Games 2012 Latest

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GAMES 2012LONDON

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facebook.com/acertwitter.com/aceruk_offi cial

Acer computers and technicians help provide the computing infrastructure, powering the Games effi ciently and reliably.

Acer will provide 13,500 desktops,2,900 notebooks, 950 servers and a 350-person Service Team.

Acer will operate a 800sqmshowcase in the Olympic Park.

Be sure to come and visit us.

AT A GLANCE

For more information visit: acer.co.uk

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AT A GLANCE


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20264401 Dominos Olympics Ad 196x135.indd 1 24/07/2012 17:37

20264401 Dominos Olympics Ad 196x135.indd 1 24/07/2012 17:3720264401 Dominos Olympics Ad 196x135.indd 1 24/07/2012 17:37

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CONTENTS

XXX Files: Olympic news / 8Read all about it: Media rundown / 9

Fast, faster, fastest: Bolt for gold / 10-11GB sporting legends: Now and in the making / 12-14

Iconic moments: History on film / 15Sporting spectacle: Unmissable events / 16-17

Stadium fillers: Venue information / 19Gateway to London: Transport and Travel / 20-21

Brit style: Fashion icons / 23

LISTINGS

Shop til you drop: Where to buy / 24Sights and sounds: UK and beyond / 27-29

Eating out: Culinary hotspots / 32-34Visual arts: Cultural Olympiad / 36-37

Pure drama: London’s theatreland / 40Club guide: London non-stop / 41

2012 Games published by Templar Phoenix Ltd, PO Box 16463, Birmingham B13 3NA

Email: [email protected]: www.2012guide.co.uk

All rights reserved. Printed in the UK. Reproduction of this publication in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher, is prohibited. Views expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or editor.

REVIEWS

Film and Music: winning tracks and underdogs / 42-43

CREDITS

Publisher: A N RockDirector: C J Rock

Editor: Robin FearonDesign: Kerry Kitchin

Sally Watson-Jones (sports, fash-ion, film) As a former synchronised

swimmer (not a very good one) Sally understands the training

that the Olympic athletes have to go through. Her dream Olympic

ticket would be anything in the Velodrome, especially if Chris Hoy

is racing.

Matthew Milliken (sports, media)An aspiring author currently living

in Newcastle Upon Tyne. His influences and penchants include

skewed 90s punk rock, B-movie horror, the works of north eastern

painter John Martin and fine cheeses.

Christian Da’costa (food, travel)Spent the last two years studying

art, film and English literature at A-level and is now looking forward to an art foundation course and mov-

ing onto university to study film.

Sebastian Da’costa (food, travel)Film studies student with a passion

for writing. Hopes to pursue a career in writing after he finishes

studying.

Jonathan Jenner (music)English undergraduate at the

University of Exeter and aspiring journalist. Plays tennis badly,

drums quite well and PS3 like an absolute champ. West Ham fan and avid reader. Cooler than he

sounds.

CONTRIBUTORS

Jodie Knight (shopping)Friendly broadcast journalism student, fierce martial

arts instructor and fun bar maid. And when all the mayhem is over at the end of the day she’ll tell you

about what’s new, important or just on her mind

CONTENTS

www.2012 guide.co.uk


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OLYMPIC NEWS: XXX filesThird time is the charm for London as it hosts the games it previously held in 1908 and 1948 – the only city to have staged the event three times. All eyes are on the UK with the

expected audience for the opening ceremony expected to be four billion people.

to 26, after baseball and softball were removed by the IOC. That number will in-crease to 28 at the 2016 games after golf and rugby were reinstated. Sports are considered for inclusion if they are played in at least 75 countries and 4 continents

Hitting the targetUK Sport has set its sights on achieving between 40 and 70 medals in this games, with a specific target of breaking its record medal haul in 2008 and again finishing fourth in the table. Team GB brought home 47 medals from Beijing (19 gold) and so sport’s funding body has given out more than £500m since the games were awarded in 2005, in taxpayer and lottery cash, to try and win big on home turf.

Olympic longevityRecords were made to be broken, but some stand the test of time better than others. For instance, 24 years and five games later there are no less than three individual men’s and seven women’s Olympic athletic records that have stood since the Seoul games in 1988. Nadezhda Olizarenko of the Soviet Union set an 800m time at the Moscow games in 1980 of 1:53.43 that still stands today. But the pick of the bunch is US athlete Bob Beamon whose long jump of 8.90m has not been broken since Mexico 1968!

I wanna be connectedWiring up the Olympic sites and keeping communications flowing between them has been no small job. British Telecom estimates that it has installed 80,000 con-nections across 94 locations, with 4,500 miles of internal cabling, 1,800 wireless access points and 16,500 telephone lines. On top of that it has manufactured 14,000 SIM cards for mobile users and plumbed in 14,000 cable TV outlets.

Austerity gamesThe amount Londoners will contribute to the Olympics and Paralympics is £625m. Older generations might well raise an eyebrow at the idea that London 2012 is an ‘austerity games’. While the economic backdrop looks similar to the last time London hosted just after World War II (eco-nomic woes, steepling debt) the similarity ends there. Spending in 1948 came in at £730,000. Receipts, mostly ticket sales, to-talled £760,000, making a modest £30,000 profit and £9,000 for the tax man. This time the cost of the games is estimated at £11bn – four times the estimate tabled. If the extra cash increases participation in sport it could fix the obesity problem in one fell swoop. Swings and roundabouts...’

History in the makingThe official name of the London Summer Olympics is the ‘Games of the XXX Olympiad’. But none of the modern games would have been possible without the work of William Penny Brookes and the Shropshire town of Much Wenlock. Dr Brookes was a magistrate who organised the Wenlock Olympian Games to encour-age amateur sports and discourage drunkeness and theft. Baron Pierre de Coubertin – founder of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) – met with Brookes after his efforts to establish an Olympian festival in Athens, declaring: “If the Olympic Games that modern Greece has not yet been able to revive still survives today, it is due, not to a Greek, but to Dr W P Brookes.”

When in WenlockMuch Wenlock’s Olympic games are organised annually and this year the town celebrated its 126th year of amateur sporting prowess. Events for the games, held between July 8 and 21, included clay pigeon shooting, gliding and kwik cricket (though the cricket was rescheduled for September due to pitch problems).

Sporting numbersAround 17,000 athletes from 205 different countries will take part at London 2012, but the actual number of sports that will be contested at this games decreased


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MEDIA GUIDERead all about it

Get your daily, hourly and on the spot news rundown of the Olympics, national and international news, with our pick of the UK’s media sources. By Matthew Milliken.

reviews sections that cover where to eat out and the latest films, books and music. Aimed at anyone and everyone.Price: Freewww.metro.co.uk

The IndependentLaunched in 1983 as a daily broadsheet, The Independent has since converted to tabloid format. Although left-leaning, The Independent clearly and publically ac-knowledges itself as being free from any sort of political stance, with a wide range of views and opinions. Designed with a European feel to it with weekly sports pull-outs and a features magazine. Sister paper, ‘i’ is a Metro-like affair, all sound-bites and shortened articles with the pick of stories and opinions from other publications, and at only 20p it is good if you want to get the news in a hurry.Price: £1.00www.independent.co.uk

The SunA somewhat controversial tabloid, but The Sun enjoys the largest circulation of any daily newspaper in the UK. Aimed at the working-class and known for its page three topless models, which may or may not contribute to its aforementioned popularity, it is also renowned for its ardent support of British troops as much as its big news stories and large sports section. Britain’s ‘in your face’ daily read.

Price: 40pwww .thesun.co.uk

Huffington PostAn online-only news source that began life in 2005 as an American website but has since expanded worldwide, with a UK launch in July 2011. Fundamentally a blog-heavy news site covering a wide range of stories and issues with con-tributions by politicians, celebrities and experts. Like The Independent, it has no outward political leaning, they do cover many political issues and place politics at the forefront of their main stories. If this isnt your thing then don’t let that put you off, as there is also a huge amount of other material covered, including sports, a particularly good Olympics section, entertainment, culture and technology.www.huffingtonpost.co.uk

The Daily MailLaunched way back in 1896, when it was published by Lord Northcliffe. The UK’s second biggest selling daily paper behind The Sun, with a strong emphasis on the female audience and outwardly right-wing views. Content is primarily UK and world news, along with sports and regular sup-plements. An extensive part of the paper is the ‘Femail’ supplement, alongside travel, city and finance sections.’Price: 55pwww.dailymail.co.uk

BBC News and SportAuntie Beeb has seriously optimised its online and TV broadcast offering to bring you the best in HD sporting action. Web video players have been souped up and bandwidth tweaked to within an inch of its life to ensure you the best replays and live action.Up to 24 live HD streams and 2,500 hours of coverage will be available, along with select highlights in 3D and the world’s first trials of Super Hi Vision.www.bbc.co.uk

The GuardianA national daily that started life in Man-chester, north-east England. A left-centre broadsheet aimed at the middle-classes. With in-depth reporting on current affairs, sports and incisive interviews, it boasts one of the best UK news websites, cov-ering a large range of topics including an extensive archive with around three million stories. Price: £1.20 www.guardian.co.uk

MetroFree tabloid newpaper that was launched in London in 1999 although it is now readily available in most major UK cities. The concept is that is can be read within a constrained time limit, with a claim of roughly 20 minutes. It has a large mix of articles ranging from health to travel, to celebrity life and good


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FAST, FASTER, FASTESTUsain Bolt and the need for speed

In Olympic track and field events there is one that draws more spectators than any other – the men’s 100m sprint. This year the field will include three of the fastest men on the

planet and they all come from the Caribbean island of Jamaica. By Robin Fearon.

title ‘Ski-Ba-Bop-Ba-Dop-Bop’) in order to hit his winning cadence. So what about short form master Usain Bolt, a lightning blur of early nineties gabba? Speed metal? Hardly. Usain’s Maxim ‘playlist for greatness’ included Jay-Z and Kanye, Lil Wayne, Beyonce, with a nod to his Jamaican roots in Sean Paul. Laid back but not roots reggae. Looks like none

of his fellow Jamaican speed merchants has much time for the lilting vibes of Peter Tosh or Doctor Alimantado either.

