Hidden Gem London

May 4 2025

One of London’s Best Kept Secrets – Little Nan’s Bar

Urban Adventurer Afternoon Tea, Bar, Cocktail, Cool Activities, Experience on the go, Hidden Gem, Instagrammable Places, Movies, Summer, Things to Do, Unique Experience Bars London, Best Bars London, Cocktail London, Cocktail Time, cocktails, Deptford London, Hidden Bar, hidden gem, Hidden Gem London, Little Nan's Bar, London's Best Kept Secret, Private Hire, Secret Bar London 0

They say that Little Nan’s Bar is one of London’s best kept secrets. They recently opened their second venue, called Little Nan’s 2.0 and we highly recommend it for anyone craving for a truly different cocktail experience.

@urbanadventurerldn

[BLOG POST IN BIO] @LittleNansBar is one of London’s quirkiest bars 🪩🧸🍹 The bar was set up in honour of the founder’s beloved late grandmother (hence the name) who passed away at the age of 103 (!) Little Nan’s Bar 2.0 is filled with her eclectic furniture and ornaments, turning the place into a cosy kitsch living room. Think of leopard print, cuddly oversized soft toys, neon signs and the most eclectic memorabilia collection form the glorious 80s and 90s 🪑🧸📼📺 If you’re constantly on the hunt for your next adventure in London, love exploring secret places only locals know about or looking for the perfect venue to hire for your event, Little Nan’s Bar 2.0 could definitely be a choice! 🍹🪩📺 #hiddengems #bestkeptsecret #secretbar #wheretogo #nightoutwiththegirls #dayoutwithfriends #secretlondon #cocktailbar #CapCut

♬ Karma Chameleon – Culture Club

Kitsch Living Room Bar with Quirky Cocktails – Little Nan’s Bar

Giant Teddy Bear and Sombrero at Little Nan's Bar Deptford London

Photo: Urban Adventurer

I think, we can confidently say that Little Nan’s Bar is one of London’s quirkiest bars.

The bar was set up in honour of the founder’s – Tristan Scutt, referring himself as Grandson Tristan – beloved late grandmother (hence the name) who passed away at the age of 103 (!).

The bar is filled with her eclectic furniture and ornaments, turning the place into a cosy kitsch living room.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Think of leopard print, cuddly oversized soft toys, neon signs and the most eclectic memorabilia collection form the glorious 80s and 90s.

To make sure you fully soak into the Little Nan’s experience, they offer prop boxes full of free-to-wear wigs, hats, funny masks and glasses.

The Menu

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Little Nan’s Bar has the craziest menu ever! It contains over 100 (!) cocktails and hand-written by Grandson Tristan.

To add the quirkiness, many of the cocktails are named after loyal regular customers, Nan’s favourite celebrities, and soap stars, including Queen Pat Butcher (actress Pam St Clement who played Pat Butcher in EastEnders has actually visited the bar).

Photo: Urban Adventurer

If this is not enough, if you visit Little Nan’s Bar on your birthday, they will name a cocktail in your honour!

The Oscar Winning Designer Behind Aunties Ballroom

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Little Nan’s Bar 2.0 recently opened their private hire room, called Aunties Ballroom. The Ballroom is located right next to the bar and can accommodate up to 90 guests or up to 75 seated guests for shows or gigs.

And here’s the twist you will not believe: Aunties Ballroom has been designed by an Oscar winning artist!

Photo: Urban Adventurer

That’s right! Grandson Matt designed and made all the fabric you can see inside Aunties Ballroom, along with the light up signs, the disco anchor and the Giant Nan’s face curtain at the entrance of the bar.

Matt’s team have won the Oscar for the Best Set Design & Best Production Design for the Wicked film in 2025!

Matt regularly works for the biggest films and series, including Bridgerton, Thor: The Dark World, Downtown Abbey, The Batman, Mission Impossible, Cinderella and the list goes on.

Free Private Hire for Locals

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As Deptford and its community have always had a special place in Little Nan’s grandsons’ hearts, they want to serve and spoil the people they love so much with free private hire event spaces.

This means, anyone who lives in postcode SE has the opportunity to hire any Little Nan’s rooms for any events, celebrations, or parties.

All locations are also available for filming and photo shoots.

About Little Nan’s Bar

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Located under the railway arches just a few minutes walk from Deptford station, Little Nan’s Bar 2.0 is the sister bar of Little Nan’s which is right next to the station.

Little Nan’s Bar is a multi award winning (scroll all the way to the bottom of the page to see all the awards they have received over the years) bar, first launched in 2013, however, forced to close the following year.

The next three years they travelled across London doing pop-ups which were huge success before finally returning to Deptford and settling in a vacant arch in Deptford Market Yard.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

In 2024, they almost closed again (due to some landlord drama), so they launched Little Nan’s Bar 2.0, just 5-minutes walk from the original bar. Soon, however, the landlord asked them to stay, so here they are with two venues just a few minutes walking distance between one another.

In 2024, they also opened their new whimsical Air BnB holiday home in Weymouth: Little Nan’s Weymouth Holiday Home which was a roaring success. Little Nan’s Weymouth Holiday Home was featured in The Sunday Times as the “UK’s Most OTT Air BnB” as well as in numerous other magazines, and Tristan, the founder, even gave interview to BBC Radio.

If you’re constantly on the hunt for your next adventure in London, love exploring secret places only locals know about or looking for the perfect venue to hire for your event, Little Nan’s Bar could definitely be a choice!

