The Monkey Shoulder Burns Night

Burns Night is a celebration of the life and poetry of the Scottish poet Robert Burns.

The celebration usually includes a Burns Supper. Burns night is held on or near the poet's birthday, 25 January. The first suppers were held in Ayrshire at the end of the 18th century by Robert Burns' friends on the anniversary of his death, 21 July, In Memoriam and they have been a regular occurrence ever since.

This year we cracked an invite to the much buzzed about Monkey Shoulder Burns Night Celebration at the Paramount Club. The invite promised "a Burns Night with a difference. Think beat poetry, rock and roll bagpipes and salubrious Monkey Shoulder Whiskey drinks to match the bonnie surroundings of Paramount Club in Soho".

The evening's entertainment includes:

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Rock 'n Roll Bagpipes - Guaranteed to blow your mind

Mr. Monkey our Master Mixologist
Jamie Forbes will be shaking his stuff at the bar & unveiling his original Burns night cocktails

Edinburg DJ Group Tokyo Blu
Scotland's hottest DJs will keep the night swinging

AND... introducing Monkey Mars Bar Tempura
Haggis Hors D'oeuvres, Whiskey Trifle and other lip smacking simian snacks

After navigating the waiting hoards at the entrance we were whisked 31 floors up to the roof of London - The Paramount Club. Where we were greeted by our hosts for the evening and a panoramic view of London. Being a fan of London (and seeing things from a different perspective) I had been looking forward to seeing London from The Paramount Club and was not disappointed.

The bar team kept the night well oiled with a range of Monkey Shoulder Whiskey Cocktails specially made by mater mixolosgist Jamie Forbes including; The John Barleycorn, Pink Scotch Drink, Bobby Burns and the sublime Ginger Monkey.

How to make a Ginger Monkey
50ml Monkey Shoulder
American Dry Ginger Ale

Fill a tumbler with ice, pour the Ginger ale until 2/3rds full, float the Monkey on top, Garnish with an Orange Wedge.

Edinburgh DJs Tokyoblu kept the dance floor fill of kilts. But rolling out the Legendary Red Hot Chilli Pipers with their unique brand of Jock and Roll was a classy move. In between the thumping beats we were treated to traditional Burns poetry with a real beatnik style to it.

The menu we were treated to included treats such as; Haggis Hors D'oeuvres, Monkey Shoulder Whisky Trifle and Monkey Mars (Bar) Tempura.

Thanks for the great evening Monkey Shoulder.

The GQ Men Of The Year 2009 awards

From GQ: "The most exciting prize-giving ceremony on the planet - the GQ Men Of The Year awards 2009, in association with Alfred Dunhill - took place last night at the Royal Opera House.

Arriving very late for The GQ Men Of The Year 2009 awards, On the carpet of The GQ Men Of The Year 2009

Even by our previous standards the line-up this year - our 12th - was preposterously glitzy. We celebrated the cream of the crop from the world of entertainment, politics, literature, film and music.

Awards room GQ Men Of The Year 2009 awards, Entry into the champagne reception of The GQ Men Of The Year 2009,
Champagne room GQ Men Of The Year 2009 awards

Every one of our overachievers was scrutinised, assessed, argued over before they gained their awards."

GQ's Man of the year Mickey Rourke arrived and the p-a-r-t-y started, Miss Freida Pinto & @silkeschild GQ Men Of The Year 2009

Dylan Jones, Jamie Bill, and the staff of GQ have the pleasure of inviting you.
To celebrate the 12th annual GQ Men Of The Year awards.
8th September 2009

Jermain Jackson and UK Boy Band, Real slow start but the dance floor picked up GQ Men Of The Year 2009 awards

The Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London WC2
Entrance by invitation only.

@ckc1ne finally gets to hang with Jason Statham GQ Men Of The Year 2009 awards

The GQ Men Of The Year 2009 awards

Mighty Meaty Grill at Chiquitos, Leicester square, London

Mighty Meaty Grill at Chiquitos Leicester square, London , originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

4oz Sirloin steak, half a rack of barbecue, pork ribs, sausage, and two barbecue chicken skewers. Served with spicy onion rings, corn on the cob, fries and freshly made Pico de Gallo.

On Leicester square Chiquitos is a Mexican eatery mainly for young tourists.

Silke's Birthday Celebration

London, England
Category: Social

Hi all,

Ok, so we are cooking with gas now. Loose arrangements for tomorrow evening are as follows:

Apéritif - Kemia Tea Bar - 7ish (take your time it’s Saturday – relax. Hopefully the weather will be good and we can sit outside)

Dinner - Momo – 7:30 – 9:15pm

Digestif - Milk & Honey - 9:30 – 10:40 pm

More Digestifs – Absolute Ice Bar – 11pm – 11:40

Night cap – Kingly Club - 12 onwards

Alternatively we can have dinner and just mooch around. If the weather is good we can pop by The Trafalgar’s roof top bar area.

Best and looking forward to seeing all of you tomorrow.

