ

THE HACKNEY DRAPER

Free glass of house wine*

For our anniversary, 10% off

Restaurant Café Bar - Pivaz info@pivaz.co.uk

A traditional draper’s for the modern world

34 Chatsworth Rd, London E5 0LP

25 Chatsworth Road

Bookings: 020 8985 2599

London | E5 0LH

*For any main dish bought

Phone: 020 3583 8485

LE BON WALL

Dear you - The next time I hear the words Burning and Man in the same sentence I'll set your hair on fire.

Yours,

Dear Martin, I know I wasn't here for

Happy Birthday my love. I can’t do

your BDay but...

without youu émoticône heart

We can play cat & mouse once I'm back... Meeeeow

MC Happy birthday James!

Hope you’ll have a blast!

Dear Carla, you don't want to admit it but I know you're glad I'm back.

Your fav’ housemate

Carlita, don’t cry you are not alone. And we’ll still have our

QDB : Tartine is watching you

Chag's/aux : Love you

nights out.

from London little monkeys

Welcome Marion,

It’s raining…. oh sun..

you’re our cute sunshine!

oh no raining. Sorry my bad.

heaven. Mucho besitos

Au Bonbon, we don't like cowards

There’s a thin line between love and hate.

I’m very happy to have To all my flatbitches Let’s create new playlists for the Palatine Dalston

you in London my baby Aurore! I missed you soooo much!

I was walking in Bricklane the other day when some dickhead spilt red wine on my white shirt. I’m still waiting for apologies.

25

LE BON COFFEE

Other Cafe Gallery

© Amel Mahfouf

It all started in September 2011, 4 years ago.

Juls, the owner, was looking for a venue big enough to be used as both a café and an art gallery. It took a lot of time and vision to turn the rugged dalston space into a cosy place.

“The shop is an Art project in its own right,” says Juls. “I wanted to create a space different and unique open to anyone, a place that worked as a bridge between communities and people.”

Upon entering other cafe, you’ll

background and religious beliefs.”

the real show stopper is the

be greeted with open arms. The

Juls’s thrifty habits started whilst

outrageous afternoon tea.

warm smell of freshly baked

training as a freelance Interior

Something a little different than

blueberry muffins and the fumes

Designer in Chelsea Harbour “I

those overly poliched offered by

of a hot pot of coffee should

was terrified by the wastefulness

posh hotels. At other café, the

get you drifting into a warm

of some wealthy people,” he

selection of home-made cake,

relaxed haze in no time. The deep

says. “I felt betrayed by the way

scones and sandwiches are served

vintage armchairs are draped with

someone could change the whole

on a slightly wonky vintage china

ethnic stoles and the knick knack

carpet after just a few months

tray along with a steaming cup

covered shelves gives the whole

of use because a new colour

of tea. Just how we like it. Come

place a very homy feel. “I tried

would become fashionable. I

relax, fill your belly and remember:

to incorporate as many different

became obsessed with the idea

“You can't buy happiness, but you

cultures as possible in my display.

of recycling and making the most

can buy coffee, and that’s pretty

I like to think of this place as a

of what you already have, which

close…”

representation of the big melting

is still one of my strongest values.”

pot that is london. A place

The cafe offers a selection

where you can be who you are

of locally roasted coffee and

regardless of your gender, ethnic

homemade delicacies but

26

— Text Louise Baxter 48 Balls Pond Road London | N1 4AP

LE BON SHOP

© Marguerite Gaudin

Rouge

Forget classic maroon lacquered trunks. Rouge’s selection of colours, patterns and textures will revolutionize your interior.

Top floor shelters a display of delicate chinese dishware, soft woven blankets an plush pillows textile while bigger furniture items fill the groundfloor.

After a degree in fashion, home

I’ll keep the original design,”

promote local businesses.

decor enthusiast Lei Yang opened

says Lei. Everything for sale in

Rouge’s welcoming display makes

Rouge, a cozy boutique in the

Rouge has been handpicked and

for a homy shopping experience.

heart of Stoke Newington. With

upgraded to its full potential.

