Danielle Goldstein

There are plenty of ways to make that special someone feel, well, special. Whether you stock up on their favorite chocolates or take them to a romantic restaurant, floral arrangements are usually the cherry on top of a perfect night. Bouquets of roses, lilies, mums or any kind of plant give that extra splash of appreciation a loved one is sure to never forget. With an abundance of delivery services and flower shops in Chicago, there are lots of options to choose from for the right arrangement. So if you find yourself ever scrambling to find the most ornate expression of your affection, don't panic—nearly all of these spots offer same-day delivery in the Chicago area. Check out the best options for flowery delivery in the city. How do we determine the cream of the crop? Our staff picks combine the top, most recent reviews with some of our personal favorites to make sure you get the best deal on the web. Throughout this article, you may notice some affiliate links—these have no influence on our editorial content, we pinky swear. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Want to let your bestie, other half, secret crush or next door neighbour that you love them? Say it with flowers! Whether for a special occasion like Mother‘s Day or Valentine’s Day, or just because you're feeling nice, having a lovely bunch of blooms delivered straight to your door really has the power to make your day. But we know that sometimes life gets in the way, so if you've left things to the last minute – don't panic, there is still time to save the day. All these wonderful London-based florists do same-day delivery, so you can rest easy, knowing it's all taken care of, and you’ll look like you had it all under control the whole time. RECOMMENDED: 💐Check out the best online flower delivery in London🍏 Busy work week? Get your fruit and veg delivered 🍫Visit the best chocolate shops in London How do we know it's the best of the best? Our lists are expertly curated by our local experts far and wide to offer you the lowdown on the best delivery services in London. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

When it comes to showing that you care, flowers are a pretty safe bet. Thankfully, Sydney is home to fantastic florists willing to deliver the goods – often at just a day's notice, and some even with same-day delivery. From locally sourced flowers to customisable arrangements, our top list has everything you need to make sure you are prepped for the special day. Our team of flower-afficianados have put Sydney's flower delivery services to the test – these are our favourites.  Want to really win that heart? Here are Sydney's best date spots for a perfectly romantic occasions. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

If you’re not careful, Chicago can be a pretty stressful place. From zipping between must-see tourist attractions and scrummaging around the city’s magnificent shopping districts to dancing your socks off at one of the Windy City’s famed watering holes, a short weekend in Chicago can be so exhausting that you'll need somewhere relaxing to rest up. So how do you make sure you don’t burn out in Illinois' busiest city? Book a spa trip. There's nothing more refreshing than a facial, massage, or manicure. Or even a steam in the sauna to release any worries. Update for 2024: Below we’ve laid out the best spa hotels in Chicago, with a few newcomers too: LondonHouse Chicago and St Regis for their unique range of spa and wellness treatments. And now… relax. RECOMMENDED:🏨 Check out the full guide to the best hotels in Chicago💕 The most romantic hotels in Chicago👑 The most luxury Airbnbs in Chicago Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities, and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

The big V-Day is reserved for spending quality time with your partner, from cosy cuddles at night to waking up to a stunning sunrise. Instead of staying at your usual pad, take a break from your everyday routine and spend the night at a home away from home. We’ve rounded up a list of the most romantic hotels in Singapore, so you can pamper your significant other with a much-needed staycation this Valentine’s Day.   RECOMMENDED: The best free date ideas in Singapore and The most romantic restaurants in Singapore

