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8 Mar

Cocktail Masterclass at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge

Posted by Jo Aspin in Accommodation, Classes, Pubs & Bars No Comments

On Friday, I was invited to the brand new Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel for a cocktail masterclass with mixologist Aristotelis Papadopoulos.

Aristotelis beat off stiff competition from around the world (6,000 bartenders from 24 countries) to become 2009 World Class Bartender of the Year. 

The hotel’s general manager spotted Aristotelis in a newspaper and decided they just had to have him create a bespoke cocktail list for the hotel bar, Primo.

Passing the Houses of Parliament, we saw the huge building looming in the distance. This is a hotel of vast proportions: 1,000 bedrooms, two huge revolving doors at the entrance, multi-coloured light installations for walls, and not one but three receptions on the first floor.

We pitched up on stools at the bar and shook hands with a tired-looking Aristotelis. He’d flown in from Greece for just a week to set up the bar and train the bartenders; the next day he was headed off to host the heats of the 2010 World Class Bartender of the Year awards in Korea.

Still, he pushed on through and entertained us with a crash-course in some of his unique concoctions.

Here is a man who likes grapes – they seemed to feature in more than half of his cocktails, either within them or on top as a garnish. When he wasn’t adding grapes to his drinks, he was busy tossing them in the air and trying to catch them on the end of a toothpick suspended in his mouth!

We worked our way through a Vita Vini (vodka, red seedless grapes, lychee juice, Prosecco and lemon juice), Ginger Grape Daiquiri (Havana rum, lime juice, fresh ginger and white grapes) and my personal favourite Vodka Crème Brulee (vanilla-flavoured vodka, Frangelico, Grand Marnier and cream).

Looking around, I was surprised to see the bar was already quite full – despite having just opened – with a mix of hotel guests, businessmen and even Boris Johnson (although he slipped on his bike helmet and snuck off before I got a chance to nab him for a photo).

After we’d drunk our way through Aristoteli’s entire list and made Pinday the PR promise to invite us back when the hotel restaurant opens (watch this space), we wobbled off into the night a tad tipsy. What a great start to the weekend.

If you ever swing by, do let us know which one of the cocktails is your fave.

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31 Jan

triyoga: An Oasis of Calm in the Heart of London

Posted by Aly in Classes 4 Comments

January is often a time to begin something different, make a change or get healthy. A yoga course at triyoga seemed the perfect place to start.

Set in the charming Kingly Court in Soho, the triyoga centre (one of three in London) is a welcoming oasis of candles and calm. There is a soothing quietness as soon as you enter the studio and a sense that people are here to learn and escape the chaos of everyday life.

My teacher, Leela Miller, has been teaching yoga for more than 20 years. Her obvious passion for yoga and the way she explains of some of the philosophy behind it is truly inspiring: ”At the heart of yoga is change”.

I’m brand new to yoga yet I found I was able to follow the class and adopt all the positions. Leela is a patient teacher and the class is just the right size. We were introduced to some of the fundamental yoga poses, concentrating on healthy alignment and establishing a deeper awareness of breathing.

I found the class challenging yet enjoyable and left feeling incredibly calm and centred. It provides the perfect escape from the fast pace of daily city life and I can already tell that triyoga will become my regular retreat in London. Watch this space as I’ll update you on my progress during the course.

Triyoga has centres in Primrose Hill, Soho and Covent Garden and specialise in yoga and pilates drop-in classes for beginners and experienced yogis as well as a range courses and treatments.

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15 Jan

Winter Warmers – Bikram Yoga

Posted by Lisa in Classes, Sport 4 Comments

During the cold winter months, there comes a point when a bit of serious heat is required, so why not try Bikram Yoga?

Developed by Bikram Choudhury, this particular type of yoga consists of a series of 26 postures (asanas), performed in a room kept at a constant temperature of 105°F (40°C). The idea is that the heat warms up the body, making it easier to stretch into the positions.

As a non-yogi, I would say some of these stretches are pleasingly achievable but some require a lot of practise.

The real challenge is to stay the course (an hour and a half) in the heat, and be warned, within 10 minutes you’ll feel as though you’re sweating buckets.

