Rhys Thomas

If you want to be beside countless fantastic Manhattan neighborhoods, then you need to stay at one of the best hotels in Chelsea. Like most other New York 'hoods, Chelsea was once industrial and more than a little rough around the edges (aren't we all?). Then came the galleries and the gay scene to the rescue, followed by the elevated High Line. Now the buzzy area is packed with nightlife, tourists, shopping, and art galore. And don’t forget to sample some (or several) of the best Chelsea restaurants while you're exploring. Food is, after all, the way to many of our hearts. Plus it’s within walking distance of the clubby Meatpacking District, charming West Village, bustle of Midtown, and at the heart of all the Chelsea girls. From the height of luxury to unique boutiques and intimate charmers, there's something for everyone amid the best hotels in Chelsea. Luckily for you, we've done our research and come up with the top trumps for you to pick from, you know, to make your life easier.  Updated December 2024: If you like a low-key residential feel, you love swing by The Moore hotel - very urban chic.   RECOMMENDED: 🏨See our full guide to the best hotels in NYC🍾Stay in one of NYC's best luxury hotels🪵Or take your pick of the best Airbnbs in Hudson Valley 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

Gleaming skyscrapers, luxury hotels, instagrammable parks and boulevards filled with air-conditioned malls – Singapore truly has it all. Oh, and there are loads of attractions and great things to do to keep the hordes of visitors occupied too. With so much to explore, it can be tricky to know where to begin – from nature’s endless beauty to breathtaking views, or the abundance of galleries and shops for those seeking a more relaxed experience. Here’s a guide to the best attractions in Singapore, handpicked by our local experts just for you. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here. RECOMMENDED: 101 things to do in Singapore and where to see interesting architecture and landmarks 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 October 2024: we've got two hot new properties on the roster, including an old-school stables and a seaside cottage. 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.

If you’re looking for a sweet hotel room in London, Soho deserves a place at the top of your list. Why? Because, despite breakneck-speed gentrification, it’s still managed to retain – just – its independent spirit. It’s home to the city’s best department store, Liberty, its best cinema, the Curzon Soho, and many of London's best restaurants, from budget-friendly street food on Berwick Street to the buzzy, no-booking likes of Bao, or the Michelin-starred Yauatcha. Similarly, when it comes to hotels – whether you're after a cheap and cheerful number or a glam hangout frequented by celebs – from good solid hostels to opulent boutique hotels, the heart of London welcomes all budgets. So, without further ado, here’s our list of the best hotels in Soho. RECOMMENDED: Check out London’s best AirbnbsHere are the best hotels in London This guide was recently updated by London-based content executive Talia Stanton. 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. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews 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.

New England's is a treasure chest of travel gems. Whether you're craving coastal vibes, nature galore, or college-town buzz, this place has got it all. With its six diverse states—Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts—New England offers historic cities, charming towns, and a tapestry of landscapes, from rugged mountains to serene coastlines.For those planning a New England getaway, the first hurdle is planning where to crash, right? From snug log cabins tailor-made for romantic retreats to sprawling country estates that accommodate large families, New England's Airbnb scene is bursting with options to suit every whim.To help you out, we've done the legwork and curated a selection of some seriously cool places to stay across New England. Want a rural retreat? We've got your back. How about a hip city pad? You got it. Maybe even a treehouse? It's all in the mix. RECOMMENDED:🍺 Check out the best Airbnbs in Boston🪵 These are the  coolest cabin stays near Boston ⚾️ Here's where to go when you visit Boston🏨 Explore the best hotels in Vermont Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb 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.

From crossing the iconic Abbey Road to enjoying a spot of cabaret bottomless brunch with a mate, before scaling the 02 Arena and catching your train at Platform 9 3/4 back to Hogwarts, London is all about spectacle. What can we say? When it comes to finding the best things to do, this walkable and bikeable treasure trove of pub gardens, cool restaurants, (even cooler) rooftops, and markets pretty much, well, everywhere, truly has it all. And while we can’t quite get enough of this Big-Ben-tolling capital, the price of a stay in London is no joke. If you're headed this way, it may be friendlier for your wallet to book an Airbnb.  While there are a lot of hotels, ranging from different styles, tastes, and budgets, Airbnbs give you a more unique experience that won't cost you the earth. Whether you want to be on the doorstep of the West End's theatres and attractions, or in the buzzing hipster’s paradise that is the East End, we’ve rounded up the best of the best Airbnbs in London for you to have a butcher’s at. These stays go from simple convenience to stunning locations, with opulent 16-guest penthouses and even historical houses.  So whether you’re here for a weekend or two, one thing's for certain, when asked whether you ‘got up to much’, you’ll never be stuck on what to say.  🌷 Find the best online shops for flower delivery in London🏙 Check out our list of the best hotels in London🇬🇧 Discover the quirkiest Airbnbs in the UK🚶‍♂️ Join the best London tours Who makes th

