Crouch End charity Shop Tour + Cafe

• There are loads of lovely charity shops on the high street in Crouch End. Start by hopping from charity shop to charity shop, then stop by a café. I suggest coffee circus or organic & organic.

Bonnington Square Garden + Deli

• Head over to this small hidden away garden near Kennington. Read, journal, meander. Then go to Italo deli nearby. They have wonderful outdoor seating and delicious sandwiches.

BookBar Chelsea + Garden

• Check out BookBar Chelsea (bookshop meets bar, exactly as the name sounds), then walk over to Saint Luke’s Garden. A wholesome afternoon if you ask me.

Hayward Gallery + Rooftop Garden

• The Hayward Gallery is currently showing an exhibition by Anish Kapoor until October, it’s all about the fragility of human existence. Follow this by going to the Queen Elizabeth Hall Rooftop Garden. This is an oasis in the city and feels relaxing despite being so close to South Bank.

Chill Farmers Market Afternoon

• Start off at Queens Park Farmers Market, one of my personal favs. Then meander nearby, there’s queens park, cute coffee shops, charity shops. See where the days takes you.

• Firebird Soho

  • The food, the vibe, the open fire cooking, everything here is stunning. The vibe is sleek and sexy. Their food is absolutely delicious, you can tell how much care they put into each dish. Ask their team what to order, they give the best recommendations.

• Dalla

  • A neighbourhood Italian spot in Hackney. It’s a chic spot but it’s tasteful. The pasta is made fresh every day. It’s a stunning spot.

• Kudu

  • South-African Inspired spot. I went to Kudu at their previous location in Peckham, they have since moved and upsized and are now in Marylebone. The food and drinks here were absolutely delicious. The ambiance is warm and romantic. The kudu bread and butters are a must order.

• Bouchon Racine

  • French restaurant and known as one of the most classically romantic spots in London. It’s tucked above a pub in Farringdon and feels humble. The hand drawn menu is the perfect touch.

• Andrew Edmunds

  • Classically romantic restaurant serving modern European food. The restaurant sits in a snug 18th century townhouse. It’s intimate and cosy. The food and wine are delicious. A great anniversary spot.

• Lucia’s (Paid partnership with EatClub)

  • This is a Mexican joint just a stones throw from Hackney Wick station, offering mezcal and tacos. Everything is cooked over an open grill. The seating is indoor-outdoor. It’s absolutely amazing and truly feels like a holiday. It’s a peeled back venue with high quality tacos. I suggest sitting outside on the stools, facing the bar. Order the pork jowl tacos if they have it on the menu and thank me later.

  • When I visited Lucia’s I got 25% off the bill using EatClub. It’s an app where you get up to 50% off of your final bill (including drinks) on loads of restaurants across London if you visit at slightly quieter times. Check it out here.

• Taberna at Legado

  • Tapas and pintxos bar attached to Legado, which has a Michelin star. When inside you wouldn’t know you’re in Shoreditch. The bar is open, welcoming, lovely. The tapas are incredible, paired with some Spanish wine it’s like you’re on holiday. Highly suggest it.

• The Culpeper Rooftop

  • Pub on the ground floor, the bistro upstairs which focuses on well sourced ingredients, the roof is where the summer vibes really hit. It has a greenhouse, it has trees, it’s absolutely stunning and the food is all open-fire british cooking. Stunning.

• Franks Café at bold tendencies

  • On the 10th floor of a car park in Peckham this spot is buzzing. Drinks that fit the bill, spritzes etc, and some snacky foods. Great view of the city. And when it’s clear skies, stunning.

• Lower Wine bar

  • A Neighbourhood wine bar on Lower Marsh by Waterloo. There are some small tables that spill out into the street which always feels like European summer.

Brief: Storybook with a touch of whimsy

I wanted a day that felt equal parts thoughtful and whimsical, and somehow it ended up being exactly that. Books, pastries, charity shops, a beautiful park, and a little bit of art.

Stop 1: Pastries

I started off the afternoon with pastries. I went to The Terrace in Walthamstow. They had quite a large assortment to choose from (both savoury and sweet) and it’s only a few minutes from the bookshop.

Stop 2: Public Knowledge Books

Public Knowledge Books is one of those places that feels like a true hidden gem. They amplify underrepresented voices, with shelves full of books and magazines ranging from visual culture and activism, to poetry and food. It’s the kind of shop where you go in for one book and leave with five ideas instead. Just a heads up, they’re only open on Saturdays.

Stop 3: Charity Shop

This was an unintentional shop fuelled by my lack of self control. There is a Salvation Army across from Lloyds Park so I had a peruse. I’m always looking for something I can upcycle (I’m in my sewing era).

Stop 4: Lloyds Park

This park genuinely looks like it’s been lifted straight out of a period drama. I found a shady spot in the gardens, laid out my blanket, cracked open my pastry, and spent a while reading. It was a slow afternoon, in the best way.

Stop 5: William Morris Gallery

When it got a little too warm, I gathered my things and popped into the William Morris Gallery which is absolutely lovely. A few of the exhibitions were closed when I visited but I’ve been here a few times now and it’s always worth popping into, especially considering it’s free.

Fin!

Because let me tell you I’ve been seeing stunning bed and breakfasts on socials but let me tell you I’d have to donate an organ to go there, so these are a bit more reasonable.

Suites and Villa Kalpic

a Rural Dalmatian stay with a blend of relaxation, nature exploration and island hopping

• Located near Sibenik

• Find their website here - they are an eco-friendly B&B

• around €80-150 a night - for accommodation, they have a small cottage and a range of apartments

• They have a lovely pool to lounge around, along with some outdoor dining tables

• For sightseeing:

  • Sibenik: dalmatian city 20 mins by car

  • National Park Krka: 15-20 minutes by car

  • They have a list of secret beaches they will tell you about when you check in

  • Island hopping from Sibenik: Zlarin, Prvic (purveech) for under €10

• For food: Konoba providenca:here, the seafood looks fab. And Konoba Vinko here

B&B Vanni

In the Zadar region of Croatia, tucked away next to the adriatic sea it’s a beautiful area with coves and medieval towns nearby

• Located near Zadar

• Find their website here - they also serve meals throughout the day upon request, using fruits and veggies from their own garden

• around £80 a night - for accommodation, they have a few different rooms which are humble but cute (some have a sea view)

• They have some lovely spots to sit right by the sea

• For sightseeing:

  • There are a few beaches nearby, here and here

  • you can also visit a nearby medieval town called Nin

• For food: Gostionica eve which has fresh seafood, or if you want something a little peeled back there is a streetfood bar with very high ratings that looks great here

Etna B&B La casa di Pippinitto

Rustic Italian Chateau meets cottage vibes

• Located near Sicily

• 9.7 rating on booking.com - find here

• Around £300 for 3 nights, so about £100 a night

• Breakfast is included and multiple people say it’s great.

