Review: BFI Flare, London LGBT Film Festival

This Easter Sunday saw the sad end of BFI Flare - one of the world's longest running and most respected LGBT film festivals, which hosted a plethora of queer films from all over the world as well as insightful talks and crazy club nights on the riverfront.

The festival opened last week with the mesmerising brit flick The Pass - the heart-wrenching story of a footballer in love with his teammate whilst struggling with his sexual identity under the eternally intrusive and judgemental glare of the celebrity spotlight. 

Other films included the critically acclaimed Carol, featuring an impeccably dressed Cate Blanchet playing the role of a married woman in love with a young shop assistant, dealing with the social stigma of her sexuality in 1940's Britain, and Real Boy - the tale of a brave 19 year old trans man who endures the agony of rejection from his family before finding love and acceptance though like-minded friends made through social media.

The gloriously bohemian French film Summertime closed the festival and left cinema-goers teary eyed as they were treated to visually exquisite cinematography and the powerful love story of Delphine - a young girl raised by traditional parents on a farm and Carole - a streetwise Parisian activist with a flock of unruly blond hair - and a boyfriend. The two meet at a feminist protest on the bustling streets of Paris and quickly form a passionate, unyielding bond which takes them to the lush rural landscape of the countryside before their fervent romance is suddenly tested by the dismal realities of life.

Roll on next year for more arty LGBT film shenanigans....

Review: The Little Yellow Door

Attention all foodies and hip hop adoring pleasure seekers…

The West London food and party institution that is The Little Yellow Door has recently announced the six month renewal of their lease.

Founded in October 2014, this kitsch, hedonistic haven in hip Notting Hill is based on a fun, fictional flat share and hosts weekly ‘house parties’ and supper clubs brimming with the kind of friendly, frolicsome folk you could easily see yourself becoming bosom buddies with. In fact, the merry motto of this pleasing pop up, which conveniently takes Whatsapp bookings, is, “visiting The Little Yellow Door, you may arrive with three friends and leave with ten…”

For years, Londoners sick of generic nights on the town, with a craving for ‘something a bit different,’ have frequented their infamous house parties, retro gaming nights, kitchen suppers, Thursday takeovers, indoor gardens and exciting supper clubs with the cheeky Wandering Chef.

To celebrate the happy arrival of The Little Yellow Door’s latest USA hailing ‘flatmate,’ Hank, The Wandering Chef has revamped the Friday night supper club’s menu and will be cooking up a lip-smacking, belly-rubbing, taste bud titillating, all-American feast – to be vacuumed up by excitable guests as they take part in jubilant house party-esque games before tables are cleared to make way for copious amounts of jigging to some seriously sexy hip hop.

I had to get involved...

When I arrived, I was welcomed by a gaggle of gorgeous, happy people and served delicious dishes including soft Savoury Donuts with Sweet Shrimp, Cajun Crab Remoulade smothered in Pickled Chilli, New England Clam Chowder with Shrimp and Corn, followed by heaving boards of Pulled Beef Shin, Buffalo Wings, Smoked Sausage and Burnt Ends. These heavenly offerings were served with a sassy selection of sides such as Pickled Chilli and Kraut Slaw, Potato and Bacon Salad, and the creamiest, most addictive Mac ‘n’ Cheese I have ever tried in my life – and I don’t joke about Mac ‘n’ Cheese. Hell no.

Before I got ready to party on the freshly cleared dance floor, I came face to face with the magnificent puddings which were hovering about naughtily – particularly the seemingly innocent looking but exceedingly scandalous Oreo, Banana and Bourbon Hard Shakes and the raspberry topped Malt Cream Brownies.

The Little Yellow Door also hosts laid back Wednesday and Thursday night dinners and Saturday night house parties featuring a menu inspired by “the weird and wonderful characters you find at a party and, more importantly, their bizarre eating habits.”

I adore The Little Yellow Door and its quirky ways. Go with an open mind, your most entertaining friends and an empty tum.

 The Little Yellow Door, 68 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3HT 

This article was originally published in The Metropolist