O perfil de majorleaguer

It may be slightly off the beaten track (two blocks behind Essex Rd) but the Mucky Pup is a special pub indeed.

Firstly, it has a house dog - always a good sign. Secondly, the people behind the bar are always friendly and never give you any grief or attitude. Thirdly, the food menu is perfect for a pub - good basics (chips, doorstop sandwiches, Sunday roasts) with none of your gastropub bollocks. Add to that a good dartboard and pool table out the back, and a well stocked proper jukebox, and the Pup is well worth seeking out.

An island in a sea of mulitplexes, the Rio really is one of Dalston’s true gems.

Showing a range of Hollywood, foreign and independent films, as well late night screenings, Sunday matinees, special double bills, and special parents & babies screenings. They also screen a free matinee in the middle of each month (with free tea and cake!). You can also hire the cinema out on Friday and Saturday nights for special screenings of a film of your choice, a perfect idea if you’re planning a birthday party with a difference.

The large screen and comfy seats make for a perfect cinema experience, especially if you’re watching Casablanca with a Monmouth coffee and a slice of chocolate cake!

A handy independent records store right in the heart of Soho. Cheap new releases, stacks of vinyl (particularly 7 inches), classic albums at reasonable prices and knowledgeable staff. Never fail to leave the store without making a purchase either! Stores like these need to be supported as they’re disappearing fast, so if it’s a choice between Sister Ray and one of the chain stores, I know which one I’d choose.

A great ‘hidden’ pub in Dalston that I continue to return to despite moving away from the area. The prices are a bit steep, but the decor, good service, friendly crowd and great jukebox more than makes up for it. They don’t serve food, so avoid if you’re looking for something more substantial than bar snacks with your pint.

If you’re ever looking for a bar in Soho after midnight without having to resort to paying entry fees, or dealing with drunken yobs then Garlic and Shots is the place to go. A regular haunt during my first year in London, G & S is certainly different from your average restaurant/bar with gothic/metal interior. Garlic infused drinks and food are the order of the day (although you can get bottled beer without the cloves too!). Friendly staff, a nice dark and dingy underground bar, and cheap tapas too. I hadn’t been there for 3 years until a last week and was pleased to see it hadn’t changed a bit!

One of the best Oxfams, and charity stores for that matter, in London. A haven for second hand records - you can pick up Sinatara, Elvis, Motown by the handful (not to mention Face Value by Phil Collins which is standard for any charity store!). Cheap books too, especially travel, fiction, non-fiction and cooking. The staff are friendly, the store very well organised, and theres always new gems to find every visit. Highly recommended.

One of my favourite places on Church St without doubt. A perfect spot for Saturday afternoon coffee, brunch, or relaxing breakfast. The croque madames are ace, and the fruit smoothies are hard to pass up (although I’m not sure about the ring of sugar around the top of the glass!)

Oh, see if you can grab a table in the greenhouse room out back too!