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

Polyswitch 

Casablanca

Imagined by architect Pierre Bousquet in 1918, Marche Central is a staple "Souk" market located in the heart of Casablanca and emblematic heritage locals take pride in. Known particularly for its fresh offerings of local fish, but also meats, vegetables, rare spics and flowers, Marche Central represents a cultural experience, always a great pick for lunch and a walk in the surroundings. 

Every local can attest the best juices and smoothies in town are pressed here, I tried all the juices and they're all worth a shot. Open 24/7, the prices are reasonable and the staff are very friendly even when the orders come in heavy. 

To me, this place represents the true feel of a sunny local cafe terrace, perfect for reading a book or ideating about your next project. Bring your pastries from the corner, order a mint tea and enjoy the atmosphere. 

My gateway to Casablanca of the past, the Habbous neighbourhood is a pleasant and magical area. The ideal spot for those who seek Moroccan authenticity in Casablanca, aimed at an idealised version of the old Medina, located in one of the most ancient districts in town, its narrow alleys are charming to stroll around in. You can follow the arches and they will lead you to neat open-air markets, bookshops and bazaars. With such a serene aura, time spent in is assured to prevail over the bustling city life. 

Established in 1950, this place never disappoints, I've been coming over since my childhood. They offer a fabulous selection of ice cream and desserts in an impeccable context and beautiful decor, inarguably the best in town. The menu is extensive but, I don't think they have a bad flavour. 

My favourite spot to watch sunsets and sunrises from in Casablanca. 

A record store that knew how to portray the spirit of the city, "DISQUES GAM" was more than just a music store, it was the leading institution that generously served Casablanca, and the country as a whole with music for over 50 years, a goldmine for any record collector. Established by a very passionate and resilient man, "Boujemaa" was the last survivor of the many record stores Casablanca had back in the day, he always believed in vinyl as the best format, and he was right.

"Boujemaa" passed just a few years ago but his legacy will live on forever.

The 7 Best Places to Visit in Casablanca with Polyswitch

RONI

Paris

This is the second address in Paris after Lolo Cave à manger, down my house. Beautiful set up, amaaaazing food and quality natural wine. I’m in love with that place, I feel everything is perfect I just love it! Lolo will make you cosy. 

Fancy a cool outdoor place outside of Paris with good food and natural wine? Head to Kiosque Contours in Clichy. Former Machine du Moulin Rouge artistic director Marc Resplandy brought that cool place to life, with chef residencies, and good music!

If you fancy good food, natural wine and a nice listening session, head to Bambino. They have a beautiful and really good sound-system and fantastic music library.

For the natural wine lovers like me, this is a great wine shop located between 2 of the best restaurants in Paris Le Dauphin & La Chateaubriand.

This is a treat you have to give yourself. The chef Daniel Morgan is absolutely incredible. If you’re looking for incrediiiiiibly good food you won’t regret it. It’s a menu but really worth it and great natural wine. Book in advance it’s always full!

That is another cool natural wine address located. Ask for Alex, he’ll take care of you!

I’ll start my journey in Paris with music. That’s really important in a trip, it gives the tone of the city I feel. Dizonord is a cool record store that has a lot of rare records. They have an address in Paris and Marseille too.

I kind of was born there as a DJ, so this is a very important place in Paris where all the French underground scene of France gathers. It’s also a community and a family place :) 


That’s another one I often like to dig, I know Blaise who's been running the shop for a year and he also has good stories about the records to share. They are specialized into electronic music and more specifically Detroit influenced, but also get the cool new releases.


When it comes to clubbing I often go there, they have a very accurate and interesting programming and I did my first gig in a big club there actually :)

We all love to do some shopping, especially in Paris. I love to dress up and style myself but with Climate change I try more and more to buy sustainable clothing and Snow Bunny is the place for cool vintage. Victoria the owner is the queen of fashion and knows her thing. Every creative mind of Paris kind of dress up there. There’s always an unexpected piece you’ll fall in love with.


That’s a bit of my HQ, they opened a year ago and it feels like an Oasis of calm in the craziness of Paris. I do my sport, sauna, brainstorms and meetings over there. Perfect place to treat yourself.

