The London Eye Is Getting A Pub

Make mine a HIGHball… geddit?

Talk about raising the bar… A quintessential British pub will momentarily become the loftiest boozer in the city, when it pops-up in one of the London Eye pods next month.

From 7-9 March, the ‘King Vic’ pub will be open to a select few punters (and yes, you will be able to get a round in, but only from 12pm on 8 March). The mock-up, above, shows a dartboard, although we’re not sure how that’ll play out with Health and Safety. We’re also keen to know where the toilets are going.

We’ve heard of hanging gardens, but this is ridiculous

The pub is one of 20 of the Eye’s 32 pods that will transformed as part of the attraction’s 20th birthday celebrations, from 6-9 March. Other pods include a ‘throne room’, where you can get a snap with a Madame Tussauds waxwork of Her Maj; a miniature West End theatre (talk about the nosebleed seats) where someone will serenade you with songs from classic musicals; and a tiny park, paying tribute to London’s eight Royal Parks.

A waxwork of the Queen will be on one of these thrones. That makes you Philip

Other activities — available in 30-minute blasts, while the Eye does its whole rotating thing — include a children’s story time courtesy of Hamleys, a spin class, a disco in the sky, cocktail masterclasses and a beauty salon.

Talk about the nosebleed seats…

Tickets for the pod experiences cost £10, and go on sale on 12 February on the Eye’s website. All proceeds will go to the Merlin’s Magic Wand children’s charity.

This Secondhand Bookshop Is Inside A Ghost Station

Every few minutes, Piccadilly line trains to or from Heathrow rumble directly past the quaint Osterley Bookshop — but they once stopped here.

A Piccadilly line train rattles down the side of the building

This is no mere bookshop, but a ghost station, reincarnated. The Hansel and Gretel-like cottage, with its mini-cupola and tombstone-shaped windows, was Osterley Park and Spring Grove station, opened in 1883 along the Hounslow & Metropolitan Railway.

It closed in 1934, making way for the art deco Osterley station — designed by Stanley Heaps rather than Charles Holden — which lies a few minutes’ walk around the corner, and is quite possibly how you’ll arrive here.

The current Osterley station, which took over duties from the now-bookshop

The current Osterley station is a few minutes’ walk away from the ghost station

Bargain books and Ordnance Survey maps on display outside preface the cornucopia of titles inside. At first the assortment of readables might seem a jumble (it’s the kind of musty-smelling bookshop you can get lost in for hours), but in fact, it’s lovingly curated. ‘Bizarre books’ and ‘Ghouls and ghosties’ are among the categories. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find the section allegedly labelled ‘Bond, James Bond.’

The bookshop has been run by the same couple, Tony and Pennie, since the mids 1960s, and you get the feeling it hasn’t changed all that much over the years. If this was still a tube station and you were waiting for a train, you wouldn’t need to go on your phone or begrudgingly pick up a copy of the Metro.

There’s no section on trains, but London-centrics will be sated with a corner dedicated to the capital. There’s even a section of a carousel stocked up with London-centric cards.

It isn’t just books for sale: you may come away with a set of mismatched mother of pearl buttons, reading glasses, vintage crockery or houseplants and herbs.

Free range eggs are also sold at the counter, although they were fresh out on our visit. Purchases are rung up on a till so old that it still works in shillings. There’s also a card machine these days (well, if this was still a station, it’d need to have contactless capabilities).

If Osterley seems a bit of a schlep to buy a secondhand tome, work it into a day trip to Osterley House and Park; the bookshop sits right on its doorstep. Or stop off en route to the airport: you’re bound to find something far more engrossing in here than in your average WHSmith.

