Danielle is a freelance writer at Time Out London and there's not a lot she won't do in the name of 'journalism'. Follow her on Twitter: @GoldbarsDJ.
![Danielle Goldstein Danielle Goldstein](https://media.timeout.com/images/103003836/750/562/image.jpg)
Danielle is a freelance writer at Time Out London and there's not a lot she won't do in the name of 'journalism'. Follow her on Twitter: @GoldbarsDJ.
The best attractions in Munich represent everything that makes this city such a thrilling visit, from its outstanding art museums to delicious food markets. Munich is famous for its beer gardens and for good reasons, but the best things to do here will offer you plenty of distractions to keep you out of the booze tents â for a while at least. When you come to Munich, you often come for the infamous beer scene, but leave with memories of the glistening mountain spas, musing over the vast and unique collections of Brandhorst alongside other noteworthy museums, and meandering through the sublime gardens. So, if it's the best of the best you're after â the cream of the crop, the top table â you've come to the right place because we've rounded up our favourite Munich attractions. RECOMMENDED:đCheck out the best museums in Munichđš Book a stay at one of the best hotels in Munich This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.
Seattle is a city of many shades, from the bustling vibes of downtown to the laidback charms of Alki Beach and its smaller neighborhoods, such as Wallingford and Ballard. There's something for everyoneâwhether you're visiting or staycationing. Seattle hotels are always a good option, there are loads, but weâve increasingly found that the areaâs Airbnbs give travelers that little bit extra when it comes to feeling like a legitimate local. Choose between stylish and modern loft apartments or the sweetest of tiny homes in friendly residential neighborhoods, and then get planning your itinerary of the best attractions, shops and restaurants to look around. We can guarantee itâs going to be one helluva tripâand it all starts in one of the best Airbnbs in Seattle. Updated April: Because you can never have too much of a good thing when it comes to the perfect vacation spot in Seattle, we've taken the liberty of adding two new gems to this list. One boasts a private beach and gorgeous waterfront views, while the other is a charming cottage near Alki Beach. Stick one of your automatic replies and load the car... RECOMMENDED: đŁââïžThe best houseboat and waterfront Airbnbs in Seattle Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have
This epicentre of Catalan culture has enough must-see attractions to fill a lifetime. Barcelona is simply packed with excellent museums, restaurants and beautiful sights. No matter your tastes, youâll easily find something to love here, you just have to find it. Helpfully, we've whittled it down to the bucket list items for those short on time. From the world-famous to the decidedly local, our pick of the best attractions and places to visit in Barcelona covers a lot of ground. Youâll be pushed to do all of them in one trip, but there's no harm in trying â or you'll just have to come back again, and again, and again⊠RECOMMENDED: Barcelona's best AirbnbsRECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Barcelona This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.
Need a place to stay in London? Weâre here to make it easy for you. Even now, a wealth of new hotels are opening â which we reckon is a testament to the fact that London remains one of the most desirable places to visit in the world. Many of the hotels listed below are incredible enough to have made it straight into the Time Out top 20, but our hand-picked list of the best hotels covers locations right across the capital, and every category from blowout luxury (including having your own butler, might we add) to budget basic and brilliant.Weâve listed everything from five-star hotels in Mayfair to incredibly affordable hotels in some of Londonâs very best neighbourhoods. Plus youâll be able to check out one or two of the capital's many Michelin-starred restaurants because yep, loads of them call London hotels their home. But if spending a small fortune on food isnât your bag? Thereâs also an ever-increasing number of good-value food options for budgeteers, too. Throw great design and architecture into the mix, plus superb bars, world-class hospitality and the opportunity to have a home-from-home in the best city in the world and, well, youâre laughing. Basically, youâre totally spoilt for choice. So, read on, decide where to stay in London, and ready yourself for a hotel visit like no other. Enjoy! Looking for even more options? Check out Londonâs best Airbnbs. Keen on a steamy night in? Check out London's best hotels for sex. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in eve
Dramatic canyons, bubbling hot springs, lush forests, and all manner of wildlife: you won't find anywhere else on Earth like Yellowstone National Park. As America's first national park, it's no surprise that this world-famous park is a super-popular bucket list destination. There's an almost overwhelming number of sights to see â we're talking over 300 species of bird, 65 species of mammal, and a whole lot of geological wonders â and equally, you're spoiled for choice regarding where to stay. That's why we've put together a guide to the loveliest Airbnbs in and near the national park, from glam cabins to gorgeous traditional lodges. RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in New England Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, amenities and in-depth research 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.
