Singapore

Perfect for a date night, pre-drinks before going out-out, catching up with friends and discovering new DJs, old heads and undiscovered tunes. It’s a sociable hub for music lovers, creatives and friendly faces. It’s not open late so I’d recommend not after 8pm if you want a good shift. They serve Pan-Asian fusion food and cocktails, the menu is mouthwatering! Ask for Dean Chew, one of the co-founders of the label Darker Than Wax runs this place. He’s a sweet, sweet soul.

Offtrack

Perfect for a casual catch up with your friends. The crowd is a lot of East-siders – so some really laid-back people. The sunset is beautiful around the East Coast, it feels really nostalgic, so I’d say [pull up] at 7pm just before the evening sets in. They serve beers and spirits, as well as some hard-hitting Thai food. The spot is run by a really chill older couple, I used to work here actually!

P.O.D Bistro Siglap

The vibe is perfect for if you’re craving some authentic Chinese seafood whilst having a catch up with some friends and family. This is the place you need to hit up. Almost exclusively local Singaporean folk and longtime Singapore residents. It’s definitely a hidden gem. The stingray, fried rice and sambal kangkong are my go-to dishes. If you haven’t tried stingray, it has a soft meat texture that essentially melts in your mouth.

Sin Hoi Sai Eating House

It’s affordable dim sum, so the vibe is perfect for any occasion! You have hundreds of options and insanely quick service. The place is almost always local Singaporeans – another hidden gem. You should order lime juice with sour plum, xiao long bao (Shanghai soup dumplings), siu mai, fried prawn dumplings, wanton, crab meat sauce with mantou. Basically anything, to be honest. I could order everything twice over.

126 Dim Sum Wen Dao Shi

It’s the perfect place to end your night out. I’d always end up here after the club with a group of friends. I'd say the crowd is a mix between people who want to watch football and drunk club-goers. Order the roti prata with fish, chicken, lamb curry or dhal if you’re vegan or vegetarian.

Simpang Bedok

You can get to the island by hopping on a ferry for under 20 Singapore dollars (SGD) from Marina South Pier. I’d recommend the 10am ferry so you get a full day out. Definitely bring your own food and water to St John’s Island because they don’t sell any!

St John’s Island

It’s super affordable to get to Pulau Ubin – it costs under five SGD for a single trip. You can get a bumboat at Changi Point Ferry Terminal which usually takes around 15 minutes. You can also bring your own bicycle here or rent one when you’re there. It’s also a good shout to bring your own water and snacks even though you can find food there. My favourite thing to do is kayaking along the mangroves – surreal.

Pulau Ubin

Similar Guides

Jhumka on Where to Go in Singapore

Juran Bowen

Barbados

Now this bar is an old time local favourite for the middle class of Barbados, but what this unique space has become is so much more. Embracing its connection to live music and its commitment to providing LGBTQIA+ safe spaces, Mojo has become a hub centred on love, family and acceptance. It’s easy to get to and the food is really yummy too. My favourite hidden gem here are the deep fried mushrooms, and all the bar tenders know me and my friends by name.

Mojo

Now this one is close to my creative side. Sage Bar represents artistry at its finest as it is the home to so many queer-friendly creative spaces for open mics to performances in the most intimate of settings. The aesthetic of the place is its charm and eclectic atmosphere with mismatched pieces of furniture – from couches to stools to love seats and more; but imagine that all in the front of your cosy old style Barbadian bungalow. You heard right. It’s run out of the owners’ house and trust me when I say you’d love them, because they run it with love, love and more love.

Sage Bar

Worthing Square is like a second home to me. It’s a food truck plaza with about 30 types of food to choose from: Asian fusion, Italian pizza, tacos, burgers, Bajan food (like the real, real stuff), curries and even some Arabian food. Imagine all of that and then add a Mount Gay rum bar with specialty cocktails and bottles for sale, even a three for $10 beer special, and seating to enjoy the cool shade on a hot day. At night, the vibe changes as live entertainment livens up the place.

Worthing Square Food Court

This is my best friend’s favourite place to go and I knew I needed to
mention it because thrifting is both charity and self-gratification. Cheap, unique, thrifty finds with a particular Bajan flair, trust me it’s worth it.