Found on the Republic of Ireland’s east coast, Dublin is a capital city jam-packed with fun. It's soaked in history and plays host to endless glorious pubs and restaurants. But whether you fancy a foodie holiday or want to watch one of the many gigs and games (check out the Aviva Stadium), you certainly won't be short on things to do. Plus, it’s by the sea! You can't beat the sea. Of course, to truly take in the city, you’ll need a good base to recharge your batteries at night (or early in the morning, we won't judge), which is why we’ve gathered the capital’s very best Airbnbs. From central locations to beautiful beach-side homes and cute, quaint cottages, here are some seriously cool Airbnbs in Dublin. Updated February 2025: we've got two hot new properties on the roster, including a delightful cottage by the canal and a swish house in South Dublin. You're welcome.  RECOMMENDED: The 24 best things to do in DublinRECOMMENDED: Where to stay in Dublin Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Houston is, in one word, epic. It's the country's fourth-largest by population and is considered one of the most ethnically diverse metropolitan areas in the United States. That makes it heaven for foodies, with plenty of unbeatable and flavor-rich food spots. It's recognized as one of the best food cities in the country (a very bold, but very worthy title). If you're gonna visit the city, pack elasticated pants – you'll be thanking us later.  And when it comes to the best things to do in Houston, there’s something for everyone no matter your age or interests. From countless outdoor spaces for nature fanatics to museums, art exhibitions, and shopping spots (namely the huge Galleria), you’ll forget what boredom feels like on your trip to Houston. And to help you with what’s often the very hardest task (finding somewhere to stay), we’ve put together some of the best Airbnbs in Houston, Texas, for every budget and taste.  RECOMMENDED:🪐 The 20 best things to do in Houston🏠 The best hotels in Houston Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Looking to brighten up someone’s day? A beautiful bouquet of blooms should do the trick. While Texas is more often considered a cacti-laden land, the bluebonnets always find their way through the dust. And there’s much more where that came from. Flower shops are rearing plants from all over the world so that in Austin, you’ll literally find a bloom for every taste, be it for roses, orchids, tulips or carnations. So when you're searching for the perfect arrangement to say ‘I Love You’ on Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, an anniversary, or a way to communicate something else, we have just the cuts. Plucked from both nationwide biggies and boutique family-run businesses, these flower delivery services cater to an ATX audience and are primed for a heartfelt gesture. And while you’re in the spirit of spoiling, consider our guides to the most romantic restaurants or the best spas in Austin for an extra sweet treat. Here are the finest florists to get a bouquet delivered. RECOMMENDED:🍫Complete the gift with the very best chocolate shops in the USA🌹Check out the best flower shops in Texas🌻Or head to The best flower shops in Austin How do we determine the cream of the crop? Our staff picks combine the top, most recent reviews with some of our personal favorites to make sure you get the best deal on the web. Throughout this article, you may notice some affiliate links – these have no influence on our editorial content – we pinky swear. For more information, see our affiliate guidelin

Located in or very near Center City and Old City, the best hotels in Philadelphia offer an excellent homebase so you can get out and explore all the best things to do in the city with ease (or, if you’re local, kick it in the heart of the city on a staycation). We’ve put together a guide to all the top boarding options, including a mix of luxury rooms, hip boutique hotels and, for the budget-conscious, some of the most worthwhile cheap hotels. Browse our pick of the best hotels below and once you've booked your room, start making dinner reservations at some of the best restaurants in Philly, because no trip to this town is complete without a few delicious dinners under your belt. RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in PhiladelphiaThe best spa hotels in Philadelphia Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

It happens to the best of us: you've forgotten all about that special day and need to make a plan, STAT. What’s the best solution? Flowers are a fast and foolproof gift — especially since ordering and sending flowers is as easy as opening up your laptop or picking up your phone. These options for flower deliveries in Brooklyn are just the thing for those last-minute situations. But sending flowers to show your love and care is a good idea any time, especially if it’s paired with chocolate, delivered from the best chocolate shops in the country. For an extra treat, send your special someone a complete meal to their door from one of the best takeout and delivery services in New York City. RECOMMENDED:🌹Check out the best flower delivery options in NYC🍫Top it off with the USA's best gourmet chocolate gift boxesHow do we determine the cream of the crop? Our staff picks combine the top, most recent reviews with some of our personal favorites to make sure you get the best deal on the web. Throughout this article, you may notice some affiliate links – these have no influence on our editorial content — we pinky swear. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