London is full of glitz, glamour, and very swanky places. And if you want to stay somewhere with character and individuality, give the chain hotels a day off and head to one of Londonâs gorgeous boutique hotels. There are plenty of brilliant smaller hotels in London to suit everyoneâs taste, from cosy hipster hangouts to extravagant, super-central lodgings that give Londonâs five-star institutions a run for their money. With artfully designed rooms, well-considered service and quirky extra touches, Londonâs best boutique hotels are all about being a little less fusty and a lot more on-trend. Looking for more options? Check out Londonâs best Airbnbs. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel 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.
Vacationing takes extra effort these days, which is why finding the perfect place to stay has taken on greater importance. With so many amazing options to suit anyone on any budget, it can be a hard task to conquer. You donât want just any central hotel or secluded Airbnb, it needs to be special to provide a sense of escapism that you wouldnât otherwise get from a regular room. Although no shade to the regular Airbnbs and hotelsâyou're great, too. We're all super unique and one room doesn't fit all. So whether youâre traveling to South Florida or youâre a local in need of a staycation, here are some unique Airbnbs in Miami as individual as you are. Enjoy! RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in MiamiThe best restaurants in MiamiThe best things to do in MiamiThe best secluded Airbnbs in Miami Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, amenities and in-depth research 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 something of a tourist hotspotâwith a food, shopping and nightlife scene that's second to, if not none, then very fewâWashington D.C. is awash with fine options when it comes to finding somewhere to rest your head. But while itâs lovely to reap the benefits of room service and tiny pillow mints, sometimes a trip calls for something a little more personalized. Luckily, Airbnb has a whole sweep of suites, apartments, rooms and houses available to rent, so youâll soon be living your best life from the comfort of a lovely historic townhouse or taking in the views from your own private roof terrace. Experience the capital like a true local in one of the best Airbnbs in Washington D.C. Updated April 2024: Washington D.C's Airbnb offerings just keep on giving, which means we're constantly looking out for new additions to the hot list. We've now got a decorative guest suite and garden apartment to make the choice between these amazing properties just that little bit harder. Good luck. RECOMMENDED: Best hotels in Washington D.C. 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.Â
Donât be fooled by San Franciscoâs relatively compact sizeâjust seven miles wide by seven miles longâas this Northern California city packs in a ton of attractions. San Francisco is home to an impressive collection of museums, natural wonders, parks and historic buildings. (Plus, despite the hills, itâs actually a quite walkable city.) From a city park thatâs 20 percent larger than New Yorkâs Central Park to an iconic modern art museum to beloved local sports teams, here are the must-see attractions you wonât want to miss while youâre in the City by the Bay.
Whether you're looking for a romantic night out or a meal with a magnificent view, you can't beat a Paris dinner cruise. Departing from the Eiffel Tower, MusĂ©e d'Orsay and other central Paris locations, these boat trips provide a chance to see the City of Light by night in all its twinkling glory. Sail past famous attractions, such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, Place de la Concorde and the Louvre, while enjoying fine French cuisine. Then finish up with a show at Moulin Rouge or a stroll down Champs-ĂlysĂ©es. Have a browse below for some of the delectable Paris dinner cruises on offer.
