Meet the partners…

by CandyJ on 19 November 2008
Mothers on the verge of greatness

Mothers on the Verge are old hands at the Metrotwin thing now.  They instantly got the concept and their first lists have proved very very popular.

Their blog is an addictive read, and is written by Manhattan Mama, and YummyLondonMummy.  As you may guess from their monikers they live either side of the atlantic and blog about life as mothers in both cities. Their expertise is wide ranging, whether writing about  Sweet (Candy) shops, Beautiful boutiques, Great places to grab a bite without breaking the bank, or places to pick up an economy present they’ve been absolutely fantastic so far.  We caught up them to ask them to famous Metrotwin Five:

* How long have you been writing your blog?

Yummy London Mummy and I started the blog one frustrated September in 2005.

* Why did you start?

MM:  We hoped it would curb our long distance phone bills if we started sharing our snarks and thoughts with each other online. I think we each felt that there were stories to tell from our experiences across the pond – they were surprisingly similar despite our living in different cities, and countries. Also, we were both a little worn by the pollyana approach to mothering. Clearly, no one else seemed to have the trouble with, for example, (s)mothers as we did – and we felt it was our mission to share. The first time we realized someone was actually reading us, was the icing on top.

YLM:  MM and I met when she lived in London in the early 2000’s and become friends instantly. Then she had the cheek to abandon London (and me!) to go live in New York so we were emailing each other all the time. The blog became an extension of all those emails, yet another way to keep up with each other’s lives. The fact that we both love writing and are interested in technology and emerging trends was also a factor - we wanted to get in on the blogging action and see what all the fuss was about. We were hooked as soon as we started.

We went into it determined to create something a bit different. At the time a lot of ‘mommy blogs’ made us feel quite ill due to their relentlessly cheerful tone coupled with shameless boasting about their offspring’s development and their own superior parenting skills. Thankfully that’s now changed and there are a lot of brilliant, very funny blogs out there written by mothers.
The big bonus is that the blog somehow helps keep us sane (or just about) and it’s a lot cheaper than a psychiatrist.

* What do you love about London and/or New York?

MM:  I love that New York is a constant blaze of inspiration. It’s where people clash together and through those connections spark new directions, new ideas. What I love about London is its depth and history, its mystery and magic. There’s nothing more alluring to me than walking along its streets — any street — and knowing the history. Personally, I was a little too intrigued by East London and the Jack the Ripper stories.

YLM:  I’ve lived in London my entire adult life and I love the fact that I always feel so comfortable here. I also love that even though it’s a big city it feels as if it’s made up of lots of villages - you can go from one area to another, sometimes right next to each other, and encounter a totally different type of people, architecture and vibe. My favorite example is Archway and Highgate Village; they’re next-door neighbours yet Archway is a bit scruffy and rough around the edges while Highgate is sedate (or tranquil, depending on your viewpoint), well preserved and stuffed full of expensive independent shops. I love that contrast.

•    What’s your fave place in London and/or New York?

MM:  In London? Besides Rococo chocolates (which saved me my first homesick month when I lived there) I’d have to say the courtyard at St. James’s church in Piccadilly. Many days I’d buy some incredible cheddar at Paxton & Whitfield, and pick up a café au lait, walk over and just sit and pinch myself that I was living in London.

In New York? Simple. The sculpture garden at the Museum of Modern Art.  The Rabbit can run around (as long as she doesn’t touch!), and I can lose myself in the murmur of people and love that I’m raising my daughter here. Plus they sell gelato in the spring and summer – so really, it’s an easy choice.

YLM:  That’s a really difficult question as I have so many favorite places - for gloomy days, to cheer me up, when I’m feeling poor, when I’m feeling rich… the list is practically endless. But if I had to choose one place it would be Kensington Gardens, not only because it’s a beautiful park but because it holds so many happy memories. My husband proposed to me in front of the Albert Memorial and we’ve spent many a lovely afternoon there with the kids over the years, feeding the ducks on the Round Pond, eating ice-cream and strolling along the Serpentine.

•    Where would you recommend for a first-timer?

MM:  In London? Walk along the Thames near the BFI . To see the city this way, is to me, perfect. Then grab a cab to Rococo on the King’s Road to dispel any preconception of British chocolates.

In New York? I think Central Park is a great launch point. Meander along paths. Definitely grab a hot dog. Maybe row a boat on the lake.  Then grab a cab (again) downtown to Schiller’s Liquor Bar for a steak frites and walk along the lower east side to check out the indie designers and new galleries popping up it seems almost daily.

YLM:  Take a walk along the South Bank which runs along the side of the River Thames. Stop at the Tate Modern for a culture injection, then carry on walking (stopping for a quick gawp at the the various street performers and Shakespeare’s Globe) until you get to Borough Market where you can stuff yourself silly with delicious food, followed by a swift pint at one of the local traditional pubs. Perfect!

Keep an eye on the site for more great lists from the Mothers, and check out their site here.

NYC: 24 places in 24 hours…

by Tim Malbon on 18 November 2008

This video comes from Conde Nast Traveler on Concierge.com. In it, Kate Maxwell visits 24 different locations in 24 hours in the Big A  Her mission? Don’t waste a minute. Obviously, that means no sleeping - but hey, welcome to The City of Insomniacs. This is precisely the kind of challenge that Metrotwin can help with, and Kate visits a number of locations that you’ll find on the site, including:

I’ve added a tag here called ‘24 hours’ so we can start collecting the ultimate 24 hours in NYLON list - we already have 24 hours in London, by VisitLondon - please send us your suggestions.

More muppet magic

by CandyJ on 14 November 2008
Watching the world go by

Watching the world go by

I suspect you may worry we are becoming minorly obsessed with the Muppets here at Metrotwin, but this felt simply too cool not to post.

