Candle-lit and a little bit spooky. Holloway Road has many goth-inspired pubs. Photo credit: Gianluca Mezzofiore

Recently voted one of Britain’s most depressing roads, Holloway Road finds it hard to shake off its reputation of being ‘Angel’s shabby twin’, despite the frenzied attitude and vibrant atmosphere you can inhale on its traffic-choked streets.

Literally split in two parts by one of the main arterial roads of London, Holloway is a place where nothing remains the same for too long. Waves of immigrants mould its face every decade, and you can tell who’s new and who’s gone from the neon signs of the closest grocery shop. Even pubs and cinemas can’t help but transform themselves into something else.

Take for instance The Coronet. Originally, it was an art deco cinema, designed by William Glenn. It opened in 1940 and was first called Savoy cinema. Then it was renamed the ABC in 1962. Then again, the current name, the Coronet, in 1979. Its last screening was four years later. Now, it has been converted into a Wetherspoons pub, where you can get burger, beer and chips at £4.99 or book your Christmas meal at only £6.99 (from 15 November to 23 December).

The Coronet on Holloway Road. Photo credit: Gianluca Mezzofiore

The Coronet has changed a lot, but the 1940s movie atmosphere is intact. Photo credit: Gianluca Mezzofiore

Once inside, the hall strikes you with its grandiosity and warmth, and features some old posters and pictures of Judy Garland and Ingrid Bergman. Next to a huge poster of Casablanca, the old cinema screen has been replaced by a glass rear that frames a centrepiece of tables in the middle of the room. An old-fashioned projector maintains the atmosphere of black-and-white film, popcorn and excited teenagers at the cinema for the first time. Just the right place to pop back in time and day-dream about being in a 1940s movie.

From the Herbert Chapman’s pub, just outside Holloway Road station, you can get a glimpse of the massive Arsenal Emirates Stadium. Named after the great English manager, and all reddish like Arsenal’s colours, Herbert Chapman’s Pub on match days is packed with local supporters. A perfect venue to watch live sports and swear at Van Persie’s next mistake.

Horrorway tour revisited

The Gaff. Bring your handcuffs. Photo credit: Gianluca Mezzofiore

Further up the street, in 304, Holloway Road, a plaque commemorates the flat where legendary music producer Joe Meek used to live and work. This is also the place where the controversial song Jack the Ripper was recorded by Screaming Lord Sutch, in 1963. Perhaps the screams and footstep sounds, which marked the introduction of the song and caused it to be banned by the BBC upon its release, signed the beginning of the Horrorway legacy.

Holloway’s online community celebrate the spooky atmosphere of Upper Holloway Road and the interesting people it attracts. Start your horror tour at Haunted, a ghastly tattoo shop with a black and white squared floor, eerie drawings and a weird green theme everywhere. The right place to get threaded with a needle, without a doubt.

The Big Red Salon. Photo credit: Gianluca Mezzofiore

Then keep crawling in pain to the Gaff, the old King’s Head pub. For only £5 you can enjoy live punk, dark, hard-rock and metal music every night, in a sullen and gloomy atmosphere, surrounded by shaven-headed goths and hipsters with leather pants and boots, wearing chains, handcuffs, and all kinds of s&m dress. Next week the Anti-Tory League hosts an event with bands such as Newtown Neurotics, Attila the Stockbroker and Monica and the Explosion. With names like those you can’t help but cool off and enjoy the feeling that in Holloway Road, it’s Halloween every night.

The Big Red has both cowboys and goths, and an intimate atmosphere. Photo credit: Gianluca Mezzofiore

If you’re still up for another drink, the Big Red Salon is waiting for you at the other side of the street. A rough, Harley Davidson-like place with Kiss music in the background, the Big Red stands out among the other Holloway pubs for a handful of reasons: Four pool tables, to start with, an impressive jukebox, a flipper machine, and nice shots at £3 with scary names like “Highway to hell”. The atmosphere is incredibly intimate, with Jack Daniel’s chandeliers, Johnny Cash wallposters and Christmas lights with cactus and cowboy boots instead of snowballs and Santa Claus faces.

A late night in Holloway Road is not complete without a quick stroll to the iShake, a milkshake and dinner bar that opened earlier this year. Your sugar-level will rise dramatically after a taste of their fruity and chocolatey drinks, topped with whipped cream or blended with a huge variety of flavours. Ready to sweeten your nightmares on Holloway Road.

