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Running until the 13th August in the Wonder Room at Selfridges, B Corp footwear brand Allbirds are hosting a pop-up centering around the theme of carbon reduction. After taking a pole a of close to 600 Allbirds customers on the topic of sustainability, they found that only 35% were confident explaining what carbon means, the hope is that the initiative will bring clarity around this. The pop-up has intriguing contents; the hero of the pop-up, a large, black sphere takes centre stage, representing what 1 kg of CO2 looks like. Alongside it, mini spheres appear next to a row of shoes, representing their respective carbon emissions. Focusing on their own climate milestones and using playful visual cues to communicate the impact that carbon has in the fashion industry and how progress is achievable, Allbirds hope that the space will also signal to other fashion businesses to join them in making carbon accountability the norm.. Allbirds will also be showcasing the M0.0NSHOT prototype, its biggest innovation breakthrough to date, boasting a landmark carbon footprint of net 0.0 kg CO2e. Address: Selfridges Wonder Room, Ground Floor, 400 Oxford Street, London, W1A W1B Photography courtesy of Allbirds #allbirds #Selfridges

You can’t go anywhere these days without coming across a new exciting Pop-up shop, and if you’re a Beavertown fan it doesn’t get any better than this, with the brewery celebrating the launch of their first ever pop-up shop in Shoreditch. Located between the Old Truman Brewery building and Brick Lane, you will have the opportunity or perusing the racks of their iconic ‘Beavertown” designs which include a new unisex collection. Expect to see collections such as the ‘Essentials’, ‘Summer Range’, and the ‘Vintage Collection’ as part of their new range. For me, it’s the origin of the clothing that does it. The Beaverton Brewery line is made in the UK from organic cotton which is Peta-approved, vegan, and recycled standard certified. Patchwork artist @aftercare.apparel will be on hand, offering exclusive embroidery designs to customise your purchases on 26th and 27th August. And if that doesn’t spark your interest their renowned delicious beer;  Neck Oil IPA, Gamma Ray APA, Satellite IPA and Lazer to name a few and the live DJ sets will be enough to keep you entertained. And should you be brave enough the store will host tattoo artist JCG Studio who be offering free exclusive Beavertown tattoos. To book an appointment for a patchwork session visit https://beavertownbrewery.co.uk/products/pop-up-appointments Tattoo appointments open on Aug 18th at 9am. Opening 19th of August – 1st of September. Address: 11 Dray Walk, London, E1 6QL Written by Lorna Byrne Image courtesy of Beavertown #Beavertown #beavertownpopup #beer

In need of a day to re-set and recharge your mind and body? On Saturday 2nd September, Embassy Gardens in Nine Elms will be hosting a holistic programme of workshops, fitness and yoga classes, activities, talks and so much more! Wellness brands to look out for include World Heart Beat Music Academy, Ten Health & Fitness, Remedi, The Alchemist, Darby’s, and UN1T Nine Elms to name a few. Visitors will also be treated to a wellness-themed Marketplace where they will discover new and exciting brands. Programme highlights include: ·         Outdoor Mat Pilates with Ten Health & Fitness ·         Outdoor Fitness Workout with UN1T Nine Elms ·         Kundalini Yoga and Sound Therapy with Remedi ·         Try an Instrument workshop with World Heart Beat Academy ·         Sauna and Storytelling Sessions with Community Saunas ·         Run Club with The Running Room ·         Power of the Mind Workshop with Shelf Help Club ·         Sleep Well Talk with Dr Nerina Ramlakhan ·         Mental Health Talk with The Soke ·         Brush and Bubbles Painting Class ·         Reading Corner and Bookshop with Books That Matter ·         Baby Yoga with Babble & Zen Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm To book your free ticket and for more information visit Eventbrite Image courtesy of Embassy Gardens Feel Good Festival #wellnessfestival

Brought to you by household sustainably focused cleaning brand Ecover, The rEcovery Workshop is set to inspire and educate guests. Taking place next week at Rich Mix in Shoreditch, learn how to revive old clothes, whilst stocking up on free refills of Ecover’s laundry detergent and fabric softener. Across three days, from 21st to 23rd September, The rEcovery Workshop is a space dedicated to laundry against landfill. From undies to trousers, upcycling specialists Lydia Bolton, Oli Hull and Luke Neil are offering free tips and advice to leave attendees confident in upcycling their old garms. Whether upcycling undies or transforming trousers, members of the public can also get their hands on free refills of Ecover’s plant-based, biodegradable laundry detergent and fabric softener, all whilst discovering the benefits and ease of washing new life into old clothes. Bring your old clothes to either be upcycled or donated for upcycling offcuts an your own (**empty cleaning) bottle to receive a free refill and start putting plastic to work! Forgot your bottle? Not to worry, Ecover will have you covered and they simply ask you to pledge to re-use it for at least a year. Masterclass sessions:  ·          Thursday 21st September: 6pm ·          Friday 22nd September: 1pm ·          Saturday 23rd September: 12:30pm To register for a free ticket, click here. For more information on Ecover visit www.ecoverdirect.com Dates: 21st to 23rd September 10am – 7pm Address: Rich Mix, 35 – 47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA Written by Jordan Crowley Photo courtesy of Ecover #ecover #richmix #upcycling