Looking for pretty, tranquil, peace and quiet? Well, this place delivers that and more. Bucolic villages, honey-coloured cottages, rolling limestone hills, medieval churches and, er, the possibility of bumping into David Cameron and his Chipping Norton chums… Okay, so the last one’s not for everyone but look, the Cotswolds really is pretty glorious, especially for a foolproof romantic getaway. Brimming with that kind of quintessential vision of England that sends visitors to our shores just a bit batty. And you know what? That means its Airbnbs are some of the best in the land, too. We’ve handpicked a bunch so you don't have to. Here are some of our favourite Airbnbs in the Cotswolds, from reimagined churches to cute little pods and glamping spots. Happy holidaying! Updated November 2024: Two more couldn't hurt, but it may make your choice a little more difficult, especially once you take a look at the new Hobbit-inspired hut we've added – or the dreamy meadow yurt. RECOMMENDED: 🇬🇧See our top picks for the best Airbnbs in the UK🏨Cosy up in the cheapest hotels in the Cotswolds 💂‍♂️or stay in these unique Airbnbs in London Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb 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 i

Sure, we all love swanning around on a weekend getaway, drinking pints in cosy pubs and taking long, countryside walks for hours on end. Sure, we have the best time ever soaking up the sunshine, going to local museums and drinking iced coffee on a beach wall. But where’s the pizzazz, I hear you say? Where’s the pop? Well, we’ve got you covered. First, we got together everything you need for a trip to one of the UK’s most magnificent landscapes, the Lake District in Cumbria, where the hills and mountains roll away like water and the grass grows greener than anywhere else on earth. Sure, we did that. But we’ve also found the wackiest Airbnbs you can get there, from tiny pods and cabins to converted police stations. Yep, you heard that right. Find everything you need on Airbnb.  Updated December 2024: We bet you won't find a more cracking view than from this 17th-century cottage or this Luxury lodge overlooking a field of cute lambs. RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in the UKThe 15 most beautiful places in the UKThe best hotels in the Lake District 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.

Chicago might be the Second City, but our attractions are first class. Need evidence of that fact? Look no further than the many Chicago museums, where you'll find everything from the best-preserved T. rex skeleton ever found to paintings from Van Gogh and Picasso. Or take a stroll through our gorgeous parks and gardens, home to some of the best public art in Chicago (say hello to "The Bean"). You can also laugh it up at a comedy club, see a show at a jazz club once frequented by Al Capone or have a Michelin-starred meal at one of the best Chicago restaurants ... the list goes on. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a lifelong Chicagoan looking to see a little more of their home city, we’ve curated a list of the very best attractions Chicago has to offer, just for you. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago right nowRECOMMENDED: The best cheap things to do in ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The best hotels in ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The best boutique hotels in Chicago This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Taking a trip to Sin City and looking for somewhere to stay? You'd think it would be easy with over 150,000 hotel rooms in the city, but alas, it's not. While you could check into one of the city’s many fabulous hotels, why not get the whole Vegas experience and rent out an Airbnb?  Whether you're visiting for a stag do, checking out the Vegas Strip, or wanting to see one of the many amazing drag shows the city has to offer, there's something to suit everyone. From skyline apartments to glam suites, check out our list of the best Airbnbs in Las Vegas. We’ve found rentals for all kinds of Sin City experiences. Viva Las Vegas! RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Las Vegas The best restuarants in Las Vegas 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.

