Latest news with #AmyClarke
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘I visited the ultimate foodie heaven at a London park and left sunburnt but smiling'
I spent my Saturday in a proper foodie paradise. Pub in the Park rolled into Gunnersbury Park for the first time, and I was there for the daytime session. If you like top-tier pub grub, decent live music and a strong cocktail under the sun, it was absolutely the place to be. This was my third time at Pub in the Park, but my first visit to this new London location. Gunnersbury turned out to be an ideal setting. Open and green, well kept, easy to get around, and just far enough from traffic to feel like a proper escape. The sun turned up too. Let's talk food. That's what you're there for. Dozens of top pubs and restaurants dishing up small-plate versions of their signature dishes, served fast but cooked with real care. The idea is you don't just have one meal – you try a few, compare notes, and eat your way across the field like a very lucky critic with no deadlines. First up for me was The Pig's Ear's crispy buttermilk chicken with coronation crème fraîche. It sounded a bit experimental but completely nailed it – crisp coating, juicy meat, and a sharp, creamy sauce that somehow didn't feel out of place. (Image: Amy Clarke) My friend picked the Madras-spiced cauliflower from Guy Ritchie's Lore of the Land. Topped with lime pickle mayo and a poppadom crunch, it had serious depth. We followed that with a chicken tortilla from Tom Kerridge's. Simple, solid, and just what we needed to reset the palate. Dishes weren't huge, but that's part of the experience. You're not sitting down to a Sunday roast. You're roaming, tasting, mixing it up. READ MORE: We caught Simon the Butcher at the fire pit stage doing a live demo. Proper knives, proper heat, and a good bit of showmanship. Over in the M&S Food Village we stumbled into a tomato cooking session, focused on Isle of Wight varieties. I had an incredible whiskey cocktail from a stand called Monkey Shoulder – strong, well balanced, and ice-cold. Plenty of craft options, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic alternatives dotted around. The music kicked off gently. I caught the end of Pandora's club classics set – think 90s and early 2000s floor-fillers. (Image: Amy Clarke) Norman Jay followed with a smooth run of soul and funk that suited the weather perfectly. Soul II Soul were the big draw, and they didn't disappoint. The field in front of the stage filled up fast, and when Back to Life dropped, everyone got involved. The crowd was spot on. A proper mix of ages. Families with kids running around the fairground rides, groups of mates chasing cocktails, couples sunbathing between sets. A few very relaxed dogs. No aggro. No posing. Just happy people eating, drinking and making the most of the sunshine. I had a VIP pass this year, which meant access to a quieter seating area, a decent view of the stage, and a couple of extras like private tastings. Nothing too fancy, but it gave us a good base to regroup and rest our feet. At one point, I realised I'd forgotten sun cream and was already going a bit pink. I asked one of the security staff if they had any – they didn't, but about half an hour later he found me again with another member of staff who handed some over. (Image: Amy Clarke) That kind of gesture says a lot. Friendly, thoughtful and not something you get at every big event. Before heading out, we hit the dodgems which were surprisingly brutal. Easily one of the most fun bits of the day. There was also a vintage Ferris wheel and plenty of fairground stalls, adding to the old-school summer fair feel. By the time we left in the late afternoon, we had spoken to a number of people who had decided they were going to stay for evening session but for me, the daytime slot was enough. I'd eaten well, danced a bit, learned a few things about tomatoes and wine, and had a brilliant day in a corner of London I rarely visit. Pub in the Park knows what it's doing. The food's the star, but the festival around it creates this perfect summertime atmosphere. I'll be back next year, with a hat, sun cream and even more appetite.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'I tried this Star Wars Scout Trooper helmet and felt ready to chase the rebels'
There are few things more satisfying than putting on a helmet that instantly makes you feel like part of the Star Wars universe — especially when that helmet looks like it's been pulled straight off a speeder bike on Endor. I tried the Black Series Scout Trooper Helmet from Hasbro Pulse to celebrate May the 4th, and to put it simply, it is an absolute treat for fans. This is not some flimsy party prop. The helmet arrives in a sharp-looking box that makes a solid first impression. The packaging alone tells you this is meant for serious collectors. The helmet itself is robust, with a hard plastic shell and a surprisingly high level of detail both inside and out. The sculpt is clean and it has that polished, screen-accurate look you want in a proper replica. Inside, the detailing continues. There are textured sections, false circuitry panels and little touches that, while completely unnecessary, elevate the whole piece. Black Series Scout Trooper Helmet from Hasbro Pulse (Image: Amy Clarke) These are the kinds of details that no one will really see once it is on your head or your shelf — but knowing they are there adds to the overall quality and care that has gone