Carnaby Shopping Party

Anyone with a serious interest in fashion should hotfoot it to Carnaby Street on 2 May when it will be hosting a 20% Off Shopping Party. From 5 to 9pm, shoppers can enjoy a 20% discount in more than 100 shops, restaurants and bars in and around Carnaby. Register for a free ticket here.

Designers at Greenwich Market

A glittering collective of designers will be showing off their talents at Greenwich Market as part of Craft & Design Month. Wood turners, jewellers, knitters, quilters, print makers, felters and blacksmiths will all be available to give inspirational advice and show you how it’s done at A Subtlety of Designers. If you’re feeling creative, you can have a go yourself! 4-6 May

New Shops at Seven Dials

New pop-up shop alert! Accessories and jewellery brand Moxham is hosting a temporary shop in Monmouth Street, Seven Dials in Covent Garden from 29 April until 24 May. Expect leather and metal cuffs, necklaces and body pieces, all of which will be handcrafted at the store. Open on 27 April is Spanish menswear shop El Ganso, which will be stashed with bright shirts, shorts, tailored blazers and smart suits.

Soho Flea Market

Start saving up your pennies for the Soho Flea Market on 2 June, where you’ll find creative stalls aplenty. Hyped as “London’s most glamorous flea market”, shoppers can get their mitts on everything from art prints to vintage clothes, furniture to ceramics. And to top it all off, emerging music and comedy acts will be performing on an outdoor stage. We can’t wait!

This insider’s guide to London by Carmen Allan-Petale is one of the entries for My Destination’s Biggest, Baddest Bucketlist competition.

For a chance of winning an all-expenses-paid trip around the world lasting for six months, all you have to do is create a short video about one of your favourite destinations.

The competition closes at the end of March 2013. You can see all of the London entries so far here and find out more at www.mydestination.com/bbb.

London Turns On Its Christmas Lights
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Central London! This is the big week for London’s Christmas lights. Following Harrods’ Christmas Parade last week, look out for festive twinkles coming to Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby, Covent Garden, Westfield, and Greenwich Market to name but a few. From now until Christmas, shopping in London after dark will be a real treat as all the main shopping areas show off their finest festive trimmings. Enjoy!

Superga Opens in Carnaby
Italian shoe brand Superga has opened its second London store. Superga’s trademark vulcanized rubber soles can now be browsed and bought at 13 Newburgh Street in Carnaby. The brand was born back in 1911 Turin under the stewardship of Walter Martiny. After the war Superga reopened with a new mission to bring high-quality footwear to the people of Italy. Look out for the 2750, the so-called “People’s Shoe of Italy”. British Superstar Rita Ora is the face of their Spring/Summer 2013 campaign; if you can’t wait til then, pop into the new Carnaby store for fantastic shoes galore.

Lucy in Disguise Launches The Drama Parlour
On Thursday there’s a new hair studio opening inside Lucy in Disguise in Lexington Street. Billed as a one-stop shop and salon, tucked away in the eclectic comfort of the vintage boutique, you can have your hair tamed, teased and whipped into shape by Victoria Saunders, with her individual, one-to-one service. Working alongside her will be Sarah Hill, a fantastic hairdresser, if you are bored with your barnet or frustrated with your fringe, the Hair Mistress and team are here to revamp and revitalize your look! There will also be a “Menu of Make-up looks” inspired by styles from the 1920s to the 1960s for you to choose from, created by make-up artist Holy Silius. Click here to find out more.

Keith Brymer Jones in Seven Dials
Another week; another fab Seven Dials pop-up shop. This time, British ceramicist Keith Brymer Jones is showcasing his full collection of beautiful, useable and practical objects at 15 Shorts Gardens. I really like his Word Collection: classic typewriter font stamped objects, with honest descriptors like “coffee” or “bowl”, and more quirky statements like “don’t panic” and “overworked and underpaid”. Look out, too, for the Punk range, where famous rock quotes are cleverly re-worded (“Sex, Mugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll”), and printed on safety-pin pierced mugs. As well as plates and mugs, the pop-up stocks baby gifts, pet bowls, kitchen items like aprons and jugs. There’s also the first home fragrance collection from the brand including soaps, scent diffusers and candles. Keith Brymer Jones is in Seven Dials until 27 November.

