Hello there. I have temporarily swapped research of the enjoyable variety to that of a more scientific nature- D-Day (dissertation) is looming. In the meantime, I thought I'd share some of the places on my to-do list with you. So freshers, people who have actual weekends off and responsibility-shirkers alike: Go! Live life on behalf of those of us slumped behind desks. Why don't you start with...
SWISHING: Too poor to justify a shopping trip? Why not try the latest craze- also know as shwopping, swishing ditches the heartbreaking handover of cash in favour of swapping clothes. Just under a year ago, M&S hopped on board and since then this new budget-friendly activity has exploded over London & elsewhere. You can do it online, at events or even at your own parties with friends. It doesn't have to stop at clothes- you can swish books, furniture, accessories...anything you fancy.
Mrs Bear's Swap Shop organises frequent swishing events in London- everywhere from Spitalfields market to festivals, cafes to bars and pubs. Arrive with a bundle of clothes you've fallen out of love with, pay an admission fee (free if you're just browsing) and get your items allocated a blue or red label- indicative of price. The next event on the agenda is Saturday 6th April at The Britannia in hackney, E9. This place, incidentally, has a great summer 'garden grill', retro furniture, monthly comedy nights and even beer festivals. For more event listings, keep an eye on SwishingParties.
If you fancy taking more of a backseat approach, why not shwop from the comfort of the sofa (or the library) here, or here! Easy.
THE MIDNIGHT APOTHECARY: This has got to be the one place I most want to visit in London, and I reckon you'll think so too. Hidden on the rooftop of the Brunel Museum (a little way out in SE16) this pop up bar serves cocktails made with herbs & flowers grown right there in the rooftop garden. Deckchairs, sunset views of the river, toasting marshmallows and even a guided tour of the Brunel Grand Tunnel Entrance Hall for just £5. Entry is free, the bar is open 5-10.30pm although there are no scheduled events coming up just keep an eye on the website.
For something a bit different, why not spend a sunny afternoon wandering around THE PARK ROYAL SALVAGE- mostly architectural and bulky products ie stained glass windows & antique fireplaces but could be quality for a game of hide & seek (am I the only person who still suggests this on a regular basis?) Acton Lane, Brent Park, NW10. Open 7.30-4.30 Mon-fri & 9-2.30 Sat. Nearest tube is Harlesden.
Similar ideas: CURIOSITY Antique Dealers on Chalk Farm Road or PAUL'S EMPORIUM by Caledonian Road tube.
How about BOROUGH MARKET for something to eat? (...Or just swing by the website for recipes, fellow library prisoners). Then of course there's BUBBLEDOGS on Charlotte Street in Soho- multiple jazzy hot dog dishes at reasonable prices (veggies included) and an ostentatious list of bubbly. Be quick though, you can only reserve tables for 6 or more and they get snapped up quickly. No amount of flirting with the door man will change this (call it research, you're welcome).
Right. You have my blessing, go and check out these little beauties and report back. If you need me I'll be under a desk in the library.
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