Chocolate

🎉 Come along to the London Scala Talks! 🎉 In this event you'll hear from Caroline Morton and Katrina Petrevice. **Agenda** 6:00pm - 🥤 Doors open. Come along and grab a drink! 6:35pm - 🗣️ Introduction 6:40pm - 🗣️ Katrina Petrevice: Caching in Scala using Ref 7:20pm - 🍕 Intermission: Join us for some free food and drinks! Vegan and vegetarian options are provided. Let us know if you'd like something special - we'd be happy to accommodate. 7:50pm - 🗣️ Caroline Morton: Accidental Functional Programming in Rust (From an Epidemiologist's Perspective) 8:30pm - 🥤 Socialising: Grab a drink and let's discuss the talks. 9:00pm - 🍻 Join us in a pub to discuss the talks! 🌐 **This event may have a live stream** Watch this space for more details. **🗣️ Katrina Petrevice: Caching in Scala using Ref** Caching in memory is often one of the first strategies used to improve system performances. However, implementing caching in a purely functional way introduces unique challenges, specifically around state management and testability. In this talk, we will look at how to utilise functional programming principles with [Ref](https://typelevel.org/cats-effect/docs/std/ref), while maintaining clarity and composability. We will also deep dive into some common pitfalls and look into practical ways to test Ref effectively. ⭐ Katrina Petrevice ⭐ Katrina comes from a non–computer science background and was first introduced to Scala while working at JPMorgan. She credits much of her Scala knowledge to hands-on experience within her team, where she works on building and maintaining data pipelines and managing data systems. Since then, she has developed a strong interest in functional programming and now co-leads the Functional Programming Group at JPMorgan, where she helps share knowledge and foster a community around these ideas. **🗣️ Caroline Morton: Accidental Functional Programming in Rust (From an Epidemiologist's Perspective)** I don't have a background in functional programming - and I never set out to write it. But somewhere between writing trait-based epidemiological pipelines, composing data transformations, and leaning hard on Result, enums, and pattern matching, I started hearing from others: “That's pretty functional.” In this talk, I'll explore what it means to write “functional-ish” Rust as someone solving real-world scientific problems. I'll walk through the patterns I reach for - like chaining iterators, avoiding shared state, and embracing expressive types - and reflect on which functional programming ideas emerge naturally in Rust, even if you're not trying. I'll also share how designing for epidemiologists - most of whom are used to chaining functions in Python (like Pandas) or R - has pushed me toward creating ergonomic Rust APIs with Python and R bindings. These tools aim to feel familiar to scientists while leveraging Rust's power and safety under the hood. This is a talk for functional programmers curious about Rust, and for Rustaceans wondering if they've been functional all along. No formal theory required - just real code, real use cases, and a pragmatic perspective from someone building public health tools in Rust. ⭐ Caroline Morton ⭐ Dr. Caroline Morton is a medical doctor, epidemiologist, software engineer, and PhD candidate specialising in synthetic data, epidemiology, and Rust. With 60 peer-reviewed papers and two books on software, she combines deep technical expertise with a commitment to improving scientific workflows. Caroline co-founded the first [Women in Rust](https://www.meetup.com/women-in-rust/) group, fostering diversity and encouraging more women to explore opportunities in systems programming. She leads an open-source project improving codelist management in epidemiology using Rust, creating efficient, reliable tools for health data research. Her PhD focuses on synthetic data methods for epidemiology, particularly using Rust to generate large, realistic datasets. A strong advocate for open science and reproducibility, she contributes extensively to improving software practices through publications, workshops, and open-source projects. ———————————————————— 🗣️ Would you like to present, but are not sure how to start? Give a talk with us and you'll receive mentorship from a trained toastmaster! Get in touch through [this form](https://forms.gle/zv5i9eeto1BsnSwe8) and we'll get you started 🏡 Interested in hosting or supporting us? Please get in touch through [this form](https://forms.gle/3SX3Bm6zHqVodBaMA) and we can discuss how you can get involved. 📜 All London Scala User Group events operate under the [Scala Community Code of Conduct](https://www.scala-lang.org/conduct/). We encourage each of you to report the breach of the conduct, either anonymously through [this form](https://forms.gle/9PMMorUWgBnbk1mm6) or by contacting one of our team members. We guarantee privacy and confidentiality, as well as that we will take your report seriously and react quickly.

Join us for life drawing at The Old School Hall, East Farleigh. The group that join are usually around 10ish people and we switch up models throughout each week. All levels are welcome, come along even if you haven't thought of drawing before because at the very least you'll make some friends! We provide an art bank if you need materials for the evening. Parking available, coffee & tea provided. £10pp.

