Cafe OTO

Nestled in the heart of Dalston, a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood in East London, Cafe OTO is a heaven for music enthusiasts. A favorite haunt of Tristan Sharps, the café serves as a tranquil space for a daytime coffee and transforms into a hub for experimental music and improvisation as night falls. It’s a space where artists and audiences breathe the same air, blurring the lines between performer and spectator, where the unconventional is celebrated, and the unexpected is always around the corner.

• cafeoto.co.uk

Battersea Arts Centre

The transformation of a late 19th-century Victorian town hall into the Battersea Arts Centre, a vibrant hub for creativity, has bridged London’s past and present, breathing new life into the city’s theatrical landscape. The building itself feels like a work of art, its historic architecture providing a dramatic setting for experimental performances and participatory workshops. It’s a place where art, people and the community converge on a stage steeped in history.

• bac.org.uk

Arcola Theatre

Just a stone’s throw from Cafe OTO, Arcola Theatre further amplifies Dalston’s artistic energy. Housed in a converted factory building, Arcola’s unique ambiance sets the stage for immersive performances where the audience is brought into close proximity with the actors. From familiar classics to bold new works, the diverse repertoire keeps the theater buzzing. The theater’s commitment to sustainability—much of their electricity is powered by rooftop solar panels—makes the space even more special.

• arcolatheatre.com

Close-Up Film Centre

Located in London’s Shoreditch neighborhood, the Close-Up Film Centre is a vibrant hub for independent, experimental and classic cinema. With a 40-seat cinema, the venue hosts screenings, director Q&As and other events, creating an unparalleled viewing experience enhanced by state-of-the-art digital projection and surround sound. Its extensive library, boasting over 26,000 titles, offers a deep dive into the history of cinema. The space also maintains a rich online archive, including issues of the influential film magazine Vertigo.

• closeupfilmcentre.com

The Coronet Theatre

Built in 1898, the Coronet Theatre retains the opulent charm of Victorian architecture while embracing the cutting edge of contemporary art. Its time-worn walls blend seamlessly with the quiet elegance of Notting Hill, captivating visitors from the moment they step inside. Once frequented by King Edward VII and the place where the renowned stage actor John Gielgud saw his first Shakespeare play, the Coronet Theatre has evolved beyond being a traditional performance space. Now embracing experimental theater, dance, music and independent film, it’s continually pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

• thecoronettheatre.com

The Place

For lovers of contemporary dance and anyone who might be curious about this dynamic art form, The Place is an essential destination. The Robin Howard Theatre, within the building, is an intimate setting where every movement and breath resonates. The Place regularly showcases fresh, innovative works, and it offers a diverse range of contemporary dance classes. Their short, intensive courses are a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in movement, from simple jumps to dynamic floorwork, while in London.

• theplace.org.uk

Institute of

Contemporary Arts

Situated on The Mall, the tree-lined royal road in the heart of London, the ICA is a must-visit for anyone seeking an immersive experience in contemporary culture and art. Its cross-disciplinary program, spanning film, music, performance and visual arts, offers a constant stream of inspiration and creative energy. From exhibitions to film festivals and thought-provoking discussions, the ICA creates unique moments found nowhere else. The ICA’s history is equally compelling. It has showcased works by iconic artists like Jackson Pollock and Jean-Michel Basquiat, and it continues to champion emerging artists and experimental ideas, shaping the future of art. Above all, the ICA stands out as an inclusive space that embraces cultural diversity.

• ica.art