Recently, I caught a performance of the Oscar Wilde classic The Picture of Dorian Gray. An immersive piece of theatre set in an actually lived-in Georgian townhouse, the play served as an excellent opportunity to enjoy a piece of great literature brought to life while getting to snoop around a bit in someone else’s home. If you’re planning to visit London before the end of September, this adaptation could prove a quirky and cultured item to your itinerary.
The Picture of Dorian Gray at “Dorian Gray’s Townhouse” in London (OneTravel)
London Daily Photo: The Drummer
Win a Free Copy of the Pocket Beer Book 2014
COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME!
Pocket Beer Book 2014 is the definitive and most up-to-date guide to the world’s best craft and traditional beers. I’ve just scored a handy copy for myself along with three extra copies to share with my readers. I reckon the book is an indispensable resource for any connoisseur and a fantastic gift for the beer lover in your life.
Acclaimed beer writers Stephen Beaumont and Tim Webb have collaborated with a team of
international beer experts to create this comprehensive guide featuring more than 3,000 beers from over 65 countries as well as tips on matching food with beer, insight on destinations for beery adventures and plenty more. The flexiback print edition of the guide has recommended retail price of only £12.99. There’s ebook version for £6.99.
For a chance to win one of three available copies of the Pocket Beer Book 2014 , simply tweet the following:
Please read the terms and conditions before tweeting.
T&C
I’ll pick three winners at random on Friday 30 August 2013 (noon, British time). The three winners will receive one copy each of Pocket Beer Book 2013 by Stephen Beaumont and Tim Webb and published by Mitchell Beazley/Octopus Publishing Group. To be eligible to win, you need to have an address in the UK where the book can be posted.
Good luck!
There can be very little doubt that beer drinkers have never had it so good. In surveying the state of the brewing world for this book, we contacted experts and beer enthusiasts on six continents, from the classic European beer lands to the last places you might ever expect to discover a fine and flavourful ale or lager. And what we found is that worthy beer now resides almost everywhere.
– Stephen Beaumont and Tim Webb
COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME!
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London Daily Photo: Hoxton
Edfringe by @KemeyLafond
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013
Here’s a participant’s perspective – with photos! – of this year’s Fringe from designer (and tikchris contributor) Kemey Lafond who shares insight from her first time working at Edinburgh’s world famous performing arts festival.
I had the opportunity to go twice to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year. As production designer of a new musical touring in the UK, I was present for the “get in” at the Pleasance Queen Dome at the beginning of August. Our slot for the technical rehearsal was from 11.30 in the evening to 1.30 in the morning. Unusual time to work? Well not really. The festival is a 24/7 operation during which time hundreds of companies showcase their work to the industry. Consequently, marketing is exceptionally overwhelming: the streets of the capital are wallpapered with posters advertising performances of various quality and price, actors leaflet everyday along the Royal Mile before show time, sometimes offering a glimpse of their art with a song or stand-up routine.
Competition is strong yet surprisingly friendly: everyone seems to know one another somehow. It is likely to bump into former drama school students or ex colleagues; all catching up on new trends and “must see” productions of the festival, but also vigorously networking as this will determine the workload for the next twelve months.
Coming back the second time around feels no different. The end of the festival is known for Fringe Awards nominations, so one must have the ability to work under pressure and not get flustered. Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a cutting edge environment for live entertainment but is also a firmly established business.
Kemey Lafond is a set and costume designer based in London.
Going for Asian in Paris (OneTravel)
… it should not be overlooked that Paris is an exceptionally cosmopolitan place. Not only the capital of a prominent Western European nation, Paris is very much the center of the entire French speaking world. With such a distinction comes a lot of yummy treats from all corners of the planet. Not the least of which are the East Asian contributions to the Parisian dining scene.
A Midsummer’s Night Dream with David Walliams and Sheridan Smith
Video sponsored by Spreaditfast.com
Check out this fun trailer for an upcoming run of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Noel Coward Theatre. The production is presented by Michael Grandage Company with a cast which includes David Walliams (who plays Bottom) and Sheridan Smith (as Titania) and is set to run from early September to mid November.
Magic, intrigue and an exceptionally twisty plot are the hallmarks of this romantic comedy that’s as relevant and timely today as when it was first performed during the Elizabethan era. As the Bard writes, “the course of true love never did run smooth.” Of course, that’s what makes the subject such a compelling theme for theatre.
This new production brings to the West End stage an excellent opportunity catch one of Shakespeare’s most accessible and funniest plays. I’ve actually seen Midsummer a few times and even a mediocre performance can yield plenty of LOL moments. With a comedic genius and household name like Walliams among the cast, I’m sure the Grandage offering will supply its audience with lots of laughs.
“Lord, what fools these mortals be!” Indeed.