Once the home of aristocrat, William Alexander, The 5-star 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel stands elegantly in the upscale area of South Kensington. The luxury hotel still holds onto its original Victorian charm, with grand chandeliers, paneled walls, plush velvet armchairs, and vintage furnishing. The hotel is a short walk to some of the most sought-after museums like the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert museum, and of course London’s famous Hyde Park, all of which can be explored on foot. If you fancy traveling further afield, south Kensington station is only a stone’s throw away. From the moment you enter the impressive foyer, the warm and friendly hotel team makes you feel totally at home. A little early for check-in, I headed to the ESQ bar for a hot cuppa, where couples sat sipping cocktails, it’s never too early for a tipple… The slick, stylish bar is adorned with some of the best spirits on offer, it was very tempting. The Rooms The hotel offers a variety of rooms and suites with a modern Victorian decor, the suites are named after famous Kensington and Chelsea residents, I got the Agatha Cristie suite. Upon opening the door, my bottom jaw hit the floor as I was greeted with a stunningly designed living space. Dark-panelled walls with a bookcase displaying vintage books, a Marshal speaker and vintage accessories, and an inviting plush orange velvet sofa. Now why have one floor in your suite when you can have two, Upstairs (yes you heard right) was a stylish and minimal bathroom equipped with Molton Brown toiletries and an opulent bedroom featuring a king-size bed, desk, and a walk-in wardrobe equipped with slippers and a fluffy robe, which I took full advantage of! The suite was decadent, stylish and so beautiful you wouldn’t have blamed me for wanting to stay in, order room service and lounge on the sofa watching a movie, but dinner at Centro restaurant was beckoning. Cento Restaurant Cento, offers the very best of traditional Italian cuisine, with a modern and elegant design. For starters, the Polpette is an absolute must, rich chunky beef meatballs in puttanesca sauce on sourdough bread, with a generous shaving of cheese. The knowledgable manager recommended the lobster ravioli which didn’t disappoint, finishing off with a sweet and indulgent warm chocolate cake with vegan vanilla ice-cream. Exceptional service and friendly staff made this solo dining experience wonderful. Botanical room The Botanica room is one of those beautiful, totally Instagrammble spaces where guests flock to get their bragging rights photos. White shutters line the walls, with plants dotted around and hanging from the ceiling creating a calm and serene environment. Guests can book in for a floral-inspired afternoon tea menu, priced at £38.33 per person, which is an absolute steal for a hotel afternoon tea offering. Whitard tea is offered or special botanical-themed cocktails, although I didn’t get time to book myself in, I walked by seeing diners with the biggest smiles! They are currently offering 20% off when you book in advance. The hotel has plenty of charm and elegance, beautifully decorated, with top-notch service from the friendly and accommodating hotel team. There is a gym located in the basement and although there is no hotel spa, the concierge is knowledgeable and will point you in the right direction for the ultimate spa experience nearby. The area has a lot to offer, so make sure you allocate enough time to explore! Website: www.100queensgate.com Address 100 Queen’s Gate, Kensington, London SW7 5AG Written by Nyla S. Photos courtesy of 100 Queens Gate Hotel and Matthew Shaw #100QueensGateHotel #hotelstay #londonhotels #southkensington

Mark your calendar for November 3rd as Lush reopens in Covent Garden, taking over a gorgeous historic listed Market building on the corner of Long Acre and Floral Street filled with its famous sweet-smelling goodies. At 10am the store opens its doors and will be giving away products to the first 100 paying visitors. You’ll also be able to get your hands dirty – or maybe clean with two workshops that same afternoon from 1pm – 4pm: making Groovy Fairy Bath Bombs and Mr Pumpkin Face Masks! You’ll get to experience the Lush Bath Bot: a new immersive experience that makes bath time much more fun. The Snow Fairy will have its own dedicated area in the shop to showcase the full range of its bestselling products. You’ll want to become a regular, as come Spring the store will open the Lush Spa: an experience like no other. so get down there to see what’s in store and make sure you’re first in line! Address: Lush, 12-14 Longacre Road, London, WC2E 9LP Written by Claire Selby Photos courtesy of Lush #coventgarden #lush

