Maachew Bentley

New York City 

Enough fog machines to sin continuously for 48 hours.

5$ for a beer and tequila shot during Happy Hour - ideal for a cheap drink in Chinatown to start your evening.

Ummmmm, if you’re invited there, and looking for some wild memories, just go. I’ll leave the rest up to you.

Another restaurant mainstay with a pretty big club room in the back, with two parties usually going on. Prolly get a free drink if you ask when Elvis Guesthouse II is coming (if you know you know).

Relatively new venue with three rooms, much like the infamous Output sans all the rules. Personal favorite, haven’t really swung a miss since I’ve been going, but do go there on a weekend.

Late night dive bar in Chinatown, where the writers go, hit or miss really just a destination for the late night chill, music played on vinyl only.

Summer vibe for the rave, day time for the outdoor backyard breather.

A plot of land on the cusp of GreenPoint / Williamsburg. The Lot has become a home for every artist and local pit stop passerby. Music is playing live from 12 - midnight in a cargo trailer much like your local NTS or Balamii booth, equipped with hammocks, fire pit and outdoor cafe.

As far as I’m concerned, they have the best programming schedule all year long. From book fairs, to immersive installations, to full day raves every Saturday during the Summer. You can’t really lose going here on an off day or when there’s a line round the block.

Maachew Bentley Trippin in New York

Hodge

Bristol

One of Bristol's best clubs, I love the modular vibe to the venue, everytime I go it's laid out a bit differently or the artwork has changed in some unexpected way, sometimes it really feels like an old frankie goes to hollywood b movie set other times you will be in the backroom, it's dark as hell and everyone's totally locked in, amazing spot. 

The Love Inn has been around for a really long time now but somehow it's kept improving year after year, the sound in there is fantastic, it's a really welcoming space that has all sorts of quality Bristol promoters putting on cool stuff - it's also literally always busy and the selection of bookings across the year are great.

My favourite record shop in Bristol, I'm biased of course as Chris Farrell that runs the shop is responsible for alot of my music collection and taste, when I first moved to Bristol he was working in Rooted Records alongside Peverelist and I used to buy my Dubstep stuff via Tom and my more 44 bits off of Chris, he sold me a Pacou record as one of the first more house and techno records I ever bought and I've been obsessed with dub techno ever since.

Best spot for hardware, I've got a lot of the equipment I own via this spot and the crew that work there are really great, I've been trying to avoid getting into modular but they are making that increasingly more difficult.

Some of the best coffee I've had in Bristol alongside incredible toasties and ice cream - if I've had a late one the night before this is a new go to spot.

I live nearby and St George's Park has really amazing wildlife based around a pond especially for an inner city park - I'll often head there in the afternoon spring for a studio break and then go to The Red Church after for amazing pizza. 

They have an incredible sound system in there and I really love being in a spot for a drink or food or whatever and the music being presented in such high quality - they also run really great nights there, they've had all sorts of people play from Mad Miran to Maurice Fulton! Love it.

We've had a lot of DJ Dinners here before running parties at Strange Brew, really incredible food, the olive oil and pistachio ice cream once made David Pearson Sound nearly cry.

My favourite Korean in Bristol, amazing spot, I’ve drank far too many Yakut cocktails there - we once did a day event with Oowee and I played music out the window for 5/6 hours on a sunny day, great vibe. 

What to Do in Bristol During Simple Things Festival With Hodge

Chicago

Smartbar is nothing short of an institution in Chicago.  Since opening in 1982, it has been a cornerstone of the city's nightlife, consistently hosting some of the most respected and innovative DJs from around the globe. Its intimate, unpretentious environment fosters a sense of community among diverse crowds. Smartbar's dedication to the underground music scene and its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots make it a beloved monument everything that makes the Chicago scene great.

Another Chicago mainstay that has stood the test of time is Spybar. Since its opening in 1995, Spybar has built a reputation for being a pillar in Chicago’s house and techno music scene, attracting top-tier international and local talent. Spybar offers a unique blend of exclusivity and authenticity, making it a must-visit destination for clubgoers seeking an classic night out in the River North neighbourhood.

