The blog for hip + arty urban adventurers. Uncovering things to do and places to go in London and beyond. Visit the main site at a www.theculturalexpose.co.uk and click here to join the mailing list...
I am…a graphic designer currently working for a small agency based in the heart of Soho. I graduated five years ago and avoided real work for a few years by running a hip hop/turntablism night with a few friends at The Social, also in Soho, as well as DJing in a few bars and clubs. These days I occasionally DJ but I’ve found people don’t appreciate 90’s hip hop, funk and soul half as much as they should.
The area in London I call home is… E4 bang bang, aka Chingford. I’ve lived here all of my life apart for three years at university. I wouldn’t class it as “proper” London as it’s on the borders of the capital and Essex so it’s a bit of an odd suburb.
I’ve got to have a meal at… The Table Café, 83 Southwark Street, SE1 0HX. Table effortlessly pull off the relaxed café come restaurant look and vibe. The food is always great whether it be breakfast, brunch. lunch or dinner! The staff are friendly, the price is reasonable and the background music is always great - they were playing GangStarr, Nina Simone and Sly & the Family Stone last time I ate dinner there!
I tend to get my threads from… Most recently I picked up a few items from Albam. They’ve got a few stores around town. They have a good variety of clothes that can be worn as either smart or casual which is always useful. Tapered chinos and stuff like that I guess…
To enjoy London’s nightlife, you should… I prefer bars over clubs and where ever I go I always seem to end up at Dragon Baron Shoreditch High Street. I think this is because when it was near Old Street roundabout, it was a bit like Cheers in there. I recently went to Nightjar on City Road and I highly recommend anybody who likes cocktails, jazz or both. I can’t remember the name of it but they have a cocktail that combines red wine and dark chocolate. It goes down a treat with some live music. Just make sure you book in advance.
If I was mayor, I would… Fast track the proposal to put in a shopping lane and a walking lane for pedestrians on Oxford Street. I work near by and won’t feel guilty bashing tourists out of the way if they’re stood in the walking lane.
My favourite spot to check out art is… The Design Museum. I am more into design than art so it’s much more likely I would be paying a visit to their exhibitions that any of the other galleries. Plus, the last time I went I got to oggle at Joe Lewis’s 220ft yacht that was docked right outside on the Thames.
I’d kindly tell a tourist to… either eat at Table after traipsing round the Tate or visit Lounge Bohemia on Great Eastern Street for a quirky bar with good cocktails and free hit or miss canapés. Make sure you book in advance though as they have been known to turn people away even if they’re nearly empty?!
The things I miss when I leave London are… The hustle. I strangely enjoy being in the city and fending for space. I like to rush around, skipping past dawdling tourists and generally getting to where I need to be without any hassle. I don’t have much patience for slow people on pavements. I also massively miss the Monmouth Coffee shop when I’m out of town. They have two shops and a roasters. I love filter coffees (bit of a coffee geek) and Monmouth are by far the best in my opinion.
London Possé: How’s Life in London - Early Rodney P…need I say more? This came out a little after rappers in London realised they didn’t have to put on American accents to make a good hip-hop track. The line “A yank said I sound Australian” always cracks me up because that happened to me once. After just listening to this I wonder if people from outside the UK can even decipher half the stuff they’re rapping about.
Lovin’ Spoonful: Summer in the City- When I’m riding in a sweaty, packed tube carriage and this starts playing on my iPod it always brings a smile to my face. However hot and stuffy London gets with its lack of air con anywhere the evenings are always great in the summer.
I am… a very multi-dimensional kind of person, but to try and define what I do, I guess it comes under the umbrella of being a Freelance Creative. I operate project by project, with industries I’ve worked in including music, TV, radio, film and theatre. I also organise and manage events and artists. London is like a mosaic as opposed to a melting pot, which other metropolitan cities claim. This is where London’s beauty lies and is probably its most unique selling point too. The diversity is distinct, not lost, and yet still contributes to creating a whole. Also, the way it’s always evolving keeps things interesting and I like the fact you can never get bored here! I’ve got a real passion for London and get a kick out of showing international family, friends and clients around my home city.
The area in London I call home is… I was raised South of the river, but have also resided in Islington, Camden and Hackney. I’m currently in the process of moving back to North London, but would like to experience living on the Westside too. Holland Park is a cool area, as its tranquil, but still close to the buzz of the city centre.
