Rose Johnstone

With Hollywood still regaining its footing after a 2020s it’d probably describe as a personal low, the field has been open for streaming shows to monopolise the cultural conversation. And this year it’s been well-established thoroughbreads that have been dominating our social feeds (Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Bear, Industry, Bridgerton, Slow Horses), as well as some unexpected bolters (Baby Reindeer, Rivals, Fallout). And with a second run of Squid Game about to end the year with a big pile of bodies, the pressure to cram in eight or ten episodes’ worth of must-see TV is not relenting anytime soon. Our advice? Shake off the pressure to ‘see everything’ – it’s impossible, short of ripping a hole in the fabric of time – and find the shows that really hit your sweet spot. To help with this, we’ve taken a backwards glance over the best and most all-round enjoyable new binges, curating our definitive list of 2024 favourites. And as any fan of ace Aussie comedy Colin From Accounts will tell you: it’s not always about the number of Emmys on the shelf, as the sheer joy on screen that makes something worth your precious time. Here’s where to start. RECOMMENDED: 🎥 The 50 best movies of 2024🔥 The best TV and streaming shows of 2023📺 The 100 greatest ever TV shows you need to binge

The Caped Crusader has been making London his home for the last few months via the spectacular immersive exhibition Batman Unmasked. Before he heads home for Gotham City, we’re giving Time Out readers an exclusive opportunity to see the exhibition at half price – that means they're from just £12! Here’s five reasons to go and see this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition before it closes on January 5.

London is a city of fast walkers, charging down the pavements like they're trying to outpace the tube trains rumbling deep under their feet. But sometimes, it's nice to switch up the pace a bit. Head out for an urban stroll and you'll discover that this vast, sprawling city is full of surprising green spaces, winding alleyways, and canal trails that are itching to be explored.  Whether you’d like to dive into the past with a historical hoof around town, zone-out in an area of blissful nature or check out some of the city’s biggest attractions, there's an endless array of beautiful spots for a London walk. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as is an umbrella. After all, nothing spoils a walk like getting drenched in a good old-fashioned Great British downpour. If London’s not cutting it at the moment, why not check out our properly good list of walks near (but not in) the capital? And if trees are your thing, here’s a load of walk suggestions that take in some of the best woodland around the city. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in London

Venice is one of the most magical destinations on the planet. It has been said before, and it will be repeated again, but it is never anything less than gorgeously true. The famous city is packed with famous attractions, romantic restaurants and character-filled bars, but deciding where to stay isn’t the easiest thing to do. After all, hotels are ten-a-penny here; how to know you aren’t getting ripped off?Airbnb has changed the way we travel, and this is as true in Venice as anywhere else on the planet. The best Airbnbs in Venice are the stuff of dreams, from starlit apartments overlooking the quaint terracotta rooftops to historic structures on the flowing canals. Simply pick your favourite and let the magic begin. Here are our picks for the best Airbnbs in Venice. We're the experts, after all. Updated April 2024: We've found two new properties that we know you'll love; keep your eyes peeled for the modern family apartment and a secret hideaway with water-level views of the canal.  RECOMMENDED: The best neighbourhoods to stay in VeniceThe best hotels in VeniceThe best attractions in Venice 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.

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 autumn draws in, it’s easy to get stuck in a routine: up early for work, big coat on, soup for lunch, sofa in the evening. And while routine can be a comfort, sometimes a bit of spontaneity is a very good thing. So, for any south Londoners looking to break the predictable back-to-school cycle, we’ve got some suggestions, ranging from comedy to caves. Thankfully, Transport for London has your back when it comes to making last-minute plans. You can keep your outings more affordable thanks to TfL’s fare freeze until March 2025* and daily capping at £8.50**, plus you can travel as much as you like on buses within an hour for £1.75 with the Hopper fare***. Nice one! Discover more spontaneous fun across London.

It's hard to remember a time when there weren't super-fun puzzle rooms throughout Melbourne, but can you believe the first one only opened in 2014?! Now there are escape rooms scattered right across the city, covering everything from haunted houses to a zombie apocalypse. Yes, they really do cater to all manner of phobias and fears. Luckily for anyone feeling nervous (or jsut after some insider tips), the Time Out team took on the challenge of visiting as many escape rooms as possible – but did we make it out? You'll just have to read on to find out... Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for more city news, straight to your inbox. Need a drink to calm the nerves? These are the best bars in Melbourne. After something a little less stressful? Discover the best places to play mini golf in Melbourne. 