Practical Info

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Address

Little Nan’s Bar | Deptford High St, London SE8 3NU (right next to Deptford station)

Little Nan’s Bar 2.0 (this is where Aunties Ballroom is) | Little Nan’s Bar, 23-24 Resolution Way, London SE8 4NT (5-min walk from Deptford station)

Opening Hours

Little Nan’s Bar

Mon – Fri: 4pm – 11pm

Sat & Sun: 12pm – 11pm

Little Nan’s Bar 2.0

Current opening hours: Friday: 4pm – 12:30am | Saturday: 12pm – 12:30am.

Plus, open on days when events are on. For more info, keep an eye on their website and social media.

Booking

Little Nan’s Bar (the one that located right next to Deptford station): fill in the booking form in their website

Little Nan’s Bar 2.0 (the one 5-min walk from the station): Text Grandson Tristan on 07792205375 or send an email at [email protected]

Ready for your next adventure? If you’re a fan of truly unique cafés and bars, your next destination should definitely be God’s Own Junkyard. This café has been furnished within a neon sign manufacture and you’ll be surrounded with hundreds of unique neon signs, many of which appeared in films!

April 21 2025

Pan-Asian Restaurant Inspired by a Fictional Geisha Warrior – NOYA London

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Located in North London, just a 5 minutes walk from Turnpike Lane station, NOYA London is a true hidden gem. This Pan-Asian restaurant is inspired by a fictional Geisha warrior, offering luxurious dining experience that tells a story of tradition and creativity.

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⚠️Hidden gem alert ⚠️ 🪭[BLOG POST IN BIO] This Pan-Asian restaurant is inspired by a fictional Geisha warrior, called Noya – @Noya 🪭🗡️ Born with supernatural powers, NOYA was entrusted to use her powers and warrior heart to protect the culinary secrets of her mythical people: the Kumaso 🍣🥢 NOYA London is sharing the great Geisha warrior’s spirit and determination to protect traditions and flavours. The restaurant is inviting its guests for a culinary journey to the feudal Japan where NOYA was born, trained and fought her battles #asianfoodlover #panasianfood #asiancuisine #japanesefood #japaneseculture #geisha #japanesecuisine #hiddengem #CapCut

♬ Japanese style. Japanese instruments express the beauty of Japan, cherry blossoms and ancient cities(74708) – Minaco

NOYA the Legendary Geisha Warrior

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Legend has it that somewhere in Japan once lived a warrior Geisha, named NOYA. Born with supernatural powers, NOYA was entrusted to use her powers and warrior heart to protect the culinary secrets of her mythical people, the Kumaso.

NOYA was taught by Japan’s first samurai, Taira No Masakado to become the fierce guardian of the secrets of the Kumaso, and a formidable adversary to anyone who foolhardy try to uncover the mystery of the gastronomical arts of the Kumaso people.

NOYA had battles throughout centuries Far and wide to protect the delectable secret of her people, until she finally found solace within her Fortress of wonders where she’s been living since.

NOYA London is sharing the great Geisha warrior’s spirit and determination to protect the traditions and flavours.

NOYA London is serving dishes inspired by the traditional Japanese cuisine and exquisite Asian-inspired drinks. The restaurant is inviting its guests for a culinary journey to the feudal Japan where NOYA was born, trained and fought her battles.

NOYA London – Elegance and Tradition

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Upon arrival an elegant round door greets visitors. At the reception two full samurai armours and wagasa (traditional Japanese umbrellas) provide stylish background for your first selfie.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Inside the restaurant samurai-clad servers seat you under huge paintings of Geisha and Samurai.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Elegant flower arrangements of roses and Orchids run around the centre area of the dining room. Round mirrors with golden frames reflect back the golden light that delicately illuminate the room.

You will be seated in comfortable plush chairs or canapé at tables look like large mirrors with golden rims.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The entrance to the kitchen is adorned with a huge painting of a torii gate.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

In the next room guest can enjoy live DJs at the weekends or watch live sports while enjoying shisha pipes under the wagasa-shaped lamps.

Culinary Journey from Japanese Sushi to Korean Barbecue

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Being a Pan-Asian restaurant, NOYA London cannot settle for just one country. Although, the menu is heavily inspired by traditional Japanese cuisine, NOYA is offering the diverse and rich taste of all the different Asian countries.

What is a Pan-Asian restaurant?

While an Asian restaurant is focusing on the cuisine of a certain country or style, Pan-Asian restaurants are a fusion of all the Asian countries. The dishes are crafted and served using different methods, styles and ingredients from the most different locations with the aim to create innovative dishes and inventive flavour combinations never existed before while harmonising the flavours and respecting their origins.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

NOYA London’s main menu includes sushi, Robata grill, sharing platters as well as side dishes.

NOYA Maki Specials are the perfect example of a Pan-Asian restaurant’s menu. The ‘NOYA Special Lamb Maki’ for example, is a flavourful combination of Katsu Lamb, Korean glaze, sweet mayo and Aonori powder, while the ‘Crispy Crab Maki’ is an adventurous marriage of Japanese and Korean flavours.

The Robata Grill menu consists of the most diverse dishes and flavours. You will find Beef Noodle, Kushiyaki Chicken Skewers, Chicken Burger, Salt Dry Aged Rib-Eye Steak 250G, Vegetable Stir Fry Noodle and so much more.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The extensive drinks selection includes fine wines, authentic Japanese Sake, and classic and signature cocktails to perfectly complement NOYA London’s Pan-Asian cuisine.