Whatever the occasion Lei will

little knowledge about furniture

“There’s a story behing every

undoubtedly give you a helping

trading but a deep love for asian

piece in that shop,” says Lei

hand in your struggle to find the

antiques, Lei started with a small

“Most of these pieces come

perfect present. Sit down, relax,

selection of chinese wooden

from old homes and businesses.

she’s got it under control.

furniture. The cosy boutique is

I cannot bare the thought

now filled with authentic chinese

of those gorgeous pieces

and mongolian antiques.

disappearing into oblivion so I

Lei travels around northern China

pick them up and take back with

rescuing unloved items and giving

me.”

them a new life, sometimes

Rouge’s ethics are strong. Lei

even a new purpose. Forget

challenges the current chinese

bulky chinese woodworks, Lei

production craze by taking time

re-works most of her pieces to fit

to care for older pieces. She also

modern style. “If the piece is well

tries to work with smaller studios

preserved and unique of course

rather than big companies to

— Text Louise Baxter www.rouge-shop.co.uk Join her mailing list to receive details about upcoming workshops and other events!

158 Stoke Newington High Street London | N16 7JL

27

LE BON BOUTIQUE Text Louise Baxter Photos Arielle Tapper

Mercantile: The ultimate fashion enthusiasts' playground After a brilliant career in high end wholesale, Debra Mc Cann decided to open her own boutique in the heart of buzzing Spitalfields market.

need something we can dress up

a budget… Not to say I don’t

or down because, let's face it,

follow trends but I don’t let them

most of us don’t go home for tea

dictate my choices.”

at five a clock!”

Mercantile takes advantage of its local visibility to encourage Young

Debra has a flair for quality

British Designers and help them

Proudly standing between Brick

pieces: Minimal swedish virgin

get wider recognition. This avant

lane’s vintage stalls and Liverpool

wool coats hang alongside British

garde selection includes Nooki’s

street’s financial district, The

calf leather totebags and Berber

hammered silk capes, Decadorn’s

Mercantile stands out with

sterling silver bangles. You’re

British made gems pendants

its selection of international

bound to find something you like.

and Anna Pugh’s sleek leather

independent designers and

When it comes to trends, Debra

backpacks.

bigger, better established brands.

choses not to choose:

The two floor boutique which,

“I prefer to focus on quality and

Whether you’re looking for your

Debra admits looks a little

longevity rather than trends.

next wardrobe star piece, or

something like an extension of

I want my clients to leave the

simply curious to discover new

her own wardrobe will have you

shop with something durable and

designers, Mercantile won’t leave

rummaging for hours on end.

timeless they can wear over and

you disappointed.

Mercantile’s selection is aimed

over.” She says “As londoners,

at the ultimate london girl “The

we are lucky to have such great

wardrobe has to develop through

high street brands where people

out the day,” says Debra. “We

can find trendy key pieces on

28

17, Spitalfields Arts Market, Lamb Street London | E1 6EA

29

LE BON DRINK Text Alice Tchernookova

The Cocktails Trading Company Smithfield Fancy a fancy cocktail on the Long Acre on a meatshopping day ?

of 2015, The Cocktail Trading

bonds between staff and owners.

Company Development Bar &

As with the previous venue, CTC

Table was created with the aim of

Smithfield will be decorated

being “fun and pioneering, using

in an eclectic style, mixing

Were you missing a nice and

unusual flavours and techniques”

refined fabrics with more rustic

comforting place to crash at

- think edible garnishes or quirky

materials such as wood, cooper

after a long afternoon poultry-

drinking vessels - and of hosting

or cast iron to give it a classic

shopping at the thousand-year-

public events such as tastings or

underground style, and create

old Smithfield market?

masterclasses in cocktail-making.

“a heady den of treasures and trinkets to tickle the senses,” as

Three award-winning bartenders and cocktail experts are serving it

Mil, Brading and Ball, who have all

described by the owners.

to you on a silver platter.

previously worked as bartenders

With a maximum capacity of 50

in some of London’s fanciest

people, the venue will offer a

On 12th October 2015, Andy

venues, have put together all

warm, intimate atmosphere.