Jamaica’s national competition has heated up to the point where Scotch bonnet chilli peppers look tepid. In the Olympic trials Bolt was outpaced by compatriot Yohan Blake, who strode in at a nippy 9.72 seconds in the 100m,

SPRINTERS are a breed apart. Trained to run to the gun. Marshal-ling perfect rhythm and power with timing and musculature so finely tuned that a faltering millisecond can be the difference between despair and glory. Ethiopian 10,000 metre two-time gold-medallist Haile Gebrselassie told reporters he trained to the novelty 1995 hit ‘Scatman’ (or to give the song it’s full


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showed Blake means serious business when it comes to challenging Usain’s dominance at the top of the sprint. A medal-quaking 19.80s in the 200m affirming the fact that 2012’s Olympic fastest man competition will be – like no other era – the one to watch.

Bolt is a worldwide superstar whose profile matches his physical presence. Standing at 6ft 5in (1.95m) with a run-ning stride of three metres, he holds world and Olympic records in both the 100m and 200m sprint – 9.58s and 19.19s respectively. At just 25, he has the world at his feet. Blake’s interjection, aided by Powell and serious American competition in the shape of Justin Gatlin and Tyson Gay, provides the hurry up on any ambitions he holds to retain his crown.

As a teenager growing up in Trelawny, north west Jamaica, life was typically re-laxed. Bolt was a natural athlete whose growth spurt gave him an advantage over rivals in his age group, so he was encouraged by a cricket coach to con-centrate on athletics. “I just happened to run fast,” he said, “They said try track and field, and I continued because it was easy and I was winning.”Easy winning looks like it may be on

its way out. Blake ran the second fast-est time in history in beating him at a Diamond League meeting in Brussels last September. Commentators said Bolt’s reaction was one of stunned surprise, which he struggled to hide in media inter-views that night. Some have questioned his starting ability and noted that the difference between success and failure is a single bad stride.

Psychological pressure is building. Wob-ble out of the blocks and a new sprint champion could be taking his place on the podium this summer. One journalist has even suggested that Bolt may not be among the medals if his technique is not sharpened up in time. To live up to his assertion that he can become an athletic legend at this Olympics, Usain must live up to the hype and defeat a few demons.What is certain is that it will be a competi-tion to remember. Bolt may not ease to victory in the final with the panache of old, but there are those who would like to see him pushed all the way and others who will back a new champion. Few would bet against a Jamaican speed merchant taking the gold.

beating Usain’s season’s best of 9.76s and puncturing that air of invincibility in the process. Bolt’s classy 9.86s after a misfiring start made no headlines.

Countryman Asafa Powell, who cruised in third at 9.88s, simply confirmed that Jamaica holds all the aces when it comes to speed, excitement and sheer spectacle. The subsequent 200m trial

“Jamaica holds all the aces when it comes to speed, excitement and

sheer spectacle”

OLYMPIC STADIUM: Pivotal venue for the 2012 games. Located on Marshgate Lane in the south of the Olympic Park within walking distance of the Olympic Village. Architectural firm Popu-lous built the arena at an estimated cost of £537m. Fourteen lighting towers were included in the construction because this is the first games with HD TV freeze frame coverage to capture all the action. Part of the roof support structure was formed from 2,500 tonnes of steel from recycled gas pipelines. The Stadium has waterways on three sides and spectators arrive at the venue by a series of bridges. This games promises to be one of the most exciting in Olympic history and its showcase athletic events include Usain Bolt’s defence of his 100m and 200m titles. More than 2,000 athletes will compete in the 40-plus athletics events staged here – 24 track, 16 field events and combined sports, such as Heptathlon and Decathlon. Both the opening and closing ceremonies will be held here and film director Danny Boyle was chosen as the opening artistic director, so expect anything. Do expect to see the Olympic Creed displayed on the scoreboard at the opening, it reads: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well.” Capacity: 80,000. Sports: Athletics

source London 2012


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GB OLYMPIC LEGENDS Golden years at the games

Great Britain has often punched above its weight at the games, but there are certain athletes who transcend national boundaries and achieve feats that simply

belong to world sport. They are the legends of Team GB. By Robin Fearon.

(one games was cancelled by World War One) he achieved what is still a re-cord for any British Olympian – winning a medal in the same event, freestyle re-lay, at four successive tournaments. His record of three medals at one games stood for 100 years (cue Chris Hoy).

Hop, step, goldJonathan Edwards remains one of Britain’s highest profile athletes after his endeavours in the triple jump. Now a member of the London Organising Committee, he strode into the record books in the 1995 Gothenburg world athletics championship with an astound-ing 18.29m jump – the first man ever to legally achieve more than 18m. One year later he was disappointed with silver in Atlanta, but gained his rightful gold four years later in Sydney.

Two timerA surprise entry for some but Rebecca Romero’s achievement stands out. A world champion in both rowing and cy-cling, she took silver in the Athens 2004 Olympics quadruple sculls. Back injuries cut short her rowing career so she focused on the bike with spectacular effect. In 2008 she won gold in the indi-vidual pursuit, becoming the first British woman ever to win a medal in two differ-ent sports at the Summer Games.

Plain sailingBen Ainslie has pedigree as the son of distinguished yachtsman Roddy Ainslie. Still, his time learning the craft near Falmouth in Cornwall was well spent, as he carved his way to gold in the 2000 Laser class event and then in the Finn class in the following two Olympics. He was chosen to kick off the 2012 torch

relay in Cornwall and this year won a record sixth world championship in the Finn class. They’re surely just keeping the gold warm for him.

Nothing like a dameKelly Holmes was one of our toughest middle distance runners. Bouncing back from years of injury, then disappointment with no medal in Atlanta 1996, her hard work paid off with a bronze in the Sydney 800m. That paved the way for what was a historic double gold in the 800m and 1,500m finals in Athens. Dame Kelly set British records that stand today. A real battler.

Simply oar-someSir Steve Redgrave and fellow oarsman Matthew Pinsent are synonymous with prolonged British success. Redgrave picked up his fifth gold at his final games in 2000. He and Pinsent snatched victory from a swift Italian coxless fours on the ice blue Penrith Lakes by a half-second margin. Pinsent picked up four golds be-tween 1992 and 2004 to sit alongside 10 world championship golds. The two are viewed as games royalty and Redgrave was chosen by 58 per cent of his fellow Olympians as the greatest.

Running manSebastian Coe may well be a slick or-ganiser – he was certainly instrumental in bringing the games to London – but once his rivalry with fellow middle distance

THE GAMES embraces lofty ideals in its Latin motto ‘citius, altius, fortius’ – faster, higher, stronger – and its focus on amateur achievement. Professional sportsmanship and sponsorship may have chipped away at the edges but the core principles remain. Before there was ‘Team GB’ there was national fervour and pride in performing for your country. Here we look at some of the finest athletes to represent Britain, true legends in the Olympic ideal.

Pedal prowessEdinburgh-born cyclist (Sir) Chris Hoy is a phenomenon. At the age of 28 he picked up his first gold in Athens, win-ning the 1km time trial and guarantee-ing international recognition. When the event was dropped four years later in Beijing he picked up gold in the keirin and sprint (which he admits he adopted only to improve his track speed) and then the team sprint. Victory in keirin and sprint at the 2012 World Championships is the perfect warm-up for another bumper crop. Alongside him Bradley Wiggins is the perfect foil. Team pursuit in Athens and individual pursuit gold-medallist in both Athens and Beijing, he was the first rider to defend an Olympic pursuit title. He then took to road racing like a duck to water, first gaining a credible fourth place at the Tour de France and then following it up with a historic first win for a British rider at the Tour. Hard to the core, yet urbane and humble. Charms sports enthusiasts with his no-nonsense approach.

Water talentHenry Taylor is a name not many will be familiar with. Between 1906 and 1920

Redgrave was chosen by 58 per cent of his fellow Olympians as

the greatest


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runners Steve Cram and Steve Ovett set the record books ablaze. Ovett won 800m gold in the Moscow 1980 Olym-pics, Cram took silver in Los Angeles in 1984 and was the first man to run 1,500m in less than 3m30s. Yet it was Coe whose sheer power of will set the pace. Gold in 1,500m in 1980 – after three years of Ovett’s virtual domination in the event – was followed by a suc-cessful title defence in 1984. In 1980 he had held four middle distance records simultaneously – 800m, 1,000m, 1,500m and mile. “World records are only borrowed,” he said, displaying wisdom behind the steel. Holds claim to be Britain’s greatest middle distance runner.

Ten out of tenOf all the incredible Olympic feats performed by British athletes, decathlete Daley Thompson’s is undoubtedly the pick of the crop. He was the first athlete to hold Olympic, world, Commonwealth and European titles alongside the world record. Master of ten disciplines – shot put, discus, javelin, long and high jump, pole vault, 100m sprint and 110m hur-dles, plus the 400m and 1,500m events. Thompson was only the second person to claim Olympic decathlon gold twice (in 1980 and 1984). Until he arrived on the scene the decathlon was one of the least popular spectator sports. Thompson’s personality won them over. On the field his prowess was clear and his world record points total at the Los Angeles games stood for eight years.

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From left to right - Kelly Holmes, Rebecca Romero, Sir Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent, Sebastian Coe, Henry Taylor, Sir Chris Hoy

Steve Redgrave and Mat-thew Pinsent snatch gold in the coxless fours at Sydney 2000 – bit.ly/3FdaMn

Middle distance running landmark as Kelly Holmes storms to double gold –bit.ly/iam5aQ

Jonathan Edwards com-mentary on his gold-winning triple jump in 2000 – bit.ly/MTtPxF

Keirin cycling action as Chris Hoy takes gold and Ross Edgar silver for Team GB in 2008 – bit.ly/LaKWuh

Day two, decathlon, Daley Thompson. An all-round star performance – bit.ly/LD6kJX

AQUATICS CENTRE: State of the art aquatics venue that was built by award-winning archi-tect Zaha Hadid. The wave shaped roof measures 12,000 square metres which is one and a half times bigger than Wembley football pitch. There are 32 swimming events scheduled from 50m to 1,500m and eight diving events. Building cost: £268m. Capacity: 17,500

VELODROME: One of the most sustainable venues in the Olympic Park. The Velodrome ‘Cable – net’ roof is made from more than 10 miles of steel cables, end-to-end measuring twice the height of Mount Everest. The designers and builders – including input from gold-medallist Sir Chris Hoy – are aiming for it to be the fastest indoor cycling track in the world. Capacity: 6,000 Sports: Track Cycling


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Jessica Ennis (Heptathlon)Poster-girl for physical perfection, Ennis admits she has much to achieve at Lon-don 2012, viewing her body more simply as a “training tool”. She described the moment when she had to pull out of the 2008 Olympics as the worst moment of her career. World gold in 2009 followed, silver in 2011. In her last event before the Olympics she set a new British record of 6,906 points in beating world champ Tatyana Chernova. Her run in to form now could be golden timing.

