Alys is a photographer based in north London. Her work has been included in over twenty international exhibitions, most recently at the Rencontres d’Arles in France and Somerset House, London. She was named Sony World Photographer of the Year 2018 for her series ‘Ex-Voto’ and the work was published by GOST Books in 2019.
A winding side street that links hectic Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road, Hanway Street, with its odd mix of old-style Spanish flamenco bars and second-hand vinyl stores, is a bit of an anomaly. I’ll be surprised if they all withstand the Tottenham Court Road redevelopment but I hope they do.
I probably spend too much time here but I love it for the atmosphere. During the day it’s quite empty. The proprietor is often dozing in the back corner and you can read for hours with just one cup of tea without anyone bothering you. It picks up in the evenings as all the regulars pile in with pre-bought bottles of wine.
You could call me biased, given this is the 3rd Highbury restaurant in my list, but if you're doing so then you've clearly never tried the Biang Biang Noodles at this unassuming little BYOB gem