This bustling coastal city is absolutely steeped in history, maritime heritage, and of course, there's loads to see. It’s roots date back as far as the Stone Age, and it's first ever museum (the Tudor House) remains a top attraction, with gorgeous gardens and guided tours on offer.  There’s plenty of modern-day action too, with a treasured football team, The Saints, and their fans bringing life to the city on match day. Southampton is also only a 20-minute drive away from the New Forest, or a ferry-ride away from the Isle of Wight, there's plenty going on that makes this city worth a visit. Check out our list of top picks for all the best things to do in Southampton.  RECOMMENDED: ⛰️ The best things to in the New Forest🏖️ The best seaside towns in the UK💕 The best things to do in the UK Annie McNamee is a writer at Time Out UK. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Colorado is one of America's most unspoiled—and thereby most drop-dead gorgeous—states. Within its hundreds of thousands of square miles (which, in fact, make it the eighth largest in the union) are cultures and environments aplenty. From the dramatic, towering Rockies to the southwest’s endless desert, Colorado is packed full of incredible landscapes and exciting, adventurous things to do. Fittingly, the hotels in Colorado are truly fantastic and almost as stunning as their surroundings. After all, once you’ve finished trekking or climbing, there’s nothing quite like putting your feet up in a deluxe pad. From bougie boutique hotels to rustic inns, all the way from Vail and Aspen to Denver, we’ve sorted the best hotels in Colorado for every kind of getaway.  Updated January 2025: If staying somewhere cool is at the top of your priorities, The Maven is a new addition to the list that you might want to look into.  RECOMMENDED: 🫧 The best Airbnbs with hot tubs in Colorado🏠 The best Airbnbs in Colorado Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

There’s a reason these guys are dubbed The Original Tour and that’s because they were the first to run such an operation in London back in 1951. As the Festival of Britain got underway that year, an earlier form of TfL introduced a double-decker bus running ‘Service J’ to take visitors on a tour of the capital. Service J was such a success that it has remained in action to this day. By 1991 the service adopted the hop-on, hop-off mentality and in 1992 the company rebranded from Service J to The Original London Sightseeing Tour. Their reasonably priced tickets allow access to all six of their bus routes and include a Thames River Cruise day-pass, as well as a Changing of the Guard walking tour. What’s more, all tickets are valid for either 24, 48 or 72 hours, and commentary is available in 11 different languages. Some buses on the main yellow route even have real-life guides delivering the fun facts in an entertaining manner. If you're after something a little more specific, say with young ones in mind, you're in luck. The Original Tour has branched out into specialised walks and rides, including the Christmas Lights Tour, London Bar Bus (where you can drink on-board) and the 45-minute Original Kids Tour.

For a sporting venue known for its strict adherence to tradition, the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is impressively futuristic. Not only is there a 3D cinema explaining the science of the game, but a holographic ‘ghost’ of former tennis world champion John McEnroe roaming the dressing room (yes, seriously), even though he’s still very much alive and volleying. Interviews with players are broadcast on TV screens and an interactive area allows visitors to handle racquets, feel the weight of a trophy and test their reaction skills in simulation games.  Tracing the history of lawn tennis, there is memorabilia dating as far back as 1555, while new additions to the collection include Andy Murray’s outfit from the London 2012 Olympics, when he took home the gold medal, and a series of tennis posters from 1893 to 2015. You can also go on behind-the-scenes tours of the grounds and facilities – including Centre Court – and get a 360-degree view of the arena from a special viewing platform.

Ever wondered what London looks like from 53 metres above North Greenwich? No? Bet you’re wondering now! You can find out with a ticket for Up at The O2, which is the ultimate AAA pass and gains you access to the roof. From there you’ll be able see across the capital, spotting famous sites like the Olympic Park, Thames Barrier, The Shard and Canary Wharf. You’re probably raring to get up there now, but hold your horses because, well, safety first. There will be a couple of videos you need to sit down and take in beforehand, but don’t sigh just yet because they’re genuinely entertaining. After that you’ll strap on the relevant gear: boots, suit and harness, all of which is supplied. Then – and only then – you can begin your ascent. One of The O2’s guides will lead you along the springy walkway all the way to the top, where you can breathe in the fresh air, take a selfie or two and discover some facts about London’s landmarks before heading back down. It’s worth noting that the descent is much steeper than the climb up, so if you’ve got bad knees this isn’t the attraction for you. Up at The O2 is suitable for ages 10+ and at least 1.2 metres tall; and accessible tours for those with disabilities, including wheelchair-users, are also available. Oh, and one piece of advice? Don’t forget socks! VIDEO: Here's what it's like to tackle the climb

