TONIGHT
Illumini Launch

Whilst this may sound like some kind of dastardly Dan Brown collective, we can at least guarantee there won’t be albino monks at tonight’s Illumini launch event – but there will be light. Collaborating with visual artists and performers who use light in their work, this latest show revolves around the idea of ‘Secret Subterranean London’ and takes place in spooky corridors and dark recesses under the ground, transformed into world war bunkers, disused tube stations and crypts. Grab a torch – and possibly a crucifix.

6pm-10pm, Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, EC1V 9LT.

COMPETITION
Win a month’s worth of Innocent goodies

If you’re munching a chocolate croissant whilst reading this and telling yourself that the pastry counts as one of your five–a–day; put the baked good down and check into Innocent Cafe’s 5 for 5 rehab scheme. Aiming to serve 5000 people their five a day for £5, it opens in October with guest chef Gizzi Erskine at the helm and will be taking bookings soon. Can’t wait? We have a month’s worth of Innocent smoothies and Veg pots to give away to one vitamin-deficient subscriber. To be in with a chance of winning simply tell us: How many of your five–a–day have you managed today?

1st - 7th October. Innocent 5 for 5 Café, The Tramshed, 6-8 Garden Walk, EC2A 3EQ. £5.

STAY UP LATE
Lost Marathon

If, for some mysterious reason which is making us ridiculously resentful, you happen to have the beginning of next week off – we have the perfect time–wasting way to spend your day. The Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square is holding a Lost marathon, screening all 121 episodes of the super–series back–to–back. 80 hours, 285 free seats up for grabs, and one paramedic – presumably in case the killer polar bear gets out of hand. Come as your favourite character (extra points for anyone able to pull off the black smoke monster), bring blankets, pillows and food, and be prepared to stumble back into the light on Thursday morning and wonder what the hell has happened.

From 10am, 13th September. 7 Leicester Place,
WC2H 7BY. Email:
lostmarathon@taylorherring.com to win a free place.

SHOP
Comfort Station

A recent mid-week wander down Cheshire Street saw us fall head–over–heels in love with the jewellery at boutique label Comfort Station. Twisted and knotted, chunky cord strands come with either silver or gold platelets engraved with the geographical co–ordinates of ‘Love’ – a town in the Bahamas, and ‘Hope’ – a town in Devon. An innovative, insider way to express your feelings. We heart.

From £115.

CLASSIFIED
Fancy a crack at London’s hottest job offer?

Bored of the daily grind? Underappreciated at work and hate your fathead colleagues? Buck up kiddo, this could be the dream job for you. W Hotel – opening in February 2011 – is holding a casting call for two ultimate ‘London Insiders’ to join their global contingency of super concierges, and the floor’s open to all. Reckon you know the hottest spots in town, have ins with the bitchiest door people and every restaurant reservation teams under your thumb? Send in your audition tape for a chance to become a finalist and face the likes of ANTM’s J Alexander and Bistrotheque’s David Waddington in an Apprentice–style finale.

Apply online at: www.wlondon.co.uk/casting

LAST CHANCE
Wine Chap’s Big Burgundy Brunch

This Saturday sees the last in our Wine Chap’s series of Big Burgundy Brunches at Quo Vadis. Join Tom Harrow for a midday meander through 4 of the best white and 4 of the best red burgundies (including a Bourgogne, a Villages, a Premier Cru and a Grand Cru) over brunch consisting of smoked salmon, eggs blendisloe, and a selection of British cheeses.

£49 per person, to book, call: 020 7437 9585. Quo Vadis, 26-29 Dean Street, W1D 3LL.

RESERVED
This week’s hottest foodie destination

Pierre Hermé
A macaronerie like no other

13 Lowndes Street, SW1X 9EX – 020 7245 0317
www.pierreherme.com

Location
Having previewed his haute confectionary collection at Selfridges a few months back, the macaron king has now opened his first London boutique which is not only a haven for the sweet of tooth but is also supremely foxy of design.

Vibe
I am not one to go crazy for cupcakes (too much frosting). Waft a fancy dessert past me and I’ll barely bat an eye (I like to savour the savoury). Sweet for sweet’s sake doesn’t do it for me, but Pierre Hermé’s macarons and chocolates are on another level – there is good reason he is already worshipped in Paris and Tokyo – and this new store is certain to become the ultimate stop–off for dinner party (or self) gifting.

Flavours
Monsieur Hermé is renowned for his incredible flavour combinations that he concocts with all the subtlety of a perfumer: strawberry and balsamic vinegar and dark chocolate and blackcurrant are two of his most popular macarons, while chocolates are infused with black olives and roasted, salted corn as well as other more traditional, but no less intense, options.

Décor
Looking more like a contemporary jewellery store, the sweeping, espresso lines of this Belgravia gem are the perfect backdrop for the ‘Picasso of Pastry’s multi-coloured macarons and signature tangerine packaging.

Upshot
You may not be able to book a table but, as word spreads, you might need to call ahead to reserve a box of your favourite flavours. The colours go so perfectly with this season’s Louboutins, and the two shops are now so conveniently close!