Month: March 2013

THE EXPAT FACTOR | Scott Hallsworth is executive chef and co-founder of Wabi, specialising in innovative and seasonal Japanese cuisine with a contemporary European twist. Previously head chef of Nobu London, Scott has earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of gastronomy and creating unique and interesting menus.

REVIEW | Melbourne born opera director revitalises Tosca, a dramatic tale of love and murder in Italy on stage at the Royal Opera House. The production also features Australian tenor Hubert Frances in the role of Spoletta.

Not just for Vampire lovers, GEORGIA DAWES discovers Transylvania is a fascinating region of scenic beauty, gothic architecture and historical delights.

Documentary film Alias Ruby Blade offers a unique insight into the tumultuous birth of a new nation in Timor-Leste through the story of Kirsty Sword, a young Australian activist who provided valuable assistance to the resistance and ultimately fell in love with resistance leader, and first President of Timor-Leste, Xanana ...

Delicious breakfasts, satisfying portions, expertly presented and efficiently delivered. With quality coffee to precede, and follow (it is a Monday after all), Lantana is an excellent way to start the week.

EDINBURGH EXPAT | Consider this statement in the context of Australia and suddenly our reputation as a sporting nation becomes more a matter of logic rather than a testament to our power of will. We spend a lot of time outdoors, because we can.

The modern sophisticated juniper-based spirit seen in a G&T or a dry martini is a long way removed from William Hogarth’s picture of ‘Gin Lane’ in 1751.

Between 11am and 11pm (AEDT) on Thursday the hashtags #spill, #Auspol, #qt, and the names and handles of key figures in federal politics generated more than 247,000 tweets, Twitter says. Here's our pick of the best.

Sydney artist Del Kathryn Barton has won the Archibald Prize for the second time, this time with her portrait of the actor Hugo Weaving.

REVIEW | Tommy Emmanuel with Martin Taylor, ‘The Colonel & The Governor’ tour, Shepherd's Bush Empire, 16 March 2013.

Sarah Blasko is set to introduce her haunting and beautiful fourth album to UK audiences on 8 April 2013. Her accompanying performance at Barbican Hall on 11 April 2013, complete with her band and string section, is one that should not be missed.

While most don't consider China a family-friendly destination, the country offers impressive theme parks, hilarious winter sports and wondrous waterslides — some of them actually in the world-famous Cube.

BBC Worldwide have confirmed the sale of Lonely Planet to a US media group owned by billionaire Brian Kelley for AUD$75 million (£51.5 million).

THE EXPAT FACTOR | Liz Koops is a theatrical entrepreneur who brought sell-out shows Tap Dogs and Priscilla Queen of The Desert to the UK stage. She is managing director of Back Row Productions, winner of 2012 Australian Woman of the Year in the UK and has recently launched a ...

HONEYMOONING NOMAD | Faced with reminders of life back home, our adventuring newlywed experiences that feeling we’ve all had at one point in our UK journey: homesickness.

TUBE TALK | It’s not too often we see the same faces on the Tube on a daily basis, but imagine if one day as you hopped onto your carriage you saw a face that you knew.

The weather in Edinburgh can be harsh, even in the springtime. Especially in the springtime. So if you’re looking to take a trip up North you will need two things - energy and warmth. Both of which can be found at the bottom of a steaming cup of coffee.

INTERVIEW | Submerge is a new Australian film which explores the pressures facing Gen Y. It is screening as part of the 27th BFI London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival on Tuesday 19 March 2013.

When it comes to finding the best people for the job, many organisations struggle to find the right people and many people are finding it difficult to find the right job.

French and Saunders star Dawn French will join ex-Spice Girl Mel B and two Australian judges on the judging panel of Channel Nine's Australia's Got Talent.

INTERVIEW | Half-Australian actress Mariah Gale stars as a brilliant but troubled mathematician in a new production of award-winning play ‘Proof’.

The nominations for the 2013 TV Week Logie Awards — Australian TV’s night of nights — has been announced, with Channel Nine again leading the pack.

Full list of 2013 Logie Award nominations.

SUBCULTURE SLEUTH | This week our sleuth practices the London art of patience when faced with a swarming mass of tourists.

London is a theatre hub but it’s the emerging talent at the fringe who are really doing it for the love of the job.

