THEGAYUK

Day: 19 April 2017

  • RESTAURANT REVIEW | Riverfront Bar & Kitchen, London

    ★★★★ | Riverfront Bar & Kitchen, London

    Where’s the perfect place to eat breakfast and watch London wake up? It’s the Riverfront Bar and Kitchen tucked away under Waterloo Bridge at the National Film Theatre on the Southbank.

    Whether all you want is a freshly-brewed cup of coffee or a full on breakfast bachannalia, the Riverfront Bar and Kitchen is the place to go. With floor to ceiling windows that face the booksellers under Waterloo Bridge, and with gorgeous views facing north to Covent Garden and the City, you can enjoy hours of people watching while at the same time soaking up the very trendy and casual atmosphere.

    Opening up at the early hour of 9:00 a.m. every day, and 10:00 a.m. on bank holidays, The Riverfront Bar and Kitchen is the perfect place to start your day. I’ve been there for breakfast a couple times – the first time was a bit of a fiasco as everything that could go wrong did – so me and a friend decided to give it another try, and we were very glad we did.

    Greeted by the lovely Jackie – we didn’t waste any time ordering as we knew exactly what we wanted. My breakfast companion ordered a breakfast cocktail – the English Breakfast Martini – tea infused with Sipsmith Gin, Cointreau, lemon juice and tangy orange marmalade – and he really enjoyed it. And at £8.00 he said it was worth the money! As I do not tipple before 5pm, I had a glass of the refreshing tomato juice. But it was actually the food that counted the most.

    I ordered the American (and not because I am American but because it had exactly everything I wanted in a breakfast – pancakes, eggs, bacon, potatoes, sausage and the all important syrup) – and it was enormous! It was, as expected, delicious, but a bit uneven. All the slabs of bacon, but one, were cooked well done as I had requested, and the pancakes were different colors (one was a perfect brown while the other was on the light side – huh? exactly!) Sure I know these are minor quibbles but I like it when my pancakes are cooked evenly. A bargain at only £9.50 considering how much food was on the plate! My friend had Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes – a steal at £6.50 – and they were also enormous. Three very large, all the same color, with grilled banana on top, mixed berries and cream along the edges – and lots of maple syrup. He wasted no time in downing it – I really don’t think he chewed – he said it was that good! I am defninetly getting this next time. They were true American style pancakes – soft and brown and absolutely yummy. We also ordered – to share – the Chorizo Mash (£7.50). Smashed & fried potatoes, eggs, spinach & parmesan cheese, with of course chorizo, it arrived in a grill, very hot, and my friend ate most of it! I did enjoy the small portion I had – the chorizo was perfect and it’s just something different to eat then your everyday breakfast. But there’s more the Riverfront’s breakfast brunch menu, they also offer the Full English (£9.50), Vegetarian (£8.50), Eggs Benedict (£7.50), Scrambled Eggs and toast (£7.50) and Smashed Avocado with egg and tomato on toast (£6.50) are some of the other options which is a very good selection. They will also serve the typical Bloody Mary and Bucks Fizz drinks (£7.50 each) and even offer a kids breakfast (at a bargain £4.00).

    If you can’t make it for breakfast/brunch, the lunch and dinner menu is full on whatever you want you’ll get. There are also daily specials which the friendly staff will tell you about. And in warmer weather, the restaurant has loads of outside tables for you to dine (or drink) the day (and night) away people watching (as well as barge and boat watching). The venue can’t be better situated – it’s just minutes away from Waterloo, and a nice stroll over the Thames on both the Waterloo and Charing Cross Bridges. And of course the restaurant is in the National Film Theatre – and there’s always something going on – either a film festival, older films or new releases, you can combine a meal with a movie along with a stroll on the South Bank to make a day of it. It’s, for me, the best place to be in London, and once you visit – you’ll feel the same way too.

    Tel: 020 7928 0808

    www.benugo.com/restaurants/riverfront-bar-kitchen

    Email: riverfront@benugo.com
    Address: BFI Southbank,
    London, SE18XT

    OPENING HOURS
    Mon-Wed: 9am–11pm
    Thur-Sat: 9am-1am Sun: 9am–10:30pm
    Bank Holidays: 10am–10:30pm

  • Ten Tips To Make A Flawless First Impression

    Ten Tips To Make A Flawless First Impression

    First dates, they can be the makings of a fresh new romance or your very own horror movie. Okay, so that might be a bit of an overstatement, but they can certainly make or break the chances of a potential future with someone. As unfortunate as it might be, these scenarios – whether they play out good or bad for the individual – are one of the very few things that tie us all together.

    https://giphy.com/gifs/fabulous-hair-flip-shrek-wMqzS9qqe6X2E

    There’s a reason first dates are nerve-wracking but follow these ten steps and you’ll be sure to make a lasting – and outstanding – first impression.

