BOY SODA

Australia

Sydney

I love this spot! The edge of the cemetery falls away into this big panoramic view of the ocean and it reminds me how small I am! It’s such a beautiful contrast of life and death and it’s humbling to feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world. The sheer size of the cemetery is breathtaking, definitely a special location. 

Waverley Cemetery 

There is something so local and comforting about Marrickville Bowling club. A lot of rehearsal spaces and hole-in-the-wall recording studios are on the same street so I love going there and watching the sunset as drunk people play bare foot bowls like it’s ten-pin and running into local artists. They’ve had amazing shows there and their live setup is weirdly amazing for how lowkey it is.  They also do a bomb nachos!

Marrickville Bowling Club  

They make Banh Mi’s here in lightning speed plus it’s cheap and so so delicious! Super fresh salads and fresh bread, it’s *chef kiss*, just be prepared, people queue around the block! Definitely my go to spot if I'm working or frolicking around the area, because it’s a small, family-oriented business and I get the feeling the food is made with a lot of love! (There’s also super tasty Vietnamese iced coffee right next door to them!) 

Marrickville Pork Roll

Irreplaceable store, easily spotted by the window full of vintage kicks, or their beautiful dog Jazzy who greets everyone at the door! They have a crazy selection of new and vintage kicks and heaps of vintage tees, jackets, workwear, and accessories. There are a few vintage stores in Newtown but I trust Irreplaceable so much for their good taste, so I know I’m always finding that thing I didn’t know I needed in there. There’s also really good size range in everything so I always want to spend my whole pay check on vintage Carhartt pants! 

Irreplaceable Store 

We’re blessed with a bunch of great vinyl stores in Sydney. If you’ve got a couple of hours to kill, nothing better than flicking through old vinyl racks looking for a gem. I always find great Jazz and soul records in here, and if you’re a producer who loves crate digging it’s a goldmine.

Halcyon Daze Records 

Everybody loves a cocktail but this bar is disguised as an old butcher’s shop so it’s fun and usually very intimate and cosy to hide away in! Friday night cocktail hour is calling your name! From memory they have freshly squeezed apple juice which I love with Fireball! 

Earl's Juke Joint

Similar Guides

Exploring Sydney with BOY SODA

TAKSU

Indonesia

Bali

Miller’s Records, located in the famous spot of umalas, a small shop taking on a vegas style look from the outside has a very wide variety of vinyl records. Being relatively new, this shop has already been a strong community because it does not only offer to buy but also possible to sell personal vinyl collection. Inside you'll see racks in different styles organized by its genres and year, making it easy to find and eye pleasing as some cool looking vinyl stacked up on frames. For most of its vinyl that isn't originally produced, they have a tag showing it’s been purchased there, price range starting even from 60k for some vinyl up to 2,7mill for collector items.

Miller’s Records

Ganesha Ubud is a very small distinguished library selling old vintage story books, comics, to postcard in Ubud making. Here you'll find the craziest old books you could have not thought of about Indonesia or anything relevant to Indonesia and its history, as they only sell old, rare, out-of-print books.

There will always be 2 very kind shopkeepers who you can ask for help, and they can tell you stories behind the books which are always fascinating. They also allow you to read some of the books (ones which are not sealed) daily as if it's a library. Their prices are relatively cheap for an amazing book you are yet to discover. Some as cheap as 10.000 rupiah for a small book with all the old 80’s indonesia postcard stamps.

Ganesha Ubud

Lab Rana is another small, cool shop located in Tamora gallery in the heart of Berawa. Labrana is the go to place to buy your films needs and develop them. It offers a lot of types of film and film cameras, without worrying which one is the best fit for your cause of photography, you could simply share and talk with them about what you want and need and they'll guide you through your best option for purchase.

Going there you'll meet the senior shopkeeper who has a tight film camera community trying to keep the trend alive.

