Connor Gibson

London

Theo’s Pizzeria is greater than the sum of its parts. The interior design lends itself to life's great pastime; eating lunch. Danish interior, white wash walls and natural light seeping through the floor to ceiling windows creates an ethereal atmosphere. The lunchtime special panuozzo; specifically the tuna with mozzarella and their fiery fermented chilli condiment is a steal for only a fiver, split an Aubergine Parm and you're looking at a killer lunch.

One of life's great pleasures is rocking up at St John Bread and Wine past 9pm for a late evening dessert and digestive. With a pudding menu that is almost the same size as the mains, it’s worth ordering a selection of British classics such as ‘steamed pudding and custard’ or the ‘Eccles cake and Lancashire cheese’ and a bottle of Gamay to start proceedings. Moving swiftly on to Fergronies or Manhattans is the move, there’s a sense of beating the system.

Hole in the wall joints are few and far between in London, if something is good then it’s usually trying to capitalise on the gentrification of an area. Surrey Quays is a culinary wasteland but La Chingada makes it well worth the visit. The owner hailing from Mexico City is producing suardero and al pastor tacos and molettes with fiery salsas and Mexican beverages. It’s cheap, it’s cheerful and more importantly, it’s legit which is something missing in other London Mexican establishments.

Filipino food in London hasn’t had a light shone on it yet but Budgie is doing amazing things from his hole in the wall restaurant in Brixton Market. His signature dish is Lechon; slow cooked rolled pork belly with glass like skin and stuffed with Lemongrass and other fine things. Budgie has a fine dining background so brings that precision and is really showcasing Filipino food in a casual setting.

There’s rarely a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than a bracing walk in Hampstead heath followed by a pint by the fire and a pork roll at the Southampton Arms. A proper boozer with tables full of regulars, this is a pub that does things properly. Independent Ales, warm pork and apple rolls, Mature cheddar and chutney sarnies, it’s as British as you can get.

This is what I would call the Soho double, it’s a hark back to old Soho and its Italian roots and is the perfect lunchtime combo. I Camisa & Sons is London's original Italian deli and is the perfect spot to grab a cured meat sandwich. Follow this up with a negroni at Bar Termini. Perch at the bar and get the perfect pour negroni, there’s a 20th century charm to the service and the feeling that you’re putting the world to rights.

Palace records situated in a side street off of Crystal palace high street is the epitome of digging culture. The owner buys in Job lot record collections, primarily of late 90’s, early 2000s deep house and techno. They give you the space to properly dig and find some gems and the owner is always on hand to give you a little nudge in the right direction.

Guide to London’s Best Restaurants with Connor

My Life As Ali Thomas

Bangkok

Looking for stuff to really sink your mind into? Here’s the place. A five-storey art museum filled with very interesting perspectives; a day to really dig deep into the minds of others.

Let’s go shoot some stuff! A short trip just over on the other side of the city, blow off some steam, feel that kick in your soul.

Private dinner, good conversations, paintings, pairing warmth with a sense of wholesome, feels like coming home, tastes like home. Get those warm, fuzzy feelings back in your heart.

Best live music in the city. Feel the wine flowing and drop by after dinner, whether you’re wandering alone or with company, Saxophone Pub welcomes all wanderers!

Get a massage while you’re here. Aside from the soul, your body needs soothing too.

Be weird, be curious, be whatever – here’s the place for that. Great escape – back to the basics – to simplicity. A reset button for your soul to do and be whatever it needs to.

My Life as Ali Thomas Show Us Their Favourite Spots in Bangkok

Interplanetary Criminal

Manchester

The finest menswear shop in the north. Original Mephisto stockist and curated garms. OP is a certified dress code in Manchester.

Spent a lot of time behind the cage in Room 1 – what more could you ask for in a club in Manchester? Gritty with great sound and the finest line-ups. Chef's kiss.

The only place to get exceptional vintage Italian designer wear among other pieces in Manny.

Secondhand vinyl mostly [with] a massive bounce/donk collection alongside house and techno. I’ve found some gems in here.

Arguably the best club nights in the UK. The production levels are insane, the line-ups are phenomenal and it's in a massive warehouse.

I’ve heard people say this is the best club in the UK right now, and I can get beside that. It feels closer to Berlin than the UK, housing a lot of sick Manchester-based collectives' club nights.

Interplanetary Criminal’s Guide to Clubs and Shops in Manchester

It's Bangkok's most legendary shopping mall and entertainment centre. I often come here to get inspired by the diverse vibe, ranging from a cyberpunk-themed maid cafe to Teen Pop Idol gigs. You can easily spot many young cross-players and teenagers dressed in Lolita or goth fashion. Don't forget to try the excellent food court there. MBK reminds me a lot of the fresh future of Bangkok youth.