Looking for an alternative night out this November? Well, The Psychedelic Society has some super interesting events coming up to feed the soul as well as stimulate the mind. Offering an impressive list of nourishing and transformative events, talks, workshops and retreats, they have a number of fantastic events In London, outside of London and online. A not-for-profit corporation, The Psychedelic Society shares knowledge on the integrated use of psychoactive substances and related practices in service of individual and collective transformation. They are on a mission to cultivate space for self-exploration and deep connection, using powerful tools in a safe and open setting. The subject matter is varied and includes meditation, dance and ritual, psychedelic science and mental health, harm reduction, politics and ecology, to name a few. Here are some top pics for November: 13th November – Breathwork Odyssey – https://dandelion.events/e/j7o85 17th November Kundalini Yoga, Sacred Kakaw and Harmonising Sound Journey – https://dandelion.events/e/f9d3j 18th / 19th November – Sex Club London Weekend – https://dandelion.events/e/london-sexclub-nov For more information visit: https://psychedelicsociety.org.uk/events Locations across London, the UK and online Written by Jordan Crowley Photo courtesy of The Psychedelic Society #ThePsychedelicSociety #yoga

Award-winning cult makeup and skincare brand Sculpted by Aimee is opening its first UK flagship store on Foubert’s Place in Carnaby. The doors will be swung open on 11th November, where fans will be able to browse over 110 cruelty-free, multi-purpose products in-store. Make-up stations are available with expert makeup artists, to help in finding that perfect foundation or ideal lipstick shade! Sculpted By Aimee founder & CEO Aimee Connolly will open the doors to the brand new London store and anyone buying on the day will receive a free gift, and the first 100 customers will receive a Goody bag worth over £100. It’s certainly worth setting your alarm for! To sign up for the launch date, register on Eventbrite here – www.eventbrite.co.uk Address: 20 Foubert’s Place, Carnaby, London, W1F 7PL Website: https://sculptedbyaimee.co.uk Photos courtesy of Sculpted by Aimee #SculptedbyAimee

Following a four-year stint as the Hard Rock Hotel, The Cumberland Hotel has returned to its namesake but hasn’t lost its musical backbone. Located just off the Marble Arch end of Oxford Street, the hotel has a rich history of hosting musical royalty such as Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Holly, so it’s only fitting that music is stitched into the fabric of the venue. On entering the foyer, your senses are treated to curated artwork, neon light murals, slogans, and a Union Jack here and there, all paying homage to the capital’s love affair with music. A decorated London cab is parked up inside the hotel, acting as a photo booth, and although all of this may start to sound like a cliched themed hotel, these references are elegantly balanced with the plush velvet seating and glossy white finishes you’d expect from a respected Central London hotel. Near the foyer sits an impressive 360-degree bar which beckons you over to enjoy a cocktail whilst watching one of the daily live performances from a large stage behind. The Room We booked the Cumberland’s studio suite. Although a little pricier than their standard rooms, the extras may well be worth it for the Musos out there. Aside from the extra space, our room had some well-received extra sprinkles such as a Nespresso machine, a walk-in wardrobe and a welcome bottle of Prosecco, fruit and chocolates. The rockstar touch came in the form of a Fender electric guitar, with a Marshall amp and headphones for us to smash out our own version of ‘Stairway to Heaven’ in the comfort of our room. The studio suite was also equipped with a record player and a handful of classic vinyls, so we popped on Prince’s Purple Rain as we got ready to explore the hotel. ‘Backstage’ Executive Lounge When you book the studio suite at The Cumberland Hotel, you get access to the ‘Backstage’ Executive Lounge, tucked away at the back of reception, accessed only with a backstage wristband or room key, which you get when you check-in at the ‘Backstage’ Executive Lounge. Whilst checking in you are treated to a glass of bubbly and then encouraged to sit back and relax in the lounge, where you get to enjoy complimentary drinks and food. There are a few Fender guitars dotted around the lounge where guests are welcome to pick up and play. Needless to say, I visited the lounge a few times during my stay, grabbing a coffee and some small bites, the staff were friendly, welcoming and accommodating, it was a real treat and one that will be well remembered. Dinner at Sound Bar Downstairs at SOUND bar, we were excited to take our seats for not only dinner but a Motown special performance. The menu features American classics which include chicken tenders, Baby Back Ribs, Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Burgers and New York steak strips.  We selected the chicken tenders and greedily tucked into a jaw-achingly huge London-double cheeseburger and sweet potato fries. Flavoursome and generous portions, we were delighted. We were then soothed by the silky smooth vocals of a Motown trio on the main stage. The entertainment is well worth a visit to the hotel alone, even for a night out, we saw a lot of people up on their feet, I mean who can resist moving to renditions of the Supremes and The Jackson Five? SOUND bar has a great Kids Eat Free deal and 2-for-1 cocktails for parents and guests each day from 5-7pm. SOUND brings guests live entertainment seven days a week, no entry fee to get in, just grab a cocktail at the bar or book in dinner and sit back, relax and enjoy the entrainment. Our bellies full, toes tapped and souls soothed, we head back to our room to put on a vinyl, grab a drink from our complimentary mini-bar (included with studio and star suites), and flicked through a book on the top 100 rock bands of all time. Although a lot of the extras we enjoyed at The Cumberland came with the studio experience, the hotel has musical heritage pulsing through its veins. The live performances alone make it a great place to stay in Central London for music lovers and anyone who likes their stay to have energy and personality. Rooms at The Cumberland start at £190.00 per night, for more information or to book a room visit www.guoman.com/the-cumberland Address: The Cumberland, London, Great Cumberland Place, Mable Arch, London, W1H 7DL Written by Nyla S. Photos courtesy of The Cumberland Hotel #hotels #livemusic #londonhotels #marblearch #thecumberlandhotel #centrallondon

