Brad Recommends @bradchuck-blog - Tumblr Blog

Application for the position of manager of the England football team

Dear FA

I would be delighted to be considered for full time employment in the recently vacated role as manager of the English national football team

I bring with me extensive management experience in association football, having avoided relegation with Brentwood Boys under 11’s in the ‘toilet incident’ season of 1998 and my triumphant shift of Luton Town manager on championship manager 2000 with back to back promotions and a fa cup winners medal.

But it is not my experience I would want you to dwell on. It is my experimental management style that I would bring to the role that I would like you to consider.

I have no sponsor. I am not tied to a contract or brand that in turn sponsors the toenails of Wayne Rooney. I have no baggage. No ex wife or girlfriend willing to sell stories of my lanzarote holiday to a national newspaper. I have no enemies in the press. No journalist has a vengeance against me thanks to scathing reports from the Essex counties under 11 league days.

Instead, I bring a new idea and fresh approach to management that not only will bring the best out of the players, but bring the feel good factor back to the fans as we go into a digital revolution

I would like to propose to become the manager of the England football team on a share based contract. I would share my contract with the English football supporters club and members of the sporting press.

Each time a squad get together is needed, I will contact a poll on social media and via the selected press, to ask which players deserve to be called up based on form for thier clubs. In order to eradicate unfair of clearly biased selections, respectively club managers would have final say on the agreed selection of the players who their club pays for.

Once players are called up, I will meet each one of them face to face in order to create a player/manager relationship. Training is based on the practical skills they have all learnt at thier perspective clubs

Team selection is also voted by the fans and associated press. Most popular wins. Tactics, substitutions…all open for debate and change via social tweets and posts that are measured and fed to me on the touchline.

You see, we, the general public, know what makes a winning team

Every decision, every gesture and every notion to make a change on the playing pitch will be explained and analysed in full. We play and go down together as a proud nation.

I would only ask for a basic salary of £25,000 with added bonus for winning games. I have a 1 month leave notice and I am available for interviews immediately

Kind regards

Brad Chuck

Review of Espeto Creative Grill Restaurant in Leeds

Finding a new restaurant that meets the requirements of a food critic with acquired tastes is tricky. Consider their current mood, their current appetite and what they determine an overall superior dining experience to be. Thankfully, I am no such critic – instead a committed food loving explorer who feels compelled to write something positive when he has experienced something original and well worth his time to pen a few words of praise.

Although I am not a local of Leeds in the north of England, I do travel regularly due to my fabled new family commitments. Searching for a place to enjoy an early evening meal, and using the excellent Taste app to find locations that offered good value food, I was recommended to try out a newly opened restaurant in the South of the City Centre on Wellington Street, a short walk from the main station and local hotels and business district. The restaurant was called Espeto Creative Grill – true, not a name to roll off the tongue and it does leave you wondering what to expect, but the positive reviews and the offer of early eating (5pm) and a discount was enough to book a table for 2 via the rather simple online booking service.

Arriving at the Espeto restaurant, you are introduced to place that has the feel and hallmarks of a lavish hotel entrance. There is the reception area where the well-spoken and smartly dress staff take your details, there is the bar area with grand piano and the whole place is adorned with marble flooring. This is certainly not a typical restaurant – you know straight away that the layout and feel is certainly non English so those expecting Yorkshire Pudding should keep away. Instead, think Portuguese with elements of Greece….

Once seated, we were introduced to the menu – and no, this is certainly not a typical food menu as in essence, there is nothing on it. But don’t be alarmed! As you dig deep into the fine wine and drink choices on offer, the waitress explains all - you will be treated to a flaming chorizo and stone baked garlic bread starter (which was delicious) then you have an open buffet in terms of the mains split into 3 sections – The Cold Salad Bar, the Hot cooked food bar and the Skewered display. The best way to treat your visit to Espeto is to take the Chorizo as an appetizer, then the Salad bar as your starter and with the Hot and Skewered sections as your main.

