An animated discussion: Jonathan Ross (aka @wossy) gives his comic book recommendations
With the connoisseur’s comic book festival imminent, David Clack asks one of London’s biggest nerds, Jonathan ‘Wossy’ Ross for some recommendations…
Jason Hawkes - jasonhawkes.com
Opening: The Photographers’ Gallery gets a sexy new look
We were lucky enough to get a sneak peak at the swanky new Photographer’s Gallery on Ramillies Street, which opens to the public on Saturday May 19, and you guys are in for a treat. Being Time Out Towers’ local gallery, during the extensive revamp we missed our lunchtime cultural fixes of popping over to the free exhibitions, talks, book shop or simply the cafe. But now the Photographer’s Gallery back, bigger, bolder and brighter than ever. After a £9.2 million cash injection, the 1910 warehouse has been transformed, extending to five floors with new gallery spaces (including a great view down Great Titchfield Street), a large educational space, a fab camera obscura where you can spy on passers by on the street, an alluring basement book shop and print sales room. The ground floor has been opened out for a new cafe which will be a great place to meet friends over delicious cakes supplied by Soho neighbour Lina Stores (try the brownies. Seriously). The current show is Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky’s intense OIL images which are well worth a look. Plus it is all free.
For info, see photonet.org.uk.
Rediscover record buying at the Independent Label Market
Buying music has become an increasingly isolating affair. Now that most of us have fallen prey to the convenience of downloads, the age of hanging in record stores and flirting over vinyl is pretty much over. The Independent Label Market at Spitalfields Market this Saturday May 19 (11-5pm), is there to remind us all how social buying music can be. Expect stalls from big names in independent music including Warp, Domino and Fabric, manned by everyone from musicians to label bosses selling rare vinyl and merch. Go on, give your record collection a revamp. Ellie Clayton
For info, see independent Label Market listing.
London food walk: markets and munchies
Stuck for something to do this weekend? Head from Aldgate to London fields and eat yourself silly along the way.
Tube expert @Anniemole of ‘Going Underground’ chooses her five secret London spots
There aren’t many things that better represent London than the London Underground. We know you’re not from here when you don’t stand on the right, don’t allow passengers off before boarding the train, and think that there’s an actual light here for the RNIB (that joke is based on a true story). Annie Mole runs Going Underground, a blog about the wonders of the tube. She’s chosen us five secret London spots, only one of which is a tube station, but all of which are worth a visit. Ashleigh Arnott
The Fox pub in Dalston gets a revamp
Great news – The Fox has joined Dalston’s cool kids with a laid-back new look (including a small but lovely decked roof terrace) and a straightforward new menu. The stripped-back space has plenty of room for drinkers and there’s a small but well-chosen list of bottled craft beers, with brews from Kernel and Bristol Beer Factory, a good few Belgians, plus Goose Island and Odell from across the pond. And on the eight draught pumps is a rotating selection from brewers such as Scottish Hillfoots’ Harviestoun and Thornbridge in Bakewell. Line your stomach with one of the excellent bar snacks, such as ‘pork belly bits’, or meat pasty.
For info, see The Fox listing.
The Royal Family drop by Time Out Towers
It’s common knowledge that Her Maj has never given a proper press interview during her reign. But getting exclusive royal approval is a piece of cake when you’re bigwigs like us. Hence this world exclusive photoshoot with the Royal Family. Who knew that Camilla likes to wear sweatshirts when she’s off duty, eh? (NB obviously this is entirely authentic and in no way involves Time Out staff posing with masks. Ahem…Ed).
Spend the night at a museum
You won’t need to be a night watchman to stay late at London’s museum this weekend (May 18-20) as they fling open their doors for this hugely popular after-hours annual festival. While none of the museums can promise you a roving t-rex skeleton or a marauding hoard of tiny tin cowboys, between them they do boast a treasure hunt, gold ingots and an evening in a tunnel with Björk’s percussionist – all you’ve got to do is decide which one to go to. Our buddy Matt from the Londonist will be spearheading a liquid history pub quiz at the National Maritime Museum, London’s Archaeological Archive and Research Centre are opening their doors for a twilight tour, while the National Army Museum will be leading tours of their exhibits well into the night. Most of the museums will have themed events, such as guided tours, live music and a bar, so there’s no excuse not to get cultural this weekend. Didi Mae Hand
For info, see Museums at Night 2012 festival listing.
Challah! Gefiltefest is back for its third year
Like your nosh? Then head down to the third annual Gefiltefest, a celebration of Jewish food on May 20. This year it’s taking place at the Ivy House (between Golders Green and Hampstead) and is being run in collaboration with the London Jewish Cultural Centre and the Jewish Community Centre for London. Expect live demonstrations, workshops, debates and lectures devoted to food in Judaism throughout the day (with free food of some form being available at almost every session). You’ll also find food stalls and a special programme of events for the kids. Adult tickets cost £25 each (group and child concessions are available)
For information and booking, visit ljcc.org.
Sweet dreams are made of these…
We have all heard of the therapeutic properties of lying down on a couch and delving into your deepest thoughts, but how about lying in the lap of luxury on a comfy bed (albeit in the middle of a shop during the day) and giving your subconscious the once over with dreams interpreter Emma Leverton. For the launch of the new London Bed Company Shakespeare bed, head to Selfridges 4th floor on May 19 for a free 15 minute dream analysis session between 10am-6pm. I chatted to Emma last week and even though it was only over the phone (and I am a staunch cynic), she was impressively intuitive and I was left wanting to know more about what is bubbling away in my mind while I sleep. Turn up with some puzzling nightmares and Emma will sort you right out. Dreamy stuff indeed. Sonya Barber
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