​Lab Rana Camera Shop

Tinta Photo Solutions really lives up to its name. A small shop not far from Miller Records and the Bumbak area, Umalas. They give a lot of options with high standard quality prints and frames for your art or photo pieces. They have personally done me well with their offer of leasing their frames for an exhibition I'm doing, giving me ease on up-front payments. Very good hospitality. They have a complete catalogue of solutions when shopping for prints and frames, making it much easier to pick the right frame and print that fits your home's interior design. With with affordable prices, Tinta has helped the community so much building the art scene in out in Bali.

TINTA

Bali Beach Glamping located in Tabanan close to the famous Pigstone Beach which is well known for surfing, a new getaway for camping with a pinch of luxury just opened. If you go there you’ll meet the Asela the manager who will show you around all the tents which have amazing beach views.

​Bali Beach Glamping

A local entrepreneur who is the boss lady of 2 thrift stores located in Tabanan. She started selling thrift tees in the traditional thrift market of Tabanan, and she gained her knowledge through technology/internet/social media and used them well. She is now known across Bali, even throughout Indonesia. Both of her stores are located in the village of Kerambitan, Tabanan. In the traditional market, you could see her store in the first traditional building(more like a big shack) around 150m in the back. With her joyful voice you could spot and know that it’s Bu Dolir. Price range starting from Rp.30.000 up to some collectable items for 2mill rupiah. There are more thrift stores available to explore in the rest of ‘Pasar kodok’ thrift market in Tabanan.

IBU Dolir & Tabanan Thrift Market

Segelas Kopi Ubud located in the heart of the village of Mas, Ubud. A small coffee shop across Ari Canti hospital offers not only great coffee but also a comfortable silent space to work with a touch of art and balinese culture. I've personally spent my time gathering inspirations and ideas in this spot. Owned and run by a young teen (GUSTRA I.B) the age of 19 has successfully built a solid coffee shop concept supporting not only local workers that has been WFH, but also educating about the value of art to its customers. My favorite menu is the Nasi Goreng Babi Kecap with the piccolo beverage, with the price for both totalling only $4.

Segelas Kopi Ubud

The best item on the menu is the Chasumen with an added ajitama (half boiled egg, japanese style). With free flowing mineral water, expenses on beverage are not needed.

Hamatora Ramen

Thrifting & Shopping Local with TAKSU

Swim Dem Crew

United Kingdom

London

This is the pool where it all began for us five years ago, so it’s gotta go to the top! It’s the perfect location for a quick dip in the Summer or a spot of sunbathing in East.


London Fields Lido

This has been our home for the last two years. We see this pool more than we see our family and to be able to swim in a pool that Olympians regularly grace is pretty special.

London Aquatics Centre

Nathaniel’s personal favourite, it’s the only pool we’ve swum in that had marble tiles. MARBLE. You feel like royalty in there even if the cherub statues are a bit weird.

Marshall Street Leisure Centre

Peigh’s personal favourite. Its grand design makes it feel like a church, so we call it the cathedral of swimming. You can do every sport here, even beach volley ball.

Crystal Palace National

This pool is tucked away near Silicon roundabout, but doesn’t disappoint. It’s been refurbished, but still keeps its old wooden viewing seats from 1931 when it was built that just add to its grand aesthetic.

Ironmonger Row Baths

Brockwell Lido is the perfect pool for summertime. While sunbathing you’ll hear the exercise classes in the background, kids playing and see people eating delicious food at the cafe.

Brockwell Lido

This pool is spacious and beautiful. Its huge windows let plenty of natural light in that add to the experience. You HAVE to go to Mario’s Cafe for breakfast afterwards. It’s on one of London’s most famous roads because of the colourful houses.

Kentish Town Sports Center

This is the only pool in London made entirely out of metal! In the summertime, you’ll see the sun rays glisten through this metal basin and give you a tan twice as quick.

Parliament Hill Lido

This is a proper local pool that’s in the need of some TLC, but it does get the job done. Its location is perfect for a Sunday swim followed by breakfast at Cafe 338 and a stroll through Columbia Road Market.