12 Spots in Paris You Need to Visit, Chosen By RONI

Boxout.fm

New Delhi

They are one of the essentials to get the day started for most of the Boxout.fm crew. They initially started as a cafe based in Delhi then expanded to 20 outlets around the country specialising in coffee roasting

Owned by Mr Shah, this spot is located in the middle of Old Delhi. He will offer you tea whilst you dig for tunes. You can find some gems here from Bollywood soundtracks, to classical Indian music to old school Western classics. It is the home of records that are worth £50+ but cost £10+

VegNonVeg also known as “VNV” is India’s first multi-brand sneaker store, based in Delhi. These guys are one of the few people in the city trying to pioneer streetwear culture in India. They also have a sister homegrown clothing brand named Bhaane

Wild City is an online publication that was set up around 8 years ago. Munbir & Sarah the founders moved to New Delhi from London and kick started this. They have a fully functioning office now and are one of the only reliable publications dedicated to underground music in India. They also host an annual music festival in Rajasthan taking place in a Palace every 2nd week of December - highly recommended

Rajinder’s is a place where families and groups of friends gather, either ending their night there or starting it. This is a unique place because it started as one food cart to now owning the whole square. You can order and collect your food and sit outside amongst the others whilst enjoying some of the best, grilled, fried & butter chicken in Delhi. Great as a takeout option if you want to avoid the heat outdoors!

This is our flagship weekly night we throw in New Delhi. It's a night where our community can come together and have a space to explore new sounds. We have had some sick people play including people like Daedelus, Djrum & Flava DThis is our flagship weekly night we throw in New Delhi. It's a night where our community can come together and have a space to explore new sounds. We have had some sick people play including people like Daedelus, Djrum & Flava D

This is a place where you can find everything from Indian garments to notebooks and stationary and some of the most exciting street food carts exploring all regions of India with over 60+ stalls in total. For an entry of 500 rupees you can enjoy all the above

Lodhi Gardens is a historical park in Delhi, spread over 90acres. One of Delhi’s oldest parks including tombs from some of the last Sayyid Dynasty rulers. A popular place for picnics or enjoying long walks away from the busy Delhi streets

Once known as the house of Jaipur and the former residential palace of JAIPUR Maharaja of Jaipur, it is now the home of all modern art in India. This is a great place to explore art both old and new. NGMA is one of the few galleries in India funded by the government, with branches in Delhi, Mumbai & Bangalore

Qutub Minar is a historical landmark in Delhi. This is a place if you are feeling touristic and wanting to dive into the worlds of early Sultanates

New Delhi with Boxout.fm

Rose Bonica

Cape Town

Our local vinyl store, run by a group of really amazing people. They describe it as a “community record store for colourful music”. Check out their online store and The Other Radio that brings you shows hosted by a whole selection of South African artists and DJs.

There's no way you can visit Cape Town without driving along Chapmans Peak and getting a photo at the Lookout Point. For people who live here, Chappies is still one of the go to spots on a Sunday drive. I mean how can it not be with a view like this.

Definitely one of my most nostalgic spots, having gone to Llandudno Primary. The sunsets from here are insane! If I’m honest, it's also one of the only beaches I'd go to if I liked to go to the beach.

If you want the best fish and chips in Cape Town. If you disagree, you can always feed the fish to the seagulls.

One of the few clubs that we have in Cape Town. Champagne and NTSC are my favourite nights. Some of their other nights are great too, if you're looking for a bit more of a Berlin techno vibe.

I recently went to the Aquarium to film a live stream and it's definitely my new favourite spot in Cape Town. The best part is that most of the sea life are rescues getting rehabilitated to get put back into the ocean.

The perfect little village to escape to when the city becomes too much. The beach is beyond and there's a beautiful Lake at the end of the beach to float around in when the waves get too much.

