Benito's Hat cookery classes, W1W

Last week a sneakily crafty friend blagged us a couple of places on a new evening Mexican cooking class. I was dubious at first as I knew it would be: me with my butter fingers, famously bad cooking past, pathological fear of tequila and my friend who had the handy benefit of having LIVED IN MEXICO. My chances didn't look good. But not being the competitive type (who me?!) I was willing to give my pride a night off and try some of this Mexican cooking malarkey. 

The class was hosted by two of the owners of delightful Benito's Hat, a small but growing chain of Mexican restaurants. Ben and Filippe were charming hosts and left even the girl who wooed her long-suffering boyfriend with night after night of humous and pitta (I thought he liked it as much as I did ok?) feeling proud of at least some of her cookery skills.

I was, predictably, a little late to the start of the night. But was delighted to be greeted by hosts who already knew my name and promptly handed me a watermelon cocktail which was delicious, apparently packed full of evil tequila - but which didn't leave me chucking up my guts in Jessica Chamberlain's garden like it did last time I drank it - so a success already. 

The Benito's Hat gang then deftly took us through the steps of some key Mexican recipes, showed us the ropes using fab fresh veg, herbs we would have never guessed they would use and shared more secrets of how they get their central London food to taste so fabulously like it does in Mexico. 

They then very bravely let our motley crew have a go ourselves. There was mixing, muddling, crushing, flour going everywhere, chili handling and lots of tasting (which in some instances led to a little coughing - I'm not naming any names...) 

There was also loadsa great Benito's Hat food with put on too throughout the night, which was happily devoured by all.

I won't brag about the outcome on the night. But some people left with a bottle of tequila and smug smiles...and some did not. Here's one person who may have gone home with hard liquor in her handbag: 

These will only be monthly classes so I implore anyone at anyone (even the humous and pitta crew!) to beg, steal or borrow a place. They cost an awfully cheap £15 so they are definitely worth getting while they are chili hot (sorry couldn't resist).

Imperial & Standard, Hackney Wick E9

Hackney Wick, the oracle (or erm...moi) predicts, is having a Bit of a Moment right now. This largely un-developed area of many old factory and warehouse buildings is one of London's most interesting art scenes and communities. And it has been for years...but is now in a new kind of limelight. As (you may have heard) this part of East London was chosen to be redeveloped and is now famously in the shadow the the looming Olympic Site...

So now is the time to explore this independent area, quick smart. It is a bit rough around the edges, yes, however if you're like me and enjoy gawping at architecture you'll love seeing the intact mixture of factory buildings like the old Peanut Factory with its old signs still showing. It is also full of loadsa other stuff to do - pop-up cinemas, art spaces, suitably lovely eateries and one of the best London festivals. 

However with the world's biggest show of the Olympics on the horizon it looks like this East London creative enclave may see a few changes around the corner. So this intrepid traveller hiked over on the good old Overground train to review one of Hackney Wick's best homeware stores Imperial & Standard interiors and prop hire. 

And I'm pleased to say it is one of the (many) parts of Hackney Wick that I hope sticks around after the athletes leave it be later this year. Here's why...

These wonderful oversized props...

Fantastic vintage. How useful could these be...

Everything from crucifixes to stuffed chickens...

Industrial lighting, always a winner with me...

First discovery of DNA...?

Beautifully gory...

It's nicely packed to the rafters so great for a proper rifle through...

Even the Open sign rules...

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I love the original travelling stickers still on these trunks...

When you take my advice and visit Hackney Wick, make sure that Imperial & Standard is top of your list. Lovely to browse and with some products that are definitely top of my WANT list.