I went to Bikram City and the class was busy but not crammed. The teacher, Cintra, was wonderful and encouraging without a hint of bullying.

Bikram is growing in popularity with more and more studios popping up all over London – and I can see why. After my first class, I felt exhausted but exhilarated.

Bikram Yoga North, West and City offer beginners’ rates and drop in classes.  Classes are suitable for everyone regardless of age, shape and ability – so no wriggling out of it!

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13 Jan

Move Your Frame with a London Dance Class!

Posted by Eileen in Classes, Dance 3 Comments

Since last Sunday, I’ve found myself in front of the mirror trying to move my upper body from the right to the left without using my shoulders and with my lower body and hips staying exactly where they are. This weird habit has to do with a fabulous dance class I tried last Sunday: Diva at the Frame Dance Studio in Shoreditch.

The class is described as “suitable for everybody who wants to dance like the Pussycat Dolls.” Well, who doesn’t? Although I imaged myself losing the beat among a group of perfectly-toned music school students.

I tried to hide in the last row with my obligatory gym outfit: leggings, shirt and trainers, and was surprised when everybody else turned up in similar clothes. No little jazz cardigans, no expensive ballet slippers – apparently everybody was just there to have fun too.

That’s Frame’s concept as well. It’s one of the few dance and fitness studios in London where there are no commitments and people are encouraged to get fit in a fun way.

If you don’t want to sign up as a member, you can just drop in to a class (these start from £6). You can also become a friend and get a Frame top-up card that works like an Oyster card and gives you good discounts on classes.

The classes are what make this studio so special.  Aerobicoholics and dance aficionados will be in heaven with the range: from ballet workouts to Jane Fonda tributes and pilates.

The studios are in the Shoreditch Arches, near Great Eastern Street, in recently renovated rooms with huge mirrors and wooden floors.

Bonnie, our enthusiastic teacher, who also dances on the X Factor, chose the new Alicia Keys and Beyoncé track, Put It In A Love Song, for the class . The choreography was based on street and hip-hop moves but she mixed in some belly-dance and latin routines as well.

It was so much fun that I was still dancing when I got home and will certainly go again. Are you ready to move your frame too?

More dance classes in London

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12 Jan

Ice Skating School at Somerset House

Posted by Claire Doble in Attractions, Classes, Open Spaces, Special Events, Sport 2 Comments

January is a tough month. The fun and feasting is over, we’re all back at work and the detox dullness has begun to bite. Meanwhile, while The Big Freeze means most are heartily sick of cold things, this morning I actively sought the ice, attending a lesson at Somerset House Skate School.

The school is held on the Somerset House Ice Rink on weekdays from 8.30-9.30am for adults, and there’s also Penguin Club, which teaches kids how to skate.

The skate school class consisted of about 15 (adult) pupils, who were split into two groups – absolute beginners and slightly more advanced. After booting up (skate hire is included), we stepped out onto the rink.

I was nervous – I’ve skated before but not often and it’s been a while. I started with the beginners, clutching the barrier, but soon got the hang of it enough to glide across, triumphant, to join the advanced group. Here we practiced the basics of skating forward and backwards, as well as stopping, crouching down, skating on one leg, sharp turns and even a little jump!

My instructor, Lucy, was friendly, helpful and calm. Skating backwards is something I thought I’d never even attempt, but I managed it, albeit with a helping hand from Lucy. My poor balance meant the one-legged glide, while less scary, was a lot more difficult and, oddly, the hardest bit is stopping.

The thing is, though, once you get going, you don’t want to stop because skating is such fun. Throw in the gorgeous backdrop of London’s Somerset House and a small group of friendly people that ensures you’ve got room to move and it’s a lovely start to a frosty morning. I’d recommend this for anyone who’s a bit nervous on the ice or who wants to learn new moves and brush up their technique. I’m sure, like me, you won’t be able to stop either!

Somerset House Ice Rink is open until late January and there are still a few places available at Skate School. Tickets are also available for the afternoon and evening sessions, including late skates accompanied by a DJ.

