London: Tea Time in Wonderland

Are you a big screen fan? Rejoyce. This summer, cinemas are taking the scene over. You’ll find them on the roofs (Queen of Hoxton), parks (Nomad Cinema) and… canals with the Floating Cinema. With or without an umbrella, London’s outdoors are to be enjoyed by all means.

A few more ideas for the week-end:

* Knit your way round the tube. Grannies rock!

* Wow, Waterloo really is turning foodie these days.

* The new Serpentine pavillion opens this Friday -  it is all about emotions, a travel and a secret garden.

* The favourite trend for the summer? The beach.  Even The Goring Hotel has adopted the concept.

* Join The Big Feastival for 3 days of music and gourmet dishes. All profits will support Jamie Olivers and Prince Charles’ charities. Top cooks and restaurant pop-ups are on the program – think Taste of London with a fun twist. Even better – kids under 12 go free.

* Free cakes at St Martins Courtyard Summer Fête.

* Pac-Man your way through the tube…

* Enjoy a guided tour in one of London’s most beautiful Victorian cemetaries, Kensal Green.

* An Arab festival is to enchant London throughout July.

* Look up! Billboards turn artistic.

* See London in black and white.

* Have you seen Nemo?

* Always trying for a balanced diet? Well, Purl has just added a salad bar to their famous cocktails.

* An elegant airy architecture is building up at the Barbican Curve.

* Fly away.

Pssst: Love urban games? Quick, register for the Search Party, it’s free!

Impossible to take two steps in London without being face to face with a picture of the royal couple… Of course, most of the merchandising is pretty kitsch and will leave you smiling. I saw cardboard masks of Kate, William and the Queen at Waterloo. Even the kiddies book range is invaded: Angelina Ballerina has been invited to the big event, the Mr & Mrs has launched a princess edition, little girls learn they can be Princess Catherine’s bridesmaid, let alone cut paper figurines of the love doves (I’m amazed Mattel hadn’t worked on proper Barbie and Ken versions? Or is that yet to come?). Bored ? You can doodle the wedding away or why not, knit your own (not kidding). And if really, you don’t understand what’s happening, just grab the Royal wedding for dummies. Not a single object will escape that label! Let us know what you come across (chocoralie@ttiw.co.uk)…

Meanwhile, it’s almost week-end time and we should be able to enjoy London under the sun. Now, where did I put that picnic set…?

- Add a surprise to you mail…

- Join the Time Out Film Club to go through the best classics…

- Mother’s day getting near… Cath Kidston is proposing free workshops for the kids!

- Fancy some Chinese noodles?

- I think it is the first time I have seen sunshine for the Oxford / Cambridge boat race. Who are you supporting?

- Get green fingers at the Gardening festival…

- (Re) Discover Terry O’Neill’s pictures – 50 years photographying stars, including James Bond and the Rolling Stones…

- Get your loved ones something else than chocolate for Easter. This way for spring-themed shopping!

- A new bar dedicated to gin for tonic evenings!

- Royal atmosphere? This way for a new pop-up shop…

- A theatre play at the Tower of London? Nice change of scenery – book your tickets for Richard III quickly!

So, week-end ahead. What do you feel like?

- In the Mc Cartney family, I’d like… Stella’s sister. Did you know she is a photograph? You can meet her @ Selfridge’s on Friday.

- You are so going to love the Bloomsbury’s festival. There will be a lantern-lit procession on Friday and the whole week-end: dance demos, music in the park, visit of an art deco house and so much more!

- Have a bite on life, it’s apple day!

- Invest in art without breaking the bank…

- Learn more about Cezanne‘s paintings…

- Kids will love this puppet show on Mr Fox…

- 3,2,1… Draw!

- Add a pinch of fashion…

- Rediscover Louise Bourgeois…

- Why not try Japanese cinema?

- The pop-up Marmite shop reopens! There is even chocolate to be found… Remember last year?

- Halloween’s getting close – get in the mood!

- Bounce on a giant bed (yes, you read it right)…

- Have an autumn walk… Why not here?

Pssst, for next week:

- Be amazed by Rob Ryan‘s paper lace…

- The Royal Albert Hall thinks it is a UFO…

It is always fascinating to discover another side of London – another era, long-gone jobs, view old advertisment, compare how neons and buildings have advanced…

The National Geographic shop proposes a travel through time with blacn and white pictures of the capital. Some are classical – London definitely defies time – others are extraordinary, like those ice-skaters on the Serpentine in 1940…

Entrance is free and it is really worth stopping by.

National Geographic Shop
83-97 Regent Street
London
W18 4EW

Until July 18, 2010 – free
Pssst: just around the corner, you’ll find Freggo - delicious Argentinian ice-creams. You’ll be hooked on the dulce in no time!

Another rainy week-end ahead… Smile! Just take your umbrella on an adventure…

Here’s to put you in the mood:

- The Portobello Winter festival starts this wednesdau and will have thematic nights every Wednesday till Xmas

- Don’t forget to get prepared for those Xmas parties and meals: celebrate Thanksgiving!

Feeling better? Here’s for the week-end:

- Head for the new pop-ups before they blow away with the fashion wind… Nes-cafe @ Liberty and the famous Parisian Colette on Brick Lane

- Need your weekly dose of street art? Hoorray! Mutate opens its doors again @ Portobello.

- Even Damien Hirst is back @ the White Cube Gallery. It’s still time to see his No love lost @ the Wallace collection

- Spendid news pictures @ The Royal Festival Hall…

- Alternatively hum Only you @ Proud Chelsea… Great pics of a young Elvis.

- Kids will find happiness in Covent Garden – there will be a real reindeer to pat Saturday afternoon. Parents will probably prefer the amazing jewel exhibition that flashes magic lights under UVs…

You’ll find me @ the Secret Cinema… and having an underground afternoon tea. What’s YOUR program?