The city also spawned the biggest band of the moment with Radiohead and to lesser extent the shoegazing indie of Ride and the upbeat larks of Supergrass. So it comes as no surprise that in the current wasteland that is UK guitar music Oxford is home to some of the freshest and most enjoyable bands at the moment, as well as promoters such as Divine Schism who run a plethora of nights in the city and have recently branched out to London.

Aiden Canaday is one of three Oxfordians who have taken up the mantle of flying the Divine Schism flag for quality live music and when we met he tried firstly to explain the name. “I'm not sure what it means we just came up with it, two strange words that sound good together, I can't remember who came up with it initially between myself and my group of friends in Oxford but I always liked it and wanted to use it for something,” he says. “When James Cunning and Andrew Grillo decided to start putting on shows they suggested I help them out the London end and asked me to come up with the name, so just I went with Divine Schism.”

Aiden sings lead vocals with The Cooling Pearls but at the latest Divine Schism showcase he is supporting Wooden Arms and Johanna Glaza as a solo artist, which is where he began. “Before The Cooling Pearls got going I used to write and sing songs all alone and haven't done that for nearly three years until last month when I played a couple of shows in Iceland” he explains.

“As a band we're having a little member reshuffle so we're taking a bit of down time to rewrite old songs, write new ones and record and these solo shows give me a chance to give my songs a bit of fresh air and some of them may end up as Cooling Pearl ones too, if the band like them!”

When discussing Oxford's music scene Aiden fondly recalls the reason he moved there in the first place. “When I look back on initially moving to Oxford for university from South Wales, I thought it'd be a very inspiring place to be because I loved Radiohead's music and lyrics, and it's turned out very well.”

These days there are lots more bands who seem to make very interesting music and I wonder whether it is to do with Oxford's music scene “It's pretty wonderful really, very close knit, very varied and bustling with talent and original ideas” he says brimming with positivity. “Bands like Stornoway, Foals, Chad Valley, Young Knives and The Epstein amongst others have all made an impact recently and there are new bands or collaborations between different musicians every day it seems. It's thriving!”

So back to London and while many of the capital’s bands exist on hype alone it is refreshing to see new bands uncluttered by what is deemed hip, and playing original and exciting music. This is where Divine Schism stand out from the raft of indie shows in Camden and the like as their approach really is all about the music and putting on their favourite bands from around the world in a little pub in East London.

“So far in London I've only used the Sebright Arms for shows but may look into other venues, although I like the idea of cementing an identity at a venue and it becoming more than just a normal music show. I'm hoping that Canada's Slow Down, Molasses will come and tour later in the year, so it'd be good to help in that respect as our shows in London have gone down well so far.”

As well as these Canadians, recent Divine Schism shows have featured the fantastic Korean-Swedish band Wagwak, who must be seen to be believed, plus feline folksters Cat Matador and the multi-instrumental Message To Bears. The next show is after the Bank Holiday and features Johanna Glaza who counts Joanna Newsome as an influence and the Wooden Arms from Norwich whose beguiling numbers are a real treat for the ears.

As an Oxford boy myself it is encouraging to see local bands find success outside of the bridge of sighs and it is down to promoters like Divine Schism who bring a much needed irreverence and exquisite taste to the savvy streets of London Town.

Catch Aiden & co live at The Sebright Arms on May 28

The Belvedere vodka-hosted party saw the likes of Liam Hemsworth, Solange Knowles, Chloe Norgaard and Diplo all partying hard to the sounds of the ‘Walk This Way’, ‘Run’s House’, ‘It’s Like That’ and ‘My Adidas’

The event also saw the unveiling of the new Belvedere Vodka illuminated bottle that lights up when switched on.

Check out our gallery from the night below.

The menu features four new serves designed by the mixology team at the St James bar and restaurant, all with a nod to the jazz era depicted in ‘The Great Gatsby’.

You can order up a Hanky Panky, Angel Face, Gin Cobbler or Mary Pickford until the end of May, and if you really fancy getting into the swing of things head along to the Caprice Sunday Night Jazz session on May 26.

Hanky Panky
Tanqueray, Martini Rosso, Fernet Branca, lemon

Angel Face
Tanqueray 10, maraschino, Champagne, crème de Violette, lemon

Gin Cobbler
Tanqueray Malacca, LBV Port, Tio Pepe, lemon

Mary Pickford
Pampero, pineapple juice, maraschino, Grenadine

Le Caprice, Arlington House Arlington St, London. SW1A 1RJ
020 7629 2239

How did Beauchamp's come about?
Beauchamp's started totally by accident when my one and only design was spotted by the head buyer at a Liberty’s of London young designer open call event. At the time Beauchamp's hadn't even begun as I was in fact, working full time in property. The belt I created was one I needed for myself but a friend of mine was going to the open call and asked me to go with her. With no factories and little knowledge of leather I had a matter of months to learn my trade, find a factory and work with some great stockists in London. It was very exciting start but a little daunting at the same time!

Which brands inspire you?
I like brands such as Mulberry and Anya Hindmarch. Anya’s use of exotic skins and her UK production is something I admire very much.

