Tag Archives: London

Stay in the heart of town with @travelodgeuk #hotel #hotelstay #refurb #wheretostay

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Hey Snoochers, so its been a little while, and we’re sorry for our absence but as you may have seen on Twitter we’ve been working super hard to set up our sister site The Reel Deal.

Now we are back! And kicking off a brand new load of fun lifestyle content just for you with our very first review for the brand new refurbished Travelodge Hotels. We sent Becks to the heart of Theatreland in London to spend a night at the Covent Garden hotel to see what its got to offer… and she even did this very kind video review  just for us!

So we hope you’ve got a good idea of what its like to stay in one of these very convenient and affordable hotels (rooms start from £29, our recommendation is that you sort out your booking online). To be fair, you’re going to spend most of your time outside of the hotel, exploring the great cities they’re based in, so why pay through the roof for a bed!

It gets a big thumbs up from us!

Laters Snoochers!

 

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Show how much you love your partner this Valentines with…. a fridge?!! @smeguk @bentallcentre #valentinesgifts #competition #kingstonuponthames

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Just when you thought Valentines Day gifts couldn’t get any more extravagant! Award winning appliance manufacturers (and cool design kings) Smeg released a very special FAB28 red velvet refrigerator (it looks so good it could almost taste as good as Red Velvet cake, seriously!

Anyway, its not all about a fancy fridge on V-Day, Smeg is also teaming up with Bentalls in Kingston-upon-Thames for a week of non-stop fun. From 7th to 14th February, Smeg will showcase their brand new, very special FAB28 red velvet refrigerator, which will be exclusively revealed to Bentalls’ customers and the UK for the very first time. To celebrate, Smeg has devised an exciting competition where one lucky person can win their own red velvet fridge and send a message of love, or even a marriage proposal, to the special people in their life thanks to a clever and innovative built-in fridge cam.n-09

During the event, customers will be invited to use the fridge cam and pose for a photograph alongside their own personal love heart message which they need to tweet with the hashtag #lovesmegfridge and #velvetvalentine to be in with a chance to win. Also don’t forget to look out for the SMEG500R, a limited edition, Fiat-styled refrigerator, which is also debuting for the very first time.

Smeg’s brand manager John Davies says: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Bentalls store in Kingston upon Thames and are excited to show how Smeg always work hard to push the boundaries with experiential activity that engages with our customers. The latest special addition to the Smeg family, the FAB28 red velvet refrigerator is symbolic of our iconic style and with its curved edges, 50s style lettering and soft, matt texture we’re sure this will be a hit!”

But I haven’t got time for a competition, but I do have time for a new fridge! Tell me more! 

With a capacity of 256 litres featuring an ice compartment with a frozen food capacity of 26 litres, the FAB28 red velvet model comes with Smeg’s automatic defrost technology as well as three adjustable glass shelves, one fruit and vegetable container and a chrome wine rack. This fridge has an A++ energy efficiency rating and a 40dB sound level which is far lower than normal conversation levels at 59dB, making it perfect for open-plan living. Priced from £1,275, the dimensions of the Smeg FAB28 measure 60cmW by 69.2cmD by 151cmH and this model is also available in 12 striking colours.

 

Why sip tea when you can chew it? @chewtea #foodanddrink #drink #coffee #tea #soho #london

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Recently launched in London’s Soho area is a new tea and coffee revolution. Forget Seattle and its Starbucks, its all about the Far East and the rise of Bubble Tea and now for the first time in the UK, Bubble Coffee, housed by brand new franchise Chew.

Where can I Chew?

You can’t really miss the shop if you walk past it, its neon orange lights will be a beacon of hope for those walking the streets upon night fall, and a nightmare for anyone with a hangover!

This first site has been fashioned by Afroditi Krassa, the award-winning designer who created the brand identity for Itsu and was later appointed Creative Director by founder Julian Metcalfe – who also started sandwich chain Pret a Manger. Chew is aiming to pioneer the next step in the bubble beverage evolution by kick-starting the next big drink trend.

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So what is Chew?