So the salad bar……Well, I can only say that you are simply spoilt for choice. Catering for varying taste buds in one thing, but to achieve a varied mix of meditation delights in pickled, poached, baked and cured form is a real delight. From the caviar topped purple potatoes, to the sliced lemon salmon, you are in danger of overfilling your plate at the first hurdle.

The hot cooked food bar is a tempting next course, with options like risottos, patatas brava, madeira sautéed potatoes, fried polenta and various one pot dishes that should naturally exist as an accompaniment to the main attraction. As the Skewered display is what this restaurant will really be famed for.

Nothing new to those who attend the various Brazilian restaurants of London, skewered meat is the perfect way to cook and present vast quantities of the most succulent and delicious tender cuts you will have come across. Pork, chicken, lamb, beef…. cooked with a variant of herbs and spices of simply kept plain…you have free reign to pick your favourite cuts or simply request for something different from the live cooking going on in front of you. A real carnivores dream, pescatarians should rejoice at the chargrilled prawns and various fish course options also on display while vegetarians and vegans will be amply looked after in the salad and hot food bars. But let us not disguise that this really is a meat eaters dream.

A restaurant is never complete without the quality of service – and what can you say about plenty of staff on hand to make sure you are at all times looked after. Did I forget to mention that it is really all you can eat? And you get complementary chips and sauces with your main meal? Well, you do. A must visit place for romantic couples, easy going families and large outgoing groups as the Espeto creative grill lives up to more than being creative, it is a superlative eating experience. Go visit

http://espeto.co.uk/

http://www.tastecard.co.uk/restaurant/details/21709/Espeto-Creative-Grill

Why Underwear is Everywhere

10 Reasons Underwear matters

Long ago, before hoodies, denim and anoraks were mere thoughts in the fashion mind-set, there was a time when underwear was the first and only choice for the disconcerting caveman. Fast forward thousands of years of evolution and now underwear and its meaning has become a saucy joke or the optimum of lingerie parties

But let us rejoice the noble underwear! We want to showcase the reasons why underwear matters – so show the following list to any commando loving person who feels there is no Y in fronts…

1. Everyone Gets Caught With Their Pants Down

It happens to the best of us – so instead of running for cover when the wind blows or the belt buckles, stand firm and show off your briefs

2. Surprise Sleepovers

You will never know when you need to stay late at a friend or partner’s house – so make sure you are not embarrassed by the condition of your underwear or have to sleep nude…

3. We can see you….

Underwear was created to conceal certain body parts that are not for public viewing…

4. Strip Poker is still a student pastime

Losing all your money and clothes over a harmless game of fun really isn’t fun if you are not prepared for the worse

5. Skinny Dipping is acceptable if not fully naked

Swimming in your underwear is just like swimming in your trunks right?

6. Luck

We all have them – that one pair of lucky pants. So why settle for underwear past their use by date? Upgrade and feel the luck!

7. Underwear experts on the prowl on our streets

It seems a number of pop up society group movements are in place, looking to question the general public about their underwear – best make sure you are wearing some then!

8. The Movies

Fifty Shades, Risky Business, Dogma, True Lies, Wolf of Wall Street, Magic Mike…do we need to continue?

9. Football season is on full swing

The image of a partner dressed down to their pants with beer and pizza in hand is less forgiving if the briefs are pristine

10. Social media is unforgiving

Love or loath it, your public self-opinion can be destroyed in a flash thanks to an unheralded tweet or risqué Facebook post…so make sure your underwear always matters!

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#underwear #pants #humour

Late Night at London Zoo

Who, in all their most honest ways, could ever resist the lure of the zoo? From the Meerkats to the Giraffes and onto the monkeys, as kids we were forever fascinated with how these creatures lived and why they could never talk back to us. It was with genuine excitement when it was announced that your parents were going to the zoo, zoo, zoo and you were coming too, too, too.....

