Has the West absorbed the right lessons from Ukraine’s war with Russia? For the unsettling answer, look at what’s buzzing mysteriously in the skies above Europe’s cities. Drones were spotted this month in France, loitering around a gunpowder plant and a train station where tanks are located. Others were seen recently near a Belgian military base, a port, and a nuclear power plant.
Belgium’s defense minister told the press the drones near military bases were “definitely for spying.” The provenance of other suspicious drones is less clear. Yet whatever their source, they’re a security threat. The Netherlands suspended flights in Eindhoven Saturday after a drone sighting, and similar episodes have unfolded this month at airports in Sweden, Germany, Belgium and Denmark.
At this point, everyone knows about the iconic era that is People Watching by Sam Fender. If it’s not us, it’s you, your colleagues, your parents, your mates, your pets … seriously, Sam is a household name. With the announcement of the deluxe version of his Mercury Prize–winning third album, People Watching, it’s safe to say we are all hyped for the additional eight tracks. As we anticipate the release, we’re sharing everything you need to know about People Watching (Deluxe),including collaborations that are already making headlines.
A New Single With Elton John
When icons team with icons, the outcome is an iconic track. Sam Fender has teamed up with none other than Sir Elton John for the new track ‘Talk To You.’ Recorded during the original People Watching sessions with producer Marcus Dravs at British Grove Studios in London, the song finds Elton on piano which is a perfect pairing for Sam’s emotionally charged storytelling. It’s a shock it’s been kept in the vault all this time. The track is about the end of a long term relationship, exploring the regret, the mistakes and the lessons you learn along the journey.
“I was playing around with the riff and thought, what I need is a really good pianist… and then, who better than Elton John?” – Sam Fender
What’s New on the Deluxe
Alongside ‘Talk To You,’ the deluxe edition will include two more previously unheard tracks: ‘Fortuna’s Wheel’ and ‘The Treadmill.’ Championing British talent, ‘Rein Me In (with Olivia Dean)’ is also making its first physical release (finally!) And for long time fans, you’ll also find the four tracks originally featured on the Me and The Dog EP.
Additional Tracks:
I’m Always On Stage
Talk To You (feat. Elton John)
Fortuna’s Wheel
Rein Me In (with Olivia Dean)
Me and The Dog
Tyrants
The Treadmill
Empty Spaces
A Record-Breaking Era
Since its release earlier this year, People Watching has become one of the UK’s defining albums of 2025. It sold over 100,000 copies in its first week, outselling the rest of the Top 10 combined, and made Sam the fastest-selling British solo artist since 2022. Add to that a Mercury Prize win and a sold-out 80,000-capacity London Stadium, and it’s clear Sam’s having a moment. And it’s clear everyone will be tuning into the Deluxe album release.
Image Source: Courtesy of Interscope Capitol PR
The Big Day To Mark Your Calendars?
We hear you asking about the release date, and we’ve got you covered. With People Watching (Deluxe), Sam Fender closes out his biggest year yet, and gives fans one more chance to live inside the world of his most personal album to date. The official release is scheduled for the 5th of December. It’s literally Christmas 20 days early, aren’t we lucky.
Image Source: Courtesy of Interscope Capitol PR
In all honesty, People Watching has become one of those household albums that feels like it’s been in our lives for years. And with the Deluxe version out in just over a months time, we want to hear from you! Let us know what track you’re most excited to hear first in the comments or by tweeting us @TheHoneyPOP. You can also visit us on our Facebook and Instagram.
Robbie Williams says that he’s been privately fighting a battle against what he calls “inside Tourette’s.” The British pop star and subject of Oscar-nominated film Better Man shared the news while appearing on the comedian Paul Welsh’s podcast, I’m ADHD! No You’re Not.
“I’ve just realized that I have Tourette’s, but they don’t come out,” Williams said on the podcast. “I was just walking down the road the other day and I realized that these intrusive thoughts are ‘inside Tourette’s.’”
Tourette syndrome, as defined by the CDC, is a condition of the nervous system often defined by sudden, repetitive sounds or movements, often known as tics, that can be triggered by factors such as stress, excitement, or tiredness.
Williams, who kicked off his Britpop Tour in May, says that he has been an “Olympian at masking” his symptoms, and that his condition makes performing live extremely difficult. “I have a very complicated relationship with touring and performing live,” he said on the podcast. “People say, ‘Oh, you going on tour? You must be really, really excited.’ Not really. I’m terrified.”
The “Angels” singer is aware that he may not present as someone who gets stage fright. “I will look full of bravado and look pompous and look smug and do these grand gestures, which have worked for me because they put my face on the poster and people still buy tickets,” he said. “But actually what’s happening is I feel like the opposite of that all the time, most of the time.”
While it may be difficult for him to perform live, Williams says that the condition is improving. “It’s getting better,” he said. “I would say it’s gotten better from 45 onwards. This particular tour that I’m now in, I’m very pleased to say, for me, is that I’m dead excited to do my show that I’m doing tomorrow and I was excited to do one last week.”
The 51-year-old is not the only famous singer who struggles with the neurological condition. Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi in 2023 had to take a break from music after his tics prevented him from completing a performance at Glastonbury. Billie Eilish also recounted being affected by Tourette syndrome, which she was diagnosed with when she was 11. “If you film me for long enough, you’re going to see a lot of tics,” she told David Letterman on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction in 2022.
Williams credits his wife, Ayda Field Williams, for helping adjust his perspective on performing live, highlighting how she emphasized how lucky he is to perform for a living and how he may not always have the chance to play stadiums.
“And in that moment, thinking about maybe never being able to do it again because of waning popularity or death or whatever it is, in that moment, it just changed my perception,” he says. “But 80,000 people never changed my opinion about me.”
