DAVID LAMMY
“The Cliveden Literary Festival brings together some of the greatest minds and voices on the planet. The next few months will set the stage for the most important election in a generation and I'm looking forward to discussing Labour's prospects with such prestigious panelists.”
David Lammy, English Politician and Lawyer
"This month’s Hotlister is David Lammy, the Labour MP for Tottenham and the former Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs. David is a speaker at this weekend’s prestigious Cliveden Literary Festival and author of two books, including ‘Out of the Ashes’ on the 2011 London riots, and ‘Tribes: How Our Need to Belong Can Make or Break Society’."
Jenny Halpern Prince
Food: Daroco
Hit Parisian restaurant Daroco arrives in London this month for its first international venture, fusing captivating Parisian design with sun-kissed Italian cuisine. Daroco's three Parisian sites have been hugely popular in the French capital and for the first time ever the group is expanding outside of its home city. We feel so honoured! Alexandre Giesbert, Julien Ross, and Nico de Soto, the trio behind this venture, once again showcase their talent for creating exquisite experiences by combining authentic Italian flavours with unique locations. They have set up home in the pink-shaded Ilona Rose House in Soho, which also houses restaurants like Milk Beach and Kapara. From the grand counter that opens into the room, to the mirrored ceiling - a central element present in all of the Daroco group's restaurants - Daroco is thoroughly design-led. The combination of marble and wood details blends harmoniously with a mixture of plants and brass, evoking the ambiance of an English garden. On the table, you'll find a selection of classic Italian dishes, such as squid ink spaghetti with mussels, pappardelle with beef ragu, truffle pizza, and tiramisu, just to give you an idea. In keeping with the founders' preference for originality, the menu features pizzas with baroque names, adding a unique touch to each flavour. All ingredients are fresh and handcrafted, and the variety of pasta shapes available, such as pappardelle, linguine, and trofie, proves this dedication. If that’s not enough to whet your appetite then wet your palate with a cocktail from their underground hidden cocktail bar, Wacky Wombat, where bartender Nico de Soto distils his imaginative mixes.
Kew Gardens: Queer Nature
This October, celebrate the diversity and beauty of plants and fungi with an inspiring new festival, Queer Nature at the iconic Kew Gardens. Take a step inside Kew’s iconic Temperate House to discover a large-scale suspended artwork and a horticultural installation which explore the amazing world of plants and fungi, particularly those that challenge traditional expectations. Hear from Kew scientists, horticulturists, writers and many more leading voices on their individual perspectives on queerness and nature. Plus watch out for plenty of weekend and After Hours events. From the fascinating science behind plants and fungi to the connections between plants and LGBTQ+ communities, enjoy this celebratory programme. Highlights include New York based artist Jeffrey Gibson creates House of Spirits, an installation fusing vibrant colour and pattern. The suspended artwork is intricately crafted to form a collage of printed fabrics, incorporating botanical illustrations alongside language and patterns informed by Gibson’s own perspectives on queerness, and the endless diversity of plants and nature. There is also Queer Voices- Recognising the incredible breadth and range of perspectives on Queer Nature, Kew has invited over a dozen horticulturists, scientists, authors, drag artists and activists to contribute to a film-based installation with set design by British artist and designer Adam Nathaniel Furman.
Science: Ada Lovelace Day
Now in its 15th year, Ada Lovelace Day Live is a global celebration, highlighting and honouring the achievements of women in STEM. It is named after Ada Lovelace, the world's first published computer programmer. All the events around the world raise awareness of women’s accomplishments and inspire girls to pursue careers in STEM, shaping a more inclusive future together. This year it’s back in London and the annual ‘science cabaret’ returns with a fantastic line-up of women in science, technology, engineering and maths, who will share their experiences, insights and expertise, inspiring and empowering the next generation of women in STEM. Talks include ‘The Jurassic Coast: Take a leap into deep time’, Dr Anjana Khatwa, Earth scientist and presenter. The Jurassic Coast showcases 185m years of Earth history, telling of hot deserts, deep seas and tropical swamps. What can we learn from this unique place, where every step is a leap through deep time? Or ‘Uncertainty, intuition, and superheroes’, from mathematician Dr Sophie Carr. In a world riddled with uncertainty, our unease is undeniable, but within each of us lies a superpower we can unleash to transform discomfort into confidence. Lastly we love the look of ‘3D printing artificial organs’ from Dr Antonia Pontiki, biomedical engineer at King's College London. Looking at 3D printed anatomical models and how they can benefit surgeons in improving their skills and confidence in surgery, as well as provide patients with advanced surgical techniques and hence better quality of life. Ada Lovelace Day is hosted at the Royal Institution in W1 and tickets are available from just over £7.
Musicals: Musical Con
This is one for any major fan of musical theatre! Musical Con is a weekend long celebration of musical theatre where guests can meet the stars, celebrate the shows and learn from the Pros. The biggest event of its kind anywhere in the world, last year's convention saw over 10,000 fans unite for the ultimate celebration of musical theatre with over 100 West End stars, creatives and shows. See special performances, cast reunions, show spotlights, meet and greets, exclusive merchandise, photo opportunities, workshops and masterclasses. We positively feel like bursting into song at the thought of it all. You can get all the backstage goss and be the first to know with interviews, Q & A's, discussion panels and show spotlights and take part in lip-sync battles and sing-alongs. You can also learn about getting into musical theatre and network with schools and colleges. There's even a chance to perform on the main stage. Stars set to appear this year include Layton Williams, Lucie Jones and Matilda’s Alisha Weir. Taking place at Excel London over in Victoria Docs, tickets are available from as little as £12.