FAO Schwarz now have the option to create your very own Muppet.  Check out their website here just about the cutest thing ever, and perfect for whiling away a Friday afternoon, just don’t get caught by the boss.

Soho So Good

by Mel on 14 November 2008
Soho Square

Soho Square

When the London dwellers at Metrotwin saw the Soho / SoHo post from one of our team in NYC the other day we had, shall we say, a few (okay, lighthearted) issues. The superficial, even sleazy surface of London’s Soho might be easy to mock, but anyone who does so is missing the point. What lies beneath has more character, street-level charm, sheer hedonism, gritty wit and creativity than most other areas of either metropolis. What’s more, Soho has a truly rich history, peppered with tragedy, intrigue and infamy right up to the modern day. It’s been home to musicians, poets, entertainers (yes, of every variety), cutting edge film production houses, late night bars and clubs for eons.

But the real beauty of Soho lies in the diversity it offers in the space of a single square mile: the high end Soho Hotel recommended by our friends at Mr & Mrs Smith is just a street away from the late night coffee institution that is Bar Italia, whilst Yauatcha, the glossy, glorious tea house and dim sum emporium sits right next to a daily fruit and veg market on Berwick street. On the same street, a gem of an Aussie coffee shop Flat White, hangs out a few steps away from a classic English pub with a great jukebox, The Endurance. Just around the corner you can find two of Soho’s many outstanding and utterly diverse record shops, Sounds of the Universe on Broadwick street and, up the road on Poland street, Phonica. Not to mention Harold Moore’s place just a bit further on Great Marlborough street if you’re looking for something a bit more old school. If it’s a properly good haircut you’re after, check out a new recommendation for Metrotwin, Jack’s Haircuts, then in the evening head to Trisha’s Bar, truly one of the best kept secrets in town. In the summertime, Soho’s several squares offer cool grass or a bench to sit on - a welcome respite from the hubbub of the West End. Or if it’s an unusual, rare book you’re looking for, lose yourself in the celebrated book dealer’s just off Golden Square, Bernard Quaritch.

Soho is a smorgasbord of commerce & culture, sitting cheek by jowl with escapist, trash-filled fun. You just need to decide which bit you want to pay attention to.

Music is the answer

by CandyJ on 14 November 2008
Vinyl will never die

Vinyl will never die

New York and London have created some of the greatest bands and artists of the 20th & 21st Century.  London’s music scene was the home of punk and New York brought us disco and hip hop.

Consequently both cities are awash with record stores stuffed with rare and brilliant vinyl.  Ricardo’s list 33s, 45s, 78s celebrates some of those institutions, but I feel like we’ve only just scratched the surface.  Let us know some of your thoughts on the best record stores to get lost in, in either city.

The Muppets Take New York

by Tim Malbon on 14 November 2008

I couldn’t help it. I found myself searching for “Muppets New York”. Of course they have. Here it is - we give you the Billy Joel classic, “New York State of Mind”. Open it in a browser tab next to the London video. Play both at once for a Metrotwin mash-up.

The Muppets Take London

by Tim Malbon on 14 November 2008

Okay - so yesterday’s video post was exhilarating. Today, we just happen to have stumbled upon something very different: a clip from The Muppet Show involving a selection of puppets dressed as tourists driving through London in a red double-decker singing, “Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner…” Priceless. Hilarious. Vaguely dodgy. But the serious take-away is how cosmopolitan London (like New York) is and how this is reflected by the mirror of popular culture.

London in 3,328 images

by Tim Malbon on 13 November 2008

Courtesy of David Hubert via Vimeo, this is what London looks like when you make a video from 3,328 individual pictures. Crank the volume up to 11, go full-screen and sit back and enjoy the next two minutes. Alternatively, run around the room with your hands in the air.


London (harder, better, faster, stronger) from David Hubert on Vimeo.

Marvellous Millinery

by CandyJ on 12 November 2008

Today’s twin ‘o the day is one of my favourites.  There’s 2 reasons why it deserves such an accolade

1.  It is very very accurate

2.  We happened upon Bates’ twin JJ Hat centre on our last trip to NY and it was everything I’d hoped it would be and more.

Established in 1911  JJ Hat Centre, puts more modern shops to shame. The staff are completely knowledgable and will help direct you to the style that works for you, you’ll be treated as an individual, it makes the whole experience of buying fun and enjoyable.

We bounced into the shop at 9.30am thoroughly over-excited to have found one of the first recommendations we’d written for the site, and were greeted by Mark - possibly the coolest man in NY- who helped Tim to purchase a rather fetching new flat cap.  He’s barely taken it off since we got back, so I anticipate another visit next time we’re in NYC.

Bates is also a traditional hat shop.  From Bowlers to Flat caps, panama’s to rain hats it is the last word in marvellous millinery and has been the hat shop of choice for the discerning English gent since 1908, you can order their hats online, so even if you are from NY you can still adopt the British look - well it works for Madonna!

Get connected

by CandyJ on 11 November 2008
Photo by i_yudai

Photo by i_yudai

Some of you have been asking if there are any other ways to keep up to date with Metrotwin.  To (badly) quote the Stereo MC’s* “Its time to get yourself connected” (I can’t believe I just did that)

So if you want updates from the site, or to be notified when there is a new blog post, join us at any of the following

Be our friend on Facebook and receive weekly updates

Follow us on Twitter for up to the minute news

Join Blip FM to hear what Metrotwin is listening to

If you think there are any other sites you’d like to see Metrotwin on, please let us know

*For those of you unfamiliar with the wonderful Stereo MC’s I’ve just blipped them so head over to our page and listen to some of their beyootiful music.