LDNERS

A historic street market that’s been running since the 1880s, it started as a market for Jewish communities but has developed with waves of migration to Hackney and is the African Caribbean soul of Hackney and an essential ecosystem for the community. What I love about the market is how quick and easy it is to get your fruit and veg whilst having a chat with the traders - you can also get a lush falafel wrap for £4.50!

One of London’s magnificent seven cemeteries - you really can get lost in here and feel a million miles away from cars and buildings. I love coming here for some peace and to be among the trees.

As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I was honoured to have this legendary queer venue’s support during my campaign to become mayor. We need queer spaces more than ever - Superstore is such a joyful space and I love how much they platform queer artists from their walls to their decks and their drag brunches!

The people and organisations really make Hackney what it is. Started by Hackney charity Children with Voices during the pandemic, they support homeless people, older people and amplify young voices and support families through food, creativity and advice.

Hackney’s lungs. I love spending time walking round the marshes chatting with friends and listening to the birds. Some nice pubs along the River Lea too.

I volunteered for a few years as a bike mechanic in the square and got to know and love all the people that make it such a special space. I LOVE the Gillett Square parties and that it is home to NTS Radio. The Square is currently expanding after the car park was (finally) removed and will be getting more trees and places to sit.

Such a wonderful community space catering to the East and South East Asian community, primarily for older people and the intergenerational nature of the space is really powerful. Their delicious lunch clubs are vibrant and full of life. I also loved seeing some very focused mahjong playing!

An important community food hub that’s teaching children and their families how to grow food, cook nourishing food from scratch and bring the joy of eating together.

A thriving centre that’s already deeply embedded in East London’s cultural arts scene. Their programming is broad, global but also local too - I’ve seen Malian musician Vieux Farka Touré as well as Lips, London’s trans-inclusive feminist pop choir in this beautiful space. They also host a lot of talks and events bringing people together to connect and fight for change.

A beloved 1930s building in Hackney Wick, a not-for-profit space, fully run by Community Sauna Baths. We need more spaces in Hackney which are community owned and run. I also love this place because we gathered here to celebrate the election here on the 8th May which feels really special.

When overwhelmed, it reminds me we’re not alone in feeling that weight and it gives me hope.

I love how Akub reimagines Palestinian food into small plates. The atmosphere is incredible

I love supporting small businesses, and Café Metro has become such a lovely hub in North London.

I love the café and, in particular, Tamara’s baked goods. It’s one of those places that immediately feels cosy and welcoming.

I’ve only been once, being from North London, but I was completely spoilt for choice. Their buns are insane, and these girls can seriously bake.

It’s rare to find Palestinian spaces in the suburbs of North London, which makes Wanasa feel like a real gem. Their breakfast is incredible.

The food is fantastic, but what I really love about Maramia is the energy. I’ve watched football there, attended events, and it’s always full of life.

“I love that Joudie has brought Authentic Palestinian home cooking to London and created a space where people can experience these dishes while sharing stories and memories of their own. Over the past three years, it has become a really comforting space.

As someone from North London, discovering Café Palestina felt like finding a hidden gem. There’s something incredibly comforting about knowing that a space like this exists in the area, bringing together food, culture and community.

Palestine House has hosted so many wonderful events over the years. There’s something magical about walking through the doors and feeling as though you’ve stepped somewhere entirely different, right in the middle of London.

A longstanding neighbourhood staple.

Brixton-born and still full of flavour. Friendly, reliable and consistently great.

Community-focused drinks and good people, tucked away in the market.

Family-run baking with warmth at its heart. Sweet service and even sweeter pastries.

A cosy pocket of culture. Grab a coffee, find a read and settle in.

Brixton’s best-kept Caribbean secret. A warm, homely spot hidden amongst the market buzz, serving consistently great Caribbean food packed with flavour.

The best seasonal produce around. Quality you can always count on.

Late-night negronis and jazz done right.

Quality fish and one of our go-to spots for specials.

Quick, quality and local. Never disappoints.

Cynthia's cooking is magical. There’s heat that permeates the room and cocktails to cool it all down.

Don’t think I need to say why you need to go. If you haven’t been yet, shame on you!

The best spot for a coffee before work, remember to bring your own cup to take away!

Incredible Irish and British cheeses that are unmatched. If you’re lucky enough to be served by Ellie, you’ll leave with a smile and your day will be brighter!

Pick yourself a steak up for dinner, you won’t regret it. Family run and incredibly knowledgeable.

A vast array of meats and poultry that are all fantastic from offal to chops. They’ve been there for years, there’s a reason.

It’ll always hold a soft spot in my heart from working there 10 years ago. It’s still as good as it was then, the perfect quick lunch spot!

Incredible British regenerative farming. From perfect pumpkins in autumn to plump summer tomatoes, it’s a must visit for fruit and veg!

