Le Bonbon - London - November 2015

THE WORLD IS YOURS!

November 2015 - n째 08 - www.lebonbon.co.uk

Photographe : Flavien Prioreau www.flavienprioreau.com flavienprioreau@hotmail.com Modèle : Marie Mathieu

ÉDITO

Founder

Lately, there seems to have been a whole frenzy around food that gets

Jacques de la Chaise

you fat, drinks that make you burn calories, or products that are likely

Director

to give you cancer. Everyday, as I scroll down my Facebook feed, I see

Charles Guillet

more and more posts, re-posts and re-re-posts of articles that are all

Sales director

about weight gain, diseases or death.

Vuk Levkovic

At the top of the list, you’ll find stuff like “Drinking red wine is great

Graphic designer

for burning fat and also getting drunk” (Munchies); “Bacon, ham

Gaëlle Lepetit

and sausages ‘as big a cancer threat’ as smoking” (The Telegraph);

Contributors

“Processed meats rank alongside smoking as cancer causes” (The

Alice Tchernookova, Carla Salber,

Guardian); or - on a slightly lighter note - “Should you be eating LSD for

Luke Harwood, Valentin Vignaud,

breakfast?” (Munchies)

Sonny Syah, Karina Stridh,

So what’s this whole obsession over what you’re putting in your mouth

Marion Garnier, Charlotte

and the way you lead your life about?

Hermans, Ben Harvey, Lexi Rose,

At Le Bonbon, we are most certainly supporters of the bon vivant

Copy editor

lifestyle. We like to drink, we like to eat, we like to go out, have fun, sing,

Alex Keevill

dance and celebrate life!

Photographers

But most of all - we like do these things well, and in good company.

Arielle Tapper

So just for you, dear Bonboners, this month we’ve been yet again

ariellelucettephotography.com

beating the streets on the lookout for the capital’s latest and coolest

Amel Mahfouf

bars, cafes, restaurants and shops.

amelmahfouf.com

Need a fix for your bike? Head to PUSH cycles in Newington Green.

Alejandra Carles – Tolra

Wanna visit the best concept store in town? Go and check out AIDA

alejandractr.com

in Shoreditch. Feeling peckish? Try out some of Pizzeria Apollo’s finest

Contact us

specialties and we guarantee your tastebuds will deceive you into

hello@lebonbon.co.uk

thinking you’re actually in Naples.

Le Bonbon Limited

But because we actually do care about your wellbeing too, we always

3 Stanford Mews

try and promote things that are good for your health. This month, we’ve

Dalston Lane

designated Frame, in King’s Cross, as THE place to go to if you feel like

London - E8 1JA

it’s time for you to go and shake that sexy booty of yours.

Our mission, for this month, is accomplished.

All we can do now is hope that you'll take as great a delight in flicking

Advertising and enquiry vuk@lebonbon.co.uk charles@lebonbon.co.uk 079 8365 1644 079 8365 1643

through these pages, as you will in visiting the places we've picked especially for you!

Toodeloo, Bonboners!

Alice Tchernookova

1

CONTENTS

11

2015

7

9

AIDA

Made in little France

10

16

27

Plane Tree

Frame

Push

28

33

38

Dice

Wolsey

Comix

3

www.agnesb.com

LE BON TIMING

The London Jazz festival This festival comes to the capital every year, with a wide ranging programme of club events, concerts, talks, and the best and freshest jazz music ! This year the selection includes more than 2000 artists. Back in the 1970s, the London Borough of Camden had the enlightened idea of adding a Jazz Week to

LWE : Hot Since 82 - Knee deep in london @ Studio Space E1

their long-established Camden Festival. Today,

Hot Since 82 makes his Studio Spaces

city’s cultural calendar. The festival has grown

debut by way of a Knee Deep in Sound

as London's largest city-wide music festival,

showcase in partnership with The Hydra

and one of the major international jazz events.

and LWE. He’ll be joined by a hand-picked

From the 13th to the 22nd of November

selection of special guests across two

www.efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk

The London Jazz Festival is a key event in the

rooms w/ Audiofly, Jhonsson, MANDY, AndHim and Rolan Leesker.

This is likely to be the hottest ticket in town from one off electronic music’s most in demand artists. Sounds up your street?

Book your ticket at www.residentadvisor. net/event.aspx?741475

28th November 2015 | 10pm - 6pm @ Studio Spaces E1 - £20 FrenchColors FrenchColors – affordable, trendy, elegant and refined, FrenchColors’s brand new selection of home decoration is one not to be missed!

Looking for the perfect Christmas decoration, or willing to spoil your friends with pretty little gifts?

FrenchColors is here to help you! The capsule collection, created especially for Christmas, will be available online from the 2nd of November - the 31st December. Nothing has been left to chance, as every single object has been carefully picked by Agathe and Julie, FrenchColors’s founders. They offer a selection of affordable objects imported directly from France and not yet distributed in the UK.

www.frenchcolors.co.uk 5

LE BON CONCEPT STORE Text Alice Tchernookova Photos Arielle Tapper

AIDA A multi-faceted concept store in the heart of Shoreditch When the four sisters behind the precious little nest that is AIDA opened up their shop three years ago, they had a precise idea of what they were after: “We always wanted to be more than just a retail store - we wanted to have a space that would create a sense of community and that would bring people together.”

The four sisters thus decided to

charity collaborations and have

bring all their different talents

recently launched an ethical

together and to put them all in

homeware section - a beautiful

one place – AIDA, named after

addition to the store. As you look

their Grandmother.

around the shop, you do realise there is something incredibly

They each focus on different

homely about it. The little cafe

areas of the business but

at the front, offering a healthy

what matters most here, is

selection of fresh juices and

the prevailing family spirit that

food, makes up for your kitchen,

unites them and constitutes the

while walking around the clothing

essence of their business.

area feels as if you’re just

“It is really nice being in a family

exploring your own, giant closet.

