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London’s cocktail bars can be characterised in 3 main styles: cocktail expertise, unique conceptualisation, and pure fun. NightJar and Oriole, with their world-famous unique take on cocktails fit the first of these styles. In the second category, Cahoots sits proudly modelled on a London tube, accompanied by Draughts (board game themed), Vaulty Towers (treehouse booths), and Discount Suit Company (clandestine bare-brick interiors). Special mention to Mayor Of Scaredy Cat Town where you can only enter through a refrigerator door (and with the correct passcode). For pure fun, BeAtOne has a special place in my heart. Best for when you can’t decide whether you want to dance or chill.
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Now, this list has been curated keeping specific tastes in mind. Starting with desserts, if you're looking for the best Tiramisu in London, Harry's Bar seems to be the place to go. On the other hand, if you're in the mood for some Reynold-type magic, then Basement Sate is probably your best bet. In a dim sum mood? Baozilnn looks incredible. And if the craving for a 20inch pizza ever hits, Homeslice and its half and half pizzas are a must. Mexican? Taco Queen! Burgers? Honest Burgers. The latter is known for its freshness and overall health inclination. And if London really changes you and you find yourself wanting sushi, Sushi Atelier looks good. Last, but not the least, Nando's. Don't really need to say much about that one.
The one-stop solution for when India seems a little too far away. Whether you're looking for incredible Indian food on a budget (Dishoom) or some Sri-Lankan Dosas (Hoppers), this list should have you sorted. For specific cravings of India-style noodles, chilli chicken or butter chicken, I would recommend Dalchini, Hakkaland and Golia Butter Chicken respectively. And when you're in the mood to cook for yourself, make sure to visit Asian Dukan or Patel Brothers to get your Indian spices, and ingredients. Works well to satisfy the odd Indian snack craving also. Finally, Trishaz and MaasBest should be good for sending you daily tiffins (even if we have to call their CEO and make it happen).
Come here when you're bored of the drinking and partying and want some intellectual stimulations (because obviously the menial job of solving global mental health issues will not be enough). Daunt Books is unique for segmenting its books purely based on the countries they're associated with. For more spicy sections, go to Liberia bookshop where you'll find categories like 'Mothers, Madonnas, and Whores'. Word on the Water floats on a canal, and is a very cosy find, while Walden Books specialises in rare literature. If you're not in the mood to read, explore some mainstream London museums like The British Museum, Natural History Museum and the British Library, or some off-beat ones like the Vagina museum. Missing the comforts of Harry Potter? Listed are two of the more famous HP attractions in London.
For when books and museums are not enough to scratch that stimulation itch, this is the list for you. In the mood for some friendly competition? Try out HintHunt (an escape room), or Moriarty’s Game (a treasure hunt that takes you around the city). Leake Street, meanwhile, is known for the years of graffiti it has accumulated. For great views from above - SkyGarden, and for great views underground - Mail Rail. And if you’re in the search of bottomless margaritas and a festive atmosphere, Ziggy Green is famous for its Ziggy Nights. The best for the last: Dans Le Noir and Junkyard Golf Club. The former is an incredible restaurant where you enjoy food blindfolded in an attempt to heighten other senses, while the latter is a super-quirky modern mini-golf course with incredible cocktails. Something for every mood.
London is interesting in that you don't need to rely purely on traditional gyms for getting your move ring in. Not only do you have many options to learn ice skating (Lee Valley), you can do yoga in front of a giant screen (FLY) , or box (Urban Warriors) if the coursework is really getting to your nerves. Zumba (Hype Fitness) and Badminton (Finsbury Leisure Center) are some comfortable options. For something truly unique, head over to Flight Club to engage in some Ted Lasso darts, with a wide range of cocktails.
One of the things you must enjoy in London is the incredible air quality. As you get used to seeing AQIs of single digits, you might find yourself wanting to spend some time outdoors. When this happens, start with Primrose Hill. Gorgeous views. Best enjoyed on a lazy summer afternoon, or an existential midnight with a bottle of wine. If you find friends who insist that you swim, try Hampstead Heath. London also has some of the best outdoor markets each with their unique offering. Borough market - over a 1000 years old, specialising in food. Camden market - grungy, quirky atmosphere. Maltby market - new, and a little bit more curated and indie. Brixton market - jewellery and vintage clothing. Something for every mood.
I know that you have been concerned about Vauxhall’s location and your perceived lack of things to do near your accommodation. Within a 5-10 min walk, you have a climbing centre, a park, and a facility that literally makes a sport out of throwing axes. For quick bites, Mumbai Delight seems to be highly rated, Vine Bar will fulfil all your pizza + wine desires, and Tia Maria will enable a little Brazilian food experimentation. The Fentiman Arms looks like a super cute non-masculine-toxic pub, and the gym group is a nice affordable option for your daily gym requirements. Consider this a very small preview of the vibrancy you can expect nearby.
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