    (You can thank me after the third date.)

     

    10 – Think Outside The Box

    There’s no need for dinner and a movie to be the only potential first date option. Get out of your comfort zone and do something a little different to leave a lasting impression on that special guy.

    9 – Dress To Impress

    Put away that ancient Tee and actually button up to be remembered. The right guy’s going to be worth that extra effort. Iron that shirt, polish the shoes, and don’t forget to run a brush through that hair, it’ll be worth it in the long run.

    8 – Have Fun – But Not Too Much Fun

    There’s nothing wrong with a little Dutch courage, but make sure to remember where the line is. Much like you will want to remember the date, he probably doesn’t want to be babysitting a stumbling drunk so maybe keep it to a four-drink maximum.

    7 – Don’t Do ALL Of The Talking

    Dates have a way of including two people for a reason. Just try to remember that it’s not all about you, no one likes a loudmouth whose favourite topic is himself, so ask some questions, and make him feel like the center of attention every now and then.

    6 – Find Some Common Ground

    It doesn’t matter if it’s music, movies, or your mutual love for sausage … dogs. Once you find something you completely agree on the conversation will start flowing without any effort at all. It’ll always give you something to fall back on too.

    5 – Cover The Fun Stuff – But Leave Out All The Rest

    Unless it’s especially important to the both of you, it might be best to avoid anything political or even remotely controversial. You’ll have enough time to cover your stances on Brexit, Gay Rights, and the Pro-Life movement, so let’s not use up all the fun topics on the first date.

    4 – Be Witty.

    Think Tina Fey, not Chandler Bing. The class clown is all well and good in small doses, but no one wants to be stuck on a date full of constant one-liners and immature observations.

    3 – Avoid All The BURNING Questions

    Top or bottom? STD Free? Much like the politics, you have more than enough time to find out these things about one another. While the answers might sway you one way or another – I’m not going to judge what’s important to you – those issues can definitely wait a few dates.

    2 – Leave It On A Good Note

    Like Mama said, “No one’s gonna’ buy the cow if you give the milk away for free.” This one will change from date to date, and person to person, but judge the situation well and leave it in a way that both of you will be happy with.

    Lips were made for more than talking, after all.

    1 – Be Yourself

    It’s cheesy and overused, but it really is the most important thing to remember. You need to find someone who likes the real you, and there’s only one way for them to get to know that awesome guy.

    Remember, confidence is sexy.

  • London’s highest ranking Police Officer, Cressida Dick comes out

    London’s highest-ranking police officer, Cressida Dick has revealed that she’s in a same-sex relationship with a co-worker.

    Speaking to The Evening Standard, London’s highest-ranking police officer, Cressida Dick revealed that she’s in a relationship with another woman. The woman is called Helen and also works in the Metropolitan Police force.

    Cressida Dick was appointed London’s Commissioner in February 2017 and is the first woman to take the job. She was appointed by the Queen and was recommended by the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd.

    This week marks her first week on the job and she’s spent it by visiting various London boroughs and meeting as many of her officers and staff as possible.

    Speaking about her first week, Commissioner Dick said,

    “I have been spending my first few days getting around London meeting and listening to officers, staff and members of the public. I want Londoners to feel they can approach anyone in the Met and talk to them about their concerns and what matters to them.

    “This city deserves a truly modern police service based on our traditional policing values. Being back in the Met has reminded me of how special our officers and staff are, and the extraordinary job they do day in and day out for London. It’s wonderful to be here.”

    She was made a CBE in 2015 by the Queen. She also holds the Queen’s Police Medal for distinguished service.

  • 8 things you probably didn’t know about Antony Cotton

    He’s been playing Sean Tully in the iconic soap Coronation Street since 2003, but what do we really know about the character’s actor, Antony Cotton?

    (C) ITV

    Here’s 8 thing you probably didn’t know!

     

    Is Antony Cotton gay?

    Yes, Antony Cotton is openly out. It was first reported in 2009 that he was “openly gay” by Digital Spy.

    How long has Antony Cotton been in Coronation Street?

    Antony has starred in Corrie since 2003 – where he appeared in one episode, he then returned full time in 2004. He is now in his 14th year.

    What else is Antony Cotton famous for?

