The London List: On The Bab brings delicious Korean street food to ShoreditchThe London List

Posted in Food, London, London List
By Sam Bathe on 16 Jan 2014

As street food moves inside for the cold winter months, On The Bab in Shoreditch is London’s first Korean ‘anju’ restaurant, a popular Korean term for enjoying food together with drinks. Offering a wide variety of kimchee dishes, we were in heaven delving into On The Bab’s starter menu. The kimchee pancake stood out, going perfectly with their fresh tofu, though the main courses were definitely the big event. On The Bab’s name refers to the Korean word for rice – bab – and their larger dishes offer a choice of meats or vegetable fritters available with rice, noodle soup or in a bun. While the soup broth makes for a tasty option, spicy pork “on the buns” was the best dish of the night. If you go with friends, the pan fried tofu and kimchi is great for sharing too, complemented with a couple of bottles of plum soju. The close-knit seating means you’re a little packed in, so go for a table for four in the back if you can, though given how popular the restaurant has been since opening, getting any table is kind of a blessing. At around £20 a head, On The Bab comes heartily recommended.

On The Bab, 305 Old Street, London, EC1V 9LA
http://www.onthebab.com/

The London List Competition: Win a night’s stay at Ace Hotel LondonThe London List

By Sam Bathe on 14 Dec 2013

To celebrate the last minute Christmas gifts for sale now from the Ace Hotel online store or at Ace Hotel London in person, we’ve teamed up with the hippest hotel brand in the world to offer a free weekend night’s stay for two at the new London hotel. Show the rest of this post…

From baseballs caps to duffel coats, robes to an exclusive APC quilt, hip packs to turntables, Ace Hotel have got your back when it comes to last minute Christmas presents presents. If you’re struggling to find something special for your friends and loved ones, Ace Hotel’s holiday selection has got all bases covered.

In amongst the hustle and bustle of London’s trendy Shoreditch area, Ace Hotel might be the new kid on the block, but given the brand’s reputation it has already caused quite a stir. Incorporating the fantastic Hoi Polloi restaurant and a great bar space, the hip modern design of the rooms and fantastic en suites make Ace Hotel London perfect for a weekend in the big city or a luxurious night’s escape from home.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the question below:

In what part of London is the new Ace Hotel?

a) Notting Hill
b) Shoreditch
c) Canary Wharf

To enter, simply follow us on Twitter here and @reply us the correct answer. Deadline midnight 29/12/13.

Ace Hotel products are available for purchase directly at Ace Hotel London or from the online store: http://shop.acehotel.com/

Ace Hotel London, 100 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6JQ

***

TERMS & CONDITIONS:
• The winner will be drawn at random from all the correct entries, and only they will be contacted personally. Prize must be taken as stated and cannot be deferred. There will be no cash alternatives.
• The prize is a free weekend night’s hotel stay for two at the Ace Hotel London.
• Travel, spending money and other costs such as room service or breakfast are not included in the prize.
• The night’s stay is redeemable up until 30th June 2014.
• FAN THE FIRE do not accept any responsibility for late or lost entries due to the Internet or email problems. Proof of sending is not proof of receipt. Entrants must supply full details as required on the competition page, and comply with all rules to be eligible for the prizes.
• No responsibility is accepted for ineligible entries or entries made fraudulently.
• FAN THE FIRE’s decision is final in every situation and no correspondence will be entered into.
• FAN THE FIRE reserves the right to cancel the competition or alter the prize at any stage if circumstances arise outside of its control.
• Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to agree to be bound by them when entering this competition.

Last Wednesday Ghostpoet, Koreless and Alex Turvey found the Modern Frontier for Levi’s #MakeYourMark projectThe London List

Posted in London, London List
By Sam Bathe on 16 Oct 2013

After 6 weeks of collaboration and discovery, on Wednesday 9th October Ghostpoet, Koreless and Alex Turvey unveiled their words, music and video piece for Levi’s #MakeYourMark project event, A Journey to the Modern Frontier. Show the rest of this post…

Answering the question “What moves you?”, the atmospheric 9-minute video pieces together live action video and experimentation in nature, exploring how the urban and rural worlds collide. The one-night-only live event in East London was jam-packed, with the trio taking to the stage for a live performance and DJs keeping the party going until the early hours.