• Stunning outdoor terrace dining (I would eat here daily, no doubt)

• For sightseeing: Can go to Catania, the duomo is stunning. Villa Comunale de Taormina is a must see.

• For food: this restaurant is close by

Panfilo Farmhouse

Modern farmhouse vibe

• Abruzzo

• 9.9 rating on booking.come - find here

• £400 for 3 nights and breakfast is included

• For food: This restaurant is right next to it and serves typical food you’d find in Abruzzo.

• The closest town is called Cellino Attanasio, stunning.

B&B Villa Rosalinda

Grandiose villa, neighbouring Lake Como

• Right on Lake Como

• 9.6 rating on booking.come - find here

• £400 for 3 nights and breakfast is included

• For food: This restaurant is right next to it and look stunning

• Imagine an evening walk around the lake, stop at this restaurant, and going back to that room. Lovely.

Agriturismo Villa Gorgognano

Grandiose villa, neighbouring Lake Como

• Tuscany

• 9.6 rating on booking.come - find here

• £400 for 3 nights and breakfast is included

• For food: There is olive oil and wine tasting not to far away at Villa Il Pozzo. There is a lovey Tuscan restaurant called Osteria di Casa Chianti nearby as well, their pasta looks incredible. And another wine tasting at Al Solatio.

• This spot is great if you’re looking for somewhere that is closer to a few cities. Siena and Florence are within about a 45 minute drive.

August

• Canada Water Dockside Events: There are loads of free events going on dockside, you just show up. Tuesdays are spit nights poetry, Pints of Knowledge on Wednesdays, Learn Latin dance on Thursdays, and music on the weekends. Find the lineup here.

• Jazz Sundays at Mad Cats from 4-6pm. The best part? It’s completely free (you just have to book).

• The BBS PROMS is a classical music festival that takes place for 8 weeks across the summer. It’s happening all august at the Royal Albert Hall. See their programme here.

• Jalan Jalan → Nicos Bar in Hackney will be transported into an Indonesian Market on August 21st, they will be celebrating Indonesian culture through incredible food and tunes. Check it out here.

• Lotus Realm is a spot to check out if you’re looking to unplug. It’s a modern Chinese Tea House that serves tea by day, drinks by night. A great place to read, journal, unwind. Find here.

• Coffee culture is throwing a global coffee culture festival on Aug 29, 2pm-12am. You’ve probably seen their coffee raves and this is their biggest event yet. There will be a latin stage, desi/indo house stage, and an afro stage. There will be live performances, cultural experiences, hermanos colombian coffee, pop-ups. You can grab tickets on cliq, go check it out.

• Morocco Bound has music events happening at both of their locations on August 27th! At their Bermondsey location there will be a traditional folk session, they have this monthly, tickets are £7.50. In Wandsworth on the 27th they have a jazz night, and this one is free. Go grab tickets on Dice.

• Discotheque Tropicale is hosting a garden day party at colour factory for free on the 30th of August 3-9pm, there will be loads of incredible artists you won’t want to miss. Go check it out.

• Taquiza Japoniza, Sunday 30th of August at Stellas in N1, Kuchisabi is joining forces with Michelle Salazar de la Rocha who is the founder of Sonora Taqueria. It will be a fusion of Japanese and Mexican food, like shoyu and sake lamb. Walk-ins only.

• Second Life Markets, on Sunday September 6th in Hoxton they are hosting a curated secondhand experience. 110 stalls. Djs. 10:30am-5pm: earlybird is £9, 12pm is £6, and it goes down £1 by the hour. Tickets are here.

July

• Jazz on the Lawn is happening at Fulham Palace July 17 & 18th. Two nights of jazz music on the lawn, there will be food and wine. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy. Tickets here.

• Cafe Junk Journal Date. There are a range of junk journal/journal & sip events happening in July, run by Mahalkostudio. See the events information here.

• In Other Worlds is an immersive exhibition happening at the Barbican until September 6th. It encourages us to imagine what our future might look like. Tickets here.

• Pop Up Vietnamese cafe happening in Cricklewood. The team is recreating a corner of Sài Gòn in London. There’s going to be Vietnamese iced coffee, coconut coffee, salt coffee, and egg coffee. There will also be a pool table. July 12th, tickets are £6.50 and can be bought here.

• Lonsdale Road Street Party is happening on July 17th from 4-10pm. There will be street food, oysters, cocktails, and icecream sandwiches. Also, Don’t Tell Dad will be serving a set menu. Go enjoy. Info here.

• Shai Space Peckham is a community event space in Peckham that hosts listening sessions and creative workshops. This is the perfect anti brainrot spot. Find here.

• Public knowledge books, a book seller amplifying under represented voices. Their shop is in Walthamstow and it’s open on Saturdays. You can grab a book or zine here and take it to Lloyd park. Perfect anti brainrot day. Find here.

• Playing Outside Festival is happening on July 25th in collaboration with mark makerz. There are going to be 30 small brands, dj sets, live panels, and film screenings. It’s going to be absolutely incredible. Tickets are free, go grab a ticket! More info here.

• Service95 is hosting a Book Tasting, an evening of books, wine, and icecream hosted with the Dreamery. It’s on July 12th. Go grab a ticket. Find here.

• Storytime London is a storytime collective. They have live storytelling, music. No phones allowed. They have one on the 10th and the 16th. Have a look at their Instagram as they post all about the dates of their events. Super wholesome. Their page here.

• Hot Lemon x Batch Baby are hosting a summer disco in De Beauvoir. There’s going to be toasties, tats, dj sets and natural wine. Check it out here.

June

• Folk night at Morocco Bound on June 11th, tickets are £7.5. This is one of my favourite venues in london, it’s a bookshop, meets café, meets wine bar. Tickets here.

• Nourished Communities Food Festival is taking place on June 21st at Big Penny Social. There will be over 100 producers, circus performers, and speakers. Looks lovely. Tickets here.

• Go to a flea market. There are loads across London, here are a few: Peckham Salvage yard June 7th, the Drumsheds Spring Flea June 14th, and Hackney flea the weekend of June 20th, see here.

• Wednesday Jazz night at 392 Kingsland Road. You get steak, frites, a martini, and jazz for £25. Stellar food. Stellar vibes. Find here.

• Free Summer Salsa at Doña. This mezcal bar in Hackney is bringing the summer vibes. There’s going to be a packed dance floor and incredible music. Better yet, tickets are free. Book here.

