Hipster London
 

My wife and I are late 20-somethings who live in a major city. Although we are comfortable when visiting a new city to spend time in the traditional tourist areas, we also really enjoy being in the less-glamorous, more "hipster" (if I may use that term) areas. For instance, in NYC we enjoy the East Village. There is tons of wonderful info on historical and interesting London here--and we will visit those areas--but where is the "underground" (and I don't mean the tube in this instance)? <BR>We will be there for a week, and hope to go to rock clubs in addition to, say, St. Martin-In-The-Fields. <BR>Thanks. <BR>

Camden - touristy it might be on a Sunday, but it comes into its own in the evenings. <BR>The area around Angel station. Also Kings X. And of course Brixton. <BR>Thats all that comes to mind at the moment. <BR>

Definitely hit Carnaby Street for starters. If you're looking for a club, I would suggest Ministry of Sound. You may have heard of it. Camden market is also a bit trendy and good for finding interesting goods. Have fun!

Clerkenwell is the place to be, apparently. Check out the Time Out guide each week, and also their special publication on the top 100 bars in London. <BR>Also, try Clapham for a night out. There are loads of bars and restaurants there, with ne'er a tourist in sight. Get off at Clapham Common in Zone 2 and just walk around! There's a good cinema there, a great Frenc cafe, Tuba Bar, the Belle Vue pub which does good food and lots more. A nice restaurant is El Rincon Latino on Clapham Manor Street, just a short way from the tube. <BR>Don't expect a whizz-bang-wow neigbourhood, but do expect a real slice-of-life night out with the locals. Tubes run often and till about 1145 ish at night, or you can hail a cab. It's only about 4 or so miles from the 'centre' of London, where you will be probably staying.

Portobello market on a Saturday, Brixton market is also good. <BR>in the evenings Notting Hill is full of cool bars/restaurants (try and put the film from your mind) <BR>Hoxton/Clerkenwell are very cool (as a West Londoner i had to swallow my pride to say that) but i've never been to those areas. <BR>there are some underground London web sites (www.excite.co.uk is a good uk only engine) i'll try and find some