Wow, this has been a crap summer eh? Well, actually, APPARENTLY it’s been slightly above average. To be honest I find that even more depressing.

I feel bad for all the outdoor venues and activities that have been washed out this year. OK, we were lucky with Lovebox, some of the O2 Wireless, the Notting Hill Carnival and SW4, but it’s hardly been great for fun in the sun. However, like us Brits, the alfresco events keep soldiering forward, hoping for the best.

One such event that caught my eye is the opening of the alfresco gaming terrace at The Casino at The Empire in Leicester Square. Located outside the popular Icon …

Well, well, well. Who would have predicted just 2 weeks ago that Team GB would be storming the Beijing Olympic Medal table with a third spot position, only behind the USA and China. Not bad for a tiny little island – it’s a rather idealistic David and Goliath story, this one!

I have to say that I never thought I’d be glued to the box watching sailing and cycling, although my usual favourite event – the swimming (I do not watch it for the boys in speedos, ahem) had a nice little surprise. Rebecca Adlington became Britain’s first Olympic swimming champion in 48 years. She then went on to win a second gold medal – there was a lot of shouting at the TV in my house that day! We have managed to surprise and astound and have continued to pull …

When you think of beer festivals what do you imagine? Lager louts quaffing copious amounts of the dark stuff on an afternoon out, rotund bellies and plenty of sideburns, or an eclectic mix of all types of people sharing a passion for the most British of drinks – the good old pint. I have to admit I do prefer a more girly cocktail, but after doing a couple of beer tastings I have developed a certain taste for it, albeit in half pint options!

Well, whether you’re a budding beer connoisseur like me or a CAMRA member, this event may be of interest… From noon each day of the bank holiday weekend (Friday 22nd August-Monday 25th August) people of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds will descend on Brew …

Anyone who regularly reads my blog will know that I'm a big fan of wine and Champagne. Alas, in these times of credit crunches and the ever looming presence of a recession, the often high price tag makes drinking at upmarket bars and restaurants a little beyond my everyday grasp. Come on lottery numbers!

Well, luckily all my hopes don’t rest on a million to one chance of winning a tonne of money as All Bar One has come to the rescue! The popular (come on, even if you have a phobia of chains you have to admit you at least occasionally frequent your local All Bar One) chain of wine bars has stumbled upon a great idea. Every couple of months four limited …

Ahh jazz. It’s definitely a Marmite kinda deal – although, I always thought I hated jazz until I actually started going to jazz clubs and realised that, actually, a lot of it is pretty damn good! I’m a little traditional in my tastes, preferring something with a tune, but melodic jazz is definitely an acquired taste of mine.

Lately, everywhere has been jumping on the jazz music bandwagon. Of course, we have the usual, respected scene leaders like Ronnie Scotts, Parker Mcmillan, Jazz …