Osterley Bookshop, 168A Thornbury Road, Osterley, Isleworth TW7 4QE

junction 2 festival 2020

Junction 2 is returning to Boston Manor Park for another two days of the finest house and techno, with stages set in the fields and under the M4 motorway. This year the likes of Jon Hopkins, Robert Hood, Fatima Yamaha and DJ Boring will be playing live, with Ben Klock, Octo Octa, Midland, Seth Troxler, Maceo Plex, Nina Kraviz, Honey Dijon, Hessle Audio, Leon Vynehall, Four Tet, Dixon, Adam Beyer, Chaos in the CBD, Marcel Dettmann and more all also taking to the decks. And as always with Junction 2, there’ll be some deep diving sets and mega b2b parings, so grab those tickets.
Fri 5th & Sat 6th June 2020
Boston Manor Park, Brentford, TW8 9JX
junction2.london

You can now stay at this stunning Airbnb castle for just £13 a night

A Weekend North of The Border

Affordable and sustainable holidays: where to go in 2020

Going flight-free in 2020? Try these cool Euro breaks minus the carbon footprint

A Weekend North of The Border

Affordable and sustainable holidays: where to go in 2020

Going flight-free in 2020? Try these cool Euro breaks minus the carbon footprint

In parliament, Boris Johnson has a man problem

One of the things that Boris Johnson did well in his reshuffle was leave himself well-placed for his next one. While the big story out of the reshuffle was the enforced change at the Treasury, the planned changes were made at junior ministerial level.

Junior ministers are important for two reasons: in the here and now they are the essential agents of delivery within departments, particularly at minister of state level. But in the longterm, too, they are vital because they are the pool from which the next generation of cabinet ministers will emerge.

[See also: Boris Johnson may end up defined by his Henry VIII-style search for the perfect chancellor]

The reshuffle presented Johnson with a problem: a lot of the people he wanted to sack were women, but he had very few women available at minister of state level. He now has several more and more further down the ministerial ladder, too.  

But that success has created a new problem: it has disgruntled many male Conservative MPs, particularly those first elected in 2015. This reshuffle represented a coming-of-age moment for the 2015 intake: in addition to the forced promotion of Rishi Sunak to Chancellor, Oliver Dowden and Anne-Marie Trevelyan were both brought to the top table for the first time. They join Robert Jenrick, first elected at a 2014 by-election but in the words of one 2015-er, an “honorary” member of the class of 2015. They broadly fear that if you were elected in 2015 or before, your only hope of getting onto the frontbench proper under Johnson is if you are a woman – otherwise, the newer intakes will take precedent.

As a result, many in the class of 2015 fear that if their moment has not yet arrived, then it will never arrive under this Prime Minister.  Several have been loyal parliamentary private secretaries  for half a decade now – an unpaid bag-carrier role that one gloomily described to me as “responsibility without power” – and two PPSes are contemplating resignation so they can speak out on issues of government policy rather than toiling in the unpaid grind.

[See also: Sajid Javid’s resignation is the end of an era in British politics]

Several MPs I spoke to referenced a Twitter post by Will Wragg, the Hazel Grove MP, who is seen as being on the right of the party. He opted to publicly condemn the hiring of former Downing Street adviser Andrew Sabisky – and several in his intake plan to be more vocal on issues that they, too, disagree with the government on. Johnson’s big party management task will be convincing these MPs that they have a political future under his Downing Street.

The London Fiver – Opening in 2020 – Five New Bars and Restaurants to Visit

So it’s a new year and you might be wondering, “where should we go tonight?”  After ticking through a list of bars and restaurants you’ve been to a hundred times already, you could be at a loss.  Fear not, for we at Londontopia have looked into this and found some new nightlife spots for you to consider whether you’re a longtime London resident or just visiting.  Each of the places we’ve found and listed below has its own unique theme that will help make your night unforgettable.  If there are any new bars, pubs, or restaurants you’ve discovered so far this year, let us know in the comments.

Shaman, Aldgate

For many reasons, there are people out there who choose not to drink, but still want a place to socialize.  For the sober crowd, there’s a new trend of zero/low alcohol bars to accommodate this desire and Shaman, which opened in January, is both magical and alcohol-free.  The menu includes healthy and nutritious selections of food and drinks that will energize you and lift up your night.    Additionally, if you can’t make it here at night, Shaman also offers a grab-and-go service for anyone who needs a quick pick-me-up during the day to support your continued exploration of London.

