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FEATURE Lite Blogs London News

Bloom Boutique Official: Luxurious Eternal Roses

Bloom Boutique Official is a London-based brand offering elegant and sophisticated luxury eternal roses ethically-sourced from South America. The company was founded in 2020 by Tia Singh, whose love for creating beautiful things in life reflects the company name. A feature by lifestyle columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

Tia’s passion for floristry and extensive experience working within the beauty industry has influenced the development of these luxurious floral arrangements, each being the result of the highest quality combined with unique design.

“Luxury Eternal Roses create a memorable keepsake that our close ones can value for years to come without any maintenance. 

Our highly skilled artisans work with passion to create your perfect arrangement that displays beauty at its best.” Said founder Tia Singh.

While real roses only last around a week, eternal roses can last up to three years. The roses are preserved with a non-toxic proprietary solution which helps to reduce the negative environmental impact and enormous carbon footprint created by the fresh flower industry. 

Thanks to these innovative procedures, Bloom Boutique Official’s precious arrangements maintain freshness for several years, allowing clients to experience the luxury, elegance and beauty of the roses without the maintenance.

Tia had been searching online for artificial floral arrangements for her home, similar to what she had seen in 5-star luxury hotels in London, but was not able to find elegant arrangements that satisfied her taste.

Given her creative skillset, Tia decided to purchase some unique vases and flowers and was inspired to have a go at making them herself – and being very home-oriented she soon realised that this had the potential to be transformed into a business that those with a taste for the finer things in life would love and appreciate.

Tia started exploring other types of long-lasting sustainable flowers and arrangements which led to the discovery of Eternal Roses. After many months of researching, Tia announced her first product line in May 2020, which rapidly flourished and since then has added further product lines to meet the requirements that have been requested such as personalised boxes.

Bloom Boutique’s Timeless Rose collections are handmade in London. They are all about creating the feel of a gift of luxury and love that will lasts for years. All of their products are handcrafted ensuring the utmost attention is delivered on every arrangement.

“Bloom Boutique Official seeks to become an essential lifestyle brand to customers in UK and abroad by providing a variety of sustainable luxury products that elevates style quotient and creates lasting memories. We at Bloom Boutique pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service and this is reflected by our online glowing customer reviews and feedback which means so much to us.” Tia Singh, CEO.

ALSO READ: Masala Zone Soho: Regional Indian Food At It’s Best in London

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-Top News London News UK News

Thousands march in London, other cities in pro-Palestinian rallies

London’s Metropolitan Police estimate that around 30,000 attended the rally in central London on Saturday…reports Asian Lite News

Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in London on Saturday to call for a cease-fire in Gaza amid ongoing bombardments by Israel after the deadly Hamas attack on its territory on Oct. 7.

It was the fourth consecutive week that the British capital was the venue for a large rally in support of Palestinians since the attack by Hamas last month.

At the rally, held in Trafalgar Square in central London, protesters waved Palestinian flags and held placards calling for an immediate cease-fire.

One group of protesters held a bundle of fabric, representing a dead baby killed during the Israeli bombing campaign.

Sama Dababneh, 26, a Jordanian business consultant who came to the rally with her Palestinian friends, said they were tired of the stream of upsetting images coming from Gaza.

“We came here to support the cease-fire,” she said.

“We spend the whole week consuming the news and this is very draining, so this is our only form of outlet.”

London’s Metropolitan Police estimate that around 30,000 attended the rally in central London on Saturday.

The force said it had arrested 11 people, including one for displaying a placard that could incite hatred.

Pro-Palestinian groups say they are planning to march in Britain’s capital on Saturday Nov. 11, Armistice Day, to demand an immediate cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

On Friday Rishi Sunak said that planning protests for Nov. 11, a day of remembrance for soldiers killed in the two world wars and subsequent conflicts, would be “provocative and disrespectful.”

There was a clear and present risk that the Cenotaph and other war memorials could be desecrated in a protest, something which would “be an affront to the British public and the values we stand for,” he said.

Dababneh said she would be one of those protesting on Armistice Day.

“I am coming for sure,” she said.

“What is happening in Palestine shows that we didn’t learn anything from what happened before.”