    Aside from Coronation Street, Antony is probably most famous for his appearance in Channel 4’s Queer As Folk in which he played the character, Alexander Perry. The show first aired in 1999.

    In 2001 he also starred in a few episodes of Absolutely Fabulous as Edina’s assistant.

    What’s Antony Cotton’s net worth?

    It’s not known how much Antony Cotton is worth, however, he has appeared in over 1461 episodes of one of the UK’s most successful soaps and has had a variety of other high-profile TV jobs.

    How old is Antony Cotton?

    Antony was born 5th August 1975 making him 41 in 2017. He was born in Bury, England.

    Is Antony Cotton married?

    Well, we’re not quite sure… Antony has a long-term partner called Peter Eccleston. They’ve been together since 2005 where they met at Granada Studios. Antony talked about marriage in 2007,  and they apparently exchanged rings in March 2010, but no official word on whether they actually got hitched. They do, however, live in a luxurious home in Rochdale.

    He once had his own chat show!

    In 2007 Antony had his own chat show in the 5PM  slot on ITV called That Antony Cotton Show, unfortunately, ITV didn’t renew the show and it was axed in early 2008. There were 25 episodes and featured guests like Dannii Minoque, Brian Blessed and Kate O’Mara.

    He’s contracted until May 2017!

    So, what will happen come May 2017, will Corrie execs renew his contract for another year?

  • Tim Farron does NOT consider being gay a sin

    The Liberal Democrat leader, Tim Farron has said that he does not think that being gay is a sin.

    • Tim Farron said that he did not think that being gay was a sin.

    • He said he was proud that the Liberal Democrats were able, with the Coalition Government to introduce same-sex marriage.

    • He said there was still so much more to be done and called for an “open, tolerant, united society”.

    Tim Farron has answered that he does not consider homosexuality a sin, following a direct questioning in the House of Commons today.

    Asked by Tory backbencher Nigel Evans on whether he thought being gay was a sin, the Westmorland and Lonsdale MP answered,

    “I do not. I tell you what, I am very proud to have gone through that lobby behind him there in the Coalition Government where the Liberal Democrats introduced gay marriage, equal marriage and, indeed, did not go as far as it should have done in terms of recognising transgender rights.

    “There is much more to be done and if we campaign in this election – as we will – for an open, tolerant, united society then we need to make sure that we do not in any way be complacent about LGBT rights not just here but in other parts of the world.

    “In particular what is going on in Chechnya at the moment.”

    The answer comes after the Lib Dem leader failed to answer Cathy Newman’s question on Channel 4 News.

    Ms Newman asked,

    “A while back I asked you if you thought that homosexuality was a sin and you struggled to answer.

    “Now you’ve had a while to consider that question, what is the answer?”

    Mr Farron replied, “I don’t think I struggled to answer it at all, Cathy. I think I’m not in the position to make theological announcements over the next six weeks.

    “I’m not going to spend my time talking theology or making pronouncements.”

  • DVD Review | Theo & Hugo (Paris 05:59) – sexually charged and romantic

    ★★★★ | Theo & Hugo

    Two men meet at one of Paris’ most popular, and notorious, gay sex clubs, and then embark on an evening with lots of twist and turns, in the new film Theo & Hugo.

    You might think you’re watching a gay porn film as the first 20 minutes of Theo & Hugo is full on man-to-man action – erections and anal sex are all on full display, filmed at L’Impact – a naked gay sex club in the Marais district in Paris. Theo and Hugo, In French, with English subtitles, is shot in real time, and it’s in that club where Theo and Hugo meet, at exactly 4:27 am, amongst the writhing and moaning group of men who are all enjoying each others’ company.

    While there, Theo & Hugo connect sexually, intimately, and emotionally. They then decide to leave the club together to carry on their night with each other. But what wasn’t discussed while they were having unsafe sex at the club was the use of a condom to prevent HIV transmission, as Hugo (Francois Nambot) tells Theo (Geoffrey Couët) that he is HIV+.

    What transpires after is a rollercoaster of a night for both of them, when Theo goes to the hospital to get PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis), medication that should kill any traces of the virus that might be in his system.

    Romantically, and responsibly, Hugo joins him there. They then wander the streets of Paris, on a night that could turn out to be either very romantic or very tragic, with the ramifications of HIV staring them right in the face, and the possibility that their encounter could be more than just an encounter.