It’s officially the depths of winter, and that means spending as little time as possible outdoors and as much time as possible being warm, cosy and preferably in pyjamas. And those long, wintery nights call for one thing: some good snacks, and a really good podcast. Luckily, we’ve got them coming out of our ears.  Whether you’re a grisly true crime guy or after something more chatty, there’s a podcast out there for you. And here at Time Out, we’ve been bingeing all of them to bring you the very best (and stop you wasting precious time). For giggles, celeb sightings, world history, investigative journalism and a hell of a lot more, here are our favourite podcasts out right now, picked by our editors. Happy listening! ️‍🔥 November 2024: We’ve just added a bunch of great podcasts to this list, including the gripping ‘Wrongly Accused’ and the hilarious chatty-comedy ‘Comedy Bang! Bang!’. We update regularly with new releases, so check back for more podcast recommendations from the Time Out team.  RECOMMENDED:🎧 The best news podcasts🗞️ The best history podcasts🔪 The best true crime podcasts

It’s getting cooler, leaves are falling from the trees and you’re finally digging out your favourite scarf for crisp autumnal mornings. This brilliant season offers all kinds of things to do, from pumpkin picking and art exhibitions to cultural celebrations. While we’re all about planning days out, there’s something special about last-min decisions to explore the parts of the city you didn’t know before. We’re highlighting some of the best stuff you can enjoy in London throughout the autumn with this spontaneity guide. And thanks to Transport for London’s affordable fares (including frozen fares until March 2025*, daily capping at £8.50** and the £1.75 Hopper fare***!), it couldn’t be easier to act on impulse and spend your autumn getting to know the capital like never before. Discover more spontaneous fun across London.

Part of London life is being constantly busy – it’s the best city in the world, after all, and there’s so much going on that it’s impossible not to have a full diary. Sometimes, however, a bit of spontaneity can be exactly what you crave. And this autumn, there are so many exciting activities to do that you’ll want to keep some space free for last-minute plans. So if you do happen to find a gap in your social calendar, we’ve got a few north London suggestions that you might enjoy. Whether you’re a history head, an art fan, or you’ve got little ones to entertain, we’re confident that there’ll be something here to indulge every north Londoner’s sense of get up and go. What’s more, getting out and about in the capital couldn’t be easier or more affordable thanks to TfL’s fare freeze until March 2025* and daily capping at £8.50**. Plus you can travel as much as you like on buses within an hour for £1.75 with the Hopper fare***. Nice one! Discover more spontaneous fun across London.

Alright, autumn? Nice to see you. This season, London is brimming with amazing autumnal activities. While we start to layer up, enjoy the crunching of leaves under our boots (dug out from the back of the wardrobe) and find an excuse to enjoy pumpkin-spiced everything, the city is ready to offer all kinds of great things to do. And yes, we’re all about planning your days out, but we all know there's nothing like making a last-minute decision to explore parts of the city you may never have thought about. With that in mind, we’re highlighting some of the best stuff you can enjoy in London. And thanks to Transport for London’s affordable fares (including frozen fares until March 2025*, daily capping at £8.50** and the £1.75 Hopper fare***!), it couldn’t be easier to act on impulse and spend your autumn seeing London in a whole new light. Discover more spontaneous fun across London.

To celebrate the incoming release of Paddington in Peru, we’ve worked alongside the little bear who goes a long way to curate a list of the best things to do in Manchester this autumn – family-style. From tasting marmalade sandwiches at the toastie truck to making animal pals at the farm and getting spooked on Halloween, Paddington knows how to have the most fun in Manchester, and we’re here to show you how. Oh, and if you’re ready to watch the marmalade-loving bear’s latest film, catch him in cinemas from November 8. We’ll see you there!

On any given night at this Collingwood bluestone stalwart, punters of all ages, genders and sexualities can be found sinking pints, smashing pub classics, or standing shoulder-to-shoulder watching gigs on the mezzanine level of the 350-person bandroom.  The Gaso has a simple yet important mission: to create a warm, welcoming environment that would reflect Melbourne’s incredibly diverse music scene, and the people who make up that ecosystem. It’s a philosophy that you feel the moment the doors to this grand old corner pub swing open. Pull up a plush swivel chair at the bar or sink into a couch and put yourself in the hands of the friendly staff. In the warmer months, the bandroom’s huge moon roof pulls back, so that the sun streams in or, by night, party people dance under a canopy of stars. The sky’s the limit for the Gaso – an evolving project that represents a welcome cultural shift in Melbourne’s pubs scene towards a future where everyone is invited to the party, and has a bloody great time. Want more gigs? Here's where to see live music every night of the week in Melbourne.

