E1 Life June Issue-The Business Journal by RC Publishing

ISSUE 3 JUNE/JULY 2016

Take me, I’m yours

In the

click here

Blood Gerry Calabrese’s East End empire built on good pedigree

SKY HIGH BEST BARS WITH A VIEW

LEVI ROOTS

& HIS SAUCY SUCCESS

SUMMER LOVING 20 SUNNY THINGS YOU MUST DO

LOCAL GUYS TAKE ON THE BANKERS PLUS SECRETS OF BUILDING A DREAM TEAM BUSINESS

A RT

FOOD

DRINK

MUSIC

P R O P E RT Y

SOCIAL

IN THE HEART OF CLERKENWELL EC1

NEW SHOW DUPLEX APARTMENT LAUNCHING 26TH MAY VIEW FROM 4TH FLOOR

• Stone and glass fronted contemporary six storey building. • Minutes walk to the booming technological hub of Shoreditch or The City’s financial centre. • 10 minute walking distance from Old Street Station. • High-end interior specification.

PRICES: ONE BED APARTMENT AT TWO BEDROOM APARTMENTS FROM TWO BEDROOM DUPLEXES FROM THREE BEDROOM PENTHOUSES AT

£690,000 £840,000 £875,000 £1,450,000

contents

P 7 Cool stuff on our radar

P 12 Levi Roots’ sweet success

P 21 Two locals taking on the banks

P 26 Club king Gerry Calabrese

P 32 Hot-right-now dining spots

P 40 Beauty queen Lily Earle talks trends

P 48 Trend-spotting in Brick Lane

P 50 20 ways to summer loving

P 66 Mocking bird Tiff Stevenson

PUBLISHER: Rosie Coxshaw EDITOR: Renate Ruge CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Nicky Acketts ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Loretta Williamson BUSINESS AND PROPERTY: Eric Woollard-White ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR: Ed Gibbs FOOD AND DRINK WRITER: Liam Barker SUB-EDITOR AND FEATURES: Lisa Doust LIFESTYLE WRITERS: Kelly Beswick, Violet Day, Lizzie Frainier and Heidi Ruge; FITNESS: Russell Dovey SOCIAL MEDIA: Charlotte Clarke ACCOUNT MANAGERS: Nicola Euesden and Chris Trowbridge Printed by Polestar – Circulation: RCP Media – Published by RC Publishing Ltd: 0203 011 1194; info@e1ife.co.uk While every care is taken, RC Publishing Ltd cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, omissions or errors. Prices correct at time of going to press. All rights reserved.

S I LV E R J E A N S . C O . U K

r da ra r ou ar on our rad on on our rada on r ou r ra da r

r ur

on our radar on

As the mercury rises, here’s the hot stuff to be across… 1 1. FASHION PICK FOR THE POOL Pool hanging (especially at Soho House in Shoreditch) involves careful fashion planning. Invest in this season’s musthave crochet bikini, add a floppy hat and throw on a kaftan. Colour-wise, hot Mexican colours set temperatures soaring higher. Sweltering.

WORDS: Heidi Ruge, Renate Ruge; Cool pool. From the Getty archives. Framed print by Slim Aarons, July 1961 – Young women by the Canellopoulos penthouse pool, Athens. Framed in white, 126x124cm, from st-barts.com.au

2. DESIGNER DIGS Move over Bond Street. Our very own Redchurch Street gets more in vogue each week, with locals buzzing about rumours that Prada, Gucci and Versace have their sights set on chic boutiques here. Watch this space. 3. JUST LIKE FLOATING We think a pink flamingo is just what you need to get into the holiday spirit. Bag one of these bad boys in your carry-on baggage before you head off to the sun. Pink Flamingo Pool Float, patch kit included, £23.95. Prezzybox.com

4. TROT ON OVER The Stable is the latest addition to Whitechapel’s neighbourhood, a stone’s throw from Aldgate East station and serving pizza to die for. Add to that delicious pies and salads, plus over 80 varieties of cider, still and sparkling, all ingredients West Country sourced. Crisp thin-crust, awardwinning pizzas come with premium toppings. Try The King Crabber West Country crabmeat infused with red chilli, garlic and lemon.

Or The Roasted Larry - marinated lamb, mint, Dorset goat’s cheese, roasted sweet potato and red onions. If you’re finding it hard to choose, why not try ordering a few smaller pizzas to share. And when you think it can’t get any better, the decadent Cheesecake tops off a real winner. stablepizza.com 5. UP OUR STRADA Swap your usual curry for authentic Italian food this summer, as pop-up beer-and-food-fest The Moretti Gran Tour comes to the Old Truman Brewery, on Brick Lane. From Tuesday 19 July till Sunday 24 July, top London street-food vendors will be cooking up a storm. Learn new skills at a culinary masterclass with Peckham restaurateurs Forza Win, then impress mates or dates with regional Italian produce from the fresh food market. Plus it’s free to get in! birramoretti.com

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Social butterfly

RCP BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT It was our turn to throw the party of the season on 19 May and a very special affair it was, too, as we launched the ‘Booze and Schmooze’ networking event in tandem with E1 Life Magazine at The Old Truman Brewery. Networkers were greeted with bubbles on arrival and things soon switched up a gear, with creative cocktails, sushi bites and Caribbean fare being served up. Once business was over, ping pong and dancing rounded off the fun… We’ve already set the date for our next party. PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARY CASTLE

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party party

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In your space Want the chance to see your pic on this page? Then tag us on Instagram! Social whispers

Sssshh! We’ve spotted several Twitter posts suggesting London could soon be home to 13 pedestrian-friendly river crossings. East London would benefit hugely from these new additions, as the existing connections consist of just three road crossings in the 14 miles between Tower Bridge and M25, and one bus route which crosses the Thames.

Getting crafty

Dog-friendly flicks

If you’ve got no date for the cinema, you can take you dog instead. Pop-up cinema Oscar & Rupert resides in the basement of London Fields bar Wringer & Mangle. Your canine friend awaits dog-friendly popcorn and ice cream, pus there’s a special service on offer that takes your doggy out for doodle breaks so you don’t miss a moment of the movie.

FOLLOW US Twitter: @E1lifemag Instagram: @E1lifemag Facebook: E1 Life Magazine Website: e1ife.com Email: info@e1ife.co.uk

Big ‘artisan’, ‘craft’ and ‘bijoux’ brands need to sit up and take note of the little guys. Smaller niche brands and start-ups are successfully using creative online content to grow their business and compete with the big guns. For larger companies, even if their product is massproduced, they now need to tap into the global obsession with craft but must back it all up with a credible story. Look out for our upcoming feature for more on the subject.

Urban axe throwing The beauty of the online world is that you can always find out the latest news, fast. So, when we heard about ‘urban axe throwing’ in Whitechapel, we had to get down there to investigate. Sling axes side by side with friends and colleagues, hitting bullseyes and cheering on your mates – all backed up by great music and atmosphere, and the chance to socialise between throws. Sidesplitting fun. Check out whistlepunks.com

DON’T MISS NEXT ISSUE * BUSINESS: The city’s social angels * IN YOUR SPACE: Share your inner-most ‘Shoreditch secrets’ with us

* EAT: Best brunches in the East

* DRINK: Eastside microbreweries * STYLE: The word on the street

* OFFICE: Dress-up, dress-down desks * TRAVEL: The fabulous Italian city of love, Verona.

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MADE IT

If music be the food of love, play on It’s been nearly 10 years since Levi Roots sang his way into the nation’s hearts on television with the promise to “put some music” in to our food. Millions of bottles of Reggae Reggae Sauce sales later, there’s now a whole category of Levi-inspired products on supermarket shelves, and even a ‘Rasta’raunt’ in East London. E1 Life gets the lowdown on his recipe for success. BY ERIC WOOLLARD-WHITE

Levi arriving for the The Prince’s Trust Celebrate Success Awards, at the Odeon Leicester Square.

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originally sold at the Notting Hill Carnival, into a supermarket sensation. This has led to the creation of a burgeoning range of Caribbean products that has expanded to cooking sauces, frozen foods, puddings, snacks, soft drinks and more. He’s also written numerous cookbooks, regularly appears on television and he still loves to make music – he released his Rise Above album in 2015 and there’s another looming in the pipeline. So, what was the Dragons’ Den experience really like? “I remember telling all my friends in Brixton, where I lived, that I was going to be on Dragons’ Den. Everyone was saying, ‘Levi, don’t take your guitar on that show, it’s a business programme’. But I wanted to be me and not pretend to be somebody else,” Levi explained. “It was frightening because I had never heard of the show and I didn’t know who the people on the show were, but I just wanted to be ‘Levi the Rastaman from Brixton’ who sings a few songs, and to let people know who I was and what I stood for. I just wanted to explain about Picture by: Steve Vas

First and foremost, Levi Roots (real name Keith Graham) is a musician, and he’s definitely comfortable and accomplished with a guitar in hand. It was music that helped him walk away with £50,000 of investment money from Peter Jones and Richard Farleigh, when he appeared on BBC2’s Dragons’ Den back in 2007. Singing his Reggae Reggae Sauce song, the Dragons were instantly captivated, a brand was born and the rest – as they say – is history. Skip forward to the ‘Booze and Schmooze’ launch event for E1 Life Magazine earlier this year, and guests were reminded of Levi’s passion for music when he played one of his own songs live for the crowd. Before this, Levi had shared some of his reflections and inspirations from life since his turningpoint television moment opened the door to elevate his homemade sauce,

Sharing his passion for Caribbean cuisine has become Leviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life mission.

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MADE IT my great sauce and get some help to sell it – and that’s exactly what the Dragons’ Den bought into.” And what about the days and months after the programme was broadcast – what impact did that have? “It was a surreal moment,” Levi recalls. “Here I was, somebody who was able to walk around Brixton and not be noticed, and then literally the next day everyone was coming up to me. People were sleeping outside of my house! “But the most surreal moment came when Sainsbury’s came back to us and said, ‘Levi, your sauce is outselling Heinz Tomato Ketchup’. Then, I was thinking back to when I was a boy growing up in Jamaica and wondering what my Grandma would have thought of all this, because as you know, the recipe for the sauce came from her and I tried to recreate all the flavours that she used to cook for me as a boy.” Levi says one of the biggest moments in his life at that point was sitting on a train to Newport in Gwent, just after receiving the investment: “I was going to the factory that was going to make the sauce for Sainsbury’s and, for the first time, I realised I was going to have to share my secret recipe with others. It wasn’t a comfortable journey for me, and I was wondering if I was doing the right thing. The answer was eventually easy – I wanted the sauce to fly, and so I knew it was something I had to do.” What does the Levi’s world look like now? “Well, we really have created a Caribbean food category, and that has been a long-held dream of mine, particularly bringing this together within my

‘I’m man. with then life

having fun, When you work your passion, that is when is good.’

idea for a ‘Rasta’raunt’. At Levi Roots’ Caribbean Smokehouse we have created a space where people can come and eat food and sample new flavours and ingredients from all of the islands of the Caribbean, not just from Jamaica. “It has become a life’s mission for me, helping to educate people about the food that means so much to me. I have written eight cookery books, which was never something I thought would happen, and I am thankful for the opportunity Dragons’ Den has given me. I’m having fun, man. When you work with your passion, then that is when life is good. I am working with music and food, that is my work, and I am lucky enough now to be able to share this experience with others, and hopefully inspire others to make their dreams come true.” caribbeansmokehouse.com

Levi Roots’ Caribbean Smokehouse opened in Westfield Stratford, in December 2015.

