LDNER #25 CHARLIE HOOLE

This week's Londoner is Charlie Hoole, radio plugging for Ish Media, representing artists such as Chase & Status, Gossip and Mylo and co-founder of refreshing new dating website wouldliketomeet.me where every member is verfied via webcam. Currently offering free lifetime membership – for all you singletons out there!

You sound like a busy, busy bee! Tell us how long have you lived in London and why?

11 years, which makes it the longest time I’ve ever been in one place. My dad was in the army so we moved every few years including a couple of stints in Germany. London was always the dream, I just couldn’t imagine settling anywhere else after university, particularly with the huge array of music venues & clubs. You can never grow bored of life in London, there are always new things to experience and people to meet. I’d love to say I had a grand life plan but the move came about by chance. During my final year at Leeds Uni I met an A&R guy at a festival, got chatting, and hit him up for some work experience. Long story short, after graduating I helped out at his newly formed record label and Eden was their independent radio plugger. I joined his company, first in Shepherd’s Bush and now Ladbroke Grove, all the while migrating anti clockwise around the capital from Brixton to Shoreditch to Queens Park, finally settling in East Acton where I’ve been for 6 years having bought my first house. I chose the location for rather dull practical reasons to be honest. I always knew I’d get a dog as soon as I had my own place and Wormwood Scrubs park is a stone’s throw, plus the cycle route means I can travel to work in 10 minutes and pop home at lunch to see him. The majority of my friends have ended up south of the river but I love it West and the central line gets you to Soho in under 20 minutes.

You obviously know a thing or two about dating, where are your favourite first date spots in the city?

When it comes to online dating in particular it’s best to keep thing simple for a first date and not tie yourself into a lengthy one. Grabbing a quick coffee or drink is ideal as if that chemistry on paper hasn’t quite translated in person you can easily make your excuses; but if there is that mutual interest you can suggest going on somewhere else, maybe grab dinner or a movie. Location wise, it should convenient for the both of you, so somewhere central and near a station is a good bet. The Nell Gwynne Tavern, hidden away off The Strand is intimate, friendly and you can usually find a table for a chance to talk properly. I prefer a relaxed pub to smart bars, so The Windsor Castle (Notting Hill) and The French House (Soho) also get my vote, but make sure you pick a place or an activity that suits both your personalities. A lot of my female friends baulk at the idea of going for a walk on a first date, so don’t force an idea on someone if it’s just not their thing.

You also work in the music industry, which venues are best for catching a band? any secret spots?

The Sebright Arms, The Lexington, and Shacklewell Arms are great for catching new bands, as are the monthly Communion events at Notting Hill Arts Club and regular Smashing Blouse nights at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen – their delicious tex mex scores added bonus points. Personally, I’m a big fan of Brixton Academy & Hammersmith Apollo for catching my favourite acts, largely thanks to the sloped floors. It gives us shorties a half decent chance of seeing more than the back of someone’s head! Hackney Round Chapel and Union Chapel are pretty special for the more stripped back, acoustic gigs. Best new secret place would be The Bussey Building aka The CLF Art Cafe in Peckham.

Oh we do love a good secret tip! Any London bands which should be on our radar?

The man on everyone’s lips at the moment is Mr Jacob Banks, whose soulful vocals you may well have caught on Later. Bayou is a mysterious London based producer whose blissfully melancholic ‘Cherry Cola’ track has picked up a lot of love on the blogs. West London youngster Only Real mixes laid back hip hop with lo-fi guitars. On a scuzzy punk tip check out CuT and their track ‘Get Me A Gun’. Jamie Isaac and Leon T Pearl are also worth seeking out. Not from London (or even the UK for that matter) but soon to make their UK debut at Reading festival, and fingers crossed some London dates afterwards, are office favourite California X. If you like Dinosaur Jr then keep your eyes peeled for a chance to see them live when they’re here.

Thanks we'll check 'em out and finally what would be your perfect day in London?

Can I start by suspending reality and have a lie-in for the first time in 4 years?! Never having been a morning person, my 4 year old Weimaraner Duke’s insistence on rising at the crack of dawn has been quite a challenge. He’s lucky he’s so damn cute. We’d head to Richmond Park, our favourite place for a walk, with friends. It’s so huge that you can take all sorts of routes, often barely seeing a soul. We’ve avoided any Fenton moments thankfully, though he will dive head first into the hummus upon spotting a picnic. Then lunch at a dog friendly pub like the Angelsea Arms near Ravenscourt Park which serves incredible food with an ever changing menu. In an ideal world I’d then work off some of those calories at a Seen on Screen fitness class. If, like me, you hate the gym but love to pretend you’re in a music video and bust out those 90’s dance moves, then this is for you. They hold regular weekday classes as well as special Beyonce, Rihanna and Britney routine workshops on the weekends. At the moment I’m less Sasha Fierce, more baby hippo on ice, but a girl can dream. Otherwise I’d head for Club Yacht Rock at House of Wolf in Islington and do my best Pan’s People impression to the smooth sounds of Michael McDonald, Fleetwood Mac, and the king of soundtracks Mr Kenny Loggins.