Park Row, Soho

Comic book fans often long to be part of the universe that exist on the four-color pages and come this summer, one London restaurant will give you that opportunity.  Warner Brothers and Wonderland Restaurants have teamed up to create Park Row, an 18,000 square foot space with five Batman-themed restaurants and bars from the Penguin’s upscale Iceberg Lounge to Harley Quinn’s speakeasy, the Old Gotham City.  While the name Park Row (better known as “Crime Alley” in the comics) might not illicit the most pleasant images from most comic fans, they won’t want to miss this dining experience when it opens this summer at 77 Brewer Street in Soho.

TSQ Playhouse, Covent Garden

If you’re looking for a bar that has an air of magic to it, TSQ Playhouse is the place for you.  The atmosphere is straight out of a fairytale or maybe the Mad Hatter’s fever dream.  The bar’s cocktails have a fantasy bent to them as well, served in glasses that look like a Nutcracker’s head, a glass slipper, and a magic lamp, amongst other enchanted items.  TSQ also serves Thai-inspired nibbles from pawn crackers to duck spring rolls (as well as the occasional offering of chips and ketchup).  It opened back in January, so it’s ready for you to step through the magic mirror and into this late-night wonderland.

Noble Rot, Soho

Taking over the spot formally occupied by the Gay Hussar, the Noble Rot team brings their particular brand of food and wine bar to Soho this spring.  Even though the Gay Hussar might be gone, its legacy lives on as the menu and atmosphere combine the restaurant’s past with that of Noble Rot’s Bloomsbury location.  And of course, Noble Rot will add its great wine list so you can enjoy a glass of red or white along with the delectable menu.

Milroy’s, Spitalfields

A classic whisky bar is a thing of beauty, and Milroy’s brings the elegance and class of the whisky bar to Spitalfields.  The four-story building has just about everything a whisky lover could want, including a regular whisky bar, a cocktail bar, a tasting room, and an exclusive member’s club with a cigar terrace.  Regardless of which level you choose, you’ll find a top-notch whiskey selection including offerings from Scotland, America, Australia, South Africa, and all over the world.   Milroy’s also regularly hosts events from stand-up comedy to rare and special tastings.

The London Fiver – Opening in 2020 – Five New Bars and Restaurants to Visit - Londontopia - The Website for People Who Love London

Things To Do Today In London: Thursday 20 February 2020

Strawberry Hill House stays open late

Things to do

HALF TERM: As the school holidays rumble on, take a look at our guide to things to do in half term to keep the cries of "I'm boooooored" at bay.

CLASSIC CAR SHOW: Vroom vroom. For the first time, the London Classic Car Show takes place at Olympia London, with what claims to be one of the UK's widest collections of classic cars on show. Over 500 motors are there for the ogling, plus there's a special Car Stories stage hosted bymotoring expert Max Girardo. Olympia London, from £25, book ahead, 20-23 February

TREASURE CHEST: Aimed at ages 5+, The Quest For The Treasure Chest is an interactive performance hosted by non-binary drag artist ShayShay. Joined by fellow drag performers Sophie Brain and Mahatma Khandi, ShayShay leads singing, dancing and riddle-solving, all inspired by Pippi Longstocking. Southbank Centre, free, just turn up, 11am/1.30pm

The Little Prince is part of today's half term offerings at ArtsDepot

GOTHIC ROMANCE: Gothic mansion Strawberry Hill House stays open late for evening tours. Begin with a glass of fizz, before taking a romance themed tour. The cafe and bar are open all evening. Strawberry Hill House (Twickenham), £20, book ahead, 5.30pm

CATO STREET: Find out about a group of conspirators who assembled in a stable to hatch a plot to assassinate the entire British cabinet. This free lecture, which marks 200 years since the Cato Street Conspiracy, looks at who the people were, their motives, and what would have happened if they'd succeeded. Museum of London, free, just turn up, 6pm-7pm

POETRY AND CONSUMPTION: Keats scholar Professor Damian Walford Davies gives a talk about pulmonary tuberculosis — the disease which killed the poet — and the effect it had on his life. Using writing and letters by Keats, we can get an insight into what he knew about the disease, and the contemporary theories about tuberculosis which were around at the time. Keats House (Hampstead), £4.50, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm

The Royal Geographical Society looks at the future of food.

