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Lewisham Model Market -Launch Night - Fri 20th June 2014 by Al de Perez
Al de PerezLewisham Model Market

34 things you can do if you're new to London, according to locals

New in town? Check out this hit list of places to go and things to do from the city's biggest fans

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Time Out Tastemakers
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A wander down Brick Lane

1. A wander down Brick Lane

All newbies to London must explore east London! Take a stroll down Brick Lane on a Sunday afternoon and taste delicious foods from all over the world at the markets and stalls lining the road. Munch away as you wander down and you’ll soon reach the second hand and vintage sales where you might pick up a unique goodie or two. On a nice sunny day you’ll no doubt be treated to lots of live music on the streets too. Laura Hartley

Munchies from Model Market

2. Munchies from Model Market

Try as much delicious food from the vendors at Model Market, the weekend street feast pop-up in Lewisham. If you get there early enough you can grab a seat upstairs where you can watch the sunset over south east London. Steph Marston

I think Model Market has the best atmosphere and the food, oh the food - wings, burgers, squid, tacos, melt-in-the-mouth steak, crispy chicken. It’s heaven on a plate and I think every visitor here needs to swing by at least once to experience it. Jess Lawrence

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A stroll on Hampstead Heath
© Paul

3. A stroll on Hampstead Heath

I would take a new friend for a walk on Hampstead Heath, a quick swim or dip in the ponds (if they're willing) and then on for a tea or ice cream at Kenwood House! If they are starting to get thirsty, we would head over to The Red Lion and Sun pub for a glass of their award-winning wines and a great pub dinner! Shara Tochia

A tour of Peckham

4. A tour of Peckham

For any Peckham newbies (including those from north of the river), here's a crash cultural tour. First, head to the Peckham Peace Wall and consider still relevant messages of unity following the 2011 riots. Next, head to The Sunday Painter for an artistic infusion of culture. Finish with summer rolls at Banh Banh and start looking for flats on Rightmove. Tom Davidson

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Boozing at Tooting Market

5. Boozing at Tooting Market

I'd definitely take a newbie for a Graveney Gin (distilled in Tooting) at Tooting Market! Megan Morgan

Farm life in Hackney

6. Farm life in Hackney

I’d take a newbie to Hackney City Farm to show them that London even caters for those craving a hit of farm life. Jennifer Ward

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A mooch around the V&A

7. A mooch around the V&A

If they wanted to be a proper tourist, I’d take them for a mooch round the new V&A followed by tea in the William Morris Room. Jo van den Driessche

Eastside oysters and vinyls

8. Eastside oysters and vinyls

Oysters and vinyl – is there a better combination in life? In Hackney Central, the Happy Hour oysters are just £1 a pop and the vinyl is excellently curated at the ever so discreet Behind This Wall bar. Always a winner with my out-of-towners. Tom Sweetman

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9. Cheap and cheerful thalis in Wood Green

I would take them to the Asian Centre in Wood Green for a cheap thali cooked by Indian mamas! Chiara Pinto

10. A slow drift down the Thames

Anyone new to London will need to get the lay of the land, so if the weather’s fine and the tide’s in our favour, the first stop would be the Kew Pier to get a boat down the Thames. Which way? It doesn’t really matter, but you’re sure to see a side of the city that even many Londoners don’t. For those without sea legs, Kew Gardens is the obvious choice, especially while the mesmerising, bee-powered hive is in action. Caitlin Mackesy Davies

Need more insider tips?

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