This is what Helena, third sister

business,” says Helena. “Of

“We wanted to create a relaxed,

in the sisterhood, told me as I

course, it also means that it’s

welcoming atmosphere, where

got to meet her and her younger

hard to switch off sometimes,

people could shop, eat, drink,

sister Daniella. Along with their

but there’s nothing like working

chat and explore. For us, AIDA

two older sisters, Michele and

with family. We all share the same

has always been about creating

Kristel the girls decided to open

vision and support each other

unique experiences that people

up their first concept store

through everything.” Capturing

can enjoy.” In terms of products,

together three years ago, keeping

the creative hub and exciting

AIDA offers a multi-branded

up with the family traditions:

vibe of the Shoreditch area,

selection of men’s and women’s

“Our parents have always worked

AIDA hosts regular art and live

clothes, which they source

in retail. We wanted to build

music events, keeping in line

internationally - from France, to

something on the basis of what

with the AIDA vision of bringing

Australia, to Sweden, bringing

we already had, but create

the community together. They

the best collections from each

something different as well.”

are also involved in various local

country to their store.

6

Here, ethics matter just as much

stores is easily explainable for

from 10.00am - 7.00pm / Sunday

as style and quality, as the girls

the owners: “High street shops

from 12.00pm - 6.00pm

always look for “transparency”

just tend to feel a bit soulless

You can also shop online at

in their collaborations: “We

these days… People are looking

www.aidashoreditch.co.uk

always look at the way things are

for something more, something

produced - where they come

different.”

from, how they are made… It is something that is very important

If anything, AIDA is most definitely

to us.” You’ve certainly got it by

not a place that lacks soul.

now: AIDA is not just “a shop” - it

Go and find out for yourself at

is many things at once.

133 Shoreditch High St, London

The booming success of concept

E1 6JE- Open Monday to Saturday

AIDA’s next event - 14th November - music showcase jam with a line-up of 10 artists.

Find more info in the “AIDA LIVE SESSIONS” section at www.aidashoreditch.co.uk 7

LE BON WINE SHOP Text Alice Tchernookova Photos Arielle Tapper

Made In Little France A Family Story As I was served my morning coffee in a wine glass and sat down on a finely crafted wooden stool behind the counter, I got to hear the story of Maxence, owner of Clerkenwell’s brand new French wine shop - Made in Little France.

something else than this.”

found the ideal location for his shop in July 2015, as he fell in

When the Parisian moved to

love with Islington’s trendy, yet

London in 2013, he first worked

unpretentious atmosphere.

as a sommelier and wine

“It was the perfect place,”

merchant for big restaurants and

he remembers. “The area is

wine companies, however never

wonderful, and one of the best

losing sight of what had brought

butchers in London (Turner &

him here in the first place –

George) is just round the corner.”

opening his own wine shop in

Nothing in the shop has been

“This is where it all started,”

London. With the precious help

left to chance: when it comes

Maxence tells me, pointing

and experience of his father (his

to interior design, the owner is a

towards a family picture dating

“nose”), without whom “nothing

picky as he is with wine.

from the 1950s in their shop

would have been possible”

“All the furniture has been

on Paris’s chic Ile Saint-Louis.

Maxence then travelled all across

specially tailored for this place,”

Uncles, parents, grandparents,

France for two years, meeting

he explains. “Nothing was pre-

great-grandparents… Everyone

hundreds of vintners and visiting

made.”

in the family has been working in

hundreds of vineyards with a

The furniture is made of

the wine and food business for

clear aim in sight: finding the best

luxurious, polished wood dating

generations.

values and the finest vintages

(again) from the 1950s, and was

and bringing them across the

specially selected for the shop.

Channel.

Although he made many things

“I was basically born in a bistro,"

by himself, Maxence insists that

he goes on. “It just all made sense, it was all natural. Since I

The result is here, at Made in

nothing would have been possible

was a child I’ve been surrounded

Little France: 250 different

without his family and friends’

with people standing on their

types of wine, coming from 40

help: “ My friends Jean-Baptiste

feet for 12 hours a day, serving

different French producers, all

and Adrien, my wife Mo, the

food or trying to sell booze.

brought together in a single place

wooden furniture shop Abois

There was no way I would do

in the heart of London. Maxence

Paris (www.aboisparis.com), who

8

designed the furniture, and Rob

from as far as Japan, Mexico or

A wine on tap system

Banks, a New York artist who

the United States.

(red, rosé, white) is also available

created the shop’s logo along

“What matters most to me is

in the shop, keeping alive the

with my friend Bastien, all played

that I’m working in a completely

French refill traditions dating

a crucial part in this adventure.”

independent way,” says Maxence.

from the 19th century (£7.50/

Inside Made in Little France,

“I like to know who exactly I’m

bottle). An authentic corker has

you can also try a variety of

working with, and what I’m

been put at disposal.

Parisian craft beers, such as La

selling.”

Parisienne, Gallia, or La brasserie

He continues: “What I’m after is

Don’t miss out on the wine

du Grand Paris, starting from

authenticity above all - there is a

tasting in early December, where

prices as low as £2.50. The large

story, a soul behind each bottle

Made in Little France will present

range of wines is completed by

in this shop.”

its Christmas selection!

an assortment of French spirits,

It’s only for you to come and

A variety of French regional

including the classic Chartreuse,

discover it.

products (tapenade, chestnut cream, cider jelly…) will also

Pastis or Absinthe, or the equally

soon be available in store.

unmissable Norman Calvados. A

Wines are between £10 and £25

rich worldwide corner makes up

per bottle. Free deliveries in

the final touch to this wonderful

Central London on orders over

397 Saint John Street

collection, with liquors coming

£100.

London | EC1V 4LD

9

LE BON THERAPY

The Plane Tree A holistic approach to your

© Arielle Tapper

wellbeing

Aptly named The Plane Tree, nestled oasis-like and somewhat incongruously in the heart of East London on Roman Road, is a private complementary health clinic that offers an ‘integrated mind and body approach to health and wellbeing.’

clinic elicits a shift in the body

offers treatments to suit a wide

and mind - it is to this end

range of people and needs,

that husband and wife team

including families and children.

Martina Leeven (Psychologist)

So don’t hold back next time you

and John Mallinder (Osteopath)

feel you could benefit from some

have created this stress-free

‘fresh air’, give The Plane Tree

environment. The Plane Tree

a call and they will be happy to

has been providing a range

help. Alternatively, browse their

According to legend, it was

of therapies to the local area

website to see the full range

beneath a Plane tree that

since opening in 2011. With 26

of therapies available at www.