Party in an Aquarium? Welcome to Cape Town

David Hanes-Gonzalez

Mexico City 

Boxers from all across the city and state flock here every Saturday morning. Better known as La Casa de Sparring. Ask for Coach Chicano and you’ll be in good hands. Getting here is an equally thrilling experience. You must travel through 10-15 minutes of tianguis, passing hundreds of people, carnicerias, fruit and vegetables vendors, and eventually walk up a flight of stairs of a large warehouse.

Arguably the most scenic place to train in the city. Coach Tony Vega holds private and group classes early in the morning and every evening Monday to Saturday. A great place to train outdoors with a view.

A historic gym located in the Transito neighbourhood. If you are an amateur boxer fighting in Mexico City this place is a rite of passage.

Tucked in the middle of Tepito is another historic gym and home to many champion boxers. It’s open throughout the day with access to a soccer field as well. Come in early morning or around 4pm to train with some of them.

The centre for photography in all of Mexico. I'm very thankful that this institution exists. They have rotating exhibits featuring work from Mexican and Latin American artists, and frequently host workshops, portfolio reviews and other activities for artists of all ranges.

Looking to surround yourself with fellow photographers, develop and buy film, and work on your creative projects all from a rooftop? At Dichroic Lab you can do all that. My go-to place for my film developing needs and nerding out on all things photography.

Come for the coffee, stay for the music. Half coffee shop, half record store where the baristas DJ vinyl. A great space to edit photos or catch up with a friend. The music is so good that using headphones is almost frowned upon. At night they become a cocktail joint with rotating DJs. A must visit.

My perfect night out consists of live music. Former apartment-turned-jazz-club featuring music from local and international musicians. An intimate space, perfect for a date night or gathering with a group of friends. Make a reservation two days in advance so you can get a seat in the main room.

A good indicator of a classic taqueria is one that doesn’t have Instagram or accepts cards. This is my favourite in all of the city. If you need a reason why, read the 40,000 reviews on Google Maps or check out the line on any given Saturday or Sunday morning. Order the carnitas, you won’t be disappointed.

A small pulqueria and cantina located in Roma. A place I like to take visitors. Come here during the day or late night with a group of friends. Order a round of mezcal shots and pitcher of coconut pulque while listening to Mexican classics like Luis Miguel, Juan Gabriel and Los Angeles Azules.

A Guide to Mexico City’s Boxing Gyms and Cultural Hotspots

Khruangbin

Houston

The vibe is great here. There's a functioning reel to reel tape machine providing the soundscape that greets you at the entrance. The entire menu is fire, but don't leave without trying the "Nancy Cakes.

Lots of records, cassettes, CDs and band swag here. There's also a small stage there as well that Khruangbin played many years ago.

Affectionately called "Rudz". Mark, Laura & I hung out here practically every Tuesday night before starting Khruangbin. Burger with cheddar & fresh jalapeños with a side of tots...and a side of mayo for dipping the tots.

Coolest late night hang in town, and if you can catch DJ Sun spinning while you're there, you're in for a treat.

Best BBQ spot on the Nawfside of the H. Can't go wrong with a chopped beef sandwich.

Hats fitted and made to order, perched above a barber shop in Downtown Houston.

A quirky gift shop filled with fun trinkets located in Rice Village.

Authentic Tex-Mex. An order of queso for the table, and chicken & beef combination fajitas. Corn or Flour tortillas is a big debate, but it's totally your call (I dig flour)

There's always interesting, well curated exhibits on display here throughout the year. James Turrell's "The Light Inside" installation lives there.

Khruangbin's Favourite Spots in Houston

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

Lisbon

Once located in the Santos area, now in Cais do Sodré. Still a one of a kind house for music, dancing and meeting all kinds of people from various backgrounds.

One of the most revered independent record stores in Lisbon, owned by three good friends of mine. Best spot to try to score any copies still available of the Príncipe back catalogue.

A space concept by Hernâni Miguel, a major player in supporting the African nights in Lisbon and its affirmation in the city.

Whoever comes into O Cantinho da Ameixoeira is immediately immersed in a truly lusophone African embassy in the Ameixoeira Velha area, from its decorative motifs that not only embellish the place but also symbolise the restaurant’s long history and identity. I recommend getting the peixe andala and the molho de fogo – both are typical of São Tomé e Príncipe, where my parents are from.

