London Archives - Page 10 of 11 - Mr. Salt and Pepper

Millbank Haze

12th April 2017

Confusion boy.

Everyone has a coming out story. It is one of those personal achievements when you’re finally starting to live your truth and be more open to the world. After years of hiding my feelings towards it, I finally came out to my friend and family as…. *wait for it* a Blogger! For some, it may come as a huge surprise, but I’ve spent most of my early 20s being confused about what I really want to do in my life… and I think I’m finally going in the right direction. Don’t you think?

Content creation was always there. However, finding the right platform for it was a huge challenge for me.

I started blogging and managing websites when I was just 14 years old. From fan pages to forums, I was thrilled to create engaging content and building large communities online. In 2007, I started video blogging, which REALLY established me in my home country – Lithuania. *come through, potato dumplings*

With daily viewership reaching a staggering 15,000, my online presence was way bigger than my mindset. Everything happened so fast that I didn’t know what to do with it! The New York Times featured some of my work, whilst fans sent me daily video responses on Videogaga (Lithuanian version of YouTube). *I even made an appearance on MTV!* Video blogging opened so many doors for me… but unfortunately. I didn’t take any of these opportunities.

My biggest fear back then was me. I was so scared of the outside world. People started to recognise me in the street and that freaked the hella out of me. Everything seemed so uncertain – I wasn’t sure whether people are going to shake my hand or punch me in the face. There was so much bullying online that I had no desire to continue. I completely stopped blogging and focused more on finishing my studies. Back then, living life being me was something out of reach and impossible.

In 2009, I moved to the United Kingdom, and – after a while – I started to open myself to others. The feeling was great! With socialising and partying taking the centre stage, I didn’t have time to think about blogging… Until now.

After years of working for a digital media agency and several publications across the UK, one day I thought to myself “right, I need to create something for me, a platform that would unleash my creative spirit and add value to it“. Suddenly, I had a flashback of the past 13 years and I was like “blogging is what I need to continue“. So, after months of researching and planning, I give to you – Mr. Salt and Pepper – the UK men’s lifestyle blog!

Cranes in vacation.

It seems like the embroidered appliqués of exotic birds are taking over my blog this season – but for all the right reasons.

The other day, I was scouting around Millbank with my best friend Alex and snapped a few pictures of this look. First, let me tell you one thing – I was never a fan of vacation shirts. I always had this perception of them being too tacky and out of date. However, this shirt from Urban Outfitters completely blew my mind!

I was channelling tropical vibes with this laid-back shirt in burnt orange. It features a relaxed fit with a button front and notched collar, topped with crane embroidery on the chest. I mean, what’s not to love?! I paired it with a white linen jacket and militaire chinos, both from Zara. This is an ace holiday look that can also work as a daytime summer wear in the city. Staycation anyone?

SHOP: Loom Crane Vacation Shirt from Urban Outfitters | Linen Jacket from Zara | Basic Chinos from Zara | Green Slip On Shoes from Primark

Events

Ten Days Six Nights

31st March 2017

Just when you thought London’s art scene couldn’t get any better – you see this!

Last week, my best friend and I were visiting art galleries, because… you know… we are two little cultural freaks who like to indulge in something mind blowing and strange. First, we went to see “Women of Neon” at Fenwick (in collaboration with Lights of Soho), which was quite underwhelming. Mainly because it was only a shop window display… Come on, we need moar! *in Britney Spears voice* Gimme Moar!

After an hour-long Snapchat story rant, we shimmied our way to Tate Modern as we thought it was a safe choice for an artsy day out… and it was a damn good choice!

The South Terrace of Tate Modern has been transformed into an immersive fog installation, made by the insanely talented Japanese artist Fujiko Nakaya. It features breathtaking LED lights and soundscapes.

You might think that London does not need any more atmospheric gloom, but Nakaya has a positive aim for this. She wanted to change the bad image of London fog, smog and other misty occurrences, which were brought up after the Industrial Revolution. This time around, Nakaya creates the new generation of London fog – an ecological fog – for everyone to enjoy!

The sculpture runs until 2nd of April, therefore you still have some time left to soak in this very instagrammable fog. Also, watch some great live performances at the Tanks (downstairs).

When art goes from a static presentation to an experience of performance, film, sound, fog and dance! I definitely see myself perform one of the Gravitational Feel numbers, whilst vaping in my room.

