Travels in...Canary Wharf

Hmm...Canary Wharf really isn't the first place you think of for a good night out or a bit of culture but you would be suprised what an often dreary place like this has got up it's sleeve.

I first experienced a little of it's cultural agenda back in December when they opened the Canary Wharf ice rink. The atmosphere was great and a lot more sophisicated than the roller-disco/children's party them of most rinks. The adjacent Moose Bar keeps to cocktails flowing but I also saw quite a few families enjoying the ice, which made it an overall enjoyable experience.

Throughout Easter and Summer they've had a series of music and art events, which are improving year on year. This area is becoming an increasingly popular backdrop in many film and TV productions such as Doctor Who, Torchwood and 28 Days Later.

At the beginning of Septemeber, the Canary Wharf Film Festival is bringing some much needed glitz, glam and artistic integrity to this little stretch of island. The full line-up of films and details of how to get involved can be found on their website.

Tube Tales

Typical London eh?! Yesterday's weather is a perfect example of our changeable climate but another reason why I love the spontaneity and excitement that living in London can bring. Usually my last minute plans lead to a random journey to a new place with a few friends but yesterday was very different.

The horrible weather that greeted me when I woke up led to me packing away my dancing shoes (literally, I has planned on heading to a dance class) and instead I tucked up on the sofa with my flatmate to watch a film he's been raving about for quite a while.

Although I didn't leave the house, it was well in the spirit of travelling London. The film was called Tube Tales and it is a collection of nine short films based on the true-life experiences of London Underground passengers as submitted to Time Out magazine.

It's got a very varied cast and features the directorial debuts of Ewan McGregor and Jude Law.

It's was a must see film for me and anyone else who love London and is fascinated by the people and places you encounter on a simple tube journey.