A record store where I often bump into local DJs and have conversations about music and the scene. There are always new local DJs and international ones spinning there, playing indie music and underground tracks. You can find anything from old Thai country vinyl to contemporary pop records, along with some really tasty cocktails. The bar is also owned by a singer and songwriter from my favourite all-female band: Yellow Fang.

This is Bangkok's Akihabara, the Otaku sanctuary. It's the hub of Japanese anime figures, toys and video games, where you can easily lose track of time in a paradise of eye-popping displays with fully stocked shelves of cute toys. Additionally, if you're looking for vintage cameras, this is the ideal spot to find one.

This is an iconic bar that embraces alternative and is LGBTQIA+ friendly. Here, you'll find drag queens performing lip-syncs to 'Smells Like Teen Spirit,' alongside Britney Spears B-side tracks. They also host karaoke nights where you can sing anything from Radiohead to Taylor Swift amid the bustling tourist street of Khao San. You'll experience a complete contrast in the vibe of this bar, almost like falling down the rabbit hole of Alice in Wonderland.

Recently, Photoautomat has become trendy among Bangkok teenagers. There are numerous photo booths across town. Among them, the one located in the midst of Siam Square (the shopping street) is the most well-known. It features various photo booths with different themes and styles, most of which look fashionable and Instagram-worthy. You'll encounter stylish Bangkok youth dressed up in Y2K fashion, patiently waiting in line to use all the photo booths there.

I swear, this is the cutest store in town filled with stickers, postcards, gliptok, posters, fan art, K-Pop keychains, Y2K fashion clothing from local artists and brands – and also sticker machines. Located in the heart of Siam Square, this store brings back the early 2000s vibe of the area where people simply enjoyed their fashion and were ready to be photographed by random photographers. You can come and get some spectacular souvenirs that will impress your friends back home.

This is the spot for hip-hop enthusiasts, where you can come to listen to new sounds from underground DJs and collectives from various cities. Blaq Lyte used to be a small bar where everyone knew each other, and it's where I met many renowned Thai rappers. Now, it has grown even larger and gained more recognition in the scene, but it still maintains the same vibe.

The Rock Pub is a classic venue that has been open for more than 20 years. It's known as Bangkok's house of punk, metal, alternative and all things rock 'n' roll with a dive bar style. Yes, it's Bangkok's CBGB, where you can hear live bands playing classic numbers like Green Day, Blink 182, My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy and many more.

As you may already know, Thailand is the land of superstition, and this occult statue in Bangkok has become its urban legend. The statue features a gargoyle-like figure with long red nails that creeps many people out. It has even been featured on national news, challenging traditional Buddhist beliefs. There is still no confirmation about whether this statue is associated with white or black magic. Therefore, my suggestion is to avoid making any deals if you don't want to get in any trouble.

Prepare yourself for the 500 Shades of Bangkok. If you have a kinky side, this one's for you. It's an LGBTQIA+ friendly cafe with a fetish and BDSM theme, owned by ForFun: a fetish wear store and a BDSM community next to it. The coffee and cocktail menu features names like Master & Slave, Bondage and Pet Play. The ambience is adorned with leather and chains, and the red light shines brightly. If you're seeking a unique afternoon tea experience with the scent of leather and a hint of pain, this is the perfect spot for you.

Nuh Peace on 10 Places You Need to Visit in Bangkok

Conducta

Bristol

An amazing gallery space near Bristols Harbourside. Have been to countless exhibitions & talks there whilst growing up & they do a great job of amplifying a diverse range of culture.

When I was 15 I snuck out to play my first gig here, clanged a lot but have fond memories of the place. Really intimate basement bar & great club venue

Beautiful cider bar on a boat where I met my first manager & best friend a few years ago. Somewhere I would always go for food or drink before a hometown show

A venue in Bristol v close to my heart. Threw my first EP launch in 2016 here with a producer called Notion also from Bris & it was one of the best nights I’ve played to this day. We manage to sell out & energy in the room that day was crazy. It came full circle last year where I sold it out again on my record labels Klub Kiwi tour.

Close to where I grew up in Bristol, a park I have fond memories of being chased home by dogs from. A very serene, lowkey park which is perfect for a long walk & alone time. Also quite hilly & perfect for bike rides.

5* Pizza. Perfect balance of cosiness & intimacy with great lighting.

I played my first festival here for Love the saves day. But growing up here was a good escape from my mums trips to IKEA which were around the corner

A low key bar, tucked away as you enter stokes croft. Close to essentials such as Crofters rights & bilbos!!