    Is Theo & Hugo a porn film or is it a film with an important message? This is something that you will have to decide, but nonetheless, it’s guerrilla and gay filmmaking at its finest. And Kudos go to the actors for ‘baring it all’ in scenes that are relevant to the message of the film, and to writers and directors Olivier Ducastel and Jacques Martineau for bravely, and successfully, having the balls to make this controversial, yet romantic and engaging film. It’s sexually charged and romantic.

    Theo & Hugo (Paris 05:59) is available on iTunes and Amazon and is also available at WolfeVideo.com and Digital and Vimeo

  • Leader of Lib Dems couldn’t answer this question about homosexuality

    The leader of the Liberal Democrats Tim Farron has yet again dodged a question about his thoughts on the morality of homosexuality.

    Tim Farron, leader of the Liberal Democrats has once again failed to answer whether he thinks homosexuality is a sin or not, during an interview on Channel 4 with Cathy Newman.

    Mr Farron who identifies as a Christian was unable to answer a question on whether he thought homosexuality was a sin. Ms Newman asked the 46-year-old politician, “A while back I asked you if you thought that homosexuality was a sin and you struggled to answer.

    “Now you’ve had a while to consider that question, what is the answer?”

    Mr Farron replied, “I don’t think I struggled to answer it at all, Cathy. I think I’m not in the position to make theological announcements over the next six weeks.

    “I’m not going to spend my time talking theology or making pronouncements.”

    The question follows on from an interview in 2015 where she asked, “Do you think as a Christian, that homosexual sex is a sin?” He was so evasive with his answer, Ms Newman asked him three times.

    In an interview with GQ in 2016, Tim Farron revealed that he joined the Liberal Democrats, because of his gay friends saying,

    “One of the reasons I joined the liberals was because of lesbian and gay rights. Friends of mine were gay and I saw how they were treated and bullied. I want a society where people are valued for who they are.”

    Farron has repeatedly had his stance on gay relationships questioned after abstaining on the UK’s same-sex marriage vote in 2013.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Thoroughly Modern Millie – Leeds Grand Theatre and National Tour

    ★★★ | Thoroughly Modern Millie – Leeds Grand Theatre and National Tour

    Set in the prohibition era in 1920’s New York, Millie Dillmount arrives from Kansas determined to snag herself a rich husband, but ends up broke after being robbed, and finds her way to the Hotel Priscilla, a run-down establishment owned by Mrs Meers. Millie tries desperately to seduce her rich boss, whilst all the time falling for penniless Jimmy Smith. But when it comes to it, will Millie choose wealth over love, and will she ever work out why the girls in the hotel keep mysteriously disappearing?

    Photo Credit – Darren Bell

    Thoroughly Modern Millie is a traditional, old-school musical in a similar style to those written by Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. Using catchy songs, a will they/won’t they love story and gentile comedy, the show bounces along in a rather enjoyable manner and maintains all of the elements one would expect from such a production. The rather straightforward plot is interspersed with a number of pleasing ensemble dance breaks and littered with toe-tapping songs which progress the narrative. Throw into the mix a rather silly subplot involving disappearing hotel guests and an ending that could only happen in a musical and you have a fun show overall.

    Joanne Clifton (Strictly Come Dancing) throws her all into the title role and surpasses expectations as Millie. The dancing, as you would expect, was spot on, but her voice was an unexpected treat, with only a little overacting letting her down at times. Sam Barrett proved to be quite a charming leading man as Jimmy Smith and the ensemble proved their worth in the dance routines, in particular, Damian Buhagiar who stood out from the crowd with his committed and well-performed dancing.

    Where the show faltered was with an uncomfortably out of date portrayal Mrs Meers, the white slave trader (yes, that’s right!) as a pantomime style Chinese woman, complete with chopsticks in her hair and rather poor Pidgin English which jostles harshly against such an otherwise whimsical plot. The set was slightly uninspired, despite its art deco/Chrysler building influence; and a rather long penultimate scene in which Graham MacDuff’s portrayal of a drunken Mr Graydon and some fake corpsing certainly outstayed their welcome. The show could have also done with a reprise of one of the songs performed by the full cast to round off the evening as the curtain fell.

    Overall, the show is light, bubbly, breezy and undemanding and a generally solid production of a little performed, if slightly dated, musical. Clifton shines in the singing and dancing stakes and the show is ultimately a feel-good, if rather throwaway, piece of theatre.

    Thoroughly Modern Millie is currently at Leeds Grand Theatre (www.leedsgrandtheatre.com) until 22nd April 2017, before continuing on its national tour until the 15th July 2017. Full details can be found at the show’s webpage at http://modernmillie.co.uk/