E Pellicci- Our local Caf

E Pellicci has been something of an institution in the East End for over 100 years. Perhaps we are biased, it is our local after all, but we think it's probably the best caf in London. They've just reopened after their customary August family holiday in Italy, and we're hankering for a fry up.

The late, great Nevio Pellicci serving up a lovely cuppa.

Serving up proper caf fayre like a full English, gigantic omelettes, and hand cut chips, the place is always heaving with locals refuelling, passing the time of day and chatting about the football. There's also a big selection of Italian faves; the canneloni is good choice, and if you have the appetite for it you can order it with chips. Lovely. Say hello to Nev junior from us.

Shoreditch House- Local to Trim

Ok we know this aint Miami. We know it's completely absurd to be lounging by the pool on a London rooftop sipping wine. But we don't really care because it's fun and they are always nice to us.

Shoreditch House boasts two restaurants, a bar, a spa, a gym, rooftop pool, hotel and amazing views of East London. You can probably see us from the Rooftop restaurant. Other highlights include outdoor beds (!) a secret garden, and a bowling alley you can hire for parties.

The food's not bad either. Trimblogger got stuck into a good plate full of Goats cheese ravioli the other day. I'm not going to pretend I have Leila's food critiquing skills, but I will say it was scrumalicious.

Shoreditch House is in Ebor Street, which is opposite Shoreditch Station.

http://www.shoreditchhouse.com

TWENTY FIRST CENTURY CITY

To celebrate street artist Ben Eine getting all fancy and having his work in Barak Obama's house we've mocked up our own EINE piece. Cool hu?

If you read, watch or listen to the news you've probably heard that David Cameron gave Obama a painting that reads TWENTY FIRST CENTURY CITY. The next day EINE took to our local streets and painted a piece on Hackney road reading THE STRANGEST WEEK. Below we captured a rare image of the artist at work.

Opinion is divided on all this; some people think it's brilliant, some people think it's not cool when David Cameron buys your art. Either way we think it must be pretty fun graffing up London town, and then name-dropping the PM when the cops show.

There's no shortage of EINE work in the area. Check out this Google Map showing some of the alphabet pieces HERE.

Arnold Circus Centenary, Shoreditch

Last weekend was the centenary of Arnold Circus, which is the roundabout/band-stand situated in the heart of the Boundary Estate, round the back of Bethnal Green Road. The whole area is changing at a startling rate; from being the UK's first community housing back in the late 1890's, through to near decimation during WWII, and the race riots of the 70's, the area now plays host to countless galleries, private members clubs, bars, restaurants and ad agencies. We just heard that new planning permission has been given to erect a 20 storey building next to the Tea Buildings, which will play host to a new shopping centre and above which will be the obligatory luxury condos. Love it or loathe it, the development of the area is so fast, it's breathtaking to behold.

The Arnold Circus centenary was a splendid affair; some great bands playing in the newly revamped band-stand, fantastic sweet treats and savouries on offer, and a very valiant ping pong match between locals and guests - with most of the points being claimed by the gusts of wind which cut through the 30 degree heat.

Wikipedia has a page on the Old Nichol, which includes the Boundary Estate, it's a good read - you can see it here

We saw these fantastic flyers being handed out, which give a backstory to the area, and are beautifully illustrated.

Side one is the changes through the ages. And side two gives stories to each of the numbers on the illustrations. Text by Archie Guiver, Illustrations by Adam Dant

Click on the pics to see them large scale.

Any Murray- Street Tennis

Andy Murray's not much of a talker in this piece for sports label HEAD, but he sure can hit a ball.

We love that it was all shot in our hood around Shoreditch and East London.

Director: Henry Mason Editor: Ross Hallard Producer: Rhun Francis Production Company: Stink

Visit the HEAD website here.

Boutiques near Trim- Start on Rivington Street

Debbie Harry T-shirt by "House of Gods" at Start.

There's no shortage of places to buy clothes near Trim. Brick Lane, Shoreditch, Spitalfields and the top of Bethnal Green Road are heaving with small boutiques and vintage shops. But as the seasoned East End fashionista knows, these can be a bit hit and miss. You have to be careful where you spend your readies or you might a) End up dressed like the wrong Geldof sister b) Smell of vintage mothballs c) Buy something that dissolves in the washing machine. So Trim is bringing you a series of worthwhile boutiques and shops we love. We'd rather have one really great t-shirt than a whole wardrobe full of errors.

