With less than 100 days to go until the Olympics, London is gearing up to host the greatest sporting event in the world. However, more than just a countdown was announced as the 2012 Olympics motto was revealed:  ‘Inspire A Generation’. The message couldn’t hit the bullseye any clearer. It’s this statement that should carry through long after the games, in other boundaries as well as sport.

As far as most British people are concerned, Football is religion! There’s no way that this year’s Olympics could go ahead, without heavy consideration of team GB players and its coverage. But what can we hope to expect from the squad at the tournament? Too many times, fans are disappointed with the England team in major championships, most recently the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, not to mention that we didn’t even qualify for Euro 2008. This coming from the strongest of the four UK counties teams, paints a not so pretty picture this summer. Apart from the footy spirit, there is one thing that is guaranteed. Rules state that each squad’s players must be under the age of 23, with three senior players. The competition’s a perfect chance for young British talent to gain experience and improve. Hopefully enough to make England’s senior team and make a difference in future outings. However if that doesn’t go to plan, let’s hope David Beckham is selected as a team GB senior player. His good looks are enough to stop any fan from crying, let alone eye candy for the girls.

Athletics is one of the most popular events on the roster, especially with global stars such as Usain Bolt of Jamaica taking stage. His talent and persona have helped to heighten the excitement of sprinting events, not to mention ticket prices!

Its characters like him, who are great role models and inspiration for the younger generation to take up and excel in sport. Hopefully the summer’s spectacle will positively impact schools, but that’s not the only demographic who can benefit. Sport can be a great hobby, fun and another avenue to socialise. As well as controlling your weight, exercise can also help with stress and your period.

So which sport will you take up this summer and beyond?

Things have been rather exciting at Qype HQ of late as we have now officially launched Qype VIQs. Very Important Qypers are members of the Qype community who have come to our attention due to their frequently-occuring Pulitzer-worthy reviews and regular appearances at Qype events! As a reward for their avid Qyping, VIQs will have access to exclusive offers, exciting private events and, of course, the good-old fashioned glory of it all! We caught up with our first VIQ Meike this week…

About you
Just turned 47 (gulp!) and decided last year to chuck in a career in international advertising to try and combine work and personal interests.  These are the arts, in particular music (almost anything except RnB …), street art, modern dance, theatre and movies.  The resulting business idea is still in its infancy, but life couldn’t be better.

Where are you from?
I was born in Germany and came to London as an au pair for six months …  that was in 1985, and I’m still here.  I have lived all over town, mainly West London, but most enjoyed Stoke Newington in the 90′s.  Moved to Notting Hill before the film came out and spoilt it all. Highlights include the days leading up to Carnival and witnessing the steel bands and floats getting ready for the year’s highlight; buying fruit and veg on Portobello Road; the most comfortable cinema seats ever at The Electric; going for long walks in Hyde Park or along the canal to Little Venice and beyond.  The perfect combination of urban decay and green escapism.

Interesting fact:
I used to have a stuffed tarantula on my wall (professionally framed at Get Stuffed in Essex Road) to get over my arachnophobia.  I would never knowingly harm an insect and got good at evacuating trespassing spiders – until one bit me.

How did you discover Qype?
I can’t remember.  I spend too much time just clicking from link to link and discovering new things on the net.  But I must have subconsciously been looking for a place to share my gripes …

What’s your favourite place you’ve reviewed on Qype?

Lowry & Baker – Notting Hill

Street Art London – Shoreditch

Gliffaes Country House Hotel – Crickhowell

What’s your favourite badge that you’ve earned on Qype?
Does the VIQ medal count?  Before then: Super Ninja (I can’t believe I’ve been going on about more than 500 places!)

What has been your favourite Qype event so far?
Cookery class at Angela Malik’s

Any tips for Qype newbies?
Stick to the idea of writing a review for a friend; one-liners are a bit lame, but a whole essay isn’t really necessary either …

Complete the sentence: My favourite thing about Qype is…
… being able to let off steam when things have gone wrong – as well as dishing out praise where places have made an extra special effort.

Want to be a VIQ? You can find out how to here

Explore Stamford Hill…Part 1

If it’s dinner you’re after then pop a couple of doors down and you will find the most recent addition to the food scene in Stamford Hill: De Gusto. This is a Brasilian-cum-Italian restaurant that opens in the evenings and serves hot food with a cocktail list long enough to wallpaper a small room. Covered in pictures of Italy and Brazil it’s not quite Nobu, but it will fill you up and if you go during the week you’ll be likely to catch the Pasta Buffet: for less than a tenner you will be served-up pasta dish after pasta dish – a taster menu for the carb-hungry and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for anyone looking for a place to take fussy children or those in need of comfort food.

For something strictly South American you’re in the right place in Stamford Hill. With a growing community here the food is authentic and affordable. La Carrilera is the best if you like your meat done Latino style and accompanied with plantain and beer. The staff are friendly, and the menu is large and includes tapas-style food as well as big main dishes.

And if you’re looking for a watering hole then Stamford Hill has a fair few, many of which have been revamped over the last couple of years to make them more welcoming, although some are still worth avoiding. The Dutch House is a bustling, well-kept pub with friendly staff and a wide range of drinks. It shows the football and has a decent pool table at the back for any budding Stephen Hendrys.

So forget the myth that Stamford is the boring bit of the A10 and make the most of one of its unique, un-gentrified culinary offerings before the rest of the world catches on.

Why not share some of your favourite places in Stamford Hill.