into the design. One of the main features is the built-in voice changer. Hit the button and your voice comes through with a distorted, trooper-like crackle that adds a surprising amount of fun. It is loud and clear and gives the helmet a bit of life beyond just being decorative. Great if you're into cosplay or just fancy shouting 'Rebel scum' at your cat. Comfort-wise, the helmet mostly holds up. It comes with a padded insert at the top that can be removed and cleaned, as well as an adjustable chin strap. Unfortunately, it sat a little loosely on my head, and I found myself wishing it had one of those internal tightening dials like you get with a VR headset. I think an adjustment like that would have made such a difference to the fit of the helm. It is not a deal-breaker, and my partner — who has a much larger head — managed to wear it just fine with a snug fit. It is probably safe to say it will fit most people, though some may need to adjust the padding slightly to get it sitting right. The visor is fully tinted, giving that dark, menacing trooper look, but it does not ruin visibility. I could see clearly through it without any tunnel vision or awkward blind spots. From the outside, your face is completely hidden, which is great for the look, and from the inside, you can walk around confidently without risk of bumping into things. Black Series Scout Trooper Helmet from Hasbro Pulse (Image: Amy Clarke) One of the most useful touches is the flip-up visor. It makes getting the helmet on and off far easier, and it means you can quickly lift it if you need a breather, want to speak to someone, or grab a snack between scenes at a convention. It might sound like a small design feature, but it makes a big difference in comfort and practicality. The Scout Trooper has always been one of the cooler looking variants in the Empire's ranks. Sleek, light-armoured and fast, they are a step up from the classic Stormtrooper in both design and attitude. This helmet nails that sharp, tactical look, and whether you are displaying it on a shelf or wearing it to a fan event, it just looks right. There is nothing over-the-top about it, no lights or gimmicks, just strong, clean design done properly. This product comes from Hasbro Pulse, the branch of Hasbro that caters to collectors. At £104.99, the Scout Trooper helmet sits firmly in premium territory, but it is a solid treat for die-hard fans and costume passionate who want something that feels authentic, wearable or simply great to display at home.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘I went to a Gatsby-themed cabaret and spent the night partying like it was 1925'
I stepped into The London Cabaret Club and, quite literally, partied like it was 1925 with none other than the Great Gatsby himself. As a passionate lover of the Jazz Age – from the dazzling fashion to the electric nightlife of New York and that heady mix of love and mystery – I was instantly transported into my element. We handed our boarding passes to New York City at the gate, and in the blink of an eye, we were immersed in the roaring, glamorous world of the 1920s. The lounge leads to the ballroom (Image: Poppy Huggett/Amy Clarke) Our night began in the lounge with a preshow, where we were greeted by canapés that had a unique twist. We devoured juicy mini burgers, crispy fish cakes, and melt-in-your-mouth salmon, all paired with champagne given a fruity spin – the perfect start to an unforgettable evening. Enjoying our champagne cocktail on arrival (Image: Poppy Huggett/Amy Clarke) At 7pm, we were led into the ballroom, a breath-taking space with dimly lit tables surrounding the central stage. Each table was adorned with elegant roses to celebrate Valentine's Day, and a basket of freshly baked bread sat waiting for us to dive in. (Image: Poppy Huggett/Amy Clarke) After enjoying a few warm-up performances, the All About Gatsby experience kicked off at around 8.30pm, and it was immersive in every sense. The moment the lights dimmed, and the music began, I was completely swept away into Gatsby's world. The performers were electric, the costumes stunning, and the entire room pulsed with the energy of the Roaring Twenties. One unforgettable moment was when one of the fabulous dancers soared into the air, suspended by a strap tied to her hair. Despite the unimaginable pain it must have caused, she made it look effortless and chic. The singers filled the room with suspense and anticipation (Image: Poppy Huggett/Amy Clarke) From the thrilling mystery to the ongoing drama, I felt as though I was right there at one of Gatsby's lavish parties, swept into every scandal and secret. Then came the three-course meal, and I was thoroughly impressed. The crab starter was fresh and delicate, followed by a perfectly cooked steak that was tender and full of flavour. Crab pâté with coleslaw (Image: Poppy Huggett/Amy Clarke) The vegan dark chocolate mousse was indulgent and divine – the ideal finish to an extraordinary meal. Our perfectly cooked steaks (Image: Poppy Huggett/Amy Clarke) The London Cabaret Club offers the perfect blend of immersive entertainment and fine dining, transporting guests into a world of glamour and intrigue. Vegan chocolate mousse (Image: Poppy Huggett/Amy Clarke) With shows like All About Gatsby and the upcoming Chicago tribute, Roxie Rocks, the venue encapsulates the energy of the Jazz Age, providing a unique, interactive experience for romantic evenings or vibrant nights out with friends. Whether you're enjoying a night with the girls or looking for a romantic escape, this is the place to be. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between glamour and intimacy, and I was completely captivated by every moment.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A stylish hotel with jaw-dropping views and buzzing nightlife in Canary Wharf