Down a cobbled street banked by estate agents, a petrol station and a wall of graffiti, the approach to Sager + Wilde’s second branch hardly screams fine dining. But that’s the charm of London. The crummy can sit with the flash, so you never know when you’re going to stumble upon a real gem. Paradise Row is one of those: a place where railway arches house a bevy of trendy bar-restaurants, one of which was taken over back in 2014 by Michael Sager (now the sole owner) and Charlotte Wilde. The duo, who spent much of their lives visiting vineyards around the world, put together an intimidatingly vast wine list that, thankfully, the staff know as well as the owners. My barrage of questions about the best white to pair with pork were met confidently – a fresh, pear-hinting Saladini Pilastri Falerio from Marche, Italy, if you’re wondering. Abundant beverages aside, this Sager + Wilde is very much about the food. Having enlisted the talents of Sebastian Myers (formerly of Chiltern Firehouse), the menu comprises British dishes with European flourishes. The grilled cut of Iberico pork was a particular highlight; teamed with black trompettes and hispi cabbage, each mouthful popped with salty-sour flavourings, levelled off beautifully by the sweetness of the red apple jus. Despite the industrial setting, the vibe is inviting. Neatly lined-up wooden tables are lit by candlelight and a few low-hanging bulbs. Service was impeccable – our waitress happily (and patiently) explained the sizing

Please note, Hops & Glory is now closed. Time Out Editors, February 2018. Given Britain’s propensity for cold weather, this wood-clad watering hole, flushed with amber lighting, makes for an inviting prospect. But even in warmer weeks, with its glass double-doors thrown open and beautiful brass fans spinning from the burgundy ceiling, there should be a pleasing breeze. The offer of homely winter warmers – think beef dripping, chips and Welsh rarebit – would do for most evenings. Watch out for the crust on that rarebit though, mine was tough and difficult to chew. The menu promises ‘British country-style cooking,’ which evidently means meat-centric mains, with grouse, beef and only one option for fish-fanciers or veggies. My wild bream fillet was great, the flesh tender beneath a crisped skin, its saltiness superbly complemented by sweet red peppers and a lumpy (in a good way) Cypriot potato mash. It may be perched on the edge of busy Essex Road, but The Hops & Glory brings an enjoyable slice of country pub living to Zone One.

Highly articulate and discerning London rapper and political activist Lowkey makes a long awaited return. In 2012 he took a musical hiatus to concentrate on his studies, as he told his Facebook fans, but this July Lowkey (real name Kareem Dennis) reappeared with the single 'Ahmed'. Accompanied by a lo-fi lyric video, 'Ahmed' expresses Lowkey's gut-wrenching take on the current refugee crisis, focusing in particular on the photo of the little Syrian boy washed up dead on a Turkish beach last year.

Californian ray of sunshine Margaret Glaspy is beaming over with her cream-coloured telecaster and modest (but punch-packing) band of a drummer and bassist. Having recently released her debut album 'Emotions and Math', Glaspy will be promoting the record, which is a mixture of fun, flippant lyrics that fans of Courtney Barnett would appreciate and flexing folky guitar licks. Vocally Glaspy is also a delight, managing to combine the cutesy, indie quirk of Joanna Newsom with the gut-wrenching sincerity that Laura Marling's tonality holds.

What better way to spend a Friday night than getting sweaty with Toronto's latest export, Weaves? Having just dropped their eponymous debut LP, Weaves combine all the swagger of Yeah Yeah Yeahs with raucous garage rock riffs and eminently danceable beats. Tonight the four-piece show us Brits how the Canadians do it.

What better way to spend a Friday night than getting sweaty with Toronto's latest export, Weaves? Having just dropped their eponymous debut LP, Weaves combine all the swagger of Yeah Yeah Yeahs with raucous garage rock riffs and eminently danceable beats. Tonight the four-piece show us Brits how the Canadians do it.

