Mon 30 Oct – Sun 5 Nov 2017
Jools Holland, Watford Colosseum, Thurs 2 Nov
The man himself! Jools Holland is now on tour and isn’t it marvellous that he’s here at Watford Colosseum? He’ll be performing with a host of starry guests, including Jose Feliciano and Ruby Turner. No need for more. This man is musical perfection and the evening will be a corker. 7.30pm
Champagne and chilli (pre or post-fireworks), George Street Canteen, St Albans, Sat 4 Nov
Now a 25-year-old institution, the St Albans fireworks in Verulamium Park get bigger and better each year. Doors open at 6pm, and the fireworks start at 7.30pm. The good folk at the George Street Canteen (where the courtyard garden has a view of the St Albans Abbey) invite you to join them before or after for chilli and champagne. Kevin (pictured above at the recent George Street jazz event) will be making chilli, and neighbour Ferenc from ThirtyNine10 will be serving champagne. It’s worth noting that George Street Canteen won Best Cafe and 3910 won Best Wine Merchant in this year’s Muddy Awards. Just saying.
George Street Canteen St Albans Fireworks
Emily’s Walking Book Club, Hampstead Heath, Sun 5 Nov
Do you know Daunt Books? To join in with this walking book club, you need to go to the branch of Daunt Books that is opposite Hampstead Heath. Easy and free to park on Sundays! I’ve done one of these before and they are great fun. You walk (for about an hour) and talk at the same time, discussing a book that you read in advance. This week it’s Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout, a book I absolutely loved, and then every so often the group stops to regroup and would you believe, it, you’re offered homemade cake. This idea has come from Emily, who used to work at Daunt Books. It’s a lovely way of holding a book club, with no pressure on the person hosting to tidy up and provide snacks. 11.30. Free!
Book for: Sherry Hostler masterclass, Wilstone, Tring, Tues 7 Nov
Sherry Hostler is a cake artist extraordinaire and her masterclasses always sell out so best be speedy! Sherry works in a shiny white studio in Wilstone, Tring. This is a hands-on class, and no previous experience (or O Level cookery) required. Small class size (maximum seven) so lots of individual help from Sherry. Everything is supplied and gift boxed for you to take your creations home. £40. 7-9pm.