Carl Warner at Westfield Stratford City
If you’re shopping at Westfield Stratford this weekend, don’t miss your chance to check out some free food art while you’re there. Food artist and photographer Carl Warner will be at Westfield Stratford City from today until Sunday 11 November. Carl will also be making an appearance, showing how he puts his work together in a series of demonstrations from Friday to Sunday, between 1pm-5pm each day in the Great Eastern Market on the Lower Ground Floor.

 Click here for more images and info.

Burberry and McQueen Open Menswear Stores in London
There are two exciting new openings for the stylish men about town this week. Today, Burberry has opened its long-awaited standalone menswear boutique in Knightsbridge. You’ll remember reading about all the techie additions in the label’s Regent Street Store: the Brompton Road offering is no different with more than 100 screens and 50 speakers creating the audio-visual wow factor in store. As well as the technology, this shop stocks Burberry’s largest selection of tailoring in the UK. And if you’re after something really special, you can indulge in their fantastic new tailoring service. There’s a choice of three fits (slim, modern and classic) and more than 40 seasonal fabrics: make your choice and a suit can be measured, tailored and delivered in just 48 hours. The Burberry Menswear store follows hot on the heels of the new Alexander McQueen menswear store on Savile Row. For the first time in the label’s history, this shop stocks the full menswear collection in one place, from ready-to-wear suiting to accessories. Look out for the funky design features – skulls, claws and military chic in the shop – and don’t miss the bespoke area downstairs when it opens next year. London lads now have no excuse for looking anything less than super-smart.

The Best A Mo Can Get, 1-30 Nov
Just in time for Movember, The Best a Mo Can Get Barbers is opening at 10 Newburgh Street in Carnaby this week. The barber will be open seven days a week throughout the month of Movember, offering free ‘tache touch-ups for chaps taking part in the charity moustache-growing month. The pop-up shop is styled on a 1940s club, with a traditional barber upstairs, and a bar decked out with leather seating, poker, backgammon, dominoes and chess sets, plus ping pong and pool downstairs. There’s live entertainment planned throughout the month, including gigs, DJ sets, whiskey tastings and cocktail nights. Visit Facebook.com/GilletteUK for the latest updates.

Harrods Christmas Parade, 3 Nov
Finally for this week, are you ready for Christmas in London? Harrods certainly is, with its famous annual Christmas parade taking place this Saturday. The streets of Knightsbridge will be filled with Father Christmas and his amazing helpers; this year’s theme is Disney, so look out for your favourite Disney Friends plus giant teddy bears, street dancers, and real reindeer taking part. The parade starts at 8am, and will weave down Brompton Road before culminating in the opening of the famous Harrods store at 9am. Don’t miss it!

Michael Kors Opens in Covent Garden, 25 Oct
Award-winning American designer Michael Kors is opening a shop on James Street in Covent Garden on Thursday this week. The store will stock a mix of accessories, jewellery, eyewear, watches, and fragrances from the MICHAEL Michael Kors brand, as well as some of his ready-to-wear collection. This is the sixth Michael Kors shop in the UK, including one on Regent Street and one in Westfield London.

Muji Reopens in Carnaby Street, 25 Oct
Everyone’s favourite Japanese lifestyle store, Muji is reopening on Carnaby Street on Thursday. The new shop offers a range of furniture, fashion, stationery and homewares and accessories with emphasis on simple, functional design. If you’re into minimalism, you’ll love this place. Thursday also sees the launch of their Christmas gift range. Show up on Thursday between 6 and 9pm to help them celebrate the opening and you can enjoy a free Kirin Ichiban beer and 20% discount on all items. Just email events@muji.co.uk for your free ticket.

