Paramore

 “Just watched my wildest dreams come true, no one of them involving you”

Hayley, the lead singer of band, claimed this to be her favourite part of the Misery Business song but the audience sang along so loud that she just had to give in and actually pull someone from the crowd to sing along with her – honestly I think that girl had the best time of her life in that moment. That’s part of the new Paramore concept, and the show that they put together that has been criticised as being too commercial by the 2 former band players, the actual founders of the band.

I’m yet unsure if I like the new Paramore concept, as there was less singing – and with 4 albums out now they do have enough material to play for over just 1h15m – there was a lot of talking between songs, and the new tunes don’t seem to have the same strength that older ones. However, the feelings and emotions shared between the band and the audience were ecstatic so it was a really good evening – also considering that with most of the audience being underage, getting drinks in the bar was really quick.

(Alchie) Practicalities aside, the experience was really good. Paramore have good vibrant songs with a heavy base, so there are a lot of opportunities to jump up & down – the younger (and not that young) generations have that well covered – so there is a lot of adrenaline in the air to keep going and we laughed a lot. Then thanks to the new material, there are times to rest and – as one of the songs claimed – to think about the good things in life and no matter if one thinks things can’t get better, they actually do. Not that I can complain a single bit about my life but… if they only knew.

 

DETAILS:

Paramore - www.paramore.net/ - https://youtu.be/aCyGvGEtOwc

Proper Burgers

This is not the first time that I talk about burgers in this blog but, what can I say? Even Gordon Ramsay recognises that they are the delicacy of this day & age, and there are many top restaurants creating their own recipe. This is not the particular case of Byron, as their menu basically contains just burgers – so they haven’t gone out of their comfort zone to create a burger - but this is the reason why this blog will include certain entries about burgers also considering that it’s one of my favourite things to eat – not that I am particular with food anyways, as long as it’s good that is.

Burger critics will not agree that Byron burgers are too good, but they are. Or at least they are simple enough, at the same time that they are customisable enough - you can add and remove anything that you would like. So there is nothing complicated unless you want it. And then, each month, they are making a special burger where they’re trying to be more creative for the lovers of new experiences (with burgers).

  

The best thing about Byron is the combination of the quality of the food – all natural ingredients – with a great atmosphere – each Byron is decorated differently and according to the area where it’s located – perfect availability – the restaurants are open every day all day and they even can get your order ready for you to come and pick it up – and great staff that will serve you quickly if you wish – having a simple menu helps with this fact. Oh! And the desserts and milk shakes are amazing so make sure that you leave some room for something sweet or have a milkshake with your burger American style (or Andres style).

DETAILS:

Byron - www.byronhamburgers.com/- Several locations so check web for details

Traditions

William Shakespeare is without a doubt other of the English icons, so it is almost an obligation to enjoy his work. Some people are intellectual and smart enough to follow his books, and then some of us are only capable of trying to understand his plays – especially if they’ve been adapted  I haven’t yet had the chance to enjoy any of the plays at the Globe Theatre but I hope I come around to do it one of these summers.

In this case, we went to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a production of the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Noel Corward theatre, where the cast included a long list of famous actors and actresses that kept us laughing for almost the full length of the play. We did have a great time even if discussing over the interval we all agreed that we hadn’t understood mostly anything of the first 10 minutes of the play. In fairness, I have to say that for all of my party English is the second language and that only scattered laughs were heard along the theatre when the play started (so we were not the only ones not totally understanding).

To complete a great evening, we went to J Sheekey for dinner. Thanks to the central location of the theatre, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, but this one is literally around the corner. To enjoy good fish and in classic ambience – so in the lines of the plan we had gathered that night – is one of the best places that I found in London. However, they’re that traditional that taking photos is not allowed – so there is no post for the restaurant just this paragraph. There is an oyster bar and then there is the restaurant, and the quality of the food is just amazing, no need for decorations, plain simple and amazing fish.

DETAILS

A Midsummer Night Dream - www.amidsummernightsdream.co.uk/‎ - Noel Coward Theatre – 85-88 Saint Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4AU

J Sheeky - www.j-sheekey.co.uk/‎ - 28-35 St Martins Ct, London WC2N 4AL

Amazing food in the South of the River

This is a restaurant that has recently opened its doors in Clapham Common – I did decide to cross the river - and that a friend recommended that we should go and try: The Dairy. After a couple of conversations with people who live in the area, it sounds that it’s quite popular and I have to agree after being there that is worth the visit.

The restaurant is not too big but they’ve made the best of the space that they have. Simple wooden tables and chairs, candles, small flowers and discreet decoration after you cross the full open front they have in this last summer nights. There is also a small bar with a few stools where it’s also nice to sit and eat, or wait while they get the table ready.

The staff is really friendly and extremely nice, also helping to move the dishes to get the best light for the pictures – I should excuse for the quality but I didn’t have the camera and that’s what I could get from my BB. They recommended what we definitely needed to order and also the amount. The menu is divided into the different groups of food (appetizers, vegetables, fish, meat) and the recommendation is to choose between 3 and 4 dishes a head as the portions are small – they are perfect to share!

The flavours are just too good, and I’ll be unable to describe them, so just pick as many things as you feel like having as the more the merrier you’ll fill. Just consider that even if the plates look small, they’re really filling.

DETAILS:

The Dairy - www.the-dairy.co.uk/‎ -  15 The Pavement  London, Clapham SW4 0HY