While one of the newer venues in Chicago, Radius has made a name over the years as one of the city’s favourite music venues. Within the 55,000 square foot warehouse space, Radius transforms its state of the art lighting & sound for each show that comes through, giving a unique, once in a lifetime feel to each show.

Tucked within the Pilsen neighbourhood venue is Cermak Hall, a 10,000 square feet space of raw, industrial space that turns into an immersive soundscape.

The combination of both spaces and the crafted production takes shows within Radius to a level, unlike any ever seen in the history of Chicago.


Between shows be sure to check out Frankie Knuckles' record collection, housed at the Stony Island Arts Bank in Chicago, is a treasure trove of musical history and a testament to the legacy of the "Godfather of House Music." This extensive archive contains thousands of vinyl records, many of which were pivotal in shaping the house music genre that Knuckles pioneered in the 1980s. The collection is not just a reflection of his personal taste but also a rich cultural resource that offers insight into the evolution of dance music. Preserved at the Stony Island Arts Bank, the collection is accessible to the public, allowing visitors to connect with the music that defined an era and continues to influence artists worldwide.

4 Cultural Landmarks in Chicago, by Arc Festival Founder John Curley

Uèle Lamore

Paris

My little secret here! This library always has crazy sales on beautiful artbooks. I when I mean crazy I mean a book that was 100 euros is now 10 euros. Thanks to this shop my apartment is full of fancy books that make me look really smart.

This venue is actually inside a peniche boat located in one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Paris. I discovered so many indie bands there, such as one of my favourite groups: Kikagaku Moyo. 

This place is both a venue and a bar. It has a really laid-back atmosphere and there is always some kind of exhibition going on at the same time. You can have drinks at the bar, eat something nice and then go see a show all at once. Great during daytime as well to relax!

I'm a big cocktail drinker, and one you talk of cocktail bars, one might imagine this sterile, quiet, super stuck-up spot. Well, first time I went to Blue Bird I thought I had entered a crazy town (in a good way), it has this 70's retro western feel to it. The atmosphere is really exciting and the bartenders are some of the funniest people I know. Go there past 9pm for some action!

Another bookstore located between the Marais and Republique neighbourhoods. They have a big selection of indie magazines, and rare books. Pro tip: you can negotiate the prices depending on what you are buying!

Paris is all about chilling and the Coulee Verte is made just for that. It is an abandoned system of train tracks that circle the city and have been rehabilitated as a walking spot. There are many entrances all over the town to access it, I recommend getting to the tracks by the Bastille entrance and walking all the way to Bercy.

If you ever want to buy an instrument, head to this historical street located in Pigalle where all the shops of vintage and new gear are. From synths to guitar pedals, there is a shop for everything.

A Guide to Parisian Culture with Uèle Lamore

Berlin

It’s a former power plant and they do concerts really well. I’ve been there a few times on invitation from my friends who performed at Atonal Festival as LABOUR.

A well curated exhibition of the Boros collection in a huge bunker that changes every four years – what more do you want? Just make sure to book ahead of time.


It was one of the first places I visited when I came to Berlin. I’ve been to the memorials in Washington, D.C. so many times but nothing compares to the scale of this.

A residency programme and building in Wedding. I really enjoy attending my friends’ open studios, performances and rehearsals there. Just generally good vibes. Now my good friend Isabel Parkes works there, be sure to say hi.

Perfect, colourful place to visit when Berlin gets really grey during the winter.

Christine Sun Kim on Berlin’s Art Spaces

Varnrable

Addis Ababa

A place for organic homemade Ethiopian food and tella, a traditional brew. Tella is brewed in households, usually in the rural areas, and consumed on a daily basis. But tella's legitimate status has been fading away, losing its place to mass produced beer and imported liquor. In Selo everything is homemade, from the injera to the tella. Ingredients are collected from local communities, creating an authentic and sustainable culture around Selo. The energy is inclusive and warm, the food is fresh and tasty, and there is a variation of tellas to try out!