Hippocrates (the father of

experienced and fully qualified

theplanetree.co.uk

medicine) taught his pupils.

practitioners represented at

And if you book an appointment

Plane trees make up over half

the practice, all professionally

before the end of the year and

of London’s tree population and

registered and insured, The Plane

quote “LeBonbon”, your details

this, coupled with its exceptional

Tree provides an integrated and

will be entered into a raffle to win

tolerance of pollutants, has lent

holistic approach.

a £50 gift voucher, to be drawn

it its other name, ‘London’s lung’.

In having both physical and

at the start of the new year.

Like its namesake, The Plane

psychological therapies under

Tree clinic brings a breath of

one roof, practitioners are able

fresh air to an inner-city urban

to cross-refer where appropriate

environment. Upon entering,

and the public benefits from this

the juxtaposition between the

diversity. From psychotherapy

frenetic pace of the city and

to massage, homeopathy to

the calming interior of the

acupuncture, The Plane Tree

10

— Text Luke Harwood

31 Roman Rd London | E2 0HU Phone: 020 3022 5892 www.theplanetree.co.uk

LE BON PIZZA

Pizzeria Apollo Genuine neapolitan

© Amel Mahfouf

Goodness

Nestled in an unassuming store front in Stokey, between a Sports Direct and a fishmonger, is the best damn pizza you’ll find this side of the Thames.

The brainchild of brothers Matt and Oli Kenny, Pizzeria Apollo has the sort of laid back authenticity you expect of a place that’s been

St Giles cheese with Bocconcini

is a bodily limit to how much of

open for 5 years, not 5 months.

mozzarella and roasted veg. For

the menu can be consumed in

Posters of indie musicians match

those who would opt for the

one sitting. Guess I’ll just have to

the music, which is played on a

meat lovers option at lesser

keep coming back.

vinyl record player in front of a

pizzerias, the Guanciale pizza

— Text Karina Stridh

stylishly unfinished wall. Mod red

offers a taste-bud whamming

chairs in a former jewellery safe

mix of flavourful pork cheek and

make for an excellent date night

smoky cheese.

locale that is equal parts familiar

Apollo’s other allure is its cocktail

and unexpected. But let’s talk

offering and small selection of

about the goods. The cheese-

natural wines. A list of classic

adorned raison d’être - The pizza.

cocktails is scribbled directly

It is phenomenal. The secret is

on the wall - but you can have

in the dough, which proves to

faith in the ad lib concoctions of

be the perfect sourdough base

the bar staff. Natural & organic

for their quality toppings. The

sourced wine is served in the

Stephen Patrick is a vegetarian

tumbler (ask if you’d prefer a

white pizza that artfully balances

glass!), carafe or bottle. All in all,

the delicate flavours of sussex

my only complaint is that there

160 Stoke Newington High Street – London | N16 7JL Phone: 020 7241 1914 Opening times: Monday 6:00 – 11:00 p.m.

Tuesday 6:00 – 11:00 p.m.

Wednesday 6:00 – 11:00 p.m.

Thursday 6:00 – 11:00 p.m.

Friday 12:00 – 11:00 p.m.

Saturday 12:00 – 11:00 p.m.

Sunday 12:00 – 10:00 p.m.

11

LE BON ETOILE Text Alice Tchernookova Photo Samuel Sarfati

Catching up with Jamie Jones For the last few years you’ve

What’s harder – climbing to the

There’s a bit of disco, a bit of

been one of the world’s most

top or staying at the top?

house, and a bit of techno with the repetitive sounds. It has

famous DJs. It’s been a long way for the Southampton kid, hasn’t

Probably staying at the top. I

energy but it’s not a “peak time”

it?

never thought about how much

record. Listening to this song

I wanted to achieve before

makes me feel like I can change

I really had no expectations

- I always just did whatever

the future.

whatsoever as to the scope my

felt good. Nowadays I have

career would take. But I always

many responsibilities, several

Who are your biggest influences

tried to make the most out of the

companies, and employees who

in DJing and in production?

opportunities I've been given.

depend on me. But most of

I've worked since I was 14. My

all, finding new inspiration and

I used to consider Dan Ghenacia

first job was peeling potatoes at

continuing to expand my skill set

as a mentor many years ago.

a chip shop. I've always worked

as a producer and DJ is very time

The way he fused quirkiness

hard and I guess it's paying off

consuming.

with slight “techiness” and good house vibes always caught my

now.

What’s a typical day in the life of

What’s your worst nightmare or

attention. He welcomed me

fear?

into his group of Parisian friends and up to this day we are still

Jamie Jones like?

Snakes!! For some reason, I’m

close. He even let me stay in

It really varies, especially

really afraid of them! Especially

his apartment for free during

between summers and winters.

in the water… It’s terrifying.

one summer in Ibiza when I had nothing! I also admire Cashmere/

I spend half the year in Los Angeles… These days I don't

Which one of your songs best

Green Velvet. He's such a cool

tour as much and I spend nearly

represents your personal touch?

person. The way he infuses his music with his experiences -

entire days in the studio, or doing business planning, design, or just

One of my favourite ones is

which I'm sure are very weird - in

managing my team. During the

called Turning Tables, from my

a way that's fun and gets you

summer I’m based in Ibiza and I

first album. It's a great balance

dancing is amazing. He's probably

tour non-stop.

between all the energy levels I

my favourite electronic music

like the most in dance music.

producer of all time.

12

Did you ever try ayahuasca, like

You’re behind great creations,

can give it. Things have had to

Damian Lazarus?

great music, great parties‌ And

change for me. I use to be a

now you have a new record label

party animal, now during most of

I've been doing it twice a year for

– Emerald City. How can you

my gigs I only drink water. I now

three years now. It changed my

stay focused with so many things

enjoy DJing for the sake of DJing

life and helped me understand a

going on?

- not for the partying side of it. The time I would have spent

lot more about myself and widen my purpose in life. I would advise

I work more hours than anyone

recovering in the past, I spend

anyone, happy or sad, to take

I know to be honest. In recent

it developing my businesses and

it. It's a medicine - it heals you

years, I've had to make some

being creative.

even if you don't think you need

changes to make sure everything

healing.