Donation Nation

Lastly, my workspace. An organisation dedicated to providing safe spaces and services to the LGBTQIA+ community. Now I've got to mention this. Equals hosts and sponsors limes, games nights, balls, parties, quiz nights – all for queer people by queer people.

Equals

Queer-Friendly Spaces in Barbados Spotlighted by Juran

Thailand

Bangkok

A relaxed cannabis shop in the heart of Ekkamai, a hub for rappers and fashion lovers.

PHC Ekamai Dispensary

The coolest cannabis shop I’ve ever been to.

California's Finest 

The wildest hip-hop club in the game right now. 

Choo by Chow 

A hip-hop club with world-class standards.

Sugar Club

A classic rice porridge restaurant in Thonglor, a favourite among night owls.

Saengchai Phochana

MK Restaurant 

Cannabis Dispensaries & Late Night Bites: Young Ohm's Guide to Bangkok After Hours

Juls

Ghana

Accra

This became my favourite spot over the Christmas holidays in Accra. I probably went there at least 2-3 times a week during my stay. It's got a really nice vibe. The pork chops are great, and the setting is perfect. The night could go either way; chilled evening with the gang or a proper turn-up. Friday nights are the best!

Alley Bar

You can't go to Accra and not go to Bloom bar! It's impossible. Bloom Bar is one of the most popping spots in Accra. The place is always packed, so you always have to book a spot in advance. Service is impeccable and both the food and drink is top-notch. Perfect party vibe with amazing DJs. Special shout to the DJs: iPhone DJ, Bruce and DJ Baylor.

BloomBar

This restaurant was another favourite spot for me over the Christmas holidays. I had an amazing experience. Everyone should try their sirloin steak and butter chunk fries with their special Brasa sauce!

Brasa Grill Restaurant 

Another favourite spot of mine but chale you must be ready to spend! Mandem - if you want to impress that special lady, this is the place! A premier rooftop venue that overlooks the city. Great entertainment and very chilled. The cocktails are great as well. Try the frozen pineapple mojito.

Sky Bar 25

Front Back is a member-only spot but the vibes are super dope. They may let you in every once in a while. The music is proper! They have some very cool curated events like “Amapiano and Brunch” and a few other events. Sunday is the best evening to go!

Front/Back

Great spot for beach lovers with a view. Very luxurious with a chilled vibe. Again, Sunday's are the best at Sandbox.

Sandbox Beach Club

Kozo has a very dope restaurant and bar that combines stylish ambience, Asian tropical decor, and Pan Asian cuisine to present a new yet exciting dining and social experience. Great music and excellent food.

Kozo

Purple Pub is the best local bar in Accra. Their drinks are not for the faint-hearted though. Try the five fingers drink and meet your maker!

Purple Pub

The Woods is one of my most favourite spots in Accra. I've had a few parties there myself! The best days are Wednesdays, where they have live events and showcases the new talent in the city!

The Woods

It's relatively new but has a fantastic setting and some great drinks. I would recommend going on a Thursday!

Luna Rooftop Bar 

Exploring Accra's Nightlife with Juls

RONI

France

Paris

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. 

Lolo Bistrot

Fancy a cool outdoor place outside of Paris with good food and natural wine? Head to Kiosque Contours in Clichy. Former Machine du Moulin Rouge artistic director Marc Resplandy brought that cool place to life, with chef residencies, and good music!

Kiosque Contours

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.

Bambino

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.

Le Cave

This is a treat you have to give yourself. The chef Daniel Morgan is absolutely incredible. If you’re looking for incrediiiiiibly good food you won’t regret it. It’s a menu but really worth it and great natural wine. Book in advance it’s always full!

Chez Robert

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

Soif

I’ll start my journey in Paris with music. That’s really important in a trip, it gives the tone of the city I feel. Dizonord is a cool record store that has a lot of rare records. They have an address in Paris and Marseille too.

Dizonord

I kind of was born there as a DJ, so this is a very important place in Paris where all the French underground scene of France gathers. It’s also a community and a family place :) 


Rinse France Studio

That’s another one I often like to dig, I know Blaise who's been running the shop for a year and he also has good stories about the records to share. They are specialized into electronic music and more specifically Detroit influenced, but also get the cool new releases.