All aboard the bus of nightmares for a journey to hel… er, we mean Houses of Parliament and other well known London landmarks. With a lick of black paint, an old-school Routemaster has been given a suitably ghoulish makeover for the Ghost Bus Tour, which will whisk you around the capital on a whistle-stop adventure of London’s most malevolent spots. The tours feature half-factual, half-fictional tales about the demon barber of Fleet Street, Southwark’s Cross Bones Graveyard, the elusive black dog that haunts Newgate Prison and more, all delivered on, and sometimes off, the bus by a troupe of actors, stand-up comics and cabaret performers. Booking recommended.

All aboard the bus of nightmares for a journey to hel… er, we mean Houses of Parliament and other well known London landmarks. With a lick of black paint, an old-school Routemaster has been given a suitably ghoulish makeover for the Ghost Bus Tour, which will whisk you around the capital on a whistle-stop adventure of London’s most malevolent spots. The tours feature half-factual, half-fictional tales about the demon barber of Fleet Street, Southwark’s Cross Bones Graveyard, the elusive black dog that haunts Newgate Prison and more, all delivered on, and sometimes off, the bus by a troupe of actors, stand-up comics and cabaret performers. Booking recommended.

The great thing about reality TV shows is that all the locations exist. IRL. So you can go and, say, sup a lemongrass vodka and strawberry purée cocktail (the 'MIC' special) at Bluebird Café in the exact spot Binky parked her pert tushy in such-a-such episode of the series. This two-hour walking tour will treat fans of the posho programme to a glimpse at more than 20 hotspots frequented by the ‘Made in Chelsea’ cast, including Sloane Square, Upper Cheyne Row, date spot Benihana and Bluebird. Walkers will also get the opportunity for a quick bit of shopping en route.

In the ongoing battle to save our favourite bits of London, we're now rooting for the The George Tavern in Shadwell to triumph in their fight against developers. Eight years ago the grand old pub was informed that Stepney's Nightclub next door would be demolished to make way for six luxury flats, which means The George would inevitably lose its live music and late (ie. fun) license. They've been fighting the decision ever since by hosting fundraisers to cover their legal costs, but now they need your help.  The 600-year-old boozer has launched a crowd funding campaign so they can continue their crusade, offering everything from shout outs and t-shirts to signed memorabilia in exchange for your donations. And if you send them a snap of yourself wearing your 'Save The George Tavern' tee, they'll add you to their gallery alongside the likes of Kate Moss, Sir Ian McKellen and Georgia May Jagger. Donate at The George's IndieGoGo page and find out more information about the campaign at savethegeorgetavern.com.  

…according to Pinakin Patel, 43. The most sensitive issues are the ones that need to be talked about ‘I work on Prevent, which is part of the Government’s counterterrorism strategy. We run events with different communities and invite debate on hard topics, like foreign policy in Afghanistan and women in Islam. The key thing is to not shut down debate. You need a thick skin.’ The internet is the most common pathway to radicalisation ‘These days, we see more risk coming from people engaging with extremism via online groups and social media than face-to-face. So we work with students and parents’ groups to increase people’s resilience, critical thinking and online safety, and also deliver training in schools on how to spot concerns and pass those on to social services and the council.’ Right-wing extremism is the fastest-growing threat ‘We definitely don’t only tackle extremism in Islamic communities. I would love to dispel that myth. In fact, we’re getting more and more far-right cases – groups like National Action, or Holocaust denial and Islamophobia.’ Even the most suspicious people can be won over ‘In 2011 I set up an advisory body of faith groups and key members of the community. At the first meeting I was accused of being a spy for the government and of targeting Muslims. Not long ago, that same group threw me a surprise fortieth birthday party.  They were quite hostile in the beginning – cynical, perhaps. But we listened to them and now they’re our biggest champions.’ F

