citylikeyou — The Nightingale — London by James Davies

London / Pub

The Nightingale is the antithesis of the hundreds of soulless gastropubs that a lot of decent pubs have recently become and remains everything a proper pub should be. Britain’s pubs haven’t had it easy lately. The smoking ban and the general effects of the recession have hammered the industry hard. The Nightingale continues to be what it has always been, a proper pub at the heart of the local community. Its annual charity walk has raised nearly £500,000 for good causes in over 30 years and it seems determined to do the things a pub should do and do them properly. Once inside you feel like you could be in a country pub instead of in the middle of South London. There’s no jukebox and the TV is hardly ever on, but there’s a great atmosphere with a good set of locals and good drink and food. Bliss.

Address
The Nightingale, 97 Nightingale Lane, Balham, London, United Kingdom

Photographer

Current city: London

jamesdaviesphoto.com

Born and raised in Cardiff, James Davies is a photographer who has lived in London for 13 years. His work centres around the impact of the city upon its citizens and its citizens upon the city, as well as the wider social, economic and political themes that affect daily life in Britain. His most recent series, The Sclerosis of Existence, looks to explore the relationship between the people and the places of a city when seen through the repetition of daily routine.

More Places in London 471

London / Nature

It has such a special vibe, it is very near Columbia Road and Broadway Market It is surprising to find a farm in the middle of the city! Very recommended having English Breakfast there :)

London / Restaurant

The best seafood restaurant on the South Coast.

London / Library

The V and A houses a public collection of prints and drawings of every kind imagineable from old master drawings to photographs, playing cards, fashion plates and wallpapers. You have to select what you want to see from the collection http://collections.vam.ac.uk/and book in advance. The behind-the-scenes route up to the study room of v and a is a treat alone (pictured)

London / Library

It's a members-only library but you might be granted access with a research request. The writer's room is great but there's a few special, hidden corners among the bookshelves to tuck yourself away in.

London / Park

This is pretty much my favourite park in London, especially in summer. I can’t even count the amount of times I have done shoots there and it still continues to inspire me. I also recently discovered the pergola in Hampstead Heath and the only way I can describe the place is like a beautiful secret garden and you have to take a look at this place if you’re in the area.