Reasons to be Cheerful (part 3).....and a lot of rambling about Dear Catastrophe Waitress

It appears Spring has sprung....Crouch End is full of attractive types in unfortunate footwear, the sun is shining on Alexandra Palace and it's all gone a bit Al Fresco.  I won't get overly excited about this quite yet....but it's looking hopeful!

A few weeks have passed since I last wrote this thing and to be honest, not a lot has gone on.  We have, however, had two Dear Catastrophe Waitress nights in our lovely new venue - The Earl Haig Hall - www.earlhaighall.com.  You surely must know about the EHH by now Crouch End folk (and beyond).  Very reminiscent of the Pop Klubb venue St Doms, the EHH is a British Legion Club just round the corner from the Queens pub.  I loved this place the first time I walked in.....the decor has been kept as authentic as possible, the acoustics are fantastic, the dj equipment works and there's a dance floor!  Ooh, get us!  An actual dancefloor!  Apart from our obviously great night (!), there are lots of family friendly events, band nights & a Northern Soul do which involves talc!!!! (I will be reporting back on said talc use in next time's blog).  There is also a scrummy menu which I'm yet to sample.

We had concerns about finishing our little night at midnight due to the EHH being in a residential street but it seems to work!  (Perhaps because we're all of a certain age and no longer want to stay out all night).  It's a bonus that people can still use public transport to get home and that KFC is open for emergency "walking home" snacks.  We seem to have gained some new dancing customers since our move, the feedback has been great and we're enjoying ourselves so all is good in the (N8) hood!

We've plans for 2014 (all to be discussed further) - DCW "Live" nights, Sunday afternoon socials, a daytrip to Brighton (ending in our club) and who knows what else?

And now for the sales blurb:

Our night is a friendly social event rather than a club night.  DJs play everything from 60s to 90s (think Mod to Soul, Punk to Post-Punk, Disco to Ska, 80s Alternative) and we don't have any music rules.  Lots of floorfillers, lots of "oh I remember that" tunes and a real mix so there's something for everyone.  You can find us on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/566849826712759/ and on Twitter - @anglosvensk.  Join us, follow us, tell your music-loving friends and come and say hello.  We'd love to see you there.

A blog post full of nothing in particular.....

It's been a very quiet month but I don't want to let my blog disappear into the ether so here a few paragraphs about what's been going on (or hasn't).

Dear Catastrophe Waitress continues into 2014. We pulled in quite a crowd at the beginning of January....or rather Darren did as it was his birthday (which always helps!).  We're back next Friday but at a different venue this time.  After all the good reviews, we went to visit the Earl Haig Hall and what a lovely venue it is.  The Earl Haig is, what I would describe as, a revamped Working Mens' Club (slightly reminiscent of the Pop Klubb venue up in Newcastle).  They've already had lots of interesting nights on there since their opening back in November and we've been lucky enough to get the Valentines Night slot.  The poster for our "Anti-Valentines Night Affair" is below and if anyone could come dressed like that, it would amuse me greatly!

Luckily there are no tube strikes planned for next Friday as what a pain in the posterior this weeks has been.  My favourite tweet regarding the over-crowded bus was "So packed on this bus that I fear someone may become pregnant".  Yep, that was about the extent of it.  I attempted to get from Crouch End to Brixton in one piece but failed dismally.  Well done to all of you that managed to survive the (what seemed like pretty standard) 4 hour journeys. My love for London buses declined somewhat this week.  (The photo below is my nearest tube station, which I luckily avoided).

To the "50 Years of The Who" private view at Proud Camden on Wednesday (thankfully a bus ride or two away, with no tubes involved).  If I were rich, I'd have taken a fair few of the prints home with me there and then, but I'm not so I didn't.  Always interesting to see who might turn up at these private views - this time it was Dave Davies, who seemed a friendly type, and didn't complain that everyone in Proud wanted a photo taken with him.