Other London ice rinks open now include Canary Wharf, Broadgate and the Natural History Museum. Plus there’s permanent ice rinks at the Lee Valley Ice Centre, Alexandra Palace and Queensway Ice & Bowl.

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1 Jan

Resolutions You Can Keep in London

Posted by Jenny in Classes, Dance, London No Comments

Treat yourself in 2010We’ve got through Christmas and welcomed in 2010, so you know what comes next – resolutions!

Here at VL Towers we’ve come up with one very simple resolution, and happily it doesn’t involve dieting, budgeting or making any life-changing decisions. It’s simply to make the most of London!

There’s nowhere better to try something new, learn a new skill or get your culture fix than the capital. We’ve come up with a few resolutions we hope you’ll want to keep:

Get Fit The Fun Way

Try a jogging tourIf you fancy getting in shape this year, there are plenty of alternatives to slogging it out at the gym.

Try a jogging tour to combine sightseeing with running. These tours take you on a guided run through some of London’s famous landmarks and routes are available for all fitness levels.

If you’ve been bitten by the Strictly Come Dancing bug, why not learn a few moves yourself at a London dance class? Ballet, belly dancing and ballroom are all covered.

Cycling is a great way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. You’ll save money on transport costs and can get away with wearing fluorescent clothing!

Expand Your Horizons

BookDo you need a hobby? Do you have a list of things interests you’d love to develop if only you had the time? Then forget the housework and make learning your top priority in 2010.

Train your brain with a short course at City Lit in Covent Garden. The college has a huge range of courses available, from languages to massage to counselling skills.

Have you always fancied yourself on the West End stage? Don’t put yourself through the humiliation of a reality TV show, try a musical theatre course at City Academy! Here you’ll learn the skills of music, acting and dance and will get to perform such classics as the Joseph Mega Mix.

If you’re more of an introspective type, sign up to a free meditation course at Inner Space. There are three centres in London and topics include self esteem, relaxation and time management.

Everyone’s a paparazzi nowadays but make sure your photos stand out with a photography course at Shoot Experience. As well as learning valuable skills, you get to run around in groups photographing interesting parts of London.

Treat Yourself

Instead of cutting things out, we think you should do more. If you fancy an art exhibition, show or gig – just go!

Book a table at that restaurant you’ve always fancied trying, or pamper yourself at a spa – you deserve it!

Do you have any New Year’s resolutions? Tell us what you’re planning to do in London in 2010.

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30 Nov

Make Do Mend at 40 Winks

Posted by Lettice in Classes 3 Comments

Corsages and other hand made treasures

Make Do Mend launched their chic craft party business at London’s 40 Winks on Thursday night with champagne, sewing, sequins and cupcakes!

Make Do Mend organise bespoke craft class parties for you and your friends. Last night we were offered a little taster of their fun, friendly parties with Christmas cupcake decorating and corsage making.

Novice sewers worriedly announced that they couldn’t sew and then dived into the enticing pile of Liberty print fabric and vintage buttons and made beautiful corsages and Christmas tree decorations. Textile tutors Claire Montgomerie and Bee Clinch were warm and entertaining hosts and were full of ideas and advice to make sure that we all learned how to make lovely things.
Crafting with Make Do Mend
Downstairs in the kitchen, creative cupcake expert Mae Len Nam was teaching guests how to professionally decorate sparkly silver and red cupcakes which were sweetly wrapped in little bags to take home. (The take home bags were nice in theory but anyone who managed to get a cupcake that tempting home has more willpower than me!)

40 Winks is the perfect venue for crafting. This stylish townhouse owned by internationally acclaimed interior designer David Carter is full of design inspiration and beautifully crafted objects – the house regularly features in magazine photo shoots.

To keep the house in pristine condition we were asked to leave our shoes at the door and sat around wearing little red fluffy slippers which added an even cosier, comforting atmosphere to the evening.

Bespoke craft parties are a lovely way to celebrate a birthday, a hen night or learn a new skill with your friends. One class Make Do Mend host is a baby shower party where each of your guests knits or crochets a blanket square for a baby blanket. Too cute!