Pink Pantheress is the pop princess who fell out of England. We’re in love with her, and here is your sign that you should be too! Pink Pantheress took the world (and TikTok) by storm with dance-pop hits ‘Just For Me’ and ‘Illegal,’ transforming from a bedroom SoundCloud artist into a well-deserved Billboard chart topper. That’s just the tip of the iceberg for our English pop princess. There is so much spontaneity jam-packed into this spunky 24-year-old star, it should be illegal not to stan her. Here are a few reasons why.
Infectious Personality
Something we just cannot get enough of is Pink’s infectious personality. She is unapologetically herself and full of witty British humor. There will never be a dull moment watching Pink. She connects to you across the screen with her bold and relatable personality, showing that she’s not afraid to laugh at herself. Her bubbly personality is completely irresistible, giving us plenty of funny and iconic moments to binge-watch in bed. What more can we ask for?
Fashion Forward Icon
Pink creates a unique pop-princess look by wearing bold patterns that tap into Y2K and British rock fashion. You’ll catch her rocking soft yet bold looks, often wearing plaid with contrasting pops of color, but you’ll never know what you’ll get with Pink. Pink keeps us on the edge of our seats by mixing things up and taking on a different style when she can, as she did with her ‘Tonight’ music video. Pink’s artistic vision for ‘Tonight’ traveled to the Tudor period as she wears a stunning corset dress with dramatic hair inspired by Madonna’s iconic 1990 MTV ‘Vogue’ performance. Let us raid your closet, Pink!
Female Producer
Pink is a force to be reckoned with in the studio, and it’s for far more than her distinctly soft vocals. Our girl is producing her own tracks (how girl boss is that?). Pink is not a stranger to music production, recognized by Billboard’s Producer of the Year award in 2024. She exclusively produced Half of her 2021 mixtape ToHell With It in her bedroom, and co-produced her debut album, Heaven Knows. Not only does she have an ear for creating the right mix for her own songs, but Pink has also co-produced songs for other artists, including WILLOW and Mura Masa. When do her talents stop?
Dedication To Her Craft
Pink showcases her dedication to creating music with her humble beginnings of anonymously sharing her songs on SoundCloud in 2020. Pink began showing her face in the media in 2021 after there was unexpected, yet deserving, traction to her songs, letting it be known that she was not just in it for the stardom. With each music release, Pink carefully crafts a unique world for you to fall into and remains true to her original work despite her rise to fame. Her passion for being involved with each project shows that there is even more to see from her in the future. You wouldn’t want to miss it!
Her Favs Are Our Favs
Pink takes inspiration from all of the greats, including My Chemical Romance, Paramore, and Imogen Heap. Boy, does she have taste! Pink was totally in her Brat era, channeling her inner Charli XCX as she produced ‘Stateside,’ from Fancy That. Creating yet another electronic dance-pop banger. If you love any of these other talented artists, you will definitely love Pink Pantheress. She perfectly blends the genres between them all into an original sound of her own.
You do not want to miss anything Pink Pantheress does next!
See Pink Pantheress on tour and kickstart your stanning journey by listening to ‘Romeo.’ It will leave you wondering why you didn’t get into Pink sooner!
What are your current favorite Pink Pantheress songs? Let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
If you’ve been around for a hot second, you know our love for indie-rock giants Only The Poets. It has been an incredible few years for this exploding Reading UK band, from supporting so many incredible artists on tour, to massive EP releases, festivals, a monumental record label signing, and international headline tours. It’s been a priviledge to watch this generationally-talented band achieve their dreams, while staying true to themselves and their fans. Whether it’s an EP review, a single celebration, or just a general feral fangirling moment, we will always ‘JUMP!’ at the chance to show Only The Poets some THP love! And if you think we were excited to attend their One More Night Tour concert in Manchester, you know we broke our legs running to interview OTP before the gig!
We popped along to Gorilla Manchester to chat to frontman Tommy Longhurst, and as we settled in at the venue’s upstairs bar, Tommy’s black and silver in-ear monitors still hanging around his neck, the feeling of OTP family has never been more felt. You know how some people just have a way of making others feel at ease? Yeah, that’s Only The Poets. This was a bucket list interview for The Honey POP! We’d love to take the opportunity to thank the OTP team, and especially to Tommy Longhurst for such a heartwarming and open chat. With all that being said, check out our interview with Only The Poets’ Tommy Longhurst below, as we talked all things touring, One More Night and better on the internet EP’s, bowling skills (or lack of), mental health advocacy, fan appreciation, and what’s next for the future of Only The Poets!
Welcome to The Honey POP Tommy! We know you’ve just got back from Reading Festival and you have a packed day with soundchecks and a record signing before tonight’s show. We appreciate you sitting down with us to answer all of our burning questions! You’re absolutely welcome! All good mate, all good!
Image Source: Courtesy of Chuff Media
The final leg of the One More Night Tour is underway and it’s the end of this era, as you’ve been saying on your socials! What’s it meant to you and what have been your highlights so far? Wow, well firstly it’s definitely felt like the most special tour we’ve ever done. I think, with some of the venues we’ve played and I think we took a step up with like, the production, you know with the lights and everything. It’s an era that we’re really proud of and we’re very very excited about what’s to come. But yeah, I think, we’ll look back very fondly and miss this One More Night era. Because what I loved about this whole thing was when we decided to name the EP One More Night, that song is actually about looking back on time, at fond memories and being full of nostalgia, so it’s actually ended up becoming quite a full circle thing where like, actually, we will look back on this era very fondly, and it kinda represents what that song was about conceptually. It fell into place very naturally which is kind of why we thought it’d be good to name the tour after it. So yeah, it’s been a blast, it’s been an absolute blast. We’re very excited about tonight. We always have great shows in Manchester, and it’s sold out, so we’re very excited!
We’re gonna miss this era too! Awwwww!