• Matchado - This is my favourite matcha in the city, it’s robust. Their matcha brownie is also delicious. You can grab a matcha, meander coal drops yard (cheeky canal walk). Find here.

• Tsujiri - This kind of feels like slice of Kyoto. Their Matcha is high quality, they also do soft serve and floats (and yes, they are delicious). Find here.

• Frothee - You can tell Frothee puts in the time and the care with drinks they make. They are also opening a second spot here soon, check them out here.

• Moko Made - This is a whimsical and wholesome spot. Their matcha is great, their treats are great, you have to check it out. Find here.

• Tokkia - Korean matcha spot, they do a range of matcha drinks as well as hojicha AND they don’t charge extra for milk options which we love. Find here.

• Konveni - This spot has different matcha types, you choose this at the beginning. They have different flavours as well from fruit to sakura and adaptogens. Price starts at £4.6. Find here.

• Katsute 100 - One of the cutest Japanese cafés in London. They not only have great matcha but they also do crepe cakes and have a lovely garden. Price starts at £4.9, find here.

• Mori Homemade - Super cute café space, they have loads of wonderful sweet treats. Their matcha is one of the most affordable, starting at £4. Find here.

• Chá-fé - Tucked away near Canada Water, this spot is absolutely lovely. Their matcha is great and their café is quite large compared to many. Price starts at £4.8, find here.

• JUJUHOME CHA - This viral spot has a matcha cloud drink that is absolutely delicious, I personally love the thicker texture. It is one of the more spendier options starting at £5.5 for their classic matcha. Find here.

• Hector’s

  • Cute bottle shop and wine bar in de beauvoir town. The blue door, the little flowers, it feels like one of those spots you randomly stumble across that really sticks in your mind. in the best way.

• Slowburn london

  • A restaurants inside a jean manufacturer in east london. There’s nothing quite like a unique spot, and this is it. The food is also delicious, the menu has things like orange and salsa macha roast fennel and cornish mackerel crudo.

• Farm Shop Mayfair

  • Cute farm shop above with fresh seasonal items, and the kicker - it has a hidden wine bar below with djs every thursday.

• Reverend JW simpson

  • This bar looks like someones living room in the best way. The drinks menu changes and is packed with flavour.

• Neighbourhood cafe yukari

  • Family-run cafe outside Kew station, open mainly on the weekends. They have udon, soba, matcha, an onigiri lunch plate. It’s a wholesome spot.

There’s a certain kind of London day. Whimsical, airy, light, spontaneous. These are a few London spots that do this best.

• The South London Gallery → is currently hosting an exhibition by Paulo Nimer Pjota which is not only free but incredibly whimsical. They also have a cute little coffee shop attached. Find here.

• La Poule Au Pot → a classic French bistro with a lovely outdoor terrace, the decor feels like you’re in a cottage in the south of France. Absolutely stunning. Find here.

• Neurodiverse by KataKata → this is a Café in Camberwell which is disabled-led community café that is absolutely lovely. They have great juice, veggie galettes and a welcoming environment. Find here.

• Tina’s Tea → a Thai breakfast café nestled near the Buddhapadipa temple in Wimbledon. It is open for walk-ins and only on the weekends. It’s a quaint spot, you can sit outside and enjoy authentic Thai food for breakfast. Find here.

• Culpeper Community Garden → Nestled in Islington this community garden is an oasis in the city. It is managed by locals and is truly lovely. Find here.

There’s a certain kind of London night. When you’re seeking somewhere hopelessly romantic. You go for one drink or a quick bite, and stay until the spot closes. One where you lose track of time in the eyes of the person sitting across from you. These are a few London spots that do this best.

• 51 Cave à Manger → Tucked away in exmouth market, one of my favourite streets in London, is a wine bar with a bistro menu. It’s Parisian and romantic. Find here.

• Little Duck the Picklery → This tiny spot in Dalston serves natural wines and seasonal dishes and everything about it feels intentional. It’s the type of place you’d go to for one glass of wine and end up staying for hours. The ambiance is 10/10. Find here.

• Sessions Art Club → This spot is known for being stunning and romantic. It sits in the old judges dining room, it’s decadent with high ceilings, large arched windows, and incredible art. Find here.

• WC Wines → an underground wine bar. This is actually in an old toilet but you would never tell. It’s dimly lit, feels a bit like a place you might meet your forbidden lover. Find here.

• Andrew Edmund’s Soho → a modern European restaurant tucked away in an 18th century townhouse. It’s absolutely stunning. Find here.

• Brunswick House → A grand Georgian mansion, filled with antique furnishings, candles, fireplaces. Outrageously romantic. Find here.

• Blanchette → This small french spot in Soho is quietly romantic. The bar area feels quaint and the food is delicious. Find here.

• Sager + Wilde → A wine bar that is romantic without trying. It has one of the best cheese boards I’ve had in the city, it’s candlelit, and plays great music. On a cold night feels like the best place to cosy up with a date. Find here.

• Berners Tavern → If you’re looking for grandiose, you’ll find it here (with the price tag to match). Berners Tavern is a British Restaurant that kind of looks like a gallery. Tall ceilings, art covering the walls, details you’d expect to find in a museum. Find here.

• 28 Church Row → This underground wine bar in Hampstead is truly something special. It has an understated romanticism to it. The best place to escape to on a date. Find here.

• Black Duke Bar → This is nestled underneath Brunswick house and it is stunning. A cellar bar that feels like the place you’d reunite with your forbidden lover. Find here.

• Noble Rot → A restaurant meets wine bar in Soho and Bloomsbury. This is a spot that feels classically romantic. They also have great wine. Find here.

• Arches Wine Bar → This is a neighbourhood wine bar in West London. It is filled with antiques and is truly a hidden gem. Find here.

• Gordon’s Wine bar → London’s most famous (and oldest) wine bar. The outdoor terrace is lovely but the most romantic part is the inside bit that feels like another wine cellar. It’s candlelit and cosy. A perfect date spot. Find here.

• Le Beaujolais → This Parisian wine bar and restaurant. It feels like an escape to Paris without leaving London. Very romantic. Find here.

• Paulette → a neighbourhood french bistro in west london. The decor makes it feel like you’re in someone’s home so it feels cosy and the food is great. It has a french romanticism to it. Find here.

• Cloth Restaurant → this spot is tucked away in a period house which was once home to the poet Sir John Betjeman, restaurant that does modern takes on old classics, it’s stunning. Find here.

• Toulouse Lautrec → a french restaurant meets Jazz bar, and there’s nothing more romantic than an evening of delicious food and jazz. Find here.

• Hanar → a Kurdish restaurant tucked away in Peckham. This spot has the most incredible food at a reasonable price and the atmosphere is very cosy yet vibrant. I actually went here for valentines day a few years ago and found it to be humbly romantic. Find here.