Mark Cavendish (Cycling) Could pick up Britain’s first gold in the men’s cycling road race as it is the London Olympics first event. A dis-tinguished track and road cycling cham-pion who has won more than 20 stages at the Tour de France. Quite simply one of the world’s finest sprint cyclists.

Mhairi Spence (Modern Pentathlon)Winning her first world championship gold in pentathlon in May has ce-mented Spence’s position in the team. Transformed herself as an athlete over the past two years – a natural leader.

Tom Daley (Diving)‘If you’re good enough you’re old enough’ runs the adage. Tom Daley was the youngest British competitor, aged 14, in any Olympic finals in 2008. Already a world and European champ

LEGENDS IN THE MAKING

RAW TALENTFive to watch

Rebecca Adlington (Swimming) Dual gold in Beijing and current world champion at 800m freestyle: life’s rosy for Rebecca. Prodigiously fast and naturally bubbly she is a 23-year-old with a distinguished career ahead of her. An outing in

Barcelona brought victory in June, greatness beckons.

Phillips Idowu (Triple Jump)Unbeaten in 2012 before pulling out of the Olympic trials with an injury, Idowu may be in a race against time to com-pete. A discretionary place hangs in the balance. Silver in Beijing and a world championship gold show his pedigree. Fingers crossed for Phillips.

Victoria Pendleton (Cycling)Reigning world and Olympic champion in the sprint. Pendleton is a serious sporting mannequin who has graced fashion and sporting pages in equal measure. She has announced plans to retire after 2012 and aims to go out on a high, taking out Australian rival Anna Meares in the process.

Christine Ohuruogu (Running)Britain’s first female 400m Olympic champion. Her times since have been solid and she set her fastest career time in June. Running into contention easily at the UK trials, she will have to up her game to take gold.

at 18 he will be a favourite for 10m platform gold.

Jade Jones (Taekwondo)Tipped as one of Britain’s medal hope-fuls at the tender age of 19. Jones has beat well-known and respected martial artists over the past two years after winning Youth Olympic gold.

Alastair and Jonny Brownlee (Tri-athlon)Brothers who took the top two places at the ITU World Triathlon in June. Alistair is favourite to take gold after his third victory in four years in world triathlon. Stamina to burn.

Top-left: Jessica Ennis

Bottom-left: Tom Daley

Her run in to form now could be golden timing.

‘If you’re good enough you’re old

enough’


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ICONIC MOMENTSgames history online

An archive of incredible sporting action awaits online. Check out what made our list of the most memorable Olympic milestones. By Matthew Milliken

VIDEO sites offer instant access to sporting glory. Relive the spine-tingling, the controversial or the hilariously inappropriate and share them with your friends. Dig into our archive of games-past.

The Perfect 10 – Montreal 1976: A performance on the uneven bars by Nadia Comaneci is the first time a perfect score of ten had ever been awarded to a gymnast at the Olympics. So what could she do to top that? Well, she went and scored another six perfect tens on the way to three gold medals as well as a silver and bronze. bit.ly/1aRLz

Coe Vs Ovett – Moscow 1980: Sebastian Coe, who has headed the London 2012 bid, took on rival and British compatriot Steve Ovett in both the 800m and 1,500m. Coe got his tactics wrong in the 800m, handing the race to Ovett, but six days later he would have his revenge by triumphing in the 1,500m final. 800m – bit.ly/plURmv 1,500m – bit.ly/bvJjfz

Adebe Bikila – Rome 1960: In only his third marathon, Bikila, competing as a late replace-ment in the Ethiopian team, manages to not only break the Olympic record while winning the gold medal but, because of a problem with his team-issued shoes, completes the race barefoot. bit.ly/HRQw1

Zola Budd and Mary Decker – Los Angeles 1984: The 3,000m final ‘84 was a race that was billed as a head to head between Budd and Decker. Although Maricica Puica proved to be the eventual winner, it would be the infamous “trip” from Budd on Mary Decker that grabbed the headlines. bit.ly/KeRQN

Greg Louganis – Seoul 1988: This American diver won two gold medals at these games but not until he had managed to suffer concussion with a sickening blow to the head during the preliminary rounds. I’ll allow Alan Partridge to lighten the mood a little... bit.ly/ohSPwH

Shun Fujimoto – Montreal 1976: A member of the Japanese Gymnastics team, Shun put in a performance that was nothing less than astonishing. After breaking his kneecap in his floor routine he decided to continue, putting in an amazing performance on the pommel horse, and then the rings. Fancy doing that on a shattered kneecap? bit.ly/3dQw4P

Ben Johnson – Seoul 1988: Beating the reign-ing champ and Olympics legend Carl Lewis in the 100m final and world record time would have been more than enough to cement Johnson in the history books, but it was the aftermath and subsequent disqualification for drug use that he is known for today. bit.ly/Nmhs8d

Jesse Owens – Berlin 1936: The 1936 games were the Nazi centrepiece of a certain Mr Hitler. One gets the feeling that even the German team topping the medals list wouldn’t have been enough to take the bitter taste from Adolf’s mouth after African-American James “Jesse” Owens took home four athletics gold medals. bit.ly/133Ysc

Black Power – Mexico City 1968: In what would become one of the most powerful imag-es of any Olympics, Americans Tommie Smith and John Carlos raise their fists in the air in a Black Power salute on the podium while receiv-ing their respective gold and bronze medals. bit.ly/19upsT


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SPORTING SPECTACLEMust see events

Given the dazzling array of talent on offer we’ve come up with our pick of the schedule. Drama guaranteed, whether you’re watching from stadium seats or

granny’s comfy chair. By Sally Watson-Jones.

DIDN’T manage to bag any tickets to the fencing or the second round of the table tennis? Does your Olympic experience look more like you’ll be watching the events you actually want to see from the comfort of your own sofa, or at the pub with your mates?

We’ve put together a run down of some the unmissable events at the 2012 Olympics to make sure you catch all the best action.

Men’s 100 metres FinalIf you’ve been hiding under a rock since the Beijing Olym-pics, then you may have missed the fact that the favourite to win is Usain Bolt. You might also want to have a shower and check none of your loved ones have passed away recently. Bolt is literally a safe bet; William Hill gave him odds of 7/4 to win three or more gold medals at the games, and 8/11 that he will beat his own 100 metre record in the process. When: Sunday 5 August, 9.50pm Venue: Olympic Stadium

Track CyclingGreat Britian excelled in track cycling at the last Olympics, bringing home eight gold, four silver and two bronze med-als, and there are high hopes that this time round both the men and women will do even better. Plus, it’s a great op-portunity to ogle some fit people in very tight lycra. Watch out for Victoria Pendleton: the 2012 Olympics will be her last competitive outing before she retires, so she’ll be looking to go out in a blaze of glory, and is going for the gold in three events. When: Thursday 2 – Tuesday 8 August. Venue: Velodrome

TriathlonThis one is up for grabs. Since it’s introduction to the games in Sydney in 2000, the six medallists have been from six differ-ent countries, with no nation yet making the event their own. As much about endurance as skill, the Triathalon is made up of 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and a 10km run, and with no heats it all comes down to who, out of the 110 competitors (55 men and 55 women), performs best on the day. The event also gives viewers a real taste of the capital: the route starts in Hyde Park, with participants swimming the Serpentine, cy-cling through Wellington Arch, Constitution Hill and Birdcage Walk in front of Buckingham Palace, before returning to the park for the run. When: Women’s Triathlon: Saturday 4 Au-gust, 9am Men’s Triathalon: Tuesday 7 August 11.30am. Venue: Hyde Park

Women’s Beach VolleyballFor reasons unknown, a lot of men seem to be passionate about this sport. It must be the level of skill involved and the training these talented athletes undergo to get match fit that inspires such awe. You think? Taking place practically on the doorstep of Number 10, maybe Dave Cameron will be able to relax a little and take a breather from worrying about bank-ing reform, the Leveson Inquiry conclusions and the fact that the Coalition seems to have lost that loving feeling recently. Hard core beach action never looked more appealing. When: Saturday 28 July – Wednesday 8 August. Venue: Horse Guards Parade


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BoxingFor the first time women’s boxing has a place in the Olympics. Watch out for light-welterweight Tom Stalker, who is ranked number one in the world in his class, middleweight Savannah Marshall, Britain’s first women’s world boxing champion, and middleweight Anthony Ogogo who’s probably good too, but is mostly known for revealing he has a sensitive mouth in that Subway advert. When: Saturday 28 July – Sunday 12 Au-gust. Venue: ExCel

Men’s RingsIf people running really fast and jumping really high isn’t enough to make you feel completely inadequate as a human specimen, then the Men’s Rings might just do it. When a man who has just spent five minutes on the rings performing seemingly impossi-ble moves receives a disappointing score because of an almost imperceptible wobble on his dismount, you might not feel quite as proud about that half hour you spent at the gym two weeks ago. Also, it will never not be funny to announce that you’re an aficionado of men’s rings during a discussion on the merits of the Olympics. When: Monday 6 August, 2pm. Venue: North Greenwich Arena

Relay races 4 x 100 metres and 4 x 400 metresSuccess in the relay rests on a knife edge: one dropped baton puts the whole team out of the running. And in addition to the wrath of a nation, there’s the anger of three disappointed and adrenaline-pumped teammates to contend with if you mess up. While the US have dominated relays in the past, the unpredict-able can, and does, happen. Fumbled handovers in Athens in 2004 led to the US losing to Great Britain, who all performed flawlessly in the handover, and last year Jamaica triumphed af-ter Tyson Gay missed his handover and the US team failed to complete their heat and qualify for the final. When: 4 x 400 metres Final on Friday 10 August, 9:20pm 4 x 100 metres Final on Saturday 11 August, 9pm Venue: Olympic Stadium