Thanks Charlie, this just might be our longest interview yet! If you're looking for love you might want to sign yourself up online now, at the very least you get to webcam Charlie.... wouldliketomeet.me

LDNER #24 DEANNE OLIVER

 

This weeks Londoner is Fashion Targets Breast Cancer ambassador Deanne Oliver-Evans, aka Blonde Ambition, who is also a party popper DJ and presenter, currently holding residencies with the Soho House Group, Topshop & Browns Hotel. We caught a few words with the Shropshire born disco queen below...

Where do you live in London and why?

I live in the East End, just off Columbia Road in Shoreditch where the infamous flower market is held at weekends. I've pretty much lived in most areas of London and came to settle in the East 7 years ago, I utterly adore it. It's incredibly diverse, exciting and full of passion, every day is different and yet there's a wonderful community of like minded people...tis home for me.

We hear you are a Fashion Targets Breast Cancer ambassador, how did that come about?

I love supporting Fashion Targets Breast Cancer and I encourage everyone I meet to do the same. Being an ambassador for the campaign has highlighted just how many people suffer from breast cancer, the figures are truly shocking with 50,000 women diagnosed every year in the UK. Its made me realise just how much hard work the team does to raise money for the cause, it's totally inspirational and I wanted to help where I could.

The campaign raises funds for Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s life-saving work through the sale of exclusively designed products. This year’s collection has some amazing pieces to update the summer wardrobe from leading retailers such as M&S, River Island, Warehouse, Topshop, My-wardrobe, Coast, Laura Ashley, Debenhams and my favourite designer of the moment; Velvet Johnstone, of whom I'm wearing her pieces for the campaign.

I urge everyone to wear your support by hitting the high street or shopping online at fashiontargetsbreastcancer.org.uk

Do what she says people, it's for a good cause! What's more we're even getting involved over here. We also hear you know a thing or two about parties, where in London do you go to party when you're not working?

Generally when I'm not working I like to hang out with pals, do civilised things and catch up on sleep! On the odd occasion however when I do let my hair down, I like to dance to some of my favourite bands & DJ's, there's loads of great underground venues in Dalston, as well as gig venues such as Corsica Studios & XOYO, but I'm partial to a cosy pub with local DJ's.

What's been the best venue you've ever played in London?

I played the late slot on the main stage of The Coronet Theatre in a tutu to hundreds of people for a big pre-festival event, it was a great buzz commanding such a big crowd. I love the craziness of The Box also, I played the after party for The Mercury Music Awards, surrounded by madness! But then you can't beat playing in the middle of London in Hyde Park for the festivals or up on the roof of Shoreditch or Soho House on a sunny evening.

Sounds like you get up to all sorts! Can we be your groupies? Finally, what would your perfect day in London be?

I love a good mooch along the South Bank; taking in the stunning sights of historical London merged with the modern architecture of today along the river is just breathtaking and makes me fall in love with the city on so many levels. A perfect day would be sampling the delights of Borough Market, sauntering with friends or arm in arm with a beautiful man along the river, taking in a show or exhibition, then sipping cocktails with an amazing view and dancing into the night to magical music.

Sounds lovely! Thanks Deanne, you have been swell. If you want to check out whatelse Deanne gets up to hit up her website: www.blondeambition.org.uk

LDNER #23 TOM PEAKE, NICK FOX & MARK REYNOLDS

We've got a treat in store for you this week, not one but three Londoners! Oh yes we've got Tom Peake, Nick Fox and Mark Reynolds who co-own South West London pub group Renaissance Pubs which is 10 years old this month. If you don't know the pub group now is the perfect time to familiarise yourself with them as they are offering free food and drink for a decade to one lucky winner.

First things first, can we win the competition? Please? No? OK then tell us where you live in London and why?

NF: I’ve lived in Battersea, for 16 years. I love it for its great parks, great schools and abundance of wonderful pubs and restaurants.

TP: I now live outside of London but Mark and I share a flat above The Stonhouse, where we often stay during the week. Being just off Clapham High Street, helps us keep up with what the younger crowd are up to.

