This has been a momentous week, after months of hard work and soaring rhetoric, we have succeeded. Yes we can and yes we have.
….The new website is here. We’ve got an updated look, all the old editions are on there and now helpfully tagged and easily searchable
OK, so the rhetoric was mainly in programming code, but check it out at www.manabouttown.co.uk and tell your friends. We dare you.
This Week’s Feature
All Star Lanes - Brick Lane, E1
95 Brick Lane (part of the Truman Brewery), E1 6QL
“Life isn’t all beer and skittles, but beer and skittles, or something better of the same sort, must form a good part of every Englishman’s education.” (Thomas Hughes)
Following the success of the Holborn and Bayswater branches, yesterday All Star Lanes opened their third branch in Brick Lane, in the Truman Brewery.
For those not familiar with the All Star concept, it can best be described as a perfect place for a kids’ party but without the annoying kids. And more cocktails. In the cold grey winter months, a night of eating, drinking, bowling and dancing is the perfect tonic.
Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes, WC1
Basement of Tavistock Hotel, Bedford Way, WC1H 9EU
“Scientists - the crowd that for dash and style make the general public look like the Bloomsbury set” (Fran Lebowitz)
If All Star Lanes was an actress it would be Audrey Hepburn, all sophistication and sparkling wit. In which case Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes is Marilyn Monroe - focused on delivering the good times, not just looking classy.
Bloomsbury has private karaoke rooms, a sizeable dance floor, bars, food, and of course bowling. This all contributes to a fun, Happy Days, friendly atmosphere. Also it’s a great excuse to dress up!
Joe Allen, WC2
13 Exeter Street, WC2E 7DT
“When she started to play, Steinway came down personally and rubbed his name off the piano.” (Bob Hope)
If Casablanca has taught us one thing, it is that bars and restaurants with pianists are cool. The Joe Allen restaurant in the heart of theatreland is modelled on a classic New York bar, with exposed beams, dark wood and the like. A resident pianist playing nearly every night, and the odd West End star make this a paradoxically classy dive bar in a great location.
The food is a mix of classic English and American dishes, ribs, grilled tuna, pork chops and the like. Perfect for pre or post theatre, or even before a night out in the West End or Soho.
Tinseltown, EC1/NW3
Farringdon (EC1M 4DF), and Hampstead (NW3 1DR, but not 24 hour).
Now, men, we have all found ourselves looking for a quiet bite at 5am, but not sure where to go. Well remember Tinseltown in Farringdon. The 24 hour diner serves classic American dishes in a vibrant atmosphere. OK, you wouldn’t start a night like this, but a good way to end it!
Stuff To Do
Fashion Vs Sport at the V&A, SW7
Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL. Daily 10am-5.45pm, till 10pm Fri
Intersting exhibition exploring the relationship between contemporary fashion and global sportswear brands…is what you tell the ladies. It’s really just an excuse to check out the ultimate channel fishing rod and diamond shoe laces! On all weekend.
Gigs & Tickets
Ben Hur Live at the O2
No you didn’t read that wrong, it really is Ben Hur live, gladiators, horses, chariots and all. We just can’t work this out. It is either the grandest and most inspired idea since the Egytians discovered square stone, or a gigantic £5m error of judgement. Whichever way, it has to be worth being there to find out the answer. Even the PR spiel sounds ludicrous; “All the excitement of the film, only in half the time and with jokes”, the book’s previously prim orgy sequence has been “fleshed out” as it were with “above the belt erotic scenes. . . which show more explicitly what happens in an orgy”, not forgetting the battle scenes which will feature “perhaps 70 of them (gladiators) versus 70” and a sea battle with “at least three galleys”
Kings of Leon
Kings of Leon have announced they will return to the UK for a pair of huge arena shows in June 2009. Tickets for the concerts at London’s O2 Arena & Manchester Evening News Arena will go on sale at 9am on Friday 14th November
PDC World Darts Championship
Alright, so it’s not the one we know and love on the Beeb, but still one hell of a day out
Sales
Savile Row Co
The Savile Row company is reducing its classic black dinner suit from £450 to £255. We don’t know how long this offer will last, so snap one up whilst you can and impress your gran at Christmas
‘Tube Watch.
This week, the remarkable story of the inmates of the Cebu detention centre in the Phillipines who made a name for themselves through the medium of choreographed group dance! Be inspired.
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The one that made them famous, Michael Jackson’s Thriller
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…followed by a little Vanilla Ice of course.
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Aussie news report on Cebu. It’s actually real!
Until next time Men. Bowl and be proud.