• Bistro Freddie → this is a bistro in central London that feels quintessentially romantic, from handwritten style menus to white tablecloths and towering candles. It’s a great date spot. Find here.

There’s a certain kind of London night. Dimly lit bars, slightly chaotic energy, carried by the music more than anything else. You go for one drink, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with a story. These are a few London spots that do this best.

• Mad Cats → Effortlessly cool listening bar and restaurant. They have really great cocktails and, if you fancy a boogie, the dance floor opens up later in the night. Find here.

• Bar Levan → Natural wines & small plates. A stylish spot that has a great sound system (it can be quite loud, fyi). Find here.

• Zapoi → A cocktail bar that has a mysterious feel. It’s absolutely filled with plants and treasures, you can find a nook to sit and chat away. Find here.

• Jazu → A top-tier hi-fi bar, one that isn’t trying too hard. Their cocktails are great and they do chef residencies (currently serving Mexican food). Find here.

• Cafe 1001 → a coffee shop meets bar, Cafe 1001 is a unique space with a range of seating. They have relaxed seating downstairs and outside, upstairs there are some couches, another bar, and a dance floor. It’s a great time. Find here.

• Olfaclub → A listening bar meets wine bar. They also have a cool mineral water setup if that’s your vibe. They do chef residencies, most recently it’s been kuchisabi who is amazing. A great spot, check it out here.

• Jazu → One of my favourite hi-fi bars in London. The music is great, the cocktails are too. It’s an effortlessly cool spot and definitely worth checking out. Find them here.

• Spacetalk → A very sleek hi-fi listening bar. They encourage no phones, which is great. A dance floor opens up late on the weekends, a great spot. Check it out here.

• Dram → Some of my favourite cocktails in the city. Their bar is also very cool, specifically the basement bar. They are about to open a new space, check out their website for more info here.

• Below Stone Nest → An unassuming spot tucked beneath a church. It feels industrial meets artsy. Very cool spot, always buzzing. Find them here.

• Ellie’s → a lively cocktail bar on Kingsland road, they have £8 martinis everyday and a vibe that feels cool without trying to hard. Find here.

• 392 Kingsland Road → One of my favourite spots in London for jazz and a meal. They do Jazz, steak, frites, and a martini for £25 on Wednesdays. Find here.

• Around Cocktail Bar → Located on one of my favourite streets in London, in Exmouth Market. A cocktail bar with reasonable prices, snacks, and some outdoor seating. Find here.

• Lulo Wine Bar and Shop → an unassuming spot that is a Deli during the week and a wine bar Thursday-Sunday evenings. It’s quaint, intimate, artsy, and absolutely lovely. Find here.

• Kiez → a vibey kebab shop, a great spot to start out the evening before heading off to another bar. Find here.

When you peel back consumer behaviour, the early 2010’s marked an age of frictionless digital shopping, just a few clicks and your items would be delivered to your door in the matter of days. Leaving the house became optional. Then the pandemic hit, accelerating this shift while temporarily removing the option to shop in person. In that moment, tangibility became a kind of luxury.

And once something becomes scarce, it also becomes valuable.

Now that convenience is no longer a unique selling point, physical retail has had to rethink it’s purpose. It’s no longer about just selling products, brands have to offer something that can’t be replicated online. They need to turn their shop into a destination rather than a quick purchase spot.

Enter: the shop-cafe model. The effort is two fold: On the brand side, it brings people in for coffee, creates an additional revenue stream, and encourages shoppers to stick around longer. But from the consumer’s perspective, when done well, it offers something much more meaningful. A reason to be there that goes beyond the transaction. People aren’t just looking for things to buy, but places to be.

In the context of the shrinking third space, the shop-café becomes more than a retail tactic. It becomes a place of connection, wrapped within the world of a brand.

But not all shop cafés are created equal.

Those that do it well, and those that don’t, come down to intent. For brands that are leveraging a café solely to increase cash-flow, it shows. The café will cut corners, there will be limited seating, the offering will be forgettable, and the experience is nonexistent. Let’s be real, no one wants to juggle a coffee while carrying a pile of clothes.

The brands that succeed understand something deeper: the café is the experience rather than an add on.

Done right, the café can act as a bridge between the brand and the customer, humanising the brand and creating community within it.

This requires intentionality in design, enough space to sit and stay, and an offering that can stand on its own. Waterstones Gower Street is an example, it’s not just a place to buy books. I’ll go there just for the café, I’ll meander and browse the books after. The visit stretches beyond a transaction.

JUJUHome cha is another great example. They have a lovely home goods shop in Hackney wick. The downstairs is for shopping and the upstairs is a café. They have created matcha and sesame cloud drinks that are compelling enough to draw people in on their own and the cafe is a social space that feels true to the brand.

Successful shop-cafés don’t solely increase how long you stay but change the reason you visited in the first place. I believe as more brands adopt this model, the ones that succeed will be the ones that understand that the space itself is the product.

list of shop-cafés in London:

• Waterstones, Gower St WC1E 6EQ or Tottenham Court Road W1T 1BJ

• JUJUHOME CHA, E3 2XD

• Look Left by Yugu, E8 3DQ

• Bookbar, N5 1HA

• Dr. Martens - Brewer Street, W1F 9UD

Here are some food related events happening this month:

• Manteca x dumplings legend are teaming up on March 16th, bringing a £45 truly fusion set menu, with things like prawn toast focaccia, wonton agnolotti with chilli oil and more. Tickets are live today, go check out their website here.

• Holi supper club at Cinnamon Kitchen in Battersea. It’s going to be a vibrant and delicious sharing feast at £65 pp. Check it out here.

• Irish Spice Bags at Moyletts, spice bag pop up happening weekends until mid March. Go check them out.

• Seoul Food Saturdays at Dopi, there’s going to be a korean fried chicken set menu with unlimited soju cocktails. You will also get 20% of karaoke next door. Tickets and more info here.

• Great British Beer Pairing happening at the snooty fox, you can try 5 different beers and learn which foods pair best. More info here.

• Rebellious wine club: An unconventional wine club that aims to debunk wine ‘myths’ and rules, the series of evenings aim to take the stuffiness out of wine tastings. They currently have a waiting list but do keep an eye out as they might have more in the future. Tickets here.

• Heard Burger is pairing up with Aji Akokomi for the Akoko burger, bringing in West African flavours, such as tamarind jam and yassa-spiced caramelised onions. It will be available at both heard locations from March 1st until the end of April. More info here.

• Coffee Culture 5k run to reggaeton rave happening March 21st. Each ticket includes a can of Nuro and all level of runners welcome. Grab a ticket and check out their other events here.

