Off the West-End

Do you love theatre but dislike the price tag that comes with west-end tickets? Then why not organise a trip to a nearby independent theatre.

With great shows, fewer tourists and affordable tickets, I would strongly recommend the following.

The Tricycle Theatre: Situated on Kilburn High Road, this theatre has a constant stream of great shows. Ticket prices are also very reasonable. While usually £15, Tuesday evenings and Saturday matinee performances are 'pay what you can' for students (the first 20 seats) and reduced to £8 on Wednesdays. There is also a very nice cinema and restaurant.

The Hampstead Theatre: To avoid confusion, the Hampstead Theatre is NOT in Hampstead, it is outside Swiss Cottage tube station. Once again, very interesting productions have been performed here with tickets at the £12 mark.

Lyric Hammersmith: I must confess, I have not yet visited this great venue. Then how could I possibly know of its greatness? (I hear you ask). Well...every time I have tried to book my reasonably priced £10 ticket for one of their shows, it has always already sold out!

Links:

The Tricycle Theatre

Hampstead Theatre

Lyric Hammersmith

Faces to a name

Left to Right: My Village Café, Primrose Patisserie, Café 202

(Mike’s Café will have to remain a mystery…no picture could be found)

Take a break

A trip to a café should be a break from reality. A small smidgen of time that lets you forget the rush, stress and troubles of everyday life.

Many Londoners’ relish in the non-stop city life thereby getting used to the to-go approach of the big chains. Wait! Slow down! And turn to our fellow Europeans (as well as my suggestions) for inspiration on how to sit back, relax and take a break.

Mike’s Café: Since opening in the 1960s, this place has been bustling ever since. While famous for their traditional English fry up and a great atmosphere, my personal favourite is their homemade milkshake – don't miss out, they even give you the left overs that don’t manage to fit in the glass!

12 Blenheim Cresent, Notting Hill, W11 1NN, 02072293757

Primrose Patisserie: Unpretentious, simple and relaxing. Situated on the doorstep of Primrose Hill Park, this is a great café to sit and watch the world go by. When faced with the decision of which cake to choose, a strong suggestion is the infamous apple cake. That is, unless one has an aversion to apples.

136 Regent's Park Road, Primrose Hill, NW1 8XL, 0207 722 7848 (Nearest tube: Chalk Farm)

Café 202: This café is perfect if you feel like treating yourself for a special breakfast. The brunch menu includes delicious waffles, eggs, pancakes and much more. While there is often a queue on weekends, it goes relatively fast and before you know it, you will be sitting, relaxing and enjoying.

202 Westbourne Grove, Nothing Hill, W11 2RH, 0207 727 2722


My Village Café: The owner is lovely, the food is great and the atmosphere is one of my favorites. Situated towards the Chalk Farm end of Camden Highstreet, this great find has amazing coffee and papers to read as well as wonderful tasters dished out by the staff.

37 Chalk Farm Road, Chalk Farm, NW1, 8AJ, 0207 485 4996