As most bars across the city batten down the hatches for the winter, there is one that is bucking the trend.

The Netil360 rooftop bar in London Fields is embracing the cold front with a brand new al fresco cocktail bar and music venue.

Hot cocktails and fur coats are on hand to assist visitors in the battle with the elements as they emerge through a Victorian wardrobe onto the 8,000-square-foot roof terrace with 360 degree views of London.

Leo Lawson O’Neil, the director of Creative Network Partners which manages the 94 art studios on the premises, admits “it’s radical to open a rooftop bar in winter”.

But it is also unique and that is the appeal: “What’s special is the scale, the size and the quality of the untouched views of the city.”

A ‘festival feel’ adds to the attraction. A large tent with a small stage area presents folk and unplugged talent while inviting yurts lure visitors with comfortable seating and more live acts.

The rooftop project is something Leo has had in mind since he acquired the lease two years ago, and he is determined to achieve his dream of incorporating a spa with pop-up saunas and hot tubs in the space.

Looking forward, punters will also be able to ditch the fur coats as the terrace is adapted for distinct spring and summer projects.

In the meantime though, the venue is up and running and open for 15 events over the coming months.

Check the Netil360 Facebook page for dates and opening times and look out for Halloween and bonfire night parties.

More information at facebook.com/Netil360.

London Jewellery Week is fast approaching, organised around the themes of Shopping, through retailer and gallery collections; Discovery, through workshops and seminars; Designer showcases; Passion through feeling the emotion that jewellery evokes and education with opportunities to meet the industry.

Treasure, the contemporary jewellery exhibition is at the heart of the week at Victoria House in Bloomsbury, showcasing the UK’s most exciting contemporary jewellery designers.

http://www.londonjewelleryweek.co.uk/

Two Penny Blue would like to congratulate Henry Hudson on his latest work,  A reworking of William Hogarth’s ‘A Rakes Progress’ from the 1730’s.

Henry has created his works by painting in plasticine and adding incredible detail depicting characters and settings from the story, replacing Hogarth’s original main, affluent rake character  ‘Tom ‘ with self-portraits of himself.

Henry presented his latest work to a invited VIP guest list at a 17^th centurty banquette in an East London warehouse , overlooking the 2012 Olympic site. Guests recived the red carpet treatment along with a coal roasted hog feast and lashings of  port and gin cocktails, as they partied the night away into the wee small hours.

You can find out more about Henry Hudson and his work at : www.henry-hudson.com

There are a lot of skills involved in stand-up comedy that can help any professional in their everyday life – from dealing with hecklers (people who put you down mid-conversation) to public speaking, confidence, being present and commanding attention.

Learn the tips and tricks of the stand-up trade from the UK’s leading stand-up comedy teacher, Chris Head.

For more information contact Two Penny Blue

This course will:

• Give Excellent Learners a set of practical tools taken from the world of stand-up comedy in order to communicate more confidently and effectively in their personal and professional lives.

• Focus on core skills including: overcoming negative comments; speaking to an audience of two people or more; having confidence in what you’re saying; keeping peoples’ attention; being present; reacting in a masterful way to surprises and changes during conversations/meetings.

• Take Excellent Learners out of their day-to-day routine.

• Allow Excellent Learners to practise what they learn thanks to the fun and interactive exercises that form the day. The accent is on learning by doing.

• Give Excellent Learners a day of dedicated training from one of the most experienced figures on the stand-up comedy scene, ensuring that what they are learning is first-class, authentic and up-to-date.

• Give Excellent Learners a taste of the work that goes into stand-up comedy, without making them do a routine!

• Teach Excellent Learners serious skills in a really fun way.

The cost is £ 247 plus booking fee- (there is a discount code for those who are currently unwaged) and includes the 6 hours training and post course support, lunch and all materials.

FAQ:

Do I need to be funny to attend this course?

No. This course teaches you stand-up performance skills that relate to your everyday needs. It does not focus on being funny or writing stand-up comedy material.

Do I need to know about stand-up comedy to enjoy this course? No prior knowledge of stand-up comedy, acting, performing or writing is required.

Will I have to perform in front of the whole class?

Not if you don’t want to! Exercises are done in small groups to make Excellent Learners feel more comfortable. There is absolutely no pressure to perform. The focus of the day is on fun and experimentation.

I do a professional job in an office – I’m not an actor. How can stand-up help me perform my role better?

Stand-ups are skilled communicators who are used to dealing with difficult audiences and unusual situations. They have to get their point across, get people on side quickly and not get distracted by surprises – in fact, they have to learn how to spot surprises and turn them to their advantage. Stand-ups also have to take control whilst remaining engaging and easy-to-understand. These are all very useful skills that professional people need too, for example when working with colleagues, influencing management, dealing with difficult clients or having the confidence to overcome challenging people and situations.

Who is the Excellent Trainer? Chris Head will deliver this course. Chris has been one of the leading figures in comedy for the past 20 years, having produced and directed numerous shows for the London stage, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Melbourne Comedy Festival. He runs regular courses for stand-up comedians as well as one-on-one sessions for people wishing to build up their confidence and performance skills. Chris is skilled at  working with non-comedians and is an encouraging and empathetic coach who places learners at the centre of his work. Lunch and full course materials included.

Philip Levine is proud to announce his debut exhibition ‘Headism’.

Philip will showcase his best head designs in the NL Gallery through photography by Daniel Regan, documentary by Viviane Castillo and sculpture supported by Lifecast. There will be a published book of those images and the show will be from 3rd May 2011 at NL Gallery, 40/42 Riding House Street, London, W1W 7ET.

Other people involved will be Vernon Francois, Charlotte Von Harlot and Lazy Gramophone.

For further information please contact towww.philsays.com or www.headism.co.uk

There will also be an estimated 10 posters of his head images displayed on the London underground from 11th April 2011 in build up to the gallery show supported by Art Below.