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Are you a Bead Addict? Do you have Bead Fever? Bead shopping in London is a sure cure. London has some fabulous bead shops. Here is your London Bead Shop Guide, compliments of London Black Taxis.

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There are a few classic films we have come to expect to be amid the top five of many men’s favourite features, among which often sit the usual array of titles – the merits of The Godfather, Scarface, Star Wars [...]]]>

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There are a few classic films we have come to expect to be amid the top five of many men’s favourite features, among which often sit the usual array of titles – the merits of The Godfather, Scarface, Star Wars and The Matrix having often been discussed over pints and the flipping of burgers on BBQs (we don’t wish to gender-stereotype you understand!) But there is one movie, that isn’t in the vein of these ball-busting action flicks, yet still holds a special place in the hearts of fellas (and plenty of women) the world over, and that’s the weepy tale of brotherhood-bonding The Shawshank Redemption. And we here at Boxwish HQ are very excited to let you know of the stage version’s move from Dublin to our nation’s capital this month. Yes, the Wyndam Theatre in London’s West End premieres its five month run of the popular prison story beginning on September 13th, with limited previews from this Friday, September 4th.

The tale of justice and friendship was adapted from Stephen King’s novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption for the big screen in 1994 and starred the prolific portrayer of down-trodden martyrs Tim Robbins as wrongly convicted Andy Dufrense, alongside honey-voiced veteran Morgan Freeman as fellow-lifer Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding. The movie was a flop when it hit cinemas, but by the time it had reached our video shelves was winning critical acclaim and loyal fans everywhere. So perhaps it’s no surprise that the film favourite has moved to the footlights.

Written by die-hard lovers of the film, Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns and directed by Peter Sheridan, the story is definitely adhering to the recent trend of hit films-turned-shows such as One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, the promised adaptation of Sleepless in Seattle and even Shrek and Spiderman. It seems as though film-fans these days are hungry to see their beloved movie plots played out on the boards.

The stars of the play, film and stage actor Kevin Anderson in the part of Andy and The Wire actor Reg E. Cathey portraying Red, are even lookalikes of the film’s stars and it seems writer-director Sheridan was careful to keep it that way. Referring to the film’s tweeking of the book’s original white-Irish Red, he explains: “It was an inspired piece of casting to make him black in the film – so why buck with the trend?” Even Stephen King has claimed the filmic adaptation of his tale has more “heart” than the literature.

So, will you be heading over to the bright lights of London to see the upcoming play? And what other movie milestones would you like to see at the theatre? After an overwhelming response of standing ovations since it started at Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre in May, we’re hoping for something pretty special.

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Plans to destroy the popular Elephant and Castle landmark have been scrapped after Southwark council decided to rehouse the 6ft figure in the heart of the planned £1.5bn development

One of the most iconic ­statues in London has been saved from the scrap [...]]]>

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Plans to destroy the popular Elephant and Castle landmark have been scrapped after Southwark council decided to rehouse the 6ft figure in the heart of the planned £1.5bn development

One of the most iconic ­statues in London has been saved from the scrap heap.

The Elephant and Castle figure has stood guard over the dated south London shopping ­centre of the same name since the 1960s.

Now Southwark council has pledged to preserve the 6ft red elephant, despite having given the go-ahead to an ambitious £1.5bn regeneration scheme that would see the centre demolished.

The statue will be rehoused at the heart of the new development, which will include 5,200 homes and a new shopping area.

A council spokesman said: “The statue was due to be ­removed and broken up. But it is such an iconic piece of street furniture that we know holds a special place in local ­residents’ hearts.”

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There are still some corners of London where quirky fashion, contemporary art, & cultural food thrives.

Go East to find areas that thrive with items crafted by young British designers. Brick Lane is one of those areas.

An old building that [...]]]>

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There are still some corners of London where quirky fashion, contemporary art, & cultural food thrives.

Go East to find areas that thrive with items crafted by young British designers. Brick Lane is one of those areas.

An old building that used to be the Truman Brewery stands out from the rest of the street and is packed with independent shops. The Truman Brewery has been an important creative and cultural hub.

One shop at the old brewery sells clothing made out recycled material. You can make a one-of-a-kind item from one of your old garments; just bring it to the shop and the designer will make it into a new item for you. Other shops sell vintage clothing. You can get an East London Quirky Shopping guide from visitlondon.com

Many shops in the area encourage young designers to display their collections by offering affordable rental rates, allowing talent scouts from major chains to find budding designers.

Besides Brick Lane and the Truman Brewery, East London has several neighborhoods boasting dozens of independent shops. Socially aware shoppers can buy a wedge card from www.wedgecard.co.uk for 10 pounds, of which 5 goes to a local charity. The card allows you to support local shops while obtaining special offers and discounts from over 150 businesses in the East End.

Apart from shopping, East London is also increasingly known for contemporary art, with many galleries, museums and shops. With more than 80 art galleries, there’s something for everyone’s taste in the East End. Don’t miss the famous WhiteCube and Whitechapel Art Gallery, but also look out for hidden gems scattered all around this area waiting to be discovered. Dozens of the area’s galleries host cultural events and contemporary art exhibitions.

And talk about food! If you’re after comfort food, Brick Lane is THE place for bagels and baltis. If you are craving a curry or just need a quick bite, head for the famous Brick Lane Beigel Bake, which is ALWAYS open–24 hours a day, 365 days a year. (You are sure to see one or two London Black Taxi drivers in there at any time of the day or night!)

At visitlondon.com, you can download a guide called DIY East that will show you where to find East London’s quirky fashion, comtemporary art, and posh (and not so posh) nosh.

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Prior to the makeover, Liberty’s layout felt cluttered and slightly claustrophobic. Without losing retail space the shop has been transformed by the use of big mirrors, revealing windows and removing doors. The space is dotted with comfy sofas, creating calm zones for shoppers and their companions to take a breather and [...]]]>

Prior to the makeover, Liberty’s layout felt cluttered and slightly claustrophobic. Without losing retail space the shop has been transformed by the use of big mirrors, revealing windows and removing doors. The space is dotted with comfy sofas, creating calm zones for shoppers and their companions to take a breather and relax. Original design features of the six-floor store, like the wood paneling taken from two former Royal Navy ships and a central atrium, remain.

Liberty, located in Central London’s Regent Street, was founded by Arthur Lazenby in 1875 as an oriental-import emporium. Over the years, fabrics, furnishings and decoration departments were introduced as well as jewelry, arts and crafts, and cosmetics, with a particular emphasis on eccentricity. No less an trendsetter than Oscar Wilde once described it as “the chosen resort of the artistic shopper.”

Liberty has a history of collaborating with influential artists. Soon after it opened artists and designers like Aubrey Beardsley, Paul Poiret and Dante Gabriel Rossetti helped produce its first range of floral prints. That relationship between store and artist has continued: The Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry — whose public alter ego, Claire, is a proud devotee of the store — is one of six contemporary artists working on the current range of fabrics. One of his designs is made up of a tangle of bicycles, another is inspired by the recent BBC costume drama “Cranford.”

For anyone who wants to create their own designs there is a fabric, knitting wool and haberdashery section. Knitting, crochet, patchwork, sewing and ragdoll-making lessons are bookable.

A respite from retail therapy can be taken in any of the 3 eateries within the store: a champagne and oyster bar; a tea room; and Café Liberty.

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