However, the adult in you has 'probably' grown up now. The zoo is merely a way to keep the kids happy whilst you sit in the cafe, or the zoo is simply not even on the radar as more lucrative family attractions sway your attention. You may even protest about the value of a zoo, something that can hold strong debate but not something to discuss here. So the reputation of these 'animal farms' has suffered in your old age, instead you would rather drink beer, eat burgers and listen to music at a festival......

Well, thanks to those clever people at London Zoo, you can actually enjoy these misdemeanors of life whilst also re-visiting your youth....ladies and gentleman, welcome to Late Night London Zoo.

Without upsetting the sleeping ritual of the animals, Zoo Lates runs every Friday night in June and July only, making sure the patterns of the residents are not disrupted in the wake of a few late night visitors. Running from 6-10pm, this is your chance to relive the past glories of youth and run amok (although supervised of course) with not a child in sight. This is an adult only event...

Beer, wines and cocktails are on plentiful supply from a host of vendors spread out across the park. These are supplemented by various food stations supplying street style food from around the world. Fear not though, as none of the meats on offer actually have relatives smelling them in the zoo cages....

Music is presented via a number of acoustic acts, but these guys do not play too late as the real centre piece is the silent disco. Take part or simply stand and marvel at 200 people shifting and shaking to, erm, music you guess as they listen to songs being played out on their wireless headphones.

Face painting, games, competitions, sideshow characters and adult cabaret acts are all in plentiful supply that give you a continued plethora of options to enjoy whilst you sip on a cold class of rather expensive Stella. But please, let us not forget the real stars of the show.

All the animals are giving a late feed so that they are on show to the public, meaning you have the best chance to see them early before people settle down to food and drink and the entertainment after 8pm. Every animal is a star in there own right, but Penguin beach is a simple marvel to behold....

A must as a date night or with a large group of friends as it does have that small festival atmosphere, Late Night London Zoo is a perfect way to shake of those adult blues and have some childish fun - altthough the weather can play a part so pray for no rain!

https://www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo/whats-on/zoo-lates/

Singalona at the Prince Charles Cinema

Various attempts to become a pop star have been thwarted by a number of factors in the past - Simon Cowell and the Pop Idol team being one - but the realistic understanding that I have a voice like a screaming child is the real reason for my failure for chart success. But never let such indiscretions put you off, as London has a plethora of options for you to showcase that undoubted hidden musical talent.

One of the best is the Singalonga event at the Prince Charles Cinema in London's Leicester Square. Not quite your usual knees up round a piano sing off (but plenty of those about in London), but a series of organised cinema events designed to titillate, stimulate and make you participate in the action you see on the big screen. This is all about singing along to some of your favourite musical films of all time.

In terms of locations, the Prince Charles Cinema (rated as one of the best by Quentin Tarantino) is second to none in terms of pure cinematic delight. Tucked away in the dark corners of the movie premiere square, the PCC is a venue like no other. A film geek's paradise, it shuns the mainstream to feature the films you want to see and the films no-one wanted to see but feel you simply have to see (so bad it is good). Dark decor with a downstairs bar, the cinema is in the style of an old theater, with seats looking up at the stage instead of down and being remarkably comfortable - therefore suiting any age, shape and size. Popcorn? Sure, but leave the jumbo soft drink outside and sample a fresh beer instead.

The beer, in hand, goes ever so well with what the Singalonga team have to offer. This was my 2nd trip to the PCC for a singing event, having chirped along to Grease only 1 year before. This time, is was all about donning the spandex, high heels and leather belts for a rip roaring showing of the quite simply bizarre fantasy epic that is the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

30 minutes before the show, we are summoned away from the bar and into our seat as we are greeted by our 'hostess', a rather sumptuous girl dressed in her finest suspenders (this is part of the act - and to fit in with the show - with Grease we were greeted by a T-Bird....get it?) and matching attire. We are then handed goody bags, in which each item (including tissues and rubber gloves) we are told is to be used as a prop during the screening. Yes, yes, it all fits....Shouting out that brad is an ARSEHOLE and Janet a SLUT the most enduring lesson we must learn when each name is mentioned on screen. The props are all part of the show, as well as the mandatory fancy dress parade when the bravest head up on stage and take applause to gather who wins the token prize. Even before the screening, the audience (consisting of mainly Hen Parties and dating couples) are well entertained and encouraged to get on their feet as much as possible - this is not a show for those wanted a quiet night out...

