THE STOCKMKT...

Last year the StockMKT went down a treat and if you did make it along you will be please to know that it is returning this Friday 27th April from 5.30pm – 10.00pm. What’s more there are already even more markets in store this year will one taking place in June, August, September and November. Returning with a bang the StockMKT will be bigger and better than before with more food stalls, cocktails including ‘Bubble Tea’ who we recently featured, live music, vintage clothes, arts and crafts, DJ’s and even an outdoor light installation. Just look at all of the fun from last year’s event, this one is going to be huge. Big Apple Hot Dogs, Pizza Pilgrims and the brand new Kebab Kitchen are just some of the street vendors getting involved, oooo we do love a good night market.

Friday 27th April, 5:30pm – 10pm
Bermondsey Square, SE1
www.thestockmkt.com

EAST END VENUE TURNS ONE...

Can you bloody believe it? What’s that you ask! Well, one of our favourite East End hangouts celebrates its first year as a music venue next week. Hot jiggedy jam, The Shacklewell Arms turns one and to celebrate they are throwing a party with a special live performance from The Haxan Cloak (Tri Angle) and complimentary food and drinks – yip free food and drinks!

They are also introducing 'HANKS, Chicago Style Hot Dogs' - a gourmet selection of Vienna beef, chorizo and veggie dogs, along with the launch of their new iced Margaritas which will be available to try (in moderation people). Tunes will be spun by a host of East London’s hottest Disk Jockeys

Things kick off at 7pm next Friday 27th April, it’s free entry but you need to RSVP via shacklewellarms.com and arrive early to guarantee entry.

Shaklewell Arms, 71 Shacklewell Lane, Dalston,  E8
www.shacklewellarms.com

LAND OF KINGS....

The Land of Kings festival takes place over 15 venues in Hackney and showcases the best local talent the area has to offer. This year is set to be the best yet with a huge variety of events including a host of live music gigs, rooftop parties, pop-up restaurants and other weird and wonderful goings on.

This year's festival will run over the first weekend in May and we picked out our favourite selection from the jam packed schedule....

Music wise we'd recommend catching TOY, Slow Club,  Horror's DJ's and Stealing Sheep..

We'd also suggest getting involved in the Live Speed Dating at Stoke Newington Airport, the Dalston' Darlings Pop up restaurant, SlagBox (but don't do it too early you don't want to be missing out on the good gigs!), Meatwagon in the Eastern Curve Garden and The Walala Greasy Spoon.

Tickets cost £20 for the day or £30 for two days. The events last from 2pm to 5am - pace yourself! To see the days events, go here.

Sun 5th Ma
Various venues in N16 & E8
www.landofkings.co.uk

POP UP COCKTAIL BAR...

One of our independent favourite coffee shops, Tina We Salute You based in Dalston has been taken over by Zorokovich Vodka 1917 who will run a "faded by glamorous" Russian drinking den from the premises on a Friday and Saturday night during April.

The cafe has had a make-over and is now full of swallows which was the motif used in the vodka brand's film 'How to Re-Establish a Vodka Empire'. The music will be Russain, the cocktails will be vodka based and the space is available for private bookings. Regulars fear not, it will still operate as a cafe during the daytime. Head along for something a little different...

Fri 20th, Sat 21st, Fri 27th & Sat 28th, 6pm - midnight
Zorokovich Vodka Bar at Tina We Salute You, 47 King Henry's Walk, N1
http://tinawesaluteyou.com

ROOFTOP FILM CLUB...

The Rooftop Film Club today  have announced a BUMPER set of Summer shows taking place at Shoreditch, Kensington and London Fields- get in! Kicking off in Kensington at The Roof Gardens on Monday 30th April with cult film Lock, Stock the showing cost around a tenner and even include a snack of traditional fish and chips, or burger or hot dog, freshly prepared and grilled on the outdoor coal fired barbecue.

Just like last year the Shoreditch films will be shown at the uber-trendy Queen of Hoxton's Rooftop which opens next week. Whilst over at London Fields the films will take place Netil House. There is a huge selection of movies on offer from The Bodyguard (RIP Whitney) to Back To The Future and tickets for some shows are already sold out.

This is one Film Club not to miss!

Mon 30th April - Sun 10th June
Shoreditch, London Fields & Kensington
www.rooftopfilmclub.com

THAILAND IN LONDON...

Today is the Thai festival of Songkran (aka New Year) and to celebrate Tourism Thailand are bringing a piece of Asia to London.

Today from midday to 8pm St Martin’s Courtyard will be transformed into a Thai wonderland for Songkran (the water festival) with lanterns and water themed features including traditional blessings. Entertainment will include relaxing spa massages, an urban beach bar where you can sample refreshing Thai Chang and Singha beers as well as street food carts with food provided by SUDA Thai restaurant. There will also be the chance to win a holiday for two in Thailand - if you win we'll be your plus one, no bother...