If cutesy cartoon ghosts and sickly sweet pumpkin-spiced lattes make your toes curl, then perhaps a truly hair-raising Halloween escape room is more your thing. No Escape has launched two new creepy-sounding escape rooms in its Aldgate location – but also raised the stakes on its horror movie-themed rooms across its other sites in Oxford Street, Holloway and Victoria. In Aldgate, you could attempt to release the trapped souls of children in ‘The Orphanage’, or save yourself from the flames in ‘The Witch Hunt’.  From October 24-November 2, there’ll be nine ‘haunted escape rooms’ to choose from – each with live actors in each room (that means jump scares galore). These aren’t for the faint-hearted; No Escape’s rooms are highly regarded amongst escape aficionados for their rich level of detail and mind-bending puzzles, so expect to be fully immersed in themes like ‘The Darkest Hour’ (zombies!) ‘The Demon Barber’ (Sweeney Todd!) and ‘The Haunted Toy Store’ (ghosts!). Over in Victoria, your terrifying trip to ‘The Gates of Hell’ could be followed by cocktails at the Purgatory Bar. Is there a better way to calm the nerves than with a few sips of a Spicy Blood Orange Margarita? We think not. Tickets are on sale now and expecting to disappear fast. 

Across five nights and weekend afternoons in September, top-tier comedians will descend on the National Maritime Museum for London’s largest and longest-running comedy festival. Take your pick from stellar line-ups fronted by A-listers including the legendary Harry Hill, the Last Leg’s beloved Josh Widdicombe, ventriloquist queen Nina Conti and more – you really can’t go wrong when choosing which show to book. It’s also your chance to catch comedians off the back of super-successful Edinburgh Fringe runs, including Olga Koch, Celya AB, Kemah Bob, Huge Davies and Amy Gledhill, who just won the coveted Best Comedy Show award.  The setting is pretty spectacular, too – performances take place in an outdoor stage with the Royal Naval College as the backdrop. Get there early to take advantage of the food stalls, bars and breezy end-of-summer vibes.

These days, getting around the UK is easy – at least compared to the eighteenth century. But no matter how comfortable your journey to 1777, there’s every chance that, the moment you step inside one of its snug rooms, you’ll feel the same swell of relief as a weary countryman would have after spending days riding in the rain. The rooms are just that cosy.  The oldest of four coaching inns in the historic market town of Wimborne, the 1777. is now owned by Dorset brewing company Hall & Woodhouse. It is, incidentally, older than its namesake, which actually refers to the year the brewery was founded. Its ten rooms are small, but perfectly formed – each with elegant Georgian-inspired furnishings and properly beautiful antique furniture. Of course there are all the modern amenities you’d want; there’s something pleasantly surreal about flicking digital channels on a smart TV while being watched by Jane Austen and her peers from the paintings on the wall.  If you’re passing through on the way to the Jurassic Coast, snatching a few days to explore the villages and National Trust gems of Dorset or hiking your way through the area, the 1777. will stay with you as a special stop in your journey. While it doesn’t have its own restaurant, it’s just a few minutes’ walk from its sister venue, the Olive Branch – a friendly pub offering everything from full English breakfasts to an excellent housemade granola.  Neighbourhood1777. Is, conveniently, right in the middle of Wimborne, a surprisin

2024 update: The below review was written in 2017, however we've since updated opening hours, imagery and other relevant information. Cherry Bar doesn’t need to be convinced of its status as a legend. This is a venue that refers to itself as “pretty much the best rock’n’roll bar in the world”; a venue that an infatuated Noel Gallagher once offered to buy; that turned away Lady Gaga’s request for an after party because a local band had already been booked. In its 17 years, this rough-and-ready dive bar has shaped Melbourne’s live music culture, pushed for positive change in the music industry and pulled more pints for off-duty rock stars than we could drink in a lifetime. Seven nights a week, the bar’s soft red glow ensnares young revellers and weathered rock dogs making their Cherry pilgrimage. Once inside, all eyes are drawn past the black leather couches and the Stones poster and onto the small stage at the end of the room. It might be getting battered by a rock band, or used as extra dance space while a DJ spins soul, blues or old-school rock. Either way, everyone is having a head-banging good time. Most punters are drinking beer on tap – a respectable selection of Aussie brews like Coopers and Young Henrys – although Jack and Coke seems to come in close second. The bar’s refusal to tolerate unsociable behaviour is part of its legend. Owner James Young enacted a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment and put his money where his mouth was by working with feminist lobby

