World-class athletes lead unusual classes at independent London gym.
World-class athletes and acrobatic dancers are among those leading incredible classes at an independent London gym. The Factory, a gym in Archway offering a range of workouts from traditional weights to dance, is among those championing ‘pole’ as a brilliant fitness method. As well as running regular classes – a range of talented athletes lead one-off workshops there. They include Allegra Bird who founded the renowned Pole Art France competition (next workshop 15th June), Dan
EpicZen- No-nasties health shop a breath of fresh air for Islington
Frustrated at the volume of items in health shops containing “nasties”, two London-based entrepreneurs have launched their own store selling only the purest products. After more than a decade managing health shops, Ivana Vyravcova kept encountering products with labels that made her uneasy – additives, binders, fillers and other synthetic ingredients. 18 months ago, she and fiancé Ivo Aulik decided to launch their own shop ‘EpicZen’ in Islington’s Camden Passage with everythi
Love Local: 7 ideas for a truly North London Valentine’s Day
Left Valentine’s till the last minute? We bring you some top romantic ideas worth staying local for. 1. PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT
Top of the list is Earlybird Cards on Stoke Newington Church Street. Fabulous, off the wall cards, feature slogans like: ‘I love you, you big knobhead’ and ‘I love that when I’m with you I don’t have to pretend to be a nice person’ as well as some more conventionally romantic ones. They also offer a great line in novelty gifts and scented candles! (
Direct trade coffee - from war-torn Cameroon to Hackney's Twisted Fork
A London café owner has built a unique alliance with a trader from Cameroon whose workers risk their lives to export coffee from their war-ravaged country. Richard Clark of The Twisted Fork is one of just a handful of cafes to team up with Matti Foncha – a Cameroon coffee trader on a mission to get a fair price for his farmers and to share his community’s plight with the wider world. The Twisted Fork serves Cameroon Boyo – strong coffee grown in volcanic soil – sold direct fr
Rent hikes - biggest threat to East London's independent businesses
Landlords demanding astronomical rent increases from small businesses are eroding East London’s communities and way of life. That’s the claim by The East End Trades Guild, which represents more than 250 independent businesses in the area. They say one trader was driven to suicide, others have left town after decades in business here and many more have huge worries for the future. One Bethnal Green businesses has been threatened with a 275% rent hike or evection, Network Rail’
Upper Street, Islington - A brief (and remarkable) history
Once known as ‘The Devil’s Mile’ (on account of crime levels, drunkenness and prostitution), Upper Street has seen it all. Originally a hilltop village serving local farmland, Upper Street and Lower Street (as Essex Road was once known) have been in existence since the 12th century. Henry VIII (1491-1547) used to hunt for ducks in the ponds just off Upper Street and writer and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh (1554-1618) is said to have owned a pub on Essex Road. (Upper St, lookin
Atomic-Bringing vintage vinyl to the heart of Islington
Former classical chef Trystan Lloyd Williams and his auntie Einir Williams have always been passionate about music. But the resurgence of vinyl and advertisement of a local record shop for sale piqued their interest in making it more than a hobby. Now they own Atomic, a vinyl and comic shop off Islington’s Camden Passage, which is about to celebrate its first birthday. It has been a steep learning curve and a major life change for 27-year-old Trystan, who looks after the day-
Clowns prepare for annual Grimaldi Service in Hackney
Dig out your squirty flowers and polish your red nose - a memorial service with a difference is coming to Hackney and clowning around is mandatory. Hundreds of clowns in full circus regalia from all over the world are preparing to descend on Haggerston for the 73rd annual Grimaldi Service at the All Saints Church on Sunday February 3 (3pm). The service is in memory of the legendary clown Joseph Grimaldi (1778-1837) who was just three-years-old when he made his debut performan
How local giving is changing lives in Islington
500 years ago, a man called John Sworder donated £40 to his church for the poor. His pledge is now worth millions and his story continues to inspire others to give and to help change lives in a very practical way. Islington Giving delivers more than £1 million worth of grants each year to grassroots organisations which help those experiencing poverty, families and young people and those who feel isolated. Since 2010, they’ve helped over 20,000 people. (Pic credit: Islington