Mil, Olly Brading and Elliot Ball,

their knowledge and creativity to

Aiming to keep up the same

founders of the already famous

bring to life a project that they

innovative spirit, the place will

Cocktail Trading Company (CTC),

describe as “The brainchild of

serve up a menu of unusual,

will open up a classy and chic

three lifelong bartenders, who

experimental and expertly

cocktail bar in the heart of

wanted to create a business that

created cocktails, always trying

Farringdon - The Cocktail Trading

not only operated great bars, but

to push boundaries forward in

Co. Smithfield.

also gave back to the bar world.”

the world of cocktail-making.

Having met with great success

One of the founding principles

Just as a sneaky glimpse of the

with their first venue, located in

of CTC was also to have a

quirky sorts of cocktails you

Oxford Circus, the trio comes

cooperative structure within

might want to try, one can name

back less than a year later with

which 25% of the profits

the Hop Buttered Bun (£9),

this brand new project.

would go to the teams of each

made with the award-winning

site. A principle that certainly

classic cocktail spirit Bols Geneva

contributes to creating strong

infused with raisin and nutmeg,

Launched in the early months

30

and spiced up with butter syrup,

alcoholic friend might envy you

wheat beer and lime juice; or

having…

else, the Chocolate Flip (also

to the place is that customers

£9) - an ingenious mix of Bacardi

are not only allowed, but also

eight-year rum, cacao-infused

encouraged to bargain for their

chartreuse, tawny port and

cocktails: to bring back bartering

pistachio ice cream.

traditions, CTC wants you to try

The final original touch

The Cocktails Trading Company Smithfield Inside Ask For Janice 50-52 Long Acre Lane EC1A 9EJ thecocktailtradingco.co.uk

and challenge the bartenders by And for those who are not very

offering some of your valuables in

fond of the drink, worry not, for

exchange for a cocktail.

the creators of this truly unusual space have not forgotten you:

So think now - what would you

CTC Smithfield will also offer a

be ready to get rid of for an

wide range of fresh non-alcoholic

exquisite £9 cocktail?

cocktails, which even your most

I can think of many things…

4 – 11.30pm Monday to Thursday 4pm – 12am Friday & Saturday

31

LE BON MEDITERRANEAN

On the corner of Chatsworth Street in the up-and-coming bustle of Lower Clapton you’ll find Pivaz restaurant, a truly charming addition to this changing high street.

Winner of Just Eat 2015 ‘Best New Restaurant’ award, since opening in the summer of 2014, Pivaz restaurant has gradually seduced the locals and deservedly earned its reputation for serving great coffee and for being the best char-grill restaurant in this corner of London.

© Amel Mahfouf

Pivaz

as an organic vegetarian option

served with a homemade tomato

is available daily between

sauce or the Sarma Beyti.

8am-4pm. Be warned, if you want

Best of all, while you’re waiting

to have breakfast here at the

for your meal, don’t forget to

weekend you’ll need to phone

check out the extensive cocktail

ahead and book a table. From

menu, and have a Silver Angel

12pm onwards, The Pivaz grill is

or Espresso Martini prepared

fired up and homemade Turkish

lovingly by one the helpful

Pivaz has a loyal following of

food is on the menu.

members of staff.

regular customers and Zerdo

The open kitchen ensures that

Against the backdrop of the

(the manager) explains to me why

everyone can enjoy the fragrant

exposed brick wall and hand-

this is the case, “it’s important

smell of char-grill cooking as

built wooden bar, the impressive

to provide a space that people

the chefs ready the next dish.

floor to ceiling wine display and

will want to return to, where

For the meat lovers out there,

dangling home-made tea cup

everyone feels welcome, our

Lorenzo recommends the Sarma

lanterns, its easy to forget that

customer relations with families

Begta, A Minced Lamb kebab

you’re in the middle of Clapton,

are very important to us.” Even

with garlic and herbs rolled with

and it’s easy to see how Pivaz has

on a rainy Wednesday afternoon,

bread-served with rice, yoghurt

established a loyal customer base

young families fill the assortment

and topped with clarified butter.

in the short space of a year. Now

of random wooden chairs and

If you’re looking for an equally

get down there and become a

tables and the atmosphere is

tasty vegetarian option, look

regular yourself.

instantly recognisable as one of

no further than the Hellim and

relaxed familiarity.