You obviously know your pubs, in your opinion what makes a cracking pub?

NF: Relaxed, comfortable atmosphere, good informal service, great ingredients cooked well and simply, good wine at reasonable prices and well looked after real ales. A cracking cocktail now and then doesn't hurt.

TP: To me the difference between a good pub and a pub I will return to again and again is down to all the different aspects of the pub dovetailing beautifully. If everything from the food to the decor to the staff etc. sits together effortlessly, then you have something truly special - and it's always quite unique.

Oh a cracking cocktail now and then in a must! Which pubs do you recommend that aren't in the Renaissance group? 

NF: Thomas Cubbitt and the Jugged Hare in London; The Trout just outside Oxford.

TP: The Ten Bells in Spitalfields; The Canton Arms in Stockwell.

What about grub? What's the best pub meal you've ever eaten? 

MR: My perfect pub lunch would be Sunday family lunch with Bloody Mary's, roast beef, followed by British cheeses and all washed down with a decent bottle of Rioja.

NF: I’ve had too many to choose one. A great pork belly is tough to top.

TP: A sensational fish and chips at The Kings Arms in Monkton Farleigh in Wiltshire has always stuck in my mind as the finest example of a classic pub dish I've ever had.

Dean Street Townhouse

And finally tell us what your perfect day in London would be...

MR: My favourite London day happened last week. We took the kids (George 7 and Pollyanna 5) to see the Lion King and walked over Waterloo Bridge seeing the London Eye and Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Then the grown-ups went out for dinner at Balthazar - a great, buzzy American brasserie with tons of character. I had escargot followed by entrecôte - perfect.

TP: Wake up late next to my wife at the Dean Street Townhouse and have a leisurely brunch there. Head out to the V&A to take in an exhibition like 'David Bowie is', then on to a light lunch at Nopi (my wife is a huge fan). Stroll through Soho, then jump on a bus to Spitalfields and a wander through the markets. Meet up with friends at The Ten Bells and then on to supper at somewhere like Hawksmoor or Hakkasan.

NF: I love a long lunch at somewhere like the Wolseley followed by a concert at Wembley or the O2 or taking the kids to the park and then walking to the Bolingbroke for lunch - their favourite pub!

Those sound like 3 pretty perfect days to us! If you like what you hear and fancy checking out one of the Renaissance Pubs hit up the website for locations and don't forget to check out the special 10th birthday offers too!

www.renaissancepubs.co.uk/ten

LDNER #22 CHRIS WARD

This weeks LDNER is Chris Ward, the brains behind Huckle The Barber, the barbershop located on Old Street. With 14 years in the game Chris' scissors are more than sharp enough.

Hello Chris, tell us where you live in London and what you love about that area?

I have lived in Finsbury Park with my fiancé for 3 years now and we still love it. There are great coffee shops and restaurants opening up all the time and I have my firm favourites for eating and drinking. We are right next to the park and the station which has great connections to the rest of London.


Huckle The Barber Intro from Huckle The Barber on Vimeo.

Awesome. Can you tell our readers about what you do for a living? 

I have been a Barber/Hairdresser for 14 years and have recently opened Huckle The Barber on Old Street. I have carefully picked Barbers that have at least 6 years qualified experience in other top London Hairdressers and Barbershops. We are really into our Music and regularly have Bands in that are playing in the area in for a haircut and a chat which we video and then have them play a track acoustically for us. We recently had Girls Names in...


GirlsNames from Huckle The Barber on Vimeo.

What are your top barber shops, or places you think are top notch for hair?

There are other Barbershops around the world that have inspired me. The Blind Barber in New York and Schorem Barber in Rotterdam, are a couple. They both have a space that brings the community together and is a place for Guys to hang out rather that just come in for a cut.

When your not working where do you like to grab a pint or two?

We love the Cock Tavern on Mare street, Hackney. A brewpub that serve house beers under the name of Howling Hops which we also serve from time to time to our clients. They also offer beers from some of the UK's best breweries. If we fancy something a little different we head over to Happiness forgets in Hoxton Square. AMAZING cocktails without the pretence of other speakeasies we have encountered around London.

What would be your perfect day in London?

Straight to Front room Cafe in Finsbury Park for an All-press coffee and the front room special Breakfast. Head East and spend the whole day on London Fields with friends. Then watch a band somewhere small. Perfect.

We highly recommend Chris' scissor skills, if you missed our review of Huckle the Barber, catch up here.

LDNERS #21 TESSA METCALFE

This week's Londoner is Tessa Metcalfe, a long term city girl who works as a taxidermist come jewellery designer with some pretty bloody cool effects....

