So...2012 is finally upon us. We have an interesting year ahead. 2012 is the year of the Dragon in the Chinese calendar, the end of the world according to Hopi and Mayan prophecy and also it's the London 2012 Olympic Games (Officially Known as the Games of the XXX Olympiad).

I'm really looking forward to what promises to be a great year, as well as the London 2012 Olympic Games, with enthused apprehension, guarded optimism and renewed faith that anything is possible as long as you think limitlessly and commit and apply your self 100 percent.

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There is something absolutely beautiful about falling snow, especially when you’re looking at it from the warmth of your bedroom through a window. When you live in a busy bustling city like London there is a magical element about snow that transforms the everyday cityscape in to looking like a picture perfect ski resort postcard or in line with the season, a Christmas Card.

As I pondered the angle at which to write the annual end of year blog I was inspired by what I saw outside my window. It was very minimalist and yet beautiful. It made me think. As we reach the end of another year and look forward to the New Year in this present difficult economic climate I realise now more than ever that less is actually more.

When you’ve had a period of being absolutely busy, busier and busiest you realise that you actually need to do less. You also need less. Whatever YOUR less is; identify it, simplify your life and enjoy the simple things that you take for granted because you’re usually too busy.

We sent one of our intrepid photographers out on assignment to bring us back photos that would capture our new ethos for 2011: Less is more. Enjoy!

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All Photos (Except No.9) were taken by Mr Man

al•ter•na•tive: (ôl-tûr n -t v, l-)

Existing outside traditional or established institutions or systems.

Espousing or reflecting values that are different from those of the establishment or mainstream.

I went to Alternative Fashion Week (AFW) for the first time last year; it was its 15th birthday, and I was pleasantly surprised by the event and the very high standard of work by all of the designers.

AFW came into being as a counterbalance to London Fashion Week (LFW). It was concieved as an event by Alternative Arts, their aim was to fill the gap left by LFW by giving a platform for new young models and oftentimes overlooked emerging designers.

Alternative Fashion Week is held over 5 days every year and showcases more than 70 designers’ collections, underneath the glass roof of the newly refurbished Spitalfields Traders market. All of the shows are free and open to the public.

My favourite designer's collection this year were the beautiful screen printed dresses by Olivia Grogan. Unfortunately the ‘Poster Kids’ of alternative fashion design Pretty Pervy didn’t show a collection this year. I definitely hope to see them next year or any time soon.

For any aspiring models and designers interested in being involved in Alternative Fashion Week, please contact: info@alternativearts.co.uk

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All photos taken by Mr Man

Sugar Cane is an unexpected dose of the South Pacific situated just 5 minutes from one of Europe’s busiest train stations, Clapham Junction. Walk up Sugar Canes steps surrounded by bamboo and once inside you'll feel like you’ve entered the tropics regardless of what the weather’s like outside. The atmosphere is warm, laid back and friendly.

The night Bedroom Genius visited the vibe was up-beat with people making the most of the great variety of cocktails on offer. Our pick is Kalima, do not leave Sugar Cane without trying it, as promised on the menu, it left us licking our lips!

Bedroom Genius spoke to the Sugar Cane’s, Ardian:

The interior here is based on Tiki design, what inspired you to create Sugar Cane?

The polynesian themed restaurant Trader Vic’s in Park Lane was an inspiration. It’s a restaurant that’s been around for 30 years and they don’t do membership. I went 3 years ago and the atmosphere amazed me, the exclusive Tahitian design inspired me to create Sugar Cane. The feedback from our clients is that they appreciate the fact we’ve created a fantasy world.

How would you describe the Sugar Cane experience for someone coming in for the first time?

Come here and you’ll feel you’ve been taken somewhere else and could be on holiday. The tropical setting takes you to a far away destination. We have a lot of repeat clientele and are absolutely heaving on Friday and Saturday nights.

For someone new to Sugar Cane, what drinks would you recommend from the menu?

