Rhys Thomas

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

Nothing says a getaway quite like a trip to the Scottish Highlands. A place where you're sure to escape the hustle and bustle of the city scene. Hike mountains, dip your toes in the loch, and watch the sunset over the gorgeous landscape. Doesn't that sound perfect? And of course, a place that idyllic needs to be enjoyed with a stay at one of the many unique Airbnbs in the area. Cosy and comfy cottages with wood-burning stoves (you'll need it with the cold weather), glamping pods, and even castles; how could you ever choose? We've picked out the best of the best to help you decide. You're welcome.  Updated January 2025: We've added two new properties, one a tiny home out on the Isle of Lewis and the other a stunning cottage on the Applecross Peninsular.  RECOMMENDED: 🇬🇧 The best Airbnbs in the UK🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Check out the best Airbnbs in Glasgow🏰 Off to Edinburgh? Here's where to stay 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.

Dust off your suitcase, set up your out-of-office, and find those swimming trunks shoved in the back of the wardrobe... there is nothing better than a well-deserved break right on home soil. Yeah, you could fly to some tropical paradise or European city, but the UK has some incredible hidden gems worthy of a staycation.  We're all about celebrating the bits that make the UK great: diverse climates, lush environments, gorgeous coastlines, and good ol' pub grub. With a wealth of countryside, forests and secluded sandy beaches, there are endless opportunities to explore the country. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best Airbnbs in the UK for you to look at. Cuppa, anyone? RECOMMENDED:💕 The best romantic weekend getaways in the UK🪵 Amazing cabins and cottages in the UK🧘 The best wellbeing breaks and yoga retreats in the UK RECOMMENDATIONS BY LOCATION:Airbnbs in ManchesterAirbnbs in CornwallAirbnbs in WhitstableAirbnbs in DevonAirbnbs in LondonAirbnbs in EdinburghAirbnbs in Cardiff This guide was written and edited by travel writers and UK-based destination experts. 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,

Regardless of the season, New York City’s parks offer a refuge from the stresses of everyday life in the city as well as prime spots for outdoor gatherings. The best NYC parks provide plenty of space and fresh air, perfect for soaking up the sun in summer or taking some time for quiet contemplation in the winter. Whether you’re looking for a bit of nature, a path for jogging or biking, a spot for a picnic or a place to walk your dog, these parks offer all that and much more. Did you know that there are around 1,700 parks within the five boroughs? From pocket parks to dog parks to massive beauties like Central Park and Prospect Park, NYC’s parks have their own unique characteristics, and all are cherished as jewels among the concrete landscape of the city. While the winter months may not be the best for boating or picnicking, NYC’s parks are still one of the top things to do outside year-round. Central Park is the most popular park in New York for sure, but there may be another you find is the most beautiful—it's all in the eye of the beholder. These parks are a must for locals and visitors alike. They offer picturesque views, fresh air, and seasonal programming and activities. Be on the lookout for movie screenings, outdoor concerts, holiday markets, hiking, and ice skating. While some are peaceful and some are buzzy hotspots, they all offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy being outside. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in NYC This article i

For those looking to experience New York City like the locals, hop on two wheels and join one of the best bike tours NYC has to offer. There are lots on offer but we've whittled down the best – we think you're going to like them. And yeah sure, the best walking tours may allow you to take your time and the NYC bus tours may cover more ground, but bicycle tours are an ideal way for first-time visitors to explore a specific area or see the top New York attractions at their own pace. From a breezy ride down the idyllic Brooklyn waterfront to a cruise through Central Park, our guide rounds up the best bike tours in NYC for every mood and budget. We would say they are all wheelie good but that would be lame. Enjoy! RECOMMENDED: 📍Full guide to NYC tours and walks🏨Check out the best hotels in NYC🗽Don't miss out on the best things to do in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Lisbon has risen in popularity in recent years, and it's not surprising really. The Portuguese capital is cool, timeless, and beautiful, plus it's packed with plenty of stuff to see and do. From castles and churches to art galleries and beaches, it's no wonder people flock from all over to get a taste of the city's culture. And of course, the characterful bars and scrummy restaurants make the trip special, too.  To keep up with the city's vibrant vibes, it makes sense to stay at one of the many Airbnbs in the city to complete the experience. From gorgeous apartment lofts with skyline terraces to designer flats, there's a huge choice of Airbnbs for all sorts of personalities, budgets, and needs. We've picked our favourite Lisbon Airbnbs for you to take a peek at. Updated November 2024: When in Lisbon, you're really spoilt for choice when it comes to finding affordable and authentic rentals. We've decided to spoil you a little more with this mezzanine apartment and this bright, contemporary pad right by the cathedral. RECOMMENDED:🛍 The best things to do in Lisbon🛏 The best hotels in Lisbon🎺 The best jazz bars in Lisbon 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. 

