Sunday 27 July 2014

Urban Perk #3: Street-Feast @ Lewisham

Hi Everyone,

I'm sorry for the lack of posts recently but
my summer holidays started yesterday so I
should have some more time on my hands to
post now.

Last weekend was spent at the
lovely Latitude Festival in Suffolk.
I'll be posting about the festival once my 
photos are developed!I saw so many great
acts from headliners; Lily Allen and
 Bombay Bicycle Club to under-the-radar bands
like Spring King and Parquet Courts.
So keep a look out!


Today I wanted to tell you about another
perk of living in the city which is
Street Feast London who have various feasts
around new and upcoming locations in London.
I recently went to one in Lewisham (which I have
been told is now nicknamed 'Newisham'), it is set in
the abandoned 1950s Model Market which is
rough and rustic.



To get in, you're probably going to have to queue for a
while, unless you get there quite early.
Upon entering the market you are greeted by a walkway of run
down records shops, dry cleaners and takeaway branches
but when you look in you can see that they are being
 occupied by passionate foodies...

Smoke swirls out from SmokeStak BBQ where I swear they
serve some of the best ribs in London! On the menu there 
is smoked beef or pork ribs - although they are quite 
pricey you get what you pay for in quality and
even quantity! The shop itself has plaster walls,
a make do seating area, an open kitchen and a very
lovely order taking lady. I highly recommend!





Afterwards, I found this place called Yum Bun.
I had heard of Yum Bun from a breakfast show and
was happily surprised when I saw them at the feast
- the food looked incredible and simple too!
Yum Bun are famous for their soft steamed buns with a 
selection of fillings: pulled pork, fish, chicken, salmon or 
mushroom. 
Theses beautiful buns are great as a light snack
and are perfect for munching on the street.
 I ordered the Pulled Pork bun and it was amazing; the bun
light and fluffy whilst the pork sweet and tender!




Not only does it have great food and drink but a lovely
atmosphere too! There area few eating areas which are located
in shabby shops decorated with make-do furniture. However,
the main eating place is right in the centre of the market
complete with a bar, loud music, fairy lights and even
a TV! 


And just to top off a wonderful evening, there are a variety
of desserts to choose from. I chose the brownies from
the South East Brownie Bar who had a great selection of
flavours; Peanut Butter, Oreo, Mojito and loads more!
With the help of the friendly Brownieman I was able
to choose 5 miniature brownies to go; Oreo,
Salted Caramel x2, Mojito and Peanut Butter. 
And they were absolutely incredible!!


So, if you're looking for something to do or you're
feeling hungry head to Lewisham's Model Market for 
some lovely food, people and music. 
Street Feast is open from 20th June to 27th September
every Friday and Saturday from 6pm till late. 

Happy Feasting,
Poppy




Tuesday 8 July 2014

The Rise of Scandinavian Sound

Evening Everyone,

I'm very glad with the number of entries for my
Pixies Poster competition - the winner will be 
announced soon.

So recently, I was flicking through my playlist when
I realized how many Scandinavian artists I had on there.
I was then talking to my friends who were also very interested
in a number of Danish and Swedish artists. 
I've found this quite interesting and where better to talk
about it than here? 
(Don't go yet - I promise not to talk about ABBA!)

It all started with Bjork (although she is Icelandic)
with her 1993 album 'Debut' she rose from the crowd
like a bubble in a coke can. Her beautiful lyrics and
electronic pop opened the gateway for a new era of pop music.
Combining house, jazz and trip-hop she went on to be one of
the biggest artists of her time - and still is!
Listen To: 'Come to Me' & 'Hyperballad'
Bjork
Closely following Bjork were Swedish band The Cardigans.
The Cardigans leaped to fame when their song 'Lovefool'
was featured in the 1996 film Romeo + Juliet.
Their album Life, released in 1995, was produced by
Tore Johansson who also went to produce music for Franz
Ferdinand and Wild Beasts. 

I'm not going to be able to name every artist that has
ever come out of the Scandinavian scene but now there seem 
to be more than ever!
You've got Robyn, who first appeared in the 90s after her hit single "Do you know", MO, The Majority Says and Royksopp just
to name a few!
Although Icelandic, Of Monsters and Men are also a
mainstream band that have paved the way for more
indie pop/rock bands to follow.

One of my favourites is MO (the O has a line through it)
who I discovered a few months back on YouTube.
Her music has strong electropop notes, deep vocals and 
almost jazzy undercurrents (which can be heard in 'Don't Wanna Dance' and 'Say You'll be There') that have been 
compared to the likes of Grimes and 
Twin Shadow.

Robyn has also made a comeback to the pop world with
Norwegian duo Royksopp and their song 'Do It Again'.
The song is a combination of house and triphop, similar to 
Bjork, and has been described as "joyously addictive" 
and "booming" Do It Again, released in May 2014, peaked 
at number 3 in the UK Indie Albums chart.

It would seem to me that the Scandinavian and Icelandic
music scene is returning stronger than ever, this time
it is here to stay. So keep a look out!

Thank you for the music,
Poppy x