I'm involved in is given as much involvement and passion as I

13

LE BON STYLE Text Ben Harvey Photo LUREM

LUREM LUREM’s sophisticated urban, London-Tokyo fusion womenswear design, has had a recent run of collaborations that inspire a more luxurious lifestyle.

in particular, has a gorgeous fur

and Lucocoa Chocolate (their

hood – an inevitably welcome

tagline says it all - ‘not naughty/

feature that when pulled over

just nice’), a London produced

would surely warm rose tinted

chocolatier collective who

cheeks).

strive to produce high-quality

chocolate bars without refined

One can’t help but feel at ease

sugars or artificial sweeteners.

There is a refined elegance

in the LUREM store. Two steps

In addition to this collaboration,

to LUREM; the female fashion

away from the loud intensity

through the glass doors of a

brand founded in 2014, which

of busy Brick Lane and trendy

cabinet in the wide passageway,

we have written about previously

Redchurch Street, you are

stepping down further into the

in Le Bonbon - a blend of

welcomed into the clean,

store, shines a selection rings

cosmopolitan styles - inspired by

white-bricked interior with warm

produced in collaboration with

trends in both London and Tokyo.

wooden floors, furnished with

Chloe Mellen. Each hand made

The two international cities are

an ornate selection furniture.

piece crafted from sterling is

often at the forefront of female

On the entrance table a row of

simple yet bold and lines up

fashion trends, and as the recent

dishes offering broken slabs of

perfectly alongside the clothing

cold front swept through the

rich, dark chocolate invite you

collection.

whole of London toward the end

to take a bite and feel the rush

of October and looks set to stay

of flavours roll about your mouth

With all this decadence,

till spring, LUREM’s 2015 autumn-

as you look around the store's

though, there is an intelligent

winter collection offers a refined

collection.

awareness to what LUREM offers. It is not just a range

light side. I refer particularly to a collection of light grey coats that

This, Dawa - LUREM UK PR

of beautiful garments but a

ooze classiness with their shapely

manager - tells me is a recent

lifestyle, one that stimulates a

patterns and fine detailing (one,

collaboration between LUREM

feeling of sophisticated living

14

and confidence. I got the

comfortable yet subtly showing

where LUREM have enlivened

feeling from being in the store,

off at once.

the staffs work-wear with their

that a woman wearing LUREM

fabulous design.

would not feel out of place at

In the coming month LUREM is

a dinner party or in the office

set to launch its online store, an

or taking a stroll about the

assuredly welcome expansion

park. Instead of perhaps vapid

that will allow LUREM to spread

elegance what is conjured

outwards in the future. In the

instead is this confidence, that

meantime it may be worth

through androgynous shape

checking out the uniforms of the

and colour - both a fraction

staff in Soho’s Japanese-Peruvian

off the commonplace and

fusion restaurant, Chotto Matte,

modestly obscure – you may be

yet another recent collaboration

LUREM – 138 Bethnal Green Road – London | E2 6DG Phone : 020 8127 8338 www.lurem.co.uk Opening times : Mon-Fri: 12-7PM Sat-Sun: 11-7PM

15

LE BON GYM

FRAME A place to MOVE, SWEAT and FUEL your

Bored of the classic gym setting, with its boring treadmills, its boring bikes, and its boring spinning classes?

Then Frame is made for you.

sociable approach to exercising

offers the more flexible “drop in”

- offering a varied choice of

and “pay-as-you-go” options,

group classes, but no studio for

to suit everyone’s timetable. A

individual work out. “The idea is

multi-brand pop-up shop is also

that you don’t have to find the

located inside the gym so that

motivation yourself – someone

you can come in for your work

else is doing it for you. All you

out session looking ABSOLUTELY

The first Frame health studio

have to do is turn up really!” But

LUSH. You can also fill up on

opened its doors back in 2009 in

most of all, Pip and Joan wanted

healthy snacks and delicious

Shoreditch and was immediately

to escape from the “formal” gym

smoothies at Frame’s Fuel café.

met a great success. Three

environment, revisiting some

Eating, exercising, shopping – at

years later, a second branch was

gym classics and replacing them

Frame, impossible is nothing!

opened near Queen’s Park. Finally

with original, ground-breaking

on October the 3d this year, a

classes, such as their amazing

brand new venue was launched,

Reformer Pilates (which I highly

only a hop away from King’s Cross

recommend!), 80s’ Aerobics,

station. When Pip Black and

or their high-intensity signature

Joan Murphy – from England and

classes. With such a wide range,

New Zealand respectively - first

chances are you’ll never get

set out to create Frame, they

bored. The name “Frame” is a

wanted to introduce a new and

reference to one’s “body frame”

innovative approach to health

- the way you move it, the way

and exercising. “What we offer

you look after it, the way you

is more than just a regular gym

dress it.“Frame is really a lifestyle

session pounding the treadmill,”

gym,” insists Joan. “We’re not

Joan tells me. “We want your

all about dictating, we’re not

work outs to be fun, and

all about one way.” Aside from

motivating.” The girls promote a

regular memberships, Frame

16

— Text Alice Tchernookova

Frame King’s Cross - 1 York Way, Kings Cross, London | N1C 4AS FRAME regularly hosts special courses or workshops – sign up now for the Basics Yoga Course (Wednesdays 7:30pm, 4-25 November), or for the Meditation Class (Sunday's in November) by booking online at moveyourframe.com.

© Sekkides

Frame daily

FRAME

BOTTEGA PRELIBATO Enjoy a class for FREE*

10% discount at lunch time

For any dance, fitness, yoga or pilate class at :

45 Rivington street, London EC2A 3QB phone 0207 739 4995 info@bottegaprelibato.com www.bottegaprelibato.com

FRAME King’s Cross : London | N1C 4AS FRAME Shoreditch : London EC2A 3EY or FRAME Queen’s Park : London W10 4LG Visit moveyourframe.com to register ! *excludes workshops, events, courses and personal training - One use per person

AIDA

THE RESTORATION

10% off home furnishings

Hey You! Come and get a Free coffee*

Vintage furniture & home accessories

Menswear. Womenswear. Homeware. Café

Unit 1 Bouverie Mews, 2 Bouverie Road,

133 Shoreditch High St - London | E1 6JE

London | N16 0AJ

Phone: 020 7739 2811

Phone: 07990 573889

www.aidashoreditch.co.uk

Email: sophie@the-restoration.com

*For any purchase in store

QUARANTACINQUE

Ceviche . Patty & Bun . Rosa’s Thai and many more!