Synchrophone

When it comes to clubbing I often go there, they have a very accurate and interesting programming and I did my first gig in a big club there actually :)

La Machine du Moulin Rouge

We all love to do some shopping, especially in Paris. I love to dress up and style myself but with Climate change I try more and more to buy sustainable clothing and Snow Bunny is the place for cool vintage. Victoria the owner is the queen of fashion and knows her thing. Every creative mind of Paris kind of dress up there. There’s always an unexpected piece you’ll fall in love with.


Chez SnowBunny

That’s a bit of my HQ, they opened a year ago and it feels like an Oasis of calm in the craziness of Paris. I do my sport, sauna, brainstorms and meetings over there. Perfect place to treat yourself.

Soho House

12 Spots in Paris You Need to Visit, Chosen By RONI

Sueuga Kamau

United States

Oakland

Tacos Sinaloa

Alem’s Coffee

Lake Merritt

Mountain View Cemetery

Sueuga Kamau's Guide to Oakland

Nigeria

Lagos

The Ofada on their menu and Jollof rice.

So the house is a nice chill spot in VI (Victoria Island). They’ve got really good Nigerian dishes like the ofada I mentioned which is local rice and also continental dishes. They open till late daily so you can really have a good time there.


The House

King fisher is a seafood restaurant in Lekki, it’s got some scenic views and they open late as well.

Kingfisher 

It’s a lounge in VI, I go there because they’ve got really nice cocktails at decent prices and good music too.

TheVibe Lagos

Foodies is in lekki, they’ve got all sorts of Nigerian dishes and they’re affordable.

Foodies

The burg is a joint in Ikeja and as you can tell by the name they’ve got great burgers. You don’t have to break the bank to eat there and their milkshakes are top notch.

Burg Bar

Yellow Chilli are on mainland and island. They have really good African dishes with a homely vibe.

Yellow Chilli

They are barbecue joint in VI with great grills and they are affordable too.

Food Shack

So olaiya is a hub for all sorts of Nigerian dishes, I tend to order take out from there most time.

Olaiya 

Eating out in Lagos with BOJ

FiloQ

Italy

Genoa

A lounge club on a floating barge in the middle of the city's Old Port.

The Banano Tsunami

Climb on the rocks of Nervi, you can go from sunset to sunrise in the historic Bonfim.

Bonfim Club

The Calata Darsena is a secret and magical place where immersed among the naval tugs The FestivaL Zones Portuaires brings artistic performances every year.

The Calata Darsena

The park of the Villa Croce Contemporary Art Museum overlooks the shipyards of the port of Genoa.

Villa Croce Contemporary Art Museum

The fishmongers' market at the new Darsena is where you can eat fried fish and listen to DJs playing among the fish stalls during the weekend with "Fish & DJs.

Fish & DJs al Mercato dei Pescatori della Darsena

Where To Spot The Perfect Sunset in Genoa with FiloQ

Boxout.fm

India

New Delhi

They are one of the essentials to get the day started for most of the Boxout.fm crew. They initially started as a cafe based in Delhi then expanded to 20 outlets around the country specialising in coffee roasting

Blue Tokai Coffee

Owned by Mr Shah, this spot is located in the middle of Old Delhi. He will offer you tea whilst you dig for tunes. You can find some gems here from Bollywood soundtracks, to classical Indian music to old school Western classics. It is the home of records that are worth £50+ but cost £10+

Shah

VegNonVeg also known as “VNV” is India’s first multi-brand sneaker store, based in Delhi. These guys are one of the few people in the city trying to pioneer streetwear culture in India. They also have a sister homegrown clothing brand named Bhaane

VegNonVeg

Wild City is an online publication that was set up around 8 years ago. Munbir & Sarah the founders moved to New Delhi from London and kick started this. They have a fully functioning office now and are one of the only reliable publications dedicated to underground music in India. They also host an annual music festival in Rajasthan taking place in a Palace every 2nd week of December - highly recommended

Magnetic Fields Festival

Rajinder’s is a place where families and groups of friends gather, either ending their night there or starting it. This is a unique place because it started as one food cart to now owning the whole square. You can order and collect your food and sit outside amongst the others whilst enjoying some of the best, grilled, fried & butter chicken in Delhi. Great as a takeout option if you want to avoid the heat outdoors!

