Wedge Card

The results are in!

2011-12-15T14:41:00.011Z

Collective in Camden Town played host to the fabulous King of Camden Awards ceremony last Thursday, organised by Wedge and Camden Town Unlimited.

The event was a huge success with local businesses turning out in force in eager anticipation to see if they had won. There were 7 sought after trophies up for grabs, which were presented by Councillor Sarah Hayward. The lucky winners were:

Best Food – Kim’s Vietnamese Hut

Best Night Out – The Dublin Castle

Best Health & Beauty – Soho Gyms

Best Shop – La1

Best Staff – Made in Camden

Best Wedge Offer – Zensai

The King of Camden – Proud Camden

A record number of votes were received from local residents and employees who embraced celebrating the wonderful independent businesses in Camden Town.

The evening also played host to announcing the winners of the King and Queen of Camden competition, Ben and Louise. Ben is the epitome of rock and roll Camden and regularly performs with his band in Camden’s live music scene. Louise runs Camden Bar and Kitchen and knows everything about and almost everyone in Camden Town. We are sure they will fulfil their regal duties fantastically!

We also enjoyed what can only be described as a feast of global food laid on by local food establishments. Fresh fish was on offer courtesy of Feng Sushi, tasty curries from Nazaks, Lebanese delights from Al-Qalaa, oriental goodies from Zensai as well as ‘award winning’ food from Kim’s Vietnamese Hut. It really was a glorious banquet and the generosity of these local sponsors was very much appreciated!

With all that food, it was a good job we had plenty of beverages on offer. Camden Town Brewery supplied local beer and Friels provided refreshing cider. There was also a selection of tasty fruit juices courtesy of Whole Foods Market and we were also lucky enough to enjoy the delights of Bubble Tea from Camden based Chaboba.

All in all, it was a wonderful evening with plenty of good food, drink, trophies and even a crown! Camden Town deserves to be celebrated, and celebrate is exactly what we did!

You can view pictures from the event here.

The Big Book of Wedgeness is here!

2011-12-09T12:25:00.003Z

Festive shopping just got a whole lot more enjoyable with the arrival of our fabulous Big Book of Wedgeness.

Once again, we have joined forces with our friends Camden Town Unlimited to produce a FREE booklet, jam-packed with money off vouchers and special offers from 30 of your favourite independent Camden Town businesses. Offers include 2-4-1 main courses at Caponata, Grand Union and Belgo and many, many more! Plus, because we are so kind, the book also contains all sorts of helpful tips and ideas. From what to buy your Gran for Christmas, how to make a delicious party cocktail to where the hot spots are to see in the New Year – it’s everything you could have wished for – and more!

With vouchers ranging from shops, market stalls, bars, restaurants and clubs – you can save money in everything you get up to this festive season!

So, if you work in Camden you may be lucky enough to be delivered copies of the book to your office by our very own version of Santa (please call 020 7526 3260 if you would like to organise a delivery). Alternatively, there will be copies available to pick up in independent businesses around Camden Town, so keep your eyes peeled!

Happy shopping and Merry Christmas from Wedge and CTU!

And the winner is....

2011-12-02T14:24:00.013Z

Voting has now closed for the King of Camden Awards 2011, along with the King and Queen of Camden 2011. All the winners will be announced at our glitzy award ceremony next Thursday 8th December at The Collective.

There are seven King of Camden 2011 awards up for grabs. Along with Camden Town Unlimited, we want to celebrate the best independent businesses in Camden Town, voted for by the public.These will celebrate the best independent businesses in Camden Town, as voted by the public. The categories are best: food, night out, staff, Wedge offer, health & beauty, shop and finally the best of the best – the King of Camden, the one place Camdenites could not live without!

Alongside these awards, we will be crowning the winners of the first ever ‘King and Queen of Camden’ competition. Camden Town Unlimited set out to find a King and Queen who encompass the vibrancy, energy and diversity that is Camden Town. They asked people to send in a picture and the reason they deserved to reign Camden, and entries flooded in. The chosen royal couple will then be featured on their 2011 Christmas card, which will be distributed to thousands of local businesses and residents.

The award ceremony on Thursday is set to be a fabulous evening of celebration and merriment. There will be plenty of beer, provided kindly by Camden Town Brewery, along with Friels Cider. Whole Foods Market will be providing tasty and unusual fruit juices. And that’s not all! We will also have a whole range of delicious delicacies from our official food sponsors. A taste of the globe will be on offer, right here in Camden. Vietnamese delights courtesy of Kim’s, Japanese treats from Feng Sushi, Asian offerings from Zensai, Indian cuisine from Nazaks and Lebanese nibbles from Al-Qalaa.

Here’s to celebrating Camden Town. Cheers!

Autumn offers!

2011-11-09T14:59:00.002Z

Wedge have gathered a whole host of fantastic autumnal offers and discounts for you to enjoy in the Portobello and Golborne Road area!

Just click on the link to download a printable voucher to use in these wonderful businesses.

Perk up your day with an autumn treat!

One of a Kind
259 Portobello Road
25% off all knitwear

Channel Films
142 Ladbroke Grove
2FOR1 film rental

Kell Skott Haircare
93 Golborne Road & 2-4 Lambton Place
FREE Autumn Colour Shot

Orange Coffee
Bright Orange VW, under the Westway, Portobello Green
Size up your coffee for FREE!

Meatline
103 Portobello Road Market
£1.50lb Pork Loins

Chinese Tea Company
14 Portobello Green, 281 Portobello Road
Free Chinese Tea Tasting

Notting Hill
142 Portobello Road
FREE pair of slippers with any boots

hydrohealing
216a Kensington Park Road
Win an Autumn Renew package

Vito’s Olive and Vinegars
Pitch 61 Portobello Road
FREE 250 ml bottle of “organic apple vinegar”

Bicycle Workshop
27 All Saints Road
FREE reflective strap

Notting Hill Veterinary Centre
106 Talbot Road
1/2 price micro-chipping

Robin Martin Antiques
44 Ledbury Road
25% off fireplace accessories

King of Camden Awards 2011

2011-11-09T14:28:00.004Z

The King of Camden Awards are back, and bigger and better than ever!

We all know Camden Town is home to some of the best local shops and businesses in London but now you have the chance to tell the world just how wonderful they are, and which ones are officially your favourites!

Wedge Card and Camden Town Unlimited are giving you the punter, the power to vote for your top independent Camden Town businesses. Plus, by voting you could be in with the chance to win one of a whole host of amazing prizes - including:

• Meal for 2 (worth £80) @ Shaka Zulu
• £40 bar tab @ Grand Union
• Cocktail tasting session for 2 @ Zensai
• Meal for 2 @ Bar Uno
• Colour, Cut and Blow-Dry (worth £100) @ Gecko
• Free entry plus comedy table for 4-6 people (worth £120) @ Highlight
• £100 voucher for LA1

Voting is simple and only takes a couple of minutes, so come on let's celebrate Camden Town!
VOTE HERE: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PMJWH6R

The following businesses are also doubling up as polling stations for the awards, so drop in to vote! To view a map of where you can vote, click here

KOKO - 1a Camden High Street
Zensai – 16 Inverness Street
Bar Uno – 4 Inverness Street
Gecko – 177 Arlington Road
Caponata – 3-7 Delancy Street
The Dublin Castle – 94 Parkway
Earl of Camden – 55 Parkway
Whole Foods – 49 Parkway
Runners Need – 34 Parkway
Spread Eagle – 141 Albert Street
The Cobden Arms – 28-30 Camden High Street
Worlds End – 174 Camden High Street
inSpiral Lounge - 250 Camden High Street
Andy’s Taverna - 81a Bayham Street
The Cuban Camden – Stables Market
Kim's Vietnamese Hut – Stables Market
Proud Camden - Stables Market
Eye Contacts Opticians - 10 Chalk Farm Road
LA1 – 17 Chalk Farm Road
Highlight – 11 East Yard
Lockside Lounge – 75-89 Upper Walkway
Lorarty – 68 Camden Lock Place
The Hawley Arms – 2 Castlehaven Road

Celebrate Camden Town - and get voting!

Dia de los Muertos

2011-11-01T16:33:00.004Z

Today and tomorrow see the traditional Mexican celebration 'Dia de los Muertos', translated ‘The Day of the Dead’.