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MAKING IT

Everything is possible Entrepreneur and E1 Life Publisher Rosie Coxshaw believes everything is possible if you set your sights high, believe in yourself, work hard and get on making things happen. BY ERIC WOOLLARD-WHITE

When it comes to turning ideas into reality, people tend to fall into one of two camps: the doers and the dreamers. For Rosie Coxshaw, the vision started when she was a teenager. Now in her mid-twenties, with business interests in marketing, publishing and networking events, Rosie believes success is all about the “doing” and “making things happen”. With the third issue of E1 Life Magazine put to bed – having already outlived the multi-million pound launch of Mirror Group Newspapers’ New Day national newspaper – Rosie proves there is still plenty of life in print publishing. The two products couldn’t be further apart in philosophy and content. New Day was promoted as being a feature-led national newspaper, looking behind the hard news of the day to generate content that was more chatty and concise, so as to provide a printed version of a digital product. It flopped – just six weeks in, the owners pulled the plug. So, what’s the story with E1 Life? In a world now completely dominated by digital media, why has Rosie made the decision to turn left when everyone else is turning right and looking to cash in on the digital dollar? ➦

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MAKING IT

At the official launch of E1 Life, held at The Boiler House, part of the Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch, hundreds of guests gathered to hear Rosie’s vision of a profitable printed future first-hand. “Print will never die. There will always be a place in our lives for printed products, tangible books and magazines you can touch and feel,” Rosie said on the night. “The trick, and the difference, is to hone a product that, in the case of E1 Life, offers something digital cannot – even though we use social media as one of the ways of marketing the magazine. “E1 Life is about being good at holding a mirror to a very localised geographic area, and representing it honestly in a detailed, intelligent and distinct way. In a digital world, the focus tends to be global – but we have cherry picked East London, being the thriving hot spot in one of the best cities in the world. This now opens opportunities for other niche titles.” Rosie was already running a business at the age of 18, when she was one of the first 30 students to be invited in 2009 to join the ‘trailblazer’ course offered by the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy – the educational institution founded by the popular Dragons’ Den entrepreneur, Peter Jones CBE. Peter’s mission was to identify and support the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. Now, some seven years on, the Academy has grown in scale and provides courses in scores of colleges throughout the UK – delivering formal academic qualifications in ‘Enterprise and Entrepreneurship’. “I was delighted to be offered a place as one of the first students, and so many of that original group have gone on to achieve amazing things in business. It was very practical-based learning, and for me – with a business already established – it helped give me focus on the priorities, but I already had my plan up my sleeve,” she explained to a captivated crowd. In the years since, Rosie has continued to build and evolve RCP Media (E1 Life’s parent company), providing promotional recruitment, social media and direct mail. “I started out in Essex with a few acquaintances from school, and now we have in excess of 300

‘We now have a scalable plan to expand this concept across the UK, and across the world.’ 18

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promoters within our network, providing clients with data generation and promotional services,” said Rosie. The launch of E1 Life coincided with the start of a series of business networking events at the Old Truman Brewery, entitled ‘Booze and Schmooze’. The aim of these upmarket events is to offer businesses the opportunity to network in a relaxed yet professional environment with inspirational speakers, enabling new contacts and real business-development opportunities to be made. Among the guest speakers during the evening were Levi Roots, the Reggae Reggae Sauce entrepreneur who appeared on Dragons’ Den in 2007; Sky Andrew, the sports agent and motivator who represented Team GB in table tennis at the 1988 Olympic Games; and Alan Miller, who co-founded the Old Truman Brewery as an events space and now works hard to lobby government and organisations to appreciate the value and benefits of supporting the ‘night time’ economy. According to Rosie, business on multi platforms is the way forward. “I am pleased that we have now launched three core arms to RCP Media across marketing, events and publishing, with a number of USPs to set us aside from other competitors within our industry,” she added. “I am thankful for all our clients that have supported us over the years and for my exceptional team, who believe in what we are achieving. We now have a scalable plan to expand this concept across the UK, and eventually into other cities across the world.”

E1 Life is dedicated to representing East London in a detailed and distinct way.

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BUSINESS

Leap aith of f

Taavet Hinrikus and Kristo Käärmann – founders of tech startup TransferWise – embody the ambition and talent prevalent in East London. The pair saw a gap in the currency exchange market, acted on it and started a revolution that is now seriously paying off. STORY BY: LIZZIE FRAINIER

Using playful tactics allows TransferWise to grab public attention and encourage consumers to battle the banks.

Since the financial crisis, most people don’t like banks. Hey, even bankers don’t like banks. Naturally money obsessed, the financial world applies high commissions, hidden fees, and cut-throat tactics. This is where a couple of clever businessmen and financial tech startup TransferWise come in. Using peer-to-peer technology to send money abroad, the service is up to eight times cheaper than using a bank. There’s a small charge, but it’s not hidden. Fair and honest, it’s basically Skype for money transfers. It’s no surprise to learn that co-founder Taavet Hinrikus was Skype’s first employee. He was based in London but was being paid in euros, while his friend and business partner Kristo Käärmann worked in London earning pounds and was paying a mortgage in Estonia in euros. ➦

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BUSINESS

It was costing the pair a fortune, so they decided to exchange money between themselves using the mid-market rate – ie: the real rate before banks come in or, for those more technically-minded, the midpoint between demand and supply for any particular currency. Their lightbulb moment came when Taavet and Kristo realised they could use this principle to transfer money for millions of people around the world who had the same problem. The company launched in 2011 and transferred £10 million in its first year. TransferWise is now available in 59 countries, with 504 transfer routes, and moves over £500 million every month. This represents a saving of over £22 million globally instead of using traditional banks. Talk about growth – it’s a start-up that dreams are made of, and it takes into account that the world is growing smaller, with everyday people living and working in different countries and different currencies. Clever ideas need clever packaging, and TransferWise has got this aspect of the business sorted. The website has equal measures of detailed explanations and cheeky, taunting language that inspires people to become “revolutionaries” and escape the “pure propaganda” synonymous with banks. What’s more, the team has staged a host of stunts and produced top videos in TransferWise hubs around the world. The latest viral video shows parkour group Storm Freerun scaling the London’s skyline in a bid for consumers to ‘Take Charge’ (not charges) of hidden bank fees. The group climbed across the city from London Bridge to Westminster to our own East London – jumping, flipping and leaping. It was all for one big call to action. The government needs to bring greater transparency to the charges and fees on foreign exchange transactions. Essentially, the public needs to take charge of their money. As Taavet says: “It’s deeply unfair for banks to advertise foreign exchange as free or low-cost to consumers when in fact they just hide a fee in the mark-up they add to the exchange rate.” Hear, hear. But parkour isn’t all TransferWise has been up to since 2011. The marketing geniuses also staged the world’s biggest bubble bath, complete with millions of bubbles and 6000 rubber ducks, to get banks to

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Fun and games are all in a day’s work for the TransferWise team.

Daniel Sauva’s Little Black Book CHILLING If the sun’s out, a day out in Victoria Park. Blanket, beers, good times. LUNCH Street Feast in Dalston for a great selection of food and a lively atmosphere.

DRINKS Nightjar in Old

Street has the best selection of cocktails in London, maybe even the world. DINNER Beagle in Hoxton for drinks, dinner and a true East London vibe.

clean up their act. One hundred employees stripped down to their underwear and marched through the streets to prove they have nothing to hide, unlike banks. They then tucked up participants in pyjamas and beds outside Bank station to encourage commuters to wake up to hidden fees. While this may sound Willy Wonka crazy, it’s simply non-traditional marketing methods for nontraditional banking, and it’s got our attention. Daniel Sauva, head of Creative & Buzz and TransferWise, offers some insight into the company’s inventive marketing: “Our mission is to make foreign exchange fair and transparent for everyone. Our videos are a simple way of making people stand up and take notice of the issue of hidden charges in foreign exchange.” Okay, so they really are trying to start a revolution. “The success of our video content has much to do with the creative freedom we have as a team,” adds Daniel, who works from the Old Street office. “Like all teams at TransferWise, we work autonomously. This gives us complete creative control. We have a team of wild imaginations that are empowered to experiment. We’re able to push boundaries while, hopefully, remaining smart and witty.” So, how are these bright ideas born? “We figure out the message we want to communicate and who we want to tell, then we all go away and work to an extremely open brief,” explains Daniel. “A couple of days later we’ll lock ourselves in a room together with a bunch of topline ideas, a big whiteboard and a load of pizza. We roll out the other side with magic or, invariably, nothing at all. Rinse, rework, repeat.” This out-of-the-box thinking is allowing TransferWise to excel. By challenging the conventions of the mundane banking world, the company has used fun and creativity to ensure people like you and I can relate and gain a greater understanding of how the big banks work.

“We always make sure the process is fun and full of ridiculous impossibilities,” says Daniel. “No idea is too big, too crazy, too weird. That way we can push ourselves beyond just a standard approach.” With so many stunts going on, can Daniel pick a favourite? “‘RIP Hidden Fees’ stands out. We staged a funeral procession for hidden fees through the traditional financial district. There were 40 body painted skeletons, 30 TransferWise employees, 35 customers, three hearses and a six-metre-high inflatable tombstone tied to Old Street roundabout. One word: Epic.” Sounds pretty epic to us, but what was the thinking behind it? “It was bold, risky, disruptive and with a clear statement: ‘We’re laying hidden fees to rest, forever’. Planned meticulously, executed without mishap and nerve-racking from start to finish.” We can’t wait to see what the TransferWise team comes up with next, it’s sure to be wild and inspiring!

Taavet and Kristo have used a simple idea to turn traditional banking on its head.

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A star

BUSINESS

Ready to create a brilliant team capable of taking your business to the next level? Then seek out true team players with A-grade character traits. WORDS: LISA DOUST

A D A P TA B L E

While each team member should have their own unique talents and key strengths, you also want employees who are equipped with a variety of skills so they can temporarily step into a colleague’s shoes if necessary. This means everyone can be relied on to get the job done at all times – if one person isn’t available, someone else can jump in to ensure deadlines are met and client needs are satisfied.

ADVENTUROUS

We’re not talking extreme sports here. By adventurous we mean someone who isn’t afraid to put ideas forth and try new ways of working for the greater good. A top-notch team member will always be prepared to go out on a limb and take risks if it means getting excellent results. When interviewing, throw in a few random questions – the right person for the job won’t be rattled and will come back with an equally random response.

Assertive employees aim for open and honest communication, actively listen, remain calm and take a problem-solving approach to conflict. 24

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APPROACHABLE

As well as being capable of dealing directly with clients, each team member should be 100 per cent approachable when it comes to helping colleagues out with questions and any issues that arise. Being able to refer to another team member when needed allows trust to develop and grow, and trust is the glue that binds a great team together – it dissolves doubt, stress and anxiety, affording everyone the head space required to get the job done.

A S S E RT I V E

This isn’t about throwing weight around. Being assertive is considered a core communication skill. It means you are able to effectively express yourself and stand up for your viewpoint, while always being respectful of the rights and beliefs of others. Assertive employees aim for open and honest communication, actively listen, remain calm at all times and take a problem-solving approach to conflict.

ASTUTE

An astute team member has the insight necessary to recognise opportunities and challenges, and turn them into advantages. This is a crucial quality when working as part of a team, particularly when pitching for new work or aiming to impress an existing client. During the interview process, take note of candidates who appear sharp, quick-witted, streetwise and perceptive – these traits can add a distinct edge to teams required to regularly think outside the box.