Shifta offers a wide range of delicious Caribbean, vegan and African food. The food I had there was super tasty! It's vibrant and filled with local creatives. A great place to eat, drink and hang out all night, having good conversations or just listening to the music. 

Fendika Cultural Center is the perfect place to take in traditional music, and at the same time enjoy traditional food and drinks in a chilled environment. There are performances every week and the place is filled with soul and good energy. Everything is traditional and relevant. I went there to soak up some local jazz one night and that was a beautiful trip.

This is a club concept, making electronic parties at different locations and with differenct DJs. They are reimagining rave culture in the modern day Addis Ababa. These parties are some of the highlights in the club scene and are happening once a month. 

A traditional restaurant in Addis Ababa where you can experience cultural performances while you eat local food. From around 7.30pm there are musicians, dancers and singers performing traditional acts from different tribes around Ethiopia, while wearing outfits from the different regions. All your senses are being stimulated while being in a beautifully decorated room with traditional design and art. 

The perfect way to get out of the city, and it is only a short car ride away from the centrum. There is a great view over the city and you're able to take a walk in nature. The park itself is how we know most parks to be, but if you wander more up, in the mountain, there are small villages; more raw and beautiful nature. 

An institute of Ethio jazz in its historical location, owned by the legendary Mulatu Astatke. This place features some of the best jazz musicians live in raw sessions. 

Explore Addis Ababa's Cultural Scene with Nova Varnrable

RP Boo

Madison and Kilpatrick on the west side of Chicago. This space right here was a building known as The Factory, one of the first places that birthed footwork. Early 83’ to late 85’ there were a lot of breakdancers coming in and out. I couldn’t come here as I was a small fry, not old enough. My cousins would come from the south side as they loved to party, they would have house parties and the dancers from The Factory would come, which is when I got to see the dancing. The DJs at these parties were better than the ones on the radio - and that was the birth of my passion to become the DJ.

Ghetto house heaven! This is the southside's Elk Lodge.What makes this place special is that all the kids from ‘the projects’ came down to party here from 90’-97’ - that would have been the first official generation of the dancing. From 8-2am, it was the place to be. This is actually where I met DJ Rashad for the first time. To work here at night and go to my day job in the morning - priceless.  I really miss it. 

Before it became Dolton Expo Centre, it was a grocery store - so much space. I think its a church now. This was the place where we were fuelled by the dancers, they were having fun, they inspired us to keep the tracks going. Some intense battles happened, ain't no kiddie land battles, but for the ‘Get It’ battles.  

Around 96'-98', there were no more house parties in the city of Chicago. So Malcolm Walls and Ronnie Sloan (House-O-Matics) got together to do a dance party out this way. This was a big factory, my first rave party in Chicago was here. This is where I first heard the term 'juking'. Saturday nights were hot, I’ve seen some intense [dance] battles in here. Terrasquad, Wolfpack and Creation - those are the [dance crews] that changed the style and developed it to what we see now. 

The [oldest and largest African American parade in the US] happens here once a year, the second week of August [Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic] . This is the street where the news cameras are, where the parades were. This is the starting line of the parade, you have floats coming from that way and entering from this way. I have entered from the parade in this realm into the other realm. I am the first person to have ever DJ-ed the parade on turntables, live - that was 91-92.

RP Boo's Guide to Historic Chicago Footwork Spots

Amsterdam

Black-owned vegan food spot in Amsterdam southeast with flavourful Surinamese dishes. The bowls are bomb and the vegan pom is a must-try!

A family-run vegan restaurant fusing Jamaican and Caribbean dishes with Japanese dishes. I love their Jamaican plate with plantains and the owners are too sweet!

Newly open at one of my favourite clubs in Amsterdam, Garage Noord. Authentic Sichuan food with fab cocktails and a terrace as well. The club opens at midnight so you can burn the calories off with a dance!

