Shoreditch – The Cultural Exposé

What we’ve been up to… Shuffleboarding at The Little Shuffle Club

Matilda — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 18:17:05 +0000

Shufflewhatnow? That’s the reaction I got from my work colleagues last week when I mentioned I spent my Wednesday evening “shuffleboarding”. To the uninitiated, that’s a game that involves pushing discs around for points – and if you google the phrase, you’ll likely find pics of geriatrics holding broom-like sticks as they get their shuffle on (play on, playas!). I’d be lying if I said I completely understood all the rules during my hump day dalliance, but it was fun – and Londoners can give it a go on November 1, when The London Shuffle Club returns to The Truman Brewery.

In the meantime, you can swing by the club’s new permanent kid bro, The Little Shuffle Club on 2 Ebor Street. It’s currently the only bar in the city dedicated to table shuffleboarding – but if you’re not too hot on playing, drop by for the incredible cocktails or watch a tournament in action.

Find out more at londonshuffle.com and check pics from the Little Shuffle Club’s launch below:

The post What we’ve been up to… Shuffleboarding at The Little Shuffle Club appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

Somewhere you should go… summer parties in London: No Long Ting All Dayer + Room for Movement

Matilda — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 07:30:33 +0000

Man… July was a bit of a cruel one to me. My site got hacked plus I’ve had loads of housing drama (typical London). Like, ‘start a building petition and write to your MP’ drama. But it’s August, it’s “summer”, and I can finally see the calm after the storm. Thus, it’s time to get my social life back. As it so happens, it’s my birthday month (woop!) and personally, I’m all for celebrating as much as possible until the actual day (the 15th), so with no further adieu, here’s the first of two summer parties in London I can’t wait to check out this weekend:

No Long Ting All Dayer Part 2, Pop Brixton, August 7th (2-11pm)

I’ve wanted to hit up No Long Ting for the absolute LONGEST. It’s sort of like a block party / house party hosted by one of the capital’s finest hip-hop artists Ty and the good folks from the United 80 shop in the Market Village. I heard good things about the June event, so I’m expecting all of the best vibes.

Room4Movement, The Book Club, August 7th (7-midnight)

Fresh from killing another Jazz Re:fest at the Southbank last month, the Jazz Re:freshed crew is throwing the latest of their East London music jams this weekend. DJ Charlie Dark will be bringing the tunes, along with residents Bunny Bread, Top Rock & Adam Rock. These guys always come strong, so no doubt it’s gonna be a lively one!

Are there any summer parties in London you’re looking forward to? Let me know in the comments!

The post Somewhere you should go… summer parties in London: No Long Ting All Dayer + Room for Movement appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

What we’ve been up to… Hoi Polloi

Lucy Palmer — Tue, 27 May 2014 10:00:14 +0000

Hotel restaurants rarely get much recognition, as so often they’re not at the front of your mind when you’re looking for a restaurant to go to. But with great food and a relaxed atmosphere, Hoi Polloi, which describes itself as a modernist brasserie should be viewed on its own merits. Part of the Ace Hotel in Shoreditch, I visited on a weekend for brunch. With an American heritage (Ace Hotels are renown stateside) I had high expectations for a good breakfast. We started with Bloody Marys which could have been better; I like mine with a kick but the amount of kick in ours was far too much. They made up for it with the coffee though and my poached eggs were cooked well.

The menu is refreshingly affordable and varied with something for everyone – and there’s a Nordic slant to dishes that matches the décor of the restaurant; all very clean and simple. At the weekend, you’ll also get to enjoy a string quartet which also adds to the soothing mood. The menu offers more than merely just breakfast though, with afternoon tea, lunch and dinner all on offer making it a welcome addition to the Shoreditch restaurant scene. (Words: Lucy Palmer)

For more info, visit: www.hoi-polloi.co.uk

The post What we’ve been up to… Hoi Polloi appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

Somewhere you should eat… On the Bab

The Cultural Exposé — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 11:00:31 +0000

Make no mistake of it: the street food trend that’s hit the capital in recent years has no intention of slowing down, making this new Korean spot a worthy contender for your Friday night filling station. Set in a prime location in Shoreditch, a recent visit found us enjoying the easy pickin’s of fried chicken with crushed peanut, spring onion and seafood pancakes, spicy chicken in fluffy steamed buns (we’d give these three thumbs up if we could – so good), and a winning side of kimchi, all washed down with a soju breeze cocktail with cranberry, grapefruit and lime. As for the main, we picked beef for our traditional bibimbab (a Korean speciality of rice, mixed veg and your choice of meat) and we weren’t disappointed – especially as it was generous and flavoursome for a mere £7.50.