To make up for the enforced "staying in January", Friday was a night out at Bar Solo (Mint & Caramel Martinis, Espresso Martinis and Pina Coladas - oh yes) followed by Chris Sullivan's regular night "The Swag" at Camden Record Club.  Sadly my temporary membership expires soon but I might speak nicely to them and see if it can be extended as I love Record Club!  The venue is great, the staff are even greater, and it's a nice place to be.

With that, I will love you & leave you as I'm sure there's some fascinating Sunday programme on somewhere on Freeview, which involves Customs & Excise, police chases or obese people.

Cath x

Good Morning 2014!

Happy New Year folks.  Hands up - Who's got a hangover?  Not me, that's for sure.  In bed by 10.45.  My block (and the one next door) obviously felt the same way as I didn't hear a single "Happy New Year" or have to endure some awful "experimental" music from 'him upstairs.

I'm not one for New Years' Resolutions, which is a good job as I've already eaten a handful of maltesers, sniggered at the joggers out in the rain, and bitten a nail or two. 

So.....2013.....What?, Where?, Who?  I'm sure it was a memorable one but without looking through all last years' blogs, I'm sure I'll forget some "highlights".

We're now into our second year of Dear Catastrophe Waitress.  Very few less than fantastic nights have been had and we have plans for this year....which *may* involve bands, and *may* involve Brighton.  For now, we're still at Kiss the Sky and keeping the same format as always - no music rules, just good tunes, good company and some bendy elbow dancing.  Thank you (on here as well as Facebook) to Darren (my club partner in crime), as well as Rob, Nick, Ian....and particularly Simon who treks all the way from the seaside with a record box that weighs a ton! 

I made it back to my second home TWICE this year.  Huzzah.  Stockholm I love you.  We saw two seasons - the rainiest winter and then the hottest summer.  Trench foot and heat stroke in two trips.  Lazy days and tourist boat trips.  People may have moved on since I lived there but I still love going back, and hopefully that spot by the window in String, and that larger than large crayfish salad, will be mine again soon.

March saw the loveliest "Antique Little Girl" (my Gran) reach her 90th birthday.  This should by my highlight of 2013 as I got to see my long-lost Utah-based cousins who I hadn't seen in over 25 years.  I know that right now they probably wish they could be celebrating New Year in Camden Town rather than Stateside but Heath & Scott....come back soon eh? 

Award for the "Most fun day out of the (late) Summer" goes to the Modcast Rare Mod Boat Cruise.  Who'd have thought travelling up and down the Thames on a slightly wobbly old boat on a grey day in September could be so enjoyable?  Still laughing now about the drink flying out of the window due to tidal turbulance! Thanks for a great day Mr Piller et al.

Lots of cocktails were consumed in various establishments throughout London/Stockholm.  No change there for 2014 probably.  Places of note:  Joes in Chalk Farm, Simmons in Camden High Street, Bar Solo in Inverness Street, and now the fantastic new private members' club "Record Club" in Camden.

Oh I'm sure there was lots more wasn't there?  Obviously not EVERYTHING can be written in a blog.

Here's hoping great things for 2014 - for you & for me x

A pinch & a punch......

It's December which means not celebrating Christmas for the 2nd year running....or at least not celebrating Christmas in the "traditional" way.  I'll see my family in a fortnight, we'll exchange presents and I'll call them on Christmas Day but there will be no tacky tv, decorations, or Xmas Dinner.  I will be in Crouch End doing what I want, eating what I want, and enjoying it!  Don't think I'll be lonely, depressed or bored.....I certainly will be none of those things!!!!

Anyway, what went on in November that I can write about on here?

We had another Dear Catastrophe Waitress night which was fun as ever.  The club is on a little break at the moment, until we know what we're doing regarding a venue & availability etc.  Bear with us - we'll be back soon I'm sure.  In the meantime, have a Mojito, put on a Style Council track, dance around your lounge and pretend you're there!