Often when I’ve been booked to play in bristol, motion has been the homecoming location. One of my best shows came at sequences festival a few summers ago where I played in the courtyard

Discover Bristol with Garage Producer Conducta

Loco Dice

Düsseldorf

You should visit a Fortuna Düsseldorf football game in our stadium. Fortuna fans are one of the best, and the atmosphere is fantastic.

For simply sitting in a café and people-watching. You’ll figure out why once you’ve experienced it for yourself.

One of the last 'cool' clubs with interesting, different music, in comparison to experiences you might have in your regular club.

A forest, for its forest! and long quiet walks.

Just get a bicycle or inline skates and enjoy. Just be aware that suddenly you might end up in the Netherlands.

Famous Uerige beer tavern at the longest bar in the world. Order a cold beer and enjoy one of the authentic tastes of Düsseldorf.

Düsseldorf with Loco Dice

Kwaku

You can do different things without having to go far.  In a group of friends there is something for everyone: food, drink, dance. The fusion [combines] barbecue and Chinese cuisine.


The spectrum of genres available is very eclectic, like my own music taste. My grandad founded the first record label in Ghana in 1954. They released all records on vinyl and it’s been in my life since I could remember.


There’s so much to do in London, there is something for everyone whether it be food, activities and music. It being a multi-purpose space with fusion food available shows that it’s a collaboration of interest and different spaces giving this space a cultural identity. I like the architecture and how every room is close by but has a completely different purpose.

I love the layout and vibe of the place. From the cafe to the baths and sauna boxes being outside. Feels more natural and an actual place of community as opposed to a man-made structure simply meant for a business. It feels deeper and personal, and the staff are great. It being in east London is a bonus as it’s my favourite place.


I’m an active person and go the gym five days a week so doing this after a session aids recovery. I feel less stiff before the studio, rehearsals, meetings and shoots. People here share different ways they relax and recover, to aid people’s health and well-being. You get the feeling people here care for one another. A health-based collaboration based on openness, if you will. In the cold baths I’d say [stay for] two to three minutes. In the ice bath I’d say 45-90 seconds.

Seen a lot of my friends perform here who have gone on to do great things. It’s a bit rough around the edges but it’s part of its charm. Homegrown talent showing, nothing to hide behind here and it shows the true essence of musicians on this stage. The playlist in the pub is great too. It’s a place for local and emerging talent to gig, and for the community to have a place to chill and discuss that isn’t home or work.

You can find great vintage Levis, denim and the best jackets. I picked up a khaki bomber jacket and I had to stop myself from getting some cargos to match. [Atika is] vibrant, eclectic and friendly! You’re greeted on the way in and asked straight away if you need any help. Thrifting is a great activity to find pieces that have a story, a lot of them are rare and can’t be found anywhere so it’s discontinued or hard to find which makes your personal style even more unique.


Sustainable fashion is something that should be more prevalent. London is a busy city contributing to a lot of emissions. New clothes don’t always need to be made and places like this with high-quality vintage pieces is important.

4 Cultural Hotspots You Need to Visit in London with Kwaku Asante

Abuja

I really like Play, it's that one spot where me and my guys go to hear loud music or just to unwind and have a night out. The club has a cool vibe to it and we always have fun there.

Whenever I go to Vanilla, I like to order the lamb shank or the goat asun tostadas with some rum. If I’m to go with my guys we just chill at the lounge and drink liquor. But Vanilla is nice in Maitama.

I like when they have karaoke nights here. Depending on how much alcohol is in my system, I will sing some Bob Marley for them.

The best nightclub in Abuja. If you want to hear the latest you have to be at Cubana. A song can drop today and trust me when I say you will hear it at Cubana the same day. The DJs are too tapped in!

This place is great for the midweek. Guys just get together, chill and drink beer. Talk about music, talk about life – a place to catch up that is not in the studio. We still talk about all the music we create, but change of scenery, same conversation kind of setting – you get me.

Bowling is one of my favourite pastimes, and they have some nice burgers here too; I like to go here alone. People think bowling alone is weird but it's not. Not everything is a competition or about winning, sometimes it's about mastering the game.

This is a chill spot for a quick munch with their wings and Singapore rice. It does the job.

Johnny Rockets is an American franchise so if you want some American type of burger, this is the place for you.

This is a place you go to when you want to celebrate yourself or someone. The prices are high but the food is nice.

Nice spot to go to on the weekends for some wings and chips in the garden.

