Bulletin

To say I was anxious about the latest edition of the Star Wars saga would be an understatement. I chose Everyman Cinema as the venue to watch it, which, in retrospect was an error of judgement, not so much that the quality or service of the cinema is sub-par, on the contrary, but rather because Star Wars demands to be seen in a setting with a gigantic screen and surround sound with the crescendo of the John Williams theme music blazing out and subtitles screening down the page as the screening commences.

The film had big shoes to fill, not only had Disney acquired Lucas Film for around $4bn comparatively recently, but the original trilogy is widely regarded by film critics and Star Wars enthusiasts as one of the greatest trilogies of all time. It would also be easy to see how one could be cynical given Disney’s recent purchase and perhaps be anxious about what has been coined as the “disneyfication” of Star Wars. What I witnessed however was one of the greatest, if not the greatest film of a generation. Unlike the prequels, which, in spite of their improved visual effects are widely regarded as a disappointment, the latest edition combines impeccable visual effects, superb acting and a story line which transitions brilliantly from one generation to the next.

Whilst missing arguably two of the original trilogies most celebrated characters in the form of Yoda and Darth Vader, The Force Awakens still includes a whole raft of original characters in senior roles; Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia & Chewbacca all feature. This is finely balanced with the introduction of a new generation of characters including the exceptionally talented British actress Daisy Ridley who plays Rey, John Boyega as Finn and Adam Driver as antihero Kylo Ren. The new film also introduces an exciting new edition in the form of the sleek new droid Bb8, a much improved version of the R2D2 droid in terms of both mobility and sex appeal.

Awards season coming up.
Expect Jamie XX's In Colour to feature as Best Album of last year. Rightly so.

I’ve always loved a market. Especially French ones. Whether it be nosing through a dirty old shoe box in a Parisian marche aux puces or wandering around their version of a carboot – the vides greniers, picking over old dolls heads. In France you’re always guaranteed to find a bargain. I think my best purchase was a set of 3 coolie lampshades, they cost me 5€, the same can be found on reclamation website, Retrouvius for a mere £45 each.

My choice of the Capital’s markets are below:

Hackney Flea Market – yep, Hackney now has it’s very own Flea. Started with a pop-up in 2013 and has progressed over the years. This Sunday sees ‘The Old Dalston Market’ which will host 50 handpicked sellers, sporting an array of vintage bounty. It’s worth grabbing a spot of breakfast beforehand at Ivy’s Mess Hall or Fingers Crossed on Amhurst Road.

Camden Passage, N1 – It’s not new, but it’s a classic. Just off Islington’s Upper Street and worth popping along if you’re looking for jewellery or vintage home-ware. You can always pop into The Elk in The Woods for a quick pint.

Old Spitalfields Market, E1 – again, it’s not a newcomer, it’s been around in some capacity for years. Held on Thursdays, it’s on the doorstep of Brick Lane and Shoreditch, so means that if you head there early you can then spend the afternoon gorging yourself in The Merchant’s Tavern, or nip to Redchurch Street to sample some artisan chocolate by The Mast Brothers and check out the latest exhibition at our Project Space.

Queen’s Park Farmers’ Market, NW6 – Ok, so not officially a flea market, but a popular spot for north-west Londoners. Held this Sunday, it boasts some great organic eats and a good community vibe. While you’re down there, you could check out the progress on our development; Queens Park Place – just a handful of apartments left.

Oh and finally, I suppose we can’t not mention the king of markets; Portobello. Fight the tourists on a Saturday and soak up the Notting Hill vibes.