One More Night is one of the best bodies of work we’ve heard in a long time, we’re obsessed with it, it’s impeccable. Which is your favourite song to perform? Hmmm, ‘All The Time?’ Probably? We actually haven’t… we actually didn’t play it on all of the tour. We’ve just started playing it for these UK shows and it’s been a breath of fresh air and I love it! And I think it’ll be a main stay for a while ‘cos it just feels quite unique and we don’t really have anything like it. And what’s been great about all those songs is like, at one point it [favorite song to play] was ‘One More Night,’ at one point it was ‘I Don’t Wanna Be Your Friend, and at one point it was ‘It’s Okay (Not To Be Okay),’ so it keeps changing, which is nice. Thank you for saying you love it!
It’s absolutely stunning! What about to listen to? What’s your fave to listen to, and do you listen to your own music? I think… I do, but when something’s out there, because we’re constantly listening to things we’ve written recently and we have to critique it when we’re doing mix notes and actually being in the studio, you hear the song for 10 hours straight *giggles*, so it can start becoming a bit mind-numbing. But certainly when it goes on Spotify, I’ll have a few blasts in my car and it’s a really proud moment. You know, every time you release something into the world it’s terrifying but equally exciting. So yeah, I do listen occassionally!
What’s your fave to listen to when you do? From the One More Night era? [THP: Yes, or any!] Ooh! I love ‘Crash!,’ always have done. It’s just a real… I think it’s underrated. I think it got slept on a bit! Not by the fans, the fans loved it. I mean, I think it’s just a really special tune that I love to play as well. [THP: “So justice for ‘Crash!’?] Yeah! And I’d say for the One More Night era, ‘One More Night’ the song feels like a real moment in the set and obviously naming the tour after it, yeah that feels special in it’s own right as well.
You just surprise dropped the Deluxe EP of One More Night! In fact, we planned these questions and had to come back and change it up because of the surprise drop! [Tommy: hahahaha, sorry! THP: Don’t be, we couldn’t think of a nicer reason to change the questions!]. The Deluxe EP features the previous vinyl exclusive ‘Black and Blue’ – a beautiful way to round off this era, and it’s bold to assume we can all handle an acoustic right now. What’s the story with ‘Black and Blue?‘ It’s all about kind of like, the feeling of moving on feeling so alien to you, because you’re so hurt by a previous relationship. I think it’s almost that idea that they probably think you’re doing okay but you’re not. It’s a real honest one, basically talking about how moving on isn’t easy. And the beautiful thing about music is it doesn’t necessarily need to be a romantic song. It’s all just about the breakdown of a relationship, like a lot of our songs are, navigating your way through love and loss and things like that. So yeah, I just think that reaction, the reaction of doing it on this whole run just made us think “we should give the fans this!” Because obviously everyone getting the physical product is amazing, and we wanted to give you a little nugget of something that’s a bit of a surprise and a bit of an exclusive, but it felt right to put that on [The Deluxe EP]. And obviously ‘I Don’t Wanna Be Your Friend – Acoustic’ is very different to the original song, so we sort of flipped it on its head. And ‘Gone By Now’ as well, fan favorite, we all love that tune, it worked really well acoustically, so we just wanted to give everyone a few more tunes before we cap of this end of an era.
You’re about to soundcheck with fans, and you’re doing games with those fans too, before tonight’s show. That to us just sums up the relationship you have with your fans. [Tommy: Yeah, it’s fun man!] As a fan owned and run publication, we strongly believe in the power of fans and clearly so does Only The Poets. What do your fans mean to you? Oh, they are the absolute sole reason why we get to do this. So, just constantly reminding them of that and just, I mean people talk to me, people who aren’t in music, they’re like “oh you’re so engaged with your fans,” and we’re like, but that’s how… we know no different! Like, for us, that’s what we absolutely want to do, show our appreciation. Because without them, there is no Only The Poets. You know, what the fans always say is “Oh you’ve really helped us,” but like, what a lot of them probably don’t realise is they actually have helped us way more. The power of music and bringing us all together is beautiful. All we want to do is keep this family building and let’s hope we can do it. Yeah, you know, we just have a really special relationship and we wouldn’t change it for the world. We think more people should be like this. Because I do think some people kind of forget that at times, like, we will never do that. And also, all of the artists we’ve supported have shown the same level of appreciation. It feels like there’s a running theme there, people that are successful but have this real honest relationship with their fan base. We think that’s really great.
They are the absolute sole reason why we get to do this. […] Without them, there is no Only The Poets. You know, what the fans always say is “Oh you’ve really helped us,” but like, what a lot of them probably don’t realise is they actually have helped us way more.
Tommy Longhurst on what Only The Poets’ fans mean to them
And to a degree, there’s also some shared fans between you and those artists too? Fans gravitate to artists and people who have that talent but also put out that energy and mutual respect. Totally! Like, Louis Tomlinson was in one of the biggest boy bands in the world, and is SO greatful to his fans. We just did some shows with Dom (YungBlud), and it’s just the same level of appreciation. You know, it’s not why we do it but it’s just interesting isn’t it, that you can see that and go “Ahh that’s part of your success is looking after the people and remembering who got you where you are.” [THP: And fans always remember that appreciation too, we hold that close. Tommy: Yeah, totally!]