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Photo: Lillo Montalto Monella

Don’t look for wild parties in Cockfosters. You won’t find any. A nice, quiet spot of emptiness at the end of Piccadilly line, the word Cockfosters usually produces a various range of reactions from the measured “What?” to the extreme one “Where in the world is this…what’s its name again?”

On the way to this mysterious place, quite a long trip from King’s Cross, you’ll probably have some sort of am-I-really-going-there feeling.

But getting over ground at Arnos Grove, three stops before Cockfosters on the Piccadilly Line, can give some kind of relief. Contrary to what people assume, zone five is not just about slummy suburbia and shabby working class districts. The ride from Arnos Grove to Cockfosters is a pleasant parade of upper-middle class detached houses, hiding within patches of green space. It is a harmonious whole of residential peace dipped in the fog at the outpost of civilization.

What’s there to see?

Photo: Lillo Montalto Monella

Asking people that actually live there the naïve (but very indicative indeed) question, “What is worth talking about around here?” good chances are you’ll receive a “nothing, really” type of answer. I was told “there’s really nothing interesting around here” by almost everyone, including the altar boy at Christ Church (maybe the most ancient building in the area, five minutes walking from the tube station). Still I didn’t give up.

On my way to the church, edging a big cricket ground, I meet Mike, 68, who works for the Cockfosters Football Club. We cordially talk for a while and all I get to know is that the area has not been that developed until the tube station was built. Needless to say, the tube station itself is considered by the dwellers as a sort of tourist attraction, or at least an “interesting spot”.

There might only be one pub in Cockfosters, but you can be sure to find cocks there. Photo: Lillo Monella

But, if you’re a little stubborn, you’ll be able to make people reveal that there’s actually a pub in Cockfosters. Just one, though, called the Cock and Dragon (once known as The Cock Tavern). “The 29 bus used to stop by,” Mike says, out of nostalgia, “but not anymore.”

The “cocked” pub (in Cockfosters red roosters are almost everywhere, from road signs to pub banners) is not just an English pub but also a Thai restaurant (from 6pm to 10pm). On Monday evenings, it’s possible to get curry and pint for just £7.95. Even though it is the only pub in Cockfosters, it is quite hidden and rather difficult to find. You’d better ask for directions or turn on your smartphone.

Trent Park

But what is really worth seeing in Cockfosters, according to everyone (including Mike) is Trent Park, one of the few surviving remnants of the once extensive Royal Hunting Forest of Enfield Chase. The 413-acre estate was property of some relatives of the Queen in earlier times; during World War II, the War Office requisitioned the building located at its very centre (which now belongs to Middlesex University) to interrogate prisoners.”

Trent Park is huge, really huge, and a visit is really worth the trip. Located in the west of Enfield, it can be easily reached by buses 298, 299, 384,121, 307, with the nearest tube station being Cockfosters, only five minutes from the park entrance.

Where Cockfosterians live. Photo: Lillo Montalto Monella

Packed with wealthy residents walking their posh pink-suited dogs with puffy haircuts, Trent Park is a large open space for walking, jogging and cycling. Runners are everywhere: The Chickenshed 10k Challenge took place here recently.

Things to do and places to eat

As Halloween is approaching, you’ll probably be glad to know that from Sunday 23 to Sunday 31 of October the Skewbald Theatre organizes “spooky journeys” through the Woodlands of Trent Park for families and children’s amusement.

Stroll pleasantly through the earth-warming landscape among magpies and squirrels and, if you get the chance, reach the Middlesex University and get a hot, invigorating tea at the Student Union cafeteria. Student prices should be of stimulus.

The Cockfosters pub scene. Yes. That's it. Photo: Lillo Montalto Monella

Down Cockfosters Road it’s easy to find the usual lot of cafeteria, bars, shops, grocery stores, post offices, banks and so on. Two of the cafes really stand out: the Miracle cafe, the closer one to the tube station, and the Moonlight cafe, a bit further down the road. They both serve really abundant portions to satisfy those who are brave enough to seek adventure into this affluent realm of nothingness. Nevertheless, they are both quite expensive for being suburbia cafes. So, our golden tip is about another small breakfast bar called Heddons, right next to the famous restaurant Hunters of Cockfosters. If you feel like having fancy sandwiches, filling Panini-ciabatta, a great range of donuts or pastries for a good wake up, you’ll find heaven. A heaven that comes at roughly half price compared to the other cafes.