Sebze- grilled Haloumi cheese

Coffee is served from 8am-11pm.

with aubergine, courgette,

A full English breakfast as well

asparagus and mushroom, all

32

— Text Luke Harwood 34 Chatsworth Road, London | E5 0LP

LE BON APP

Take eat easy : grastronomy as far as the app can see

Take eat easy : grastronomy as far as the app can see Forget your Friday night greasy carton of soggy pizza.

The uber of food delivery services has finally landed!

The masterminds behind Take Eat Easy are launching a food revolution.

With their eco friendly delivery

like Ceviche, Rosa's Thai Cafe,

The concept? A network to

service entirely performed

BunBunBun or Arancini Brothers

connect independent East

by bike and inovative carrier

to busy foodies. With over 100

London restaurants with local

backpacks to avoid damaging

restaurants and a mindblowing

foodies through a mobile

the meals Take eat easy is way

selection of cuisines ranging

application and a website.

ahead of its competitors. You’d

from the classics burgers, and

The story started in Brussels,

think that would slow things up?

the good old fish and chips to

, in 2014 when entrepreneur

Not at all ! Bikers wizz through

the more adventurous peruvian

Adrien Roose decided that it

traffic and get to your doorstep

argentinian and iraqi specialities

was about time home delivery

in as little as 15min ( and that’s

there’s something for everyone.

stepped up its game. Taking his

only counting eight minutes for

So, get online. Take the plunge,

sister Chloe and two best friends

delivery!) . In case you get a

We promise you won’t be

Jean-Christophe Libbrecht and

little impatient, the app allows

disappointed.

Karim Slaouim on board, Adrien

you to track your meal from

launched take eat easy. The

the kitchens all the way to your

platform was an instant hit and

doorstep.

quickly went global, spreading to

All in all, Take eat easy benefits

France, Spain and England.

everyone, from small businesses

— Text Louise Baxter Your favorite restaurants delivered at your home! www.takeeateasy.co.uk

33

LE BON MYSTIC

Aries

Cancer

This month, your movie is Bridget Jones. Looks like

This month your movie is While we’re young , your

someone’s been a bit of a drama queen lately. Rings

best friend will turn out to be the worst dickhead

a bell? You like a bit of chaos, tears and tragedy in

of East London. Maybe you’ve realised lately that he

your life. Good news is : things will start going your

was acting a bit weird and that he was avoiding you

way sooner than you think.. Tell anyone who thinks

as much as possible... Rings a bell? Yep, that’s right.

you’ll end up forever single eaten by wolves, to go to

Your best pal is about to stab you in the back. Be

hell. And remember, when things just get too much,

prepared, keep an eye out, beat him to it!. It’s not

you always have the option to call on your two

too late, you’ve got the power.

favourite men, Ben and Jerry.

Taurus

Leo

This month, your movie is Kuzco: The Emperor's

This month, your movie is Good Will Hunting. You

New Groove. You’ll have the world at your feet.

might be going through a hard time but hang on

or at least you’ll be convinced you do...others not

in there. October will be the month of decision

so much. Here’s some piece of advice for you:

making. Be bold, step out from that dirty corridor

Stop being such a megalomaniac and maybe you’ll

and show’em what you’re made of! Use your brilliant

eventually get to have your cake and eat it.. Let your

mind and irresistible smile. “If you’re going to walk

entourage know how sweet and caring you can be

on thin ice, you might as well dance, don’t you

and everything will fall into place!

think?“

Gemini

Virgo

This month, your movie is Kill Bill. You're not a bad

This month, your movie is Dead Poets Society.

person. You're a terrific person. You're our favourite

Because you’ve got to find your passion and let it

person, but every once in a while, you can be a real

live in the world. Don’t forget that anything that

c**t. Maybe .. just maybe, chill a little. Cut down

gets your blood racing is probably worth doing, so

on the caffein. People will soon realise how cool

grow some balls and start giving your life a meaning!

and laid back you can be. Don’t be so feisty, it will

You don’t want to end up having regrets, do you?

only bring you trouble. Focus on strategy, highlight

October will be your month to chase down your

your best assets in some racy catsuit and everything

passion like it’s the last bus of the night. No one

should be A.OK.

wants to miss the last bus of the night.