AT T U N E D

An exemplary team player will not only work to his or her strengths but will be tuned in to everyone else’s abilities. By acknowledging that each person on the team has something valuable to offer, a true and experienced team player will add to a group’s collective energy and creativity. Seek out people who have proven evaluation skills and clearly possess the potential to challenge your team to improve.

A U T O N O M OU S

The best employees not only know how to operate as part of a team, but can be trusted to work autonomously when necessary. You don’t want to waste time micromanaging your staff, and your staff really don’t want to feel undermined – it’s a surefire way to decrease productivity and breed contempt. When looking to add someone to your team, consider whether or not the candidate before you is capable of being left to his or her own devices.

Trust is the glue that binds a great team together – it dissolves doubt, stress and anxiety..

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BARFLY

CLUB CLASSIC His Italian father is one of London’s most celebrated bar tenders and mixologists and his mother is a born-and-bred East Ender. It’s no wonder top nightlife entrepreneur Gerry Calabrese branched out into bars and booze by setting up shop on home turf with the Hoxton Pony, Hoxton Gin and London Field’s Wringer + Mangle. So, what’s next? WORDS: KELLY BESWICK

Gerry Calabrese isn’t having the best of days. It’s only just gone noon but he’s already endured several hours of back-to-back meetings that have left him feeling somewhat frazzled. To compound his beleaguered mood, builders are busy drilling beneath his London Fields office, which sits above Wringer + Mangle (more on that later). But Gerry quickly shakes off any despondency as we begin to chat and, such is his passion and enthusiasm for his burgeoning East End empire, he’s soon all twinkly eyed and laughing as he admits that he absolutely loves what he does: “Every day is different and every day I feel inspired. I honestly couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I think this was probably my destiny.” Being one of the area’s most successful bar, venue and restaurant owners while still only in his mid30s is no mean feat, but a quick delve into Gerry’s background and you can’t help agreeing that it was always meant to be so. His “old man”, as Gerry affectionately calls his father, is none other than Salvatore Calabrese, who, as any discerning barfly will know, has one of the biggest reputations in the business – he created some of the capital’s most sublime cocktails at Dukes, The Lanesborough and The Playboy Club before becoming an international consultant. “My Dad is going to be celebrating 50 years in the industry this year,” says Gerry with evident pride. “I speak to him every day. He’s my idol and biggest influence.” Indeed, were Gerry to accidentally cut himself, you suspect a finely blended Tom Collins would come seeping out of his veins. Equally as important to Gerry’s bloodline and business ethos is his mum, Sue, who met Salvatore while visiting the Amalfi Coast back in the ’70s, and so began a holiday romance that has endured! Her family all hail from the East End of London, or Wringer + Mangle occupies the space of a former industrial laundry.

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Hackney Road, to be precise. “It’s where I was born and raised. In fact, I’d go as far to say I’m one of the few originals left,” laughs Gerry. However, when Gerry decided in 2008 to open the Hoxton Pony in his own backyard, so to speak, everyone thought he was stark raving mad. It wasn’t that he didn’t have the experience – he’d worked his way up from potboy to bar manager over a 10-year period, via a stint promoting dance music, before taking over the running of industry hangout Meet at Smithfield Market. It was that the recession had just hit. “No-one was around, and there I was doing a highend cocktail bar with table service, celebrity DJs and guest-list only entry,” he recalls. “I forget the number of times people said: ‘It’s Shoreditch mate, you should be doing draught beer’.”

Right at Luckily, Gerry called it right, and within a few months home: Gerry the punters were queuing up and the accolades were Calabrese has rolling in. On the back of the bar’s fame Gerry also used his local launched a successful hospitality, beverage and event knowledge to consultancy firm called Calabrese House. And, of create a series course, the micro-distilled Hoxton Gin label, which of successful Gerry says is doing phenomenally well: “We are now in venues. quite a few different countries – and we’re just about to launch a redesigned bottle, which is exciting.” Not surprisingly, Gerry then succumbed to the siren call of the West End, with mixed results. A consultancy with The Playboy Club resulted in Baroque bar, which is still going strong today, while a nightclub venture with fellow East Ender, Professor Green, saw the doors open then permanently slam shut not long after. “It wasn’t really me,” says Gerry, clearly drawing on the benefit of hindsight. “But sometimes things have to ➦

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BARFLY

go tits-up a few times or you never learn anything.” What Gerry took from the experience was to stick with what he knew and to do it to the very best of his ability, so it was back to his old stomping ground with a bar, restaurant and venue complex in mind. This is how Wringer + Mangle came about, occupying a substantial part of the old laundry building off London Fields. Described by Gerry as a “bit of a cultural hub”, it combines said bar, restaurant, outdoor terrace and a just-opened, 720-capacity basement venue, where live music and DJ-led nights will further pull in the crowds. “This place is representative of me now, as a thirtysomething,” explains Gerry. “It’s somewhere where I want to come and hang out – a home from home, if you like. You can come in for a coffee, cocktail or whatever and a nice bit of grub upstairs before wandering down to watch a live act and then popping back up for dessert, should you so choose. It’s a one-stop shop that caters for everyone, with excellent service and a friendly, laid-back vibe.” It’s a winning formula that’s already earned him plaudits from the critics, while the public have been voting with their feet (just try getting a seat on the terrace on a sunny Sunday afternoon!). Not that Gerry plans to spend any time resting on his laurels. Contracts have just exchanged on a mammoth site by Petticoat Lane Market that’s earmarked for a similar restaurant/bar concept. “The reason I chose that location is in honour of my mum’s dad, God rest his soul. He was in the rag trade and was a regular at the market,” says Gerry. “It feels like a nice tribute and is a bit like closing the circle.”

The Hoxton Pony unites a sophisticated drinks menu with East End grub.

Gerry’s Little Black Book COCKTAIL: Tom Collins or an Agricole Daiquiri. PINT: Head to the Hemingway or The Adam & Eve. COFFEE From anywhere on Broadway Market.

PEARLY KING FOR A DAY

“If I could do one thing, I would sort out the area’s housing crisis so that artists, musicians and the like can still afford to live here. Without them, we’ll lose the essence of what this area is, which is a real melting pot of people from all walks of life; a sort of microcosm of everything that’s great about London. It’s one of the very few places that’s still got its soul, but if we let the developers get their way, we’re in very real danger of losing that. Do we really want the East End to go the same way as Soho? That would be really sad.” 28

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EAST END SECRET: We are running out of them. The corporate lot are getting far too involved in the East End... too many developers. A top tip for vintage furniture lovers, however, is Pure White Lines on the Hackney Road. Ask for Matt, a lovely chap, who helped me furnish the whole of Wringer + Mangle.

MUSIC: Old-school disco and northern soul is what I’m currently insisting my DJs play on a Friday and Saturday nights – good tunes.

GO-TO RESTAURANT: Ellory – the best recent opening. I had a beautiful dish with raw scallop, citrus and raw artichoke. The chef is an intelligent cook.

DINNER A DEUX: If I was spoiling the Missus, it would have to be La Chapelle by Chris Galvin. It’s one of the most beautiful buildings in the whole city to do a little romancing!

FOR A FANCY DINNER: The Clove Club... every time.

SECRET SHOREDITCH: Rochelle Canteen. Converted from the old-school bike shed, this place has fantastic food and is only open during the day, so if you don’t live or work in the area, you don’t get to go there.

GLASS OF WINE: 40 Maltby Street – Stevie’s food is untarnished by trends and there are new wines available by the glass. Also P. Franco, on Clapton Road, where you grab a good bottle off the shelf. The chef only does five or six dishes, but it’s awesome.

Eat, drink & just be

Mem & Laz Brasserie

Fine Mediterranean cuisine EXTENSIVE BRUNCH MENU SET LUNCH Available 7 days per week ANY 2 COURSE £8.95 & 3 COURSE £10.95 (Additional £1 charge at weekends)

Please ask for the daily specials menu. We cater for private parties. Party menus can be arranged on request.

PARTY MENU Available for all occasions, starting from £12.95 per person 8 Theberton Street Islington, London N1 0QX To book call: 0207 704 90 89 ALL LAMB & CHICKEN DISHES or 0207 226 22 11 ARE HALAL.

SECRET SHOREDITCH

In Vino Veritas

The bright-blue door is the colour of Tuscan cornflowers. Pretty vintage letters mark out ‘Passione Vino’ – passionate about wine – in gold. Step inside for a unique experience. STORY: RENATE RUGE

Along the cobbles of Leonard Street, there’s an Italian wine shop. Salute! You’ve just stumbled across a delicious local secret. This is one of those places that springs up yet feels like it’s always been here. The shopfront’s Georgian windows give it that vintage edge, as does the old-fashioned doorbell that tinkles as you step over the threshold. The man behind the concept, coowner Luca Dusi, sweeps open the door to a welcoming space – a one-ofa-kind shop where delectable Italian wines jostle for attention on the shelves. Your eyes swim with options but the high-end choice of product is only the start of the secrets to be unravelled. “There was a gap in the market – a lack of high-quality ‘everyday’ wine. So we flew to the south of Italy and took three weeks driving back up north, sourcing wine, winery by winery,” recalls Luca, referring to his business partner, Federico Bruschetta. “We started with 13 wineries. We now have 56 on board

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and are looking at four more. The suppliers we stock have one thing in common – they are artisan producers and each has their own style.” For Luca, it’s about handcrafted creations, wine as well as food – and anything else, like the decorative iron pigs in the shop. “Artisan products may not be perfect, but that’s the beauty of them,” he says. Luca expertly pours a golden stream of fine bubbles. It’s a cloudy Prosecco with a slight appley taste. It’s elegant with a welcome dry finish. “It’s how Prosecco should be made,” he adds. The tasting room is also one-of-akind. A large slab of wood hewn from a large tree trunk serves as a rustic table. A plaque on the wall, a one-of piece of art, reads: ‘Trouble’. “If I taste wine, I taste a region, and I like Bramaterra [north-western Italy], Valtellina [in the far north of the Lombardy region] and Etna in Sicily [just off the toe of Italy’s boot]. I am a ‘made in Italy’ ambassador rather than

a wine businessman – if it was just about that I would stock 20 different Pinots or 15 Proseccos. Instead we have one Prosecco, an old-fashioned wine that finishes fermentation in the bottle and by doing so the wine is less gassy, has zero sugar and is low in alcohol. I believe we need to watch what we drink, as well as what we eat.” When I do a tasting, there’s always someone who says they don’t know much about wine, and that’s fine. You don’t need to be a sommelier to understand if a wine is good. Your tastebuds don’t react to labels but to

Made in Italy: Luca Dusi (centre) with Shop Manager Michael Fallowes and Osteria Passione Vino Manager, Isabel Biagioni, in Passione Vino’s colourful tasting room.

something delicious. You can instantly taste if a wine contains chemicals.” New Order playing in the background makes a cool tasting soundtrack. It’s not simply about shopping for wine here. Crispy, light-as-air breadsticks tasting of butter are served in an antique silver pot. Smoked meats and slithers of Taleggio cheese arrive on a large wooden board as an accompaniment to lesser-known Italian varietals such as Vespolina, Uva Rara and Pollera, and classics like Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Nerello Mascalese. Luca pours another delicious red, a 2011 Valtellina Superiore by Dirupi. Decent wine does not need to be expensive; it just has to be good and it is always the main event – the star of the show. Luca is from Verona, which he nicknames ‘piccola Roma’. “I live for fantastic food and wine – in this area I love Lyle’s and The Marksman. Right now there’s nowhere better in the world for food than London, and especially East London.