Cockfosters has several good grocery stores to buy some real good stuff, a kosher shop selling kosher food and a fisherman baking homemade fish pies with a long-established tradition in the business. A couple of Greek restaurants called Blue Olive and Aegeon complete the puzzle, and are easy to reach walking down the main road towards Oakwood tube. The Greek and Cypriot communities in Cockfosters are rather big.

The Maze Inn, a wedding and conference room next to Oakwood tube station, and the super kitsch Benedictine monastery Vita et Pax are the pillars of Hercules of this neighbourhood that, in the end, confirms the initial expectations. Cockfosters is all about its wonderful green area, Trent Park. An affluent, quiet spot of relax at the very end of the tube.

In case you think we’re too mature for a giggle, take a listen to our Cockfosters Mashup.

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The Barnsbury Pub in Islington boasts good beer, a cosy feel and a young atmosphere. All Photos: Eugenio Montesano

In the heart of lively Islington, etched in a  more residential area away from the madness of Upper Street, Barnsbury Pub manages to combine the warm feeling of old English pubs with the openness and excitement common to the hippest places of this trendy London borough.

It’s quite a long walk from Angel tube station to where Barnsbury pub is located, but this upbeat and friendly place on the corner between Liverpool Road and Barnsbury Street is definitely worth a visit.

The interior is easy and relaxed, the walls covered with typical 19th century Britannia prints and a scattering of fascinating jumble from the 60s –  Volkswagen van and all.

A change in ownership has brought in events and a younger crowd, and the pub holds regular events such as match-day barbecues for Arsenal supporters, charity drinking sessions and a Real Ale Club, held every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30, where all real ales are served for just £2 a pint.

A rotating selection of British ales are on tap at the Barnsbury Pub.

The beer selection is good, with a rotating selection of English ales on tap along with draught lagers (Carling, Foster’s, Amstel, Stella Artois) and Belgian bottled beers (Chimay, Leffe, Duvel). If wine is more to your liking, the pub offers quite a few options. Prices range from £3 for a small glass of Spanish Viura to £11.50 for a carafe of Malbec. Finer wines are only served in bottles and cost between £22 for a white Macon-Villages ’08 and £27 for a red Nero d’Avola Lamuri ’07.

The Barnsbury is a bit of a gastro-pub in both food offering and price, with a different menu every day. Popular dishes include the braised Elwy Valley lamb shoulder (£14.50), the confit duck leg with French beans (£14) and the pea and gorgonzola cheese risotto (£10.50). Portion size is the only downside: given its high price, eating out in this pub is not recommended if you’re really hungry!

One thing you wouldn’t expect from a pub is good coffee. The Barnsbury, on the contrary, is a destination for the true coffee connoisseur. They serve Nude Espresso, a special blend available only in a handful of London bars. Their coffee is strong, creamy and well worth a try.

With a selection of national and local newspapers on hand, all the major board games (Monopoly, Scrabble, Guess Who?), piped music (eclectic, but relaxing and not too loud) and, fortunately, no arcade games, it’s a good place to settle in. The staff are very helpful, efficient and always up for a little chat and free beer tastings. Last but not least, the Barnsbury boasts a small yet intimate beer garden.

At weekends the Barnsbury is packed with both locals and tourists. Booking is recommended.

The Barnsbury, 209-211 Liverpool Road, Islington, London N1 1LX. Telephone: 020 7607 5519

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Pick of the season: London is full of berries right now.

It’s easy to forget where fruit and berries come from if you only ever pick them from the shelves at Tesco. But London is ripe with bushes and trees just waiting to be harvested. And it doesn’t cost a penny! Expert forager and food blogger Brie O’Keefe gives us her lowdown on what’s out there for the urban forager.

Last Saturday a leisurely stroll along Regent’s canal turned into a harvest mission: first there were the blackberries, hanging black and juicy, moments away from our fingertips, too ripe to refuse.

Then we found the large rosemary bush, surrounded by sage with enough herb laden branches to be dried at home and used all winter in pasta sauces or fresh bread.

Moving on we passed elder trees, whose fragrant spring flowers had now turned into bunches of black berries that could be made into jelly before we found damsons and sloes – which could be infused with gin for a delicious Christmas treat.