Think the past couple of years have been rough? Try surviving a Martian invasion only to be captured by an enormous fighting machine and having your blood harvested, ‘The Matrix’-style, in a stifling capsule. That’s the 1898 envisaged by H.G. Wells in his pioneering sci-fi thriller ‘The War of the Worlds’, which was then adapted by Jeff Wayne in his 1978 prog sci-fi album, which imbues Wells’s Victorian tale with rock-opera camp and steampunk kitsch. It’s this rather Marmite pop culture relic that forms the basis of this immersive theatre experience. It launched back in 2019, but it’s changed a fair bit since then. Presumably, techy immersive theatre company Layered Reality has finessed the VR and AR (augmented reality) tech, because now it’s slick AF. In fact, at times it’s terrifying… in the best possible way.  Take for example the moment that I stood, ensconced in a VR-enhanced Fighting Machine capsule, and felt something actually pinch me. I screamed into what (through my VR goggles) I perceived as a hellish Martian human-blood farm. I heard other screams in the distance – my fellow survivors in the booths beside me.  But it’s not all jump scares. The 24 scenes that make up the experience are incredibly varied; as per Jeff Wayne’s album, we follow the path of The Journalist, starting with his first glimpse through a telescope of noxious green gas emerging from Mars. We duck through tunnels, climb through windows and ride hot air balloons, encountering actors who are, for

If your eyes light up at the opening bars of Loreen's winning song 'Euphoria'; or if you could instantly recall how many times the UK has (or more often than not, hasn't) won 'Eurovision', then you need to get your tickets to this show ASAP. Some Voices – the mega-popular choir which was born in London but has now spread across the country – is bringing us EuroClash. Yep, we're talking 250 voices recreating songs by some of the most epic acts ever to grace the Eurovision stage, from Iceland's Daði Freyr to the Austrian icon Conchita Wurst – and of course, our very own Sam Ryder.  But the concept goes deeper than that. In this fantasy version of the song contest, stars will complete in sing-offs for their countries whether they have or haven't actually competed in Eurovision. You can expect to hear from the likes of Björk, Nena and Kylie. Who will win? You decide! There'll be live voting, iconic routines, next-level costumes, and of course, lush harmonies. 

There’s nothing sleepy about buzzing Shepherd’s Bush – and yet, you’ll feel so pleasantly ensconced in the plush retro world of The Hoxton that you’re bound to get a good night’s rest here. It’s the first west London branch of the super-successful boutique chain, and impressively, it has a design sensibility that feels all its own, with flourishes that nod to the neighbourhood’s history and culture.  Take, for example, the lobby; a retro-lover’s dream with an earthy wooden front desk offset by colourful mid-century armchairs and loud custom rugs by west London makers Holmes Bespoke. Everywhere you look there are soft textures and curved lines. The rooms feature dramatic wavy headboards by Bute, and warm rattan lampshades play off copper fixtures. If the rooms feel a touch on the small side, then that might be a sign to spend more times in other parts of the hotel – namely, the restaurant.  Honestly, it’s worth staying here for the restaurant alone. Chet’s is Thai food like you’ve never tried it, by cult Los Angeles chef Kris Yenbamroong. Here, fiery Thai flavours meet Californian flavours and flair. The Hoxton deserves London’s love simply for bringing Chet’s across the pond; and you deserve to order the signature fried pineapple rice, served with crab inside half a pineapple. Oh, and the sticky wings of course. The restaurant is also the most beautiful space in the hotel, too, elevating a ’60s American diner with soft pastels and a Wes Anderson-esque attention to symmetry.  

Before Gaga, before Princess Diana, before Kylie, before Barbra… there was Judy. The 1939 musical fantasy film ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is more central to queer culture than ‘Drag Race’ will ever be. But beloved by ‘friends of Dorothy’ as the MGM classic is, perhaps 2022 calls for a retelling; one where the Lion is into BDSM, Dorothy is non-binary and the Wicked Witch whips out a banging rendition of ‘Rolling in the Deep’. ‘The Witches of Oz’ is the second show at The Vaults written and directed by London artist ShayShay. It comes right off the back of their hugely successful ‘Mulan Rouge’: a riotously funny queer mashup of Disney’s ‘Mulan’ and Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Moulin Rouge’.  ‘Mulan Rouge’ fizzed with originality. ShayShay’s choice to give the Disney film the treatment its LGBTQ+ fans didn’t even know they wanted – bringing the film’s trans and bisexual subtext to the fore – felt genuinely important. ‘The Witches of Oz’ is no less fun and inclusive – even if it’s not as revelatory.  The key is not to think too hard about the plot: it’s really all about the one-liners. The funniest moment (at least for me) appears in the first scene, when the Wicked Witch (Fèyi Wey) introduces herself as ‘the wickedly talented Adele Dazeem’ – a reference to a gem of the queer canon that thankfully took away the taste of the ‘broccolollipop’ I’d just eaten. (It is what it sounds like, and don’t worry, the food improves somewhat from here). ShayShay’s writing sings with pun-tastic campness and the act

