Gems to try out this weekend

Lardo Italian charm in heart of Hackney. One to try on your way to London 2012 Paralympic Games  Location: 201 Richmond Rd, E8 3NJ London
Read a review here: http://ldn.in/RaaXoZ

Jazz Cafe, small venue, huge acts – the jazz cafe features, soul, funk, world, dance and hip-hop as well as some pretty amazing Jazz acts too. The club has opened doors to a great breadth of acts, and the Jazz Cafe has proved itself as one of London’s best venues for live music. Location: 5 Parkway, London, NW1 7PG

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The drums are called Puncture Kit, designed by David Osborne in 2008, an avid cyclist who bought his single speed bike when he first arrived in the UK. So how did this all come about you ask? With his bike turned upside down, fixing a puncture in London’s Green Park one day…the idea just came…drums are going on that.

Since then, David has dedicated himself to the on-going study of drumming and percussion and the challenge of developing his drumming only solo performances and recordings. He is mainly self taught through studying many drummers and musicians. He has also studied with world class drummer Benny Greb where he learnt invaluable techniques, musicianship and Benny’s unique rythmic principles.

Please enjoy the original sounds of David’s little – Puncture Kit. And hopefully he turns up on a street corner near you very soon.

You find the bicylce drummer’s next performances here.

Are you looking for alternative things to do in London whilst the Olympics are on? Shopping has to be my sport of choice. Don’t try to tell me walking shop to shop, trying on clothes and carrying heavy shopping bags around doesn’t burn calories – and when you find an absolute bargain it feels like you’ve won the best prize ever.

Everyone is going to be flocking to east London during the Olympics. With Westfield Stratford City just a stone’s throw from the Olympic Park bets are on that it’s going to get very crowded – but if you’re looking for places to shop in the capital there’s so much more on offer, from big name designers, high street favourites, and of course those hidden little gems.

SalesGossip is where you’ll find all the latest info on the many fashion sales and sample sales going on all over London – and this summer we’ve teamed up with Trip Stylist to come up with a series of London Shopping Walks so we can share our favourite places to shop. With guides for Shoreditch, Covent Garden, Savile Row, Carnaby Street, Knightsbridge and Primrose Hill, there is a walk to suit whatever your style – and you’ll get to see more of London along the way.

Shoreditch in particular is an easy journey from Stratford and makes for an exciting place to explore. A vibrant mix of styles and cultures converge for a truly unique shopping experience. Whether you choose to rifle through retro clothing at Brick Lane Market on a Sunday or go to a high end designer sample sale – either way you’re guaranteed great bargains.

The Old Truman Brewery off Brick Lane is the place to head. A hub for the creative industries this is where you’ll find art exhibitions, food stalls, vintage markets and those all-important designer sample sales.

With many top designers having their studios in the area, The Old Truman Brewery also plays host to many sample sales throughout the year. Don’t let the word ‘sample’ put you off – there should be a full size range available, not just size zero.

One great sample sale set to take place during the Olympics is the Sample Hunters sale. Based at the Old Truman Brewery from 27th – 29th July you’ll find men’s and women’s clothing and accessories from big names designers including; See By Chloe, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Equipment, Belstaff, D&G, J Brand, Juicy Couture, Twenty8Twelve, French Connection, DKNY Jeans, Emporio Armani, Religion, Oliver Spencer and many more all with up to 80% off the RRP!

After all that shopping you’re sure to have worked up an appetite. The Boiler House food hall on Brick Lane holds over 30 food stalls selling culinary delights from around the world.

Basically there’s pretty much always something interesting going on – so be sure to check what’s happening during your visit.

Hannah Moss is the editor of SalesGossip, the online destination for the latest news on all the fashion sales and sample sales going on in London. You can follow SalesGossip on twitter @SalesGossip and like them on Facebook.com/SalesGossip

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Asking me to write something about London is a tricky thing to do. Kudos to my friends at hidden little gems for having the bravery to do so. Why tricky? Simple: Once I start writing about London I’ll keep on writing…end.less.ly. So this time I set myself a goal that would stop me from typing too much. At the same time this goal will work out for you as well. You won’t find yourself stressing around London with a never-ending-to-do-list from Tess.

