Lazarus On London

Let me ask you folks a question: Are you all going to go for a Wii soon? No, I’m not interested in your bathroom habits, but simply if you have purchased this fine console that’s still flying off the shelves like hot-cakes, especially in this country. There’s not a month that goes by without stores posting up large signs–the kind you see at a Backstreet Boys concert–but instead of reading “Howie, I want your babies,” it reads that the Nintendo Wii is out of stock. Fortunately, I know a few people who own them, and it really is a gaming drug. As I was round at a buddies watching the European Championship Final with baited breath, hoping (and sometimes looking up to the sky) that the Germans wouldn’t win yet again (Hallelujah, the Spanish won by a Fernando Torres goal to nil), his Wii console was teasing me with its sleek white finish and shiny red button that definitely spelt danger as it stood loud and proud underneath the TV set.

We all played Wii Sports, where I triumphed on bowling and tennis like Roger Federer at Wimbledon. I felt like the great man himself as I made some explosive forehands and a couple of overhead smashes that brought plenty of frustration from my opponents and almost caused me to sprain something in the process. Do I hear any sympathy for my pain? If you want to check out what some unfortunate people have done to themselves, log on to www.wiiinjury.com–a quirky site cataloguing all the various injuries that gamers have done to themselves whilst playing the Wii.

Still on indoor sports, Lou Lou and I took to the polished floors of ten-pin bowling this week. Previous encounters have been as tight as last year’s Premier League, but there was no stopping me this time, as she was comprehensively beaten by two games to nil, with myself scoring a couple of centuries. Poor Lou Lou only managed one spare throughout, but practice makes perfect, as they say. However, she was pretty determined to take me to the cleaners next time, so this could go the distance just like the Rocky films. (Watch out for Lazarus vs. Lou Lou: The Rematch, though she’s a far prettier sight than Apollo Creed.)

It’s been another week of hitting the books for her, and sometimes I think she really would like to, as she’s currently going through a 600-page-plus book on auditing and another couple of texts focusing on hedging and interest rate future contracts. Yet despite this, she’s finding time to relax as she’s off for dinner and a girly catch-up with “The Twins” (sisters and two of her best friends, to paint a better picture), where I’m sure they will find time to gossip like old washerwomen.

They may even perch outdoors, as the capital has been basking in some warm temperatures over the last few days, which has seen temperatures reach 80 degrees. Yet, once again, things are set to take a tumble towards the end of the week with a mixture of light and heavy showers, with temperatures falling right back down to 16 degrees. I say, Jeeves, can you fetch me that umbrella from the closet?

Mesdames et Messieurs, Welcome to Lazarus on London which, if measured on the Richter scale, would certainly be off the chart. So what’s been happening in Old London Town this week? As fuel prices continue to grow, hauliers have been arriving in the hundreds in the capital to protest against the rising cost of fuel. Lorries on Wednesday were parked in their droves on the A40 motor-way, with further convoys to be led by police escort into the City. At around 11:00am, a group of around 20 Lorries were led by the police into the nucleus of London, taking in Marble Arch, Vauxhall Bridge, and Westminster Bridge, with their final destination being Victoria Embankment. Furthermore, there are a number of lorry drivers making their voices head in Westminster, where a demonstration is taking place. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) didn’t endorse previous demonstrations earlier this year, but this time round, the organization is supporting the hauliers. They are also declaring that the UK economy is under a severe threat from rising fuel costs. Amongst the quibbles, drivers are demanding a tax rebate on diesel which amounts to 25p in every pound, or in US terms 50 cents in every two bucks.

The price of Diesel has now rocketed to $2.60 per litre, and hauliers are proclaiming they are set to face fuel bills which could amount up to $2,000 per week.

Meanwhile, consumer and retail giant Marks and Spencer has taken a nasty fall, as growing economic turbulence has seen its shares sink by more than 20%. And according to M&S, UK sales have decreased 5.3% in the past three months. Data has hinted that high petrol costs and the rise in food prices are just a few of the precursors that’s led to a reduction in consumer shopping.