Also known as 'the queen of johnnycakes', which are Caribbean snacks. You can find her stand in multiple locations in southeast Amsterdam. Tip: they also do vegan johnnycakes with different fillings!

Authentic Ethiopian restaurant. Great for sharing meals, especially the injera with all toppings. They also have great fruit-flavoured beers and coffee.

Ghanaian restaurant in Amsterdam southeast. You can’t go wrong with the jollof, plantains or kelewele. African restaurants are very rare in Amsterdam so I’m always looking forward to supporting any new spot.

Non-profit art space with great exhibitions and curation focusing on queer and Afro-diasporic communities.

A Black-owned event space in southeast Amsterdam facilitating its direct community by hosting small parties, panels and ballroom functions. We love to see it!

Being a part of the ballroom community, I notice how hard it is to have access to spaces to practice or get together. Cultural centre Nowhere has facilitated its space to the community for many years. There are classes every week from members of the Dutch ballroom scene as well as organised get-togethers by The Living Room.

Arakaza on Where to Go in Amsterdam During Dekmantel Festival

Yuki Matsuda

Tokyo

It's a venue that has one of the best sound systems.

They are open until 3 am and they have the best late night food to take my mind off.

They always have really cool exhibitions and events.

I just love their authentic and very spicy Chinese dishes. Sometimes after doing a gig you just wanna eat spicy food with your mates.

Owned by one of my friends who has a very good taste in music.

It's a second hand book store. They have many great art books.

Tokyo with Yuki Matsuda

Pablo Nouvelle

Zurich

An Italian enclave at the very end of famous Langstrasse. Paninis in every variety. Everything in this store is a 100% Italian. The ingredients, the amazing antipasti and the songs playing from the radio. How can something so simple be so good.

Zürich might be one of the most decent but surely not the biggest place on earth. If you want to get an overview first put on your fast shoes and head up to Käferbärg, which offers a little escape into the woods and a beautiful view over the city, the lake and the incredible alps. Make sure you set out for the trip in the late afternoon to catch the golden evening sun.

Close to my studio, this little restaurant has become my go to place if I want to treat myself for lunch. Honest meals, affordable and made with love.

Escape the city and climb the little mountain overseeing Zurich. Best to bring your bike and enjoy one of the many single trails and downhill tracks down the 400 meters altitude.

A beautiful bath to dip in the lake with a little beach and a tower out in the water to climb and jump from.

Claudio the soul of Sacci Bar will take care of your needs and make sure you won’t leave town without having tasted the best Negroni or natural wines there is.

Fancy a fancy dinner? Go to Kle. You’ll eat exclusively creations you’ve never experienced before. All vegan.

A small concert venue with one of the best bookings of local and international acts.

Jump from the bridge into the cold waters of the Limmat and drift down to Obere Letten. Have a Margarita at the rooftop of Primitivo Bar whilst watching people and go to a concert in the evening at the near by Parkplatz.

Best see and to be seen place on a Sunday afternoon. Visit the lovely Cafe Bonheur or bring your own and sit around the fountain.

Best cinema in town with the latest independent films and the most charming bar to linger around.

Discover Zürich with Pablo Nouvelle

Chase & Status

London

Manchester

This one has such pure, magical, rave energy of past era’s. It also has an inclusive dance floor environment, which makes it a great place to solo-rave, if that’s what you’re after.

Home to the famous Warehouse Project. We’ve played there a lot and it’s by far one of the most epic venues in the UK, peaking at 10,000 capacity. It has big rave energy. 

We definitely could not leave this one out… Arguably the most legendary club in the UK and we’ve been lucky enough to have played there many times. We also did our RTRN II Fabric Album stream there in 2020 with the late, legendary, Skibadee. A moment that will always be sacred to us.

Our Carnival memories stretch back to the mid 90’s but for the past few years we’ve found ourselves at Shy FX’s ‘Digital Soundboy’ stage. The vibes are always right, we’ve had the fortune to play there several times & not many people put on a party like Shy.