DAN CRUICKSHACK: TV presenter and historian Dan Cruickshank gives an illustrated talk about the architecture districts and people who made London, London. He covers the Anglo Saxon origins of Hampstead Heath, Christopher Wren’s magisterial City churches, and the industrial bustle of Victorian Bermondsey. Conway Hall (Holborn), £30-£45, book ahead, 6.45pm-8pm

FUTURE OF FOOD: What will the food on our plates look like in the future? Hear from an expert panel about how we can eat more sustainably, and the role that technology could soon play in producing our food. Royal Geographical Society (Kensington Gore), £10/£8, book ahead, 7pm-9pm

Dan Cruickshank offers a history of London.

WHITNEY HOUSTON: Eight years after her death, tribute show Whitney: Queen of the Night celebrates the life and work of singer Whitney Houston. A live cast and band perform her best-known tracks including I'm Every Woman, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and How Will I Know. Alexandra Palace Theatre, from £16.65, book ahead, 7.30pm

HIDDEN LOVE: The National Archives hosts a talk and document display focusing on how the government has interacted with LGBT+ communities in the past. See photos, court reports and witness statements which highlight the criminalisation of homosexuality, as well as brave acts of defiance. National Archives (Kew), £12/£9.60, book ahead, 7.30pm-9pm

London weather with Inclement Attlee

Our idiosyncratic weather forecaster returns, keeping you up to date on London's skies.

Today's weather profile is like wringing out a chamois leather — damp at both ends, with the heaviest downpour in the middle. Look out for a brief solar cameo at day's end, leading to clear skies for a fingernail moon.

Contact Mr Attlee with any weather-related thoughts or pictures by emailing hello@londonist.com; subject line "For Mr Attlee".

Tube ponderings with Barry Heck

Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.

Today marks the First Annual 'Turn A Tube Station Into A Classic Album Day'. In my head, at least. Here are some examples:

Acton Baby
Exile on Bond Street
London Bridge Calling
Royal OaK Computer
Brothers in Amersham
A Hard Day's Knightsbridge

You can definitely do better, I'm sure. Send suggestions to @HeckTube on Twitter.

Good cause of the day

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to illuminate selected historic buildings in Rotherhithe. £35,000 is needed for the project, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of The Mayflower. Find out more and make a donation.

What we're reading

• Airbnb has devoured London — here's the data to prove it.


• South Western Railway offers compensation after December's strikes.


• Kebab restaurant opens on board London double decker bus.


• That Life: nostalgia for a London now lost.

Be More Chill Is A Quirky Take On The High School Musical Genre

Photo: Matthew Crockett

What do you do when you're a gawky young teenager trying to fit in? If you get the chance to take a pill that will make you more popular, why wouldn't you? And so begins a sci-fi take on trying to fit in at high school, where it's hard to be yourself when the voices inside your head are telling you how to fit in with the cool kids.

Photo: Matthew Crockett

With an enthusiastic cast, infectious music and a quirky take on the high school musical genre, Be More Chill is a lot of fun, even if you're not a devotee of the original book or part of the show’s social media phenomena. The book was by Ned Vizzini, and drew on his experiences at high school. Vizzini struggled with anxiety and depression throughout his life, and it led to his death by suicide in 2013.

Photo: Matthew Crockett

The story translates remarkably well to stage, capturing in song the doubts and struggles of the characters with everyday pressures at school. There are also some astute reflections on the limits of technology, particularly in allowing young people to have control over how they can grow and learn.

The music and lyrics by Joe Iconis seem to grow from the text in quirks and blips. Not every song is hummable, and some lyrics might seem a little odd, but in the context of the show, it all makes perfect sense.

Photo: Matthew Crockett

Heading up the enthusiastic cast is Scott Folan as the gawky Jeremy, and Miracle Chance as the quirky Christine. Alex Basco Koch's video projections effectively give you the sense you're trapped with Jeremy in a game that you can't get out.

Photo: Matthew Crockett

A modern update of the high school musical. Well almost modern, since scenes are set in now-bankrupt stores such as Payless Shoes, and the soon-to-be-gone Forever 21.

Be More Chill, The Other Palace, Palace Street, SW1E 5JA. Tickets £19.50-£87.50, until 3 May 2020.