And finally – although I don’t condone it, a trip into a cemetery in Highgate gave us enough fresh apples for more than a few crumbles.

Although summer is over my friends, the harvest season lives on, and with a little sleuthing and a Tupperware container a world of culinary delights await you.

So what’s in season now? The London Forager has a seasonal list of what can be found within the M25 and when it’s at its best.  But in short, now is the time to pick blackberries, elderberries, sloes, damsons and mushrooms.

Sloes are great in gin. Photo: David Fisher/ Flickr

How do I find them? Fruit City has an interactive map where people can log fruit trees they’ve found around the capital, but in truth, you just need to get out there and keep your eyes peeled.  Unfortunately most foragers (myself included) don’t want to log the exact sources of our produce as we don’t want our trees to be overpicked the next time we want to make a batch of sloe gin.

So I’ve found something – how can I be sure? A google image search is your best friend in this case, and don’t leave home without printed images of what you want.  Look not just at the fruit, but at the leaves.  Find out the height of the tree/bush, whether it has thorns, and where it generally grows.  For example, damsons and sloes look almost identical, but sloes grow on a bush with thorns, are slightly smaller, have a sour taste and a large pip.  Damsons grow on trees, have no thorns and the fruit is sweeter.

You can easily identify most fruits and herbs with images, but please, please don’t forage mushrooms on your own.  For a course on where to find delicious ‘shrooms check out Fungi to be with though all of his forays for 2010 are sold out.

What do I do with them?

Damsons and sloes can be made into deliciously sweet infused gin or vodka.  See this recipe.

You can also make amazing damson chutney, courtesy of Delia.

Rosehips, blackberries and elderberries can be made into jelly to be served with roast meat.  See these recipes:

Rosehip and apple jelly

Elderberry jelly

Blackberry jelly

Blackberries and apples can make great jam (blackberries have too many seeds to make pure jam):

Blackberry and apple jam

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Rich colours and colourful traders, East Street Market has it all. Photo Credit: Daniel Ross

A large number of visitors to London find their way to Borough Market and consume the tasty fare until it’s time to be rolled home. But East Street Market is a different experience. Hidden away behind Elephant and Castle, this is the place for bargain hunters and anyone desperate to get away from the oh-so-trendy vibe of Borough and the like.

Stall holders intent on doing the serious business of making a living charm the crowds to their stall and make you an offer that you can’t refuse.

Need some industrial sized cookware? Feel like spicy cow’s feet for dinner or feeling nostalgic for Coca-Cola products not made and bottled in the UK? This is the spot for you.

Huge piles of satsumas and cherrys vie for attention with colourful material and pre-packaged duvet covers. To prove our point, intrepid First Pint photographer, Daniel Ross, went down to capture the scene for your viewing pleasure.

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The Odeon it ain't, Guerrilla Cinema. Photo credit: Irina Ruseva

When I first saw my local petrol station close down I naively thought that the site – a large-ish patch slap bang in the middle of the vibrant Farringdon road – would spend the rest of the balmy summer nights as little more than an elaborate urinal for the Friday night, city-boy boozers that frequent that part of the neighborhood.

I was wrong; in the make-do and mend ethos that has permeated the London scene – the former Texaco garage (R.I.P.) became part of a small-scale regeneration project. It briefly transformed into a guerilla cinema – the Cineroleum.

Created by an artistic collective with seemingly one objective in mind – to turn the disused space into something of a Mecca for film buffs seeking out the elusive ‘film-night with a difference.’ Ridiculous? Fad? Or a good time? The First Pint went to investigate.

For all those currently rolling your eyes, tittering politely into your sleeve or simply shaking your head in disbelief that anyone would give up the comfort of piping hot popcorn and plush seating at their local megaplex to slum it in an abandoned petrol station, snigger no more, it is actually a lot of fun.

Art meets entertainment

For one, the mission statement is laudable. The artists are seeking to bring back the old-school glamour of ‘going to the pictures’. By re-using an assortment of cinema paraphernalia and old-school seat and curtain designs they managed to immerse the audience in the purest of vintage experiences.

The artists behind the project explained it by saying, “Just as the drive-ins of 1950′s America brought cinema out from its enclosures and into suburbia, The Cineroleum will be a street-side cinema that is truly exposed to the city.”

