Balls, Babes and Bublé

Wednesday, 21st December 2011

So, I’m not sure if any of you know but its actually Christmas Day on Sunday, shocker, I know. So since it’s so close to the big day, it’s only right I do a Christmassy blog to get us all in the mood…right? WRONG! I’m sure you have had just about enough of what’s the top gift to get this year and the best way to recycle your tree. So I’m going to stick what I know, funny videos, good purchases and LADS!

Let’s kick things off, as always, with the ‘YouTube vid of the Week’. This week, we’re sticking to something short, simple and just god damn hilarious.  We can thank Ollie Sidwell (yes the founder of this fine company) and his weird sense of humour for this fantastic clip, cheers Sid! And the ‘Mother of the Year’ award goes to…….

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne3OMr1_Pxo

Now the award for ‘Purchase of the Week’ award doesn’t actually go to something I personally bought, but acquired through a very generous secret Santa.  As our Christmas social got underway last week we all exchanged gifts and I unwrapped (from my beautiful Metro newspaper wrapping) 3 gifts, the Hollyoaks calendar, a book called ‘The Game’ and a condom (very LADish). The gift I will be talking about is the book ‘The Game’; it’s something I hadn’t heard of before but has apparently created a lot of buzz. It is a real life story about a shy retiring writer, Neil Strauss, (pictured below) who suffers from a lack of charm and confidence when it comes to attracting the opposite sex. He decides enough is enough and wants to change his ways by studying world renowned PUA’s (pick-up artists) and their theories and techniques. Once he had adopted them and takes on the role of his alter ego ‘Style’ his amazing story begins. This story includes using his techniques on Britney Spears, receiving life coaching from Tom Cruise, moving in with Courtney Love and being officially voted ‘World Number One PUA’. I’m only on page 126 and I’m already engrossed and am sure it won’t take me long to finish.

Whilst reading it on the tube the other day a guy, who had read the book, interrupted me to tell me that he loved it and swore by it’s techniques. So a definite book for all the LADS out there!

 

Which brings us swiftly onto ‘LAD of the week’. This man is a smooth talking, smartly dressed and incredibly talented LAD. Women want him and men want to be him. Love him or hate him, there is no denying this man’s class. Even as I write this I am listening to his wonderfully received Christmas album. I am of course giving this award to Mr. Michael Bublé. Once again he has the whole country swooning over him whilst be bangs out great performance after great performance, with his big band behind him it seems as though nothing can stop this man from turning any song into a classic. There will be LADS out there who disagree with this week’s award but he is talented, loaded, women everywhere will do almost anything to be with him and all without having a six pack…LAD.

 

As always it’s been a pleasure and it’s time for me to shut up and for you to get back on with some work!

Adue, Kwa Herini, Auf Wiedersehen and Goodbye!

Tom

Loughborough Graduate Launches Online Fashion Store

Monday, 19th December 2011

Loughborough graduate Rebecca Griffiths tells us how she found the inspiration and courage to start her own business and some top tips for those of you who want to do the same! Since this is something we can relate to here at RMP we’re delighted to let her tell you her story. Here’s what she had to say…

For me, graduating from Loughborough University was one of the most daunting experiences. Being released into the real world is something that most students dread. It’s even harder still when after three years of study you still haven’t worked out what you want as a career. This was my dilemma.

I would never have imagined starting a business but today, I am writing this blog post following the launch of my new online fashion store wantherdress.com. The website is a family business and was created with my sister, a graduate of Leeds University.

I had never seen myself working in the fashion industry; I had studied drama so it was a very unlikely move. It soon became clear to me that the fashion industry was the way forward, since all my interests were within it and e-commerce, especially in fashion, is continuing to grow making it one of the most popular ways for customers to shop. Now I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. You don’t have to stick to what you have studied, there are so many opportunities out there and you can adapt your experiences from university to suit the career you love. Charlotte, my sister, knew shortly after graduating that this was her dream career. This made the perfect balance when working together.

The creation of wantherdress.com has taken around five months from the initial idea. Starting a business is extremely difficult, but the most challenging part is having the guts to go for it. We have learnt so much already. As young women and recent graduates, we have found that sometimes it is difficult to be taken seriously by the people we deal with. We have now built more confidence when dealing with suppliers and other partners to ensure that we are receiving the best service from everyone.