A Guide to Abuja, Nigeria, by Odumodublvck

Matt Wilkinson

Cornwall

The name says it all - a tiny hut, hidden away near beautiful Portscatho. This is a legendary local institution, serving awesome, fresh takeaway grub. Their feast nights are off the scale, and their recipe book is great as well.

I always go to this old-school pub whenever I’m back - it’s like a classic, trinket-filled, Aladdin’s cave of a place. Amazing views too, as it’s just metres from one of the most epic harbours on the planet. Go when it’s stormy!

The paddleboarding club at my local beach, Gyllyngvase. Absolutely anyone can paddleboard - here you can take lessons or just head out on your own.

Whether it’s foraging, game butchery, bush-crafting or canoeing, this camping and glamping activity spot - with a central hub for socialising - is remote and beautiful.

The most westerly surf spot in the country, and one of the most breath-taking beaches on the planet, in my opinion. Great for walks, too.

Finisterre have really taken beachwear to the next level. Their surf clothes are tailor-made for the cold climate, and their streetwear is great too.

Cornwall with Matt Wilkinson

Silk Road has been a mainstay on the London Chinese restaurant scene and certainly remains the best option south of the river. Its Xinjiang-style Sichuan dishes have been consistently numbing mouths and burning tongues for well over a decade now. Although the mountains of long dried chillies have been somewhat curtailed for the less capable spice palate of the clientele, even these more accessible iterations of classic, home-style dishes are delicious in their lashings of black vinegar and hot oil. Our order has been remarkably unchanged for a long time. Order lamb skewers, pork and black fungus fried beef dumplings, cucumber salad, home-style aubergine, home-style cabbage with rice and luxury noodles.

Nestled in a corner of a Brutalist estate courtyard, Zeret always offers a convivial welcome and setting. Tafe Beleynah, the matriarch of this unassuming Ethiopian restaurant, will encourage you to order from the sharing platter, with a view to reordering your favourite options. Portions are ample however, so maybe take note of firm favourites and plan your return with new familiarity of the menu. The platters are arranged on injera – a fermented flatbread designed to grip and dip at the various lashings of vegan and meat stews. Cutlery is not provided as standard (although probably available; not that we’ve ever felt the need). Eat with your hands, get tactile; feed yourself and each other. Order the meat selection or vegan selection with an Ethiopian beer.

Grove Lane Deli, as we know it, feels like something from a Richard Curtis Movie. Any Camberwell coffee devotee has made GLD part of their daily routine, and if Jackie Chan was right and "coffee is a language in itself", then Danielle – the owner and baker – speaks with great fluency. The coffee, pastries, well-curated selection of posh, dry goods and natural wines make for fun shopping when you fancy a treat. Order the chicken focaccia sandwich (if it hasn’t sold out), burnt milk cookie and coffee. We write this in memorandum of GLD's former self. As of July 2024, it is going through a mysterious transformation – so watch this space.

We first happened upon Betty's just after they had opened. The owner, Andres, thrust plates of his flamed grilled chorizo and potatoes smothered with salsa verde into our hands, before cordially ushering us through the door past the haze from his daring curbside barbecue. We sat and heeded advice to opt for the sopa del dia – a broth rich in beef collagen and punctuated with bright vegetables, paired with the recommended plump long grain rice and avocado that somehow tasted of something beyond the water usually wasted in its cultivation. Not soon after we’d perched, the fire brigade showed up with something to say about Andres’ barbecuing practices. Some light-hearted bribery with grilled meats and good hospitality reassured them, but now you can find Betty's barbecue on less flammable ground at the Camberwell Farmers Market every Saturday from 11am. Order sopa del dia, avocado and rice, empanadas and the BBQ on Camberwell Farmers Market every Saturday.

A fairly new addition to Camberwell, Delly's has a cracker of a lunchtime deal. Lunchtime main and two sides and a drink for six [pounds], but if I could tempt you away from the efficiency of the meal deal, then go for their beef patty. An incredibly short and flaky pastry with an invitingly umber hue instead of the standard brilliant yellow. Encases a filling that I’m convinced is a repurposing of their stewed oxtail. Whatever it is, it’s delicious and blows Greggs’ steak bake out of the water at a savvy £1.50.

South London’s supreme ocakbasi spot, FM Mangal is a shining example of fire and flame cookery. Although recently renovated and stylised to something akin to a provincial Essex Instagram fever dream – complete with a faux flower statement wall – the grill still burns with great genetic skill and prowess. Work your way through the chef specials, grab yourself an Adana kebab; the bafflingly good sumac grilled onions and the bread is moistened to perfection with meaty juice run-off to mop it all up. Order the FM Mangal chef's special:  lamb beyti aubergine.