France is the worldâs most famous producer of wine. Itâs not hard to see why either, thanks to 17 different regions that produce everything from sparkling Champagne to deep, intense Burgundies. Today, France is still the leading exporter, but for those who arenât connoisseurs, it can all be a tad intimidating. Luckily, vin-curious visitors to the capital can take their pick from our list of wine tours and tasting sessions in Paris, where expert guidance is on hand. Weâll drink to that! RECOMMENDED: The best cafes in Paris This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.Â
As the second-largest island in the Med (after Sicily), Sardinia boasts an enormous range of stuff to see, do, eat and drink. From the pristine aquamarine waters and dusty white sands of Costa Smeralda to the buzzing streets of Cagliari, Sardinia appeals to nature lovers, beach bunnies and urban explorers alike. Fittingly, hotels on the island cater to all kinds of visitors. Featuring spas, villas, city centre locations, family-run establishments and swanky five-star resorts â these are the best hotels in Sardinia. RECOMMENDED: đCheck out the best beaches in Sicily Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research 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.
Thereâs a reason these guys are dubbed The Original Tour and thatâs because they were the first to run such an operation in London back in 1951. As the Festival of Britain got underway that year, an earlier form of TfL introduced a double-decker bus running âService Jâ to take visitors on a tour of the capital. Service J was such a success that it has remained in action to this day. By 1991 the service adopted the hop-on, hop-off mentality and in 1992 the company rebranded from Service J to The Original London Sightseeing Tour. Their reasonably priced tickets allow access to all six of their bus routes and include a Thames River Cruise day-pass, as well as a Changing of the Guard walking tour. Whatâs more, all tickets are valid for either 24, 48 or 72 hours, and commentary is available in 11 different languages. Some buses on the main yellow route even have real-life guides delivering the fun facts in an entertaining manner. If you're after something a little more specific, say with young ones in mind, you're in luck. The Original Tour has branched out into specialised walks and rides, including the Christmas Lights Tour, London Bar Bus (where you can drink on-board) and the 45-minute Original Kids Tour.
While it sits low in the London skyline, the Tower of London remains one of the capitalâs best and most well known historical attractions. Plus itâs situated next to the iconic Tower Bridge, so youâd be hard pushed to miss this medieval spectacle. Exhaustively huge throngs of people visit daily, but donât let that put you off, because if you can handle them then you can delight at the sight of the crown of Queen Victoria or the prodigious codpiece of King Henry VIII (whatever floats your boat more). This towering fortress goes back over 900 years, which covers a hell of a lot of torture, prisoners, weapons and exotic animals. No you havenât misread that last bit: up until the closure of the menagerie in 1830 many beasts were kept at the Tower, including King Johnâs lions and Henry IIIâs three leopards, a polar bear and an African elephant. Thereâs easily a whole dayâs worth of activities here, beyond the long-emptied moats of this great castle. Interactive displays showcase the ostentatious and contentious lives of British monarchs of yesteryear. Get the nitty gritty lowdown on a tour led by one of the brilliant Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters), dressed in full costume. But know that despite its bloody reputation (and boy was it) the Tower wasnât a place of murder, with only 19 executions ever having taken place there. And interestingly enough, it was used as a prison right up until the â50s, when the East Endâs notorious Kray Twins were briefly banged up there Arrive early to get
For a sporting venue known for its strict adherence to tradition, the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is impressively futuristic. Not only is there a 3D cinema explaining the science of the game, but a holographic âghostâ of former tennis world champion John McEnroe roaming the dressing room (yes, seriously), even though heâs still very much alive and volleying. Interviews with players are broadcast on TV screens and an interactive area allows visitors to handle racquets, feel the weight of a trophy and test their reaction skills in simulation games. Tracing the history of lawn tennis, there is memorabilia dating as far back as 1555, while new additions to the collection include Andy Murrayâs outfit from the London 2012 Olympics, when he took home the gold medal, and a series of tennis posters from 1893 to 2015. You can also go on behind-the-scenes tours of the grounds and facilities â including Centre Court â and get a 360-degree view of the arena from a special viewing platform.