There was another Carnaby Street 20% discount night/Grab all you can & go night in our case.  I might have imagined it but there didn't seem to be half the freebies there are normally & it was quite a chore trying to find a shop that would give us free anything!!!!!  I think I probably had a cocktail, probably had a prosecco and probably pretended I was "really interested" in those "ever so fashionable" party dresses.  Off to Trishas afterwards, and Bar Italia for night-time coffee & cake.

To Brighton via the rail replacement hellish bus in mid-November, for a few very important things - to visit Miss C-J and the lovely Dolly and to be part of Suse's 40th birthday celebrations.  30 odd of us went to the North Laines where we all had a well-overdue catch up, the biggest Sunday Roast you have ever experienced in your life, and a bottle of the bubbly stuff.  Well done for getting us altogether Mrs Bentley - you did a great job.  Hope you enjoyed your birthday shenanigans!  Off to Hove actually the next day....lunch at a lovely little cafe' called LaLas in George Street, then back to Miss Thomas's (no longer) new abode by the sea, for tea & cat action.  We treated ourselves to some drinks at the Hotel Pelirocco before our night out & very nice it was too.  I havn't been there since my 40th birthday when I stayed in the (sadly named) Modrophenia room with a certain pretty little danish boy.  I seem to remember nice drinks were consumed then too.  Brace yourselves Frock fans....the reason for staying over in Brighton was to see......da da da.......5ive.  We all have our guilty pleasures and 5ive are mine.  We laughed, had a whole row to ourselves, danced to every song and indeed did Slam Dunk Da Funk.....so there!!!!!

Nearly up-to-date now - hang in there!!!  By now, you know my drinks of choice are mainly cocktails.  We checked out a new place in Camden last week called Simmons which was lovely!  Done out in retro style, with a whole range of lovely drinks, it was a nice place to spend an hour or two.  Opposite Koko, you can watch the queues of little girls going to see bands you have probably never heard of.  Make friends with the little barman - he might do you a deal like he did us.  To Proud Camden after for a Boosh exhibition & signing, which was frankly so boring, I won't bother to write anymore about that.  Finishing up in new private members' club, Record Club.  I've been lucky enough to be given a 3 month trial and I will be using it to the max.  We had a fantastic night & I can't wait to go back.  No, it's not cheap kids but if you too are lucky enough to go, treat yourself!  Lovely, lovely staff, a good location and drinks that are so lovely you have to have 7 at least, what's not to like?

Finally and most importantly, I'm trying to adopt a house-cat & need all the money I can get to pay my landlord's required damage deposit (darn them!).  I'm begging, stealing & borrowing to get the money together.  If anyone reading this is a cat-lover, enjoys what I write, and would like to donate any pennies at all to my cause, I'd appreciate it very much.  Here's a link to my little page....http://www.gofundme.com/5iotdc.

Thank you x 

Newcastle & Northern Soul.....

Happy Movember folks!  Once again, I personally won't be growing any facial hair this month but good luck to you that are...hope you raise a ton of money.

Last weekend saw a trip up North via the wonder that is the Megabus, to Newcastle (£12.50 return I'll have you know and that includes a booking fee).  I'd love to be able to visit my Northern friends more often but work and other things get in the way too much these days. 

After 7 hours on the bus, I was famished so a trip to the Sky Apple Vegetarian Cafe' was very welcome.  I've mentioned this little cafe' before I think but here's a link for anyone that might be interested in checking it out. www.skyapple.co.uk.  We managed three courses like the food heroes we are and I'll look forward to visiting next time I'm in Newcastle.  From what I've seen, Sky Apple gets pretty busy so book a table if you're going later in the evening.

On Friday, the heavens opened, Louise's dome umbrella died a death, and my new desert boots leaked.  We braved the vintage shops and had a bargain lunch before heading back to dry off for a few hours.  Man about town & near neighbour, Bob Stanley (he of St Etienne and many a BBC3 appearance) was djaying at my old club, Pop Klubb, in the evening.  Really proud of what the club has achieved and the fact it's still going strong 7 years on.  I will never forget that hilarious first night with Your Favourite Question playing a gig to probably 20 people (and the look on their faces when we walked into that funny old social club to soundcheck that day).

