…but we like it! The news, that is, that the Rolling Stones are here to save retail. And it has to be said, the high street can learn a thing or two about survival against the odds from Keith Richards.
In one of the shock moves (like Jagger) of the year, the rock legends are opening a flagship store, to be named RS No.9 Carnaby, at 9 Carnaby Street in London’s Soho on 9 September. It will feature “all the hallmarks of the iconic band” – no doubt including liberal use of their famous tongue and lips logo – and sell exclusive new fashion and merchandise, including the debut of “Stones red”, an official colour from Pantone.
You can’t always get what you want, the store admits, but if you try sometimes, you’ll get what you need.
Diary is pleased to learn that, Stones red aside, they will Paint It Black. And that customers can rock out to the band’s hits, played loud. It’s sure to be a real crowd pleaser for Honky Tonk Women and other fans looking to get their Rocks Off, and Wild Horses couldn’t keep us away. But Diary can’t help but wonder, who will be the first customer to complain that they Can’t Get No Satisfaction?
Photo © Rankin
Flight of fancy that
It’s not often that property data makes global headlines, so Diary enjoyed the coverage given to an unlikely landmark featuring in the latest edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator. Would-be pilots using the typically scrupulously authentic software were surprised to discover the world’s new second tallest skyscraper, situated not in Dubai, or New York or any of the usual suspects… but rather in Fawkner, an otherwise low-lying suburb of Melbourne, Australia. Standing 2,300ft tall, it makes for a strikingly slender addition to the virtual skyline – and it all results from a user on OpenStreetMap, Microsoft’s source, editing the building’s data online, and listing it as having a whopping 212 storeys, rather than its actual two. Even if they have the same permitted development rights down under that were recently introduced here, that would be quite an upward extension.
The only game in town
One of the many odd things about 2020 is the lack of an international football tournament in an even-numbered year. Thankfully, @WorldCupofTowns is here to fill the void on Twitter, stepping up to the stage vacated by Euro 2020 to offer, well, a World Cup of UK Towns and Cities, pitting them against each other in knockout format (based on public vote) until one winner is ultimately crowned.
If you thought that FIFA’s plans to expand the real deal to 48 teams would result in a bloated tournament, look away now – as of the latest tweet at time of writing, this version is on Round 4 Group 19 (!), where Leamington Spa faces Kendal… a kind of Romania v Colombia encounter, with two teams sure to be easy on the eye, but unlikely to trouble the latter stages.
So far, like the genuine article, the cup has delivered some strong performances from heavyweights like Liverpool, Sheffield and Leeds, but also some trademark upsets – not least Barnard Castle continuing its strong form in 2020 to knock out what was surely one of the bookies’ favourites, Edinburgh. Then there is the kind of culture clash that makes any World Cup, like Blackpool beating Bath. Best of all, Diary’s home town of Lincoln is still in the mix, taking a narrow victory over Preston.
We can’t promise the kind of blanket coverage the football gets, but if we ever see a winner, we’ll try to pass it on.
Colour us excited
To “celebrate the start of a return of activity to the City”, Brookfield Properties is bringing a splash of colour to the Square Mile – with two temporary outdoor pavilions, promising artisan food trucks and (suitably distant) silent discos.
Colourpoint, at Citypoint, is now open, and boasts a “bright, geometric design” with upcycled furniture, providing a place where local workers can meet and relax. It joins the similarly vibrant Principal Pavilion in Shoreditch, which remains available until 25 September 2020.
Brookfield is promising “socially distanced morning yoga sessions” and a series of free Secret Sunrise events, featuring three themed, spacious, silent discos. A £2 donation for a pair of sanitised headphones will go to Fat Macy’s, a charity working with young Londoners living in temporary accommodation.
“After months of working from home, we’re seeing workers beginning to ease back into office life and benefiting from real-life interaction with colleagues and friends,” says Brookfield EVP Karl Wambach. “We know that our workers and visitors to the City of London are always looking for places to relax, grab a bite to eat and watch the world go by, which is why we’re delighted to be the first to bring back street food trucks to the Square Mile in this colourful, playful setting.” Start spreading the hues.
Be aware of the dog
Diary has regularly featured news on the rise of pet-friendly rental property… probably more often than it should (we just can’t resist the photo opportunities). The stress of the pandemic and lockdown has only sent demand for pets soaring, but, alas, for some renters, their lease terms and strict landlords mean a furry friend just isn’t an option. Thankfully, SpareRoom has the answer. It has created “the first ever at-home guided meditation video featuring dogs”, which, it says, “combines the calming benefits of meditation with clips of cute dogs, to help bring a sense of calm during this chaotic time to pet-less renters”. Sounds perfect. And, if you aren’t already racing to YouTube, this snippet from the soothing narrative is sure to convince you: “Imagine you’re the dog. Soften your forehead and allow the muscles around your jaw to relax.” If that doesn’t have you drooling, we don’t know what will.