The goal for this website is not just to be an online store. As you can see by the name Want Her Dress, it has more of a social context to it. Our eventual aim is for the website to be a social network for girls and women to share their fashion experiences, style tips and photos to encourage others to Want Her Dress.

Tips for students looking to start a business:

  • Rather than constantly talking about ideas, take action.
  • Don’t be put off by others or talk yourself out of it.
  • If you believe you can do it, you’re right. Never give up.
  • Never be embarrassed about what you don’t know, never pretend to understand something you don’t, just ask.
  • Enjoy it…business should be fun!

Visit our website: www.wantherdress.com. You can also follow Want Her Dress on Facebook: www.facebook.com/wantherdress & Twitter: @WantHerDress for exclusive posts on offers, photos and an insight into the day-to-day workings of the team!

Words by Rebecca Griffiths

Photo by Tomal Price

Christmas….the RMP way

Friday, 16th December 2011

Today has to be one of the best days to write my blog….the morning after the night before of the RMP Christmas Social.

Priceless.

There are so many stories I’m not even sure where to start, but to avoid total embarrassment for more than one or two of the team, I am simply going to share the results of today’s post Christmas social Awards and a few choice photos….and then let your active imaginations work out the rest.

Bambi on Ice Award – Ed Flower

Torvil and Dean Award – Tom Wilson

Most Drunk Award – Charlotte Blake/Jamie Sweeney/Tom Wilson

First in the Office Award – Team Social; Russ Martin, Amber Jones, Ali Lloyd

Last in the Office Award – Jamie Sweeney

Best Dressed Award – Ali Lloyd (he had a cravat)

Funniest moment Award – The Speeches; Pretty much everyone got involved

This week I learnt….

……….that I’m mellowing with age

“Back in my day…” and “When I was young…” used to be the phraseology reserved for generations before me, but more and more often I find the tendency to cite such things creeping into my conversations.

I have distinct memories of being confident, care-free, out to all hours and showing no sign of the party-hard lifestyle whatsoever. Admittedly they are quite vague memories, but they are memories all the same. Having not drunk for almost 6 weeks following a kidney infection (until last night when I had a sneaky couple of drinks – see below), I’ve begun to notice how reserved my social life has become.

Gone are the days of missing dinner to fit into an outfit, eating a cheesy chip with garlic sauce at the end of the night and then missing the keyhole over and over again once you (finally) make it home at 5am (last night it was 3am).

Ageing happens to all of us but from experience, the fact that you are ageing slaps you in the face when;

• Your friends and ex’s start to get engaged/married/have babies

• You realise you have known your uni friends for over 6 years (and quite clearly should no longer be living/eating/partying like a student)

• You no longer care about people knowing that you genuinely would prefer to have a quiet New Years Eve

• You have a quiet New Years Eve

• You get Christmas cards addressed to you and your significant other and no longer get ones just for yourself

• You start calling anyone younger than you ‘youngsters’

• Youngsters ask you for advice…what did you do in their situation at their age?

• You get excited by the likes of Ovaltine** and wearing your slippers

• You are referred to as ‘the mother of the group’ at work.

……….just how repetitive Christmas songs are

Yesterday marked the official launch of our office Christmas playlist – we have been putting off the screech of Noddy Holder, the dulcet tones of The Pogues and the fact that Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ never seems to have its last Christmas, as long as possible but needless to say, the time came. What surprised me was that no matter the artist, year, interpretation and sound quality, I seemed to inadvertently know all of the words to every Christmas song ever made. How?

I find myself bewildered.

Thank goodness for modern classics such as When the Thames Froze by Smith and Burrows, “A Christmas treat from Editors chief and ex-Razorlight drummer.” (Q Magazine) Their latest album, Funny Looking Angels, is one of my recent favourites and features heavily on my Top Rated playlist. Check out Funny Looking Angels. And now go and buy the album.

……….to reminisce and revive

Perusing the shelves in Sainsbury’s is a past time I inherently try to avoid at all costs, but lo and behold on occasion it has to be done. This week I found myself aimlessly wandering the aisles not really knowing what I wanted to buy, or indeed eat for the rest of the week, and as such I ended up giving more than necessary consideration to items that wouldn’t normally make it any where near my kitchen cupboards!