Try Pele’s (the Tahitian Goddess of fire), Island Princess, Pacific Island Iced Tea, Grass Skirt and the Mai-tai. But if you like something a bit different try the boat drinks like Big Bamboo, Tropical Sunset and Wasa Atua (The Ruler of the Waves) they’re designed for sharing , served in a boat and decorated with fruit and flames.

What’s the best bar lounge restaurant that you have been to?

Trader Vic’s of course but locally it has to be ‘The Loft’ in Clapham Common and in the West-End (Central London) it would be Mahiki. I would say I’ve have found worldwide London to have the best bars and restaurants.

What’s Sugar Cane’s music style?

It’s a mixture. We play Dub music, groove music and laid back lounge music. Our musical taste ranges from Fat Freddy’s Drop to The Black Seeds to Groove Armada and Basement Jaxx. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are more chilled with Friday and Saturday focussed on Top 40 chart hits and 80’s anthems. In the summer we change the style of music and food.

What food would you recommend and why?

The sharing platter, Malayan prawn skewers, Islanders sea food platter and the mussels and homemade burgers are worth a try too.

What are your guilty pleasures? How do you escape from the business of running a busy bar?

I enjoy travelling around to new bars, meeting new people and seeing how they run their business. Escaping would be spending time with my baby daughter plus going out more than I should to bars and places I shouldn’t.

What are the things you’d save from a fire?

My family. My books, I’m passionate about history especially the Roman Empire and its Emperors like Caesar.

What would you say is the main difference between a night out at Sugar Cane and other bars?

I would say it’s the atmosphere – we attract a really nice crowd and good calibre of people. Usually young professionals who are well-mannered, they’re the best people to have. They know how to have fun but also behave themselves and are a pleasure to have a conversation with.

What is the ‘Big Kahuna’ rum night every Wednesday?

It’s based around the big chief (Kahuna) throwing a big party. We only serve polynesian rum cocktails at a good discount price £4 all night. During the summer it’s very popular.

www.thesugarcane.co.uk

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The Bedroom Genius Events Team

All photos taken by Mr Man

Just a minute’s walk from Covent Garden, the rich tapestries, wall lights, jingling coin scarves and waft of incense that greet you as you enter Souk Medina are just the beginning of your transportation to another place.

The friendly staff usher you to the cavernous low cushioned seating areas. As you enjoy the authentic experience of North African cuisine you are treated to the delights of a belly-dancer who insists you join her for a shimmy or two. All in all, a great experience - the lamb with prunes and almonds is to die for. Go for the set menu £19.95 per head, you won’t forget it!

Bedroom Genius spoke to the Souk Medina's, Samir Mahdi:

What inspired you to create Souk Medina?

Souk Medina was inspired by my first restaurant, Souk Bazaar, just across from here. It was hugely popular; I had to open a bigger restaurant.

I guess the question is then, what inspired you to create Souk Bazaar?

We opened in 1998, I come from Algeria and I couldn’t eat nice cous cous anywhere in the West End. There was a lack of good North African food at the time. My inspiration was the food. Marrakech inspired the design of the restaurant, not Morocco, but Marrakech specifically. I met with designers and took inspiration from the old riads there.

How would you describe the Souk Medina experience to a customer?

Simple, we’ll take you to Marrakech; you’ll have a Moroccan experience with food, drink and a belly dancer for just £30.00. You can come here and forget the cold weather of London!

For someone new to North African cuisine, what are the top 3 dishes you would recommend?

I’d recommend our set menu. The Moroccan lamb with prunes and roasted almonds, the Tunisian cous cous with Merguez (lamb sausage) and the Algerian chicken with olives and pickled lemons. For vegetarians, the tagine with chick peas and harissa sauce.

What’s your life philosophy?

Being hard-working with a passion for what you do. I came to this country with only £50.00 in my pocket.

What’s the best meal you’ve had in London?

Nice grill and fantastic pizzas at Cafe Mode, I go there three times a week. I like the fresh food and ambience and it’s somewhere I feel comfortable, can let my hair down and the staff look after me. For the best exclusive place, I would say Gordon Ramsey’s restaurants - Claridges. Nobu is good too but these are places I don’t go too often.