In a world where work is rarely restricted to 9 to 5, where your phone could go off at any moment and where uncertainty reigns, finding a space to completely let go isn’t easy. That’s where floatation therapy comes in. Over the last couple of years, floatation tanks have popped up all over the city – warm, enclosed sanctuaries that offer busy Melburnians a chance to escape from the world and enter a dream-like state of weightlessness. There are all sorts of benefits of floating, from complete muscle relaxation to the ease by which it’s possible to ascend into a restorative meditative state. But let’s start with the basics. The concept itself is fairly simple: it involves stepping into a space-age white pod and slipping into water that is heated to average skin temperature (around 35 degrees). The epsom salt water (which is loaded with magnesium) means that no effort at all is required to float, much like being suspended in the Dead Sea. With no light, sound or use of your body to stay afloat, the feeling is unlike anything else: complete weightlessness, where it’s possible to forget about your own physical being. Sounds far-fetched? I was unsure, too, until I tried it for myself. At Rest House Float Centre – located in Melbourne’s south, about half an hour’s drive from the CBD – the feeling of calm permeates the entire experience, from the moment you step into the lounge-like waiting room and become ensconced in soothing ocean noises and the sweet smell of herbal tea brewi

In Melbourne, there are plenty of places to drink if you want your cocktail served with a side of fun. We’ve embraced the introduction of booze to otherwise wholesome activities like bowling, video games and even escape rooms – and now, mini golf has entered the mix. But if you’re picturing Holey Moley as a bar with a couple of putting courses tacked on, you need to turn your expectations up several notches. The huge, multi-level CBD space – which was once raging nightclub Sorry Grandma – is a colourful fun house of 27 wacky themed holes, neon lights, pizza and pumping pop music. The formula works. When Holey Moley’s owners (Fun Lab, the same team behind Strike Bowling) announced their expansion from the original Brisbane venue to Melbourne and Sydney, bookings came in thick and fast. On our visit, teenage birthday parties teed up alongside young couples and groups of friends – some of them putting their way through the melting clock madness of ‘Sorry Ms Jackson (I Am Surreal), others taking selfies at a Game of Thrones Iron Throne made entirely from golf clubs. Puns are par for the course at Holey Moley, and once you’re in the golfing spirit (the visor helps) you won't think twice before ordering a Teeyoncé Holes cocktail from the upstairs bar – an instant sugar high of citron vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, sour mix, lemonade and soda. Kids-at-heart will jump at the chance to try liquid dessert Happy Gilmoreo, a dangerously drinkable blend of raspberry liqueur, vodka,

Venture to the top of Lygon Street and you’ll find a wine nerd’s paradise. Modelling itself on the French ‘négociant’ model, ReWine buys wine directly from wineries across the country and stores wine in the shop in barrels. It’s all about personal service here; spend time tasting, comparing and talking, then when you find something you like and buy it by the refillable bottle. That bright 2016 Tempranillo from King Valley you like? Your bottle will cost $18, but it's $15 for a refill when you bring your bottle back.

Break out the marmalade and put on your best duffle coat: Paddington Bear is the guest editor of our one-off half-term guide, which has hit the streets today.  Why, you might ask? On November 8, Paddington in Peru will arrive in cinemas. The third instalment in the Paddington trilogy will see the polite little bear journey back to Peru to find his missing Aunt Lucy.  To celebrate this upcoming release, we’ve teamed up with StudioCanal to create a printed half-term guide for families in London – curated by Paddington himself. Inside the magazine, you’ll find spooky Halloween fun, adventurous kids’ activities, exclusive intel on Paddington in Peru, and the lowdown on more Paddington-themed activities happening in the capital, including a Paddington statue trail which has popped up across the UK. Where to get your copy of our half-term guide  Wednesday, October 23 London Bridge station, 3-6pm Liverpool Street station, 3-6pm Thursday, October 24 Farringdon station, 3-6pm King’s Cross station, 3-6pm Paddington station, 3-6pm Kew Gardens Halloween trail, 5.30-9.30pm Saturday, October 26 London Southbank, 11.30am-3.30pm Sunday, October 27 Science Museum and Natural History Museum, 11.30am-3.30pm You’ll also find copies in major London hotels and corporate offices.  Get excited for November 8 with 5 things we learned from the Paddington in Peru trailer.  Here’s an exclusive first look at one of Paddington in Peru’s best-loved characters. 5 reasons why Paddington’s new directo

