London's favourite Department store: LIBERTY

Which is your favourite London department store? After careful consideration I would have to award LIBERTY my first prize. The one-off store has a unique character unlike any other, and with such beautiful things inside, for me it is more like a museum.

Liberty can be found on Regent Street in central London. The business was started by Arthur Lasenby Liberty in 1874, after he worked at Messrs Farmer and Rogers also on Regents Street. He believed he could change the look of homewares and fashion. The shop opened in 1875 with only three members of staff, made possible because of a £2,000 loan from Arthur’s father in law. Initially he acquired only 218a Regents Street, but soon as the store became more successful he bought the other half of 218 and also the surrounding properties. Arthur was important to the Art Nouveau movement, and it is this style that makes the shop so appealing to me.

Liberty is most famous for its decorative floral prints. Delicately patterned and often brightly coloured these designs have been adopted by many designers. The Liberty design team re-work the classic prints every season, they say they are inspired by ‘nature, architecture, our heritage and the store itself.’

What I find most satisfying about this shop is the selection it offers. They seem to sift through all the designer’s collections to pick only the most desirable items. Even if you can’t afford to buy anything, Liberty is still worth a visit - a beautiful building with a treasure chest of goodies inside.

Shop here.

Sandown Park Racecourse

Sandown Park Racecourse, on the outskirts of London, is a fun place to spend an evening. Just 25 minutes away from Waterloo, it is easy to get to and a nice break from the busy city.

I went on a work trip and was privileged to be in the comfort of one of the boxes. Lovely food and drink was provided all night and we had a spectacular view of the course. I kept my addictive personality at bay by placing all my bets at the start. The betting process is complicated for a first timer at the races and I required considerable help deciding!

Sandown Park Racecourse is one of the UK’s best loved horseracing venues. Whether you’re a regular or an intrigued visitor it is an exhilarating experience that definitely leaves you wanting more. Sandown caters for all, and throughout the year they also hold music nights and military themed race days.

Often musical entertainment follows the races; we were treated to the wonders of Westlife. I was one of the lucky few given a VIP pass to meet the four bandmembers, all clad in black studded outfits. I am told photos of us with the boys are to be put up online any day now, so look out for those!

Despite an unlucky start with my first horse Yasmeena, I went on to win money in four out of the six races! The horse Jet Away making a particularly impressive first place in Race 5. Meeting Westlife meant I was unable to pick up my winnings, but I have sent off my lucky tickets and now await my cheque.

Boris' Bikes

London has gone bonkers for bikes. It has been talked about for ages and now Boris Johnson (London mayor and clown) has introduced the scheme to the centre of London. He hopes to make London a greener and healthier place to live and work.

To start with 5,000 bikes have been put in place at 3000 docking stations around the city centre. It has been calculated that 6,000 journeys were made on the first day of the scheme. If the idea continues to be popular there will surely be talks to expand it further afield.

I have already spotted several stations around my work but unfortunately can’t spot any near my house in West London, making a journey home quite tricky. I am yet to try a bike, and although the idea excites me, I am a little apprehensive about the dangers of riding around in such a hectic city. For those inexperienced at dodging traffic on a bike it could be quite dangerous.

Other European cities have used bike schemes for a while now, the idea has working well in places such as Paris and Dublin. London’s bikes seem to be a little more pricey. Up to 30 minutes is free but then the tarifs steadily rise up to £50 for 24 hours, more expensive than hiring a car!

Check out the TFL website for more information, and let me know what you think of them...

Bent at The Tabard Theatre

I studied Bent at University so was prepared for the gritty narrative and shocking script. I went to see Martin Sherman’s play at the dinky Tabard Theatre in Chiswick, a theatre I have always wanted to visit.

Bent was written in 1979 and offers an insight into the persecution of gay men in Nazi Germany. The word ‘bent’ was the slang term some Europeans used to refer to homosexuals at the time. The original West End production starred Ian McKellen, and Richard Gere was in the first Broadway show in 1980.