What are your guilty pleasures?

Playing with my iPhone at 4am in the morning. It’s the only time when I am not busy – it’s very addictive, you can access the whole world.

What are the 3 things you would save from a fire?

Obviously my family, wedding pictures and my USB key because it holds my life.

What are the main differences between North African and English cuisine?

Spice, flavours and the way we eat, we share everything. We don’t have individual dishes, everyone has different dishes and shares, and we are among friends. A dinner party in North Africa has much more importance than here, food and dinner parties are a luxury... there are usually 10-12 dishes (with cakes) and dining is taken seriously with much pride in the cooking. We take time, quality time with friends and family.

What do you do to ‘escape’?

Football. I have also written a book. It is a love story but also a story about life’s journey, the ups and downs but with an underlying message about how the times when you have the most money or success aren’t necessarily those that make you happiest.

Your alternative career would be?

An architect. Dubai has fantastic architecture, people go there for the shopping but what’s most important is the architecture. The top three cities for architecture, in my opinion, are Paris (No.1), Dubai and Damascus. I haven’t yet been to Damascus but there are beautiful churches and mosques and they’re the reason I would go there.

www.soukrestaurant.net

To see video footage from 'A Night at Souk Medina' Click here

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The Bedroom Genius Events Team

All photos taken by Mr Man

Nicely nestled between Clapham Junction and Clapham Common, Ink Rooms is a bar offering a quality range in both drinks and music that’ll keep you coming back. The mood is ‘red-light elegance’ in keeping with the 50’s retro-chic theme, providing a classy but cosy place from which to enjoy the 60+ beers, fine wines and hand-crafted cocktails on offer.

The music also features heavily with 80’s/90’s rock, indie and pop being played out and clearly enjoyed by the 30-something crowd who’ve come out to play the night Bedroom Genius visited. This place is definitely a must-visit.

Bedroom Genius speaks to the Ink Rooms' Manager, Matt Wale:

The Ink Rooms was inspired by American 50’s retro chic, what inspired you to re-create that in London?
We wanted to bring something new to Clapham, a good times, neighbourhood bar. It was quite samey with boozers or club scenes but nothing in between. Everything is crafted in here, the wallpaper, the beers and we have unique handcrafted cocktails.

How would you describe the Ink Rooms experience for someone coming down for the first time?

A place to relax and have fun where there’s an eclectic crowd. It’s something new and different where you can enjoy good music and table service. We don’t have a door policy but attract refined people from the 25-40 age group. We’ve only been open 8 months and find most of our clientele are coming from Brixton, Clapham South and even Shoreditch looking for a good underground music scene.

The bar has a selection of 60+ domestic and imported beers; what is the ethos behind this ?

It’s all about craft beers. We don’t have ‘Fosters on tap’, we’re about providing decent micro-brewed beers including the Goose Island range, beers from across Europe (including Germany), Australia, New Zealand, America.

What’s your life philosophy?

Just enjoy every day. I started as a pot washer at 13 years, worked in my first bar at 17 years and now I’m 28 with my own bar. I went to Bournemouth University, trained as a chef and before this ran a restaurant on the beach in Devon.

What’s the best bar you have been in, in London/Worldwide?

I like ‘dirty old man’ pubs, it depends on the music. Lost Society on Wandsworth Rd is a brilliant craze with cocktails as good as you can get.

What are your guilty pleasures?

I like a bit of rock music, especially AC/DC.

What are the 3 things you would save from fire?

I’d save my iPod, it’s got everything on it. I’d also save my film collection that’s on VHS & DVD and includes 80’s classics... and my snowboard.

What would you say is the main difference between the Ink Rooms and other bars?

I’d say it’s the style of the bar, there’s not anywhere like it. The atmosphere is sociable

(there are 5 groups in here saying they’ve had a brilliant time).

People dance on the chairs and the music varies so caters for everyone, and it’s so chilled. We’re not a ‘stop-off’ but a destination bar, people come here and stay for a long time.

Do you do food?

