From Day to Night: Where to go from people in the know

From Day to Night: Where to go from people in the know

We all have our favourite spots. Those under-the-radar places that you stumble across on one of those days in which lunch turns into dinner, which then turns into dancing. And before you know it you’re attempting the samba in an underground venue that required a password to get into.

These are the kind of places that can’t be found on the tourist trail or in the usual guidebooks or even on the internet. The pop-up restaurant-with-no-name, which has the really cute barman who always lingers around for a chat. The latest food truck serving up the next hot cuisine that your mate told you about. That little deli which sells the dip that reminds you of your holiday in Greece five years ago, which you’ve always tried to recreate, but were never able to. The art gallery which never charges for admission but has the most mind-bending pieces (and never fails to impress a date).

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Because we are a nation that hates to miss out on anything, the makers of Day & Night Nurse™ have teamed up with a selection of people ‘in the know’, to bring you a collection of the best kept secret hangouts and hot tips from across the country. So now missing out can be a thing of the past with round-the-clock relief from cold and flu symptoms and the must-have inside track – both day and night.

These are those special places that you whisper, rather than shout, about. Enjoy!

Gillian Orr, journalist, @gillian_orr

Day & Night Nurse Capsules for cold and flu relief. Always read the label.

Natasha Rigler, Deputy Web Editor, Reveal @Natasha_Rx

There’s a real hidden gem in Berkshire called Forenza. Although it’s located in Maidenhead town centre, once you step inside it’s like being in a luxury Italian hotel. The service is amazing and literally everything on the menu is immense. My hubby and I still go there every year for our anniversary, mainly for the steak!

Scott Mills, Radio DJ & Presenter, @scott_mills

I would recommend the Argentinean Grill in Highbury Park. Incredible steak which is on par with London’s most expensive and best steakhouses at a fraction of the price, it also has an excellent red wine list. Relaxed atmosphere and in summer the whole of the front opens up. It’s only down the road from my house but it’s like a holiday restaurant. On a balmy evening you feel like you may be in Argentina! Great side dishes too - the garlic chips are incredible, and try the empanadas.

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I would love to recommend the Turkish restaurant in Harringay called Gokyuz. Looks very normal from the outside but, come the evening, queues form proving its that good. You can sit in and order a meat feast for two, the remnants of which they package up for you to take home for the next day. The meat is amazing and such good value - a real gem.

Lucie Cave, Editor, Heat Magazine, @luciecave

A brilliant venue for a date or with a group of mates – Dans Le Noir restaurant in Clerkenwell is full of surprises. You eat your meal in the total darkness which challenges every dining experience you’ve ever had, not to mention it being very funny when you’re having to navigate your way through a bottle of wine and trying to drink/ not knock over your neighbours! Not only that but you are guided and served by blind people – its completely unique and brilliant fun.

Louise Orcheston-Findlay, Editor, Who’s Jack, @luwhosjack

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Laura Richards, Bars & Clubs Editor, Viewlondon, @Lala_Richards

While most people are in search of a speakeasy, I head to the Big Easy, NOLA Bar to be precise, where the New Orleans theme makes for something totally out of the ordinary.

I can’t resist a Ginger Mojito from Ridley Road Market Bar in trendy Dalston. We’ve all had the late-night kebab and chips cravings. Next time you’re on your way home from a late one in London, stop by Voodoo Ray’s instead. The Brooklyn-style bar and pizza place is open into the wee hours.

Andreas Kambanis,londoncyclist.co.uk, @andreaskam

Cycling is a fast, wallet friendly way of getting around London. Get off the main roads by using the free journey-planning app BikeHub. This will direct you turn-by-turn through London using cycle friendly streets. You’ll be amazed what you’ll discover when you get away from the traffic clogged main roads.

Fifi Brown, London, @fifibrown

Row row row your boat, gently down the…lake? On the east side of Victoria Park in Lon-don’s Hackney sits a boating lake complete with weeping trees, blossoming shrubs, water-side banks, bridges, a waterfall! AND boats all courtesy of a whopping multi-million pound facelift. Grab a companion (ideally a competent rower) and paddle around the lake – great in the summer and equally impressive in the autumnal months, pack a flask of something hot and meander through the water, covered in a blanket of rusty coloured leaves.

On one of those rare (ish) days that I feel like spending an afternoon indulging in a craft activity, I head down to Wonderland Ceramics in Victoria Park Village, Hackney.Here, I will pick a pot or a bowl or a mug or a jug and happily paint Monet-esq landscapes (or polka dots) for hours. Sometimes I look down by my side and there is a four year old sat there next to me, but that’s fine, I’m sure we’re both there for the same therapeutic, mind-numbing reasons. My friend has just asked a large group of friends to all take the time to paint a portrait of her beloved Dog ‘Busta Sniff’ onto tiles, which will be kilned and grouted to the walls of her kitchen. Why not eh?