New openings: check back later this week

Taste Film

• Taste Film is exactly as it sounds, an opportunity to taste food from a film while you are watching it. It’s a very immersive experience and brings the story to life. There are a range of films to choose from, see more info here.

God’s Own Junkyard

• God’s Own Junkyard houses the largest vintage sign collection in all of Europe, and you can go tour it in NE London (for free nonetheless). The music is top notch, they have a cafe you can order drinks and snacks from, it’s a gem of a place. You can follow this by grabbing a drink at Mother’s Ruin, a gin distillery, or Malt House if you fancy some beer. Check out God’s Own Junkyard here.

Hidden Jazz Club

• Hidden away in a variety of venues throughout the city, Hidden Jazz Club is an underground jazz experience that feels both welcoming and accessible. The shows are put on by artists themselves and the talent is top tier. I would pair this with dinner at Tangra, Plaza Khao Gaeng, or Khao Bird. Check out Hidden Jazz Club here.

Tate Modern Lates

• On the last Friday of each month, the Tate Modern stays open late and hosts DJs, drinks, and talks. General entry is free, while some of the talks are ticketed. This month they are collaborating with Honey Dijon, celebrating LGBTQIA+ History month, it’s going to be great. More info here.

The Barbican Conservatory

• One of my favourite free spots to check out in the city, the Barbican Conservatory is a beautiful garden inside the Barbican. It’s completely free, you just need to book a time slot. They serve some drinks inside, otherwise you can pop over to the Martini Bar afterwards. Book tickets here.

Jazz at Night Tales Loft

• On Wednesdays NT Loft does jazz and pizza. They have free entry before 7:30pm, tickets are £5 after. They do two shows, one at 6 and one at 9:15pm. It is recommended to book, more info here.

58th Street

• A jazz show that transports you to 1920s New York City. They do it well, this type of thing can often feel gimmicky, this doesn't. It's a bit on the spendy side so I would reserve this for an anniversary or birthday night out. More info here.

392 Kingsland Road

• Every Wednesday, 392 Kingsland Road has jazz, combined with a set menu. This month it’s steak, frites, & a martini for £25. Excited to see what they put on next month. More info here.

Tate Modern & Corner Bar

• A bit more of an artsy date. Start at the Tate Modern, meander some great current exhibitions (I suggest the Nigerian Modernism Exhibition). After, pop over to the Corner bar for resident DJs, they often have free entry. More info on the resident DJs here.

One Eighty One

• A record shop and cafe by day, a listening bar and bottle shop by night. They offer £10 cocktails, crisp plates, and charcuterie boards that won’t break the bank. More info here.

Supper Club Tube

• 6 course Latin American meal on an old Victoria line tube carriage. They do one seating per evening (open 3 days a week) and bookings range from £67+. A truly unique London experience. More info here.

Top Secret Comedy Club & Dinner

• Aiming to make comedy more accessible, Top Secret Comedy Club shows start at £1 and you pay at the end what you think the show is worth. Many shows have a celebrity guest which remains top secret until the day. Find more info on shows here. I would pair this with delicious Southern Thai food at Plaza Khao Gaeng, here.

Jazzlive at the Crypt & Dinner

• On Friday nights, the St Giles church in Camberwell hosts jazz in their crypt. Tickets are about £11, you can book here. I would pair this with dinner at Silk road, I would recommend trying the special lamb noodles and the homestyle cabbage (thank me later). More info on Silk Road here.

Design Museum & Japanese Garden

• Start the date by checking out the Design Museum, the permanent exhibition is completely free otherwise there are a few ticketed exhibitions including one on Wes Anderson. More info on exhibitions here. After that, grab a coffee, walk through Holland Park, and go to Kyoto Garden. Find the garden on the map here.

Troubadour

• The Troubadour is one of London’s most iconic independent music venues. They do a wide range of music throughout the week, including dj sets after the live music on the weekends. They also do Jazz on Sundays for under £10. Check out what’s on here.

Caravel & 69 Colebrooke Row

• Start with dinner on a boat at Caravel. The food is great, the vibes are immaculate. Then head over to 69 Colebrooke Row, they have live music on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

Old library bar & La Placita Mall

• The Old Library Bar in New Cross does free live music, check out their calendar here. They also have a lovely garden to sit and have a drink. You could pair this with some great South American food at La Placita mall.

Koya & Soho comedy factory

• Soho Comedy Factory in London has shows from £8, they are great and run every night of the week. I would pair this with dinner at Koya, their udon is great.

Wellcome collection & Bookshop

• If you fancy a wholesome day date, I would stop by the Wellcome collection. It’s completely free, currently they have an exhibition on the perception of aging, super interesting. I would pair this with visiting the Waterstones on Gower street. Grab a coffee and pastry at their cafe, chat, meander the books and vinyl collection.

Closeup Cinema

• If you’re into film or just aim to learn more about cinema, I suggest going to the Closeup cinema. They aim to make cinema and film history more accessible and have loads of great showings. They also have a great bar where you can chat before or after the programme.

Brick Lane Jazz Festival

• Happening the weekend of April 24th, there will be over 100 performances across 10 venues which are all within walking distance from each other. Its going to be a weekend full of great music, food, and workshops. Find more information on tickets and line up here.

Rooftop Cinema x Sofar Sounds

• Rooftop cinema is back for the summer season, kicking things off with a Sofar Sounds collaboration. On May 14th there will be a silent disco-style live music event followed by a showing of 10 Things I Hate About You. Tickets and more information here.

London Taco Experience

• For the foodies, on April 18th there will be an ultimate taco experience happening at Brixton Freight. There will be 6 of London’s best taco traders, margaritas, mariachi, and hot sauce. Tickets here.

Book Tasting

• To celebrate the 10th year of the International Booker Prize, there will be a book tasting at Amie Wines. It’s a chance to discuss a decade of incredible books over wine. More information here.

Dinner + morocco bound event

• Start off the evening with dinner at José, for Spanish tapas or Casse Croûte, for a French restaurant that actually feels like you’re in France. Then off to Morocco Bound. A cafe meets wine bar meets bookshop. They throw great events from comedy nights to jazz. A true gem. Find here.

Outdoor Cinema + Drink

• Rooftop cinema club in Peckham is a personal favourite. One of my favourite summer dates. I would start with a drink at Franks Café or Forza wine for a full summer experience. Find here.

Sofar Sounds

• For those craving a bit of spontaneity, you basically buy tickets for a gig, in an undisclosed location and then you show up and see who’s playing. It’s quite a unique way to listen to new music, see a new venue and do something a bit different. Find here.