“My customers are people who have a shared passion for wine and food, and it’s all about quality. Your experience will depend on the questions you ask me, and what you share. You’re always welcome if you like good wine, good food, a good life and good people.” If you buy a bottle to try, you are welcome in the wine bar. The next level of secrecy – the tasting room – is not open to the public, reserved instead for bookings of six to 14. Located downstairs, it feels as though you have fallen down Alice’s rabbit hole. The walls are adorned with graphic floral

wallpaper by Ellis Cashman of Holland. Low lighting, the flickering of candles and a relaxed vibe provide a true escape. The third room is located up some rickety stairs. The high-ceilinged room features a map of Italy overhead, and you only get to be here if you warm Luca’s heart. Heavy drapes, armchairs and small tables and chairs make for a comfy and relaxing space where you can sample the wines and nibble on antipasti plates. Passione Vino is all about good times. Get in on the secret. Eccellente! passionevino.co.uk

Luca’s Little Black Book LUNCH: Lyle’s changes its menu each day and the food is light and elegant. lyleslondon.com

DINNER: The Marksman on

Hackney Road is definitely one to try. The two English

chefs here, Tom Harris and Jon Rotheram, are ex St John – they fit somewhere between Lyle’s and St John, and the food is excellent. marksmanpublichouse.com

SPLASH OUT: L’Anima

Chef Antonio ‘Lello’ Favuzzi was on Masterchef. His soulful, authentic Italian food makes a wonderful change from the big chains in the city. lanima.co.uk

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BDQ

B U S I N E S S LD I N N E R LQ U I R K Y

Our hot-right-now dining guide to suit your occasion. REVIEWS: RENATE RUGE

BREAKFAST SUNNY SIDE UP BEL-AIR, SHOREDITCH Bright and light with a side of sunshine (well, a feeling of it at least), you can expect a breakfast of champions at Bel-Air. The idea hails from Los Angeles, where Andrew Bredon had his light-bulb moment lying on a sun-lounger beside a pool to bring fresh and healthy Californian-style food back to London’s East End and with any luck some of that glorious East Coast sunshine too. Smoothies are fresh, vibrant and full of multi-coloured fruity goodness. For eats, try Muscle Beach courgette hash, which comprises grated courgette, onion, chilli-grilled steak, smoky spinach, fluffy scrambled eggs and sweet-potato hash, all topped with a poached egg. Then there’s homemade granola and pots of raw oats for a grab-and-go breakfast. When the grub is this good, it’s probably prudent to buy a salad box for lunch, too. We can highly recommend the seared salmon salad, which is packed with fresh green goodies. WHAT & WHERE: From 7.30am – 11am daily. 54 Paul Street, London EC2A 4LN breakfast.bel-air.co

‘The secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.’ MARK TWAIN 32

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DINNER TRADING UP

TABERNA DO MERCADO, SPITALFIELDS A blackboard in the kitchen is covered with chalky directions, marked up by the chef who is fastidiously working on pig trotters with a blowtorch. Everything is clean, organised and compact. The scent of roasting pork floats up to the restaurant itself (the hog is set to slow-cook in the oven all night). Upstairs, Nuno Mendes’ bearded dream-team weaves around the small space populated with simple tables and chairs, and a wall of windows that look out on to Spitalfield’s marketplace. This joint effort between Nuno Mendes and head chef Antonio Galapito resolutely reinterprets Portuguese food and flavours. There’s something comforting about ending your day here as the hard-working traders dissemble their stalls. Small plates (petiscos, to those in the know) are made to share and, once ordered, arrive fast and furiously. We start with circles of blackpig and red-wine chorizo, and rolls of deeply red and equally delicious charcuterie of capita – air-dried black-pig loin. Then, runner beans: green, stringy and crunchy. Dipped in a light batter and flash-fried, these fanciful fritters are an instant hit with our group. A tin of mussels with a shallot escabeche arrives. Cooling shavings of horseradish marry well on the side, and crusts of charcoal-flamed sourdough make for the perfect sauce mop. Petit plates of chicory with a fermented red-pepper dressing, pear and almonds, as well as ‘Ratte’ potato with crispy kale, almonds, black olives and egg, are creative and delish. Come for food with friends. Just add a good bottle – Portuguese Quinto de Lemos is a classy label for decent drops of red wine from the Dão Vallis region. WHAT & WHERE: Taberna do Mercado, Old Spitalfields Market, 107b Commercial Street, E1 6BG, 0207 375 0649. @tabernamercado

LUNCH ON HIGH FENCHURCH AT SKY GARDEN, CITY

Found within the ‘Walkie-Talkie’ building’s Sky Garden – with its airport-hanger-size floors filled with a jungle of lush plants – Fenchurch stands out among its peers. Beneath a greenhouseesque dome up on the 37th floor the vibe is surprisingly relaxed, especially after the rigmarole of navigating your way through security to get up here. Sip on an apricot liqueur, basil and lemon gin cocktail as you drink in the 360-degree views. The menu showcases British produce with the likes of rabbit bolognaise or chopped mackerel and pickled cockles. For us, the Dover sole with a scallop and shrimp mousse, capers, salty samphire and a touch of mussel cream was the best dish in show. Barbecued banana with chocolate, toffee and a vanilla bean ice-cream is never going to let anyone down either. Our advice: if heights make you giddy, don’t look down on your way out. WHAT & WHERE: 6 courses £70 or £109 with wine pairing; Sky Garden, 1 Sky Garden Walk, City. skygarden.london/fenchurch-restaurant

SweetSpot

Newly opened, The Bread Station gives us our daily bread This traditional Danish Bakery was launched by Michelin-starred chef Christoffer Hruskova in London Fields, on 4 June. The ethos is all about a return to all natural baking; organic bread made without yeast. The sweet news is that traditional Danish pastries to tempt you include the buttery ‘Kringle’ and ‘Hindbaersnitter’, a classic shortcrust pastry baked with raspberries. Hungry for more? Try traditional apple rhubarb cake, cinnamon rolls and sweet tea buns. All made with 100 per cent organic ingredients – from the flour to the seeds in the loaves. The Bread Station, Arch 373, Hemsley Place, London Fields E8 3SB thebreadstation.com

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Truly traditional Jamaican food Old Spitalfields Market, London E1 6EW 020 7377 6443 info@cafe-caribbean.co.uk Catering Enquiry : 0800 858 858 Opening times Monday–Friday 10am -7:30pm Saturday 11am – 5pm Sunday 11am – 4pm

FOOD & DRINK

eat streets

All set for sunset? Find a perch with a fabulous view for summertime drinks and nibbles. BY LIAM BARKER, RENATE RUGE & NICKY ACKETTS

Fresh is best at Culpeper Roof Garden.

Culpeper Roof Garden Quite possibly one of London’s most beautiful pubs, the Culpeper has it all – fresh and amazing Great British food, craft beers, natural wines and even five lush bedrooms available if you need somewhere to crash for the night. Wait, it gets even better. There’s a secret garden on the rooftop, where the Culpeper crew grow their own vegetables. You can literally see where the fresh produce on your plate came from. Enjoy your dinner from the custom-built, wood-fired grill and stay on for drinks. WHERE: 40 Commercial St, E1 6LP theculpeper.com SUNDOWNER SPECTACULAR: HMS Belfast Rooftop Bar A gracious host greets you at The Upper Deck, a destination rooftop bar with stellar views of HMS Belfast and the London skyline. The outdoor terraced bar is a bijoux spot, so reservations are a must. Nautical-themed cocktails, like The Kraken (bourbon, maple syrup, Curious Brew stout and ice) or The Lifeboat Sidecar (blackberry and vanilla-infused cognac, Cointreau and lemon juice) are the go for sundowners with a selection of sharing boards. ‘Best-in-house’ seats are the stools around the edge. Tables in the middle enjoy the shade of an awning. Soak up the atmosphere as the sun sets over the Thames. tomskitchen.co.uk/hms-belfast

It’s time for sundowners at The Upper Deck.

Aperol Spritz Terazza Aperitivos are set to be hot, hot, hot menu additions across the city this summer, and if you still haven’t tried an Aperol Spritz then it’s about time you did! The distinctly bitter infusion of herbs and spices has been enjoyed for almost a century on the shores of Italy. Head over to the Aperol Spritz Terrazza on the roof at Bird of Smithfield, which has been transformed into a haven for spritz lovers. The Bird is also running a series of free workshops, in conjunction with the likes of Forza Win, Print Club and Soho Radio. To register your interest, visit the website. WHERE: 26 Smithfield St, EC1A 9LB aperolspritzsocials.com

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Try a new taste sensation at The Sky Bar.

Shoreditch Sky Terrace The old Shoreditch Magistrates Court (yep, the one where Ronnie and Reggie Kray were once detained at Her Majesty’s pleasure), recently underwent a multi-million-pound renovation. The result is the boutique yet superluxurious Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch. The main bar still has the original cells still intact. For a true sense of freedom, head up to the Shoreditch Sky Terrace to take in the panoramic London skyline views – it’s a spectacular spot to kick back and relax with a refreshing cocktail. WHERE: Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch 335-337 Old St, EC1V 9LL shoreditch.courthouse-hotel.com The Sky Bar Go straight to the concierge desk at the M by Montcalm hotel and you’ll be led to the lift, which will zip you up to the 17th floor. Here you’ll find The Sky Bar – an intimate oasis with views extending west to the Post Office Tower and beyond. It feels as though you’ve managed to slip in to an exclusive club, sans the membership fee. Staff are welcoming and friendly, putting you right at ease. The excellent barman, all the way from Mexico, is keen to rustle up concoctions featuring your favourite ingredients. Try the dark and golden Venezuelan rum with crushed blueberries, topped off with a dash of Champagne – divine! Match it with a side of potato doughnuts... You won’t be disappointed. This is a great spot to bypass the crowds and watch the sun go down. Extend your night by reserving a table at Urban Coterie, set right next to the bar and serving up British bistronomy with wraparound views across East London. The restaurant has all the gastronomy that comes with a top eatery but without the stuffiness. We suggest you finish off the evening by heading back to the bar for a nightcap or two. Cheers! WHERE: 17th floor, M by Montcalm, 151-157 City Road, EC1V 1JH urbancoterie.co.uk

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WATERSIDE: La Terazza, Hackney Wick Bringing tacos, tequila and bottomless margaritas canal side is La Terazza at Number 90 Bar & Kitchen, in Wallace Road. Hosting everything from cricket-eating competitions to an open-air cinema, where Londoners can watch their favourite films alfresco with cerveza in hand, as boats float by on the canal in the background. This is set to be one of the East End’s hottest spots to drink, dine and dance waterside this summer. facebook.com/Number90barkitchen/

Savour the Mexican flavours at La Terazza.