As the seasons change, we all get that itch to escape the city's hustle and bustle. Thoughts of piers, fairgrounds, cosy country pubs, magnificent seafood, and endless shopping sprees fill our heads. Ahh, blissful. So why not take the plunge and book a UK staycation to Somerset, Devon, or Cornwall? These regions are renowned for their stunning coastline, quaint villages, and picturesque countryside, making them perfect for a coastal escape or a rural retreat.  However, choosing the perfect getaway can be a bit of a head-scratcher. If you're planning a trip to the seaside, finding the right place to stay can take your stay to the next level. Whether it's traditional cottages right on the beach or secluded treehouses (yes treehouses) nestled in the countryside, having a comfortable place to rest your head is essential, especially when you consider the unpredictable British weather. To make things easier, we've done the legwork for you and rounded up the best home-away-from-home options in Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall – the sparkling gems of the Southwest. So, whether you're after a unique coastal retreat or a spacious townhouse for you and seven of your closest pals, Airbnb has got you covered. Updated April 2024: There are endless amounts of beautiful Airbnbs in the north of England, and while we can't include them all, there are some that we feel compelled to add to this list – yes, no matter how long it already is. New additions include a converted barn with a sunken hot tu

London is a city begging to be explored. Yeah, you could roam the streets yourself, but guided by a local means you'll be educated and get all the inside goss of the city. Whether you want to hurtle down the Thames at nearly 30 knots (that’s fast, FYI), get up close and personal with some east London street art, or see the capital's sights and world-famous attractions on an open-top bus, only a fully-fledged Londoner has all the juiciest bits of city info. Lucky for all soon-to-be sightseers, there's expertise and opportunity knocking around every corner – so London's got you covered. Here's our pick of the best London tours. Put down your guidebooks, it's time to explore the capital like a local. From the tops of buses to bikes to speedboats, your point of view of the big smoke will be forever changed.  This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here. RECOMMENDED: look out for the 50 best attractions in London

For the ultimate panoramic view of this incredible city's iconic skyline, you'll probably want to book yourself on to one of New York’s best helicopter tours. Because what could be better than gazing out across the coolest city in the world? Of course, vistas aren’t in short supply in this town - and you can always marvel at the cityscape from one of the city’s best rooftop bars - but you’ll need to get a little bit higher for that picture-perfect wide-angle of the best New York attractions, from the Empire State Building to Central Park. Whether you want to jump on a quick 20-minute flight or take it all in over two whole hours, our list of the best helicopter tours in NYC has the perfect chopper for you. Time to take to the skies, people!  This article includes affiliate links.These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Us New Yorkers are always on the lookout for comforting escapes to explore nature and reconnect with ourselves and our loved ones. Luckily, there are many Airbnbs that offer fireplaces, fire pits, comfy beds, and incredible views that act as a home away from home – but cozier than our cramped NYC apartments. So what are you waiting for? Sublet the flat and head upstate, into the sticks, where the grass is greener (literally) and the air is waaaay less polluted than the city. Enjoy the nature, the fireplaces, the saunas, and the really good views. Ahhhh, now that's peaceful. Here are our fave wonderfully cozy stays near NYC that we think are worth a trip.  Updated November 2024: To bring you the freshest holiday rentals, we're always on the lookout for guest favorites and rare stays that are normally booked out like the A-frame chalet or the rustic chic barn. RECOMMENDED: 💘 Check out these romantic Airbnbs near NYC⛷ Book your stunning Airbnbs for ski getaway from NYC🌲 Find the coziest Airbnb cabins near New York🌳 The best treehouse Airbnbs near NYC 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.

As soon as the sun comes out, every one of us craves that sweet and salty seaside air – minus the annoying seagulls. And the little town of Whitstable, nestled in Kent, ticks all the boxes. It’s not exactly a secret anymore, mainly because of its reputation for mouth-watering oysters, locally brewed ales, serene shoreline strolls, and fish and chips that defy belief. And let's not forget the Old Neptune pub – it sits right on the pebbled beach and may just be the best place to watch a sunset (okay we might be biased, but it's hard not to be). If you're sold on this coastal charm and are looking to spend a weekend by the sea, Whitstable's got an array of seaside cottages waiting for you. From snug two-bed havens to converted warehouses dripping in character, Airbnb's got it all lined up for your perfect getaway. RECOMMENDED: 🏖️ Discover the best things to do in Whitstable 📹 Check out the viral video that gave Whitstable some much-deserved attention 🇬🇧 Here’s our list of the best day trips from London 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.

Feeling the need for a break from the norm? Up for some adventurous glamping? Okay, okay, we’re in California – the ‘elements’ here are just sunshine and heat. But who says you can't shake things up a bit?  Step out of the mundane hotel scene and into an Instagram-worthy, wood-paneled treehouse courtesy of Airbnb. Seriously, it's time to indulge your inner child and rediscover nature's charm. Maybe even throw some mud on your cheeks and swing from a tire – it's good for the soul. Sure, the beach has its charm, with warm sand and the soothing sound of waves. But how about a lungful of fresh forest air? If your dream is to live among the trees, our list of top Airbnb treehouses (a road trip away from L.A.) will make your pals green with envy. Get ready for an adventure worth boasting about- happy exploring! RECOMMENDED:🇺🇸 The most unique Airbnbs in the U.S.🏠 Check out the best Airbnbs in L.A.🪵 Take a look at the coziest Airbnb cabins in the U.S.🌲 Discover the best secluded Airbnbs in the U.S. 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