Ever wondered what London looks like from 53 metres above North Greenwich? No? Bet youâre wondering now! You can find out with a ticket for Up at The O2, which is the ultimate AAA pass and gains you access to the roof. From there youâll be able see across the capital, spotting famous sites like the Olympic Park, Thames Barrier, The Shard and Canary Wharf. Youâre probably raring to get up there now, but hold your horses because, well, safety first. There will be a couple of videos you need to sit down and take in beforehand, but donât sigh just yet because theyâre genuinely entertaining. After that youâll strap on the relevant gear: boots, suit and harness, all of which is supplied. Then â and only then â you can begin your ascent. One of The O2âs guides will lead you along the springy walkway all the way to the top, where you can breathe in the fresh air, take a selfie or two and discover some facts about Londonâs landmarks before heading back down. Itâs worth noting that the descent is much steeper than the climb up, so if youâve got bad knees this isnât the attraction for you. Up at The O2 is suitable for ages 10+ and at least 1.2 metres tall; and accessible tours for those with disabilities, including wheelchair-users, are also available. Oh, and one piece of advice? Donât forget socks! VIDEO: Here's what it's like to tackle the climb
Down a cobbled street banked by estate agents, a petrol station and a wall of graffiti, the approach to Sager + Wildeâs second branch hardly screams fine dining. But thatâs the charm of London. The crummy can sit with the flash, so you never know when youâre going to stumble upon a real gem. Paradise Row is one of those: a place where railway arches house a bevy of trendy bar-restaurants, one of which was taken over back in 2014 by Michael Sager (now the sole owner) and Charlotte Wilde. The duo, who spent much of their lives visiting vineyards around the world, put together an intimidatingly vast wine list that, thankfully, the staff know as well as the owners. My barrage of questions about the best white to pair with pork were met confidently â a fresh, pear-hinting Saladini Pilastri Falerio from Marche, Italy, if youâre wondering. Abundant beverages aside, this Sager + Wilde is very much about the food. Having enlisted the talents of Sebastian Myers (formerly of Chiltern Firehouse), the menu comprises British dishes with European flourishes. The grilled cut of Iberico pork was a particular highlight; teamed with black trompettes and hispi cabbage, each mouthful popped with salty-sour flavourings, levelled off beautifully by the sweetness of the red apple jus. Despite the industrial setting, the vibe is inviting. Neatly lined-up wooden tables are lit by candlelight and a few low-hanging bulbs. Service was impeccable â our waitress happily (and patiently) explained the sizing
Please note, Hops & Glory is now closed. Time Out Editors, February 2018. Given Britainâs propensity for cold weather, this wood-clad watering hole, flushed with amber lighting, makes for an inviting prospect. But even in warmer weeks, with its glass double-doors thrown open and beautiful brass fans spinning from the burgundy ceiling, there should be a pleasing breeze. The offer of homely winter warmers â think beef dripping, chips and Welsh rarebit â would do for most evenings. Watch out for the crust on that rarebit though, mine was tough and difficult to chew. The menu promises âBritish country-style cooking,â which evidently means meat-centric mains, with grouse, beef and only one option for fish-fanciers or veggies. My wild bream fillet was great, the flesh tender beneath a crisped skin, its saltiness superbly complemented by sweet red peppers and a lumpy (in a good way) Cypriot potato mash. It may be perched on the edge of busy Essex Road, but The Hops & Glory brings an enjoyable slice of country pub living to Zone One.
Highly articulate and discerning London rapper and political activist Lowkey makes a long awaited return. In 2012 he took a musical hiatus to concentrate on his studies, as he told his Facebook fans, but this July Lowkey (real name Kareem Dennis) reappeared with the single 'Ahmed'. Accompanied by a lo-fi lyric video, 'Ahmed' expresses Lowkey's gut-wrenching take on the current refugee crisis, focusing in particular on the photo of the little Syrian boy washed up dead on a Turkish beach last year.
Californian ray of sunshine Margaret Glaspy is beaming over with her cream-coloured telecaster and modest (but punch-packing) band of a drummer and bassist. Having recently released her debut album 'Emotions and Math', Glaspy will be promoting the record, which is a mixture of fun, flippant lyrics that fans of Courtney Barnett would appreciate and flexing folky guitar licks. Vocally Glaspy is also a delight, managing to combine the cutesy, indie quirk of Joanna Newsom with the gut-wrenching sincerity that Laura Marling's tonality holds.
What better way to spend a Friday night than getting sweaty with Toronto's latest export, Weaves? Having just dropped their eponymous debut LP, Weaves combine all the swagger of Yeah Yeah Yeahs with raucous garage rock riffs and eminently danceable beats. Tonight the four-piece show us Brits how the Canadians do it.