Alcohol-free beverages and Mocktails are also available.

Crave Something Closer to Home?

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If you prefer to enjoy the traditional UK cuisine instead, NOYA London is proud to offer their Sunday Roast menu every Sunday from 12pm.

Choose from 100 day aged roast beef, roast lamb, roast chicken or the mix of any two. Choose your sides and dessert.

Kids eat for £1 which will be donated to a local charity!

Special Events at NOYA

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NOYA London regularly host special events throughout the week.

Ladies Night

Every Sunday with live entertainment, 2-4-1 cocktails & house wines and other special offers on dishes.

Bottomless Brunch

The last Saturday of every month. £49.50pp that includes a 2 course set menu, live entertainment and bottomless Prosecco/Non Secco, juice or beer for 1hr or 45mins.

Sakura Fridays

Every Friday. Guest DJs from 7pm onwards. R&B, UK hits, Amapiano, Afrobeat.

#MeetMeAtNOYA

Every Saturday. Guest DJs from 7pm onwards. R&B, UK hits, Amapiano, Afrobeat.

Sunday Roast

Every Sunday from 12pm – 6pm. Kids eat for £1 which will be donated to a local charity.

Practical Info

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Address

NOYA London | 454-460, W Green Rd, London N15 3PT

Opening Times

Mon – Fri: 5pm – 12am

Sat – Sun: 12pm – 1am

Booking

Book a table on NOYA London’s official website

TIP: Special offers with huge savings are available on Groupon!

Ready for your next adventure? Love themed dining experiences? Big Mo’s Diner will travel you back in time to the glorious 1950s America. Sit in a shiny red Chevrolet, sip on thick milkshakes, or shove in a Crispy Buffalo Burger while listening to 50s music.

Replica of a 16-Year-Old Girl's Skull Who Had Third Stage Syphilis - Crossbones Graveyard

September 28 2024

Crossbones Graveyard – The Hidden Graveyard of Sex Workers

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Somewhere near London Bridge Station, there is a hidden graveyard, called Crossbones Graveyard with a large red metal gate adorned with hundreds of colourful ribbons. This graveyard has an extraordinary story.

@urbanadventurerldn

🪦☠️ [BLOG POST IN BIO] Crossbones Graveyard is the final resting place for over 15,000 harlots, paupers, criminals and those excluded from Christian burial The graveyard filled quickly and became so overcrowded by the early 1850s that the bodies were piled on the top of each other ☠️ It closed in 1853 and remained forgotten for 150 years until rediscovered by TfL while digging there to extend the Jubilee line A large number of bodies were exhumed and sent for examination to the Museum of London, some of which were later displayed Today the graveyard is maintained by volunteers and free to visit 🪦 7pm on 23th very month, a Vigil for the Outcast is being held and free to join 🕯️ #crossbonesgraveyard #graveyard #cemetery #londontiktok #spookyseason #hauntedplaces #halloween2024 #CapCut

♬ Suspense, horror, piano and music box – takaya

If the Graveyard Could Talk…

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If Crossbones Graveyard could talk, it would tell the stories of the over 15,000 unfortunate people buried there.

It would tell you that during the medieval and Victorian times, this area was one of the poorest and most dangerous slums in London where all the otherwise prohibited activities were taken place.

Prostitution and bear-baiting pits were thriving here. Sex workers who worked at the brothels in Southwark were called the ‘Winchester Goose’ due to the fact that they were licenced under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Winchester.

The graveyard would also tell you that life expectancy of those unfortunate enough to live at that area was dreadful due to violence and diseases that often knocked on the doors of the poorest and most vulnerable.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

If the soil of Crossbones Graveyard could talk, it would tell you how shockingly quickly it was filled up with prostitutes, paupers, criminals and those excluded from Christian burial, becoming the burial garden of the outcast.

If the wind over the soil could talk, it would whisper that thousands of the people resting in this soil are children aged 5 or under.

It would also tell you that the graveyard became so overcrowded by the early 1850s that the bodies were piled on the top of each other until the cemetery closed in 1853 and remained forgotten for 150 years.

The Rediscovery

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In the 1990s the Crossbones was accidentally rediscovered by TfL while digging there to extend the Jubilee line.

A large number of bodies were exhumed and sent for examination to the Museum of London, some of which were later displayed.

The examinations showed that most of the people had died from common diseases, such as tuberculosis, smallpox or scurvy and rickets.

Over half of the bodies exhumed were children’s indicating the tragic scale of child mortality.

Replica of a 16-year-old girl’s skull who has third stage syphilis

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Among the excavation of 148 bodied by the Museum of London, only one was found to have evidence of syphilis. The skeleton was estimated to be of a 16-year-old girl. She had third stage syphilis which means she had psychiatric disorders and a hole in her skull.

Third stage syphilis only occurs after 6-9 years of being continually transmitted. Crossbones Graveyard has a replica of this skull on which you can see the hole.

The site would have been forgotten again if local writer John Constable (aka John Crow) had not experienced a spiritual encounter of ‘The Goose’ whilst writing late at night.

According to John Constable a spirit of a medieval sex worker (‘The Goose’) visited him and made him write the following poem:

For tonight in Hell 

They are tolling the bell 

For the Whore that lay at the Tabard, 

And well we know 

How the carrion crow 

Doth feast in our Cross Bones Graveyard.