World-famous joint of nozinha, the mistress of Cape Verdean food. It’s a place to get together, enjoy live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and a cachupa (recognised as one of the best in the greater Lisbon area). I especially recommend chanfana de cabra (a goat Stew typical of the south of Portugal), cachupa (Cape Verdean traditional dish of slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, cassava, sweet potato, meat and morcela) and congo (also a Cape Verdean dish of a stew based on a typical kind of bean called congo).

This non-profit cultural association opened in the Beato area as a space for co-
working for emerging artists, but also with a programme to the public that has
been steadily winning traction with pop-up markets, exhibitions, various
music and outdoor film sessions at night.

Since 2014, Quinta do Mocho – where I have my home studio and where my mamma still lives – started what is now over half a hundred of works of street art displayed on the walls of its social housing project buildings, created and made by acclaimed artists. The guided visits take place in the last Saturday of each month at 10am; meeting point being the Casa da Cultura de Sacavém.

Where to Go in Lisbon, According to DJ Marfox

Yasmin

This is my favourite record shop to find,disco & funk in the city.

Excellent coffee and the best croissant you’ll find outside of France.

I love playing at YuYu cause it’s what a real nightclub should be - a dark, sweaty little basement, a sound system you can feel in your bones and a no phones on the dance floor policy. Mostly techno & electronic music, but you can find some more soulful disco and house played here too.

A lot of people will recommend the ever busy El Parnita next door, but this is the spot for super authentic rural cuisine. There’s no menu at this joint, just tell them what you do / don’t eat and they do the rest.

This market only runs on Saturdays from 8am - 3pm. There are many huge and amazing markets in Mexico City (Lagunilla, Sonora etc) but personally I prefer an easy stroll to an expedition so this is my favourite market for whiling away a few hours on a Saturday. You can find vintage eyewear, records, antique furniture, art and weird trinkets by the boat load.

"I live nearby this taco truck and it’s always poppin. Tasty, cheap and meat-free. Vegan or not you gotta eat these tacos at least once while you’re in the city.

I love to grab a coffee and head to Parque Mexico. It’s a mini jungle in the neighbourhood that's perfect for people watching but even better for dog watching.

This lil spot has an awesome selection of vintage clothes, prints by local artists and accessories by local designers.

The National Anthropology Museum is next level. Remember this is a culture that had access to the finest of psychedelics so their ancient artefacts are trippy AF. Just note it will take you a good few hours to do the whole museum, it’s huge with so much to see.

Yasmin's Guide to Mexico City

Bangkok

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

Barcelona

I discovered this place 4 years ago approximately and been going a lot, it's kind of my safe spot when I need to be out of my house but still feel safe and be alone. It's a free small cinema with a digital archive with a lot of experimental films. I highly recommend this spot. 

This is another cinema recommendation but this time it is an actual movie theatre. I think the most beautiful one I have been in and they also show the best selection of movies, old ones and contemporary also. Fun fact, I was there last year for their Halloween experience, and never had that much fun on Halloween, it was amazing. 

This is a vintage shop based in the centre of Barcelona, they have a really nice selection, handpicked and top quality with a lot of Vintage designer clothes and also they have a space (if i'm not wrong) for new designer clothes like Espiritu Club. They also have the nicest dressing rooms ever. 

This is an archival clothing store + record store. Been here a lot to check for weird archive pieces, they have a really nice selection of unique clothes, shoes and accessories. 

A new natural wine and music bar also based in the centre (Raval). I'm not really a drinker, so what I usually look in bars when I go is a place where I can chill and talk with my friends, is more the atmosphere of the place, the ambience they create, and here I felt super comfortable, regarding the people working there and the crowd also. Plus they have an old piano as a table, cute af. 

A vegan restaurant near the beach. I really like this place, especially around summer, they have a nice set up and nice vegan food, i'm not vegan but still enjoy vegan food a loot. All their menus are delicious. I especially recommend their vegan nachos. 