Bali is bustling with hotel options - seriously, it’s kind of overwhelming. From luxurious beachside resorts, perfect for honeymoon escapes, to secluded hilltop retreats with all the necessities for a solo traveller, the options are as diverse as the island itself. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could book multiple Bali hotels and explore different vibes throughout your stay. Sure, it takes a bit of planning, but trust us, it’s worth it.  Basically, what we’re trying to say is that no matter where you land, Bali’s got you covered with stunning rice terraces, wild jungle escapades, and those Instagram-worthy white sandy beaches. The only thing that might outnumber the amazing hotels here is the list of fantastic things to do. To help you plan the perfect adventure, we’ve handpicked our top Bali hotels. Whether you’re eyeing the surfers’ paradise, Canggu, discovering tranquillity in Ubud, or diving into Seminyak’s vibrant scene, we’ve narrowed down the choices to save you valuable time. So, pack your bags, soak up the sun, and get ready to experience the unique blend of natural beauty and culture that Bali offers.  Updated in November 2024: Occasionally, we come across hidden gems like private poolside villas that we can't find ourselves – add 'em to your bucket list. RECOMMENDED: ☀️Click here to learn the 19 best things to do in Bali🏠Check out the best Airbnbs in Bali🌴Discover the best hotels in Ubud🏖️Explore the best hotels in Seminyak Who makes the cut? While we migh

Heading to Austin with dreams of barbecue feasts, live music, and an all-around good time? Great choice. Now is the perfect time to explore this unique city, whether you're eager to dive into its vibrant entertainment scene or lace up your boots for a memorable adventure in the stunning local scenery. Now, picture this: after a day filled with dancing, exploring, and savoring local flavors, you retreat to a cozy, one-of-a-kind spot to rest those tired feet. And sure, while a standard hotel is an option, why not make your stay as exceptional as the city itself? Austin has tons of incredible Airbnbs ready and waiting to take your trip to the next level. From garden oases to geodesic domes and luxurious penthouses with surprisingly reasonable rates, Austin's Airbnbs offer the perfect fusion of style and comfort. And, to ensure your trip is nothing short of amazing, we've curated a list of our top picks for the best Airbnbs in Austin. Don’t worry, you can thank us later. RECOMMENDED: 🏨 Check out the best hotels in Austin🇺🇸 Discover the best attractions in Austin👪 Traveling as a family? These are the best things to do in Austin with kids. 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.

Film fans are going to absolutely love this one. The director Edgar Wright is hosting a big old takeover at the BFI Southbank called ‘London After Dark’. Across October and November this year Wright’s takeover series will be a load of film screenings he's curated. But that's not all. They're not just a pick n mix of moving images. Oh no. This list of screenings is the exact list that has inspired his latest film ‘Last Night in Soho’. The idea being, you can sit there after dark in the lovely BFI Southbank and soak up all those films that have influenced Wright’s recent hit There are 17 screenings in total, with choices like ‘The Small World of Sammy Lee’, ‘Frenzy’, ‘Peeping Tom’, and more.

It's back! For just the second time ever, there's going to be a Brent Cross Winter Festival this year. Following on from the very well received 2019 winter festival, this year's instalment will be a great welcome back for the North-West Christmas festivities.  Despite being young, there's no shortage of attractions and activities to enjoy at the wonderland. From bars to bus rides, light displays to a giant observation wheel – the shopping center truly becomes a spot for all things Christmas cheer and quality time. Some of the main features you'll want to check out include the massive ice rink. We're talking one of the largest in London. Plus, and here's the good bit, it's indoors. So you can be sure the surface isn't getting washed out with that Dickensian winter rain. With the help of Santa’s little elves, you'll also find Santa Claus's Magical Grotto where children will be able to share their Christmas wishes with Santa. He's not flown over from the North Pole empty handed though, oh no. He's brought presents!  So come along, enjoy the festive season!   

Following the success of Winterfest in 2019, and a postponed event in 2020, Wembley Park’ will once again host Winterfest. On Thursday 25th November 2021, the festive (uh...) festival, will begin.  An official switch-on of London’s tallest LED tree at Wembley Park Boulevard will mark the start of the event, which contains a host of attractions and events (all visually focussed) which will run until January 4. The super-lit tree will also be the canvas for a series of brand-new digital artworks by Brent-based artist Yoni Alter. ‘City Lights’, will be made up of 100,000 kinetic lights which pulse to different rhythms and evoke the vibrancy and pace of a cityscape. That's a lot of light. Other attractions include ‘Reunion’, a unique light installation from Kumquat Lab, which will be unveiled in Market Square as a world exclusive. The idea of 'Reunion' is to celebrate us being able to interact after the pandemic. With this installation, light will become an interactive experience.  There will be other light installations and a photograph exhibition at Winterfest also. Plenty to see! 

