DnB star Seba set to dazzle

Liz Nicholls

london

Drum & bass pioneer Seba reveals his sixth studio album Oni ahead of an album release party on 15th November at London’s XOYO

Drum & bass kind Seba (not just our title: he was crowned earlier this year by Resident Advisor) has led an impressive 23+ year career.

Starting out with the legendary LTJ Bukem, Seba is often credited by artists in furthering the scene and as inspiration, as featured recently in UKF and DJ Mag.

Packed with 12 meticulously crafted tracks, the album Oni sees Seba exploring both the liquid and jungle subgenres of drum & bass, while also venturing into deep house territory, continuing to solidify his status as one of the most respected and innovative figures in electronic music,

It packs a punch with some bangers like Smoke and Slam, but then offers soothing, blissful relief with tracks Air and Flow. It even an unexpected deep house/Jon Hopkins-esque track with Three.

“I’ve been doing one off releases for Spearhead since 2011,” says Seba, AKA Sebastian Ahrenberg. “Steve (BCee) and I talked a long time about doing an album for Spearhead, and after my 2022 album Ingaro on my own label Secret Operations, it was about time to put another album together.  

“Since my musical direction is quite diverse with releases ranging from Hospital records to Function records, I thought it would be good to do an album that reflects that diversity. This album has a bit of jungle, drum & bass, liquid, some darkness, some smoothness. All blended together with my signature sounds.”

You’re invited to book your tickets and step into a world of immersive sound to celebrate the release of Oni, 8pm-12am (last entry 10pm) on Friday, 15th November at XOYO London (18+)


Latest posts

Patek Philippe Rare Handcrafts exhibition

Round & About

london

Patek Philippe to host the inaugural London edition of the Rare Handcrafts Exhibition 2024 from Friday 7th to Sunday, 16th June

The Patek Philippe event offers the public a rare insider’s perspective into the art of Rare Handcrafts within the family-owned watchmaking company.

The exhibition will take place on the first floor of Bond Street House, 14 Clifford Street in London.

Open to the public with free admission, the exhibition celebrates Patek Philippe’s dedication to preserving rare handcrafts which have been used to decorate timepieces for more than four centuries.

Visitors will be able to explore 83 exhibits over 250sqm. The themed spaces, which include artisans practising their savoir-faire, will take guests on a journey of discover; techniques including enamelling, wood marquetry, guilloche and gemsetting. This is the manufacturer’s largest showcase of rare handcraft timepieces outside of Geneva. The exhibition is open to the public via pre booked ticket reservations on Patek Philippe.

The “Rare Handcrafts 2024” collection (a total of 83 pieces, comprising dome clocks and small dome clocks, table clocks, pocket watches and wristwatches) once again shines the spotlight on a vast range of artistic skills, whether centuries-old techniques (Grand Feu cloisonné enamel, miniature painting on enamel, grisaille enamel, flinqué enamel, paillonné enamel, champlevé enamel, hand engraving, hand-executed guilloché work, or gemsetting) or techniques that are innovating in horology, such as micro wood marquety and Longwy enamel on faience. And not forgetting the growing number of pieces adorned with what are known as “mixed techniques”, uniting, for example, cloisonné enamel and hand-executed guilloché, or hand-engraving and wood marquetry.

The “Rare Handcrafts 2024” collection is also extraordinarily rich in creativity, drawing on multiple sources of inspiration, with motifs ranging from traditional art forms to modern leisure activities, and with subjects inspired by the cultures and landscapes of every continent. These 82 pieces, with their ever-more original and astonishing decorations are presented to great effect in an elegant, specially devised decor divided into three areas.

The Rare Handcrafts Exhibition London 2024, Friday 7th to Sunday, 16th June.

Opening times: 10am until 6pm, Monday-Saturday. From 12pm until 5pm, Sunday.

Address: 1st floor, Bond Street House, 14 Clifford Street, London, W1S 4JU.

To register for free admission to the exhibition, please visit http://www.patek.com/rhc-london

Content written and supplied by: Patek Philippe

Mezcalito Chelsea

Round & About

london

Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar in the heart of West London

Located in the heart of Chelsea, Mezcalito is a vibrant Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar specialising in tapas-style Mexican fare and classic cocktails. The extensive collection of over 600 tequilas and mezcals is truly impressive and promises an authentic experience for aficionados of agave spirits.

