Vinoteca opens biggest site yet at One Pancras Square

March 5, 2015, 7:41 am

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Vinoteca: horseshoe bar. Photo: PR

Ten years after their first shop in Farringdon, today sees foodie twosome Brett Woonton and Charlie Young launch their most ambitious Vinoteca site yet.

Based at One Pancras Square – a mere stagger from both King’s Cross and St Pancras stations – the dining room is centred around a 20ft horseshoe zinc bar. And that’s not all: floor-to-ceiling windows will not only allow lashings of natural light, but also a spot of people-watching over King’s Boulevard, the main route to Granary Square. It’s where the colourful parade of Central St Martin’s students swish up and down, after all.

Brooding: inside the new restaurant.

As with other local behemoths Caravan and Dishoom, this branch will be their largest, with ninety covers, including a sizable outdoor terrace. It’s also the first to boast a dedicated wine shop and tasting space, with a whopping 250 wines, from low and no-alcohol varietals to bag-in-box, including two “on tap”.

Hungry? Head chef Kieren Steinborn (Alain Ducasse) will be dishing up grub inspired by British classics, the Mediterranean and beyond. So, expect superior dishes like English rose veal tonnato, silver skin anchovies, and hot smoked Scottish salmon and quinoa tabbouleh. Yum-o-yum.

With the insane and relentless weekend popularity of Caravan, breakfast and brunch has become quite a thing in King’s Cross. And Vinoteca will, we imagine, prove no exception, capitalising on the zeitgeist with everything from prunes with orange to coddled eggs and grilled manx kippers.

And best of all for those on a budget? You can bag a £1 espresso at the bar, European-stylee. We’ll report back soon.

The wine shop at Vinoteca King’s Cross will open on 5 March 2015, ahead of the general opening. A soft launch period is planned from 10th – 19th March, before the restaurant opens properly, daily until 11pm. One Pancras Square N1C 4AG

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MUST DO: late March

March 19, 2015, 8:34 am

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‘A practical solution.’ The largest ever exhibition of Magna Carta. Photo: PR

DON’T MISS: the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta

One of the world’s most famous documents, Magna Carta has inspired some of today’s fundamental liberties – yet it started as a mere practical solution to a political crisis eight centuries. But since 1215, Magna Carta has evolved from a political agreement to an international symbol of freedom. Uncover the story of how its power has been used – and abused – in the largest exhibition ever staged about this world-famous document. Open till Sept. British Library, Euston Road NW1

PARTY: Holi at Dishoom

Nalli Nihari, a rich lamb stew on the regular menu at Dishoom. Read more about that in our recent review here

Next weekend sees the annual Holi party at one of the area’s most popular restaurants. Taking over the new Cubitt Square, just off Stable Street, it’s rooted in Hindu legend, and is a joyful, colourful, messy occasion, so bring family and friends to enjoy an afternoon of storytelling, traditional colour-play, music, delicious snacks and drinks. A mini street food market will feature Pizza Pilgrims, Roti Crew and Horn OK Please, who’ll be dishing out dosas and bhel puri. Tickets £15 (adult) £8 (child) here Sunday 29th March, 2-430pm, Lewis Cubitt Square N1C.

LAST CHANCE: Paula Rego

Evocative: Paula Rego show ends this Sunday.

Discover a new dimension to Paula Rego’s work with an exhibition of props from her studio. The three on display were selected by Rego and made in 2014 with her model and long-time collaborator Lila Nunes. But it closes at 6pm tomorrow, 20 March, so be quick – and if you still haven’t checked out the excellent main show, Rego/Honoré Daumier: Scandal, Gossip and Other Stories, it too closes on Sunday at 6pm. 2 Granary Square, King’s Cross London N1C 4BH

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MUST DO: check out the new Lewis Cubitt Square and Park in King’s Cross

March 25, 2015, 3:25 am

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Almost bucolic: Lewis Cubitt Park

News just in: the official opening of Lewis Cubitt Square and Park takes place in King’s Cross on Saturday. Let’s hope the weather cheers up, eh?

This is quite a big deal as it’s the first major new green space at King’s Cross so far (and how unimaginable was that a few years ago?). Named after the Victorian bloke who designed the railway station, grain stores and Great Northern Hotel, the park is surrounded by trees, the emphasis, as with Granary Square itself, being on relaxation for everyone, from shrieking kids to fashion-forward Central St Martin’s students.

Unsurprisingly, the park is designed by the same architects as its acclaimed N1C neighbour, and inspired by the grassy lawns of London’s great garden squares, such as those in nearby Bloomsbury. One feature are the mounded lawns, the idea being to break the space up and allow people to hang out or have picnics. And an avenue of plane trees runs along the eastern edge of the park, linking the whole area with York Way.