Make Do Mend will arrange a class for you and your friends in a chic local venue or they can host a craft party in your home. Prices are per person and depend on the venue and your craft desires. You can find more information about their parties and classes at makedomenders.blogspot.com.

Everyone attending a Make Do Mend party gets an exciting little goodie bag to take home so you can keep practicing and playing with the techniques you’ve learned.

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23 Nov

Embrace Your Creative Side With Make & Do Craft Club

Posted by Jenny in Classes 3 Comments

Kate's lotus flower decorationsI enjoy a good craft project, but left to my own devices, I never get round to actually putting needle to thread and making something. But that all changed this weekend, as I dodged the cold November weather, and spent Sunday afternoon happily learning some basic origami and sewing skills in the Hop Poles pub in Hammersmith.

Make & Do is a brand new craft club run by expert knitter, embroiderer and general crafter, Kate Buchanan. Popping up in pubs and cafes all over London, each workshop teaches a new craft technique, and you’ll get to make something you can take home with you.

Sunday’s class focused on last-minute Christmas gifts, and we learnt how to make simple yet impressive looking lotus flower table decorations, a mobile phone cover personalised with our own design, and a knotted bead bracelet.

All materials are provided, and we could even take home any extra buttons, sequins and thread if we wanted to continue with our projects.

Kate is on hand to help with any questions – whether you’re a beginner like me, or a more advanced crafter who needs advice on your latest project.

My attempt at the mobile phone coverAnd did I mention there were plenty of biscuits, homemade cake and tea to keep you going?

I left the class with dreams of throwing sophisticated dinner parties, and wowing my guests with my incredible table decorations! And I’ve even had a request for a bespoke mobile phone cover.

If you fancy trying your hand at knitting, crochet and origami, the next Make & Do meeting is on the 8 December at the Hoop & Grapes pub. Visit www.make-and-do.co.uk to book your place.

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11 Sep

Exciting New Space For London Craft Shop The Handweaver’s Studio

Posted by Lettice in Classes, Shopping No Comments

The Handweaver's Studio, London

If you’re one of London’s fashionable set, you’ll know that it’s quite the thing to sew and knit your own clothes and create couture on a budget. And in fashion tradition, now you’ve got used to the idea, it’s time to raise the stakes – you need to be spinning your own yarn and weaving your own cloth!

The Handweaver’s Studio can help. From bundles of sheep fleece, to cones of dyed silk, this shop meets all your fibre needs. You can buy a spinning wheel or weaving loom and take classes to learn how to use them. Weaving isn’t for hippies, it’s for your own handwoven Chanel-style jacket.

The Handweaver’s Studio has just reopened in Finsbury Park, selling everything a textile fanatic could ever need. The new shop is light and airy with a big space out the back for crafting. The Handweaver’s Studio is under new management but they’ve retained the great stock and best of all, kept all their knowledgeable staff. Happy crafting.

www.handweavers.co.uk

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28 Aug

Nike Women Outdoor Training Session

Posted by Siobhan Chapman in Classes, Dance, Open Spaces, Special Events, Sport No Comments

Getting active on the South Bank

“This is where you do your Beyonce flick” said our chirpy dance instructor.

There I was, amongst dozens of women that had braved a drizzly British summer evening to shake our booty on the South Bank, under the gaze of thousands of tourists in the London Eye.

The Nike women training club is not a traditional boot camp. There were no scary military instructors, no drill whistles and no push ups. Instead, we found ourselves entertained by a live DJ as the dancers in a blaze of colour and energy wove through the crowd busting their moves.

It wasn’t long before we were joining in, learning to groove, bump, grind and bounce as the DJ spun her tunes. I’ve never been that great with choreography – unless you count knowing every move in The Timewarp – and I felt a little self conscious at first. But all notions of British reserve disappeared with the Beyonce flick. There is no room for wallflowers in this class. And this was too much fun to be a workout. The rain was forgotten, and before I knew it, hey, I’d done the moves right. All in all, the Nike women class is a great way to challenge yourself, make new friends and learn new skills. The only downside was, like all good parties, it ended too soon.

The next Nike Women Outdoor Training Session is on 9 September. Visit www.nikewomen.com for more information.

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