If you are looking for the best sandwiches it's here for sure. They have lots of options, including gluten free and vegan options. Plus the space inside is really cute and they also have a terrace to sit outside. 

This recommendation can be maybe the most mainstream one but since I discovered this place I have been going a lot when I have the time. I feel good here, it's kind of an oasis in the city to me, love going here alone with my headphones and just spending hours. Wont say much about the place, you just have to go! It's a small fragment of the rainforest. I feel really relaxed in these kinds of environments, like humid deep green places. 

Explore Barcelona with Primavera Artist YOZY

Vicky Grout

Multi-storey bookshop in Soho where I always end up spending way too much money

Amsterdam based streetwear brand Patta’s own London store

Formerly Plan B, Phonox has been the spot for underground dance nights and raves.

An indoor plant shop in Hackney, feels like you’re in the palm house in Kew Gardens.

The best store for photo/art books and magazines

The spot for streetwear and cute homewares.

One of my go-to film labs, and Terry is a sweetheart.

New and vintage records, always manage to find some gems whenever I go in.

Women’s streetwear and trainer store (for tiny feet and tiny garms)

Vicky Grout's London Guide

Dar Disku 

Manama

Has some great record/cassette shops. Perfect for finding some old school Middle Eastern heaters - mainly 90s hits, Arabian disco and pop tapes

A new restaurant set up by one of our close friends and extremely talented chefs, Tala Bashmi. Brings Bahraini food to fine dining.

Go during sunset and the view is incredible

Manama with Dar Disku

Mohammad Gorjestani

San Francisco 

Loquat explores the the flavours of Iraqi Jewish heritage and is the brainchild of my homie Tal Mor, who is behind Four Barrel Coffee and The Mill with Josey Baker Bread. Loquat is built from love and intentionally sourcing all of its ingredients, many of which are from Palestine. My favourite thing is the boureka plate with the house harissa and zhoug. Don’t sleep on the salted chocolate babka either.

I low-key think this is the best bar in America. The combination of community, food and drinks is unmatched. I get creatively inspired here with what Nicholas Torres and his team does. The cocktails span the imagination, and I especially appreciate the low ABV drinks. I would get the bartenders choice of cocktail and definitely get the hen of the woods mushrooms.

This is a special special place run by amazing people. You can’t beat the vibe – it is unequivocally San Francisco. 20 Spot is a restaurant inside the old Force of Habit record store, it’s run by Bodhi Freedom who is a Frisco OG. I recommend just sitting at the bar with a flatbread and anything else that looks good on Alejandro’s (the chef's) menu and letting Bodhi pour you a glass of what he’s feeling that night.

Isa and Kenzie used to work on farms before opening this spot that serves the most incredible tamales and bowls. Everything is amazing, but I go with the Hugo Street Retreat with a breakfast cookie to enjoy on a walk around one of the best neighbourhoods in the city.

24th Street is my favourite street in San Francisco and there’s nothing like it or La Palma in the world. I go with the Taco Sonora and I grab some queso and salsa for the fridge on my way out.

The best coffee in America is in San Francisco (sorry Portland) and Grand is one of my favourites. I love the two locations on Mission Street and I love everything this place and its owners represent as a community business. I love their espresso and usually go with an eight-ounce Americano or a Gibralatar (don’t call it a Cortado!).

When I first moved to San Francisco I lived in the Richmond, and I discovered this tiny spot that changed how I think about how food is made and that small is better. Pizetta makes a few pizzas a day based on what's at the farmer's market. I usually get whatever pizza is on the menu, a slice of flourless chocolate cake, and an espresso that takes me back to 2007 when I used to just sit at the bar and write.

Anybody telling you San Francisco is dead, just bring them here on the Friday or Saturday night. Probably the most fun place to dance in the city, and while I admittedly avoid the dancefloor, I do appreciate the natural wine, top shelf DJ and music curation that makes this place bump.

There’s a few great dive bars I was thinking of for this list, like Lone Palm and 500 Club, but I’m putting Wazema [down] because in addition to being around the block from me, and it being a historic San Francisco business, they also serve Ethiopian food every night 'til 10. I order the sampler plate and enjoy a little fernet after, and hit the pool table in the back.