Our One More Night bias is ‘It’s Okay (Not To Be Okay)’ which is rooted in a topic you’ve always been very open about discussing in your music, which is mental health. Why does it matter to Only The Poets to put that into the world? I think just, there was a phase when I was writing songs and I was having a bit of a bad time, and I like, kinda of was scared to be that open and honest in my songwriting. And we released ‘Waking In The Dark,’ which was a good while ago now, which is a similar kind of concept to that song. That moment and the way people took that song and told us that it was helping them, certainly suddenly I was like “this is how I need to be now, just be honest.” Because I’m an emotional guy, we all are, and we think like, we have a platform as artists to raise awareness for really important things. I think music is therapy to a lot of us. And songwriting for me, I was going through a rough time in that period, and I was like “I’m gonna write a song that I think people need to hear and want to hear.” It’s such a powerful moment in the set now, and I think it’s one of the proudest I’ve been of a tune. We always joke that ‘It’s Okay (Not To Be Okay)’ is the evolution to ‘Waking In The Dark.’ I think ‘Waking In The Dark’ is beautiful and I love it, but like, with ‘It’s Okay,’ we call it ‘Waking In The Dark’s’ big brother!
What relationship is it to ‘No More Lonely’ then? Oooh I don’t know about that, that’s going way back!
You just dropped the better on the internet EP, which really feels like a gift between the fans and you. [Tommy: That’s exactly what it was!] What’s the story with this EP and were any of them debated to go on the One More Night EP? Yes! They were! What it was, I can’t say too much because I want to keep it all a surprise, but we all sat down and were like, we want to do things differently moving forward, like sonically, musically, lyrically and everything. And we were like, we have all of these great songs, there was like 50 of them on a hard drive, and Marcus and Clem have worked on loads of them. So us and our manager were like, to cap this era off let’s just give the fans four songs out of nowhere. Everyone went crazy which we knew would happen! I loved it because we’ve never done a release like that. Just seeing the reaction. Those four songs were top of the list and I’m so glad that we did it, because we’re playing some of them now. We did Reading Festival yesterday and played it, and they feel like a bit of a step up, even these four. So we’re really striving to bigger and better things now. It just felt like they deserved to be out there!
Stream better on the internet, here, right now. Go!
Okay, so with Better On The Internet already feeling like a step up, is this EP maybe a hint of things to come? Actually…. no, not really! Hahahahahaha! That’s the beautiful and interesting thing. And you probably thought I was about to go “Yeah!” but actually no! There’s a bit of an evolution there already, and maybe there’s dribs and drabs of it but certainly, it is about capping off this era. There’s some tunes in there, like ‘Indigo’ could have really lived on that body of work [One More Night EP], it’s like an indie tune. I love those four songs a lot and the reaction’s been amazing.
You’ve alluded quite excitingly (and stressfully), to the fact that things are about to change. Without saying anything you shouldn’t, please keep any secrets you need to keep… but what can you tell us about what’s next to come for Only The Poets? We’re just thinking bigger! We’re thinking just, trying to not put us in any genre boxes. We’re being way more open with our songwriting and the production, and the shows are gonna be different. We just wanna like switch things up, is what i’m gonna say. And I’m really bad at giving things away, so I’m gonna have to stop talking! I’ll trip over myself!
The Honey POP and Only The Poets’ Tommy Longhurst. Image Source: The Honey POP
Okay, quick fire round, first answers only, let’s go!
You’ve got to call a band member, but if they answer the call, you lose £10k. Who are you calling? Clem. Most competitive? Me. Who is most likely to be late to rehearsal? Andrew. Best post-show food? Who cooks the best, or what is the best? Oh, we have wraps. We like making little wraps, chicken and salad wraps. Lovely! Who is the best bowler? Andrew. Who is the worst bowler? Clem. If you had to swap places with anyone else on stage for the night, who are you swapping with? Marcus. And lastly…. This is never just band and fan, this is…… Errr…. Family?…… Can I say it? [THP: Yeah!] This is f**king family! Waheyyyy!
Errr…. Family?…… Can I say it? This is f**king family! Waheyyyy!
Tommy Longhurst
Show Time!
After our goodbyes and the obligatory selfie and hug, came show time! And what a show it was! Opening support act, scottish singer-songwriter Kerr Mercer brought all of the feels with his delectably rich vocals and moody reflective lyrics. We were also treated to a surprising cover of Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Please, Please, Please,’ which got the crowd belting the chrous (in several interesting pitches…). A well needed and placed vocal warm-up prior to screaming along to OTP’s set! Mercer owned his opening-spot as a rising star, and with upcoming music releases planned, we’re excited to see what this young talent does next, including his headline gig in Manchester, in October!
Then came the main event, and as the red lights filled the stage and air as Only The Poets took to the stage, the vocalised support of their dedicated crowd roarered and ripped through the room. In fact, if this gig was a recipe, its ingredients would just say “Red Bull, tears and gravel.” The energy and emotion of Only The Poets’ music and lyrics, coupled with the concert production, insane instrumental talents of Marcus, Clem, Andrew (Roo), and Tommy, and their rock-fuelled vocals, had us jumping in the air and falling to our knees. A fitting reaction to what Tommy would later call “one of our favourite headline shows ever!”
If this gig was a recipe, its ingredients would just say “Red Bull, tears and gravel.” The energy and emotion of Only The Poets’ music and lyrics, coupled with the concert production, insane instrumental talents and rock-fuelled vocals, had us jumping in the air and falling to our knees.
The Honey POP! on Only The Poets’ One More Night Tour, Manchester UK
Highlights of the night included the straight-out-of-the-gates opening ceiling raiser ‘Crash,’ which set the energy level for the entire night; and the stripped-back and sob-inducing ‘Black and Blue’ which saw Tommy and Clem leave the stage with nothing but an acoustic guitar, a microphone, and a dream; and join fans on the GA floor for a stunning performance surrounded by the love and warmth of fans and the star-freckled glow of their torches. An instrumental interval before our beloved ‘Even Hell’ saw Marcus, Roo and Clem shine with their respective instuments as they jammed around Marcus’ drumkit for a shining moment of their collective foundation of OTP’s sound. ‘All This Time’ delivered tenfold as a previously discussed “breath of fresh air,” and the sold-out audience matched Tommy’s vocal as if years of school assemblies had finally come into use!