To explore the full project be sure to visit the website: www.levi.com/makeourmark/london and join project by telling Levi’s what get you moving with #makeourmark #moves.

Check out a behind the scenes video and pictures from the event below.

The London List: Modern Shows bring their midcentury showcase to Haggerston this SundayThe London List

Posted in Design, London, London List
By Sam Bathe on 10 Oct 2013

With almost 50 dealers taking part, Modern Shows’ midcentury expos come to Haggerston this Sunday for one of their biggest and most exciting events. Show the rest of this post…

Taking over Erno Goldfinger’s magnificent Grade II-listed Haggerston School, everything on the show floor is for sale, it’s a midcentury furniture museum only you can buy every piece. With dealers including 20th Century Marks, Danish Homestore, MAR-DEN and Osi Modern, expect beautiful and rare items from the likes of Hans Wegner and Børge Mogensen. Entrance is £8 on the day, with trade and collector early entry at £15. It’s worth every penny, just to look around.

Modern Shows’s Midcentury East takes place this Sunday at Haggerston School, Weymouth Terrace, London, E2 8LS
www.modernshows.com/the-shows/haggerston-oct-2013

Levi’s exciting #MakeOurMark project comes to London when on October 9th Ghostpoet, Koreless and Alex Turvey explore the Modern FrontierThe London List

Posted in London, London List
By Sam Bathe on 7 Oct 2013

A groundbreaking collaboration in words, sound and vision between groundbreaking electronic producer Koreless, Mercury Prize-nominated musician Ghostpoet and audio-visual artist/director Alex Turvey, the three creatives have come together for Levi’s global #MakeOurMark project to create a one-off immersive experience that will interpret the modern frontier for today and push the spirit of discovery. Show the rest of this post…

Be sure to check out the documentary above, exploring the creative processes behind their work as they go on a wild and weird path of discovery. The trio have been working towards a piece that’s unlike anything they’ve done before, culminating in a one-night-only, live show in London on October 9th.

Be sure to RSVP to attend the event by going to www.rsvp.vice.com/levismodernfrontier

And in the meantime, get involved by heading to the Levi’s website and share what moves you: www.levi.com/makeourmark/london or Tweet with the hashtags #makeourmark #move. Good luck!

Photography by Emily Hope.

The London List: Adam Buxton: Kernel Panic at the Union Chapel reviewThe London List

Posted in London, London List
By James Massoud on 27 Sep 2013

The Union Chapel is a charming little venue. Adam Buxton is a charming little entertainer. The two together makes for a charming little evening out. Show the rest of this post…

Bounding out onto the stage to greet the assembled crowd in the Chapel’s pews, Buxton engages with the spectators right from the get-go, winning them over by lavishing them with jewellery, albeit candied jewellery which he was supplied as part of his rider.

Welcoming the atheists into God’s home and admitting to a sore threat, which he reckons came about from his mild blasphemy, the subject of illness later crops back up in a hilarious story involving Buxton’s experience with the NHS. As one half of comedy duo Adam and Joe, Buxton’s humour is strengthened when supported. In Kernel Panic, the co-star in the live show is Buxton’s laptop. Or rather, the content within his laptop that’s projected for all to see – an external projection of what runs through the comedian’s mind.

Buxton has hit upon a niche with his comedy, relevant to the digital age we are currently living in. Yet, many of his gags are – by his own admission – regurgitated from his TV show, BUG. After all, if it ain’t broke… hence the show is beefed up with plenty of amusing YouTube comments on various music videos from a wide range of artists including David Bowie, Brian Eno and Miley Cyrus, each of which is comically delivered by Buxton in an oesophagus of accents and voices.