Lewis Cubitt Square, with Dishoom to the right.

And that’s not all. The major new Lewis Cubitt civic square itself is the work of celebrated designer Laurie Olin, who also designed Bryant Park in New York. It features arching water jets, and will host a busy programme of markets, outdoor cinema, concerts and summer events, with space for up to a whopping 2,250 people. Wowsers.

The square will host markets, outdoor cinema, concerts and summer events, with space for 2000+ people.

To mark the opening of both, we suggest you potter along the canal there this weekend for a family day celebrating both community and the burgeoning springtime: a fête will feature live music and social dancing, traditional game-playing like croquet and giant lawn games, live performances, and a kiddie activities.

Meanwhile, for foodie types, there’ll be a whole host of tasty streetfood and drink options, with a picnic area and deck chairs (brrrrr!), and stalls from the likes of Waffle On, Notes Coffee, Bob’s Lobster, The London Barbecue, Bedales Wines and more.

King’s Cross Spring Fete takes place on Saturday 28th March 2015 – 11am to 4pm at Lewis Cubitt Park, off Granary Square N1C. Free. More info

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MUST DO: Courtyard Festival, King’s Cross

September 2, 2015, 7:30 am

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A hundred of the best Welsh beers and ciders to peruse in King’s Cross. Photo: Green Man

So what the devil is it all about?
Courtyard is a hugely popular area of the Green Man Festival, which offers over a hundred of the very best Welsh beers and ciders from independent brewers. It was too good to keep to ourselves so we thought we’d uproot it right into Lewis Cubitt Square in King’s Cross, so Londoners can have a chance of quaffing tasty Welsh grog. It’s completely free to attend; you don’t need a ticket, just turn up on the day. But it’ll be busy so get there early.

Ace. Any choons too?
Of course. On the Courtyard Stage will be acts as diverse as The Wave Pictures, Stealing Sheep, Huw Stephens and Ibibio Sound Machine – all set to entertain everyone for free. Our mates at Moshi Moshi Records will be hosting Sunday’s entertainment too.

A big new festival space: Lewis Cubitt Square. Photo: PR

I’ve never been to Green Man. Can you sum up what it’s like?
In many ways it’s how festivals used to be – an outdoor celebration of wonderful music, great experiences and having a laugh. It has a friendly, free-spirited atmosphere and is located in the beautiful setting of the Black Mountains, Wales. And as a family-run independent festival (one of the only ones) we like to make it as inclusive as possible. We keep a bit of a distance from uniformity and corporate affiliations so we don’t have any sponsorship or VIP areas. We include all the things that we are really passionate about and want to share with the people who come – from music to theatre, comedy, cinema and tasty food and drinks because we’re gluttons at heart.

Why King’s Cross – and why now?
We’re Camden people and King’s Cross is literally walking distance from where we live. We’ve been hearing about the development for the last 30 years and watched as the area evolved into something pretty amazing. Both Granary and Lewis Cubitt squares are incredible spaces with massive potential. You feel a connection, not just to the rest of Britain, but also to Europe, which is unique.

Fiona Stewart is the brains behind the Green Man but has lived in Camden for years. Photo: PR

London used to have an inspiring, thriving alternative arts culture – with a lot of that based in Camden. But over the last 20 years alot of that’s been taken over by venues in east London. Now even those areas are getting tired and corporatized. The word ‘boutique’ has had its day. We don’t like the beige that’s creeping into London, so doing something that no one has done before at a connected, fresh space which is also part of Camden is really exciting.

What shouldn’t readers miss?
The beer! We have 140 different types of beer and cider at the moment and that’s going up daily. You really can’t drink this kind of beer in London, so please come and have a few pints with us while watching some incredible music for free. We’re offering some online deals, with a reduction on the price of drinks. These are available now with a massive take-up so get in there quick as it’s a limited offer.

Join the queue: the festie lasts three days. Photo: PR

Any other tips? Get a programme as it has all the information about what is on throughout the weekend. Our brewer friends are passionate enthusiasts who like nothing more than to discuss their creations, and will be around if people want to know more. We also have an extensive workshop programme and some really entertaining street theatre.

Finally, any scran to soak it all up?
Of course. There’ll also be some amazing Welsh streetfood, which will absolutely knock your socks off.

Courtyard takes place in Lewis Cubitt Square, N1C on 10th-13th September. Free. More info and sign up to beat the crowds and get money off here

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MUST DO: Harvest Festival at Alara Wholefoods

September 21, 2015, 9:06 am

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Warm up round the bonfire this weekend at this very quirky Harvest Festival. Photo: SE

At first glance it’s just a large corrugated iron warehouse on an industrial estate stuffed to the gills with organic cereals.

