Versus

I live just off Brick lane, the capital of Bohemia you might even say.

The way E1's denizens cut a swathe accross the streets you could be forgiven for thinking you were at a high end fashion shown in Milan.

But do people in East London really have the best style?

On the kings Road I often see some people with incredible personal style, a style that seems a little more natural than the obviously trying inhabitants of East london.

Camera in hand I thought I'd turn anthropologist and see who really has the best style, the real decision though is up to you.

East London: 

Neuhar

Mr High Top

Taka

Lady Cool

Liz

Kensal Rise Massive

Butler

Jon Luca 

West London:

Aida & Murray - The Koople

A weekend in the city

Brand Power

In case you didn't already know Apple is now the worlds most valuable brand ahead of Google, according to Millward Brown anyway.

The list of the highest valued brands is incredibly interesting especially as it's another illustration of the emerging power of the BRIC nations. If you haven't seen it yet check it out here here or for more insight here .

Now I feel stupid....

.....it doesn't happen that often, possibly because I never admit to being wrong.

Stupid is the most apt word to describe how I felt listening to David Milibands talk on the Global village and politics in the Middle East. I realised I've still got a lot more to learn. I didn't just feel slightly out of my comfort zone though I also felt by the end of talk inspired, educated and excited.

Hearing first hand from the former Foreign Secretary what caused the middle east meltdown and what China has in store for the world was a great experience.

The talk was part of a festival held by Fallon called Future Proof. Most people might wonder what exactly that has to do with advertising but I think that's one of the reasons Fallon is such a great agency. Knowledge and creativity should be drawn from all over the world not just a tiny subsection of it.

After listening to the talk and seeing where all of Ed Milibands charisma went (David obviously was born with all of it) I remembered all over again who should be the Labour leader (no he wouldn't answer any questions on the subject).

Love is what you want

I'm tighter than a Scotsman when it comes to paying for exhibitions, there's a wealth of free exhibitions in London making parting with my cash quite difficult.

Generally though the get what you pay for principle does apply and the shows I've seen have been great value for money. One exhibition which I think is going to be incredible value for money is the Tracey Emin retrospective at the Hayward gallery: Love is what you want.

The exhibition is her biggest to date and covers every aspect of her career. You can get reacquainted with the controversial Turner prize nominated 'my bed' or get lost in her often brutal poetry, you can even see who she's slept with .

A major theme of the show is sculpture adding something new for even the most ardent and long serving Emin fan.

Tracey Emin has been a major influencing factor on British art over her 20 year career Love is what you want won't just be a show it'll be a tutorial examining a seminal British artist and the YBA movement.

I've seen Emin a few times as we share the same local, she has an incredible aura, a sort of magnetism that draws you in and captivates you, you feel like you've shared something together. I've no doubt the show at the Hayward gallery will make you feel the same way.

The show opens next Wednesday click here for tickets .

Wasn't I cute

I found the below photos whilst traversing the dark corners of the web and had to share them.

With every Tom, Dick and Zane picking up a camera these days it's nice to see some differentiation.

I love the simple concept.

For more of the same and for information on the photographer Irina Werning click here

I challenge you....

....to find a better value restaurant in London than Le Mercury in Islington.

I've been meaning to take a trip there for a while and have heard great things about the place.

Modern, unpretentious French food that won't even slightly hurt your wallet.

If you haven't tried Foie Gras before here's your chance (yes Foie Gras, if food sustainability and animal cruelty keep you awake at night you're on the wrong blog).

I've had sea bass at michelin star restaurants that wasn't as good as Le Mercury's. At a paltry £7.95 its cheaper than a Nando's. 

To be honest I wondered why I hadn't been sooner, don't make the same mistake get yourself down there

East vs West

Whilst not indulging in cider, sunshine and awesome food I decided to immerse myself in art last weekend.

I've heard lots of chat about Fitzrovia becoming London's new arthub stealing the crown from Vyner street in Bethnal Green.

Decide for yourself.

Vyner street:

Brains as well as......

You'd have to be blind or genuinely disinterested in restaurants/food to have not noticed the growing acceptance of nose to tail eating and the re-emergence of solid British cooking of late.

The hoops mere mortals have to go through to get a table at St Johns on a Friday is testament to that.

In need of a culinary fix a friend of mine suggested I try Brawn the new sister bar to the French restaurant Terroirs in Soho. I had a delicious, entertaining and almost enlightening meal there.

I tried my first oyster which was delicious and at £1.80 a pop with red wine vinegar and shallots a great introduction for anyone dubious about the delicacy. I also tried bone marrow something I can't seem to get away from and I know my Mum wouldn't approve of.

The menu changes daily and as it's officially a wine bar the wine list is robust without being pretentious.

The restaurant is situated right next to Colombia Road flower market and is a great way to while away an evening. Even AA gill approves.

For tables etc visit http://www.brawn.co/  

Da tube

I'm a big Fan of YouTube both for fun and advertising.

If you manage to get quirky humour right in a video the potential audience you can reach is incredible (Lonely Islands new song has 60 million plus views!)

Another angle for brands is to use the technology to it's fullest like the below example. 

It's certainly more interesting than another flaming banner ad.