You use many different high quality leathers to create your products, what is the most exotic leather you have used? I once bought a few crocodile tails when I was in Italy at a leather show and they were the most exciting purchase I've ever made. I had them turned into beautiful belts for evening dresses and coloured them with a bronze/gold and burgundy metallic finish to add some extra zing. The finished products were incredible to look at. I want to bring them back into the collection at some point in the future as they were an inspired impulse and still are. I'd also love to work with some lizard and even stingray too.

Is there any brands or celebrities you would love to collaborate with?
I'd love to collaborate with Michelle Dockery or Joanne Froggatt. I think she is SO stylish and will be hitting the big time before long.

What is in store for the next year for Beauchamp’s?
Too much! I have a new tote bag range, a great collaboration with designer Cleo B and a stunning stationary range so watch this space.

The first hotel to be built on Park Lane, opened in 1929 on the former London residence of the Duke of Westminster, it is by far the most impressive looking building on the lane. The Great Room, today the setting for some of the UK's most prestigious televised award ceremonies was originally an ice-rink where back in 1933 our very own Queen learned to skate as a young princess of just seven. Since then it's certainly had its fair share of royal and celebrity guests to stay.

Perfectly situated in the heart of Mayfair overlooking Hyde Park and only a short walk to the shops on Oxford and Regent Street, it's an excellent base from which to explore London. As soon as you walk into the lobby you know you're somewhere special with sparking chandeliers, oversized exotic flower displays and the world's elite checking-in.

I stayed in a superior room which had a classic antique feel with mahogany furniture, a huge king size bed, a sumptuous marble bathroom and fantastic views over the palatial buildings of Mayfair and out across London.

If you're after a relaxed stay, and don't fancy venturing out to find somewhere good to eat and drink then there really is no need. The hotel is equipped with bars to suit all tastes from the opulent red-leather lined Red Bar to The Bourbon Bar and if you're feeling ravenous then head to their award-winning American-style J W Steakhouse, which serves the most amazing steaks you've ever tasted.

When you are ready to start your evening head down to The Bourbon Bar and indulge in a selection of classic cocktails or exclusive range of small batch Bourbons. If you're after something smooth and intense then order one of their unique Jack Daniels Single Barrel which comes from their very own hand selected barrel situated in the bar - you won't taste it anywhere else, so it's definitely worth a try.

If you're a fan of steak then book a table in J W Steakhouse and choose from the wide selection of mouth-watering American USDA beef cuts. I had one of the fillet steaks which was thick, juicy and perfectly cooked. The restaurant also serves the most insane cheesecake which has become so popular they now sell whole ones to take home with you, which I highly recommend.

If you're feeling particularly indulgent you can finish the evening off with the speciality Kentucky Coffee made with Maker's Mark Bourbon, which I can guarantee will ensure a good night's sleep.

So if you're after a luxurious stay in the heart of Mayfair where you know you'll be looked after then look no further than the Grosvenor House.

The British Library’s summer exhibition presents the first retrospective of the persuasive imagery of the twentieth and 21st century. Artworks on show will range from the nostalgic British factory recruitment of women, to the horrific imagery employed by the Nazis and Chinese Red Army party-lines.

The definition of propaganda is often difficult to pin down, powerful in its message and utterly one-sided in its view; if it’s on your side of the fence it can be viewed as fun, but if it comes from behind enemy lines, it takes on a very different shade.

The exhibition attempts to demonstrate that the power of propaganda is all around us and while we can easily identify the rallying slogans of yesteryear, today’s ‘party lines’ are less easy to spot.

Since the British Library is a hub of intellectual life, the collateral events accompanying the exhibition are as long as my arm, diverse and interesting. The ultimate spin-doctor Alistair Campbell will be in conversation discussing the ‘Politics, the People and the Press’ and a late night event ‘The Party Rules’ will see Hot Chip and Public Service Broadcasting perform their music amidst information films, archive propaganda and wartime broadcasts.

There will also numerous talks about how Britain was ‘sold’ during the Olympics, the propaganda of the Iron Curtain and if citizen journalism has disrupted the status quo of power and influence. This exhibition should be a fascinating look at this brazen political tool. Needless to say, your library needs you! See you there.

Propaganda: Power and Persuasion runs from May 17 to September 17

Words: Laura Thornley

With seminal releases such as 'Peace, Love & Unity', '138 Trek', 'True Playaz Anthem' and possibly one of the greatest d&b tracks ever made 'Super Sharp Shooter', True Playaz became as legendary as the tunes they put out.

After an amicable departure from Zinc, Hype and Pascal re-launched their empire in 2006 as Real Playaz. The names may have changed but the ethos of the label remains, constantly producing their trademark style of drum and bass and reinforcing their position as one of the biggest labels in an industry which founder Hype says has changed in recent years.

"It's bigger than ever but more fragmented than ever" he tells Société Perrier. "There is so much choice of good music and great styles to choose from and there seems to be a lot more commercial crossover drum and bass hitting the charts, more than ever, but it’s never really heard on the underground because it’s very manufactured for mainstream. The good thing is that the commercial side should help bring in new kids to the underground sound of REAL drum and bass jungle".