Rajinder Da Dhaba

This is our flagship weekly night we throw in New Delhi. It's a night where our community can come together and have a space to explore new sounds. We have had some sick people play including people like Daedelus, Djrum & Flava DThis is our flagship weekly night we throw in New Delhi. It's a night where our community can come together and have a space to explore new sounds. We have had some sick people play including people like Daedelus, Djrum & Flava D

Boxout Wednesdays

This is a place where you can find everything from Indian garments to notebooks and stationary and some of the most exciting street food carts exploring all regions of India with over 60+ stalls in total. For an entry of 500 rupees you can enjoy all the above

Dilli Haat

Lodhi Gardens is a historical park in Delhi, spread over 90acres. One of Delhi’s oldest parks including tombs from some of the last Sayyid Dynasty rulers. A popular place for picnics or enjoying long walks away from the busy Delhi streets

Lodhi Garden

Once known as the house of Jaipur and the former residential palace of JAIPUR Maharaja of Jaipur, it is now the home of all modern art in India. This is a great place to explore art both old and new. NGMA is one of the few galleries in India funded by the government, with branches in Delhi, Mumbai & Bangalore

National Gallery of Modern Art

Qutub Minar is a historical landmark in Delhi. This is a place if you are feeling touristic and wanting to dive into the worlds of early Sultanates

Qutub Minar

New Delhi with Boxout.fm

New York City 

Hinge

A beautiful community centre run by a very intentional team with collaboration and supportiveness at its heart. Expect delicious homemade food, intimate programs, and maybe a greeting from the cutest Dalmatian. Don’t forget to leave your shoes at the door.

ThirdSpace

This blend of coworking and event space is new to the scene. We’ve used their rooftop for music collabs, and the founder’s passion is transforming this space into a versatile venue for any creative project.

telo.haus

A cosy coffee shop by day, wine bar by night, and event venue for art, music, and games. Come for the seasonal lattes and stay for the egg custard tarts.

⁠Land to Sea

A hidden gem with top-notch AV and sound systems. They host monthly events focused on meditation, movement, and self-discovery. The community vibe here is nothing short of transformative.

Center for the Enlightenment Arts

A DIY artist space with a living room for events, plus an amazing sound and visual setup. From live coding to safe intimacy workshops, HexHouse is where art, tech, and movement collide. We’ve hosted many memorable events here!

NB: The location of this spot on the map is not accurate. Please visit their website or IG for details.

HexHouse

A membership-based creative hub that draws content creators across media. Their collaborations bring fresh energy to events in a versatile space.

Verci

This Italian café is perfect for getting into a creative flow. With cosy, Italy-inspired vibes, piadini, yoghurt bowls, and great coffee, it’s a favourite spot where we often plan our events and keep the inspiration going.

Leila Alimentari

Explore More Anti-Clique Clubs

Creative Community Spaces in NYC with Work In Progress

Saint Lucia

St Lucia 

The food takes us back to our childhood: Mandella being born and bred here, and Rochelle's family being St. Lucian. This is authentic St. Lucian cuisine.

Plante's Place

Seafood right along the seafront, what more could you want? The flavours are unreal!

Chateau Mygo (House of Seafood)

Fresh produce and amazing views. There is different produce in season at different stages of the year, but the quality never changes. Perfect for a lunch or dinner treat.

Treetop at Crystals

Great place to stop for local cuisine when in the area of Vieux Fort, where the food is prepared by a Vieux Fort local chef, Chevorn.

True Value Kitchen 

Located directly in front of the port where the fishermen bring in their catch of the day, in the fishing port canteen – so you know the food is tasty! Nothing fancy, just pure flavour!

Bernice Kitchen

Mr Pete has been serving the best cocoa tea, roast bakes, fried makes and more in Vieux Fort for many years. This is the best spot to get an early morning bite to eat as he is gone by around midday and he sells out!

Mr Pete's

Located along sandy beach – one of the very few Atlantic Ocean beaches in St. Lucia – and open to all, you will find a lot of locals also dining here. Great cocktails and rum options also. Perfect for something to eat after a swim.

Island Breeze

Brilliant steak and local food with a great atmosphere and live entertainment. As it's along the Rodney Bay strip, you can continue your night after you have had your food.