I go to bat for Gallardo’s as the best brunch in the city. It’s only on the weekends, but it's worth the wait for their birria served with their tortillas and fixings.

Sunset Squares Foodhall is where you can go watch a game and choose between Sunset Squares Pizza (sourdough pizza), Namu Stonepot (Korean-inspired fare), Filipino food (Uncle Tito’s) and a really amazing curation of beer and wine. I go for the Pub pizza, and I add olives and gardiniere for the first half of the game.

The Palestinian diaspora in San Francisco is one of the most special things about the city. Biet Rima is a family business that makes you feel at home every time you eat at either of their two locations. I usually go with their chicken shish tawook plate, the mezze platter – and don’t sleep on Samir’s bread.

Few places in San Francisco have the room feeling that Zuni does. I always go back and forth between Bix and Zuni as my favourite old-school vibes. But Zuni takes it for me because when I first moved to the city it was the late-night meals I had here after my shifts that shaped my love for food. The move here is to grab a seat by the bar, get a martini, order the chicken, and patiently wait for it enjoying their Caesar salad. Classic and perfect.

Where to Eat and Drink in San Francisco, According to Mohammad Gorjestani

XL Middleton

Los Angeles 

We're starting at the home base since this is my record store. Located in the heart of Chinatown. It's a tiny spot; tiny like the record stores in Shibuya but I'd like to think it's cozy. We carry everything but with a strong slant towards funk/soul/boogie, modern funk, & Japanese city pop. Google says we're permanently closed but, shows you what they know. We've kept the storefront closed since the pandemic started but we are gearing up to reopen later this year. In the meantime, we do Instagram vinyl drops every Tuesday & Wednesday so you can get a little slice of LA record store culture from anywhere in the world twice a week.

If you're visiting LA and want to dig as soon as you possibly can after stepping off the plane, you can go here, it's just a few blocks away from LAX. Nice selection in all genres and they've been around for quite a while. I love that the shop has that old school, record store dive kind of vibe where it doesn't feel like the wax has been 'overcurated' and compared against every pricing metric on Discogs & eBay. Also you'll be close to the iconic Randy's Donuts - The local secret is that it's not just a famous place to take IG selfies, their donuts are actually great.

This is one of those spots that diggers in LA will hesitate to tell people about because they wanna keep the jewels to themselves. Digs are top notch even in the bargain bins. The guy who runs the shop is another old school dude who doesn't rely on internet prices as a reference, which makes the game fun in a way that it often isn't anymore.

One of the newer shops in the city, and you'll definitely wanna keep up with them on the regular because you never know what they'll come up on next. One day they'll be rolling out a crazy jazz collection, the next it's all heavy Italo 12"s, after that a big stack of 90's R&B & hip hop LPs. If you go there on the right day you might see the homie Randy Ellis (CQQL Records/Hobo Camp) behind the counter.

When you come to LA, you can tell who is new to the city because they refer to parts of town like Echo Park & Silver Lake as the "east side." Nah, come to Sonido Del Valle and check out Boyle Heights, part of the actual east side. It's one of my favorite neighborhoods in town, love the old Victorian houses and the fact that the gentrification hasn't hit as hard here yet. This spot is run by the homie Rene, tell him I sent you when you go! Tons of great taco spots in the area too, take your pick. But after a dig at Sonido I might hit up Otomisan, old school Japanese restaurant right down the street from the days when Boyle Heights also had a big Japanese community.

Speaking of the east side, Record Jungle is located right on Whittier Boulevard just a few miles away from the famous cruising strip. This is a big store, not heavily curated but there's tons to choose from so you never know what you're gonna find. Recommend setting aside many hours to dig here.

Mainly a bookstore as you might've guessed by the name but their record section is no joke. The 7" section is fun to go through. Lotta table space and if you're lucky you can even score a chair to sit down while you go through their boxes. They're one of the better stores in town when it comes to having joints that you don't see in stores too often. You'll definitely also wanna check out the book tunnel, the old bank vault, and the other cool stuff they have to look at on their mezzanine.