"The Fall" rocker turned mega stylist Brix Smith opened "Start" on Rivington street 8 years ago with her husband Philip Start. There's a shop for the boys and a tailors on one side of the road, and a shop for the rock chicks on the other. Stocking everything from Acne jeans and £45 T-shirts to 1K dresses there's something for most budgets. We like the fact that it's not just big name designers, as Brix supports new talent too. Don't be intimidated by the fashion credentials of the place, the staff are really incredibly nice and happy to gently assist. When it comes to helping you pick a great pair of jeans, they are masters, and will probably save you money in the long run because they get it so right. (I've had my Acne ones for 6 years and they are still going strong.) We're loving this Debbie Harry T-shirt. (£45)

To book a styling session wih Brix on a Saturday call: 020 7739 80 71

http://www.start-london.com

Trim reviews Galvin La Chapelle

Trim assistant Leila Sarraf used to be a food writer, and all Trim's editors enjoy their food. We'll be bringing you a series of restaurant reviews from eateries within walking distance of our cutting rooms. Enjoy.

Tucked on the edge of Spital Square, Galvin La Chappelle is the most recent venture from the renowned Galvin brothers (Galvin at windows, Galvin Bistro). Set in a former Victorian school chapel, the restaurant dazzles with a high vaulted ceiling, raw brick work, yards of crisp white linen and shimmering glasses. I must say, a most handsome and suitable choice for Trim’s first supper club ra ra.

Stupidly we all started with the lasagne of Dorset crab served with a veloute of chanterelles, apart from Gus. I say stupidly because the dish was more reminiscent of a reconstituted eggy flight breakfast than the delicate unctuous starter it had promised to be. So in-between four frowns round the table, a smug Gus tucked into his mouth-watering marriage of escabech of yellow fin tuna and aubergine caviar. Damn you Gus.

Mains turned out to be a mix of mmms..ooohs and errs. Top trumps went to Dom’s blushing calves liver served with a sheet of salty caramelized bacon, and perfectly partnered with a sweet onion marmalde. This was the mmm..simple yet utterly pleasing to all your senses.

An assiette of French veal with carrot and cumin puree and a meagerly spiced diable sauce was beautifully presented and certainly tasty but nothing to write home about. The same went for Tom and mines dish of squidgy pink duck breast, red cabbage and blackcurrant sauce. Cooked to perfection, this dish was very gobble worthy but afterwards both of us found ourselves shrugging our shoulders with a murmur of ‘meh’. Tasted pretty on par with your standard gastropub food which is about half the price.

We managed to relinquish our disappointments with a variety of ‘oh my god, that’s amazing’ desserts all washed down with rightfully matched dessert wines. One bright pink strawberry soufflé was pleasingly drowned with a sticky white chocolate sauce. Whilst a dreamy praline parfait was cut through with a flash of lime . A surprisingly delicate and dare I say, refreshing rice pudding sported puddles of sweet alphonso mango. And once again Gus managed to triumph with his choice of chilled chocolate fondant with suitably tooth decaying clumps of honey comb and a banana ice cream.

The food at Galvin La Chappelle has some major hits and misses which come at high prices. Nevertheless it’s a beautiful venue and despite the clientele of suited city folk, I believed it still managed to keep a relatively laid back and buzzing atmosphere with a smooth and friendly service. A special occasion kind of place, somewhere to woo and impress .

Trimmers last words:

Dom “The food was unspectacular and the place lacked atmosphere. I had a nice evening bit that was more to do with my fellow diners than the restaurant”

Tom “Loved the corner table, loved the company, lots of laughs. But overall atmosphere was a bit too city, amazing space but felt like it wasn't exploited well enough. ”

Galvin La Chappele won Tatler's restaurant of the year award 2010.

GAlVIN LA CHAPELLE

St Boltoph's Hall, Spital Square, E1 6DY

Transport Liverpool Street tube/rail

020 7299 0400

SHOREDITCH HIGH STREET STATION IS OPEN!

Oh Happy days! Shoreditch High Street station is finally here. It's about time; the old Bishopsgate Goods Yard site has been out of use since it burnt down in 1964! The new station is a rather snazzy addition to Shoreditch and Brick Lane, and has a weirdly 1970's looking entrance. Is it the orange lettering that does it? Whatever it is we like it. We are now roughly 10 minutes walk from Bethnal Green Station on the Central line, and 12 mins walk from Shoreditch High Street on the East London Line. Progress.

At the moment the line is running a limited service during the week from New Cross/ New Cross Gate, through Surrey Quays, Canada Water, Rotherhithe, Wapping, Shadwell, Whitechapel, Shoreditch High Street, Hoxton, Haggerston, to Dalston Junction. By 23rd of May you'll be able to get all the way from West Croydon to Dalston in a matter of minutes.

