venue – The Cultural Exposé

Somewhere you should eat… Trade

Matilda — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 10:00:14 +0000

Trade is the sort of cafe I dream of owing one day. From the retro-inspired interiors to the beautifully presented food, this new drop-in on Commercial Street makes a good first impression, representing the quality produce that can be found nearby in New Spitalfields Market. I’m told businessfolk and locals flock here around lunchtime while tourists take care of the weekend – and after an invite to check it out, you soon discover why. The coffee is good, really good – and the lobster roll for a tenner is incredible, made with warm brioche, hints of dill and a welcome chilli kick. There’s an impressive array of dessert too; if you ever wanted a carrot cake to rival the best you ever had, their super-moist prized bake is an easy contender. Trade opens 7 days a week but for more info visit: www.trade-made.co.uk

Check out pics from our recent visit below:

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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

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Somewhere you should go… East Village Club and Villain Bar

The Cultural Exposé — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:00:54 +0000

Located on Great Eastern Street – home to some of East London’s hippest venues – East Village Club certainly manages to hold its own. The underground club plays host to a variety of DJ-led nights where the music is the main event, rather than acting as a backdrop for flirty chit-chat. Expect nights such as Sounds of the Underground and Inner Rhythm, which fully embrace the urban music scene, pumping out house, bass, dancehall, and hip-hop to an energetic crowd of music-lovers and creative types. The upstairs Villain Bar is pretty hip too, feeling like it’s been put together by a bunch of over-enthusiastic art students, with its mix of futuristic neon lighting and recycled materials (think leather car seats, airplane windows, and convenience store signs). Rooms can be hired for private parties and – yes – karaoke nights, which adds to East Village’s cool and kooky vibe, minus the pretentiousness. So leave that body-con dress at home, put on your edgiest outfit, and head to the East End to shake a leg. (Words: Stephanie Soh)

For more info, visit www.eastvillageclub.co.uk.

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