The Michael Grandage Company’s presentation of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs from 7 September to 16 November 2013 at the Noel Coward Theatre, 85-88 St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4AU. Find out more and book tickets at amidsummernightsdream.co.uk.
The production is the fourth instalment in Michael Grandage’s season of five productions at the Noel Coward Theatre and is the first of two stagings of Shakespearean work. Coming to the NCT in late November is Henry V starring Jude Law.
London Daily Photo: Kennedy City Bicycles
I dropped by Kennedy City Bicycles’ pop-up shop on Lower Clapton Road yesterday afternoon. The shop will be there until the end of this month. Then, proprietor James will go back to building his street bikes by hand in his workshop round the corner. Find out more: kennedycitybicycles.cc.
Pink Pigeon and Yummy Choo Present Mauritian Style Pop-Up @ Bedford & Strand, Sunday 1 September
UPDATE: This event has been canceled and will be rescheduled.

UPDATE: This event has been canceled and will be rescheduled.
Supper club sensation Yummy Choo alongside Pink Pigeon Rum (both proud Mauritian exports) are teaming up for a one-off event at Bedford & Strand restaurant featuring freshly made Mauritian food, rum tastings and cocktails and live Sega dance performances.
The pop-up is scheduled for the evening of Saturday 1 September, and my impression is that tickets (£37.75 each) are going fast. I’m really looking forward to the experience. Will you be there too?
Bedford & Strand is located at 1A Bedford Street, WC2E 9HH. For details and bookings visit
http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/
London Daily Photo: Exit 6
NFL in the UK (CheapOair)
Every year since 2007, a regular season game of good ole NFL American football has been played at Wembley Stadium in London. Plans for the 2013 season keep with this well established trend but actually up the ante with not just one but two NFL International Series games slated to be played at the 90,000 capacity Wembley Stadium, the world’s largest stadium with all seats under cover.
A Visit to Jude’s Ice Cream Dairy (Great British Chefs)
Yes, there is a Jude (Judith actually) behind the scenes of this Hampshire-based premium ice cream maker. But the story of her eponymous treats is really about her husband, Theo. Finding himself suddenly and unexpectedly on the other side of a career in banking, Theo had time on his hands along with a bit of capital and a garage in which to tinker. He also had the acumen to realise a huge gap in the British ice cream market and the pluck to go about filling it.
Brindisa Brings “Green Spain” to Your Door
One of my favourite food shops in London just got yummier with the introduction of a new range of gastronomic goodies from Spain’s verdant north.
So, the last time I wrote about Brindisa, I was noshing on an epic brekkie en Español at Brindisa’s London Bridge/Borough Market tapas bar. This time round, I’m still eating exceptionally well but Brindisa has brought the goods to me with a chance to sample their newly launched Green Spain range of “artisanal gems from the northern regions of Spain that previously only the Spanish have been lucky enough to have in their home kitchens.”
Green Spain items available for online purchase include heather honey (from Cantabria, £9.95/500g); raw milk tetilla (from Galicia, £16.75/850g minimum); smoked anchovy fillets (from the Basque Country, £6.75/100g); salt cod (from the Basque Country, £9.25/300g) and more. I’ve had the delectable pleasure of trying much of the range and can affirm that it’s all good. The anchovy fillets in particular are gorgeous and offer an easy way to add umph to any meal or snack. Fans of smoky flavour should enjoy these fishy treats immensely.
The tetilla is gorgeous as well. I was already a fan of this Galician cheese. In fact, it’s one of my favourites. So I was glad to find out about Brindisa now stocking it. I love the milky taste and the cool buttery texture. It melts nice and smooth and is great on its own, or with a variety of dishes. Tetilla keeps well too, and without being too stingy or holding back I’ve been enjoying the heck out of this “litttle tit” for a couple of weeks.
As much hype as the food from Barcelona and Southern Spain seem to receive here in the UK, it’s worth noting that – at least in my humble opinion – much of the best Spanish cuisine comes from the country’s rainy and rugged north. Brindisa’s Green Spain products showcase the climate, landscape and culture of this region with delectable results.
Find out more at brindisa.com/store/green-spain.
London Daily Photo: Summer Street
Clothes Club Fashion Swap @ Dalston Roof Garden, 7 to 11pm, 4 September
Just passing the word along about this special evening of clothes swapping, networking and raising money for social enterprises and the local community in Hackney. I plan to make it there. Hope you can too!
Help raise money for social enterprise and the local community while enjoying a chance to swamp three items of quality clothing that you would be proud to offer someone else for three different items. There’s a raffle too with prizes from Tokyo Bike, Move Your Frame, Deliverance and many more.
Proceeds will go to a project with the Bootstrap Company, aka the home of Dalston Roof Park. Local Muralist, Nazir Tanbouli is working with ten youngsters from Hackney, painting a five-floor high mural on the central staircase of the Bootsrap buillding. Their aim is for the children to feel inspired to take on creative projects of their own, and to teach them to work together as a team.