Joanna Mazouzi, 50, said she attended the march because she cares about the suffering of the Palestinian people.

“They have a right to live on their own land, in their own country.”

“It’s huge and every week there are more and more, because the more Israel bombs and kills innocent, defenseless people, the more people will come.”

Abdullah Hussain, 37, unemployed, came to the rally with his two sons, both aged five.

“We see thousands of children dying, schools are bombed, hospitals are bombed, and it’s indiscriminate,” he said.

Pro-Palestinian protests took place in cities across the United Kingdom on Saturday, including in Sheffield, Manchester and Glasgow where protesters waved Palestinian flags and called for an immediate cease-fire.

They also held demonstrators in Berlin, Paris, Ankara and Istanbul to call for a cease-fire in Gaza and castigate Israel after its military intensified its assault.

In central Paris, thousands marched to call for a cease-fire with placards reading “Stop the cycle of violence” and “To do nothing, to say nothing is to be complicit.”

It was one of the first, big gatherings in support of Palestinians to be legally allowed in Paris since the Hamas attack of Oct. 7.

French authorities had banned some previous pro-Palestinian gatherings due to concerns about public disorder.

France will host an international humanitarian conference on Gaza on Nov. 9 as it looks to coordinate aid for the enclave.

“We came here today to show the people of France’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and our support for peace, for a peace solution with two states, an Israeli state and a Palestinian state,” said Antoine Guerreiro, a 30-year old civil servant.

Wahid Barek, a 66-year old retiree, lamented the deaths of both Israeli and Palestinian civilians.

“I deplore civilian deaths on both sides. Civilians have nothing to do with these actions. It really is shameful,” he said.

In Berlin, demonstrators waved Palestinian flags, demanding a cease-fire. One woman marched with her arm in the air, her hand covered in fake blood.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Istanbul and Ankara, a day before a visit to Turkiye by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for talks on Gaza.

Turkiye, which has sharply criticized Israel and Western countries as the humanitarian crisis has intensified in Gaza, supports a two-state solution and hosts members of Hamas. Ankara does not consider Hamas a terrorist organization, unlike the United States, the European Union, and some Gulf states.

In Istanbul’s Sarachane park, protesters held banners saying “Blinken, the accomplice of the massacre, go away from Turkiye,” with a picture of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blinken together with a red “X” mark on it.

“Children are dying, babies are dying there, being bombed,” said 45-year-old teacher Gulsum Alpay.

Footage from Ankara showed protesters gathered near the US Embassy, chanting slogans and holding posters which read: “Israel bombs hospitals, Biden pays for it.”

ALSO READ-Michigan Democrats Concerned Over Biden’s War Stance

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-Top News India News London News

London: Met Police Urged to Work With Hindus to Tackle Hate Crimes

Expressing concerns that Hindu hate crime is not being effectively recorded by the Met services, the London Assembly on Thursday also called on the police to include the breakdown of hate crime by religion on its crime dashboard, reports Meenakshi Iyer

The London Assembly has unanimously passed a motion by a British Indian assembly member that calls on the Metropolitan Police to work with local Hindus by encouraging them to report hate crimes targeting their community.

Expressing concerns that Hindu hate crime is not being effectively recorded by the Met services, the assembly on Thursday also called on the police to include the breakdown of hate crime by religion on its crime dashboard.

“I am pleased that the London Assembly supports holding the Metropolitan Police to account so that they build the confidence held in them by our community,” Assembly member Krupesh Hirani said.

“Meat being thrown at school pupils, women wearing a red bindi mark on their forehead taunted for having a sniper mark… Sadly there has been a worrying rise in hate crimes faced by our community over the past year,” Hirani said, while introducing the motion at the floor of the assembly.

Hindus, forming 5.15 per cent of London’s population, are the second most likely religion to have been victims of religiously motivated hate crime, according to the 2023 Crime Survey for England and Wales.

The Met Police dashboard does not break down hate crime by religion, which makes it difficult to see the number of recorded crimes against Hindu Londoners.

“We need to see a better recording of hate crime… Hinduphobia is far too common but it’s not properly recorded. We cannot begin to tackle these issues unless it is properly recognised,” the Labour group member for Brent and Harrow constituencies said in a statement.

