So that’s why it’s worth checking out Vibe Affordable at Vibe Gallery. It runs from the 13th-27th June, with a special opening night on the 13th which includes first pick of the available art, a live DJ, drinks including a Pimms corner, nibbles and a live performance from Dutch visual artist Alexandra Arshanskaya, who will be performing a unique and special Live Drawing show. Aimed at introducing art lovers to artists and vice versa the exhibition allows you to engage with the artists as you take in their work.

Other artists featured in the showcase include Alyrical, Gloria Bornacin, Linzi Louise, Christina Peake, Teclah Muropa all providing work across a variety of mediums, styles, prices and tastes to suit all from the art novice to those that like to think they know their Surrealism from their Existentialism.

With all artwork available for between £40 to £4000, this is your chance to pick up a unique piece from credible artists – and who knows how much it could be worth in a few years? (Words: Lucy Palmer) 

Admission is free. Visit www.vibeplace.com for details on opening night and featured artists.

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A 10 minutes stroll away in Bermondsey, set against the background rumble of passing overhead trains lies Maltby St, where a small cabal of stallholders and producers sell their  wares from under the railway arches and  various stalls. Consisting of no more than 25 producers, it’s a sort of foodie parade rather than outright market, starting with coffee enthusiasts’ favourite Monmouth Coffee selling their wares and ending with patisserie Comptoir Gourmand where, amongst other treats you’ll find pink raspberry meringues and giant chocolate cookies.

In between lies a range of stalls – and fish-lovers should try the smoked salmon from Norwegian producers Hansen and Lydersen, or alternatively, there’s barbecued mackerel baps marinated in Moroccan chermoulla from nearby Christchurch Fish. If meat’s more your thing, on offer are pastrami sandwiches from Monty’s Deli, and if you’re ever in need of wild boar salami, Maltby Street is the place.

It’s not all about the food though – LASSCO, the architectural salvage company, have their warehouse based here, the grittier counterpart to their Brunswick House outpost in Vauxhall. It’s well worth a detour to see all manner of rescued treasures, from large enamel sinks once owned by school art departments, to industrial light fittings; there’s even wooden planks from the Natural History Museum.

So next time a sunny Saturday rolls around and you want to get your foodie and furniture fix in one go, head over to the arches of Maltby, and stall-hop to your hearts content. Just don’t tell the tourists. (Words: Jane Duru, Pic: Marina Vidor) 

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First I had to miss out on being a friend’s plus-one to the opening party when a course of medication I’d started caused some unpleasant and unpredictable side-effects including spontaneously passing out – never a good look when you’re trying to network over patatas bravas. Then a scheduled dinner date with two pals had to be called off when first one cancelled because both his kids had the lurgy, and then the other because he had it. Jose seemed by all accounts to be under a bit of a jinx.

But thank goodness the jinx broke and, third time lucky, I finally got to experience Jose; I’m pleased to report that it was worth the wait. It’s by no means original – great tapas and sherry bars are springing up all over town at a very pleasing rate  – but Jose is more than just a great tapas bar, it’s a great restaurant full stop, turning out some of the best food I’ve had of any type, anywhere, recently.

Jose occupies an attractive curve-fronted corner site on Bermondsey Street, spitting distance from Borough Market where Pizarro made his name at Brindisa. It’s a tiny little place, seating probably no more than twenty at the tiled bar and at counters in the centre of the room and along the windows, with some additional standing room at a couple of up-ended sherry barrels. By day, light pours through the tall windows making the space feel bright and welcoming; as night falls and the room fills up – and boy does it fill up – it gets buzzier and more intimate…

…To read the rest, click here to visit Hugh Wright’s blog, Twelvepointfivepercent.com – London Restaurant Reviews Of Real Discretion. 

Follow Hugh on Twitter: @HRWright

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