Lockdown sandwich maestros are slinging their playfully named sub-roll bangers from bustling pub destinations: the Grove House Tavern and The White Horse in Peckham. Their lunchtime executive solutions, once the saviour of working from home isolation, are still out for delivery daily. We worked alongside these fellas for a good while and gladly scoffed their sandwiches on the regs – and without fatigue. Don’t miss their evening menu either, perfectly calibrated alongside fun and pint sinking. Order literally any sandwich.

An unassumingly credible Dominican food spot. Despite its name, we would recommend to flip the menu and ignore the breakfast. As far as South American food goes, expect lots of fried meats piled high on a plate. This is a real great alternative to the fry-up if you’ve had a few too many beverages the night before. Order the empanadas, parrillada and the pollo a la canasta.

The obvious caff in Camberwell to nurse a hangover would be Rock Steady Eddies, but we prefer to drag ourselves a bit further up Coldharbour Lane to Johnnies. A sensory overload at every turn, this diner is the perfect spot for people watching. At peak times there’s a queue out the door but wait it out if you can. [You'll be] well fed for around a tenner. Order the full English.

Theo’s pizza is one of the closest replicants of Neopolitan-style pizza we’ve come across in London. We spent the best part of a week in the Italian centre of pizza, consuming 17 pizzas in five days, so we got a decent grasp of what was good and how it should be. Although that pizza pilgrimage is still definitely unrivalled, Theo’s does pretty damn well and, if anything, their pizza fritta comes the closest to the Italian original. Aside from strictly pizza authenticity, Theo’s works well as a restaurant with scope outside of their main commodity. Their sharing plates of mortadella, guindilla peppers and puffed fried dough nuggets are a great way to limber up before the main event. And there’s that tiramisu that’s just about perfectly formed and available for takeaway if the gluten overload has rendered dessert a bridge too far. Order the sharing platter, calzone and tiramisu.

Many of us have a very precise configuration of what to order at the British-Chinese takeaway. Regularly passed down a generation, these precisely recited orders become admitted into a kind of British oral history. Van Hing can cater to cravings for the classics, like salt and pepper dishes and Singapore noodles, while also hosting Vietnamese-style offerings as well. Van Hing does what it does and it does it well. You shouldn’t expect modern ‘elevated’ Pan-Asian fusion cooking or the like here; it’s a good, solid choice for cheap and quick eats. Order the sea-spiced aubergine.

The steady decline of the independent boozer is a sad marker of hard times. As pub chains and monopolies swoop in across south London, the essential soul of a good pub is being lost to the sterile formula of the modern gastropub nightmare. This is why we revere places like The Hermits Cave. It may not be the most comfortable or the best equipped, but it does have character. There’s no food offering here, but you’re invited to take your pick from the bounties of Camberwell New Road and eat it in the pub, with local hotspots like Silk Road, FM Mangal or Theo’s to accompany your pint.

Toad Bakery, formerly Frog Bakery, has dominated a market saturated with laminated baked goods. Toad’s creativity in the field is refreshing and despite the cost of butter soaring to almost crisis levels, they never skimp. In a conversation with the lovely owners, Rebecca and Oliver, they admitted that butter was their chief expenditure after staffing costs and it shows. Their Hawaiian spin on a Danish with ham hock and pineapple has been a firm favourite. Their innovative and daring combinations will have you pushing the boundaries of your tastebuds on your morning commute. Regular queues out the door are a sure sign of something good. RIP Frog, long live Toad.

Huong Vi Viet had big boots to fill, stepping into the premises of its now neighbour Silk Road. [This is] a family-run and orientated restaurant with multi-generational staff bringing warm hosting and authentic feeling dishes. The offering spans from the rice noodle to salads of the same extraction, soups and pho (we all know and love), but [the menu] eclipses the usual Anglified plod with some real home-style flourishes. Come hungry as the aunties in the kitchen are here to feed with great maternal instinct. The attentive staff will recommend the best dishes to your taste – we love the bún chả nem Hanoi.

Cutie Pies on Their Top Food Spots in Camberwell, London

The Flag Twins

This is new on the Peckham scene. It's been open for about a year now. It feels mad safe and when you're out you obviously want to make sure that the vibes are correct, so it gives you that level of homeyness. Having a place where you can turn up, feel cosy, get mashed and have fun with your friends is a vibe!

Being in the heart of Peckham you do really feel its pulse. You feel its energy every Friday when there's a queue stretching down to the police station. You have to recognise what's going on in the area, it's becoming fully gentrified. Prince of Peckham is changing the narrative for modern day British pubs and it's one of the last pubs that's recognised as a place for the community and for people that identify as ethnic minorities.