FIT AUSSIE | With the cold weather set to continue, our fit Aussie in London gives you his handy hints to staying healthy, and sane, into spring.

One of Australia’s most recognisable ballet stars at London’s Royal Opera House is back on stage this month. Principal with The Royal Ballet Steven McRae features in the new work 24 Preludes by Russian choreographer Alexei Ratmansky, one of a three-piece spectacle at Covent Garden.

Focusing on strengths and synergies, not stereotypes, leads to greater gender diversity and better outcomes in the workplace.

HONEYMOONING NOMAD | Is weight gain an inevitable part of living in London for an extended period? This Backpacking wife gets physical in an attempt to prove the “Heathrow Injection” is nothing more than a myth.

THE EXPAT FACTOR | Chloe Angel dreamed of an international career in singing and performing, and has moved to London to pursue these goals. You may have seen her warming up the crowds in Covent Garden.

THE EXPAT FACTOR | Welcome to our new weekly profile to recognise and promote the interesting, exciting and innovative achievements of Australians living and working in the UK.

REVIEW | Bookmark the ‘What’s On’ page of the St James Theatre website, because their list of upcoming shows is way too long to take in with one glance.

EDINBURGH EXPAT | Australia was established as a penal colony because there was no space left in the correctional facilities in Britain. Centuries later the lack of space in the UK continues to present challenges, as our Edinburgh Expert is all too aware.

The Australian invasion of Hollywood has never been more evident than in Stoker, a Hitchcock style thriller now showing in UK theatres.

ALP Abroad’s pilgrimage to Oxford has uncovered the true location, and story behind Bob Hawke’s record breaking feat; drinking a yard glass of ale in under 12 seconds.

Tucked away in a small alley off Kingsway, Holborn, Fleet River Bakery is a haven of freshly baked smells, creamy lattes and understated rustic charm, that has, by chance, played witness to a number of significant steps in my own personal London story.

From the kitchen of Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's, Chris Arkadieff shows us his unique take on your everyday salad.

BRON IN THE DON | With Arts in her eyes, our resident adventurer visited one of the most popular cultural destinations in London. #66 on the Timeout London Top 100 — the Southbank Centre.

Crash, bang, wallop! It’s The Claudia O’Doherty Experience! An elaborate season of ‘nofeather-boas-allowed’ Friday night cabaret shows, presented by Australia’s prodigal daughter Claudia O’Doherty.

SUBCULTURE SLEUTH | In an attempt to understand the almost religious fevour with which football is followed in our adopted homeland, our sleuth dons the red and white and tries to go incognito at the ‘North London derby’.

The truth is definitely out there. Russell Crowe, the Oscar award-wining actor, has uploaded a 23 second clip showing what he claims to be a UFO, but what has since been identified as the mast of a boat.

"Holy Crap we won the Australian Music Prize” the hip hop band, Hermitude posted on their Facebook page along with a photo of them with a novelty size cheque for $30,000.

Get the latest concert listings for top Australian music in London and around the UK, including gigs by Xavier Rudd, Sarah Blasko, Tame Impala and more ...

Queensland based artist Caroline Magerl will be demonstrating her portrait preparation techniques in London at the Debut Contemporary in Westbourne Grove on Saturday 9 March.

HONEYMOONING NOMAD | In my experience, you can’t fully appreciate travel unless you take part in the entire process - from wringing out your dirty socks and undies in the hotel shower to finding an incredible patisserie in Paris for a quick afternoon tea, and some people watching.

Aussie teen sensation Cody Simpson wowed fans at London's IndigO2 on Friday 1 March as he tours the UK and Europe.

Friday 8 March is International Women’s Day. Thousands of events are held throughout the world to celebrate and inspire women; rallies, conferences, networking events, exhibitions, performances and fashion parades, to name just a few. We've brought you our pick of the best International Women's Day events in London.

MOVE TO AUSTRALIA | The Australian government has announced an intention to tighten controls on the 457 visa scheme for skilled workers, including a requirement for employers to show they are nominating a position where there is a genuine shortage of workers.

The current combination of world property market, foreign currency rates and economic factors are presenting a unique opportunity for those considering purchasing property overseas.

SUBCULTURE SLEUTH | A rivalry as old as time, the London cross-city divide, takes on a whole new dimension when you add Australians to the mix.