There’s a secret about Brindisa at Borough, it’s the only spot in Borough that gets the sun all day. Estrella, sun, bit of jamon, enough said.

Being Iranian I need my regular koobideh fix. Berenjak is consistently great, don’t skip the doogh!!

Three oysters and a sharp shot of dodka on my break and I’m ready for service…

My local cinema and one of the oldest in the UK, this is a cosy spot that champions independent film.

Ironically, I discovered Mesut’s shop via Instagram. If you’re into cameras and are drawn to unique characters with a story to tell, this film shop in Clapton is the ultimate goldmine.

This is one of the last remaining original 1950s ballrooms in London and has been featured in music videos of Florence and the Machine, Kings of Leon and White Stripes, and continues to host regular Northern Soul and Disco events.

This community cafe is my favourite place for a Turkish breakfast as good as my mum’s, and it always has an intergenerational crowd.

Originally built in the 1930s to store and filter drinking water and saved from regeneration by local campaigners, this is now the go-to spot for outdoor swimming.

This club takes you back to nightlife before social media with its phone-free policy, making the dancefloor a safe space to truly let go.

An ode to the Italian community’s long presence in the East End, E Pellicci’s diner has been in the family for generations, and it's an establishment as old as the Labour Party. Other than a quick snap of the huge portions, you won’t see anyone face down in a screen, but instead speaking across tables to strangers and tucking into a delicious full English or lasagne.

This Grade II-listed old school boozer is cash only, and that’s not the only thing that makes it feel like the old days the second you walk in. You’ll be sure to get chatting to locals over a pint.

A heritage British institution, bingo halls are a thing of the past. This one is unassuming from the outside but has an impressive Russian Orthodox church interior, and hosts weekly games.

A mid-century haven in West London that makes a great work spot and often hosts regular events.

Irish/Indian: My favourite date night spot in London, the perfect mixture of Irish and Indian warmth and hospitality, food and drinks.

Irish: Whether you’re looking for a sing song, trad, a good pint, a dance or the best pizza in town, this is where to go.

Indian: I mean what’s not to love about an Indian Sunday roast. I love the Tamil Crown generally for their South Indian flavours but especially for their roast on a Sunday.

Malaysian: Mambow does modern Malaysian cooking so well and excites me every time I go. They really know how to show off and celebrate how diverse Malay cuisine is.

Irish: My old local, it might be small but it’s one of the best examples of an authentic Irish pub in London.

Malaysian: I’m a fan girl for Roti King, their Roti Canai, Laksa, Nasi Lemak, I’ll take it all please.

Indian: This is my local Indian that I walk to when I’m craving a good authentic dish. Chettinad Lamb Curry is my go to, trust me.

Irish: My new local, Molly Blooms has a soft spot in my heart from the incredible characters you’ll meet to the juke box I’ll be taking control of all night. It’s perfect.

Indian: I love everything these guys are doing and the world they’re building around South Indian flavours. Small plates and huge colourful flavours.

Indian: One of my favourite things about Indian food is we love a little bit of everything, and that comes in the form of a Thali, a platter of small dishes so you can be spoilt for choice. These guys do my favourite in London.

Camden People’s Theatre was one of the first places that gave me real space to experiment. Not just to put work on, but to try things, to fail, to rethink, and to grow. And they continue to do so for a whole host of artists and companies just starting out. Check out their current spring season, there is always something interesting to see.

The New Diorama was another place that was pivotal in my career. For Black Boys…started out life here. It’s another place where many interesting ideas start their journey.

The National Theatre comes with a lot of history (and a fabulous location). It’s been interesting to see how it has developed under Indhu Rubasingham, the first woman and the first person of colour to lead the venue.

A cinema as well as a theatre, Kilburn’s Kiln also has a strong programme of regular talks. The theatre has a history of programming political work that reflects the concerns of the local community. In 2023, my play about the legendary Sidney Poitier - Retrograde - had its world premiere at The Kiln!

A fairly new London venue, they do a great job in foregrounding undervalued and under-heard voices through their theatre programme.

It’s been London’s new writing powerhouse for decades now and continues to present plays that are relevant and speak to the contemporary moment. It's where I made my debut as an actor and now, years later, I'm an associate writer there. My next play, The Afronauts, has its world premiere at the Royal Court this autumn! And on Mondays, you can get £15 tickets if you’re quick enough.

I grew up in Catford so when my company Nouveau Riche started putting shows on here, it was like a homecoming.

With multiple shows per night, there’s always something worth seeing at Soho Theatre. The bar is lively and the place has a great energy about it.

Producers Underbelly are Edinburgh Festival Fringe powerhouses. The first show I took to Edinburgh was courtesy of their Untapped programme that supports new talent. They’ve now got a London venue that programmes a similar blend to the Edinburgh experience – comedy, theatre and cabaret.

