Area Noir & Tope Ajayi

Nigeria

Ibadan

Arnheim

Eleyele Lake

The Bowers Tower

New Culture Studios

Tunde Odunlade Arts and Culture Connexions

TopFat Art Gallery

The Cultural Centre

Similar Guides

Ibadan's Best Creative Spots with Area Noir & Tope Ajayi

Shawn Wasabi

United States

Los Angeles 

I love this spot, it’s nearby across the street from Boba Guys and Justin is a such a fantastic chef, ultimate comfort food. 

Hifi Kitchen

There’s 2 in LA and this is my favorite Boba shop for sure. Andrew and Bin are the best!

Boba Guys

LASA [Lasita] is legendary for Filipino food, nothing can or ever will come close

Lasita

I tried this Filipino supermarket for the first time not too long ago and immediately it just reminded me of home. Super authentic and just feels great to be there

Island Pacific in Long Beach

They have these in few spots in LA but it’s my favorite place for udon

Marugame Udon

Over in east LA, this area is consttttantly switching things up, you can find a lot of new businesses and food popping up so it's always exciting to visit 

Historic Filipinotown

Shawn Wasabi's Filipino Neighbourhood Guide to LA

Cami Layé Okún

Cuba

Havana

I highly recommend a visit to the other side of the bay of Havana, the way to get there is by the “Lanchitas de Regla” (small boats). Known for being a town with a strong cultural tradition, especially with regard to Afro-Cuban religiosity and spirituality, it’s also a place known for its musicians.

Regla

The University of the Arts, built in 1976, is undoubtedly one of the city's architectural emblems. Twenty minutes from the centre of Havana, the ISA is a campus full of vegetation with domes and tunnels that from an aerial view, suggest breasts, fallopian tubes and vaginas. Despite having five buildings, you can only access the ‘artes circenses’ building that is currently abandoned. Ideal place to meditate, read or picnic with friends.

Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA)

Exquisite live jazz club. Located in a basement of 23rd Avenue in the heart of the Vedado neighbourhood. A space where you can really get a feel for the musical talent found in the city.

La Zorra y El Cuervo

The spot for fresh, natural juices. Ideal place to stop and cool down from the sun. It’s one of the few places I know where you can find a variety of juices without sugar, made in the moment with fresh fruits and vegetables. Only accepts national currency.

La Juguera

One of the best views of the city and sea. Admission is free for everyone, no matter if you are not staying at the hotel. Highly recommended spot for the sunset.

Jardines del Hotel Nacional

The greenest area in the city, where the smell of the earth is penetrating. With lush vegetation and trees brought from Africa, it is a space full of spirituality where many works of Afro-Cuban santeria are practised.

Bosque De La Habana

In the summer season there’s nothing better than swimming at Club Náutico.

Club Náutico

This is a natural park where the facilities and nature merge in an enveloping way. Ideal to arrive by bicycle and enjoy the musical activities that are offered, mainly for children on weekends.

Jardines de La Tropical

Havana would not be Havana without the Malecon. The Wall that protects the ocean and the place that gives us the best sunsets and sunrises from any point. It is the ideal place for all those things that make life more beautiful.

Malecon

Havana with DJ, Cami Layé Okún

Wuh Oh

United Kingdom

Glasgow

First up is Tchai Ovna! This is a wee stone cabin where they serve yummy vegetarian food and about a hundred types of tea. This spot has such a cosy atmosphere, with its own little garden and even spots to sit on the floor if you fancy. It’s a lovely way to start your morning, alone with a book or with a few buddies.

Tchai Ovna 

Next let’s hit the park. On our few days of summer in Glasgow, it feels as if the whole city congregates in this park (primarily on the one big hill at the centre!) and the warm sense of community is always comforting. BBQs, tunes, booze and always at least one group practicing their tightrope walking between a couple of trees... It’s all there.