FAMOUS IRISH PUB GIBNEY’S TO OPEN IN LONDON

It's been open in Dublin for over 80 years and now Gibney's of Malahide, run by Tony Gibney, is coming to our shores, and just in time for St Patrick's Day. The celebrated pub is opening in the basement of Richard Corrigan's Old Street restaurant Daffodil Mulligan, with Tony's son Cormac heading up the bar...

The post FAMOUS IRISH PUB GIBNEY’S TO OPEN IN LONDON appeared first on London On The Inside.

WHERE TO WATCH WILDER vs FURY II

Let's get ready to rumble. Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury round two, it's happening. After drawing the first fight in 2018, the pair will step into the ring once again on Sat 22nd February at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. So that means it's either gonna be a very late or very early morning...

The post WHERE TO WATCH WILDER vs FURY II appeared first on London On The Inside.

Here's who won big at the 2020 BRIT awards last night

Getty Images

This evening saw the BRIT awards, with the 2020 ceremony, hosted this year by Jack Whitehall, celebrating the past year in music.

The viral news started on the red carpet, with Billie Eilish sporting Burberry nails and Lizzo dressing up as an actual Hershey’s chocolate bar.

View this post on Instagram

The best kind of chocolate…. @moschino dress @lorraineschwartz jewerly @judithleiberny bag @erierinailz nails @iwantalexx makeup @theshelbyswain hair @brettalannelson styling @marko_monroe styling

A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating) on Feb 18, 2020 at 10:18am PST

It was what happened on the stage however that made the most news, from Stormzy crediting the women on his team during his Best Male Artist acceptance speech to Lewis Capaldi cleaning up the awards.

So who won big at the BRITs? Here’s everything to know…

Male Solo Artist
Dave
Harry Styles
Lewis Capaldi
Michael Kiwanuka
WINNER: Stormzy

Female Solo Artist
Charli XCX
FKA Twigs
Freya Ridings
WINNER: Mabel
Mahalia

Best Group
Bastille
Bring Me the Horizon
Coldplay
D-Block Europe
WINNER: Foals

Song of the Year
AJ Tracey – Ladbroke Grove
Calvin Harris & Rag’n’Bone Man – Giant
Dave ft Burna Boy – Location
Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber – I Don’t Care
WINNER: Lewis Capaldi – Someone You loved
Mabel – Don’t Call Me Up
Mark Ronson ft Miley Cyrus – Nothing Breaks like A heart
Sam Smith & Normani – Dancing With A Stranger
Stormzy – Vossi Bop
Tom Walker – Just You and I

Mastercard Album of the Year
WINNER: Dave – Psychodrama
Harry Styles – Fine Line
Lewis Capaldi – Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent
Michael Kiwanuka – Kiwanuka
Stormzy – Heavy is the Head

Best New artist
Aitch
Dave
WINNER: Lewis Capaldi
Mabel
Sam Fender

International Female Solo Artist
Ariana Grande
WINNER: Billie Eilish
Camila Cabello
Lana Del Rey
Lizzo

International Male Solo Artist
Bruce Springsteen
Burna Boy
Dermot Kennedy
Post Malone
WINNER: Tyler the Creator

Congratulations to all nominees and winners.

The post Here's who won big at the 2020 BRIT awards last night appeared first on Marie Claire.

The BRIT awards paid an emotional tribute to 'a member of the family' Caroline Flack

Getty Images

It was tragically announced just days ago that 40-year-old TV presenter Caroline Flack had committed suicide, with her death prompting a movement to ‘be kind’ in her memory.

At tonight’s BRIT awards, host Jack Whitehall paid tribute to Caroline.

#BRITs2020 host Jack Whitehall opened the awards ceremony with a tribute to Caroline Flack, describing the late TV presenter as a "kind and vibrant person with an infectious sense of fun".

Follow live updates from the awards here: https://t.co/GfPZDjwrCZ pic.twitter.com/1KYHcnAVGk

— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 18, 2020

‘Over the weekend, we learnt the awful news that a member of the BRITs family, our friend Caroline Flack, tragically passed away.