Constable said he had never heard of Crossbones Graveyard before.

The poem later was performed at the Globe and Southward Cathedral and became the first of the series, called ‘The Southwark Mysteries.’

Photo: Urban Adventurer

As a result of the spiritual encounter, Constable and his friends championed the graveyard and turned the space into a garden of remembrance.

In 2004 they founded ‘Friends of Crossbones’, an informal network of sex workers, activists, poets and outsiders. In the same year on 23^rd June, they conducted their first Vigil for the Outcast.

The ritual has been held on 7pm on the 23^rd every month since then and free to visit.

In 2020 a permission granted a 30-year lease to Bankside Open Spaces Trust for Crossbones Graveyard to be protected and maintained as a public garden of remembrance.

Volunteering at Crossbones Graveyard

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Crossbones Graveyard always look for volunteers to join their team.

If you wish to become a volunteer click here to learn more about volunteer gardening sessions, Crossbones wardens and volunteer at Bankside Open Spaces Trust.

No experience needed to join. All you need is your enthusiasm and willingness to get stuck in.

Practical Info

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Address

Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance | Redcross Way, London, SE1 1TA

Opening Hours

FREE to visit | NO booking required

Open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 12pm – 2pm

Ready for your next adventure? Descend into the dark of the graffiti tunnel at The Vault near Waterloo Station and stand face to face with the most notorious serial killers in history. Serial Killer: The Exhibition is now open.

May 21 2024

Indian Afternoon Tea for Two for Only £10 at Bubble & Chai

Urban Adventurer Afternoon Tea, Cafe, Experience on the go, Instagrammable Places, Plant-Based, Quirky Sweet Treats, Summer, Things to Do, Unique Experience Afternoon Tea, Afternoon Tea London, Bubble & Chai, hidden gem, Hidden Gem London, Karak Chai 0

Bubble & Chai is a lovely hidden gem in the heart of London, currently offering Indian Afternoon Tea for two for only £10.

@urbanadventurerldn

[BLOG POST IN BIO] Afternoon tea for 2 for £10? Yes, please! ???????? Bubble & Chai is a lovely hidden gem in the heart of London and currently offering Indian Afternoon Tea for two for only £10 @Bubble & Chai ???? The afternoon tea consists of 2 toasties of your choice with Karak Chai ???? There are 5 different toasties to choose from: Rainbow Cheese, Chilli Cheese, Bombay Potato, Chicken Tikka and Tuna Melt ???????? The café has a beautiful selfie corner with wisteria and peacock feathers ???? #afternoontea #afternoontealondon #karakchai #indianafternoontea #prettycafe #cafe #prettyplace #dateidea #CapCut

♬ Akher Yawm (Instrumental) – Ghaliaa & Always April

Bubble & Chai

Aldgate East, 17 White Church Ln, London E1 7QR

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Tucked away in White Church Lane, next to Aldgate East station, Bubble & Chai is a beautiful hidden café with pretty floral décor, delicious bubble tea, afternoon tea, and friendly staff.

Perfect for couples or close friends to hide away from the busy city life for an hour or two.

The Décor

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Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with bright blue walls and purple and white Wisteria cascading down from the ceiling.

On the left, there is a selfie corner with more Wisteria, decorated with pretty little peacock figures and peacock feathers. You can sit on one of the blue plush stools to pose with your food or drink. The large mirror behind the installation will make your photo more epic.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

On the right, there are a few garden tables with matching chairs. It’s a pretty cozy corner with even more flowers waiting to be the backdrop of your afternoon tea.

Afternoon Tea for Two for £10

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Bubble & Chai is currently running a limited-time offer: Indian Afternoon Tea for two for £10! Available until June 2024.

The afternoon tea consists of 2 toasties of your choice with Karak Chai.

There are 5 different toasties to choose from: Rainbow Cheese, Chilli Cheese, Bombay Potato, Chicken Tikka and Tuna Melt.

We chose the Chicken Tikka and the Bombay Potato toasties.

The Chicken Tikka toastie was Chicken Tikka with cheese mix, yoghurt & mint sauce, tomato, red onion and lettuce.

The Bombay Potato toastie was potato with cheese mix, tempered spiced onions, coriander, green chilli and green chutney spread.

The toasties were generous in both size and filling. Particularly loved the Chicken Tikka. It was full of flavour and the chicken went really well with the yoghurt & mint sauce.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The tea was served in the most Instagrammable pot and cup, in matching colour of the interior.

If you have never tried Karak Chai before:

Karak Chai is a sweet hot tea served with milk. It’s a strong tea compered to regular English tea.

The blend is made with fermented black tea leaves, ginger, and spices, such as pepper, cardamon, cinnamon, fennel and cloves. Karak Chai is popular in Arabian countries.

Bubble Tea and Speciality Drinks at Bubble & Chai

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Bubble & Chai also serves bubble tea, including milk and fruit tea and the best part is, they’re all customisable.

Milk bubble tea flavours include, Honeydew, Rose Milk, Coconut, Matcha and Salted Caramel, just to name a few.

Fruit bubble tea flavours include, for example Pomegranate, Kiwi, Lychee and Passion Fruit. Perfect on a hot Summer day.

Craving something special? Speciality drinks include Pink Chai & Tapioca, Mojito, Oreo Milk Tea and Pina Colada, just to mention a few from the menu.