Kelvingrove Park

Now that we’ve lounged on the grass for a bit, we can move on to this magical place. It has hundreds of hand crafted characters and structures built from scrap wood and metal. A few times a day it all springs to life, performing wonderful, mechanised choreography to spooky music and a synchronised light show. It’s so very endearing, elegantly playing out little tales of the human experience within the eternal cycle of life and death.

Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre 

We’ve got a bit of time left before dinner so let’s check out Mono. This independent venue is a homely creative hub with a cosy feeling of community and music in the air. As well as having a bar serving quality beer and tasty vegan food, there’s an incredible little record shop inside called Monorail Music that I could lose hours in. You never know what music, poetry or other performance is going to pop up on their little stage.


Mono

It’s dinner time and therefore time for the best pizza I’ve ever had! Constantly bustling with an excellent atmosphere, this place has a super simple menu of insanely good pizzas fired for what feels like seconds in their stone oven. The pizza is soupy at the centre and charred perfectly at the crust. I’m completely addicted.

Paesano Pizza

I am a complete sucker for the novelty and outright gimmickry of crazy golf. This place has these in spades! Fore Play is the perfect way to start pre-drinks properly, drinking a few beers as you merrily whack your way around 18 holes. This course has you putting into a giant helper skelter traffic cone, blasting your ball round a loop de loop and many more tasks that grow increasingly and hilariously more impossible as the drinks start to take their toll.

Fore Play Crazy Golf

Now it’s time to go ‘out out’! While the Barras is every returning Glasgow musician’s dream live show, Subby is the DJs’ dream set! This dark underground venue is an institution and is second to none for its energy in the wee hours. In another fun flooring feature, there are sub woofers built beneath the dance floor so that you can feel the bass from your feet to your face!

Sub Club 

It’s 4am and we’re not going home without a bite! This little food van close to where I stay in the West End is an institution of its own. Maggie’s is an absolute lifesaver for post-club scran and the crown jewel of their menu is the infamous Scooby Snack. This beast is aptly titled as it features basically every element of the Scottish fried breakfast (bacon, egg, tatty scone, black pudding, square sausage) plus cheese and a beef patty, arranged precariously in a towering stack within the burger bun. No better food to munch on as you stumble happily home after the loveliest of days and the biggest of nights!

Maggie's

Wuh Oh’s Day to Night in Glasgow

Yuki Matsuda

Japan

Tokyo

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

www x

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

Bowery Kitchen

They always have really cool exhibitions and events.

Ba-Tsu Art Gallery

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

Konansaikan

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

Candle Cafe

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

Nostos Books

Tokyo with Yuki Matsuda

France

Paris

She describes herself as a sassy club in the 6th arrondissement around Saint-Germain-des-Près. Pretty new to the scene but hosts a lot of parties during fashion week. Interesting people to look at, music varies every night so can match anybody’s music taste. Might get a little hot and sweaty but we love it!

Pamela Club

There's not much time since we’re running around, so a delicious, filling sandwich is my go to. Can be eaten on the go. They have veggie versions, some with fish but my go to is the roast beef one – it’s to die for! Also you've got to get the crumble, it’s a must!

Cosi

If you have time to sit and have a nice dinner, this spot is my absolute favourite. It’s a hidden tapas restaurant in the back of a cute alley. They have the most delicious natural wine selection and the food is incredible. Amazing to share with your friends that you only get to see during fashion week. Make sure to make a reservation ASAP!

Amagat

Need a coffee or matcha break? This is the perfect spot. It’s owned by a Japanese couple. They make amazing coffee but my go to is their iced houjicha latte. It’s a perfect pick-me-up with one of the cakes that they make everyday. I personally like their lemon glaze cake or their scones. Might be a little crowded to sit but you can walk around and sit at a nearby park!

Dreamin Man

This spot has been a Paris girl favourite lately. They sell the cutest and well curated vintage pieces, and they also started making their own clothes which are actually so cute and great quality. They restock quite often, so if you go in the chances of you coming out with something you love are very high.