The 6 Best Venues to Rave with Chase and Status 

Franciois X

Still the best club in the world for me. The space, the crowd, the frequency, it’s unique. I usually go when I’m playing or to support friends, and I always prefer the Sunday late afternoon into the night — it’s when the regulars take over. I don’t drink, so it’s banana juice at the bar for me just pure energy, no filter.

Not a club, but essential. Before going out, especially to Berghain, I always stop by Hard Wax. It’s the place to get grounded in the city’s sonic atmosphere. I go there to dig for records, absorb the energy, and connect with the deeper vibration of Berlin’s underground.

RSO represents a new chapter in Berlin nightlife. Raw and bold. I love playing there and the booth is great, and the energy is different. Sundays can be amazing, but don’t sleep on Saturdays either, just check the lineup. Always a place to discover fresh techno directions and hear new voices.

Before COVID, OHM was one of my go-to spots. Super intimate, very close to the artists, with a refined, almost classy vibe. I haven’t been in a while, but it used to be one of those places where the connection between sound, space, and people just made sense.

The Berlin Atonal at Kraftwerk is a super beautiful festival sitting right at the frontier between experimental music and contemporary art. I go there for the full experience installations, sound pieces, performances, exhibitions. It’s inspiring on every level and really expands the idea of what music culture can be.

Is Berghain Still Berlin's Best Club? Francois X Thinks So

Marlou Fernanda

Rotterdam

This is where I used to get my hair products when I had long curly hair.

When we’re in the city, we usually pass by to get a Pastechi.

For two years we’ve made it a habit to order pastechi, cheese balls, sate ku batata and other dishes from Curaçao at this specific place for the holidays, especially for New Year's Eve. I know the owners, and normally they’d do the catering whenever my good friend Junelisa had a party, for example. I’ve been waiting for them to open a restaurant ever since. They have the best Caribbean food in town (for me) no doubt!

I used to go to this café/venue/club where they’d have R&B, funk, soul, salsa and bossa-nova nights. I loved seeing so many people from Brazil coming together in Rotterdam to play beautiful samba music. I’d always go here with my big sister – I really miss those days! We used to meet so many people there and I felt like I was learning more about different cultures and different people.

I’m in their extended family program, and for that reason I’ve been able to go behind the scenes and visit their archives. They had so many crazy items that I’ve never seen before. A lot of slavery related items too. Curaçao and Brazil, of course, were a part of this too. I remember feeling so connected to my heritage and actually became angry at what ‘they’ stole from us.

Marlou Fernanda's Guide To Caribbean Spots In Rotterdam

Dani Pujalte

Barcelona

Of all the bars I really like Quimet. They have tapas and conservas. I used to live really close so this was the bar I went to all the time

It's the best party in Barcelona. You'll need to drink but it's definitely the best party in town

This place is really special. When we had the Olympics here they built a pool with a super high trampoline where you can see all of Barcelona. They built a shitty bar there too, it’s not fancy at all but that’s why I like it. It’s good for the views, having a beer with your friends and watching the sunset

I really like this gallery. It's also in Montjuic so stop by when you're there

I really like pizza and Italian food. It’s really good here. It’s a bit expensive, but not super expensive and they have really good wines. It's run by two twin brothers and I really recommend this one I love it. Everything’s super good, the spaghetti and squid ink pasta super good

It's super crowded but they've opened an exhibition on Picasso with photography which is really nice. I've been lucky to have been documenting the installation and stuff so I got a sneak peek. There are loads of cool sculptures too.

I've been going here since I was super young - this is a good club to go to in Barcelona

We’re super lucky in Barcelona to have the sea here, it's super important for me. Whenever I have some free space, I used to go to where the beach is separated by stones because I hate sand. I have my own stone that I sit on, relax and have my legs in the water. I really like this stone. There’s not thousands of tourists so you can be chill alone and naked too

Dani Pujalte takes us Trippin in Barcelona

Lazare Hoche

This is the symbol of my current area - the 9th district of Paris. Originally opened in 1879, the biggest renovation took place in 1926; the magnificent gold Art Deco 'bas-relief' reflects the sun on surrounding streets. This theatre also hosted one of my favorite TV Shows from the 90’s called “double jeu”.