Men’s 400 metresAlthough it might not be as popular as the 100 metre sprint, this year there will be plenty of people paying attention to the Men’s 400 metres. In a world first, the South African team have picked double amputee Oscar Pistorius as a contender, making him the first athlete to compete in both the Olympics and Paralym-pics. This has caused controversy, with critics claiming that his artificial lower legs (earning him the nickname ‘Blade Runner’) give him an unfair advantage. In 2008 the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled there was no evidence that Pistorius had any advantage over other competitors, overturning an IAAF deci-sion in 2007. Expect a lot of animated pub discussions if the South African athlete makes the final. When: Final on Monday 6 August, 9:30pm Venue: Olympic Stadium

Women’s SwimmingMichael Phelps is expected to add volumes to his huge eight-medal haul from the last Olympics, but where Great Britain is concerned, the women’s swimming is the one to watch. Among the swimmers expected to medal are Rebecca Adlington in the 400 and 800 metres freestyle, Fran Hansall in the 50 and 100 metres freestyle, Keri-Anne Payne in the 10km open water and Ellen Gandy in the 200 metre butterfly. When: Saturday 28 July – Thursday 9 August. Venue: Olympic Park – Aquatic Centre, Hyde Park

Water PoloHardly the most dramatic of sports, but at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne a real grudge match took place between Hungary and the Soviet Union. Prior to the games, thousands were killed in a Hungarian uprising against the USSR-backed government. A semi-final showdown was bound to be explo-sive. Later labelled the ‘blood in the water’ match, it was an angry affair, with the Hungarian team taunting their opponents in a bid to distract them. It certainly worked. Hungarian player Ervin Zador was punched so hard by his rival on the Soviet team, Valentin Prokopov, that his wound gushed blood into the pool. Riot police were called in and the match was abandoned, with Hungary declared winners. Admittedly a repeat incident is very unlikely but the history of the sport makes it a little more intriguing. When: Sunday 29 July – Sunday 12 AugustVenue: Olympic Park – Water Polo Arena


18

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STADIUM FILLERSThe sites that matter

Bitesize facts about our most interesting, and iconic, Olympic venues - creating those perfect sporting moments.

heritage dating back to 1716 and the formation of two artillery companies. Eye-catching architecture.Capacity: 7,500Sports: Shooting

Horse Guards Parade: A true departure for this well-known London landmark as it trades events such as the Queen’s birthday parade for beach volleyball. Around 5,000 tonnes of sand was used to create the arena.Capacity: 15,000Sports: Beach Volleyball

Hyde Park: Home to a number of grassroots sports clubs, including the Serpentine Swimming Club. Now play-ing host to World and Olympic events in triathlon.Capacity: 3,000Sports: Swimming, Triathlon

Wembley Stadium: The national sta-dium is hosting Olympic football along with stadia around Britain, including St James’ Park in Newcastle, Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and Hampden Park, Glasgow. Capacity: 80,000Sports: Football

ExCel: The largest competition venue at the games – made up of five different are-nas. All of the most combative sports are on display here. Expect high-octane thrills from boxing, judo and taekwondo.Capacity: 6,000 to 10,000 depending on the arena

Wimbledon: Where else for tennis? Home of the All England club and the world’s only grass grand-slam event, it hosted the tennis competition when London first held the games in 1908Capacity: 30,000Sports: Tennis

OUT OF LONDON VENUES:Eton Dorney Rowing Centre: Eton Dorney has been acclaimed as one of the finest rowing venues in the world. This fantastic centre is set within a 450-acre conservation park around 25 miles west of London.Capacity: 30,000Size: 2,200m long, eight lanes wide.Sports: Rowing, Canoe Sprint

OLYMPIC PARK:BMX Track: One of the smaller venues – only slightly larger than a football pitch – but likely to have more than its fair share of thrills and spills. The course is made up of jumps and tightly banked corners. Riders start from an eight-metre high ramp.Size: 160m x 90mSports: Cycling (BMX)

Copper Box: Twelve teams will take part at what will be the main arena for the frenetic and high-scoring Handball events. Russia is historically the most successful nation in the men’s and women’s competition. Capacity: 6,500Sports: Handball, Modern Pentathlon

Water Polo Arena: The first dedicated water polo venue to be built for an Olympics and a distinguished one at that with its inflatable roof. Capacity: 5,000Sports: Water Polo

OTHER LONDON VENUES:The Royal Artillery Barracks: Shooting could only be hosted here really. Has

Clockwise from top-right: Water Polo Arena, Horse Guards Parade, BMX Track, Copper Box, The Royal Artillery Barracks. All images Source London 2012

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20

GATEWAY TO LONDON 2012Transport and getting around

GETTING to and from Olympic venues or into and out of London requires coordination. If you don’t have the latest information or timetables you could find yourself at a loose end. Thankfully the London 2012 committee and its travel partners have constructed a number of useful websites to help you out.

Tube: Transport For London (TFL) has an excellent journey planner for public transport including Tube, train and bus. Twitter feed travel alerts @TfLTravelA-lerts.tfl.gov.uk

If you are staying on in London, try a Visitor Oyster card – the cheapest way to pay for single journeys on public transport.visitorshop.tfl.gov.uk/

Train: More than 100 extra train services have been added to get people to Olympic events. You must have a games event ticket or be a London 2012 volunteer to travel on specialist services. If you don’t, check The Train Line for regular services.nationalrailgamestravel.co.ukthetrainline.com/train-tickets/2012-olympics/index.shtml

Coach services: Coaches depart from towns and cities across the UK direct to Olympic sites in and outside of London, including journey planner.firstgroupgamestravel.com/direct-coachingPark and Ride: Car parking with bus services direct to Olympic sites, including journey planner. firstgroupgamestravel.com/park-and-ride/

OTHER WAYS TO GET AROUNDRiver travel: Your Games Travelcard entitles you to one-third off the cost of

travelling via the Thames. This includes the canal boat service (water-chariots.co.uk), river tour service www.citycruis-esgamestravel.co.uk/WebSys.aspx and river bus express www.booking.thamesclippers.com/gamestravel

Cycling: TFL has an excellent cycling hub. Free cycle route maps are available, but can only be ordered for delivery to UK addresses, with limits on orders. Bound to be busy during the games, so look for them at bike shops and travel informa-tion centres. Also has information and an online map for hire cycles.www.tfl.gov.uk/cycling/

Cycle superhighways: Barclays Cycle’ Superhighways are specially developed cycle routes from outer to inner London. Four have already been launched with a further eight to be introduced by 2015. Maps are available for download direct plus a link to find cycle parking.www.tfl.gov.uk/barclayscyclesuperhighways

Walking: London authorities made a commitment to make the 2012 games as sustainable as possible, establishing the Active Travel programme for cyclists and pedestrians. Find out more about booking a guided walk to the games. Alternatively download an audio or video tour narrated by triple jump gold-medallist Jonathan Edwards.www.london2012.com/spectators/travel/walking/ www.tfl.gov.uk/walking

PUBLIC TRANSPORT & ROAD TRAVEL Millions of extra people are using London’s transport networks during the games. Get Ahead of the Games offers daily travel bulletins, information on trouble hotspots, alternative routes and a twitter feed (@GAOTG) of the latest news to keep you mobile.getaheadofthegames.comgetaheadofthegames.com/news/1122.html – Tips for group travel.

Games travelcard: Anyone with a ticket for a London 2012 sports event or cer-emony in or around London receives a free Games Travelcard, valid for public transport in London zones 1–9 on the day of the event. It can be used on the Tube, overground trains, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), buses, trams and National Rail services – but not on Heath-row, Stansted or Gatwick Express trains. london2012.com/spectators/travel/games-travelcard/

Journey planning: If you’ve got an event ticket London 2012 has an excel-lent travel hub offering a multitude of options for getting to Olympic venues – planes, trains and automobiles included.london2012.com/spectators/travel/ – London 2012 travel hub.london2012.com/spectators/travel/book-your-travel/ – Journey planner.london2012.com/spectators/venues – Venue information.


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USA, LOS ANGELES AND ATLANTA: Los Angeles played host to the games in 1984, Atlanta in 1996. Sunny California sounds a whole host better than the rain-sodden English summer, so use LA as the jump off for Baja California and dive with turtles, or pick up Route 1 and drive along the Big Sur to relive the dream of Jack Kerouac’s life on the road. Wind up in seriously hip San Francisco. From there it’s giant redwoods to the north, the wilds of Yosemite National Park to the east, beyond it desert country and the Sierra Nevada.Atlanta, capital of Georgia, is the birthplace of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Southern fried hospitality and soul food cuisine are the order of the day. People are friendly and you can kick back in the humidity and soak up a peach iced tea or an Old Fashioned. Trek out to Stone Mountain Park or further afield to the delightfully named Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest – movie geeks, the Chattooga River running through it is where Deliverance was filmed. Time in hand, then cross the state line into Florida and soak up some rays, flirt with Disney and 50-assorted flavours of mini-golf and assay the beauty of sunset in the Everglades.

TRAVEL : Get away from it allYOU still want the Olympic vibe but you don’t want to find yourself nose

to armpit on a bustling Tube train? Why not soak up the atmosphere from the comfort of another country. Yesteryear’s games destinations

could be just the ticket.

AUSTRALIA, SYDNEY: Sydney in 2000 had it all. Darling Harbour and The Rocks present what must be one of the most cultured city centres anywhere in the world. Mountainous seafood platters full of More-ton Bay Bugs, lobster, barramundi, John Dory. East-meets-west finery in Malaysian rendang and massaman curries. Aboriginal buskers strut the emu. Head out to the suburbs for cocktails in Rushcutters Bay or surf bodies, fish and chips and gelatinous ice cream in Manly. Bondi Beach Club for lunch then walk it off, taking the cliff route past Bronte, Coogee and out to Maroubra, fresh with sea spray.

CHINA, BEIJING: Things had changed hugely since the brutal suppression of demo-cratic protest in Tiananmen Square in 1989. By 2008, China had adopted market forces the same way that they industrialised, with a great leap forward. Bustling Beijing is a city of marvels, high class restaurants, rampant commercialism, home to the Olympic ‘Bird’s Nest’ and the Forbidden City – a city of opposites. Marvel at Mao’s body lying in state and then take your portion of Peking duck along to the picturesque Summer Palace to relax and gather your thoughts. Great Wall turns out to be the icing on the cake.