What better way to spend a Friday night than getting sweaty with Toronto's latest export, Weaves? Having just dropped their eponymous debut LP, Weaves combine all the swagger of Yeah Yeah Yeahs with raucous garage rock riffs and eminently danceable beats. Tonight the four-piece show us Brits how the Canadians do it.
All aboard the bus of nightmares for a journey to hel⊠er, we mean Houses of Parliament and other well known London landmarks. With a lick of black paint, an old-school Routemaster has been given a suitably ghoulish makeover for the Ghost Bus Tour, which will whisk you around the capital on a whistle-stop adventure of Londonâs most malevolent spots. The tours feature half-factual, half-fictional tales about the demon barber of Fleet Street, Southwarkâs Cross Bones Graveyard, the elusive black dog that haunts Newgate Prison and more, all delivered on, and sometimes off, the bus by a troupe of actors, stand-up comics and cabaret performers. Booking recommended.
All aboard the bus of nightmares for a journey to hel⊠er, we mean Houses of Parliament and other well known London landmarks. With a lick of black paint, an old-school Routemaster has been given a suitably ghoulish makeover for the Ghost Bus Tour, which will whisk you around the capital on a whistle-stop adventure of Londonâs most malevolent spots. The tours feature half-factual, half-fictional tales about the demon barber of Fleet Street, Southwarkâs Cross Bones Graveyard, the elusive black dog that haunts Newgate Prison and more, all delivered on, and sometimes off, the bus by a troupe of actors, stand-up comics and cabaret performers. Booking recommended.
In the ongoing battle to save our favourite bits of London, we're now rooting for the The George Tavern in Shadwell to triumph in their fight against developers. Eight years ago the grand old pub was informed that Stepney's Nightclub next door would be demolished to make way for six luxury flats, which means The George would inevitably lose its live music and late (ie. fun) license. They've been fighting the decision ever since by hosting fundraisers to cover their legal costs, but now they need your help. The 600-year-old boozer has launched a crowd funding campaign so they can continue their crusade, offering everything from shout outs and t-shirts to signed memorabilia in exchange for your donations. And if you send them a snap of yourself wearing your 'Save The George Tavern' tee, they'll add you to their gallery alongside the likes of Kate Moss, Sir Ian McKellen and Georgia May Jagger. Donate at The George's IndieGoGo page and find out more information about the campaign at savethegeorgetavern.com. Â
âŠaccording to Pinakin Patel, 43. The most sensitive issues are the ones that need to be talked about âI work on Prevent, which is part of the Governmentâs counterterrorism strategy. We run events with different communities and invite debate on hard topics, like foreign policy in Afghanistan and women in Islam. The key thing is to not shut down debate. You need a thick skin.â The internet is the most common pathway to radicalisation âThese days, we see more risk coming from people engaging with extremism via online groups and social media than face-to-face. So we work with students and parentsâ groups to increase peopleâs resilience, critical thinking and online safety, and also deliver training in schools on how to spot concerns and pass those on to social services and the council.â Right-wing extremism is the fastest-growing threat âWe definitely donât only tackle extremism in Islamic communities. I would love to dispel that myth. In fact, weâre getting more and more far-right cases â groups like National Action, or Holocaust denial and Islamophobia.â Even the most suspicious people can be won over âIn 2011 I set up an advisory body of faith groups and key members of the community. At the first meeting I was accused of being a spy for the government and of targeting Muslims. Not long ago, that same group threw me a surprise fortieth birthday party. They were quite hostile in the beginning â cynical, perhaps. But we listened to them and now theyâre our biggest champions.â F