Before you talk about The Flygerians you need to talk about the founders, twins Jess and Joel. They have a lot of Nigerian takes on classic dishes so for people that don't have an introduction to Nigerian food, its a bit of a more palatable way and a nice introduction into getting a taste of those Nigerian flavours.

 Peckham With The Flag Twins

Winston Surfshirt

Sydney

A piece of grass that is known by the locals as 'The Office'. Sitting on the grass in front of the harbour on a Sunday afternoon with a beer is like having a Sunday Roast in England.

The best beer in Straya, the best pub in Manly. This would be my local go to for a good pint. Can take your dog down and sit outside with a pint in hand. Tip: Wednesday night Pub Quiz.

One of the most beautiful beaches on the Northern Beaches, tiny little cove around from Manly Beach, no waves just the perfect spot to relax.

Fast or Slow Ferry, 15 minutes or 30 minutes, wether you need to get there quick or slow its the best way to see Sydney Harbour. Can get a drink and sit upstairs as you float between the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

If you're looking for a good view of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney, walk up to Observatory Hill and sit on the grass.

My favourite record store, in the middle of the city behind QVB, they'll have what you are and aren't looking for

Lil dive bar in Darlinghurst, if you like spicy food, tinnies n loud music get your fix here.

Another of my fave pubs in Sydney, located in the Rocks (old Sydney) its beautiful round there... Love a Lord Nelson.

Ocean Extreme... They take you out on a dope lil boat with music blaring and fly up and down the coast, if you're in the right season you'll get to see migrating Humpback Whales breaching... It's insane. Best chance of whales around June/July.

Sydney with band, Winston Surfshirt

Nasty C

Johannesburg

It's a place where you get to enjoy being outdoors and connecting to nature. A quick get-away from the city with tiny restaurants with good food and a great chilled vibe. There is always something new to experience in Harties. A great place to enjoy yourself and bask under Africa's sunny skies.

It always comes through with great old-school hip-hop and r&b music that brings back some of the best childhood memories. Melville is a place where the young, trendy and the old meet.

Rockets never disappoints when looking for a great night-out. The crowd is amazing and the drinks keep flowing. Everybody is there to just have a good time

I am big on gaming and motorsports. This spot offers some of the greatest motoring events at international standards.

A man needs to eat every now and then. This spot is a great place to catch up with friends while having some good food.

Shopping is one of my favourite things. This shopping centre is cosy and offers so easy different restaurants and retail stores. It's also easy to get around.

Nicely secluded boutique hotel. It has a relaxing and chilled ambience when in need of luxury treatment and relaxation.

Johannesburg is the concrete jungle where we hustle and chase our dreams. This area is where you get first-hand experience of authentic cultural expression of all those chasing their dreams and making things happen. The people here are very friendly and genuine.

This is an urban part of the city that is full of creative energy. The block is the arts and culture hub of Johannesburg.

A unique cosy bar that offers South African cuisine. It blasts some of the best of local music too.

Johannesburg with Nasty C

Rainmaker 

Medellin

Versalles is one of the traditional meeting points of the city, I have eaten at Versalles for more than 10 years now. I first discovered it whilst my parents brought me to “Juninear” (go to Junín, a neighborhood in the center of the city, to have a snack in the afternoons). I highly recommend the Milanesa.

The UVA or Articulated Life Units are a project that seeks to take advantage of water storage spaces to unite the community around water, light and landscape There are a total of 12 UVA throughout the city, in each of them there are cultural and recreational events. My favorite for its view is the UVA of Imagination.

Las Torres de Bomboná is much more than a residential complex, it is a benchmark in the center and Medellín, It is a place where you can meet to “Parchar” in one of its several restaurants or bars. Or it is simply the home of many people who inhabit the spacious apartments, or a meeting point for locals and strangers who simply meet in the central park of the residential complex.

An art gallery, an event room. Here I have had many memorable parties in my early days as a musician. La Pascasia is a beautiful and a cultural gem in the center of Medellin. The atmosphere is rich, with Colombian art of every kind.

A.K.A “La Esquina de Fuego” is a special place for me and my people, our meeting point, where you can have a beer and dance from “Perreo" to weird techno, the place that trained me as a DJ. I recommend taking the cocktail "Negro" A mixture of Guarapo (Colombian traditional drink) Rum and salts.

I recently got to know this place, it is an alliance of artists and writers where you can find talks, music and different local brands.

If you’re into ramen and weird anime things, this is your place in Medellin.

Salsa, son, beer and more than forty types of rum. Do i need to tell you something else?