34

OCTOBER 2015

Libra

Capricorn

This month your movie is Adulthood. You can’t

This month your movie is Pearl Harbor. “My heart

wait to grow up and have responsibilities but you

is torn between the two of them”. You’re not sure

should bear in mind that adulthood is like the vet,

what it is you want. You need to sort your inner

and we’re all the dogs that are excited for the car

conflicts out or simply have it both ways. Let people

ride until we realise where we’re going. Slow down,

mind their own business. Take a deep breath and

take your time, being an adult is mostly exhausting.

mark October 24th in your diary, because it will

You’re wild young and free, enjoy it while it lasts.

take you that long to figure out the end results of

Perhaps this is a reflection of what is going on for

discussions about the man/woman in your life.

you financially, but there seems to be a situation looming you could do a lot more research on.

Scorpio

Aquarius This month your movie is The help. This is your month ! Idealist, optimistic you’ll fight for things you

This month, your movie is Fight Club. It’s your time

truly believe in ! You’ve been through tough times

to shine, step into the ring and show’em what you’re

but you always seem to keep your chin up! Put your

made of. After a long and winding road, you’ve

strength and hard work at the service of those in

finally gotten somewhere you feel comfortable at.

need, you’ll get it back x 100. Your relationship with

But don’t let it go to your head. Be humble, and

your former, current or potential partners defines

get ready to kick some ass. Single? You won’t feel

you. This is where you get your identity from and

loneliness for a second. In a relationship? Maybe

your sense of self, but you need to look at how your

it’s time to move forward and start upping your

mental attitude is running your physical body.

game. Stop being scared- be prepared for anything whether that be slaps or kisses.

Sagittarius

Pisces This month your movie is Titanic. Iceberg ahead – Your partner is as cold as ice but don’t let it get

This month your movie is The wolf of wall street.

to you. Hold onto what you have left of your sanity

Money’s falling out of your pockets, make it rain!

and try to focus on what really matters! The other

You always said you were in it to win it, well looks

thing to really focus on now is your body and how

like you were right. So much seduction, power and

it affects your mind. The opportunities are just

so many new friends in your life ! Don’t let it get

magnificent. If there have been any obstacles to

to your head, make good placements, don’t turn

your ability to travel, move, emigrate, export, study,

your back on old friends, you never know what

teach, write, publish, pursue your beliefs - they

next month holds for you and we all know karma’s a

will disappear. Opportunities will pop up where you

bitch… Please be really careful with decisions you

least expect them so keep your eyes peeled for that

make about your house or apartment, family or

life raft.

household, as the month draws to a close.

35

LE BON SNAPSHOT

36

Photos Arielle Tapper / Amel Mahfouf

37

LORD BONBON Text Pierre Winsborrow Photo Isabel Munoz

Lord Bonbon Becomes a Movie Star Regular readers may be privy to the fact that I once worked in the sex trade (not literally, just sort of - read the article) Well, this is no longer so. I have since surfaced the murky waters of adult entertainment and am now once again languishing in the realms of unemployment.

Yep, that’s right, Lord Bonbon

on something a little more left

I’ve been sworn to secrecy.

field (I don’t do normal, just look

I can divulge however, that David

at my last job). So I decided to

Yates is attached as director (of

register with a few agencies and

Harry Potter fame) and that the

attempt to dabble in a bit of

film is being produced by Warner

Extra work for the movies as a

Bros. So far so epic.

temporary measure. The industry term for being an extra is known

I later received a phone call

as ‘Artiste’, which sounds very

from the agency in regards

French and sophisticated, for

to a costume fitting. The call

what is essentially an inessential

went smoothly enough, until

role. At least that’s what I

the charming female voice

thought.

