Marilyn Monroe

Londoners can soon get a rare glimpse at Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe in an upcoming exhibition at Getty Images Gallery.

In commemoration of the 50 years since Monroe’s death, the ‘Marilyn’ exhibition will pair unique photos of Monroe with original dresses and costumes worn by the iconic movie star.

Photographs will range from Monroe’s early years as an aspiring actress through her rise to international stardom. Accompanying each photo will be an original film costume or dress from the collection of David Gainsborough Roberts, owner of one of the largest collections of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia in the world.

Marilyn Monroe

“We are extremely excited to present our Marilyn exhibition, offering the public unparalleled and rare access to Marilyn’s life through the iconic imagery from Getty Images’ extensive archival collection,” said Louise Garczewska, Director at Getty Images Gallery.

Original video will also be shown and prints will be available for purchase.

The exhibition runs at the Getty Images Gallery from Friday 9 March to 24 May 2012.

Admission is free.

ECC Chinatown

by John Gregory-Smith

Celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens’ birth on Tuesday 7th February with an exclusive three-day Dickensian-style tribute at the ECC Chinatown – featuring 1850′s inspired cocktails, yummy Goddard Pies and not so 1850’s music from a selection of DJ’s.

From Tuesday 7^th February, the actual day of Dickens’ birth, to the Thursday 9^th February, guests can sip on a Scotch based cocktail: the Pickwick Club Cocktail or an immensely popular hot gin punch in 19^th century England: the Bleak House Punch or yet even better warm up with a hot gin punch: the Oliver’s Twist cocktail.

London ECC Chinatown; Dickens’ 200^th anniversary party; 7^th February – 9^th February 6pm-3am; 13A Gerrard Street London, there is £5 cover charge after 11pm; experimentalcocktailclublondon.com

To make a reservation, please email: reservation@chinatownecc.com

Night Safari at the Natural History Museum

For every woman swooning over chocolates, roses, and candlelit dinners, there is another that can’t bare the Valentine’s Day romantics. Luckily, this 14th February, the Natural History Museum has something in store for romantics and cynics alike.

Titled “Turn Me On” and “Turn Me Off”, the event allows guests to choose between two Valentine’s Night Safaris: one that focuses on the ways of romance in the animal world and an alternative that reveals nature’s darker side.

Die-hard romantics may prefer the “Turn Me On” tour, which showcases inspiring examples of romance in nature, from creatures of the deep sea swimming for their soul mates to the bizarre practices of chivalry in the beetle world.

If something more sinister lights your fire, go for the “Turn Me Off” tour, which incorporates the Museum’s most vile and dangerous specimens for the enjoyment of Valentine-skeptics. The route takes guests past flesh-eating beetles, carnivorous plants and parasitoid wasps, ensuring those heart-shaped chocolates and pink fluffy teddy bears are far from your mind.

At the end of the tour, guests can head to the pop-up bar for a drink and the chance to share their opposing experiences.

Admission is £28 for adults and £25 for members. There is limited space, so book early for a chance to see this unique display of romance (or lack thereof).

Doors open at 18.30 for a 19.00 start in the Central Hall at the Cromwell Road entrance.

For more information, visit www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on.

The Savoy Grill

by John Gregory-Smith

Fancy a bit of vintage dining? Well, this January gin brand Bombay Sapphire and The Savoy Hotel have teamed up to bring you a glamorous 1920’s, vintage inspired eight-course menu and cocktail pairing, showcased at the Bombay Sapphire Chef’s Table at the Savoy Grill restaurant.

Head Chef Andy Cook has created a vintage ‘Rich and Poor’ themed menu, reflecting the transitional period between the two classes and economies that existed during the 1920’s. The menu will be complimented by 1920s themed Bombay Sapphire cocktails created specially by Head Mixologist Sam Carter.

You can expect food for the rich, including rock oysters served with a

Bombay Sapphire Aviation Fizz and roasted rack of veal served with a Bombay Sapphire Gin Cobbler and food for the poor, including Fish stew and Welsh rarebit.