But wholefood originators Alara also grow plenty of fruit, including apples, plums, cherries, damson, quince, pears and grapes – managing London’s largest vineyard, no less – on strips of land around the estate.

This month it’s harvest time, and you can get stuck into the joys of grape-picking at a free event on Friday 25th September which includes live blues band, bonfire and heaps of organic food, all grown on-site, naturally.

We swung by their Wassailing festival earlier in the year – and loved every minute of it.

Harvest Festival, 110-112 Camley St N1C, Friday 25th Sept, 6pm-9pm, Free

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OMG! Look at the wine bar and growler refill at Waitrose King’s Cross

September 24, 2015, 3:52 am

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Pull up a stool: the Wine Bar. Pic: SE

The mighty new 29,000 square foot Waitrose store, right in the centre of 67 acres of new buildings at King’s Cross, opened last night in the restored Grade II-listed Midland Goods Shed.

We popped down to check it out. Mahoosive retail space with more choices than a frazzled human could ever be expected to make? Tick. Smart cookery school? Tick. Tempting in-store bakery? Tick. Nice cafe? Tick.

But wine bar? Oh, go on then. Sure, the chain has been known to put a tasting area in some of their posher stores, but this one really takes the organic oatcake.

A beacon through the bare brick. Photo: John Sturrock

Through exposed brick arches, high bar stools line a slightly-too-brightly lit counter, behind which half a dozen sommeliers and chefs buzz about preparing tapas and on-trend sharing plates. Prices per glass at £3.25 upwards are pretty competitive – and mostly a darn sight cheaper than the many upscale bars that surround the store, like Caravan, Drake & Morgan and Vinoteca.

And, should you need a blast of fresh air, doors open out onto a secluded courtyard area, where you can marinate alfresco with a glass of Picpoul – and perhaps forget why you actually came here at all (hint: to do the groceries.)

So will you be getting squiffy before you hit the aisles? Or afterwards, slumping with half a dozen bulging bags-for-life as the fishfingers start their inexorable defrost?

Whatever: with draft Camden Brewery beers on tap as well, at the very least you can fill up your growler on your way out.

Waitrose King’s Cross is now open at Midland Goods Shed N1C, daily 6am – 1130pm. Draft Camden Hells is £4 a pint, wine £3.25, and prosecco £4.95 a glass.

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MUST DO: CôBa restaurant, York Way

October 30, 2015, 4:30 am

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Damon Bui: ‘I see it as a way to honour both my parents’. Photo: CôBa

Damon Bui’s mum and dad arrived in Australia as Vietnamese refugees not speaking any English. Having witnessed their struggles in those early years, as well as the opportunities given to them, the eager young restaurauteur on York Way firmly believes in “responsible capitalism” and supporting his employees. “So as well as 100% of the service charge going to the staff,” he says, “they are also set to share in the profits”.

Not a bad philosophy for a brand new opening in a slightly unusual location – ten minutes’ walk up from the all-consuming King’s Cross development, and a mile or so from Kentish Town, Camden and Holloway in turn.

“The price was right here,” says Damon. “Plus, it’s a great little residential area with very little options for locals to eat out. We’re more than happy to be their go-to. Actually, we love the area so much we moved in two weeks ago to live down the road too.”

Stylish and simple interior. Photo: CoBa

The name came to him in a dream. He was back in his childhood home in Sydney and his mum was cooking her legendary butter fried chicken. “All the kids were running around saying ‘Cô ba, cô ba, I want your fried chicken!'”

“CôBa means “auntie number three”, which is what my mum is called in the family,” Damon explains. “When I woke up, it was as if I could smell the heady aromas of that fried chicken, and all that was great and comforting about my childhood came rushing back.”

And so CôBa was born.”I see it as a way to honour both my parents, the great life they’ve provided for me and my sisters, and the amazing food that mum cooked at home and passed on to me when I left to Australia to move to the UK eleven years ago.”

Three years ago, Damon started to think there must be more to life than working in a bank for twelve hours a day. Starting out small, he ran supper clubs in his flat with his partner MJ, as well as catering for parties and running the occasional street stall as Table for 10. He began by feeding friends, then friends of friends, then caught the attention of a wider audience of food lovers.

“With all the positive feedback, I thought I had something special to offer, that London needs, so I became hellbent on creating my dream restaurant.”

