International Women's Day

Today is International Women’s Day. This annual event dates back to 1908 when 15,000 women marched through New York City ‘demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights’. It has grown into a global day of recognition and celebration of women of the world and the achievements made. For more information, visit: http://www.internationalwomensday.com or get involved on Twitter @womensday

Here are a few events happening in the capital to celebrate:

FESTIVAL:
‘WOW – Women of the World Festival’ – events happening from 7th March – 11th March including music, comedy, drama, market, and speed mentoring. Well known faces involved with the festival include Mary Portas, Emeli Sandé, Katy B, Annie Lennox and Sinead O’Connor.
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX / Until 11th March / Times and ticket prices vary

LECTURE:
‘Having it all – dispelling the myths about work and motherhood’ – discussing evidence which suggests mothers who work end up healthier in mid-life.
University College London, Darwin Lecture Theatre, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT / Thursday 8th March, 13.15 – 13.55 / Free

EXHIBITION:
‘She Bop a Lula’ – photo exhibition featuring some of the most successful women singers from the last 60 years, in aid of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Charity.
Strand Gallery, 32 John Adam Street, WC2N 6BP / Until 1 April 2012, 11.00 – 19.00 (18.00 Sunday) / Free

SCREENING & DISCUSSION:
‘Open City London Documentary Festival’ – screening of 4 short documentaries dealing with gender and sexuality, followed by an open discussion.
Hub Westminster, First Floor New Zealand House, 80 Haymarket, SW1Y 4TE / Thursday 8th March, 18.30 / Free (book in advance)

MARKET:
‘International Women’s Fair’ – collection of creative women including art, craft, music, fashion, poetry, workshops and food.
Spitalfields Market, Brushfield Street, E1 6AA / Saturday 10 March, 10.00 – 17.00 / Free

The results are in!

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!

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....

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!

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

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

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