Returning this summer to Ealing’s Gunnersbury Park is Citadel Festival, the Sunday one-dayer that acts as Lovebox’s laidback little sibling. Taking over Lovebox’s sprawling site the day after it ends, Citadel has tons of music to choose from, plus an array of family-friendly activities. Welsh titans Catfish And The Bottlemen will work their magic in the headline slot. With new LP ‘The Balance’ dropping in April, the Llandudno lads will have three albums’ worth of angsty indie rock to plunder. Joining them on the main stage is Rag’n’Bone Man – the voice behind 2016’s massive earworm ‘Human’ and Calvin Harris’s current banger ‘Giant’. Even if you’ve never ventured beyond Mr Bone’s hit singles, his live show totally brims with soul and brass.  Elsewhere you’ll find raucous Scottish singer-guitarist Honeyblood, who’ll deliver candy-sweet vocal melodies alongside riffs that’ll vibrate your insides. All-female trio Dream Wife will also be rocking out; if you’re a fan of The Strokes and Wolf Alice, their hook-laden indie should tickle your fancy. Then get a shuffle on as Friendly Fires bust out their synth-led tropical rhythms. With lots of songs about love or partying, they’ll provide the perfect groove to a balmy summer’s evening. But as always, Citadel isn’t just about the tunes. There’s plenty of street food to keep hungry revellers sated (think Club Mexicana and Only Jerkin’), plus group yoga classes, spoken word and creative workshops. This fest is the perfect mix of Sunday f

…according to Adele Lamb, 35. Making sure everything runs smoothly is as much as an art as a science ‘As a stage manager, my job is to “call” shows as they happen – so that could be saying, “Winch one, go. Sound, go” through a headset. People don’t necessarily think of it as artistic, but you’re having to read the music, the cast and the audience’s reaction, so there is an artistic side to it. We’re kind of the driving force that pushes things forward.’ Plays, musicals and circus shows all have their own challenges ‘I have done plays, but I’ve always been drawn towards musicals, because there’s more going on in a technical sense. I’ve worked on shows like “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Rock of Ages”. But now I tour with Cirque du Soleil, and the difference with circus is that we are slightly movable. Something can happen to an acrobat while they’re warming up that means they can’t do that act, and we have to rearrange things. We make sure we run seamlessly and the audience doesn’t know something’s happened.’ Knowing what happens backstage can make it hard to watch other shows ‘I make a real effort to see stuff that I wouldn’t usually work on – plays, dance and opera – but I’ve never been able to fully switch off. There are times when you’re watching something and you think: I wonder if that was meant to happen. But nobody else would notice!’ Circus life makes dating hard ‘I’ve been single for a long time now. It’s not a job for everybody, and generally people end up with someb

…according to Lloyd Wylde, 49. To a homeless Londoner, a haircut can mean a lot ‘This year we’ve got 11 Crisis at Christmas centres across London hosting homeless people between December 23 and 30. We set up a cinema, a clothing station, a non-stop tea and coffee point… But one of the most popular things we offer is hairdressing. Many guests come back and have another inch off every day we’re open. We wash their hair, blow-dry it, give them some product – it’s about being treated like a human being. There is always a queue.’ Everyone is entitled to be picky about Christmas dinner ‘We absolutely have to have Christmas dinner – if there wasn’t any there would be a riot. And I tell you, the guests are very particular – they’ve always got tips for the chef. It’s funny getting the comments: “Well, I thought the turkey was a bit overdone,” or “The brussels sprouts could have had a bit longer.”’ There’s an annual footie league between Crisis centres ‘The teams are made up of guests, and at our centre in east London we have footballers from West Ham come in to train with them before the match. Last year, my centre came back with the trophy and it was like they’d won the FA Cup. We were just one group of people standing and cheering and celebrating together. That’s what it’s all about – there’s no them and us.’ Saying goodbye is the hardest part ‘We can’t work miracles in a week, and it’s difficult when you have to say goodbye to one of the guests and you don’t know what the year is