If you have seen Rocky Horror, you know what to expect. Those who haven't, just don't take it too seriously. The next hour and a half (with a 15 minute interval break for refreshments) is standard cinema viewing with a small twist - words to every song are on the screen and if you don't sing along you will not hear a thing!

A simply brilliant night of entertainment. The PPC is a must for any serious film fan, whilst the sing along event is great for groups, couples and those with an active imagination. Of course, fancy dress is optional, but do you feel you are taking part if you are not dressed up?

http://www.princecharlescinema.com/

http://www.singalonga.net/

#singalonga #prince charles cinema #brad chuck #cinema #rocky horror picture show

THE BIG PICNIC

The Big Picnic - Sunday 3rd June 1pm - Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY

As part of the Queens Jubilee year, the country will join forces on the 3rd of June and celebrate with the BIG LUNCH, an Eden backed project that is all about the greater good of the street party celebration - http://www.thebiglunch.com/

To join in with these celebrations, a small group of north London residents are descending onto Alexandra Palace Park to join forces with the local council and the event managers of the palace to help host the BIG PICNIC, our version of a street party on the grassy embankment outside the front of the ‘People’s Palace’!

The concept is simple – let’s make this the biggest picnic north London has ever seen! All you need to bring is you, your friends, a blanket, an item of food and a drink.....and then we have take off! Taking place on the slope outside the front of the palace, the views of London are breathtaking as you sit back, enjoy the music, games and ambience as you toast the queen in your own unique style.

The Bar and Kitchen Pub at the palace will offer toilets and a constant supply of drinks, whilst Carling are providing fresh beer to the first 30 adults to attend the picnic! The fun and games kick off from 1pm, so come join, be merry and embrace the extended bank holiday in aid of our Queen!

Alexandra Palace itself is helping to host it’s ‘People’s Picnic’ in adjacent to the mass picnic activities on the hill - http://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/a-right-royal-ally-pally-jubilee-celebration/ - offering even more for the whole family to enjoy!

#big lunch #brad chuck #queens jubilee #3rd June #alexandra palace

The Big Lunch - 3rd June 2012 Alexander Palace

Finally, the council, the press teams and even a government member have agreed that Alexander Palace in north London is THE perfect place to celebrate the Queens Jubilee!

Only took 6 months..........

The below is an outline of what they are putting on - this is to run in accordance to the Big Lunch event I am hosting as part of a massive picnic. On the grassy bank outside the front of the palace, I am hoping for as many people as possible to come by, bring a picnic blanket, picnic food and a bottle of bubbly and let us celebrate whilst witnessing some of the best views of London!

The free event is all part of the Big Lunch campaign here - http://www.thebiglunch.com/

So on Sunday 3rd June, from 12pm, come join in with a mass picnic at the palace! Free parking, close to tube and train stations with awesome views and sunbathing spot....but also an indoor area if the rain turns sour!

So grab a blanket and come and party!

More drinks to flow after the event as we have 2 days holiday after....extra details available for those staying up and out.

A RIGHT ROYAL ALLY PALLY JUBILEE CELEBRATION

“The People's Picnic”

Sunday June 3rd 10.30am to 6.30 pm (Big Lunch from 12pm - 8pm)

The Jubilee weekend is set to be one of the most memorable and historic bank holidays in memory. Across the country celebrations are in place to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation.

So what could be more fitting for the local community than to enjoy a Jubilee get together at Alexandra Palace and Park. Built for a princess and maintained as the People's Palace, this is the perfect place to spend Jubilee Sunday, picnicking with friends and neighbours in our glorious parkland.