The goal: only three suggestions covering three different kind of activities.

Somewhere to eat.
Somewhere to shop.
Something cultural.

Spreading, no overkill. That’s the trick. Here goes.

Somewhere to eat

The last time I was in London, my timing was perfect. When I jumped of the Eurostar, it started to snow down on London. Beautiful! Plus in that same weekend history was written: the guys of What the Dickens cooked and served breakfast at The Reliance for the first time! And I was there, oh happy days… (also worth a mention in the history books: it was there I ate my first ever Eggs Benedict. Again, oh happy days!).

People living in London and loving East might already know the breakfasts of What the Dickens. They have a stall at Chatsworth Road market, where they serve their food for the soul. Serving breakfast at The Reliance was a whole new experiment, for both the cooks and premises. An experiment which turned out really well and now is a weekly fact. Every Saturday morning you can head down to The Reliance on Old street to enjoy an old fashioned, filling and very-tasty-indeed breakfast. I’m telling you – it’s what you need on a Saturday morning that follows a Friday night. Imagine yourself surrounded by good company, eating beautiful food in a lovely pub. What more do you need? I really enjoyed it and if I were in London right now I’d know where I’d be on a Saturday morning.

Breakfasts at The Reliance are served Saturdays from 10.30am until 2pm and will cost you no more than £8.50. The Reliance can be found on 336 Old Street, London, EC1V 9DR. For those in need of proper and life saving food on Sunday mornings… Chatsworth Road market is every Sunday and you’ll find What the Dickens between 11am and 4pm.

For menu and more info on What the Dickens:
www.whatthedickensfood.com
www.twitter.com/DickensFood

Somewhere to shop

During that same last London-trip I bumped into Luna and Curious on Calvert Avenue whilst strolling around East – one of my favourite things to do when I’m in London. And being a girl with a curious mind I thought this shop would just be my thing. And it was…At Luna and Curious you’ll find all things things you need. When it comes to quirky things with a capital Q. Mermaid tail sleeping bags, peacock false eyelashes, winking tights, slightly cruel but mouthwatering jewelry, cool ceramics. When you’ve searched high and low for that one special present and you actually gave up all hope… Uhuh, you’ll find it here!

Apart from their shop on Calvert Avenue they also have opened a new shop in the Sanderson Hotel in Central London, where they showcase “carefully selected British design”. I still don’t quite get why I hadn’t noticed Luna and Curious before… But now that they’re in my system I will always find my way back.

Here is where you can find them:
Luna and Curious 24-26 Calvert Avenue, E2 7JP
Luna and Curious at Sanderson 50 Berners Street, W1T 3NG
www.lunaandcurious.com

Something cultural

A friend once advised me to visit Sir Soane’s House. I did. You should. Sir John Soane was an architect famous for his designs of the Bank of England and Dulwich Picture
House, just to name a few. During his life he collected many curiosities, books, sketches and much more. While his house started to look more and more like a museum he decided that, after his death, his house would actually become a museum for architect students and other interested folks. And a good job he did in doing so!
The house on 13 Lincoln’s Inn Field has something magical to it; it almost feels like Mr. Soane only just left the building for a Sunday afternoon stroll. Or to get a copy of the Evening Standard. Mmmmm no, he probably wouldn’t read The Evening Standard… Right? If you aren’t particularly interested in architecture, not to worry. Go for all things beautiful and for an afternoon spend in a very peculiar house. Just sniff around. You’ll come out inspired. And of course don’t forget to check out that sarcophagus…. A sarcophagus in a house, can you imagine? Ha!

Having been to been to this museum once, I’d love to go back for another visit. Especially on a Tuesday evening. A 1st Tuesday evening of the month to be precise. That’s when candlelit tours are held! Just to add a little more magic to it. Oh, bliss. (Meanwhile she’s clapping her hands with excitement… Did mentioning that one detail just reduce the magic for you she wonders?) These Candlelit tours are between 6 and 9pm. Take my advice: go early. As in REAL EARLY. Queues develop at 4pm already and you cannot book in advance. When your author once happily came skipping onto Lincoln’s Inn Field at 6ish, there was no way she could get in anymore. So as I said: take my advice, go early. And be overwhelmed!