On Saturday, the sun came out and we headed to Tynemouth for a nosey round the flea market (which I love!) and a few shops.  The flea market is fantastic - everything from cupcakes to Nazi memorabilia (yes really) and you can come home with a few bargains.  I couldn't resist (another) new handbag.  Well it would be rude not to wouldn't it?  To Whitley Bay afterwards, for vintage shops and a (half-hearted) vintage tea-room.  I won't write a bad review of it quite yet as they'd only just opened but if I return next year and see it's still full of Cath Kidston, I will be having words.

I'm hoping that next time I visit, it'll be warmer, longer days and we can go to the coast again.  It really is the most beautiful part of the world, with long sandy beaches, tea-rooms lost in time and fresh air.

Saturday night saw a trip to the "That Beat 'n' Rhythm Soul Club" at the same venue as Pop Klubb, Retreat.  What a fantastic night they have going there.  We arrived at 8.30 and the place was practically full, with a full dancefloor too.  Really great tunes and some old favourites of mine, which meant I got to dance for once.  If nothing else, I would recommend going purely to watch the 12 year old dj dance!  He's an absolute star, mature way beyond his years and can out-dance anyone in that place.  I'll be returning just as soon as I can.

From North to South....this weekend I did a "Wiltshire visit".  Unfortunately due to being overloaded with work, I didn't get to experience the village coffee morning nor get a walk down to the church (where I still feel uneasy since the ghost incident) but I did eat lots of good food and get to spend time with my Gran.  Animal fans - I missed the friendly hedgehog but saw two horses.  Yes, that's the limit of Rushall news for you. 

With that, I'll love you & leave you with....with the news I'm getting a cat!!!  Watch this space.

Winnings & Westfield.....

The heavens have opened & Crouch End appears to be flooding.  I will now hibernate for the rest of the day after updating you all on October goings on.

The beginning of the month saw a night out at Rough Trade East off Brick Lane, for the launch of A Scene in Between by Samuel Knee - a lovely book about the early 80s indie scene....think bowl cuts, think anoraks, think a great time in music.  Apart from my friends who were lucky enough to be in bands during that period (that's you Katie Courtney-Jones aka Stephanie Bass Drum from The Pooh Sticks and Bridget Duffy from The Sea Urchins), various folk from the time were in attendance, although I have to be honest I wouldn't have known them from Adam if I hadn't have been told.  Notable males included Bobby Gillespie, Stephen Pastel & "that bloke from the Jesus & Mary Chain"!!!  If anyone (note for my Mother) would like to buy me the book for Xmas, I'd be a happy lady.

Another Dear Catastrophe Waitress on the following night where much dancing & consuming of the usual Mojitos took place.  Lots of interesting plans for the future to be discussed including a possible alldayer, a possible festival and a possible new venue (?).  Watch this space.  Thank you in the meantime for your continued support & lovely comments.

We ventured to the Vintage Classic Car Boot Fair on the Southbank last weekend and much fun was had.  Lots of folk selling vintage out of their vintage vehicles sounds like a winning idea to me.  I rescued the world's most beautiful dress for a fiver.  The lady selling it was a bit tearful as it was apparently her going away outfit after her wedding in the 60s.  It'll never fit me but I'll love it on her behalf.  There was a great atmosphere at the boot fair - lots of interesting people to look at, lovely tunes being played from the top of a double decker bus and good food/drink.  Roll on next year which will be even bigger & better I'm sure.