It's free entry so if you're in the area pop down and have a bevy on the beach. You can't do that everyday in the city!

Thurs 12th April, noon - 8pm
St Martin’s Courtyard, WC2E

THE QUEEN OF HOXTON...

Last year The Queen of Hoxton’s rooftop went down a storm and so it begins again! The weather is warming up, people are getting thirsty and The Queen of Hoxton’s Rooftop has even had a facelift! A beacon for Shordarians and trendies throughout the East of London, the rootop will be returning this April opening on Friday 20th celebrating the force that is Summer with a week of free treats….

A week of FREE treats…

Monday 23rd: Free ice pops and watermelon

Tuesday 24th: Free Pimms with every BBQ lunch

Wednesday 25th: Free lunchtime disco

Thursday 26th: Free sausage with your first alcoholic bevy

Friday 27th: Free cocktail lessons

Saturday 28th: Free hoola hooping lessons with High Hoops

Sunday 29th: Free water pistols with ammo (ponchos provided)

Who can honestly say that a free sausage with your first bevy on the 26th didn’t bring a smile to your face. You’re a liar! They have a new cocktail menu, on it some very exciting frozen cocktails and have conveniently added a second bar to avoid queues, very reasonable of them. You will also be please to hear that the Rooftop Film Club will be returning too. Hip, Hip Hurray!

Open daily 12pm – 10pm

1-5 Curtain Road EC2A
www.queenofhoxton.com/

SAILER JERRYS HOTEL STREET...

Hotel Street the new rock’n’roll dive meets gallery meets shop is about to open its doors in scandalous Soho! Located at 120-125 Charing Cross Road Hotel Street is brought to you by Sailor Jerry, the devils behind that delicious rum. It’s a place where you can buy merchandise, view meticulously restored artwork from Sailor Jerry himself, listen to some non-nonsense punk, rock’n’roll and Old School tunes and watch films and documentaries every other Sunday... oh and drink plenty of rum. Sounds good right? Hotel Street open this Thursday 19th April, drop in, just don’t drop out!

Hotel Street – 120 -125 Charing Cross Road,
www.facebook.com/SailorJerryUK

ROWANS TEN PIN BOWLING...

Who doesn’t love a good old game (or three) of ten pin bowling? Even though we probably don’t get around to going too often, All Star at Brick Lane and Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes are ace but when you want to whittle away a rainy day bowling you can end up racking up one hell of a bill – trust us we know! This is where Rowans Ten Pin Bowl comes in, OK it doesn’t quite hold that retro coolness or sophistication, and there’s a chance you’re going to encounter at least one unusual character just getting there. But hey, it’s cheap as chips!

Located a stone’s throw away from Finsbury Park tube station you can enjoy the convenience of this no fuss, old school bowling alley. Kids will be screaming with excitement across all lanes to and from the dance floor...er yes there’s a dance floor where tunes are pumped full volume and if Disco Dave isn’t on the decks it’s usually a retro house CD from 1999. You can buy beer by the pitcher, order food (DON’T!), watch ‘sports’ from the big screen, gamble on the machines, shoot pool, sing your heart out with their karaoke and play on the amusements. Oh yeah and you can bowl at a reasonable price, at under a fiver a game.

Ideal for groups, mainly due to safety in numbers...but in all seriousness it’s a place where your money goes further and a bit like stepping back into the 80’s. Entry is £1 but when you’ve seen the people knocking around outside you’ll understand why!

Rowans Leisure, 10 Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, N4 2DF
www.rowans.co.uk

THE LUCKY PIG

The Lucky Pig is a basement drinking den located in Fitzrovia down some rather suspect looking iron stairs. Inside the decor is "a tribute to the faded grandiose of 1920’s New York" with a selection of vintage furniture, bric'a'brac, ornaments and some sexy curtained booths for hedonistic moments.

The cocktail list features everything from timeless classics such as the Old Fashioned and Hemingway Daiquiri to experimental creations such as the Lucky Blazer and the Granny Smash.

We sampled the uber fruity Cherry Blossom, made up of Finlandia mango, raspberries, lemon and champagne and the refreshing Southside Royal made up from Bombay Sapphire gin, lime, mint and cucumber topped with champange - both were served in a vintage coupés glass.

Whilst we drank we nibbled on a homemade sausage roll (which could have done with being warm), olives and a Neal's Yard Dairy cheese board; three cheeses served with a mountain of crackers. To finish up we sipped on a Very Berry Julep which consisted of Finlandia Vodka, Hennessey V.S, Chambord, berries and homemade jam served in a metal tankard, which was indeed very berry!