According to recent Home Office statistics, there were 291 hate crimes in 2022/2023 — accounting for three per cent of recorded by the police in England and Wales, against Hindus.

Hate crimes against Hindus went up from 58 in 2017-18 to 166 in 2020-21 — a rise of almost 200 per cent in just four years, Home Office data showed.

The years 2018-19 and 2019-20 saw 114 attacks each against the Hindus, and the crimes ranged from racial slurs and assaults to vandalism of properties and religious institutions.

The figures also showed that the number of racially or religiously aggravated offences recorded by the police by month increased since 2015.

In April this year, an independent, London-based think tank surveyed 988 Hindu parents and found that 51 per cent of them reported that their children had faced discrimination at schools in the UK.

Less than a month after riots rocked the city of Leicester last year after an India-Pakistan match, over 180 Hindu organisations and temples wrote an open letter to the then British Prime Minister Liz Truss, stating that they are “under siege”.

ALSO READ: London Court Rules in Favour of Indian Banks

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Food London News Restaurant Reviews

Masala Zone Soho: Regional Indian Food At It’s Best in London

Masala Zone restaurants are part of a unique collection of London’s best Indian restaurants. It was created in 2001 in London out of a passion to convey to diners the sort of food Indians in India eat on the street or at home. The ethos was and is to offer discerning diners a menu with options to enjoy proper Indian food as eaten by Indians daily across India. An exclusive feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

Until the creation of Masala Zone Soho, the mid-market space was occupied with by the Bangladeshi-owned curry houses which did not serve genuine Indian food. Masala Zone Soho pioneered by bringing that into that London restaurant scene at an affordable price point. It was the first restaurant in the UK to bring authentic food from the streets of India into London restaurants space. Since then, the Masala Zone restaurants have moved to the top-end of the informal dining scale. 

The first Masala Zone restaurant, in Soho, rapidly became one of the most popular Indian restaurants in the UK. There are now 4 Masala Zone restaurants in London. Each Masala Zone restaurant strives to present real Indian cuisines, attentive and friendly service along with a strong design element when it comes to the restaurant decor, with each being visually unique.

Masala Zone Soho has been widely praised since the time it opened in 2001. Evening Standard has rated them as one of London’s six best Indian restaurants, Zagat Restaurants Survey as London’s Most Popular Restaurant Group; Daily Telegraph as one of London’s best restaurants.

At their Soho location you cannot miss their dramatic makeover. The carefully orchestrated furniture and sophisticated lighting across the restaurant highlight the verve with which traditional food is dressed for a modern and global audience. The interiors have been redone to breathe exotic glamour and ooze plush sophistication.

Many of the walls of the restaurant are adorned with a unique collection of fine carvings, dazzling mirrors, bold paintings and rich tapestry. This is highlighted by glittering chandeliers and understated chic furniture. Every corner of the dining areas too weaves in the art and craft of traditional India in an charming setting.

When you visit you can enjoy a signature cocktail in their glamorous new Bangle Bar which has given the restaurant a theatrical facelift, or grab a lightly spiced grill at one of the bold stone tables with handmade wooden chairs sourced from the city of lakes in India, Udaipur.

Oh, and don’t leave without a quick peek into the loos too, to glimpse the iconic Beverly Hills Martinique wall paper and post box red taps!

Masala Zone Soho’s intimate and inviting private area combines the unique tribal art murals, sophisticated lighting and exotic decorations. It can be separated from the main restaurant by a handsome curtain. It seats up to 24 or can take 40 standing; but it is not available on Fridays & Saturday for dinner. Exclusive use of private room generally requires a party size of 15 & above or an equivalent spend. Menu prices per person are Dinner £32 – £45; Lunch £25.50– £40.50.

From the starters, mains, sides and desserts I tried and while all were extraordinarily good, and the menu offerings are an exhaustive list from across India, but my topmost favourite was the lamb slider from the starters where the pao is also made by the restaurant in-house, it has caramelised onions and perfectly spiced lamb patty, it’s just so full of taste and flavour, each bite is culinary perfection! The food offerings over time have expanded to span a panoramic range of proper Indian food, including flavourful grills, regional curries and biryanis in addition to a unique ciollction of street food from all across India, as well as the thalis. 