The tiny Tabard is a suitable venue for this gripping play, and being so close to the action makes it almost unbearable to watch at times. Russell Morton gives the performance of a lifetime as the moody Max, he seems completely engrossed in the role throughout. Previously in the year Morton won a best fringe actor nomination with the same production at the Landor Theatre. Steven Butler is endearing as Max’s needy partner Rudy, although I did find myself getting irritated by his whiney voice. David Flynn is striking as Horst and works beautifully on stage with Morton. Flynn adds subtle nuances to his character that makes the two men's relationship even more believable.

The cramped space and dark set makes the whole experience terrifyingly claustrophobic. Barbed wire walls trap the characters on stage and two large Nazis trap the audience in their seats. Despite knowing the play I found this rendition deeply disturbing at times, sometimes almost having to cover my eyes. Director Andrew Keates has done an expert job on Bent bringing out the best qualities of Sherman’s play and adding more. I found the whole production deeply moving and thought-provoking and left the theatre teary eyed.

Although the Tabard is small it houses large talent, with this production of Bent fetching many glowing 4* reviews. With a lovely pub downstairs the whole venue has a friendly atmosphere. Throughout August you can see brilliant comedians like Alex Zane and Al Murray performing at the venue.

www.tabardtheatre.co.uk

Hot on the Highstreet Week 11

You may have already heard about Moroccan Oil... It is the hottest new hair product, and it really, really works.

I was introduced to it only recently by one of my most stylish friends, who incidentally also happens to have the most luscious locks. We were on holiday in Croatia, and out came this magical little bottle. I was sceptical, many a time have I been conned into buying a pointless hair product. However this oil made an enormous difference to my hair.

In summer hair can get dried out and tired from all the sun, sea and salt. Moroccan Oil should be applied after washing your hair and while it is still damp. Put a drop on the palm of each hand, rub together and smooth over hair. And it’s as simple as that.

Check out all the products on their website: http://www.moroccanoil.com/index.php. A 100ml bottle costs £29.95, with free delivery from here. One bottle will probably last you a lifetime.

I promise it will transform your hair.

Camille Silvy at the National Portrait Gallery

I must admit I was initially drawn to the Camille Silvy exhibition because of our name share, my full name also being Camille.

Camille Silvy was a pioneer of early photography and established himself as one of the leading portrait photographers in London, to which he moved in 1859. This exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery displays many incredible images, some of which have not been shown since the 1860s.

Silvy spoke of his passion: ‘ when I realised the inadequacy of my talent in obtaining exact views of the places we travelled through, I dedicated myself to photography and ... concentrated especially on reproducing everything interesting – archaeologically or historically – that presented itself to me.’

The show begins with a collection of photographs taken in France. Quiet and serene these photos have a nostalgic feel, they capture the street life in the most natural way. The motif of horses recurs throughout the exhibition, a subject close to Silvy’s heart. He was a keen and knowledgeable horseman, as shown in the painting of him included in the collection. Later there is a series of very romantic photographs taken in London. These are intimate studies of delicate light and dark. My favourites were ‘Fog’ and ‘Twilight’, both taken in 1859. These hazy shots depict mysterious secrets in the shadows of London.

As the exhibition continued I realised Camille Silvy and I had more in common than I had originally thought. Like me, Silvy loved fashion and the theatre. His wife often modelled for him in the latest Parisian fashions; one of her more outrageous dresses is displayed. She was a useful part of the process, Camille could try out all his new ideas in the photographs he took of her. The final rooms show Silvy’s obsession with the magical opera stage. The main focus of his attention was the international operatic star Adelina Patti, and it has been said that as a model she brought out the best in his talent.

It’s sad to think that Camille Silvy has been left unnoticed for so long, he is a modern master worthy of rediscovery.

Gilgamesh Restaurant in Camden Town

Gilgamesh is one hell of an experience. As you approach it in edgy Camden Town it looks almost like a temple... glowing against a dark backdrop. After ascending a tall escalator you see that the interior is even more impressive.

Gilgamesh advertises itself as a restaurant, bar and Babylon lounge, although I would say it is almost a club as well. It is a glorious relief from the chaos of the Camden Town markets that surround it.

