Greg hoffman
“I had two passions growing up, art and sport, and found I could combine them at Nike, where marketing was and is an art. I arrived as an intern and enjoyed three decades working with the world’s greatest athletes and teams, ultimately becoming Chief Marketing Officer. Emotion by Design turns my leadership journey into a guide on how to use the power of creativity to build an empowering brand that resonates deeply with people. By unlocking your creativity, you can build a lasting business and change the world. My background as a mixed-race adoptee has given me a unique perspective, and a natural empathy for those without access to the innovation and inspiration that others have. No matter the business, Emotion by Design helps outline how to create a great business and a better future for everyone.”
Greg Hoffman - Global brand leader and former NIKE CMO.
Food: The George
The George is an 18th century, grade II listed pub in the heart of Great Portland Street that is split into two different but charming propositions. Downstairs is a partnership between Dominic Jacobs of Chelsea’s Cadogan Arms and restaurant group JKS (think Hoppers, Lyle’s, Sabor et al) offering up cask ales, craft beers, seasonal cocktails and pub fare celebrating the best of British produce. As a central hub for the political, cultural and social movements of the late 18th century, a home to writers and poets in the 20th century, and in recent years, a favourite haunt of locals and travellers alike, The George has seen it all. With its deep mahogany bar and rich patterned red carpets, it feels like the true definition of an old British pub. If you venture to ‘Upstairs at The George’ you’ll find the new restaurant serving up some rather epic Sunday roasts and a whole host of dribble inducing dishes. Comprising three rooms which draw inspiration from their former use as the living quarters of The George’s bygone landlords. Large regency windows overlook the hustle and bustle of Great Portland Street, with original Victorian features throughout. The Dining Room menu features timeless pub classics with a focus on provenance and exceptional seasonal ingredients, led by James Knappett of two Michelin star Kitchen Table. In contrast the English Sparkling Wine Bar offers more than 150 treats from around the UK, including some literally not available anywhere else. Oh how we do like exclusives. Following its wonderful revamp they are now taking bookings so don’t dilly dally.
Music: Koko Camden
Koko Camden is an iconic London music venue that has hosted artists such as Kanye West, Madonna, Prince and The Rolling Stones. In 2019 it closed its doors for refurbishment then in January 2020 a fire badly damaged the Camden venue's famous copper dome and delayed renovation works. However, this month Koko is set to fling open its doors once more for a whole host of new reopening parties across the Spring and Summer. Artists like Jorja Smith, Lianne La Havas, Honey Dijon and Pete Doherty are all confirmed for the coming months and April 30th marks the official grand opening party with Luciano and other special guests. Within the £70m venue redevelopments is another ‘‘venue within a venue’ called Fly Tower, a 200-cap room housed in a 50ft tall shaft which will see the performance experience shifted, with artists on the floor and fans on the stage. In addition a new Cafe KOKO will open alongside a shop and DJ space as well as a new club night called KOKO Electronic. They have installed livestream capabilities meaning any artist playing has the option to livestream their show globally. Koko is all set to continue on in a new era as one of the most special music venues in the world! Check out the website for full listings of all the music artists, DJs and specials booked into the calendar already.
Activity: Campfire Club
Campfire Club is a musical event put on to help us rediscover one of life’s simplest joys – the sharing of live music in the glow of a campfire. They are back this year gathering in beautiful green spaces within cities to hear extraordinary music by artists from all over the world. ‘In the simple way that people have done for thousands of years, we come together around the fire to enjoy music, food, drink and the company of others.’ These special evenings are run by the Nest Collective which was founded in 2005 by Mercury-nominated artist Sam Lee. It began as a small gathering of music and folk lovers and their programme now includes a diverse range of music events in locations across the UK, featuring outstanding emerging and established folk, world and roots artists from all over the world! The 2022 Campfire Club kicks off on the 9th April in Coventry and launches in London on the 13th May at the Culpeper Community Garden in Angel. Future events take place at venues such as the Kids Hackney Adventure Playground, Glengall Wharf Garden and Cody Dock. Such a magical and tranquil way to enjoy live music in the heart of the city.
Bar: Pinch Bar
Do you like Vodka? Do you like Tapas? Do you like colourful vibrant drinking dens? We’d say you’ll like Pinch then. Found in Fitzrovia right by Goodge Street tube, is this new Ukrainian vodka haven, set up by two veterans of the biz who toasted their 2020 wedding with their own traditional family-made nalivka (AKA vodka infused with herbs, berries or roots) and who decided to bring this way of drinking to London. Well thanks guys! Pinch showcases a multitude of infused Ukrainian vodka alongside delicious Mediterranean tapas-style dishes. The vodka is infused on site in a two-month long process so you really do get the authentic drinking experience with cocktails including the W1 Martini, a Kyiv Sour, Rattle Snake Margarita and a Lviv Bling. The tapas dishes are everything you would hope for with Padron Peppers, Garlic Prawns, truffle Mac n Cheese and Halloumi fries to name just a few, all of which will take the edge off the vodka and hopefully save your head a little the morning after. Terrazzo bars, lush velvet seating and industrial metal work all make for an engaging space to relax in. A private foliage clad party space for 20 people makes for the most inviting birthday venue too.