It’s random. It’s quirky. It’s fun and it’s delightfully photo-shopped. ‘Kernel Panic’ wuzza, wuzza, wuzza top night.

Adam Buxton: Kernel Panic returns for two more shows, 11th October at The Corn Exchange, Brighton and 12th October back at the Union Chapel, London. Tickets are available from the Invisible Dot site: www.theinvisibledot.com/events/185-adam-buxton-kernel-panic

Cutty Sark Whisky celebrated the best of London talent at last week’s inaugural Cutty Cargo eventThe London List

Posted in London, London List
By Sam Bathe on 16 Sep 2013

Housed in a huge wooden crate, reminiscent of the old wooden cargo crates that were used to smuggle Cutty Sark whisky 90 years ago, the inaugural Cutty Cargo event celebrated the best of London’s talent last Thursday. Show the rest of this post…

Inviting lucky guests to Ely’s Yard, just off Brick Lane, Cutty Cargo London was the first stop on a four-city tour that sees the crate take in the New York and Barcelona skylines en route to Tokyo.

69 Colebrooke Row mixologists put together some delicious whisky cocktails while burgers from MAT Liquor really hit the spot. Though with proceedings running late we had to leave before Jessie Ware took to the stage, we did catch the great art on the walls from It’s Nice That and Flat-e. Performance art skits from the Shanty Theatre Company didn’t work so well but it was still an really fun evening, catch the Cutty Cargo tour if it comes to a city near you: https://www.facebook.com/CuttySarkWhisky/app_279081025568184

The London List: Cutty Sark Whisky bring the Cutty Cargo tour to London this ThursdayThe London List

Posted in London, London List
By Sam Bathe on 9 Sep 2013

Cutty Sark Whisky’s Cutty Cargo tour will gather some of the brightest talent in London for an evening’s celebration of creative culture. Taking place inside a giant reproduction of the old wooden cargo creates used to smuggle Cutty Sark whisky 90 years ago, the trail hits New York and Barcelona en route to Tokyo, but the first stop is this Thursday in London. Show the rest of this post…

Music on the night comes from Jessie Ware and Duke Dumont, MEAT Liquor and 69 Colebrooke Row will be providing burgers and booze, design, art and photography will be on show from Tom Oxley, It’s Nice That and Flat-e, while Miss Polly Rae and the Shanty Theatre Company will both perform.

Tickets are free but you’ll need to apply to be in with a chance of winning a pair for yourself. For more information head over to the Cutty Sark website: www.cutty-sark.com/cutty-cargo/

The London List: The Drowned Man: A Hollywood Fable reviewThe London List

Posted in London, London List
By Tim Baggott on 28 Aug 2013

A fairly healthy penchant for all things dark, atmospheric and twisted, meant Punch Drunk’s latest offering is a must-see. Show the rest of this post…

For this production, the pioneering, immersive theatre company have transformed a former Royal Mail sorting office into the other-worldly, dream factory that is Temple Studios.

The Drowned Man adapts Georg Buchner’s Woyzeck, a disturbing story of exploitation, jealousy and murder against the seedy backdrop of 1960s Hollywood. On entering the show we were given a sort of mini-plot synopsis, which revealed that simply adapting a novel for theatre was not challenging enough for Punch Drunk. They’ve also added a simultaneous narrative, which flips the male and female leads.

Knowing what I did about the nature of their productions, any hopes of following the story seemed to be hanging by a thread before it had begun, but as I came to realise, it really didn’t matter.

The most obvious thing to mention is that every audience member wears a compulsory, creepy white mask which covers the mouth. At first I thought it was simply another way of adding to the unnerving atmosphere, but they serve a much more important purpose.

From the moment I entered the show I was staggered by the attention to detail of the sets. The sheer scale and epic proportion of some of the set pieces is mind-blowing, and yet the tiny touches of personality in every discarded document, book and photo is even more impressive. I was wandering around with expressions see-sawing from mouth-wide amazement, to ear-to-ear grins. The mask hid all of this. It disguised any expression of emotion from every single member of the audience, keeping the tone of the production consistent throughout. We were silent, ghostly voyeurs, peering into a strange and beautiful world.