[Forza Wine Soho](https://forzawine.com/pages/soho) is the newest Forza wine bar, which opened in February this year. [The menu](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0849/3782/files/SOHO_WEBSITE_MENU_MAY_4.pdf?v=1777900995) is similar to the other Forza branches - an extensive selection of wines by the glass, as well as nice small plates. I have a table for 8 people booked. *As usual, this meetup will have a strict "no show" policy - anyone who is marked as going, and does not turn up without giving notice, will be removed from the group.*

**Bites & Bytes #1 - DevOps Talks, Networking & Snacks** Join us for the first **Bites & Bytes**, a casual DevOps-focused community evening in central London. This event brings together engineers, tech leads, and anyone interested in DevOps to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and connect with others in the space. **What to expect** * Practical technical talks * Real-world DevOps experiences and demos * Opportunity to network with other engineers * Food and relaxed atmosphere **Confirmed speakers** 1\. Moustafa Mneimneih \- Shift Down to Speed Up 2\. James Williams \- Syonara Ingress Nginx **Who should attend** * Engineers working with DevOps, cloud or platform engineering * Tech leads and engineering managers * Anyone interested in modern software delivery practices.

The session is Every Thursday 7PM till 10PM. This is for all levels, so after the training you will be able to play games and use what you have learnt. Just like the saying practice makes perfect. Any queries on what levels you may be or just any questions please don't hesitate to contact us. PARKING: Parking is available and Free onsite. (The postcode is E15 3PA) This at the previous address on New mount Street. Press the buzzer and they will let you in. PAYMENT: We are accepting bank transfer rather than cash payments. In 2 days in advance to confirm your attendance. Bank Details: Name: The Badminton Collective Ltd Sort Code: 60-83-71 Account Number:69874292 Reference your name and date of the session. £13 Games IMPORTANT NOTES: We shall be starting at 7PM sharp so if you miss the start you'll have to just catch up I'm afraid. How to get there. If you use the provided postcode it will take you to the front of the school. By all means message me if you are having troubles. There is now a water fountain so please bring a bottle to fill up, this is in the main building while they fix the one near the sports Hall. The Badminton Collective and School 21 are not responsible for any injuries or loss of items.

Join me for midweek Mexican feast at newly opened Tigermilk in Spitalfields. We will have 50% off food and drink. Usual rsvp fee of £3 and £20 deposit to be deducted from bill. If you're as yet unfamiliar with them, Tigermilk is a Latin American restaurant, so you'll find a menu of tacos, ceviches, truffle quesedilla and larger grilled dishes. Those are backed up by cocktails with a Latin American twist and lots of equila and mezcal. See menu here https://tigermilkrestaurants.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Menu-Tigermilk-London-2026.pdf

The session is Every Thursday 7PM till 8PM. This is for all levels, so after the training you will be able to play games and use what you have learnt. Just like the saying practice makes perfect. Any queries on what levels you may be or just any questions please don't hesitate to contact us. PARKING: Parking is available and Free onsite. (The postcode is E15 3PA) This at the previous address on New mount Street. Press the buzzer and they will let you in. PAYMENT: We are accepting bank transfer rather than cash payments. In 2 days in advance to confirm your attendance. Bank Details: Name: The Badminton Collective Ltd Sort Code: 60-83-71 Account Number:69874292 Reference your name and date of the session. £15 for Training and Games IMPORTANT NOTES: We shall be starting at 7PM sharp so if you miss the start you'll have to just catch up I'm afraid. How to get there. If you use the provided postcode it will take you to the front of the school. By all means message me if you are having troubles. There is now a water fountain so please bring a bottle to fill up, this is in the main building while they fix the one near the sports Hall. The Badminton Collective and School 21 are not responsible for any injuries or loss of items.

A 4 course food and wine matching dinner featuring the wines of Elena Walch, one of Italy’s most celebrated female winemakers, from the premium Italian wine region of Alto Adige. From terraced mountain vineyards shaped by alpine breezes and long sunlight, Elena's wines express purity, floral lift, and remarkable finesse. Set in the Alpine landscape of northern Italy, the winery is shaped by its distinctive terroir and long‑standing local traditions. The bespoke menu from Hans' Bar & Grill will pair each wine with a dish which has been carefully designed to enhance the character of the wines and create a seamless, gastronomic experience. **Here is the 4 course menu with matching wines:** **Amuse Bouche:** Butter Poached Langoustine Cucumber gazpacho, caviar, dill oil ***Served with Sauvignon Blanc 2024*** ***\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-*** **Starter:** Woodland Mushroom Arancini Cep mushroom cream ***Served with Riesling Castel Ringberg 2023*** ***\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-*** **Main Course:** Guinea Fowl Roasted On The Bone Borlotti beans, soft polenta, tomato ***Served with Pinot Nero 2024*** ***\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-*** **Dessert:** Pastiera Napoletana Roasted peaches, ricotta sorbet ***Served with Gewürztraminer Vigna Kastelaz Argentum Bonum 2016*** **DIETARY ISSUES:** This event is suited to 'flexible' diners and the menu is fixed. **COST:** The ticket price of this event is £85 to include the 4 course food and wine matching menu, service charge, and meetup/paypal fees. I have reserved 10 places for the group. Please note that we may be on a larger table shared with non-members of this 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.** **REFUND POLICY:** If you cancel your place by Monday 11th latest you will get a refund of £80 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