Returning this summer to Ealingâs Gunnersbury Park is Citadel Festival, the Sunday one-dayer that acts as Loveboxâs laidback little sibling. Taking over Loveboxâs sprawling site the day after it ends, Citadel has tons of music to choose from, plus an array of family-friendly activities. Welsh titans Catfish And The Bottlemen will work their magic in the headline slot. With new LP âThe Balanceâ dropping in April, the Llandudno lads will have three albumsâ worth of angsty indie rock to plunder. Joining them on the main stage is RagânâBone Man â the voice behind 2016âs massive earworm âHumanâ and Calvin Harrisâs current banger âGiantâ. Even if youâve never ventured beyond Mr Boneâs hit singles, his live show totally brims with soul and brass. Elsewhere youâll find raucous Scottish singer-guitarist Honeyblood, whoâll deliver candy-sweet vocal melodies alongside riffs thatâll vibrate your insides. All-female trio Dream Wife will also be rocking out; if youâre a fan of The Strokes and Wolf Alice, their hook-laden indie should tickle your fancy. Then get a shuffle on as Friendly Fires bust out their synth-led tropical rhythms. With lots of songs about love or partying, theyâll provide the perfect groove to a balmy summerâs evening. But as always, Citadel isnât just about the tunes. Thereâs plenty of street food to keep hungry revellers sated (think Club Mexicana and Only Jerkinâ), plus group yoga classes, spoken word and creative workshops. This fest is the perfect mix of Sunday f
âŠaccording to Adele Lamb, 35. Making sure everything runs smoothly is as much as an art as a science âAs a stage manager, my job is to âcallâ shows as they happen â so that could be saying, âWinch one, go. Sound, goâ through a headset. People donât necessarily think of it as artistic, but youâre having to read the music, the cast and the audienceâs reaction, so there is an artistic side to it. Weâre kind of the driving force that pushes things forward.â Plays, musicals and circus shows all have their own challenges âI have done plays, but Iâve always been drawn towards musicals, because thereâs more going on in a technical sense. Iâve worked on shows like âJesus Christ Superstarâ and âRock of Agesâ. But now I tour with Cirque du Soleil, and the difference with circus is that we are slightly movable. Something can happen to an acrobat while theyâre warming up that means they canât do that act, and we have to rearrange things. We make sure we run seamlessly and the audience doesnât know somethingâs happened.â Knowing what happens backstage can make it hard to watch other shows âI make a real effort to see stuff that I wouldnât usually work on â plays, dance and opera â but Iâve never been able to fully switch off. There are times when youâre watching something and you think: I wonder if that was meant to happen. But nobody else would notice!â Circus life makes dating hard âIâve been single for a long time now. Itâs not a job for everybody, and generally people end up with someb
âŠaccording to Lloyd Wylde, 49. To a homeless Londoner, a haircut can mean a lot âThis year weâve got 11 Crisis at Christmas centres across London hosting homeless people between December 23 and 30. We set up a cinema, a clothing station, a non-stop tea and coffee point⊠But one of the most popular things we offer is hairdressing. Many guests come back and have another inch off every day weâre open. We wash their hair, blow-dry it, give them some product â itâs about being treated like a human being. There is always a queue.â Everyone is entitled to be picky about Christmas dinner âWe absolutely have to have Christmas dinner â if there wasnât any there would be a riot. And I tell you, the guests are very particular â theyâve always got tips for the chef. Itâs funny getting the comments: âWell, I thought the turkey was a bit overdone,â or âThe brussels sprouts could have had a bit longer.ââ Thereâs an annual footie league between Crisis centres âThe teams are made up of guests, and at our centre in east London we have footballers from West Ham come in to train with them before the match. Last year, my centre came back with the trophy and it was like theyâd won the FA Cup. We were just one group of people standing and cheering and celebrating together. Thatâs what itâs all about â thereâs no them and us.â Saying goodbye is the hardest part âWe canât work miracles in a week, and itâs difficult when you have to say goodbye to one of the guests and you donât know what the year is
âŠaccording to Dan Bowery, 28. Children are less wimpy than adults âMy job at the Natural History Museum ice rink is to skate around, help people learn to skate and pick people up when they fall over. Kids generally learn a lot more easily and donât mind falling over â theyâll get straight back up and laugh about it. Whereas adults will cling to you, which generally means they end up falling over a lot more.â Wind is an ice rinkâs worst enemy âOur rink contains something like 186,000 litres of water, all being cooled by pipes that run underneath. Itâs basically a big freezer without a door. This year has been great so far, as itâs been quite cold, but when it gets mild and windy the ice struggles. The wind constantly moves the water on top, so it never gets a chance to freeze properly.â Itâs always best to skate off-peak âIf you go on certain days during the week between 10am and 1pm, you pay the same amount as for a oneâhour session, but you can skate for up to three hours. I can use the rink for free whenever Iâm not working, and Iâll be going in during those quiet times.â Fingers getting chopped off is a myth âEveryone always asks, but thatâs never happened. Out of all the people Iâve spoken to, whoâve worked in ice rinks for a long time, no oneâs ever heard of anyone getting their fingers sliced off. The worst injury Iâve heard of was a person who managed to dislocate both shoulders at the same time.â Thereâs only one way to deal with Christmas music: get used to it âThe s
