The Hot Mess Express comes East

Cadogan Terrace’s new Italian restaurant and cocktail hangout, Carbobar, plays host to the self-confessed ‘mouth of the South’ this Friday, as Miss Aisles brings her chaotic charisma East for a night of manageable mayhem. We caught up with her ahead of the show to find out more…

As a South Londoner, how familiar are you with Hackney Wick?

I’ve done a few very late nights in this area partying and raving, and of course, also enjoying the glory that is Victoria Park. Believe it or not, I hooked up with a popstar once who lived nearby, (pre-London Olympics), and my memory was that getting out of the area the next morning felt like I was escaping the Crystal Maze. Such improved transport links now, thankfully!

How should people prepare themselves for your Hot Mess Experience?

No amount of preparation will brace the good people of Hackney Wick for what's about to happen, (just kidding)! Bring an open mind and I'll fill it with songs, witticisms and maybe a couple of games. Basically, as much fun as I can cram into the gorgeous Carbobar on a wintery Friday night. They're going to feel very warm inside after I've finished with them!

How long have you known the team at Carbobar?

Somehow, owner Enzo heard of me, so perhaps word of mouth still counts for something in a world where you seemingly have to go viral to get any attention. I'm sure whoever told him about me let him know that I've hosted several quite big events and also do regular bingo and quizzes for the good people of South London. It’s exciting that I'm crossing the river! From popping in, I can see that Carbobar is already the place to be in the Wick for. Run to try it… don't walk.

What else should we know about Miss Aisles?

Vaccinations are not needed, she's performed at the O2 twice and is known to drop weapons of mass destruction wherever she goes!

Book now for Miss Aisles Hot Mess Experience at Carbobar this Fri 31st Jan.

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🐖 A hot new production of George Orwell’s classic Animal Farm opens at Stratford East on Fri 7th Feb, marking the 80th anniversary of the book and taking a timely look at political power dynamics, the sway of tyrants and the corruption born from greed. It runs through to 8th March.  

💃🏻 A new group art exhibition SIN TEMÁTICA aims to create a space and platform for artists with Latin American heritage, featuring photography, videography, sculpture, paintings and more, documenting the nuances of Latin life at home and across the diaspora. It’s at Indra Gallery this Sat 1st Feb. Tickets are free but required for this opening event.

🎬 A free, long-weekend of films and cultural events celebrating Newham’s diverse communities of all ages; the inaugural PictureEast Film Festival 2025 has been curated by local residents and includes Q&As, panel discussions and more, following the showing of each film. It takes place across various local venues from Thurs 30th Jan - Sun 2nd Feb and aims to provide a platform for local artists and filmmakers, and an exciting programme of entertainment for residents.

🌱 The latest ReRooted Residency artist at Trowbridge Gardens Gallery, Anita Agarwal, opens her show, Let’s Be Eco-Logical this Thurs 30th Jan, 5–8pm where you can see her playful yet powerful exploration of sustainability and cultural intersections through installations like an insect hotel, wind chimes made from single-use plastics, and flags inspired by Buddhist prayer traditions.

📔 The work of South African author Bessie Head is celebrated at a new immersive exhibition, Summer Flowers - Wolff Architects Exhibition opening 30th Jan with a special film screening and talk on the night. The installation includes sound, drawings, plant pressings, and texts and runs at UCL Urban Room at Pool St until the end of May.

🌳 Common Ground invites us to contemplate a single woodland scene, and to consider the role of nature in shaping our mental health, identity and sense of self. It’s on now at UCL Marshgate, including three special late night openings that are booking now, to be held tonight Wed 29th Jan, plus again on 5th and 26th Feb.

🪩 An intimate night of top techno and thumping house music is promised as Cosmic Latte (pictured above) returns to Hackney Wick until the early hours this Fri 31st Jan at The Yard Theatre.

👯 After 10 years (the last 6 of which have happily been spent at Colour Factory) throwing the most wild and iconic themed parties, Pxssy Palace return to the venue one final time for ‘The Last Dance’ this Sat 1st Feb. Don’t worry, they’ll be announcing smaller events as they embark on their next era, but make sure to be there for the big send off.