Join in our official Royal celebrations by enjoying a red white and blue themed day with us and being a part of the Big Jubilee Lunch which is taking place nationwide.

The day will also enable new and regular visitors to Alexandra Palace & Park to enjoy some of the many delights that this historic and beautiful destination has to offer. From the boating lake, to our pitch and putt golf course, ice skating, deer enclosure, garden centre, skate park and farmers’ market.

ICE RINK ACTIVITY AREA:

· Ice skating displays at 1100, 1200, 1430, 1530

· Public skating sessions: 1030-1230, 1400-1630 and 2030-2300.

· Bouncy Castle

· Face painting

· Presentation by Haringey Junior Ice Hockey Club

· Big Red Bus serving refreshments

· “Magic Man Sam”

· “Bah Humbug!” Performance art by the lake

PALM COURT

· Traditional English tea served

· Local Artists exhibition and sale

· Presence and support from YMCA, Friends of the Alexandra Park,

· Alexandra Wylie Tower Foundation

PALM COURT AND SOUTH TERRACES

· Tomorrow’s Ally Pally marquee featuring the Regeneration Programme for Alexandra Palace & Park

BAR & KITCHEN

Open 11am until 11pm

It wouldn't be a thoroughly British celebration without a Jubilicious menu! The Alexandra Palace Bar & Kitchen will be serving traditional Sunday lunch and real ales. Finishing the People’s Picnic with a piano accompanied singalong and knees up from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, as the sun sets over the London skyline.

For more details please go to www.alexandrapalace.com

#big lunch #picnic #queens jubilee #brad chuck

Review of Shrek the Musical at Drury Lane Theatre

Not being a film or theatre critic has the most delicious of advantages. For one, I am not sat their scrutinising actors performances, instead sitting back and being entertained. Secondly, my eyes are ears are open to every little detail so my mind can aimlessly enjoy the set and scenery of a production. Thirdly, I can say what the hell I like and not care a bit....

The Drury Lane Theatre, conveniently located on Drury Lane of all places, is a classic venue of the grand stage. Stacked in history, its location in the heart of the West End make it the ideal place for the typical dinner and theatre crowd. Be warned, best seats go fast and sitting at the back of the upper decks is really not ideal to catch the best views of the stage below. Still, the general ambience is not to be sniffed at, comfortable seats with superb rebounding sound offer a near perfect way to view a perfomance - but £4 for a small tub of Hagen Daas? Not the cheapest of nights out...

Who can honestly tell me that they do not in any way hold the slightest bit of love for the cartoon character of Shrek? The huge worldwide popularity of the film series has (finally) spawned a West End musical adaptation that takes the basic story of the first film and explodes it onto the stage in a noisy and sometimes over elaborate way.....but wow, what a ride....

The structure of the stage is fantastic - full marks to the team behind the building of the bridge, the character costumes and and the huge scale of the stage set. The light and colour on show would have kept the most tired of people wide awake, with the awesome orchestra belting out the music to keep your ears firmly pricked back. It is a young persons dream - the constant jokes, sing along tunes and funky dance moves would keep even the sternest of troubled children keen and baying for more.

The show itself is a huge offering and clearly needs to sell out each day to achieve the high revenues it has set itself. This perhaps suggest why Amanda Holden and Richard Blackwood were cast of 2 of the main leads in Princess Fiona and Donkey respectively - their undoubted wider appeal is a publicity stunt for 'bums on seats' as the less that is said about Amanda's singing and Richard worryingly lack of comic timing the better...

Hooray then, for the 2 stand in actors that performed superbly in the roles of Lord Farquaad and the title character of Shrek (Nigel Lindsay and Nigel Harman where conspicuous by there absence, but on this showing, not missed). The term 'understudy' is a horrid way to describe the fantastic way that Dean Chisnall and Stu Clough simply excelled in the aforementioned rolls. Never be put off with the thought of an understudy taking over a more famous name for a main role.....as you know they will put their heart and soul into the role as it is seen a huge opportunity for them to impress - and this was the case with Shrek.