This hotel in Canary Wharf boasts jaw-dropping views, excellent transport links, and is surrounded by a lively and unique area packed with fantastic things to do. TRIBE at 15 Water Street has got that business-meets-casual-chic vibe that suits Canary Wharf perfectly—sleek and modern, but with enough relaxed touches to make it feel welcoming rather than corporate. The foyer and restaurant area are stunning, with unique lighting, sculptural seating, and a trendy-yet-cosy atmosphere. It's classy without being stuffy. TRIBE at 15 Water Street has got that business-meets-casual-chic vibe that suits Canary Wharf perfectly (Image: Amy Clarke) Let's talk about the real star of the show: the view from the room. Our room had floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Canary Wharf's skyline, and it was absolutely mesmerising. At night, the high-rise buildings twinkle like stars, and the trees below are lit up with little fairy lights, giving the whole scene a cinematic, almost magical feel. The room itself is perfect for a short stay and is comfortable without too much unnecessary fuss. You get a super comfy bed, great mood lighting, and a huge TV with loads of entertainment options. The coffee machine was a nice touch, though if you like your drinks milky, you might find yourself rationing the tiny milk portions. There's an open wardrobe setup (so don't expect loads of storage), plenty of mirrors, and a modern bathroom with a top-tier shower. It's not really designed for long stays, but for a weekend or a few nights, it's lovely. TRIBE's in-house restaurant, Feels Like June, brings Californian sunshine vibes to Canary Wharf, and I'm here for it. The menu has a fresh, West Coast feel, with loads of vibrant flavours and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it perfect for everything from brunch to cocktails. Feels Like June at TRIBE (Image: Amy Clarke) The halloumi with tomato chutney was probably one of the best halloumi dishes I've ever had. Seriously, I'd eat it every day if I could. We also shared some surprisingly light crispy wings and some burrata which was presented beautifully. For my main, I had the pulled brisket beef bowl with sticky rice which was lovely. For dessert, I went for cinnamon churros which had an indulgent chocolate dip. I'd say overall, the starters/small plates were the highlight for me. My favourite cocktail was 1967, which was a mix of East London vodka, rhubarb liqueur, lemon, cranberry, and rhubarb. It had that perfect sweet-but-tart balance, and if you like fruity but not too sweet, you can always add a little of the decorative candy floss on the side to sweeten it up. Service-wise, the staff were super friendly, though on a busy Saturday night, they did seem a little rushed off their feet and service was a tad slower than expected. In the morning, breakfast was solid, with a good mix of options—everything from a full English to continental choices like cereals, fresh fruit, pastries and even sweet treats. Cocktails and breakfast at TRIBE (Image: Amy Clarke) Before this trip, I thought Canary Wharf on a weekend would be dead—just a bunch of empty office buildings and quiet streets. Wow, was I wrong. It was buzzing. This was partly because of the Winter Lights Festival, which had stunning light installations all over the area, making for some seriously Instagrammable moments. Even beyond the festival, though, the nightlife in Canary Wharf is actually amazing, and what made it even better was that everything was no more than a ten-minute walk away. We checked out Clay's, a bar with virtual clay pigeon shooting, and it was way more fun than expected. It's easy to pick up, super interactive, and a great way to add a competitive edge to your drinks. Then there's Fairgame, which is basically a giant adult playground full of fairground-style games and drinks. We couldn't get in because we left it too late to book, but even just grabbing a drink there, the energy was great. Beyond that, Canary Wharf just feels surprisingly safe, well-kept, and full of hidden gems. There are tonnes of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and unique entertainment spots that make it so much more than just a financial district. Canary Wharf at nighttime (Image: Amy Clarke) One of the biggest perks of staying in Canary Wharf? It's ridiculously well-connected. The Elizabeth Line gets you into central London in minutes, and the Jubilee Line takes you straight to London Bridge, Westminster, and Bond Street—super handy for a weekend stay when you want to explore more of London. If you fancy something a bit more scenic, the Thames Clippers (Uber Boats) offer a beautiful ride along the river to places like Greenwich, Tower Bridge, and Westminster. There are also plenty of buses and DLR (Docklands Light Railway) options, making it easy to get anywhere, even to London City Airport if you're flying out. You get all the benefits of being near central London without actually being in the thick of it. Whether you're looking for a weekend escape, a date-night retreat, or just want a stunning hotel view for the Instagram, TRIBE ticks all the right boxes.