Cocktails clock in at around £9 and there is also a small selection of wines and beers. The Lucky Pig is bang on the current cocktail drinking trend, the kind of place you could easily blow a ton whilst working your way through the menu.

5 Clipstone Street, W1W

www.theluckypig.co.uk

SCREENING ON THE GREEN...

The pop-up park cinema season has begun - lets just hope the weather picks up in time for next weekend then! Kicking off this years Summer cinema season is Screening on The Green which will be showing the classic musical Bugsy Malone on Butterflied Green next Saturday 14th April. We went along to Grease last year and it was a hoot.

The event is free and there will be fresh hot waffles, popcorn and hot drinks. Just remember to bring a blanket to sit on and wrap up warm.

Sat 14th April, 7:30pm
Butterfield Green, N16

MUSEUMS AT NIGHT

London has many of the greatest museums in the world, iconic buildings filled with fascinating artefacts that take the breath away. If only we could visit without having to put up with rowdy school trips, bored kids running around or screaming babies....

Well now you can. For three evenings between Friday 18th May - Sunday 20th May, museums and institutions all over the UK will be hosting special events for grown-ups only. Highlights include the Christian Louboutin retrospective at the Design Museum, a must see for any fan of his couture shows.

The London Transport Museum invites you to dance the night away on a classic Routemaster bus while the Bank of England invites you to take a look around and will even let you hold a 13kg gold bar - if you're strong enough!

The National Portrait Gallery hosts events themed around Lucien Freud with an evening of music, poetry, drawing and talks; while the Royal Observatory Greenwich is open for night time stargazing with top astronomers.

Many events are completely free but for detailed listings check out the website and take this rare opportunity to experience these classic venues in a completely different atmosphere - need more convincing? Then check out the 'Night at the Museum' movie and see just what goes down during the night...

Friday 18th May- Sunday 20th May
Various Museums
www.culture24.org.uk

A GRAPE NIGHT IN...

Wine tasting has always been seen as a bit of an upper class pastime, overpriced events for people too posh to go to a pub and just enjoy the wine. However, new pop-up wine tasting events are trying to change that perception!

Brixton's 'Seven' cocktail bar is playing host to A Grape Night In, two events aiming at bringing wine tasting to a more youthful audience. Firstly, Sunday April 15th sees the Grape Afternoon Sunday Session which introduces us to the noble white grape varieties. One not to be missed for lovers of white wine! This will be followed on Thursday April 26th by Raise A Glass To Holidays, showcasing the finest wines from Europe's best holiday destinations.

Alternatively, if these dates don't suit you, the event can come to you. Limited edition Spring packages include 'Have your bunny and eat it' - a wine and chocolate tasting event; and 'An ode to Spring' which sees the wines teamed with fresh picnic-style produce. Great ideas if your planning a party or work event!

Tickets for the Sunday Session cost £19 per person (includes 5 wines and nibbles) and tickets for 'Raise a Glass to Holidays' costs £29 ( includes a cocktail on arrival, 5 wines and 5 matched pintxos)

Book online and remember sip it, not down it...

www.agrapenightin.co.uk

BIKEMINDED...

Following a sell out schedule last year, Bikeminded returns this summer with its themed bike tours thorough Kensington and Chelsea. The tours are set to “bring the streets to life” through film, music and the adventures of Alice in Wonderland. With a series of events planned over the next few months Bikeminded are setting out to encourage people to use their two wheels more often... We have to admit we’re guilty of riding mostly to work and back but leaving our bad boys chained up at the weekend.

The Film tour kicks off on Sat 14th April exploring the borough’s rich film history by visiting locations made famous through the screen, from crime films such as 1950s Blue Lamp through to spy thriller James Bond. Further Film Tours will take place on Sat 28th April, 12th and 26th May.

If music is more your thing the join the magical musical mystery cycling tour and visit legendary hangout of rockstars of the 60s and punks of the 70s, taking place on Saturday 5th May, 9th June and 7th July.

Last but certainly not least there is an Alice in Wonderland cycle tour, an interactive theatre experience on two wheels where you will be joined by the white rabbit and Alice herself taking place from Wednesday 18th to Sunday 22nd July.

Tickets cost from just £7. Interested? Then book your place online now...

www.bikeminded.org

FILM FUGITIVE RETURNS...

Following on from its successful launch season, Film Fugitive is hiding out once again in some of London’s churches, transforming them into candlelit cinemas. “Pull up a Pew” Season will be showcasing some of Alfred Hitchcock’s cinematic classics, including Psycho, The 39 Steps, Notorious and Rear Window.