Although it sounds a morbid title, it is actually a time of happiness and a celebration of those who have passed away - a time to remember them.

Marigold petals are scattered from the door to a celebration alter, to lead the departed to the offerings. The alter is adorned with a picture of the individual who has passed away, their favourite food and drink, personal belongings, candles, salt, sugar skulls, tequila and more marigold petals. Finally, a bowl of water is left, which when evaporated, ‘proves’ the spirit has visited.

During this celebration, traditional dishes are made such as ‘Pan de Mertos’ – Day of the Dead bread, ‘Dulce de Calabaza’ – candied squash and ‘Atole’ – corn flower drink.

The celebrations include the whole family along with music, food and gifts. The end of the celebrations is marked with fireworks and bell ringing.

Wedge wanted to embrace this traditional Mexican celebration, so we have got these extra special offers and competitions just for you!

MESTIZO RESTAURANT AND TEQUILA BAR
Take along a photograph of a dear departed and they will display it on their celebration altar.
103 Hampstead Road, NW1 3EL - 020 7387 4064

BENITO’S HAT
Go in and try their ‘Dia de los Muertos’ specials from Oct 31st to Nov 2nd. Paint your face or go in dressed like the dead and get a 50% discount on your meal. They’ll also give prizes for the most effort made.
56 Goodge Street, W1T 4NB / 19 New Row, WC2N 4LA / 12 Great Castle Street, W1W 4LA - 020 7636 6560

THE BOOK CLUB
Their celebratory ‘We Don’t Speak Mexican’ event on November 7th, asks each guest to bring along an image of a loved one who has passed on. Don’t worry if not, a drawing on the spot will work just as well. Everyone will have the chance to celebrate their chosen loved one by building an altar out of all the pictures along with special bread of the dead, Mexican hot chocolate, alcohol and flowers. Each of the items have a significant meaning and guests will be invited to have their faces decorated. Most importantly, guests will be asked to share their comical, crazy and touching stories of their loved ones as a way to make their memory live on. They’ll also be a pop quiz on all the Spanish sayings learnt on the night, so make sure you’re listening carefully to win some Mexican prizes! And as another additional treat on the night, they’ll be a short screening of fascinating animation Hasta Los Huesos / Down to the Bone; claymation at its very best.

Win a ‘Day of the Dead’ prize package including; guest list entry for four people, 2 plates of fajitas and 4 cocktails. Two prize packages to be won. To enter email info@wedgecard.co.uk or call 020 7526 3260 quoting ‘Book Club’ by 5pm November 4 2011. You must be over 18 years old to enter this competition. The food and cocktails must be consumed on Monday 7th November. The Book Club reserve the right to refuse entry if winner and / or guests are not fit to enter the venue through drunkenness, rudeness, aggressiveness or any other antisocial behaviour.
100-106 Leonard Street, EC2A 4RH - 020 7684 8618

MARIACHI EL BRONX
WIN a pair of tickets to see Mariachi El Bronx at King’s College on December 17. Two pairs of tickets to be won. Plus, WIN a copy of their new album (CD or Vinyl). Five album’s to be won. To enter, email info@wedgecard.co.uk or call 020 7526 3260 quoting ‘Mariachi’ before November 21 2011.

LUCHA BRITTANIA
WIN a pair of tickets to the show on November 18. To enter, email info@wedgecard.co.uk with the subject ‘Lucha Brittannia’ before November 17 2011.
Resistance Gallery, 265 Poyser Street, E2 9RF

Image courtesy of Mestizo Restaurant and Tequila Bar

An apple a day!

2011-10-21T11:08:00.003+01:00

Today is officially Apple Day! Both a celebration and demonstration of the importance of orchards to our landscape and culture, as well as the locality and traceability of our food. The first Apple Day took place right here in London, in 1990.

Head to Portobello and Golborne Road markets today and tomorrow for their English Apple Festival (10.00-16.00, free). There will be a whole host of celebratory activities, including cooking demonstrations, samples of seasonal British produce to taste, cider press demonstrations, 'Tea in the Market' and much more!

To celebrate this festival, Wedge have gathered a whole host of fantastic apple-themed offers and discounts for you to enjoy! Just click on the link to download a printable voucher to use in these wonderful businesses:

One of a Kind
259 Portobello Road
25% off all knitwear

Channel Films
142 Ladbroke Grove
2FOR1 film rental

Kell Skott Haircare
93 Golborne Road & 2-4 Lambton Place
FREE Autumn Colour Shot

Orange Coffee
Bright Orange VW, under the Westway, Portobello Green
Size up your coffee for FREE!

Meatline
103 Portobello Road Market
£1.50lb Pork Loins

Chinese Tea Company
14 Portobello Green, 281 Portobello Road
Free Chinese Tea Tasting

Notting Hill
142 Portobello Road
FREE pair of slippers with any boots

hydrohealing
216a Kensington Park Road
Win an Autumn Renew package

Vito’s Olive and Vinegars
Pitch 61 Portobello Road
FREE 250 ml bottle of “organic apple vinegar”

Bicycle Workshop
27 All Saints Road
FREE reflective strap

Notting Hill Veterinary Centre
106 Talbot Road
1/2 price micro-chipping

Robin Martin Antiques
44 Ledbury Road
25% off fireplace accessories

What to do with your weekend!

2011-10-14T14:35:00.003+01:00

If you are wondering how to spend your weekend, stop! We have done the thinking for you with these top recommendations - and they won't cost you a penny.

1. Diwali on the Square
Trafalgar Square, Sunday 16th October, 2pm-7pm
A whole day celebrating the festival of lights including delicious food, free sarees, dancing and music.

2. Lady Magpie Vintage Sale
The Crown and Goose, 100 Arlington Road, Camden, Sunday 16th October, 2pm onwards
Vintage clothes and jewellery sale.

3. Cheese and Wine Festival
Southbank Centre, Saturday 15th October, 11am-6pm & Sunday 16th October, 11am-6pm
A whole weekend of cooking demonstrations, wine and cheese tastings.

4. Big Draw Stokey
Abney Park, Stoke Newington, Sunday 16th October, 1.30pm-4.30pm
Create drawings, rubbings and mono prints using the natural surroundings.

5. Dog Day Afternoon
St Marylebone Parish Church Grounds, Marylebone High Street, Saturday 15th October, 11am-5pm
Cabbages & Frocks market special event with dog demonstrations, dog competitions, doggy stalls and more.

Big Birthday!

2011-09-27T14:38:00.003+01:00

This week marks the 20th anniversary of our sister organisation The Big Issue.

Since the first magazine was published in 1991, it has helped countless homeless and vulnerably housed individuals get back on their feet and construct a future for themselves, and not just in the UK but worldwide.

The idea was that of John Bird and Gordon Roddick who were passionate about helping the homeless and dispossessed, by providing them with the means to make a legitimate living. Big Issue vendors are not begging, they are working. They buy the magazine for £1 and sell it for £2, giving them motivation to sell the magazine, plus a weekly routine and structure, a crucial aspect in the process of transforming their lives.

A bumper 56-page birthday edition of the magazine is out now and includes John Bird talking about the magazine and a look back at the magazine’s history through its covers.

There are also celebratory stories from ex-vendors who have successfully turned their lives around, thanks to selling The Big Issue. Quotes from these stories include: “It got me into regular habits: getting up, getting to my pitch.” – Terry Gore. “I love my life now and I couldn’t have got to where I am now without The Big Issue” – Antonio Felicio. “Selling the magazine also gives you a purpose in life” – George Malone. These stories prove what The Big Issue has achieved and how it has helped so many people.

The birthday edition of the magazine also includes some special birthday messages from David Cameron, Nick Clegg, Boris Johnson, John Hurt, James Corden, Will Self, Suggs, Natascha McElhone and many more celebrity fans of the magazine.

Unfortunately, homelessness is still an issue today, a big issue, but by giving these individuals “a hand up, not a hand out” – a difference can be made.

HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY BIG ISSUE!

Autumn's here!

2011-09-23T15:21:00.004+01:00

Summer has gone for another year and autumn has arrived along with the annual harvest festivals.

Here we have five great harvest events happening in London this weekend to get you in the autumnal mood, and to make them even better - they are all free!

