Date:
Friday 12th February

Time:
19:30 - 23:00

Location:
3 Appold Street
London, EC2A 2AF

Admission:
£5 donation

Last year in my attempt to raise a wad of cash for Cancer Research UK, I hosted the Big Pink Pamper Party and the night was a success thanks to the lovely tweeters and bloggers who came along and donated.



So calling all single ladies (and gentleman) to head over to a night of Speed Dating shenanigans. There'll be free nibbles, discounted cocktails and hopefully some rather dishy people to conversate with.

To reserve your place, simply donate £5 to Cancer Research UK.
Visit: www.justgiving.teenytinypartycompany for more details.

Dates: 21st - 24th December
Time: From 7pm
Admission: £18 (in advance)

Get your carol fest on at the Jazz Café and join The London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) who will be performing soulful renditions of Christmas gospel favourites.

The choir has been dubbed 'the nation's favourite' and was formed in 1982 by Rev. Bazil Meade, who still leads the choir today. LCGC have performed with some great recording artists to date including Maria Carey, Madonna, Elton John and the late James Brown.

Jazz Cafe
5, Parkway
Camden
London, NW1 7PG

Booking lines:
Ticketmaster: 0844 847 2514
See Tickets: 0870 060 3777

Web: www.jazzcafe.co.uk

It's popular knowledge that The May Fair hotel is a regular haunt for celebrities and fashion moguls. London Fashion Week was a prime example of the calibre of guests that the hotel opens it's door to on a regular basis.

Designer Elsa Schiaparelli, model Erin O'Connor and socialite Peaches Geldof all favour the sumptuous surroundings of the bedroom suites. And now as the official hotel for Fashion Week, The May Fair is a highly sought after place to dine. The Bar has a feeling of exclusivity but is far from 'poncy', rather, it has a quiet, understated sophistication. The décor is rich and inviting; I particularly liked the fireplace which worked as a luxurious feature and the spacious leather seats.

I recently visited the bar to catch up with a friend over cocktails and finger food. We ordered the MayFair Mojito (if you're a regular reader, you'll know it's my favourite tipple!) You have to try it, it's one of the best tasting versions of the cocktail I've sipped by far.


I also tried a recent addition to the menu - Bento Boxes; a box designed to share and featuring an internationally inspired menu. The Mediterranean option contains ham, grilled sardines and marinated artichokes alongside traditional kalamta olives and Monte Enebro cheese.

There's also Bento box in honour of seafood lovers, with all the favourite catches included such as smoked Scottish salmon, Cornish crab and potted shrimps. Are you feeling hungry yet?

Not forgetting the vegetarians, the Warm Char Grilled Vegetable box is a healthy treat, served with Parmesan polenta cake and basil dressing. This is just a small selection of the type of platters available, there was also a cheeky chocolate theme box to satisfy a sweet craving.

Personally, I opted for the classic Asian dim sum box, a delightful variety of Japanese nibbles, and it included my favourites; Maki sushi rolls, shell crab and sweet chili king prawns.

The Bento Boxes vary in price, the cheapest being £12.50 and the priciest at £23.50. One box between two to three people is very filling, as the portions are quite considerable. I'm already planning my next visit to try the Chocolate sensation box, it sounds so tempting; White chocolate tart, warm chocolate fondant and dipped strawberries. I know you must be hungry now! Bento Boxes are served from 12pm.



The May Fair Bar
The May Fair Hotel
Stratton Street,
Mayfair,
London, W1J 8LT

Tel: 020 7629 7777
Email: mayfairbar@themayfairhotel.co.uk
Web: www.themayfairhotel.co.uk

Date: Friday 7th August
Time: 6:30pm
Location: 23 Romilly Street, London W1D 5AQ
Admission: £5.00

If the idea of speed dating or singles night leave you cringing, get ready for a new event launching tomorrow that promises to do away with dodgy gongs, name badges and the general embarrassment. Kathryn Camsey, a media personality and TV presenter, has set up Media Mingles. The monthly soirees set in an exclusive private members club will give media and creative professionals the chance to network with with like minded individuals, who just so happen to not be in a relationship.

As a long-standing match maker herself, Camsey have always had a talent for 'connecting' people and is hoping to play cupid on a larger scale through her networking events. With already 150 tickets sold, there'll be canapes, bubbly and a cosy amount of single people to meet. Innocent smoothies, Benefit Makeup and Bendicks chocolates' aptly named mingles are included in the luxury goody bag for guests.

Media Mingles has been declared a couple-free zone, so if you're working in the media or creative industry and single, this could be the opportunity to increase your contact list and you may even be struck by Cupid's arrow, or is that Camsey's?

Tickets are still available at: www.mediamingles.com

For a luxurious party experience, a visit to Jewel in Piccadilly is just the place. The bar & club is a regular haunt for both celebs and socialites, and its reputation for being one of London's beautiful venues is completely warranted. The plush seating, chandeliers and rich fabric ceilings all add to it's glitzy appeal. But unlike other luxe clubs, this venue has that air of exclusivity minus the intimidation factor.

You have to try a cocktail or two, prepared by their expert Mixologists, and with prices starting at just £3.95 during happy hour, Jewel is great for after work drinks or a Saturday night chill out. I highly recommend the Vanilla Kiss - my favourite Jewel tipple to welcome to weekend.

On Fridays Jewel puts on a party night Glitteratti - expect plenty of funky, global house music with a little edge. On Saturdays it's all about high class glamour with an evening entitled La Boutique. Rotating DJs on the night include Ministry of Sound's Paul Mako and Bary Obzee of Pasha, Ibiza.