That said, I did come across a few golden oldies that sparked fond childhood memories and that have since graced not only my kitchen cupboards but also my desk at work and many a conversation with friends and colleagues. To name and recommend but one of these….

“Nutritiously delicious Ovaltine” (from the packaging) is a malty drink that my granddad used to give me when I was a kid. I’ve never heard of anyone else that has it but with the wet, grey and wintry view out of my office window, it is a very welcome addition to my morning. Comforting whether you are suffering with a Christmas party hangover or not – you should definitely try it.

Amber’s advice of the week….

Grow old gracefully.

Work hard, play hard – and do it all in good company.

Go beyond what you already know.

Remember life’s little luxuries.

Keep Christmas Cheap & the “Best Worse Movie” ever made

Monday, 12th December 2011

“Sup Ya’ll” would be the greeting from one of the locals that star in the Alabama based documentary about the “Best Worse Movie” ever made, but as seen as im not from Alabama or in a documentary (yet) im going to say “Hello, and welcome to my festive blog post”.

This is one of the most expensive times of the year, buying presents for family members and friends because you know they are going to make an exhaustive effort and feel you have to also. What do I get them? a novelty present, something heart felt, meaningful, useful? Then you realise you’ve spunked your student loan up the wall or on more favoured people like girlfriends, boyfriends or the pub landlord.

DON’T PANIC – Russell to the rescue with some home made gifts that are functional, heartfelt and most importantly made by you and we all know time is the most precious commodity of all. So here are my top 3 homemade gifts for Christmas 2011.

1. Laminated TV Guide Listings

TV rules the roost over the x-mas period, plenty of Premiers and tons of traditional movies for you to gaze at for hours on end, Seasonal specials and one off’s. But sometimes there is soo much on you dont know what to watch, particularly those without Tivo or sky+ that can’t record.

This can be a stressful situation, well I say relieve that stress from a loved one this Christmass by photocopying the 25th, 26th and 27th of December from your TV guide in advance and highlighting those must see episodes such as ‘The Royal Family’ or the classic ‘National Lampoons Christmas Vacation’. You can even use different coloured highlighters and grading the viewing such as Green – must see or Pink – avoid. When you are done with highlighting, laminate your photocopies to make them indestructible (this also add’s value) and once they are finished with, they can re-use the TV listings as Placemats at the dinner table for year round functionality! “How thoughtful”.

2. Re-Used Jar of Chutney

This is by far the easiest present. Buy a cheap jar of chutney or what ever you wish as long as it is in glass packaging, leave it in a bowl of hot water until the sticker peels off, dry and clean the jar and wrap a piece of ribbon around it. Sorted. You can then deliver the gift to its recipient as ‘home made’ produce on Christmas morning. They. Will. Love. It.

3. The Illustrated Kitchen Towel 

Lets reminisce back to primary school, remember when you would draw a picture of your self, then the teachers would compile all the images in classes and print the little people onto a tea towel for your parents to buy. Lets re-create this in adult form:

• purchase a tea towel (one thats lying around is great as its free) and grab a permanent marker

• draw an image of yourself on the towel, it doesn’t matter if your rubbish at drawing in fact, a terrible self portrait will make the giftee pity you (thats what we want, Pity points)

• finally stick an appropriate personalised note on there like “Merry Christmas to a great Uncle” or “Seasons greeting grand parents!”

And you are good to go. When they receive the present they may think, due to your terrible drawing, that your a bit special gaining you Pity points, we can instantly cash in these Pity points so they cant show their disappointment with a lovely home made gift.

10 Second Review - Tintin (IMDB) 3d fun as a pointy red headed journalist, along with a drunk seaman and white dog sticks his nose in other peoples business looking for the elusive storey, a model ship holds the key to various treasures. 7.3/10

The “Best Worse Movie” ever made

I’m a big fan of the Adam & Joe show and while they have been off the air (BBC 6 Music) for several months now I have been abusing their podcast’s which entertain me no end, to and from work.

