Little Shop of Horrors- plants on world domination!

The hit musical finally comes back to London! Little Shop of Horrors is the classic story of a nervous flower shop owner named Seymour who buys a weird looking plant for his store. However, the plant is a bit special- it offers Seymour fame and fortune in exachange for flesh. And that's when things start to go wrong.

As this show has just opened, there are not a lot of reviews out there on the interweb for it. Especially for this new London show as there are many versions out there at the moment. But with a cast including famous British talent Csuch as Alistair McGowan, Mike McShane and Sheridan Smith, why would you not want to see this musical classic?

Come see this play in the Duke of York Theatre in London! Tickets are avaliable for online booking.

'Through the Eyes of Shigeru Ban' - The Barbican

'Through the Eyes of Shigeru Ban' is an exhibition at The Barbican, curated by Shigeru Ban, looking at the work of the Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto, who designed not just buildings, but interiors, including glassware, fittings, and textiles.

Alvar Aalto is heralded as one of the masters of modernism, and the title is a fitting one. The exhibition features photographs, drawings, models and artefacts from 14 of Alvar Aalto's key projects. The work itself is fascinating; Aalto's designs fluid and unique.

'Through the Eyes of Shigeru Ban' is running from 22 February - 13 May

Barbican Art Gallery

Barbican Centre

Silk Street

London

EC2Y 8DS

tel: 020 7638 8891

email: tickets@barbican.org.uk

Sweets for my Sweets

Are you looking for traditional English cooking?

Look no further than Sweetings on Queen Victoria Street, envisage a saucer with your tea, white table clothes and proper china.

Traditional is the aim of the game here; you’ll find an excellent fish menu and Posh French wine is almost expected.

A debatably traditional interior, you'll either love it or want to run out screaming. Again the food is very old world, with spotted dick and jam roll for dessert... Yummy.

A serious fish menu is the high point of its menu, beautiful turbot and West mersea oysters will have you salivating all over the menu!

If you want real British culture try the 'Black velvet' served in a tankard, (that’s Guinness and champagne to you new Yorkers).

You can’t deny this place is original and definitely a dying breed of dining, while being moderately expensive the serving will make you think you’re the Prince of Wales, don’t try jeans and trainers here!

Find it at: 39 Queen Victoria Street, EC4N 4SA

You cant reserve at table, but call on: 020 7248 3062

Avenue Q- A childhood memory gone adult

Okay it's another musical... but it's one with a difference. When you think of Sesame Street you think of that warm and loving neighbourhood in Manhattan, New York with some of your favourite muppets, including Elmo and Big Bird. When you think of South Park, images of foul mouthed children come to mind and situations you can't believe they air on TV. Now combine the two. Think it's impossible? Welcome to the world of Avenue Q.

This show is definately NOT for kids which you will be thankful for after a long day at work, not having to hear children making noise in the row in front of you. Apart from the show itself, the only noise you will be hearing is the sound of laughter at the madness of it all.

An extensive review from Nowt2do.co.uk called Avenue Q "the must-see show in London this year." If you are up for something a bit different, or you just want to see how a British cast handle the show, why not head down to the Noel Coward Theatre in London? You can book tickets online here.

A shopping spree at Brown's

Browns is a great set of boutiques in London, providing the latest trends for fashionistas of both sexes.

The store started off as a small boutique in the 70’s created by Joan Burstein. But has since spread out to five sites in London, three of the best stores all next door to each other in South Molten street.

Browns provides a boutique dedicated solely to menswear, which being a man myself I obviously took the most interest in.

With over 50 designers on offer Browns men has become one of the must visit places in London.

Here's a look at some of the clothes they have on offer, from established designers such as Dior Homme and Alexander Mcqueen.

Cotton Trench coat by Dior Homme.
Satin side striped trousers by Alexander Mcqueen.

And also more contemporary menswear like Raf Simons, I love these pieces - have a look.

Silver shirt by Raf Simons.
Sleeveless t-shirt by Raf Simons.

These clothes may seem a bit garish on first look, but i like the individuality of the pieces and if you can pull off the look then why the hell not that’s what I say.

With all designer clothes the only downfall is the price tag, so if you’re credit card is maxed out like mine at the moment; Browns also have an outlet store called “Browns labels for less” which have some great clothes at discounted prices – sounds good to me.

Take a look at their website for more information, Brownsfashion.

Their address is…

23 - 27 South Molton Street
London
W1K 5RD

Funky Buddha...

Funky Buddha is a club situated in the heart of Mayfair, especially known for it's unique and innovative clubbing experience.

Don't let the name throw you off girls and boys because I can guarentee you this club is what saturday nights are all about! Loud music , lots of alcholol (for what I would say is considerably cheap) and plenty of people to dance, chat and have a whale (or shall I say 'buddha') of a time with...
The club also has it's own caged off private room for all you people looking to spend more intimate time with the 'hotty' you just chatted up!

With the dress code requesting you to wear anything smart and casual there is no excuse what so ever for you not to be showing off your moves on the dance floor to the R & B and funky house music from 10pm all the way through till 3am!

You can even book yourself in to be on the guestlist or hold your own birthday party there, that way you can definately ensure that you'll be there and not miss out on the fun...
Funky Buddha is FANTASTIC!!! If you don't beleive me why not take a look at their reviews yourself (see reviews)

These boots are made for buying

John Lobb is one of the finest and most famous boot makers in London. Established in Victorian times they provide traditional shoes handmade to the finest quality. The only stickler is that the prices are in the thousands.

