Polly Bartlett

In the wake of clowns scaring people countrywide, it feels as though Halloween has already been and gone. But the spookiest night of the year is still yet to come, so if you’re stuck for a dress up idea that isn’t a novelty Donald Trump mask (don’t be that guy), think closer to home instead – here are five Halloween costumes we’d like to see in London this year. An estate agent Is there anything that gives a Londoner the willies more than a suited bloke extolling the virtues of a mouldy flat in Elephant & Castle? (Clue: nope.)     Going nowhere fast 🚇#LondonUnderground #CircleLine #highstreetkensington A photo posted by Elliot Wagland (@elliotjwagland) on Oct 18, 2016 at 8:38am PDT   The Central line Ever been called confusing or unreliable by your chums? You’re already half way to becoming the tube’s most hated line. If you’re bored of dark clothes and vampire teeth this Halloween, dig out your finest red threads and channel life in the painfully slow lane instead.      My little customer with his new hair cut and his hipster costume. Super cute #hipstercostume#barberlife#dfonsbarberstudio#calgary #barbershopconnect A photo posted by @dfons on Oct 26, 2015 at 6:07pm PDT   A hipster The one night a year you might legitimately be able to trial a new, edgier you without someone asking ‘mate, is that a man bun?’ The full sleeve and craft beer in hand is just for effect… obviously.     A chugger Nothing instills the fear of god into a Londoner like the sight of

With the Rio Olympics drawing to a close and Team GB sitting pretty in second place in the medals table, talk of team pursuits and twisting-double-backflips might’ve convinced you to skip Legs Bums and Tums and have a go at something new. Whether you fancy yourself as a Trott or a Farah, there’s no better time to step off the treadmill and try your hand at one of London's Olympics-inspired classes.   Day 2 and still smiling 😊 #rowing #aviron #trainingcamp #flatwater A photo posted by Putney Town RC (@putneytownrc) on Mar 27, 2016 at 1:35am PDT Rowing Putney Rowing Club's 'Learn2Row' programme is a popular choice among social butterflies who revel in a team atmosphere. This six-week course involves learning the basics of handling rowing equipment and establishing a strong technique, and with two of the Team GB rowers in Rio starting their careers at Putney, who's to say Tokyo 2020 is just a pipe dream...   Isn't that beautiful? #gymnastics #kolimechkov #eastlondongymnastics #eastlondongymnasium #maltesecross #gymnasticsrings #nsa #nationalsportsacademy #nationals #gymnast #artisticgymnastics #gymnova #phd #sportsscience A photo posted by Stefan Kolimechkov (@kolimechkov) on May 30, 2016 at 11:10am PDT Gymnastics Improve your flexibility, strength and pick up some badass tumbling skills at East London Gymnastics Centre (Beckton DLR). Coached classes cater to all abilities and will arm you with an enviable set of party tricks for £10 per session (£12 for non-member

Summer presents Londoners with a bit of a dilemma – how do you keep your caffeine levels topped up without getting all hot and sweaty? Simple: ice, ice, baby. Here are four spots for an iced coffee in Clapham. Brickwood Aussie-influenced café Brickwood now has three venues in Clapham, Balham and Tooting with queues to give The Breakfast Club a run for its money. It’s worth the wait, though – their Caravan’s Market blend iced coffee even comes with an extra sprinkling of chocolate on top. Bonza, mate!    A photo posted by Bump & Grind (@bumpinangrindin) on Jul 19, 2016 at 3:47am PDT Bump & Grind Served from a giant Lego head by one-man team Mat Mittelheuser, Bump & Grind’s self-proclaimed ‘kick-ass’ iced latte is smooth enough to quench a dry mouth on a sweaty AM commute. Catch him at 64th and Social on Clapham High Street Monday-Friday and at Venn Street Market on Saturdays for a coffee and a chit-chat, if that’s your thing.   A photo posted by The Black Lab Coffee House (@blacklabcoffee) on Jul 19, 2016 at 6:30am PDT The Black Lab Coffee House If the thought of a Starbucks takeaway cup fills you with dread, The Black Lab’s edgy chemistry-inspired café should spark a positive reaction. Served in both mugs and lab equipment you’ve not seen since your GCSE days, Black Lab’s coffee is a popular choice among former baristas and fussy coffee drinkers alike. Keep cool with the best ice-cream sandwiches in London.