Experience: Natural Perfumery Workshop
Have you ever wanted to create your own signature scent? Stand out from the crowd with an eau de moi? Well now you can. The Chelsea Physic Garden in SW3 are offering a natural perfumery workshop this month on Tuesday 10th October where creating your signature scent can go from dream to reality. Be inspired by the Chelsea Physic Garden’s Botanical Living Collection and enjoy a hands-on, interactive session learning the art of natural perfumery. You will be guided on basic perfumery composition and blending to create your own 10ml natural perfume to take home with you. The £50 ticket fee includes all materials, equipment, class notes and your own finished handbag-size travel perfume. This would also make such a great gift for a friend or family member.
Art: El Anatsui, Tate Modern
October sees the arrival of the latest Hyundai Commission artist for Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall. One of the most distinctive artists working today, El Anatsui is best-known for his cascading metallic sculptures constructed of thousands of recycled bottle-tops articulated with copper wire. Repurposing found materials into dazzling works of abstract art, Anatsui’s work explores themes that include the environment, consumption and trade. His site-specific work for the Turbine Hall will be open to the public from 10 October 2023 – 14 April 2024. Anatsui was born in Anyako, Ghana in 1944 and has spent most of his career in Nigeria. Over a long-lasting and distinguished career as both artist and educator – serving as Professor of Sculpture and Departmental Head at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka – Anatsui has developed a highly experimental approach to sculpture, embracing a wide range of forms and materials including wood, ceramics and found objects. He has experimented with liquor bottle tops since the late 90s and continues to push the medium’s boundaries in novel ways, creating radical, transformative sculptures which assume new shapes with every installation. Interested in the changing histories of the objects he repurposes into shimmering sculptures, Anatsui fuses specific local aesthetic traditions with the global history of abstraction. Since Tate Modern opened in 2000, the Turbine Hall has hosted some of the world’s most memorable and acclaimed works of contemporary art, reaching an audience of millions each year. The way artists have interpreted this vast industrial space has revolutionised public perceptions of contemporary art in the twenty-first century. And El Anatsui is no different.
Black History Month: Various events
Black History Month is an annual observance throughout the month of October originating in the United States. The 2023 theme of ‘Saluting our Sisters’ highlights the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. This year’s celebration will showcase pioneering black women who have made remarkable contributions to literature, music, fashion, sport, business, politics, academia, social and health care, and more. There are a magnitude of events across the months and across the capital but some of the highlights we have picked out include: Mary Seacole Family Day on October 1st in Lambeth where we can discover the story of Mary Seacole, hear her adventures first hand, have a go at diagnosing an injured soldier and make a ‘sniff bag’ to take home. Women of the Harlem Renaissance on the 5th - In the early twentieth century Black creatives were America’s artistic vanguard. In the cultural movement known as the Harlem Renaissance, African Americans created new platforms to promote their work and learned to navigate white gatekeepers who controlled America’s publishing and cultural industries. Lastly the Black Women in Business brunch on the 7th to celebrate and empower Black women in business during an exclusive brunch event, hosted by the Brown Skin Girls Network – Sister Circle. This event is designed to provide a safe and empowering space for Black women entrepreneurs, professionals, and aspiring leaders to debrief, discuss, and network as a supportive community. Those are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of events so make sure to check out the website for the full listings.
Charity of the Month: Breast Cancer Now
This October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Now are focusing on raising awareness around secondary breast cancer. But what is secondary breast cancer? Secondary breast cancer means that a cancer that started in the breast has spread to another part of the body. It most commonly spreads to the liver, lungs, brain, or bones. Unfortunately, secondary breast cancer can't be cured. The aim of treatment is to control it, relieve symptoms and maintain your quality of life. There are an estimated 61,000 people in the UK who have been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. That’s why they fund research dedicated to giving those living with the disease, more time to live their lives to the fullest. There are lots of ways to get involved and help spread awareness of these cancers so check out the BCN website for more info. But even just taking to friends and family and educating yourself on the cancers is a great step in the fight against these horrible diseases.
App of the month: Airtime Rewards
Reduce your mobile bill every month with the Airtime Rewards Loyalty app. If your phone contract is with O2, EE, Vodafone, Three or giffgaff, then you can save on average £10 a month off your bill simply through your additional monthly shopping. Airtime Rewards have partnered with over 150 brands (with more being added every month) to make earning rewards easy. Retailers include Boots, Greggs, Argos, New Look, Halfords, Clarks and many more. Simply shop as normal in-store and online and you'll earn rewards that reduce your mobile bill. Unlike clunky cashback apps, there's no voucher codes or fiddly receipts to worry about. The best bit is joining Airtime Rewards is free and using the app is free, and will always be. With the cost of living situation right now, any chance to save some pennies is welcomed by us!