LADIPOE

Nigeria

Lagos

A quirky afrocentric boutique hotel with a small gallery and a serious vinyl collection of vintage Nigerian music. They host an open mic night every Thursday and this is where I first began to hone my skill as a performer. The food is great too.

Bogobiri

This was once a prison during colonial times, but it’s now a centre that celebrates art and culture. It’s home to quite a few festivals and live events, but Afropolitan Vibes is the one that offered me and many others a platform to perform to a big crowd of regulars.

Freedom Park

It’s hard to describe hFACTOR. It’s this really cool space in the heart of Lagos Island. They often collaborate with different people to throw some amazing parties and you get to meet the most unique characters. It’s a completely different vibe each time.

hFACTOR

It’s the tea for me. However, it is first and foremost a library of vinyl records, CDs, DVDs and books. The proprietors are also a great source of knowledge about Lagos, and Nigeria in general. Also, as mentioned earlier, the tea is excellent. I performed there once, as a member of a group called the Collectiv3.

Jazzhole

So many of us have been excluded from places because of our fashion sense, musical leanings and unique way we present ourselves to the world, but at Island Block Party (and its progenitor - mainland block party), everyone is welcome. My favourite thing about it is the exchange of culture between dissimilar yet like-minds. It’s what makes this monthly party a must to attend. It’s also a great place for upcoming and established acts to perform.

Island Block Party

Similar Guides

LADIPOE's Guide to Arts and Culture In Lagos

Dumpling Shack

United Kingdom

London

My local in Poplar, it’s a gem for Sichuan food and my go-to when I’m craving something spicy. They do a fantastic spicy crayfish; the lamb skewers are my favourite in London and they also have a smaller specials menu which is written in Chinese (it also contains pictures).

Han Restaurant

They serve one of my favourite Sichuan dishes: mala xiang guo. You select an assortment of ingredients – ranging from sliced lotus root, beef, fish balls, potato slices, enoki mushrooms – which they then stir fry in spices, lots of chilli and Sichuan peppercorn. Fantastic on a cold evening with an ice cold beer. 

Kaki

My favourite place in London to take a group for spicy hotpot. Good quality ingredients and a fun experience. The butter spicy hotpot is a must get.

Haidilao

Exceptional Sichuan food. Their version of the classic fuqi feipian (translates to ‘husband and wife’ offal dish) is delicious, and the grilled seabass is a showstopper.  

Sichuan Grand

One of my go-to restaurants when I’m working in Spitalfields. There’s a real spice kick on their level five chilli dishes!

Noodle and Beer

London’s Top 5 Sichuan Spots

Rhiannon Isabel

East London car boot every Saturday and Sunday morning. Doors open to buyers at 9AM, but I highly recommend paying the extra couple quid to go digging before everyone else.

Princess May Car Boot Sale

My local, you will find me here every Wednesday and Saturday morning! Great for 90s sports wear.

Deptford Market

Think Misteeq circa 2003 rocking all denim Dior. They have the finest womenswear designer gems from the noughties.

Seretonin Vintage

One of my all time favourite car boot sales that starts at 11AM on a Sunday unlike most 7AM ones. I have found some really rare finds here.

Battersea Car Boot Sale

Rhiannon Isabel's Wavey Garms Guide

Errol

Bricky's finest. Wally's knowledge of Caribbean music is encyclopaedic. Make sure you roll to Eat of Eden afterwards to replenish.

Supertone Records

Mostly secondhand bits from across the musical spectrum. Warning: no listening booths; YouTube is your friend.

Music & Video Exchange 

A well-known one, but for good reason. A real mixed bag of records — new and old.

Sounds of the Universe

Another Soho spot (special mention to Jean-Claude's If Music too). Solid selection, very reasonably priced and knowledgable staff. Gwan.