Chew, so called as it is literally the drink that you can eat, will be serving adventurous Soho residents not only a new take on freshly brewed coffee, but will also be offering over 30 fruit and milk-based bubble teas. Tea has be reimagined and given the Chew treatment. A variety of black and green flavoured teas have been ‘sexed up’ with the signature bubble tea ingredient, jelly-like tapioca balls – which are freshly prepared on site, and have the strangest, yet most addictive texture!

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Where did Chew come from?

The Bubble Tea phenomenon originated in the streets of Taiwan in the 1980s and the trend has slowly been travelling West ever since. 30 years on the bubble tea movement is far from middle aged and in the UK it’s still in its infancy. Over the last couple of years various concepts have introduced the Far Eastern inspired refreshment to British palettes. Chews founding owners, husband and wife team Karim and Sara Hemsi first came across bubble tea in San Francisco, fell in love with the concept and then travelled to Taiwan to be trained in the art of modern tea making!

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How did it hit the streets of London?

In 2011 Boba Jam in Chinatown claimed to be the first bubble tea parlour to open in Central London. Bubbleology launched the same year and now has six outlets. Bubble tea appears to thrive where trendy young people converge however it would seem that the Chew brand aims to brew tea of the bubble variety not only for Soho hipsters, but also for the Great British tea-drinking public.

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So how much will this set me back?

Bubble teas are available in two sizes

Medium is 500ml and is £3.45

Large is 700ml and is £3.75

Bubble coffees are available in two sizes

Medium is 500ml and is £3.55

Large is 700ml and is £3.85

I’m sold, lets chew! You can follow chew on Twitter @chewtea and find out much more about the company on its website! 

Style me fabulous with @aveboutique #fashion #style #womenswear #richmond #kingsroad #popup #clothes

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If you’re looking for something a little different to fill your wardrobe for 2014 then hidden in one of the beautiful lanes of Richmond is a real gem of a find. Just right of Kings Street is Avenue Boutique, a small but exotic collection of clothes that can change your perception of fashion in one visit.Screen Shot 2013-12-20 at 10.17.19

Founded and fronted by the hugely talented Faye Hayward, she looks after each and every customer, alongside her brilliant assistant Alice, making you feel like a million dollars and finding something to fit that you only dreamed of playing dress up with.

What’s really unique about this shop is its far reaching collection from suppliers around the world, from Denmark to Australia the latest and quirkiest fashion is here in Greater London, with lots to offer.Screen Shot 2013-12-20 at 10.29.44

Yes the price points are a tad on the squeaky side, with only a small selection of items priced below the £100 mark, but rest assured that each and every garment featured and bought at Avenue Boutique is most definitely an investment piece and there IS something for everyone in this stunning selection.

What we loved especially about this shop and Faye’s personal approach to her customers, is that she is your personal shopper, its lovely when looking at high end clothing or jewellery that you don’t get the snooty “Pretty Woman” effect where the shop attendant looks down her nose at you judging whether or not you have enough money to even be browsing. At Avenue Boutique, the vibe is warm, inviting, caring and friendly.Screen Shot 2013-12-20 at 10.22.23

One of the great quirky elements of the shop is that its actually part of a house, with tenants living upstairs! It might give you a little shock when you’re on your way to the dressing room but regardless, it just adds to the look and feel of this unique boutique.

Now obviously it’s every girls dream to have a designer wardrobe at their disposal, and for us, we thought, if we couldn’t have one ourselves, we’d have to borrow Avenue Boutiques and play dress up! So ready to start the New Year with a bang, Faye helped us to pull together the top day and evening wear selections to make sure you WOW at every occasion.Screen Shot 2013-12-20 at 10.34.25

POP UP SHOP – NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS!!

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Now if you cant wait until New Years for a new wardrobe, or if you think you deserve a Christmas treat, then Avenue Boutique has a pop up shop on the Kings Road running until Sunday! So make sure you head on down to meet Faye and her team and check out some of these fashion forward delights. We visited it last night and were not only in ore of the stunning collection of clothes, but Faye really has managed to turn this empty box space into a cool, chic clothes shop which certainly belongs amongst the clientele of the Kings Road. Well worth a visit and the perfect place to get those last minute party dresses for the big party on December 31st.

