On the Town - IOC, China Launch Art Exhibit; Festival Finale for Rio Occupation

Stars Come Out for Art Exhibition

Two of the biggest names in China, and certainly one of the biggest men, were among the hundreds of people who attended the launching ceremony of the Creative Cities Collection at the Barbican on Wednesday.

Pianist Lang Lang, who charmed the world with his performance in the opening ceremony in Beijing four years ago, once again performed on an Olympic stage.

But most excitement surrounded the presence of basketball giant Yao Ming with hundreds of phones, tablets and cameras being pointed in his direction as he sat at the back before attempting - and failed to make a discreet exit.

Dignitaries from the IOC, the UK Government, LOCOG and China joined together to mark the opening of the exhibition, which features work from more than 500 artists from 72 countries on the theme of "The River Thames – The Great Wall – Embrace the World."

A message read out from IOC president Jacques Rogge highlighted that he believes the link between sport and the arts is more relevant than ever today.

China’s ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming said: "This is an artistic contribution to the London Olympics and a tale of two cities with a long history and great culture."

The Creative Cities Collection was launched under the patronage of the IOC in Beijing four years ago for the promotion of Olympic related culture.

The exhibition will run from August 2 to August 7 in the Barbican Exhibition Hall 1 and 2.

Festival Finale for Rio Occupation

We are only almost half way through London 2012, yet some people are already looking forward to the next Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Friday marks the last day you can enter into the Rio spirit with Rio Occupation London at their Festival Finale. The occupation has seen 30 Rio artists occupy the streets, stages and squares of London over the past month in displays of art, music, dance, theatre, film and poetry.

The Festival finale at London’s V22 in Bermondsey offers a chance for visitors to experience a flavor of the Brazilian city with more than 30 original art works created by some of Rio’s artists. Video installations, live performances, cinema, theatre, dance and music will take place throughout the day from 3 p.m.

Brazilian food and drink will be on offer until the Festival finishes at 11 p.m. – though live musicians and DJs will ensure the night finishes in a carnival mood. The artists will even be present to meet audiences and talk with them about their work.

Crafty Cocktails

Champagne might be the drink of choice for Olympic champions, but The Trafalgar Hotel is encouraging visitors to toast triumph with their homegrown herb flavored cocktails.

This week, the hotel unveiled the Mediterranean herb garden at Vista, the largest rooftop bar in Central London. The plum slate rockery combines sight, smell and taste with an array of fragrant and colorful plants including basil, rosemary, mint, thyme, lavender and aloe vera.

All the barmen need to do is nip to the garden and pick the fresh basil that goes alongside Gin Mare in a Mr. Harry or the thyme, rosemary and basil that join the sprig of lavender in a Leila Lavender Martini.

Beat Ganz, the hotel’s director of operations, explained: "The new herb garden embodies the contemporary style and creative flair synonymous with The Trafalgar Hotel."

Vista, on the south side of Trafalgar Square, has a £5 cover charge with £1 going to charity.

Full Houses for Food

Empty seats might have been a hot topic around Olympic venues, but a new trend in London’s Soho is guaranteeing that no seats are vacant at a growing number of restaurants and bars.

"No reservations" is becoming an increasingly popular idea for both bar owners and customers alike, creating venues with a real buzz and atmosphere about them.

Anna Kibbey, deputy editor venues and events of squaremeal.co.uk, explained: "What we are seeing is restaurants opening up in this area, mid-market restaurants, and adopting a policy of not taking bookings. You queue to get in, and often got a little wait, but there is a real turnover of tables in these places. They are very buzzy and vibrant.

"For the owners it means they eradicate empty tables. Their restaurants are always full and so in turn they can offer reasonable prices for food. Customers therefore get very high quality but at affordable prices."

Charlie Young is co-owner of Vinoteca Soho, a venue that is a wine bar cum restaurant cum wine shop. He said: "We do take bookings at lunch time as people often need to know they have a table but from late afternoon you cannot reserve. We find that people are happy to wait."

A typical evening of "no reservation" dining might feature a glass of sherry and some tapas at Barrafina, a trailblazer in the concept since 2005 under owners Sam and Eddie Hart. Then head to Duck Soup, a newcomer specializing in organic wines and simple, clean food. Another stop could be Young’s Vinoteca Soho for delicious bavette and hand cut chips.

Just remember you may have to queue and wait, but all owners and staff will do their best to make it worthwhile. For full details, go to squaremeal.co.uk.

Reported by Matt Horn and Christian Radnedge

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