However, on arriving at the makeshift cinema, it was clear that this kind of concept can only realistically work in the warmest and frankly driest of the calendar months. After putting on a sweater and stealing my boyfriend’s jacket I was ready to rock – appropriate - as the film was the 1965 noir-ish classic Alphaville, directed by Jean-Luc Godard and starring Anna Karina and Eddie Constantine.

The audience was a mix of people who seemed to have stumbled upon the cinema by chance. Half-way through the film, many of them had developed a glassy eyed look (my companion and I argued whether this was wonderment or merely boredom.) The rest were clearly die-hard Godard fans and their excitement seemed to permeate the small space.

Furthermore, it pleased my inner-geek that the predominant theme of the film – that sometimes the most mundane images can become dazzling in the right context – was so well suited to our bijoux surroundings. Add to the mix a pretty good selection of art house shorts and animations curated by the Guerilla Cinema and Cineroleum is clearly onto a winning combination.

The proof is in the pudding as the cinema was fully booked every night of business, which incidentally ended a couple of weeks ago. So why, may you ask, am I telling you about it? Well, the artists seem intent that this will not be the last of its kind. With 4,000 petrol stations currently lying derelict in the UK, this pilot project demonstrates the potential for their transformation into exciting and unusual spaces for public use and I, for one, think it’s a pretty good idea.

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A 'classroom of the future', located in Richmond. Many other iconic London landmarks will be open as well. Photo Credit: Valeria Carullo

This weekend sees an air of hospitality overwhelm London, with over 700 buildings opening their doors as part of Open House.

Now in its 18^th year, Open-City continues its mission to open ‘eyes, minds and doors’ with their free architectural extravaganza. The plethora of spaces open to the public includes everything from the Tower of London to your local primary school, with a clutter of private homes thrown in too.
The event provides a unique opportunity to explore some of London’s most iconic buildings, such as the Bank of England and the BT Tower; participating for the first time this year.

Some places trigger intrigue purely on the strength of their reputation: BBC Bush House, the Foreign Office, and internationally renowned universities including LSE and UCL. Thousands of knowledgeable guides and stewards will be on hand across the city, while the architects themselves undertake a staggering 1600 tours of the buildings they’ve designed.

The quirky hidden gems will also step out of the shadows, with Jimi Hendrix’s flat, the Royal Small Arts Factory, and London’s very own Fan Museum welcoming guests. Surprise highlights can also be found in your own area; check out ‘Design in your borough’ on the Open House website, or join one of their many cycle tours or city walks.

Open-City is also marching into the future, launching their very own i-Phone app; ‘Flook’, which locates the nearest OH building.

With a skyline cluttered with cranes, London’s architectural evolution continues daily. To complement this, the Olympic Park will be open for tours, taking in the Stadium, Velodrome, and Aquatics Centre, while also looking at what’s to come over the next 18 months. Going beyond sport, the Olympic site will also host a series of ‘art in the park’ talks, exploring how artists have transformed the site ready for 2012.

Ever-conscious of environmental impact, Open-City has united with the Energy Saving Trust to promote a series of eco-friendly buildings. These include the innovative Acorns Retro Eco-house, which combines a wind-turbine and rain-harvester to generate green electricity to sell on to the national grid. The inspirational Sponge Trail of Eco-Buildings highlights working buildings that promote sustainability, and is sure to leave you transforming your home into an eco-haven.

Editor of the Architects Journal Christine Murray has hailed the event as a ‘first class education in architecture.’ But so much more than that, it provides the opportunity to explore your city in a way not possible any other weekend of the year, and bring striking innovation into your own home.

Open House takes place on 18 and 19 September.

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Fashion takes over London's nights for one time only. Photo credit: Fabbio / Flickr

Put on your Burberry coat, take your Balenciaga bag out of the closet and prepare for 2010’s biggest fashion party. Fashion magazine Vogue presents a variety of fashion events during London’s Fashion’s Night Out, which will take place in the West End on September 8. It will bring together editors, models, musicians and designers in a unique celebration of the industry to put their best heel forward.

Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) is a one-night special event honouring the forthcoming Fashion Week around the globe. Hundreds of stores will host festivities that will allow shoppers to enjoy a fashion party atmosphere while checking out designer goods.

From New York to Madrid to London, this is the second time that FNO is taking place and  it promises to be as successful as last year. The 2010 edition, full of stylish surprises, is aiming to be equally legendary and inspiring.

What’s on at the Night Out?

London’s favourite designers, models and stylists will help you find just what you’re looking for. Retailers across the town will host special events also for people without full wallets.