Make sure you visit this pretty hidden gem next time you’re around Whitechapel with your sweetheart or bestie and don’t miss their Indian afternoon tea.

Ready for your next adventure? Chelsea in Bloom has returned for 2024 with the most beautiful flower installations. This year’s theme is ‘Floral Feasts’ and there are over 120 participants. 20-min with District line from Bubble & Chai.

March 9 2024

Hello Brain! Exhibition at Francis Crick Institute

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What makes you…you? Our brain makes more connections than there are stars in the galaxy. Recently opened exhibition at Francis Crick Institute, Hello Brain! invites its visitors for a mind-blowing journey around the head.

@urbanadventurerldn

???? What makes you…????????????? ???? New exhibition at Francis Crick Institute, ???????????????????? ????????????????????! invites you for a mind-blowing journey around the head @The Crick ????❓ How human brain changes during pregnancy and throughout our life? How a fly can smell? Why do we sleep and what is our brain doing while we sleep? Find out the answers to these questions and more at the ???????????????????? ????????????????????! exhibition. ???????? Plus, you can knit or crochet your own brain cells, similar you can see everywhere around you! Patterns and materials are available at the café throughout the exhibition! ???? 2nd March – 3rd December 2024 ????️ Sun, Mon, Tue: CLOSED Wed: 10am – 8pm Thu – Sat: 10am – 4pm ????️ FREE | NO booking required ???? 1 Midlan#hellobrainn #franciscrickinstitute #franciscrickinstitute #exhibition #exhibit #londonexhibitions #freeexhibitionlondon #brain #CapCut

♬ Aware – Adrián Berenguer

Hello Brain!

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Just a short walk from King’s Cross St. Pancras Station, Hello Brain! exhibition uncovers the secrets of the human mind, explores how our brain develops in our mother’s womb and discovers the factors that make each of us unique.

Upon your arrival hundreds of knitted and crocheted neurons greet you at the exhibition entrance dangling from the ceiling.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

If you want to make your own brain cell, patterns and materials are all available at the café throughout the exhibition!

The small exhibition has a lot to say and showcase starting from how a fly can smell, through how human brain changes during pregnancy to how our brain changes throughout our life.

The exhibition features a short documentary about the mystery of sleep. Why do we sleep and what is our brain doing while we sleep?

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Another film looks deeper into hallucination and even makes the audience have an auditory hallucination as they watch and listen to a film.

During your journey, you’ll find touchable 3D printed brains of animals, fun mini experiments to trick your brain and fun facts about the brain on the ‘Brain Cards’.

Hello Brain! is a fascinating pocket exhibition covering a handful of research areas in an easy-to-understand and interesting way.

Practical Info

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Address

Francis Crick Institute | 1 Midland Rd, London NW1 1AT

Opening Times

2^nd March – 3^rd December 2024

Sun, Mon, Tue: CLOSED

Wed: 10am – 8pm

Thu – Sat: 10am – 4pm

Tickets

FREE | NO booking required

Ready for your next adventure? Free David Bowie photo exhibition opened at The Fitzrovia Chapel. The exhibition features 20 hand-picked photos taken by Kevin Davies on 13^th December 1992, when he was following the music icon throughout the day to prepare the promotion of Bowie’s 18th studio album, ‘Black Tie White Noise.’

March 7 2024

The UK’s First LGBTQ+ Museum – Queer Britain

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Opened in 2022, Queer Britain is the UK’s first brick and mortar LGBTQ+ Museum. The museum is dedicated to celebrating queer history, preserve artworks as well as personal stories and welcomes everyone regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.

@urbanadventurerldn

🌈 [BLOG POST IN BIO] Queer Britain opened in May 2022 and it’s the UK’s first brick and mortar LGBTQ+ museum @Queer Britain 🌈 The museum is dedicated to celebrating queer history, preserve artworks and personal stories 🌈 Queer Museum welcomes everyone regardless of their sexuality or gender identity 📍2 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH 🕰️ Mon & Tue: CLOSED | Wed – Sun: 12pm – 6pm 🎟️ FREE | NO booking required #queerbritain #queertiktok #queer #queerartist #lgbtq #lgbt🌈 #🏳️‍🌈 #🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈❤️

♬ Together – Sia

Queer Britain Museum

2 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH

Photo: Urban Adventurer

After five years of search for a suitable site, Queer Britain finally opened the UK’s first brick and mortar LGBTQ+ museum at Granary Square next to King’s Cross Station. In their opening year (2022), they welcomed over 50,000 visitors and they also won the Museum Association’s Best Small Museum Project of the year award in the same year.

Former editor of Gay Times, Joseph Galliano came up with the idea of an LGBTQ+ museum when he visited Queer British Art exhibition at Tate Britain in 2017. He then used his extensive connections with LGBTQ+ organizations, queer activists and artists and successfully built relationships with the most significant museums, such as the Tate and M&C Saatchi to make the dream come true.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Queer Museum opened on 5^th May in 2022 and the venue is being leased by national arts charity, Art Funds.

Their award-winning exhibition, “We Are Queer Britain!”, which opened to mark the 50^th anniversary of the UK’s first Pride March, is still there along with artifacts, photos and images, costumes worn by celebrities and much more to cover over 100 years of queer history.

The museum houses a number of exhibition rooms, a film room and a shop with an amazing collection of books, gifts, stationary and more.