Known more as 'Colonnes de Buren'. A highly controversial art installation created by French artist, Daniel Buren in 1985–1986. It’s found in the inner courtyard (Cour d'Honneur) of the Palais Royal in Paris, France. Unusual sight in the city

The Lebanese restaurant of my aunt - featured in the guide michelin - is a family food display, with generous portions, a warm atmosphere and a lot of personality. Located in a very random and residential area, this place is not the usual tourist trap; it's a secret weapon. It's what we love best - Lebanese gastronomy.

Back in the 9th district of Paris, very few people know that there's a Tunisian food scene here. I’m obviously from Lebanon, but Tunisian food is kind of a non-hidden love affair. Some of them, open since the 70’s, are still going and proud. La Boule Rouge has got it all. A true favorite of all the kemia enthusiasts and couscous nerds. The homemade tuna meshouia is the real deal here. No fancy vibes here or “wanna-be hipsters”, but a very comfortable family feeling as soon as you enter the place.

For record shops, it's pretty much around the center-east side of Paris, where you will find all types of stores, with great selections. My favorite one is this one; Melik, the owner, is one of the finest listeners and selectors of the city.

This is a cultural explosion in Paris. It's thrown on a Thursday night in the infamous Pigalle area. It’s an extension of all your fantasies at once; curated by the mighty DJ Dorion. The vibe is mind blowing, the music selection and people are eclectic, the performers and the show are authentic and fine-tuned.

Legend is the party of DJ Deep in Paris since 1997. It's the purest NYC House vibe you can get in Europe. This shot is the infamous, Kerri Chandler, doing what he does best in Rex in August 2019.

Paris with DJ, Lazare Hoche

Fernando Rosa

São Paulo

Great sound quality and a diverse artistic programming.

A nice option that always brings to the stage great names of music.

Located in the center of São Paulo. The programming presents new names from the jazz scene of the city.

Besides having a beautiful green area, it has a wonderful cultural programming.


A great place to walk around. Car circulation is closed there during the Sundays. A variety of street artists present there, along with fairs and outdoors expositions.

Restaurant with excellent food. For those who enjoy vegan food without giving up on flavor.

Sao Paulo's Best Venues for Live Music with Fernando Rosa

Anomalie

Montreal

One of my favorite small venues in the city. It’s a non-profit organization that has music, dance theatre, exhibitions amongst other tings. I’ve played here several times and I went to several events here and the ambience was always on point

To me, this is the best music venue in the city to see your favorite artist play. Great acoustics, beautiful architecture - I’ve seen so many insane shows here and especially after being to similar sized venues in other cities, this is the one.


I love pubs, and this one is pretty much right next to l’Astral and Métropolis, which means that during jazz fest season (or summer for that matter) this is pretty much the go to spot. It’s technically a tavern - food and drinks are always on point and this is my vibe for a night out

Another great venue with absolutely stunning architecture. In some ways it feels like a smaller metropolis, it’s beautiful and I especially like it’s layout - I’ve seen several memorable shows here too

Located in my Pointe Saint-Charles (my old neighborhood in the south-west, love this area so much), this place is gorgeous. The cocktails and atmosphere are incredible, and the people who own it also own one of the best pizza places in town (in my opinion, fight me)

This is my favorite mid-sized venue in town. I might be biased cause it’s definitely associated with my years studying music in Cegep (something in between high school and college here in Quebec), but I just have so many fond memories of this spot, both playing and seeing shows, that I couldn’t not include it on this list. They also own the smaller but equally awesome Casa Del Popolo across the street.

