With all this recent financial turmoil and global economic strife, I thought I might bring you some respite in these gloomy times. Take a break from the Blackberry for just a few minutes and enjoy the mouth-watering offerings I’m about to serve you up, as Lazarus On London provides you with a snappy guide to the best credit crunch-busting venues this side of the Atlantic. I’m hoping this will leave you all a few pounds lighter next time you’re in Old London Town! Now Jeeves, where did I put that buy-one-get-one-free offer?

Drink - Public House. Newly launched bar in Islington, Public House is a smart and welcoming addition to North London. Its use of opulent lights, polished wooden floors, and eclectic furniture give this venue a unique feel amongst the throngs of bars in the surrounding area. Cozy up to the piano area later in the evening with a pungent Bloody Soup that mixes tomato, spices, and vodka together with hot or cold water, according to the seasons or a little Hendricks number. This drink features Hendricks Gin blended with cucumber, a touch of rhubarb and apple juice, and a smidgen of apricot jam. Most cocktails on the list for those totting up the numbers come in at a relatively cheap $14. I know, but this is still London.

Address:
54 Islington Park,
London,
N1 1PX
E: www.boutiquepubs.com

Dance - Fabric. A stalwart on the London club scene for more than nine years, but what lies in store once you’re in? A big sound system and even bigger acts flock to Fabric, located inside a former Victorian meat market in the heart of Shoreditch. Get your rocks off inside three different areas to a variety of beats and tunes thrown up by a constant stream of regular live acts. An excellent selection of spirits and bottled beers will make sure you don’t go thirsty, while the live stage and large dance floor will keep you on your toes till the small hours — unless you fall over from the sheer ferocity of the drum and bass beats.

Address: 77A Charterhouse Street
London
EC1M 3HN
E: http://www.fabriclondon.com/

Dine - Ping Pong. It’s Dim Sum, but not as we know it. This popular chain with seven branches across the capital serves up an array of delicious little parcels of joy, from steamed pork to duck and spicy chicken. However, for the non dumpling lover, there are also other choices, including honey-glazed ribs in a sticky sauce, chili squid, and a host of other Oriental dishes. Licking your lips already? Thought so. And you can wash this all down with a variety of flowered teas or their signature Ping Pong cocktail, incorporating martini bianco, white wine, and lychee juice.

Address: Branches throughout including 45 Great Marlborough Street and 83-84 Hampstead High Street
E: www.pingpongdimsum.com/

Distraction - Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer’s Life, 1990-2005. An event that’s sure to capture the imagination — world renowned celebrity and royal photographer Annie Leibovitz brings her famous subjects in one collection to the National Portrait Gallery on St. Martins Lane. Famous images that you’ll be able to spot from her illustrious 15-year exhibition include the crème de la crème of Hollywood’s A - List, including Nicole Kidman, Jamie Foxx, and Brad Pitt. For the first time, you’ll have the opportunity to take a glimpse through rarely seen family and friends photos and images of her lover, noted writer Susan Sontag. Other highlights from the 150 images on display feature photos (whilst on assignment) from the conflict in Sarajevo and Hilary Clinton’s election to the US Senate. You’ll even have change from a 20-pound note with tickets priced at £11 for adults and £9 for seniors and concessions.

Address: National Portrait Gallery,
St Martin’s Place,
Westminster,
London,
WC2H 0HE
E: http://www.npg.org.uk/annieleibovitz/index.htm

16th October 2008 until 1st February 2009

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