Cooking

Join to us to talk about Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" (1958) chronicles the life of Okonkwo, a proud, influential Igbo leader in colonial Nigeria whose life and community are torn apart by British colonialism and Christianity.

Following Plant-Based Schools' fantastic [Easter egg hunt and picnic](https://www.meetup.com/lhcveg/photos/35902051), we're continuing the holiday fun with FREE board games and kid's treat (croissant or pain au chocolate; when adult buys a [main](https://www.soulbowl.cafe/menu/#cat_39)) at vegan **[Soul Bowl](https://www.happycow.net/reviews/soul-bowl-bistro-london-487469)** in Leyton ([map](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7259623473078538957)). Please join us any time from 12:30pm, fancy dress is optional!

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.

Looking for something fun and a little cheeky to do on a Saturday night? Then the Aprons Only Cooking class is the perfect option for you. It's a playful and social cooking experience designed for gay men who enjoy good food, great company, and a relaxed atmosphere. We’ll start the evening with a glass of bubbles and a selection of antipasti to break the ice. Then together we’ll cook a traditional Italian dish from scratch. On this occasion, you’ll learn how to prepare a delicious stuffed meatloaf wrapped in crusty pastry (a vegetarian option will also be available). The class takes place in a cosy private flat near Victoria Station and is limited to a small group of up to 10 people to keep the atmosphere relaxed and intimate. Cooking together is a great way to meet like-minded people, share laughs, learn new skills and maybe even flirt a little. And yes… because it’s a themed event, we will be cooking wearing only an apron (provided on arrival). Ticket includes: * All ingredients for the recipe * Welcome aperitivo with antipasti and a drink * Sparkling wine during the class * Aprons and cooking utensils * Cooking tips and guidance * A fun and social evening * ### Important information \- The event is adversided also on other platforms\, the number of attendees on Meetup doesn't correspond to the real number of participants\. \- Additional details will be sent to attendees a few days before the event\. \- This experience is designed **for gay men only**. \- The cooking class lasts approximately **3 hours**, although guests often stay a little longer to socialise. Feel free to bring extra drinks if you’d like to continue the evening. \- A **minimum of 4 participants** is required for the class to run. I reserve the right to cancel or reschedule the event in case of insufficient attendees or unforeseen circumstances. In this case, you will be offered a place in another class or a **full refund**. Come hungry, curious, and ready for a fun evening! Happy vibes, Luca

Join me for a chilled out afternoon cuppa/drinks and nibbles. As this is for a small group please do not sign up and forget about this - you will need to cancel your place if you can no longer go.

Let's sketch the Pergola at Hampstead Heath! Bit of a change of pace from the urban environment but I want to try and explore the world's greenest city more thoroughly. This area looks bloomin' lovely with lots of beautiful nature scenes, hopefully the weather will be good! The best way to get to the Pergola at Hampstead Heath is by taking the Northern Line to Golders Green or Hampstead stations, both of which are about a 10-20 minute walk away. You can also use bus routes 210 and 268 for convenient access. Inverforth Close, North End Way, Hampstead Heath, London, GB NW3 7EX Rendez vous by the big lake/infinity pool bit Completely free of charge, no need to sign up, bring a friend! Feel free to drop in for the whole two hours or just short while if you'd prefer. Look for the tall ginger fella sketching away as the central meetup spot, I'll hang by the pool but feel free to roam as far and wide as you like and sketch anything you damn well please! Please bring your own sketchbooks and pens/pencils. The plan will be to meet at 1pm, sketch for a couple of hours and meet back and chat at 3pm. We can then meet back in the garden and compare pictures. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- About Sketchbook London Every week we will choose a location around the magnificent city of London and draw people, buildings, pigeons, bins, anything you want.... No payment, no pressure, no need to sign up, just show up and draw for a couple of hours. All levels, abilities and professions welcome, bring a friend! Zero pressure to interact, network, impress in any way, this is just a way to get out and about and appreciate the joy of urban sketching and all the weird and wonderful creatures that inhabit this thriving metropolis. I am a storyboard artist working in animation and I am happy to discuss sketching techniques or give feedback on any work but this is by no means an exclusive event for artists, all are welcome :)

