Bulletin

The Royal Albert Hall is one of London’s most magical musical venues, fact. This was made even more apparent to me last Friday when I saw James Newton Howard take the stage to perform some of the finest melodies that Hollywood has seen. This experience was made even more special because it was his first ever tour performing his award-winning music.

From King Kong to Pretty Woman, is there any film that this man has not composed the music for? The selection of music was truly stunning and to add to the atmosphere, snippets of the films were played in the background to match the music and it was spine-tingling. As well as conducting the Academy Symphony Orchestra and Crouch End Festival Chorus, he even played a little soupcon on the piano himself, a great treat indeed.

Obviously this won’t have the same acoustic effect as Royal Albert Hall, but do me a favour and watch The Village and appreciate that soundtrack.

Finding your go-to bakery is like finding a good pair of jeans, you stay loyal and never stray. There is something about the combination of the smell of freshly baked treats and the sound of a coffee machine that can put you in a good mood, no matter what. So if you haven’t been introduced already, say hello to Violet’s Bakery.

Located on Wilton Way in the heart of Hackney, follow the smell of Chocolate Caramel Rum Cake and you’ve hit the jackpot. Violet’s is in a quaint and humble white house away from the hustle and bustle, making it a simply wonderful place to have some ‘me-time’ and enjoy some of life’s sweet and simple pleasures.

Now, onto the good stuff and the scoop on what you need to try ASAP. The mini coconut macaroons really are something special, and the fact that they are mini makes them twice as appealing. The feta, sour cream and chive scones are a dream and you really are missing out if you are yet you try them and the mini cheddar, chipotle corn muffins…I have no words. To top it off, you can wash this sumptuous lot down with a velvety smooth oat milk cappuccino, heaven.

Who said that underwater restaurants are restricted to the islands in exotic waters? Opening next year, Norway is going to introduce Europe’s first underwater restaurant into the mix. This eatery, come champagne bar, come aquarium, designed by architects Snøhetta, will be serve 100 people and allow diners to gaze into the deep unknown while chowing down on some fine delicacies.

That’s not all, as well as presenting astonishing views across the North Atlantic seabed, this restaurant, which will be known as ‘Under’, will also assist various research teams observe sea life that these Norwegian waters have to offer and double up as a mussel reef. So while you benefit from this outstanding dining experience, so will the sea – it’s a win win!
If being under the sea isn’t your cup of tea, then let the words of Sebastian the crab persuade you:

‘Just look at the world around you
Right here on the ocean floor
Such wonderful things surround you
What more is you lookin' for?’