I’ve got to have a meal at… anywhere that serves authentic (cooked in the drum) jerk chicken! I’m a bit of a die-hard fan and will travel far and wide for the good stuff. One year, I passed through Notting Hill Carnival JUST for that reason! Haha… There used to be a festival called Jerk Cookout which took place every summer in Horniman Museum Gardens and it was heavenly! Lemonia in Chalk Farm is one of London’s best Greek restaurants, while Ponte Nuovoin Crystal Palace serves amazing Italian. I’m also a stickler for Thai and Indian cuisine and I can’t forget dim sum and tapas. My parents and grandparents (plus various other family members) were restauranteurs, which probably explains why I’m a bit of a foodie!
I tend to get my threads from… independent boutiques, High Street and online stores, markets (Spitalfields and Portabello are two of my faves) plus a few one-off pieces by some upcoming designers I know.
To enjoy London’s nightlife, you should… Try something different! I advocate the ‘variety is the spice of life’ philosophy, have clocked up an endless list of alternative nights and am always on the hunt for new experiences. I guess it’s because I get bored easily, so avoiding the same old same old is a necessity.
If I was mayor, I would… apart from slashing the extortionate public transport fares, expand train schedules to run later on weekends. I’d really like to set up schemes which would enable underprivileged people to experience activities they would never usually have a chance to, from the arts to sporting events. Also, the general culture of rudeness bugs me! Londoners seriously need to learn how to be friendlier to each other, so I might have to introduce fines or some other way to eradicare that nonsense! Also, in an ideal world, I’d love to build a canopy over the city. The weather can really spoil the vibe at times, so having guaranteed warmth would be awesome! Of course it would be able to open on sunny days and when we need rain. Having seen Boris in action at Mayor’s Question Time, and being thoroughly unimpressed by his bafoonery, I would so revel in doing the job properly!
My favourite spot to check out art is… as a hobby photographer, I see art pretty much everywhere. I’m a fan of street art - from community murals to graffiti and the pavement re-creations of the masters’ classics you find in places like Covent Garden. In terms of more conventional exhibitions, whenever I hear of something that sparks interest, I’m there! …The Tate Modern is a great art space and their late night events make it a cool hang out spot too.
I’d kindly tell a tourist to… Invest in taking one of the bus tours, as it’s a great way to see the whole city. The history you get is really insightful too. I’d also recommend doing a waterways walk - along the Southbank, by the Regent’s Canal or around Docklands, then go to Parliament Hill or Greenwich Park for panoramic views. Oh, and if you want good fish and chips in central London, Fryer’s Delight on Theobald’s Road in Holborn is the place to go.
The things I miss when I leave London are… apart from the obvious one, being my peoples, being away from the multiculturalism here makes me glad to come home.
My soundtrack to London would be:
Prayin’ by Plan B - simply because this creative genius is a homegrown talent ;)
LDN by Lily Allen - this track expresses the familiar pros and cons of life in London town.
Bright Lights, Bigger City by Cee-Lo Green - apart from the fact I absolutely love this guy’s voice, the song is vibrant and the title says it all really ;)
I amâ¦attracted to the drive, creativity and passion found in London. Arriving here from Australia five years ago this culture keeps me here, and I consider myself a Londoner now too. By day, I work in client service at a digital agency and I also have a couple of other projects going on.
The area in London I call home is…Clerkenwell. Itâs all about EC1! I live right on Exmouth Marketand being foodie Iâm well situated. Also, I ride everywhere so being central for me is a bit of a life hack to keep travel simple.
I tend to get my threads from…ASOSas they really are the leader in terms of range, price, and best online shopping experience.
To enjoy London’s nightlife, you should… try the cocktails at 69 Colebrooke Row.
If I was mayor, I would… install cycle helmet vending machines in locations around the city and make helmets compulsory!
My favourite spot to check out art is…Wellcome Collection. The last thing I saw was âHigh Societyâ earlier this year. There was this fantastic photo exhibition there that told the story of a chamber maid hooked on Laudanum by her domineering mistress in the 19th century.
I’d kindly tell a tourist to… go toBorough Market for mid-morning breakfast (to avoid the tourists), check out the free museums for the day and then head to Gordonâs Wine Barin the evening.
I am…from Florida and started living it up in London while technically residing in Cambridge, from the Spring of 2009. London hasn’t really gotten rid of me since. I spend my days working on two start-ups: The Note Well, a music friendship project, and USApplicants, a tutoring and mentoring company for students who want to go to America for university.