coffee and sandwich from 11:30 am on for just £5

45 Roman Road, London E2 0HU phone 020 8981 6765 info@quarantacinque.co.uk www.quarantacinque.co.uk twitter: @cafequaranta5 facebook: /cafequarantacinque

OTHER CAFE GALLERY

www.takeeateasy.co.uk @TakeEatEasy_UK | #takeeateasy

THE MERCANTILE

Vintage Afternoon Tea* £22 instead of £49 10% off French brands

* A complimentary glass of sparkling wine

17 Lamb Street, Spitalflields

Scones with clotted cream and jam

London | E1 6EA - Phone: 020 7377 8926

Organic cakes and treats

Email: info@themercantilelondon.com

Selection of finger sandwiches

www.themercantilelondon.com

Bookings on: 07787 269499

facebook/mercantilelondon

48 Balls Pond Road - London | N1 4AP

instagram/mercantilelondon

ROUGE

VENERDI

10% off your in store purchase!

20% off for takeaway*

Bright textiles, cool ceramics and colourful

Pizzeria - Bar - Cafe

Chinese furniture

Call us to order ! Phone: 020 8986 1119

Deliveries on demand

Email: ciao@venerdi.co.uk

Phone: 0207 275 0887

9 Chatsworth Road - London | E5 OLH

158 Stoke Newington High Street - London | N16 7JL

*Collection orders only

CONCEPT STORE Y

40 COLORI

£15 off orders over £100*

20% off your in store purchase!*

Concept Store Y

Italian accessories

Phone: 020 7734 9594

for 'the modern gentleman'

www.conceptstore-y.com

www.40colori.com - @40colori

57A Brewer street, Soho - London | W1F 9UL

32 Cheshire Street - London | E2 6EH

*Voucher code: CSY12 Expiring on 31 Dec 2015

*excluding products already on offer

CHEZ ANTOINETTE

WOLSEY

FREE meat delicatessen!*

Get a free pair of Wolsey socks*

Restaurant - Tartinade - Delicatessen

Clothing - Knitwear - Jackets and coats

Phone: 020 7240 9072

Phone: 020 7434 4257

www.chezantoinette.co.uk

83A Brewer Street

30, The Market - London | WC2E 8RE

London | W1F 0RD

*For any bottle of wine purchased

*for a minimum of £75 spend

STRONGROOM BAR & KITCHEN

PUSH

Same day service !!

Yeah! Burger fries & pint for £10 !*

50% off £40 standard bicycle service

Strongroom & the Yeah! Burger

Bicycles - Repairs - Accessories

120-124 Curtain Rd, London | EC2A 3SQ

Please book ahead on

*The Yeah! (meat option) or Morissey Burger

Phone: 0207 249 1351

(veggie option).

Email: info@pushcycles.com

Available Mon-Sun 12pm-4pm - Phone: 020 7426 5103

35C Newington Green - London l N16 9PR

LE BON WALL

Who am I? I have a moustache, when the sun rises I always wear sunglasses, I love to

Tom B, I would just Orange blossom, your pheromones

like you to know : I cheated on you last

take me home

year @ Marina‘s party

party and put rings on my fingers

Snoopy, my lovely dog, RIP, I’ll miss you so much …

Marty, you gotta come back with me!

Where ?

Back to the Futureeee!!!

Chiquita, I miss you like I miss the sun.. take me back to

He who risks nothing has nothing

Mouchette, my love,

Madrid!

I’ll be back soon !!!!!

Marion, sweety,

Maman, Papa, Renatas, Saulius

we're gonna miss you!!

Thanks to Theresa, James, Maggie, Adam, Alex and all the Bonboners who send us encouraging words..

Le Bonbon loves you too!

Teresinha, viens vite mi amor

Chagasses: you are my little sunshine, can’t wait to have a weekend all together.

I love you !!!!

Thumbs up to Emergency UK, support this ONG www.emergencyuk.org "It's not because they're all wrong that they're true" one of the smartest guy ever

25

LE BON BIKE SHOP Text Luke Harwood Photos Arielle Tapper

PUSH Cycles As a keen cyclist, I’ve been to quite a few different bicycle shops in my time and the most recurring theme I’ve encountered (and I’m sure I’m not alone here), is what can only be described as ‘cyclist snobbery’: the look of disgust on the face of the self-proclaimed bike demigod behind the counter when you don’t know how to maintain your own bicycle and the dismissive glances when you don’t know the exact measurements of the inner tube you think you might need.

place. Located on the corner of

Cycles allow you to come in and

Newington Green, PUSH cycles is

have the tailor-made bike of your

the antithesis to the over-priced

dreams built for you- whatever

and all too familiar style over

you need can be built in-store

substance bike shops that have

in the fully functioning workshop

cropped up in East London in the

downstairs. From basic puncture

past few years.

repair, to more complex spoke alignment, PUSH and its amiable

Having been plying their trade

staff can take care of any of your

here for over 6 years now, Ciaran

bike needs.

and Mike run a tight ship, serving

the guys are on hand everyday

35c Newington Green London | N16 9PR Phone: 020 7249 1351 Mail: info@pushcycles.com

from 8am-6pm during the week

www.pushcycles.myshopify.com

about 5 different commuter routes into the city. Sharing a passion for all things bike,

to help with any unforeseen mishaps on your way to and from work.

What ever happened to the friendly local bike shop, where all

Big on Independent brands, they

are welcome: the young, the old,

stock anything from Catseye

the uneducated…?

lights and Bern helmets to the

Well apparently they haven’t

biggest variety of Brooks saddles

gone anywhere, we’ve all just

I’ve ever seen in one place. As an

been looking in the wrong

acting agent for Mercian, Push

26

Opening times: Monday 8am - 6pm Tuesday 8am - 6pm Wednesday 8am - 6pm Thursday 8am - 6pm Friday 8am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 5:30pm Closed Sunday

27

LE BON APP

© Victoria Koon

DICE

Always looking for that perfect club night that is somehow always eluding you? Keep missing your favourite band’s shows?