M&S shares lost a total of around $1.30, down to $5.08. Food sales have also fallen by 4.5%, while general merchandise dropped 6.2%. Due to increasing pressure, the director of food, Steven Esom, is to step down with immediate effect. His replacement is the head of M&S Home and delivery business M&S Direct, John Dixon. His task is certainly going to be a tough one, as projected M&S profits for the business year ending at the end of March 2009 are expected to be significantly lower than the $2B that was recorded last year.

In other news in brief, firms are feeling as glum as some of the spectators at Wimbledon, who were waiting in the rain to cheer on Andy Murray on Wednesday (unfortunately, he lost in straight sets, never mind Andy). According to BDO Stoy Hayward, business confidence in Blighty has dropped to its lowest level in 16 years. Its official Business Trends Report showed that the level of confidence until September has fallen to 97.7% last month. According to Peter Hemington from BDO Stoy Hayward, UK businesses are struggling to see any light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe I’ll have to buy him a flashlight and shovel so he can dig his way out…

Onto the razzamatazz of showbiz news: According to Madonna’s spokeswoman, the Material Girl isn’t set to scarper and leave Guy Ritchie for dust, after a mountain of speculation that’s grown as high as Mount Rushmore. Liz Rosenberg has also denied claims that Madge has had a couple of late night rendezvous with New York Yankees Star Alex Rodriguez. And it has further been reported, in our dear old tabloids, that Madonna has employed the services of divorce lawyer Fiona Shackleton (she being infamous for representing Sir Paul McCartney), which is adding to the growing speculation that their eight-year marriage is on the rocks. It may end up in the sea at this rate. For the time being, everyone is being tight-lipped, but it might just be a case for Ritchie of “Love, Love Me Do” (Or Don’t).

It’s not been a good first day at the office for Apprentice Winner Lee McQueen. Well, that’s because he actually hasn’t been in yet. McQueen had fallen ill whilst holidaying in the sun with his girlfriend in Spain and complained of a flu-like virus. The 30-year-old victor who fought over 11 other candidates in the BBC’s reality show has already phoned in to the office and will be starting in a matter of days. Sounds like a few too many sangrias to me. McQueen has been hired to launch a digital advertising product for one of Sir Alan Sugar’s companies. This actually coincides with the official announcement that he’s to step down as chairman of the computer and electronic giant Amstrad, which he founded at the grand old age of 21. Fear not, though, as Sir Alan will be back on the Beeb for a fifth series of the hit show later on in the year.

And finally, this week Kylie Minogue–or should that be Kylie Minogue OBE–has picked up a distinguished order of the British Empire at Buckingham Palace on Thursday. The pint-sized pop star, famous for her stint on Ramsay Street in the hit Australian soap opera Neighbours, was presented with the honour by Prince Charles. On receiving the award for services to music, Kylie stated she felt “very proud.” Now aged 40, Some of Kylie’s best hits include “Locomotion,” “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” and “I Should Be So Lucky.” After a successful recovery from breast cancer, she has just received the highest French cultural honour, the Order of Arts and Letters, in May. And if you stop “Spinning Around” for just a moment, I’m sure you’ll love some of these tasty morsels I’ve pulled out for you this week.

Drink – Gilgamesh. Just a short walk from both Camden Town and Chalk Farm tube stations, and a favorite of Paris Hilton, Gilgamesh has to be a new addition to the Seven Wonders of the World. Based on Chalk Farm Road, the design itself weighs in at a stonking $24 million, which pays homage to the epic son of the mortal king and goddess, the King of Uruk and all his mighty power. A grand Babylonian palace awaits you as you mount the traveling escalator upwards with its big and brashy artifacts, including ornate and opulent carved furniture, a 50-metre bar, and a 40-foot retractable ceiling that reveals a stunning al fresco spot.

Under the helm of celebrity chef and former Gordon Ramsay protégé Ian Pengelley, Gilgamesh brings an array of Pan-Asian cuisine and dim sum to the heart of Camden Town. The Babylon bar offers up a potent 30 different varieties of sake with a sake sommelier on hand to provide handy hints. On top of this is a decadent lounge bar with tinges of bronze, giving the interior a real authentic feel and a tea lounge. If that’s not enough, then get yourself down every Sunday afternoon for a feast of live Jazz between 2:00 and 5:00 pm.