Our first live experience of One More Night‘s title track left no question mark over the merit of this song’s position and weight on the EP, with it’s euphoric live sound and mirroring of our feelings of never wanting the night to end. Our own personal bias, ‘It’s Okay (Not To Be Okay)’ made certain there wasn’t a dry eye at THP or across the venue, and gave us everything we hoped for from this emotional reset of a tune.
Through every up-tempo number, Tommy’s hip-action left nothing behind as he bopped around the stage like Manager Sam had put new batteries in him. These weren’t the only times Tommy left fans squealing though – as previously alluded to during our chat, OTP sent fans into a tail spin as they shared that future new music was going to “flip Only The Poets on it’s f**king head,” which ensured the entire room lost its final collective braincell.
The last song before the encore served as instruction, as the crowd moved as one for the crescendo of the bouncy sweat-dripping demands of ‘JUMP!’ And of course, our babies ‘Ceasefire’ with its swaying twinkle of crowd torches, and ‘Emotional’ with its nostalgia, mosh pit and euphoria; ended our night in the perfect flavour of Only The Poets. An incredible night of OTP family unity came to an end as fans filed out of Gorilla Manchester with smiles, memories and ringing ears. Chants of “One More Night,” declared that the love and pride in Only The Poets is only going from strength to strength. We’ve been to many an Only The Poets gig, and we couldn’t agree more with the band, as we close this coverage of the One More Night tour and interview… it was our favourite OTP headline show ever too, and this certainly is… “Errr, family?”
Worried you’re going to miss them too much? You can still score tickets for One More Night in Bratislava, or tickets for the One More Fright Halloween show, in Rotterdam on October 30th!
Do you want even more Only The Poets reviews, news and general feral stanning? We’ve got you! Check out our ever growing OTP coverage, here!
Did you attend the One More Night Tour? Are you ready for the new era of Only The Poets? Do you want that chicken salad wrap recipe? Tell us it all on X at @thehoneypop or by visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
But the massive renovations (they might as well have burned sage, ridding any sign of LaSalle Power Co.’s existence inside the 16,500-square-foot space) betray any humility. Huw Gott and Will Beckett carry confidence that Chicago, home of steakhouses such as Gibsons and Maple & Ash, will leave their palace of beef enamored; Beckett says Hawksmoor is the steakhouse of choice for fans of Michelin-starred and Beard-winning restaurants, and that matters in Chicago, the home of The Bear and the Beards. Hawksmoor encountered a similar environment when they debuted in New York in 2021. In a piece in February, Eater NY’s Robert Siestema called Hawksmoor “the anti-Peter Luger,” citing the menu’s variety, writing that diners could easily assemble a quality meal by using only starters and sides. Gott expounds on the menu’s variety. They have a vegetarian version of beef Wellington, made with cheese, plus oyster and shitake mushroom duxelles: “We want everyone who comes to be able to eat really well,” Gott says.
Hawksmoor
Hawksmoor
Hawksmoor
The charcoal comes from West Virginia.
Hawksmoor isn’t advertising where their beef is sourced, but it’s dry-aged Gott and Beckett ensure they’re doing the needed work to build relationships with local purveyors; the aforementioned veggie Wellington uses cheese from a Wisconsin dairy farm, for example. The steaks, including a 44-ounce Chateaubriand, are cooked over charcoal. The fries are cooked in tallow. Brunch and lunch service are on their way. Gott even teases that Chicago could experience the English tradition of a Sunday roast eventually.
Downtown restaurant owners are excited about Hawkmoor’s arrival — they’ve pegged Thursday, June 27 as the opening day. Restaurateur Sam Sanchez, known for John Barleycorn and Point & Feather, says it’s time to bring some electricity back downtown, something the pandemic sapped from River North and the Loop. Beckett has been commuting back and forth from England, overseeing the project, and has brought over key personnel from New York and other locations.
Gott and Becket have carved out a niche in the U.K., with some restaurant owners there asking for advice when it comes to international expansion. The friends have known each other since they were six years old and there’s a playful needling between them, reminiscent of a friendlier Statler and Waldorf. It’s apparent when Gott delves into the history of the space as the LaSalle Street Cable Car Powerhouse. He lights up, much to the chagrin of Beckett who bides his time before labeling him as a nerd: “I’ve got transit geek sides of my personality… my dad’s a train man,” Gott admits.
Visitors will see curved ceilings reminiscent of train cars, a green and white color scheme honoring old CTA branding, and light fixtures that bring back vintage times. Beckett calls his partner obsessive, taking days to research what could appear as minutiae to commoners. But those touches help elevate the dynamics of their dining rooms.
But to Hawksmoor’s credit, they backed away from building their restaurant around the history of the city’s stockyards. That’s low-hanging fruit to lean in Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle. Hawkmoor is a fully realized concept that’s seen success in England, New York, Dublin, and Edinburgh. Gott talks about the history of Beefsteak Clubs, male-dominated groups that surfaced in the 19th century. The words “Beef and Liberty ‘’ hang above the second-floor bar, a 76-seat dining room that can also be rented out for private events — including “beefsteaks” — a reference to a kind of secret society that would gather, and — you guessed it — nosh on steak. Beef and Liberty was a slogan that dates back to the 1700s. That nod to history doesn’t mean that Hawksmoor is interested in recreating the era. Beckett proudly admits that the customers who fill their seats aren’t just white guys posting steak videos on social media. They’re embracing a come-as-you-are environment and hope the first floor attracts happy hour revelers, though Beckett concedes “happy hour” has a different meaning in England where there are better drink specials. It just means post-work drinks in America, and that’s in part to local lawmakers.
This is the second-floor dining room.Hawksmoor
Note the ceiling with curves to look like a transit car.Hawksmoor
There are other differences. The dessert menu will be called just that (it’s referred to as a pudding menu in England). Hawksmoor is proud of their cocktails and for the Chicago crowd, they’re serving up a negroni-inspired beverage made with Jeppson’s Malört.
