Speakers Corner Quartet

London

An independent recording and rehearsal studio based in Hither Green. It's a very special spot for us because we use it for most of our rehearsals. There's a huge sense of community, and it's where we've centred our music. If you know, you know. Everyone from Dennis Bovell, Tirzah and Sampha have been through the doors. We'll be rehearsing for our Rally show there too.

The Room Studios is run by a great team with an incredible level of care. It is also situated in an artist studio hub. You might go in to record or rehearse and come out with a newfound sense of inspiration and like-minded collaborators. 

When we're rehearsing at The Room Studios, you'll find us at Saka Maka, with our bellies and hearts full. Saka Maka's Nithin has provided us with a food home for years now. The menu is tandoor-centric, a mixture of modern and classic British Indian food. The service is warm and the food comforting. It's been such a landmark spot for us that we also shot some press photos there! 

One of our favourite record stores in South London. A great overall variety of genres and you'll always be able to find gems there. It's the kind of record shop where you'd just hang out for the day. Lorenzo makes you feel at home and if you're not sure what you're looking for, his recommendations are always on point. 

Silk Road is the worst kept secret in Camberwell. An institution for Xinjiang cuisine and an ode to the legacy of the Silk Road route. We thought we lost this gem in 2023 but they're back! This is simple, no frills traditional cooking that packs a punch. This is not a place that welcomes the European idea of slow dining haha, enjoy your food and go. We always order the charcoal-grilled cumin lamb shish skewers, the hand-pulled noodles, the dumplings and the home-style cabbage. The portions are generous and great value and it's great place to start the night before you move on to whatever quests you've got planned.

Great spot for second-hand gems of the audio-visual kind. the shop is run by good peeps with even better intentions for the creative community. This is a huge goldmine for diggers looking for cameras and lenses! There's also MPCs, hi-fis, vintage synths, drum machines, musical instruments, you name it, if you take your time, you'll find treasure!

There's a lot of debate on what constitutes a good Jamaican spot and everyone has their opinions. We chose Maureen's because it's like going to your Aunty's house for a meal. There's something very special about it, because you're literally in her yard, it makes you feel like you're home. Maureen's a formidable woman, she's always giving back to the community in so many ways, and shows so much care and love. Look out for the jerk pan smoke billowing behind her wall and you're in the right place. If the weather is good, you'll also be able to pull up to eat too.

All the classics are great there, curry goat, jerk chicken, fried chicken, oxtail. There's also a very naughty option to have a platter if you can't decide. Go hungry and show Maureen some love.

This is a very special spot, again run by good people with great intentions for the community. We need more people like this to run record stores like this! It's a special trifecta of record store, bar and dub-plate cutting!

Records wise, this is a haven for underground dance and electronic music. It's a proper community feeling thanks to Dexta. It's a place you go to listen to what's new in music, hang out and sink a couple of beers. The events program is pretty solid too, there's an open decks night as well. 

In South London For RALLY? Check Out Speakers Corner Quartet's Top Local Spots

Sarah Ben Hafsia 

Tunis 

Stop by to do some shopping at this flea market

Known for its fruit pie served with green tea.


This is a second hand store for design artefacts and vintage pieces, located at the owner's terrace in Radès.

Grab a seafood plate at this restaurant in my favourite area, La Goulette, which is known for its architectural gems and avenue full of restaurants. Watch 'A Summer in La Goulette' by Férid Boughedir to understand the full experience of the area. 

A old hotel that comes on top of a hill and has a very beautiful sunset on the northern suburb of tunis. Also known to only serve beer with olives and peanuts.


It is known for being touristy but it's definitely a must-see for its view, the art galleries, the architecture and the "bambalouni", a sweet famous tunisian donut. 


Tunis with Sarah Ben Hafsia

Paris

I like to time travel and there’s nothing like an antique shop when you need to be transported to an era. Soubrier is not just any antique shop. I told the owners their business is older than my country. It’s four storeys of fantastic. I spend hours here dreaming and have asked several times if they would consider letting me move in.

Because our first installation of Josephine’s Bookshop was right across the street from the Jardin du Luxembourg, I walked through there everyday. Of course, I spent almost my entire time in Paris working so I never got to go horseback riding or play the giant chess game or take the horticultural classes, but I have all those reasons to go back again and again.

Open everyday from 8am to 2am, Les Éditeurs is a booklady’s restaurant. You’re surrounded by thousands of them, you get a bookmark with your meal, and they respect when you just need a place to read for a few hours while you eat, think and write without interruption.

When you’re in Paris, but you’re really from Virginia and you’re missing soul food, there’s Treize – which not only provides fantastic wi-fi, but also Southern American delicacies like biscuits. They took such great care of us and even have a drink on the menu dedicated to Josephine Baker.

The Queen Elizabeth II flower market runs along the Seine in the heart of the Île de la Cité with flower sales carried out by a dozen independent merchants. However, the site has gone without investment for decades, and the owners say it is in decline. I love supporting independent merchants and try to do so whenever, wherever and however we get a chance. This place is filled with different stalls, it smells amazing, the colours and design are like medicine to my flower-loving soul. Buying flowers, plants and trees here for Josephine’s feels like a semi-revolutionary act.

5 Thought-Inspiring Places in Paris Chosen by Jeannine Cook

Chase & Status

So iconic to British music and nightlife culture. So many memories and mad moments from over the years both as punters and as Chase & Status.

Probably the coolest antique store in London.

All about the “All In” Sunday roast sharing platter.

Hands down the best Italian in London. Decor is on point too.

Everything from street food and boutique stores but most importantly the record store inside - Stranger Than Paradise.

Just as good as Portobello Road but without the tourists!

Many mornings spent here. Market Cafe for coffee and brunch before a nice stroll around London Fields.


London with Chase and Status

Tedman Lee

Hong Kong

Most famous dai pai dong on the island. Good vibes all around, drunk staff, good food, corny but awesome music on blast, all in a wet market...can’t ask for more

Vintage shop with a unique and nostalgic selection of antique from the colonial days of Hong Kong along witVintage shop with a unique and nostalgic selection of antique from the colonial days of Hong Kong along with super rare vintage eyewear and vinyl recordsh super rare vintage eyewear and vinyl records

Go get a bowl of the famous Hong Kong styled cart noodles. There was a long heritage of street vendors during the 1950s in carts until they all got banned by the government due to hygiene regulations. Now they're all in shops

The neighbourhood bar in Prince Edward where all the local creatives hang out at. Go and ask for a cocktail with yuk bing siu

The Private Label is stocked here along with a few other contemporary clothing labels from Hong Kong. Go get a cup of honey americano and look at some local designs

Amazing selection of vinyl records. Be sure to have a few hours to kill and be ready for long conversations

Explore

All 10 Results

Filtered Results