Tessa tell us where do you live in the big smoke...

I'm a born 'n' bred Hackney girl. I left for a bit once but I missed it. As a kid, I guess I resented how grey and battered the city is. I read a lot of old fairy tales and I really wanted to have something magical happen to me. But its all a part of London's charm. It's unforgiving and dirty and  I gradually learnt to respect that.

Your jewellery designs are pretty cool (we NEED that claw ring), how did you get into the trade?

I'm self taught, I got into it accidentally after I made the Pigeon Hat from some some authentic London roadkill I found. It kinda struck a cord with me. I think pigeons are the perfect mascot for this place. They represent everything I love about it. They get called vermin but they are so underestimated, I've always found them fascinating, the shades of green and purple in their coats, the beat up ones, the fat ones, they have such character. London's missionary gangstas. Every piece I create is from the casts of this birds feet. I make miniature stone set rings for the birds and I hand gold plate their nails giving them human like traits. I explore the birds feral lust for jewels.



You obviously know a thing or two about jewellery, who are your favourite designers?

Honestly, I look to other places for my inspiration. There are some great designers, good friends of mine, but I believe to keep work innovative you gotta look further a field. I love the world of the outsider artist Henry Darger, his story is insane. He created characters in his mind and lived through their adventures in his mind. His imagination was so wild he didn't even want share it, his drawings were only discovered under his bed once he had died. I love the fantasy in the mind, self delusion. As a child I remember reading these dark fairy tales in books at my Grans house, they had no morals. If you haven't read The Little Mermaid, the Hans Christian Anderson version, just do it. That warped me as a child for sure. I also love the work of Mollie Mills, she's a film maker and friend of mine, she has a real talent for capturing a beauty and clarity of youth.

Any secret shops you can recommend in London? Favourite places to buy jewellery?

What can I say? I'm the best in town. But I like pieces with a story, I like cash4gold jewellery, you know its got a good story if its in a pawn shop window. If you want to see real skill, go to the V&A Jewellery exhibition. That is the best craftsmanship around. They don't make things like they used too, seriously, the work that has into those creations. Its breath taking. I'll be holding a Pop-Up at the Shoreditch Boxpark at the end of June, follow me on twitter for details.

What would be your perfect day in London?

Every day is different. That's the beauty of it. You can have the best laid plans then get stuck in traffic on the 38 and end up spending the afternoon listening to the domestic going on in the seat behind you. You really cant beat a top-floor bus soap opera. The Hunterian Museum is a favourite, they have the oldest collections of anatomical, pathological and zoological specimens in the UK. And there is a Human Slice upstairs at the Welcome Collection on Euston Road, oh that it fascinating. Its one of the best things I've ever seen. Get Stuffed on Essex Road, the infamous taxidermy shop that never opens, I've loved it since I was a child. If you remember the polar bear that was in the window for years? They'd put the most pathetic loop of tinsel round his neck at Christmas, it was rumored that Alexander McQueen bought it, dunno where that'd be now, but I'll always have a good look in the window, makes me feel like a kid again. Then probs take my dog for a walk round Abney Park cemetery, maybe I am a little morbid? No, I like the abandoned history of an inner city cemetery sat on prime real estate just standing its ground.

We agree Get Stuffed on Essex Road rocks, it's like walking around the zoo by looking in one window. Although we've heard/seen some dodgy stuff cruising through in that cemetery....a story for another time. If you want to check out Tessa's designs hit up her website and facebook page.

LDNERS #20 LOUIS HYAMS

This week's Londoner is Louis Hyams, owner of Background Bars, a pop-up bar and events company that provide imaginative drink concepts for various projects like Feast Festival and other exciting events in and around London . They're also set to host the Dalston Roof Park bar again this summer...

Louis, Louis, Louis tell us where you live in London and why....

I live in Bethnal Green just off of Roman Road opposite the road from The Florist Arms. I love it because it’s not a pretentious part of East London and has a nice laid back atmosphere. It’s only 10 minutes away from Victoria Park, London Fields and Shoreditch so the location is perfect plus there are some good boozers near by like the The Star, The Approach and of course The Florist Arms.

And you know a thing or two about booze right! Can you tell us a little more about how BB came about?

We felt the event bar industry was crying out for something new, something with a bit of an edge. Most event bar companies have a very corporate and stiff appearance; we wanted to shake it up a bit!Our background lies between managing highly regarded cocktail bars and promoting popular club nights in London. So in a sense, we have merged both qualities to produce the model that Background Bars is today.

Staying on the booze topic, which are your favourite cocktail bars in London?