Launching on 20th April, Film Fugitive returns to two of its favourite churches in Notting Hill and Fulham, with three screenings scheduled for weekends in April and one in May.

A Film Fugitive event isn’t like an ordinary trip to the movies. On arrival you will be met by a themed fugitive, inside you will find usherette girls selling handmade cupcakes, brownies and popcorn, along with a pop up bar serving mulled cider, alcoholic hot chocolate and much more.

Tickets are on sale from 9am on Tuesday 10th April, costing from £7.50 for concessions to £14 for adults. A visit to the church has never been so appealing!

www.filmfugitive.com

ONE DAY WITHOUT SHOES 2012...

Are you willing to go one day without shoes? TOMS shoes, who pride themselves on their ‘One for One’ motto of providing shoes to a child in need for every pair sold are about to launch their annual event ‘One Day Without Shoes’. The event helps raise awareness of the impact a pair of shoes can have on a childs life, and helps make a difference to the millions of children around the world.

On the 10th April at the Southbank Centre between 12 – 7pm TOMS are inviting people to stop by the event for a day of music, food, art & crafts and other barefoot happenings including lots of great ‘one for one’ offers. The event is open to people of all ages and at 6pm, anyone who takes off their shoes and completes a short walk to the London Eye will be rewarded with free coffee, burritos other treats! Get involved in what promises to be a feel good, fun day!

Tuesday 10th April 12pm – 7pm
Southbank Centre Belvedere Rd SE1
www.onedaywithoutshoes.com

DAMIEN HIRST EXHIBITION...

An unbelievable exhibition from one of Britain’s finest artists kicks off at the Tate Modern tomorrow. Damien Hirst dominated the art scene in Britain during 1990’s with his works which took influence from ‘death’ and his inventive and initiative use of dead animals. This retrospective display includes all of his most iconic pieces, including the suspended shark, the sheep, the cow and the infamous diamond incrusted skull. Arguably the most influential British artist of his generation, miss this, miss out!

Wed 4th April – Sun 9th Sept, £14
Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1
www.tate.org.uk

SLAGBOX...

There’s a new singles night on the go, a singles night with a bit of a difference and well we don’t know quite how to put this…it’s called SLAGBOX, that probably says it better than we ever could. This ‘singles’ night is taking place at The Dolphin on Thursday 5th April, its purpose to provide a ‘single’s night for people who don’t like single’s nights’…

The night pans out like this - upon entry you are given a number, you then have to scan the stickered dance floor and note the number of your potential, once found you write them a note as formal or informal as you like and pop it in the Slagbox. This will be read out by the compeer during the evening.

For the more adventurous (desperate) there is a Shaglotto…need we say more. £1 to play and at 2am they draw one girl and she gets to select one boy from all the male entries, they then send you off in a cab. The filthy little swine’s.

I’m sure you would agree that there are many health and safety issues surrounding this event. We urge you to drink responsibly, use protection and under no circumstances mention we told you about this sordid little orgy!

Thursday 5th April 9:30 till 3:00
The Dolphin, 165 Mare Street, Hackney E8

MARILYN MUNROE EXHIBITION...

We popped into the Getty Images gallery this weekend to check out the Marilyn Munroe exhibition - We’ve had a renewed interest in the starlet ever since we saw My Week With Marilyn. The exhibition is made up of images capturing different moments of Marilyn’s life both on and off screen, though was she ever really off screen? The majority of these photographs are relatively unseen and it’s interesting to see quite a few of her more private moments.

Better still for all those who adored the fashion of that era, behind a glass wall they have on display a number dresses that she wore from elegant cocktail dresses to the showgirl costumes – its only then you realise just how glamorous she was! There is also rare video footage and other memorabilia. This exhibition marks the 50th anniversary of Munroe’s death, pop along for a boop-boop-a-doop.

Runs until 23rd May
Getty Images Gallery, 46 Eastcastle Street, W1W

EASTER HOLIDAY CAMP....

We've probably all been to a Holiday Camp at least once in our lives, for us it was Haven and boy did we have fun! Part of the reason we're excited about the indoor Holiday Camp taking place in the Old Vic Tunnels underground Bunker.

The Holiday camp will be fully equipped with a meadow with deck chairs and tepees; picnic benches and a bouncy castle; volleyball and badminton courts; a campfire with acoustic musicians and log seating. Plus face painting and an Easter hunt - oh and a radio controlled boating pond. Sounds better than Butlins!

There will be music from Tootsie Rollers plus a special guest DJ spinning old school disco beats.
Tickets £15.

Thurs 5th Apr - Fri 6th Apr, 7pm - 1am
The Old Vic Tunnels,Station Approach Road , SE1
http://oldvictunnels.com