Chris Woodward - Secret London

The Buzzin Fly resident gives us his London tips.

The Royal Oak
Columbia Road, E2 7RG
www.royaloaklondon.com

My favourite boozer in London. It’s a little bit Shoreditch but strays the right side of the line. There’s always a nice mix of people in there, the meat platter is to die for and the barmaid looks like Keira Knightly all of which are plus points. It gets rather busy but we always manage to find some seats where we can sit down, rant away, and put the world to rights.

Reflection House
Cheshire Street E2 6EP

Various friends have lived in this collection of converted warehouses for the last 4 or 5 years. I like it for a few reasons. I like it because there’s some palm trees in the middle of their courtyard and also because all the Flats look like Pontins Holiday apartments. But mainly, I like it because every couple of months someone throws a party and turns one or more of their flats into a club. On New Years Eve two years ago, they threw a party and over 1000 people turned up. Amazing scenes. If you’re in the Brick Lane area, keep your ear to the ground because these parties have been some of the most fun I’ve had in London.

Tas Firin
160 Bethnal Green Road E2 6BG

London’s best Turkish. They do a whole array of delicious Turkish fare including some sublime Sea Bass and amazing kebabs. My favourite dish however is the Pides, which is like a Turkish Pizza. Delicious food, reasonably priced, I couldn’t recommend them enough.

Phonica Records
Poland Street W1
www.phonicarecords.co.uk

Not a huge secret but for me it’s London’s best record shop. Great service, clued up and friendly staff. I always come out having spent way more than I planned, which is a good thing. I like the atmosphere in there, a perfect way to waste a gloomy Tuesday afternoon in London.

Public Life
Commercial Street E1 6LY

It’s a converted public toilet and is referred to as ‘the toilet’. It’s tiny, probably holds 100 people but the compactness of the venue makes for excellent acoustics. Sunday morning / day time is the best time to go for the Kubicle party. I was there on New Years with a friend over from Hong Kong who agreed; only in London could you be raving in an old toilet on New Years Day. Ace.

Published: 24/10/2007

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