Hot on the Highstreet Week 156

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The idea for Dodo was born in Mauritius, the island where the real dodo once lived. They were inspired by the story of the funny, flightless bird and charmed by the way the locals strung shells together to create keepsakes. And so, Pomellato, one of the world’s most famous jewellers, created charms to celebrate the dodo (and all the other creatures on the planet). Each 18 kt gold charm has a special meaning – one can collect Dodo charms and create a unique necklace or bracelet to tell one’s story. Collectors mix gold and silver and stack rows of bracelets and necklaces.

There are hundreds of charms to choose from, to mark every occasion, celebrate every event and suit everyone. The miniature animals are perhaps the most popular, each creature signifies a different emotion or theme, but letters and symbols are available too. Dodo also makes beautiful chains to hang your charms from (if you choose to neglect the thick cord they come with) and rings to personalise with your own message.

Dodo’s new rose gold charm – a little house that looks like it was designed for a child – can coax a smile from the sternest Nordic designer, soften the heart of the most supercilious journalist or be spotted adorning the trendiest designer.

I was given a very special (and meaningful) little rose gold Dodo house charm as a present to celebrate / lament me moving out of home. It now hangs perfectly from my yellow gold bracelet, a lovely memory of my family home and in anticipation of my first adult flat.

The Dodo brand is simple and classic with an endearing story to tell. I love my little house and will forever remember what it signifies… home is where the heart is.

The gold charms are priced around £125 each and can be bought in the shop at 31 Sloane Square, or online here.

http://store.dodo.it/

Rocky Horror Show, Richmond Theatre

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There really is no other musical like it – Rocky Horror has a cult fan base that passionately support it wherever it goes. Richmond Theatre was looking glitzier than ever last week as an assorted bunch in sequins and silk excitedly arrived for their favourite show.

Here anything goes… shouting at the stage is permitted, phones are switched on for props and singing along is wholeheartedly encouraged! Even the grumpiest of visitors can’t help but toe-tap, sing and dance.

I first saw the glistening body of Oliver Thornton in Priscilla Queen on the Desert (he starred as Felicia for three years in the original cast at the Palace Theatre) needless to say he has a knack for playing transvestites. But there is more to Oliver than his impressive physique, with a training in dance, vocal versatility and wonderful comic timing, he was made to play this part. With legendary Philip Franks as narrator and soapstar Roxanne Pallett as Janet, the rest of the cast are equally impressive.

Our performance was BSL interpreted for the hearing impaired, which I thought would be a distraction but in fact was a fabulous additional entertainment by the very talented Paul, sadly no second name was given in the programme. Dressed in a black lace corset and panties, he had buckets of swagger and charisma.

This eccentric show is addictive and this production does not disappoint. So dig out your fishnets and make sure you learn the words prior to attending!

Continues until 2 November in theatres around the contact, more information here.

The Coffee Hatch, London Bridge

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I curse the Coffee Hatch for making me wait for my Monday morning coffee. I was up and about early so thought I would try my chances at London Bridge’s most elusive coffee outlet. Drew at the Hatch has a reputation as one of London’s top coffee connoisseurs, but his opening hours are much less dependable. Needless to say I was excited but pessimistic about my pending visit.

The Coffee Hatch has a small window, both literally and physically from which to retrieve your coffee. Open 8-11am approximately Monday to Friday it is geared around London commuters or the occasional mad coffee lover like me.

My numerical skills came into question when I tried to ascertain the location of number 37, Bermondsey Street, surely somewhere between 45 and 30 and yet nowhere to be found. Turns out the Coffee Hatch is nothing more than an inconspicuous black door when closed, I only had the conviction to stay because I’d looked up the info and pictures online.

At 8.11 am the door slowly opened and the coffee man poked his head out. Perhaps he thought I’d just been hanging around outside for fun because he said surprised, “Oh do you want a coffee?” Umm yes, obviously, can you not see me shivering with pre-coffee desperation?!

The Hatch coffees are made on a La Marzocco machine with Square mile beans and an Anfirm grinder, though Drew sometimes uses a special guest coffee. No food is served. The coffee is carefully filtered and served to the customers specifications. Black or espresso is priced at £2 and ‘white any way’ will cost you £2.50.

I tried my usual Flat White, served short and strong. It was extra creamy with a rich roasted aroma. I can’t stand huge cups of coffee sold extra hot so this cup was ideal for me and I had slurped the final drips within a few minutes.

Hours are erratic at the Coffee Hatch but the coffee never falters. Definitely one of London’s best kept secrets.

37 Bermondsey Street
London SE1
Area: Borough

8-11 am Monday-Friday (ish)