1. Real Food Harvest Festival, Southbank

Friday 23rd September & Saturday 24th September 11.00-21.00 and Sunday 25th September 11.00-18.00, free.

Southbank Centre Square, SE1 8XX

Celebration of the best produce available at this time of year. Taste and buy delicious food, watch food demonstrations from top chefs and check out the sheep shearing demonstration four times each day.

2. Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival, City

Sunday 25th September, 13.00, free.

Guildhall Yard, Gresham Street, EC2V 5AE

Enjoy traditional entertainment from the iconic London Pearly Kings and Queens in their pearl button covered suits. There will then be a parade with marching bands, to St Mary–le-Bow church for the annual harvest festival service.

3. London Oktoberfest 2011, Hackney

Friday 23rd September & Saturday 24th September 16.00-23.00 and Sunday 25th September 11.00-18.00, free.

Shoreditch Park, New North Road, N1 6TA

Traditional German celebration of the harvest. Plenty of 1 litre beers and delicious German food to buy, plus singing and dancing on benches. Great fun.

4. The Regent's Park Harvest Festival with Capital Growth

Sunday 25th September , 11.00-17.00, free.

The Regent’s Park allotment, corner of Chester Road

Delicious seasonal produce inclusing artisan bread and fresh apple juice, scarecrow-making workshop, children’s activities and Capital Growth’s ‘big raffle’.

5. London Walks Autumn Ambles Weekend

Saturday 24th September and Sunday 25th September, free.

Various locations.

Free led walks all over London.

Put on your walking shoes

2011-09-13T15:52:00.009+01:00

On Friday 30th September 2011, over 500 people will be taking to the streets to walk 15 miles around London to support homeless and vulnerable people across the UK - and you could join them!

The Big London Night Walk is an annual fundraising event for The Big Issue Foundation and this will be the biggest and best yet, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of The Big Issue Magazine.

This fantastic event is a chance to make a real difference to people's lives and have a great time while doing so. See London wake up, take in the city's iconic landmarks, meet the vendors and hear their stories of how The Big Issue has helped them. And if that wasn't enough, enjoy a music gig along the way too!

To register click here. Registration costs are £30 for individuals with £250 sponsorship target or £100 for a team of 4-6 with a sponsorship target of £1000.

The Big Issue Foundation changes lives and you can too by taking part in this wonderful and inspiring event.

And if you are still not sure, maybe these vendors can persuade you.......

.......and remember, "small steps, big changes".

Five free things to do this bank holiday...

2011-08-26T11:00:00.003+01:00

1. Notting Hill Carnival

28th-29th August, 09.00 - 19.00

London's biggest street party with music, costumes, dancing and lots of tasty food.

2. More London Free Festival

Until 4th September

The Scoop (next to City Hall), SE1 2DB

Theatre in outdoor sunken amphitheatre, seating 800.

Around The World In Eighty Days originally by by Jules Verne- 18.00

The Mother by Bertolt Brecht - 20.00

3. Alternative Village Fete

28th August 13.00-17.30, 29th August 13.00-16.00

National Theatre, SE1 9PX

Quirky stalls, crafts, food, performances and live art.

4. Bookstock Street Party

August 28th, 12 - 21.00

Leonard Street, EC2A 4RH

Day of music, dancing, dressing up, games,and food.

5. London Street Photography

Until 4th September, 10.00-18.00

Museum of London, EC2Y 5HN

Exhibition with over 200 images documenting everyday street life.

Home Goal

2011-08-19T11:52:00.006+01:00

For those of you who thought the World Cup was another three years away, think again. The Homeless World Cup kicks off in Paris on Sunday 21st August, the first of seven fast and furious days of street soccer, and England are one of the 48 nations taking part.

The first Homeless World Cup was in 2003 and has engaged with over 100,000 homeless people since with an impressive 70 grass roots football programmes initiated worldwide.

This annual event gives homeless and socially marginalised players from all over the world the chance to feel accepted, represent their country and above all the courage to re-evaluate their lives. The mission to end homelessness is working with over 70% of players changing their lives following the tournament. Players have gone on to rebuild family relationships, overcome addictions, find accommodation and employment, including professional football coaches and players.

The England team, is led by The Big Issue in the North Trust and is supported by the Manchester United Foundation, Homeless Link and the England Homeless Football Network.

Wedge thinks this is a wonderful event and wishes the England 2011 team the very best of luck for the tournament. Who knows, maybe football will finally come home this year!

The Wombles of London

2011-08-12T12:12:00.003+01:00

This week we have seen a hoard of devastating images of London. The riots have destroyed an enormous amount of homes and businesses, of which a huge majority were independent.

However, alongside these horrific images, have been ones of hope and community. Brooms being held up high in solidarity as London has come together to clean up the mess caused.

Throughout this week, several clean up operations have been taking place all over the capital, with people from all age groups and backgrounds joining forces to help London get back on its feet. A real sense of community and pride has been demonstrated and the feeling of hope restored, which is wonderful to see.

Gestures of goodwill have flooded in as well. Free food and drink has been given to the volunteers during their clear up mission. MyBuilder is co-ordinating more than 300 tradesmen to donate half a day's labour free of charge to help victims of the riots. £22,000 was donated from members of the public to the Malaysian student Ashraf Rossli who was attacked, robbed and hospitalised during the riots.

There are still plenty of ways to help, financially and non-financially via these websites:

www.riotcleanup.co.uk/helpout.php

www.riotcleanup.co.uk/donate.php

Good news for local shops?

2011-07-26T17:07:00.003+01:00

Wedge were pleased to read that the government have published their policy on national planning for consultation this week. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) focuses on promoting town centres, rather than out-of-town developments, which will be deemed as a last resort and will require impact assessments and further restrictions.

The aim of this policy framework is to promote diversity in retail through local authorities favouring town centre retail applications. However, there is a suggestion that the message could become open to interpretation by developers who could still successfully damage town centres.

This NPPF coincides with the launch of Labour’s campaign to save the high street, which is centred around a four-point plan:

Temporarily cut VAT from 20% to 17.5% - this will help retailers and each family would save around £450.

Give communities and local retailers a voice over retail plans by implementing a ‘retail diversity planning cause’.

Ensure a mixture of small and large shops on high streets by creating a ‘competition test’ within the planning system.

Allow the council to use empty shops for cultural, community or learning services – the Labour ‘empty shop initiative’.

It will be interesting to see further developments and the feedback to the NPPF and also how Labour’s campaign takes shape.

For more info:

http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=independentarticle&ID=219841

http://www.labour.org.uk/labour-launches-campaign-to-save-our-high-streets

It's raining local festivals!

2011-07-22T12:46:00.010+01:00

Last Sunday, 17th July, London was full of community festival fun against the weather related odds. Our team were out at Earl's Court Street Fair and Golborne Road Festival to join in the frolics and promote the local businesses that keep the areas buzzing throughout the year.

Earl's Court Street Fair (SW5):

The climax to their wonderful month long art and community festival showcasing the local creative talent. The Wedge Team took to the main stage with a series of exciting prizes available exclusively to the Earl’s Court festival audience. But these were not your typical competitions, these were Wedge competitions.....

First up was a prize of a family meal for four courtesy of Bench'o the local cafe on Earl’s Court Road. The ‘how many olives in the mouth’ competition did not phase the eventual winner who succeeded by holding no less than fifteen olives in her mouth and ready to put in more!

The second competition got very silly with three prizes up for grabs from Touch Spa, with first prize being a facial and massage (worth £65). Participants were challenged to give their partner the best possible makeover using provided materials: face paints, accessories, and glitter in 5minutes. Judging was based on 'creativity'. There were some ‘stunning’ attempts, but first prize was awarded to the ‘Mario on a stag night look’.

Next, an en masse game of aerobic ‘Simon Says’ to win one of thirteen gym passes, courtesy of Soho Gyms. It was a touch and go after Katherine, demonstrating the moves on stage went out! First prize of a three month pass went to the only person to keep their hand on their head, a six year old child!

A brilliant finale to the festival fun came from Pizza@Home, the excellent pizza restaurant and delivery service. Four audience members undertook a pizza base spinning attempt. Some varied and unorthodox techniques eventually resulted in an almost unified result of ‘bases’ resembling string vests!

