Rant: The London GREEN Fair? Really?

I have absolutely nothing against holistic therapies, world music or ethnic jewellery, but why is it that the word ‘green’ is inextricably linked to all things boho and hippy?

The annual London Green Fair stepped up a notch this year, so on June 4th, I hopped along with high expectations of finding this, as the website says, a “free festival that reflects the green aspirations and achievements of London as a whole, as well as providing an enjoyable and engaging day out for people from all walks of life”. Umm. Not really. There was a fair bit of suspiciously fast-looking food and it seemed the focus was on world music, alternative lifestyles and the aforementioned ubiquitous market-stand jewellery. What’s green about that?

I did spot Rice Dream, The Land Trust, Riverford Organic, Capital Growth and Thrifty Couture stands – and a lovely corner (yes, corner) dedicated to permaculture. But that was pretty much it out of a whole – if somewhat thin – festival. Harrumph.

My apologies in advance to any other greenies I didn’t spot.

Comments welcome…

Brighton. Right on.

Yes, yes, I know, EggMag has been stocked in Brighton for about 14 months. But I’ve got to be honest, the team have been so busy we’ve never managed to get down there for more than a couple of hours at a time. So, it was with great delight that I accepted an invitation to stay in the Brighton Artist’s Residence Hotel.

I arrived early (and before the hordes from London) so had some time to mooch with my Brighton-based buddy as my guide. We did the obligatory stroll along the seafront, visited one of the many delis serving properly good food, then checked into the hotel.

You can’t fault the location – it’s one block from the beach and if you have a room on the front, you’ll have a sea view across the square. Each room in this young and quirky little hotel is unique and painted by hand by different artists. Our rooms looked very sweet, although the artwork was a bit rough round the edges (literally), which made it a little messy I thought. But the idea behind the hotel is a good one: they rent the basement studio out to up-and-coming artists who then exhibit their work in the gallery and reception area. The proprietors are also making steps to eco-up the place, so it’s all in all a happy place to stay.

There’s plenty to keep you busy in Brighton: it genuinely is like a mini-London and I can’t think of many towns this size that would have such an interesting arts, shopping and music scene. Even Proud (as in Galleries) have an amazing ballroom here, hosting a programme of brilliantly boho and vintage-inspired events. There are plenty of little independent shops – like the lovely FAIR, which stocks some EggMag fashion favourites such as Bibico, Nancy Dee, People Tree and Bourgeouis Boheme – and a plethora of pubs and bars. We had a pint in The Dorset on North Road, and later headed to the characterful and laaarge Lion and Lobster pub.

Morning came with it a bit of a hangover, but luckily, my ‘breakfast in a bag’ courtesy of the good people at hotel, sorted me out: a super-soft croissant, Innocent OJ and a pot of yog. All good.

So. Summer’s here now (hopefully) so get your cheap advanced tickets from Southwest trains and get down to the seaside.