Classic dishes. Photo: CôBa

The menu at CôBa will offer a mix of classic Vietnamese dishes, just like Damon’s mum used to make, alongside some more modern interpretations, and is split into barbecue meats, cooked on a charcoal grill and served with a noodle salad, and soup noodles (classics such as fragrant pho and spicy beef noodles made with a 24 hour broth). The cocktail list includes a potent blend of tea-based and sorbet cocktails: all the favourites from Damon’s supper club days.

In short? Surely worth the walk to that industrial bit of York Way where leafy Camden Square meets King’s Cross.

CôBa is open evenings only from 6pm. Find it at 244 York Way, N7 9AG For more info and prices follow them on @cobafood

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OMG! An Xmas tree made out of 365 sledges

December 8, 2015, 8:55 am

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It looks like a tree from a far, but it’s a ‘thing’. Got it? Photo: JS

Down on Granary Square in King’s Cross – you know, where the fountains light up at night, and the students drift back and forth from Central Saint Martin’s – they’ve installed no ordinary fir tree to celebrate yuletude.

Hell, no: instead the towering festive sculpture, right by the canalside steps, is made from a whopping 365 toboggans. And it’s called, inevitably, Let it Snow. There’s an accompanying light installation too, which actually left us quite transfixed.

Changing colours. Photo: John Sturrrock

The imaginative Christmas installation follows in the footsteps of last year’s atmospheric Winter Sun and 2013’s ace projected laser “rave tree”.

Even better, you can step right inside for the all-important selfie. Just don’t try and nick a sledge – otherwise we forsee a slightly terrifying Jenga-style situation.

Let It Snow is on display until 6th January 2016. It kicks off the Lumiere London light festival, which runs in King’s Cross from January 14th-17th 2016.

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The Scottish Stores opens in King’s Cross

December 11, 2015, 7:37 am

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Beautiful restored signage: the pub has been taken back to basics. Photo: SS

Never heard of it? Well, the Scottish Stores is the original name for what was until recently The Flying Scotsman – y’know, the longstanding strip joint with the darkened facade at the foot of Caledonian Road.

Its recent history swept aside, the pub has been, er, stripped back to its 1901 look, when it was designed by the architects Wylson and Long, with every detail restored, given its Grade II-listed status. “English Heritage have already visited us,” says manager Ian Collins proudly, “and are overjoyed at the results.”

Atmospheric but forlorn: the tiled doorstep when it was still The Flying Scotsman. Photo: Ewan Munro

Unsurprisingly, the pub, which reopened yesterday, is now a craft and cask ale specialist with seven taps, one cider and six specialist craft beers, including local brewery Hammerton, Camden Town and Dark Star. “In addition, we’ve covered all bases with standard ranges too,” says Ian.

Oh, and it’s just booze for now – not really a problem with the wealth of eateries nearby – but a food offering will be added in the new year.

The Scottish Stores is open daily at 2-4 Caledonian Road N1 9DU. Follow them at @scottishstores

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In Pictures: Lumiere London at King’s Cross

January 14, 2016, 4:02 am

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Click to view slideshow. So the much-anticipated Lumiere London festival kicks off tonight with King’s Cross very much the focal point, although it engulfs much of the West End too, from Leicester Square up to Piccadilly and Oxford Circus.

The four-day extravaganza, the work of 20 artists, will include Circus of Light, a vast animation across the breadth of the repurposed Granary Building specially commissioned from Portuguese studio Ocubo; and Diver by Ron Haselden, a 17-metre light sculpture at the King’s Cross Pond Club. Take a closer look at both in our gallery above.

To warm the cockles of those exploring, there’s a pop-up Keller Bar on Stable Street, specialising in strong beers for a freezing evening, plus streetfood heroes KERB, running throughout the evening with their Midnight Feast. Other key local joints including Grain Store and Drake & Morgan are offering special menus, drinks and deals throughout the four-day festival.

All together now: “Light up, light up…”

For our full preview click here. The festival runs 630pm-1030pm each evening from today (Thursday 14th January) to Sunday 17th January, in and round Granary Square N1C. Free entry. More info here

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MUST DO: Casa Tua King’s Cross

March 31, 2016, 3:23 am

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A quiet backstreet with view over Holy Cross Church. Photo: GM

The tiny Royal College Street original opposite Camden Road station has become an institution over the last few years, whether for a strong coffee, a plate of burrata or low-lit evening meal. It’s equally fine for a Venetian aperitif too, whether that’s a Negroni or Campari spritz.

But it’s rammed daily. So much so that it’s not entirely surprising that Casa Tua owner Giuseppe Miggiano and his team have just opened a second, more spacious two-floor branch in a sidestreet in King’s Cross.