Picnic + Regents Park Open Air Theatre

• I went to the Open Air Theatre a few years ago and it was such a memorable evening. You’re going to start with a picnic in Regents park, near the English Gardens, absolutely stunning. Then you’ll go to the show, they typically start around 8pm. There’s something so special about an outdoor theatre, they also have a bar there if you fancy grabbing a drink. Find here.

Picnic + Telegraph Hill + Live Music

• Pack a picnic and head to Telegraph Hill. Such a quaint and lovely spot with a great view of the city. Then wander down to the Old Library Bar in New Cross, they have free live music and a wonderful garden area. A great date night that won’t break the bank.

Spontaneous Market Meal

• First step: go to a market of choice (list below). Then, one of you choose a starter, the other choose a main, and the other choose a dessert (if you’re feeling ambitious, you both can choose one of each). The goal is to try different food stalls and have a variety of food. It’s a spontaneous evening! For markets: Seven Dials, Arcade, or Mercato Mayfair if you’re Central; Brixton Village, Mercato Metropolitano or Tooting Market if you’re South, Nags Head Market if you’re North.

Barbican outdoor cinema

• For a week this Summer starting August 19th, the Barbican are hosting an outdoor cinema. They have a range of films being shown and they look incredible. As usual, the Barbican is the place to go. See the lineup here.

Migrateful cooking class

• For those that want to get out and learn something new, I suggest trying a Migrateful cooking class. Migrateful is such a great organisation, they facilitate cooking classes put on my migrants and refugees to help them on their path to integration. I went to an Ecuadorian cooking class a few weeks ago and it was absolutely lovely. See their classes here.

Wine bar + chef residency

• I love a chef residency because it gives you a chance to try a limited menu with unique flavours. Bruno, a wine bar out in East London, not only has great wine and ambiance but they often put on great chef residencies. They recently have had the likes of Firangi, Filipino Thai Friendship, and now Gautú. Go check them out.

Dinner and Jazz at Chez Lui

• Chez Lui in Notting Hill does Sunday Jazz. They have incredible french food, it actually feels like an escape to Paris, witheout leaving London. Find here.

Woodburner Gigs

• They turn different garden areas into a live stage bringing in a range of music. From Dalston Curve Garden to Fox & Firkin and Calthorpe Community Garden. It’s a great way to get outside, listen to music, and do something a bit different. Information here.

Picnic & Wine Bar (West London Edition)

• Grab food at Yum Yum Chinese in Fulham, take it to Bishops Park (I personally, would bring a bottle of wine but you do you). Have a lovely picnic. You can follow that by going to Cobalto Wine Bar (a bus or walk away), or walk up the Thames towards Hammersmith and find a pub.

Wine Tour & Tasting

• Every Saturday Renegade Winery in Walthamstow does a winery tour and tasting for £25. Not a very common occurence in London so a fun thing to get out and do. Find here.

Brewery + Tacos (World Cup Special)

• Thrift Taco at Great Beyond Brewery are partnering throughout July. The brewery is showing loads of the matches and on the weekends Thrift Taco is slinging tacos (damn good ones too). A great date if you ask me.

Picnic in Hampstead + Tabac Bar

• Pack the picnic items and to go Hampstead Heath (I would suggest Parliament Hill if you want a good view). Then head over to Tabac bar, a French-inspired cocktail bar that’s a great vibe.

Breakfast Burrito + Park Stroll

• Start by grabbing a breakfast burrito at Johnny Boys in Stoke Newington, then walk towards Clissold park, grab a coffee at the coffee stand nearby otherwise there are a few coffee shops on the journey and carry on meandering. A great wholesome day date.

Canada Water Free Music Gig + Pub Drinks

• All August, Canada Water is hosting dockside music events on the weekends that are completely free. Check out what they have on here and follow that with a drink at the Mayflower.

Gallery + Tacos + Drink

• If going on a date on Wednesday (key detail) start off by going to the South London Gallery. They have free exhibitions (although, do check what they have on as the schedule changes). Follow this by grabbing tacos at Angeles near the station, they do £2 tacos on Wednesdays. If you want to keep the night going head to Franks Café for rooftop sips (summer only) or Zapoi.

Central London Jazz evening

• If you’re looking for a night of very good jazz, head to Downstairs at 180 for jazz and cocktails.

Listen, we’ve all been there, that neighbourhood bar or café that you loved is suddenly booked out, overcrowded, and has lost its quintessential vibe that made you love it in the first place. But the problem isn’t just having to wait a long time to book, it’s that our obsession with exclusivity might be hurting the very places that we care about. In fact, gatekeeping culture feeds high-virality fanaticism, the thing many think it’s stopping.

It isn’t surprising that social media is a place that people go to for food and drink recommendations, hearing it from the people rather than the businesses themselves is powerful. However, when a spot goes viral, it can lead to sudden spike in footfall, an overload of bookings, and an atmosphere that feels different. Gatekeeping itself stems from a scarcity mindset, this notion of having ownership of a place you don’t own. Then when a place does get discovered, people rush to secure access and treat attendance like social currency.

These viral social media moments don’t capture the reality of the hospitality industry nor the fact that it currently sits within a very fragile ecosystem. On average, 4 venues shut down per day in London in the final few months of 2025 and that doesn’t seem to be slowing down. The industry is hurting and this social approach is only making it worse for both sides.

Imagine putting everything you own, your life savings, your time, into starting a restaurant for someone that “loves” it to say “yeah, I’m not going to share it with anyone so that it stays quiet so that the one time per 3 months that I go I can get a seat.” This mentality warrants a reality check. We complain about crowds but we are heartbroken when our favourite spots shut down.

While I think viral fanaticism and flock culture needs to chill (a story for another day), our obsession with scarcity is fueling exactly that. The culture of viral exclusivity makes places more desirable because they’re harder to get into. This loop, in turn, increases demand and can lead to overwhelming capacity. Hence, creating an operational nightmare making booking feel impossible or out of reach.

So what do we do about it?

I do think that adequate solutions need to be put in place to mitigate viral flocking. Here are a few thoughts:

• Spots need booking policies that don’t encourage months-out waitlists. 2-4 week max.

  • We’ve already seen that on the restaurant side, booking deposits have become the norm to mitigate inauthentic bookings.

• Multiple tables (not just a few) should be kept for walk-ins only, to encourage spontaneity. Spontaneous dining should be encouraged and enabled again.

  • ie do away with “if you don’t have a booking there’s no chance.” Agora is a great example, they are often booked out but they keep plenty of tables open for walk-ins. If you want to be spontaneous you can still dine there, you just have to be willing to wait a bit. But hey, you can sip on a drink in the meantime!