Nuovo

You might already know this spot but if one night you feel like dressing up and being fancy, this is the place to go. Getting a drink surrounded by red velvet and dim lights is always a vibe, whether it’s with friends or why not a date?! If you’re feeling a little peckish and have a sweet tooth, definitely get the pavlova – it’s delicious!

Hotel Costes 

Where to Go in Paris During Fashion Week, According to Local Creative Yaya

Pabllo Vittar

Brazil

São Paulo

The festival has an amazing line up, including my friend Urias who is playing 7:30pm!

Castro Festival

ZIG Club

Really amazing drinks, great food and surrounded by other cool spots.

Trago Bar

Jhony's Bar & Restaurante

To experience a little bit of (folk festival celebrated in north-east Brazil) São João, which is a huge celebration! There you will find food, drinks, music and lots of stuff from Brazil’s northeast region!

CTN (Centro de Tradições Nordestinas)

"A Huge Celebration": Pabllo Vittar’s Must Go To Stops At São Paulo Pride 

Moxie

London

The team room is stunning and I always visit it when ever i go and see an exhibition there. It’s covered with beautiful tiles from head to toe and has chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. If not to grab some tea and cake it’s definitely worth taking a look at.

Victoria & Albert Museum 

Walking around the Tate is always fun. I especially love ending up in the book store and I love browsing what books they have on offer.

Tate Modern

On a sunny day take a walk around Hampstead Heath. It’s huge and covers a few areas of North London, but the area I always love to chill out by is next to the dog pond. You can sit up on the hill and watch all the different types of breeds jumping in and out the pond.

Hampstead Heath

If you like gelato, then I would highly recommend this spot.

Gelupo

A great record shop again in Soho, which specialises in dub, reggae and world music. You can find lots of beautiful Brazilian LPS in here and they also have a great book and dvd selection downstairs.

Sounds of the Universe

Renting a pedalo out for the afternoon at the Serpentine is always fun, especially so in Summertime.

Serpentine Lake 

If you would like to see some culture but are strapped for cash, The British Museum is great because the entry is free. They have permanent exhibits of Egyptian & Greek artefacts which are always fascinating to go and look at.

The British Museum

I often get asked where to go out clubbing in London and my answer is always Corsica Studios. It’s such a reliable club for the music and the sound is great in there too.

Corsica Studios 

My new favourite restaurant to go to in London. It’s french bistro and they serve great natural wines. They switch up the menu every week so it’s always something different when you go.

Rubedo

London with Moxie

Adrian Santana

Very delicious food that is located in a very interesting and beautiful part of the city, Santa Teresa

Sobrenatura

A place that can be very romantic and a lot of hidden secrets around the temple.

Parque Lage

When passing Barra da Tijuca there is a reserve by the beach. You have to go by car and when good swell picks up it produces very strong and clean waves in the early morning

Recreio

A very good place to see the sunset throughout the year, but especially during Summer.

Pedra de Arpoador

Very good waves to surf, but tough when crowded.

Arpoador

This place is filled with amazing locals, who are friendly and are stoked on life. It has a large beach to do whatever you want and the waves are one of the best in Rio de Janeiro.

Sanca, Praia da Gávea

In a tricky location so best to follow directions online.

Cachoeira das Almas

Best sandwiches and acai. They have several locations.

Bibi Sucos

Rio with Adrian Santana

This is the second address in Paris after Lolo Cave à manger, down my house. Beautiful set up, amaaaazing food and quality natural wine. I’m in love with that place, I feel everything is perfect I just love it! Lolo will make you cosy - RONI

Lolo Bistrot

Fantastic selection of wines for all kinds of budgets. Ask for Laure or Pierre-Marie to guide you and they will make you discover beautiful bottles. If you are looking for a delicious but affordable Champagne taste the Charles Hubert Blanc de Blanc - Julien Jabre 

L’Ebéniste du Vin

For the natural wine lovers like me, this is a great wine shop located between 2 of the best restaurants in Paris Le Dauphin & La Chateaubriand - RONI