STAYINGOVER

Hilton Park Lane

The Hilton Hotel group is renowned all over the world, with more than 500 hotels in al-most 80 countries. Facilities never fail to im-press with services including relaxing spas, gyms, elegant swimming pools and saunas and incredible customer service – warm, ef-ficient and professional. Refined high quality taste in style and design impresses and is in keeping with Hilton’s position at the forefront of the business.

On one trip to London, left with nowhere to stay, we explained our dilemma to the Park Lane and were astounded when, even though it was fully booked over the school-holiday period, staff bent over backwards to accommodate our family. Management showed compassion and adaptability to find us a splendid suite for three nights. On top of that, breakfast, lunch and dinner are excep-tional with a selection of fantastic restaurants serving up superb dishes and (at Galvin at Windows) an overview of Hyde Park. If you are looking for the highest standard in hotel accommodation as well as great prices, rates for a family of three for two nights in Park Lane costs around £300 with breakfast, the Hilton is the place to go.

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FASHION ICONSMaking it Brit Style

UK stylists have always been innovators and aesthetes of eclectic style. We reveal a handful of the figureheads behind Britain’s unique cultural capital. By Sally Watson-Jones.

THE PHOTOGRAPHERSDavid Bailey: Working his way up from poor East End roots to photography assistant, then Bailey got his big break – contracted by British Vogue as fashion photographer in 1960. He photographed many of the most iconic people in London at the time, including The Beatles, Mick Jagger, Jean Shrimpton and the Kray Twins. Signature look: ‘Box of Pin-Ups’

Corinne Day: Day began her career as a model, but soon found she liked it better behind the camera. Famous for the photos that launched Kate Moss’ career, Day worked with The Face, i-D and Raygun magazines on many iconic shoots. Signature look: ‘The Third Sum-mer of Love’

Nick Knight: Knight studied in Bourne-mouth before working with some of the biggest fashion magazines in London, including British Vogue, i-D, Dazed and Confused and The Face. Signature look: ‘Skinheads’

THE MUSESThe Beatles: Not only massively influen-tial musically, The Beatles started a lot of fashion trends too. In the 60s they were famous for their Edwardian collarless suits, and in the 70s John Lennon adopt-ed his ‘teashade glasses’, now more widely known as ‘John Lennon glasses’. Signature look: The mop-top haircut

David Bowie: Another musical muse, David Bowie is a master of reinvention and has always been at the cutting edge of style. From glam rock, through plastic soul and his Berlin era, to flirtations with industrial and jungle music, Bowie has had as many looks as albums. Signature look: Androgynous alien superstar Ziggy Stardust

Jane Birkin: Born in Marylebone, actress Jane Birkin rose to fame after her role in 1966 film Blowup. After this success, she landed the lead role in the French film Slogan, despite not speaking the language. She starred in the film opposite Serge Gainsbourg, with whom she would go on to make music and a daughter, Charlotte Gainsbourg. Signature look: The Birkin bag

THE DESIGNERSAlexander McQueen: Born in Lewisham, McQueen’s apprenticeship on Savile Row and time at a theatrical costumers helped shape his beautifully tailored, flamboyant designs. Signature look: The ‘bumster’

Vivienne Westwood: Westwood, along with Malcolm McLaren, helped kick off the London punk movement when they opened their infamous ‘Sex’ boutique in King’s Road. Signature look: Tartan, safety pins and bondage gear

Mary Quant: Quant was born in Black-heath, in London, and after studying illustration at Goldsmiths College she served an apprenticeship as a couture milliner before moving on to fashion. She became famous for her sleek bob and mod fashion designs. Signature look: The mini skirt

THE MODELSJean Shrimpton: Shrimpton left High Wycombe to study at the Langham Secretarial College in London. Her dreams of a career as a secretary where not to be, and instead she became the world’s first supermodel. Signature look: The Shift dress

Kate Moss: The Croydon teen was dis-covered in JFK Airport at 14 years old. She signed to the Storm model agency and her career took off at 16 when she appeared in uber style magazine The Face. Signature look: Heroin chic

Twiggy: The face of the swinging sixties, Twiggy, born Lesley Hornby, took the world by storm after being voted ‘The Face of 1966’ by the Daily Express, and travelling to Japan, the US and Europe to bring them a little bit of London magic.Signature look: The crop haircut

Clockwise from top-right: Kate Moss, Jean Shrimpton, Vivienne Westwood 2012 Tartan Line, Twiggy


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SHOP LIKE A CHAMPIONTop spots to spend your savings

SPEND your days in furious bargain hunting or simply soak up the atmosphere as you walk the bustling streets. There are treasures to be found and deals to be snapped up as you bash the plastic.

Covent Garden: The ultimate in shopping performance. Drop your bags, stand and appreciate breath-taking acts. You won’t be alone. An array of singers, jugglers and ac-robats never fail to attract a crowd. Once you’ve torn yourself away from the display, slip down a side road or two to browse everything from mid-priced chains to high-end designer shops, or if you have an eye for it go antique hunting and you might just go home with a nice memento. Open all week from 10am until 6pm.www.coventgardenlondonuk.com0870 780 5001Tube: Covent Garden

Hamleys Toy Shop: Let the big kid in you come out to play as you explore the endless wonders of Hamleys. From the moment a giant clown greets you at the entrance until he blows bubbles at your back when you leave, you’re guaranteed to gasp and laugh as you make your way between the themed floors. This toy shop is unlike any other – you’re allowed to touch! It doesn’t matter if your four or 40 you’ll be welcome to fly aeroplanes, hold bubbles that don’t burst or get stuck in with arts and crafts. www.hamleys.com0871 704 1977Tube: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus

Oxford Street: One of the few places you can expect to find both Primark and Selfridges. So whether you fancy bagging yourself a bar-gain, or buying a pair of shoes that ‘are an investment really’, you can find what you’re looking for in one of the 500 shops on this famous strip.www.oxfordstreet.co.uk020 7462 0689Tube: Oxford Circus, Bond Street, Marble Arch

Portobello Market: London’s most famous outdoor market, well known for its vintage fashion and antiques. If that sounds like your cup of tea, take a step back in time and lose yourself in the past. The market is open every Saturday and some stalls are open throughout the week. www.portobellomarket.orgTube: Notting Hill Gate

Camden Market: One of London’s top tourist attractions, trading goods from all over the world. Notorious for its kooky ways, Camden Market is the place to go for crazy coloured hair dye, quirky accessories or t-shirts guaranteed to make your friends embarrassed to be seen with you.www.camden-market.orgTube: Camden Town, Chalk Farm Road

Westfield Stratford: London’s new-est shopping centre and conveniently in perfect proximity to the Olympic Park. If you’re watching the pennies take a stroll through John Lewis where the view of London’s Olympic Stadium is free of charge and it really is worth the trip. Being a spon-sor, you can also pick up a mascot from Westfield as a souvenir. If by chance you get all shopped out, dine in one of the 70 restaurants in the centre before you finish off your day with a game of bowling or a trip to the cinema. uk.westfield.com/stratfordcity0208 221 7300Tube: Stratford

The Bullring: Located in the heart of Birmingham, just over an hour on the train from London. A versatile shopping centre that answers to your every whim with its variety of clothing brands, jewellery designers, techno gear and everything mainstream. All wrapped up in the finery of its modern architecture. www.bullring.co.uk0121 632 1526Train: Birmingham New Street

Bluewater: The pride of Kent, Bluewater is hosting Rollerfest until 1st September. During this time the shopping centre has set up giant sport screens, fairground rides, festival food and sporting activities for visitors to get involved in. Leaving almost no time to shop!www.bluewater.co.uk0870 777 0252Train: Greenhithe

Top to bottom: Hamleys Toy Shop, Camden Market, Oxford Street


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KISS BLAND

GOODBYE

/BREOOFFICIAL

26

GREG BOSWELLASPIRING BRITISH MOUNTAIN GUIDE / FULL TIME CLIMBER / FIFE

“I NEVER FEEL GOOD UNLESS I’VE BEEN CLIMBING...It’s like a drug, when you’ve done a hard route you can’t wait for the next. To be honest I live, dream, thinkclimbing – I work to climb & I climb to work. My dad got me into it when I was 13. I love pushing my limit in thewinter Scottish climbing scene. I did the first ascent of “To Those Who Wait” on Ben Nevis on New Year’s Eve2010, then the first on sight of “Happy Tyroleans” in Coire an Lochain in the Cairngorms in January. Amazing."

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MAGNETIC ATTRACTIONS UK leisure hotspots

LONDON rewards the adventurous tourist so be sure to make the most of your spare time. Venture further afield and you’ll discover so much more about the UK and its treasures.

LONDON’S TOP DAYS OUTTower of London: No visit to London would be complete without a trip to the Tower. Packed with historical detail of execution and torture, its use as a royal palace, an armoury and a fortress. Learn the legend of the Tower’s ravens and try your hand with siege weapons.www.hrp.org.uk

Royal Museums Greenwich: Four top attractions are located in the World Heritage Site of Greenwich, namely the National Maritime Mu-seum, The Queen’s House (which is hosting the Olympics equestrian and modern pentathlon events), The Royal Observatory and the historic ship Cutty Sark. www.rmg.co.uk

St Paul’s Cathedral: Sir Christo-pher Wren’s awe-inspiring archi-tectural feat is a must-see. Venture into the crypts to see the last resting place of Britain’s heroes and then climb up to the Whispering Gallery to see the dome up close. www.stpauls.co.uk

Tower Bridge: Get inside the work-ings of London’s most iconic bridge with the Tower Bridge Experience. Enjoy incredible views of the capital from the high walkways and then

continue your journey into the depths of the Victorian engine rooms to discover its working secrets.www.towerbridge.org.uk

Houses of Parliament: Attend the ‘mother of all parliaments’ and you can see the political cockfight up close and personal. Watch debates and committee hearings if the house is in session, and if that’s not your thing just take a tour and climb Big Ben’s famous clock tower.www.parliament.uk

Buckingham Palace: The Queen lives here. Possibly worth a look for that fact alone – 775 rooms, but only 19 state rooms are open to the pub-lic. Contains an incredible collection of classical paintings, porcelain and furniture. The palace gardens are open during the summer.www.royalcollection.org.uk

Alternative tours of London: View the city from a different perspective on an alternative tour. Mosey through the vibrant East End to check out street art (alternativeldn.co.uk), pedal through secret London – day or night (biketouroflondon.com), or even try a tour in a 1960s Mini (smallcarbigcity.com).