You’ve got to give it to us: we dream big in Melbourne. That said, not all our intentions become reality. It’s time to accept that most of us probably won't... 1. Find a way to visit the Flinders Street Station Ballroom – Melbourne’s white whale, if you will. If no one ever sees it, then does it even truly exist? 2. Get up early and go for a run around the Tan, instead of snoozing to the point that you’ve got three minutes to frantically get ready for work. 3. Book in for a full degustation at Attica or Brae (with matching wines, of course). 4. Buy a bike lock that takes more than a pair of nail scissors to cut. 5. Quit your job and finally launch that collaborative tech start-up you’ve been working on. 6. Actually find a spot where your whole crew can sit together at the Queen Victoria Night Market. 7. Host a house party with an epic theme, smoke machines, live bands and performance art, instead of just putting out a bowl of chips. 8. Start making your own coffee so you’re not single-handedly putting your barista through graphic design school. 9. Ride the whole Yarra Trail instead of stopping at the first pub you pass and “resting” until darkness falls. 10. Reject the duopoly of Coles and Woolworths in favour of the mixed fruit and veggie box at CERES. 11. Enrol in that woodworking/silversmithing/pottery class. 12. Attempt to win the Comedy Festival's passport so you can see more shows than seems humanly possible. 13. Have just one (one!) cocktail at the Black Pearl. 14. Set

There’s a surreal quality to Iceland. The craggy lava fields that look more like the surface of the moon than Earth; the herds of shaggy-maned wild horses roaming freely across fields; the first green glimpses of those elusive Northern Lights flickering in the night sky; the elves which are said to have lived here long before humans arrived. It’s that otherworldly quality that makes Iceland such a tourist magnet – and it’s a feeling that only grows stronger the longer you stay at Hvammsvík Hot Springs, Iceland’s newest natural geothermal spa.  Located 45 minutes from the capital of Reykjavik, this private 1,200-acre estate is perched right on the edge of the Hvalfjörður fjord. As our group approaches the entrance by the shore, that surreal feeling hits when I take in the colour palette: the jet black of the beach, the grey waters of the Atlantic ocean, the white caps of the mountains in the distance. Later, what’ll be even more uncanny (in the best possible way) is the sensation of breathing in fresh, frosty air while sitting in 40-degree water.  Photograph: Hvammsvík Hot Springs Hvammsvík is old. Really old. The estate has been used for many things in history: first a Viking settlement, and nearly 900 years later, barracks for the allied forces in the Second World War. Its current owner, Skúli Mogensen, traced its history right back to its foundations in the twelfth century through the Icelandic records and sagas. Mogensen – ex-CEO and founder of now-defunct airline Wow Ai

A few years ago, we asked Melburnians to send in their best make-out stories and they really, really delivered. As much as we're committed to keeping it classy, we're also suckers for the less romantic side of dating. A cheeky pash in a less-than-charming locale can sometimes be more memorable than one between dishes at a degustation. Below are the best answers that you sent us. 1. Rod Laver Arena car park... with a tennis player from Ecuador. GameSetMatch 2. Between two dumpsters in the alleyway behind Boney (Pony at the time, and RIP Boney). It smelled distinctly of rotting lettuce, which is not the kind of smell you want to associate with memories of your new crush. Phoebe 3. In the corner of Mad Mex in QV. The staff kept turning up the volume of the music in our corner but we ignored it. Donald Tramp 4. The abandoned/never used platform 15 at Flinders Street Station.* Katrina *not just pashing. 5. In the back of an ambulance while working a NYE with my now husband! Nurse Hoolihan 6. My boyfriend and I shared our first kiss in a Seven Eleven. Our friends were buying something and we just couldn't wait until we got into the nightclub next door. Miranda 7. I made out with someone for the first time on the light-up dancefloor in the Melbourne Now exhibition at the NGV during White Night one year. It was 4am and the place felt like a club. Ton Silhocky 8. The alleyway behind 170 Russell because the stench of old cigarettes and urine was just so romantic. Angela 9. Hooking up a

In a list of things that are quintessentially Melbourne, trams sit up there with laneways, coffee, footy, volatile weather and Franco Cozzo. From Port Melbourne to Box Hill, St Kilda Beach to East Brunswick, Melbourne’s electric tram network is the transport of choice for many of us – a way of life, if you will.  But it must be said that not all trams were created equal. If you’re a regular tram rider, no doubt you’ve chugged along on the ancient W-Class tram, rattled through Kew on a C-Class or zoomed through the city on a new-fangled E-Class. And if, like many of us, you’ve found yourself arguing with a friend over which tram is your favourite, then you’ll be relieved to know that we’ve come up with the definitive ranking of Melbourne’s tram network.  1. The best tram in Melbourne: E-Class  Introduced: 2013 Routes: 11, 86 and 96 Detailed automatic passenger announcements. Comfortable chairs. Ample butt-rests. Ergonomic stop request buttons. The most powerful air-conditioning system yet. Yarra Trams have triumphed with their latest model, which, with its sleek and minimalist interior, means that the most stylish of Melburnians need not compromise on design principles when getting from A to B. The shrill peel of older trams has given way to a pleasant low beep when doors open. Extra points go to the low-floored E-Class for complying with the Disability Discrimination Act.  Fun fact: This is the first Melbourne-built tram since the B-Class in the ’90s. 2. Z-Class  Introduced