With this in mind Real Playaz has introduced a new generation of producers who have captured a new audience with their contemporary sounds. Hype and Pascal remain the heads of this musical monolith but have a new agency of accomplished artists representing the Real Playaz wherever they go.

"Annix aka Konichi and Decimal Bass are probably the hottest new producers on the underground right now" says Hype, "another producer that I rate very highly and is developing his sound right now is Tyke and we also have Taxman working on an album project due for October release!"

As well as numerous new signings and releases from the label the live side of things is also bubbling away nicely. For five years the Playaz Nights were hosted by legendary London nightclub The End before Hype and Pascal relocated their label showcase to the internationally renowned Fabric. "Playaz @ Fabric is the last Friday of every month and we have the longest running drum and bass monthly in the world" raves Hype, "May will be Playaz @ Fabric 155th event in 155 straight months!! Plus we are just starting to get some label nights around the UK for later in the year".

When quizzed about the formats he uses to play out, the DJ drops a bombshell for vinyl purists; "I stopped playing vinyl in 2010 and have been using Serato connected to turntables ever since.

"The reasons for this were that too many venues were just not set up for turntablists any more, I used to be spending thousands of pounds on dub plates and when I turned up to let’s say 7 out of 10 events, I was unable to perform properly as the needles on the turntables would be skipping and it became so frustrating I had to switch. I always knew I would have to switch one day but was trying to keep the vinyl alive by playing vinyl instead of playing CDs but I knew the battle was lost. It was very strange at first walking into a club holding a laptop instead of 40 kilos of metal dub plates but I am so used to it now I love it".

It seems everybody loves a bit of drum and bass these days and Real Playaz is key to keeping that classic sound alive and well. In a world full of varying electronic music genres the unique jungle sound still has the power to get a dancefloor moving.

With this in mind here’s Hype’s top 5 classic tracks to get the floor moving:

Hazard ‘Mr Happy’: "This always gets a massive response when dropped in the mix"

Shy FX ‘Original Nuttah’: "It's THE drum and bass pub singalong track"

Welcome To Jam Rock ‘Drum and Bass Bootleg’: "I have been playing this for at least five years and it always works"

Brooks Brothers ‘Tears You Down’: "One the ladies can never get enough of"

Subfocus ‘Timewarp VIP’: "Like Mr Happy this one is a DJ mix tool that always gets the crowd hyped"

Catch sets from Hype & Pascal on Friday 31st May @ Fabric

Every hotel worth its salt has a little something special hidden up its sleeve, something to tease and titillate their guests. No.11 Cadogan Gardens has the Mirror Room. A room, you'll quite simply, want to be proposed to in.

This chic French-style salon is home to a glittering chandelier reflected in a myriad of mirrors all wrapped up in gold. While the monochromatic chequered floor anchors the room, the elegantly dressed toile de jouy slipper chairs add welcome colour and texture to these very special surroundings.

Although you might find it unnerving looking at your reflection over and over and over again, you'll be distracted by the delicate array of sandwiches and pastries presented to you in your No.11 Cadogan Gardens Afternoon Tea, all washed down with Egyptian Chamomile Tea and a celebratory glass of sparkling champagne.

Next, take a stroll around the enchanting interior of this fabulous Victorian hotel. There's an inviting drawing room with sumptuous couches in front of a roaring fire, a well-stocked library and an outdoor terrace to soak up the rays on sunny days.

Post tea, take a pew in the exquisitely decorated cocktail bar, where decadent red velvet chairs meld with Baroque chandeliers amidst the intimate but cosy atmosphere, then allow your imagination to revel in the story of this historic building and the back story of those who frequented it.

As if reflecting the interior decor, the drinks menu combines the stoic with the frivolous and fanciful: choose from a Rusty Nail Cocktail - Chivas Regal whisky and Drambuie served in a rocks glass - or a Milroy's of Soho Single Cask Foursquare Rum from 1998.

If you are the designated driver, you might prefer a non-alcoholic Angelina: a white peach puree with fresh mint, lime juice and apple juice served over crushed ice.

Either way this is the perfect spot the while away the afternoon.

No.11 Cadogan Gardens , Knightsbridge, SW3 2RJ

Get set for a global whisky adventure on May 18 at Liberty Lounge in the City of London when the skilled Whisky Mavericks crew will guide you through the continents, sharing their expert tasting knowledge.

As well as introducing you to some unusual drams (Indian whisky, anyone?) they’ll be some fun whisky-based experiments and an opportunity to buy a bottle of your favourite tipple. All for just £35 if you checkout with the code ‘WWD’.

Not to be sniffed at, so to speak.

Well you can make sure that never happens by designing your very own custom built bike.

Oh yes, Mango Bikes have arrived - solving the problem for fashionistas all over the city. All you need to do is hit up the website, design the bike of your dreams - who said a hot pink frame, wheels, seat and chain wasn't cool? They then make it and send it out to your door.

What's more prices start at under £300 and having recently been awarded the best value urban bike by Urban Cyclist magazine it's fair to say you get a lot of bang for your buck.