All in all, a fantastic and fun day. A special thanks to Ben, the wonderful compere; The Earl’s Court Festival Community Group; the Portobello Falafel guys who provided the most delicious lunch; The Pembroke with fresh lemonade and Griffinwells, French wine specialists whose tasters went down very well! Finally, thanks to the Earl’s Court Festival team for getting us involved in this amazing day and we look forward to more fun and frolics next year. Good job Rebecca and Sarah.

A few pics from the day:

Golborne Road Festival (W8):

The fantastic live music kept everyone going all day at Golborne Road festival, including the wonderful Ebony Steel Band and Palestinian singer Reem Kelani.

The Wedge lucky dip with extra special festival offers from local businesses, such as £15 towards a cut and blow dry at Ilium and 20% off tan and beauty at Portobello Princesses, proved a hit.

We didn’t go hungry either with all sorts of delicious international food to sample, including the barbeque by Pizza East and Caribbean food stall Trini Flava.

Children were mesmerised by Hamido the Moroccan Clown and all his entertaining tricks including fire eating.

And that’s not all, there were also loads of stalls including arts, crafts, face painting and even a bike powered smoothie maker, which was great fun!

Well done to everyone involved and thanks for a great day!

Fun, free festivals this weekend!

2011-07-15T16:11:00.007+01:00

Not one free, fun-filled, community festival this Sunday 17th July, but TWO!

Head down to Earl's Court for the climax of their month long arts and community festival - the Street Fair!

There will be music, arts, games, dancing and a Cabbages and Frocks Market offering delicious organic Continental and British goodies alongside fashion.

Wedge Card will be joining in all the fun and we have organised some very special one-off competitions. Audience members will be able to participate in fun challenges for the chance to win a fantastic prize, challenges include pizza base spinning, makeover challenge, drinking a yard of ale and even waxing - ouch!

Where: Hogarth and Kenway Roads, SW5 - MAP

When: Sunday 17th July - 12noon - 20.00

Join in the community celebrations at Golborne Road Festival.

Enjoy a host of live music, international food, stalls including arts and crafts. There will be plenty to entertain the kids too, including an adventure playground, Hamido the Morrocan clown and magician, face painting and a fire engine - always a favourite!

Wedge Card are not missing out on all the fun, we will be there and have a very special lucky dip with exclusive festival offers such as a free pedicure, a free blow-dry or a tasty 50% off a mezze plate!

Where: Golborne Road, W10 - MAP

When: Sunday 17th July - 12noon - 18.00

See you there!

Five FREE things to do this weekend

2011-07-08T15:49:00.005+01:00

If you are wondering what to do with yourself or your family this weekend, here are five great events taking place in the capital, and the best thing is - they are all FREE!

FAMILY
Kensington Palace Party
Saturday 9th July & Sunday 10th July. 12.00-18.00
Dance, music, fashion, arts, crafts, storytelling in the grounds of Kensington Palace.
Kensington Palace, The Broadwalk, Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX

ART & DESIGN
Free Range 2011
Until Sunday 24th July. 10.00-19.00
View work by art, design, fashion and photography graduates from colleges in London and the rest of the UK.
Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL

FASHION & CRAFTS
We Make London Summer Boutique
Until Saturday 9th July. 10.00-till late
A pop-up boutique with fashion, accessories, homewares and craft by around 60 designers.
Oak Studio, 8 Perrins Court, NW3 1QS

ART
East Finchley Open: Artists’ Open House
Saturday 9th July & Sunday 10th July. 11.00-18.00
Visit local artists’ in their homes and admire or purchase their work.

FAMILY
Strawberry Fayre at Spitalfields City Farm
Sunday 10th July. 12.00-17.00
Picnic day including strawberry forage, cookery demonstrations, music, poetry and a cricket match.
Buxton Street, E1 5AR

Have a great weekend!

Wedge

Save St Helen’s Gardens (W10)

2011-07-01T12:33:00.020+01:00

We had a fantastic time on Saturday at St Helen’s Festival! Wedge and the local community came together and organised a wonderful, fun-filled day. We had stalls selling everything from cakes to bric-a-brac and activities such as hair braiding, origami and massage. Delicious food came courtesy of St Helens Food Store and the bakery. Pets in the City ran the dog show, which was brilliant and there were also games, pony rides, a fire engine…the list goes on. There was even a celebrity appearance from Ben Fogle, who is a nearby resident!

The community of St Helen’s are wonderful, and really care about their shops. As highlighted in this recent Evening Standard article, this parade of shops is under threat. Increased rents have forced many of the shops to close which is having an effect on the remaining ones. With less passing trade, these shops are suffering and many are worried the same ill fate will happen to them.

This is a shame, especially when the residents such as these are so keen to shop locally and give something back to their community. Our ‘Dream Corner’ on Saturday was hugely popular. Set up in an empty shop, previously Orlando Hamilton florists, we asked the residents to say what they would like the shop to be. Offerings flooded in with ideas ranging from a butcher, to a wine bar, a restaurant or even a pop up shop or gallery. These residents are desperate to see this parade of shops rejuvenated and so are we. Remember our motto: EVERY LITTLE SHOP HELPS.

Here are a few pictures of the festival!

Get creative in East London!

2011-06-24T16:41:00.003+01:00

CREATE11 launched today!

This fantastic annual east London arts and cultural festival will run for four weeks until 25^th July. The programme includes over 200 events such as outdoor screenings, nocturnal walks, rooftop farming, underground readings, secret parties, hidden dining, live music, art exhibitions and talks. These events showcase the huge home-grown talent of east London, plus many of these events are free, so everyone can get involved and enjoy the festival. For full listings, visit the website.

Wedge Card have partnered with CREATE11 to offer special and exclusive discounts during the festival period, from shops across the six Olympic boroughs. So, whilst you’re out enjoying the artistic and cultural delights of the festival, you can be saving a bundle too!

These special offers will be published in the one million copies of the CREATE11 newspapers distributed throughout the festival. PLUS even more special offers will feature in the special CREATE11 supplement in the London edition of The Big Issue (Monday 27^th June – 3^rd July 2011), so be sure to grab a copy!

Local shops can rejuvenate and regenerate an otherwise forgotten area, and alongside fantastic cultural programmes such as CREATE11, these hidden gems can be rediscovered and embraced.

Festival fever! The place to be this Saturday 25th June...

2011-06-21T12:04:00.002+01:00

Stuck for something fun to do this weekend? Fear not, we have the perfect solution for the whole family.

On Saturday 25^th June, noon – 6pm, head down St Helen’s, North Kensington, W10 (map) for a fun filled festival in celebration of the fantastic local shops St Helen’s has to offer.

The festival attractions include:

· Huge BBQ of delicious treats and a tasty summer punch

· Children’s fancy dress competition ‘What I want to be when I grow up’- 1pm, with awards ceremony at 2pm

· Dog show – 2.30pm, with awards ceremony at 4pm

· Cat show (photographs)

· Games

· Face painting

· Bouncy castle

· Stalls including; beauty, toys, cakes, plants and flowers, origami

· Photo booth

· Pony rides

· Fire engine

· History centre

· Dream corner

· Local celebrities

· And so much more...but you will just have to come along to find out...see you there!

For more info about the event, call 020 8962 0700 or email katherine@wedgecard.co.uk

Incredible competition! Design your own sexy, London Big Issue/Wedge pants AND win a year’s supply of pants AND the chance to win a trip to India!

2011-06-17T11:46:00.000+01:00

The Big Issue and Wedge Card have teamed up with Pants to Poverty to launch a liberating design competition.

The lucky winner will have their design made up into a limited edition range of pants, which will be sold online and feature in The Big Issue. The winner will also win a year’s free undies.. and it gets even better.. everyone voting or designing will be entered into a prize draw to win a trip to India to meet the farmers for some pant love (not lust!)

It’s so simple you’ve just got to get involved, all the information can be found on www.facebook.com/pantstopoverty
1. Complete your designs using the template provided.
2. Upload your image to the pants fan page (before 13th August 2011).
3. The design with the most ‘likes’ wins! Simple!

So, its time to get your creative juices flowing and start designing for the chance to win this amazing prize. Good luck!

Treat your old man...

2011-06-15T12:30:00.000+01:00

Father's Day is fast approaching (it's this Sunday, 19th June if you had forgotten!)