GOING

NIGHTLIFE

OUT OUT

Summer nights call for plans to enjoy extra-long evenings. WORDS: LIAM BARKER

1. JUNKYARD GOLF CLUB Dray Walk, Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL Navigate your way around a nine-hole mini golf course scattered with reclaimed junk like washing machines, treadmills and the odd cow! After a few rounds, finish up with a ‘Who’s Your Caddy’ cocktail and some tasty street food. Book ahead at junkyardgolfclub.co.uk

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4. STAR OF BETHNAL GREEN 359 Bethnal Green Road, E2 6LG Amid the old-school boozers in this neck of the woods is the shining Star of Bethnal Green – a snug and welcoming drinking den with an event-packed calendar. The Star’s Tuesday night pub quizzes are legendary, as are the karaoke nights. Don’t worry if you can’t sing – DJs are on hand on weekends, playing into the early hours. starofbethnalgreen.co.uk

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2. BERBER & Q Arch 338, Acton Mews, E8 4EA That mouthwatering smoky aroma wafting out from under the railway arches in Haggerston is distinctly Berber & Q. Here, meats are dry rubbed with Middle Eastern and North African spices then grilled over charcoal to perfection. We’re talking hand-pulled lamb shawarma served with cumin salt, harissa and grilled pitta as standard. berberandq.com

5. MIRANDA, AT ACE HOTEL HOTEL 100 Shoreditch High St, E1 6JQ While the Lobby at the Ace is always bustling, Miranda is an intimate underground club with a jam-packed schedule of curated culture, and it’s open till 3am. Unlike other late-night Shoreditch establishments, entry is usually free. With a mix of local and international DJs on rotation nightly, it’s the perfect place to shake it off. acehotel.com/london

3. THE HOUSE OF PERONI Proud East, 2-10 Hertford Road, N1 5ET The House of Peroni pop-up is back, set this time in Proud East with Regent’s Canal as the backdrop. Immerse yourself in Italian culture while sipping an aperitivo from the floating Negroni bar. thehouseofperoni.com

6. BEIGEL BAKE 159 Brick Lane, E1 6SB The one and only place to get beigels in Brick Lane – choices include plain, salt beef & mustard and smoked salmon & cream cheese. Open 24/7, this legendary bakery is the perfect way for clubbers to soak up the night’s indulgence. The smart thing to do is to pick up some plain beigels for the morning after!

3AM

SATURDAY 6TH AUGUST

BUILDING SIX AT THE 02 LIVE PA

ROMEO & LISA MAFFIA (SO SOLID) MAIN ROOM

DIXON BROTHERS WIDEBOYS | JUSTIN WILKES VIP TABLES & CORPORATE BOOKINGS 07449 823 482

Street Style

KEEPING IT REAL

SUMMER LOVING

AS TEMPERATURES RISE, ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BACK TO BASICS FOR LONDON STYLE SEEKERS. PHOTOGRAPHY: JORDAN KILFORD. INTERVIEWS: BECCY BURGIN.

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3 1. Chika Nagumo We met Chika casually leaning outside the Brick Lane clothing store Twins Diversys (where she works) having a quick break. She lives in Mile End. “East London is fun and free, it has such a mixed culture. Being from Japan, it’s unfamiliar to me and is very different,” she says. “In summer I love Dalston Roof Park or London Park. For drinks I head to The Shacklewell Arms, in Dalston.” Wearing: Twins Diversys t-shirt; vintage accesories.

2. Mike So Strolling down Brick Lane, beer in hand, Mike was uber chilled. The co-owner of The Orange Buffalo was checking in on his team, making sure they were okay and keeping them cool with beers, which he was carrying in his holdall. He lives on Brick Lane and admits he couldn’t be doing with a commute. The best thing about East London for him is the diversity, and the food. “In summer the parks are great, as well as Broadway market,” says Mike. “One of my absolute favourite places to eat in East London is Sichuan-Folk [Hanbury Street]. It serves traditional Sichuan food – go for the crab!” Wearing: Vintage cut-offs;no-brand t-shirt and holdall; Ray Bans. 3. Lakkari Kim A fashion intern living in Vauxhall, Lakkari was in East London soaking up the sunshine and visiting the flower market. “I really enjoy the general style and vibe here. I haven’t had a chance to explore East London yet. I’m from Australia so am still getting used to the area,” she says.

4 Wearing: Zara jacket; shorts and t-shirt from Australia; Skagen watch; New Look bag. 4. Viktoria Smoradova Wandering around as she enjoys a smoothie, Viktoria says she loves it here: “The fashion is so multicultural. You see so many different styles.” She reckons summer in East London is best spent at the parks and eating street food, especially Indian and Mexican. Ace Hotel [Shoreditch High Street] is her fave place for a drink. Wearing: Supreme hat; Forever 21 jacket and top; Topshop jeans; Vans shoes; Casio watch; vintage sunglasses (which she just bought from the market).

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KEEPING IT REAL 5. Nadja Marie Aarestrup Visiting London from Norway, Nadja is studying English. She lives in Old Street and we found her walking around and exploring, checking out the markets before hitting the books in the afternoon. “I love the art here, there’s just so much to see. And I love the food stalls at the market,” says Nadja. “My favourite brands are Brandy Melville and All Saints, and I always finish my look with lots of jewellery.” Wearing: Jumper from Thailand; Brandy Melville skirt; shirt from Norway; Nike shoes; one necklace from Thailand and the other two from Bjørg; Mango sunglasses and bag.

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S I LV E R J E A N S . C O . U K

FITNESS

Keep on moving Want to get fit and fast for summer? Then get among these top trim-up trends. BY RUSSELL DOVEY – HEALTH & FITNESS PROFESSIONAL

Not your run-of-the-mill run

A new non-motorised treadmill known as the SKILLMILL is set to take over the city in the next few months, thanks to its simple and fun functions, which allow the unit to be used one-toone or for small group-training sessions. It takes a little bit ofgetting used to, but once mastered this clever machine helps to improve power, speed, stamina and agility – all in a single workout. Functioning a lot like the barrel-roll equipment typically found in children’s playgrounds, the SKILLMILL provides a variety of resistance training options and, by shifting gear, you can switch quickly from low-resistance running to an all-out sled push.

Start spinning

The wheels on your stationary bike go round and round, and so do the wheels on the bus upon which your stationary bike is, well, stationed. If 1Rebel obtains the necessary clearance from the local government in London, it will take a commuter bus and turn it into a moving spinning studio, allowing you to take a fitness class on your morning commute. It’s a move that will save you time and spare the environment in one go. The company says it’s already in conversations with several bus companies, and once it has legal permission to do so, the bus could be ready to launch as early as autumn. If approved, the bus will traverse popular commuter routes throughout the city and will end its journey at 1Rebel studio, so spinners can hop in the shower and freshen up before heading off to work. The current plan is to charge between £12 and £15 for each 45-minute class. Stay tuned!

Rock out

Zumba and glow stick gym classes losing their booty-wiggling shine? Then look out for next big thing – Pound, about to hit gyms in the capital and sure to get your pulse racing. The full-body cardio jam session combines light resistance with cardio by getting you to drum for 45 minutes, while rocking out to your favourite music! You’re expected to burn 900 calories during each session, and if you’re not musically inclined, don’t worry – routines are simple to follow and set to calibrated songs, so you can get the rhythm down easily.

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Beauty notes

From ultra-modern bold tones to pale pastel hues, colour is the biggest hair trend right now. Here’s how to keep tinted tresses in tip-top condition.

IMAGE: AL&K photography

Colour me beautiful

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Founded by uber colour expert Olivia Crighton, Glasshouse Salon in Hackney is built on nourishing, plant-based haircare, sans the use of synthetic additives. The condition and health of each client’s hair is always put first, which is especially important when colouring. “In the salon, we’ll never colour hair unless we have taken time to prepare and repair before any lightening process. Condition is key,” says Olivia. Organic Colour Systems products are used to provide protein and moisture, treating the inside of the hair shaft instead of leaving a chemical coating on the outside. To lighten hair, Olivia uses an ammonia-free pre-lightener that is less damaging than traditional methods. For the perfect pastel or bold colour outcome, her stylists custom-mix hues: “It’s a bit like mixing paint. We adjust each colour to get the desired shade – from hot pink to baby blue.” The Organic Colour Systems ‘No Limits’ semi-permanent, custom-colour range is also available to take home. From £14.95. glasshouseshop.co.uk

JUNE/JULY 2016

LLUSTRATION: Sarah Daniel, sarahdanieldesign@btinternet.com

BY LILY EARLE

SUMMER SHADES

Make a strong summer hair statement by mixing firey hues of orange and red, or uniting the palest of pale lilac with rose – perfect shades for the on-trend ombre and ‘mermaid hair’ looks. Take your new appearance to the next level by ensuring your hair is matched back to what you’re wearing. For instant flashes of colour, check out the latest offerings from local beauty brands and retailers:

The eyes have it A fab formula for flawless results. Create subtle tones with Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow by using fingertips to glide across eyelids, or use a brush for a more intense effect. Fancy a colourful eyeliner? Use a hard-angle brush to create a smudge-proof, deftly defined line. ‘Always a Bridesmaid’ (pearly lavender). £15.50 from Benefit in Spitalfields.

andreagarland.co.uk

Wow nails Vivid colour conveys a style vibe without words and these quality nail colours from Only Fingers and Toes are kind to both body and soul. Giving back is a priority for this kind-hearted brand, which supports projects for vulnerable local women and children. Top marks! ‘Bittersweet’, £16.00. onlyfingersandtoes.com

benefitcosmetics.com/uk

onlyfingersandtoes.com

Tonal Treats CHILD’S PLAY

Fancy a quick fling? These clever hair crayons provide the ideal fast-fix colour solution without the need for lasting commitment. They impart a bright and bold colour that washes out and doesn’t leave any nasty residue on skin or clothing. £4.00, available from Bleach in Dalston. bleachlondon.co.uk

Puppy love Starting from a market stall in Brick Lane in 2009, Andrea Garland Vintage Inspired Pill Box Lip Balms are handmade in Hackney. They feature natural and ethically sourced ingredients to help soften and tint lips. Paint by Numbers Puppy Dog in ‘Pink Tint’, £15.00.

GOOD HAIR DAY

Freshen hair between washes with this dry shampoo from Cheeky – it’s great for adding volume and vanquishing grease and grime. Plus, cutting down on the number of foaming ‘wet shampoos’ keeps dyed hair colour looking brighter for longer. £8.00, available from Cheeky Parlour in Shoreditch. urcheeky.com

SHADES OF GREY

We love the idea of customisable semipermanent hair colour – each dye can be used to produce a bright or pale pastel shade. Free from peroxide and harsh chemicals, ColourFreedom contains shea butter and argan oil to help nourish and protect the hair. £6.99, available from Superdrug stores.

JUNE/JULY 2016

E1LIFE

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The new bestselling quarterly magazine from the wellbeing and beauty guru Liz Earle will keep you looking good and feeling great all season long, with delicious, nutritious family recipes and the very best natural health and beauty advice. AVAILABLE NOW in Sainsbury’s, WHSmith and independent newsagents nationwide *10% off when you take out an annual subscription to Liz Earle Wellbeing (RRP £19.96 including P&P**) Simply visit www.lizearlewellbeing.com/subscribe, enter the code E1LIFE16 at the checkout. Offer available until midnight on Friday 30th September. Terms and conditions apply – full details at www.lizearlewellbeing.com ** Free P&P applies to UK addresses only.

Got a saucy summer recipe you’re obsessed with? Tweet us @E1LifeMag to share for supper.

GOOD FOR YOU

snack to it

Savour al fresco dining, long afternoons in local beer gardens and BBQs galore. British produce is at its finest, so serve it up in vibrant salads, fruity desserts and light mains. Just add in a sneaky snack or two. WORDS: CHARLOTTE CLARKE

GO NUTTY FOR... The Living Food Kitchen never uses animal products, which means its raw vegan products are free of lactose, gluten and soya, so even those with intolerances can enjoy a yummy shake. We love the rich and tangy Cacao & Cherry Almond Shake – perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without the guilt. BOXING CLEVER Love the produce at Borough Market but hate the crowds? The BoroughBox Marketplace connects foodies with producers from around the country, so you can order delicious artisanal products from the comfort of your living room. Saturday brunch has never been simpler!

