After a long hard week at work, what could be more relaxing than an evening spent among great literature, food and music?
Book and Kitchen is a bookshop in Notting Hill, with a small café, art gallery and events space, hosting literary evenings, politics events, spoken word, music nights and more; getwestlondon came along to one of its weekly "Notting Hill Unplugged" nights to check out what it was all about.
Performing at the event was soul/blues singer Georgia van Etten, with accompaniment by guitar and trumpet; the musician treated the audience to renditions of popular jazz and blues songs, from Norah Jones to Sam Cooke.
Van Etten had a wonderful stage presence, making you feel involved in the show and setting you at ease with her butter-soft, soulful voice.
The unplugged night was in a room completely bursting with amazing books, a floor beneath the colourful shop itself; the eclectic style of the room, with dimmed lighting and cosy, artfully-distressed decor, was the perfect backdrop to the night.
Often in London venues can seem a little too "well done", so it was really refreshing to feel a part of a lived-in space.
Substantial food and meals were available at the café, as well as alcoholic drinks and a variety of snacks (with great vegetarian and vegan options), but me and my plus-one chose to keep it simple and just share some Orange and Coconut Cake, which was just the right level of sweetness.
Once the night was over - after an hour or so of relaxed music and conversation with the performers - visitors enjoying the unplugged event had the chance to chill out with another drink, or head up to the bookshop and browse the selection. The evening was just the right way to bring an end to a busy week - relaxed and bluesy in a gorgeous room.
The setting was perfect for a literature-lover like me, and the chilled out music was a great accompaniment to a lazy Thursday evening... Why not visit one of the weekly Unplugged events for yourself?
Book and Kitchen Notting Hill will also be launching a new member's club on Friday April 15; among other benefits, members will have access to a special members-only night every Friday. The shop will open up featuring special guests, musicians, a member's book club, discounts and workshops.
Georgia, a spokeswoman for Book and Kitchen, said: "All Saints Club is our new membership scheme for those who love all things to do with books, food, music and conversation.
"We aim to combine the art of conversation and relaxation together in an intimate and casual setting. Every Friday, the shop will open up just for members featuring on some nights special guests, musicians, a member's book club, and curious workshops.
"We'll also be offering special discounts on books, selected art, gift items and music nights."
To join, you can s ign up online.
Essential information
Address: Book and Kitchen, 31 All Saints Road, Notting Hill, W11 1HE - 020 3417 8266
Ticket price: £10 in advance, £15 at the door
Event dates: Every Thursday. Upcoming is Liz Fletcher on April 7, Andrew Ashong on April 14, and Balagan Café Band on April 21
Where we've eaten in 2016
Have you been to one of Book and Kitchen's Unplugged nights? Let us know in the comments below.