Would be rude not to mention the sparkling talents of the 'young' princess Fiona roles and the fabulous voice of the dragon....really shined and the image of the little girl dancing along in the front role was enough to recommend the performance for all the family. Go along as a group or with the young ones for an enjoyable romp....just ignore the lack of distinct musical talent from the major names and go with the flow.

http://www.shrekthemusical.co.uk

Herman Ze German on Villiers Street

Never been a fan of 'fast food joints', instead preferring to dine out in style or savour the wonders of my home cooking. But a little food store on Villiers Street near Embankment may just change my selfish and considerably overly harsh views on the stabled junk food diet.....

Herman Ze German, a rather charming hot dog stand in a shop...oh, please scratch that! Hot dog? No way, welcome to the world of Bratwursts, Bockwursts, Chilli Beef and Currywurst sausages in beautifully toasted buns. Never again will you fall foul to the street vendor offering cold spam meat shaped into a pencil and placed in a rubbery bun. This is the future of the fast food sausage.

The premise is simple; a shop that sells German sausages as YOU like them. A simple counter with a couple of seats, it is an ideal place for a quick snack, food filler between pints at bar HAHA and a rather charming date spot for those on their way for a boogie at Opal. Super quick service with an engaging smile and the offer of drinks galore...become a stabled regular and you are rewarded with a loyalty card scheme that can offer a free sausage, pastry or coffee on your 5th visit.

The food itself is delivered as simple as they come - choose your sausage, your bun and what topping you desire...all at no extra charge to the already generous price offering. Then either be lucky enough to sit at the solitary table, or simply eat, talk and walk as you go....the taste is out of the world...I seriously could not recommend an alternative fast food joint more.....so much better than its well established contemporary burger rivals.

Go for a snack or a larger option as an evening treat as a meal - but best saved for when you have had one too many wines in Gordons' and you need a quick meaty snack before finishing off the bottle of Shiraz

http://www.herman-ze-german.co.uk/

La Brasserie Restaurant in Mayfair

Situated on the busy Piccadilly road in Mayfair, this rather charming and elegant restaurant may go unnoticed to the untrained tourist's eye - such is the unglamorous and deliberate attention to make the venue not to stand out in such a garish way like it's lesser appreciated eating establishments opposite the excellent Green Park.

With a lay out that perhaps suggests the location was once used as shop store, you are treated to a spacious and non confined restaurant that offers full front views of the park. There is no cramped tables pushed together and you certainly celebrate the fact that the owners did not relinquish the rather charming welcome and waiting seat and table in order to force more customers in.

Booking in advance is essential as tables are limited, but you may be able to chance your arm at lunch or earlier in the week.

The food is a mix of French and Spanish cuisine, with the obvious hint of Italian flavours that surround each dish on the detailed and not over indulgent menu. Fish is certainly a huge draw but signature dishes such as Fillet of Beef and slow cooked chicken certainly stand out. The food, in my words, was delicious. Starting with a large plate of deep fried calamari, the main course of pan fried Sea bass was simply outstanding.....so much so that my stomach refused to even look at the detailed dessert menu.

Wine, as expected, is expensive and overpriced in these types of restaurants, but still offers a superb choice of tantalising suggestions to complement your meal.

The service is slick and very welcoming, with the obligatory smile slightly let down by a scowl when you produce a 50% off food ticket - something this restaurant adheres to via numerous eat London schemes. The overall price, as expected for the excellent food and general ambience, is expensive without a meal ticket. But then again, you are eating in luxury in Mayfair London, so what did you expect?

Worth going with a date for a romantic meal - best to go late when the piano starts playing - and also with a group of high rolling friends as the late night bars are just round the corner to party on with your champagne lifestyle.

http://labrasseriemayfair.co.uk/Brasserie/home.html

#brad chuck #la brasserie #restaurant

Wastwater by Stephen Simmons at the Royal Court Theatre

A new cultured and perhaps overawed Brad attempts to further his understanding and generally misguided opinions on the world of the arts by taking a date to the new showing of the play 'Wastwater' by Stephen Simmons.