水曜日の夜、ウェールズの首都であるカーディフを訪れたなら、行くべき場所は一つしかない。 街の中心部にあるヴェニュー「Porter's」だ。ここではコメディアンのライブやパブクイズも開催されるが、最近はウェールズのローカルラップシーンに一番触れられる場所として人気。れんがの壁とコンクリート床に囲まれた空間では、ドリルからグライム、ガラージからヒップホップまで、同シーンから生まれるあらゆるサウンドを楽しむことができる。 道路を挟んですぐの場所には、ストームジー、ケンドリック・ラマー、ニッキー・ミナージュなどのスターたちがコンサートを行ってきた「カーディフ・インターナショナル・アリーナ」がある。かたや「Porter's」のキャパは100人ほど。しかし、ここを震源地の一つとするウェールズの「地元産」ラップは沸々と話題を集め、最近広く知られるようになってきている。 この1年間で、「ディフ」（カーディフの短縮形）出身の若手ラップアーティストが世界中で聴かれるようになり、ストリーミング再生回数の「100万超え」も出始めた。 その中で、22歳のラッパー、ジュース・メナスは2022年の夏、ウェールズ女子サッカーチームの「2023 FIFA女子ワールドカップ」予選キャンペーンにオリジナルトラックを提供。28歳のメイス・ザ・グレートは、男子サッカーチームの成功を祝う、エネルギッシュで国を愛する気持ちを込めたトラックをリリースした。 かつてはオルタナティブやエモ、メタルを中心に扱ってきたカーディフのヴェニューも、ラップシーンの中で大いに注目を集めるようになった。例えば 歴史的にインディー音楽と関わりが強かった「Clwb Ifor Bach」は、今ではラッパーやグライムファンが集まるライブを頻繁に開催している。このことでも分かるようにウェールズラップは流行しており、その規模はますます大きくなっているといえる。  Photograph: Porter’s 過去にも注目されたウェールズのラップシーン ウェールズがラップシーンが盛んな国として注目されたのは、これが初めてではない。DJであり、ブームタウン・フェスティバルの元音楽ディレクター、そしてウェールズ国立博物館のために同地のヒップホップについての展示キュレーションを担当したカプチン・バレットは次のように振り返る。 「1980年代初頭、ウェールズではグランドマスター・フラッシュ・アンド・ザ・フューリアス・ファイヴなどの曲をかけるディスコDJがいました。この地域から、4DeeやMC Ericのようなアーティストがラッパーとして登場するようになったのは、数年後です」 MC Ericは、カーディフでジャマイカ人の両親のもとに生まれ育つ。兄のサウンドシステムに合わせて言葉をリズムに乗せるようになり、その後はよりダイレクトにヒップホップに関わっている。彼は1980年代後半に、テクノトロニックのメンバーとして、当時大ヒットして時代を象徴する曲となった「Pump Up the Jam」に参加したこともある。 1990年代後半から2000年代前半にかけても、ウェールズには同様の波が押し寄せた。グライムパンクバンドのAstroid Boysはおそらくその頃の最大の存在だったといえる。2012年、彼らは「Fire in the Booth」にも出演を果たし、フリースタイルパフォーマンスを披露した。 しかし、何組かを除けば、ウェールズの才能はほとんどアンダーグラウンドにとどまっていた。次の世代のウェールズラップのスターにマイクを渡す前に、火が