SING WITH THE LONDON CLASSICAL CHOIR, every 2nd Friday, 7.30-9.30pm, NW3 4SQ, starts 17.4. Theme From Darkness to Light, including songs by Handel, Schubert & Saint-Saëns, plus Bad Moon Rising, with solo opportunities. BOOK A PLACE: [maestromattheww@yahoo.co.uk](mailto:maestromattheww@yahoo.co.uk), subject heading LCC. SEE londonclassicalchoir.com

### ECSTATIC DANCE LONDON presents: ## 🌎CACAO DANCE TRIBE: **Afro House & World Beats Ecstatic Dance + Cacao Ceremony** **(DJ & live percussion set)** **Friday Night \| 7:45PM–10:15PM** **Fruit Social: 10:15PM–10:45PM** **Tufnell Park, London** Immerse yourself in an **ecstatic dance journey** infused with **Afro House rhythms, world beats, and live percussion**. Move freely, connect deeply, and let the music take you on a powerful journey of embodiment, release and ecstasy. We’ll open the evening with a dance movement warmup, then shift to a **heart-opening raw vegan cacao ceremony** and positive intention setting ritual, tuning in together before the main dance Wave begins. **Please note:** an RSVP here on meetup is not a ticket. To reserve your place please book via eventbrite. Thank you x **🎫Tickets:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ecstatic-dance-london-cacao-dance-tribe-wellness-rave-cacao-ceremony-tickets-498619222517](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ecstatic-dance-london-cacao-dance-tribe-wellness-rave-cacao-ceremony-tickets-498619222517) **🌟 Join the Mailing list for EVENT UPDATES & DISCOUNTS:** [https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london](https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london) **📣Join our WhatsApp Community:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IuJVuQiUmENDJGD7bhYRZr?mode=ems_copy_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IuJVuQiUmENDJGD7bhYRZr?mode=ems_copy_t) **✨Follow us on Instagram:** [https://www.instagram.com/ecstaticdance_london?igsh=MXFmdm01NzRtd2xndg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr](https://www.instagram.com/ecstaticdance_london?igsh=MXFmdm01NzRtd2xndg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr) **What to Expect?** ✨ Uplifting **Afro House**, **Brazilian grooves**, and **organic world rhythms** 🥁 **Live percussion** bringing fire and soul to the dancefloor 🍫 **Raw ceremonial cacao** to open your heart and elevate your energy 💃 Freestyle, expressive movement & moving meditation 🍉 **Optional fruit social** afterwards to nourish and connect No alcohol, no drugs, just rhythm, breath, and community. This is one of London’s most loved **sober Friday night dance experiences**, where you can shake off the week’s stress and celebrate life through movement. ### About Cacao Dance Tribe Founded in 2017, **Cacao Dance Tribe** was one of the world’s first **Cacao Ceremony + Ecstatic Dance** events, originally held in Camden. After a pause during the pandemic, we’re thrilled to have **revived the tribe in Tufnell Park since 2023,** co-created by the **Ecstatic Dance London** community, pioneers of the UK’s sober dance movement since 2009. No dance experience needed — everyone is welcome. We also offer limited **free crew spaces** — scroll below for details and sign-up. **Music Vibe:** Afro House \| World Beats \| Brazilian \| Organic Rhythms

🌺🍹 **TIKI PARTY @ PBR COWBOY BAR + SMOKEHOUSE** 🐂🌴 **Friday, May 15th** Grab your crew and get ready to trade boots for beach vibes (or rock both 😏). We’re turning PBR into a tropical party for one night only—think island energy, great music, and a packed dance floor. 🔥 **How to Join the Party** When you arrive, just **say “PBR Meetup” at the door** to get your wristband for exclusive drink specials all night! 🍹 **Exclusive Drink Specials-7pm-9pm** $3 Domestic Draft – Miller Lite & Coors Light $3 Well Liquor Cocktails $4 Vizzy Seltzers $5 Select Call Liquor – Tito’s, Bacardi, Tanqueray, Cazadores Reposado & Jack Daniels $5 Select Shots – White Tea Shots & Fireball 💃 **What to Expect** 🌴 Tropical vibes + high-energy music 💃 Line dancing + dance floor all night 🤝 A fun, social crowd (perfect for groups or meeting new people) 📸 Plenty of moments you’ll want on camera Whether you’re coming for the drinks, the dancing, or just a fun night out—this is your excuse to show up and go all in. Throw on something tropical, bring your people, and we’ll see you at the party 🌺🍹

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

PO Box 21. Is a speakeasy in the basement of Highbanks Distillery in Westerville. Check out the menu: https://www.poboxtwentyone.com/home

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

Who’s up for a fun night out? Get your boots on, grab your cowboy hat, and let’s have some fun! Thinking about checking out PBR Cowboy Bar & Smokehouse for a lively evening to unwind, connect, and enjoy the night together. • Lively atmosphere with country vibes • Delicious food + drinks • Music, dancing, and lots of laughs • Great conversation and new connections

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!