Sir Soane’s House
13 Lincoln’s Inn Field
Nearest tube station: Holborn
www.soane.org

Note that there won’t be a candlelit tour in June. Next candlelit tours will be July 3rd 2012.

If you would like to read more from Tess and her adventures you can follow here Ifiwereinlondonrightnow or like Tess, if you too fancy doing a guest blog post get in contact with us contact@hiddenlittlegems.com

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People come to Miami Beach and end up eating in some tourist trap restaurant on Ocean Drive. You know what they say: Go where the locals go eat. So here are the TOP 3 hidden places which are worth to try.

Let’s start with a fastly upcoming restaurant called JIMMY’Z Kitchen. Chef Jimmy Carey garnered experience from Five-Star hotels to Brasserie le Coze to actor Michael Caine’s South Beach Brasserie. Jimmy’s creative menu has a variety of salads (Southwest Chicken Salad, my favorite), pannini sandwiches (Turkey panini, the best),and special culinary creations like Ahi Tuna with avocado salad and rice is something that you have to try to believe how amazing it is.

Little Lotus: This is a fabulous little joint with great decor. Creative dishes & Japanese flavors that you simply would be able to create yourself. The sushi is not only out of this world but also amazing to look at! Thanks to their creative chef the rolls look practically designed.

Thrive: a real little gem – it’s great to find a place that loves vegan, raw and organic food this much. It’s all passionately made from scratch. The coffee is served with nut milk and agave nectar. This is vegan at its best!

ENJOY!

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If you’re in Miami for a few days here’s a list of things to do and places to eat, drink & stay to help you get the best out of your time there.

Things to do
Saunter along the sands of South Beach
South Beach is stereotypical Miami. You can watch the…

Ride the Palm Beach bike trail
Soak up the sights via pedal power…

Visit Little Havana for a taste of Cuba
Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) is full of restaurants, shops…

Check out the Art Deco District
There are over 700 buildings from the 30’s and… 

Seafood Restaurants
Garcia’s Seafood Grill
Nothing beats sitting in the open air looking over the…

Area 31
This is quality seafood with a view. Eat on the patio of…

A Great Bar
The Townhouse
An incredible outdoor rooftop bar with…

A Unique Hotel
The Mondrian
Staying here is like falling into Alice’s rabbit hole—the playful…

It’s a hard city to leave!

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The iconic Sky Tower is a MUST  SEE in Auckland and obviously not a hidden gem. The tower is part of the SKYCITY Auckland casino complex and is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand offering breathtaking 360-degree views for up to 80 kilometres in every direction. Sip a coffee at the Sky Lounge, enjoy a seafood feast at The Observatory or dine at Orbit – Auckland’s only revolving restaurant.

The Māoris, an Eastern Polynesian people, bring a real distinction to New Zealand culture. Te Hana Te Ao Marama is one of the biggest Maori Centres and is only  few miles drive away from Auckland and includes the contemporary world of Te Hana’s Marae facilities, the ancient realm of Te Hana’s 17th Century Maori Village and the Model Pa site.

If you’re in Auckland between August and March  watching the comings and goings of a busy gannet colony is a brilliant family activity.  The views from the colony are amazing. Muriwai Beach extends 60 kilometres to the north – a line of black sand between the thundering surf and the sand hills. Far bellow, enthusiastic surfers look like seals on the large ocean swells.

Besides sailing and golf, if you are into sports,why not try tandem skydiving! There are several companies willing to pump up your adrenaline level. And after seeing Auckland from above round of the day with some famous New Zealand lamb washed down with some classic Hawkes Bay vino!

Auckland’s hidden little gems:

Visitor tips on Auckland

Where to take kids in Auckland

Top 10 free things to do in Auckland

Sports:

Skydiving in Auckland

Golf clubs in Auckland

Food and drinks:

Best cocktails in Auckland

Cool cafes in Auckland

TOP 3 lamb places in Auckland

Recommended restaurants in Auckland

London can be pretty amazing on Valentine’s Day.. Here are our recommendations for the best that London has to offer in terms of the perfect setting for your romantic date.