My winning streak from my part time comping hobby continues.  My haul in September included some Jamie Oliver cookware, a meal for two, and a holiday essentials package worth £300 consisting of a Kindle, digital camera, Ray-bans etc. etc, which I promptly flogged!  This month saw bigger & better - a £1,000 shopping card for Westfield.  No, I couldn't believe it either.  Two trips later and I still have £450 odd left to spend when the time is right.  I've realised pretty quickly that shopping malls the size of Westfield and me just don't get on.  I struggle to find things to buy of any use & the crowds annoy me hugely.  Last trip I came away feeling violent.  This trip I came away feeling less violent but with a huge haul of goods......and I might have bought some Baileys too....just cos I can.  All essentials on my list now purchased, the next time I go I can relax and just buy whatever the hell I fancy.....if there is anything I do fancy.  I have to say that Greggs was looking mighty fine today ;)

With that, I will love you & leave you.  I'm off to visit the Newcastle crowd next week for a few days and will report back on Pop Klubb, my first ever northern Northern Soul night, and Megabus stories.

Bye for now Frock fans x

Lovely Autumn, Lovely London

I survived another birthday!  My boobs appear to be in much the same place as before I hit 47 and I havn't lost my faculties overnight so all is good with the world.

In commiserating said birthday, Mum came up to the smoke to take me out.  My birthday, my choice apparently.  She survived my choice/s like a martyr.  First stop was The Clash Pop Up exhibition in Berwick Street.  The whole of London must surely have checked it out by now.  If not, why not?  Oh it's closed!!  Lunch at the lovely Wahaca in Wardour Street where I forced spicy foods & cactus things on Mum.  I like Wahaca a lot - it's a bit manic in there but the food is great and pretty cheap for central London. 

After lunch, we dropped in at the Carnaby Echoes Exhibition in Fouberts Place.  Lots of lovely pics & interesting films about Soho.  I only saw about half of it I'm sure but I'll return and watch the rest.  Coffee in Bar Italia?  Oh if you must.  Photographers Gallery after a cappuccino break, for the Mass Observation exhibition (which Mum knew all about but I hadn't heard of before), and finishing up in Pattisserie Valerie...for birthday cake you understand.  T'was a lovely day.  Thanks Mum x

Sunday saw the long awaited Modcast/Acid Jazz Rare Mod Boat Party.  Lifejackets & sea legs sorted, we left from Festival Pier at 2pm for a fun-packed day cruising the Thames and back.  This must have been one of the highlights of the year & I'm still laughing about it now - from the slightly choppy river moments to a drink flying out the window, to DC Carver being bothered by everyone (bar me) on that darn boat!  Lovely to see Mr Piller looking so well, and lovely to run into old Blow Up regulars.  We laughed, we danced to some fantastic music, and we planned getting tickets the second they're released, when it's time for the next one in May.  Well done Modcast crew.  A memorable Sunday afternoon.

It appears to have been a busy old time since I last wrote this.  Pah to old age I say!!!!

Back to The Golden Bee on Wednesday for Mr Hallam's belated birthday shindig and the launch of the Countdown book "From Ronnies to Ravers - Personal Situations in London Clubland".  The Golden Bee is always enjoyable.....despite extortionate drinks and a happy hour that finishes at silly o'clock.  Great tunes from Norman Jay & Gary Crowley as ever.  Thanks on this occasion goes to Tim for buying us 2 (yes 2) bottles of champagne on work expenses and hello to Rob who I hadn't seen in 27 years!!!!!

Bear with me Frock Fans....I've nearly finished!!!!  A lovely sunny Saturday yesterday and lunch with a visiting swedish friend at the Mediterranean Cafe' in Berwick Street.  I have no idea why this place isn't constantly packed.  Their lunchtime 3 courses for £9.95 is a great deal and everything I've had there has been delicious (and I've been there a LOT!).  To the French House for a cheeky glass of rose' afterwards.  Now THIS is the real London readers....and this is MY London.  I'll be having none of this silly Oxford Street stuff thank you.  Finishing up the night with a bottle of rose' and a good friend, and now Sunday is here again.

I'll leave it there now as I'm sure you all need to get back to Dog the Bounty Hunter (or something).  I'm now a professional comper so need to get back on the case.  See you in October! xx