The menu is diverse and tantalizing, featuring Mexican tapas-style dishes that are perfect for sharing. From classic favourites like guacamole and street corn salad to inventive twists like Mexican sushi, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The Platos Fuertes sound especially delicious, with options like Enchiladas and Camarones al Tequila showcasing bold flavours.

And of course, no Mexican experience is complete without cocktails. The cocktail menu seems extensive and well-crafted, offering both traditional favourites and innovative creations inspired by different regions of Mexico. The weekly events program adds another layer of excitement, with Taco Tuesdays, live Mariachi bands, and DJ nights ensuring there’s always something fun happening at Mezcalito.

The Tulum Bottomless Brunch sounds like a fantastic way to spend a weekend afternoon, indulging in delicious food and drinks in a lively setting. And for those who enjoy cigars, the cigar menu offers a sophisticated addition to the experience, curated with the finest selections imported from Cuba.

Overall, Mezcalito Chelsea appears to offer an immersive and unforgettable Mexican dining and drinking experience, thanks in part to the vision and expertise of co-founder Oliver Castilla-Tristan. It’s a place where guests can savour the flavours of Mexico while enjoying the vibrant energy of Chelsea.

Globe Theatre – a great all-rounder

Round & About

london

London’s iconic open-air wooden ‘O’ shaped theatre has lots to enjoy over the summer…

With tickets to shows starting from £5, the Globe is a world-class and affordable way to experience the best the city has to offer. Spend a full day exploring the world of Shakespeare in the new exhibition, on a guided tour or in a family workshop, and enjoy a delicious meal at the Swan, before watching a show.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs until 12th August starring artistic director Michelle Terry as Puck, there’s a special Midsummer midnight matinee on 24th June.

The Comedy of Errors runs until 29th July, Macbeth 21st July to 28th October, and As You Like It 18th August to 29th October.

Midsummer Mechanicals, The Olivier Award nominated family show, based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, runs 22nd July – 26th August, following Peter Quince’s acting troupe – known as the Mechanicals – as they attempt to recapture the success of their first hit Pyramus and Thisbe, a show so bold, brilliant and chaotic that it went down in theatre history.

Running throughout the summer, Family Workshops and Storytellings are the perfect way to introduce younger audiences to Shakespeare and bring his plays to life. Guided Tours and Sword Fighting Demonstrations created for younger audiences are the perfect addition to a full family day out at the Globe.

Audiences can enjoy a pre-show drink with a stunning view across the Thames and overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral, or indulge in A Midsummer Night’s Dream themed afternoon tea at our on-site restaurant Swan at the Globe.

Jack & Beyond

Round & About

london

Send some sweetness & light to loved ones with Jack & Beyond’s Christmas cakes & goodies available for delivery across the UK

Is it ever too early for the first mince pie of the year? We have decided that this year, most certainly not! We love food here at Round & About, which we’re showcasing in our jam-packed November & December magazines. So we have been trying to take the repeated warnings about food shortages in the run-up to the festive season with a pinch of salt!

Luckily, thanks to all the dedicated food & hospitality stars out there, we have found that there is much to celebrate… and tuck into! The bakers & makers at creative cake shop Jack & Beyond have wowed us, as well as the Great Taste award judges with their handmade artisan mince pies, generously filled with an immediate aroma of Christmas, earning them a two-star billing. They can be sent as gifts with a personal message or just as a treat for yourself (hey, we’re not judging!). There are also gingerbread mince pies and chocolate mince pies for the non-purists looking to shake things up.

The London-based Jack & Beyond team have expanded their Christmas range for 2021 – all available to order from their online shop for delivery nationwide. In addition to their divine mince pies, they have Christmas macarons, gingerbread and moreish truffles which make tasty Christmas gifts or simply a luxurious way to entertain your guests this Christmas.

New for 2021 are Christmas Macarons hand-decorated with quirky festive designs with four flavours raspberry, salted caramel, chocolate and lemon & elderflower all presented in a beautiful gift box. The new Christmas Gingerbread Cookies are packed with flavour and the fun decorations make them popular with adults and children.

For chocolate fans, Jack & Beyond’s range of smooth gooey brownies are made with luxurious dark Callebaut chocolate and finished with beautiful patterns, they achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and intense chocolate. Choose from white chocolate and pistachio; red velvet; salted caramel; peanut butter; and vegan chocolate and raspberry brownies and new for this year Bailey’s chocolate brownies fans – a classic chocolate chip brownie topped with a generous layer of indulgent Bailey’s & chocolate ganache. Ideal for gifts for colleagues, clients or teachers, Jack & Beyond has attractive gift bags of brownies, shortbread, fudge and new for 2021 Chocolate Truffles  – Champagne, Dark Chocolate, Gin & Tonic, Raspberry & Champagne and  Salted Caramel Truffles

For cake lovers, Jack & Beyond’s Christmas Yule Log and Fruit Cake Loaf are perfect treats or gifts and can be delivered nationwide. The Yule Log is an indulgent chocolate sponge cake roll with a swirl of spiced chocolate ganache, while the Fruit Cake has a lovely soft texture and packed with flavours of mixed dried fruits, spices and ground almonds.