Highlights of the Queer Museum

Hand-Written Letter by Elton John

Photo: Urban Adventurer

“You are “queer” … Be proud of who you are, and as you get older and wiser, fight for gay rights…in certain countries we are still not treated as equals…Stand up for every human being’s rights. Be loving, kind and strong…You are going to have a hell of a life!!”

Elton John wrote this heart-warming letter in 2009 to his 16-year-old self. In the letter he encourages his younger self to have fun and enjoy his sexuality and never chase love, it will find him when he least expects it.

Photo of Ian McKellen and Michael Cashman at the Manchester March

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Clause 28 of the Local Government act was first proposed in 1987. The act banned the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality by local authorities. The act was followed by protests all over the UK. On 20^th February 1988 actors Ian McKellen and Michael Cashman joined the Manchester march to protest against Clause 28.

We Are Queer Britain! Hexagon Wall

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The exhibition begins with a magnetic wall where anyone can add their personal message. Simply take a hexagonal magnet and tell the world why it is important for LGBTQ+ people to be seen. Feel free to use as much colours as you want and decorate your magnet as you like. Once you’re ready, simply place your hexagon onto the wall.

Rainbow Cape Worn by Singer and Actor Olly Alexander

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Well-known singer and actor, Olly Alexander worn this rainbow cape at Glastonbury in 2016. He said: “Say ‘no thank you fear’…literally shove a rainbow in fear’s face…Sometimes I’m afraid but I’m never ashamed..I am proud of who I am.”

1980s Singer and LGBTQ+ Advocate, Hazell Dean’s Jacket

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Hazell Dean was known as Queen of Hi-NRG in gay discos in the 1980s. She was a singer and an LGBTQ+ advocate who wore this jacket for the cover of the 1984 UK top-ten hit, Searchin’.

Free Queer Library

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There is a mini library within the museum, offering books anyone can read on the spot. The books were hand-picked by the Queer Museum’s staff and by Gay’s The World, the UK’s oldest LGBT bookshop.

Queer Britain Shop

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Visitors finish their museum tour at the shop that offers tons of books, stationary, badges, keychains, Tee, colour-changing umbrella and even jewellery and bottled wine.

Practical Info

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Address

Queer Britain | 2 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH

Opening Times

Mon & Tue: CLOSED

Wed – Sun: 12pm – 6pm

Tickets

FREE | NO booking required

Ready for your next adventure? The world’s first Vagina Museum re-opened in Bethnal Green last year. The museum is devoted to bust myths and misconceptions about the female organ and regularly organise events, workshops and exhibitions. Make sure you visit Kween Kream Café whilst you’re there and try some of their cheeky cakes.

January 13 2024

Endometriosis: Into the Unknown – The World’s First Vagina Museum Has Reopened

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The world’s first museum devoted to bust myths and misconceptions about the female organ re-opened last November with a brand-new exhibition. In collaboration with Oxford EndoCare, Vagina Museum’s current exhibition is about endometriosis which covers everything about the disease.

@urbanadventurerldn

🍑 The world’s first museum devoted to bust myths and misconceptions about the female organ is back with a brand-new exhibition about Endometriosis #londonmuseums #hiddengemlondon #femalebody #freeexhibitionlondon #fannycake #CapCut

♬ Cruel Summer – Taylor Swift

Endometriosis: Into the Unknown

4 November 2023 – 3 March 2024

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Vagina Museum is the world’s first brick-and-mortar museum dedicated to raise awareness and spread knowledge of the gynaecological anatomy and health and end the stigma and shame about vaginas and vulvas that still circulating among society in the 21^st century.

Some eye-opening facts:

Half of the Britons could not be able to describe or identify the function of urethra, labia or vagina

6 of 10 men and half of women could not even label the vagina

One third of both men and women didn’t know what the clitoris was

6 in 10 men could identify correctly that tampon does not go where someone urinates. Because the blood comes from a different whole

(YouGov, 2019)

Photo: Urban Adventurer

There is a disease that affects around 190(!) million people worldwide causing extreme period pain, nausea, bleeding between periods, boating and fatigue, just to name a few symptoms.

However, the cause of the disease is unknown, there is no known cure, and we have no idea how to prevent it. The disease is called: Endometriosis.

The symptoms can be so serious that one may be unable to go work or school. 38% of patients have serious concerns about losing their job, while 35% have a reduced income because of their condition.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Getting a diagnosis in the UK is extremely difficult and lengthy. Over half of the patients visited their GP more than 10(!) times before finally getting diagnosed.

Getting diagnosed with Endometriosis is so complicated that on average, it takes 8 years in the UK. This means, if you have your first symptoms today, you will only get diagnosed in 2032!

Even if you get your diagnosis of Endometriosis, you’ll have a good chance for not getting any written information.

‘Endometriosis: Into the Unknown’ exhibition is dedicated to raise awareness of the disease because it’s not just a medical experience, but it’s also a social and political problem.

Vagina Museum

Arches 275-276, Poyser St, London E2 9RF

Photo: Urban Adventurer

After years of hosting pop-up events and exhibitions around London, Vagina Museum became a registered charity in 2019.

Within the same year, they opened their first location in Camden Market which they closed on 2021.

In the following year, they thought they had finally found their permanent space in Bethnal Green; however, the museum was forced to close in February 2023 at a very short notice.