âŠaccording to Laura Tyrer, 35. Acting confident is an art âA lot of people become actors because they find confidence in being someone else. I was a very shy kid and I went to dance classes because my mum wanted me to be confident, but if youâre naturally shy, itâs never going to go away. All performers have insecurities â some are riddled with them. Thatâs why we have to take care of each other.â Getting older can be an asset âEntering a new age bracket as an actor is really exciting. Iâm just about to finish playing Velma Kelly in âChicagoâ, and I couldnât have done it five years ago! Now Iâm of a maturity to play that part, because I understand that woman.â Itâs easy to get stuck as an understudy âWhen youâre in an ensemble covering a lead part, you have to concentrate on your own character while learning other peopleâs as well, and you can be thrown on at a momentâs notice. But if you become known as a reliable cover, itâs hard to get out of that box. I had a fear for a few years that it wouldnât happen for me.â A second job is essential âThe worst thing you can do is walk into an audition room and think: I have to get this job because I have to pay the bills. Doing something else will keep you sane. I also teach dance, but others write or voice-coach.â Noise isnât distracting â phones are âThe light distracts the eye, and once your eye is distracted, your thought goes with it. It baffles me that people think they canât be seen using their phones. I was in a show earlier
âŠaccording to Karolina Susfal, 39. Londonâs Ikea branches are a microcosm of the city âThereâs a huge diversity of people in Ikea â both workers and customers. Itâs a very international environment and I learn basic phrases every day. I can now say hello in Polish, German, Portuguese, Spanish and more.â The meatball struggle is real âEveryone loves the Swedish meatballs. We donât get food for free, but itâs such a little amount that itâs dangerously affordable. They are a little bit dangerous, though: I was skinnier three years ago before I started working here!â People ask ridiculous questions⊠âCustomers often ask about the difference between a foam mattress and sprung one. Obviously a foam mattress has foam inside and a sprung mattress has springs, but we still get that question all the time. Or youâll tell the customer that a bed frame comes in white or black and the next question they ask is: âDoes it come in grey?ââ âŠbut also show their gratitude âTo plan a complete kitchen, we usually spend hours with one customer, and theyâll often come back to the store to show us pictures. One customer even invited me over for dinner in their newly built kitchen! I was too shy to say yes.â Ikea staff are okay with people making themselves at home âMany times when I go through the showroom Iâll see whole families sitting on the sofas, having a chat and a cup of tea that theyâve got from the canteen. We encourage them to sit for a while. We even invite them to lie down to check
âŠaccording to Victoria Martin, 31. Some dogs have serious jobs âAt our kennels at Gatwick we have labradors, a pointer and a poodle-pointer, but we use springer spaniels mainly, because their noses are so good. Each dog is trained on different commodities: drugs, cigarettes, cash⊠My spaniel Teddy is a firearms dog, so when he detects a weapon, I make sure thereâs no ammunition in it and that it can be looked after safely.â Not every pooch is cut out for it âOnce youâve both been through training, you have to be licensed by a chief instructor, who will watch you work to make sure you and the dog are good together. When I was being inspected with my previous dog, Sidney, we had to do a baggage belt search. I could see that Sid wasnât acting right, and then he decided to do a massive poo on the belt while the bags were going round. It became apparent afterwards that he was petrified of crowds of people.â When the handlers go on holiday, so do the dogs âNobody else can work your dog, because only youâre licensed to him or her. So we have kennels at Gatwick, and when weâre not working, the kennel assistants look after our dogs for us. They get walked and fed twice a day; weâve even got paddocks where they can go and play with the other dogs. A day off for us is a day off for them.â Retired dogs are in high demand âDogs are normally retired aged seven or eight, depending on their health, and the handler gets first refusal. If they or their friends or family are not interested, t