A hood classic. One of the only places in London I know where you can have a chopped cheese, mac and cheese, and mango lassi in one sitting. The Somali x Mexican infused flavours are a very interesting mix but one that definitely works.

I was not expecting the most from this place but when I tried it I was gobsmacked. The Full English Burrito and the Basque Cheesecake were particular highlights, they had a house sauce (which I never actually got to ask what it was made of) that severely elevated the burrito.

I wasn't even supposed to go here but my manager walked me in and put me on and my word I was not disappointed. The prices were exorbitant to say the least but the £11 Patty Melt was insane. The patty had very high quality, juicy meat and was super flavoursome. Would honestly go again.

It was my first time trying Afghan food and after I first came here, I was obsessed. I spent £15 each on a platter for 4 (£60) with the mixed grill with the longgggg naan and Kabuli rice, left with pot bellies and satisfied tastebuds

One of the best breakfast spots, if not THE best one I’ve ever been to, no joke. The most Instagrammable plates with flavours that aren’t compromised and great customer service. The OMG plate is a favourite of mine. Every time I introduce a friend to this spot, they never stop talking about it.

A Palestinian-Lebanese restaurant with some outrageous flavours. I had the platter for 1 for £16, and the whole plate from the Shawarma to the Baba Ghanouj was so tasty but also felt a lot healthier than my other choices, with a lot of fruits and vegetables present the food having a fresher taste.

Was put on by a friend who had only heard of this place through word of mouth, but we both thoroughly enjoyed. Quite pricey but with the quality of the food I guess you get what you pay for. My favourite bites were probably the smash burger or the corn ribs, which had a surprising amount of seasoning with the rub.

As an Ugandan, I had to include this one in the list. As far as I’m aware it's the best Ugandan restaurant in London, possibly the UK. Brings the flavours of home to a buffet setting with a price of £24 per person. Amazing food and the staple for any Ugandan family having a celebration.

I went to this place after seeing Keith Lee’s positive reviews on it to see if he really knows what he’s talking about, safe to say he does! The Agege Suya Sandwich I had was sly on the pricier side but was definitely worth it for me. Agege soft but toasted, LENG. The Suya, tender, well seasoned and spicy but not to exceeding levels. And the glaze on the side drizzled on top just took it from certified to elite.

Out of all the bakeries I’ve been to in my Endz Department of Research series, this has to be the one with the best sweet treats. Bearing in mind I came in 10 mins before closing time with 2 friends, the service was still great and the food was even better, with my highlights being the Cruffin (???!!!!) and the Cereal Milk Cookie.

In Iranian and Iraqi kitchens, food is more than sustenance, it is heritage, ritual, and a quiet act of generosity. That is what Logma means to me and what concept, chefs and food represents.

Fadi Kattan’s restaurant brings Palestinian cooking into a refined, contemporary space. Deeply rooted, thoughtful, and led by story as much as flavour.

Persian cooking that feels both deeply rooted and completely at home in Soho. The detail, from the kababs to the room, is transportive.

A newer, more casual expression of Afghan food. Vibrant, accessible, and important for bringing Afghan flavours into contemporary London spaces.

Deeply personal Syrian cooking with real emotional weight behind it. A reminder of how food carries history and resilience.

Ocakbaşı cooking reinterpreted for a new generation. Fire, heritage, and East London energy.

Asma Khan’s all-female kitchen is one of the most powerful expressions of diaspora cooking in London. Rooted in Indian home-style recipes and storytelling, it’s a space built on heritage, resilience, and community as much as flavour.

Uzbek and Central Asian cooking that closely reflects Tajik culinary traditions. Rich, generous, and deeply tied to Silk Road heritage.

One of London’s long-standing Afghan restaurants. Unpretentious, deeply rooted, and full of dishes that speak to memory and home.

Fire-led cooking with North African influence. You can feel the crossover between barbecue culture and Middle Eastern spice.

If we are going to have a full day of partying, I'm going to start with responsible raving and get my body in check at my favourite reformer studio. Run by Aussies Lottie & Mel, this takes reformer to the next level with a banging soundtrack (these girls love their DJs!) and heavy weights. Not for the faint hearted but one to that body fully prepped for the day ahead.

Just opened in a new spot in Bethnal Green, perfect for music digging. They are ahead of the curve with what you should be adding to your record collection and if you’re looking for something specific they’ll help you source it!

A hi-fi bar in a central London location. This Farringdon hidden gem is wonderful for sumptuous sonics, on a bespoke sound system with a focus on guests who love their music, wine & cocktails.

Great little spot for drinks before a night out. Now we’ve had the day party its off for a pre-late night dance drink and this east London spot is Charli XCX-approved. Super cool hangout for all the hipster spotting with an unforgettable martini menu!

If East London isn't your thing then head to Peckham staple Jumbi. I’ve never had a bad night here. The food is unreal, the music is the finest curated selections in London, and the people are class.