Or finding that you’re 10 minutes late to buy that festival ticket? Well, these problems are a thing of the past with the impressive new live music discovery and ticketing app, DICE.

promoters and has sold tickets

sourcing a printer before a night

for over 600 artists including

out is obsolete. Even better, its

big names Tame Impala, Years

unique “Waiting List” feature

Launched in September 2014

& Years, Taylor Swift, George

means that if you can’t attend

by former Modular Records

Ezra, Wolf Alice, Four Tet, Jamie

a show you’ve bought a ticket

executive Phil Hutcheon and

XX, Miguel, Skepta and Bring Me

for, you can send your ticket to

digital studio ustwo (winners

The Horizon. All of the shows

another real fan who’s expressed

of 2 BAFTAs and creators of

on the app are human curated

an interest in the show and

Monument Valley, Apple’s game

and hand-picked by an editorial

receive a full refund.

of the year 2014), DICE is free

team headed up by Vice alumni

to download on both iOS and

Russ Tannen and former Radio

Featured as the ‘Best New App’ in

Android devices, giving you

1 DJ Jen Long. With full in-app

the App Store, Google Play Store

instant access to all the best gigs,

Spotify integration, you’re able to

and Guardian’s ‘Best iPhone Apps

shows or festivals with absolutely

preview any artists you might be

of 2014’, it’s obvious to see why

no booking fees.

unfamiliar with before making any

DICE has had such high acclaim

ticket purchases.

in such a short space of time.

Anyway, don’t take my word for

The app’s show listings are comprehensive: DICE is currently

The tickets themselves are linked

it, download it now for FREE.

live in London, Manchester,

to the device they’re purchased

— Text Luke Harwood

Bristol, Glasgow and Cardiff,

on and are 100% mobile meaning

works with over 100 venues and

that the age-old concept of

28

Website: www.dice.fm

LE BON ARTY COFFEE

Appestat From a coffee house to a pop-up gallery

Early last year, Anneka and Sarley decided to take their common passion for food and coffee one step further by opening a coffee house located in Angel’s picturesque Camden Passage - Appestat.

where gifted artists get to display

experience and impression

their work. So, on Friday the

from reality. The Milan born

Apart from being the first

13th of November (spooky),

artist graduated in Painting at

venue where Le Bonbon sat his

super talented local artist Alice

Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera

arse when landing in London,

Colombo will be displaying her

in 2005 and her work have been

Appestat refers, from a purely

newest body of work with the

since then shown in numerous

semantic point of view, to the

exhibition “apnea chapter II”, a

exhibitions in her hometown, in

area of the brain that is believed

collection of pieces from 2012 to

Rome, and in London.

to regulate appetite and food

now. Save the date guys!

intake. Now you know…

Apnea, by definition (and as you

Get down on the 13th of

may all know), is a temporary

November for what’s promising to

The charming owners describe

cessation of breathing. But it can

be an evening filled with colour,

the place as “one big explosion of

also be the unconscious way to

beauty and dreamy music from

love and creativity” and confess

deal with everyday complexity.

Tori Tori Bird…

that they both “love great food

Ever realized that for too long

and speciality coffee, and wanted

you were not able to breathe? For

to put them together, along with

too long your lungs were stifled?

art, music, all under one roof”.

This is the time for decisions, the

That’s why, once a month,

opportunity to make a change.

Appestat mutates from a coffee

And this is what Alice’s work

house into a pop-up gallery

is all about: Translating every

— Text Carla Salber

Appestat 102 Islington High Street London | N1 8EG www.appestat.co.uk 29

LE BON ART Text Alice Tchernookova Artwork Hassan Hajjaj

Hassan Hajjaj’s workshop A window onto Moroccan culture in Central London Hidden in a side street just off Shoreditch High Street is a discreet but no less precious little shop full of unexpected surprises.

your work, and how it all started

shows, with photography and

for you?

film. Another friend was starting

I arrived to the UK in 1973 from

his music career and needed

Larache, a small fishing town

videos, so I helped him up

one hour south of Tangier. I

with that.I was learning a bit of

was only 13 at the time, and it

everything really! I got to try my

When you first walk in, it feels

was hard to fit in as I had no

hand at music, fashion, video,

as though you've stepped into a

qualifications whatsoever and

photography…

souk in Marrakesh. It is indeed

didn’t speak English. I first did a

at number 30, Calvert Avenue,

few random jobs, like gardening

So you’ve kept a little bit of all

that Moroccan/British artist

or things like that…Eventually we

these influences in your work?

Hassan Hajjaj, whose work has

started opening up nightclubs

Yeah, absolutely. I still do a bit

been exhibited all around the

with a group of friends. Around

of everything, and do all sort

world, decided to set up his

1984, I found a small location on

of experiments [like making

headquarters a few years ago.

Old Street, and I opened up a

cushions with rugs, for example].

Le Bonbon went out to meet

fashion shop called “Rap”, where

But I guess photography has

him and talk about his long and

I was selling urban wear, mostly

been my main thing since about

wonderfully varied artistic career.

designed by my friends. Around

2007.

1987 I started designing clothes Hey Hassan! First of all can you

too. I was also selling records

Can you talk me through some of

tell me more about the origins of

there and I organised some art

your latest series of works?

30

S.U.S.A., photograph by Hassan Hajjaj - 2009/1430, Edition of 7 Metallic Lambda on dibond - Courtesy of the Artist

Kesh Angels is probably my

music, fashion, art shows…

work - there’s already so much

largest body of works. It’s also

Everything that surrounds me

negativity around.

the one that was most widely

generally.

In one sentence, how would you

shared on the internet. The series is mostly located in

Do politics matter to you at all?

characterise your work?

Marrakesh, and it’s all about girls

I’m aware of them and they hurt

It’s really about people - people

on bikes. I started it back in 1988,

me as much as everyone else,

that mean something, that

but it’s still ongoing. It includes

but I don’t get involved. However

matter to me. When I look at

about 150 shots so far. Marrakesh

I’m aware of the political impact

my work, I see my life journey.

is a biking city - everybody’s on a

that my works can have.

What matters in an artist’s life is

bike there! I like playing around

For example S.U.S.A - which

the journey - thanks to my work

with traditions, showing the

stands for “Salaam United

I’ve had a great one, and in that

contrast between them and the

States of America” – was

sense I feel very privileged.

influences that Western culture

my way of expressing the

has on local habits. People may

Muslim community’s desire for

On January 8th, 2015, Hassan

dress in a Western way, but deep

recognition in America.