Having trail blazed at the top end of Indian restaurants  with the creation of Chutney Mary in 1990 and the successful reincarnation of Veeraswamy in 1997, Masala Zone Soho was created out of a pioneering passion to bring the real taste of India into London. At the heart of the menus are also the thalis, a collection of various small dishes on a circular tray. This is the way in which Indian food is eaten in the homes with the balanced and healthy thali providing a combination of nutrition, texture, flavours and colours.  Fresh cooked vegetables that are served in the Thali, change daily. The cooking of these dishes is executed by highly experienced specialist master chefs from India who cook without short cuts, including halwais, with complete heritage culinary integrity – each only cooking authentic food from the region of India from where they belong. 

“The defining features of our Masala Zone restaurants are an unparalleled range of real Indian food from all the main Indian cuisines, glamorous interiors which integrate fine Indian visual themes with contemporary design, hospitable service, and  affordable prices. This unique combination has struck a powerful chord with a large number of discerning customers from across the world. Our ambition therefore is to build on this recognition by expanding in those parts of the world where these features will be appreciated.” Ranjit Mathrani, Chairman and Co-owner, MW Eat

Masala means spice, which is the very heart and soul of Indian cooking. Uniquely, with their passion to do the best, at Masala Zone they select their key spices from the best spice farms after the spice harvest in India and then get it shipped here to UK. Unlike UK curry houses and most Indian restaurants, their dishes are then prepared using a complex combination of these spices in a carefully orchestrated sequence.

Masala Zone have sourced tightly guarded recipes from the most well regarded traditional cooks of India and 22 years later since the first Masala Zone was set up, they are serving these with a contemporary spin and a touch of original flair. This is combined with decor which for the first time combined Indian decorative themes and idioms with Western contemporary design.  The brand has been all about affordability and honest value for money. A warmth and friendliness of service with a personable multicultural team defines the brand.

Masala Zone’s  passion is to serve the best food in London from across India…and so they do. The restaurants between them with their impeccable service, inviting ambiance and outstanding menu offerings with flavours that are on point and portion sizes which are generous, it is not surprising that they now have several hundred thousand customers a year making their way through their doors! Very Highly Recommended!

ALSO READ: Pumpkin and Spice and All Pizza’s Nice at Eco Clapham

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-Top News UK News

London police chief calls for clarity on handling extremism at protests

A spokeswoman for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which is responsible for examining the legal definition of extremism, declined to comment…reports Asian Lite News

Britain’s most senior police officer said on Sunday he would support a review into the legal definition of extremism in response to criticism of the way his officers handled pro-Palestinian protests in London.

Antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents have surged in Britain since a deadly rampage by Hamas gunmen in Israel on Oct. 7, and Israel’s retaliatory attacks on Gaza since then, with massive pro-Palestinian demonstrations held in London and other major UK cities, and vigils by Jewish groups in solidarity with hostages who were taken by the militants.

Some British politicians have criticised London’s police after they failed to arrest people at a pro-Palestinian rally shouting “jihad”. The police later said the phrase could have a number of meanings, concluding no offence had taken place.

Mark Rowley, head of London’s Metropolitan Police force, said his officers would “ruthlessly” arrest anyone who commits a hate crime, but there could only be prosecutions when the law is broken.

“There is scope to be much sharper in how we deal with extremism within this country,” he told Sky News. “The law was never designed to deal with extremism, there’s a lot to do with terrorism and hate crime but we don’t have a body of law that deals with extremism and that is creating a gap.”

Ministers are reviewing the legal definition of extremism in a move designed to counter hate crimes, including antisemitism, according to one government official. This work began with the attacks in Israel, the official said.

The government is also examining potential changes to terrorism legislation, The Sunday Telegraph reported.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which is responsible for examining the legal definition of extremism, declined to comment.