If you’re new to Korean, this isn’t the fanciest foray into the cuisine (owner Linda Lee is also behind the mightier Koba in the West End), but with a clear philosophy for shared dining with an “anju” twist (meaning all food is to be consumed with alcohol), it’s definitely fun: one for the hit list.

For more info, visit: www.onthebab.com and check out our pics below.

Have you been to On the Bab? Do you have a favourite Korean restaurants in the capital ? Let us know in the comments…

The post Somewhere you should eat… On the Bab appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

Somewhere you should eat… Jubo

The Cultural Exposé — Fri, 04 Oct 2013 10:00:44 +0000

For all its infamy, US-style fried chicken isn’t the only variety that’s finger-lickin’ good. Korean fried chicken has long made a name for itself in the home of its birth and beyond, with Shoreditch’s Jubo being the latest outlet in town to give it the spotlight it deserves. Housed inside the Bedroom Bar, this laid-back, street style venue has made the double-fried crunchy snack their speciality – and they do quite a fine job at it. You can choose between the classic ‘Yangnyeom Tongdak’, wings or strips, served with soy garlic or sweet and sour sauce – or get that chicken in a roll with kimchi slaw and a side of chips. We’re also loving that it’ll cost no more than a tenner too.

Alternatively, there’s steak brisket, pork belly, steam buns or vegetarian dishes on offer if you fancy something different – but from what we’ve tried, Jubo’s original KFC is where it’s really at. Hit ’em up on the weekend – they’re a good pick before the late night shenanigans.

Jubo is at 68 Rivington St, London EC2A 3AY. Open from Tuesday – Thursday, 6pm to midnight and Friday and Saturday, 6pm to late. For more info, visit: jubolondon.com

The post Somewhere you should eat… Jubo appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

Somewhere you should go… Shoreditch Festival 2013

Laura Thornley — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 10:00:24 +0000

Shore’s ditch – the area named after Edward IV ‘s lover Jane Shore’s final resting place, courtesy of him of course – has long since left its reputation as an east end body dumping ground and is now frequented by arty adventurers, not so dissimilar to yourselves. Filled with concept companies, innovation and some pretty good vintage shops, the area has developed into a magnet for all creative types across the globe.

We like to take it as a given that arty adventurers love a good festival: sunshine, drinks, live music mixed with a bit of street food – that’s the stuff the arty summer is made of. Naturally, Shoreditch does street festival like no other and now in its 12th year, th Shoreditch Festival is going from strength to strength.

You may remember from last time that this was a great mix of street theatre, food, art exhibitions and music. For 2013 you can expect similar stuff with a little more umph for good measure. Saturday is the arty day and is filled with street dance, circus acts, and street theatre shows. On Sunday the festival becomes more musical, with local and international acts. The Barbican drummers will be making an appearance as well as jazz star Iva Lamkum and South Africa Shangaan Electro. There will also be the People Speak’s talkaoke: a chance to get that niggling ideas off you chest. Or, just have a good old winge!

The festival is free to attend but you can even make a donation to help the organisers claw back some of the costs. So dig deep if you want this kind of thing to continue! (Words: Laura Thornley)

On July 13th and 14th. For more info visit: www.shoreditchtrust.org.uk/Shoreditch-Festival

The post Somewhere you should go… Shoreditch Festival 2013 appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

Somewhere You Should Go… NOLA, Shoreditch

Lucy Palmer — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 10:00:12 +0000

When I was at university I studied abroad for a semester in New Orleans so it has always been a place of amazing memories very close to my heart. So when I heard NOLA, a New Orleans style bar, was coming to Shoreditch I got excited dreaming of the good bourbon and gumbo I would enjoy again.

But as keen I was to visit, this was dampened by our inability to find the place. After wandering Rivington Street for a good 10 minutes we gave up and asked someone who punched a code in a door and told us to follow the stairs up. I get they want to keep the place secretive but c’mon a sign on the door would help!