The best place to drink a traditional Colombian "Tinto" Otraparte was the home of the Philosopher Fernando González, now it is a cultural center where you can find different programming and tour the property's gardens and corners. My personal recommendation is: Empanaditas with Ají de Maracuyá.

The Best Places to "Parchar" in Medellín with Rainmaker

PLANET

Great day spot to continue a big night out. Can play giant Jenga, queue tunes on the jukebox and play some games of pool. The bistro is pretty sick as well.

Perfect spot for a post swim schoo. This one is hard to beat from a view perspective - grab a drink from the bar, take a seat on the grass and just vibe. If the mood strikes you can take off your shoes and roll some balls at another, smaller ball. Bliss.

From questionable origins to BBQ heaven. Great spot to come and enjoy some Southern style BBQ in an eclectic beer garden with more plants than a Newtown sharehouse bathroom. Lovely.

They say never mix business with pleasure. ‘They’ are wrong. Had a good few PLANET business meetings here, always very productive. KPI’s smashed. Has a playground for the youngins.

The story here goes that when an old bloke doesn’t show up to his chair one arvo the other locals say “Diddy die?” and that’s how it got called The Diddy. Good ol’ unpretentious bowling club but has had a facelift over the years. Reschs on tap.

Sydney's Best Beer Gardens with PLANET

Kean Kavanagh

Dublin

All the pubs are closed because of Covid? Never fear, the powerscourt steps are always near.

If the pubs do happen to be be open, this is my favourite one in Dublin. Lovely Guinness, mad shit on the walls, snooker table, and the best band of aul lads play on Thursday nights. They have reignited my love of music so many times.

The best record shop in town. Olan who runs it is one of the most important patrons of small labels and independent artists in Dublin and Soft Boy owe so much to his dedication to new music. Go downstairs and get a lovely haircut in Faction barbers too.

The best camera shop in town. Get some rolls of film developed or enjoy John's warm presence and a poem if you're lucky.


My favourite place to go for a swim. A bit of a way out from town but a swim here will enhance any day of your life.

So big. Big big park. Always a new place to find on a cycle.

Pint of Guinness for under €4. Say no more.

You'll have good nights, you'll have bad nights, but thank the Lord it's still here. Not a lot of small venues left in Dublin that can put on a great intimate gig or go to when the pubs close and you need one more drink.

Dublin with Kean Kavanagh

Paul Camo

Margate

Palm Bay Skates is on Northdown Road, and it's the place [where] I get all my caps from now. Run by Matt and Sarah, they make all their garments onsite, or use UK-based factories for items they don't make themselves. They also have an embroidering machine onsite which is always in use, making quality patches. Their lines are constantly expanding but there's always a few essentials in store. Go check them out for baseball caps, jerseys. hoodies, t-shirts and beanies.

There are a few really good art galleries and spaces here in Margate: Carl Freeman, Quench Gallery, Crate and Penthouse Margate – to name a few. But I'm picking out Well Projects as my tip. It's about three quarters of the way up Northdown Road in Cliftonville and it's an artist-led gallery. [It] always has very interesting, curated exhibitions from emerging artists, which can range from video and sound installations, performances and talks to sculpture, ceramics, paintings and print-based work.

Situated at the foot of the high street, in a small shopping area called The Centre. Elsewhere is a brilliant live music venue, record shop and bar. It's been a champion of both independent and local bands since it opened, but has also become a choice venue for a lot of better known acts too. I have to give a shout out to Sammy (Arts Cool), who is responsible for a lot of what I love about Elsewhere. We must support local independent venues.

Dalby's is a bit of a Margate institute. Simply put, it serves up a banging fry up. Perfect for a Sunday morning breakfast after a big night out.

If fry ups aren't your thing, go check Forts out. The coffee is so good, everything on the food menu is also banging. You basically can't go wrong with any choice.

Sargasso is a great restaurant out on the harbour arm, opposite the old town. It is run by the team behind Brawn in London. They have a lot of locally-sourced produce, the wine list is on point and they're now doing the most gorgeous soft serve. Be sure to book in advance as it's a popular one due to its beautifully executed and delicious menu, and buzzing atmosphere.

My favourite place to get a drink has got to be Rose in June, run by legendary landlord and all-round top guy Deke. Before I moved to Margate, Deke used to run my favourite London pub, Three Kings, in Clerkenwell. Rose in June is a little off the beaten track, which I like; it's cosy, authentic and [has a] well-curated interior with a nice, old-school vibe. They also serve some great grub. It's worth checking Deke's new spot, Off Licence, which is a smaller bar opposite the Lido tower.