So, if you are having a last minute panic and racking your brains for what to give your Dad, here are a few fail safe present ideas (and with these discounts, it wont break the bank either...bonus).

1. CD or vinyl from Sounds (W11) - 10% off all items

2. DVD from Video City (W11) - 10% off

3. Chocolate from Rococo (W1) - 10% off

4. Book from London Review Bookshop (WC1A) - 10% off books

5. Cheese from La Fromagerie (W1U)- 10% off cheese products

Don't forget to get a card too! Save 10% at South Bank Cards (SE1) who have a great selection.

LEND A HELPING HAND...

2011-06-01T15:47:00.000+01:00

We all live busy and stressful lives with limited spare time, however if we all just gave a little time, we can make fundamental changes to someone else’s life.

Volunteer Week 2011 started today and is a week of activities and events to celebrate volunteers in the UK and to inspire others to help too.

If you fancy breaking a Guinness World Record, head down to the O2 Arena on Friday 3rd June to be part of the world’s largest sports lesson with Badminton England. You can register online or at the venue between 11-1pm, the session is from 1.30-2.30pm.

Check out the website for ideas how you can volunteer and inspiring stories.

But don’t stop at volunteering this week, why not involve your company in the national Give and Gain Day 2011 on 24th June. This is a national day of employee volunteering where individuals can spend some time making a real difference in schools, local charities and community groups all over the UK.

If you are an employer, it is definitely worth participating as last year 87% of employees reported they “felt more pride in their employer as a result of participating”.

So go on, give a little and help a lot.

CALLING ALL CYCLISTS!

2011-05-25T16:17:00.000+01:00

The next theme we are covering in our ‘Best of Independent London’ weekly supplement for The Big Issue is: CYCLING LONDON.

We want all you cycling lovers to recommend your favourite cycling route in London and tell us why you love it. Maybe you see fantastic historic sights along the way? Or is it a particularly beautiful ride? Whatever the reason – tell us!

We will then publish the top five most popular routes in the magazine. The Big Issue readers can then vote for their favourite and enter into a prize draw to win a fantastic cycling prize! Everyone who sends a recommendation will also be entered into the draw!

Email info@wedgecard.co.uk with your favourite routes.

Parliamentary Improvements to the High Street

2011-05-20T10:07:00.000+01:00

We think it is great news that Mary Portas has been asked by David Cameron to help save our high streets. The main aim is "to address soaring shop vacancy rates, prevent the proliferation of "clone towns" dominated by familiar big names and boost the number of small and independent retailers in town centres."(Full article available here.)

Wedge are doing our bit to save London high streets, but this high profile initiative will hopefully encourage more nationwide local shopping.

Shops are being forced to close every week all over the UK, and we are all losing out. Independent shops add so much to communities, this is often only noticed when it is too late.

Independent shops offer fantastic customer service. These businesses mean everything to the owners, so they strive to offer the best service possible and are often experts, so can give customers invaluable advice.

As well as great advice and service, independent shops are very often cheaper than chain stores and can also often stock unusual items. Many will even order a specific item in for a customer, something which is unlikely in bigger shops.

We are excited to see what plans Mary unveils and are totally behind the initiative to improve the high street – as we always say......EVERY LITTLE SHOP HELPS.

Small Business Saturday - a great American idea

2010-12-06T09:58:00.000Z

Since we launched in UK four years ago, we’ve been contacted by hundreds of people from across the UK and the world who are desperate to save their local, independent shops. Depressingly it’s not just our problem, it’s a worldwide problem. We could wax lyrical about the importance of local shops (they’re great for the local economy, give us unique and vibrant neighbourhoods, create places for people to walk and connect. They sell us more diverse products and are better for the environment because they use, on average, less power - and you’re more likely to walk rather than drive to them). But we’re also keen to promote the good ideas out there that help local businesses. Here’s one idea we've just found.

America is often thought of as the home of the chains, but we are constantly surprised to hear news from across the pond about the interesting campaigns and schemes set up to promote local shops. One we recently happened across was ‘Small Business Saturday’ – held on November 27th this year to promote shopping at local businesses on a day when customers are more likely to choose big stores for their Xmas shopping. It’s sponsored by American Express and a number of other organisations. In addition staho.com reports:

“American Express Open has also launched another marketing program which should encourage and attract more consumers to shop at small businesses. Consumers must register their American Express card at SmallBusinessSaturday.com and use it to spend at least $25 at a local business on Saturday. Customers who will do this qualify for the statement credit. Rosa Sabater, a senior vice president for American Express Open said the registration is limited and only 200,000 people can sign up.

Rosa Sabater also said small local business must be encouraged as well, as over the last two decades 65 percent of the new jobs came from them. She also said small businesses can help the economic recovery if they manage to attract more customers. Therefore, the company decided to organize the marketing program which is meant to attract more clients and to increase sales for small businesses.

According to the Small Business Saturday website, the one-day event is a national campaign which should inspire and persuade consumers to support their local small businesses.”

We at Wedge are keen to see how this has helped, and will keep our eyes and ears peeled

See http://www.staho.com/american-express-open-launches-small-business-saturday-campaign/208349/ for more info

Diana Bird

Make a Job, Don’t take a Job

2010-11-22T15:08:00.000Z

Last week was Global Entrepreneurship Week which hosted 40,000 events involving 100 countries and 10 million participants and WedgeCard was lucky enough to be invited to the launch event!

Google’s headquarters in all their creative glory provided an inspiring and appropriate location for the launch of this initiative which aims to inspire and support budding entrepreneurs to pursue and realise their ideas.
Speakers included ‘dragon’ Peter Jones CBE, Chairman of Enterprise UK along with the Chief Executive of Enterprise UK, Tom Bewick, who stressed how GEW can really improve an individuals chances of setting up their business.
Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills spoke of various new government initiatives such as a mentor scheme for entrepreneurs as well as stressing that the current economic difficulties should not discourage entrepreneurs. David Cameron supported Vince Cable via a video message stressing the importance and need to support and encourage entrepreneurs for a successful future for Britain.
A panel discussion led by Justin Webb from the BBC included Mark Prisk MP, Minister of State for Business and Enterprise agreeing with Peter Jones for the need to include enterprise throughout the school system, as it is the skill set for entrepreneurship which is vital. The panel also included Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, founder of The Black Farmer, who dispelled the myth that entrepreneurs were all ‘nasty’, otherwise no one would trust them! Sara Murray, founder of Buddi, described the scary statistic that 95% of businesses fail, therefore entrepreneurs need to be “irrationally optimistic”. Sara also highlighted the important fact that some entrepreneur successes can result in failure for others, such as Tesco destroying local shops, an issue obviously close to our heart. Therefore, support must be offered to existing businesses as well as new ones.
Matt Brittin, MD of Google UK described the importance of entrepreneurs entering the digital age as small businesses using the internet are growing four times as fast than those not using the internet. Doug Richard, founder of School for Startups supported this idea by recognising the internet vastly reduces entry barriers which new businesses face. Matt and Doug discussed these important factors whilst sitting on a park bench, in true Google style!

This was a truly inspirational and exciting event, at the end of which, the message that entrepreneurship was the way forward had most definitely been engraved into everyone’s head! Wedge are excited for more entrepreneurial successes however do not want our favourite existing ones to be forgotten about and they need support too!

For more details visit: www.gew.org.uk

When was the high street at it's best?

2010-11-01T17:31:00.000Z

The BBC news magazine have been taking a look at the high street through the ages and posing a mighty interesting question - When was the high street at it's best?.

"At its birth in the Victorian age, or the gracious Edwardian era? Or more recently, before the arrival of superstores and online rivals?" They have taken one market town through the ages to find out.

With over 13% of all local shop premieses now vacant, and the number steadily increasing every year, now is definitely the time to take stock, create good ideas, before we loose our high streets all together.

Breaking out of the business bubble

2010-10-08T10:27:00.000+01:00

This week I’ve been asked to fly to Abu Dhabi to speak at a youth entrepreneurship conference. So, having formerly been a youth and now an entrepreneur, I knew I was the right lady for the job. It might seem a rather tenuous link; after all Wedge works in a hyper local way in London and a few parts of the UK. However, I promise you this isn’t some folly to get some winter sun whilst the team back at Wedge HQ are busy working on The King of Camden Awards to celebrate the best businesses in Camden Town, the launch of a bigger & better London Wedge supplement in the Big Issue and continuing to promote local businesses across the capital.