Once we arrived, I went for the classic a Hurricane cocktail. And it was good, well mixed in an ice cold glass and it made me nostalgic for a night in Pat O’Briens. But beware they’re deceptively strong, and it was only when my group stood up to leave we had to admit we were all feeling it.

The decor has a vintage, New Orleans feel with dark green leather booths, shutters, piano and ceiling fans, but you can tell it’s only been open a month as everything is still new and bit too shiny. In a few months when it’s more worn and used it’ll be perfect.

It’s a small and intimate venue only open Tuesday- Saturday, 6pm – midnight, with 12-3pm reserved for members. Given its hard to find it was quiet when we went, but I imagine its late night you need to go, with live music regularly on. And as membership is free with just a donation going to charity of your choice, it’s great if you’re always looking for a late night place to continue the party.

At the time of writing, the kitchen wasn’t up and running, but I imagine this will draw me back to try the cooking, and if its anything as good as their cocktails it’s safe to say its going to be good. (Words: Lucy Palmer)

For more info, visit: www.nola-london.com

The post Somewhere You Should Go… NOLA, Shoreditch appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

Somewhere you should go… Rivington Street Festival

Nori Bell-Bhuiyan — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 09:02:57 +0000

Exciting, dynamic, eclectic and innovative – all words that describe today’s Rivington Street Festival. This will be the ultimate street party played out in one day-long event. It’s spread out across two stages and 10 individual venues all housing their own unique music and arts programmes along the length and breadth of Rivington Street.

The festival gives an opportunity for lesser known artists a chance to strut their stuff alongside the better known performers, and the line-up is comprised mainly of local unsigned musicians and DJs. Examples of the day’s talent include the leader of reggae resurgence Reggae Roast, experimental collective The Alternative Dubstep Orchestra (the name says it all), energetic beatboxer Bass 6, DJs like the fun-loving music-making team Livin Proof and countless more artists across a vast mix of genres.

It’s not just music on show though. Spoken word group, Remedy, will be complementing the music with their own performances, and the creative market ‘Togethertheycome’ will provide a wealth of artisan products, including fashion, jewellery and art prints.

Entrance to this (free) event is first-come-first-served, so if you’d like a day of fantastic music hosted along the lively and diverse Rivington Street, make sure you get in quick! (Words: Conori Bell-Bhuiyan)

For more information visit: www.rivingtonstreetfestival.co.uk

The post Somewhere you should go… Rivington Street Festival appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

Somewhere You Should Go… The Book Club Blues

Lucy Palmer — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:00:43 +0000

There seems to be a jazz/New Orleans/ blues trend emerging recently. Certainly with NOLA opening in Shoreditch and the highly anticipated The Great Gatsby out at the cinemas, we’re surrounded by the influence of an American era and its legacy for good music, great drinks, having fun and just cutting loose.

So with that in mind, The Book Club, always in the know, brings us The Book Club Blues on Sunday, June 16th. Featuring live music from Dan Nash, a seasoned master of the blues, who has played extensively throughout the USA, there will also be taster lessons in blues dancing to get you into the swing of it all. So embrace the trend, find your dancing shoes, make sure to grab a bourbon while you’re there and enjoy. (Words: Lucy Palmer).

For more info, visit: www.facebook.com/events/530921653611553

The post Somewhere You Should Go… The Book Club Blues appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

Somewhere you should eat… Shutterbug, Rivington Place

Matilda — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:00:11 +0000

Within a year, this hip and cosy creperie has made such an indelible mark in the area, you wonder how Shoreditch managed before without it. But one things for certain – they (and we) can’t get enough of it. Shutterbug is the bar-slash-pancake house that doesn’t just offer your standard crepe with the fillings to match. Here, we’re talking savoury buckwheat varieties with the finest ingredients (asparagus, truffle oil and fig relish just to name a few), while their red velvet crepe will no doubt be award-winning one day. Prices are fab too (starting from £4 for a lemon and sugar) so head over this weekend for a pre or post party bite. Check out our pics from our recent visit just below, but for more info, visit http://www.shutterbug-london.com

The post Somewhere you should eat… Shutterbug, Rivington Place appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.