Jewel
4-6 Glasshouse Street
Piccadilly
London, W1B 5DQ
Telephone: 020 7439 4990
Web: www.jewelpiccadilly.co.uk

I'm a big music fan and the place where you'll find me enjoying it live is London's famous Jazz Café. Located in Camden and showcasing some of the hottest, jazz, soul, and world music artists, it's a fantastic groove spot.

With acts like Mor Karbasi (the divine Israeli alternative folk singer), Trilok Guru, (Indian composer and master musician) and UK hip-hop crew Breakin' Bread performing shows all in the same week, the Jazz Café is host to an impressive range of performing artists.

Aside from the music line up, the Café also has a menu of culturally rich cuisine on offer at the restaurant, from Spicy Chicken with Rice N' Peas to Thai Style Sword Fish and Stir Fried Egg Noodles. If you've never been to the Jazz Café, you're missing out!

Camden,
London, NW1 7PG
Web: www.jazzcafelive.com

LBD: Little Black Dress
Date: Sunday 29th March 09
Time: 6pm -11pm

Don't we just love our Little black dresses? Otherwise referred to as LBD, it has a firm place in fashion's history, this we know. Almost every girl owns one; versatile, long-lasting, classic...cut simply, often short, sometimes backless... Yes, the LBD made popular by the legendary Coco Chanel has long been a fashionista's must have, in fact every girl’s staple.

Well imagine if you could experience that style, the same elegance and sexy sophistication in the form of an event. Think it can't be done? Think again. There's a new party night launching this weekend that promises to encapsulate the essence of our favourite little black numbers.


Introducing the Sunday lounge night, aptly name LBD - bringing sexy back into serious music on March 29th. Featuring fresh cuts and old school gems... classic lines with modern twists. It's where fringe meets pop culture. It's freedom from genre... you can have it all. Basically put, LBD is very, very LONDON. Expect a playful vibe; the odd special guest, with tables laid with surprises and delights.


11 Market Place
London
W1 8AH
29th March 6pm -11pm

Web: www.virb.com/LBD
Web: www.marketplace-london.com

Main Image credit: Hannah Marshall AW08, girldir.com

Today I've been browsing venues to host the mother of all Hen parties for my friend who's getting hitched in the Summer. And at the top of my shortlist is the very cosmopolitan bar - ruby lo.


Located in the heart of the west end (near Selfridges), this basement venue has a dark and sexy décor, serious sound system and a lively vibe. Yes, this venue is the ideal setting for the party's Malonos and Martini theme. The bar also has an impressive drinks menu - you simply must try their Lychee & Rose petal martini cocktails!

Oh and of you're into your Drum n' bass classics then head down to swerve night on Wednesday the 25th of March, where resident DJ LiquidFunk Master Fabio and guests will be enticing you to get into the grove and throw some shapes on the dance floor.



Ruby Lo - W1
23 Orchard Street,
London, W1H 6HL

Tel: 020 7486 3671
Web: http://www.ruby.uk.com/lo/

Located in Kensington, Bar 190 is the perfect chill-out spot for cocktail lovers. The venue has long been a hidden treasure for discerning celebrities the world over, but recently with it's new wave of burlesque events and soirees, the London party scene has finally caught on. But wait - before you start imagining barely legal club hoppers and reality TV stars queuing at the door - this place is far more sophisticated.

Inside you'll find an intimate candlelit affair and plenty of fascinating people. Be sure to order from the lush drinks menu and prepare to share the bar with high profile guests, London connoisseurs and familiar faces from the world of film and fashion. I'm sure that you'll also appreciate the dark Tudor interior and the warm, inviting atmosphere.

The VIP area aptly named Cinderella's Carriage is breathtaking with its rich red and gold soft furnishings. For a minimum spend of £100, the entire area can be yours, complete with complimentary canapés - ideal for an intimate celebration. Bar 190 is a great venue to enjoy martini cocktails with friends or to get close and personal with your beau over a glass of bubbly.

I recently went along to the bar with one of my friends to sample their popular burlesque evenings. We caught up on the week's events over a passion fruit mojito and witnessed the sultry dance moves of Miss Polly Rae and her Hurly Burly Girlys. By the end of the evening we were refreshed, relaxed and arranging our next catch-up - same time, same place. No longer a hidden treasure just for the rich and famous, the bar is officially in my very selective list of London Hot Spots.


Bar 190
The Gore 190
Queen's Gate
London
SW7 5EX

Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7584 6601
Web: http://www.gorehotel.com/bar190.aspx

14-13th February 09
Time: 7pm-Midnight,
Admission: Tickets £12.50-18.50*

The art of seduction has long been mastered in the world of burlesque. The French consider it an art-form, a musical and theatrical parody. The Americans herald it risqué. One thing is for sure - Burlesque has taken London by storm.

Could it be the nostalgia? Maybe. After-all, there's something magical about the glitz and glamour of vintage beauty. Or perhaps it's the celebration of the female form in all its glory? It's likely to be both these features attracting a new wave of women to embrace the fun and frolics of strip teases - Dita Von Teese style.

If you've got the burlesque bug like me, you can get a taste of the art yourself at Varie-TEASE. The evening hosted by Chaz Royal & SIL is in it's 2nd year and promises sultry song and sizzling dance. There will be plenty throughout the evening to bring out your sultry temptress. It's the perfect event to get tips and hints from London's dazzling divas - you'll be making seductive shapes of your own in no time.

Click here to purchase tickets from TicketWeb
For more information visit the Varie-TEASE Myspace Page

Valentines Varie-TEASE!
BUSH HALL,
310 Uxbridge Rd. W12
Web: www.bushhallmusic.co.uk
*Partial Proceeds to LBF '09 Fundraiser