The evening’s entertainment will include a free in-store gig of rock band Arctic Monkeys hosted by Urban Outfitters and the launch of Manolo Blahnik’s new Liberty pop-up store. Selfridges will also host a number of activities including a Q&A with designer Peter Pilotto and free express manicures by Chanel.

The First Pint recommends these events for you:

• Giorgio Armani (51-53 New Bond Street) will be hosting a cocktail evening with Vogue UK editor Alexandra Shulman.
• Urban Outfitters (200 Oxford Street) will host rock band Arctic Monkeys to play a live set in the store.
• Agent Provocateur (6 Broadwick Street) will show its Autumn ’10 campaign video in store and will play host to DJ Pandora’s Jukebox while serving champagne to shoppers.
• Banana Republic (224 Regent Street) will be giving advice to shoppers from their in-store personal styling team.
• Burberry (21-23 New Bond Street) will surprise visitors with a British band that is yet to be confirmed.
• Selfridges (400 Oxford Street) department store will host the launch of Lily Allen’s Lucy in Disguise clothing label.

For more details check out the Fashion’s Night Out website. Happy shopping!

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The popular hang out, Dalston Superstore

Once banished as East London’s seedy underbelly, Dalston is emerging as an up-and-coming artsy neighborhood just like what London’s epicenter of hip — Shoreditch — used to be. Unassumingly transforming itself at night into a party scene, stylish bars that were once pound shops are bursting with skinny-jeaned, brick-lane hipster types.

If you make your way from Shoreditch down Kingsland Road, famous for its cheap, yet authentic,  hole-in-the wall Vietnamese eateries, you’ll find yourself on Kingsland High Street, the main artery of Dalston.

International delights

Historically, Dalston is a bustling area for immigrants. With a large Caribbean population and now an even larger Turkish population, the residents are evident by the variety of budget-friendly Turkish restaurants and grocers lining the boulevard. The culturally rich and ethnically diverse neighbourhood is undergoing a rapid gentrification with many young creatives moving to the area. This gives Dalston pockets of contemporary edge amidst deliciously dingy kebab restaurants.

The artsy party scene

The area has attracted artists with studios popping up all over the hood. Dalston Underground studios, a non-profit art group that hosts artists and their work and Absorb Arts studios, which exhibits a range of talent, are two of the many studios that have converted artists to Dalston.

Dan Beaumont, a Dalston resident, recently opened Dalston Superstore. It has gained acclaim for its New-York-style East Village dive bar vibe and has an accompanying restaurant and gallery that caters to a gay and mixed clientele. It boasts two floors, live DJs, and brings in a variety of partygoers from all over London.

“There are great neighbourhoods all over London. A lot of people used to go out in West London but more and more places like Dalston are becoming popular hangout spots. London is changing all the time,” says Beaumont. “It’s a great neighbourhood. Dalston has a really vibrant culture.”

Food and fashionistas

The perfect Saturday morning can be spent at Broadway market noted for its beautifully arranged fresh baked goods, produce, and artisan crafts. The market is conveniently situated Southeast of the district on an unassuming street clattered with cozy cafes and boutiques. Nearby is London Fields, which is bedecked with lounging fashionistas on sunny days. These leisurely and picturesque ways to spend the weekend add to the increasing appeal of Dalston.

Tamami Haga, 34, has been selling home-baked treats like chocolate brownies and delicate heart-shaped berry tarts dusted with powdered sugar, at her Broadway Market stall, Coco&Me, from its inception five years ago. It’s really up-and-coming and it’s becoming more and more popular,” she said about the market. “ Five years ago not many people knew about the place.”

Residents love the area for its diversity and mix of unique individuals. “It’s a crazy mix in a good way. It’s not Shoreditch crazy but it’s subtle. It’s a great place to live and it completely transforms itself at night,” says Merle Philip, 30, lawyer who is a long-time resident of Dalston.

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A couple of weeks ago Hackney played host to the third annual Wicked Arts Festival. Three days of art, music, cinema, flea markets and visual theatre.

Art critics are not The First Pint’s favourite people – we believe you can make up your own mind. So rather than describe the art and the events going on in the hip end of London that is Hackney, we sent our photographer, Daniel Ross, to check it out so those of you who on holidays could enjoy it anyway…

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Read more from The First Pint, the international's guide to all that London offers.