Dalston Roof Garden is located at 18 Ashwin Street, E8 3DL. Find out more at clothesclubuk.net.
Immersive Theatre Review: The Picture of Dorian Gray at “Dorian Gray’s Townhouse”
Over the weekend, I caught a press night performance of The Alchemic Order’s production of the Oscar Wilde classic The Picture of Dorian Gray. An immersive piece of theatre set in an actually lived-in Georgian townhouse, the play served as an excellent opportunity to enjoy a piece of great literature brought to life while getting to snoop round a bit in someone else’s home.
Director Samuel Orange (brother of Take That’s Jason Orange, who was in attendance the night I went) presented an intriguing adaptation of Dorian and despite a few foibles and liberties achieved a fantastic rendering by striking the right (and rather eerie) tone expressing deep appreciation for his material.
Acting varied in quality, but Wilde’s language more than carried itself and even a cold reading from people unfamiliar with this modern fable of vanity would have compelled. Set design by architects Feix&Merlin made smart use of interiors and exteriors, even offering a few “ooh ah” moments to the performance and utilising the space in such a way as to effectively transform the house into an integral character.
The Picture of Dorian Gray runs Tuesday to Saturday until the 28 September at an undisclosed location within a few minutes’ walk of Greenwich rail and DLR stations. (exact address revealed upon booking). Tickets are £35 (£25 on Tuesdays) and include wine and nibbles upon reception as well as at intermission and at the end of the play. Find out more and make a booking at thealchemicorder.com.
London Daily Photo: Shoreditch High Street
Win a £100 Voucher from Zalando: UK’s Largest Online Wardrobe
COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME!
Online fashion shopping with free shipping? That’s the offer from Zalando, the UK’s largest online wardrobe. And guess what? I’ve got a Zalando gift voucher worth £100 to share with one lucky reader.
With autumn fast approaching, having a look at Zalando’s vast selection of outdoor jackets wouldn’t be a bad idea. There are loads of excellent Jack Wolfskin jackets alone in a variety of colours and styles for every budget and need.
Of course, Jack Wolfskin is just one of the many outstanding brands available from Zalando. Adidas, Bench, Ben Sherman, Birkenstock, Camper, Clarks, Converse, Crocs, Desigual, Diesel, French Connection, Guess, Lacoste, Levi’s, Miss Sixty, Nike, The North Face, Oakley, Pretty Ballerinas, Roxy, Sisley, Ted Baker, Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger, Vans and a whole lot more are all there for you to browse. And shoppig for an outdoor jacket was but one seasonal example of the possible purchases you can make through Zalando. You’ll find shoes, clothing and plenty of accessories for sale along with a Premium shopping option and a well stocked Home section too.
So what do you have to do to win the £100 voucher? Easy peasy. Simply tweet the following:
Good luck and please take a moment to read the terms and conditions before tweeting!
T&C
I’ll pick one winner at random on Friday 23 August 2013 (noon, British time). The winner will receive a voucher code worth £100 at Zalando.co.uk. Please note, there is a minimum purchase amount which is half of what the voucher code is worth, and the voucher can only be used once as the remaining credit if you don’t spend it all will not be left on your account. The code is good until 31 December 2013.
About Zalando
Clothes, accessories, sports items, beauty products … Zalando offers an extensive product selection, excellent customer service and an easy and secure online shopping experience with free delivery and free returns. When you place an order online at Zalando, you won’t have to pay a penny extra for delivery. It really is completely free, regardless of the total cost of your order. It is also free to send any unwanted purchases back , as long you send the item(s) back to the Zalando warehouse within 30 days of placing your order. No catches. Just free delivery and free returns.
Find out more at zalando.co.uk.
COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME!
Check out more tikichris competitions.
London Daily Photo: Kick
London to Host World’s First Contemporary African Art Fair This October (OneTravel)
To be held during Frieze Week, the new fair will build on the growing popularity of contemporary African art and present a rare opportunity to explore the rapidly emerging African art market. From painting and sculpture to photography, 1:54 will present visual African art in its many forms giving collectors, art enthusiasts and the culturally curious a chance to experience and engage with African art in a new context.
London Daily Photo: Zoo City
Explore London’s South Bank (CheapOair)
… have a look at all the fun waiting for you on the south side of London’s historic River Thames. Here’s a list of the area’s top attractions. Of course, you’ll find fantastic hotels located amid these great venues. It’s a well connected part of town as well with a handful of Tube stations and rail services – even Thames Clipper river boat services – all just an easy stroll away.
