So, if you haven’t had the fortune to make acquaintance with our new ravishing, redheaded UK Community Manager here’s your chance. And what’s more, over some luscious cocktails at the resplendent setting of Hush, the plush restaurant, brasserie and cocktail bar tucked away aside a tranquil courtyard in W1. Yes, we are absolutely delighted to inform you that this stunning venue is going to be host to a Qype Event on Tuesday 19th April.

The evening’s fun will commence at 6.30pm, beginning with some welcome drinks and chatting, followed by a hands-on cocktail masterclass from one of Hush’s talented bartenders resulting in a competition to concoct and execute your own personal brand of cocktail. Said bartender will then slip into the role of judge, with his choice of winner picking up the amazing prize of dinner for two in the acclaimed restaurant (to be used at a later date).

And, to finish off what promises to be a fantastic evening, the lucky attendees will retreat to the sumptuous comfort of the first floor alcove for some farewell drinks and revelry…..

You need this in your life, so get your name down here.

According to Albert Einstein (who isn’t on Qype unfortunately), if the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years of life left. They’re responsible for one in three mouthfuls of our food.

But they are dying, and that’s not good. So those nice folks at The Robin Collective – King of all things pop up and Queen of all things shop – have gone and created a giant beehive in London. Really. It’s on Leather Lane, just waiting for me to run about with my camera chasing honey bees. Some of you may have been to see it already, and discovered them beeless earlier in the week. Qype can assure you that the bees are there now (and they can’t even blame public transport, lazy buggers), ready for buzzing and honey-making. There will be sunshine, plants, and a giant walk-in beehive for all of your Winnie The Pooh-inspired enjoyment.

And there’s bee classes too (yes, the place is a hive of activity). There are bee craft classes with those nice folk at Etsy, honey tastings and even samples of the honey-based beer Waggle Dance. I’ve had that in Qype favourite the Gunmakers, it’s a fantastic pint. And Royal Jelly from those creative types at Bompas & Parr. If there’s a bee-inspired event idea, you can bet the Robin Collection have it covered. You might even get to wear one of those bee-keeper outfits.

My favourite? The Bee Hotel class for kids. For children aged six and up (and erm… me) there’s a class on how to make solitary bee houses for your garden. Amazing.

You’ve got until the end of the week to pop and see The Hive at 56-58 Leather Lane. Nearest tube is Chancery Lane. Totally worth stinging possibilities.

Flickr image from ~Duncan~‘s photostream.

I’ve been a fan of Plateau – Canary Wharf’s fourth floor food with a view restaurant – for some while now: I think the chef knows his stuff, love the mid century modern furnishings and find the skyscraper-y, hyper-urban vistas refreshing. But it wasn’t until recently that I discovered it’s also a killer spot for some drinky-poohs. And check it out, you can even mix ‘em yourself now.

Hosted by their “top mixologist”, Zoran Peric, Plateau has recently started to offer cocktail masterclasses available for groups of ten or more. Mr Peric’s a knowledgeable and affable bartender and, along with the rest of the Plateau gang, reckons the classes are “perfect for company team-building events and a fun way to learn some handy new skills”.

I sat in on one of the classes recently, was seriously impressed and wouldn’t mind re-concocting at home the drink I helped to create along with Jenny from Sauce Communications and Kate from The London Cocktail Guide. Dubbed the “East 14”, our gin-based mix was a potent winner.

Masterclasses must be booked in advance. Guests should call 020 7715 7100 or visit the Plateau website for contact details.