Reckless Records 

If you're out west, take a peek in here for the goodness. If you're in central/north, check out their smaller store in Kings Cross

Honest Jon's Records 

London Record Digging with Errol from Touching Bass

Greece

Athens

My after-hours go-to in Kerameikos, a favourite neighbourhood in Athens. A quirky outdoors space with a skateboard bowl and bar, all set within an urban industrial courtyard. You’ll see many a local scene hero DJing here. One night could be R&B, another paying homage to Greek new wave and synth pop, I love the spontaneity of it all. Nice drinks with a laidback atmosphere and vibe.

Latraac Skate Cafe

Owner George is an absolute dreamboat. He is THE GUY when it comes to sourcing rare Levis and vintage jeans. I always have such a vibe playing dress-up in his shop. If you’re looking for a particular piece in denim, chances are he has it. It’s a real treasure trove of unique pieces and George is always happy to assist.

Treasure Vintage

My favourite for designer garms and Y2K thrifting. Visits are by appointment only: reach out on their Instagram to book. Store owner Alexandra Koumantaki, a visual artist and musician, will meet you at the door and take you through her amazing finds.

Prisoners Of World

The spicy mezcal margarita is to die for! Owners Stelios and George are mezcal connoisseurs. My favourite place for cocktails in Athens. If you love a bit of Mexican culture, here’s your authentic spot.

BarroNegro

Some of the most flavourful and experimental dishes I’ve come across. You wouldn’t even notice the dishes are vegan. The watermelon (tuna) poke dish is an absolute showstopper. Even my devout, meat-eating Greek father approved. Make sure you save some room for dessert – the pavlova slaps.

Winners Vegan

Come here for your Greek souvlaki fix (kebab). I always go for the chicken gyros with tzatziki and all the extras. There’s a wide selection of meats and they also offer veggie options for the meatless crew.

To Pikantiko

My sister and I probably come here once a week. Best vegan souvlaki I’ve ever tasted. Their mushroom gyros is absolutely ridiculous, using four to six different kinds of mushrooms, with a zero waste philosophy, only using organic produce. Owner Tony still won’t tell me how they make their vegan mayo, but I’m working on it.

Cookoomela Grill 

Family-owned Lebanese street food spot, a short walk away from the Acropolis. Classic recipes passed down from generation to generation, serving up good quality Middle Eastern flavours. Desserts, truffles, lahmacun, peinirli, zaatar pastries and lentil soups, as well as some great vegan options. You absolutely have to sample it.

Feyrouz

Peng natural wines from all corners of Greece, in the heart of Exarcheia. Served with yummy cheese and meat platters. Perfect for a late night chill with pals. I recommend the Doric orange wine from the Balatsouras Winery – it’s so good!

Tanini Agapi Mou

The smell as you walk past this bakery is enough to entice anyone who passes by. This is honestly my favourite spot to come to for a classic spanakotiropita (Greek spinach and feta filo pie). Freshly baked pastries, tsoureki, pies and biscuits, with 15 types of koulouri bread rings (orange, walnuts, mastic, cinnamon, etcc) as well as the classic, corn, rye, seed and horiatiko village bread on offer – it’s an absolute must. Order a chocolate and walnut tsoureki, and fill a box with cookies to have with friends. Go for the pistachio, moustokouloura, mahlepi and sesame flavours for a proper taste of Greece.

Stavropoulos Bakery (since 1969)

Best seafood in Athens and worth the taxi ride out of the city centre. Make sure you order the octopus stifatho on melitzanosalata (baked octopus in tomato sauce and smoky aubergine puree); calamari yemisto psito (grilled, stuffed squid), lobster spaghetti, saganaki prawns, gavros, vlita, fries, tzatziki and feta! Better to come with a whole crew, so you can sample everything.

Yperokeanio

Firm favourite with the locals. Come here for lunch and authentic Greek meze. Staple orders: horta (wild greens), calamari, gigantes (giant beans), gavros (fish), fava (white bean dip), kolokithokeftedes (zucchini fritters), revithia (chickpeas), fasolia mavromatika (black-eyed bean salad) and obviously horiatiki (Greek salad). It's super wholesome and traditional, with lots of cute old men sat outside with their tavli and komboloi.