You may be thinking: “Why should I spend more than £100 on a pair of shoes, let alone £1000?” That’s fine, I realise it’s highly unlikely that most men would get as excited about buying shoes as women would over a pair of Jimmy Choos, for example. However if you want a quality crafted, handmade pair of shoes in lavish materials such as buckskin, satin calf and ostrich leathers, John lobb is your man.

So if cost is no issue then it really is worth the investment, it’s a simple equation really - the more expensive the shoe the longer they'll last and the better the quality; in this case definitely. And even if you choose not to buy anything, the shop in itself is an experience. Have a look for yourself here.

You can find John Lobb at…

9 St. James's Street
London
SW1A 1EF

Telephone no.

+44 20 7930 3664/5

Email: enquiries@johnlobbltd.co.uk

'Kylie'- The V&A

'Kylie' is on display at The V&A, and features Kylie Minogue's costumes, photographs, and general memorabilia from Kylie's career. The exhibition is made possible by Kylie's donations and has attracted huge audiences.

However, the exhibition has drawn criticism based on its presentation of a mainstream celebrity as art (The Observer Review). It has been said that the exhibition is designed not to appeal to 'art lovers', but fans and 'celeb worshippers'.

Personally, I think if you're a fan, you're bound to find something you like at 'Kylie - The Exhibition'. If you're not, I'd steer well clear.

The V&A is in South Kensington, on Cromwell Road, London, SWL 2RL
tel: +44 (0)20 7942 2000
email: pdp@vam.ac.uk

a very posh take away

Be warned: this will ruin your idea of a good Cantonese FOREVER!

The Royal China Club, one of the most renowned establishments for oriental cuisine has opened yet another set of doors in Baker Street.

Known for its soul crushing prices and AMAZING Dim Sum, Royal China restaurants have a serious following.

The Cantonese equivalent to the Ivy in Covent Garden, you can expect queues round the block for this exceptional grub.

This is anything but your average take away, gleaming service, beautiful presentation and above all, an experience you will never forget.

To say the least, a very sexy dining experience, expect black satin and leather. Not for the faint hearted, a meal can average up to £200.

But hay, if you feel like a full blown meal is too much hassle... call them for a take away!

Expect a long wait, moths in your wallet till next payday, but a very big smile on your face.

Find it at: 40-42 Baker street
Reserve a table (weekdays only) on: 020 7486 3898

Billy Elliot- a musical masterpiece

There are many film-to-musical productions out in the London theatre circuit today, but only a few have been great successes.

Today I am recommending Billy Elliot, based on the film with the same name about a young boy living in an 1980's mining town going against all stereotypes and finding joy in ballet dancing.

Broadwayworld.com believes that this musical in an example of "how to do musical theatre and succeed" and The Stage notes that even though, at three hours, the show is notacibly longer than the film but they have made it more "emotionally penetrating and resonant".

Visit London are offering a hotel and show pakage on their site. If you don't want to do that and just want to see the show after a busy working day, then Billy Elliot is now showing at the Victoria Palace Theatre. (Nearest Tube station: Victoria)

Sunday's the London way!

If you think that your Sunday nights in London are going to be boring as your 8 hour flight from New York to London, then have I got news for you!!

Faces nightclub is the place to be every Sunday night if you want a Sunday to remember..

It offers you a fine selection of music varying from R n'B, funky house and hip hop plus much much more, and if you are not star stricken from the famous DJ's on set, then I guarantee you will once you bump into our soap celebs (you know what us brits are like with our soap operas).

Although I can't say I have been there before I know many people who have and believe me once they'd been there they couldnt help but visit it again and again...

If that's not encouraging enougth, then consider the fact that ladies will only pay £7 entry and men £10 for a night that I believe will be live and kicking! So let's all party the London way....

Equus- Harry Potter Grows Up

Daniel Radcliffe sheds off his innocent boy wizard image and decides to show off another wand in his stage debut in the play Equus, which premiered in London on the 27th Feb.

The play opened to rave reviews from the public and critics alike. Charles Spencer from the Telegraph said he had shown himself as "a thrilling stage actor of unexpected range and depth" and Whatsonstage called his performance as "Tremendous".

Granted, the play is not intened to be a cheerful night out, as the plot centres around a stableboy's violent treatment of horses. However, if you want to see a very good looking adolecent doing something out of the norm, and in the buff too, why not book tickets for the Gielgud Theatre to see this play? I guess it's something to do whilst you're in London.

Spanish find

El Faro is a great find.
A little hole in the wall in Canary Wharf, tucked away behind Millwall inner dock, close to the London arena.

The northern Spanish cuisine is a breath of fresh air, no seafood paella or calamari here (thank god).

Very sensual, very exotic, HUGE steaks, what more could you ask for!
You'll need to take that belt buckle down a notch or two after a meal here; the portions are to say the least, a considerable size.

For such a little place, El Faro has a very huge wine list, quite scary really. You look to spend at least £70 for a good Rioja or Ribero, but without the wine the meal just isn’t complete.

Dig deep, a meal for two can cost around £180 without dessert, but this is definitely not a meal you should miss. YUM YUM.

Find it at: 3 Turnberry Way, Pepper street, London, E14 9RD
Reserve a table on: 020 7987 5511