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