• It’s where you’ll find a branch of the world-renowned Taschen store

A photo posted by Matilda (@megerecooper) on Apr 22, 2016 at 2:11pm PDT

This is the maker of sexy art, design and photography books, many of which will look incredibly dope on a coffee table.

• It’s also got a wonderful Italian spot in the form of Manicomio

A photo posted by Duke of York Square (@doysq) on May 17, 2016 at 4:20am PDT

This classy restaurant offers both indoor and alfresco dining, and considering the area, a reasonably priced set menu – you can get a three course meal for £23.75.

• It’s the home of Saatchi Gallery

A photo posted by Duke of York Square (@doysq) on Apr 12, 2016 at 4:02am PDT

The next time you’re forced to queue up for nearly two hours for another Saatchi gallery exhibition – the nerve of that Louis Vuitton show! – get fed and watered somewhere around the DOYS beforehand (they’ve got a Polpo cafe) so at least you’re not starving to death. That said, the Rolling Stones exhibition is on until 4th September and since it’s ticketed, you’ll be spared the hassle to get in.

• There’s a party for the Queen on June 12th

A photo posted by Duke of York Square (@doysq) on Apr 21, 2016 at 1:08am PDT

Her majesty is turning 90, so there’s going to be a street party with plenty of fine food, booze and cake – and we’re all invited!

• And the Square is hosting a screening  of the Wimbledon semi-finals and finals from 8-10th July

Strawberries & Screen will be your chance to pitch up on bean bags, munch on picnic food, sip Pimms and catch all the action at SW19 for free.

Have you been to the Duke of York Square? What do you love about it? Tell me all about it in the comments! 

The post Somewhere you should go… Duke of York Square appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

It wouldn’t be a true cinema experience without snacks and food will be available from local London foodies such as Suda’s Bangkok street food cart, Italian Dalla Terra and Bill’s as well as free gourmet popcorn for all.
If you’re looking to impress or truly make it an experience you can also book a table at one of the courtyard’s restaurants to catch the screening with most of the restaurants offering special menus to accompany the shows.
Visit http://www.stmartinscourtyard.co.uk/fashionfilmfestival to enter the prize draw to win tickets, though some tickets will be available on the day on a first come basis.

The post Somewhere You Should Go… Fashion Film Festival appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

When it arrived, the queues were crazy – and it was only 7:30am.  Doors were due to open at 8am. Once that happened, there was a great rush inside; women clamoured after bags and shoes; men were hammering through the legendary 5-pockets, simply because nothing beats a pair of Diesel jeans for £15….

It was mayhem, but in such an orderly manner as people seemed to know what they were doing and what they were after. As I watched in complete awe, a lot of bargains passed me by. I had no idea of where to begin, but once I found my footing, I got into the groove, spending way more than planned but coming away with the equivalent of 2 boxes worth of goods. 

After this experience,  sample sales are now my only destination to shop.

There are downsides to sample sales, such as the clothes only coming in certain sizes.  They are ‘samples’ after all, and in some cases, there tends to be only limited stock. Also some sales are better than others and most of the time it is about knowing someone who works for the brand or company to give you the heads up. But when you have an opportunity to go…GO! Especially in the run-up to Christmas.  So here are my top tips to making the most of them:

• Come with a friend. Two sets of eyes are better than one
• Have a plan. Know what you are looking for, and head for it first! (I’d say go for the essentials i.e. bags, shoes….)
• Don’t panic. Keep calm and just join the masses in the organised chaos.
• Be prepared to spend…but give yourself a budget! You want to get key items/pieces, but not everything just because it’s cheaper
• Try on every item you pick for yourself.  In the majority of cases, there are no refunds or returns on sample sale goods.
• Stand next to someone with a big box.  See what they throw out as it may be what you’ve been looking for
• Try to stay ’til the end. There may be more bargains to be had!
• Lastly, PAY by cash. Queuing times are simply shorter

 (Words: Nastassja Lusengo)

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