The 1920s eight-course menu costs £150 per person (A maximum of eight guests per seating). Available from January – March 2012. Bookings made via The Savoy Grill restaurant.

www.gordonramsay.com/thesavoygrill

Pitt Cue co.

by John Gregory-Smith

Pitt Cue Co, the team behind the amazing pop up BBQ truck under Hungerford Bridge on London’s Southbank last summer, have just opened the doors to their first restaurant in Soho.

The new restaurant builds on the success of the truck and the amazing BBQ knowledge of the team. The menu follows a simple format, for under a tenner: chose from four mains – Pulled Pork, Beef Brisket, St Louis Pork Ribs, Beef Ribs or Sausage and one side – Baked Beans, Braised Sprout Tops, Vinegar Slaw, Burnt End Mash or Hock, Beetroot & Pickle Salad.

They have some awesome cocktails and, having embraced all things Southern, an extensive collection of Bourbons.  The house cocktail is the “Pickle Back” a shot of house Bourbon and a shot of the juice from our pickles!

Pitt Cue Co. operates a no reservations policy, so get there early have a drink and wait for it patiently! Pulled pork and beef brisket buns are served daily to takeaway, between 12-6pm, if you just can’t wait.

www.pittcue.co.uk

Dazed & Confused exhibition at Somerset House

In conjunction with Dazed & Confused Magazine’s 20^th anniversary and the release of the publication’s anniversary book “Making It Up As We Go Along,” the renowned magazine has been hosting an exhibition (sponsored by the new Motorola Razr) at Somerset House of late. However the exhibition finishes this Sunday 29th January so get in there quick if you want to catch it before it closes!

Lovers of all things cultural will enjoy this display of art, photography, style and design that incorporates the likes of famed subjects Kate Moss, Thom Yorke, Björk and David Bowie. The display celebrates the magazine’s highlights in a multimedia installation featuring the iconic work of Rankin, Terry Richardson, David Sims, Vivienne Westwood, Gareth Pugh and more than a handful of others who have contributed to the magazine over the past two decades.

Motorola Razr

As if the visual feast isn’t enough to draw you in, surely the fact that the exhibition is free will convince you. The exhibit runs at Somerset House until Sunday 29 Jan from 10.00 to 18.00, so don’t miss the opportunity to see this unique display of artistry!

FYI I’ve been trying one of these nifty Motorola Razr handsets for a week now and am mighty impressed. Mainly for the slimline appearance and Smart Actions app which uses GPS to tailor you’re phones settings to wherever you are. Think a pumping playlist as soon as you’re near the gym, going on silent as you arrive at the office or battery-saving mode as it registers you’re in bed. VERY cool.

For more information about the exhibition, visit www.somersethouse.org.uk

The year of the Dragon

The Chinese New Year, one of the most important traditional Chinese holidays, kicked off last night with feasts and fireworks. Monday 23rd January marks the beginning of the Year of the Dragon, a sign synonymous with good luck that ends 9th February 2013.

The Year of the Dragon signifies success and happiness. Dragon years are thought to be the most exciting though also the most unpredictable.

Dragons are passionate, enthusiastic people who are full of life and often at the center of attention. Dragons are intense go-getters but can also be stubborn, hotheaded and quick-tempered.

The Dragon is most compatible with The Rat, both of which are pointed for success and happiness.

Fellow dragon Liam Neeson

Curious as to whether you’re a fiery Dragon? Those born in the years 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 and 2000 share a Dragon bond with famous celebrities like John Lennon, Sigmund Freud, Al Pacino, Orlando Bloom, Colin Farrel, Liam Neeson and Hollywood’s leading ladies, Reese Witherspoon, Courtney Cox, Emma Stone and Sandra Bullock. It is no surprise that these confident creatures are a shining success at no matter what field they choose to pursue.