The area in London I call home is… East London. I’ve also happily lived West and Walthamstow, but East London wins.
I’ve got to have a meal at…Addis at Kings Cross. I am a sucker for injera (traditional Ethiopian bread). If anyone knows of better Ethiopian/Eritrean restaurants, holler at your girl.
I tend to get my threads from…Charity shops, festivals, clothing exchanges, sample sales, friends, the street. I used to work at Buffalo Exchange in New York and tend to stock up whenever I go back. I also love Laura Dawson, a London-based American designer with admirable eco-values and great easy-wearin’ pieces.
To enjoy London’s nightlife, you should…Stay local so you can stay out as late as you’d like—or arrange a crashpad in your going-out area of choice. Nurse a bottle as you stroll to your destination. Avoid standing in line. Seek live music (Songkick is rad for this). Make new friends. Also, throw your own parties. Invite me—I’ll DJ.
If I were mayor, I would...Support more free summer events. That's the biggest thing New York has over London--I miss the great (and gratis) concerts, festivals, films, theater. It's a wonderful way for public and private sectors to engage with citizens. Additionally, I'd work to make the 25 bus somewhat bearable--it'd be a tough fight, but I'd be ready to battle.
My favourite spot to check out art is…Whitechapel Art Gallery. It’s around the corner from my house, and I never risk “museum fatigue” in going to such a tiny space. I also have a great fondness for the Salvador Dalí Universe. I love that dude.
I’d kindly tell a tourist to…Eat at St. Johns Bread and Wine. It will change any negative perceptions of British cuisine.
The things I miss when I leave London are…Amazing gigs aplenty, hundreds of ales, American expats (the cream of the crop fly the coop).
My soundtrack to London would include…
This is my QUESTION! The Note Well publishes six-track playlists every now and again. For some reason, they are always monosyllabic in name. Here’s my playlist for LONDON MUSIC:
“Sun” by Caribou. Good for when it’s raining, great for when it’s bright. Also, Caribou Dan and guitarist Ryan live in London—again, go local when possible. And the Kidstreet remix of this song is great for keeping cool on a crowded and insane 25 bus.
“Dodfucksupanescorttune” by Drums of Death. It’s my UK mobile ringtone, so if you hear a tinny, lo-fi version pop up randomly around town, it means I’m around, and I’m blowin’ up.
“Super Inuit (live)” by Holy Fuck. For walking somewhere super fast. If you underestimate your distance to be traveled (as I often do), the rest of the album will power you through.
“Fire Dream” by Patten. For if you need something fresh. Damien (the man behind the band) is a wonderful human being, and he gigs in London quite often. GO.
“White Sails” by Marques Toliver. For when you feel lost in the world. Marques lives locally (though he’s from Florida, like me) and has a habit of busking all around.
“Lost in the World” by Kanye West (feat. everyone) - For when it feels great to be alive in one of the greatest cities ever.
I was…born in London and have lived here most of my life. In summer it’s amazing, in winter it’s beautiful and in the rain it’s cosy - it’s the perfect city.
The area in London I call home is…Richmond. I live in Hackney now but I grew up there so it has good memories.
I’ve got to have a meal at…Nobu. When I make good moolah, I’m like: ‘Let’s just go Nobu - on a Wednesday evening.’ I love their semi-cooked cod with praline and almond dressing.
I tend to get my threads from…Topshop. I’m a simple girl so that’s my fail-safe option. Oh, and Vivienne Westwood.
To enjoy London’s nightlife you should…become a DJ. You get in free everywhere and you get the best spot of the club so you can look at all the hotties! I recently played at CAMP on City Road - it’s got a nice, intimate vibe.
If I was mayor I would…improve education and give more free music and art workshops to underprivileged youths. As a kid you can get lost in the city if you’re growing up in a harsh environment.
My favourite spot to check out art is…Saatchi Gallery. I saw Tracey Emin’s ‘My Bed’ there and fell in love with modern art. I like Tracey Emin because she’s outrageous, outspoken and controversial.
I’d kindly tell a tourist to…not walk so slow on the pavement. Get out the damn way!
The things I miss when I leave London are…corner shops, the culture, multicultural places, seeing all different faces together.
My soundtrack to London would include…Dizzee Rascal’s Fix Up Look Sharp, blasting out of a car stereo at 2pm on a sunny day. Also, there’s a new genre called Moombahton, which is a mixture of Reggaeton and Dutch House. It’s tropical, sunshine dance music. On a hot day in London, it’s perfect.