ALSO READ-NCPA Theatre Division Presents Fleabag: A London Live Theatre Experience

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India News Lite Blogs London News

Jammu & Kashmir Day Celebrated in London

The program was organised by the Jammu Kashmir diaspora based in the UK and hosted by Rt Hon Bob Blackman MP Harrow East,

Jammu & Kashmir Day was celebrated in the House of Commons ( UK Parliament ) on the eve of 76th anniversary of Accession of the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir to India on 26 Oct 1947.

The program was organised by the Jammu Kashmir diaspora based in the UK and hosted by Rt Hon Bob Blackman MP Harrow East. Other parliamentarians attending the event included Rt Hon Jonathan Lord MP Woking, Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP Chipping Barnet.

The special guests for the evening included Maharaja Ajatshatru Singh & Ritu Singh from the royal family of Jammu & Kashmir.

Other Keynote speakers included Dr Gautam Sen, Sh Sushil Pandit ji & Mr Sajjad Raja NEP Party representing POJK.

The proceedings were inaugurated by MP Jonathan Lord who welcomed the royals from Jammu & Kashmir and other guests and audience. 

Dr Sen spoke about the plight of Kashmiri pandits and lack of political will to support their rehabilitation and he attributed this to the vote bank politics highlighting that the pandits community being small in number do not have a political voice. 

Sajjad Raja ji spoke about the atrocities on hindus and Sikhs during the partition and he strongly argued that Pakistan is not a party to the Jammu & Kashmir issue because they are the aggressors who invaded and forcibly occupied POJK in 1947.

Maharaja Ajatshatru ji spoke about the dogra dynasty and their contribution to establishment and expansion of the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir. He also highlighted Maharaja Hari Singh’s role in signing the instrument of Accession with India.

MP Theresa Villiers spoke about the importance of Jammu Kashmir Day and also highlighted the significant progress made by the region since revocation of Article 370.

Sushil Pandit ji spoke about the lack of justice being done to the Kashmiri Pandit community and he also highlighted the apathy of the establishment in fulfilling the aspirations of the community. 

MP Bob Blackman brought with him a signed copy of the Instrument of Accession and highlighted the contribution of the diaspora community in celebrating the day year after year in the house of commons. MP Bob Blackman also urged Pakistan to stop state sponsored terrorism in the region so there is lasting peace and progress in the region.

Ritu Singh ji spoke on Jammu’s rich culture and presented the MPs with beautiful Basohli art made by paper baag.

She invited the Indian diaspora to give back to the country and to Jammu and talked about the positive changes on the ground post abrogation of Article 370

She also talked about a number of social and cultural initiatives in the region specifically aimed at woman empowerment, skills development and preservation of craft and culture.

The event was well represented by political and community activists based in the UK, wider British Indian and POJK diaspora and a number of parliamentary staff.

A number of community volunteers worked together to shape the event including Ms Sonal Sher ( moderating the proceedings ) Mrs Shafalica Bhan Kotwal Ms Anupama Handoo Mr Vinod Tikoo Mr Anupam Fotedar Mr Lalit Sharma Mr Pankaj Raina and others.

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-Top News India News London News

Mayor of London announces the capital’s Diwali in the Square celebrations

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced that the annual Diwali on the Square celebrations will take place in Trafalgar Square on Sunday 29 October with a host of family-friendly entertainment; reports Columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

The capital’s celebration of the Festival of Lights will see Londoners and people from around the world join together in the heart of the capital to enjoy a fantastic array of dance, music, activities and food from 1-7pm. 

 This free, non-ticketed event is delivered in partnership with the Diwali in London committee, with headline sponsorship from Remitly. The volunteer-led committee helps to select the programme for the event, and comprises of a range of community leaders.

The event opens with 200 colourfully dressed dancers followed by an exciting mix of performances from artists drawn from London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities. 

 There will be a host of market stalls and activities to enjoy, including dance workshops, yoga and meditation, Ramayana Puppet shows, Soho Theatre comedy, and the Glimpse of Goddesses stall where visitors can find out more about Hindu goddesses, sari and turban tying.

This year there will also be the Diwali Queen and a series of dance performances presented by ‘Kalasetu,’ a collaborative project between Subrang Arts and Kinetika commissioned on behalf of This is Croydon, the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2023.