EAST LONDON LINE MAP or anyone who wants it:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/corporate/east-london-line-extension.pdf

GENERAL TFL map:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/standard-tube-map.pdf

Spring on Weavers Field- Trim's very own park *

*Kind of

Now that spring is in the air it makes complete sense that we have our very own park. Ok, so we share it with the rest of Bethnal Green and Shoreditch, but that's just a testament to our generosity. Weaver's Field, which is conveniently located on our doorstep, offers us a lovely view from Tom's edit suit, and from our meeting/ breakfast table.

Named quite unambiguously after it's Weaving heritage, the park has historical links with the French Huguenot weavers. Many Huguenots, who'd fled religious persecution in France, lived in the houses on Darbyshire street where Trim is now located. You'll often see metal roundels depicting scissors, bobbins or buttons, on the pavements around here celebrating their waeving heritage.

More current on Weaver's Field is this year's annual Baishakhi Mela, celebrating Bengali New Year, which takes place on the 9th of May. There's always a fairground and plenty of Bengali performances that carry on into the night, followed by fireworks. So if you're working here on that weekend , and you finish cutting late, you could always go on the Booster or the Walzer.

Now that the weather's getting warmer we feel a Trim picnic in the air...Well in a month or so anyway. Watch this space.

Lunch hour graffiti spotting

We've noticed one or two bits of new street art near Trim that aren't just tags. On Club Row you encounter a giant squirrel looming over you.

On Hanbury Street this giant lady stands over a doorway.

Time Based Arts: Our local high-end post production house. Shoreditch.

Paul recently cut these two HP spots for directors Smith and Foulks at leading animation company Nexus Productions on Shoreditch High Street. The ad then went to Time Based Arts, our local post production friends located in the old Caretaker’s Cottage at Shoreditch Town Hall, minutes down the road.

Time Based Arts produce great work, and we love having them just around the corner. We get a good feeling when a production is born and bred in the East end.

Time Based Arts- Post Production

http://time-based-arts.com/

Nexus Productions- Animation

http://www.nexusproductions.com

Nike "Hit The Target," directed by Anthony Dickinson at Pulse films is another recent Paul cut posted at Time Based Arts. It stars Wayne Rooney as himself, and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres as futuristic VJ controlling a virtual goal post.

Local to Trim- Cheshire Street E2

Cheshire street in the 1960's.

Trim loves editing, that's why we do it. But we also realise that it's important to step outside from time to time. We are extremely lucky to have plenty of great places on our doorstep.

At the weekend Cheshire street is a cosy alternative to bigger, louder, more distracting Brick Lane. And it's only 4 minutes walk away from Trim. At the risk of sounding like the Lonely Planet Guide, these are some of the reasons Cheshire Street is a great destination for a stroll.

The Pub- The Carpenters Arms was once famously owned by the Kray twins. It reopened a couple of years ago, and is a good place for a post editing pint (Pun not intended!). Apparently the single doorway facing the bar was a concious design feature to ensure that Ronnie and Reggie always knew who was coming and going. Thankfully these days it's under new management, and you're likely to leave in one piece.

The Shops- There are lots of shops selling art and other interesting things. We know it's not cool to admit to shopping anymore... But buying a print or an eco- friendly bird feeder won't hurt anyone right? And everyone needs shoes. We like to support our local economy anyway. Our favorite shops are Shelf for innovative ceramics, textiles and gifts including the cool plaster letters Paul bought to spell out TRIM. Mi Mi makes and sells elegant handmade wallets and bags, Labour and Wait has surprisingly tempting retro style kitchen utensils, and Dragana Perisic is great for gorgeous women's shoes and clothes. Cheshire street is also home to vintage clothing giant Beyond Retro, and the original Taylor Taylor hair dressing salon.

The History- Cheshire Street runs along Braithwaite Viaduct, one of the oldest railway viaducts in the world. We're wondering if it will come back into use later this year when Shoreditch High Street Tube Station opens at the top of Bethnal Green Road. If you stand in Grimsby street, just off Cheshire street, you can see the original brick work of the old viaduct. Maybe we are a bit strange, but things like old brickwork get us all excited, especially when we are skipping down Cheshire street in our new shoes!

Esska shoes from Dragana Perisic, 30 Cheshire Street. http://www.draganaperisic.com/

Distance: 4 min walk from Trim
Map: Copy Cheshire Street E2 into Google Maps. http://maps.google.co.uk/

(As a business blog we aren't allowed to put the map here, sorry! Google could smite us. )

Shopping Info: www.weebirdy.com/shopping-on-cheshire-street/
(A lovely style blog with details of the shops in Cheshire street.)