Le Cave

That is another cool natural wine address located. Ask for Alex, he’ll take care of you! - RONI

Soif

If you fancy good food, natural wine and a nice listening session, head to Bambino. They have a beautiful and really good sound-system and fantastic music library - RONI

Bambino

5 Natural Wine Bars You Need to Visit in Paris 

12AM

Canada

Toronto

I would pull up between 11:30PM -12:30AM, the whole place has super unique vibes, almost like taking you through a time machine but ending at a lit party. All the times I’ve been they are playing Hip Hop. I really like the fact that there is a no photos policy and it sets a tone for everyone to lounge. Coolest part is the secret entrance, and they have the best drinks in the city... ask for the “old fashioned” and tell them 12 sent you.

Coffee Oysters Champagne (A Toi)

2:30AM on a Saturday, reason I say that is because this is the spot you go before you go to the next spot. This place has the BEST donuts I’ve ever had let alone in Toronto, it’s a party vibe when you pull up, always bumping music and it's right in the centre of all the clubs. Little secret... ask for the 12AM donut.

6ixDonutz

Best time to arrive is after 12:30, that’s when it starts getting crazy and everyone wants to get in. I always know it's going to be a good night when DJ.... is spinning. What I like most about LoveChild is the aesthetic and the overall size of the club, a big club allows for a lot of people and a way better dancefloor. I would say what makes this place special is the dancers, they are always setting a tone for a lit night.

LoveChild

I would get here after 1 it’s the spot after the spot. It’s a piece of America within Canada and make sure to bring your one’s because you can’t throw loonies... If you are pulling up to this spot it is essential to make it rain.

HER Nightclub Missisauga

Getting here at 9:30PM is the move, first thing I order is a baked crab handroll and the fried chicken followed by a couple drinks and some lava cake. Best part about this place is the aesthetic, once the food and drinks kick in, it’s the telltale sign the night just got started.

The Hartly

This is where the night goes all night. You can pull up anytime you want but once you get here expect to spend at least 4-5 hours. This is the place you pull up with your friends who are more focused on getting kills in COD than shots at the bar. What makes this place special to me is my passion for gaming. 

EblueEsports 

Get here for 10PM if you can find a lane. Me and my friends love golf so if you are a golfer you are in for a night of fun. The best part about this place is that you get to bring your own food and drinks and good times are guaranteed. Although this isn’t a conventional late-night spot it brings the best late-night vibes.

The Sand Trap Golf Lounge 

Mademoiselle is the spot to pull up to at 1130. The oysters are fire... the drinks are incredible and the atmosphere is perfect for the date you want to impress. The lighting and sound in this place leaves you with a special feeling that makes you want to come back time and time again.

Mademoiselle Raw Bar + Grill

After Hours in Toronto with 12AM

Netherlands

Amsterdam

This is the spot for anyone who is serious about tea. The owner Amanda is a real authority in the tea world. She has been appointed by the Chinese government as the European ambassador of Pu-erh tea. Formocha also does traditional tea ceremony and the upstairs seating area is a real oasis within the Jordaan area. They specialise in tea from China, Taiwan and Japan.

Formocha

Is a 'by reservation only', vegan ramen restaurant - don't be put off by the 100% plant based ramen. It is incredible.

Men Impossible 

The real ones in Amsterdam know this is THE late night dining spot. Tell me where else you'll be able to get a Hong Kong-style typhoon shelter fried lobster and some Tsingtaos in the AM's.

Taste of Culture

An amazing Korean florist, they also host workshops on floral arrangement techniques.

Flower Loves me

Hands down the best Chinese supermarket in Amsterdam.

Amazing Oriental Amsterdam Noord

Assort is a Japanese hair salon with locations all over the world. The staff are the best and are extremely creative.

Assort International Hair Salon Amsterdam オランダの日系美容室

Great Filipino bakery, their ube cake is banging!

Amor Kitchen

A hidden gem, some of the best sushi in Amsterdam. They also make their own ice cream.