• Encourage email notifications for booking releases, allowing those that are really keen to receive a notification when they can book. This also opens up opportunities for the restaurant to create community.

Gatekeeping feels protective, but it steps over the fact that we are all part of London’s cultural ecosystem. If we want the places that we love to survive, and people’s stories to continue to be told through their food, we need to stop acting like we own them and start acting like we support them.

References:

https://www.mca-insight.com/restaurants/high-end-restaurants-adopt-minimum-spend-to-combat-reservation-squatting/701309.article

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunger_marketing

https://aemps.ewapub.com/article/view/25938

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1567422319300870

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0160738319301574

https://www.restaurantonline.co.uk/Article/2026/01/26/hospitality-lost-four-sites-each-day-in-the-final-quarter-of-2025-figures-show/

• Thai Kitchen at the Wickham Arms → a family friendly pub that serves Thai food but does so very well. Find here

• Dalston melts → Very balanced New York Ruben for only £8. Find here

• DanDan Noodles → Some of the best noodles in London but also very reasonably priced. Find here

• Chit ‘n’ chaat → Indian Street food spot in Bethnal Green. Their Chaat is great. Find here

• Van Hing → Vietnamese spot in Camberwell, very affordable with many dishes under a tenner. Find here

• Someday → A Margarita bar that does pizza and taco deals for £10. Find here

• Bun House → Buns for £3.80 and wontons for £7. Find here

• PaStation → Fresh pasta for as little as £5.95. Find here

• Bánh Mì Hoi An → Incredible bánh mì for less than £10. Find here

• Silk Road → My favourite noodles in London. The luxury noodles are a must order. Find here

• Eat Tokyo → Affordable Japanese food, loads of food items for under £10. Find here

• Kung Fu Mama → Taiwanese sun-dried noodles. Find here

• What the Pho’k → Bánh mì, bún hué, pho, and more all for under a tenner. Find here

• Govindas → Veg and vegan thalis, absolutely delicious and affordable. 5 dishes for £9. Find here

• Breadstall Pizza → Large slices for £7. Find here

• Marugame Udon → Quality udon at affordable prices. Loads of great add ons. Find here

• Francescos → £5 pizzas. Yes you read that right. Find here

• Angel Dabang → Korean street food under £10. They have a fried chicken sando for just shy of £6. Find here

• Lucky Skewers → Lunch menu for under £10. Absolutely delicious. Find here

• Fuji Sushi and Thai → Full sushi and Thai menu, perfect if you’re indecisive like me. Find here

• Kati Roll Company → Kolkata inspired rolls made from skewer grilled ingredients. Prices from £5-8. Find here

• Granary Thai Cafe → Neighbourhood Thai spot, veg and tofu curries and stir fries are all under £10. Find here

• Warung Nusantara → Authentic Indonesian food hidden inside a fish & chip shop. Find here

• Hancook → Highly-rated family-run Korean food spot in Brixton. Find here

• Vincenzo’s Pizza → NYC-style pizza slices for £5. Find here

• Porterford Butchers → Baguette sandwiches for under £8. Find here

• Hanoi Pho 21 → Delicious Vietnamese food for under £10. Find here

• Trampoline Café → Great spot with an incredible mission. Affordable Curries and Thali options. Find here

• The Full Monty Café → Affordable breakfast food from a full English to eggs benedict and omelettes. Find here

• Marie’s Thai Café → Full English breakfast by morning and Thai food from lunch onwards, all for under a tenner. Find here

• The Pie Crust Café → Family style Thai food with nearly everything on the menu being under £10. Find here

• M Manze → Pie shop in Tower Bridge, you can get pie and mash for under a tenner. Find here

• Sarv’s Slice → Detroit-style pizza that’s elevated, the flavours are 10/10. It’s a brother and sister duo and they are just the best. Find here

• Yum Yum Chinese Restaurant → Fresh handmade dumplings, you can do 12 pc mix and match of 3 flavours for £10. Find here

• Thenga Café → They do a Thali for £11. They do dosa, roti, and the portion sizes are generous. It’s just a stones throw from King’s Cross. Find here

• Corner Deli → Super cute deli with different vegetarian curries for under £8. They also have samosa, naan, and pakora for a few pounds. Find here.

• Proper Tacos → While tacos aren’t often affordable in London, there are a few deals out there! This spot is tucked away in Nag’s Head market and does £3 tacos on Tuesdays. They are delicious, find here.

• Mo’ Mangio → Handmade pasta with multiple vegetarian options for under £10. They also do load of starters for under £5, hard to come by in London. Find here.

• Pho Viet 101 → Banh mi for £8.5, loads of other options like pho, bun hue, Vietnamese curries for around £12. Find here.

• Bonners fish bar → Traditional fish & chips bar, tucked away in a neighbourhood in Walthamstow. Almost everything under £10, from fish, chips, sausages, pies. Find here.

• Angeles in Peckham → £2 tacos on Wednesdays. Great tacos, great vibes. Find here.

• Huong → Vietnamese restaurant at an affordable price. Find here.

• Anjappar Indian Chettinad Restaurant, Wimbledon → Very highly rated Indian food, great menu with loads of options under £10. Find here.

• Tongue & Brisket → A sandwich shop that’s known for their salt beef but they also do roast turkey, chicken schnitzel, roast beef, etc. Find here.

• Bread & Oregano → Greek spot in Leyton, they do pitas for under £9 and loads of breakfast options for under £10. Find here.

Here are some food related events happening this month:

• Tooting Food Festival. Happening the 14th and 15th of February. Tooting Food Festival is all about sharing food, culture and community.

• Plant Based Food Fest. There will be 80 plant-based food traders, including 8 street food stands. There will also be a range of talks.

• Ringside bar fun run + free pints. Aiming at building a bit more community, Ringside bar is hosting a range of fun runs throughout the month of Feb. There will be both a 5k or social 3k. The run ends at Ringside bar and your first pint will be free!

• Ink & Noodles Calligraphy Experience. A Noodle tasting and calligraphy blessing card experience to celebrate the Lunar new year.

• Hacha Escape to Tulum from Feb 22. Chill beach club-style with an exclusive menu of outstanding Patrón Tequila cocktails, inspired by Tulum and its local produce. Great way to escape the london winter for an evening.

Food deals:

• BRIX, a spot inspired by New York’s smokehouses, is offering 40% off food Tuesday-Friday to celebrate their new chef. Read the article to see how to redeem here.

• Fare London is offering 50% off pizza every Monday from 4pm onwards. Book via their website and select the offer.

• Masala Zone is offering 25% off food and drink at lunch every day or dinners Sunday to Thursday until Feb 13th. Book via the link on this hot diners article here.