‘She was a kind and vibrant person with an infectious sense of fun. She will be sorely missed,’ Jack said of Caroline. ‘I’m sure I speak for everyone here when I say our thoughts are with her friends and family.’

Closing the emotional tribute, Jack stepped back to let Lewis Capaldi play his hit song, ‘Someone You Loved’.

Getty Images

This comes in a series of tributes to Caroline, with Harry Styles wearing a black ribbon pinned to the lapel of his BRITs outfit, seemingly in tribute to his ex girlfriend.

‘We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today on the 15th February,’ a statement from her family read over the weekend. ‘We would ask that the press respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time and we would ask that the make no attempt to contact us and/or photograph us.’

Our thoughts are with Caroline’s loved ones.

The post The BRIT awards paid an emotional tribute to 'a member of the family' Caroline Flack appeared first on Marie Claire.

Stormzy just credited the women on his team during his acceptance speech

Getty Images

This evening saw the BRIT awards, with the 2020 ceremony, hosted this year by Jack Whitehall, celebrating the past year in music.

The viral news started on the red carpet, with Billie Eilish sporting Burberry nails and Lizzo dressing up as an actual Hershey’s chocolate bar.

It was what happened on the stage however that made the most news, with British grime and hip-hop artist Stormzy picking up the award for Male Solo Artist.

After beating out Dave, Harry Styles, Lewis Capaldi and Michael Kiwanuka for the gong, Stormzy took to the stage to deliver one of the most memorable award acceptance speeches in BRITs history.

"I am so happy, man." Beyond proud of @stormzy and his Male Solo Artist win! #BRITs pic.twitter.com/SJ0AI2rDXX

— BRIT Awards (@BRITs) February 18, 2020

Stormzy dedicated his BRIT award to the women on his team.

This comes after criticism that not enough women were represented in the award nominations.

‘I am so happy, man,’ Stormzy announced following his win, before thanking his mum and his manager.

’To be the Best Male, I’ve got the most incredible females on my team,’ he went on to announce, before listing their individual names. ‘I love you lot. You are the greatest. The best male is nothing without these incredible females. I love you.’

He concluded his speech: ‘And to every single person that has supported me, I love you. Thank you so much.’

Like we needed a reason to love Stormzy more!

The post Stormzy just credited the women on his team during his acceptance speech appeared first on Marie Claire.

Lizzo just wore an actual chocolate bar to the BRIT Awards

Getty Images

This evening saw the BRIT awards, with the 2020 ceremony, hosted this year by Jack Whitehall, celebrating the past year in music.

Harry Styles and Billie Eilish were expected to perform, but the celebrities in attendance were making viral news before the audience even took their seats.

Getty Images

Yes, from Billie Eilish’s Burberry nails to Ellie Goulding’s floral sheer dress, the BRITs red carpet was making a storm from the get-go.

No one turned as many heads however as Lizzo, with the 31-year-old actually wearing a chocolate bar wrapper as a dress. And not just any chocolate bar wrapper, a Hershey’s chocolate bar wrapper

View this post on Instagram

If you ever wondered what I taste like…

A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating) on Feb 18, 2020 at 10:10am PST

The dress in question was custom-made by Jeremy Scott for Moschino, and it came with a matching chocolate bar clutch, embellished with the words ‘100%’, in reference to her lyrics, ’I’m 100 per cent that bitch’.

Lizzo is nominated for a BRIT for International Female Solo Artist, going up against Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Camila Cabello and Lana Del Rey.

View this post on Instagram

The best kind of chocolate…. @moschino dress @lorraineschwartz jewerly @judithleiberny bag @erierinailz nails @iwantalexx makeup @theshelbyswain hair @brettalannelson styling @marko_monroe styling

A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating) on Feb 18, 2020 at 10:18am PST

Whatever happens in terms of awards however, she’s definitely won the red carpet, with Twitter users posting in their hundreds about her bold look.

‘The best kind of chocolate,’ the singer captioned a photo of the look on her Instagram page, posting another with the words, ‘If you ever wondered what I tasted like…’

Forever bowing down to you, Lizzo.

The post Lizzo just wore an actual chocolate bar to the BRIT Awards appeared first on Marie Claire.