Top left, clockwise: St. Pauls Cathedral,Tower Bridge, Street Art (alt-tours), Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace.


GREG BOSWELLASPIRING BRITISH MOUNTAIN GUIDE / FULL TIME CLIMBER / FIFE

“I NEVER FEEL GOOD UNLESS I’VE BEEN CLIMBING...It’s like a drug, when you’ve done a hard route you can’t wait for the next. To be honest I live, dream, thinkclimbing – I work to climb & I climb to work. My dad got me into it when I was 13. I love pushing my limit in thewinter Scottish climbing scene. I did the first ascent of “To Those Who Wait” on Ben Nevis on New Year’s Eve2010, then the first on sight of “Happy Tyroleans” in Coire an Lochain in the Cairngorms in January. Amazing."

outdoorresearch.co.uk

Like us on

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28HILLEBERG.SE

AKTOA spacious, amazingly light solo tent with true all season function.

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For nearly four decades, Hilleberg has been making the highest quality all-season tents available. Conceived and developed in northern Sweden, Hilleberg tents offer the ideal balance of low weight, strength, and com-fort. Order our catalog “The Tent Handbook” for more information.

Photo: Jolanda Linschooten

HillebergAd-2012olympicguide-A5fullpage-Vert-JolandaLInschooten-Akto-A5BLD5 1 2012-07-21 14.27

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BEST UK DAYS OUTBeyond the Capitol: Take a trip to the dreaming spires of Oxford for a look at this historical jewel on the twin rivers Thames and Cherwell. Climb 99 steps to the top of the Car-fax Tower, visit the Bodleian Library or Blenheim Palace (visitoxfordan-doxfordshire.com). Brighton to the south is the definition of quirky seaside resort town. Stroll along the magnificent pier, visit the Royal Pavilion and wine, dine, sixty nine to your heart’s content (visitbrighton.com). Head south east and you’re in the garden of England, Kent. Can-terbury is famous for its astound-ing cathedral, medieval walls and Chaucer’s bawdy tales (canterbury.co.uk). In Chichester you’ll find Goodwood, the Earl of March’s estate with its fabulous house, sculpture park, forest, farm and racecourse, with its world famous Glorious Goodwood meeting (goodwood.co.uk). If you’ve got the legs then experience some of Britain’s finest countryside on foot, bicycle or horseback across the North and South Downs Way national trails (nationaltrail.co.uk). Finally, take the boat out to the Isle of Wight for its stunning beaches, sailing and world class music festi-vals such as Bestival in September (iwight.com/visiting).

Around the UK: In the north-east of England lies the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and nearby neighbour Durham. Newcastle boasts a vibrant nightlife, excellent eateries, great shopping opportunities and a vibrant arts scene (newcastlegateshead.com). Durham’s cobbled streets, its picturesque castle and cathedral, offer a quieter more relaxed atmos-phere (thisisdurham.co.uk). Head south to Yorkshire where York’s medieval walls shelter a jumble of treats – tea and cake at Betty’s Tea Room, sweets and bookshops in The Shambles, Viking history, or a day at the races (visityork.org). Outdoors-types will find ale and trails aplenty in the shape of two beautiful national parks – the Dales and the Moors (yorkshiredales.org.uk, visitnorthyorkshiremoors.co.uk). Further south, Leeds boasts seriously good international cuisine and the largest repertory theatre outside London (visitleeds.co.uk), while Sheffield offers Europe’s larg-est indoor ski slope for your piste up pleasure (sheffieldskivillage.co.uk).

Adventure travel: Britain boasts a wealth of incredible outdoors experiences, everything from flighty peaks to freshwater lakes, sweeping forest to majestic and rugged coastlines. Snowdonia in Wales (visitsnowdonia.info) Scafell Pike in the Lake District (lakedistrict.gov.uk) and Ben Nevis (visithighlands.com); the Pennine Way (thepennineway.co.uk) or the Highland Way and Scottish Munros (walkhighlands.co.uk/munros/) offer plenty of adventure for the serious trekker. Along the way you can pick up any combination of adrenaline-fuelled activ-ity – sailing, canyoning, kayaking, caving and climbing await. Dalby Forest in Yorkshire hosts one of more than 20 high ropes courses (goape.co.uk) and the largest network of mountain biking trails in England.

ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Expedition leaders: For those with more appetite (and more money) to venture further afield, there are activities to suit every lifestyle. High mountain trekking in the Andes or the Himalayas and mountain biking in central Asian republics such as Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan are no longer the preserve of paid up adventurers, though you will need to save your pennies. Few corners of the world are unreachable, but in expedition holiday terms, the untouched continent is Antarctica. You can now experience the South Pole without lengthy planning and an arduous ski slog through the ice fields. Spend one week at an Antarctic base with daily activities and take a flight to the Pole. These are ‘holidays’ of a lifetime, so you’ll probably consider it an investment rather than disposable income. Or perhaps you would like to do your bit for charity? There are many opportunities to raise money for worthwhile causes and explore the world at the same time. In 2013, an expedition is planned to the South Pole with the aim of raising as much money as possible for Oxfam and Prostate Cancer UK. Eight people will journey to the pole and raise thousands for these good causes. Plan your own expedition and find out what it means to truly test yourself and give to others at the same time. We would like to thank the following excellent outdoor and expedition suppliers for outfitting our charity expedition team. They are: Hilleberg, Rab, The Mountain Boot Company, Out-door Research, SmartWool, Sorel, Lyon, Exped, Oakley and Bushnell Outdoor Products.


HILLEBERG.SE

AKTOA spacious, amazingly light solo tent with true all season function.

THE RIGHT TENT FOR THE JOB

”A superb piece of kit!” - Trek and mountain mag.

For nearly four decades, Hilleberg has been making the highest quality all-season tents available. Conceived and developed in northern Sweden, Hilleberg tents offer the ideal balance of low weight, strength, and com-fort. Order our catalog “The Tent Handbook” for more information.

Photo: Jolanda Linschooten

HillebergAd-2012olympicguide-A5fullpage-Vert-JolandaLInschooten-Akto-A5BLD5 1 2012-07-21 14.27

30for the most extreme conditions in the worldEstablished in the UK in 1981 - clothing and equipment

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31for the most extreme conditions in the worldEstablished in the UK in 1981 - clothing and equipment

www.rab.uk.com

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book a table in the main area. Quality Italian restaurant using the best fresh ingredients.www.meleepere.co.uk0207 096 2096

Gelupo: Artisan ice-cream – offshoot from Bocca Di Luppo restaurant making amazing gelato and sorbetto – sublime flavours and constantly changing menu. Boasts the most exuberant taste of Italy this side of the Alps.www.gelupo.com0207 287 5555

TOP LONDON EATERIES

Vinoteca: Wine store with restaurant – cant fault the food in this place – clever, seasonal and always really well executed – book to avoid disappointment. Incredible seafood with a list of more than 300 wines.www.vinoteca.co.uk/marylebone0207 724 7288

Mele e Pere: Looks like a fashion bou-tique or slightly weird office entrance foyer from street level but the action happens downstairs – vermouth bar – they make their own. Try the ‘eat at bar’ snacks or

Tramshed: Mark Hix’ (Oyster and Chop House, Mark’s Bar) new offering Tram-shed – when you’re in the mood for chick-en or steak. Some lukewarm reviews but we found it good value for money and a nice idea as you can have a sharing meal ordering roast chicken for four and it is carved at the table. www.chickenandsteak.co.uk0207 749 0478

Roka: Contemporary Japanese cuisine – one to spoil yourself with as it’s quite pricey. Central Robata grill where chefs

EATING OUTBritain’s culinary hotspots

QUALITY food emporiums are worth their weight in gold to the hungry sports fan. Whether you want food on the go, a relaxing night out or a novel dining experience to excite the tastebuds, it’s all here.


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Clock-wise from top right: Tramshed, La Fromagerie, Mele e Pere.

choice of wine or beer. www.lafromagerie.co.uk0207 935 0341

La Bodega Negra: New freakishly good Mexican with superb tequila – hidden away off Old Compton street – book well ahead. Seared steak with hot sauce or red snapper and prawn ceviche, the choices are fabulous. Try chilaquiles with slow braised shredded beef and ancho chilli.Yum.www.labodeganegra.com0207 758 4100

Caribbean Scene: Nutritious, healthy and of course delicious range of dishes from the Caribbean islands. Three fan-tastic outlets in London; Royale in the Docklands, offering the ultimate ‘Carib-chic cuisine experience’, plus a fam-ily eatery and a ‘grab and go’ outlet in

prepare food in front of you. Located in Charlotte Street near Russell Square, and another in Canary Wharf (if you must).www.rokarestaurant.com0207 580 6464

The Modern Pantry: Light fresh cooking with a twist – consistently good. Sugar cured prawn omelette with a chilli sambal a favourite on the menu. Or how about an edamame crusted buffalo mozzarella, pur-ple carrot, shimeji and oyster mushroom salad, grilled spring onion and romescu sauce. Well I never.www.themodernpantry.co.uk0207 553 9210

La Fromagerie: Cheesey heaven – a cheese shop with walk in cheese room and tables so that you can eat what you choose. Relaxed, you have to share space but it’s worth it. Sophisticated

Stratford.www.caribbeanscene.co.uk0207 511 2023

Piazza WC2: A brilliantly unassuming Italian restaurant by Leicester square tube. Specialises in a fantastic range of Italian dishes including chargrilled meats, pizzas, seafood and amazing fresh pasta. Incredible mussel dish with a sublime sauce – one of the best dish-es we have ever tasted.www.piazza-restaurant.co.uk0207 379 6867


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Las Iguanas: A contemporary approach to traditional, hearty Mexican cuisine, retaining powerful flavours and colour-ful dishes while offering a more refined approach. The Taco sharing tray, ‘The Enchilada’, gambas (prawn soup) and calamari starter are the best of many highlights.www.iguanas.co.uk

Haveli: A hidden gem located within a small shopping parade on Hagley Road. Homely, family-run Indian restaurant with dishes that thoroughly exceed the expectations of this unassuming eatery. Service is brilliant. Highlights include king prawn curry, succulent lamb chops, and a fantastic okra curry.