Anomalie's guide to Nightlife / Music Venues in Montreal

Sama Beydoun 

Beirut

Best hidden spot for a good coffee in the heart of the city. You can grab coffee during the day and catch some live music at night. Ask for Youssef, he'll tell you all about the space or he’ll hit you up with some special recommendations. My favorites are the ginger lemon honey tea or the iced doppio, that you can ask the waiter for, it’s off the menu.

Exquisite brunch or sandwiches with beautiful sunlight if you’re sitting outside. I often pass by for coffee too. If it gets crowded it extends onto the facing staircases, for a drink literally on the streets on Beirut. Ask for Antoine, he’s the sweetest and the funniest, he’s usually there until the afternoon, probably singing along to the music spreading his joie-de-vivre.

For film photographers and printmaking lovers, I develop my films at the Beirut printmaking studio, hidden in an alley in Gemmayzeh. Tarek opened this space to gather artists, photographers and creatives, where they can take different printmaking, developing and darkroom classes. Ask him about the names of the cats. You’re in for a ride.

If you’re looking for a special gift or a souvenir, Plan Bey is the ideal stop. Posters, books, prints and many projects that carry so much of Beirut’s visual identity and spirit. The selection of artists is amongst Lebanon’s finest in the contemporary art scene. If you take the stairs you get to the coffeeshop too, it’s beautiful.

Souk el Tayeb is a farmer’s market that happens every Saturday where you can buy vegetables from the farmers themselves. Fresh, fair, colorful, and so tasty. There’s also stands with delicious recipes and innovative projects reviving or revisiting some culinary Lebanese traditions. You must try Em Ali’s manoushe, you will not regret it.

For an afternoon meeting, an evening date or a late night drink, Molo never fails me. “Molo” is the name of the owner herself, who’s often serving you your food or your “Mexican beer” (light beer with lemon juice and salt, delicious). She can always recommend the latest addition to the menu. It has a great outdoors sitting area in the Badaro neighborhood, where you’ll have plenty of choices for the bar that will follow.

Ballroom Blitz is definitely a must if you’re a nightlife lover and a club hopper. It’s located in an industrial area, where more than one club are located. The 3-room experience offers different styles with their respective selection of fine DJs. You won’t come out before you can’t stand on your feet anymore, still wanting more. A cherished space-space for sure.

When you come out of Ballroom Blitz in the middle of the night completely famished, jump to Jabbour, nearby, to grab one of the best Shawarmas in town. Special tip: Ask the man making you the sandwich to add some grenadine molasse to it. An explosion of taste.

For a proper Lebanese lunch or dinner, locals eat at Mezyan, in the Hamra neighborhood. I can’t even begin to count all the things on the menu that are worth trying: Cashew Halloumi, Eggplant Fatté, Batata Harra, Fattoush, obviously hummus. Oh and a pitcher of Araq of course. Choose a night with live music, it often ends up being a party.

For proper sunset and sea view, get ready to trespass the metal fence from the Corniche (don’t panic, everyone does). Grab a snack, a hot drink as it gets windy and choose where you would like to sit, vue-sur-mer. The blessing of living so close to the Mediterranean Sea.

Explore The Creative Underbelly of Beirut with Sama

Kwaku

You can do different things without having to go far.  In a group of friends there is something for everyone: food, drink, dance. The fusion [combines] barbecue and Chinese cuisine.


The spectrum of genres available is very eclectic, like my own music taste. My grandad founded the first record label in Ghana in 1954. They released all records on vinyl and it’s been in my life since I could remember.


There’s so much to do in London, there is something for everyone whether it be food, activities and music. It being a multi-purpose space with fusion food available shows that it’s a collaboration of interest and different spaces giving this space a cultural identity. I like the architecture and how every room is close by but has a completely different purpose.

I love the layout and vibe of the place. From the cafe to the baths and sauna boxes being outside. Feels more natural and an actual place of community as opposed to a man-made structure simply meant for a business. It feels deeper and personal, and the staff are great. It being in east London is a bonus as it’s my favourite place.