Story-telling with UGG Australia at Selfridges, 27 Oct-17 Nov
To celebrate the launch of UGG Australia’s new children’s storybooks, the brand is hosting Story Time sessions with a costumed storyteller in Selfridges this Saturday. Look out for the enchanting story-telling sessions in the new footwear area on the fourth floor. UGG Australia are running the free story-telling afternoons between 2 and 4pm on 27 October and 3, 10, and 17 November.

Foodie Fun for Kids at Westfield Stratford City, 27 Oct-4 Nov
This half-term, kids can indulge in some spooky foody fun at Westfield Stratford City. From Saturday 27 October until Sunday 4 November, between 11am and 4pm (Mon-Sat) and 12 til 5pm, kids can make a range of scary snacks including coffin cookies, creepy cupcakes and Frankenstein potato heads. Taking part is free, but you need to join the Westfield Kids Club to participate. Simply join at the Concierge desk on the first floor, near John Lewis. Kids even get a free goodie bag when they join.

Here are some further highlights of the big Fashion’s Night Out parties taking place in London on Thursday. (See our previous highlights here.)

Carnaby
Head to Carnaby on Thursday where there’ll be plenty of fab fashion fun. Diesel female are giving away a free tote bag with every purchase, while there’ll be discounts in Peekaboo Vintage and the Lash Perfect Lash Bar; free drinks in The Lingerie Collective, free express transformations in Illamasqua and free tapas to FNO visitors in Tapas Brindisa. Look out, too for the live dance performances at Lomography and live music at Aint Nothin’ But.

Covent Garden
Get ready for a night of K-pop extravagance with make-up vending machines in Covent Garden for Vogue’s annual Fashion’s Night Out. There’ll be Korean street food, DJs, and a pop-up winnebago salon from Dalston’s finest “Bleach London” recreating K-Pop music video looks at Opening Ceremony. Look out for the Chanel pop-up vending machines, dishing out coveted nail and lip colours. There’ll be traditional fish and chips plus other refreshments at Ted Baker, while Burberry Brit is offering classy canapes and drinks for customers perusing the new Autumn collection. King Street will be closed to traffic for London’s most sartorial soiree to help London’s fashionistas get their new season’s wardrobes sorted.

Harvey Nichols
Harvey Nichols London are celebrating Fashion’s Night Out with 10% off fashion and accessories in store between 6 and 10pm. Browse the new Autumn/Winter collections, check out the must-have bags and accessories, and don’t forget the designer jewellery to add that finishing touch to your new outfits.

Westfield London
For the first time, Westfield London is also getting in on the FNO action, with a 20% discount at many stores on the night (Accessorize, French Connection, Miss Sixty, Ghost and more). In addition, there’ll be complimentary in-store refreshments at American Apparel, Guess and Diesel, plus free tote bags from Mulberry, free gifts from TopShop and a free 30ml bottle of new Boss Nuit fragrance if you spend £200 or more on Boss womenswear in Boss. In the Atrium, Westfield London are hosting a spectacular fashion show starring Yasmin and Amber Le Bon and Lizzy Jagger, showing off all the best new autumn trends. Fashion festivities continue at Westfield until Sunday 9 September. There’ll be daily catwalk shows, beauty makeovers, competitions and discounts, including free a NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil worth £17.50, when you spend £75 on fashion or beauty.

Follow all the latest Fashion’s Night Out updates on facebook or on twitter with the #FNO hashtag

Carnaby Street’s Record Breaking Games
From today, Guinness World Records is challenging the public to become Totally Bonkers Sporting Champions live in Carnaby Street. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week, Guinness World Records will unveil an exclusive sporting challenge and offer you the chance to claim a world record title. Forget about the athletes breaking records in the Olympic Park for the moment: here’s your chance to become a world champion at the fastest tying of shoelaces wearing boxing gloves, for example, or the most bounces on a spacehopper. The Carnaby Street Games take place between 12.30 and 1.30pm on Carnaby Street. Every participant will receive a Carnaby canvas shopping bag, so even if you don’t break the record you won’t go away empty handed.

