Escapists, Kensington Roof Gardens

Last night saw another fantastic performance from Escapists, one of the best, most passionate and rousing bands around. It is fairly unusual that these guys play in the West (far too many people in chinos for their liking), so when I knew they were playing in the cinematic setting of the Kensington Roof Gardens it was hard to resist.  

With thoroughly addictive anthems and heartfelt, story-telling lyrics the boys are as sensational live as they sound on your iPod, and as each song reaches its powerful, pounding climax spectators are swept away so that their surroundings quite literally escape them.  Having just released their debut single Post Gospel Blues, an emotive and euphoric song, this band is going from strength to strength.

If you like the dark, handsome type you're in luck, although there is also a rather dashing blonde on the drums.  Their next gig is at Cargo in Shoreditch this coming Thursday and tickets have already sold out, but spectators will no doubt be in for another moving, sweaty, incredible show.

Post Gospel Blues

Buy the debut single here

Church Bells

Follow the guys on twitter @Escapistsmusic

Keep up to date with upcoming shows - www.escapistsmusic.com

The venue looked incredible last night as music types shivered and smoked in the gardens, 
which offer a knockout view and still had a final smattering of snow.  Beautiful.
Kensington Roof Gardens

Aubaine, Brompton Road

In amongst the glittering windows of its neighbouring designer boutiques on Brompton Road lies Aubaine.  A sensational spot for people watching, by day the rich and manicured wives of Chelsea and Knightsbridge sit at the tiny tables outside as beautiful waiters scuttle around them.  By the weekend, they are joined by their husbands for brunch. Sounds a little too 'Sloaney' for my usual liking but on a sunny day I really can't fault the restaurant's facade, whether it's adorned by the beautiful people or otherwise.  

When I paid a visit last week, the interior was just as lovely.  In no way ostentatious, the large spaced is filled with pretty little flowers upon pretty little tables.  Violet candles glow, and rows and rows of jams (jarred in suitably pretty packaging) stretch across an entire wall.  The patisserie on the side offers an abundance of delectable treats and it was these cloud-like meringues and macaroons in their majestic glass domes that I lusted over.

There are five dotted across London.  A girly must for a spot of tea and something sinful.

www.aubaine.co.uk

A recent trip to Portobello Market encouraged a whole lot of photography.  Amazing shops, sights and sounds and glorious winter sunshine.  We browsed the plethora of stalls and dipped in and out of the surrounding boutiques.  Walk into the antiques arcade to find the most incredible jewellery and vintage nightdresses, and be sure to call in on neighbouring lingerie emporiums Agent Provocateur and Myla.