lots of food and a bit of culture

We're writing this after our fantastic first Directors Lunch of 2014. We had a brilliant time at The York & Albany but more on that later... 

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We'll pick up from where we left off in the last blog post. We were talking about Klaus Thymann teaming up with BBH London to shoot a short film on Brazil's street kids. 

Well the film went live last week and has already racked up over 4000 youtube views.

The film is part of the joint initiative with BBH and The International Exchange (TIE) 'A leadership development programme that combines the expertise of corporate communications and the needs of NGO's to create positive sustainable change'. In this case it was for Ruas E Praças. 

If you're interested in helping out you can visit their website and get involved. 

You can read the official press release HERE

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Andy Morahan spent last Sunday filming Benjamin Britten's 'Peter Grimes' live from the London Coliseum to over 200 cinema screens nation wide. 

Lucky audience members got the chance to see the whole production from different cinemas across the UK. 

Have a read of the review on the ENO website

Did you see it? if YES let us know what you thought on twitter or in a comment on this post.  

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We finished off the week with a lovely get-together at the York & Albany at the top of Parkway in Camden. 

We like to get a group of our directors together with producers and creatives from advertising agencies for good food and great company a few times a year, and this thursday was our first one of 2014. 

Hendricks & cucumber 

Andy Morahan & Michelle from Leo Burnett's 

There was lots of great food and plenty of 'try this!' and 'shall we share?' going on 

chilli salami and olive pizza 

herb crusted cornish cod with leeks and a shellfish bisque 

The York & Albany burger 

Classic Caesar salad 

We spent the afternoon catching up with old friends, meeting new ones and laughing. a lot. 

the team photo. 

Thanks to all who came - we're looking forward to the next one!

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Up and coming things to look out for from the Gunners is a new spot for The Fabelists that Olivier Venturini shot a few weeks ago. It's currently in post-production so watch this space for updates on that very soon! 

Just to tick you over until its release, here's a behind the scenes picture from the shoot. 

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We realise this post has been very food-indulgent so we might as well stick to the foodie theme. We've got a brilliant pub to recommend for one of the best roasts going. 

It's actually apparently not raining in London all weekend - which at the moment is a bit of a miracle. 

Get yourself out of bed and cure that foggy Sunday head with lunch at The Princess of Shoreditch. 

photo credit

nestled on the corner of Paul Street just off from Hoxton Square and a stones throw from the City and Old Street, the pub boasts both a lively downstairs bar and a more relaxed upstairs eatery. Despite being over 200 years old it manages to escape that old man pub feel, while keeping it cosy. 

Gloriously simple british pub food at its best. 

Try booking a table downstairs as there's a bit more atmosphere, and definitely make a reservation and it gets busy. 

You can find all the info you need HERE.

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We've gone a bit old school in the London office today and have had Billy Joel blasting out all day so our weekend tune has to be Everybody Loves You Now

Happy weekend folks! 

The Gunners x 

we couldn't resist… The Gunners Christmas Gift List!

We know, we know… We ended the last post with dramatic festive flair and promises of no more posts until early 2014… but since then we've found some gorgeous gifts & some winter warming tipples that we just HAVE to share…(it would be rude not to!) 

Lets start with gifts first - if you're like us the thought of attempting to navigate through hoards of people to do your christmas shopping is just not an option. Most of us at GG HQ have decided that online is definitely the best way to shop. Sitting on the sofa, leisurely scrolling through various online sites and then just having to click 'buy now'. Which is why our Gunners Christmas Gift List is all online. 

GG Director Olly Blackburn's brother has just launched 'The Artful Project'. A new online gallery and photography space where you can find beautiful high quality photos and prints.

This one is 128 Yards #12 by Armando Ferrari. 

The Artful Project is all about inspiring a new culture of art collecting by offering extraordinary pieces at affordable prices. The project champions the 'art for everyone' ethos; turning exhibitions into creative events and supporting new talent. 

So for a truly unique christmas gift for that special someone, treat them to something from The Artful Project. 

Gunner Laura Gregory is saving for this gorgeous piece. (Threshold Part. 1 #13 by Julian Hibbard). 

If framed art is not your thing and you want something a bit different for a loved one, you have to check out designer Solange Azagury-Partridge's designs. The London based jewellery designer is famed for creating gorgeous statement pieces. Our favourite is the Hot Lips lacquered sterling silver ring. 

At £990 it really is an investment piece but one we'd totally plump for. Team it with a gorgeous LBD - perfect for Christmas Day. 

We love this stoned perfume as well 

and for something totally out there invest in the ball crusher lamp!

For the little nippers in your life it has to be something from The Fabelists. Matt Cooper from LBBonline teamed up with Brothers & Sisters and the Mill to launch this super-cool ethical and sustainable clothing line for kids. (We're currently working on a film project for them with our director Olivier Venturini) 

Their current line includes gorgeous dresses and skirts for girls, lovely quality jeans and jackets for boys, and our favourites - the unisex t-shirts. The Fabelists collaborated with some great artists including Gregori Saavedra, Anthony Peters and Crispin Finn to create some truly unique designs. 

There are loads of different designs and items to choose from and the best thing about it is you can order with a clean conscience! 

(you've got to be quick - december 18th is the final day for standard UK mainland deliveries but you can order up until the 20th december to get next day deliver in time for Christmas.) 

Whatever you decide to buy, make sure you include a goat, a toilet or even a few mosquito nets! Oxfam Unwrapped gives you the chance to buy all sorts of gifts starting at £5 that help others around the world. There's nothing better than spreading a bit of festive cheer! 

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Now after all that internet shopping you deserve to kick back and relax with something special. Here are our 3 favourite Christmas tipples. Perfect for that party you're planning, a lazy evening in, or simply because you want to… it is Christmas after all! 

The first is Christmas Southside 

For 1 drink you will need: 35ml of gin, 15ml sugar syrup, 25ml fresh lemon juice, 8 fresh mint leaves, 10 frozen cranberries & 25ml cranberry juice. Add everything except cranberry juice to a tall glass and mix with crushed ice. Float the cranberry juice on top and add a sprig of mint. 

For something a bit more warming, perfect for those evenings spent in front of the fire, try a Hot Roots. 

For 1 drink you will need: 50ml of Kamm & Sons, 150ml cloudy apple juice, 2 teaspoons of orgeat syrup and 1 slice of fresh ginger. Crush the ginger in a pan, then warm all the ingredients together in the pan and strain into a heatproof glass. 

Finally the perfect party drink - Very Berry. 

You will need 25ml of Chambord black raspberry liqueur, 125ml of cabernet sauvignon, 25ml of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of caster sugar and 3 raspberries. Crush the raspberries in a glass with the sugar and add the wine, Chambord and lemon juice. Top up the glass with boiling water then float a small slice of lemon studded with 3 cloves on top.   

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Have a fantastic break & look out for a new year post in early 2014! 

Love, The Gunners x