This week I was made aware, via their podcast, of a documentary made in 2009 about the worse movie ever made. Joe swore it was really interesting so I decided to investigate. After obtaining the movie I sat down on a cold Saturday morning and settled into what was a bizarre insight into an Alabama based community which is where the lead character lived as he, along with other cast members were welcomed in an A-list celebrity style into cinemas and auditoriums around the USA as the movie that they starred in, Troll 2, had achieved a cult status. The ‘Best Worse Movie’ ever made, directed by an Italian, acted by terrible actors, horrific props, confusing and staccato storyline, among other sins culminate into what is rated by the movie site rottentomatoes.com as 0% in terms of quality on the tomatometer.

I haven’t seen Troll 2, but if sold out auditoriums and Troll 2 parties are anything to go by, this is certainly one to watch over the coming weeks of the Holidays, possibly in time for my next blog. The actual documentary is on the other hand, fascinating. Check it out.

Well thats me for another month, Have a Merry Christmas and il see “ya’ll” in the new year.

It’s nearly Chrissssssssttmmmmaaaaaaaasssssss!!!

Friday, 9th December 2011

So it’s been a while since I have blogged!  How is it nearly Christmas?!  Well I thought it’s about time we indulge in some festive cheer so I have found some cracking jokes below…oh and I have posted some lyrics to a song just in case you feel the need to get up and sing your heart out!  As always, ‘Like’ the post and comment if you think you have any better jokes to rival the ones below….

Enjoy Ms Brock’s December blog :)

Christmas Jokes…

How many ears has Captain Kirk got?

Three: the left ear, the right ear, and the final front ear. Ben Miller

What do lions sing at Christmas? Jungle bells!

When is a boat like a pile of snow? When it’s adrift.

How do snowmen get around? On their icicles.

What does Santa call reindeer that don’t work? Dinner.

What do you call the fear of getting stuck in a chimney? Santaclaustrophobia

Christmas Riddles…

Did you hear about the optometrist who fell into a lens grinder and made a spectacle of himself? Doctors tell us there are over seven million people who are overweight. These, of course, are only round figures. What is the purpose of reindeer? It makes the grass grow, sweetie. There were two ships. One was painted red. One was painted blue. They collided. At last report, the survivors were marooned.

The other day I sent my girlfriend a huge pile of snow. I rang her up and asked, ‘Did you get my drift?’ Where do you find giant snails? On the ends of giant’s fingers. Christmas: The time of year when everyone gets Santamental. What is a webmaster’s favourite hymn? Oh, dot com all ye faithful

The Great Christmas Sandwich Debate!

For the last two weeks, Christmas sandwiches have been the subject of many conversations in the office.  I personally am obsessed with the PRET Christmas sandwich and rate it a whopping 9.5…..

Who has had one?  What rating would you give?  If you think there’s a better one out there then comment below as I will go and buy it!

Finally….a Christmas song to get you in the mood

“Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town”

You better watch out You better not cry You better not pout I’m telling you why Santa Claus is coming to town Santa Claus is coming to town Santa Claus is coming to town

He’s making a list, Checking it twice; Gonna find out who’s naughty or nice. Santa Claus is coming to town Santa Claus is coming to town Santa Claus is coming to town

He sees you when you’re sleeping He knows when you’re awake He knows if you’ve been bad or good So be good for goodness sake

With little tin horns and little toy drums Rooty toot toots and rummy tum tums Santa Claus is coming to town Santa Claus is coming to town Santa Claus is coming to town

Here’s a pic from a recent Christmas social with Chris in a particularly festive jumper ;)

Merry Christmas !

Our TUI placement so far…

Wednesday, 7th December 2011

It’s been a busy first few months for us here at TUI! We all now feel very settled in our job roles and are starting to get use to the early mornings!

In the last few months we’ve had a lot going on. In Product, we’ve been putting together and signing off our new brochures for 2012 and early 2013. We’ve also started work on planning the summer 2013 season and the 5 year strategy. Late trading finished selling for summer 2011 and have now moved onto Winter 2011. Early Trading are currently busy putting together information for the turn of year papers, special offers that go out to the national newspapers for January. And finally the placements in Cruise have been looking at new routes and areas for the ships to sail to for summer 2013 and selling the final seats left on the cruise ships for this year.

A few of use have been very lucky and have already gone on resort trips including a cruise around the Canaries, a trip to Majorca and a trip to Mexico. This has been really useful as it has enabled us to see the hotels and areas that we are looking after and really make the most of the product and holidays that we are selling. It has also got to the time of the year that we have all started to think about using the great holiday discounts that we get whilst we are here!

