This week I talk to Teacake co-founder, Graham Sykes, on his favourite things to do in his hometown of London.
Best Place to watch live music..
Too many to choose - after four years I can say I haven't actually been to the same place twice. Favourites include Koko, Brixton Academy, Scala, Ronnie Scotts Jazz Bar, Madam Jojos… Also caught some great gigs at the Rough Trade East shop and there is fantastic live reggae, jazz and swing at The Effra in Brixton at the weekends.
Best place to eat a burger...
There is a big BBQ movement in London at the minute with people combining typically American dishes with micro-breweries. Meat Liquor in Soho is one of my favourites - with Dukes Brew and Q in Haggerston being another!
Best place for an after work beer...
The path of least resistance wins hands down. The North Pole in Islington is a fantastic real ale pub very close to work. The Mayflower at Rotherhithe has some great views from its terrace over looking the Thames. My local, local is The New Cross Inn in New Cross!
Best place to spend a lazy Sunday morning...
Breakfast at the London Particular and then a walk down Deptford High Street and into Greenwich before climbing the hill to the Royal Observatory and overlooking the city.
There are lots of book stalls and lots of flea markets but my favourite spot has always Cecil Court (WC2N) just by Leicester Square tube station. In the midst of the chaos of tourism and the bright lights of theatre town this little street has remained the same. You can find old theatre posters, programmes, cartography, books, prints and manuals across a vast range of subjects.
Best place to be inspired...
No singular place, London should be treated as one big inspiring place. There is always something going on and always something to take notice of. As Oscar WIld once said "A man who is tired of London, is tired of life". From the street to the tube to the park to the museums – all have their moments and all provide inspiration in some form.
Best place to spend a night out with friends...
This would be no place in particular but always with Mike from Mike and Ollie (@mikeandollie) although the location is never fixed and can be different every time a good old fashioned get together with plenty of fantastic food, wine and rum is always a treat. We have had evenings together in train carriages, kitchens, gardens and court-yards…. so good in fact he is doing our wedding!
Best place to get a coffee...
HER (Haggerston Espresson Room). Its en-route, very strong and friendly!
Best place to go for a bike ride...
Everywhere - big fan of city riding so just heading out with no particular ambition is the best option here. You can get anywhere in London in about 30 minutes by bike so we usually set off and see where we end up. Holland Park, Marble Arch, Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath and the Thames path are all good. I have also had a couple of jaunts to Epping Forest which is always nice.
Best place to get a fry up...
Regrettably this is the poncier end of the spectrum but The Breakfast Club's Full Monty is by far the best brunch offering I have found. They now have a few spots. I am usually found in either the Islington or Hoxton branch!
- Jennifer