This week we caught up with Lupe Castro, Fashion Stylist, Creative Director, Writer and Digital Content Creator. You will find Lupe on Instagram under Ms Castro Rides where you will see her champion incredible designers, established and up and coming along with her exciting travel diaries. LUPE WE LOVE YOUR STYLE, AT WHAT AGE DID YOU REALISE YOU LOVED FASHION? I think it would have been 8 years old. I sneaked into my mother’s bedroom and opened one of her dressing table drawers where she kept her silk stockings. There were quite a few, each pair lying in between dove grey tissue paper. In those days women used to scent their drawers. I think the heady combination of smell, touch and sight was like a ray of magic. I knew then that I would do everything possible to grow older quickly and join this glorious kingdom. ARE YOU WORKING ON ANY NEW PROJECTS? Yes quite a few -The most exciting bit is that I have just launched Green My Wardrobe a 10 step programme to begin your ethical journey into fashion. I can’t believe its out there as I have been thinking about it for a couple of years now. So that’s something positive to come out of the Pandemic!!! Also a membership programme and some video work… Keep your eyes peeled! WOW, GREEN MY WARDROBE SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT IDEA, TELL US MORE, HOW WOULD SOMEONE SIGN UP TO THIS? Green my wardrobe (www.greenmywardrobe.com) is a 10 step programme which covers 6 weeks, although you could binge watch and do it all in a couple of days . Ouch !!!! It’s intended to act as a foundation on how to start your ethical fashion journey or as an addition to your existing ethical savvy self. I hope it will easily form a life long format: because I believe that fashion can change your world. Our next course starts on the 12th April but if you’re excited to get going why not join our free face book group on – www.sustainablefashionworld.group. I do believe that developing a mindset on what you are able to control is life changing it gives you power. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE LOOKING TO BECOME A STYLIST? I think start with asking yourself why you’re doing it … because once that is clear the rest is work and contacts… as with everything… BEST PIECE ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN? I have been given quite a bit of advice in my life … but there are two that I keep coming back to. Be true to yourself by the great vedanta teacher Swami Parthasarathay. N:O:W notice, own it and work on it by coach Ali Mapletoft IF YOU HAD A FREE DAY IN LONDON TO DO WHATEVER YOU WANT, NO LIMITS, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? Anywhere…… oh wow… Definitely would have to start with a walk beside the river from the Tate to Bermondsey by that time I would probably need a matcha so I would have to stop off at Fuckoffee I’d then check out what’s going on at the Fashion and Textile Museum I really love it there and everyone is so friendly Then I think I would need to hop on electric bike to visit 3 of my fave vintage and consignment stores they are rather scattered: Victoria Park, Covent Garden and Knightsbridge not sure that would give me much time for lunch so I think I would need a proper reviving tea at the Fountain room at Fortnum and Masons which is handy because I could pick up some violet creams … I adore them. I would definitely need a spa treatment at Thai Square Spa before continuing the evening. It would have to be a meet up with one of my old beaus at sea containers Roof top bar. London by night on the river is spectacular and leaves room for whatever comes next…. Fancy being styled by Lupe? Get more information here – https://www.fashionspace.world Photography by Nyla Sammons #fashion #fashionstylist #lupecastro