You can follow Avenue Boutique on Twitter @aveboutique

Check out their website for all the latest collections www.avenueboutique.co.uk

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There’s still time to give an AMAZING Xmas present this year – look see! @otoneaudio @johnlewisretail #gifts #shopping

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Ho Ho Ho we hear you say! Can Christmas REALLY be just round the corner? Well from our experience it looks like the Christmas parties have well and truly started, and the idea of hitting the high street is causing all sorts of hung over dread! So to ease the pain and help you make some quick (and excellent) decisions on what to buy this year, we’ve found some goodies to share just for you! 

BREAKING THE BANK (in a great way!) 

OTONE’s newest speaker system, Soundship  £179.99.

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Soundship is the complete sound system for the home. The Bluetooth Smart dock has a futuristic design with interchangeable connectors, so no matter what device you have, you’re covered.

The system also features an FM radio and alarm.

http://www.otoneaudio.co.uk/products/smartdocking/soundship/

OTONE’s Aporto speaker system, £34.99.

Screen Shot 2013-12-11 at 14.51.51This truly versatile speaker system manages to specialise in two distinct areas. As a travel speaker, Aporto’s sleek form fits easily into any travel case or bag – working as high quality USB laptop speakers through a simple connection. But thanks to its innovative modular design, Aporto can also be instantly transformed into a universal micro system: simply detach the speakers from each other and you can create a simulated surround sound effect, perfect for music lovers on the go.

http://www.otoneaudio.co.uk/products/portable/aporto/

TOP TEN UNDER £30 FROM JOHN LEWIS 

BaByliss Nano Dryer 1200 – £14.95Screen Shot 2013-12-11 at 14.59.31
At less than half the size of a regular hairdryer, the BaByliss Nano Dryer is the perfect travel companion for fast drying performance in a handy little package. Available in pink and purple.

 

YupiiRun – £19.95Screen Shot 2013-12-11 at 14.59.39
YupiiRun has been designed to make exercise effective and fun. Each program (from a choice of six) will tell users when to walk or run, at what speed and when to rest, all with the best music to workout to.

John Lewis Spectrum In-Ear Headphones – £19.95Screen Shot 2013-12-11 at 14.59.44
Available in gunmetal, cobalt blue, orange and pink, these great value headphones feature silicone buds for comfort, as well as a built in microphone and remote control.

Bone Collection – USB Flash Drive 8GB – from £19.95Screen Shot 2013-12-11 at 14.59.51
Searching for a fun Secret Santa? Check out these USB flash drives in Snowman, Gingerbread Man, Monkey, Kungfu Master and Queens Guard designs.

John Lewis Sound Cylinder Bluetooth Mini Speaker – £19.95Screen Shot 2013-12-11 at 14.59.56
With a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts up to three hours on full charge as well as built in microphone, this Bluetooth mini speaker makes a fab gift. Choose from gunmetal, burnt orange, blue or green.

Crockpot 374 Slow Cooker – £22.95Screen Shot 2013-12-11 at 15.00.01
A thoughtful present for a busy couple, this brushed chrome slow cooker has two heat settings, a keep-warm function and a removeable stoneware pot and glass lid that can be put in the dishwasher.

Juice Cube, Emergency Mobile Charger – £24.95Screen Shot 2013-12-11 at 15.00.06
An ideal choice for technology fans, this mobile charger will make sure their gadgets never run out of juice when on the go. Users just need to charge the compact Cube and attach it to a phone, games console or MP3 player via a USB cable with the appropriate connector.

Lego Builder Case for iPhone 5 and 5S – £24.95Screen Shot 2013-12-11 at 15.00.11
A quirky stocking filler; these cases feature a hard plastic back in the style of a Lego base plate, allowing them to be customised with Lego bricks. The shell of the case is also shock absorbent and provides protection for the back, sides and buttons of an iPhone.