JACK & BEYOND 606 Fulham Road, London, SW6 5RP Web: Jackandbeyond.com/ Instagram: @jackandbeyond  • Facebook/jackandbeyond

Tell us your local news here

Beeline to bliss

Round & About

london

Petersham Nurseries – Richmond’s visionary garden center and lifestyle mecca – is one of West London’s greatest treasures and creative success stories.

The family behind the business are celebrating their 15th birthday, looking back on their humble beginnings as a dilapidated local plant shop, and how much has changed. Now with a second branch in Covent Garden, the small empire includes a homeware shop, florist, café, two restaurants and a wine cellar, with visitors come from near and far to discover Richmond’s unique lifestyle destination.

For September, they’re celebrating their birthday by paying homage to the gardener’s best friend, the honeybee, with a one-off masterclass in all things bee-related. In keeping with Petersham’s ethos, this will include a tasting session with Bermondsey Street Bees’ honey sommelier, a gardening session in planting bee-friendly flowers, a delicious lunch, and a ‘preserving with honey’ cookery class with Rachel de Thample.

Petersham's 15th Birthday

To sign up for this, on Thursday, 26th September

Vino veritas

Round & About

london

Jessica Elphinstone learns a thing or two about wine at Vagabond,  Fulham’s most underrated date spot

If you detest wine snobbery, and the whole glass-swirling, Merlot-gargling pomp of it all, then I’m totally with you. I spent my entire three years of university drinking £4.99 Gallo rosé, and that sweet, sickly nectar has a special place in my heart. But the wonderful thing about Vagabond is that, despite being a bouji wine bar and boasting over a hundred carefully selected bottles from indie vineyards across the globe, it is somehow also unpretentious.

First of all, the way you order the booze appeals to my inner vending-machine-loving child: Pre-load money onto a credit card, swipe into the recently revamped wine fridges, before clicking on the bottle you’d like and watching with glee as your chosen amount of wine comes pouring out. Taster sizes of 25ml are mostly around a couple of pounds, allowing people to sample a whole range of different wines you wouldn’t normally risk getting a glass of. We taste a tangy Spanish Albarino, a buttery, Meursault-style Reserva Branco from a sustainable smallholding in Alentejano (yes – I stole that from the tasting notes), and a questionable Italian Pecorino from Abruzzo.

Each wine comes with an information slip, onto which you can jot notes like ‘beeswax and tangerine’ or ‘pomegranate and watermelon’ if you so wish. My friend Chloe is a picky soul, and finds GM Henry’s pick, a Condrieu from the Northern Rhône which is one of the most expensive wines, not to her taste. We play games, bringing each other wines with tasting notes of honey, straw and water chestnuts, and try unsuccessfully to guess them. Around us, we see couples (a lot of first dates, apparently) doing the same, laughing and chatting as they pair their Tempranillo with delicious cured meats, artisan cheeses and charred Padron peppers.

Finally, we strike gold, and both fall in love with an Australian Zibibbo from winemaker Brash Higgins. “English Pears and Freesia” writes Chloe dramatically, now slightly less than sober. I imagine that this balance of light-heartedness, mixed with some actual exploration into new realms of wine, is exactly what Vagabond’s founder Stephen Finch imagined when he opened to doors to his first Fulham wine shop in 2010.

Screen Shot 2019-09-02 at 18.12.40
Fulham-1-1

Vagabond

Visit Vagabond Fulham, 18-22 Vanston Place, SW6 1AX
Contact on 0207 381 1717 or visit

Interiors: Decorex

Liz Nicholls

london

Liz Nicholls looks forward to another Decorex International at Kensington’s Olympia London between 6th and 9th October…

Lush forest green tones, warm metal accents and a fresh, geometric take on more than 50 shades of grey….

These are just some of the home trends of note visitors can absorb at this year’s Decorex International. If you’ve never been, and love interiors, I recommend you visit – it’s like a giant, interactive Pinterest board, all abuzz with creative people and interiors ideas.