I don’t end up in cocktail bars very often to be honest, probably because I used to work in so many? Who knows, but when I do it’s mostly around Portabello Road because it has the best standard of cocktails bars in London. Trailor happiness, Portabello Star and Montgomery Place are my favourites.

Dalston Roof Park is the one to look out for this summer in the East end. It’s located opposite the road from the Dalston Junction and launches on May 2nd ! There will be some really exciting cocktails being mixed up by the Background Bars team who will be using cold-infused teas, herbs and fruit that’s been picked from the garden. Other than that I’m always happy hanging out at Ruby’s, up the road from Dalston.

Good choice, we're big fans of Ruby's too! And what about food, where do you go to soak up all that booze, from cheap eats to posh nosh?

Starting from cheap I’d say a midnight slice in VooDoo Rays, Dalston. Lardo’s on Richmond Road in London Fields serves simple food made with quality ingredients. And that’s exactly why I like it. It’s the sort of place that you can take your mum, a bunch of mates or a girlfriend and is always spot on. The service suits me too; they don’t fuss over you but they pay attention. You can find good value wine there too.

Caravan in Kings Cross is a good meeting point for brunch. It’s always buzzing and the food is wholesome and honest. It’s a good place to start a session before a Chelsea match on a Saturday afternoon! Fairly priced.

Petersham Nursery is a gem in Richmond. They open for lunch on Mon-Sat and the space is un-real. It’s like stepping into someone’s garden and food is made from everything that’s in it or on the fields surrounding it. Definitely leaning towards posh.

And finally, the big man Locatelli’s ‘Locanda Locatelli’ where you’ll find the best Italian food in central London hands down. I’ve met him a few times and love his vibe and the way he cooks. It’s Michelin starred and definitely one for a special occasion!

Looks like you have it covered! And finally what would be your perfect day in London?

The perfect day would be waking up on a sunny Sunday with no plans at all. I like the spontaneous days out with my mates where we start in a pub early doors and move from one to the other. We'd probably end up in Clissold or Victoria Park for a knock about at some point and grab a bite to eat somewhere like the Cat and Mutton or Jolly Butchers. Then we'd probably end up in Dalston or Haggerston to see where the night takes us ... usually to somewhere ridiculous! I like my relaxing days doing absolutely nothing too.

Sounds like a bloody good plan. If you fancy checking out the drinks from the Background Bars boys be sure to head to the Dalston Roof Park bar this summer. We'll see you there!

LDNERS #19 TOM SELLERS

One of this year's most anticipated restaurant openings, Restaurant Story from Tom Sellers is all set to welcome guests next month. We managed to catch a few words with the man himself before he becomes chained to the stove...

So Tom your all set to open your first restaurant, tell us a little more about yourself and why you chose London...

I’m just the guy that cooks the food! Being in the kitchen with my team is where I’m at my happiest. I moved to London almost 10 years ago when I was 16 to work with Tom Aikens. After a few months in a kitchen in the countryside I knew it was cooking that I wanted to do and that London was the place where I was going to learn the most. In those 10 years I’ve travelled to America and Copenhagen, but London is where I wanted to open my own place. My food is built on the history of food from within this country.

London is definitely where it's at! Where do you call home in the city?

Bermondsey. Firstly because it’s close to the restaurant and secondly because it’s a great place to live. The area has a real community feel with plenty of independent places to go and hang out. When we open at Restaurant Story the days are going to be long and being able to just walk home at the end will be a gift!

Someone once told us that your quality of life in London depended on how little you had to use the tube and we fully agree!  You obviously know your food, what's the best restaurant you've eaten in?

Impossible to answer. There are so many great chefs cooking such diverse food. I’ve been lucky to eat some dishes that just stop me in my tracks and blow me away with the combinations of flavor and texture or with the way it captures the chef's vision on the plate. I would say my favourite ever restaurant experience was when I dined at Per Se in New York. It was faultless in every aspect.

How about London? Where do you eat and drink in the city?

I don’t eat out much at the moment, I don’t have the time. I have been to a few places that I have enjoyed for meetings. I went to Balthazar the other day. I used to go to the one in New York so I was keen to see how the London version compared -- I liked it. Also been to some of the burger restaurants; Meat Liquor, Burger and Lobster, Honest Burger - seem to be a lot of meetings over burgers! As for drinking, I'm not much of a drinker so it just depends where my mates are or who is making the plans.

What would be your perfect day in London...

Cooking in my restaurant. I've been working towards this goal for what seems like a long time so now I just want to get in my kitchen with the team and cook. It's when I'm at my happiest and most focused.

If you fancy trying Tom's grub then make sure you check out Restaurant Story which opens 16th April.