Greenwich Market’s Special Summer
If you’re visiting Greenwich during the London 2012 Olympic or Paralympic Games, don’t miss your chance to visit Greenwich Market too. As well as the usual brilliant shops and stalls, there are new heart-shaped art installations and a number of pop-up shops just for the summer. Look out for Pop Up@SE10, a new designer-maker venture on Nelson road, featuring local and London-based designers, makers and artists’ fashion, furniture, jewellery, glass and ceramics. It’s open from 12-8pm during the Games. RN@Greenwich is another pop-up. PO CIS Gunton and I CIS Reffell run and manage the shop on board HMS Ocean for their welfare fund, which is spent on morale-building events for the crew such as barbecues or film nights. The shop will be open daily from midday ’til late, until they sail after the Games.

Get Into the Games at Westfield London
There are even more reasons to visit Westfield London this summer. Every Monday and Thursday, there’s live music in the centre; visit with the kids on Tuesdays and you can meet Fireman Sam, Fifi and Bumble, Postman Pat, Angelina Ballerina and more. There are also arts and crafts activities at the Disney Store for little shoppers with big imaginations. If you hit the shopping centre on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, you can have a go at various sports in and around the centre, including table tennis, gymnastics and even free running. Shopping hours have been extended until 10pm, Monday to Saturday and til 9pm on Sundays. If you can’t bear to be away from the Olympic Games action, you’ll be pleased to hear there are big screens set up inside the centre too, so you won’t miss a thing!

Read more about shopping in London here: visitlondon.com/attractions/shopping

Just a few minutes away from the bustle of Oxford Circus, the seafood restaurant Cape Town Fish Market offers a variety of seafood and sushi with a South African feel.

We marvelled at the live lobster tank as we walked in although I felt rather sorry for their inevitable outcome.  However, a huge tank full of beautiful tropical fish also welcomes you into a unique and fun environment.

You can choose between eating at a table or at the moving sushi bar. The menu takes a while to choose from with its many choices, ranging from seafood favourites such as calamari to sea bass. The restaurant also offer steak, ribs and salads.

Cape Town Fish Market is well-known in its native land of South Africa and its popularity is growing in London. The décor is informal yet impressive. 

We ordered seafood soup and fishcakes to start which were absolutely delicious. The salmon glazed in a ginger Teriyaki sauce and the prawns in an Asian sauce that followed left us very impressed with both the food and the service.

The location is ideal for people planning to see a show at the London Palladium which is next door  or for a break from shopping in Carnaby Street  and Oxford Street. 

Cape Town Fish Market,  Sutherland House, 5&6 Argyll Street, W1F 7TE

As excitement builds in the run-up to the 6 May general election, the pop-up eatery and bar will serve waffles representing each of the three major political parties. A live swing’o'meter will gauge the political preferences of diners as they vote with their mouths.

There’ll be non-stop political coverage, plus a museum where you can see Tony Blair’s face on a melted cheese sandwich, and a step-by-step guide to Margaret Thatcher’s egg diet.

The venue will host politics and food-themed entertainment, including screenings of political films, lobbying nights where you’ll have access to real-life politicians, and an election night vigil with alcohol for the winners, and tea and sympathy for others.

The Parliamentary Waffle House is at 65-67 Broadwick Street, London, W1 from 22 April to 6 May. Book tickets at www.jellymongers.co.uk

Last week we donned our best London-designed threads and asked what you love about shopping in London. Thanks to everyone who commented.

This week, we’re celebrating Carnaby’s great Wish You Were Here event: 27 independent shops from Lower East Side, New York and Newburgh Quarter London taking part in a cool location swap.

From this Thursday, you can pop into Carnaby and sample 12 guest brands from across the pond. Alongside the shops, you’ll find New York-style food markets, fashion shows down Newburgh Street and discount shopping evenings, as well as an American-style Halloween party on 31 October.

After Boris’ successful New York trip earlier in the month, and many Londoners harbouring a secret love of the Big Apple, we want to know:

Which do you prefer, and why: London or New York?!

And if you’re stuck on the decision, why not take a look at www.metrotwin.com, a website that offers “the world’s two greatest cities in one place…”