Cooking

Join to us to talk about The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai is a multigenerational novel following the Trần family in Vietnam through the 20th century, focusing on two women, grandmother Trần Diệu Lan and granddaughter Hương, as they endure famine, war, and political upheaval, offering an intimate, human perspective on Vietnamese history. There will be a book swap as well so bring a book you would like to swap if you want!🧐🧐😌😌

As one of the world’s leading experts on South African wines, Tim Atkin MW produces an annual Special South Africa Report highlighting the best producers and wines from this country. Based on his report, this tasting will showcase wines he has selected to appear in his list of First and Second Growths as well as a group of producers he has highlighted as ‘Rising Stars’ – the ones to watch. This event will provide a unique overview of what’s happening in South Africa right now to give you an oversight of the modern face of winemaking in this fascinating country. **The best news of all is that many of the winemakers will be there in person pouring their wines and there will be hundreds of wines on tasting. \*SCROLL TO THE END TO SEE THE LIST OF PRODUCERS CONFIRMED SO FAR\*** **This is a walk-round tasting which will last from 5.30 to 8.30** and you can get there at any time, but don't delay if you want to taste as many wines as possible! I will be there from the start to welcome you and introduce you to other members of the group. **I will do a guided wine walk at 6.30 pm** but this will be limited to 4 people and preference will be given to new members. **Tickets are normally £50, however I have a discount for members of this group......£45 + £2 Meetup/paypal fees = £47.** You will be sent a ticket during the week of the event. I have reserved 10 tickets for the group **Please note that Meetup now charge an additional fee to attendees on top of the price which the Organiser sets. This fee is paid direct to Meetup and is beyond our control.** **REFUNDS:** If you cancel your place by Sunday 3rd May latest you will get a refund of £45 but, IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE, only if there is someone on the 'waitlist' who books and pays for your place. **WAITLIST:** If this event is fully booked and you would like to attend if someone cancels, post a comment in the event to let me know that you are interested. Cheers, Christos **Producers confirmed so far include:** * AA Badenhorst * Angus Paul Wines * ArtiSons Family Wines * Beau Constantia * Beeslaar Wines * Benguela Cove * Boekenhoutskloof * Boplaas * Brunia Wines * Capensis * Catherine Marshall Wines * Cederberg * Creation Wines * Crystallum * Damascene * De Morgenzon * De Trafford * Deep Rooted Wines * Delaire Graff Estate * Diemersdal Wine Estate * Doolhof Wine Estate * Dorper * Eagle’s Nest * Eight Gates * Ernie Els Wines * Fledge & Co * Gabriëlskloof * Ghost Corner * Glen Heatlie * Glenelly Estate * Graham Beck * Hamilton Russell * Hearth * Iona * Jordan Wine Estate * Journey’s End * Kanonkop Wine Estate * Kershaw Wines * Klein Constantia * Kleine Zalze Wines * La Brune Wines * Le Riche * Lemberg Wine Estate * Lismore Estate Vineyards * Momento Wines * Moya Meaker Wines * Mullineux * Natte Valleij * Newton Johnson Family Vineyards * Off the Record Wines * Paul Cluver Wines * Raats Family Wines * Rall Wines * Rebel Rebel * Restless River * Reyneke * Roodekrantz * Rudi Schultz Family Wines * Savage * Shannon Vineyards * Sijnn * Simonsig * Steenberg Vineyards * StellenRust * Storm Wines * Taaibosch WInes * Tembela Wines * Thamnus * The High Road * Thelema Mountain Vineyards * Thistle and Weed * Thorne & Daughters * Tokara * Vergelegen * Vilafonté * Vulpes Wines * Warwick * Waterford Estate