I’m an active person and go the gym five days a week so doing this after a session aids recovery. I feel less stiff before the studio, rehearsals, meetings and shoots. People here share different ways they relax and recover, to aid people’s health and well-being. You get the feeling people here care for one another. A health-based collaboration based on openness, if you will. In the cold baths I’d say [stay for] two to three minutes. In the ice bath I’d say 45-90 seconds.

Seen a lot of my friends perform here who have gone on to do great things. It’s a bit rough around the edges but it’s part of its charm. Homegrown talent showing, nothing to hide behind here and it shows the true essence of musicians on this stage. The playlist in the pub is great too. It’s a place for local and emerging talent to gig, and for the community to have a place to chill and discuss that isn’t home or work.

You can find great vintage Levis, denim and the best jackets. I picked up a khaki bomber jacket and I had to stop myself from getting some cargos to match. [Atika is] vibrant, eclectic and friendly! You’re greeted on the way in and asked straight away if you need any help. Thrifting is a great activity to find pieces that have a story, a lot of them are rare and can’t be found anywhere so it’s discontinued or hard to find which makes your personal style even more unique.


Sustainable fashion is something that should be more prevalent. London is a busy city contributing to a lot of emissions. New clothes don’t always need to be made and places like this with high-quality vintage pieces is important.

4 Cultural Hotspots You Need to Visit in London with Kwaku Asante

KUINA

Santiago 

There are places where they do tocatas—live shows—or where they launch singles. Espacio56 is the first place I went in Santiago, and still used a lot, there's loads of shows there. 

It's so underground, it's clandestine. They go changing locations so you don’t know where it is. They give the address by DM. 

It's a party that rotates venues, but Chismoteka is the place to go party. You're treated well and it's safe. I always go with my friends. 

Mexican food on Avenida Matta, I always get the chicken chilaquiles.

I really like anime and I think it influences my style. Chile is really into Japanese culture, I don't know if its because we're both from seismic countries or why exactly we relate. There's a shopping arcade I love that sells manga and other Japanese things, as well as Korean food, I love that place. I always buy my Sailor Moon and Evangelion manga and and presents for friends.  

I don't really buy things here as I still don't have the money, but I go a lot to look at things. It's expensive but there are clothes by local Chilean designers, vinyls, I always develop my film there. I also like the bookshops there. 

Chile’s Blue Alt Star KUINA Shops Manga and Raves in Secret Santiago Spots

San Francisco 

Head to Estela’s for the best veggie and meat sandwiches, and juices. Get one to go, before you take the bus/train out to Golden Gate Park to enjoy the rare beauty of San Francisco and the ocean. 

Beautiful ocean beach with windmills, flowers, and animals. Tip: There’s a safeway and cafe a block away—grab food items to enjoy while you chill on the beach.

This is an ace local in Lower Haight with cuts of all sorts and even some clothes. It’s a good spot to find out what the vibe is and what’s going on in the night.  Groove Merchants is another spot in the area that stocks rarities. 

Not only the nicest synth and electronic music gear store around, but also a very good selection of tapes, magazines, books. It’s located in an old-school Mexican part of town that packs a solid amount of shops, local treasures, and of course, beautiful Latin food. It’s a good spot to spend the afternoon, with plenty of cool places to chill and drink. 

My favourite restaurant in SF for dinner. Tip - Chrysanthemum and duck salad is amazing, as are all grilled Izakaya smoked items. 

This is a piano bar on the edge of Mission and Castro. Here you’ll find old cats in tuxedos serving up stiff Martinis. It’s a killer way to start or end any night.

A local electronic home base, I play (and drink) here a lot.  

Hosts both local and international talent and often open late on big nights, till about 3 or 4 am.

Find lots of local punk, garage, vintage nights in Outer Mission. It’s a very chill and less gentrified part of the city.

Best Metal and punk shows around, plus a big patio in the backyard with food on any night. It’s in Oakland, but too vital to the local scene to miss on this list. 



From Synth Shopping to Stiff Martinis: Kush’s Guide To San Fransisco 

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

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