Now, to say the show owes a lot to David Lynch is putting it incredibly lightly. From subtle nods here and there, to an almost exact replica of the Black Lodge from Twin Peaks, his influence is littered throughout. For a fan such as myself, that wasn’t a problem at all and I was thrilled to have the chance to immerse myself in ‘Lynchian’ locations and eavesdrop on the tortured mutterings of the characters.

With regards to following the main plot, I very quickly gave up, deciding instead to follow the story of a young actor named Frankie. A small group of us ‘ghosts’ tracked Frankie on a downward spiral, from initial adoration and promises of stardom courtesy the delightfully unhinged studio directors, through to his eventual breakdown in the face of the shallow, fickle realities of Hollywood.

As Frankie’s story was coming to a close I noticed a suspicious looking doctor peer in through a window, before abruptly disappearing through a set of double doors. The chase was on. Three flights of stairs later and I’d stumbled into an expansive, moonlit woodland area with two full size caravans in it. The roof of one of them played host to a female contortionist, wrapt in some sort of demented spirit dance. I turned back to see the doctor locked in an unsettlingly intimate slow dance with a member of the audience. In the distance the dim glow of lanterns and the clinking glasses and drunk exclamations of a late night party echoed through the woods, beckoning me to explore.

I estimate that I experienced a tiny fraction of what The Drowned Man has to offer and even a number of repeat visits wouldn’t be enough to take it all in. It is really a logistical marvel of epic proportions. Whilst trying to follow the narrative can be hindered at times by the sheer volume of audience members attempting to do the same, it quickly becomes apparent that the most rewarding moments come from breaking away and chasing some of the minor characters around the more deserted areas of the set.

I’ve been furiously recommending this show to everyone and anyone. From fellow Twin Peaks fans to lovers of Coronation Street, The Drowned Man is an addictive oddity that will linger in the back of your mind for weeks, even months later.

The Drowned Man: A Hollywood Fable is a Punch Drunk production, now booking until December 20th. Tickets are available from the National Theatre website: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/the-drowned-man-a-hollywood-fable

The London List Food Truck of the Week: Sorbitium IcesThe London List

By Sam Bathe on 21 Aug 2013

With the food truck craze taking London by storm, these mobile kitchens are also where you’ll find some of the very best food in the capital. In our new weekly feature we’ll be bringing you the hottest trucks and stands in London, where you can find them, and why you should be lining up for a taste. Show the rest of this post…

Though the summer’s drawing to a close, there’s still plenty of sun to be had before the winter freeze kicks in, and double cones from Sorbitium Ices are what summer days were made for. Suzanna Austin and Pedro Confessore, the husband and wife team behind Sorbitium met while working at Petersham Nurseries, and while love flourished, they discovered an insatiable passion for ice cream too.

Out the side of a glorious 1976 Citroën HY, Sorbitium Ices sell ice cream and sorbet that tastes so fresh it’s like you’re scooping out of the maker. Largely made with egg-based custards, at first the duo flavoured with fresh fruits, nuts and herbs from their allotment, although now they get the juiciest, seasonal produce from Western International Market in Southall.

The sea-salted caramel, rhubarb and ginger, pear sorbet and elderflower, mint and lemon sorbets are all essentials, but you could pick any of their flavours and your scoops will be delicious.

You can find the Sorbitium Ices truck every Friday and Saturday at Street Feast in Dalston Yard, the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at the London Farmers Market in Marylebone and numerous one-off events over the coming months. Tubs are also stocked at Basilico pizza takeaway and more across London.

Find a full calendar of their events on the Sorbitium site: www.sorbitiumices.com

FAN THE FIRE is a digital magazine about lifestyle and creative culture. Launching back in 2005 as a digital publication about Sony’s PSP handheld games console, we’ve grown and evolved now covering the arts and lifestyle, architecture, design and travel.