SAVOUR a **4-course menu** that explores the heart of Filipino home-cooking. Whether you’re a carnivore or a dedicated vegan, the menu is a masterclass in balance: • **For the Meat Lovers:** You’ll start with **Kinilaw**, market fish cured in **Tarsier Gin** and calamansi, followed by a legendary **Pork Belly Adobo**, braised to perfection in cane vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic. • **For the Vegans:** A clever **Young Jackfruit Kinilaw** and a hearty **Tempeh Adobo** that ensures no one misses out on those "distinctively delicious flavours." • **The Finish:** Everyone enjoys a refreshing **Calamansi Granita** before diving into desserts like **Leche Flan** with burnt coconut curds or a **Pandan Pannacotta**. **Why you can trust us to deliver the real taste of the Philippines...** For Mark, our chef, this is his heritage. He **grew up with the Filipino food culture** he now shares from his London home... When you sit at his table, you aren't just eating; you are experiencing the **warm welcome, the social sharing, and the festive feasting** that defined his own upbringing. This deep-rooted connection is exactly why he takes the time during every meal to provide **explanations of the courses and the cultural background** of the dishes. He isn't just a chef; he is a storyteller using **traditional recipes** and **award-winning flavours** to bring the heart of **Filipino food culture** to the table. **The Details** We provide a **complimentary welcome drink**, water, tea, and coffee. For anything else, we operate a **BYOB policy**, so bring along your favourite bottle to enjoy with the feast. **Capacity is strictly limited.** We have room for just **13 guests**. In a city of millions, these seats will vanish fast! **Date:** Saturday, 11th April 2026 **Time:** **7:00 PM** Address provided on order Every ticket sold will see a donation made to UK registered charity The Brun Bear Foundation which supports a mix of community, medical and animal welfare causes. **Meat/Fish Menu** **Starters** Kinilaw - crudo of Tarsier Gin-cured market fish, finished off in calamansi, cane vinegar and rocket oil, with various garnishes [FISH, SULPHITES] Lumpiang Gulay (VG) - deep-fried Five Spice vegetable spring rolls [GLUTEN] **Main and Sides** Pork Belly Adobo - pork belly braised in cane vinegar, soy sauce and garlic [SOY, SULPHITES] Ginataang Gulay - roasted butternut squash, garlic-fried green beans in a coconut milk and fermented shrimp paste sauce [CRUSTACEANS] Ensaladang Kamatis (VG) - Isle of Wight winter tomatoes, brined shallots and rocket dressed with sweetened coconut vinegar [SULPHITES] Jasmine Rice (VG) **Palate Cleanser** Calamansi Granita (VG) - granita made with Filipino citrus juice **Dessert** Leche Flan - Filipino creme caramel, topped with latik (burnt coconut curds) and accompanied by cashew brittle [EGG, DAIRY, NUTS] **Vegan Menu** **Starters** Young Jackfruit Kinilaw (VG) - Young jackfruit salad with a dressing of coconut vinegar and coconut milk [SULPHITES] Lumpiang Gulay (VG) - deep-fried Five Spice vegetable spring rolls [GLUTEN] **Main and Sides** Tempeh Adobo (VG) - fermented soybean cake braised in cane vinegar, soy sauce and garlic [SOY, SULPHITES] Ginataang Gulay (VG) - roasted butternut squash, garlic-fried green beans in a coconut milk and miso [SOY] Ensaladang Kamatis (VG) - Isle of Wight winter tomatoes, brined shallots and rocket dressed with sweetened coconut vinegar [SULPHITES] Jasmine Rice (VG) **Palate Cleanser** Calamansi Granita (VG) - granita made with Filipino citrus juice **Dessert** Pandan Pannacotta (VG) - coconut milk pannacotta infused with pandan, topped with latik (burnt coconut curds) and candied young coconut

Join me for relaxing Art Workshops at London parks and pubs! THIS WEEK; I'll be at the back of Penderals Oak, near the beer garden windows, from 3.30pm \~ look for art stuff on the table 🎨 ( nearest tube to pub; Holborn ) 👣😊🍻 Explore your creativity no matter what your skill \~ we'll take inspiration from our surroundings, each other, I'll provide tips, advice, and a few arty magazines and more, from my own collection 😊 Just £5 suggested donation, or whatever you can afford ; I provide all the Art materials, just bring your imagination 😊 \~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Details \~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Each week, the workshops will be at different locations, a park in warm weather, a pub in cold/rainy weather 😊 Generally they'll be in the late afternoon into the evening, occasionally from around lunch time 😊 See you soon 😊

Let’s try this popular Italian restaurant in Reynoldsburg. This is the menu: https://scaliristorante.com/#4e468054-0235-43e2-81c2-44e061341e9e

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * Feel free to come whether or not you’ve started or finished the book ◡̈ * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.

Dinner and dancing

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

Join us for pizza and conversation at Vick’s Gourmet Pizza! 🍕 Good slices, good stories, and plenty of laughs around the table. Come hungry, bring your best conversation, and let’s enjoy a relaxed evening with great company. Extra cheese and extra chatter encouraged! 😄

Join us for our April Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Stop Me if You've Heard This One](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/stopmeifyouveheardthisone)* by [Kristen Arnett](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/about) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.