Tag Archives: Islington

Blow Bar, Angel

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A blow dry is an instant pick-me-up and I think it is only a matter of time before this quick beautifying treatment becomes a super fad.

Blowbar is a styling bar concept imported from LA. They now have two London branches, in Wandsworth and Islington, and are conveniently located so you can pop in for a 30 minute wash and high fashion blow dry in your lunch break, or dash in before a night out (on Thursday and Friday they stay open until 8pm). And for just £25 a go it feels very affordable.

I visited the cute venue in Camden Passage, Islington… surrounded by gorgeous boutiques and glorious smelling cafes, it is a lovely place to potter around for the afternoon. The Blowbar salon is slick and stylish but very petite with black walls, cream leather seats and two wash basins at the back for hair washing. I love the font used by the company, a vintage twirly writing like the programme ‘Bewitched’ – it has a retro feel.

Blowbar also offer colour and extensions upstairs in the salon but I decided to go for a simple blow dry, so I could experience the treatment that has made them so well known. Emily washed my hair efficiently with the L’Oreal Professional products whilst chatting to me about life at Blowbar. Hearing about all the excitable girls that come in for preening, it sounded like such fun to be here everyday. It would be an ideal place to hold a girlie party, with champagne and a nail varnish station on offer to guests.

I opted for a simple wavy, glamorous style. It only took 20 minutes, after scrunching through a little product, Emily blasted my hair with hot air whilst pinning in several rollers to add more shape. Then to hold the ‘do’ in place she grabbed one of the many cans of Elnett hairspray and blitzed my hair. It felt light and lovely and looked miraculously sophisticated and grown up.

The blow dry will last a few days, and I guarantee after a few sessions at Blowbar you’ll be hooked on this ‘feel good and look great’ therapy.

More information here: www.theblowbar.com

THOROUGHLY MODERN MAN: Charles Court Opera present ‘The Pirates of Penzance’, Kings Head Theatre

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Charles Court Opera has returned yet again to Islington’s fringe theatre the King’s Head with its latest Gilbert and Sullivan offering, ‘The Pirates of Penzance’.  This is a G&S stalwart that I have heard much about over the years, yet before Thursday had not had the pleasure of watching in its entirety.  This company continues to blaze a trail in the world of fringe opera, not least because of its special connection with the ferociously talented Eaton-Young Piano Duo.  These pianists arrange the orchestral scores complete for piano four hands or two pianos, thereby allowing performances in venues previously inaccessible for opera, without any detriment, might I add, to the quality of accompaniment.

With a cast comprised of a healthy mix of CCO regulars and new faces, the production was at all times sparky and engaging.  John Savournin has once again combined the roles director, choreographer and performer admirably; his silky bass-baritone and comic timing produced an excellent portrayal of the Pirate King.  Another highlight was the comedic trio of Mabel (Alexandra Hutton), Edith (Charlotte Baptie) and Kate (Nichola Jolley); these ladies really captured the naiveté and pliability of three young maidens.  Hutton in particular was extremely effective in evoking Mabel’s ‘blondeness’, through want of a better term – her bright and clear soprano was effectively employed to achieve the character’s personality.  The men also did a superb job; Matthew Kellett’s Samuel was well thought through and humorously received by the audience.  Ian Jervis as General Stanley certainly won the hearts of the auditorium; particularly in his triumphant number ‘I am the very modern of a modern Major-General’.  My other musical highlight was ‘How beautifully blue the sky’, which simultaneously set up the romance between Mabel and Frederic (Kevin Kyle), while allowing Edith and Kate to tickle the audience with their impressive patter-singing.

An extra word of praise must go to Annie Loach’s set design, which made impressive and innovative use of the small space that is the King’s Head Theatre.

CCO continues to provide an effective bridge between top conservatoire education and the professional opera world, while setting itself apart from the pack in the league of G&S productions.  I urge you not to miss out on what will be a fantastic run of performances – book here.

Written by a Thoroughly Modern Man, Mark McCloskey.

69 Colbrooke Row, Islington

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The Islington bar with no name has gained quite a reputation with its deliciously drinkable cocktails and laid back speakeasy vibe. The bar was opened in 2009 by Tony Conigliaro (Isola, Roka and Shochu Lounge) and Camille Hobby-Limon (Charles Lamb pub). Now known by its address, 69 Colbrooke Row’s following is steadily growing, a hot spot for cocktails in North-East London.

I’m relieved to have discovered this bar as I’ve often wandered along Upper Street in search of a decent drink and not been totally satisfied with the choice, until now that is. I may be a 69 Colbrooke regular from now on!

The bar is hip yet retro with Martini signs on the entrance and a sophisticated black and red theme inside. I loved the staff outfits – stylish jackets and shirts that looked slightly Charlie Chaplin-esque. When we went along on a warm Sunday afternoon, the windows were open and the place was empty, we smugly had the bar and the bar staff all to ourselves. The menu is short but sublime, not wasting any space with dud drinks instead preferring to only offer top notch cocktails carefully created and of the highest quality.

We thoroughly enjoyed all the concoctions we tried, four very particular drinks each with its own taste and curious twist. Talking to the waitress, we chose to sample the favourites on the list to see exactly why they had become so popular.

Barbershop Fizz – Pine infused Beefeater Gin, Birch syrup, Patchouli infused Mint, Lime juice, topped with Soda.

This was perhaps the star of the night, a stunningly simple long pale green drink garnished with a curl of lime zest, it looks a million dollars.  The subtle pine infused gin has a slightly medicinal taste and gives a warm woody tang balanced with the refreshing mint and sharp citrus lime; diluted with soda water, it is a cooling and stimulating cocktail. Very drinkable and perfect for the warmer months, but totally distinctive.

Spitfire – 69 House Cognac, Peach Liqueur, Lemon Juice, Sugar, White Wine.

This is a grown up but girly cocktail, shaken fiercely with egg white it has a creamy smooth texture and fluffy top. Despite the strong sweet alcohol, the peach, lemon and wine makes this drink dainty and delightful, I could have happily drunk three in a row.

Vinus Lupus – Clover Honey, Chamomile, Verjus, Mastic and Sauvignon Blanc.

Served in a wine glass with ice cubes, this isn’t your typical cocktail. It is a low key and subtle drink for those wishing to try an exciting variation on white wine. The delicate honey sweet undertones make the drink comforting and satisfying. We enjoyed this drink but found it not to be as memorable as the others, perhaps a good choice for less enthusiastic cocktail drinkers.

Rhubarb Gimlet – Homemade Rhubarb Cordial stirred with Beefeater Gin and a Grapefruit twist.

A miniature glass holds a lethal but sensationally pretty pale pink liquid that warms your throat and soothes your soul. Usually I am repelled by bitter fruit flavours but this mixture works miraculously well, the sweet caramelly taste from the rhubarb balancing the flavours beautifully. Strong but divine.

The bar operate a thankfully easy pricing system with all cocktails costing £9 each, reasonable considering the care and expertise of preparation.

69 Colbrooke serves up seriously good cocktails in a gorgeous intimate boudoir. Old fashioned and discreet, it is a welcome oasis away from islington’s busy Upper Street.

Visit the 69 Colbrooke website here for more information.