Hajjaj will present his latest

inside they still remain Moroccan.

When I showed this work in the

documentary film “Karima” at the

US there was loads of press

British Museum (trailer: vimeo.

Where do you take inspiration

around it.I’ve always tried to keep

com/122567313). You can also

from in your work?

away from answering critiques

pay him a visit at 30-32 Calvert

From everything - travelling,

though. I try to be positive in my

Avenue, London | E2 7JP.

31

LE BON ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Venerdi Italian sunshine in Homerton

© Arielle Tapper

You people living in Homerton, you are one lucky bunch indeed! How blissful it must be to sit down at Venerdi, sipping on a glass of wine while deciding between pizza, pasta or one of the daily specials. Opened in 2013, the restaurant’s front reads ‘Pizzeria-bar-café’ - but this is an understatement. There is much more to Venerdi and let me tell you why… made - including the dry and

regulars, you will also find some

First of all the setting is warm

fresh pastas prepared on the

very elegant dishes - such as the

and cosy with its grand wooden

day, the pizza dough, all varieties

tortellini filled with Lobster.

tables and charming with the

of bread and the desserts -

Though respecting the traditions

unmissable Fiat 500 fitted on the

including their classic tiramisu.

of Italian Cuisine, Venerdi also

back wall and the red peppers

As you would expect from a

takes full advantage of the

hanging by the open kitchen.

restaurant opened by one

beautiful products of Italy to put

The food here has all the sunny

Neapolitan and one Sardinian,

creations of their own on the

simplicity of what a little trattoria

you will find traditional dishes

menu. You surely won’t find the

in Italy should offer -without any

from Northern to Southern Italy

inventive ravioli filled with ricotta

of the white tablecloth ticky tack

on the menu. Each region is

and pistachio in Nona’s repertoire

found in many of London’s Italian

represented with its emblematic

- but it works exquisitely.

restaurants.

dishes: Puglia with the

— Text Charlotte Hermans

Venerdi is dominated by a large

Orecchiettes and fresh Burrata,

open kitchen which allows the

Sicily with moreish Arancinis

mouth-watering fumes to tickle

stuffed with Beef Ragu and the

your nostrils and awaken your

north with the Pollo alla Milanese.

appetite. Everything is home-

Beyond the crowd-pleasing

32

9 Chatsworth Rd, London | E5 0LH www.venerdi.co.uk

LE BON GENTLEMEN

WOLSEY

© Alejandra Carles-Tolra

Currently celebrating its 260th year, Wolsey’s intelligent approach to menswear is laced with notes from the history it has seen - whilst effortlessly looking forward.

You’d be excused for calling Wolsey a ‘fashion brand’ but you’d perhaps be wrong. That

from the 1930s, 40s' and 50s' –

men’s clothing that journeys with

is, fashion as a term, seems to

Wolsey is a brand that doesn’t

the contemporaneity of English

refer to current trends, and

compete with others but rather

fashion, echoing our cultures

where the fine detailing and

understands itself and produces

enthusiasm for exploration

quality materials and patterns

pieces with simple, sophisticated

and. This is made all the more

of Wolsey’s collection are

intelligence. Take for instance

clear, when we discussed the

no doubt fashionable, their

the deep pockets of the Military

off-site work they are planning

unique, heritage-based style

trench coat in the current

for an upcoming journal to be

is independent, their pieces

collection. Its exaggerated width

released next year, where they

interwoven with notes from its

and depth is perhaps, a kind of

plan to travel to various locations

260 year heritage. This is what

love letter to an original explorer

in the Highlands of Scotland

Creative Director Chris Lee

jacket, initially made so big that it

and Edinburgh to model four

described to me when I went

would have the capacity to house

‘real’ male models. They plan to

to visit him in store on Soho’s

thick, woolen mittens. Today,

work on a kind of documentary

Brewer Street. He directed me

the needs of the contemporary

style photographic project to

toward a beautiful woolen jumper

man have obviously shifted; the

an end where they produce a

with woven tracks running

mittens of yesteryear, replaced

journal that won’t operate as a

vertically down it. ‘These tracks’,

with the iPad’s of today. To

catalogue, but rather a portrait

he said ‘illustrate where the

an elegant and effortless end,

of the lifestyle of the brand. It

trenches were in the First World

Wolsey designs objects that

seems that 260 years is really

War.’ This attention to detail is

nod toward the past but look

only the beginning.

reflected in their store, a space

actively toward the future. There

composed of exposed rock

is an authenticity to the brand.

— Text Ben Harvey

flooring with guide ropes, drawn

Each piece is designed and

from the ceiling, holding up show

produced in England but again,

rails in the centre. The walls are

with its 260 year history Wolsey

83A Brewer St, London | W1F 0RD / 020 7434 4257 www.wolsey.com

adorned with advertisements

has maintained an approach to

33

LE BON MYSTIC

Aries

Cancer

Bethnal Green.

Angel.

This month you’ll focus on your health. Yoga and

If you are in a relationship, you will spend the best

greens will be your motto! Your friends and familly

moment ever with your partner. Just like an angel, he

appreciate this inner transformation, as you’ll

/she will give you the best of him/herself and you’ll

feel more relaxed, and will listen to others more.

feel like you have an exceptional seductive power.

This positive attitude will help you being more

You lucky b****** !

productive, and you’ll work on new projects you

Make sure you do not put your family aside though.

care about.

If you are single - time to go and do some sport !

(Blame it on you mum for spoiling you with too many

Taurus Soho.

This month you’ll be very social, and will enjoy

sweets when you were a kid…)

Leo

spending quality time with your friends. Your new

Highbury.

professional situation makes you more confident

You don’t like winter and, actually winter doesn’t like

and you should take advantage of it. You may feel

you either. As the days get shorter and shorter, it will

some grief as your future might turn out to be quite

get always harder for you to get out of bed… Beware

different to what you’d imagined. Single, you’ll meet

- go and move your body more often, you might very

new funny people but be careful, appearances can

well lose your power of seduction ! Hopefully you

be deceiving...

have some faithful friends who will always support you whatever happens… If not, just buy yourself a box of chocolates – as the saying goes, chocolate

Gemini Bow. Professionally, you’re really upping your game, as everything grows faster, and you’ll have to take

is cheaper than therapy, and you don’t need an appointment for it!

