london - BAB ABOUT TOWN

WARNING: A few Spoilers ahead – Can you keep a Secret?

Secret Cinema is well known for tackling big-screen adaptations from Alien to Moulin Rouge and creating worlds from films that you can experience in reality. Now Secret Cinema is tackling something completely different- the small screen and this time we are all transported back to the 80s where Madonna was our Gaga, cell phones were the size of computers and shell suits were fashionable but of course, there are a few Strange extras. Missing kids, secret Russian labs and SHORT SHORTS?! You need to get down to the bottom of this kids! Not quite the 80’s you remember? Of course not, this Secret Cinema is very different from the rest as it’s creating the tv adaption of Netflix’s Stranger Things.

If you are familiar with Secret Cinema you know that information is limited such as the location of the event and what to expect inside the event. You will be aware of the location a couple of weeks before you attend, there are a few emails that give you little clues in what to expect but when you get to the event nothing prepares you for what’s to come. The only clue we had was that it was our high school reunion and we are celebrating the 4th of July in Winter, strange. Ticket holders will be choosing from a selection of pop culture movements such as punks, hip-hoppers and new romantics. On arriving you are greeted by fellow 80’s pupils holding up signs to the event and then we saw the big neon sign of The Star Court Mall and this is where the adventure begins. Phones locked away, game face on and you are ready to enter into the world of Stranger Things.

As you enter you literally feel like your stepping on set of Stranger Things, it’s very Season 3 from retail stores to video arcades and bars and yes, they even having Scoops Ahoy and you can buy the ice cream! Neon colours, crazy patterns and 80s shopping music…If anyone asks where I am, I’ve left the country okay? The detail is insane, it’s very true to the tv show and truly an immersive experience for all.

You can choose to meet with your 80s pop culture leader and they give you information that you need to start your mission – reports of missing kids? A government cover-up?! you need to get down to the bottom of it and find out what the hell is going on in Hawkins. From readings with fortune tellers to finding yourself trying to crawl through vents holding onto beer and getting busted by crazy Russians, these missions make you quickly forget that you are Amy Langston, 28 and living in Birmingham. Everyone is in character, American accents and all, and you find yourself also talking in an American accent. You see a glimpse of the upside-down on your journey, ordering a drink at the bar and suddenly the lights and electric cut out and yeah, I got a bit of a twitchy bum from it, it can get quite spooky! Not only are you in this experience with your friends but keep an eye out because you are also experiencing this with many of the characters from Stranger Things that may come in handy on some of your missions. You create your own experience here and really, you are in charge of your journey.

There is plenty to explore here in The Star Court however it’s not all based in the mall, you get to celebrate the 4th July at the Hawkins carnival complete with food and drink vendors, carnival games and the main stage for you all to dance, participate in competitions and question the Mayor on what’s going on in Hawkins. Fancy dancing to candy in an 80’s dance club? or becoming a reporter? or maybe you just fancy a little bit of retail therapy? The sets are so awesome and the detail is endless from characters costume to set/prop designs. Make sure you stick around for the Mayor’s speech later on in the night that’s when things really get out of hand…

Usually, at Secret Cinema you go to watch the film but of course, this is a tv series we are talking about and a bloody long one. So I am not going to give anything away in how they do this but all I can say is the team behind Secret Cinema are some seriously talented creatives and okay! okay! You do have the chance to sing Never ending story, that’s it! I am not saying anymore. My experience of Stranger Things Secret Cinema is one I will never forget, I am a massive fan of the tv show and it didn’t disappoint, it gave me a chance to be part of the much-loved series. A truly spectacular experience that will leave jaws dropping and people wanting to experience it again and again.

Limited tickets are still on sale don’t miss out on this amazing experience and a chance to be part of your favourite tv show. A little bit of a tip choose an early time to attend, this is a very popular event so it can get quite packed out and flat shoes are advisable.

AMY ELIZA

So last week I celebrated my 28th birthday with a very uncomfortable hour-long wax and a cossie wedgie…the joys of growing older hey? This year I wanted to do something different and I wanted to pamper myself with a spa day. I have NEVER had a spa day before and I am not too sure as to why maybe it’s my fear of peoples toes in those horrid flip flops or those swimming costumes that are in fashion now, you know, the ones where you have most of your crotch hanging out? Whatever it was I decided to take the plunge and book my first Spa day at The Belfry Hotel in Sutton Coldfield.

So, what did I learn from my spa Day?