Gourmet Gadgetry 3 in 1 Drinks Maker – £29.95Screen Shot 2013-12-11 at 15.00.16
With a 1950s inspired design, this drinks maker can be used to prepare milkshakes, smoothies and cocktails. The Gourmet Gadgetry range also includes a retro Chocolate Fountain, £29.95.

Beatrix New York Cases for Tablets up to 10.1″ – £29.95Screen Shot 2013-12-11 at 15.00.21
Available in four cute designs, these water resistant, padded and velvet-lined cases provide protection for a child’s tablet.

 There you go… don’t dread it, spend it! Tis the season to give (and receive – hehe!) so go have some fun! 

Happy Holidays! Almost! 

@nowtv can read your mind…well sort of! #technology #television #NowTV #magic

So earlier this month (and as you can see from the fun video above), the fab people at Now TV teamed up with the even more fab magician/oddball John van der Put and his pooch, Mr Piffles, to predict what you’ll love to watch on the NOW TV Box this winter…

With a captive audience at Waterloo station van der Put was put to the test earlier this month and managed to wow commuters with his magical prowess and predictions.

However, Now TV realised that van der Put was proving far too popular, and seeing that they couldn’t mass produce him, the easiest thing would be to add a new element to its already popular device, and they called it…the Mind Reader.

NOW TV Mind Reader, is a new magical predicition tool that helps viewers select the perfect film, sporting event or TV show for them from NOW TV’s expansive offering…keen to find out more?  You can try it for yourself here www.nowtv.com/mindreader and see what NOW TV predicts for you!

Sorry, I’ve forgotten, what’s NOW TV again? 

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The NOW TV Box, which turns your TV into a smart TV and gives instant access to Sky Movies, Sky Sports and the 10 entertainment channels including Sky 1 and Sky Atlantic, is available for £9.99 right here: https://shop.nowtv.com/

If you want to watch the great content NOW TV will predict for you, take advantage of a free NOW TV trial. Head over to www.nowtv.com to get started.

 

Its one more day to Halloween so are you in or out?! #halloween #trueblood @barsoho @foundationbar

Screen Shot 2013-10-29 at 11.40.06Whether you’re staying in or going out on All Hallows Eve, we’ve got some demonically delightful treats for you! Test your nerves with some spookily delightful delicacies from True Blood’s Drink and Bite recipe book or head to The Foundation Bar and Bar Soho to try some trickery with their cacklingly good cocktails… 

STAYING IN… 

Screen Shot 2013-10-29 at 11.16.28Entertaining in a big way, or just having a few friends over to watch scary movies (or the latest episode of True Blood!), this is the only spell book you’ll need this Halloween.  Featuring forty-five themed recipes inspired by the HBO® original series, and geared toward the ravenous fans who love to gather for weekly watch parties, True Blood Drinks & Bites is a spooky steal at just £11.99 from the HBO Store. From often-ordered refreshments at Merlotte’s and Fangtasia to the Fortenberrys’ family recipes for the best finger foods around, here are mixed drinks for teetotalers and boozehounds alike plus bites for all appetites.

Sip and nibble as the drama goes down onscreen, or quench your cravings in between episodes—how about Scorn Fritters and Cheese Stakes washed down with an ice-cold Spirit Lifter? Or a Maenad a Trois paired with Skinwalkers and Vamp Repellent? It’s a bayou buffet no Trubie can resist and you’ll be a Southern spirit in no time!

Some of our tried and tested favourites have to be Vamp Repellent (tasty and very necessary on a night like Halloween! – Pg 79) and Werewolf Biscuits Pg 105 (you’ll be howling with joy once you’ve tried them!)

Here’s another tantalising taster for you to try….

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GOING OUT

Well if you just cant sit still and watch something scary in your own home, maybe you’ll want to head out to the big bad, big smoke!

This Halloween Foundation Bar in Covent Garden will be hosting a 28 Days Later Halloween event complete with Zombies on arrival and coloured contact lenses!  And Bar Soho will be serving up some cocktails that will send a shiver down your spine at its very own Monster Ball, to get all London’s vampires, monsters, witches, and ghouls in the mood for Halloween. The cocktail recipes are below, and please find the full press release with images attached.