Tis Theatrou to Steki

Really cute clothing and record shop owned by DJ and producer Astytekk, who’s a fellow Movement Radio resident. All the clothes are super niche, often from independent Greek designers (as well as my own MDMX-01 collection inside). Situated next door to one of my favourite hangouts, Handlebar, the shop is often open 'til late, and a nice street to come check out after hours.

Pitch Athens

Gourmet sandwiches since 1988, in the small neighbourhood of Koukaki. Out to Runner (my fellow Movement Radio DJ) for putting me onto this sandwich joint. He swears it’s the best sandwich shop in Athens and I have to agree! So many cheese varieties, cured meats and smells. It’s a must!

Guarantee

A humble burger joint serving up one item on the menu. Boasting good quality ingredients and zero waste values, Chef Fahk and partner Myrtia have taken it back to basics with their classic no-nonsense cheeseburger. Choose between a juicy single or double patty, and enjoy big flavours at small prices.

Guerilla Chef Burgers

Kick is my coffee spot in Kypseli. Order the classic Cappuccino Fredo for the true iced-coffee experience, get there early for breakfast and spend a couple of hours “working from home” with your laptop, soaking up the sun in the company of other like-minded nomads.

Kick

Yet another fantastic Souvlaki Grillhouse. I recommend the ‘Calamaki’ meat skewers which can come in pork and chicken, as well as the traditional ‘Loukaniko’ - mixed meat sausage, often flavoured with orange peel, leeks, fennel seed and various other dried herbs, sometimes smoked over aromatic woods.

Agrafa

Cobra High is a really special unique hangout spot in the heart of Neos Kosmos. It's more than just a bar! It's a common-room for the community, full of creativity, artists and personality. Owner Gregoris is so hospitable and passionate and it really shines through his space. Hosting good foods, music, exhibitions, seminars, private birthday parties and home-brewed Kombucha, it's a lovely spot for a modest night out, with good vibes and people.

Cobra High

Madam X’s Guide to Athens

United States

Los Angeles 

Eso Won Books is an independent Black-owned bookstore in Los Angeles, that actively champions African-American authors and has become a safe space for the community.

Eso Won Books

This is a Nigerian restaurant in Inglewood! Their okra stew! It's so spicy. I would go here and make sure to have a couple hours to spare, because sometimes it takes a while to get your food.

Veronica's Kitchen 

Inspired by thrifted clothing and 90s pop icons, Phlemuns has made waves in the LA fashion scene since its inception. James Flemons ultimately seeks to bring people together through not only his clothes but the creation of community.

PHLEMUNS

ComfortLA started as a late-night, pop-up restaurant taking a clean approach to soul food. They use locally sourced, fresh and organic ingredients and healthier cooking methods to create top-notch, Southern cuisine including " Cousin Kina's Mac ‘n’ Cheese," Clean Mean Greens" and their signature "Organic Not Your Average Fried Chicken" with “That Sauce.

Comfort LA

This is a really good breakfast, lunch, dinner soul food restaurant in Inglewood and they play great r&b!! I love their pork chops and free mimosas on Sunday I believe ;) Get there early because it gets pretty crowded

The Serving Spoon

Delicious egg bread french toast! Beautiful memorabilia. This space used to be the spot many artists, poets, and black panther party members gathered at to hold open mics at in the 1960s.

Watts Coffee House

Messob, the family-run Ethiopian restaurant on Fairfax. A meal at Messob is like eating at home with your friends, because your mom’s in town and offered to cook.

Messob

The best shrimp and grits in Los Angeles.

My Two Cents

Jackfruit Cafe is a West Los Angeles vegan restaurant that specializes in Jackfruit offering delicious, healthy bowls, tacos, burritos and salads.

Jackfruit Cafe

The finest Chai in LA. Enjoy a cup of true bohemian coffee experience, or a quick espresso shot on the go. Any drink can be served ice cold.

Bohemian House of Chai

Owned by Chace Infinite, this hidden gem of a coffee spot serves a mean matcha latte along with delicious vegan donuts. Hit their IG bio for opening times and services available at the moment.