The reason is this: I was intrigued by the idea of bringing early-stage business folk, and those interested in becoming one, together from across the world. It’s easy to get stuck in a bubble when you’re in business; not only by your company’s limitations and potential but also the way that business is done in your culture. Look at how revolutionary the internet has been in changing the way business is done. Although it doesn’t replace traditional concepts of business, it sharpens, it enhances and it inspires how business is done. And it is these things that I am hoping to get from this conference.

Diana

Great indy shops across the pond

2010-08-20T14:17:00.000+01:00

A few weeks back I took a trip to stay with a friend in Cambridge on the outskirts of Boston. It’s a smart looking area (in more ways than one) being home to Harvard University and elegant tree lined streets with large colourful clap board houses. It was virtually tropical during my trip – a regular temperature of 28-30 degrees. It didn’t stop me, though, visiting some excellent independent shops and a vast number of tasty eateries. Here are my favourites:

Darwin’s Deli,: a slightly grungy cafe busy with students earnestly working on their laptops. Good coffee and divine homemade pastries, cakes and biscuits. It has the long opening hours which I envy of many American coffee shops enter. A good place for takeaways or getting things done.

1369 Coffeehouse: A similar ‘hard at it’ ambience to Darwin’s Deli, I nevertheless relaxed for many hours over a cheesy summer novel and ate their delicious homemade peach muffins.

Bird by Bird: I visited Boston in the winter a while back and, my god, do they know how to do winters. Naively I arrived off the plane with my London winter jacket and a few extra pair of socks for my son. Leaving the airport I noticed almost everyone wrapped in ski gear so I had to rapidly stock up on warming clothes for me and my little 'un. This funky children’s shop hit the spot, particularly with a thermal hat with built in ear cover and a fetching red star spouting out on top.

Harvard Book Store: A heavenly store for booklovers with a suitably relaxed, bookworm vibe and a vast collection of books to sift through. Upstairs is new and cleverly downstairs is used books. I picked up several bargains and some excellent recommendations from the knowledgeable staff.

A. Quinn Hair Studios: I am not one to spend much on my mop. My brain can totally compute spending £50 on a meal but anything more than £25 for a haircut and I break out into a cold sweat. When my friend recommended this hairdresser at around £40 I wasn’t keen. But after some bullying I went and LOW AND BEHOLD my flat, boring, lifeless hair was turned into something rather funky and attractive. Now I just have to figure out if I can afford the airfare + the haircut price next time.

Berry Line: Next door to the awesome hair ladies is a delicious little frozen yoghurt shop with its air of healthy indulgence. We stopped off and I was delighted with honey graham cracker yoghurt with a heath bar and strawberry topping. WE NEED MORE FROZEN YOGHURT SHOPS IN THE UK! Sign my petition here.

We took a trip down to Cape Cod for a few days and baked ourselves on beautiful beaches surrounded by low marshes and rolling dunes. It was a cute, quaint place with the occasional feeling that we’d stumbled into a Ralph Lauren ad. Aside from the sunning we mainly did eating. And as my friend is virtually a native of the area we went to the best places including:

Four Seasons Ice-cream and Cafe: For the most incredible hot fudge sundae I had ever tasted. Thick, unctuously sweet, fudgy hot sauce over homemade ice-cream with optional cream & array of sweet toppings. The best combo I discovered after three attempts was black raspberry and sauce. Ummmm. They also have a cafe there open for lunch and we dined one time on lobster salad sandwiches. These have to be the most decadent incredible sandwiches I have ever encountered. I am not a regular eater of lobster but I love the gall of scooping it out and shoving it on a sarnie. Class.

One last place I must mention was Cooke’s, a phenomenally busy seafood almost fast food place. We had fried clams and chips and that were off the charts good. Salty and sweet and a touch of soft fish belly all encased in batter. A great way to end my holiday and add that extra bit of weight I’d been missing.

Also good to check out if you happen to be heading that way is the Cambridge Local First group who promote the locally and independently owned businesses in the area.

The Big Issue is being Wedged-Up

2010-06-08T11:43:00.000+01:00

You cannot miss out on the The Big Issue London Special out on the 14th of June. It is brimming with amazing Wedge vouchers with over $475 in savings, local street knowledge about Golborne Road and your favourite watering holes.

It is jam-packed with 22 vouchers from independent Wedge shops all over London. And it is not only this issue, EVERY Big Issue will be bursting with Wedge vouchers. So get your hands on one quick, they will go like hot cakes!

Here is just a small taste of what you can get from the first Wedged-up Big Issue.

2-4-1 on our Burgers, Stacks & Salads at The Grand Union, Brixton | Camberwell Grove | Camden | Islington | Kennington | Kentish Town.

£50 off spectacles OR £25 off sunglasses at Zack's Eye Clinic, Kings Cross | Warren Street

£10 'Funny Money' to spend on anything in store at S&M Cafés, Spitalfields | Smithfields | Islington | Portobello | O2 | Leadenhall

To get your hands on these vouchers plus many more great savings, visit your local vendor to pick up a copy from the 14th June.

An Ode to the DVD Store

2010-05-27T12:24:00.000+01:00

I don't know if you have noticed or not, but DVD Stores are slowly disappearing. Not only the small stores have suffered during the recession, large stores like Blockbuster have been hit too. It wasn't that long ago when I used to forensic the shelves of DVD stores, searching for those cult movies from my childhood. But now, the local DVD store seems to be internet hire sites. Sure, this is convenient, but what about the discovery of something new? Whilst fingering through rows of DVD's in a shop, I would always discover some strange movie that I probably would never have entered into a title search online.

All this hit me when I wanted to re-watch One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, a movie bursting with childhood memories for me. And what struck me after a search for local stores was the lack of them- independents and chains. They are a quickly disappearing breed, much like toy shops I have noticed.

During my search I did find a gem, Video City on Notting Hill Gate. If you are looking for a DVD they will have it, or they will track it down for you. It is this immediacy of the DVD store that I miss. Walk in, browse (which is half the fun) and walk out with a movie. Call me old fashioned, but I'm not the biggest fan of online shopping and I hope DVD hiring does not dissolve to this. For now, I will keep hiring my DVD's from a shop, and swapping little film reviews with the owner- something you cannot replicate online.

Written by Lauren Ottaway

Simple Acts of Kindness

2010-04-27T14:54:00.000+01:00

This morning I opened an email from my mum in Autralia, expecting the normal family gossip; who my brother is dating now, how hot the weather is there compared to London- the usual stuff. But I was completely gobsmacked by her email, reading something that I never expected to read.

Three months ago I had lost my Oyster Card, with my Australian Driving License inside it and twenty pounds. To mine, and my mum’s surpise, it has turned up at my home address in Melbourne with a little note saying, ‘I found this somewhere in Old Street’. No return address, no reward wanted, just a simple act of kindness. This got me thinking, what good deed can I do to make someone’s day that little bit better? And the chain reaction of paying it forward ensues.

One of our Wedgers, Katherine, was subject to a simple act of kindness. She was buying juice in a newsagents during our last long, cold Winter. She handed over the carton and coins, when the shop keeper remarked, ‘It’s cold outside,’ looking at Katherine’s naked hands. ‘Here, have some gloves,’ he said, taking a pair from behind his counter and handing them to her. She was completely warmed, not just her hands, by this lovely gesture.

What small things make your day? A smile in a shop, and a shopkeeper engaging in conversation with you? Someone holding the door open, or letting you out of the tube before people pour in? Small gestures like this can turn around someone’s day, and make that figure next to you a fellow human being.

Written by Lauren Ottaway.

One for the Local Shops!

2010-04-20T15:50:00.000+01:00

As an Australian living in this city, independent shops really speak London to me, and for many Londoners, it is important to keep this link with the past alive. It is not only the shops and the shopkeepers though; it is the spaces they inhabit. The little alleys, cobbled little streets, decorative pub fronts and unique markets are not only great for tourists, but they are where you can discover London from years passed.