Firstly, the auditorium - The Royal Court Theatre - a mere stones throw from the exit of Sloane Square tube station in Chelsea & Kensington, is a true delight to behold. Not to be-saddled by the various problems that older and less updated West End theatres suffer from, the Royal Court has a swanky feel and rather cool atmosphere about it. Trendy and rather popular bar that serves distinguished and delicious food takes up the whole bottom floor space, with a second, smaller bar at the top of the stairs. The venue itself is small, compact and undignified, but lacks nothing in charm, fantastic comfortability and effortless ease of access.

Book early to get seats with a spot to rest your glass of champagne on - shows generally sell out - and settle in with time to spare when you are called to curtain. The sound quality, although typical for a small venue, is terrific and the view of the stage superbly accessible from all parts of the audience. Without doubt, a great experience.

As for the play itself, a mixed bag of emotions on my part. A novice, granted, at such reviews and of viewing such performances, but one certainly who knows what one likes. So the play, a telling of 3 scenes based on a farm, hotel room and underground disused warehouse, are all connected on the basis of a foster home - and in particular - the foster mother and the past lives and futures of the children once under her care. Suitably emotional, the play is acted by a handful of participants in such a fantastically realistic way, you would be forgiven for thinking you were spying on a real life situation. Not withstanding these performances from the mix of young and old actors, the play just seemed to leave a strange feeling in the minds of the audience as they departed after an hour and half of straight viewing.

Very difficult to explain my feelings about it. The 2nd scene had moments of hilarity and emotion regarding events Ii can relate too (hotel scene with a relative stranger) and the 1st scene a touching reminder of when we all left home. However, the final act was the one that left us questioning what we had seen before - the violent and controversial storyline did not run to what we had previously witnessed and left open the connecting storyline in such a way that you fully expected another scene to explain it all. Like I said, I am not expert, but left feeling I should attend a sequel soon....

But, let's not take away the fabulous acting and wonderful venue - as well as a perfectly behaved and beautiful date!

http://www.royalcourttheatre.com/

#brad chuck #Wastwater #Stephen Simmons #Royal Court Theatre

Marquis of Granby in Fitzrovia

This is the first of the places in London that I am not recommending. If this gets be barred then so be it....but unfortunately the negatives out-way the positives

The Marquis of Granby Pub, based in Fitzrovia off the back of Oxford Street, is so conveintly located for a summer drink it spits at the pubs and bars that cannot offer beer gardens or simple places to sit in the summer sun. Huge outside pavement makes it an ideal place to chill in the English weather whilst main traffic is subjected to the busy main roads. Choice of drinks are excellent, with local Ales and established favourites all there as well as a hearty food menu that can be enjoyed inside or out depending on your location of a much sort after table.

But the issues seem to out way the positives - finding that seat would be impossible on any given night, as well as actually getting served at the very packed bar. The staff do their best to accommodate but they themselves are stuck in a tight area thanks to the small space. The toilets, which are always a concern of mine in pubs, are simply not up to scratch - best of luck in not queuing.

If you find a spot outside - please beware the smell of sewage drains that seems to haunt this place.....as well as the constant chuggers who ask for spare change and the beggars that demand it. Cars sometimes race round the corner as people stagger into the road and the large outside space suddenly shrinks into nothing more than a pavement edge.

No bouncers on show, which is refreshing, but does lead to teenagers, the tramps and random misadventures constantly happening.

I wouldn't call it the worse pub I have been too - as i actually drink there quite a few times. But for people who do not know it, chance your arm instead at the Newman's Arms (famous for its Pies) or the Bourne and Hollingsworth all in closer vicinity

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST HUMAN MEMORY?