If you ever catch yourself in Cardiff on a Wednesday night, there’s only one place you should go. At Porter’s, a 100-capacity venue in the city centre, you’ll discover a thriving rap scene that rivals pretty much anything else in the country. From drill to grime, garage to hip-hop, you’ll hear it all in this brick-walled, concrete-floored bar, which also hosts live comedy and pub quizzes. It’s just across the road from the Cardiff International Arena, which has previously hosted stars like Stormzy, Kendrick Lamar and Nicki Minaj. But right here, in the Welsh capital, a cauldron of homegrown rap is bubbling – and it’s starting to spill its raw guts all over the place. Over the past year, young rap artists from the ’diff have played across the world and streams are starting to surpass the million mark. Last summer, 22-year-old rapper Juice Menace released an exclusive track for the Welsh women’s football team’s 2023 World Cup qualifier campaign, while Mace the Great, 28, released an energetic, patriotic track celebrating the men’s team’s successes. Venues that were once reserved for alternative, emo and metal are taking plenty of notice too: Clwb Ifor Bach, historically associated with indie music, now often puts on gigs filled with MCs and grime fans. Needless to say: Welsh rap is a thing, and it’s only getting bigger.  Venues once reserved for emo and metal are now putting on gigs filled with MCs and grime fans This isn’t Wales’s first rodeo as a nation with a vibrant rap sce

Let’s be honest: there’s nowhere in London where it's properly cheap to rent a room, but it turns out there are neighbourhoods where you can still get a space for less than £600. Want to get to know what they are, where they are and what they’re like? Look no further. Here are the key details to know – from parks and pubs to big supermarkets and transport connections.  10. Palmers Green, N13 Average room rent £598.What’s it like? A suburban area beyond Tottenham. Broomfield Park is nice. River Lee isn’t far away. Best places to eat and drink Cypriot cuisine rules these quarters, the food at Nissi is a prime example. Big supermarkets nearby There’s a Waitrose in a weirdly fancy building, a Sainsbury’s and a big Morrisons. Transport connections Arnos Grove is just outside the postcode. Otherwise, buses run to central, and Palmers Green station has Great Northern and Thameslink trains. 9. Upper Edmonton, N18 Average room rent £595.What’s it like? A bustling, diverse area with a big Ikea and 
an even bigger park (Pymmes).Best places to eat and drink Lincoln’s Patisserie is a gem. Hilal Restaurant does great Turkish food. And try Enfield Brewery for pints. Big supermarkets nearby A huge Lidl, with a car park and all the rest. Transport connections There’s Edmonton Green Overground, a couple of buses and national rail from Meridian Water to Stratford every half an hour. 8. Wanstead and Leytonstone, E11 Average room rent £592.What’s it like? A slice of east London, further out than

Adele is without doubt, one of the best celebrity Londoners to have ever existed. Born in Tottenham, raised in Brixton and West Norwood (after a brief spell down in Brighton) she's up there with chicken shops, the Southbank skaters and railway arches with fun things in them when it comes to our city’s finest achievements.  Community has clearly been on Adele's mind too. Last night, to mark the release of her new album ‘30’, the singer hosted an episode of ITV's ‘An Audience With’. It was by all accounts, an A-List event. Dame Emma Thompson, Stormzy, Emma Watson and plenty more were in the audience. Mainly ambivalent about my Britishness until I watch something like Adele in London Palladium with Emma Thompson tryna get everyone up on their feet and Stormzy being all shy asking a question and then I'm like oi oi saveloy — Bolu Babalola (@BeeBabs) November 21, 2021 More importantly, Adele also invited plenty of Londoners who lived through the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy, including firefighters who were at the scene, and NHS staff. They were all treated to performances by Adele from her new album alongside some of her most popular tracks from the previous three records. She even gave them a special shout out ("Grenfell oi oi") during the show.  The emotional surprises were also gifted to Adele herself, who was prompted by Emma Thompson to speak about one of her inspirations from childhood, an old teacher called Miss McDonald. Was Miss McDonald in the audience? Yo

Yup, it’s that time of the year once more! Sure, there are already mince pies in the supermarkets and mulled wine at the pub, but for many people the festive season truly begins when December arrives and we can start on our advent calendars. And for south-west Londoners that tradition has become larger than life. For the third year, Nine Elms is transforming into a massive neighbourhood advent calendar.    The area will be hosting a huge, sprawling art trail, organised by Nine Elms Art Ministry. Twenty-four venues will each host an art installation – so there will be literally 24 doors to open. This year the theme is Peace on Earth. The artists involved have responded to that with all manner of creative and innovative installations, including a giant vintage collage, a floating barge and a living forest (you’ll find that in New Covent Garden Market). Artists include Saskia Jiggens, Adalberto Lonardi and Michael Wallner – all of who were part of the event last year – and many others based in the borough and beyond.  You can visit the trail on foot, using a special map to navigate your way around all of the installations – and you can check out the two new tube stations in the area while you’re at it. The trail is also available online, should you not fancy the cold: Nine Elms Arts Ministry’s social media channels will highlight one venue, and its artist and installation, each day. The event will start on December 1 (duh) and the work will be up until January 5, but the online