Chinese New Year in London

For those in London seeking a way to celebrate the Chinese New Year, look no further than Trafalgar Square and Chinatown on Sunday 29th January.One of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of Asia, festivities begin at 10.15 am. with a parade from Trafalgar Square to Rupert Street. Those in attendance can also expect free festivities like music, dance, acrobatics and fireworks, as well as a vast amount of food for offer.

The year of the Dragon, considered to be one of the luckiest zodiac signs, proves to be an exciting one — here’s to hoping it brings good fortune!

Click here to see the best places to EAT over Chinese New Year…

Chinese New Year - Year of the Dragon

by John Gregory-Smith

Happy Chinese New Year everyone!

Today is the start of the Year of the Dragon, a symbol of good fortune and intense power! A traditional feast is always prepared to celebrate the occasion.

At the moment we are spoilt for choice with fantastic Chinese restaurants to visit. Yauatcha recently topped a favorites poll (on Qyke) and the Hakkasan brand is going from strength to strength. Even London’s China Town is having a revival, with Empress of Sichuan and Leong’s Legends doing fantastic food.

Manchurian Legends

Manchurian Legends, which opened in Chinatown last year, is a favourite of mine. It serves firey hot Dongbei food – which is a region in the north East corner of China, consisting of three provinces. Its harsh conditions mean the food is hearty, rustic and very spicy! Be sure to check out the wonderfully hot lamb skewers and the stir-fried bean curd with pork and chilli pepper.

www.manchurianlegends.com

Dim Sum at Royal China Queens Way

Dim sum at Royal China Queens Way is a classic. I love it. It’s so popular that on the weekend there is always a queue of people patiently meercating to see into the restaurant and the delicious steamy delights that await them inside. It’s well worth it as the dim sum is delicate and light. The scallop dumplings are some of the best I have ever had.

www2.royalchinagroup.biz

Archer Street Ground Level

I discovered Archer Street cocktail bar last year and knew it would be just the place to take team BATD for our Christmas party, they had no idea what to expect and by 11pm they were dancing on the tables, so I think they liked it!

Archer Street is tucked away in South Soho, on a road you probably wouldn’t really know unless you know Buco di Lupo, the fantastic Italian restaurant which is just opposite. Their new deli and gelateria is also just next door, so now you have a new street to explore. It is really hard to find a nice bar in Soho, no really it is!  I like to sit down, I like to be able to speak and hear the people I am out with and  yes I know I am getting old, thanks.

Archer Street have the friendliest most welcoming staff, make incredible cocktails, in a relaxed and lovely atmosphere, oh and they have singing barmen and women. Really what’s not to love?

Archer Street Lower Ground Level

There are two main floors to Archer Street; a smart and buzzing lounge upstairs (with decor we’d quite like in our living room please) and a slightly larger bar area downstairs that can get quite busy and turn into a dance floor, would be great for larger parties. Whatever the size of your party though, you’re bound to have a great evening here – especially if you stay late enough to witness the bar staff mic-up and give some fabulous renditions of pop/rock/theatre classics between DJ sets. The guy and girl that sang at our Christmas ‘do’ were AMAZING.

I have been reluctant to write about this bar, because I like it exactly as it is, so if you head down there, be friendly and I’ll see you there. Archer Street Wine Bar, don’t go changing, we love you just the way you are.

www.archerstreet.co.uk

3-5 Archer Street,
South Soho
W1D7AP

Yo! Sushi

by John Gregory Smith

Here is a fantastic January offer from the good people at Yo! Sushi , which will help you and your wallet stay in shape this January.

YO! Sushi’s new Healthy Choice special set menu is only £11 and 417Kcal, which includes – a mix of salmon nigiri, pumpkin korroke, coriander tuna sashimi and edamame beans.

What’s more, YO! Sushi is helping keep those New Year’s resolutions in check with a whopping 40% off your food bill in January when you download your voucher online and show in-store when you dine in at www.yosushi.com/offers.