I have read mixed reviews about Gilgamesh, though few can deny its amazing presence. Many visitors complain that the service is poor; I found quite the opposite to be true and was treated like royalty. Our group visited the bar area first, and joined the buzzing crowds. Luckily the massive space is able to accommodate everyone and we managed to find a table easily. I was treated to a relaxing massage by wandering masseurs; it was so calming I almost fell asleep.

It was 11 o’clock when we dragged our weary bodies to our grand table and received complementary glasses of Champagne from the lovely Gilgamesh girls. The food is good, although pricey. It’s worth watching out for deals on the internet, we got a great set menu deal on Top Table. We shared a variety of veggie and meat dishes between us – the duck and watermelon salad was palate-intriguing but my favourite was the creamy Thai vegetable curry, even though it was a little too spicy for me. After a long and lively supper we were invited to the VIP area to dance and continue our night.

We exited by the awe inspiring staircase - as you descend you follow the intricate hand-carved ‘Tree of Life’, a magnificent work inspired by the friezes at The British Museum. Back on the streets of Camden I reflected on the glittering palace I had just visited.

Cocktails at Vanilla

Vanilla is a venue that offers an intimate environment with a carefree ambience, a rare combination for a bar in London’s West End.

Vanilla is hidden at the end of Great Titchfield Street in Marylebone and serves as both a restaurant and lounge. They offer a mouth-watering range of food and drinks. The kitchen, run by head chef Halim Merrir offers an exciting eclectic menu that promises to be both delicious and original in taste. I am yet to try Vanilla’s food but shall definitely be returning to do so soon – the photos on the website are too tempting.

The interior is slick and cool all in white. A clean and comfortable space with a touch of divine luxury, all very Sex and the City. I went on a Friday night with some good friends and was surprised to see it less than half full. Those who were enjoying Vanilla had a smug aura about them, as if they were in on one of London’s best kept secrets. As I sat sipping my drink I began to feel the same.

Cocktails are a must in Vanilla, made by expert mixer, Tristan Lobb. Not only were the classics supreme (my friends drank Mojitos and Cosmos) but Tristan even made us our own individual unique cocktails, invented from scratch after hearing my rather complicated preferences. If we had stayed longer I would have happily tried every cocktail on the menu.

http://www.vanillalondon.co.uk/index.html

IDA Restaurant

making pasta

I want to recommend to you IDA, a tiny authentic Italian restaurant in London’s Queens Park.

The restaurant was set up by husband and wife, Simonetta and Avi who previously had little experience in the restaurant business but a great passion for food. Now they provide wholesome meals for locals and regulars and anyone else who is lucky enough to discover this little gem.

IDA makes fresh pasta everyday, an art that is dying out even in parts of Italy. Making pasta requires patience and know-how but makes the IDA dishes that much more delicious.

The menu changes regularly at IDA, focusing on different regions of Italy. Currently they are looking at Piemonte - Valle d’Aosta, the least populated area of Italy in the mountainous north-west of the country. The homemade gnocchi are delicious and I also love the tagliatelle al ragu’, a classic dish made exceptionally well.

Lovely food, lovely atmosphere. Well worth a try.

http://www.idarestaurant.co.uk/Ida_Restaurant/IDA.html

Hot on the Highstreet Week 10

Russell and Bromley are bringing the loafer back into fashion.

Simple, sensible and stylish they are the shoes for every occasion. Loafers can be worn with cropped trousers to create the androgynous look, or with a smart dress to replace heels. Cheap copies can be seen everywhere, and although Russell and Bromley is the top end of highstreet, I think its prices are mostly fair. These shoes are made from good quality materials and should wear well.

Every branch of Russell and Bromley seems to stock different colours, both patent and matt leather. I love them all and want them in every colour, but if forced to pick a favourite I think I’d go with a pair of the classic black patent leather ones. Regularly worn by our favourite fashion icon Alexa Chung.

I feel a little guilty for featuring footwear two weeks in a row but these loafers are just too cool to ignore. Treat your feet, £125 in Russell and Bromley stores now.