Arrival at One

London


The granite boulders at both Shoreditch Park and Mabley Green offer great outdoor bouldering right in the heart of London. These boulders provide both an urban bouldering venue and art installation, chosen from a quarry in Cornwall and brought to London by the artist John Frankland. These boulders offer an exciting alternative for those looking to climb on some rock without the increased cost of travelling to a crag. Plus, their permanent nature offers the consistency that indoor climbing cannot, since indoor problems are changed every two weeks. Free to use year-round, these spots are perfect for climbers of all levels, making it a fun space for beginners to join and connect with one another. 

Muro Climbing Gym in Peckham is a great spot for climbers of all abilities with one of the lowest costs to participate, making it super friendly for beginners and those looking to try something new. Its unique range of Japanese holds make it distinct from other climbing gyms in London and its spraywall — at 20, 30 and 40 degrees — allow for endless board problems for all abilities. Climbing on the spraywall is a super social way of climbing and allows for everyone to be trying problems in the same area, together. They’ve also got a comp wall which allows for more modern-style problems and is a fun switch up from the spraywall.

The Hackney Wick Community Sauna, run by ‘Community Sauna Baths’, is a lovely place to relax after a climb or a run. They have several saunas located throughout London, all of which are super affordable compared to many others. They also offer temperature-controlled ice baths, which are great for in-between sauna sessions. Additionally, they host a variety of workshops and classes throughout the month. It's the perfect way to unwind and feel like you're not in the city, even if only for an hour.

Just south of London, there are several Sandstone climbing destinations. While the climbing quality may not compare to what you'd experience in the Peaks or North Wales, it’s a fun day out from London if you're looking to try outdoor climbing. The spots are beginner-friendly but also offer a range of grades for all abilities. A few venues provide guided sessions where you'll learn to set up top ropes and belay. You can reach them by public transport followed by a short walk. It makes for a great summer day trip! Harrisons Rocks is a favourite.

Knees Up in Hackney is a cafe, community space, and retailer that hosts a variety of events each month, including regular runs, chess clubs, yoga, and strength workshops. Located on Hackney Road, the naturally-lit space is perfect for working or hanging out. The staff are super friendly, and the coffee and food are always delicious, with a fresh batch regularly rotated. The retail space is well curated, featuring magazines, books, activewear, and lifestyle products. 


Pockets, the Hackney spot where the queue starts building from 11AM (breakfast falafel?). Pockets removes any decision fatigue by simply stating the menu as ‘FALAFEL’. Get there whenever you can, and don’t feel ashamed to beat the queues and have falafel for brunch at 11AM. You will not be disappointed. 

Chalk Your Hands and Go: Where to Climb in London with Arrival at One 

Elkka

The now infamous dyke bar and cafe, which opened after 700 lesbians turned up for a 30-cap venue, is one of my favourite spots for day or night time hangs. Expect delicious natural wines, gorgeous artwork, and hand painted tiles crafted by the FLINTA community who helped build the space. On Tuesdays they run a speed dating night as well hosting other cute events. A sacred community space to meet friends and lovers alike.

A radical, queer independent bookshop in Bethnal Green which celebrates the writing, artwork and crafting talents of marginalised and underrepresented communities. They also have a great events lineup including lectures, panel discussions and queer parenting meetups.

If you’re in need of some beautiful and unique ink, Vultures Peck are an amazing and incredibly talented queer tattoo artist based in Hackney.

A dystopian-utopian dyke fantasy club night based at The Yard in Hackney Wick. Expect gogo dancers and your fave FLINTA DJs. Highly recommended to bump into your ex or future wifey.

For post-party recovery or a gentle midweek pause: sauna, yoga, queer poetry nights, and a dreamy place to WFH. The FLINTA sauna sessions are a must.

A gorgeous queer-owned gallery that was setup to promote and empower underrepresented voices and champion the next generation of artists and collectors. Ellie Pennick, the owner and gallerist, also owns and runs FLINTA social institution, Goldie's Saloon, which is located next door.

An inclusive second-hand clothing market run by queer folk selling clothes, art and some music too.

“700 Lesbians in a 30-Capacity Venue”: Elkka Knows London’s FLINTA Scene Is Popping Off

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

Ferro and Reiss of VBX

Amsterdam

A very cool new event space founded by good friends. It feels somewhere between a club and warehouse and is showing amazing potential so far. What really sets Lofi apart from the pack is their cultural programming. Check out the experimental live performances at Basisklanken when you get the chance. We guarantee you won’t regret it.

Being behind the controls at Shelter always feels like taking a warm bath. This club has been essential to our artistic development over the years. This is a world-class venue, with a great sound system.

Like Shelter this venue played a big role in our artistic development over the years. These red containers have their own magical charm. You just can’t beat the feeling of sunlight coming through Bret’s windows, as the after hours are just getting started.

One of our favourite new after hours locations of the city. A former piracy radio broadcast location, now outfitted with a Function One sound system. Intimate wooden dance floor and balcony. In summer you can even catch some rays on the deck.

Our local go-to place to satisfy our gear addiction and engage into nerd talk about said gear with owner Tim. We try to avoid going there too much because of financial reasons, but it’s hard to resist to urge. The fact that it’s around the corner of our studio doesn’t help at all...

Seawolf records is Alfredo Romagnoli. He is a very knowledgeable guy and often attends our parties. This gives him a good idea of our taste, so his recommendations are usually on point. Whilst Seawolf used to be an 'appointment only, storage-locker digging', Alfredo is currently setting up his own record store. Doors open in April!

Located in a small alleyway on a stones throw distance from Amsterdam Central Station, this record store is a long term staple in the cities musical landscape. Open seven days a week and a great selection, featuring both second hand, as well as new gems. They even have a bin marked “VBX Sound” ;) Owners Dewey & Richard have an encyclopaedic knowledge about music and are always willing to lend a helping hand.

Best ramen place in town. One guy, he cooks... he cooks good, no alcohol, very Japanese. You can find us there, for sure, once a week.

Even though Ferro doesn’t like cheese, we still want to mention this place. They took a very Dutch product cheese and managed to turn eating it into a completely different experience. Definitely stop by this place for an authentic, but modernised Amsterdam experience.

A hidden gem in the Southern part of the city. Living room setting, vegetarian food that has the potential to convert even the most hardcore carnivores, amazing selection of wines and superb service. Be sure to make your reservations well in advance, because this place is always fully booked.

A really nice smart shop in the Red Light District. They know all about the stuff they sell. The place feels zen & grounded and even has a cactus garden.

Located on the Amsterdam canals, this spa is the perfect place to recover after a long weekend of partying.

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