Saturday August 11, 2007 - Sunday August 12, 2007 from 7:00pm - 3:00am
Kemia, Momo, Milk & Honey, Absolute Ice Bar, Kingly Club
Mayfair &Soho

Expresso at the Riverside Cafe, Vauxhall, London

Expresso at the Riverside Cafe, Vauxhall, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

A new restaurant/cafe has opened downstairs. The Riverside Bar & Restaurant is an oasis hidden away on the bank of the Thames. Relax on our cosy sofas, enjoy cocktails and continental beers at the bar or a delicious dinner in our restaurant.

Whether keeping out the chill of the oncoming winter months with a fine wine or brandy, or remembering the sultry summer nights with a super-chilled, thirst-quenching pint, you can still enjoy the great outdoors and outstanding vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows in the comfort of the ever-inviting Riverside

London Sundowners, Vauxhall, London

London sundowners, Vauxhall, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Sunset from my balcony this evening.

Dinner at Veeresharmy

After a couple of false starts and long term bookings I finally got to go to go to what is deemed by many as the finest curry house in all of Britain. Veeraswamy est. 1926

Hi all,
You are invited to dinner at (Booming Indian accented voice)
VEERASWAMY the legendary Indian restaurant. It's an eat and meet affair.
Sat 11 Nov 8pm - 11pm (3 hrs) (London)Mezzanine Floor, Victory House 99 Regent Street, London W1B 4RS (entrance on Swallow Street)

Veeraswamy is the oldest surviving Indian restaurant in the U.K. It was established in 1926 at the same site by the great grandson of an English General, and an Indian princess. The restaurant has been the rendezvous of rich, famous, and fashionable lovers of Indian food. Customers included Edward - Prince of Wales, King Gustav of Sweden, Pandit Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Charlie Chaplin, King Hussein of Jordan and Marlon Brando.

As with all of these get togethers its about great company, good food & a comfortable atmosphere. This occasion did not disappoint. We had a great table under a giant chandelier decorated with rose petals. It was good to see old friends as well as meet new friends. One has to respect an establishment that has a no photos inside policy.

The crab kebab starter was subtly delicious. The Biryani Classic (Hyderabad lamb biryani) which has been on the menu since 1926. Was fragrant and delicate. It really made me regret all the overpowering quick fix-no time-dazzle me taste explosions I have been forcing onto my senses. It was from a more genteel time - when taste was not synonymous with "entertain me".

The Rose Lychee Martinis are great, although a little sweet as was the Espresso Martini.

Nikki G's birthday at The Oratory

A time to meet new friends, catch up with old friends and wish Nikki happy birthday.

The Oratory is is one of the Brinkleys owned & operated restaurants. In summer with the large double doors open this place must be quite amazing. Our waiter guy was a tall drink of American and was beyond reproach. He was just the right balance of formal service and casual personality. His personality added to the evening making sure it was memorable.

The ladies looked fine and the gentlemen were well groomed for the evening particularly Mark, who was kilted out. A jolly laugh was had by all. The champagne flowed freely (thanks Mark), the grilled bruschetta with goats cheese and a red pepper and red onion compote was divine, my main roast chicken breast stuffed with goats cheese, sun-dried tomatoes & mash was a little dry but delicious nevertheless.

The decor was a bit eclectic but interesting. The ceiling ornaments reminded me of Renaissance's Sebastians cafe Cape Town. Kind of gilded baroque.

JB throws a Halloween party

Looking north west (Millennium eye -Big Ben)

I also had a chance to poke around the Jam Factory one of the locations I had scouted for the Bat cave. JB has a top floor terrace with a 360 degree of London's skyline. Breathtaking!! What you lose on the straights you make up on the corners. The view was awesome and made me fall in love with London all over again. Especially with all the pre Halloween & Guy Fawkes fireworks on display.

Looking north west (Millenium eye -Big Ben), originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

For non locals - from Halloween to Guy Fawkes (or till demand drops) is a period that every yob & his dog will try make as many attempts to irate me by setting off as many Rockets, Screeches and Crackles as possible in my immediate or just close enough proximity to be a hazard.

Again I notice how every bedroom in London seems to be 5 X the size of mine.

JB throws a Halloween party

DSC08390, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

I great time was had by all, met loads of interesting people and had some really decent conversation spanning:

- cultural differences
- first impressions of London
- why my XDA is the best device in its space
- security in South Africa
- Sri Lanka vs. the Maldives
- the source of the Thames
- Louis Vuitton's Bond street turnover
- the Euro debate & unification of Europe as well as hearing an informed perspective on the UK's stance on the Euro from a Frenchman
- discussion around iPod vs. Sony Walkman and their software
- my complete lack of any dance skills
- the spectacular view from JB's penthouse terrace and architecture.

Absolut Ice Bar (Below Zero), London a cool place to hang out

For my 111Th birthday I decided to paint the town red, pink & blue. 2 Of my closest friends from The City are off on an around the world trip soon and I thought it fitting that a night out was called for.