🍺 At The Lord Napier Star this Sat 1st Feb you can raise a post-Dry January flagon or two at the pub’s first ever Winter Beer Festival, featuring kegs of the good stuff from Drop Project, Floc Brewery, Two Flints and many more. It’s on all afternoon into evening and is free - you just need to buy tokens for the samples, thirds, or halves of the many beers.

🎤 Soulful open mic, poetry, spoken word and music night MY WORD! is back at Grow on Tues 4th Feb, creating a spacer where vocal artistry and community really come alive. Sign up if you’d like to perform, and bring your hip hop, R&B, neo soul, afrobeats, D&B, dancehall and more too for the open decks from 10.30pm.

🥊 There’s a last chance to catch discounts on gym memberships at Duffy Boxing (until 31st Jan) which give you unlimited access to all their classes, from beginner to advanced levels. Duffy’s coaches are all experienced boxers who will help you improve in an fully equipped gym space that is known for it’s positive and motivational community atmosphere.

🫘 Healthy, zero-waste homemade food service, Gaia Pulses, deliver a selection of three delicious, nutrition-packed stews and salads direct to your door every 1-2 weeks. The meals come by bike and in fully reusable containers, plus there are extras you can order like locally baked bread, organic kimchi and olives. Not only that, but The Wick readers can currently get 50% OFF your first order using the code WickBeans at the checkout.

🧘🏻‍♀️ Join Pilates instructor Ianthe and DJ Caley for a blend of somatic movement and banging music at Hackney Wick Community Sauna at The Bath House this Fri 31st Jan. Somatic Spice is for all abilities who want to stretch, sweat, scream and stomp together.

📈 Applications are now open for the 4th edition of the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator, a bespoke 10-week programme and grants of up to £20k are designed to help early-stage start-ups developing innovative, more sustainable consumer products. It is run in partnership with EIT Climate-KIC, Europe's leading climate innovation hub. Applications by 7th March.

♀️ Femake Entrepreneurship is an all-day female business exhibition showcasing the work and the women behind everything from handmade crafts to tech startups. You’ll meet the founders of 16 female-led businesses and 7 artists, offering inspiration and networking plus food and drinks, all at Indra Gallery on Sun 2nd Feb. 

💁🏼‍♀️ Civil Society Consulting is running two free sessions sharing insights into effective pathways and strategies to fundraising for your project or organisation. The first is today (22nd Jan) on Funding strategies and income diversification followed by Community, corporate, and challenge fundraising on 5th Feb. More info and register here.

🍯 If you want to learn a new skill and fancy getting into pottery, Cone8 Ceramics now offer memberships just like you’d get for a gym or yoga studio, but for regular classes on their throwing wheels, instead. Find out more about the offer which gives discounts and you’ll join a thriving local ceramic community, too.

🕺🏻 Studio Wayne McGregor is looking for an archivist to manage and oversee their collection of over 30 years of materials and support the company’s first major exhibition to be held at Somerset House. Closing date 26th Feb.

👷🏻‍♂️ Westfield Stratford City is hosting the free London Job Show on Fri 7th and Sat 8th Feb, jiving anyone looing for a fresh start access to loads of potential employers in one place. Bring CVs, attend careers workshops and seminars and ask loads of questions up on the first floor next to the world food court.

🦋 Pangaea Sculptor Centre is looking for a workshop facilitator for an event they will be holding locally on Sat 1st March. Email [email protected].

❤️ Have your business spotlighted to local residents as part of Hackney Business Network’s next 'Love Hackney, Shop Local' campaign. Any businesses that are affordable, promote positive social impact, and give back to the community should fill in the form by Tues 4th Feb.

🧵 UCL Culture Lab are looking for eight participants of South Asian descent from East London to take part in a project on phulkari at the UCL East campus. Workshops will be led by artist and poet Suman Gujral where you will explore this embroidery technique from the Punjab region and experiment with collage and block printing. You will be paid for your time at three workshops between Feb and April.

📈 If you live in Tower Hamlets and have a business idea, but don't know where to start, the Council and Allia Impact are offering support through structured training and a grant of £2500 to start a new venture. You need to be a first-time entrepreneur and full time resident. Open until end of March 2025.