The lovely Ginnie from QUIRKY LONDON – the ultimate guide to alternative London - is guest posting today to share some interesting hotspots to hang out in the British capital. If you are headed to London, you may want to check these out.

London never ceases to amaze us when it comes to cool and quirky haunts. There really is an endless amount of unusual things to do if you're looking for them, so to save you time we've compiled a shortlist. Enjoy! - Ginnie 

London's first pay as you go cafe. The aim is to pay for the space and not for the food/drink that you consume so this little place is rather different. Ziferblat is a great place to hang out with friends and really feel at home as you can help yourself to tea/coffee and even use the kitchen for yourself. You are supplied with a stop clock to keep tabs on how much you're time you're spending. But really, this place is about chilling out, sharing ideas, making new friends, even participating in workshops, and generally creating something special!



Electric Cinema, Notting Hill
The ultimate retro cinema experience- sit back in a big red leather armchair in one of the oldest movie theatres in London. Sip on a glass of wine, enjoy some delicious bar snacks, and kick back whilst watching a film on the big screen. Definitely the more sophisticated cinema experience and totally worth it! Go there yourself and feel the magic of the place.

Opium, Soho
You may be hard pressed to find this secret establishment as you trudge your way through China Town and the mass of Chinese restaurants dotted around the place but it's worth the effort. Behind a very unassuming door next to another Chinese, is Opium. As you make your way up the stairs you'll discover there's three floors and each one has it's own unique theme- The Bartenders bar showcasing a unique selection of drinks, The Apothecary bar specialising in spirits served in Chinese medicine bottles and The Tea Parlour serving Chinese teas and serving up delicious dim sum.



Drink Shop & Do, Kings Cross
Cafe by day and bar by night serving afternoon teas, light meals and delicious cocktails, creators Kristie Bishop and Coralie Sleap have also dedicated to hosting an array of alternative workshops, classes and themed events. Upcoming events include Inappropriate Christmas Card Making, Tea Towel Print Screening and Coffee Tasting. Check out their site for the latest kooky parties you can attend!



And finally, a seasonal one-

This place is a wonderful alternative to Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland. Yes you have the usual rides, the mulled wine and then hot dog stands but this place has something different. There is a magically quirky tent containing different stalls selling various handmade products such as jewellery, paintings and antiques. There is a very cool and vintage roller disco. A mulled cider tent, (we love mulled cider.) And not to mention the two food squares with a huge range of delectable delights to feast upon, from Holy Cow Free Range Burgers and the Homemade Fresh Pasta stall to the Crabbieshack serving all things, crab and even authentic Philly Cheesesteaks. There is so much that's great about this market, we love it!


Thank you Ginnie!