FIFTH TASTE Bonnie Chung, pioneering East London-based chef and food blogger, has always had a passion for top-quality miso but was constantly underwhelmed by off-the-shelf powders and pastes. So she conjured up Miso Tasty – chef-quality, take-home miso. This simple product has little touches of genius, such as the separate ‘umami’ pack with wakame seaweed and spring onions.

MY NO-FAT GREEK YOGURT Packed with fruity flavours, Blueberry, Peach & Passion Fruit and Lemon & Ginger are the new yoghurt pots from Rachel’s. The flavours are perfect with the thick and silky smooth Greek Style Yogurt. These guilt-free indulgences will help keep your health regime on track.Made with the finest organic ingredients from locally sourced organic milk.

Rocket

Rocket is a very ‘English’ leaf and has been used in salads since Elizabethan times. It has a strong, peppery flavour and is great mixed with other salad leaves, topped on pizza or stirred into pasta dishes. To keep it from going slimy, store in a paper bag in the fridge rather than in plastic. NATURE’S WAY This detox juice range works on the philosophy of living a natural lifestyle and eating organic. Nourish Natural Food says switching to organic produce is equal to eating several additional portions of fruit or vegetables per day, as it contains greater amounts of the essential vitamins and minerals we need to function well. Our fave flavour is Sweet Red, which is packed with peppers and celery, and tastes just like a Bloody Mary!

BLESS YOU! Ward off pesky hay fever and reduce the tendency for your body to form histamine by boosting your diet with foods rich in calcium and magnesium like: nuts, sunflower seeds, onions, cabbage, blackberries and apples, including the peel.

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E1LIFE

noise

o t s g n i h 20 t out this K C E CH r e m sum Summertime brings out the very best sounds, sights and aromas the capital can muster – and this year, East London has it all going on. Here's our definitive guide to not missing out. WORDS: ED GIBBS

music that matters Spitalfields Music Summer Festival, now until 26 June This is the gig that goes on and there’s a wide range of styles to suit just about anyone who’s in the neighbourhood. Great value, with events starting from just a fiver. spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk

Soul, Hackney Empire, 15 June to 3 July Top of the list of this year’s stage shows, Soul relives the shocking events that led to the tragic demise of soul legend Marvin Gaye, on 1 April, 1984. Written by BAFTAwinning playwright Roy Williams, in close

GIGS

collaboration with the Marvin Gaye estate, the musical stage show reveals unknown facts behind an infamous event still shrouded in mystery. Nathan Ives-Moiba (As You Like it, Our Country’s Good) stars as the man himself. Prepare to be absolutely moved and grooved. hackneyempire.co.uk

East London Fringe Festival, various East End venues, from 6 July Where else could you get the winning combination of live music and theatre, street parties, a pop-up cinema, a Wimbledon final cook-off and much, much more? Hoxton, Hackney and Shoreditch will once again come alive with the joys of summer for one helluva party. eastlondonfringefest.co.uk

Lovebox, Victoria Park, 15–16 July New York’s LCD Soundsystem may be headlining the annual East End shindig with gusto, but there will be plenty of other sounds to guide you all the way through the music-soaked weekend party in Victoria Park. Everyone from Kano and Katy B to Norman Jay MBE and George Clinton will be keeping it real. Just don’t forget to stay hydrated (and be sure to pack a hat and that SPF 30). loveboxfestival.com

Citadel, Victoria Park, 17 July The day right after Lovebox wraps, expect to see Victoria Park miraculously cleansed of the dance crowd’s joyful abandon, as headliners Sugar Ros and Caribou offer otherworldly Euro-soaked sounds that paint visceral sonic landscapes, live on stage, to an adoring throng. citadelfestival.com

Visions, venues around Hackney, 6 August Looking ahead, the craft beer-loving mob will be shuffling up a storm as Visions takes over Hackney at the beginning of August. Indie bands unite, with plenty of street fair activity promised. visionsfestival.com

destined Sonita is ur heart. o y in to w

film that’s fun & fanatical 15th East End Film Festival, Rich Mix and other venues, 23 June to 2 July One of the most vital of London’s annual film events, the fabulous East End Film Festival showcases an eclectic and edgy selection of films, many of them world premieres. This year boasts a 40th anniversary celebration of punk, with Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer, while the godfather of electronica, Gary Numan, is profiled in the candid Android in La La Land. British cinema includes the award-winning Adult Life Skills, while in the Middle East, the award-winning Sonita tracks the heartwarming story of one very determined and brave girl’s journey to both freedom and success. eastendfilmfestival.com

Jason Bourne, various East End venues, from 27 July

franchise more than any other. Now, finally, Jason Bourne is back, with superstar Matt Damon in the driving seat in – yes, you guessed it – Jason Bourne. Expect plenty of headache-inducing stunts and selfdeprecating one-liners, as Damon is joined by Alicia Vikander, Vincent Cassel and Tommy Lee Jones. As with its predecessors, this is one hell of a thrilling ride.

One of the most anticipated comebacks of the year, from the man who shook up the Bond

Pop-Up Cinema, Leytonstone, monthly Not only a summer ➦

more entertaining than ever, in this big-screen reading of the muchloved TV series. The years may not have withered them, but when they accidentally knock Kate Moss into the Thames, all hell breaks loose after the supermodel perishes. What to do? Head to the Riviera, of course.

Absolutely Fabulous: THE MOVIE, various East End venues, from 1 July – Eddie and Patsy are back, badder than

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reserve but an essential pit-stop for anyone looking to break out from their street in the summer months. This great pop-up screens arthouse gems and modern classics for a fraction of the price of a multiplex – plus, you get to hang with cool film lovers who dig movies as much as we do. leytonstonefilmclub.com

Rooftop Film Club, Stratford, daily When the sun is out, where else would you want to go than roof-side to admire views across our wondrous city? The team at Roof East know a thing or two about entertaining – whether it’s packing a sweet cocktail for the after-work crowd or cranking up the giant outdoor screen to show your favourite flicks. roofeast.com

Genesis Cinema, Mile End, daily A local landmark for all the right reasons, this 19thcentury evergreen never fails to impress with its smart, sharp programme of new and classic films. One that’s caught our eye is a rare, one-off screening of David Cronenberg’s classic, Videodrome – but there’s plenty more besides. Savour and feast on the many wonders. genesiscinema.co.uk

DJs, fine cuts & fun times Pitch Black at Oslo, 7 July: Kiwi outfit Pitch Black are back after a six-year hiatus, ready to raise the roof off any London venue that can handle their audiovisual wonders. Catch them at this intimate show before they head off for Noisily Festival. oslohackney.com Abyss Summer Party at 93 Feet East, 25 June: The name says it all, as Rich Wakley and Artikal keep the tunes coming and the place pumping in the Old Truman Brewery, located on Brick Lane in Shoreditch. You are well advised to arrive before 6pm. 93feeteast.co.uk

American Bingo at Ace Hotel, Shoreditch, Mondays: Yep, you read that right. Grandma’s favourite pastime is now every self-respecting trendsetter’s not-so-secret passion, with this charity driven weekly bash held every Monday from 6pm. It gets crowded once the tunes and cocktails flow, so arrive early to avoid getting beat. acehotel.com/london

The Magic All-Stars at the Magic Roundabout, Old Street, 1 July: With bamboo fencing and Miami-style cocktails, you can forget you’re slap bang in the middle of the East’s busiest interchange. The Magic All-Stars make sure of that. magicroundabout.co

Big Chill Bar, Brick Lane, daily: What it says on the tin is spot on – an ubercool oasis of calm amidst the bustle of the East, with some infectious tunes to match. 52

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Dray Walk’s essential pit stop has everyone talking. It's also the perfect venue for your next big bash! wearebigchill.com

Boundary Rooftop Bar, Shoreditch, daily: Always popular, this fine viewpoint sits atop the hotel, restaurant, café and deli complex designed by the refined Terence Conran. A queue invariably forms outside. The city skyline blushes once you’re there, and the heated orangery means you can soak up the good times all year round. boundary.london

Smokey Tails, Hoxton, daily: After a series of pop-ups around the world enticed global tastebuds, the infamous ‘Beats ‘n’ Eats’ smokehouse now has a permanent home in Hoxton’s Square Bar & Kitchen that suits it rather well. It's BBQ flavours all the way here, with the hip ‘n’ savvy crowd filling up on some pre-gig BBQ pork ribs, smoked lamb's belly croquettes and fried chicken. smokeytails.co.uk Summer Screen, Canary Wharf, from 27 June: Nothing says 'British Summer' more than a hazy outdoor picnic, and what could be more summery than enjoying the world’s top sporting events from the comfort of your local park? Canary Wharf’s Canada Square joins Shoreditch and other local areas in offering a comfy space to view the biggest and best in tennis, motor sport and the 2016 Olympic Games. Even better, Waitrose is conveniently located close by. What’s not to love? canarywharf.com/arts-events

APR/MAY 2016

E1LIFE

ONE TO WATCH

With roles in the West End and Disney blockbuster Maleficent to her name, Isobelle Molloy may be just 15 but is turning heads. Here she talks style, superheroes and Angelina Jolie. INTERVIEW: LIZZIE FRAINIER

At first it was quite overwhelming working with Angelina Jolie, but it was also really exciting. She’s so lovely, down to earth and helpful. We talked about the character of Maleficent together and her development [we both played her], and the contact lenses we wore to make our eyes yellowy green. I loved being allowed to fly on the harness. And being in a Disney film, that’s something very special. I also got to go to LA, and it was the first time I’d done stuff with CGI [computergenerated imagery]. It was my first film. My horns were attached under a wig and were magnetic, so they could click on and off in between takes, which was great as they were really heavy. In terms of style, I really believe that if you like something you should wear it and try not to worry about what other people think. I like a lot of highstreet stuff like Topshop and New Look, but I also love wearing designer pieces by Ada Zanditon and Ong-Oaj Pairam. Ada is very clever in the way she designs – she actually designed a dress for me for the Ant-Man premiere. Ong’s pieces are very girly and flowery, with lots of prints, which I really like. I’ve been really lucky – I get to go to lots of premieres, but the Marvel films are my favourite. I love the atmosphere and superhero films, so it’s very special to be one of the first to watch them.

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Top: Isobelle at the charity fundraiser Style for Stroke; Above: as young Maleficent: Left: with her stylist Steve Vyse at the Avengers Age of Ultron Premiere.