Screen Shot 2013-10-29 at 11.45.37Dracula’s Kiss

Every Halloween is undoubtedly blood thirsty and this year is no exception. But stay away from the blood and try out a Dracula’s Kiss instead; a mixture of Eristoff vodka, Chambord, and cranberry juice.

Vampire Elixir

Elixir, Greek for sweet-flavoured liquid that heals wounds, is a perfect drink to accompany anyone who’s been hanging out with vampires. Eristoff vodka mixed with apricot brandy, lime juice, pomegranate juice- this cocktail certainly has healing powers.

Monsters Ink

This Monsters Ink cocktail contains Bacardi Superior, Archers, Monster Energy and a healthy drop of Eristoff Black vodka that dribbles through the cocktail like an open wound.

Witches Brew

A frightfully daring brew of both Eristoff and Eristoff Black vodka mixed with Blue Curacao and apple juice, all topped off with extra sour sweets to make you cackle!Screen Shot 2013-10-29 at 11.45.50

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Bring Summer back in fashion with @neobotanic #fashion #newcollection

Whilst everyone gets prepped for the party season, we invite you to bring a little sunshine to the dark nights ahead with a brand new collection from Neobotanic fashion.

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We managed to get a sneak peek at its latest collection last week and LOVED that its bringing some vibrant colours back into our lives. From gorgeous silk prints through to innovative, cutting edge designs that fit the male and female form in a quirky yet flattering way. Screen Shot 2013-10-23 at 11.36.32

This new artisitic fashion brand bases its style on floral and plant motifs, using a wide range of fabrics to create scarves, shirts, dresses, ties and other accessories. Working against the fashion grain, colour and vibrancy is Neobotanics focus, so every piece in its collection is full of bright, piquant and striking patterns. So even if the entire collection isn’t totally for you, we reckon that every wardrobe needs one of these completely original must-have items!

So take a look at some of our favourite offerings and make sure you visit the site here to pick up your pieces! Screen Shot 2013-10-23 at 11.37.35

 

@superdrug stands out from the crowd this Autumn with its newest offerings! @goshuk @blowpro_ny #beauty #hair

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So last month the Snoochie Boochies team headed off to an amazing press event from Superdrug, where we were shown just what makes this high street store stand out from the crowd and deliver in terms of good quality, affordable beauty products. And we can tell you now we weren’t disappointed!

The range that Superdrug has to offer, particularly this Autumn is mind blowing, so whether its a quick beauty fix before a night out or a new bit of ‘ju-juing’ you want to try to give your hair that added lift then this is the place to go for something that wont break the bank.

First and foremost, we were staggered to learn of all the new beauty brands that are expanding or debuting in the store. From Bourgois rolling out a new range of nail care kits and manicure bars in certain stores to new technology to help the health and hydration of your skin and of course Superdrug’s own beauty brands; its  pretty clear to see that this shop quickly positioning itself as much more than a chemist/convenience store, its starting a beauty revolution and here are some of our tried and tested favourites! Screen Shot 2013-10-13 at 12.19.28

GOSH DARLING LASHES – £7.99 

One of the hardest beauty buys is a good mascara, and having given this one a whirl, we can tell you, you wont be disappointed. With a twisted wire brush which has been designed to give lashes an instant, extreme boost, adding maximum volume to each individual lash. Thaks to the wide gaps in the brush’s bristles, lashes are separated and defined for an ultra-feminie wide-eyed baby doll look. So bring back the sixties, get yourself some fuller lashes ready for the party season. This little number joins the rest of the Gosh mascara range, so if you’re already a fan of them, its time to add to your collection, and if you’re new to it all, then this is definitely one beauty product worth taking a chance on, you wont be disappointed!