Entering the restaurant space that once offered macaroni and cheese allegedly based on a recipe from Jordan’s wife at the time, the Gott found a way to pay homage. The third floor features two private event rooms. One of those, a 22-seat space, is called the Big Mike. Plainly, it’s a reference to a champion-winning cattle cow. But basketball superfans can embrace the name as the reason the city held annual summer parties in Grant Park in the ‘90s.
Chicago has already influenced the chain. Beckett says they’re serving an Italian beef sandwich at locations in the U.K. When asked if it would be authentic, with the proper giardiniera and sliced thin, he smiles.
“The best thing, you see, you won’t know,” Beckett says with a wink.
However, starting next week, Chicagoans won’t need to board a plane to visit Hawksmoor. Then they’ll have tangible proof of whether the British steakhouse is worthy of No. 23 or if it needs a jolt of electricity.
Hawksmoor, 500 N. LaSalle Drive, opening, Thursday, June 27, reservations via OpenTable.
Rachel Perlmutter is a recipe developer, food stylist, and culinary producer at The Kitchn. Originally from Houston, Texas, she spends her free time trying to perfect kolaches and breakfast tacos that taste like home. Rachel currently lives in Brooklyn with her partner, dog, cat and rabbit, where they all share a love of seasonal local produce.
Built with layers of cake (or brownies), crushed cookies (or toffee), and swoops of whipped cream and pudding, this chocolate trifle recipe is adaptable, easy, and impressive. Here’s how to take a few store-bought ingredients and turn them into a show-stopping dessert.
Pulse the mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and thyme until finely chopped, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally, in 10 to 12 (1-second) pulses. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add the remaining mushrooms to the food processor, pulse until finely chopped, and transfer to the bowl. (Alternatively, very finely chop everything by hand.)
Bronny James made his college basketball debut for the USC Trojans on Sunday, having suffered a cardiac arrest during a workout at the team’s Galen Center home court on June 20; NBA icon LeBron James was in attendance to watch his son in action as the Trojans faced Long Beach State
Last Updated: 11/12/23 8:14am
Bronny James made his college basketball debut barely five months after suffering a cardiac arrest
Bronny James, the son of NBA icon LeBron James, expressed gratitude for everyone who supported him after he made his college debut for Southern California nearly five months after he suffered cardiac arrest.
James suffered the cardiac arrest on July 20 during a workout at Galen Center and was found to have a congenital heart defect which was treatable. He was recently cleared by his doctors and USC’s medical staff to participate in full-contact practice, having been limited to working out on his own doing weights, cardio and shooting.
The 19-year-old guard had four points, three rebounds and two assists on Sunday, coming off the bench to play in front of his superstar father, but could not help prevent the Trojans losing in overtime to Long Beach State, 84-79.
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James walked off with his deflated team-mates and did not greet his father who sat courtside, but did make a brief statement to a horde of assembled journalists afterwards.
“I just want to say I’m thankful for everything,” James said, along with thanking the Mayo Clinic, where he received treatment, as well as his parents, siblings, Trojans head coach Andy Enfield and his team-mates “during this hard time in my life”.
In total, James logged 16 minutes, including starting the five-minute extra session, but he was not a factor then before coming out for the last time. He was 1 of 3 shooting, hitting a three-pointer in the second half.
His biggest impression came on the defensive side though. All of James’ rebounds were on the defensive glass and he had two steals.
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“I thought Bronny played well,” Enfield said. “He defended at a high level. He guarded the quick ballhandlers on the other team pretty well.
“It was exciting for everybody to see him out there and I’m sure his family was the most excited.”
Enfield added James’ minutes would continue to be monitored by USC’s medical staff.
He played six minutes in the first half, when the Trojans led 45-30 at the break. In his second three-minute stint, James made a huge block on Jadon Jones, who was streaking to the basket on a fast break, riling up the fans.
Lebron James and his daughter Zhuri Nova walk past Bronny James ahead of USC’s clash with Long Beach State
James was quick to pass to his team-mates, even when it appeared he could have taken a shot, and assisted on a dunk by Vincent Iwuchukwu, who also suffered cardiac arrest as a freshman. He returned to play 14 games last season.
“It’s great to see Bronny out there, he’s put a lot of work in the gym,” Iwuchukwu said. “We talked before the game, and I told him to go out there and have fun.”
James entered the game for the first time about seven minutes in, with some in the crowd standing and cheering. He missed his first shot, a three-point attempt.
Moments before, he tipped the ball away from a Long Beach State player, but the visitors got it back. The possession ended in a shot-clock violation for the Beach. James also snagged a rebound.
A fan holds up a sign for Bronny James ahead of USC’s game
“He makes the right play all the time,” Boogie Ellis, USC’s top guard, said. “Everybody wants a guy like that on their team. He defends well at a high level.”
LeBron James arrived seconds before the national anthem, holding hands with nine-year-old daughter, Zhuri as he passed the Trojans who were lined up across the court for the anthem.
The younger James’ debut capped a big weekend for the family after LeBron helped the Lakers win the NBA’s new In-Season Tournament on Saturday night in Las Vegas, earning everyone on the team a $500,000-per-person payday.
The NBA was well-represented in the game. One of James’ team-mates is DJ Rodman, the son of Dennis Rodman, who fouled out. The Beach’s roster includes Chayce Polynice, the son of 15-year NBA veteran Olden Polynice.
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James joined his team-mates for on-court warmups 90 minutes before tipoff. Wearing a white USC shirt and red sweatpants, he took a variety of jumpers under the watchful lenses of a baseline full of photographers.