…according to Dan Bowery, 28. Children are less wimpy than adults ‘My job at the Natural History Museum ice rink is to skate around, help people learn to skate and pick people up when they fall over. Kids generally learn a lot more easily and don’t mind falling over – they’ll get straight back up and laugh about it. Whereas adults will cling to you, which generally means they end up falling over a lot more.’ Wind is an ice rink’s worst enemy ‘Our rink contains something like 186,000 litres of water, all being cooled by pipes that run underneath. It’s basically a big freezer without a door. This year has been great so far, as it’s been quite cold, but when it gets mild and windy the ice struggles. The wind constantly moves the water on top, so it never gets a chance to freeze properly.’ It’s always best to skate off-peak ‘If you go on certain days during the week between 10am and 1pm, you pay the same amount as for a one‑hour session, but you can skate for up to three hours. I can use the rink for free whenever I’m not working, and I’ll be going in during those quiet times.’ Fingers getting chopped off is a myth ‘Everyone always asks, but that’s never happened. Out of all the people I’ve spoken to, who’ve worked in ice rinks for a long time, no one’s ever heard of anyone getting their fingers sliced off. The worst injury I’ve heard of was a person who managed to dislocate both shoulders at the same time.’ There’s only one way to deal with Christmas music: get used to it ‘The s

…according to Laura Tyrer, 35. Acting confident is an art ‘A lot of people become actors because they find confidence in being someone else. I was a very shy kid and I went to dance classes because my mum wanted me to be confident, but if you’re naturally shy, it’s never going to go away. All performers have insecurities – some are riddled with them. That’s why we have to take care of each other.’ Getting older can be an asset ‘Entering a new age bracket as an actor is really exciting. I’m just about to finish playing Velma Kelly in “Chicago”, and I couldn’t have done it five years ago! Now I’m of a maturity to play that part, because I understand that woman.’ It’s easy to get stuck as an understudy ‘When you’re in an ensemble covering a lead part, you have to concentrate on your own character while learning other people’s as well, and you can be thrown on at a moment’s notice. But if you become known as a reliable cover, it’s hard to get out of that box. I had a fear for a few years that it wouldn’t happen for me.’ A second job is essential ‘The worst thing you can do is walk into an audition room and think: I have to get this job because I have to pay the bills. Doing something else will keep you sane. I also teach dance, but others write or voice-coach.’ Noise isn’t distracting – phones are ‘The light distracts the eye, and once your eye is distracted, your thought goes with it. It baffles me that people think they can’t be seen using their phones. I was in a show earlier

…according to Karolina Susfal, 39. London’s Ikea branches are a microcosm of the city ‘There’s a huge diversity of people in Ikea – both workers and customers. It’s a very international environment and I learn basic phrases every day. I can now say hello in Polish, German, Portuguese, Spanish and more.’ The meatball struggle is real ‘Everyone loves the Swedish meatballs. We don’t get food for free, but it’s such a little amount that it’s dangerously affordable. They are a little bit dangerous, though: I was skinnier three years ago before I started working here!’ People ask ridiculous questions… ‘Customers often ask about the difference between a foam mattress and sprung one. Obviously a foam mattress has foam inside and a sprung mattress has springs, but we still get that question all the time.  Or you’ll tell the customer that a bed frame comes in white or black and the next question they ask is: “Does it come in grey?”’ …but also show their gratitude ‘To plan a complete kitchen, we usually spend hours with one customer, and they’ll often come back to the store to show us pictures. One customer even invited me over for dinner in their newly built kitchen! I was too shy to say yes.’ Ikea staff are okay with people making themselves at home ‘Many times when I go through the showroom I’ll see whole families sitting on the sofas, having a chat and a cup of tea that they’ve got from the canteen. We encourage them to sit for a while. We even invite them to lie down to check

…according to Victoria Martin, 31.  Some dogs have serious jobs ‘At our kennels at Gatwick we have labradors, a pointer and a poodle-pointer, but we use springer spaniels mainly, because their noses are so good. Each dog is trained on different commodities: drugs, cigarettes, cash… My spaniel Teddy is a firearms dog, so when he detects a weapon, I make sure there’s no ammunition in it and that it can be looked after safely.’ Not every pooch is cut out for it ‘Once you’ve both been through training, you have to be licensed by a chief instructor, who will watch you work to make sure you and the dog are good together. When I was being inspected with my previous dog, Sidney, we had to do a baggage belt search. I could see that Sid wasn’t acting right, and then he decided to do a massive poo on the belt while the bags were going round. It became apparent afterwards that he was petrified of crowds of people.’ When the handlers go on holiday, so do the dogs ‘Nobody else can work your dog, because only you’re licensed to him or her. So we have kennels at Gatwick, and when we’re not working,  the kennel assistants look after our dogs for us. They get walked and fed twice a day; we’ve even got paddocks where they can go and play with the other dogs. A day off for us is a day off for them.’ Retired dogs are in high demand ‘Dogs are normally retired aged seven or eight, depending on their health, and the handler gets first refusal. If they or their friends or family are not interested, t