London's favourite new hotspot and for good reason. This literal palace is a multi-level party heaven. With a focus on electronic, The Ballroom offers a listening bar and cocktail menu, which is open through the week for a post-work cocktail as well as throughout the weekend getting you prepped before you head downstairs to the basement club, which hosts DJ residencies from likes of Atrip and Bradley Zero. It has a no phones policy in the club and a Funktion-One sound system, so you can dance like nobody’s watching until the sun comes up!

Cheap cocktails and an amazing sound system! If you’re still looking to continue the party, Om serves drinks until 6am and it has people like Floating Points and Craig Richards come through the doors to jump on the decks. The owners are the crew from Brilliant Corners/Giant Steps so you know you’re in good company and guaranteed a memorable night! Legendary business whilst you sip your £8 Negroni.

The post-party wind-down. A new wellness spot just of Brick Lane, &Soul offers, sound baths, cold plunge pools, classes and sauna sessions to unwind after an epic journey partying across London.

As a last little soiree for the weekend, there's nothing better than nursing the hangover with some live Irish music in Hackney staple The Fox. Trad sessions happen every Sunday 6-8pm, and locals and those in the know descend each week to put the world to rights whilst the drums and fiddles soar through the pub.

Is the potato sourdough at Dusty Knuckle the best loaf of bread in London? It’s definitely up there. A great bakery and a great company that really cares about what they do and about looking after people. The products are all really top notch, alongside the aforementioned loaf, a special shout out to the breakfast roll, and the chilli cheese focaccia with bacon.

A relatively new underground cocktail bar with a DJ and a nice buzz. Although we miss the Nest nightclub that was there a few years back, this is really the venue for the modern Dalston-goer. Great tunes and affordable drinks.

Right at the end of the market, just by St Mark's Rise is a stalwart of Dalston. The guys there allude to the fact it is a mix of Pakistani and Turkish heritage. What I do know is that a fresh naan from here is as good as you’ll get in London. For a hangover I go for the cheese bread to take the edge off.

Two great venues rolled into one, this is as eclectic a mix of music as you’ll find anywhere. Venture upstairs for a brilliant venue that feels like it’s from another era, and downstairs for a more clubby vibe. I’d also pop into Mersin Tantuni next door for a delish Turkish snack on my way home.

Obviously I’m biased, we share the space with these guys to do our prep in Dalston. The coffee is great and the vibes are even better. Matcha is not really my jam but they do great matcha based drinks, and an amazing Croque in a Croissant. You can grab a seat and watch the guys prepare the cocktails for the week ahead.

Long the hangout for the fashion crowd and now a mix of this, plus the families that have moved to the area. Always busy, always fun and with the added addition of Dough Hands, the best London pizza I’ve had so far. People sometimes say the service is a bit slow, but in reality they’re a lovely crew.

Well documented, and rightly so. The best in the area especially if you’re looking for some more interesting dishes, although the classics are also great. Chicken kofte and lamb shish is my order, and if we’re with a group, probably we’d add the lamb’s liver on hummus too. You can still twist their arm for decent corkage, and the food fits so well with a great bottle of red.

Jimmy made his name over at Hill & Szrok when it was maybe the coolest restaurant in East London, and then a few years ago he brought his brilliant palate over to Dalston and opened Hectors. As is thankfully becoming more commonplace, he really pioneered Natural wines that don't taste like a farmyard. Championing conscious winemakers that produce wines with finesse and nuance. Go early, it's rightly popular.

Believe the hype, as good a bagel as you'll get in London. They just moved to Hackney Downs but I’m keeping that in the Dalston conurbation area. In the summer you have to go for Georgia’s Heirloom “IYKYK”, especially when there’s wild garlic about.

Korean food and a busy vibe. They do table barbecues, but I’m more into the starters and the fried chicken with yangnyeom Sauce. The topokki is amazing alongside some ice cold Hite beers and soju. The owners are always kicking about and are great fun.

Perfect blend of mid-century sunken living room and Japanese listening bar. An audiophile’s heaven.

Arthouse cinema and reference library - as a massive Kiarostami fan this place blew my mind.

Tiny and unassuming, delicious mezcal, get the cochinita pibil.

Dynamic seasonal menu - modern European influences and some exquisite natural wines.

A hidden gem for a rainy, uninspired Sunday afternoon. A truly staggering creative archive.

Very special queer bar run by one of my best friends. Perfect patio for a glass of lambrusco, a dish of olives and a chat.

Hole in the wall Japanese spot, the owners are sweethearts. The plum wine hits.

A true shapeshifter of a space, a place for the outsiders, the lovers and the curious.

Ultra secret spot, yummiest shakshuka I’ve ever had and a great poetry selection.

Favourite spot for some tasteful vinyl and a late night Old Fashioned.