Feeling like Stars at The Alchemist

Although I’m not keen on singing in public a lot of my friends just love it, so as soon as I found out that one of my favourite pubs in London, The Alchemist, was hosting a Rockaoke Night, I just had to get them down there.

I rang up Elena, the Sales Manager for the pub to book us a table, and I’m glad I did – it was PACKED! Clearly there are a lot of stars on the rise in Houndsditch.  We sat down at our table and ordered some nibbles to start, along with a few gorgeous Cocktails to kick start the night.

Although it’s not my bag, the Rockaoke was awesome!

It was like karaoke, but instead of singing with a pre-prepared song without the words you sang with a LIVE BAND! There were some brilliant acts, as well as some that, let’s just say, should maybe stick with the day job! My friends had a go at the end of the night when the crowds had thinned a little and they said it was just amazing.

I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for more Rockaoke nights to check out – if they are anything like the one at The Alchemist they are simply not to be missed!

Bonobo, Burlesque, Brilliance

Hello Party Princesses!

I’ve been a little quiet now and feel like I’ve neglected you all but I’m back with the tales of my travels and with a cracker of a party!

You may have seen my post about the Gate London – I went along, had a great time but forgot my camera and felt like a class idiot….top marks to me! WELL, I got an invite last week from the Party Planner at The Gate telling me about a Bonobos Charity Burlesque and Cabaret fundraiser and couldn’t really turn it down! Love a bit of burlesque and thankfully I took my camera this time.

Bonobos are often referred to as “the forgotten ape” but these beauts are so bloody cute! How can you not share a grin with this fella!

Burlesque nights are always an excuse to release my inner Ditta and glam up! Deep red shoes and lipstick – Check, blue leopard print waist nipping dress – Check!

Glancing over the line-up, it fair to say we were in for a treat! Burlesque dancers, exotic fan dancer’s country singers, belly dancers, retro singers and even a group of Cellists!

Niko - Party Planner for The Gate x

The pub was CHOCKA! Perhaps a little overfilled but everyone had got into the spirit and I actually ended up talking to some complete strangers and meeting lots a great people whilst being pressed against the bar!

The bar still had their “buy 2 glasses get the rest of the bottle free” promotion so of course I had to make the most of it….again!

Our first act of the night was the very funny and beautiful Ginger cupcake! She teased us with her cleaning come dancer show. Definitely gave us a few tips on how to remove our stockings and sexily remove the rubber gloves. Washing up will never be the same again!

Ginger Cupcake

In the words of Katy Perry – “Show me your Peacock” Here we have the exotic fan dancer who gave us a short but sweet show. I love her fans! 😉

Next up, a little Turkish delight (Sorry for the pun!) Belly dancing was oddly hypnotic; I wish I could twirl my hips like that.

The next act was by far my favourite of the night. The Massive Violins! A 5 piece Cello group. This is not your usual cello act though; you won’t find a Mozart number with these guys.

They rocked some classic pop songs from Queens, “bohemian rhapsody”, Jungle Books “Ape like you” and Johnny Cash classics but the surprise of the night was that 90’s school disco classic “Sex on the Beach”. My jaw hit the floor, it was incredible. Such a nice surprise and a massive round of applause! The singer – Camilla – blew the roof off The Gate, such a powerful voice for such a tiny girl!

Scores on the (royal) doors: 

Food and service:  Attentive staff so even though it was super busy you never had to wait more than few minutes
Atmosphere and decoration:  Giddy and very excitable
Facilities:  Spick and span. Could have done with more seats but we made do!
Talent Radar: From the young to the old, something for everyone!
Fun Factor: Over exposure to goodness!
Perfect for: EVERYTHING! I had the BEST time and hope there will be another one soon!
In 3 words: Bonobo, Burlesque, Brilliance

Visit the Bonobo website and The Gate’s Facebook for upcoming events

The Gate, Farringdon.

Hellooo!

So this will be somewhat of a strange entry. I could give the long version but frankly it would bore you and I had view numbers to think of, so the short version is: Went to a pub, had a good time, took photos, lost photos, got mad, returned and took more photos!

So, yes, I went to The Gate in Farringdon Central/East London for a few pre-clubbing glasses of wine! This place do a great offer on wine – buy two large glasses of wine (red, white or rose) and get the rest of the bottle free! You really can NOT say anything bad about that can you. You also may find it difficult to turn your nose up at 50% off all food on a Monday. I know I do, I’m heading next Monday, already booked my table.

Normally I would link my pictures with funny incidents that occurred during the evening but seeing as my stupid computer lost all my photos I can’t! I CAN however show you photos of the pub itself and hopefully from those you can see what cute, homey and soulful pub it is. So put your hands together as we introduce, The Gate!

Scores on the (royal) doors: 

Food and service:  Friendly and fast service.
Atmosphere and decoration:  Very relaxed and chilled out.
Facilities:  Had a hunt for toilet roll but everything was clean.
Talent Radar:  A few suit cladded cutesies
Fun Factor: This place will be great in the summer with a cider in the sun.
Perfect for: Wine, pre clubbing drinks, friendly meet ups
In 3 words: Great wine deals!

For other reviews, check out View London, Qype, Yelp and All In London. If 50% off food floats your boat or if you want to make use of that fantastic Wine promotion, click these guys, they will set you on the right track – Party in the Pub.