Many a tourist guide has been written about London, Britain’s glittering, quirky and cool capital. But with a never-ending stream of new eateries, pop-up bars and boutiques appearing across town at break-neck speed, even dedicated blogs and travel tomes are struggling to keep up.
From the best places to take a date, eccentric and eclectic activities to enjoy with your friends or hidden local gems you would normally stumble across by accident only, here is Tribe’s word-of-mouth guide to London – by the people who live, love, work and party in the city.
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LDN by Olivia Ebeling
Journalist and Online Editor
Lives in Highbury & Islington
Favourite restaurant:
Tenshi – An authentic and intimate Japanese restaurant, the food served up in this Upper Street gem is delicious and reasonably priced.
Best from pub to party:
The Old Queen’s Head – Start your Saturday afternoon with a cosy pub lunch, stay for drinks and end up dancing along the likes of Daisy Lowe in this friendly hipster joint.
Favourite hotel:
W Hotel London – No one mixes high octane glamour with rock’n’roll spirit as well as the W chain – and the cocktails are pretty awesome too.
Favourite shop:
Laura Lee Jewellery – Beautiful, quirky and whimsical designs inspired by fantastic tales like Alice in Wonderland. Check out the stunning charm necklaces, chunky signet rings and delicate bracelets. What’s not to love about a pineapple pendant?
Favourite hairdresser:
Sergio Giannasso – Not once have I left Sergio’s salon without being absolutely thrilled with my locks. From dip-dye to balayage, the team masters the latest hair trends with easy-going Italian flair. Oh, and you might get offered a glass of sparkly or home-made Tiramisu!
Look out for:
Punch Drunk‘s immersive theatre performances – Eerie and fantastical, take a tumble down the rabbit hole and follow the cast’s haunting performances through a maze of incredibly intricate sets. If you are brave enough to split from your friends, your experience will be even better!
LDN by Dino Georgiou
Marketing Manager and Writer
Lives in Enfield
Best for food:
Yauatcha – Based in the heart of Soho, this Chinese dim sum restaurant has it all. Great food, strong cocktails, amazing cakes, a bar and an insanely awesome fish tank.
Favourite bar:
Proud Camden – Who doesn’t want to party in a 200-year-old converted horse hospital? Rock out to live music in the main hall, chill in a funked-up stable with your own stripper pole or lounge on a deck chair by the hot tub outside. It’s cool & funky, plus the cool kids go there.
‘Secret’ pub:
Our Black Heart – Hidden down an alley way, this pub is frequented by hipsters and ‘norms’ alike. A must-visit if you like dark with a slight gothic vibe and a huge range of beer.
Best for fancy dress:
Angels – If, like me, you have a penchant for a fancy dress party or just love Halloween, you can’t go wrong with the huge selection of costumes at this Covent Garden treasure trove. If you want it, they probably have it…
Do something different:
Go Ape! – If you are happy to venture out of central London, I’d suggest a fun-filled day of conquering the top of the trees with the help of ropes, hanging bridges and zip wires. Go Ape! is basically like a giant climbing frame for kids and adults alike. Plus if you are getting the tube, the closest station is Cockfosters – the station that provides a giggle whenever you say its name.
