Something for the Weekend: Sept 30 - Oct 2
Reasons why staying in just isn't an option, says Holly Swayne
NIGHTLIFE: South London Soul Train
It might not have the iconic status of recently-closed club Fabric (RIP…), but at least this soul night is giving everyone a break from the ubiquitous techno scene. Hosted at Bussey Building's CLF Art Cafe in Peckham, this twice-monthly fixture promises 'only love, funk and soul, with no bass wobbles'. Think Marvin Gaye, Barry White, Vicki Anderson, Ray Charles… everything from Motown anthems to jazz-funk floor fillers, mixed by legendary soul DJ Jazzheadchronic, plus special guests soon to be announced. We'll see you on the dancefloor.
1st October; Tickets cost £13.
Soul Train, CLF Art Cafe (Block A, Bussey Building), 133 Rye Lane, London, SE15 4ST
WORKOUT: Ethos
With summer over, that 'back to school' feeling might motivate you to get fit. That's what we're hoping anyway. The least painful way to do it? Ethos is a recently opened gym in East London's Spitaflields Market, whose stylish interiors, unpretentious attitude and new schedule of inventive classes will make exercising feel less like a chore. Set up by Cambridge graduates with PhDs in Biotechnology and Neuroscience, the new classes include hot yoga with unique detoxifying properties and 'TRX' - a form of resistance training that uses a harness suspended from the ceiling (less scary than it sounds, we promise).
£20 per class.
Ethos, Old Spitalfields Market, 8 Horner Square, E1 6EW.
EAT: Gunpowder
If you're already in Spitalfields for the aforementioned workouts, you might as well make the most of the market's culinary highlights. Our pick would be Gunpowder - a tiny, family-run restaurant with authentic, imaginative Indian food; a far cry from the increasingly uninspiring curry joints round the corner on Brick Lane. This weekend the restaurant launches its first brunch menu, bringing an Indian flavour to classic mid-morning favourites, from fried eggs with Indian pancakes to Market-style spicy eggs and a Bloody Batra; Gunpowder's own version of the Bloody Mary. A nice alternative to those avo-on-toast Instagrams.
Brunch served every Saturday and Sunday.
Gunpowder, 11 White's Row, E1.
BEAUTY: LFW Trends at Blue Tit
London Fashion Week reared its stylish head again this September, bringing with it all the trends we'll be wearing come SS17. Gingham, metallics and ruffles will all be big sartorial news in six months time, but what trends can we try now? Enter the Blue Tit salon stylists, who will be be dishing out the hottest show hairstyles during the first two weeks of October. From SS17's saccharine pastel dyes to full fringes and dishevelled French braids, book in for an appointment at the salon's impeccably designed Brixton branch to try them for yourself.
Hair styling from £32.
Blue Tit Brixton, 342 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8BH, 020 7274 0655
FILM: Urban Hymn
Mixing the heart-warming 'feels' of Good Will Hunting with the feminist undertones of Girlhood and the tear-jerking effect of an X Factor sob story; this new British film makes for an emotional watch. Set against the backdrop of the 2011 London riots, Urban Hymn follows two messed-up teenagers, Jamie (Letitia Wright) and Leanne (Isabella Laughland), as they rip through a destructive cycle of violence, drugs, care homes and prison. But soon arrives Shirley Henderson (of Bridget Jones fame) playing Kate, a case worker who helps channel Jamie's rage and despair toward nurturing her musical talent. Tissues at the ready.
In cinemas 30th September.
EVENT: Tank Party
Is there anything better than a chilled beer on a sunny day? How about a free chilled beer on a sunny day? Got your attention? Well, head down to Camden Town Brewery's annual Tank Party this Saturday, when the brewery opens its doors so you can try their cult Camden Hells and Camden Pale Ale straight from the tank. Ok, so you have to pay for those, but if you're still there at 8pm, you'll get a wristband giving you a free beer in any of the local participating bars. And if that isn't enough of a party for you, you can expect amazing street food, live music, mural drawing and games to keep you entertained.
Camden Town Brewery, 55-59 Wilkin Street Mews, Kentish Town, NW5 3NN
October 1st, 12pm – 8pm; free
EVENT: NATIONAL CHAMPAGNE WEEK
Our favourite week of the year kicks off on Saturday with the launch party of National Champagne Week at Searcy's St Pancras. £40 lets you try champagne from 11 different houses while grazing on canapés. And if that gives you a taste for the good life, there are events all over London during the week, including treasure hunts, champagne pairing dinners and tasting masterclasses.
Searcy's St Pancras, Upper Concourse, St Pancras Internatonal London, N1C 4QL.
October 1 ; 6.30 pm – 9 pm Tickets £40 pp,here
POP-UP: Theatre of Flowers
Love flowers but lack the creative flair to DIY? Pure nonsense, according to London florist Theatre Of Flowers. Owners Alice and Clemmie are strong believers that anyone can turn their hand to pro-looking arrangements, something they'll be demonstrating at the first of two workshops at Marylebone pop-up space Carousel this Saturday. For £62.50, learn how to make a buttonhole, bind a hand-tied bouquet and create one of the girls' signature floral 'chandeliers' to take home, plus a complimentary lunch at the venue's food critic-approved restaurant afterwards.
1st October; Tickets cost £62.50.
Theatre of Flowers, 71 Blandford Street, Marylebone, W1U 8AB.
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