The Faberge Big Egg Hunt

I'm having a lot of fun with this. Simple pleasures, hey?! How many have you spotted so far? Not sure i'm going to get round to finding all 200, but i'm certainly having fun trying!

There are designs from the likes of Polly Morgan, Sir Peter Blake, Mary Katrantzou, Tommy Hillfiger... can you guess who did what?




More importantly, do you have a favourite?

those Summer Cinema nights...

The outdoor film experience is winding up for the Summer...in what ironically looks to be one of the hottest weeks of the year! The Rooftop Film Club, Dalston Roof Park and The Scoop all have their final curtain call this Friday, so take advantage of these last few summer nights and get on it!


Thanks to the free film screenings at The Scoop (outside City Hall on the South Bank), i have now joined the rest of the world in watching The Kings Speech. I'm glad i held out. The film was brilliant but the setting was spectacular, especially as night fell. i loved the sound of open air laughter, which you miss at other outdoor headphone wearing film venues. It was also a great place to people watch! There was such a varied crowd...city guys arriving in their suits, braving the stone steps with their bare behinds, families with kids, friends, lovers, all mushed up together, making things nice and cosy. What i loved the most though, was that everyone brought their own supply of food, drink and cushions, even though there was a well stocked bar and £1- a -go pillows on hand. When did Londoner's become so frugal? Did it start in '08 with the 'R' word?? 

Maybe it's my Northern roots, but i've been packing my own cinema picnic for years now, having become jaded with ridiculously priced revels and the lack of savory snacks - word of warning, sushi and cinema do not mix!But you knew that already, right?!
The whole 'make do and munch' thing just made for a great community atmosphere. Although I did get a serious bout of snack envy. My sandwich, wine and wasabi pea combo was lame compared to take away pizzas and champagne. Next year i will to know what i'm up against!

It's been a great summer of film.

Cinema Paradiso

We're a demanding lot, us generation Y'ers. We are constantly expecting more and more from every possible experience and the cinema is no exception. Gone are the days when a simple trip to the local multiplex is enough (although no doubt they will pull their socks up and become cool again at some point). Now it's all about getting as much of an experience as you can out of a film, whether that comes from the surroundings or extras that can be added on, like integrated live performances, food and music. Of course London is all over this trend and was churning out different experiences before we even realised we wanted them! So here are a few film feasts of the moment, but there are plenty more out there (too many to fit into one post), so get researching!

Everyman in Hampstead



One of my indoor favourites - it's so decadent. The acoustics are really good, plus with added extras like comfy sofas, waiter service (there is a personal button at your seat!) and the yummiest nibbles (the humous is delicious), it's always a joy to watch films there.


The Scoop -  starting September


i think i could quite possibly be the only person in the country who hasn't seen The Kings Speech. I just never got round to it and when every man and his dog told me I ''just had to see it'', all it did was make me not want to see it (it took me years to actually watch the matrix because of this same issue!). So i think i am going to hold out a little while longer and wait for the free screening at The Scoop in September. Check out their website for the full programme list. Blanket, cushion and bottle of wine required!


Rooftop Film Club


With a view like that i'm not sure I would actually concentrate on the film, so i'd better choose a good one! One of my favourite films EVER is Amelie, which these guys are due to screen this summer. Definitely the film for me...how romantic! See the site and be spoilt for choice.


Lexi Cinema presents The Nomad  - July onwards


There is nothing I like more than a theme...and The Nomad experience gives you just that. A pop-up, travelling film circus, if you will, that chooses it's locations with great care, to give maximum impact. There may be a few other surprises along the way, to enhance the mood, so keep your eyes peeled. My fancies are Raging Bull in the renowned boxing venue that is York Hall and Baz Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet in Regents Park Open Air Theatre or maybe Pan's Labyrinth in Brompton Cemetery- what to do?? One thing is for sure...i am going to spend a fortune on film this summer!


Mid Summer Night Screen @ Dalston Roof Park

Another venue that likes a good theme. Expect brilliant music, decorations and more-ish food to enhance the expertly chosen films. The sounds of the city are blocked out by wireless headphones, helping you zone into the film and your surroundings. A great venue in a great area of town.


The Floating Cinema - starts July 2011


How awesome! This illustration gives us an idea of how this amazing customised narrow boat will look when it's up and running in a few weeks time. The concept was dreamt up by the Hackney based architects Studio Weave and artist duo Somewhere (Nina Pope and Karen Guthrie) and is set to sail around the Olympic host boroughs this summer, with a packed programme of entertainment. With on board screenings, projections onto waterside buildings and much, much more, this concept is sure to bring lots of fun to the East London waterways. We are sure to see a lot more projects centered around the river in the run up to 2012 - can't wait to see what's to come!


film 4 summer screen at somerset house 27th July - 7th August

Always a good event. Being a big fan of Pedro Almodovar, i was so gutted to miss the premier of Broken Embraces a couple of years ago. AND Penelope Cruz was there with him to introduce the film...arrrraaagghh! I must get over this, it's not healthy! Anyways, there are some great films on show again this year, so check it out before it's too late!

*all images other than Everyman and York Hall taken from the subjects respective sites.