Not the most exciting place inside, but a lovely rooftop area which not all that many people seem to know about, 2 mins walk from Old St station. If it’s packed then The Red Lion is just up the road.
A small, independent cinema with a lot to offer the Brixton wanderer. As well as operating like you would expect a converted theatre-to-cinema to, Ritzy offers exclusive, niche film viewings, two bars and an upstairs live music venue. All of which provide an amazing platform to be 'culture-slapped' into shape.
Although freedom of speech is a human right in most civilised countries, Speakers’ Corner has been described as one of the few places in the world where anyone can just climb on a ‘soapbox’ and speak their minds on any subject as long as the police considers it lawful – and almost be guaranteed an audience.
It has been like this ever since this area of London’s Hyde Park was the site of Tyburn gallows, where public executions took place between 1196 and 1783, and the condemned were allowed to speak before being hanged.
Over the centuries, Speakers’ Corner has been the site of riots, demonstrations, public meetings of groups – such as the communists – that weren’t allowed to gather anywhere else, and was frequented by Marx, Lenin, George Orwell and many other historic figures.
While today it is mainly the scene of eccentrics, religious fanatics and oddballs of all kinds, several prominent speakers such as Heiko Khoo and Jonathan Fitter keep the tradition of meaningful discussions around political and social themes alive.
Religion has been debated in Hyde Park since the right to meet and speak freely was formally established in 1872. Today it’s the dominant topic by far, with religious speakers and preachers drawing the biggest crowds and clearly outnumbering the political meetings.
I have been documenting the people gathering here every Sunday since 2012.
Key community arts centre, near to Shoreditch High St station. The cinema is handy and the music programming is solid, but they also host a variety of other interesting nights, most notably Jawdance, London’s (arguably) best spoken word night
Dover Street is the true creative hub of Mayfair and a breath of fresh air driving straight through an area often perceived as stuffy. Landmarks such as the wonderful Dover Street Market (don't forget to sample the fresh carrot cake at Rose Bakery on its 4th floor) on very effectively pull creative people towards the area which equates to plenty of street style to appreciate. Our Crane.tv offices are also located on Dover Street, naturally adding to the street’s charm!