Islington’s Union Chapel is a true cornerstone of its community. The late nineteenth-century Gothic-revival building has a place in the lives of many: worshippers go there for services (it is still a working church), audiences enjoy live entertainment there and homeless people use its drop-in centre. Times are tough, though. The chapel has, like so many other venues, lost a huge amount of its live-events income as a result of the pandemic and lockdown restrictions. With Covid cases still high across London, there’s still an uncertainty in the air when it comes to planning for its future. This isn’t stopping the Union Chapel from persisting with the expansion of its charity programmes, though. London’s most vulnerable need our help more than ever. Please join @frankturner @hornesection @TheMaeMartin @stephenkb in supporting our crowdfunder. Please watch. Watch donate. Please share.https://t.co/D9M1CKF71b — Union Chapel London (@UnionChapelUK) November 20, 2021 The issue is that 80 percent of the chapel’s charity income was earned through its events, so now it will need help from the generous public (that’s you!) to achieve its goal of accumulating £120,000 over the next 30 days. The campaign has already raised more than £5,000, with support from the likes of Frank Turner and Deborah Frances-White. The funds will go towards supporting the Union Chapel’s community work for the rest of 2021 and rebuilding the Grade II-listed Sunday school hall, turning it in

Christmas menus are great, aren't they? What says ‘oh my goodness I get some time off work soon’ better than a limited-edition lunch number from the lunch spot ten-yards away from your office? Nothing. Exactly. If you’re a little done with the usual supermarket/superchain fare though, Eggslut might offer something a little different this year. They've just announced their new seasonal items.  Let’s get deep into what they're cooking for a second. The Eggslut Christmas Sandwich is a brand-new creation. The heart of it is a turkey and sage patty with a 'Christmas spiced' butter, and the toppings are cranberry sauce, rocket, plus a quality fried egg (Clarence Court Burford Brown, for the egg heads among you) on top. All of which is slotted between two slices of a brioche bun from Bread Ahead. Nice. It comes in at £9.95. They’re also bringing back their non-alcoholic Eggnog drink (which is a fiver).  You can pick up the festive goods at their stores across London (there’s one in Portobello, Fitzrovia and Shoreditch) from December 2 (that's day two of the Advent Calendar!) and on Deliveroo. Customers who order via Deliveroo or click and collect on the eggslut app can redeem a free Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie with any sandwich and drink (when ordered together) also, for a bit of an extra treat. If you're thinking ahead to morning munching on the big day itself, the Fitzrovia branch will be open from 8am - 5pm on actual Christmas Day. Pretty ideal if you're the type to accidentally

Oxford Street usually unveils its Christmas lights first, but this year 20 streets across the West End, including Regent Street, Bond Street and areas in Mayfair and Piccadilly, all lit up in sync last week for what was the biggest switch-on in the world. Between them, they’re using more than a million LEDs. The Oxford Street display is brand new for this year, consisting mainly of nice calming stars, which make a lovely impact in the night sky. Pretty magical looking, really. As per, Bond Street’s installation is pretty stunning too, making use of opulent peacock motifs.  Instagrammers have been loving the lights too, with dozens of snaps already being uploaded to the grids. Here’s a little look at the photos people have taken. The lights should be on until early January. Best off seeing them at night-time, naturally.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by London UK 🇬🇧 (@its_so_london)   View this post on Instagram A post shared by م (@mmn.inldn) View this post on Instagram A post shared by 珍妮 (@jennie_zznnnn) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wellington Araújo (@wellington_anaju) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Magdalena Skorupa (@magdalena_skorupa_) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Delia (@youmenthesea)