Students lined up around one side of Galen Center and down an adjacent street waiting to get inside. Although there were pockets of empty seats in the 10,258-seat arena, James’ debut helped the Trojans draw their largest crowd of 9,806 this season.
Netflix’s British movies collection is a buffet of cinematic delights from across the pond. Where else can you travel from the foggy streets of Victorian London to the raucous pubs of modern-day Manchester, all while nestled in your favorite armchair? It’s a collection that showcases Britain’s talent for pairing gray skies with even grayer humor. These films serve tea with a side of stiff upper lip, making us wonder: do the British ever have a bad hair day, or do they simply have hats for such occasions?
Each flick is a testament to the isles’ prowess in storytelling—full of sharp wit, sharper accents, and the occasional inexplicably sharp-toothed creature lurking in the Thames. By the end of your binge, you might find yourself uttering “blimey” unironically and considering umbrellas as acceptable fashion accessories. So, if you fancy a bit of the U.K. without the pesky rain, this collection is your virtual passport.
The King’s Speech (2010)
(Momentum Pictures/Paramount Pictures)
The King’s Speech chronicles King George VI’s (Colin Firth) foray into the world of public speaking despite his stammer, and dare I say, it’s a royal pain for the poor bloke. But every cloud has its silver lining: enter the charmingly unorthodox speech therapist Lionel Logue. Together, they embark on a heartwarming journey of self-discovery.
The King’s Speech is a historical drama that offers viewers a side of British royalty rarely seen—vulnerable, human, and occasionally perplexed by modern technology. Set against the looming backdrop of World War II, this film serves up a decadent visual feast with splendid period costumes.
The Prestige (2006)
(Buena Vista Pictures Distribution/Warner Bros. Pictures)
In true Christopher Nolan form, The Prestige—based on British author Christopher Priest’s novel of the same name—twists a simple rabbit-out-of-hat trick into a complex game of cinematic 4D chess. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale don dapper waistcoats and engage in a fascinating war of wits, wills, and sleight of hand as we delve into the shadowy, brooding realm of Victorian magicians.
As the plot develops, Nolan astutely reminds us that the three acts of any magic trick are the “Pledge,” “Turn,” and “Prestige.” In addition to the late David Bowie as Nikola Tesla, the cast includes Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, and Andy Serkis.
Heart of Stone (2023)
(Netflix)
Heart of Stone, the latest spy thriller from Netflix and British director Tom Harper, is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it has all the ingredients of a classic popcorn flick: a glamorous female lead, exotic locations, and over-the-top action sequences. On the other hand, it’s also incredibly derivative, with a plot that borrows liberally from other films in the genre.
It’s clear early on who the traitor is, and the twists and turns that follow are all telegraphed well in advance. As a result, the film never really builds any suspense. Despite its flaws, Heart of Stone is still a watchable film. Gadot is charismatic and likable in the lead role, and the supporting cast is solid. The film’s production values are also high, with stunning visuals and a polished look.
Matilda the Musical (2022)
(Netflix)
This musical version of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book, Matilda, wins over moviegoers of all ages. Emma Thompson shines as the devious Miss Trunchbull, the cruel headmistress of Matilda’s school. Thompson devours the scenery with such gusto that her performance becomes the film’s highlight. Alisha Weir is also excellent as Matilda, the intelligent and telekinetic young girl who stands up to Miss Trunchbull and her cronies.
Prepare to have your brain serenaded by the film’s musical numbers, including the catchy tunes “Naughty” and “When I Grow Up.” These melodies will infiltrate your mind and set up camp, leaving you humming along involuntarily. So, if you’re in the mood for a film that will tickle your funny bone, tug at your heartstrings, and have you belting out tunes, look no further than Matilda the Musical.
Paddington 2 (2017)
(StudioCanal)
Paddington 2—the sequel that dares to ask the question: can a bear with a penchant for marmalade truly outshine his cinematic debut? Paddington, our furry expatriate from Darkest Peru, embarks on an adventure in London that is stickier than his favorite sandwich. In a tale brimming with charm, whimsy, and enough visual gags to make even the staunchest of British guards crack a smile, our beloved bear finds himself wrongfully accused and on a quest to clear his name.
But fret not, for what the film offers in tension, it more than compensates for with Hugh Grant’s delightfully over-the-top performance as the infamous actor, Phoenix Buchanan. Paddington 2 is a treat for both children and adults and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. Just ask Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal.
The Strays (2023)
(Netflix)
In this psychological horror film, a biracial upper-class woman named Neve (Ashley Madekwe) lives the good life with her family. However, Neve’s affluent life as a local socialite and the deputy headmistress of a private school is threatened when her tumultuous past comes back to haunt her.
The Strays is a solid film dealing with race, social status, and identity issues. Director Nathaniel Martello-White does an excellent job of building tension and anxiety throughout the film, though it is not without its flaws. The plot is sometimes predictable, and the film’s ending is ambiguous. Despite this, The Strays is still an enjoyable movie. It’s a disturbing and thought-provoking story that will linger with you for a long time after you watch it.
The Queen (2006)
(Pathé/Miramax)
In the wake of Diana’s untimely death, The Queen, Helen Mirren’s Masterclass in Regal Resting Face, offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of the enigmatic world of the British monarchy. Directed by Stephen Frears, our titular Queen Elizabeth II, portrayed with a finesse that only Dame Mirren can muster, finds herself caught in a storm of public sentiment and private duty.
As the nation mourns, the crown weighs heavy, and one can’t help but ponder if it’s adorned with more than just jewels. Meanwhile, Michael Sheen’s Tony Blair is the young Prime Minister surfing the tides of popular sentiment. The film expertly navigates the delicate swing between the stoic monarchy and a changing Britain among Buckingham Palace’s lush vistas and echoing halls.