The Brixton Market, including the three arcades Reliance, Market Row and Granville, are now listed as Grade II buildings. This was in response to outrageous redevelopment proposals, and this time the little guy won.
The Brixton market is the largest thriving hub of Afro-Caribbean culture in the UK that seamlessly combines its 19th century charm of tiny, irregularly shaped independent shops, with a small amount of modern retail. Can you imagine this place, with its smells, sounds, the flavour and essence of Brixton, being replaced with one giant modern retailer? It is nearly impossible to capture this with modern architecture. Now the unique Brixton Market is a little bit safer, for the time being.

Enjoy your local shops, markets, spaces and any little places you love near you, because they are part of us, that’s where our memories are, and hopefully, will continue to be made.

Written by Lauren Ottaway.

Take your Lunch to the Park

2010-04-13T12:17:00.000+01:00

Buds are blossoming, birds are tweeting (and the rest of the world is too), days are getting longer and dresses are getting shorter; spring is upon us! But a lot of people, including us in the basement in Lower Marsh, struggle to see the sun and get our daily hit of Vitamin D. We have a small luxcrete behind a curtain where the new spring rays fight to get through, but that is all the sunshine we get here at Wedge. We have improvised by plastering a lush green forest to the back wall, and dotted our office with palms and greenery; but this is not enough when you enter the basement leaving the beautiful sunshine behind.

We have a lunch rota where we take turns in making lunch for the team, which means everyday we get a different home-cooked meal and save a wedge at the same time. Yesterday our Wedger on lunch duty, Claire, suggested a Wedge picnic. What a brilliant idea we all thought! She popped up to our local independent grocer, Greensmiths and bought:
1. 1 loaf of brown bread
2. 1 tasty cucumber
3. 1 block of mature cheddar cheese
4. 8 boxes of apple juice
5. 8 big red juicy apples
6. 8 packets of crisps

We each had a little packed lunch to take to the local Waterloo Millennium Park and Chrissy’s yoga mats (because she was off to teach yoga later that night). Sat on a grassy knoll, in between the huge, fiery tulips and daffodils worshiping the sun, we devoured our sandwiches in daylight, our skin prickling with natural heat, rather than the bar heaters beside our desks. This was a natural boost to our day.

It was inspiring to sit outside all together for lunch. There is something about a sunny spring day that makes you breathe in a little deeper, hold your head up a little higher, and forge that wintery frown into a blossoming smile.

We urge you to open your plastic-wrapped sandwiches in a park today with your colleagues and enjoy the warming weather. Fresh air and rosy cheeks can change the perspective of your office in an instant. And you may even discover something about the street you work on during the bustling lunch hour. Instead of running in and out of the sandwich shop and then back into the office, take your time and sit somewhere to watch your street go by.

We will certainly be taking advantage of this every sunny day in Lower Marsh, so you may just happen to us see enjoying our lunch in the park.

Written by Lauren Ottaway

Walking in Kensington and Chelsea with Wedge

2010-03-23T15:54:00.001Z

Visiting the independent shops in Kensington and Chelsea has not only been a walk back in time, but also a discovery of the creativity and individuality of the local shops in the area.
Kensington and Chelsea have long been known for its unique shopping areas, and when you get down on the street and discover the independent shops you normally just walk past, you find out that this really is true.

I have been fortunate enough to interview many independent shops in the borough for Wedge. Sitting at their counters, I have had countless chats with business owners about the past fifty odd years of establishment, the changes they’ve been a part of and the generations they’ve witnessed. Their shops are a part of them, exhibiting their many years of trade and change to reflect the times. But some shops, like the wondrous giftshop Pickwicks at 3 Holland Street is still the same as it was forty-five years ago. Before Pickwicks, the owner Jacqueline Leberne worked at a Dickensian shop called Pickwicks Papers, a local shop selling newspapers. And this is what she later named her cottage-like giftshop after, housing an array of hand-picked items like coasters and porcelain ornaments.
It is an inspiring step back in time being privy to shopkeeper’s stories and I urge you, next time you visit an independent shop, have a chat to the owner; they all have amazing stories to tell, and they love telling them!

When visiting shops, I was frequently greeted by a friendly, furry staff member. And I will never forget Elvis, the snuffling little pug who, when he looks at your with those big googly eyes, you have to give a pat. He trots around Fifi Wilson’s beautiful clothing boutique on Godfrey Street, making sure everyone is happy and well dressed.
Another interesting character I met was Dodo, the wandering pigeon of Notting Hill, the footwear boutique on Portobello Road. The friendly staff leave the door slightly ajar so Dodo can wander in and out, inspecting peoples shoes and then perching on his little bucket in the corner of the shop. Children can come in and hand-feed Dodo some bread and admire the feathered little shopkeeper. Having a pet in your home creates a certain calm, and pets in store adds that small personal touch and is a talking point for many customers.

Getting to know the amazing array of independent shops in Kensington and Chelsea has been an experience I will never forget. It has changed the way I shop; now I take in the whole establishment, from the old awnings to the pride a shopkeeper takes in their business. Go local and discover the unique shops you’ve never visited. It is worth having a chin-wag with your local shopkeeper and his dog; they might have some interesting stories and secrets, or be able to tell you some history about where you live.

Written by Lauren Ottaway

A Gastronomic Tour with Your Wedge Card

2010-02-22T14:00:00.000Z

Getting local with your food is the ‘mot du jour’ lately, and with good reason too, since not only is it better for the environment, and has fewer carbon food miles, it also supports your local communities. What better way to do it than with your Wedge Card round all the local independents in London? So whip out your Wedge Card we’re going for a little tour round London town!

Starters - Our little tour begins in the heart of Wedge land; a fantastic cluster of shops located in and around our office and Waterloo Station. Get your meal off to a sumptuous start with salad from Casse-Croute on Lower Marsh; they offer wonderful combinations of beans, pasta, couscous, quiches, and many Middle Eastern inspired delights. And with your Wedge Card you get a free cookie with purchases over £5-bonus! Onto Greensmiths, a stone’s throw away on Lower Marsh, to top up those salads with a whole host of olives; they sell pots of black, purple, bright green and your standard ’olive’ green fare. And why not grate some candy beetroot for the perfect finish on your starting salad? These make a wonderful colourful addition to your salad, and are guaranteed to please. And if you’ve started your shopping a little late in the day why not stop by for a speedy snack which comes with a free tea or coffee when you spend £5 or more in the café after 3pm.

Mains- It’s now time to trek it across to the Nutritious Food Gallery in East London, Broadway Market. This shop does what it says on the tin, and is worth a visit just for the conversation with the owner. But yes, we know you’re here to stock up for your dinner…And fish is the dish of the day! You’ll get a fantastic 15% off fish when using your Wedge Card and you can then pick up your accompanying veg whilst here. Now that you have got the starters and mains sorted, it’s time to head down to Bedales in Market Street at Spitalfields Market for the perfect wine accompaniment. The expert noses of Bedales will help you choose the best to bring out the all the different nuances and flavours in your meal. And if you fancy stopping by for a little tipple yourself, late afternoon, Bedales offer half price on corkage after 3pm with your Wedge Card.

Cheese Platter- No meal is complete without the cheese course, and La Fromagerie fulfils all your Wedge needs: 10% off for your favourite wedge of cheese. Find them in Marylebone and Highbury.

Dessert- And all of you with sweet tooth out there, never fear, the gastronomic tour with Wedge is not complete without a visit to a cake shop! Head to The Spence in Stoke Newington Church Street, N1. There is a cake for all tastes: chocolate, heavenly cheesecake, frangipane fruit tarts, and gluten free polenta lemon cake among many.

Coffee- An after dinner espresso is perfectly finished with Rococo Chocolates, located in Avenue Mews, N1, King’s Road, SW3 and Marylebone High Street, W1U. A tantalising 10% off their tempting treats; may we suggest a bittersweet dark chocolate truffle to add that luxurious touch to the end of your meal?

Written by Nadia Bunce

If only I had worked at an independent…

2010-02-04T16:14:00.001Z

‘Hi, how are you?’
‘Ok thanks.’
Forced smile.
‘Do you have a loyalty card?’
‘No.’
‘That’ll be $9.50.’
Robotic exchange of money.
‘Thanks, have a good day.’ Another plastic smile.
Grunt.

This dry exchange was repeated at least three-hundred times every shift I worked in the express checkout at a massive chain supermarket in Australia.