Harun Coffee, Leimert Park

A chill storefront spot serving Caribbean dishes such as jerk chicken, oxtail and curry shrimp.

Ackee Bamboo

Senegalese entrepreneur, Marianne Ndiaye, takes pride on using only Organic Fair Trade soap and shea butter from Mali and Ghana. These homemade products are made using an old family recipe to soften the shea butter and all scents are natural extracts from fruits and flowers.

Body Butter Lady

An espresso bar with light bites and an adjoining production studio with events. Storefront pick up and limited outdoor seating available.

Sip & Sonder

Found in n the Hyde Park area of South L.A., Kelli Jackson stepped away from a career in art to take over the family business. The market works with partners including the L.A. Food Policy Council, the local arts community, and the national restaurant chain, Sweetgreen, in pursuing a vision that combines healthy food and community empowerment.

Hank's Mini Market

Opened in 1984, owned by Percell Keeling and found in the heart of LA, this food spot attracts customers all over for its tasty nutritious food featuring authentic Jamaican fare. They have a strong community value and aim to enhance the quality of life and the health of their neighbours.

Simply Wholesome

A concept shop and creative space curated by Blackness, POC and a few good allies. Founded by LA-native creative director Jazzi McGilbert, who also identifies as queer, she founded the shop as a labour of love, inspired by Jazzi’s best friend/mom, Joyce “Neicie” McGilbert, who passed away in June 2018 at age 57, and her own experience as a young Black creative in Los Angeles.

Reparations Club

Founded by Marquise Miller, an LA native, Millersroom shows to be one of the most coveted vintage suppliers in the city. This idea was birthed to fulfill his desire to share his keen eye for fashion, film, art, elevated staples, and everything in between. All garments and objects are sourced from all over the world by himself.

Miller's Room

Black-Owned Businesses in Los Angeles

Shingo

Japan

Tokyo

Sake Street is actually a liquor store, not a bar. But you can taste a variety of sakes at affordable prices. The store's Instagram has descriptions of the sake in English.

Sake Street

You can freely pour and compare from around 80 different brands of sake here. Find your favourite one while enjoying all-you-can-eat sushi.

Little Sake Square

Each week, they feature a different sake brewery. This is nice because the offerings change all the time, so it's always something new there!

Plat Stand Moto

Yorokobi is a sake bar, but the real star of their menu is the delicious udon noodles. Both the sake and the food is outstanding there.

Yorokobi

The restaurant has been around for over 150 years and is famous for its soba noodles. It also offers a wide variety of sake and Japanese food that pairs well with sake.

Asada

Yodare is a restaurant that serves Izakaya (Japanese style pub) food. There is a wide variety of sake available, and even hard-to-find sakes such as Aramasa and Denshu at reasonable prices.

Yodare

This is a store for "Hakkaisan", one of the most famous Sake brands. Here you can enjoy a Hakkaisan tasting, as well as snacks made with koji (malted rice).

Hakkaisan Sennen Koujiya

This is a standing bar where you can drink the sake that was just made in Tokyo Station. I recommend the doburoku (unrefined sake) made at the Tokyo Station Sake Brewery next door.

Hasegawa Saketan Gransta

Where to Drink the Best Sake in Tokyo with Shingo

Kranium

Jamaica

Blue Hole Mineral Spring (Port End)

They have the BEST Ice Cream in the Caribbean.

Devon House (Kingston)

You feel his spirit and appreciate him for what he’s done for reggae and Jamaica.

Bob Marley Museum 

A must-visit; you have to jump in the water.

Dunns River Falls (Ochi Rios)

One of the best getaway resorts on the island.

Pushcart restaurant at Rock House (Negril)

Treasure Beach

Discover Jamaica with Reggae and Dancehall Singer, Kranium

Brad Morrison and Jamie Strachan

Of course, we recommend coming to see us in our roastery in Homerton. We have a takeaway counter where our head barista has been developing incredible seasonal drinks. Come in now and get the Cold Brew Orange Mocha Frappuccino. We're takeaway only, but you'll be glad of that when you hear whatever music the production team is blaring that day, always space for some curb-side hangouts for the very brave though.