In the beginning of November 2023, after a successful crowdfunding campaign, Vagina Museum re-opened at their current location. This is now a long-term location, so we hope the museum can stick around for good at this new site in a pair of railway arches in Poyser Street.

Permanent Exhibition Coming Soon

Alongside with the temporary exhibitions, Vagina Museum will open their permanent exhibition space soon.

The permanent exhibition will be upstairs and will be devoted to erase the stigma and shame around gynaecological anatomy. ‘From A to V’ exhibition’s aim is to educate and share information about the vagina, vulva and start open discussions about gynaecological anatomy.

The exhibition will cover anatomy, health, vulva diversity and activism.

Vagina Museum also host regular events, talks, workshops, and performances throughout the year. Check their event calendar to find out more.

Upcoming Temporary Exhibitions

Vagina Museum’s next temporary exhibition is set to open on 8 March 2024. ‘Museum of Mankind’ will be a parody exhibition highlighting misogyny and oppression throughout the history.

The exhibition was inspired by Museum of Dissent and originally started as a pop-up at Science Museum and Jewish Museum in 2019.

Kween Kream Café

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Vagina Museum’s café is operated by Kween Kream, a queer and LGBTQIA+ friendly small business, built and being run by queers.

The café is open from Wednesday to Sunday serving cheeky fanny-themed cakes, cupcakes, doughnuts, and cookies along with tasty coffee topped with some very feminine decoration (wink).

Bleeding Bun & Fanny Cappucino

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Some of their specialities:

Bleeding Buns

Bloomin’ Cupcakes

Pussy Cookies

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Our personal favourite was the Giant Meringue Tampon made with white chocolate ganache, strawberry-flavoured sauce, strawberry gummy string, and edible glitter.

Museum Shop

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By purchasing something at their shop, you can help cover running costs of Vagina Museum and open more exciting exhibitions and events.

The museum shop has an insane variety of products from T-shirts to jewellery to cups, mugs and cute stickers, alongside with books, postcards and – of course – period products.

Ready for your next adventure? Did you know that there is a 2D candy shop in London. Located in New Cross, Candy Baba is London first hand-drawn 2D candy shop, selling all your childhood favourite retro candies. If you love the concept, you have to visit their second shop near Angel Station which is Doodle-themed and even have a cute lil’ café inside!

November 26 2023

London’s First 2D Candy Shop Opened a Second Store – Doodles London

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London’s first 2D candy store, Candy Baba, just opened their second shop near Angel Station. This time they had re-thought the concept and opened the UK’s very first Doodles-themed candy shop.

@urbanadventurerldn

🍭🖤🤍London’s first 2D candy shop opened their second store @Candybaba.official | Doddles London, the UK’s very first doodles-themd candy shop | 281 City Road EC1V 1LA #doodles #doodleslondon #2dcandyshop #2dshop #monocromelook #wheretogoinlondon #londonhotspots

♬ Downtown Nonsense – Mark Fabian & Alexander Smith & George King & RK Masters

Candy Baba – London’s First 2D Candy Store

3 Lewisham Way, London SE14 6PP

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Located near New Cross Gate Station, Candy Baba opened their first store this May. This was the very first hand-drawn 2D candy shop in London.

Candy Baba is a retro candy shop to bring your sweetest childhood memories back. They have an amazing selection of vegan, Halal, sugar free, gluten free and retro candies from all your favourite brands.

Featuring purely hand-drawn monochrome design, visitors really feel like they were inside a black and white comic book.

This lovely little store has so much to offer!

There are plenty of photo opportunities and so much to see and discover. The more time you spend in the shop, the more amazing details you find.

Fancy playing a little game?

Can you count how many mice are there painted on the walls and the ceiling?

Doodles London – The UK’s First Doodle-Themed Candy Store

281 City Road, London, EC1V 1LA

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Taking a step further, this November Candy Baba opened their second store just 9-mins walk from Angel Station, but this time with the theme: Doodles.

It’s still the black and white theme but with thousands of adorable little scribbles on the walls and the ceiling.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

There are lots of photo opportunities! You can literally sit on the doodles on comfy furry pillows and take the perfect kooky doodle selfie with your favourite candies.

Doodles London, just like Candy Baba, offers all your childhood favourites and more!

They have a healthy selection of pick ‘n’ mix, your all-time favourite retro candies, plus some crazy items to fit to the shop’s unusual theme. Think of candy noodles, candy sushi, Sour Green Apple Soda, Kosher Pickle, or Birthday Cake flavoured canned drink.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Now that we are in the festive season, they have a lovely selection of Christmas candies, including Christmas gummies gift box, Elf on a Shelf Jelly Bean Candy Cane and snowman marshmallow on stick.

And Doodles London doesn’t stop there!

They also serve cakes and hot chocolate to help you get into the festive spirit.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Don’t forget to grab a loyalty card because you’ll get discounts and free items after, 3, 6, 9, and 10 stamps.

Fancy playing a little game?

Spot the ‘Word List’ at the entrance. Can you find all the words on the opposite wall?

Special Events

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Candy Baba and Doodles London offer catering for weddings, birthdays, and other special events.

Doodles London’s event space is soon to be open downstairs. Stay tuned on their social for updates.

Ready for your next adventure? Learn more about Candy Baba’s monochrome world in my previous blog post.