There would often be a break in the monotony where I would serve one of my hungry colleagues buying a microwave meal for their lunch. This would follow with the predictable conversation of how busy it has been that day or bitching about a particularly rude customer. They would then trundle up to the tea room to heat and eat the soggy cardboard surprise and chat to colleagues about how busy it has been that day.
It amused me whenever the ‘big boss’ used to venture into the tea room from his big, dark office of demands and security cameras. Apparently he did this to show he was just ‘part of the team’ and to make him seem more approachable. It didn’t help when most of the team sat at the other end of the tea table. He tried to strike up conversation with how busy it had been that day and this generally got everybody talking.

One conversation that sticks in my mind is the merchandise placement strategy they were working on. The big boss had moved the entire milk fridge to the very back of the store, as well as all of the bakery items.
‘This is what people buy the most. Bread and milk. I want them to walk through the whole store through all the 2-4-1’s until they get to the staples at the back of the store. ‘
I thought about this obstacle course of temptation and it didn’t sit right with me.

I partook in this ritual during my first week to bond with my new ‘supermarket team’. Until one lunch time, a lady from the deli came into the tea room with a beautiful poppy-seed roll bursting with vibrant, fresh ingredients.

‘Where did you get that roll?’ I asked, salivating.
‘At the local sandwich shop, next to the newsagents up there. They’re the best!’

I ditched my heat-n-eat meal and marched straight to the sandwich shop. It was busy in there, but I was greeted with a real smile and the customers didn’t seem to be generally bothered. A bain Marie lay before me with hot pasta, couscous, vegetables and stir frys. Everything was in front of me, not hidden at the back of the shop between red special flags and offensive promotions.
I ordered some colourful vegetables and couscous and sat in their small café munching away, listening to the genuine conversation between the shop owner and Margaret about her sick Budgie Harry. I took my first deep breath of the day and my shoulders dropped. This is somewhere I’d like to work.

Why had I not walked those extra few steps and looked in my local independent shops? Did the huge chain monster blind me with its florescent lights and 2-for1 quick and easy meals? Working with the competitor has opened my eyes to quality food, and quality service and this is the only thing I can thank them for (apart from my pay check!).

Written by Lauren Ottaway

2010-01-25T14:00:00.000Z

One of our favourite Wedge directors was honoured over the New Year. Nigel Kershaw received an OBE for services to social enterprise. He has been with The Big Issue for 15 years, and is also CEO of Big Issue Invest, the social enterprise investment fund which has invested more than £6.5m in social enterprises. Wedge Card is a sister company of The Big Issue - and we’re so proud of you, Nigel!

Our favourite new quote: Fail early, fail often

2010-01-20T10:42:00.000Z

When I started developing the idea of Wedge Card with my Dad and his French PA, the most common response to it was ‘That’ll never work!’ or ‘The world belongs to Tesco now, I wouldn’t bother!’ It was disheartening at times to say the least but my intense stubbornness, which in most other social situations is a barrier to normal relationships; pushed me on until four years later here we are - a living breathing product. Since our launch we have hit upon a huge vein that gushes enthusiastically for Wedge and for that we are grateful. But the fear of failure has hung greatly over us, and though at times spurred us on has also led to much hand ringing and night sweats. Why does failure hold so much fear for us?

Failure in our society is viewed almost as a crime. Mistakes are not viewed positively. Yes we can make them and hopefully shrug them off but they are to be avoided. And yet isn’t there some awareness, somewhere that failure and mistakes on some level are integral to success? How can you know what the right way is if you don’t know the wrong way? Building a business is learning to navigate an unexplored path, particularly with a business that is innovating such as Wedge, with no bog-standard business plan to reply on.

Let’s not take it personally – let’s as the quote says – fail early fail often and learn how to do better.

Written by Diana Bird

Give Good Local Food a Chance

2010-01-19T16:44:00.000Z

Local food and shopping has been a hot topic in the press recently with further discussion over the relationship between supermarkets and local producers. During The Today Programme on BBC Radio 4 on the 5th of January, the Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said that the country should change how we provide and consume food in Britain. The government has a twenty year plan to increase food production on our farms and a strategy to revolutionise how we produce food. Their aim is to heighten food production to cope with increasing demand using sustainable resources. But this cannot be achieved with the unjust relationship between producers and suppliers.

‘In recent years, governments have relied on big food retailers to deliver low prices in the name of a 'cheap food policy'. Rocketing food prices last year have shown how volatile this system is. Government must now put resilience and sustainability at the heart of its food policy,’ Commissioner Professor Tim Lang from the Sustainable Development Commission said.

Increasing sustainable food production sounds like a brilliant plan and it is now feasible with the government’s new supermarket ombudsman, announced on the 14th. The ombudsman will enforce a new groceries supply code of practice (GSCOP). Currently, farmers are powerless to negotiate deals with large supply chains of their products and food giants often abuse their power over these smaller producers. Last year the NFU found that for a basket of food costing the consumer £37 the farmers would only have got £11. Producers need to be able to get their products in store without being swindled by larger supply chains.

The government wants to combat this, and the new code of practice will govern the relationship between producers and suppliers. The idea of a supermarket watchdog has long been debated and now, after a huge push from the Competition Commission who researched the unfair relationships between producers and suppliers, the ombudsman finally got the go ahead. This watchdog will deal with unfair practices, such as squeezing profits, cutting prices, paying late and making producers fund marketing.

Farmers have suffered immensely during the recession and the government want to make Britain a food industry superpower. They want food and energy security for the future and this can be sustained using locally sourced produce. For this to work the government need to loosen the stronghold that large supermarket chains have on local producers for an equal, locally supported market, and this can be achieved with the supermarket ombudsman. Acting under this new code of practice, the government will try and persuade supermarkets to be more responsible, and also provide more locally sourced food.

National Farmers Union President Peter Kendall said: ‘Government has said it will act in the best interests of consumers and it seems clear that the establishment of an ombudsman will give suppliers the confidence to invest and to innovate which will, in turn, improve consumer choice, produce better products, and ensure food remains affordable.’

Wedge thinks that this is fantastic news for local producers and independent shops. Not only will it help local farmers, but also the independent retailers who are in competition with the larger chain supermarkets. This new code of practise will even out the playing field between chains and independents and give local retailers the step up they deserve.

Let’s raise one arm in the air for local producers!

Written by Lauren Ottaway

Local Shops Make a Heart-Warming Christmas

2009-12-23T13:36:00.000Z

In this day of superstores, rushed and faceless online shopping, it is easy to forget what Christmas is all about. Some of our Wedgers have been re-inspired and injected with that Christmas spirit, and all they did was take a five minute walk to their local high street. Here are two stories to hopefully inspire you to shop locally this Christmas:

Camden is bustling this time of year and one of our Wedgers was struggling in a large organic wholesaler, with last-minute food purchases on her list. Cranberry sauce: an essential item which is inevitably sold out during the festive season. She shouldered her way through the hungry crowd and found an employee hurriedly restocking the diminishing pile of home-made mince pies. Querying him about the absence of cranberry sauce and also the alternative red currant jelly, she finished her shopping and queued to pay, without either. In the line she suddenly turned to a heavy tap on her shoulder. The employee, large grin on his face dropped a large jar of fresh cranberry sauce into her basket. He had found a stray bottle in his storeroom and had been looking for the lucky Wedger for fifteen minutes! It is tiny acts like this which make not only our shopping experiences special, but they also lift our spirits- especially Christmas spirits.

Another one of our busy little last-minute Christmas Wedgers was trying to buy a Christmas stocking for a party the next day. This, surely, was an item which is never out of stock she thought. Along her local Barnes High Street she searched hurriedly for a stocking, having bought everything to stuff it with previously. She came across a beautiful stocking hanging in the window of an independent gift store crammed with trinkets and delicate presents. Inside, she searched the shelves for this festive miracle but she could not find the stocking anywhere. The shopkeeper, with a warm smile that nearly swallowed her entire face explained that she bought if from another shop and it was only a display. But it did not end here; the shopkeeper took the stocking down from her festive display and sold it to the ecstatic Wedger.

This is what Christmas is all about; going out of your way just that little bit for somebody else. And your local high street is the perfect place to inspire Christmas spirit. Merry Christmas!

Written by Lauren Ottaway