…according to Roberta Maciuleviciute, 30. There’s a Hamburger University in East Finchley ‘We all go there to improve our knowledge, whether it’s for an apprenticeship or management courses. I started as a crew member and did an apprenticeship straight away, through which I got GCSEs in English and Maths as well as learning the ropes of working for McDonald’s.’ The smell of grease grows on you ‘It doesn’t smell that much, as there’s always AC and extractor fans in the stores to keep that smell out. But when you work in the restaurant every day, you get used to it. It’s a unique smell: whenever you go to a different store, it feels so familiar.’ Drunk people leave weird stuff behind ‘The funniest thing we regularly find in the dining area after overnight shifts is one shoe. It’s like a modern Cinderella story: how can someone leave one shoe in McDonald’s and still get home?’ Tourists and Londoners alike ask for some strange things ‘London has such a mixture of people that even people who live here ask us for things we don’t have. We get people asking for soup and things like that which they’re used to in their country. Spanish, Italian and German people especially ask about beer. Unfortunately, we have to disappoint them because McDonald’s doesn’t serve beer in the UK.’ Londoners expect all-day breakfasts ‘Some people would like to eat breakfast all day, but at 10.30am we have to start serving lunch. We understand the frustration customers have: sometimes you just want an

…according to Cassie Fletcher, 23. Regulars can become mates ‘One of the fun things about being a barista is getting to know customers well. One of our regulars, who I saw every day for three years, was from Italy and I told her I’d like to go there one day. She said, “Why don’t you come with me next time?” So I went on holiday with one of my customers and we’re really good friends now.’ Starbucks has tens of thousands of drink combinations ‘Because we’ve got different flavoured syrups, milks, decafs and shots, there are more than 80,000 drinks. I once made a drink with 30 or more ingredients! And sometimes if we have a really weird order, we like to make it again afterwards to see what it actually tastes like.’ There’s a ten-second rule for espresso ‘Once the espresso is poured out of the machine, it needs to be added to whatever drink you’re making within ten seconds, otherwise the taste, smell and crema will be affected. If you taste a normal latte against one with espresso that’s waited for ten seconds or more, it’s going to be bitter.’ Londoners bloody love eggnog ‘We have three Christmas drinks – toffee nut, gingerbread and eggnog latte – but eggnog is the one that everybody wants all year round. Even in late March, when we don’t make it, people are still asking for eggnog.’ For more unique looks at London life, sign up here to get Time Out features straight to your inbox.

After losing his right leg at 17, Michael Ishiguzo thought his sporting career was over. But now he’s got a chance to play amputee football at the highest level… ‘I used to be a professional footballer back in Nigeria. At 17 I was playing for one of the top teams, but one day, in a tackle during training, I broke my right leg. Although I was playing professionally, there wasn’t much money in it. We were playing for passion and hope, and sometimes it was even hard to afford to eat. So when I broke my leg, I could not afford a doctor, and I went to the traditional bonesetters. I’d seen a lot of players break legs and go to these people, and they’d carry on playing. But my leg was not properly treated. I contracted gangrene and they had to amputate. That was the worst moment of my life. I couldn’t come to terms with it and I attempted suicide a couple of times, but I was saved for whatever reason – only God knows. I was ashamed. I’m sorry to say this, but in Nigeria disabled people are not human beings. You become a second-class citizen, especially when you’re not well-to-do. One of the people I had grown up with lived in London. They said, “You can come to UK and follow your career in sport,” so that’s how the whole idea started. When I arrived I found out it wasn’t as easy as that, but going back to Nigeria was not a good idea. At least here I’m living my life as a human being. I moved to London in 2000, when I was 20, and I still live in the same area, the south-east. I start