It’s lockdown three and you miss going out a lot. You miss sticky pub floors, rubbing sweaty shoulders, talking shit while you shiver in the smoking area, taking control of the aux cord, furiously applauding, awkwardly flirting. All is not lost however. You and your mates can organise a Zoom party and attempt to recreate some iconic facets of the ‘eclectic’ and ‘vibrant’ nightlife that we used to bang on about all the time via, er, cushions, your central heating, mini sausage rolls and the power of your imagination, woooo. Forget quizzes: it’s time to get nostalgic. Your city demands it. The ‘hen do at ‘Magic Mike Live!’’ theme Channing Tatum’s woke, female-gazey spectacular ‘Magic Mike Live!’ was the holy grail of hen do activities. Basically a prosecco-fuelled, sex positive strip show, ‘MML!’ wholeheartedly embraced singing, screaming and in-seat dancing. You were even allowed, encouraged, to touch the men. That would certainly be frowned upon IRL now, but there are ways to recreate the experience at home. Obviously, watch the film. Nay, watch the 2015 sequel, ‘Magic Mike XXL’. It involves even more stripping. Before you press play, don your tightest dresses and neck a bottle of prosecco each (ideally, through a penis straw). Then, decide who’s maid of honour. Think carefully before you assign the role. She must be prepared to a) throw pink dollar bills into the sky; b) yell ‘you are enough, just as you are!’ at the hens and c) decide when the time is right to blast Ginuwin

On a scale of one to 'I laid out my old ticket stubs to create a sad little shrine,' how much do you miss theatre? If you’re caning 'Hamilton' on repeat on Disney+ and the mere memory of tiny West End ice cream tubs brings a tear to your eye, then we’ve got another way for you to fuel that theatre nostalgia while you wait for lockdown to ease. 'Stage Door' is a photography project by London-based photographer Harvey Aspell. Started in 2018, the series at the time was a way for Aspell to capture their mystique. 'I’ve always been attracted to the theatre’s stage doors. They’re like the unsung heroes, each with their own characteristics,' says Aspell. 'They are often inconspicuous and understated, however behind them lies a bustling atmosphere of excitement, nerves, and hard work.' But now, as curtains remain closed and spotlights dimmed, the photographs have taken on new significance. 'The photos have taken on a different meaning in these strange times, evoking nice memories for many,' explains Aspell. 'To me, the doors are like symbols of hope now, a reminder that the community will thrive again.' Unsurprisingly, there’s been a resurgence of interest in the series in the past few months. We've pulled together some of our favourite shots, and asked Aspell about some of the stories behind them. Like what you see? Aspell has created a limited number of prints available to buy – DM him on Instagram to find out more. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stage D

1. Revel in live dating disasters Rule #1 of being single on Valentine’s Day: don’t go on a first date. Apparently, six brave folk around the country DGAF about that because they have agreed to go on an interactive virtual dating show for the world to watch over Zoom. ‘Quarandating’ was created in 2020 and is hosted by comedians Joe Davies, Robin Clyfan and event director Claire Fitzgerald. For this special Valentine’s edition, held on Friday February 12, six singles will undergo bizarre challenges and date scenarios that will have you feasting on schadenfreude.Fri Feb 12, 8pm. Tickets £5. Photo by Pamela Raith 2. Rip rom coms to shreds Soppy romantic comedies can get in the bin on V-Day weekend; unless they’re being mercilessly mocked by an improv comedy troupe. Mischief Theatre (you know, the London company behind ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’) are doing a special romantic comedy edition of their Mischief Movie Night In series, where the audience tunes in virtually, submits a suggested title, genre and location of a film, and then watches as comedians improvise the film, live. Sun Feb 14, 7.30pm. Tickets £10 per device. 3. Rave the weekend away In the old days, you could just gather your single mates, go hard on the dancefloor and sleep through your Sunday none the wiser that Valentine’s Day had even passed. Re-create that vibe by hitting up an ‘illegal rave’ (which is actually, entirely virtual and totally legal). BBL CLB is a new online offering that’s part interactive the