No but ‘Hell’ pizza, opposite (on Lavender Hill) do, they’re a New Zealand company and our clients can order a £10 pizza and beer deal with free delivery.

www.inkrooms.com

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The Bedroom Genius Events team

All photos taken by Mr Man

It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good
Nina Simone — Feeling Good

It’s that time of year again, the end of the year. It seems ages ago when I wrote last years end of year The End is Nigh!.

So, as the days get shorter and the nights longer this is a good time for contemplating the year ahead and the one that has just passed.

This year, 2009, the last in this present decade known as the Noughties has been for me and the bedroom genius team a year of progressive success. Looking back on the year we put on our annual photography exhibition ‘Don’t Shoot the Photographer!’.The weather over that weekend was the very best of the summer.

The auditions for actors for what will be our biggest event to date, a romantic comedy with red carpet premiere, went well. The auditions were hard work but very rewarding. I strongly believe that every generation of artists must produce its own Woodstock and stop looking solely for 'The Industry' to discover them. So, I'm looking forward to seeing the great work of all the artists who will be participating in the film.

So, as we approach the new year this is a good time to sit down, recharge your batteries and enjoy life a lot more. As with last year for this blog we went about London taking great photos of the city at this time of year. I hope you enjoy the photos below.

In ending, on behalf of all the Bedroom Genius team we’d like to send festive greetings to all of our members and wish you and yours health, wealth and a creatively prosperous 2010.

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Bedroom Genius

All photos taken by Mr Man

PS: This is my last blog. If you’re interested in posting a blog? Please Click this Link!

I was prompted recently by my creative team to define in words, what I knew intuitively in unspoken terms to be, the BedroomGenius.com Manifesto. Enjoy:

About Us:

BedroomGenius.com is a diverse artist boutique network site with an art events calendar designed to showcase and promote our members’ talents.

In purposely choosing to be a boutique network site with a smaller highly talented community we have created a more intimate uncongested space for our members to network. We strongly believe that this will help all the artists create work of a surprisingly high standard.

Our Aims:

To take the starving artist martyr phase out of being an artist, by concentrating on helping our members’ master their craft, achieve recognition and get paid for their work.

We source, nurture and promote new emerging artists with potential and talent and collaborate with established artists through our events to sell and promote their work as well as connect them with people who can really help take their work further.

The single most important aim of BedroomGenius.com is to launch artists from our ranks to go on to become household well-known names and ultimately stars.

Why We do Events:

There’s an old adage that says, 'A ship is at its safest in port, but in port isn’t where a ship is supposed to be'. Likewise, the same is true for artists.

The work of a photographer and artist is supposed to be in a gallery being discussed, on people’s home walls and in books inspiring the next generation. Actors, performance artists and musicians and singers are supposed to be onstage performing to an audience unplugged and live. Models, Fashion Designers and Make-Up Artists are supposed to see their work going down the catwalk, photos of their work being eagerly read in magazines and ultimately people wearing their creations down the street. And so on.

The acid test for an artist’s work is in an event where the oxygen of the real world meets our creative bubble. Simply put, events help artists, grow, progress and become better artists.

Behind the Scenes:

50% of the BedroomGenius.com community isn’t on the site. Our offline community includes artists, art buyers, gallery owners, fashion designers and the like. This is the invisible community that attends our events and participates in our continued success.

Also in between an event we are planning our next Bedroom Genius.com event. As well as paying full attention to the BedroomGenius.com online community.

What We Ask of You:

Simply, creating an empty profile or adding no gallery to your profile isn’t networking. Also, adding a link to your profile on another website without creating a profile on BedroomGenius.com is lazy networking. We’re not into fast-food networking here we’re more like home food.

Like anything that’s worth doing we believe in doing it well.

All we ask is that members' create a full profile and participate in the Bedroom Genius community. Be it by networking with their fellow members, attending events and responding to casting calls or by participating in the dialogue of how to make BedromGenius.com better serve the needs of all the artists'.

In a nutshell there you have it. This is The Bedroom Genius Manifesto.

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