Books for Brunch

The Fable bar & restaurant is inspired by the world of fairy tales, the fabulous fables of Aesop & influences from around the globe, with every detail telling a story. Tying in with our roots we have created a series of event to celebrate emerging authors. Here we’ve summarised a bit about the authors and their books coming for you to see who catches your eye.

Each event will be uber relaxed: guests are welcome to complimentary tea, coffee and pastries whilst listening to the writer discuss their new book with the chairperson followed by a Q&A. Blackwells Holborn will be selling copies of each book on site, which the authors will be happy to sign, so that you can delve properly into the masterpieces created by some of England’s most up-and-coming writers. Sessions will last an hour although anyone is welcome to stay for a drink or a bite to eat after.

Rachel Elliott, Whispers Through a Megaphone

Saturday 30^th April, 12pm

We’re super excited that Rachel Elliott is going to be our first speaker. She is first and foremost a writer and a psychotherapist – what in an interesting combination – but has also written for magazines, and been shortlisted for a number of short story competitions. Whispers Through a Megaphone, however, is her debut novel and was long listed for the Bailey’s Prize. Through the interlacing stories of her protagonists, Rachel explores the attempt to meaningfully connect with others and ourselves in our chaotic world – appropriate for those of us living in the hustle and bustle of London.

Helen Babbs, Adrift: A Secret Life of London’s Waterways

Saturday 21^st May, 12pm

Helen Babbs has written as an independent journalist, writer and editor for the most prestigious companies including BBC Radio 4 and The Telegraph. She is also currently freelance editor of Greenpeace UK’s magazine Connect. Adrift is her second non-fiction book, which combines nature writing, social observation and memoir in beautiful narrative style. Painting a picture of London from a side you’ve never seen before, Helen discusses everything from people and politics to history and wildlife.

Jack Urwin, Man Up: Surviving Modern Masculinity

Saturday 11^th June, 12pm

You’ll most likely know him from his article ‘A Stiff Upper Lip is Killing British Men’ which went viral in 2014. Suicide is currently the main cause of death among men between 18 and 49. Jack himself struggled with depression throughout his teens and has thrown himself into the debate on the crisis of masculinity. Man Up uses both his personal experience, and history to explore the causes and problems of men’s mental health today.

Jonathan Mayo, 1966 World Cup Final: Minute by Minute

Saturday 9th July, 12pm

Jonathan Mayo is a writer, producer and director and won many awards for his BBC documentaries. His previous books include JFK Assassination: Minute by Minute and Hitler’s Last Day: Minute by Minute. This latest venture, as is made obvious by the title, documents the excitement of the legendary moment in English history when we won the football world cup. Enough said!

Emily Dugan, Finding Home: The Real Stories of Migrant Britain

September 17th, 12pm

As social affairs editor for The Independent not many have a better insight into migrant Britain. She’s been awarded Best Investigative Article twice and shortlisted for the Gaby Rado Memorial prize for her human rights journalism. Writing on a hugely topical issue, Finding Home is Emily’s first book and reveals the intense personal dramas of ordinary men and women, showing migration in a very human way.

So, from witty fiction to intense and highly topical prose on current affairs, we’re covering all areas to make sure that there is something for everyone, as well as giving some fabulous authors the chance to shine. Jack Urwin’s and Jonathan Mayo’s sessions will be chaired by the wonderful Caroline Jowett, and the others by the brilliant Elena Lappin. You won’t want to miss out so email info@thefablebar.co.uk, quoting ‘books for brunch’ and specifying which session you would like to attend, to book your space. See you there!