Don’t leave it to last minute to buy a swimming costume as your butt may not be able to fit in it. That is exactly what happened, I couldn’t get my sodding butt in the cossie.
Children are everywhere, there is no escape even at a “relaxing spa day” there are 11am children swimming lessons going on, whatever happened to taking your kids to school and leaving them there for the day?
I was right, the white flip flop slippers are minging.
Everywhere is slippy, even the sodding swimming pool is slippy.
Spa days are not that relaxing

Whilst there were a few negatives, I did overall enjoy my experience of my very first spa day at The Belfry, the back massage gave me a bit of relief, the afternoon tea was filling and delicious and overall the Belfry is a very impressive spa hotel.

The next birthday treat was a meal at Tattu in Birmingham in which I am sure many of you have heard of but if not, just follow the blossom trail. A Modern Chinese restaurant next to Snowhill station on Barwick street kitted out in beautiful blossom and oozes sleek design. Now, this is my second time to Tattu as I loved it so much the first time. As a group we ordered a couple of plates to share from Monkfish to Dim sum, the food is colourful, vibrant and god damn bloody tasty. By far the best Chinese food I have ever had. One thing that stands out with Tattu is the service, the service is first class PERIOD. I know it’s my birthday but even when it wasn’t my birthday last time, the service and the positive energy our group received from the employees was great and it really does make the experience second best to none.

My final treat was a trip down to London to stay in the Ace Hotel in Shoreditch. My cousin Jess and I caught the 6 am coach to Victoria from Birmingham and I spent most of it sleeping and hissing at the little kid in front of me. Soon as we arrived it was time for coffee and where’s best to head for coffee in Victoria, why, Peggy Porschen of course! Well known for its beautiful floral decorated shop front and pastel pink sleek design, it really is a stunner, but did you know they do great coffee and cake too? You see, unfortunately, many people see Peggy’s as a photo opportunity. I am sitting outside sipping on my cappuccino and I see people stopping to take photos outside and then running off, why don’t you taste the product before abusing it? Peggy Porschens is a lovely not so hidden gem in London with lovely staff and mouth-watering cakes, An absolute delight.

Another favourite is Dominque Ansel Bakery, I have wanted to try the brunch there for so long. We luckily got a table in the morning, we sat in the autumn decked out conservatory and we felt like we were in Autumns aura. After a morning of non-stop walking around Oxford street shopping for our Friday night outfits and death-trap tubes, it was time to meet my friend Laura and head to the Ace Hotel in Shoreditch. I was looking for arty-farty, more art, less of the fart and that that’s exactly what I got. The room was for four ladies, but you could fit 2 hen party’s in that joint. Little touches such as vinyl players, vinyl records, lifestyle magazines made it so unique and I was even surprised with a bottle of bubbly from the staff to celebrate my birthday and yes, of course, we googled the cost £15!

The Ace Hotel even has a rooftop bar that showcases a pretty view of Shoreditch with some classic cocktails. We headed out for pizza and met my other friend Heather to head on over to Tonight Josephine. Now you may recognise this place on a lot of bloggers social media pages or if you are an Apprentice fan, it was on The Apprentice 2 weeks ago where the lads made a right cock up on the ice lolly’s, quite literally they looked like Willys! Another place where people go to take “selfies” for the gram and it was quite incredible how so many girls were taking it quite seriously, not one to fuss over an Instagram photo however all of us found ourselves fighting over photos and shooting down our blurry photos. We just wanted to feel like the spice girls for one night okay! Tonight Josephine is good but only when you are a bit drunk, its full of repetitive pop songs and cocktails full of sugar. If you need a photo for the gram, I guess, you could go here.

The last day we went exploring Brick Lane. full of amazing art, quirky markets and exotic people, it is defiantly my kind of place! The markets are incredible here not like your fruit and veg market back in Brum, but they have all sorts of offerings furniture, cronuts, pretty dresses and sexy paintings. The Vintage Market on Brick lane is one of my favourites, why did I not go there to find my Friday night outfit?! I am a big lover of sunglasses and found myself trying on an impressive selection of Elton John’s glasses. After our afternoon of exploring it was time to head back home to Brum.

It was pretty great to return back to work to some of my colleague’s shell shocked that I turned 28 ” You don’t look like a day over 18″ which is simply quite flattering but then still annoying as I still get I’D!I am growing up and I am having to make important decisions to better myself in this life, I decided soon as I turned 28 to make a checklist for the year and to stick to it, this is something I have not done before. I know what I want to achieve by the time I have turned 29 and I do feel that it’s achievable.Turning 28 I have found myself to be a lot wiser and a lot more confident in myself. I have mentioned before in another blog post I have had a terrible 2 years and although the start of the year was bad and there have been moments where it’s been very difficult but I am still here, I am not a quitter and as my family would say, I’m a Langston, we laugh our way through life. The fire is burning in my belly and confidence is growing so I’m ready too take you on 28!

AMY ELIZA