The London Art Fair returns for its 30th Anniversary

So here we are, the tinsel is packed away, 2018 has started with high energy, and we here at The Amazing Blog are raring to go and soak up something new and vibrant. Just as well then that the annual London Art Fair  opens it doors on the 17th January, and keeps them open for all us culture vultures until the 21st - book your tickets before the 15th January and you get 40% off … now let’s keep that queue orderly shall we?

Whatever your taste in Contemporary Art, there will be something here for everyone - check out Beaux Arts Bath on Stand G20 for some seriously intriguing work, or Charlie Smith London on Stand 38A for selection of something a little darker. We will be making a bee line for Galerie Olivier Waltman  on Stand G06, as they are showing some seriously delicious pieces, and with a base in both Miami and Paris - what’s not to love?

Of course alongside all the fabulous art on show, being situated at The Business Design Centre in Islington, also means a plethora of choice in restaurants and bars in the surrounding area for refuelling. But of course inside there is the obligatory Champagne Bar for those of us who feel the need, as well The Photo50 and Jack’s Café offering something altogether more wholesome … However, if people watching is your thing - it certainly is ours - then Jack’s Café with views over the whole shebang is also on the menu. We'll look forward to seeing you there!

The Cockney'tivity – A Very Cockney Christmas Story

We love Christmas at The Amazing Blog. It is a beautiful and loving time spent with all the people you love most in the world, especially family. But before the big day, we like to have a special dinner with our best friends where we exchange gifts, play games, laugh and drink a bit too much. As fun as this is though, it can be a bit tiring, especially if you are the one cooking and even worse if you are cooking again a few weeks later! So we were positively giddy when we came across the Cockney'tivity – A Very Cockney Christmas Story.

This event is utterly unique, it will make you a Christmas hero, and everyone will remember it for years to come. The Cockney’tivity is a Christmas dining experience that features three short acts of hilarious festive drama surrounding a delicious three-course meal in an authentic east end pub. As you enter The North Star, you’ll take a seat at the Christmas dinner table and enjoy your meal as the drama unfolds around you, ending with a hilarious and raucous finale that will have you dancing on your chairs.

The menu sounds brilliantly festive. Starting with roasted vegetable soup with herb oil and garlic croutons Or Smoked Salmon, Pickled Radish Salad with Horseradish Cream. There are two mains; the first is Herb buttered roasted Supreme of Chichen, Roast Spuds, Glazed Carrots, Maple Roast Parsnips, Gloucester Old Spot Pigs in Blankets, Gloucester Pork and Apple Stuffing, Buttered Greens with Nanny Bill’s Gravy. The second is a vegetarian option, titled Nanny Bill’s Nut Roast with Cauliflower Cheese pots, Veggie Stuffing and all the trimmings. Dessert features the classics, Handmade Mince Pies with Brandy Cream and Christmas Budding with Lemon Sorbet. 

The event runs from the 1st – 22nd of December and tickets cost £55 a person. Private bookings are also available here for up to 60 guests.  Get your tickets here and make a Christmas memory no one will forget. 

Friday Favourites - Winterville

As we may have mentioned before, at The Amazing Blog we absolutely LOVE this festive period! Mulled wine, fairy lights and layers are among some of the best things, so being able to enjoy all three in one event is certainly an evening we won't be missing! This year one of our favourite festive events, Winterville, is taking place in South London at Clapham Common. 

What we like about Winterville is that the event offers Londoner’s an alternative festive experience that’s accessible and enjoyable for all. Go ice-skating on the outdoor ice rink, take the kids to the fairground or head to the roller rink with some friends for an active and fast-paced day.  If you would rather relax and be entertained then head to their famous Spiegeltent which is hosting one-off events such as comedy, cabaret and family Christmas shows.  What’s more, the event is the part-time home to some of London’s best street food at the Feastopia, full of option and delight. 

Entry is free, but attractions and events are priced individually. Winterville is open from November 23rd until January 5th, so there is plenty of time for you to go and no excuse for you not to. NB:  Due to weekend popularity for all these individual events, Friday and Saturday night you will need to book your tickets here.

Christmas at Kew

Deck the halls, hang up the mistletoe and string up those lights. Christmas season is here everybody, and we here at The Amazing Blog, clearly, couldn’t be more excited. More excitingly, Christmas is coming early to Kew, running from 22 November to 1 January.

The Kew Christmas festivities take place after dark, once the gardens have closed. The magical after dark experience brings you fairy-tale and fantasy. Wander down the one-mile long trail that winds through the gardens, as you are surrounded by illuminating and singing trees, giant baubles, buildings that boast over one million twinkling lights, a flickering Fire Garden. The Palm House lights up with a dazzling show of laser beams, jets of light and kaleidoscopic projections. It really is a sight to behold!

In addition to the mystical outdoor trail, there is festive food and drink on offer. Sipping some mulled wine, hot chocolate or spiced cider, and toasting marshmallows around the fire is the perfect way to warm your cockles in the winter chill. Fancy picking up some Christmas gifts? There is a wonderful selection of gifts and stocking fillers in Kew’s shops. The children even get a chance to meet Father Christmas and his elves next to the magical vintage fairground. It is the perfect event for all ages, to get you into the Christmas spirit and we can’t wait to bask in the festivities.

Book tickets here for £16, or £10 for children.

EFG London Jazz Festival 2017

From the 10th of November to the 19th of November London is going to get a little jazzier and we at The Amazing Blog couldn’t be more excited. The EFG London Jazz Festival is back again and will be showcasing a wonderful mix of international and British artists for you to enjoy. Events and concerts will be organised in different stunning London venues including legendary concerts halls such as the Barbican Centre and The Royal Festival Hall.

This music-filled event can be enjoyed by all, from jazz enthusiasts to newbies, to families; there truly is something for you all to enjoy. On Friday the 10th the Southbank is holding a Jazz for Toddlers so you can introduce your little ones to the magical and surprising world of jazz. Or why not stop by the London Jazz Café to listen to Moses Boyd and experience the genre from a new breed of artist not bound by any tradition.

Whether you’ve enjoyed jazz your whole life or the recent movie La La Land opened you up to a new and creative world the London Jazz Festival is not to be missed. Have a look at what’s on here and purchase yourself a ticket. If there is one thing we can guarantee about this exciting festival, its that you will have a swinging time.