on the other end nervously informed me that I was to play an

has fallen from grace and is now feeling the pinch. But don't

Garnering little traction from the

African warrior, and would I be

despair, with each passing day I’m

agencies, I feared the worse and

comfortable wearing a loincloth?

learning that no matter how many

considered the walk of shame

Now, I have nothing against

curve balls life throws at me (in

to the job centre. But thankfully

African warriors, but I can’t say

my case a torrential downpour),

an urgent text message flashed

the same about loincloths -

it’s never too late to say: to hell

upon my phone, informing me

especially considering how hairy

with it, I’m gonna be a movie star.

that my generic look was required

my backside is - yes Lord Bonbon

for a huge Summer blockbuster

has a hairy tush, what did you

Whilst in the throes of my

film, due for release next year.

expect, a baby’s bottom? I’m all

fruitless job search, I decided to

Naturally I said yes and leapt for

man after all.

think outside the box and settle

joy. I’d love to tell you the title but

38

Arriving at Warner Bros studios,

loincloth. Wearing the outfit

some really interesting people

I was escorted by an attractive

didn’t make me feel warrior-like,

from all walks of life, and some

assistant to the costume

rather cross-dresser-like (not

much like me; disillusioned and

department. The first thing that

that I’d know), yet the director

in between work. For one day

struck me was the sheer scale of

told me I looked ‘fabulous’. In

at least, I was able to forget my

the place, consisting of a maze

fact, the costume fitter gushed

reality and morph into somebody

of airplane-like hangers, housing

that I was to be featured in a

else, a loincloth wearing African

intricate sets within. Cast and

climatic end battle scene along

warrior to be precise. The issue

crew skittered around aimlessly,

with a few other lucky artists.

of my unemployment may still

like headless chickens. Finally,

Suddenly the loincloth became

be unsolved, but when are life’s

after a 5-minute walk within

my best friend.

problems ever truly solved?

Problems are like bubbles, just

the studio grounds, I landed in the costume department and

The day of the shoot was an

as one pops another forms in

was told to undress. Standing

absolute blast. In spite of the

its place. So for now I’ll ignore

in nothing but my underwear I

endless hours of waiting, it

the bubbles and settle for lights,

was then handed the dreaded

afforded me a chance to meet

camera ACTION.

39

LES BONS ADDRESSES

40 COLORI 32 Cheshire Street London | E2 6EH Phone: 020 7059 9778 — BOTTEGA PRELIBATO 45 Rivington Street London | EC2A 3QB Phone: 020 7739 4995 — QUARANTACINQUE 45 Roman Road London | E2 0HU — THE HACKNEY DRAPER 25 Chatsworth Road London | E5 0LH Phone: 020 3583 8485 — HOUSE OF VAPES 232 Shoreditch High Street London | E1 6PJ Phone: 020 3583 4070 — MATERIAL 3 Rivington Street London | EC2A 3DT Phone: 020 7739 1900 — OTHER CAFE GALLERY 48 Balls Pond Road London | N1 4AP Phone: 07787 269499 — PIVAZ 34 Chatsworth Road, London | E5 0LP Phone: 020 8985 2599 ROUGE 158 Stoke Newington High Street London | N16 7JL Phone: 020 7275 0887 —

40

STRONGROOM 120-124 Curtain Road London | EC2A 3SQ Phone: 020 7426 5103 — THE MERCANTILE LONDON 17, Spitalfields Arts Market, Lamb Street London | E1 6EA Phone: 020 7377 8926 — THE RESTORATION 2 Bouverie Road London | N16 0AJ Phone: 07990 573889 — CHEZ ANTOINETTE Unit 30, The Market Building London | WC2E 8RE 020 7240 9072 — LUREM 138 Bethnal Green London | E2 6DG Phone: 020 8127 8338 — EURO-ACCOUNTING info@euro-accounting.com — TAKE IT EASY Your favorite restaurants delivered at your home! www.takeeateasy.co.uk — DRIPAPP London’s best coffee spots dripapp.co THE COCKTAIL TRADING COMPANY SMITHFIELD 50-52 Long Acre Lane London | EC1A 9EJ

www.agnesb.com