I made tentative reservations at Vertigo 42, (not open on the weekends so Friday night is their busiest night) and I was put on the standby list (yes, standby list) in position No. 23. I called a guy a know, and got swooshed up the list to lucky No. 7. And immediately made a booking at the National Portrait Gallery (a word of advice if you intent to make a phone call to the restaurant, it may be worth while to learn some French). I also made a reservation at Below Zero (just in case).

As the night drew closer it became apparent that Vertigo 42 was a non happener , although they did offer an alternative to my original request. We were all running a bit late so the abrupt inflexible call I got from the NPG to tell me that the kitchen was closing very soon,. They had warned me about this when I made the booking so it was no surprise and I'm guessing the abruptness of the French ladies manner had more to do with her inability to deal with my reaction to possibly losing my table than her general demeanour. Thinking about it I may pop down there this evening. Last drinks order at 10pm.

So after a quick chat we made our way to The Trafalgar roof garden for Aperitifs (and contributed to Paris's next allowance. Then into the heart of Mayfair for dinner at Zinc. I should mention that it was all good but don't order the seafood, Paul's Mussels and my Crab tasted if they had been frozen for about 3 weeks prior to our arrival at Heddon Street.

Afterwards I surprised everyone by ushering them into the Absolut Ice Bar. It's not quite the Ice Hotel, but it is owned by the same people and was an enjoyable experience for all. The Absolute team were really cool and really contributed to the fun of the evening. Just look at the pic of the guy behind the bar How friendly? We were enjoying it so much we stayed for 2 sessions and made good use of the Absolut cocktail menu.

Next to Below Zero in the heart of the West End you will find the UK's first permanent ice bar About Absolut Icebar London. The interior is kept at below zero temperature –5°C all year round. Step into an environment where all of the interior fittings, including the walls, bar, tables, and even your own personal glass holding the vodka drinks is made out of pure, clear ice from the Torne River in northern Sweden. The Icebar is run in partnership with Below Zero London, Absolut, and Icehotel. On entry you will be provided with a personal ice glass & thermal cape to keep you warm during your stay (40 minute time limit) Source - http://www.fluidstyle.co.uk

Afterwards we made our way to 2 floors in London and then back to MI9. For a night cap but mostly a nap.

Soho and its environs

As it has become my custom to do, I frequented my usual haunt Soho this weekend.

Once upon a time, Soho was rolling farmland. In the Middle Ages it became a Royal Park, and the name originated from a hunting cry of the time - "So-Ho". By the 17th century it had been mostly sold off, and underwent rapid development. It attracted plenty of refugees in the 18th and 19th century, which explains how Greek Street got its name.

The remainder of the afternoon was taken up by popping into:

Ray's Jazz & Café at Foyles

John Snow1 - A major event in the history of public health was the study of an outbreak of cholera in Soho by Dr. John Snow. He identified the cause of the outbreak as the public water pump in Broadwick Street (then named Broad Street), and disabled it, thus ending the outbreak. A replica of the water pump, with a memorial plaque, stands near the location of the original pump (next to the John Snow pub).

Cosh - Cosh will showcase work from 13 artists including Airside (who boast Fred Deakin as a member), work from award winning Gregory Gilbert George and also Michael Gillette who is renowned in the UK for his companionable observations of the working lives of pop stars.

The English Maid - The 1933 Dutch barge, which was used in World War II to transport German troops along the Seine, is now home to one of the staples of British culture: a pub.

Friday Night out in Shoreditch

Shoreditch Rocks

Cast: Myself , Paul, Matt and Peter. */archetype New Media/broadcast guys

Scene: All I knew about the plan for the night was "we were heading into Shoreditch". After work I picked up a 12 pack of Whitstable Bay Organic (only organic beer, available at short notice) and taxied through to Casa Del Paul.

Paul cooked up some treats for everyone, thereby ensuring the appropriate foundation for the forthcoming events. Once the team was assembled as per Paul's earlier suggestion we headed into Shoreditch, on the free nightbus.

Location: dreambagsjaguarshoes
Scene: New Media meets packing industry meets gallery.
Highlight: Getting to know Pete and Matt a bit better

Location: The Legion
Scene: Student bar meets DJ Bar
Highlight: Meeting the most polite doorman in London.

Location: Cafe Kick
Scene: Sports Cafe meets Hoxton
Highlight: Meeting bumping into friends and getting a chance to play some Foosball.

Location: Loungelover Ltd
Scene: Upmarket lounge bar meets NY Kitch
Highlight: Great snacks, Cocktail menu, Meeting Lu Lu and Jason who invited us to the next venue. Also heard Chunking for the first time, laid back beats and hypnotic vocals.

Location: Gary’s Bar
Scene: A secret bar that is more like a house party than a commercial venture.
Highlight: Meeting some of the local East end characters. There was dancing on board room tables. Channel 4 presenters party'ing hard and surreal invites downstairs to view the art gallery (tour by one of the artists thrown in). The current exhibition is 12 Angry photographers.

All in all I had a great night; met some really good people and partied in some intresting spots. Had a real "Swingers" feel to it. Looking forward to the next one.