“A perennial Soho after-hours favourite. I don’t think this basement bar has changed since the ’50s. Officially called New Evaristo Club, everybody knows it affectionately as Trisha’s. It’s been run by Italians for decades, and it shows: The place is about the size of a shoebox, and once you head down those rickety stairs, it literally feels like you’re entering another world. If you need any more convincing, Anthony Bourdain called this place ‘The Dean Martin of drinking establishments.’”

“As well as being a stone’s throw from some of London’s biggest museums, this swanky cocktail bar is also where The Rolling Stones launched their classic 1968 album, Beggars Banquet, and shot the iconic artwork. Perfect for a lazy, late-afternoon drink.”

“A low-key neighbourhood favourite that’s turned into every London foodie’s worst-kept secret over the past few years—and with good reason. Singburi might just be the capital’s finest Thai restaurant. Yes, it’s tough to get a booking here, but it’s not impossible. Once you do get in, order as much as possible. Everybody raves about their specials board, but the on-menu items are just as great.”

“The place where The Beatles recorded ‘Hey Jude.’ Where Bowie did Ziggy Stardust, Hunky Dory and ‘Space Oddity,’ and where Lou Reed did ‘Walk on the Wild Side.’ I spent years walking right past it with absolutely no idea, such is Trident’s ability to blend seamlessly into its boisterous Soho surroundings. While you can’t go inside (unless you’re recording there), it’s pretty incredible just peering through its nondescript doors and considering all the magic that’s taken place here.”

“There are loads of great independent cinemas in London, but this one just feels so homely. The curation is consistently great, with obscure member picks sitting alongside old-school classics and brand-new blockbusters. I think it’s easy to make cinemas feel a little soulless these days, but the team here bucks that trend.”

“Located in the heart of one of the capital’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, half of this Finsbury Park institution is a classic London boozer, while the other is a gloriously chaotic restaurant serving excellent modern European small plates. Their star turn? One of London’s absolute best burgers.”

“London is blessed with so many great spit ’n’ sawdust gig venues, and this is one of my favourites. There’s live music on most nights, with all genres covered. Importantly, the sound is always great at Moth Club, which is why it’s become such a staple. It’s not surprising whatsoever that whenever anyone huge—from Dave Grohl to Lady Gaga—wants to play a secret gig in London, this is the place they choose.”

“Stuffed full of record players, amps and other vintage treasures, this Aladdin’s cave of a music equipment store is a must for anyone who knows how they want their vinyl to sound. The Audio Gold team are good for everything from recommendations to repairs—they are probably the most knowledgable in London when it comes to audio setup.”

“One of the only buildings in its area to survive both the Blitz and subsequent generations of gentrification, The Palm Tree is a genuine East End institution. No TVs. Cash only. Tin trays with sandwiches on them, and a cocktail drum kit in the corner (often with old-timers playing jazz around it). It’s one of those places that could only exist in this city. If authentic cockney is what you’re after, this is the place.”

“This superbly named pub also has one of the best—and biggest—beer gardens in North London. Heaters in winter mean it’s a proper all-year option, and they also let you order Yard Sale pizza direct to your table.”