York Hall Leisure Center

The Best Swim Spots to Cool Off with Swim Dem Crew

BKLAVA 

Maroush is situated on Edgware Road. There’s actually a chain of Maroushs' in and around the city. The restaurant is owned by a couple that have a very interesting origin story in this country: "When my wife Houda and I arrived in London over 35 years ago war was raging in our home country, Lebanon. It felt sad leaving our family and friends behind, but Londoners received us with a warm and genuine welcome. My mum had also fled Lebanon in 1984 to escape the Civil War and managed to get a job in the city, during this time she spent a lot of time in Maroushs’.

Maroush

Cedar is located in South Wimbledon, near where I grew up. Not only does it have the best and most authentic Lebanese food, but I hold it close to my heart because it’s where my family and I would always go out to eat when I was growing up and even to this day! One of my Teta’s favourites too. My Teta always cooked the best Lebanese/Armenian food so I always trusted her judgement on this one being authentic.

Cedar

Noura is located in Mayfair. Another spot my mum used to go to after work in the city. They play live music and have upstairs/downstairs seating. With a lot Lebanese spots normally being quite small and intimate, this makes a whole new experience with lots of buzzing atmosphere. The restaurants journey began in the 70s at the very start of the Civil War and they opened up a restaurant in Paris in 1980 before opening another few in London.

Noura

Le Val is based in Kingston. We eat here as a family whenever we are in the area. The restaurant is light and airy and has the most amazing Knafeh! I remember once sitting in there with my parents and sisters and it felt weird being there without the whole family, so we called my Aunty and Uncle last minute and they came and bought all of my cousins too. We ended up having an enormous feast.

Lebanese Valley

Tooting is known for it’s British-Asian community, which is why walking through Tooting Market has always been special to me, the market plays host to a wide range of Asian and African cuisines and the fact that I used to visit here with my Teta makes it extra special.

Tooting Market

Impact Lebanon is a non-profit organisation based around the world, including the UK. They help Beirut from Beirut itself, especially during the recent explosion that caused devastation and heartbreak to Lebanese people throughout the world. They also helped to bring aid to Beirut from all over the globe. At the time of the recent explosion, Beirut was in the mist of a revolution and a pandemic. Impact Lebanon have been there for the people, trying to help them through this devastating time.

Impact Lebanon

London's Lebanese Spots with Bklava

Rarefabrics

France

Paris

Le Rouge is a big space. They usually do a bunch of rap, r&b, house. Pigalle in general is a very party area. There's a lot of clubs right around the corner from each other, so I definitely advise people to go to Pigalle if they're new here. You can always find a vibe there.

LE ROUGE PIGALLE

Silencio is always doing good parties, even when it's not Fashion Week. It's actually one of my favourite layouts when it comes to clubs. You walk in, go down a bunch of stairs, and it's kind of like a maze. Long hallways. The music is more alternative, house, techno, depending whose DJ-ing. It's upbeat, different demographic to Le Rouge, which is known for more rap and r&b. 

Silencio

It's in Pigalle, I'm friends with the art director and have thrown a few parties there myself. It's smaller than Silencio, I believe it used to be a cabaret, and just for lesbians in the 90s. But as time passed they opened their doors to different demographics. 

Chez Moune

It's a huge venue on the water, along the Sienne. It has a big outdoor part to it, smoking areas, which is nice when it's warmer outside. 

Wanderlust

Downstairs from Wanderlust there's a club called FVTVR. A lot of big artists have done parties there after Fashion Week—the first time I went there I saw Playboi Carti performing there, which is how I got my introduction to the place. Really cool place to go, where you can always have fun during Fashion Week. 

FVTVR

One bar that I always love, I'm friends with the owners. One of the homies owns it; it's a good place to get drinks, they have a restaurant also. I love the steak frites. It's around Strasbourg–Saint-Denis which is one of the main areas for bars, my friends like to go round that area.

La Chope des Artistes

They opened a wine bar not too long ago next to La Chope des Artistes, owned by the same person. Have drinks, talk, pre-game before we go to clubs. 