Maybe you’re one of those people who scorns Valentine’s Day. ‘I don’t buy into overpriced set menus in stuffy Park Lane restaurants, and I wouldn’t go near those Paperchase cards with stupid animal puns on them!’ you once scoffed to your colleague after he innocently enquired what you had planned. ‘You can keep your Bloom & Wild letterbox flowers, your sickly sweet Cutter & Squidge ‘biskies’ and your Oliver Bonas mugs with ‘LOVE’ on them, man.’ But this year, something’s changed. Special occasions like this one are basically all we have to look forward to right now. That, and the vaccine. You already went all in on Burns Night and now you’ve found yourself Googling ‘most romantic walks in London’ and picturing you and your partner looking into each other’s eyes as the sun sets over Parliament Hill. So the question remains: what the hell can you actually do to make this February 14 different to any other day in this blighted wintry lockdown?    1 The digital death spiral  If you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day over Zoom, then it’s for one of two reasons: you’re doing long distance, or you’ve only been dating for a few weeks and you don’t feel ready to meet up. Either way, you’re in the danger zone. Fail to prepare and you’ll find yourself sitting in bed wearing the same grey jumper with the brown, cheesy stains from last night’s Patty & Bun. To make up for your dishevelled appearance, you’ll monologue about how you’ve recently gotten into playing online chess with strangers aft

Valentine’s Day is one of those things that creeps up on you. There’s the wintry torpor of January – especially this year – and then boom, old Saint V is right on your doorstep. Thankfully, there’s still enough time before Sunday February 14 to sort a seriously special gift for your loved one. There’s no need to overthink it; flowers are always a great choice. And you know what else is a great choice? Supporting a local florist. Times are tough for independent businesses right now, so every bouquet of blooms you buy will help keep your local going strong. Many of them offer online delivery, too, which means you’ve got no excuse. Here’s five indie florists we love. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here. The Fresh Flower Company  This East Dulwich florist sources nothing but the finest seasonal flowers from the New Covent Garden Flower Market and other local growers. Bright, contemporary bouquets are what these guys are best known for – and their V-Day special, the Valentine’s Rose Posy, is no exception. It’s a beautiful bunch of ruby red and vintage lilac roses with some scented blossom and eucalyptus.  From £25. Order by 11am for same-day delivery to local SE postcodes, Tue-Sat. All other London postcodes must place orders by midday on the day before delivery. No delivery on weekends. www.freshflower.co.uk.   Appleyard Nothing says romance like a bunch of red roses as big as your head.

Fact: singing makes you feel better. A lot better. I won’t hear anything against that – it’s just true. And if you can come together with others to sing in perfect harmony to one of your favourite songs? Well, that’s basically the Gail’s cinnamon bun of happiness. It doesn’t get much sweeter. Unfortunately, IRL choirs are out of the question right now. And that’s where Some Virtual Voices comes in. This month, Some Voices – the huge London choir that you’ve probably heard a mate (or us) raving about in the last couple of years – is launching a series of online classes to help recreate the in-person experience. Here’s how it works: the 90-minute rehearsals run weekly on Wednesdays from 7pm over Zoom. The choir leader, Marion Wyllie, will take you through a series of warmups, then you’ll learn an original Some Voices version of a popular song. No sight-reading is required; it’s all about repeating what the teacher sings, then putting all the harmonies together. You’ll be on mute the entire time, but at the end, you’ll get to sing along with a video of all the parts put together, so you’ll get the full choir sound. The series kicked off last night with David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’; check out the video of pro singers performing it here.  The best bit? Because you’re alone, you can really belt out those high notes – and maybe even unleash some dance moves. And if this sparks a love for live performance, then keep following Some Voices to find out when in-person rehearsals and shows begi

Welcome to our new series, One Good Thing to Do Today. It’s a guide to little things you can actually do in lockdown London that will provide bits of light in these dark times. In this instalment, Time Out editors select songs that will lift the gloomiest of moods Apparently, today is Blue Monday – aka the most depressing day of the year. HOW FUN. According to the 'scientists' who coined the term back in 2005, the third Monday of January is cursed: we're skint-post Christmas and pay day is still weeks away, our new year's resolutions are in the bin and the weather's still shit. Sounds about right! But you know what? By that logic, things can only get better from here – which means all we've gotta do is make it through the remainder of the day. Take that, science. And to help you do that, we've come up with a powerful playlist of tunes so motivational, so upbeat, so toe-tappingly, head-boppingly fun that you'll remember this as the greatest day of your entire life. Or, you'll just feel a little bit better. We'd be satisfied with that too. Listen to these songs on Amazon Music 1. ‘Good As Hell’ – Lizzo I will be forever grateful to my friend who bought me a ticket to see Lizzo back in 2018 at the O2 Academy Islington. In the space of two minutes, I went from ‘I think I saw her on RuPaul one time?’ to ‘This woman is a goddess and the antidote to all society’s problems'. I’ve calmed down a bit since then, but her powerful self-love anthem ‘Good As Hell’ reminds of t