London Daily Photo: High Bars and Bold
Eating Bugs and Pests at the Rentokil Pestaurant (Great British Chefs)
Everybody seems to be hosting a pop-up restaurant thing these days. Even pest control experts, Rentokil, are in on the act now with a free one-day pop-up featuring a range of creepy crawly dishes.
Read my complete post at Great British Chefs.
4 Mexico City Blogs en Inglés (CheapOair)
Of course, such a huge metropolis has a lot to offer whatever your reasons for traveling, but finding out about what’s on and worth checking out while visiting “the DF” can be a challenge. Here’s a list of four blogs about Mexico City, written in English and sharing all sorts of tips and insights.
Sweet Thursday: De Beauvoir Town Pizzeria Pleases Any Day of the Week
Sweet Thursday is a new(ish) pizzeria and wine shop in De Beauvoir Town. The shop’s unusual name pays homage to a novel by John Steinbeck. Look it up. As far as I’m concerned the Sweet Thursday folks could call their friendly establishment Sour Monday, and I’d still rave about it. The pizzas are proper and the atmosphere ideal for a casual meal any day of the week.
I could rave about the fun interior design, the spacious dining area, the smiling staff, the great wine (a bottle of spiced-honey hinted Ego Organic Monastrell 2011 for £23.50 was a treat!) and whole bunch of other highlights from my recent visit, but there’s only one thing I really want to stress the greatness of: the pizza.
Sure, my starter course of nduja doughballs with garlic butter (£3.50) was the epitome of yummy. A side of oven roasted chicory with anchovies (£4.50) was umami-rific too. But it’s the pizza that won my heart. An old fashioned, plain Jane, back-to-basics Margherita (£7.50) did the job as a true Neapolitan style pizza from a wood-fired oven should! Gummy crust with a slightly charred edge, melty soupy centre of mozzarella and tomato sauce convergence … just thinking about that gorgeous pie makes be want to get back to Sweet Thursday soon. Word is they’ve just started doing weekend brunch. Hmmm …
De Beauvoir Town isn’t all that far from where I live and tend often to find myself. Still, whenever there it feels very removed from the rest of London. I visited on a Monday night with Kemey. It was our first “date night” in awhile and Sweet Thursday seemed a suitable setting for a low key catch up. The place was pretty hopping for a Monday night too.
Sweet Thursday is located at 95 Southgate Road, N1 3JS. Find out more at sweetthursday.co.uk.
London Daily Photo: Hackney Road
5 Fun Puerto Rico Blogs (OneTravel)
Heading down to Puerto Rico for some Caribbean fun in the sun? Have a look at these five fine Puerto Rican blogs featuring local insight about what makes this friendly island such a great destination.
Mariachi Doritos Jukebox @Yahoo! Wireless Festival London
You’ve come across Doritos’ Mariachi ad campaign, right? Hilarious and catchy stuff! It features a traditional Mexican Mariachi band performing classic rock ‘n’ roll and pop hits mostly from the 80s. Apparently the band even hit the stage at the recent Yahoo! Wireless Festival performing as a sort of live jukebox. Check out the above video (sponsored by Spreaditfast) for highlights.
London Daily Photo: 100 H 1
London Daily Photo: 27A, Brick Lane
Delicious Takeaway at an Outstanding Price: Bánh Mì Hoi-An, Hackney Central
It’s nice to give someone a fiver for a filling and freshly made lunch and still get some change back. Being served something scrumptious at great value and leaving with the feeling that your patronage was truly appreciated is part and parcel at Bánh Mì Hoi-An, a fantastic Vietnamese sandwich bar round the corner from Hackney Central Overground station.
Judging by how many times I visit Bánh Mì Hoi-An, I reckon the place is my favourite eatery in London. Part of the reason I go so often is proximity to my flat. Honestly though, it’s not that close to where I live, and I pass all sorts of decent lunchtime alternatives along my way. Price has a lot to do with it too. Seriously, a massive sandwich with drink for less than £5? It can be done.
Of course, the fact is I love bánh mì. Plus, these guys do a mean grilled catfish baguette (£4.50), and I absolutely adore catfish. I could rave about the pork belly sandwich as well. It offers a lot of yum for only four quid. The “Cold Play” is tasty too. Loaded with pork belly, pork roll, paté, mayo, soy sauce, pickles and salad – it costs a mere £3.50 and is the only sandwich on the menu prepared and wrapped in advance (so, it’s a smart choice when you’re really in a rush). Bánh Mì Hoi-An serves a variety of salads and summer rolls as well. Word is the place is open in the evenings now and maybe (check first!) on the weekends too.
Bánh Mì Hoi-An is located at 242 Graham Road, E8 1BP. There’s no website that I can find, but the phone number is +44 (0) 7933 271616.






















