I go to two or three auditions a month. If I’ve been sent a script I learn it off book and practice until it’s perfect. I do it on my own, but I check it in front of my parents to make sure I’ve got the words right. I’m doing a lot of auditions at the moment, but in July I’m filming for a short film called Like Me Soon – it’s about a girl called Sophia and how she tackles social media. When I was in Matilda I did two to three shows a week. I was only 11 but it just became a part of my routine. My favourite part of the show was the song Naughty, because I got to be naughty! I’m in the middle of my GCSEs, but I go to a theatre school so it’s all very well organised. If we miss a day, we get a tutor and there’s a folder for missed work. I recently went to LA and fell in love with it again, particularly with Santa Monica. I’d like to live there when I’m older. Well, I’d like to have a home there and in London. I love the weather and everyone is very positive and supportive. It’s a great vibe. My dream role would be a superhero in a Marvel film. I’d love being in an action film, and to be directed again by Robert Stromberg from Maleficent. He’s a lovely man and very clever. I look up to my mum. She’s my biggest inspiration. She’s very positive and supports me in all that I do. She’s my best friend. Obviously I also really like Angelina Jolie, especially because she uses her platform very well. She does a lot of charity work and I’d like to do that, too. I also look up to Kate Winslet; she went to my school and I love what she’s doing. My family are originally from the East End, from Bow and Dagenham way, so the East End is very important to our family. My great granddaddy grew up here and he used to tell us stories of the war and what happened in this area at that time. One of my favourite fairy tales is Sleeping Beauty, which is what Maleficent is based on, but I’d love to see Beauty and the Beast come to life – I love Belle! I really just want to carry on acting and I’d like to be doing films. I think it’s the excitement of being on set, with all different people. There’s so much involved in a film. I like being able to redo takes, change it and try different styles. Getting such great parts so young hasn’t made me feel under pressure, it’s just motivated and inspired me to work hard.

Photography: Jack Alexander; stylist & creative director: Steve Vyse; dress: Ong-Oaj Pairam; make up: Jo Sugar; make up assistant: Taleri Bankes; hair: Tim Furssetonn. Special thanks to Images By Munever for helping with the dress.

Isobelle Molloy

‘Getting such great parts so young hasn’t made me feel under pressure, it’s just motivated and inspired me to work hard.’

EDUCATION

KiDS cORnER Work it, baby It’s a fact that many Mums want and need to work, writes Violet Day. So why are many employers still behind the eight ball when it comes to encouraging parents back into the workforce? A lot of London parents work and many of them happen to be mothers, but as far as I know we don’t call them ‘memployees’. When a woman who also happens to be a mother starts her own business so she can work around childcare, she’s called a ‘mumtrepeneur’. Now there’s a word that never needed inventing. After all, there aren’t ‘dadtrepeneurs’, are there? Earlier this week I caught one of my colleagues, a working Mum, in the middle of a very heated debate... with herself. When I asked why, she said: “Sometimes talking to myself is the only way to get an intelligent response.” I understood exactly what she meant. If that’s our truth, I thought to myself, then perhaps we are better off doing things our own way. After all, parents still aren’t being heard by many big companies. Last year I had my flexible working arrangement, a thing of great beauty and joy that served me so well for so long, removed due to ‘business needs’. If this keeps up, more parents will go their own way – and so it should be! Employers are missing a serious trick here. Parents in London often need to and want to work, so companies should be embracing and supporting those yearning for adult conversation and an hour free in which to eat lunch without anyone saying: “Mummeeee”! Maybe taking children to work would open some eyes. A trail of Pom-Bears could guide a safe path between any dangerous machinery and IT could sticky finger-proof computers. Perhaps then bosses would accept that you need time out to be somewhere else, as I did when a previous employee of mine let his child put toast and jam in the company post. I don’t know if it ever got delivered. I suggest heading to the London Small Business Centre in our very own E1 for advice. Or seek out one of those members’ club/workspace hybrids that allows a whole different approach to doing your own thing within an E1 postcode but without traditional office-space restrictions. It’s time to entrepreneur-up, people... Let’s go!

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JUNE/JULY 2016

AWESOME ADVENTURES A modern-day Sherlock Holmes for kids, The Adventures Of The Kumber Of Kew by Matt Bolton (Boutain),is a series of adventure books that kicks off with The Kumber In Norway. The series centres on a quintessential English gentleman – who just so happens to be a sixfoot-tall, monocle-wearing, talking salamander – and his best friend Stanley, a Komodo dragon. Set in the frozen northern waters of Norway, this high-octane story includes a kidnapping that sends our brave heroes headlong into an escapade jam-packed with magic – talking bears, a witch, goblins and a fearsome tribe of terrifying trolls weave an enthralling tale culminating in a climactic finale. It’s guaranteed to fascinate every reader aged from eight to 80. Kindle download: amzn.to/280c5Is TROT ON Owned and operated by the Newham Riding School & Association, the Docklands Equestrian Centre is located within East London’s 2012 Olympic Games area. Its aim is to provide a first-rate facility where local disabled and able-bodied children and adults can learn to ride and care for horses at affordable prices. 2 Clapsgate Lane, Beckton, London E6 6JF Call: 020 7473 4951 docklandsequestriancentre.com WATER WORKS Do your young ones love the idea of learning to sail, kayak or canoe? Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre believes it doesn’t matter what gets your kids on the water, as long as it brings them joy. Located in the heart of London, the Centre offers comprehensive programmes for kayaking, canoeing, sailing, bell boats, dragon boats and powerboats. Surprisingly, there are seven acres of enclosed water here, providing the ideal conditions for safety and adventure. 4 Shadwell Pierhead, Glamis Road, London E1W 3TD Call: 020 7481 4201 shadwell-basin.org.uk

e l t t i L y t t e r P East

INSTAGRAMMERS

Posting drool-worthy pastel images of London’s best beauty spots secured two super-clever Instagrammers one helluva of a following and a whole lot of likes. E1Life Magazine collaborated with #prettylittlelondon on these picture-perfect Insta-shots. BY ANDREA DI FILIPPO & SARA SANTINI

THE PRETTY LITTLE LONDON LOWDOWN Q: Who are you? A: We are Andrea Di Filippo and Sara Santini. Andrea works as a project manager in a translation agency in Bank, and Sara studies Fashion Retail Marketing in Moorgate.

Sara Santini applies her natural eye for style to Instagram.

Q: Best London day out? A: We absolutely adore wandering around London in search of hidden gems and new places, where you can have a nice afternoon tea or try some tasty cuisine. We love the city’s diversity and the fact that there’s always something going on. Q: Reveal #prettylittlelondon’s history... A: We started #prettylittlelondon as a way of providing an alternative visual guide to this beautiful city. The feedback has been amazing, and we are growing by the day. ➦

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INSTAGRAMMERS

Q: You review hotels, restaurants and the like – which ones match up with your brand values? A: Our Instagram only showcases the best and most elegant places in London. If our followers decide to follow any of our tips, we want them to be satisfied. When they think about #prettylittlelondon, they have to think quality; they have to think: ‘We are going to have an amazing time’.

The ever-buzzy Spitalfields Market.

Q: Share your vital statistics… A: We currently have 85,000 followers and we gain around 400 new followers per day. Our pictures have around 5500 likes each and grab lots of attention, with an average of 50 comments each. Q: What’s instantly addictive about Instagram? A: The fact that it gives the everyone the chance to showcase his or her photographic talents. It’s very spontaneous and gives you the chance to discover a lot of places that you would never have thought about. Q: What exactly does your platform provide online visitors with? A: It gives them the opportunity to always be updated on what’s going on in London, and what the most popular trends are.

Q: How did it all start? A: Last summer we were often wandering around London and discovering a lot of secret spots, cute cafés and pastel houses. So we thought to ourselves: “Wouldn’t it be great if everyone were able to easily reach these places?” Q: You’ve done a tour of the East End exclusively for E1 Life Magazine – why us? A: We love the fact that you are giving people the opportunity to discover an area of London that has a lot to give, in terms of history and creativity. It’s very similar to what we do. Q: Share some East End love… A: We really enjoyed walking around and shooting on location in Spitalfields, Brick Lane and Shoreditch, and we were lucky enough to be there on a sunny day. The thing that always amazes us is that the street art is different every time we visit the area, so it always looks like a brand new place! Q: Where are some of the most photogenic and interesting spots? A: We would suggest visiting Elder Street, where you will always find a vintage green Morris Minor. Also take a walk down Brick Lane and get lost in its narrow streets. You can find all kinds of cool street art there, with artists working in real time.

You’ll find this artistic corner right in the heart of Brick Lane – the graffiti here changes on a weekly basis. 58

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Andrea Di Filippo has a passion for London’s most elegant spots.

HISTORY FIX Spitalfields was originally a Roman settlement and one of the largest cemeteries outside of the city. Four centuries on, fire weaponry was tested in the area, until it was populated at the end of the 17th century by 50,000 Huguenot refugees, who were on the run from the Catholic King Luis XIV. These refugees led the development of the garment industry and contributed to the expansion of local fruit and vegetable markets. Towards the end of the 20th century, the Jewish community increased and developed fashion trades and street markets, bringing cobblers, shoemakers, milliners and tailors. Post-World War II, Bengali immigrants added their influence to the unique cultural mix, especially around Brick Lane. That’s why most road signs here appear in both English and Bengali. ON THE MARKET Today, Old Spitalfields Market is considered one of London’s best, with its many stands, small shops, restaurants and cafés. The market is particularly lively on weekends, when you can always unearth fabulous jewellery, clothing and handicrafts.

This Instafamous car can always be spotted in Elder Street, right next to Spitalfields Market.

BETWEEN THE DITCH AND BRICK LANE Shoreditch transformed into one of London’s hippest areas in the ‘80s, when artists started using vacant commercial properties to set up their studios. Many local artists have left their mark on walls and doors here. Every available space has been painted, sprayed or pasted. International street artists have also worked on these walls – some invited, others not. Most graffiti doesn’t last more than two weeks, as every artist that sets foot in Shoreditch is keen to leave their memorable mark. ➦

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INSTAGRAMMERS

Some street art makes you laugh out loud. Have you seen seen these portraits of David and Victoria Beckham on Princelet Street?

Three Pretty Little London tips for Instagram success

PUT QUALITY FIRST: Instagram is first and foremost a social platform for photography. So, before you start telling your followers how terrible your love life is or how mean your boss is, you want to have a great picture appear on your feed. Use natural light, discover a particular angle or aim to capture something no-one has ever captured before.

ENGAGE WITH YOUR AUDIENCE: People are more likely to follow you or like your pictures if you ‘Like’ them first. Plus, the more comments you leave under other people’s pictures, the more people will be curious to see who is behind those amazing comments.

This graffiti on Hanbury Street was created by Portuguese artist Furia as an ode to the ‘Slave to Fashion’ campaign.

BE CONSISTENT WITH YOUR STYLE: Identify the image you want to convey and stick to it. Pretty profiles are more likely to be followed, and the more consistent the pictures are on your feed, the more appealing your profile will look. The idea is to really tell a story that hooks people in.

In full bloom at Columbia Road Flower Market.

E1LIFE

JUNE/JULY 2016

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CITY FLIT

A Room with a View, Kemp Town.

BRIGHTON

The i360 cable car will open at West Pier this summer.

impress visitors such as the Lord Byron and the Duke of Wellington.