Shoreditch House, overlooking Foster’s sensational Gherkin, the nearby ‘City’, and Shoreditch itself, boasts a rooftop pool, garden bar, ‘lazy lawn’ and BBQ on its mind-blowing Roof Top, whilst below are numerous bars, a two-lane bowling alley, sauna and steam rooms, gym, Cowshed Spa and a range of dining options. It comes highly recommended by Rebeccah Rumph as a No fail date place in London.

Still stuck for ideas? How about a date at The Ledbury? It opened in 2005, with Brett Graham as head chef supported by a young energetic team. The restaurant has gained many accolades including the much coveted second Michelin Star. The most talked about dish is the flame grilled mackerel fish that will just melt in your mouth. Book this, you are guaranteed brownie points.

Recommended gems & tips to do in London:

Inexpensive romantic things to do in London:  Rollerblading along the Southbank, coffee at Southwark Cathedral, ending with a bite to eat in Borough Market. Great suggestions from Alex Moore.

Single and ready to mingle: Want to escape the canoodling couples? Why not head down to Brick Lane and experience its clubs, bars, cabaret nights, casinos and amazing nightlife. Brick Lane is a true East London gem.

Catch a movie: register with secret cinema and you and your loved one or friends could be watching a great classic, chick flick or comedy this Tuesday.

For more great gems in London browse our app – hidden little gems.

If you’re any bit romantic then February the 14th is a day you probably celebrate. Whether its your very  first Valentine’s Day as a couple or you have been together for decades, this holiday of love is special indeed. So if you are like me and have yet to plan that special day here are a few little gems to help inspire you and make that day a special one.

And there’s no city more romantic, than the ‘City of Light’, Paris. Paris is a million different things to a million different people. The Musée Rodin was opened in 1919 in the Hôtel Biron and surrounding grounds. It displays works by the French sculptor Auguste Rodin. The Musée Rodin contains most of Rodin’s significant creations, including The Thinker, The Kiss and The Gates of Hell. Many of his sculptures are displayed in the museum’s extensive garden.

Stretching over three hectares, the grounds also includes a rose garden, north of the Hôtel Biron, and a large ornamental garden, to the south, while a terrace and hornbeam hedge backing onto a trellis concealed a relaxation area, at the bottom of the garden.  This is the perfect place in Paris to have that romantic stroll and soak up the beauty of this amazing garden.

Our Favourite gem is the Adagio City Aparthotel Paris Tour Eiffel is located in Paris, close to Statue of Liberty Paris, Eiffel Tower, and Arc de Triomphe. Nearby points of interest also include Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral. Be sure to get a room with a view.  Our most popular list of gems for luxury hotels in Paris is a list created by Dianne Hofmeyr. Dianne has recommended three amazing hotels in Paris that will comeplete your valenties weekend.

Recommended gems & tips to do in Paris:

Best places to smooch in Paris: In the middle of Pont Neuf, night or day (night is best).

Top 3 restaurants in Paris: Fouquet’s, exceptionally service and great french food.

Citrus Etoile Paris France: The hidden little gem in Paris and highly recommended.

Saucy shopping: something for the boys (and girls) head to Aubade Paris

Top tips in Paris : a trusted city tip from french resident Coraline Despeyroux, all museum’s are free on the first Sunday of the month.

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Sanya lies at the southern tip of Hainan Island. It is a very popular destination among foreign tourists for its stunning beaches and convenient location.

Visit Dadonghai and the beaches in Asian Dragon Bay. Tianya Haijiao is a must with its unique scenery! Tianya Haijiao (located 24 km to the west of Sanya) means “Edges of the heaven, corners of the sea” –  Enormous standing caesious rocks measuring over 10m high and 60m long.
Nanshan Temple is also an enormous Sanya landmark. It is the biggest Buddhist preaching site established since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Tips: The vegetarian food in Nanshan Temple is famous – including many nutritious dishes made of wild fungus, konjak, and bean products – try them!
And after a big trip around Sanya you will definitely deserve a few hours at the Nantian Hot Spring.

Here are the TOP attractions in Sanya.

Food & drinks:
Best seafood in Sanya
Brilliant restaurants
Bars & clubs

Sports:
Golf courses
Water sports

Accommodation:
Recommended hotels