Here big windows overlook the Holy Cross church and, as the weather warms up, it’s a pleasantly atmospheric spot with plenty of alfresco tables – not to mention sofas tucked away in nooks and crannies downstairs for more private (or rainy) trysts.

Owner Giuseppe cranks up the coffee machine. Photo: SE

On the menu? Leisurely brunch dishes like eggs benedict, stuffed ciabatta sandwiches, quality carbonara and orecciette mains, lashings of fine Italian coffee. A full evening dinner service and spritz/cocktail menu will follow very soon.

And one for the diaries: don’t miss the forthcoming exhibition by celebrity photographer Mike Owen, which starts on the 18th April and features on the cover of our April issue of Gasholder, still available across the area at these places.

Casa Tua open daily until 5pm. Find it at 106 Cromer Street WC1 or follow @casatuacamden for more info

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Ruby Violet is coming to King’s Cross

April 7, 2016, 8:56 am

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Julie Fisher at the original Ruby Violet, Fortess Road NW5 © Danielle Woods

Kentish Town’s hugely popular (and innovative) gelateria makes its frozen debut bang in the middle of King’s Cross next month.

Known for its classic, seasonal and playful flavours (things like liqorice, stilton, blood orange and Campari), not to mention artful interior and very long weekend queues, the Fortess Road shop will open a useful new kiosk just off Granary Square on May 14th.

“We’re still making all our ice cream by hand in NW5,” says founder Julie Fisher, “however King’s Cross will be a new glamorous yet urban parlour spreading the Ruby Violet offering a little further afield. We’ll have a sun-soaked outdoor seating area next to door to the Waitrose wine bar garden. And our table is being created from a large piece of wood from the bottom of the Panama Canal.”

Which all adds to the appeal of a lazy afternoon spent lounging around the fountains, or in the new park by the scrubbed-up towpath, eh?

Opening date is 14th May at 3 Wharf Road, N1C. Follow @ _RubyViolet for more info. Check out the original branch at 118 Fortess Road London NW5

Read the story behind Ruby Violet here

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MUST DO: a punk pop-up shop… at the British Library?

May 12, 2016, 6:45 am

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POP-UP: Punk shop at the British Library

It’s like a 1970s record shop: punk wares at the BL. Photo: PR

Tomorrow sees the opening of the British Library’s pop-up shop, part of a punk season to mark the 40th anniversary of the seminal musical phenomenon spearheaded by its new exhibition, Punk 1976-78. Featuring a ‘record store’ style set up, the pop-up shop includes a 1970s replica listening booth lent by the Mick Jones Rock ‘n’ Roll Public Library, giving you the chance to listen to the rare vinyl on offer before purchasing. You can then climb into a classic photo booth with friends and take away a memento of your visit. Nice. Also available are rare limited edition prints from the legendary punk photographer Sheila Rock. Open daily till 6pm (some days 5pm, or later).From Fri 13 May – Sun 2 Oct. Full details here.

FOOD: New family pizza joint

Nenno: family pizza on the Cally. Photo: Nenno

At the foot of Caledonian Road is a new neighbourhood Italian joint to add to the fairly competitive eating scene in King’s Cross. This one’s schtick is that it’s less highfalutin than some new arrivals to the area, but nonetheless Nenno dishes up everything from risotto to spaghetti, octopus to buffalo mozzarella, with a wood-fired pizza oven too. 14 – 16 Caledonian Road, N1

CYCLING: Grab a free bike check

Bike checks mid-month, every month in N1C

If you’re a cyclist, did you know there are free monthly bike checks in Battle Bridge Place? Provided by the London Cycling Campaign’s Cycling services team, these MOTs are open to all two-wheeled fanatics who live, work or study in the King’s Cross area. They’ll check and tune your bike, carry out minor repairs and diagnose more complex problems. Or you get general advice on cycling and cycle route planning in London. The next one is Wednesday 18th May, 12-6pm. More info Battle Bridge Place N1C

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Been to this hidden lounge bar under the streets of King’s Cross?

May 26, 2016, 9:19 am

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Comfortably furnished to nestle down for a long night in. Photo: PR

A secret grey door. A keypad to let yourself in. This former dive and gambling hangout is now an L-shaped elegant speakeasy, boasting lovely 1950s mid-century furniture and dim banquette lighting to boot. Even better, it’s deep below the streets of King’s Cross on unexpected Keystone Crescent, a curving Victorian terrace off Caledonian Road. We put some questions to co-founder Kristie Bishop.

So why open a subterranean bar in King’s Cross?
Keystone Crescent was the baby of Coralie Sleap and myself. Friends since 1998, we decided to venture into the hospitality industry together shortly after uni, and in 2010 had opened our first venture Drink, Shop & Do on Caledonian Road – a quirky multi-faceted cafe, bar and shop.

