Bishi, The Print Room

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I wasn’t intending to review the Bishi show I saw last week, but was so affected by her performance that I feel compelled to mention her on my website.

An independent musician, artist and performer based in London, Bishi has a reputation for individual and ambitious work. Described as the doyenne of hybrid music, she combines ancient folk, left field pop and Asian instrumentation with fluency, charm and lyrical melody. The new album ‘Albion Voice’ is a work of vision and musical courage – at the core is a desire to make inspirational music with fearless conviction.

Recent explorations into online broadcast, immersive projection and interactive technology has seen the project move further into art practice with presentations in galleries and cinemas as often as traditional music venues. New works in ceramics, textiles and hand made couture enable a deeper exploration of the influences and processes involved with the project as a whole. With an established international career, Bishi performs and exhibits across Europe, Asia and the US. She was recently announced as ‘The New British Diva’ on the cover of The New York Times and could be compared to the eccentric Lady Gaga.

Bishi is a larger than life character and her personality totally consumed the intimate Print Room audience. Dressed in an impressive structural outfit with head piece and veil, she is a striking performer. She sung through her new album while dancing and playing the sitar in front of spectacular video installations, majestic and magnificent – it was an absolute pleasure watching this Indian beauty perform.

Bishi has a range of prints, ceramics and artworks from recent exhibitions available for purchase, I especially love my pop-arty Bishi tea towel. Her new CD, Albion Voice will be available for purchase soon.

http://bishi.inthecompanyofus.net/

Daniel Galvin Jr, Belgravia

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Daniel Galvin Jr must be fed up of being compared to his famous hairdressing father – his glamorous Belgravia salon couldn’t be more different to the huge venue his father owns in Marylebone. This stylish boutique exudes charm and elegance, decorated in a smart black and white colour scheme, it reminded me of a Parisian salon. It is cool and slick inside, pretty people sit flicking through magazines while their hair is rejuvenated.

A host of celebrities sing Daniel’s praises and his Belgravia salon is a regular hangout for the Made in Chelsea gals so I knew I was in for a treat when I arrived on a Saturday morning for a colour and cut. With the sun finally reaching our London skies, I felt ready for a few highlights and a shorter bob… lighter and brighter for the hotter months.

Daniel calls his staff the ‘Dream Team’ and after my experience I couldn’t agree more, the hairdressers here are professional, friendly and knowledgeable. It was obvious immediately that the health of the hair comes first… and when I suggested dip-dying to my colourist Olyvia, she shook her head declaring it too damaging for my hair. It was refreshing to have a hairdresser who was brave enough to assert her experience and offer her opinion. I was impressed throughout with how personalised the service is at Daniel Galvin Jr, I truly felt like my stylist and colourist cared about the health and look of my hair. Together we decided on a half head of scattered highlights, only slightly lighter than my natural colour to offer some warm honey hints. The time passed quickly as Olyvia filled my hair with silver foils and we chatted enthusiastically.

Everyone was incredibly efficient and before washing out the foils, a junior colourist came by several times to check on the developing colour, washing out the relevant dye from various parts of my hair as and when it was needed. The salon is surrounded by designer shops and cafes and lucky for me they have a deal with the Ottolenghi cafe round the corner serving up the tastiest salads ever for reduced prices. You can order your meal from the menu and someone will fetch it for you while your hair dries. I ordered numerous coffees which arrived promptly and were deliciously roasted and rich, each cup accompanying by a sweet and yummy Bonne Maman Coconut Madeleine.

After an energising wash downstairs (sadly no head massage) I went to have my hair cut. This was sharp and speedy, again the stylist (the brilliant Natasha) checked constantly that I was happy with the length and style and then blow dried my hair quickly before using GHD straighteners to add defined messy curls throughout. It felt so much fresher and bouncier.

A week later and my hair is still feeling soft and natural, transformed from its previous distressed over-coloured state. At Daniel Galvin Jr they promote healthy organic products which ensures that your locks are kept in good condition long term rather than just as a quick fix. Aside from a superior haircut and colour, Daniel Galvin Jr is a gorgeous salon to spend time in. You don’t just go to Daniel Galvin Jr once… this salon becomes a way of life.

Visit the Daniel Galvin Jr website here and follow the salon on twitter @danielgalvinjr

Nigel Mendham Power Lunch at Thirty Six, Dukes Hotel, Mayfair

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The new Nigel Mendham Power Lunch at Dukes Hotel in Mayfair is the ideal excuse for a girly get-together in town. This perfectly structured meal ensures you cross off everything on your to do list, whilst enjoying a fine lunch… all without lifting a (perfectly manicured) finger.

We wandered through the beautiful, immaculately decorated hotel cooing at the pea green and pretty pink colour co-ordination… we were both totally enamoured of the romantic picture perfect setting. Lunch is served in a tangerine coloured dining room, petite and cosy with light streaming in through the windows.

Michelin starred chef Nigel Mendham serves gourmet cuisine for Londoners on the go at the new Thirty Six restaurant while the Dukes Hotel offers essential services for diners who have perhaps forgotten a friend’s birthday, need a battery for their camera etc – a personalised concierge service to meet every need. All you need to do is tick your desired extras on a nifty little list given to you on arrival. It just so happened that my blackberry was totally dead and so the phone charging facility was very much appreciated!

The staff were ultra attentive at all times, replacing the cutlery at super speed and topping up wine every five minutes. Food arrived very promptly (they can have you in and out in thirty minutes if need be) and was cleared away even quicker. Lucky for us, the restaurant wasn’t busy so we had the full attention of our waiter!

We were served a sensational meal… beginning with delicate little cups of Gazpacho followed soon after by hot freshly baked miniature loaves and butter. We chose Chilled Ham Hock Terrine and Fresh Artichoke Salad to start… both beautifully presented and utterly delicious, the ideal classic summer dishes. Steak and chunky stacked chips, and light perfectly seasoned fish followed, fuelling our fast paced gossip while we gulped the exquisite rose wine.

Traditional and stylish desserts arrived with frothy coffees. We were full but too greedy not to try the sweet treats. Wonderfully creamy Pannacotta for me and a spicy moist Carrot Cake pudding for my guest.

Brilliant concept and faultless food = the perfect lunch. You’ll expect the same service in every restaurant you visit!

My extras arrived right on cue as we were leaving… a bottle of Chanel rouge noir nail varnish and a scented Floris candle.

For more information look here.