âŠaccording to Roberta Maciuleviciute, 30. Thereâs a Hamburger University in East Finchley âWe all go there to improve our knowledge, whether itâs for an apprenticeship or management courses. I started as a crew member and did an apprenticeship straight away, through which I got GCSEs in English and Maths as well as learning the ropes of working for McDonaldâs.â The smell of grease grows on you âIt doesnât smell that much, as thereâs always AC and extractor fans in the stores to keep that smell out. But when you work in the restaurant every day, you get used to it. Itâs a unique smell: whenever you go to a different store, it feels so familiar.â Drunk people leave weird stuff behind âThe funniest thing we regularly find in the dining area after overnight shifts is one shoe. Itâs like a modern Cinderella story: how can someone leave one shoe in McDonaldâs and still get home?â Tourists and Londoners alike ask for some strange things âLondon has such a mixture of people that even people who live here ask us for things we donât have. We get people asking for soup and things like that which theyâre used to in their country. Spanish, Italian and German people especially ask about beer. Unfortunately, we have to disappoint them because McDonaldâs doesnât serve beer in the UK.â Londoners expect all-day breakfasts âSome people would like to eat breakfast all day, but at 10.30am we have to start serving lunch. We understand the frustration customers have: sometimes you just want an
âŠaccording to Cassie Fletcher, 23. Regulars can become mates âOne of the fun things about being a barista is getting to know customers well. One of our regulars, who I saw every day for three years, was from Italy and I told her Iâd like to go there one day. She said, âWhy donât you come with me next time?â So I went on holiday with one of my customers and weâre really good friends now.â Starbucks has tens of thousands of drink combinations âBecause weâve got different flavoured syrups, milks, decafs and shots, there are more than 80,000 drinks. I once made a drink with 30 or more ingredients! And sometimes if we have a really weird order, we like to make it again afterwards to see what it actually tastes like.â Thereâs a ten-second rule for espresso âOnce the espresso is poured out of the machine, it needs to be added to whatever drink youâre making within ten seconds, otherwise the taste, smell and crema will be affected. If you taste a normal latte against one with espresso thatâs waited for ten seconds or more, itâs going to be bitter.â Londoners bloody love eggnog âWe have three Christmas drinks â toffee nut, gingerbread and eggnog latte â but eggnog is the one that everybody wants all year round. Even in late March, when we donât make it, people are still asking for eggnog.â For more unique looks at London life, sign up here to get Time Out features straight to your inbox.
After losing his right leg at 17, Michael Ishiguzo thought his sporting career was over. But now heâs got a chance to play amputee football at the highest level⊠âI used to be a professional footballer back in Nigeria. At 17 I was playing for one of the top teams, but one day, in a tackle during training, I broke my right leg. Although I was playing professionally, there wasnât much money in it. We were playing for passion and hope, and sometimes it was even hard to afford to eat. So when I broke my leg, I could not afford a doctor, and I went to the traditional bonesetters. Iâd seen a lot of players break legs and go to these people, and theyâd carry on playing. But my leg was not properly treated. I contracted gangrene and they had to amputate. That was the worst moment of my life. I couldnât come to terms with it and I attempted suicide a couple of times, but I was saved for whatever reason â only God knows. I was ashamed. Iâm sorry to say this, but in Nigeria disabled people are not human beings. You become a second-class citizen, especially when youâre not well-to-do. One of the people I had grown up with lived in London. They said, âYou can come to UK and follow your career in sport,â so thatâs how the whole idea started. When I arrived I found out it wasnât as easy as that, but going back to Nigeria was not a good idea. At least here Iâm living my life as a human being. I moved to London in 2000, when I was 20, and I still live in the same area, the south-east. I start