And that’s proved pretty popular, right?
It has, yes. We started out here almost six years ago and have witnessed its huge transformation first hand. But still the area didn’t have a bar like this on offer so, when the opportunity came up, we created one.

Hang on, where, exactly?

It’s just on the left… Photo: SE

Keystone Crescent, off the Cally Road, has the smallest radius of any crescent in Europe and is unique in having a matching outer and inner circle. It was built in 1846 as Caledonian Crescent (still visible on the corner of 48 Caledonian Road) but was renamed in 1927, towards the end of the First World War.

So what’s the concept of the new place?
Keystone Crescent is a members’ bar for what we call “sociable people who like straight-forward drinks until unsociable hours” – well, 4am anyway (or 2am in the earlier part of the week). There are friendly, young professionals enjoying a drink together in a cosy, laid-back atmosphere and a simple menu of fresh home-made mixers and an interesting collection of spirits. It’s comfortably furnished for you to nestle down for a long night in.

Kristie and partner Coralie are co-founders of Drink, Shop & Do. Photo: DDD

How does it differ from the other late-night bars nearby?
You can’t just wander in off the street, you must be a member; therefore the crowd tends to be more like-minded.

What’s the funniest or weirdest thing you’ve seen in the bar?
I couldn’t possibly reveal that information – If you’re that intrigued you’ll just need to apply for membership, (see below). If you sign up you get your own keypad entry code, and you flash your enamel and gold keyring to the barman.

But what should I drink?

We’d advise going for a classic, perhaps an Old Fashioned or Pink Gin. You could try a potent bottled Negroni, pre-prepared with London-based Fords Gin, orange bitters, Campari and a mix of vermouths (both the lighter Dolin Rouge and the dark brown Punt e Mes); or, quite sensationally, at least for this palate, a smooth, very moreish martini made with ginger, vodka, bitters and vermouth. The affable barman said that it wasn’t always on the menu, so catch one while you can.

Find Keystone Crescent at Keystone Crescent, London N1 9DT, from 6pm-2am daily (until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays). It’s a one-off fee of £35 to join. More details on drinks prices and how to join here

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MUST DO: An arty day out on the Kent coast – for nada

June 2, 2016, 4:13 am

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Examining the space “between meaning and perception.” Image © Misguided, Julia Riddiough

Much of Margate-based artist Julia Riddiough’s work uses found images. “I collect any interesting printed ephemera, including postcards,” she says. “John Hinde, who influenced the art of postcard photography, is a hero of mine, although it’s alleged that he often re-arranged the locale to get the right shot and sets were often added too.” Images in hand, she reframes them into new narratives “to look at the space between meaning and perception”.

Riddiough’s next UK project is for this year’s Whitstable Biennale Satellite. An artist-led walk and performance of her recent work Misguided, it takes place on Saturday 11th June, beginning at Margate’s seafront gallery Turner Contemporary, before moving to Resort Studios in Cliftonville, with a light lunch en route at hip seafood café Hantverk & Found. During a short train ride to Whitstable, there’ll be a performance of Misguided on the train, culminating in a tour of the international Whitstable Biennale 2016.

“I hope to share local knowledge about artists and their practices, laced with history and the odd artful anecdote,” says Riddiough, “giving you the ‘inside leg’ as it were.”

Sharing local knowledge about artists: Julia Riddiough

But hang on. what on earth is the Misguided project about? It’s a book and limited edition boxed set of 13 postcards, each with their own vignette on the reverse written by the artist. “It questions the nature of travel,” she says. “Escapism is about immersing yourself in other realities to retreat from the current situation. Misguided uses my own personal collection of postcards bought on my travels: they describe a voyager on a personal journey linked to the landscape image on the front of each card. Is there really any freedom in escaping? Are we all hiding or seeking?”

And while you ponder that, it’s worth underlining that Julia’s day-long event is free and totally open to those who would like to explore both the art cluster in Margate and an international art event nearby. It’s also a unique opportunity to participate (or just observe) in a special performance on a train. “Have you packed your emotional baggage?” she says, with just a hint of a wink.

Can’t make it down to the Kent coast?

Handmade box set: ‘Photographing Girls’. Image © JR

The following day (12th June) Julia Riddiough is at The Art Car Boot Fair in E1 with her project Photographing Girls, a collection of found images in a special limited edition handmade box set. “We’re told sex sells,” she says, “but exactly what kind of sex sells? The media use stereotypes to sell us things that we don’t really need, and these stereotypes create a false sense of ourselves, ultimately defining who we are and how we should live.” Catch her at The Outside World All Stars, Sunday 12thJune 12-6pm. More info here.

