2018 saw the opening of EartH, one of London’s most remarkable new music and arts venues in Dalston – a creative neighbourhood which had been crying out for a decent sized music venue until now. In its previous incarnation, it was Efes Pool Hall - the legendary hipster hangout and location for many a Vice Magazine photo shoot, where late-night debauchery came as standard. Pool players, however, were blissfully unaware that above them was a glorious art deco cinema, which opened its doors in 1937 but had laid derelict since 1984. Scarface was the last film to show there.
Many of the original art deco features have been restored in the multi-million pound refurb, allowing for one of the most impressive panoramas for live entertainment in London. The 650 cap upstairs theatre offers free seating on levelled risers rather than seats and I love the rough-and-ready semi-refurbished ambiance provided by the exposed wall supports. Aside from the theatre, comedy, cabaret and mixed arts events, the musical programming leans towards forward-thinking jazz, electronica, world and adult contemporary. The venue downstairs meanwhile offers a more straightforward concert hall vibe veering more towards alternative and club events, all in the best possible taste.
Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Built back in 2010 on the site of a disused railway line, it’s a local secret: a quiet, forest-like space to retreat to when city life becomes overwhelming.
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Inside, the rooms have distinctly different decorative styles. This is to give an idea of how the house would have looked at each stage in its history.
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It was once the site of the Eel Pie Hotel, a 19th-century guesthouse turned jazz venue and now it’s been transformed into a hippie artists’ colony...
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The domed Arab Hall – a glittering chamber inspired by the inside of the Castello della Zisa in Palermo – is what most visitors come for.
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Features of particular interest include the Architectural Library, the Solar Stair, a central spiral staircase with 52 steps for each week of the year...
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Tucked away in Bermondsey, Morocco Bound does it all, it is at once a bookshop, café, co-working space, beer bar and intimate events venue.
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The Phoenix Garden is remarkably inconspicuous: a bombsite turned car park turned community garden hidden behind high hedges and wrought iron railings.
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"London Fields Lido" is for those rare days when it's actually hot and sunny. Beat the crowds, head over to this colourful pool and meet me there!
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"Caravan" London is one of my favourite restaurants for having one of my favourite meals of the day: brunch. It's easy to savour every last bit here and...
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"Chuku's" in North London serves Nigerian tapas that invites you to 'chop, chat and chill!'
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In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.
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