Jamie’s Italian: (PICTURED) The Na-ked Chef continues his famous ethic of simple rustic dishes packed with flavour in his first high-street venture, Jamie’s Italian. Waiters thoroughly explain and suggest various dishes. Try wild boar sa-lami or crispy squid followed by a hearty Angus sirloin steak.www.jamieoliver.com/italian/birmingham

Shabab: Shabab’s is brilliant, offering amazing food and great, courteous ser-vice. Fabulous mixed grill starter of tikka chicken, lamb and fish cooked to perfec-tion. Main course dishes are served in traditional Indian copper pots.www.shababs.co.uk

The Hotel Latour’s. Aalto Restaurant: One of the best, on every level. Food of the highest quality and the service matches. Modern-classic English dishes – beef rib-eye steak, confit belly of lamb, plus a fantastic array of exquisite starters and desserts.www.hotel-latour.co.uk/restaurant/

The White Swan: Warm and hearty at-mosphere with a vast range of dishes to choose from. Cuisine includes classic British, Italian, Middle Eastern and Medi-terranean. Extensive drinks menu. One to watch out for.www.thewhiteswanpub.com

Piccolino: Piccolino doesn’t disappoint. Service here (and at sister restaurant Bank) is of the highest standard. Sub-lime fish (delivered fresh, every day). Part of the Individual Restaurant Company, a mark of quality.www.individualrestaurants.com/piccolino/

Bank: Gracious waiting staff at Bank create a relaxed and comfortable atmos-phere, sometimes hard to find in a quality fine-dining establishment. Fantastic fixed and a la carte menus with sublime pasta and risottos dishes. Incredible cocktails too. www.individualrestaurants.com/bank/

Chennai Dosa: High quality south Indian food, quality service and brilliant value for money. Indian Dosas are pancake-like dishes served with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options such as potatoes and fried onions, mutton or chicken.www.chennaidosa.com

Cielo: Deemed ‘the finest Italian restau-rant in Birmingham’, it lives up to its repu-tation. Recommended dishes include the Barnsley Lamb chop, smoked salmon starter and seared black pearl scallops. Pricing is incredible at £15.95 for three courses. www.cielobirmingham.com

Pinocchio: Italian cuisine in a relaxed and friendly setting. If you’ve never had veal, this is definitely the place to try it. Well-

priced menu and cosy ambience. Hard to find fault.www.pinocchiositalianrestaurant.co.uk

Akbars: Brilliantly priced, high quality South Asian food is what you get every time. Lives up to its claim ‘King of Curry!’ Tasty chicken, keema, lamb and prawn baltis; seafood, vegetable and meat start-ers as well as vegetarian optionswww.akbars.co.uk/birmingham

Hennessey’s Bar: Great dishes ranging from, homemade burgers, delicious soups and grilled meats to tortilla wraps, buffalo wings and salads, Excellent bar service – create your own bespoke menu. Casual dining at its best.www.hennesseysbar.com

SoBar: Vibrant spot bursting with charac-ter and a sophisticated atmosphere. Of-fers a menu of delicious gourmet burgers and pizzas, an expansive cocktail list and an eclectic musical mix. Perfect place to chill out, day or night.www.sobar.co.uk

La Scala: Located in Sutton Coldfield, its intimate atmosphere and fine décor cer-tainly impresses visually; and taste-wise it delivers. Prides itself on using the freshest and finest ingredients, accompanied by a selection of fine Italian wines.www.lascalasutton.co.uk

Cafe Soya: Exciting restaurant at the heart of Birmingham’s Chinatown, offering an intriguingly tasty Chinese-Vietnamese cuisine. An impressive philosophy of ‘hap-piness starts with healthy eating’ twinned with a welcoming family atmosphere and delicious food. www.cafesoya.co.uk

TOP BIRMINGHAM EATERIES




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VISUAL ARTSCelebrating the cultural Olympiad

A SPECTACULAR programme of arts is always available in London’s incredible galleries. Outside of the capital there are an intriguing number of projects vying for your attention.

Investigate and be rewarded.

Royal Academy: The summer exhibition features contemporary work from more than 11,000 entries. Feeling like something more stately – the academy is celebrating the Queen’s diamond jubilee and con-nections with monarchs dating back to its foundation in 1768. Both until 12 August.www.royalacademy.org.uk0207 300 8000

Tate Britain and Tate Modern: Two galleries, two distinct characters. Modern has an iconoclastic factory feel, while Britain is classical and sedate. Britain holds masterpieces by Hogarth, Bacon, Whistler, Millais and Turner. Modern has Picasso, Rothko, Dali, Matisse and Cezanne. Damien Hirst has more than 70 works on display at Modern, includ-ing his shark in formaldehyde, spot paintings, butterflies and pharmacy. Until 9 September.www.tate.org.uk0207 887 8888

National Portrait Gallery: Sculp-ture, drawing, photography and painting of famous historical figures. ‘The Queen’ features 60 portrait images of the monarch from, among others, Lord Lichfield, Andy Warhol, Lucian Freud and Pietro Annigoni. Until 21 October. Also the BP Por-trait Award for contemporary artists. Until 23 September.www.npg.org.uk0207 306 0055

National Gallery: Displaying more than 2,000 western European paint-ings from the middle ages to the

20th century, including Leonardo da Vinci, Renoir, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Turner and Rembrandt. Features ‘Metamorphosis: Titian 2012’ a collaboration with the Royal Ballet and contemporary artists. Until 23 September.www.nationalgallery.co.uk0207 747 2885

V&A: Probably London’s best permanent exhibition of sculpture, design pieces, ancient, classical and modern art. In Olympic year the V&A (Victoria and Albert) is hosting the best of British art and design since London last held the games in 1948. Until 31 August.www.vam.ac.uk0207 942 2000

Somerset House: Houses the world famous Courtauld Collection, ranging from Gothic and medieval art through Baroque and impression-ist painters to the present day. ‘The Rolling Stones: 50’ is a look at the career of rock’s enduring performers through unseen and rare material, including live footage and reportage photography. Until 27 August.www.somersethouse.org.uk0207 845 4600

Hayward Gallery: The only gallery in the world designed in the Brutalist style of architecture. Not easy on the eye, but a reputation to envy. ‘Invis-ible: Art about the unseen’ is half a century of ideas related to the invis-ible and hidden, from the amusing to the philosophical. Until 5 August.www.hayward.org.uk0207 960 42

Design Museum: Designed to Win: ex-plores the way sports design has shaped the worlds of fashion, business and hu-man endeavour. Performance, fashion, technology, art and culture are exam-ined through the work of visual artists, photographers and designers. Until 18 November.www.designmuseum.org0207 940 8790

Serpentine Gallery: Small yet well-visited gallery sited in the finery of Kensington Gardens. Presents Yoko Ono’s first London exhibition in 10 years as part of the London 2012 Festival, exploring her work in film, art, music and performance. Until 9 September.www.serpentinegallery.org0207 402 6075


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ACROSS THE UK London 2012 festivalArt and performance to celebrate

the cultural Olympiad

Clockwise from top left:Royal Academy, National Portrait gallery, V&A, Tate Modern, Somerset House, Hayward galery.

Birmingham and Nottingham (Mid-lands): Mandala, a 3D architectural project fused with south Asian dance and music, 7 and 9 September.

Scarborough (Yorkshire): Sea Swim, meet at the Beach Huts for sea swims and creativity, until 2 September.

Bradford (Yorkshire): In the Blink of an Eye, capturing movement through photography, film, television and new media, until 9 September.

Hadrian’s Wall (Northumberland): YesYesNo from New York present ‘Connecting Light’ to send messages along Britain’s ancient Roman frontier, 31 August – 1 September.

Edinburgh (Scotland): NVA presents Speed of Light, join hundreds of walk-ers in glowing suits to light up Arthur’s Seat at night, 9 August – 1 September.


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PURE DRAMALondon in theatreland

WHETHER you are an aficionado of the Bard or an aspiring chorus singer, London has so many renowned theatres and productions that you’ll find it hard to decide on just one.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre: An experience straight from Shake-speare’s era. The Globe is a faithful reconstruction of the Bard of Avon’s own theatre from 1599. One of Bankside’s most iconic buildings. Audiences stand throughout the plays but aficionados say this involves the audience more and heightens the drama. www.shakespearesglobe.com21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT 0207 401 9919Tube: London Bridge

Shaftesbury Theatre: Everything you would expect from a historic theatre venue, red velvet and bur-nished gold with life size statuary representing comedy, tragedy, poetry and music on the boxes. De-signed by Bertie Crewe, a Victorian architect responsible for some of Britain’s finest theatres. Showing the musical ‘Rock of Ages’ until 20 October.www.shaftesburytheatre.com210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8DP0207 379 5399Tube: Tottenham Court Road, Holborn

Noel Coward Theatre: For-merly known as the Albery, it was renamed after one of Britain’s greatest playwrights and actors on its reopening in 2006. Designed in the Louis XVI style in white and gold. Showing ‘Julius Ceasar’ and ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ – with Meera Syal – as part of the World Shakespeare Festival (August – October).www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/Theatres/noel_coward_theatre.aspSt Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4AUTube: Leicester Square0844 482 5141

Victoria Palace Theatre: West End theatre that has its roots in 19th century music hall. Demolished and rebuilt in 1911. Gorgeous interior, with the added attraction of The Old Masters Restaurant and Grill Room. Showing the award-winning musical ‘Billy Elliot’ until 15 December.victoriapalacetheatre.co.ukAllington Street, Westminster SW1E 5EA0207 834 1317Tube: Victoria

Theatre Royal Drury Lane: Beauti-ful Grade I listed building near Covent Garden and one of London’s sumptuous theatre nights out. Celebrate a special occasion with the in-house hospitality of the VIP Experience in the elegant Grand Sa-loon. Showing ‘Shrek: The Musical’ until 21 October. www.drurylanetheatrelondon.comCatherine Street, London WC2B 5JF0871 733 1000Tube: Covent Garden, Holborn

Lyceum Theatre: Stately frontage in white marble on this 2,000-seater in the West End. A Lyceum Theatre has been in this location since 1765. Restored in 1996 after a long period as a Mecca ballroom and a pop venue. Showing ‘The Lion King’ musical. www.lyceumtheatrelondon.com21 Wellington Street, London WC2E 7RQ0208 584 0059Tube: Temple, Charing Cross

Fortune Theatre: Since 1989 the Fortune has hosted the long-running play ‘The Woman in Black’, which was turned box-office gold by young English actor Daniel Radcliffe from the ‘Harry Potter’ films. Billed as the most terrifying live theatre experi-ence in the world.www.fortunetheatrelondon.netRussell Street, London WC2B 5HH0208 584 0059Tube: Covent Garden, Holborn

New London Theatre: A modern building that was the site for the debut of the world famous Lloyd Webber musical ‘Cats’ in 1981. Classy 1,000 seater auditorium. Showing the excellent ‘War Horse’, much praised for its lifesize puppets, theatrical effects and uplifting plot.www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/new-london-theatre166 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5PW0844 412 2708Tube: Holborn, Covent Garden

From top to bottom:Noel Coward Theatre, Theatre Royal Drury

Lane, Shakespears Globe Theatre


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CLUB GUIDELondon non-stop

CREATE your own 24 hour party places with our pick of the capital’s bars and clubs.