Chop Chop

A Paris Club Designed by David Lynch: Where to Party During Fashion Week with Rarefabrics

PRIM

Our personal favourite obviously, boasting work not just from your favourites but across art, sports and most importantly culture. In creating our pop-up libraries and this bookshop, it's a snapshot into what a permanent PRIM bookshop could look and feel like. We want it to be an immersive space, giving room for queer and Black artists to discover, explore and showcase whilst also fusing literature with cultural activities from across artistic disciplines and inviting everyone to explore and discover with us.

PRIM Con-temporary Bookshop 

New Beacon is literally the beacon, one of the most renowned bookstores in London to really help us dig into fiction and non-fiction by Black authors. They are the blueprint for PRIM, and have been serving the community for decades.


New Beacon Books

We love Round Table Books because it provides the fun environment we all needed as children and young adults. A place where we can look around at all the books and see ourselves. A great place to take your young ones.


Round table Books

Healthy remedies in abundance, this is a special store. Pempasie provides us with natural products for hair and body, culture, remedies, African art and reading materials we'll need to begin or maintain a holistic lifestyle. This is a special store that I've personally felt really excited by.

Pempasie Harlesden

Crowned Independent Bookshop of the Year 2021, this bookstore has been around since 1948. With regular book clubs, authors events and a dedicated children's shop, it's another one that has truly been serving the community for a very long time.

Sevenoaks Bookshop

A space not just for books but for learning history in a variety of mediums. Black Cultural Archives is so important because it is one of few heritage sites we have in London and in the UK overall. A visit here will leave you with more than books to talk about.

Black Cultural Archives

A queer-Black-woman-owned project inspired by resistance, imagination and care. We've always loved and been inspired by this project. Whilst they do not have a physical shop, much like us, they are often taking up spaces, as they did recently with their EcoFeminist Summit.

Black Feminist Bookshop

Based in Oxfordshire, African Books Collective is an African-owned, worldwide marketing and distribution outlet for books from Africa – scholarly literature and children's books. Love the ethos here, which brings works we couldn't readily get here directly to us. An incredibly needed service.

African Books Collective

8 Black-Owned Bookstores in London with PRIM

Independent coffee shops are where you should be spending your time and your money. The eponymous cafe is a place of eclectic trinkets, amazing coffee and a hub for the east London cool cats who actually have something to say and contribute.

Diddy’s

Waste is a radically independent punk/lifestyle store collaborating with artists and most importantly upcycling garments. The store itself is a visceral mosaic of subculture references, amazing finds and, as Sheerah mentions, a manifestation of what lives in her head rent free.

Waste Store

Aurum recently opened in Netil Markets community and is a women-owned and run shop providing people with pure gold piercing. The shop itself is stunning and Karly is such a dream. Aurum buys your gold, resells pure gold and its beautiful aesthetic of vintage gold is stun.

Aurum

Across of Aurum is one of the market's most well-curated designer vintage shops. An industrial display of fashion house finds and rave culture mixed with some of the most important artefacts from culture is second to none. Also hang out for a bit to get to know the owner; she lives and loves her items as much as we love culture.

Brother

When in doubt, always stop for oysters. Fin & Flounder is a family-run fishmonger and they are so sweet to keep our oyster addiction at bay. Get it... oyster bay?!

Fin & Flounder

Okko is a Broadway Markets iconic sushi and Japanese restaurant whose chile margaritas are like that spicy nice taste of summer. If you are there for a short while grab some tacos, but if you have some time try the incredible rolls and fusion treats.

Okko

Sheerah has been meaning to stop by here for ages and it’s a treasure trove of belts, buckles and S&M NRG. We raided the place and got ourselves bespoke belts made on the spot and fell in love with the owners and staff.

Rajan

This new hot spot on Well Street in E9 was recommended by our mate Shimmy. Irish and Punjabi is a combo I never thought I’d hear, but it’s a taste you’ll forever crave. They had Irish oyster remixed Panjabi MC-style and the cauliflower cheese paratha was heaven in a mouthful. You must try it!