If you've got time, you've got to check out the Shell Grotto. If you haven't got time, make time. It's not something you'll experience very often. It's a subterranean grotto that was discovered in 1835 and is covered with 4.6 million shells. Little is known about the Shell Grotto's reason for being, but one thing is for sure – it's quite amazing. Whilst you're at it, also go visit the Margate Caves which is nearby.

Run by two local legends, Rae and Cynthia, Werkhaus is an expertly curated shop of modern utilitarian womenswear and vintage garments on High St. The shop used to be an old launderette. The High St has seen an influx of independent shops popping up in recent years. Whilst visiting Werkhaus, it's also worth popping into Margate Gift Store, Kill Me Now and L'Absurde.

A Weekend Break to Margate With Paul Camo

Amanda Mussi

Asunción

Night club in the central area, located in the basement of a classic hotel from the 80's, the club kept the original architecture and furniture, and it's a very unique and elegant space with a great sound system and atmosphere, it's where I play monthly as a resident DJ, and there are techno nights on Saturdays and different styles on Fridays hosting guest events. It's where I had the best cocktails in town. Best Cocktail: Thai Massage

Bar and club located in Las Mercedes neighbourhood, where I also play monthly, the venue has a Thursday night run by Inbetween label, with residents and guests DJs. The venue has a small and cozy but powerful dancefloor with a bar, and drinks menu is simple but proper: draft beer, Fernet & Coke and Gin&Tonic are the favourites there.

New venue in Centro, located at an old colonial big house, where the space was adapted to a music recording studio, a café and a nightclub and record shop called Panpanam.

Asian fusion restaurant in Las Mercedes with great cocktails, a cozy backyard with music and an inside more intimate area. 
Best cocktail: Las Mercedes / Best Meal: Chicken Bimbibap and Veggie Mandu


Gourmet versions of typical Paraguayan food, like manioc, empanadas, corn, meat, normally I order to share, dishes come in small portions, so I usually order all the menu and share everything. Their menu is constantly changing and everything is absurdly delicious.

It's a bar, with a pub vibe, owned by skateboarders, located in Las Lomas, they serve tapas, finger food and various craft beer brands.

100% sourdough bread take away bakery, located in Villa Morra and Las Mercedes. They're whole wheat bread is my favorite for breakfast, they also sell croissants, brownies and other sweet bakery

Their slogan says it all "Cocina sin Raíces" - which means "rootless kitchen", they basically have pizza and tapas, and a variety of dishes from typical local food to hamburger and fries. Located in barrio Mburucuyá, at a dead end street, with tables outside and inside, nice music selection.

Local and latin-american clay & sculpture museum, with contemporary exhibitions and antique art collection. 

Contemporary art gallery/space and house in 2 addresses, with guided visits, open space to see the house, artist’s studio, workshops, events.


Legendary Tattoo studio in Centro from one of the first tattoo artists of Paraguay; Walter de Souza Lobo, traditional and Japanese tattoos and where many travelling artists also work while in town. 

Amanda Mussi's Guide to Asunción

Tesselated

Jamaica

"Secluded, calm beach spot. One of my favourite places to get away from the city for the day and just breathe for a minute.

The ideal coffee spot. Just outside the city up in the Blue Mountains - super calm vibes. Sometimes I just go here to escape the heat in the summer.

My go-to spot for some rum with bredrins, old school vibes. You get your drinks and food; no frills but consistent every time.

Fire Mexican/Jamaican fusion spot. Always a solid option for lunch and also the venue for many lowkey mid-week events.

Unmarked but one of the most iconic spots. A dead end road overlooking the city, the scene of many many late night gatherings since teenage years.

Jamaica with Tessellated

A favourite meander on a Saturday morning is through here, a coffee at Arabica, some cauliflower and peas from Gujarati Rasoi, then via Columbia Road down to Shoreditch.

While it doesn’t look like all the new trendy coffee shops – it is Greek originally – there is the quality of the coffee (and the nuts); but more importantly, the vibe and the sense of community is amazing. You wouldn’t think of Knightsbridge that way but it totally has a magic, it’s exactly what you want from the place you go all the time.

Our top brunch spot [with] the pianist Xavier playing pop, a steak tartare and frites and a (very) spicy Bloody Mary. Always sit at the bar.

Every Friday, our Nana would fry fish but in matzo meal. I’m still not sure how this came about historically, but that’s how I have it always and for me, this is one of the very best in London, hidden away near King's Cross in Bloomsbury. [Order] cod or haddock and chips, of course, and lots of vinegar!

There is an obvious disclaimer but the truth is we eat there all the time, never am not in the mood.

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