Address: Gilgamesh Restaurant, Bar and Lounge
The Stables,
Chalk Farm Road,
Camden,
London,
NW1 8AH
E: http://www.gilgameshbar.com/

Dance – Surya. Now this is a real bit of hot gossip, as I’m bringing you exclusive insider info hot off the press (call it what you will), as this club isn’t even open yet. Launching on the 10^th of July, Surya is being launched by a chap called Dr. Earth. Its USP is that this will be the first eco-friendly club on the planet. Its location is on the famous Pentonville Road–that’s if you know your Monopoly board. Otherwise it’s just near the Kings Cross area of Old London Town. Club4Climate’s leader, Dr. Earth, has got on his carbon footprint high horse to give us Surya, which will not only generate energy from dancing clubbers to power the venue, but also will provide energy to other properties in the vicinity.

The dance floor is certainly unique, with its combination of quartz crystals and ceramics, while there’s also a wind turbine and solar energy system in place to maintain the club’s energy sources. If that’s not enough to make you go green, then the installation of waterless urinals, low-flush toilets, and automatic taps might just do. There are a host of celebrities tipped to make their presence known at Surya’s launch, so be prepared to dance the night away. After all, it’s for a good cause, I suppose.

Address: Surya
156 Pentonville Road,
London,
N1 9JL
E: http://www.club4climate.com/surya/

Dine - Ambassade de l’Ile. This South Kensington newcomer is set in a beautiful Edwardian period building. With a selection of dishes that are as French as Eric Cantona munching on a baguette, Ambassade de l’Ile focuses on a range of locally sourced and seasonal produce. The menu’s creation is down to highly respected Michelin chef Jean-Christophe Ansanay-Alex, who brings his style of French cooking with a twist to the capital.

Some signature dishes to whet the appetite include milk-fed lamb with green pea potato gnocchi, poached foie gras with a morel emulsion, and an innovative liquorice ice-cream served with a gingerbread cone. The interior takes its inspiration from Lyon and, in particular, the Lyonnaise flag, where Ansanay-Alex houses his petite two-Michelin starred restaurant, l’Auberge de l’Ile. Purples and whites dominate the interior alongside shiny new mirrors and swanky dark carpets that capture a glitzy look. Some highlights for diners to salivate over include a seven-course tasting menu priced at $180, with a moderately-priced set lunch menu. Here you can eat your way through three courses for $60 and also choose one of the fine wines available from a staggering list of over 500 different varieties.

Address: Ambassade de L’Ile
117 – 119 Old Brompton Road
London
SW7 3RN
England
E: www.ambassadedelile.com/

Distraction – New Designers 2008
Where: Business Design Centre
When: 3rd July – 13th July
Hours: Wed 18:30-21:00 (Invitation Only), Thu to Sat 11:00–18:00, Sun 11:00-16:00

One of the largest conference centres in the capital welcomes over 4,000 graduates from over 90 arts colleges dotted around the UK who intend to parade a range of works in 20 disciplines from fashion and graphics to accessories and furniture. The Business Design Centre is based on Upper Street in Islington and is a Grade II listed building that was erected in 1861. Twenty-three years on since the exhibition’s inauguration, you might just uncover the next Warhol, Lichtenstein, or even Frank Lloyd-Wright.

Stroll around the main exhibition hall, which takes in a whopping 65,000 square feet and is home to more than 100 businesses. The One Year On exhibition displays the cream of the crop of 40 hand-picked designers who are already making a reputation for themselves on the fashion and design circuit. There are two parts to this event, as they have had to cram it all in. The first part lasts until the 6^th of July, while the second part of the exhibition takes place from the 10^th till the 13^th of July. Ensure you purchase an “unlimited access” ticket, which will guarantee entry into both portions. And before I sign off, whatever you may be up to on this fine Friday, it’s a big Happy Independence Day to one and all from across the pond. Who knows–I may even whip up some homemade slaw for the event.

Address: Business Design Centre,
52 Upper Street,
Islington,
London,
N1 0QH
E: http://www.newdesigners.com/