As well as our day to day jobs we have been helping recruit the new placements for next year’s intake. We have all visited a university placement fair somewhere around the country to talk to potential students about the scheme. It’s been a great opportunity to shout about how great our scheme is. We have met some really strong candidates at these fairs and have already carried out one assessment centre.

In November the guys in cruise organised a cake sale, quiz and raffle in the aid of raising money for Children in Need. The main prize was a weekend cruise to Amsterdam. A lot of organising went into this and the whole business got involved – the cakes in particular went down well! They raised a total of £1400, which was a fantastic effort!

We’ve got lots of things to look forward to in December. This includes the Commercial Christmas party, the placement Christmas party and the hanger visits to see our Thomson Airways aircraft undergoing maintenance. It’s going to be a busy month in the office as we all get ready for our busiest time of year in January. We would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and look forward to welcoming some of you at the next assessment centre.

Fantastic People, Funky Flavours and Fabulous Freddy!

Friday, 25th November 2011

So it’s been another couple of weeks, which means another blog. Actually got my first couple of recommendations for YouTube video of the week and LAD of the week recently so cheers for those guys. So let’s crack on…

First up, ‘YouTube Video of the Week’. Now I thought that I would get some inspiration for this weeks video from TV show ‘Rude Tube’, so I sat down to watch it and it turns out that weeks episode was all about sex so thought it might not be appropriate for the innocent minds of RMP and our users…

I was also shown a hilarious video by Wicko AKA Big Dog yesterday but similarly its not exactly appropriate, so you’ll have to ask him yourself! This weeks choice is a bit of a mood lifter, so although there may be some rubbish people out there, this is just to show that there are still some people out there doing some amazing things and to confirm that in general PEOPLE ARE AWESOME!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo0Cazxj_yc

I’d absolutely love it if you guys commented below and told me out of those, which was your favourite little clip. Mine is the guy doing that flip thing on the big bouncy ball (Not it’s technical term I’m sure).

So it’s that time for my ‘Purchase of the Week’ feature and I’m surprised I can even do one this week due to the pathetic attempt at a bank account I claim to have. I was recently on the road down in the beautiful South-West of England attending the Plymouth and Exeter Careers fairs and got peckish so decided to venture into a sandwich I have never tried before, a mouth-watering Bacon, Brie & Cranberry baguette. Now to many of you this may be the norm, maybe even a weekly occurrence, but for myself it was a strange combination that I had previously decided to steer clear of. I mean I’m sorry but who sat there hungry one day and thought “ohh you know what I could really do with? A bit of bacon, cheese and fruit!” It’s odd and you can’t deny it! However, as I have recently discovered it’s genius. I was just sat there letting this crazy arrangement of flavours do backflips on my tongue and absolutely loving it! So the moral of this story is to just try something different, if you can’t afford a holiday, you can at least let your taste buds take one!

Now time for something that I always like to put a lot of thought into, ‘LAD of the Week’. This week it’s a bit of a remember a LAD award as it goes to a natural born performer who played in one of the greatest rock bands of all time and had millions of people across the world left in awe as he dominated any stage he graced. I am of course talking about the late and ever so great Freddy Mercury, who 20 years yesterday we lost in an untimely death.

Queen has sold over 300 million albums worldwide and continues to live on through various fantastic (and not so fantastic) tribute bands as well as continuing to inspire many music-makers of the modern era. He is undoubtedly a rock-god who used every inch of the stage to perform classics such as ‘Another One Bites The Dust’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and their most played song of all time ‘We Are The Champion’. Not only does he live on through his music but through The Mercury Phoenix Trust which raises awareness and helps educate those in the developing world of AIDS, the disease that took the legend away. So the only thing really left to say is RIPLAD.

As always it’s been a pleasure and it’s time for me to shut up and for you to get back on with some work!

Adue, Kwa Herini, Auf Wiedersehen and Goodbye!

Tom

A few unique gift ideas….Christmas is only round the corner!

Monday, 21st November 2011

Yes everyone, it is true, Christmas is officially round the corner, just over one month to be precise, and this year I have decided to start looking a bit earlier to relieve the stress of last minute shopping.