July 5 2023

Secret Instagram Spot in London – Redemption Roasters Café Islington

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Located on the edge of the charming Camden Passage near Angel station, there is a small coffee shop, called Redemption Roasters. This lovely café is not only the world’s first prison-based coffee company, but also hides a beautiful secret…

@urbanadventurerldn

📍Redemption Roasters | 96-98 Islington High St, London N1 8EG #redemptionroasters #hiddengemlondon #hiddengems #hiddencafe #angellondonislington #angelstation #urbanadventures #londonadventures #londonblogger

♬ Endless Sky (feat. greek) – Alé Araya

Aesthetic Hidden Basement with Ancient Greek Vibes

96-98 Islington High St, London N1 8EG

Photo: Urban Adventurer

After ordering your coffee and sandwich, make sure you head to the hidden basement where a beautiful secret awaits you.

This hidden basement with a few extra tables and seats offers the vibes of an ancient Greek hall.

The floor is covered with white tiles and on the walls large mirrors reflect the intricate wall decoration made of pieces of sculptures, elements of cast iron decorations and everyday objects.

Some other sculptures stand under vaults carved in the walls, while climbing plants and other greenery break the pure white colour of the room. Natural light comes through the large windows seeing to the rare garden.

Perfect hideaway from the buzzing city life.

About Redemption Roasters

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Redemption Roasters, as mentioned above, is the world’s first prison-based coffee company.

But what does that mean?

It means that they are working closely with HMP the Mount and train residents in barista, coffee production and roasting to help them find employment after being released. This helps reducing reoffending and getting back to prison again. Research show, if prisoners find job after being released, it reduces the rate of reoffending by 50%.

Every bag of coffee is roasted behind the bars of HMP the Mount and by purchasing it, you can help reducing reoffending in the UK.

Coffee School

Photo: Urban Adventurer

If you’re passionate about coffee making and latte art, why not book a training session with Redemption Roasters?

Their Coffee School is next to Kings Cross Station, and they give you all the knowledge and skills you need for coffee making, brewing, latte art and more.

Book your session here.

Ready for your next adventure? How about visiting London’s cheekiest café near London Bridge Station? Fuckoffee welcomes their guests with hipster atmosphere, offensive décor, good coffee, and free dog treat.

April 3 2022

Mind the Wap – Vagina Museum

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So, there is a penis museum in Iceland, did you know that? However, that museum did not have a vagina equivalent anywhere in the world. And this was the case until 2019, when Vagina Museum opened its doors in the heart of London.

Fanny or Not Fanny

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Vagina Museum started its success story as a pop-up. They appeared all over in London at the most different events and places, such as Green Man Festival, Freud Museum or Feminist Library.

The museum settled in Camden Market in 2019. This was their first permanent premises, but in December 2021 they had to close their doors and move. They re-opened in March 2022 in Bethnal Green.

Their Mission

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Vagina Museum’s mission is to raise awareness of the gynaecological anatomy, erase the stigma around the female body, promote intersectional, feminist, and trans-inclusive values, while acting as a forum for women’s rights, feminism, the LGBT+ community and the intersex community.

Muff Busters

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The museum offers free exhibitions, paid evening events, and other events to educate the public on this sensitive subject throughout the year.

One of their exciting exhibitions last year was running with the title of ‘Muff Busters: Vagina Myths and How to Fight Them’. The exhibition’s aim was to destroy gynaecological anatomy as a taboo subject. Because it still is! It’s shocking, but there are still more myths and legends about vagina – what it contains and how a normal one looks like – than facts.

Misinformation leads – even today in the 21^st century – to unrealistic expectations, and prevents women from forming a healthy relationship with their own body.

Current Exhibition

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Vagina Museum is currently hosting ‘Periods: A Brief History’ exhibition which is sponsored by a well-known British brand: The Body Shop.

The exhibition highlights facts and stories about periods throughout history. How it was perceived, what issues women had to face when on their periods, and what issues the lack of understanding of human reproductive system caused.

Menstruation has been a taboo subject for hundreds of years in society and was falsely connected to serious illness, injury, or even mental health issues(!).

The exhibition highlights contemporary artworks, stories throughout history, and how the lack of understanding has impacted the lives of women even today in the 21^st century.

Fanny Events

The museum regularly runs various events, such as comedy nights, quizzes, crocket classes, and more. Find out their upcoming events here.

Shop

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Vagina Museum is a non-profit organisation. If you like what they do and want to support them on their mission, you can do so, by either donating or by simply purchasing something from their shop.

So, what can you buy in Vagina Museum’s shop? Well, everything…khm…fanny. Shirts, jewellery, keyrings, books (of course), stickers, greeting cards, and much more.

Other Ways to Support Vagina Museum

Join the Cliterati by becoming a member of Vagina Museum. To reward your support, you will get a welcome pack with a membership card, discounts, private invitations and views for special events and new exhibitions, and much more.

If you want to support the museum as a company, you can do so, by becoming a corporate member.

Do you share the vision of no one should be ashamed of their body and want to support the museum as a patron? The museum offers two tiers of their patron programme.

Feel like you want to support the museum but do not wish to become a member or a patron? You can make a donation.

See comedians, authors, and actors as ambassadors of Vagina Museum.

ENTER Cafe

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Why not complete your museum visit with a creamy coffee at ENTER Cafe within the building? Are you an artist and have a project? Another reason to visit ENTER. They provide space for artworks, performances, rehearsals, meetings and more.

Ready for your next adventure? Now that you have educated your mind on the subject, why not sink your teeth into London’s sexiest waffles at Zizi Factory?