Monday, January 23, 2012

Where to Watch the 2012 Super Bowl in London

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The Super Bowl is fast approaching.  In less than two weeks, the big game will be shown on television screens all around the world.  The New England Patriots will take on the New York Giants.  This is bound to be a good game and while you can catch the game on the BBC and on ESPN America, some of you may want to skip the house party and instead have someone else do the dishes.  Here are a few places around town that will be open late and hosting a Super Bowl party.

Bodeans
Starting from £25

Bodeans Super Bowl celebration includes not only a bit of pre-game tailgating but also a half time feast of ribs, chicken, pulled pork, BBQ beans and  coleslaw.  They'll also have Coors buckets for a tenner.  Advanced booking is highly recommended.

Jetlag Bar
Starting from £5

Jetlag will be screening We Are Marshall and Invincible before the big game.  They also boast a large selection of beers including Samuel Adams, Fordham Copperhead and Anchor Steam.  Be sure to book in advance.

The Sports Cafe
Starting from £15 

The Sport Cafe in Haymarket is once again screening the game.  They're charging a £15 entry fee which may seem a bit steep but the venue is massive, centrally located and actually a great place to watch any sporting event at the whole crowd get into it.  They also have packages that include a 3 course meal and seating in either a table or booth.  To find out more, please contact Michelle.

The Social
£6 in advance and  £10 at the door

If you're looking to give back while also watching a bit of football, then The Social's Super Bowl party will be right up your alley.  Proceeds from their party will to to the housing charity Shelter.  They'll also have DJs and entertainment from 8pm.  This party has sold out two years running.  So be sure to book online to guarantee entry.

The Roadhouse
Free before 10pm, £10 after

With 4 big screens and 9 large plasmas,  it'll be hard to miss the pigskin action at The Roadhouse.  There will be a live band as well as DJs.  There will be a Happy Hour throughout the evening and special deals on food. Oh, and did I mention that its free entry until 10pm?  Get there early to avoid the cover charge and to guarantee entry.

Bar Kick
Free all night

If you're on the East End and are looking for a place to watch the game or if you're just looking for a place to see the game for free, then Bar Kick is the place for you.  They have three 42" screens upstairs and promise that the beer will flow all night.  The kitchen will be open late too!

Friday, January 20, 2012

Chinese New Year 2012 - Year of the Dragon


This Monday marks the start of the year of the Dragon.  Over the next few days, Chinatown will be adorned with festive images of dragons and strings of red lanterns crisscrossing over the street.

This year's celebrations in London will take place in Trafalgar Square on 29 January and will kick off with a parade through Soho starting at Rupert Street at 10:15am. Festivities will start at Trafalgar Square at noon and will include performances from over 100 artists including dragon and lion dances and will end with a fireworks display at 5:30pm.

If you've not attended a Chinese New Year festival before or are looking for something fun to do next weekend, I'd highly recommend attending. Also look out for lion dancers making their way through Chinatown.  It's truly a sight to behold.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Visa Update: Revised Occupation Shortage List

[Source]

In October 2011, the goverment updated their list of occupation shortages.  This list is part of the Tier 2 immigration route.  You can learn more about the various immigration routes here.

The following occupations have been removed from the list:
  • secondary education biology teachers
  • speech and language therapists
  • pharmacists
  • orthoptists
  • veterinary surgeons; and
  • rank and file orchestra musicians.

But don't worry!  They're have added a few occupations to the list including:
  • environmental scientists
  • geochemists ; and
  • high integrity pipe welders.

The newly updated list can be found at the UK Border Agency website.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Contest Update: Win Goodies from BBC America



I'd like to thank everyone who took part in BBC America's holiday competition and apologise for the delay in announcing the winners.  I initally was going to give out a prize a day.  However I've decided to instead, split the array of goodies from BBC America between our two contest winners.  They are:

Ella Pea & Suzanne!!!!

Congrats ladies.  Please contact me to claim your prizes.

Monday, January 9, 2012