The lure of this vibrant seaside town lies in its joie de vivre and quirky individualism. To put it simply, Brighton rocks. decadence runs deep

You can thank British royalty for the whiff of scandal still present in the air. Fancy a naughty weekend away? This town invented the concept. When the Prince of Wales (future King George IV) arrived in 1783 with his entourage of gamblers, bon viveurs and lovers, he built a palace to spend summers by the sea indulging his fancies. London’s fashionable society set followed to take the waters, and Brighton was hailed as an upper-crust destination. Before the Prince swaggered into town,

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shop

Wander around the kaleidoscope of tiny streets clustered in two areas: North Laine (northlaine.co.uk) and this was a sleepy fishing the Lanes. The bohemian village. The Regent’s denizens of North Laine presence led to a begin on Trafalgar Street, grandiose building spree at the top of Sydney of the Georgian houses Street. Find quirky cafés that now define the place. and boutiques. Cross over North Street and the vibe is more mainstream, by day blending high-street Start at the Pavilion, shops with restaurants. the Prince Regent’s palace by the sea – a stunning mélange of kiss me quick oriental influences set The backdrop to it all in gardens, with its is Brighton’s seafront, flamboyant Indian-style with its promenade, domes and minarets, an extravagant mix of chinoiserie, baroque and gothic revival designed by John Nash. The dramatic interior has soaring ceilings, golden domes held up by towering palms, magnificent chandeliers, velvet drapes all to

pebble beach and the neon lights of the brassy pier, where candy floss, kiss-me-quick hats, hook-a-duck booths, slot machines and fairground rides all keeping the time-honoured coastal frolics going.

beach life

Catch red sunsets over the skeleton of West pier (which burned down in 2003 and juts out into the English Channel), grab a bag of whelks or enjoy a fish-and-chip picnic on the pebbles. Summer hordes descend on the lower esplanade for the pubs, clubs and bars of Kings Road Arches.

eat

Famous for seafood, the romantically candle-lit Riddle & Fins for fish suppers of smoked mackerel pate and grilled local lemon sole fillets served in champagne sauce. Food For Friends and Terre à Terre are veggie destination restaurants both notching up great reviews for creative dishes. New pizza place VIP – Very Italian Pizza (pizzavip. co.uk) serves up wonderfully yummy pizzas and the best-ever bruschetta. The Italian staff make you feel right at home and you can see the chefs at work in the kitchen. Try the porcino with wild mushrooms

The exotic Royal Pavilion.

Fairground attractions have long kept the coastal frolics going.

WORDS: Renate Ruge. PHOTOGRAPHY: visitbrighton.com

The backdrop to it all is Brighton’s seafront, with promenade, pebble beach and the neon lights of the brassy pier.

and parmesan, or the calzone, folded in half and filled with ham, mozarella and tomato.

stay

Relax by the beach at boutique retreat A Room with a View (roomwithaview.co.uk), on the promenade in Kemp Town. The grade II listed property is decorated in pale putty shades, with light,

white rooms boasting sea views. Some even have deep egg-shaped baths. Book the top rooms for panoramic sea vistas and a roof terrace, where you can take in big gulps of sea air and enjoy rooftop drinks. It’s fabulous. Drakes Hotel (drakesofbrighton.com) is equally impressive. Spanning two late Georgian townhouses

opposite the pier, Drakes is high on style and service. Make use of the popular cocktail bar and fine-dining restaurant, and take advantage of a massage or yoga class in your room.

don’t miss

For a quirky cuppa, head to The Tea Cosy (theteacosy.co.uk); add a dash of sweetness at

Choccywokkydoodah, famed for it’s sublime chocolates, cakes, milkshakes and sundaes; wonder at the abundance street art, which lends a raffish and colourful tone to the town. Set to open on the end of Brighton’s West Pier this summer, the British Airways i360 – the world’s first vertical cable car – is a

futuristic pod that will allow 200 visitors at a time to enjoy the views. It was conceived by the London Eye creators.

getting there and around

Download walking maps from visitbrighton.com, or simply go and get lost in The Lanes. Trains from London Waterloo Station take around an hour.

JUNE/JULY 2016

E1LIFE

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Staycation big spender

BATTY LANGLEY’S Follow in our footsteps down a cobbled street steeped in East End history to this chic abode. As I clatter along the cobbles with my small overnight case, I realise this little corner of London is the start of something new, by said new meeting and reinventing the old. Ahead, listed red-brick Georgian terraces gleam in the afternoon sunlight. Look left and beyond the cobbles there’s the Gherkin, rising and shining, basking in its newness at the other end of the street. I’m warmly welcomed into Batty Langley’s pale green interior. All is plush and calm, and once ushered up a mahogany staircase, you can’t help but relax into the period setting, where modern innovations are cleverly concealed (the huge, flat-screen TV sits behind a vintage mirror above the fireplace). The gorgeous room is framed by deep red and gold drapes. Grand oil paintings of the ghosts of Spitalfields past keep a beady eye on new guests. There’s a

squishy sofa in a small drawing room where a tea is taken – a tea tray with requisite pots and granny style crockery swiftly arrives post check-in. (This same tray holds my in-room breakfast of delicious granola and yoghurt, fresh juice, an impressive basket of pastries and baked goods.) The bed takes some clambering on to and it is equally difficult to descend from its ‘highness’, given the sumptuous sinking comfort factor that rewards you once aboard. Brocade cushions abound. Ablutions are taken care of in the fancy Victorian tiled bathroom. A freestanding tub with copper taps begs to be soaked in. There’s a walk-in shower, too, and then there’s the throne. Really, it is a throne – wooden, noble, complete in regalness with a ceramic pot and old-fashioned flusher. Rooms are named after the locals – those who resided and roamed the streets in circa 1724, when the hotel was built. There’s the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker, the wanton woman and the vagabond.

thrifty

WORDS: Renate Ruge

QBIC Go Dutch at this neat, no-fuss, low-cost hotel, which still has enough frills for a mini stopover. A handy stroll to Liverpool Street, Qbic is a cool and quirky hotel find that hails from Amsterdam and sits in a side street off Brick Lane. ‘Alright treacle’, reads the white neon sign, illuminating a small bar that serves as the breakfast room. The lift is astro turfed and ‘thoughts for the day’ –

Looking for somewhere unique to spend a night? This issue we savour a history lesson at Batty Langley’s and enjoy the Dutch simplicity of Qbic.

A modern-day retreat with a plush interiors, Batty Langley’s is a must for those who love to combine history with luxury.

Seriously interesting literature on the previous residents is on hand to read at your leisure, which adds to the alluring atmosphere. The downstairs library makes for a peaceful spot to escape the London of today and read about the city of yesterday. There’s an honesty bar, too, serving fanciful wines and tots of medicinal

mostly cheeky mantras – are pasted on the wall for consideration. Ascend to your floor, where serviceable looking rooms branch off a corridor that has a faint whiff of bleach. “Clean,” I think to myself. Rooms are indeed spotless, and bright yellow… Once your eyes adjust to the colour scheme, it kind of works. What else are you going to team with an image wall of funlooking Japanese fashionistas posing in front of the Brick Lane sign? Natch, the bathroom

spirits. I’m guessing the relatives of petty thief Ann Flynn (who has a room named after her) might not be quite as welcome here as I am. IN THE KNOW: Doubles from £310 per night. Batty Langley’s, 12 Folgate Street, Spitafields E1 6BX. Phone: 020 7377 4390. Nearest tube: Liverpool Street. battylangleys.com

is in matching custard yellow. ‘Useful’ decorations hang from the ceiling: a bath brush, a sponge and, erm, a plunger. There’s a walk-in shower, a decent hairdryer, a large TV and a red-spaghetti sculpture of a mood light perched at the foot of the bed. An IKEA-esque wooden hanging rack makes a nifty wardrobe. The verdict: Decent. It’s good value and we love the little things, like the frill of free Tea Pig’s tea and Nude coffee served from a machine in the corridor. IN THE KNOW: Rates from £110 per night. Address: 42 Adler Street, London E1 1EE. Phone: 020 3021 2644. Nearest tube: Liverpool Street. qbichotels.com JUNE/JULY 2016

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I love the East End’s cool and eclectic vibe, and the audiences here are totally different to those you get elsewhere. They’re a real

mix of geezers and hipsters, but everyone is up for having a laugh. It’s changed so much since I was a teenager hanging out on the Roman Road. Then it was all about nights out in Camden, whereas now the East End is the place to go out of an evening.

Thankfully I don’t tend to get nervous before a gig. In fact, the

Tiff’s Little Black Book

RESTAURANT: Song Quê Café on Kingsland Road for great Vietnamese. COFFEE SHOP: The Gallery Café, Bethnal Green. BOUTIQUE: The Laden Showroom on Brick Lane. I can pick up stuff from up-and-coming designers and know I won’t see anyone else in it.

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JUNE/JULY 2016

PLACE TO CHILL OUT: Victoria Park. PUB: The Ten Bells, an historical pub where Victorian ladies of the night once convened. NIGHT CLUB & COCKTAIL BAR: Soho House for drinks, followed by a sobering swim in the rooftop pool. MARKET: Roman Road, followed by eel pie & mash.

PLACE TO BAG A BARGAIN:

Brick Lane. PLACE TO VISIT: Geffrye Museum, Kingsland Road.

bigger the situation and the greater the pressure, the calmer I usually feel. Sometimes, however, I can be in a small room with minimum stress and suddenly I’ll be overcome by this weird nervousness. I’m really looking forward to playing Hoxton Hall as it’s a great venue, a bit like a beautiful little crypt. I’ll be previewing my show, Seven, before taking it on to the Edinburgh Fringe.

The show is hung around a trip I took to Paris last year, just a month before the terror attacks. I was performing at David Lynch’s club, Silencio, and hanging out with Josh Homme of the Queens of the Stone Age and Eagles of Death Metal. It’s a sort of exploration of how we respond to big events and our human need to make them about ourselves. Well, that and women’s reproductive rights and gun control in America. I guess you could say it’s pretty broad!

Hecklers are par for the course in this business, but I get far fewer now than I used to. I remember this

guy once who took his clothes off and came up on the stage, which, when you think about it, is a uniquely aggressive form of heckling. I just said: ‘It looks like it must be a bit cold in here,’ and that was it, he slunked back off the stage.

It’s a great time to be a woman in comedy. For many years women

were held back a bit and as a result we’ve suddenly come out with a force. We’ve had to get really great

to have the same opportunities the boys get for being average. Just look at Roisin Conaty and Katherine Ryan – those ladies are on top form.

That said, it’s been a sad few years for my big comedy heroes, and I’m still struggling to get to grips with the fact that Joan Rivers and Victoria Wood have both passed away. Growing up,

they defined what being a female comedian was about – smart, quick-witted and insightful. Not that I wanted to go into the business initially. I thought acting was more up my street, but I quickly fell into playing comedic roles (my main claim to fame is a blink-and youmiss-it part in The Office). After reading one too many duff scripts I thought: ‘I could do better than this’, which is when I started writing.

Watching great stand-up is inspiring. When I was starting out

I was a regular at the Backyard Comedy Club on Cambridge Heath Road, which has always hosted such incredible talent and has a wonderfully vibrant atmosphere.

I’m a bit more tortoise than hare when it comes to my career. I can’t

say I’ve ever had a big break as such, just a series of little breaks that are ongoing. My biggest ‘oh wow’ moment to date would be the first time I did Mock the Week. Anything you do for the first time is scary but everyone went out of their way to put me at ease and I ended up having a great time. Now that I’ve done it a few times, I’m starting to feel more part of the furniture.

Mostly I work solo, but I’m absolutely loving working with Rich Hall on a new comedy script. It’s

been really exciting bouncing ideas off each other, and fingers crossed you’ll be seeing the fruits of our labours in the not too distant future. Tiff Stevenson previews Seven at Hoxton Hall on 20 and 23 July, and will be performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 3–28 August. For more information and tickets visit tiffstevenson.co.uk

INTERVIEW: KELLY BESWICK; PHOTO BY LONDONEATER.COM

East ender

‘

Comedian Tiff Stevenson always knew she had the makings of a top funny girl, but discovering stand-up at Bethnal Green’s Backyard Comedy Club confirmed her career choice. Along with a regular slot on Mock the Week and a new sitcom in the pipeline, she’s taking her latest show, Seven, on the road. First stop: Hoxton Hall.

‘

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