To keep within the student theme, I have found some gifts that I believe are unique, as well as can hopefully fit to your budget. You will find a few examples below, but also I have included the URL of these great websites for you to browse as well!

As per usual let me know if you ‘Like’ the ideas and let us know if we have helped you with your woes and worries of what you may buy!

The first gift I came across is for all you travellers out there, or who may be planning on travelling in the near future. I thought creating a map similar to a scratch card was a fantastic idea, and what a great way of showing off where you have been in the world.

“World Scratch Map”

http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/thelittleboysroom/product/scratch-map

“A pair and a spare”

I thought this gift was great fun! How many times have you had to wear a odd pair of socks!? I don’t actually think I own single pair that are matching, which is most probably the reason I only buy black socks now so they all match!

http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/twistedtwee/product/a-pair-and-a-spare-socks

“Desktop Henry and Hetty Hoovers”

Many of you most likely will use your library desks rather than have your own work one currently, but I would just want to buy one of these anyway as they are very cute and amusing, as well as a unexpected gift!

http://www.lazyboneuk.com/products/Desktop-Henry-and-Hetty-Hoovers.html

“London West End and Dinner and Theatre Evening for two”

The last gift for the moment that I thought was a fantastic deal included taking yourself and another lucky person to the theatre and dinner for only £99!

http://www.uniquegiftstore.co.uk/London/Theatre/London-West-End-Dinner-And-Theatre-Evening-For-Two.html#

 

These websites include a great variety of unique, fun gifts so take a browse. Online shopping is definitely the way forward for stress-free shopping too!

Good luck and Enjoy,

Charlotte

Being a student sounds pretty awesome

Thursday, 17th November 2011

I have written this blog three times today. The first two attempts followed the same format as my previous posts and, whilst the first I completely wrote off in my head for being too boring, the second I really quite liked. Why then am I telling you this like I am not going to post it? I should. I’m not going to.

 

With one final section of my blog to complete I looked to my writing portfolio for inspiration and came across this; a blast from the past that both amused me, reminded me of why I love working with students and made me so grateful for the friends, family and opportunities I have had.

 

I studied in Ireland and this is one of my letters home that substituted my actually being there.

 

Enjoy.

 

 

Dear All,

Please excuse lack of correspondence this semester, life has been absolutely manic…up and down quicker than the stock market!

The exams went quite well and in the aftermath I concluded all the hours of revision paid off. As you can imagine the post revision and then post exam celebratory events were definitely nights for the books! However, to date I am labeling my life as much more diverse, gone are the endless weeks and months of partying, now are the days of staying in (well more often anyway) and saving money for large scale purchases such as a house! More on this later. This semester I have to work particularly hard at my statistics module…repeats are in August, but we can always pray for a miracle!

I have been to a number of rugby matches this semester and although I much prefer being pitch side to those hunky rugby players, I have also been keeping an eye on the six nations – not sure how I will cope with the England v Ireland game next Saturday?!?!

More news that may be of interest you is the up and coming potential marketing and PR representative you are now reading this letter from…well hopefully. That’s right, I have an interview on Monday evening with a company who specializes in promotion work, it will mostly be for the bars and clubs in and around Belfast but I am yet to find out all the intricate details and of course, the minor point of if I actually get the job! I will keep you up to date on any progressions made.

In the middle of February I made a short trip to England and made the most of life’s luxuries whilst staying at Sophie and John’s, babysitting Oscar, Murphy, Keith, Malcolm and Take That. With the exception of some of Take That’s departure the visit went really well and I got to spend time with Mum and Dad in their retirement!

Valentines Day wasn’t exactly a massive event for us although one of my friends did make me a DIY card in class out of a lined A4 sheet folded in half, a bit naff but thoughtful none the less! The cheesy line inside was cringeworthy… “You must be Jamaican, because ja-makin me crazy!”

In the week following I went to see Trainspotting at the Grand Opera House. There was lots of nudity, expletives and graphic description of the drug culture in Edinburgh back in the day – hardly your cup of tea Grandma! This week also proved very exciting on the house buying front as I found two properties within price range that I really liked. We made an offer and luckily it was accepted…I have planned the whole re-decoration in my head already!

This weekend I have stayed in to write a report for my management module which I am extremely pleased to have finished as it is due in on Monday and although I had all of my research done a first draft needed compiling as a matter of urgency! Phew!