• Uba Shoreditch is offering a set lunch including 4 dishes for £19 from Tuesday-Thursday. Book on their website here.

• To Celebrate their first birthday, Silva is offering 30% off food and a free cocktail until Feb 9th. Book through the hot diners link here.

• Babur is offering 25% off mains just put “happy25” in the reservation notes. Valid until feb 13. More information here.

• Notto Piccadilly and Covent Garden are offering 25% off your total bill. Book through the hot diners article here. Valid until end of march.

New openings: check back later this week

All of the spots can be found here: Whimsy Spots Google Map

Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden

• Tucked away on top of the Southbank Centre is a rooftop space with loads of plants and greenery. There is a bar if you want to grab a snack or drink. They also often do art installations.

Barbican Conservatory

• You can visit the most stunning indoor garden, inside the barbican. It’s completely free, you just need to book a timeslot. I always get there early and meander, grab a drink, check out an exhibition.

William Morris Gallery

• Free gallery in Walthamstow, the grounds are my favourite especially on a sunny day. And if you visit on a Saturday there are loads of food stands. It feels wholesome and lively.

Kyoto Garden in Holland park

• My favourite park within a park. A little slice of Japan within london. I love bringing a book, a warm drink and finding a bench to perch for a bit.

Canal Walk & Word on the Water

• I love the London canals, whether walking with a friend or listening to a podcast or an audiobook. I usually start in Camden, walk to Kings Cross and stop off at Word on the Water. A bookshop on a boat, can’t beat it.

Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola

• Actually the most dreamy spot. The pergola is a raised walkway overgrown with vines and flowers, the gardens are absolutely stunning. This feels straight out of a novel.

Omved Gardens

• This is a garden & exhibition space. It has a wildflower meadow, ponds, they grow loads of veggies, it’s outrageously wholesome and a bit of sunshine in the city. You do need to book an exhibition to visit.

Glasshouse Coffee & Bishops Park

• Coffee shop tucked inside a garden centre. It’s in, as it sounds, a glasshouse. You can grab a coffee, look at all the plants, and visit bishops park after. A very whimsical day in the making.

Flower Warehouse & Walk the Canal

• It’s hard not to smile in here, an absolutely massive warehouse full of plants. This paired with a walk along the canal is ideal.

Queen’s Wood Café

• A café that feels more like a fairytale cottage. They also have incredibly reasonable prices for London. I always pair this with a good book, a walk in the wood, and a mooch around the local charity shops.

Mother’s Ruin Gin Factory

• This is in the middle of an industrial park, but hear me out. It’s unexpected. A flower poking through the pavement type of spot, if you know what I mean. The front is a beautiful blossom mural. It’s a quirky spot where they distill their own fruit liqueurs and gin.

Dalston Curve Gardens

• A garden in the heart of Dalston, free to enter and open 7 days a week. The cafe/bar funds the upkeep of the garden, so do support by buying a drink or snack.

God’s Own Junkyard

• A truly magical spot. God’s Own Junkyard houses the largest stock of vintage signs in Europe. They play great music and have a café with snacks and drinks. Entry is free.

St Mary’s Secret Garden

• A garden hidden within Hoxton. They have a goal of improving visitor’s mental wellbeing, such a wholesome spot. They host a range of workshops and horticulture activities as well!

Fenton House

• A 17th century house near Hampstead. It has absolutely stunning gardens and collections that house a range of ceramics and needlework. Reopens in March!

Sir John Soane Museum

• A hidden gem in the centre of London. The house and now museum of John Soane. The architecture is incredible and the collection is out of this world. It’s completely free to enter!

A listening bar is a space that combines hi-fidelity audio, often focusing on vinyl, with a bar. Creating a curated listening experience that steps beyond music casually playing in the background at a bar. The act of listening becomes foundational to the experience. To be done well, audio set up is crucial, music is meticulously curated, atmosphere is both lively and comfortable, quiet conversation is possible, and menus are complementary to the experience.

The listening bar concept originated thousands of miles away in Japan, where ‘Jazz Kissa’ or music cafes began popping up as early as the 1920s. At a time where vinyls were much more expensive and less accessible, people would gather and simply listen to music. Talking was discouraged, the rooms were dark, and listening was paramount. While music genres varied, one thing remained the same: Large speakers and larger music collections were key.

The listening bar shifted to a more social endeavour when the first Rock Kissa appeared in the 1970s, alcohol started being served, and quiet talking became acceptable. This has since evolved into the listening bar that we know today.

The concept of the listening bar started spreading in the early 2010s across major cities throughout the world. While the principle remained the same, these welcomed a broader range of music, cocktails, small menus, and a more social vibe than their predecessors in Japan. In more recent years, we have seen what’s been deemed the ‘vinyl revival’ paired with a desire for more analogue social experiences, and a shift away from overwhelmingly loud bars to a place where both music and conversation can coexist.

So why now? The resurgence of listening bars in London highlights a shift in larger social habits that would be glossed over by simply declaring this phenomenon a fleeting trend. Following the pandemic times of the early 2020s, people are craving slower, more meaningful social experiences. With that, there is a push for an alternative to traditional nightlife which often includes bars too loud to hold conversation. In an age dominated by algorithms and AI comes a strong desire for a humanised, curated experience fuelled by intention.

A few key elements of a modern listening bar:

• A top tier sound system

• An atmosphere that encourages staying for a while (cosy seating)

• Music is curated and intentional, it’s not just background music

• Space for conversation, the music isn’t too loud

• Food and drink menus aren’t an afterthought

Listening bars in London to have on your radar:

• Jazu - one of my favourites in London. They’ve really figured out the noise level, loud enough to enjoy and lean in but not too loud to have conversation. Their rotating food residencies are worth keeping your eye on.

• Hausu - This is a spot I’d go to for a romantic dinner. Their space is split into a listening bar section and a restaurant, they have a hi-fi system throughout.

• Mad Cats - This spot feels effortlessly cool. Small plates, unique cocktails, and curated soul & funk.

• Space Talk - An immaculately designed space, this spot is sleek and seductive. The line can be long, but if you go after 10:30pm on the weekends they open up the dance floor.

• Equal Parts - A focus on the analogue with a neighbourhood feel. Their equal parts drinks focus on short strong drinks where each ingredient makes up an equal part.

And a few more…

• Behind this Wall, Hackney

• Kaihō, King’s Cross

• Spiritland, King’s Cross

• All My Friends, Hackney Wick

A few citations:

• https://www.tokyoweekender.com/entertainment/music/a-guide-to-japanese-listening-bars/

• https://www.nssmag.com/en/lifestyle/35458/listening-bar-cool

• https://therake.com/default/stories/listening-bars-have-never-been-more-charming