We're the All Good Bookshop writing group - we've been around for 10 years now. We offer writing feedback and discussion, whatever your level. Never been before? That's fine. Can only come once in a while? That's fine. Want to come regularly? That's fine. While we're predominantly narrative-based, any type of writing is welcome. Fiction, non-fiction, screenplays, novels, short-stories... bring it along and see if it fits. The cost is £5 to join us. Half of this goes to the bookshop and the other half goes towards snacks/drinks for everyone. Pay when you get there. (If you're having any financial problems, feel free to have a discreet chat with Chris about it). HOW IT WORKS First, we do introductions, which cover: 1 - Who you are 2 - What kind of thing you write 3 - What you're working on 4 - What you've done in the last two weeks. Then we find out who has stuff to read out (1,000 - 2,000 words), and who has questions/discussion points. If you'd prefer to do written hand-outs, you can as well. We then run through as many people as we can fit in, so they can read out or run through a discussion point. The group is run by Chris Brosnahan, an experienced writer and a long-running facilitator of writing groups. HOUSE RULES 1 - No egos. Everyone's stuff is up for criticism/feedback. 2 - Be constructive. We're not a review group - we're trying to help each other improve. 3\. No pressure\. You can turn up and just observe if you want \- you're not under pressure to read out or feed back\. 4 - We do our best to be a safe space. You don't know the backgrounds of everyone in the room. If you're going to read something that might be problematic or emotionally difficult, talk about it first - and if you're unsure, ask. 5 - We do our best to be a safe space. For particularly graphic scenes, please discuss in advance. A reminder that listening to erotica is, in itself, a sex act, and needs the enthusiastic consent of everyone involved. 6 - Content warnings apply. This doesn't just mean things like sex or violence. It also includes things like abuse, long-term illness, death - think of things that someone may find difficult if they're dealing with at the moment. We do our best to be a safe space. 7 - If you're struggling with anything being read, you can take a break without any justification or questions. 8 - Banned question: "Is this based on your own life?" - it doesn't add anything and can make discussion awkward. Please don't ask it. 9 - Let other people talk. You'll get your chance to feedback or ask questions, but it can be all too easy to talk over people. You also don't need to respond to every piece of feedback. 10 - Keep it respectful. Keep it friendly. Any problems? Get in touch and ask.

**We first read this in August 2016, and it's time to revisit a classic!** Through John Fowles’ 1963 debut novel The Collector, we’ll explore the horrors of loneliness, of abduction and of a seemingly harmless butterfly collector… Here’s the summary from the [goodreads.com](http://goodreads.com/) page: “Withdrawn, uneducated and unloved, Frederick collects butterflies and takes photographs. He is obsessed with a beautiful stranger, the art student Miranda. When he wins the pools he buys a remote Sussex house and calmly abducts Miranda, believing she will grow to love him in time. Alone and desperate, Miranda must struggle to overcome her own prejudices and contempt if she is understand her captor, and so gain her freedom.” The meeting will start at 7pm and finish between 9.00 and 10pm (BST), with breaks in between. Just a reminder that the pub lets us to use the room at no charge so please do purchase drinks/food from the bar. Bringing in your own food from outside the pub is not allowed!

**FREE TO MEMBERS, BECAME A MEMBER WHEN YOU ARRIVE** Sometimes the best therapy is simply slowing down, using your hands, and sharing a moment with kind people. 💛 If life has been a little busy or stressful, why not take a small break in the middle of the week? Join us for our **free ceramic classes** — a relaxed and friendly space where we make simple clay pieces, chat, laugh, and meet new friends. You don’t need any experience. Just come as you are and enjoy the moment. 🎨 Playing with clay 💬 Friendly conversations 🌿 A little pause from everyday life 📅 Every Wednesday ⏰ 7–9 pm Everyone is welcome. It would be lovely to see you there. 😊 Any questions, call/text Rodrigo +44 7535 272361 or Rita +44 7454 044190

Embark on a culinary journey as you master the techniques and ingredients required to prepare these mouth-watering dishes. The class will run smoothly, with expert guidance provided on handling the materials and crafting each recipe to perfection. You will experience a mix of excitement and pride as you create these traditional delicacies, knowing that you are honing your cooking skills and expanding your culinary repertoire. At the end of the workshop, you will leave with newfound knowledge and the delightful creations you've made, ready to impress with your newfound expertise in Oriental cuisine. Ticket: £100 Admin: £5 **MENU:** Sticky BBQ Chicken Wings Vegetable Spring Rolls Jiaozi dumplings Sui Mai dumplings **Included within the price:** * Welcome tea/coffee, sparkling and still drinking water throughout. * 2-hour class with a head tutor, followed by a shared dining experience with complimentary refreshments. * Friendly assistants to help guide you and clean up * Aprons and printed recipe packs. * All ingredients and cookery equipment required. \*\*Pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan options are available for this class.