We caught up with Claire Bloom, Interior Designer, Interior Architect and Stylist. WHEN DID YOU REALISE YOU HAD A LOVE FOR INTERIOR DESIGN? Literally my entire life, since I could hold a toy I was making it a house, and decorating that house. WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT FAVOURITE INTERIOR TREND? I’m loving the return to curves.  As Edward Bulwer says “In life, as in art, the beautiful moves in curves” WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE PROJECT TO DATE? My favourite project to date has been a hotel I designed in Notting Hill, sadly now developed into luxury apartments, but that one was a dream to work on. WE LOVE HOW CREATIVE YOU GET ON YOUR INSTAGRAM, CREATING THINGS, WHAT HAVE YOU MADE RECENTLY? I’ve been challenging myself to take up more paper crafts, such as decoupage, which is a wonderful way to spruce up any piece of small furniture.  All you need is glue and paper cuts out, such as images from magazines, wrapping paper or even napkins can be used, and you can get sticking. IF SOMEONE WANTED TO STYLE THEIR OWN HOME, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM? My style advice is be yourself, think laterally about the space you want to live in, what really functions for you? don’t be too taken in by trends, and always add something vintage or at least old, to balance a new interior. WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN? Listen to your gut, it will always tell you what is right. IF YOU HAD A FREE DAY IN LONDON TO DO WHATEVER YOU WANT, NO LIMITS, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? My perfect day would include a good deal of shopping, especially now after being deprived of this for so long! then lunch at La Goccia, the restaurant at Petersham Nurseries in Covent Garden, its like a magical garden oasis in the city, with great fresh elegantly prepared organic cuisine. I would also like access to any house or garden that I fancied. I’m constantly intrigued by how people live and looking around houses and gardens is probably the most exciting thing in the world to me! My go to website to look up houses that have public assess is https://www.artiststudiomuseum.org You can find Claire on Instagram – @claire_bloom_style Photography by Nyla Sammons #clairebloom #interiorstylist #interiors

We caught up with Steve Manktelow, Owner and Director at GOAT Chelsea. WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE VIRTUAL COCKTAIL CLASSES YOU RUN, CAN YOU TELL OUR READERS HOW THEY CAME ABOUT? We’d been doing cocktail classes for about 8 years at our previous venue, we had no plans of introducing these during lockdown until a friend called us and asked to help cure their boredom… VIRTUAL COCKTAIL CLASSES ARE POPPING UP EVERYWHERE, WHICH WE LOVE TO SEE, WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOUR CLASSES? All our classes follow a theme ranging from focusing on a particular spirit, to Drinking with Hemingway and Sinking Drinks on the Titanic. We tell cocktail stories alongside the drink making and do our best to dive into fascinating tangential tales connected to the drinks. These are wildly varying in nature and one class can jump from why £43 million was a snip for a 19 second product placement, how salt improves a Negroni to who got Bond drinking martini’s. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING WHERE YOU GO WHEN LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTED, ARE YOU WORKING ON ANYTHING NEW? Our plan is to continue these classes, they’ve proven to be a great way for distanced people to have a fun night in. To be able to have a drink with friends or colleagues based in other countries, or just spread around the UK via these classes cuts down on a lot of travel hassle. We will also be running in person classes in various locations in London. BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN? “The average host, who makes no pretence of being an expert on cocktails, can get along very nicely with a knowledge of how to mix a half-dozen good cocktails. In fact, if he or she can make only two or three and always makes them well, they will stand much higher in the regard of their friends.” – David Embury. IS THERE ONE COCKTAIL CLASS THAT YOU’VE DONE SO FAR THAT STANDS OUT? WHAT WAS IT THAT MADE IT SO MEMORABLE? Connecting to 297 screens and 700+ people on one of our public classes was amazing, the buzz of people made it feel like a bar. In over the last few months we’ve managed to establish an online community of people that return to these classes meaning our home bar has ‘regulars’ a plenty. Catching up with these people every two weeks has made our lockdown feel a ton more social than Boris has been trying to engineer. TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE COCKTAIL? A Daiquiri, total simplicity both from the flavours and the number of ingredients, which means this is easy to both find ingredients for and make, and is always a crowd pleaser. IF YOU HAD A FREE DAY IN LONDON TO DO WHATEVER YOU WANT, NO LIMITS, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? For a 5-star hotel bar crawl, starting with White Lady’s at the Savoy…. To book tickets for a cocktail class visit: https://goatchelsea.com #cocktailclasses #goat #SteveManktelow