London is one of the fashion capitals of the world. That means you’ll see a huge range of class, chic and style on its streets. But not all the fashion-conscious among us want to strut our stuff down Carnaby Street – we’re more interested in hanging out at Dalston’s late-night raves or looking cool at Google Campus. You can call us the hipsters.
Anything quirky, unique or off-the-beaten-track is gold dust to a London hipster. We love to find experiences that get us away from our screens, and that means seeking out our own, alternative social scenes with interesting activities and events. The more bizarre it sounds, the better. For instance, check out our Secret London Underground tour!
This week, we’re doing a rundown of London’s most hipster activities. Throw on your skinny jeans and make a break for the nearest location.
Cereal Killer Cafe
Everyone loves to be taken back to their childhood. It was a simpler time devoid of the stresses of modern life. Nothing encapsulates that feeling better than sitting down to a bowl of cereal at breakfast time, or indeed, any time of the day. That’s the inspiration behind the Cereal Killer Cafe. Choose from their menu of hundreds of types of breakfast cereal, including vegan options.
Secret Cinema
When Secret Cinema first started popping up around the city they were some of the most desirable events in the city. They gave audiences the chance to become totally immersed in their favourite movies, stepping onto the sets and interacting with characters as if they were really there. It’s every movie buff’s dream.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
Besides having perhaps the coolest bar name in history, this cosy cocktail establishment caught the eye of local hipsters for another reason – it’s hidden inside a fridge! To find it, you’ll have to pass through The Breakfast Club cafe and give the ‘secret’ password before you enter. The cocktails are pretty good, too.
Draughts
Millennials spend some much time in front of a screen that we crave disconnect time. Board game cafes are the perfect solution, giving us a chance to relax and indulge our gaming fantasies in a super social setting. Draughts is perhaps London’s best-known example, with locations in Waterloo and Hackney.
Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium
Cat cafes originated in Japan as a way to provide homes for stray cats. They were so popular with tourists, however, that the trend caught on and spread across the globe. London was one of the first capitals to play host to one of these quirky institutions. It’s a great way to catch up on some cuddle time if you miss your own moggies from home.
Gin & Borough Market tour
Nothing attracts hipsters so much as the word ‘artisan’ – it’s the clarion call of the alternative scene. For that reason, Borough Market is one of the most hipster locations in the city thanks to the huge amount of artisan ingredients and street food you can find here. If you want to see all the best bits, try one of our small-group guided tours of the market and nearby gin distillery.
Escape rooms
A staple hipster activity and a great bonding experience for families and groups, London’s escape rooms are fun, active and super-high quality. The Crystal Maze escape game in Angel is a cult classic and has the added nostalgia factor for the most hipstery among us. Take a look.
For more fantastic days out in and around the capital, check out our London tours page. No matter what you love to do, you’ll be able to discover everything the city has to offer.
