Cinema Paradiso

We're a demanding lot, us generation Y'ers. We are constantly expecting more and more from every possible experience and the cinema is no exception. Gone are the days when a simple trip to the local multiplex is enough (although no doubt they will pull their socks up and become cool again at some point). Now it's all about getting as much of an experience as you can out of a film, whether that comes from the surroundings or extras that can be added on, like integrated live performances, food and music. Of course London is all over this trend and was churning out different experiences before we even realised we wanted them! So here are a few film feasts of the moment, but there are plenty more out there (too many to fit into one post), so get researching!

Everyman in Hampstead

One of my indoor favourites - it's so decadent. The acoustics are really good, plus with added extras like comfy sofas, waiter service (there is a personal button at your seat!) and the yummiest nibbles (the humous is delicious), it's always a joy to watch films there.

The Scoop -  starting September

i think i could quite possibly be the only person in the country who hasn't seen The Kings Speech. I just never got round to it and when every man and his dog told me I ''just had to see it'', all it did was make me not want to see it (it took me years to actually watch the matrix because of this same issue!). So i think i am going to hold out a little while longer and wait for the free screening at The Scoop in September. Check out their website for the full programme list. Blanket, cushion and bottle of wine required!

Rooftop Film Club

With a view like that i'm not sure I would actually concentrate on the film, so i'd better choose a good one! One of my favourite films EVER is Amelie, which these guys are due to screen this summer. Definitely the film for me...how romantic! See the site and be spoilt for choice.

Lexi Cinema presents The Nomad  - July onwards

There is nothing I like more than a theme...and The Nomad experience gives you just that. A pop-up, travelling film circus, if you will, that chooses it's locations with great care, to give maximum impact. There may be a few other surprises along the way, to enhance the mood, so keep your eyes peeled. My fancies are Raging Bull in the renowned boxing venue that is York Hall and Baz Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet in Regents Park Open Air Theatre or maybe Pan's Labyrinth in Brompton Cemetery- what to do?? One thing is for sure...i am going to spend a fortune on film this summer!

Mid Summer Night Screen @ Dalston Roof Park

Another venue that likes a good theme. Expect brilliant music, decorations and more-ish food to enhance the expertly chosen films. The sounds of the city are blocked out by wireless headphones, helping you zone into the film and your surroundings. A great venue in a great area of town.

The Floating Cinema - starts July 2011

How awesome! This illustration gives us an idea of how this amazing customised narrow boat will look when it's up and running in a few weeks time. The concept was dreamt up by the Hackney based architects Studio Weave and artist duo Somewhere (Nina Pope and Karen Guthrie) and is set to sail around the Olympic host boroughs this summer, with a packed programme of entertainment. With on board screenings, projections onto waterside buildings and much, much more, this concept is sure to bring lots of fun to the East London waterways. We are sure to see a lot more projects centered around the river in the run up to 2012 - can't wait to see what's to come!

film 4 summer screen at somerset house 27th July - 7th August

Always a good event. Being a big fan of Pedro Almodovar, i was so gutted to miss the premier of Broken Embraces a couple of years ago. AND Penelope Cruz was there with him to introduce the film...arrrraaagghh! I must get over this, it's not healthy! Anyways, there are some great films on show again this year, so check it out before it's too late!

*all images other than Everyman and York Hall taken from the subjects respective sites.

Record Store Day

I have no means of playing them, but I am still a huge fan of vinyl. I regularly pop into record stores, just to flip through the sleeves and find inspiring covers. So, i’m a real fan of Record Store Day, which is an annual celebration of the resilience of all the independent music stores out there. There are some great gigs organised around this in London today, which are well worth a look if you get chance. Thought this would also be a good excuse to indulge in some of my favourite record covers. Now, it goes without saying that the music is legendary, but what i also love about Led Zeppelin's albums is the amazing art work. Here are two of my favourites...

Led Zeppelin - Houses of The Holy. The colours on this sleeve are just immense...really inspiring.

Dad - Please don't freak that i still have these - they are in good hands! 

the pale blue door...

Well not this door exactly, but i like doors so i thought i would use this one to illustrate the post. So, The actual Pale Blue Door that I am talking about is the underground restaurant and entertainment feast from the set designer Tony Hornecker - so fabulous surroundings are also a given. Intrigued?? Well check out his site for more info and some pictures to whet the appetite. Only until April 10th so get booking!

The Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project

Have you heard about the Smirnoff Exchange Project?? It sounds really awesome. In a nutshell, Smirnoff are looking to create a once in a lifetime, nightlife experience, simultaneously across 14 cities around the world. Each city will contribute ideas as to what constitutes a good night out, with food, music, fashion and dancing all must have elements. Once all this info is collated, the project team will exchange it with another city, to complete this global culture event on 27th November. Check out the idea exchange on facebook to see what people have come up with so far (UV bodypaint seems to be popular!) and to add your own thoughts. 

Participating cities - Sydney, Cape Town, Sao Paolo, Rio, Toronto, Caracas, London, Berlin, Miami, Mumbai, Dublin, Beirut, Warsaw, Buenos Aires, Bangkok. 

The Mayor's Thames Festival '10... saying goodbye to the summer!

What an awesome celebration of this great city! This two day, free festival on the Southbank was such a great day out, with yummy food, drink and plenty of entertainment! 

Highlights included Les Grooms, a French comedic brass band (sounds strange I know, but they were brilliant), who took audience participation to a whole new level and capitalised on every last inch of space in front of the national theatre. Check out the images below for an idea!

The jive stage outside the Tate Modern was a great place to refuel whilst admiring the dancing talent. 

There was every kind of delicious food imaginable and at reasonable prices it was a good excuse to sample as much as possible! 

As the sun set the place to be was Southwark Bridge with its trestle tables and food stalls bringing people together for a huge feast, as well as mass toasting and edible hat making! The atmosphere was great, really friendly and it was so cool to see such a diverse crowd… London at its best.

The Cineroleum... Pop-up London film experience

Being a huge film fan I am always on the look out for new cinemas/experiences to indulge my love of the silver screen. So I was really excited to hear about The Cineroleum earlier today. Located within a derelict petrol station on Clerkenwell Road, this hand built cinema will be screening a collection of classics including Rebel Without a Cause and Night of the Living Dead from this coming weekend until 12th September. The project aims to highlight the potential use of derelict, urban spaces around the UK in a fun and creative way. Check out their great site for more info...

Image from The Cineroleum website