Author Archives

  • April 20th 1812: Bram Stoker Dies in London
    Posted in: Books, Features, People

    He’s the novelist who created the most widely known literary horror character outside of Frankenstein. Blood-sucking Count Dracula was responsible for many-a-troubled sleep with 1000 Dracula-themed books and 200 movies now available at the last count. Bram Stoker died in London on this date April 20th in 1912 aged 64 and was cremated in Golders […]

  • On The Bab (Restaurant)
    Posted in: Food & Dining, Reviews

    Clubbers and bar types who love the hip Shoreditch scene will inevitably have noticed an establishment on Old Street which has constant queues jamming up the pavement. Must be some really happening celebrity DJ, right? Or perhaps some extended happy hour serving amazing cocktails and free shots? No, it’s actually a restaurant. The On The […]

  • Making Jamaica: Photography from the 1890s (Exhibition)
    Posted in: Galleries & Museums, Photos, Reviews, Shows & Exhibitions

    In recent years Shoreditch’s Autograph ABP has made a name for itself as one of London’s go-to galleries for exhibitions featuring work of cultural and historic significance. This current display of archive photographs from late nineteenth century Jamaica show how the post-emancipation nation for the first time sought to capitalise on its climate and unspoilt […]

  • Adam & Eve…and Steve (Musical)
    Posted in: Drama & Theatre, Reviews

    It’s just as well in previous incarnations the Kings Head Theatre, the first pub theatre since Shakespeare’s day, was once used as a boxing ring because the near fisticuffs that follow when Adam is being fought over by Eve and his camp ‘best friend forever’ Steve, might have called for a return to the pugilistic […]

  • Raw (Film)
    Posted in: Movies & TV Shows, Reviews

    Never mind the subtitles, this French-Belgian horror-thriller has given the Anglo-American dominance of the genre a welcome shot in the arm. Starring Garance Marillier as Justine a coming of age veterinary student from a strict vegetarian family, the meat issue is never far from the surface and you soon come to realise meat is definitely […]

  • Camden Pub Crawls
    Posted in: Bars & Clubs, Places

    It’s more commonly known as the heartland of indie-rock and has also dubiously grabbed the title of the birthplace of punk (Kings Road anyone!) but its pub and nightlife are undeniable. This includes a thriving live scene with the Jazz Cafe and indie rock venue the Dublin Castle within eyeshot of each other.  It’s no […]

  • Novel London: First Chapter Readings
    Posted in: Books, Highlights

    Novel London takes place every first Friday in the month and gives authors a platform for their recently published novels. These writers read first chapters from their work to an appreciative audience at Waterstones bookshop, Covent Garden and then face a Q & A. This introductory glimpse of their creative work is there to whet […]

  • Michelangelo & Sebastiano (Exhibition)
    Posted in: Galleries & Museums, Reviews

    Michelangelo was already scaling the heights of High Renaissance painting and sculpture and engaged in a rivalry with Raphael when he met Sebastiano in Rome in 1511 and took him under his tutelage. They met while Michelangelo was working on the Sistine Chapel vaults 1508-1512, establishing the Mannerist style which would dominate Italian art. The […]