As some of you will know, we've been holding Hungry Heart house parties during Corona-related lockdown, live streaming from our living room to yours. But that's not enough is it? So we decided to hold a Springsteenathon – 24hours of non-stop Bruce Springsteen, to raise as much money as possible for charity (and you really delivered on that!).
A few of you may have noticed that I've been a bit busy on something else Bruce Springsteen-related – Hungry Heart!
I’ll fess up now: the thought of going to Vegas filled me with a little bit of dread. What if I got drunk and got married by Elvis? What if I got even more drunk and got married to Elvis? What if I got drunk, married Elvis, then woke up in bed with a naked tiger? I mean, that’s what happens in Vegas, right? Well, yes and no.
Imagine experiencing the joyous, liberating and life-affirming feeling of being at a Springsteen concert… but in a pub! Hungry Heart is the best (OK, it’s the only) Springsteen-dedicated night out in the UK, and I'd love for you to play your part…
Ever been on a night out and moaned on about how bad the music is? Ever sat in a restaurant/pub and endured chart ‘hits’ that have no basically no melody (and don’t get me started on the lyrics…). ME TOO. There is a solution… and I’d love you to be a part of it. For a long time I’ve wanted to hold some sort of Bruce night, a Springsteen soiree that gathers Bruce fans into a space, a space where his songs are played All. Night. Long – and there are other Bruce fans there to appreciate it with you. That’s why I’ve Bruce-buddied up (sorry) with Pizza Pilgrims to hold a night of non-stop Springsteen, non-stop pizza and non-stop beer*. I’ve raved about Pizza Pilgrims epic dough/cheese combos for ages (one of the best places to eat in London, no question) and all that is improved by the fact that Thom, Pizza Pilgrim number one is a massive Springsteen fan. Handily, Springsteen is a massive pizza fan, too. All this comes together to create our new Bruce Springsteen party: Hungry Heart.
Karaoke, go karts and barbecued spleen on stick… yes it's your next long-haul city break. Granted, Tokyo can be chaotic and overwhelming, but it's also one flipping cool. I've rounded up the best bits, to ease you into a few days of eating, drinking and SINGING. Sing. Those. (Springsteen.) Songs.
Superb historical sights, rich Irish heritage, brainbox universities… if this is starting to sound like a holiday checklist for your parents, then think again. Once famed as a haunt for academics, Boston, Massachusetts has now evolved into a major city-break destination, with slick new hotels, mounds of seafood and cheap new flight routes all present. This is a city that lacks the grit that I’ve come to love in American cities, and the brashness of others. It’s understated, yet at the same time grand. Old (in relative terms), architecturally rich buildings line the streets; students throng the pavements; locals approach...
We’ve had many elegant moments, but this is not one. Charlie lowers herself into the canoe first – an unsteady and unfamiliar combination of retro, crimson lifejacket, oversized designer handbag and wooden paddle. I’m next. Map in one hand, anorak in the other, I ease myself down to the bench as Nick gently pushes us away from the bank. “Is there a technique to this?” I call out to him. “Ah, you’ll find your own way,” he replies, as we drift towards the middle of the river Wensum. We’re yet to sink our first pint. Norwich may not be your...
Bored of expensive London hotels? Try spending a night on Osbert, an awesome canal-side ‘boatel’ that’s located in London’s very own Haggerston Riviera. Yep, that’s actually a real thing. The barge, which is docked in Gainsborough Wharf on Regent’s Canal (a 15-minute walk from Old Street and Angel underground stations), is a cool escape in the city, and a quirky little base if you’re looking to explore that rad London life out east . The interiors are mega on point. The owners have hand-picked little pieces from their adventures around the world, from South African towels, to a little bar...
Nobody really needs a fussy fancy burger. Least of all me. And that’s why I love Cheeseburger Baby, the antithesis of the showy tits and arse Miami that’s just around the corner. Cheeseburger Baby is located on Washington Avenue, or “grimy Miami” as one smoothy city resident told me. But grimy is my thing! I’ve been to Cheeseburger Baby many many times – there’s nothing like a 5am burger after a night out at Twist, a gay club on the same street. This burger joint is open round the clock, which should give you a good idea of the vibes. And then, most...