Sunday 13 September 2015

Battle of the Chess Champions Warehouse Party

http://heyevent.com/event/4gjozgsfzwzhoa/battle-of-the-chess-champions-warehouse-party

Ever thought that a chess/clubbing night would be a good idea? Nope, me neither. However I was willing to give it a shot! However, this definitely goes down under "weird".

Turns out the chess was that each club goer represented a piece. Think wizard chess without the death. Probably just as cool as wizard chess. Unfortunately I missed it because I was out pre-drinking (for the chess, I know).

My other mistake was that the ad said to:
"Dress for the chess and to impress"

Pretty much everyone else had dressed up as a chess piece.

On the plus side, the DJ was pretty cool (Dice FX). And the venue, Scratch Warehouse, is a pretty cool venue for a unique clubbing night.

This appears to be a one-off, however I hope this article inspires other unusual crossover nights. Any ideas, comment below!

A.I.M's Melbourne Magic Night

http://danecertificatemagic.com.au/events/ms-melbourne-magic-night-2015-11-10/

On the evening of Tuesday 8 September, I went to a small venue to experience a magic night. Here's my thoughts.

- Humour and likeability are key in magic nowadays
- Kids can be the harshest critics
- I got asked to be on stage. Then I had to improvise a card trick! Whaaat?
- Certainly was a welcoming night.

So would I go again? Yes!

Final fun ideas from the UK...

As I prepare to leave for Melbourne, here's a days' worth of fun adventures, with a bonus break:

1) Riding House Cafe - http://www.ridinghousecafe.co.uk

A lovely place for a weekend brunch. Or 'linner'. Atmosphere is friendly and food was great. This is not a place to go to if you're in a rush though. When we went they didn't charge for one of the sides which we ordered but sent back, but it did take 15 minutes between asking for the bill and receiving it. You have to book to get a table at the weekend.

2) Upper Street - https://www.upperstreet.com

This is a 'design your own shoes' place. I bought this as a gift and thought it would be fun to join for the experience. I would suggest it is better for a girly adventure - it was interesting with a personal consultant, but quite serious from a guys point of view. I have also experienced a similar type from Australia (https://www.shoesofprey.com) where you could play about with an iPad.

3) Chez Bruce - http://www.chezbruce.co.uk

Michelin starred restaurant and great food - particularly desserts. Around £60 each. Only downside is location which is a little out of the way (Wandsworth Common). Atmosphere is very relaxed.

4) Science Museum Lates - http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/visitmuseum/plan_your_visit/lates.aspx

A particular favourite and a fantastic surprise evening for me. Enjoy the Science Museum without the kids. We went to do some stencils, enjoy some ice cream and play about with Lego to design my perfect place (note - Lego therapy works). Oh - and an amazing bubble show where we proved beyond doubt that 3 people can fit inside a bubble.

5) Limewood - http://www.limewoodhotel.co.uk

The New Forest is a great place to get away from it all. And this hotel is charming. With food from Angela Hartnett (she also has a cookery school here) you know you will enjoy the food (it's becoming less of a secret so service has got a little slower, but it's still good). Walking in the forest, cycling, spa, hydropool...lots of relaxing fun.