Shankeys

Exploring East London’s Independent Spots With Ryan Lanji and Sheerah Ravindren

Diadié Diombana

Squarespace

Red House is a great studio space to rent if you’re into music and the arts. I know a lot of artists in the music industry, so I heard about it from some friends. The materials and the furniture are incredibly [well] designed – the whole space is really specific, unique and modern. Every single room has been thought through well which gives it a calm and inspiring energy [in which] to create.

Red House 

MCR is located in Château Rouge in the 18, which is a place with a big community of West African people, so it’s a big shout-out to African culture. This place helps to reconnect with my origins through their choice of traditional fabrics and materials, whilst in the meantime staying modern and progressive.

Maison Château Rouge

This place is special because of my friendship with the owners – make sure to ask for Crislaine! Cheval D’or has a long story about being the same restaurant for a long time. It still looks the same in places; you can see the outside still has the bright lit signage of its previous occupant left unchanged. If you want to spend a good time in a restaurant without too much “chichis” and want great food, good ambience, good service – you have to go. I would always recommend going on a Sunday.

Cheval D’or

Le Servan is the spot to go to if you’d like a romantic date or maybe with someone from your family. The architecture has a real pleasant Parisian style and the menu always changes as they only work with seasonal products. I recommend trying everything – it’s always delicious!

Le Servan

Discover Paris with Diadié Diombana

ANONIE

United States

New York City 

The silkiest noodles. Hope you have a strong grip.

Mala Project

Next door to Mala Project. If you are feeling cheeky get the Mala Beef Rice Noodle.

Hunan Slurp

If hugs were a food, it would be pho from Hanoi House.

Hanoi House

Raku

Get the braised meatball noodle soup. The eight spices crispy tofu is a must.

Hao Noodle

Ho Foods

I am really bad with spicy food. But I’ll eat the rice cake hot pot from Her Name is Han through tears if I have to (I want to).

Her Name is Han

Let’s not forget about ramen. Try the thin rye noodles like Tokyo Shio."

Ivan Ramen

NYC’s Best Noodle Spots with Anonie

Anomalie

Canada

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

O Patro vys

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.


Métropolis (now MTelus)

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

NYKS

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

Théâtre Plaza

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)

Milky Way

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.

 Sala Rossa

Anomalie's guide to Nightlife / Music Venues in Montreal

Greece

Athens

One of my favourite wine bars in Athens. Stergios is one of the owners, a warm-hearted person with a great knowledge of wine. I totally recommend trying Roditis Orange, Ktima Sklavou-Tsaousi and Ktima Patistis Bio.


Tanini Agapi Mou

There are not a lot of spots in Exarchia where you can buy good quality bread. However BLACK SALAMI is quite a new entry and makes amazing bread as well as good espresso to take away. Try the focaccia and the avocado toast. Definitely pay a visit and grab your breakfast if you stay around.


The Black Salami 

This is very old pastry shop just around the corner of my store transfers you to an old Athenian scenery. Wooden decoration, assistants with uniforms, long glass windows, smell of biscuits. If you pass by, try their fresh chocolate cream, the traditional rice cream and the squared tiny praline bytes! To die for!!


Asimakopoulos

Two brothers own this cafe. The younger one, Makis, can make you amazing espresso and let you know more tips about Athens. In case you need a sugar boost , try their apple pie!! Last but not least , there you can find a well curated selection of international magazines.


Foyer Espresso Bar

This place is as old school as my dad's Chevignon puffer  jacket. There is no music, but there you can find the most original drinks in town. The space is cosy and small, filled with beautiful people who usually go for an 'afterwork' drink.


Galaxy Bar

Located opposite my store, this bar looks dark from outside but it will brighten up your taste with the best GIn & Tonic in Athens.

Santarosa

Traditional taverna in Exarchia, cult and cute, try the bacalao fish as well as their piaz beans.

Ouzeri Lesvos 

Best pizza in the area. I am always happy to eat the one with Zucchine & gorgonzola.

Valtetsiana Pizzeria

8 Food and Drink Spots You Need to Try in Athens 

Speakers Corner Quartet

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. 

The Room Studios

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! 

Saka Maka

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. 

Lorenzo's

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.

Silk Road

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!