Eating snails in my mums Garden - tasty

Milos, the Philharmonic, Limelight and the 100 Club

You will know the 100 club well....you no doubt have glided past this underground venue a million times as you brush past the pesky shoppers of Oxford Street. Around since 1942 and having fought off various attempts to close the place down, this original Jazz club still lingers on with the smell and feel of a working mans club - the toilets are not pretty and the section of beverages at a premium, but layout, red walls garnished with pictures of the great and good who have played the hall and the plastic chairs give it a real touch of underperformed class. Mid week nights are quiet in comparison to the busy weekends, but booking in advance and arriving early to get a good seat is essential if you want to be part of the nights entertainment - do not get stuck behind the unfortunate placement of the pillars...

As for what's on, the club hosts more than jazz these days and it was last night that I got a taste of the Limelight Presents - A mash of live classical music in a rock and roll setting, in which can be seen as an interesting and rather favourable way of attracting a new audience of music lovers. Around since 2009, this formation acts as a building platform for aspiring and already recognised artists in the world of classical music - but with an elegant twist

I was treated to my first taste of the Foyle Future Firsts, The London Philharmonic Orchestra’s annual apprenticeship programme that helps to bridge the transition period between college and the professional platform. The young pretenders played out a variety of classical musical scores with effortless ease on instruments I have yet to fully understand the eternal workings of....but I can now say I am a big fan of the horn section. Fascinating chats between each session outlined what the audience was about to keenly listen to - a shame there were some unruly characters in the small crowd who were not keen to listen, as the young students performed admirably and without any sense of error - although my untrained ear would not detect any such misdemeanour's anyway

Finally, the headline act. How on earth I have never heard of Milos Karadaglic before is a shocking mystery. The man is unrivalled genius with the guitar. I kept singing 'while my guitar gently weeps' this morning, such was my unheralded new found fondness of the way a stringed instrument is played. Born of Serbian heritage, you would be forgiven for thinking Milos (pronounced Mill-Losh) is from the Basque region of northern Spain, such is is striking resemble to a tanned Matador and musical style similar to the high paced flamingo dancing of Catalonia. But the way he turns classical scores original written for the piano is a mark of a man clearly obsessed with his passion. I cannot explain more, but the image of grown men in the crowd closing their eyes and gently rocking to the harmonic treat was a sight to behold. And ladies, this man is one handsome fella

Go to 100 club with a couple of mates, or a musical loving date: http://www.the100club.co.uk/

Be Part of the future with an apprentice from the Philharmonic: http://www.lpo.co.uk/education/futurefirsts.html

Fans of classical should follow limelight events here: http://www.londonlimelight.co.uk/

And anyone who has any taste in music must experience Milos: http://www.milosguitar.com/

#Philharmonic #limelight #100 club #Milos #brad chuck

Alice House in West Hampstead

Not to be confused with anything remotely to do with Alice in Wonderland or indeed the notifications to 'who the f is Alice' - this is a rather funky and cool bar located on the quiet and dignified high street of West Hampstead

West Hampstead - 3 train stations - yes 3. No excuse to get there then, but do not expect a night of high jinks and drunken rampages through the streets - this is a chilled out and laid back town with enough bars and eateries to entertain and compliment the youthful and still young at heart dating scene.

Pick of the select number of bars is the Alice House. Crazy light scheme is a rather splendid joy to behold and seating quick to find on the less than busy Tuesday. Weekends will no doubt become more packed but the large outdoor balcony (heated in colder times) and the downstairs 'den' offer extra space for the overloaded public clambouring for the tasty brunchies on the basic but decent pub menu. The real winner is the wine list, which offers about as much variety as you could wish for. Not a beer man's dream, but selceted and house special lagers and bitters are available, but this place has the real feel of a pitcher of pimms being sipped in the bright sunshine. Patsy Kensit popped in as well - so you are in good/bad company depending on your taste.

Very enjoyable bar, would certainly go again - recommend for dates, summer drinks and late hangover breakfasts

http://www.thealicehouse.co.uk/index.php

My Bookworm Geek face - ready to roll on food and London highlights

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