Simon Bassline Smith - Secret London

Find out where he rates in the capital

Longtime D&B player Simon can be found in London all the time, buying records, playing records and making merry in various places. Read on to find out where...

BM Soho formerly known as Blacketmarket, D'Arblay St, London W1

The best place to buy electronic music in London. The drum & bass section is downstairs in the basement where you will find the one and only Nicky Blackmarket selling tunes like a market seller...shouting and screaming at the punters about the hottest new tunes - it's a sight to see!!!!

Linda Pasta Bar, Poland Street, Soho, London W1

Situated in popular Soho, full of tourists from around the world, is this unknown to many wicked pasta bar! I often eat there with friends. Once this crazy woman walked in, ordered the most expensive items from the menu and then had no money to pay - it was uproar!!! The food is cooked to the highest standard and the service is second to none.

Shoreditch bars, EC1 / E2

A good friend in London took me to Shoreditch 6 or 7 years ago before the area exploded and told me it was an area to watch out for. Over the years it's changed a lot, there's been massive expansion, but it's a good place to go bar hopping. Good bars include the Pool Bar in Curtain Road, a nice and easy cocktail/vine bar, and DreambagsJaguarshoes on Kingsland Road which has become a trendy bar from an old shoe shop. And on Sundays at the Barley Mow pub on Rivington Street there's old skool laid back funk and jazz played by Trevor Levy.

Waterloo Bridge, SE1

Walking or driving over Waterloo Bridge at night, is a good London view. You've got the South Bank, the Natwest Tower, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye all around. I always drive back over Waterloo Bridge when I leave London and it's one of my favourite sights.

Notting Hill Carnival, Notting Hill W11

I love the Notting Hill Carnival for the fusion of different cultures, and all the music, the food, all the kids running around. You can also see serious performers right there on the streets. And Carnival is where I met my girlfriend years ago, drinking Tennants Super. It was the first time I'd drunk Tennants and we were both ended up swaying down the street!

Published: 15/04/2005

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