Join us for Friday dinner at this classy restaurant Check out the menu [here](https://piazzaitaliana.co.uk/menus/) • £25 Deposit + £2 Participation & Admin fee (total £27) per person is required from each participant within 2 days upon RSVP to secure their spot. Please send your payment £27 via this PayPal link
[https://www.paypal.me/glamlondon](https://www.paypal.me/glamlondon) 
The £25 deposit will go to your final bill when you attend the event
The £2 participation & admin fee will contribute to the meet up group’s subscription fee and payment admin cost. All participants must settle the balance of the bill on the spot. 
Deposit & Participation fee are not refundable in any circumstance unless organiser cancels the event. 
• This event has limited spots, only sign up if you are able to attend . If any changes, please update your RSVP status so other members can take your spot

• We may take photos of the event, but if you are not comfortable being in photos, no pressure :)

Do you have spare books lying around your home? Do you want to read new interesting books for free while socializing with interesting people? This is the event for you. We will enjoy nice drinks and snacks together at a beautiful lounge bar in London. You can bring your books and exchange them with whoever has the books you want to read. Since this is a Science and Philosophy book club, it would be great for you to bring non-fiction books that are insightful and thought-provoking. If you want to bring fiction books that are scientifically or philosophically insightful, feel free to bring those as well. Since it is a social event, I encourage everyone to make deep meaningful conversations and make new friends. You can come alone or bring your friends with you. If you come alone, there is no need to be shy or scared. I will welcome you and introduce you to cool interesting people to speak with. Also feel free to come even if you forget to bring any books.

Join me for a cuppa/drinks and nibbles in the luxurious Ritz hotel. No trainers/sportswear allowed. As this is for a small group please do not sign up and forget about it - you need to cancel your place if you can no longer go.

Warning ⚠️ You may leave with… ✔ A decorated cake ✔ New friends ✔ Zero stress Our Sip & Cake Decorating Night is back this MAY 🎂🍷 📍 SE24 💸 Early Bird £5 OFF (before end of April!) Seats are limited & vibes are guaranteed ✨ 👉 BOOK NOW before it’s gone https://KDEcake.eventbrite.co.uk

Hosted by OSU Extension Summer 2026 Food Preservation Workshops Join Shari Gallup from Ohio State University Extension, for a summer food preservation series at the Bryn Du Mansion. Discover how to safely preserve food at home. Learn basic food preservation methods including pressure canning, water bath canning and drying. June 4 - Water Bath Canning July 9 - Pressure Canning August 6 - Drying Fruits and Vegetables We're excited to once again welcome Shari Gallup from The Ohio State University Extension Office to lead a series of Life Local food preservation workshops. These hands-on sessions are designed to help participants learn practical, time-tested techniques for preserving seasonal foods at home. Registration is not yet open but will be available soon. Stay tuned for details on this wonderful series. Time 5:00 p.m. Location Bryn Du Mansion 587 Jones Road, Granville https://www.bryndu.com/public-events

Join us for a relaxed and enjoyable brunch at 17 Arrows Kitchen and Bar! This is a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy good food, and ease into the weekend with great conversation. Whether you’re new to the group or it’s your first event, you’ll feel right at home.

**Our May novel is: *The Quiet Librarian* by Allen Eskens** **This month’s book is set in the 20th century and mixes historical fiction with suspense and thriller elements. It also centers on women’s stories and relationships. The novel is 368 pages in print or 8 hours and 12 minutes on audiobook.** Hana Babic is a quiet, middle-aged librarian in Minnesota who wants nothing more than to be left alone. But when a detective arrives with the news that her best friend has been murdered, Hana knows that something evil has come for her, a dark remnant of the past she and her friend had shared. Thirty years before, Hana was someone else: Nura Divjak, a teenager growing up in the mountains of war-torn Bosnia—until Serbian soldiers arrived to slaughter her entire family before her eyes. The events of that day thrust Nura into the war, leading her to join a band of militia fighters, where she became not only a fierce warrior but a legend—the deadly Night Mora. But a shattering final act forced Nura to flee to the United States with a bounty on her head\*\*.\*\*

**$1 Slices of Pizza!!!** #5xNWPizzaCrawl is back!! Start at Barrell & Tap where Brenz pizza will serve slices at the bar and you can grab the voting link from our booth. Then take a walk to Fibonaccis, Halwanis, Deweys, and finally Jets to choose your favorite! (the walk is about a 10 block square) Join us for this great community event and check back for more information on our route. (Grandview area)

Join us for our May Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Cantoras](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)*[ ](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)by [Caro de Robertis](https://caroderobertis.com/bio/) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

We will meet at the new cafe Maison Skalli (Moroccan-style) to get some hot or iced Moroccan Mint Tea or a hot or iced Matcha tea and a treat and then walk around, maybe to Goodale Park, to enjoy the spring weather. They are on Instagram @maisonskalli if you want to check them out ahead of time! Here's information on Short North parking: https://shortnorth.org/shortnorthparking/

Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