Experience: Dopamine Land
Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter made by our bodies and used by our nervous system to send messages between nerve cells. It’s a chemical messenger in essence and it plays a huge role in how we feel pleasure. It’s the happiness hormone! And now there’s a whole experience and place dedicated to it in London. Dopamine Land is a brand-new multisensory immersive experience that uses state-of-the-art technology to indulge all your senses! Bringing together traditional media and innovative technology, this is an interactive museum where you will experience happiness and relaxation. Different rooms are designed to trigger your dopamine. With different immersive settings designed to stimulate touch, sight, smell and even memory, this is like London’s own mini version of Disneyland, spreading joy amongst us all! There are various rooms and zones to travel through that include One where you get armed with a bubble gun to surround yourself with bubbles, a popcorn room where you’ll be flanked by huge projections of popcorn and the delicious salty, buttery smell, a high-octane pillow fight room where you can duel with a fluffy weapon in hand, and a soothing room that projects images of natural beauty onto the walls and huge mirrors. Located on the Old Brompton Road in South Ken, the experience lasts 50 minutes and all ages are welcome. Enjoy the joy!
Opera: The Handmaid’s Tale
Margaret Atwood’s novel The Handmaid’s Tale was released in 1985 and received a renewed following when the tv series of the same name, featuring Elizabeth Moss and Ralph Fiennes, hit our screens back in 2017. Well now it’s taken on a new medium in the form of opera. Yes you read that right. From the 8th to the 14th of this month, the English National Opera pulls back the curtains on a new production from composer Poul Rouders and lyricist Paul Bentley. The opera tells the story of a Handmaid given the name Offred, one of the fertile women forced to reproduce with Commanders of the Republic. This thought-provoking work magnifies the issues of state control and the fragility of freedom, as Offred wrestles with the daily terror of her reality. The cast includes mezzo-sopranos Kate Lindsey as Offred, with Susan Bickley as her mother, soprano Emma Bell as Aunt Lydia, and Harewood Artist John Findon as Luke. Tickets are priced from £30 and bookable via the ENO website here. It is however recommended for those age 15+ due to its scenes of sexual violence, suicide, death, coercive and controlling behaviour as well as the strong language throughout.
Art: Mexican Geniuses
Due to launch imminently on a date as yet to be confirmed, Mexican Geniuses: A Frida & Diego Immersive Experience, is a 360º digital art exhibition that invites the viewer to step into the world of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, two of the most inspiring and revolutionary artists of the 20th century as well as two of the most iconic personalities of Mexican art. Featuring innovative technology and projections of over 300 paintings and portraits, this unique and mesmerising digital exhibition transmits all the beauty, emotion and transcendence of Frida and Diego’s works, which continue to make an impact even today. We will be able to walk through their art: see their world, their life, their dreams, and everything that influenced them, surrounding ourselves in a flurry of sound and colour. Tickets start at £19.90 and this is an art experience that all ages can enjoy. Even those in a pram will be hypnotised by the colours and brushstrokes. Stay tuned to the website for the venue as this last piece of the puzzle is yet to be announced but we do know its Central London and a space big enough to display all the magic.
Charity of the Month: National Literacy Trust
We wanted to flag this charity last month in honour of World Book Day but of course felt the situation in Ukraine needed our support more at that time. However, we still love the work that the National Literacy Trust does so please allow us to share. They are an independent charity working with schools and communities to give disadvantaged children the literacy skills to succeed in life. They work to improve the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in the UK's most disadvantaged communities, where one in three people have low levels of literacy. This is all done through establishing literacy projects in the poorest communities using their National Literacy Trust Hubs to inspire and support children and families to improve their literacy skills. The NLT supports schools by sharing analysis, promoting best practice and offering programmes and resources for schools and early years settings. They also campaign to make literacy a priority for politicians and parents. There are many ways we can support the work they do and there is an ongoing Covid impact appeal seeking donations to help ensure more children don’t get further behind with their reading levels. In July 200,000 children left primary school unable to read at the expected level. A simple £10 donation could pay for a disadvantaged child to have books in the home, develop a reading habit and gain the skills and confidence to thrive in the classroom. £25 could fund a teenager to attend skills workshops specially designed for young people with low literacy and £250 could help families; supporting their literacy through our reading programmes proven to accelerate literacy development. Visit the website for more info but let’s spread the joy of reading and help those who haven’t yet discovered the magic hidden between the pages of a good book.
App: Your Juno
Did you know that you develop your relationship with money by the time you are seven? But what if you don’t have the right foundations for a financially secure future or never get taught the fundamental basics of money management? Your Juno was created for women and non-binary people to help close the gap in financial literacy. Co-founders Margot and Alexia noticed that when everything was crashing during the pandemic, their male friends were talking about making investments and crypto currency’s whereas female friends didn’t have this same confidence or understanding of their options. Thus Your Juno was born in order to provide financial education and empowerment in a fun way. No longer happy with the ‘one size fits all’ approach, Your Juno celebrates the difference and aims to cater for all. Similar to Duolingo for languages, the app gamifies the content along with polls, quizzes and actionable lists to help you take on your financial freedom.