My background – many, many years ago – is actually steeped in science, I’m a genetics graduate dontcha know. Of course, clubbing and hitting the bars of London was far more appealing, but hey ho. Still, I do admit that, on occasion, my geeky side rears its head – before I drown it out under the gluggging of cocktails, of course.

Still, when I heard about an event on Wednesday 16th July – The Science of Beer – I do admit that my interest was most definitely piqued. Run by the Royal Institute of Great Britain (well let’s face it, what’s more British than beer?) in collaboration with Alex Bell – the head brewer at O’Hanlon’s Brewing Company – it will give people the chance to learn all about the scientific secrets behind brewing our favourite …

Unless you’ve had your head seriously buried in the sand the last week you’ll know that a possible recession has loomed its ugly head. Arg, like living in London isn’t enough of a financial struggle as it is! Of course, this isn’t great news for the hospitality industry as people tighten the old purse strings and decide to go all budget (Primark, anyone?). Clubs and bars may notice a bit of a dip in profits over the next few months.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. So house prices may be plummeting and petrol prices rising (hurrah! I don’t own a house or a car, get me to the pub!), but one of my favourite Soho party holes Zebrano at the Establishment …

Now I don’t mean to scare you, but I think robots may be trying to take over the world – or the UK at least - I-Robot style. Yes, it’s true. First it was the turn of the ICA in London to introduce robotic punk clubbers (see Neurotic Robots Love to Party), and now the world’s first robotic barman (I swear, it’s true) is making its shiny and new debut at one of my favourite places to spend money – Selfridges Oxford Street - tomorrow.

The robot, lovingly named Mr Asahi (as in the beer) is …

Ahh England. It would be nice to win SOMETHING this year. No Euro 2008, no rugby…

Well there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Yesterday afternoon the ViewLondon team headed along to the finals of the England heat for the 42 Below Cocktail World Cup at one of my favourite bars, the Haymarket Pool Bar.

I have to say I was pleased to see that some of my favourite London bars dominated the heat. Mahiki, Gilgamesh, The …

Smoochie, smoochie, smoochie! We all love a bit of a kiss, be it air kisses to greet acquaintances, pecks to greet friends and family or full on French kisses (ooh la la!). I’m really sick of people being all angry – especially come 5.30pm on the Central Line (calm down, calm down)… OK, I admit I’m totally the worst commuter there is, but still. So a day dedicated to kisses and luuurve is just the ticket for us stressed out Londoners. Welcome to National Kissing Day!

Sunday 6th July is the date in question (mark it in your diaries boys and girls!) and, of course, London bars will be getting in on the action – not literally, that would be weird.

One of my favourite bars, Graphic …