Fabric: Swept in at the end of the ‘superclub’ era to establish dominance. Excellent series of DJ mix CDs enhance its reputation as the premier venue for anyone into electronic beats and bleeps. Friday 3 August is a bass heavy Hessle Audio launch party for Oneman; 4 August for veterans Dave Clarke, Terry Francis and Craig Richards; huge drum and bass jamboree on 10 August with High Contrast, Calyx & Teebee, Total Science and Zero T. www.fabriclondon.com77a Charterhouse Street, London EC1M 3HNTube: Barbican

Plastic People: Bit o’ thump from this raw Shoreditch venue. Pro-genitor of the UK dubstep scene, it hosts the excellent Forward night every Thursday. Fridays is a lucky dip of Lost’s hypnotic tech grooves or Huntleys & Palmers jackin’ disco. Big name Saturdays at Balance include recent spinners Theo Par-rish and Kieran Hebden (of Fourtet fame). www.plasticpeople.co.uk147-149 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3QETube: Liverpool Street, Old Street

The Big Chill: Erudite festival organisers and bona fide bar owners, The Big Chill Bar (Shoreditch) and Big Chill House (Kings Cross) offer an eclectic mix of musical genres, everything from New York disco to jazz noodle, hip hop, Chicago and Detroit grooves, and the odd indie track thrown in. Dig into the cocktails and cut a rug. www.bigchill.net/barShoreditch: Dray Walk, London E1 6QLKings Cross: 257-259 Pentonville Road, London N1 9NLTube: Shoreditch, Kings Cross St Pancras

Egg: Kings Cross’ big bad Egg. No sooner have Shake It! put on Layo and Bushwacka’s tech grooves on 3 August, than a Smirnoff weekender kicks off 10 August with the inimitable glamour puss Felix Da Housecat and his Rude Photo Party. Can it get better? Gregor Tresher reigns on Saturday 11 and then two weeks later Francois K crushes it.www.egglondon.net200 York Way, London N7 9AXTube: Kings Cross St Pancras

East Village: Intimate bar and club space with great selection of sound-systems. Massive Olympic reggae special 3 August with the irreplace-able Ashley Beedle; 5 August has AtJazz at Playback Re:Loaded going

afrobeat, funk and much more; UK funky gets its showing on 8 August with Terror Danjah and Ill Blu; but On the Real top the lot by bringing the hip hop and everything else massive-ness of Nextmen on 10 August. Boss.www.eastvillageclub.co.uk89 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3HXTube: Old Street

Proud2: Head out Greenwich way to this O2 arena venue. Hip happenings include an Eastern Electrics Festival after party on 4 August, with Mosca and friends, followed by a House-proud terrace party on 18 August celebrating the Balearic vibe. Or wait for the bass antics on 26 August with jungle meisters such as Ragga Twins and Bryan Gee.www.proud2.comPeninsula Square, London SE10 0DXTube: North Greenwich

Cargo: Offers a more refined club-bing experience with fine food and live music, as well as its fair share of dancefloor-friendly fare. Monday through Saturday there is music to suit your mood – everything from Ibi-zan promoters Wildlife to the naughty Jimbo Jangles.www.cargo-london.com83 Rivington Street, London EC2A 3AYTube: Old StreetImage above: Fabric


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FILM AND MUSICSporting celluloid and vinyl glory

IF you want to get in the mood for the Olympic athletic supremacy coming our way, then this run down of the best sporting films will put you in the mood with some great underdog

victories. Our sporting soundtracks add some icing to the inspiration cupcake.

The Longest Yard (1974)Director: Robert AldrichStarring: Burt Reynolds, Eddie Albert, Ed LauterFormer pro quarterback Paul “Wrecking” Crewe (Reynolds) is sent to prison and sets up a prisoners football team, including serial killers and violent criminals, recruiting them by telling them they can inflict as much physical violence on the guards as they like. After a murder and some dodgy tactics, the prisoners win and stick it to the man.

Best lineNate Scarboro: “You spend fourteen years in this tank, you begin to understand that you’ve only got two things left they can’t sweat out of you or beat out of you. Your balls. And you better hang onto them, because they’re about the only thing you’re gonna have when you get out of here.”

Rocky (1976)Director: John G. AvildsenStarring: Sylvester Stallone, Burgess Meredith, Talia Shire, Carl

WeathersIn the mother of all training montag-es, small time boxer Rocky (Stallone) gets the chance to fight undefeated heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Weathers) and is coached 1920s style by Micky Goldmill (Meredith). Mostly by running up lots of steps and punching some meat (surpris-ingly, not a euphemism).

Best lineAdrian Pennino: “Beethoven was deaf. Helen Keller was blind. I think Rocky’s got a good chance.”

The Karate Kid (1984)Director: John G. AvildsenStarring: Ralph Macchio, Noriyuki ‘Pat’ Morita, Elisabeth Shue

When Daniel (Macchio) moves to a new town and gets picked on by thekids from the local dojo, Mr Miyagi (Morita) reluctantly agrees to train him for a fight against his arch-enemy, coaching him and getting his house renovated into the bargain.

Best lineKeisuke Miyagi: “First learn stand, then learn fly. Nature rule, Daniel-san, not mine.”

A League of Their Own (1992)Director: Penny MarshallStarring: Madonna, Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, Rosie O’DonnellThe All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) is put together when World War II incon-veniently takes most of the Major League Baseball players out of the game. The women impress with their sporting prowess and perfectly curled hair. Feminism, war and baseball, what’s not to like?

Best lineErnie Capadino: “You know, if I had your job, I’d kill myself! Wait here, I’ll see if I can dig up a pistol.”


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The Mighty Ducks (1992)Director: Stephen HerekStarring: Emilio Eztevez, Joss Ackland, Lane SmithThe story of an arrogant lawyer, Gordon Bombay (Estevez), who learns humility and rediscovers his love of ice hockey through coaching a pee-wee team of outcasts. The kids in turn gain confidence and manage to beat the posh kids to get a chance to play in the minor leagues.

Best line Gordon Bombay: “I hate kids. They’re barely human.”

Kingpin (1996)Directors: Peter and Robert FarrellyStarring: Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid, Vanessa Angel, Bill MurrayAmish bowler (Quaid) is convinced by former champion bowler, now hook-handed drop out, Munson (Harrelson), to compete in a bowling tournament. On a road trip that takes in strippers, gangsters and a run-in with Munson’s bowling nem-esis McCracken (Murray), the pair find love and redemption in some fairly disgusting ways.

Best lineErnie McCracken: “It all comes down to this roll. Roy Munson, a man-child, with a dream to topple bowling giant Ernie McCracken. If he strikes, he’s the 1979 Odor-Eaters Champion. He’s got one foot in the frying pan and one in the pressure cooker. Believe me, as a bowler, I know that right about now, your bladder feels like an overstuffed vacuum cleaner bag and your butt is kinda like an about-to-explode bratwurst.”

Million Dollar Baby (2004)Director: Clint Eastwood

Starring: Hilary Swank, Clint East-wood, Morgan FreemanFormer boxer Dunn (Eastwood) trains Maggie (Swank) as a welterweight boxer, taking her from obscurity to a million dollar bouts. Just as she reaches the top of her game, Maggie breaks her neck and is left paralysed. An emotional rollercoaster.

Best lineEddie Dupris: “The body knows what fighters don’t: how to protect itself. A neck can only twist so far. Twist it just a hair more and the body says, ‘Hey, I’ll take it from here because you obvi-ously don’t know what you’re doing...lie down now, rest, and we’ll talk about this when you regain your senses.’”

THIS SPORTING LIFESoundtracking glory

MUSIC is written about the big themes in life. Race. Love. Religion. Politics. But when it partners up with sport the results can be, by

turns, hilarious, motivational, cringeworthy or spine-tingling. If you need a tune to get your game face on, check out this sporting playlist.

Eye of the Tiger – SurvivorIf you’re the hungry underdog this is groan-inducing but still a classic. For those moments when your training is missing that little bit of epic, just whack this on. Prepare for funny looks when you’re throwing punches on your jog through town though.

To Be The Best – Tenacious DOne minute of sheer motivation. Whether it’s the last set in the gym, the final straight of yet another practice lap, or between rounds in a field event final, this will give you that little bit extra. Perfect listening after a dodgy throw to get you going for the next one.

Survival – MuseThis official Olympic Games anthem has had its fair share of criticism, but walking into that 80,000 seat stadium with cameras and people screaming all around you, the crazy backing vocals, hummingbird guitar and stomping bass will seem all the more appropriate.

Gold – Spandau BalletPreferably sung standing on a table, drink in one hand and the medal you fought so hard for in the other. Fair warning though – this will be incred-ibly awkward for your guests if you only got the bronze.

Scar Tissue – Red Hot Chili PeppersScarring isn’t relaxing you say?! Good point, but being an athlete is hard work. Their bodies suffer for their craft, and they’ve probably got training again tomorrow – they don’t want to be too relaxed. Top to bottom: Tenacious D, Muse, Spandau Ballet, Red hot Chili Peppers


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AT A GLANCE


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AT A GLANCE


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