Dark Arts Coffee

One of the first, if not thee first, 3rd wave (specialist) cafes in London. Get a, um, flat white from any of the veterans working there Ask for Liam and tell him Jackson C Frank is overrated.

Flat White

The stand out thing at Hand Cafe is the greek ‘inspired’ pies: some quite traditional and some grecophile interpretation. Look out for one of the owners, Dom, probably wearing a hat that reads ‘Tinos’, and ask him who he thinks is the best basketball player in the league and when he tells you ‘Giannis Antetokounmpo’ ask him why.

Hand Cafe

Tip: Grab a filter and order the vegan Dom 2.0 with added vinegar pickles and burnt jalapeño sauce. Trust me. (Oh, and make sure you have a napkin).

Dom's Sub's 

Sit at the bar, grab an espresso and order one of everything on the food menu, the kitchen is insane! After that get Haris to make you a mezcal old fashioned.

Catalyst

A long-standing East London favourite. The cafe always has a fast-paced and fun vibe. I know that avocado on toast is a coffee shop trope but I still think Climpsons are the best to ever do it.

Climpsons

The most striking thing here is the location. Previously a private golf course, Beckenham Place Park is now open to the public. Go at the weekend and grab a flat white from Chris on the cart outside and pair it with one of the in-house-made pastries.

Homestead Cafe

This vegan cafe has a long history in the London punk scene, with the current owners also being part of the co-op in its previous incarnation as Pogo Cafe in the same location. Come here, utilise the zine library, try to find all the band references in the poster display and order whatever stew head chef Nacho has prepared that day. All the food here is great but I think that his stews are the highlight.

Black Cat

It’s hard to miss with the bright yellow shopfront right outside Brockley station. Home of the best cinnamon buns in London. Look out for the owner Erin who will be the one with the biggest smile.

Broca

London's Best Coffee Shops with Dark Arts Coffee

Portugal

Lisbon

Antù is a community of restaurants, bars, agencies, artists, vintage dealers, fashion designers, digital creators and cultural producers with a gastro bar, art gallery, clothing store and many musical events. Antù offers a new food and beverage experience in spaces that breathe culture and creativity. If you are an artist, a lover of fashion and food, this is the right place to be cozy and jiggy and gain a new experience. You can chill with your friends and have a great time.

Antù

A fresh space in Lisbon’s chiado area, the heart of Lisbon. Latte is a new project in the Portuguese market, introducing new brands in streetwear and sportswear.

Latte

You don’t know where to buy fresh new sneakers? Komum offers a connecting hub for sneakers and Portuguese culture. Everything you need you can find at Komum, easy. Retro Nike Jordan and Dunk to Yeezy and ACG silhouettes. Local streetwear and music in the heart of Lisbon.

Komum

You can't go to Lisbon and not go to Solar das Carnes. Bifes na frigideira is the best dish of the restaurant, became my favourite. Great music and excellent food.

Solar das Carnes

Another favourite spot. You can't leave Lisbon without showing your dance moves at Musicbox. This is a house for me and became my favourite spot. You can and you will find the best DJs and artists. They always have a good vibe and good music.

Musicbox

Like views of the city? Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is my favourite in Lisbon. Best place to put your mind right, sometimes I go there to search for inspiration to make music.

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

Vanyfox’s Guide to Lisbon

Netherlands

Amsterdam

If you're looking for a restaurant that prioritises sustainability and compassion, TerraZen Centre in Amsterdam is a fantastic choice. This vegan eatery offers a unique menu featuring Caribbean and Japanese dishes, all designed to support a healthier planet. Growing up in a Hispanic household, meat was a staple—whether it was bandeja paisa or lechona at my quinceañera. Over time, I saw the contradiction between my love for animals and my dietary choices. Watching documentaries about meat and fish production helped me become more conscious of what I put into my body. While I’m still on my journey, TerraZen Centre is a great place to start or continue aligning your lifestyle with your values, offering delicious vegan food and a commitment to positive change.