Julia Riddiough is the founder of A Brooks Art, a project which curates shows reflecting cultural themes that are critically challenging for audience and participants alike. Misguided takes place on Sat 11th June, 11am-6pm(ish). Free but booking essential: email j_riddiough@hotmail.com. Travel from Margate to Whitstable given in kind by Southeastern.

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Everyman on the Corner: a new cinema in King’s Cross

June 15, 2016, 2:29 am

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Bucolic: Lewis Cubitt Park. The temporary 32-seater cinema is at the south-western tip. Photo: SE

Ahead of its permanent three-screen local arrival in 2017, upmarket cinema group Everyman is ushering in a bespoke-designed, 32-seater picturehouse in King’s Cross.

It’ll be located on the corner near Lewis Cubitt Square and park, on the ground floor of the Plimsoll Building. And this super hot-potato pop-up will be around for just 16 months.

Showing up to three films a day, punters will be able to kick back and watch the movies on typically comfy seating, and there’ll (of course) be a stylish bar serving cocktails, craft beer and wine. And the whole joint will be managed by the undoubtedly competent team from Screen on the Green, the group’s sister site in nearby Islington.

The launch event at the new Everyman on the corner. Photo: SE

So, more importantly, what’s showing initially? Well, the opening programme will include a diverse range of flicks, including Roald Dahl’s The BFG, Absolutely Fabulous, classics such as The Ladykillers (filmed nearby) and The Neon Demon, the new Nicholas Winding Reffin film about the fashion industry, starring Elle Fanning.

All in all, another convincing reason to make haste along the canal. Don’t forget to have a pint at the new waterside Lighterman en route – or afterwards.

The cinema opens on 15th July. For more info head here. Everyman’s big new cinema is to open in November 2017.

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MUST DO: Bottomless booze, free street party – and unconsciousness

June 16, 2016, 4:23 am

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COMMUNITY: Cally Festival

7000 locals on this iconic thoroughfare. Photo: CF

One of the area’s longest running yearly bashes is back this weekend. As usual it’ll be taking over and closing the area’s key thoroughfare up north, Caledonian Road. 7000 locals and visitors cram this massive street party with its market stalls, creative activities and eclectic live music and performances, allowing the community a chance to come together for a one day celebration. Sunday 19th June. Free, from 12-6pm, more info.

GARDEN: Roam the skip

Skip Garden. Photo: John Sturrock

Get a tour of the Skip Garden, nestled right up where the swimming pond meets York Way, during the next Open Garden Squares Weekend. Gardeners and volunteers will on hand to provide detailed info as part of this very popular annual event that sees around 200 gardens take part across London, from contemporary spaces to museums, schools and allotments. All day Sat 18th June – Sun 19th June

SKILLS: Learn phone photo tricks

Masterclasses on how to take the best snaps. Photo: STP

Still think you’re not getting the most out of your favourite device? Every Tuesday in June, masterclasses, led by experts Foto Ruta, will be held in new St Pancras station eatery, MI + ME. You’ll learn the basics of street photography and given tips on how to capture the best shots, before being given a map and heading off into the neighbourhood to take snaps. Tickets are complimentary and include a glass of wine but must be reserved here.

EVENT: Lunchtime mass debates

Comedian Alex Keely. Photo: Kerb

Work in the area? Well, streetfood pioneers Kerb are hoping to make lunchtime a bit more interesting with the launch of Kerb Crates, a series of quick-fire talks and performances exploring the question ‘What is the city for?’ There’ll be a diverse offering of speakers from the arts, academic, culinary and business worlds, the idea being to offer a platform to a raft of modern-day brilliant minds. Thursdays in June (9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th) from 12.30pm-1.30pm. King’s Boulevard N1C

EXHIBITION: Let’s get unconscious

Explore disorders of memory… Photo: WC

If you’re fascinated by the conscious experience, you should catch States Of Mind, an exhibition examining perspectives from artists, psychologists, philosophers and neuroscientists. Exploring phenomena such as somnambulism, synaesthesia, and disorders of memory and consciousness, it explores what can happen when our typical conscious experience is interrupted, damaged or undermined. Featuring work by artists Carla MacKinnon, Louise K Wilson and Aya Ben Ron. Free. Runs until 16 October. Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Rd NW1