You can gain insight into the craft behind a piece of bespoke furniture or decoration as designers transform areas of the show floor into live workshops. In the Future Heritage zone, talented young names in British craft are given a platform to distill their aesthetic into a finished piece of fine craft.

Europe’s leading event for interior design professionals, Decorex has taken place in and around London every year since 1978.

One of the local creatives who exhibited last year (and provided the awesome inspo for my under-the-sea themed bathroom redseign!) is Chelsea-based contemporary fabric and home accessory designer Sarah Fortescue. Read Sarah’s blog and admire her gorgeous wares.

The leading designer and producer of Portuguese tapestry rugs in the UK, Putney-based Atlantico Rugs will return to show their new collection of elegant designs complementing current styles, trends and colours.

And Pooky, based in the kooky design quarter of Lots Road, is sure to bring a stand that will be another wonderland of colour & creative use of light.

Anyone who’s peeked inside the Fiona McDonald showroom in Fulham will be impressed by the custom-made bespoke furniture, lighting, mirrors and seating. Visit her stand for more inspiration on this stylish midcentury vibe!

Decorex

Follow @Decorex_Intl and visit Decorex for tickets, details and updates.

Fox & Pheasant review

Round & About

london

I’m a country bumpkin at heart, and when I moved to Fulham nearly three years ago all my edgy East London pals rolled their eyes and said it was highly predictable, the obvious choice for a Gloucestershire gal like me.

It’s true, there’s something about the leafy streets, parks and plentiful dog owners in SW6 that felt like home. But what I always missed was a cozy country pub, with roaring fires and stuffed foxes, the sort you’d turn up to in wellies after a long walk. That is until my little brother moved up to London a couple of months ago, and sniffed out the Fox and Pheasant. Hidden in a charming little mews called The Billings, a short walk from Fulham Broadway and Stamford Bridge, I’m embarrassed to say I’d walked past the faded Victorian exterior, with its green tiles and hanging baskets, a hundred times without a second glance.

This is probably exactly what James Blunt and wife Sofia Wellesley wanted, when they decided to buy their local boozer and save it from being turned into apartments back. It’s understated, and no expense has been spared in retaining the original charm of the 17th century pub. When I walked in, I was transported with a jolt to my favourite Cotswold pubs, and half expected to recognise the faces at the bar.

We plonk ourselves at the bar for a pint of the Fox and Fez, their house lager, and chat to charming manager Toby. The decor is so quintessentially British it feels a bit like a film set, with vintage wallpaper and original 1930’s oak panels and locals playing darts. The walled garden is divine, with ivy and jasmine and pot-plants galore, and a Wimbledon-style glass roof ready to pull over in case of rain. We sit here for supper, which blows us away with its quality and freshness and attention to detail. You can have your usual pub classics – scotch eggs; burger and chips; honey & mustard chipolatas; a killer roast with all the trimmings on Sundays.

Alternatively you can go off-piste and order soft shell crab tacos with sriracha mayo, or an Ottolenghi-esque roast cauliflower with rocket and dates, sprinkled with dukka grains and toasted almonds. For pudding, don’t miss the sticky toffee pudding soufflé, served with ice cream of the same flavour, which was mind-bogglingly delicious. The Fox and Pheasant is the perfect country escape, while barely having to leave SW6.

Find them

The Fox and Pheasant, 1 Billing Road, Chelsea, SW10 9UJ.

Call 0207 352 2943 or email [email protected]

Zip Now

Round & About

london

Whizz over the city with Zip Now London this summer

Calling all thrill seekers – if the idea of being 35m up in the air in central London, whizzing at speeds of up to 50kph over a distance of 225m appeals then read on…

Zip Now London returns to the Southbank for its third summer season today (12th) until 15th September.

This year it’s set to be bigger and better with a fourth line offering even more highflyers the chance to enjoy the views and the exhileration.

After launching from a 35-metre high tower you’ll whizz past the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the Gherkin, Lambeth Palace and The Shard.

Real adrenalin junkies will be able to add on the option of a free-fall mega drop if they think they’re up to it!

Zip Now CEO Barry Shaverin said: “Zip Now London is back and better than ever offering a huge rush of adrenaline without needing to leave zone one. This year we’ve added a fourth line to meet the huge customer demand for people to fly in groups with their families, friends and colleagues.”

Zip over London Monday to Friday 11.30am to 7.30pm; Saturday 9am to 7.30pm and Sunday 9am to 5pm.

To book and for more information visit Zip Now