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BLOW PRO TEXTSTYLE SPRAY – IN STORE SOON

Blow the very first blow dry bar has come a long way since its Manhattan Meat Packing District start up in 2005. Now gracing British shores the leader and innovator of the booming blow dry industry has teamed up with Superdrug to help bring a little NYC glamour to all of our hair care rituals. What we particularly loved more than anything is the Textstyle dry texture hair spray which provides dramatic separation to instantly texturize limp locks. Now this is just a preview as its not on sale in stores just yet, but will be in the coming months, and its going to be a definite must have product for the party season. Whether your hair is thin and dry and lacking a little bit of lustre, or luscious and long, then this spray can definitely transform it into something completely different and fabulous, so make sure you look out for it asap! Screen Shot 2013-10-13 at 12.48.56

GOSH PRIME N’ REFRESH EYE ROLL-ON – £7.99 (OUT IN OCTOBER)

So it definitely takes some toll on us all going from party to party, however, you can always ‘look’ like you’re fresh from the Summer and ready to party all night long thanks to this little number from Gosh. Its the ultimate first aid tool for tired eyes. The roll on Primer nourishes and brightens the delicate eye area, concealing fine lines, dark circles and puffiness, giving an instant effect thanks to special ingredients including SpectraFlex, Matrixyl 3000 and extracts of Kigelia from the African Kigelia fruit! So what are you waiting for, get this top of your list as your new best friend for the 2013 party season! Screen Shot 2013-10-13 at 12.47.57

So there you go guys, get yourselves to Superdrug as your new one stop shop for everything beauty and fabulous this season, there’s so much to choose from we’ll be doing further recommendations over the next couple of months, but for now, keep a look out for these fabulous products and get partying!!!

Date for your diary! The @ukjewishfilm Festival comes to town next month! #jewishfilmfestival #film

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If you’re not catching the #LFF London Film Festival next month then fear not, only a few short weeks later will be the 17th annual UK Jewish Film Festival. This years festival will feature screenings of over 70 films and other special events across five cities – London, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester – over the course of 19 days from 31st October 2013.

From gala premieres to documentaries about the Jewish culture, here’s a few of our highlights which look like ones not to miss! 

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Joe Papp in Five Acts

A riveting portrait of a transformative figure in the New York theatre scene, Joe Papp – a poor, tough, Jewish kid from Brooklyn – who created Central Park’s free Shakespeare In The Park Festival, which launched the careers of everyone from Meryl Streep to Kevin Kline, all of whom feature here.

This radical and tumultuous personality introduced colour-blind casting, nurtured emerging playwrights, fostered countercultural plays like Hair, and revolutionized commercial theatre with the Broadway smash hit A Chorus Line, as well as founding the Public Theatre.

Packed with testimonials from Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, James Earl Jones and Meryl Streep – and framed by Kevin Kline’s exquisite monologues.

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Hava Nagila (The Movie) 

Featuring interviews with Harry Belafonte, Leonard Nimoy, Connie Francis, Glen Campbell, Regina Spektor and more. Hava Nagila (The Movie) is a documentary romp through the history, mystery and meaning of the great Jewish standard.

The film follows the ubiquitous party song on its fascinating journey from Ukraine and Israel to the Catskils, Hollywood and the world, using the song as a springboard to explore Jewish history and identity and to spotlight the cross-cultural connections that can only be achieved through music.

High on fun and entertainment, Hava Nagila (The Movie) is also surprisingly profound, tapping into universal themes about the importance of joy, the power of music and the resilient spirit of a people.

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Blumenthal

Funny, clever and abrasive New York comedy from a young director tipped as the next Woody Allen, starring the inimitable Brian Cox CBE.

Blumenthal is a comedy about a family in motion. The severely constipated Saul Blumenthal desperately wants to go. His brother Harold the famous playwright (whom Saul believes plagiarised his life), has just gone. Saul’s wife Cheryl fears she’s a has-been and considers cosmetic surgery whilst Ethan, the main protagonist, is on a duel-pronged journey to find a soulmate and Harold’s lifetime achievement award, as a form of recompense for his father…

Welcome to the world of American Modern Day ‘Jewrosis’!

You can book your tickets via the Film Festival website  but don’t leave it too late or you’ll miss out on all of these fantastic films.