The very best of London 2009
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By Time Out editors. Photography Greg Funnell, Rob Greig and Ed Marshall
Updated: Tue Sep 22 2009
New in town | Old faithfuls | Small and beautiful | Big and bold | Only in LondonOld faithfuls
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York Hall baths
5-15 Old Ford Road, E2 9PJ
These beautifully restored Victorian baths boast one of the cheapest spas in London. The hall itself opened in 1929, and is most famous as a boxing arena – among others, Lennox Lewis and Audley Harrison both learned their craft here. As well as a swimming pool (free on Fridays) there are thermal spas and a full range of massages and treatments (entry from £21.60). And thanks to the east London location, the best thing about it is the incredible mix of people you’ll see there. Read more
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Kentish Town City Farm
1 Cressfield Close, NW5 4BN, 020 7916 5421
Opened in the 1970s, this was the first city farm in Britain, and it’s a fantastic resource for visitors and local residents. Aside from the farm itself, there are also toddlers’ groups and art sessions, and the farm hosts local parties and summer fêtes. Children over eight can volunteer to help muck out the animals. Read more
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Yasir Halim
495 Green Lanes, N4 1AL, 020 8340 8090
The strip of Green Lanes between Manor House and Turnpike Lane tubes is home to a brilliant mix of ethnic groups – particularly Turkish – which makes for a wealth of culinary delights. Try Yasir Halim, the big and delicious food shop where you can pick up everything from top-notch fruit ’n’ veg to freshly baked Turkish bread (plus a sheep’s head, should you need one).
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Smythson
40 New Bond St, W1S 2DE, 020 7629 8558
Established in 1887, this luxury leather goods shop sells wonderful diaries in jewel-bright colours for stationery fanatics who have yet to be seduced by the idea of organising their lives electronically. Smythson’s creative director, Samantha Cameron, wife of ‘Call Me Dave’ Cameron, is credited with masterminding the firm’s successful transition into the twenty-first century and transforming it from trad to trendy, but its past is celebrated in the form of a tiny museum in the back of the shop. Read more
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The Social
5 Little Portland St, London, W1W 7JD
A discreet front hides this daytime diner and DJ bar, established by Heavenly Records at the end of the ’90s. While most venues cushioning Oxford Street either get knocked down or sucked up into estate-agent-and-cocktail-fuelled clubland, The Social still offers a variety of quality music after ten years. The drinks are very reasonable too. Read more
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Peña Flamenca de Londres
St Aloysius Social Club, 20 Phoenix Rd, NW1 1TA
This monthly flamenco club has been going for aeons (well, since 1984). It’s a meet-up as St Aloysius Social Club, Euston, for anyone into flamenco singing, dancing or guitar, and it hosts courses (beginners welcome) and shows featuring visiting artists from all over Spain. This isn’t necessarily the best flamenco you’ll ever see, but it’s all about the unique atmosphere. Read more
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New in town | Old faithfuls | Small and beautiful | Big and bold | Only in London-
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2 comments
The only place I can think of is Vin Mag at 39 Brewer Street. Fantastic range of vintage posters and memorabilia.
Hi Timeout,
Am going to uni in a week and desperate to get some attractive decor for my tiny bare university halls room! I googled to find film posters in London, and came up with this quote
"Tucked away in a Soho sidestreet, this unassuming, cavernous little shop sells a vast array of vintage film posters from across the globe as well as..."
... but on looking on the page the described shop is not detailed! Please help!