Grab a coffee, it's your Friday morning essential read from Camdenist.

1

 EAT & DRINK: Support high street hospitality this week 

For environmental, economic, ethical and practical reasons, there's never been a better time to head out and support the restaurants on your doorstep across Camden's high streets, by enjoying an all-in £25 menu courtesy of Secret Feasts. With 2023's first payday mercifully now upon us, and the dregs of a Dry January making way for an altogether more sociable February, grab a ticket to our celebration of the hidden delights around Euston. We know our audience are big fans of this affordable way to discover new places to eat, so to help you decide, here are 2-minute videos revealing more about each of the selected restaurants and their menus. We look forward to welcoming you all this Thursday (2nd Feb). Cheers! 🍻

• MXO: Mexican menu & Margaritas

• Exmouth Arms: 5 slider burgers + 5 craft beers

• Lost Souls: 3-course pizza meal for 2 inc bottle of fizz or 4 x cocktails

• Somers Town Coffee House: 3-course seafood dinner in a secret room

• Cheezello: guided French wine and cheese tasting 

2

 STAGE: Why Bootycandy is important  

As Notting Hill's long-acclaimed The Gate Theatre prepares for its first season in its new Camden Town home, we hear from star of the show, Prince Kundai, about the play's transformative story and its impact on his own life. Read the 2-minute interview here.

3

 EVENT: Hand in a treasure at Ronnie Scott's 

It's the return of the popular Ronnie Scotts instrument amnesty this Saturday, where the legendary Frith Street venue collects London's unwanted musical instruments to give to school age children all over the world. It's usually a star-studded affair too, with previous donors including Brits winner Sam Smith (a violin), Nitin Sawhney (a guitar) and even US trumpeter Neil Cowley handing over two specially commissioned trumpets. Head down to Ronnie's from 10am-3pm tomorrow (Sat 28 Jan) with anything from a dodgy plastic recorder to a state-of-the-art mixing desk, and they'll welcome you with a cuppa or a glass of bubbles, too.

4

 NEW: You need to know about Darjeeling Express  

In this week's explainer we uncover 5 things you'll be delighted to know about the hot new arrival helmed by a fast-rising celebrity chef, making a triumphant return to Kingly Court this week: Darjeeling Express. Read all about it in 30 seconds here.

– listings in association with –

5

 MUSIC: Five live local gigs 

Five highlights this week that you can venture out and see in the neighbourhood. Make sure to check some out. Discover ALL the gigs across Camden (and the rest of London) by browsing Halibuts.com. 

 ROCK ⏩ CAMDEN ROCKS ALL-DAYER  at The Fiddler's ElbowIndie-rock bonanza featuring Paper Anthem plus The Fades, Harry And The Chicks, Subject To Change, Danama, Mayan, Tippi McGarry, Ed Bennett, Gecko And The Bee and Lovebar live   Sat 28 Jan

 ALTERNATIVE 

⏩

 BLACK FLAG

at The 02 Kentish Town Forum (pictured)

Black Flag’s ever-evolving music has stood the test of time and become a key influence for numerous artists across punk, metal, indie rock, and more.   Sat 28 

Jan

 BLUES ⏩ MA BESSIE & HER PIGFOOT BAND at The Dublin Castle

Empress of the Blues, Bessie Smith, paid glorious tribute by Julia Titus and her ‘Pig Foot’ band; presenting an evening of classic blues, jazz tunes, and covers from the last 50 years of popular music.

  Sun 29 Jan

 JAZZ ⏩ DOM PIPKIN'S SWEET SOUND OF NEW ORLEANS at Phoenix Arts Club

Pipkin draws material from the greats - Fats Domino, Dr John, and Allen Toussaint - and mixes it with his own life-affirming songwriting true to the spirit and authenticity of this most spicy of piano styles.   Mon 30 Jan

 COUNTRY 

⏩ VIC ALLEN ALBUM LAUNCH

at The Water Rats

Blending an acoustic-driven sound with strong influences from modern country music, Vic Allen celebrates the launch of her debut LP "Some Place I'd Rather Be". 

 Tues 31 Jan 

&

 ALSO...  further local events, stories & gossip from Camdenist  

Swains Lane fishmonger

Bournes

sadly announced it was closing late last year, but the exciting news is that

London Shell Co

, the brother and sister team behind two established seafood and wine-focused floating dining rooms on Regent's Canal are taking over the site. They will offer dining for up to 30 as well as loads of quality fish and select vino to take home. 

⏩ Green energy champions Power Up North London have launched a share offer to raise £80k to stick solar panels on the top of the roof of Talacre sports centre. It will save carbon emissions, power the facilities and deliver returns to shareholders over 20 years. Find out more.

 ⏩ Camden Council and LABS have 10 free co-working spaces to dish out to entrepreneurial local businesses this year, all based in their Atrium building in the heart of Camden Market.

 ⏩ While the eco cleaning products cart Refill Station has reportedly had it's Council support cut, so no longer appears at Queen's Crescent Market, the good news is that Fair-Well, the plastic-free grocery business based in a repurposed milk float can now be found parked up on the Market every Thursday. 

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