VISIT: BMW Tate Live Exhibition: Ten Days Six Nights, open until 2nd of April, 2017. Free entry during the day.

Style

Plants and Leaves

29th March 2017

Thinking about Fruits and Plants…

This week, the temperature in London is expected to go up as high as +20C. As always, Londoners will take full advantage of this weather by basking outside with an ice-cold beverage.

Speaking of drinks… Recently, I teamed up with evian to produce a series of lifestyle images for their “Fruits and Plants” range. Their style guide was simple: sunny days and vibrant colours. Hmmm… I hear myself thinking that this might not fully work in London. Simply, because it tips down pretty much all the time! *sorry, not sorry* Even though I love a little bit of rain, I had to take every opportunity to capture evian drinks in lovely weather. Therefore, I was waking up at 6am every morning to capture the essence of awakening.

I stopped by my local florist shop on Store Street. The weather was unseasonably warm for this time of the year, so I took full advantage by showcasing my new favourites. For this occasion, I paired my favourite Diesel Leaf Printed Jersey Shirt with Skinny Cropped Trousers from Nöak. The raspberry-and-verbena-flavoured evian looked really good with this look and so did I, right? *fishes for a compliment* I have a feeling this look will be a staple of mine once the spring weather decides to stay!

What do you think? Is this something you would wear?

SHOP: S-WESTY Leaf Print Jersey Short Sleeve Shirt from Diesel | Skinny Cropped Trousers from Noak | Black Buckle Slip Ons from Primark

Events

Makers House

25th February 2017

Burberry has teamed up with the Henry Moore Foundation to launch a fashion and crafts pop-up space in Soho!

Today, Toby and I stopped by the Makers House to look at Burberry’s February 2017 collection, which has been inspired by the works of late artist Henry Moore. There are 40 of Henry Moore’s sculptures, working models, maquettes and objects on display, alongside the clothes they inspired. It was lovely to see Burberry back with another great exhibition.

The event runs until 27th of February, so you still have a couple of days left to go and see it. You can even take part in a photoshoot at The Portrait Studio. Toby and I were really extra on the set, retakes and all that.*sorry not sorry* Apparently, the set changes every 2 days, so there are more reasons for us to go see it again.

This is Burberry’s second straight-to-consumer range, which I’m totally obsessed with. Their new menswear jumpers and briefcases are to die for! *counting minutes until pay day*

Fashion exhibitions are my kind of exhibitions because they are always more engaging and really fun to be at. From Louis Vuitton’s Series 3 to Alexander McQueen’s Savage Beauty, fashion designers have always been taking exhibitions in London to the next level. People not only get to see their latest collections but also have the opportunity to attend workshops as well as keep a souvenir or two.

Henry Moore: Inspiration & Process
February 22 – 27 | 10am – 9pm
FREE entry!

0800 279 4998

Makers House
1 Manette Street,
London, W1D 4AT

Food & Drink

Bala Baya

14th February 2017

Hidden away under the arches in Waterloo East, Bala Baya is the latest addition to London’s Israeli food scene.

The hip interior of Bala Baya may lure you in, but it will be the taste of authentic Israeli food that will keep you coming back for more. Eran Tibi, the chef behind Bala Baya, launched the restaurant early this year and it has been buzzing ever since.

On a lovely Sunday afternoon, my friend and I stopped by Bala Baya to try their weekend brunch menu. We started off with their Tel Aviv inspired drinks menu. I’ve chosen a bitter-tingled Grapefruit and Thyme Gazoz (picture 1), which is available alcohol-free and with vodka.

For starters, we tried creamy Hummus & Chickpea Salsa, as well as Strained Yoghurt & Harissa Drizzle (picture 2 & 3). Pitta bread is included with almost every meal and it’s as fresh as it can be. The restaurant has its own bakery, therefore their pitta bread comes straight out of the oven.

For the main course, I recommend Steak & Eggs (picture 4). After having hummus, yoghurt and pitta bread for starters, it was a challenge to finish this one off. The food baby was inevitable!

Whether you’re up for a light bite or a 3-course meal, Bala Baya will make sure that you’ll have a great dining experience. We surely did! *comes for a quick snack – leaves 4 hours later*

Bala Baya
Arch 25, Old Union Yard Arches,
229 Union Street, SE1 0LR

020 8001 7015

London

Millbank H﻿aze﻿