BRUNCH: Go bottomless at Big Chill

Two hours to guzzle your choice of cocktail for £15. Photo: BC

Fancy a ‘Bottomless Sunday’? Yup, so do we. Expect brunch and apparently endless drinks on the sunny roof terrace of this KX gem every weekend. Choose one dish of your choice (minimum £5) and indulge in two hours of unlimited Bloody Marys or Mimosas for £20 while soaking up both sun and choons from resident DJs spinning funk, soul and disco. Bookings on the roof terrace are reservation-only and last two hours, maximum table size eight guests. Sundays, 11am-5pm. More info here. 257-259 Pentonville Road N1

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MUST DO: Strawberries & Screen returns to Granary Square

June 24, 2016, 6:51 am

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SPORT: Strawberries and Screen is back

Strawberries & Screen: a right racket. Photo: PR

This annual event has quickly become an institution in Granary Square. Once again you can watch all the live tennis action from Wimbledon – well, it beats trekking down to SW19 in the heat anyway. The screen will, say the organisers, “be one of the biggest and best-quality in central London”, making it the wisest place to soak up the action with Pimms, strawberries and other boozy refreshments on hand too. Deckchairs are first come first served, free to attend. Mon 27th June – Sun 10th July, Granary Square

FOOD: Kerb Weekend streetfood market

Back for those who work elsewhere during the week. Photo: Kerb

Now that the weather has picked up the streetfood collective is back at King’s Cross and planning a season of delectable one-offs. On the last Friday and Saturday of the month, from May to September, they’ll be staging a weekend takeover: each month brings a different foodie sensation, with stalls popping up in different parks and open spaces across the area, including Granary Square, Lewis Cubitt Square and West Handyside Canopy. Every last weekend until Sept. Fri 24th & Sat 25th June (and all summer)

FESTIVAL: Mumsnet Bookfest

Meera Syal appears at Mumsnet tomorrow. Photo: PR

This one-day familyfest of literature, language and ideas is at the canalside King’s Place, a full day of talks, poetry slams and the Big Mumsnet Book Swap. There are bestsellers and book club favourites: the literary line-up includes critically acclaimed writers of thrillers, history, crime, art, poetry, history, memoir and nature, from Maggie O Farrell to Harold Jacobson, Meera Syal to Tony Parsons. For the ankle-biters, expect prize-winning children’s fiction writers too. Starts 10am, Saturday 25th June
More info here.

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MUST DO: Camley Street Harvest Festival

September 7, 2016, 4:05 am

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Atmospheric, community-minded – and free: Alara Harvest Festival. Photo: PR

At first glance it’s just a large corrugated iron warehouse on an industrial estate stuffed to the gills with organic cereals.

But wholefood originators Alara – squished up behind King’s Cross and Camden – also grow plenty of fruit, including apples, plums, cherries, damson, quince, pears and grapes, managing London’s largest vineyard, no less, on strips of land around the estate.

It’s once again harvest time, and what they’re now calling Camley Street Harvest Festival, in its fifth year, is back again this month. The idea? Simply to celebrate nature and the community.

They actually hold free parties twice annually (see an account of the winter Wassailing one here). Each pulls in about  700 punters who gather round what’s often a spectacular inner-city bonfire with the promise of organic food (all grown on the site, naturally) and drinks for nada. Yup, really.

You can even dance the evening away this time to a plethora of live blues and gypsy jazz bands; plus there are kids activities, a tombola and an apple-pie bake-off to bag an enormous hamper.

Camley Street Harvest Festival is at Alara Wholefoods, 110-112 Camley Street N1C 4PF, 16th of September, 530-9pm. Free entry

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MUST DO: Oktoberfest, German Gymnasium

September 16, 2016, 6:58 am

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Still, at least it’s covered in the unlikely event of rain. Ahem. Photo: PR

Starting today (16th September), the iconic grade-II listed building squished between St Pancras and King’s Cross stations is teaming up with the Black Forest’s Rothaus brewery to bring its own take on Oktoberfest to north London.

Echoing the annual festivities in Southern Germany, it all happens alfresco (good luck with that!) on the restaurant’s quite lovely terrace, where guests can enjoy a number of beers on tap, as well as a selection of traditional barrelled beer supplied by Black Forest Beers. Well it makes a change from Camden Hells, eh?

Feeling peckish? The currywurst. Photo: PR

A German-style menu will be served by waiters in traditional dress (including lederhosen and dirndls, if that’s your thing). There’ll be a slew German delicacies to wash down a pint or two, and sharing platters will feature dishes from Nürnberger bratwurst to Leberkäs Semmel, a Bavarian meat loaf roll.

The exceptionally hungry might even plump for the Giant Curry Dog, a curry-infused pork sausage with all the trimmings, and a buttered giant German pretzel. Huch!

Daily until 11pm from Friday 16th September to Sunday 2nd October. 1 Kings Boulevard N1C. More details on their website

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