Fingerprints, and the spot mentioned below, are both in Long Beach -- which is technically a separate city but still within LA County. It's very much a part of the fabric here, even if it does have its own vibe. Every time I go to Long Beach I always hit both of these stores up. They're kind of polar opposites which makes it fun - Fingerprints has the whole bookstore/record store/coffee shop thing going.

Fingerprints and Bagatelle Records are within walking distance of one another which is rare in LA. Bagatelle is all dusty stacks and tight spaces from floor to ceiling. You'll love the contrast between the two.

We're winding this down in the corner of LA I'm from - Pasadena. Technically its own separate city too but it's a 20 minute drive from downtown LA. When I was growing up, Poo Bah was located in a little converted red house so you'd walk into what was basically the living room and start digging through the bins. They've since moved to a proper storefront a couple miles away. Still got all the hallmarks of a great record store dive - nice prices, deep bargain bins, side shelves with cassettes, VHS tapes, and CD's. In the recent years they've done a lot of events revolving around the beat/producer community. The late Ras G was involved with the store pretty heavily. Dam Funk filmed part of his "Hood Pass Intact" video here too.

Here's a little Pasadena bonus for you to check out while you're in the area. Mainly a bookstore but they have a few bins of records, I recommend checking them out because they seem to carry a lot of weird, off the wall stuff, of all types.

The Ultimate Guide to LA's Record Shops with XL Middleton

Florentino

Cafe Sanjuan in Stockport is just 10 minutes on the train from Manchester's city centre. It’s the only Colombian spot in Manchester run by a lovely family and the food is as authentic as it gets. While it’s also an important hub for the Colombian community in the area, they are super welcoming of anyone wanting to try something new. Their weekend specials are something to behold.

Growing up in Manchester I've seen a drastic change in the city centre. As gentrification continues in and around the area, finding a down-to-earth spot to have a drink and snack without getting your head blown off by generic Top 40 music surrounded by hoards of yuppies has become next to impossible. Peste feels like a sanctuary away from that, you can browse records, books and cassettes while having a bevy or a hot chocolate – and it's peaceful. When it’s busy, it’s always good people too. Definitely recommend it for pre-drinks, or if you’re in Sunday chill mode, this place is the one. They invite local favourites to play on the weekend too.

Pho No. 1, just opposite the main post office depot, lies on a road with a number of different Vietnamese spots. All of them have their own particular charm and great food, but I find the people running Pho No. 1 to be lovely people. Not only are all their mains to die for but one of the ladies in there has started to organise raves. I love to go in, get a spicy vermicelli noodle soup and get a little update on how it's all going.

Kabana is a Sunday classic. I was introduced to this spot of Joey B's and Samrai's (basically if DJs had club music parents, these guys are that to me) and I’ve never looked back. It’s a legendary spot. The nehari on Sunday is to die for.

The raspberry Danish is amazing. Its got very popular so you have to queue up but it is worth it.

Maybe one of the only true 24-hour spots in Manchester. This place is super important to workers working throughout the night and has been running since 1999. A classic after-the-club spot but also, the food's great, it’s worth going anytime.

Chicken Run in Moss Side makes these chicken splits that are to die for. Going down in the summer, ordering one and then walking down to Alexandra Park is something I’ve really enjoyed in recent years.

Pho Cue holds a special place in my heart. Not only is the name very tongue-in-cheek but the food is also ridiculously good. Located in Chinatown, what it does best is serve up exciting takes on Vietnamese dishes. Everything on the menu is incredible. Definitely worth the trip.

Where to Eat and Drink in Manchester According to Florentino

Niia

My favourite late-night chic cocktail spot. Sometimes I'll get up and sing a song if I'm drunk enough.

A secret, tiny restaurant that reminds me of NYC. Best breakfast ever

My go-to Italian spot. You sit outside and feel like you're in Italy.

Understated jazz club where you'll often catch insane musicians.

I highly encourage getting stoned and seeing this strange and amazing museum.

Arguably the most iconic music and movie store ever.

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