Next week I am doing my good citizen bit and giving blood in the union and have a meeting with the house owners on Thursday to confirm the last few details. Following that I have the Friday off for Rag Day. I am also going to see the Buddy musical at the Opera House and then I have to move out for Easter!! Luckily friends have offered me storage for my stuff so I think a few nights in a B&B should do the trick.

Anyway, I hope life is treating you well.

Take care and speak soon

As always

Amber

xxx

How to blow that Student Loan on one meal in London!

Wednesday, 16th November 2011

Looking for somewhere to eat or grab a drink in London…here are some of the places to go.

If it’s a sit down meal or a quick drink this will give you an idea of where some of the best places in London town are!

The Brompton Bar and Grill is first on my list and it’s a cracker to start with in 1980 it became Brasserie St Quentin, one of the first brasseries in London. Located at 243 Brompton Road is a historic restaurant site that has moved with the times over the last 60 years. Post 1945, it was The Brompton Grill, one of those great Cypriot/Greek restaurants, with booths for the discreet meetings of famous politicians and their mistresses; and with spectacular flambé dishes (steak diane and crepes suzettes) off a trolley.

A zinc topped bar dispenses a range of refreshing cocktails and a long list of excellent value wines from £10 a bottle. The seasonal menu from acclaimed chef Gary Durrant features mouth-watering starters and simple salads from £4.00, the signature fish stew (£14.00) and simply grilled meat from burgers to ribeye and veal.

Whether you want a sit down meal or want to meet a friend for a quick drink this place is not to be missed!http://www.bromptonbarandgrill.com/default.htm

The Second place I am going to show you is Rules Restaurant, established by Thomas Rule in 1798 making it the oldest restaurant in London located in Covent Garden!

It serves traditional British Food, specialising in classic game cookery, oysters, pies and puddings. Being London’s oldest restaurant which in it’s self is a great achievement it has had many famous names pass through its hallowed doors including Charles Dickens and Charlie Chaplin.

If you are lucky enough to have a driver, they will happily take your driver a drink as he waits for you outside, non alcoholic of course. This is a restaurant that has been in London for many years and is a great British establishment, so if your looking for traditional food at affordable prices then don’t miss out on this corker! http://www.rules.co.uk/

Looking for somewhere with more of a chilled vibe?? Then look no further The Troubadour is the place for you, founded in 1954 as part of the second great London coffee revolution.

It became a West London institution, but if that implies stuffiness, forget it. Through the 50′s and 60′s this was one of THE centres of London intellectual and artistic life. It’s where Private Eye was first produced and distributed; where the early Ban the Bomb meetings were held and where the Black Panthers met when they left Paris after the ’68 riots. The Troubadour was the first place where Bob Dylan performed in London. Paul Simon, Charlie Watts, Sammy Davis jnr and Jimi Hendrix have all played here. Richard Harris fell in love with his wife Elizabeth here (she wasdoing the washing up).  Led Zeppelin used to come and jam here after their Earl’s Court gigs. The list goes on, this is a place to grab a drink with friends, listen to some music if you please and chill out. Most recently it was also where Caggie from Made in Chelsea did her first gig!

           

The final place that I will be serving up for you is Vingt Quartet located on Fulham Road, this is one very cool place to go and grab some breakfast, lunch or dinner! The reason it’s so cool, is because it’s open 24/7! So, if your starving after a night out…why not! We had eggs benedict at 4am..can’t be many places that do that!

 

They serve all types of food from Eggs Benedict for Breakfast to Beer Battered Fish with mushy peas! So it’s suited for anytime of the day no matter what you’re looking for! As GQ Magazine put it “Whether you’re hiding with a breakfast-time hangover, lunching with a lover, taking tea for two or on a hot date, Vingt-Quatre is the place to go”

….GQ Magazine

 

Hope you’ve enjoyed the range of places I have served up for you here let me know if you have been to any, if you haven’t and decide to blow that loan on a slap up meal or a few cocktails at least you know it was worth it!

  • Thales
  • We Brand It
  • KPMG
  • Walt Disney
  • Southwestern
  • Deloitte
  • Mars
  • Grant Thornton
  • Schroders
  • Barclays
  • Barclays Capital
  • Unilever