Ever walked past that tiny kiosk near the Garrick Theatre? The little round one tucked under a lamp-post, that used to be a bit of haven for cheap, last-minute tickets to theatre and music shows across the city? Well if you have, and enjoyed it, you might be pleased to know it's up for grabs. How much? Oh just 3.3 million great British pounds, plus VAT. That's right, for more than three million pounds the kiosk could be yours. Tourist Island, it's known as. From the surface you might be scratching your head as to the price tag, as it's a mere 250 square foot on ground level, which is roughly the same size as a small (maybe very small) studio apartment. However, there's also a basement which is a much more spacious 1448 square feet (nearly six times the size), according to Metro. On the for sale sign it’s described as a freehold with 1700Sq ft of space, so the numbers add up. This also means you're paying around £1943 per square foot.  It's actually been on the market for eight months or so. Prompted by the freehold ending, TKTS presumably decided to pass the building onto another business, having taken their ticket sales online. They first used the space for ticket selling in 2011, and stopped operations in Spring 2021. The spot has recently been brought to attention as a result of good bants on the Facebook Group Londonist Urban Oddities, where people have speculated what the new function of ‘Iconic Island’ should be, and whether it'll end up on Grand Designs. While the top-

If you're looking for new things to do in London, here's an idea that'll help you ch-ch-change up your itinerary. A David Bowie pop-up shop has opened in near Soho.  Running from October 25 through to late January 2022, the ‘retail experience’ will have a load of drops, including signed memorabilia and other rare and unique merchandise. It's intended to be a place to celebrate the life of David Bowie, exploring his super-prolific and influential career across music, fashion and art.   At the store, fans are able to watch and listen to Bowie content for the first time, using immersive audio. There’s also hour upon hour of unseen behind-the-scenes footage and clips to enjoy. If that wasn’t enough, there’s an extensive gallery of photography and installations offering new insight into Bowie's career, so you’ll be wanting to visit time and time again.  Should you want to swing by, the shop is at 14 Heddon Street, not too far from Piccadilly Circus. Bit of trivia for you: This is a couple of doors away from where Bowie (well, Ziggy Stardust if we're being specific) posed for that moody late-night shot that became the album cover of ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars’. If you're on the other side of the ocean, no worries, a sister shop is opening on 150 Wooster Street in downtown Manhattan. This spot is also significant, being near the house Bowie lived in while creating the final album he released during his lifetime, ‘Blackstar’.  The store is

Back in June 2020, in the wake of the George Floyd protests, Mayor Sadiq Khan announced The Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm. The initiative was founded to review and improve diversity and representation in public spaces across the capital, including statues and landmarks.  A little over a year on, a study (the first diligent one of its kind) has found that London has more statues of animals than it does of named women. The study also found that around 1 per cent of sculptures are dedicated to named people of colour, with just 0.2 per cent being named women of colour, as the Guardian has noted.  These (less than good) findings have prompted the mayor’s office to announce a £1m fund to help kick-start actual change across the city where representation in public spaces is concerned for "Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, women, LGBTQ+ communities and disabled people" a statement says. The initiative also extends to reviewing current landmarks, statues and street names across London, in a bid to decolonise the city we all live in together. As part of these efforts, grants of up to £25,000 are being made available for community-led groups that wish to remove and replace street names, building names, and memorials in their area that reference figures responsible for slavery and other events of oppression and colonialism.  The first round of Untold Stories grant applications opened on October 21 and will close on January 12, 2022. The applications are open t

Did you know that quite literally right next to Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross, there’s a unique urban nature reserve? Well, there is! It’s called Camley Street Natural Park. It isn’t massive (clocking in at around a hectare) but it boasts a huge variety of habitats and wildlife that you can spend the day discovering and getting lost in.  Get ready, the canalside park includes: woodland, grassland and wetland habitats, such as meadow, ponds, marshy areas and reed beds. These diverse environments attract insects, amphibians, birds, mammals and hundreds of plant species. Quite the line-up!  The reserve has been a park since 1985, but its history dates back to the eighteenth century, when it was an industrial area. Until the 1960s the spot was used as a coal drop for the railways but it became derelict. Then it was colonised by nature, so the London Wildlife Trust campaigned to save the site from redevelopment, and succeeded. In December 2017 the park closed for reconstruction and reopened in September 2021. The makeover includes a new Visitor and Learning Centre featuring a café. Other improvements include better accessibility and interpretation, and there has also been ‘habitat enhancement’ work taking place.  Camley Street is also creating a butterfly and invertebrate bank, which is being worked on in collaboration with the park’s volunteers. So you might notice some differences there from one month to the next. Nice to have a new spot to walk to in central, isn't it?  Visit