An array of South Asian food stalls will be serving up delicious traditional and fusion, vegan and vegetarian cuisine.   

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Diwali on the Square is a cornerstone in London’s calendar of cultural events, providing a wonderful celebration of colour and light in the heart of our great capital. I’m delighted that Londoners and visitors of all backgrounds will once again be joining together for a fantastic family-friendly afternoon of entertainment to mark the symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. By celebrating our city’s diversity, we are building a better, fairer, more prosperous London for everyone.”

Sanjay Gadhvi, Iskcon, Chair of Diwali in London Committee 2023, said: “On our 22nd year of Diwali on Trafalgar Square, always supported by the Mayor of London, we pray for peace and harmony.  Wishing all a Happy Diwali.”

Prof Ray Lloyd, CEO of Global Banking School (GBS) and Diwali on the Square’s Presenting Partner, said: “Global Banking School is delighted to support this event which aligns with our values of celebrating the strength of diversity within our communities. Global Banking School (GBS), part of the GEDU Group, is transforming futures through education.  GBS offer a range of sector-relevant courses across five locations – East London, West London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. Working in partnership with several of the UK’s leading higher education providers, we deliver vocational, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in finance, accounting, business, construction, tourism, healthcare – and more.”

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Food London News Restaurant Reviews

40 Dean Street: Extraordinary Italian Cuisine in Soho, London

40 Dean Street offers an authentic Italian meal experience as a small, family run restaurant who are dedicated to providing incredible food at incredible prices. Their set menu boasts a variety of sensational dishes built around fresh, seasonal produce and has customers coming back on a daily basis. A feature by FnB columnist Riccha Grrover  for Asian Lite International.

Their à la carte menu is a favourite ranging from Risotto with porcini mushroom, Ravioli lobster which is ravioli filled with fresh lobster meat in a shellfish bisque sauce, Spaghetti vongole made with clams, chilli and white wine sauce et al,  with their regulars, the media crowd and tourists alike. Their drinks menu too deserves a special mention especially their house cocktails along with their classics, the bar tender is surely very talented! And make sure to save room for their decadent home made desserts which are top-notch too. 

The service is attentive, friendly and welcoming to one and all. The staff helpfully can make suggestions too if requested. The food portion sizes are very generous. The decor is evocative of quaint restaurants across Italy and has a charming, cozy vibe. 

They have a special Xmas menu too for those looking for a festive season fix soon and some highlights range from cream of mushroom and truffle soup, served with homemade garlic crostini, citrus cured salmon with rocket, pickled shallot, capers dressed with a tomato vinaigrette; Smoked chicken & leek tart with crispy curly kale; Deep fried brie accompanied with cranberry jam; pan fried fillet of seabass, chive mash potato, saffron and mussel cream, topped with keta caviar; to desserts like Warm panetone pudding served with rum & raisin cream. Vanilla pannacotta topped with our homemade mixed berry compote. Lemon tart with raspberry sorbet and fresh raspberries. Chocolate fondant served with vanilla ice-cream.

So for you next most amazing Italian meal out check out 40 Dean street- very highly recommended!

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Events FEATURE London News

Unrivalled shopping and a wealth of festive inspiration – This year, Christmas starts at Spirit!

Festive inspiration from over 700 exciting independent brands at the Spirit of Christmas Fair, 30 October – 5 November at the iconic Olympia London. An exclusive preview feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

Discover a diverse collection of carefully curated gifts from small independent brands and designer-makers each one picked for its originality and quality, brought together for this seven-day event. Discerning shoppers can expect a diverse collection of curated gifts to shop from to satisfy all their gifting needs including toys, fashion, homeware, and stylish décor as well as the finest food and drink from award winning artisans and producers.

New official restaurant partner this year is acclaimed Spanish chef, José Pizarro who has curated a special Tapas menu that showcases his signature dishes alongside exclusive creations designed for the show. Prepare yourself for a Spanish twist on a traditional afternoon tea that promises to be an unforgettable experience. These dishes are perfect for sharing with friends or family at the Fair in this new restaurant, ‘José Pizarro at Spirit of Christmas’.