The Wonder (2022)
(Netflix)
Directed by Sebastián Lelio, The Wonder is a slow-burning but rewarding film. It tells the story of Lib Wright (Florence Pugh), an English nurse sent to a remote Irish village to investigate the case of Anna O’Donnell (Kíla Lord Cassidy), a young girl who has miraculously survived without food for months.
After spending more time with Anna and the locals, Lib reconsiders her earlier skepticism of the girl’s assertions. The film delves into discussions of religion, science, and the extraordinary potential of the human mind. Just be warned: The Wonder is not a happy film. It’s a dark and disturbing film that will leave you feeling unsettled. But that’s part of what makes it so good.
Four Lions (2010)
(Optimum Releasing)
Four Lions is the kind of dark comedy that tiptoes on the edge of audacity and leaves one wondering, “Should I be laughing at this?” Directed by Chris Morris, a man who’s no stranger to provocative satire, the film invites us to the world of four would-be jihadists from the U.K. Yet, rather than being menacing figures of terror, they’re more reminiscent of characters from a slapstick sitcom, albeit with a slightly more explosive penchant.
Their plots are ambitious, but their execution of said plots? A group of toddlers would likely orchestrate a more coordinated tea party. The film’s genius lies in its humor and ability to humanize and demystify a subject typically enveloped in grim headlines. It makes a daring leap, using comedy to explore the grey areas of extremism, and lands with a resonant thud between laughter and thoughtfulness.
The Take (2016)
(High Top Releasing)
This pulsating action-thriller stars Idris Elba as a rough-around-the-edges CIA agent whose job description appears to be “save Paris, look good doing it.” He’s thrust into partnership with a pickpocket, played by Richard Madden, who, in an ironic twist, steals more than just wallets—he somewhat pilfers the show.
As bullets fly and explosions dazzle, one can’t help but wonder if the City of Love’s insurance premiums skyrocketed post-production. The Take‘s English director, James Watkins, gives us a thriller that’s as gritty as it is glossy, melding fast-paced chases with the scenic charm of Paris, making us yearn for a baguette.
The winner of the prestigious Booker Prize for fiction will be chosen Monday from among six novels that explore the impact of personal and historical traumas on individual lives.
Two books by American authors are on the shortlist for the 50,000 pound ($57,000) award: Elizabeth Strout’s symphony of everyday lives “Oh William!” and Percival Everett’s novel about racism and police violence, “The Trees.”
The other contenders include Zimbabwe’s NoViolet Bulawayo for the animal fable “Glory;” Irish writer Claire Keegan’s “Small Things Like These;” and “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida” by Sri Lanka’s Shehan Karunatilaka.
British fantasy author Alan Garner — the oldest-ever Booker nominee — is on the list for “Treacle Walker.” Monday is his 88th birthday.
Former British Museum director Neil MacGregor, who is chairing the judging panel, says the books on the list “address long national histories of cruelty and injustice, in Sri Lanka and Ireland, Zimbabwe and the United States.”
The winner will receive their award from Camilla, the queen consort, during a ceremony at London’s Roundhouse. It is the first fully in-person Booker ceremony since the pre-pandemic event in 2019 and the first for literacy champion Camilla since her husband became King Charles III last month after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.
The event is also due to include a speech from singer-songwriter Dua Lipa about her love of reading, and a reflection from Turkish writer Elif Shafak on what the attack on novelist Salman Rushdie, who was stabbed onstage in August, means for writers around the world.
Founded in 1969, the Booker Prize has a reputation for transforming writers’ careers. It was originally open to British, Irish and Commonwealth writers but eligibility was expanded in 2014 to all novels in English published in the U.K.
YORK, England, May 12, 2022 (Newswire.com)
– The UK’s National Railway Museum is seeking the help of rail fans across the United States to help celebrate the 100th birthday of one of the world’s most recognizable steam locomotives – Flying Scotsman.
Built in Doncaster, England, in 1923, the engine became the first steam locomotive to officially reach 100 mph, capturing the hearts of people across the world.
Flying Scotsman turns 100 in 2023, and the locomotive’s current owners, the National Railway Museum, have launched an appeal to find memories and stories of Flying Scotsman. These could feature as part of a new exhibition called Flying Scotsman: 100 Years, 100 Voices.
Charlotte Kingston, Head of Interpretation and Design at the National Railway Museum, said: “Often described as ‘the people’s engine,’ we want to hear what Flying Scotsman means to you, and we particularly want to hear from people who have family memories of Flying Scotsman’s famous trip to the United States. We hope that this exhibition will create a lasting and important chapter in the Flying Scotsman story.”
Flying Scotsman famously visited the United States and Canada between 1969 and 1973 as part of a tour organized by British owner Alan Pegler. In 1969, Flying Scotsman was fitted with a cowcatcher, a bell and American-style whistle and set off from Boston along the eastern seaboard of the United States, visiting New York, Washington D.C., and ending in Houston, Texas.
The following year Flying Scotsman began another tour of U.S. towns and cities, which included Chicago and the National Railroad Museum at Green Bay, Wisconsin, before travelling to Canada and finishing at Niagara Falls on the Canadian/U.S. border.
The 1970 tour was beset by financial difficulties, and in a bid to balance the books, in 1971 Pegler arranged for the train to travel to Toronto and then San Francisco where it went on display at Fisherman’s Wharf. The trip worked well operationally but was a financial disaster, and Alan Pegler was forced into bankruptcy, leaving Flying Scotsman stranded in the USA.
In 1973 Flying Scotsman was brought back to the UK after Sir William McAlpine arranged to pay creditors and to purchase the locomotive.
Flying Scotsman left the Doncaster workshops in February 1923 and was the first locomotive of the newly formed LNER (London and North Eastern Railway). Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and numbered 1472, the locomotive was named ‘Flying Scotsman’ the following year when it was picked to attend the British Empire Exhibition in London and renumbered 4472.
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