Virgo

big decision regarding your career. Some partners

Old Street.

could help you to progress, but you’ll have to find

This month you’ll act like an old embittered man, and

them. Be careful not to organise your professional

actually your life tastes a bit bitter. Come on, you are

life behind the back of those you love. Your partner

not this type of person, sitting in bed all day, a cuppa

is really accommodating, but if you don’t make any

in your hand, crying on your mom’s shoulder … Get

efforts, it won’t last for long. Remember that to love

out there and meet new friends ! Or if you’re too

is not to look at each other – it’s to look in the same

lazy, just check out the internet… Who knows, your

direction together!

new love might just be round the corner ! You only live once !

34

NOVEMBER 2015

Libra

Capricorn

London fields.

Dalston.

This month, you’ll be definitely not be all about

Dear Capricorns, this month is going to be full of

balance. You can’t help but seduce every person

surprises! Especially by the end of the month. There

you meet and this can make people you care about

will be a whole new level of novelty this November.

suffer. You can’t help but to spend all your money

Novelty at work and potentially a new boss. Don’t

on shopping too! Why so many excess? Try to focus

pretend you’re not happy about the news, we know

more on what’s essential. Luckily, your family is

you’ve been stomping on a voodoo doll every night

here to support you financially, but you never know

hoping this day would come. Love wise, if you’re

what life can reserve for you. Don’t be surprised if

single, this won’t last long! You’ll meet someone you

someday you find yourself with empty pockets.

used to know back in primary school...and it wasn’t a pupil.

Scorpio Hackney wick.

Aquarius

2015 has sometimes been harsh with you - but try to

Haggerston.

leave all those bad memories behind you, and only

This month will be full of opportunities for you,

keep the positive. Move forward! On a professional

Aquarius! We know you spend most of your nights

point of view, it’s time to grow some balls and ask for

clubbing and getting hammered for no reason… and

an augmentation. You give yourself heart and soul

that’s the perks of being a wallflower. However, you’ll

and barely no-one recognises your efforts. C’mon

be surprised to meet many footloose and fancy free

mate, you’re not anyone’s slave. Love wise, you’ll

people with big hearts that are ready to be seized.

realise that someone you consider as a close friend

Don’t you think it’s time for you to grow up and finally

could easily turn out to be a lover… Open your eyes.

settle? You’ll make your heart happy and you’ll make your health even happier.

Sagittarius Stoke Newington.

Pisces

We can see you seem a little nostalgic, sweet

Clapton.

Sagittarius. This year has flown too fast and you

Stop feeling sorry for yourself all the time, it’s

haven’t had time to do anything that was on your

annoying for everyone around you. And don’t let

bucket list. It’s not too late though! Get your shit

yourself drown into depression just because winter’s

together, this month will allow you to meet new

close. If you’re single, forget about having company

people and to scratch one or two things that were on

just to have company. It’s useless and does not

your list. If so far you’ve been mostly talking to brick

stimulate any deep emotions. As the saying goes in

walls when approaching targets, November is going

France “better to be alone than in bad company!”

to change that! Love is in the air…

Polygamy is not a solution either, you little freak. Try to be happy alone, and then, only then, you’ll be able to make someone else happy.

35

LE BON SNAPSHOT

36

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

Photos Alejandra Carles Tolra

37

38

39

LES BONS ADDRESSES

40 COLORI

FRENCH COLORS

STRONGROOM BAR & KITCHEN

32 Cheshire Street

www.frenchcolors.co.u

120-124 Curtain Road

London | E2 6EH

—

London | EC2A 3SQ

Phone: 020 7059 9778

LUREM

Phone: 020 7426 5103

—

138 Bethnal Green Road

—

AIDA

London | E2 6DG

TAKE EAT EASY

133 Shoreditch High Street

Phone: 020 8127 8338

Your favorite restaurants

London | E1 6JE

—

delivered at your home!

Phone: 020 7739 2811

MADE IN LITTLE FRANCE

www.takeeateasy.co.uk/

—

397 Saint John Street

—

BOTTEGA PRELIBATO

London | EC1V 4LD

THE MERCANTILE LONDON 17, Spitalfields Arts Market, Lamb

45 Rivington Street

Phone: 020 7837 3125

London | EC2A 3QB

—

Street

Phone: 020 7739 4995

OTHER CAFE GALLERY

London | E1 6EA Phone: 020 7377 8926

—

48 Balls Pond Road

CHEZ ANTOINETTE

London | N1 4AP

—

Unit 30, The Market Building

Phone: 07787 269499

THE PLANE TREE

London | WC2E 8RE

—

31 Roman Road

Phone: 020 7240 9072

PIZZERIA APOLLO

London | E2 0HU Phone: 020 3022 5892

—

160 Stoke Newington High Street

CONCEPT STORE Y

London | N16 7JL

—

57A Brewer Street

Phone: 020 7241 1914

THE RESTORATION

London | W1F 9UL

—

2 Bouverie Road

Phone: 020 7734 9594

PUSH

London | N16 0AJ Phone: 07990 573889

—

35C Newington Green

DICE

London | N16 9PR

—

www.dice.fm/

Phone: 020 7249 1351

VENERDI

Phone: 015 6738 0000

—

9 Chatsworth Road

—

QUARANTACINQUE

London | E5 0LH

FRAME

45 Roman Road

Phone: 020 8533 1902

moveyourframe.com

London | E2 0HU

—

King’s Cross | N1C 4AS

—

WOLSEY

Shoreditch | EC2A 3EY

ROUGE

83A Brewer Street

Queen’s Park | W10 4LG

158 Stoke Newington High Street

London | W1F 0RD

London | N16 7JL

Phone: 020 7434 4257

Phone: 020 7275 0887

40

06/12/2015 Le Bonbon launches a new magazine for: S O H O · FA R R I N G D O N · C L E R K E N W E L L · H I G H B U RY · A N G E L I S L I N G T O N · F I N S B U RY · K I N G ’ S C R O S S · H O L B O R N · B L O O M S B U RY