2023 sees the return of the popular complimentary, creative Workshops offering inspiration to visitors who can enjoy a range of interactive sessions including Jemma Cotterrell, The Shoe Loving Stylist on ‘How to dress with positivity and confidence this festive season’, ‘Biscuit decorating’ from Honeywell Bakes, and ‘Spanish party food inspiration’, while in conversation with José Pizarro himself.

Fair Director, Mary Claire Boyd comments “The Fair is a guaranteed place where visitors know they can leave brimming with festive inspiration to help them start planning their festivities and this year is no exception. They can truly curate their own Christmas from exquisite tablescaping, joyful décor and stylish partywear to uncovering the most original gifts for all their family and friends. We have an exceptional line-up of workshops with top chefs including José Pizarro, florists including Paul Thomas Flowers and renowned chocolatiers; Prestat. We champion British craftsmanship from ethical and sustainable brands and our specialist team have been busy sourcing new businesses and uncovering emerging talent that visitors will relish amongst the treasure-trove!”

The gallery level Food Hall offers visitors the opportunity to buy foodie treats and discover new artisans from whom they can source the best for their guests this Christmas including Great Taste Award-winning produce. The Fair boasts four Louis Roederer Champagne bars providing a relaxing place for visitors to rejuvenate with a glass or two in-between shopping. Two adjoining Fairs can also be enjoyed whilst visiting; the Winter Art & Antiques Fair taking place on the Grand Hall gallery, and The Luxury Travel Fair, taking place 2-5 November on the National Hall gallery.

The Fair provides the perfect social occasion and festive ambiance to enjoy with friends and embrace the season of festivities and gifting. With creative workshops, demonstrations, live music, endless festive inspiration and an unforgettable atmosphere, this year, Christmas really does start at Spirit.

Highlights of the Spirit of Christmas Fair will include:

• 700 independent small businesses and designer-makers to shop from

• Brand new restaurant partner: acclaimed Spanish chef, José Pizarro

• Return of inspirational creative workshops hosted by experts including, The Shoe Loving Stylist, Prestat Chocolates, José Pizarro, Paul Thomas Flowers, Honeywell Bakes, Bettina’s Kitchen, Louis Roederer

• Visitors can enjoy a glass of the finest Champagne in the stylish Louis Roederer Champagne Bars  

• The Food Hall hosts an entirely delectable mix of leading artisans, independent producers, Royal Warrant holders and Great Taste award-winners

• Late night shopping Thursday 2 November 10am – 9pm

• Enjoy complimentary entry into the Winter Art & Antiques Fair from the 30 October – 5 November. Presenting a collection of the finest specialist dealers, offering a wide choice of high-quality, vetted art and antiques spanning centuries

• Condé Nast Traveller presents the Luxury Travel Fair also takes place alongside the Spirit of Christmas Fair from 2-5 November 2023. Offering a collection of the finest bespoke and immersive travel experiences


With this unmissable shopping experience spreading over two halls, shoppers may need to pace themselves. Those wanting to peruse the Fair more than once can upgrade their tickets and make the most of a Premium, Weekend or Unlimited Pass!

Opening Times

Monday 30 October 10am – 6pm ***OPENING DAY***

Tuesday 31 October 10am – 6pm

Wednesday 1 November 10am – 6pm

Thursday 2 November 10am – 9pm ***LATE NIGHT***

Friday 3 November 10am – 6pm

Saturday 4 November 10am – 6pm

Sunday 5 November 10am – 5pm

About The Spirit of Christmas Fair  

• The Spirit of Christmas Fair first launched in 2001 

• Visitor numbers were circa 45,000 in 2022

• Organised by Clarion Events and home to unrivalled shopping from small independent brands, inspirational workshops, and exceptional dining

About Clarion Events  

Clarion Events organises more than 200 events each year across the globe, ranging from exhibitions, conferences and seated events.  Well-known for identifying high-value, niche audiences in difficult-to-reach markets and building them into market-leading products, over 12,000 companies trust them with their custom each year, with more than 700,000 people attending their events.

ALSO READ: ‘Let’s Do London’ Nets £162 Million

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-Top News Europe London News

Thousands join pro-Palestine rally in London, Europe

In London and across Europe, marches took place on Saturday to voice support for the Palestinian cause and solidarity with those stuck in Gaza…reports Asian Lite News

Attendees, who marched through the heart of the British capital as well as Manchester in northern England, Edinburgh in Scotland and other cities, were shadowed by a heavy police presence.

In London, demonstrators massed neared BBC News’ headquarters before an afternoon rally near Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Downing Street office and residence.

Some held Palestinian flags and placards — bearing slogans including “freedom for Palestine”, “end the massacre” and “sanctions for Israel” — as they made their way towards the end-point for planned speeches. Chants of “Rishi Sunak, shame on you” could be heard.

“I think all just people around the world, not just in Britain, must stand up and call for this madness (to end),” Ismail Patel, chairman of the Friends of Al-Aqsa campaign, said at the demonstration in the capital.

“Otherwise, in the next few days, (we) might see a catastrophe unfolding.”

The rallies come as Israel intensifies its war to destroy Hamas’ capability, relentlessly pounding the Gaza Strip and deploying tens of thousands of soldiers nearby ahead of an expected ground offensive in the enclave.

That follows last Saturday’s attack by Hamas, which saw hundreds of its fighters cross the Israeli border to take hostages and kill more than 1,000 civilians on the streets, in their homes and at a rave party.

Ahead of the London protest, the city’s Metropolitan Police Service said it would deploy more than 1,000 officers, as the events thousands of miles away reverberate in Britain and elsewhere.

Police and the government have noted a spike in UK anti-Semitic crime and incidents since the Hamas assault, while officers in Sussex, southeast England, arrested a 22-year-old woman Friday suspected of having made a speech backing Hamas.

A banned terrorist organisation in Britain, its members — or those found guilty of inviting support for it — can be jailed for up to 14 years under UK law. The Met said this week that general expressions of support for Palestinians, including flying the Palestinian flag, were not criminal offences but reiterated that supporting Hamas is a crime.

Ferouza Namaz, 34, a student from Uzbekistan, joined the London protest, arguing that civilians in Gaza are “absolutely innocent”. “Just being Palestinian does not give the rights to kill them. These appalling atrocities have been taking place for so many years,” he added.

Israel insists it does not deliberately target civilians in the Gaza Strip or other Palestinian territories.

Jeremy Corbyn, ex-leader of the main opposition Labour party — who was accused of allowing anti-Semitism to flourish during his four-year party tenure — addressed the London rally.

“If you believe in international law, if you believe in human rights, then you must condemn what is happening now in Gaza by the Israeli army,” the now-independent lawmaker said.

In London and across Europe, marches took place on Saturday to voice support for the Palestinian cause and solidarity with those stuck in Gaza.

Protesters began congregating around the BBC building at Portland Place around 11am. By midday, the crowds stretched all the way down Oxford Street.

The protest carried on into the afternoon and fireworks were let off in the crowd as supporters dispersed from Whitehall.

Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and the organiser of the event, said towards the end of the march that they believed 100,000 people had been in attendance.

The police suggested the total was much lower, closer to 10,000, though they admitted it was subject to change. The protests began walking towards Whitehall just after midday, making their way through Oxford Street and past Trafalgar Square before massing in front of the Cenotaph. A minute’s silence was observed outside Downing Street by for those killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

A series of speeches were delivered by pro-Palestinian supporters, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Palestine ambassador to the UK Husam Zomlot. “It is a day of solidarity and it is a day of hope,” the independent MP for Islington North told the crowd.

Frustration with the government response, as well as that of the opposition, to the conflict was a common theme among organisers and protesters.

Jamal, a British Palestinian, accused Rishi Sunak of “giving the green light to war crimes”, referring to the government’s decision to send military vessels and surveillance aircrafts to assist the Israeli efforts.

He suggested that home secretary Suella Braverman was contributing to the “dehumanisation of Palestinians” by questioning whether the display of the Palestinian flag could be considered illegal following the Hamas attacks on Israeli soil.

He expressed particular anger with Sir Keir Starmer, who earlier this week said the Israeli government was “within their right to defend herself”.

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