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Gerry Hopkinson,London, @gerryhopkinson

John Soane Museum, Lincolns Inn, LondonWhen you walk through the doors of this perfectly preserved Georgian Home not only are you getting a glimpse into life in the 18th Century but also one of the most fertile and curious minds ever to grace London. John Soane’s Home was also his own museum and playground which he constantly changed and curated. It’s chock full of wonders, amazing sculpture, paintings and curios and the rooms themselves are magical, each a theatrical set and well imagined world unto itself. Best of all it’s free, though you can make a small donation if you wish.

The Towpath, Regent’s CanalIf you fancy a walk on a Saturday/Sunday morning you could do worse than to wander along the Regent’s Canal from Islington to Hackney. Along the way, in addition to the soothing effects of the canal, the bucolic cries of the waterfowl you will come across one of London’s best little cafes, the Towpath. It’s run by food photographer Jason Lowe and the food is seasonal, delicious and deeply satisfying. You might get a few cherries, a plate of exquisite salami, some greens or a melt in your mouth tortilla straight from the oven, and then the there’s the coffee and cakes which are perfectly delivered in surroundings that feel at once thrown together and deeply considered – all in all a little gem of a place in a beautiful location.

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St James’s The haunt of Gentlemen for more than three centuries, St James’s is a small street which packs a big punch. As you stroll along from the Mall to Picadilly, you will encounter Berry Brothers & Rudd, purveyors of fine wines and holder of the blackest façade in retail. If you spy it you can sneak down the little passage that runs next to the shop and find yourself in a little courtyard which used to be the address of the Texan Embassy (yes they had one once upon a time). Further up the street, you will find Lock & Co Hatters who invented the Bowler Hat (they call it a Coke after Mr Coke for whom they produced it). It’s like stepping back in time. There are many other treasures too along this little stretch including John Lobb the Bootmaker who are quite simply the best cordwainers in the world. You can even visit Beretta and buy yourself a rifle if you’re into that sort of thing. All in all, a wonderful, if expensive, little street that has stood the test of time.

Steve Myall, Senior Features Writer, Sunday Mirror, @stevemyalleats

Borough Market is London’s must visit foodie hotspot, but for a real secret head down to Maltby Street Market in nearby Bermondsey. Grab a custard doughnut from St John Bakery, a coffee from Monmouth, load up on Italian cold meats from Ham & Cheese Company, some Dexter beef from Nathan Mills at The Butchery, and sate your thirst with a pale ale from the Kernel Brewery. Yummers.

Owen Blackhurst, Associate Editor, Sabotage Times, @owenblackhurst

Burger joints have sprung up on corners and side streets across London, but ignore the chains and American interlopers and go to Patty & Bun. Order the Smoky Robinson, a side of chicken wings and a bottle of whichever IPA they have, then prepare for the world’s best food coma...

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Emma Drury, Manchester, @drurington

Artisan Market is Manchester’s biggest fine food, craft and vintage market. It is just about to move into the Victorian Market Hall for the winter in Castlefield and is held weekly – dancing is encouraged. Carbooty is a great monthly modern car boot sale with an arty twist. Afflecks Palace is sometimes overrun with teenagers but is a rabbit warren full of shops of treasure, independent traders and craft shops that let you get lost in this massive emporium. The Teacup has officially the best flourless chocolate cake I have ever tasted. Cask was voted in the top 10 ten craft beer pubs in Manchester; a fantastic selection of ale with a lovely laid back attitude.

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Mariana Hemel-Smith, Cardiff, @mazhamelsmith

The Potted Pig restaurant is located in central Cardiff within 100 metres of both Cardiff Castle and the Millennium Stadium. Housed in a former bank vault it has amazing modern British food with French influences.

Elsewhere in the city you will find The Cosy Club. This is a gents club-meets village hall- meets cricket pavilion with great food and always has a buzzing atmosphere full of friendly people.

Katie Thomas, Beauty Assistant, Tatler, @katherinesaraht

Lizzy’s On The Green on Newington Green - I have just found it and I think it’s a lovely local treasure. It’s right in the middle of the green and she has sweet little tables outside, with blankets on the chairs in case it’s chilly. The perfect place for a Sunday afternoon coffee and paper reading.

Jessica Becker, Nottingham, @JessicaBecker

The best spot for brunch or cake is Tiffins in West Bridgford. It’s decorated like a cute old-fashioned teashop and the quality (and portion) size is brilliant. Lovely cafe run by local people that never disappoints.

The Joshua Tree salon is the best salon in the whole of Nottingham in my opinion! They use beautiful Aveda products and the girls are so friendly. Whether I have my hair or nails done, I always leave feeling my most fabulous self.

The Virgin Active gym in Nottingham is the nicest gym I’ve seen - it’s a converted train station with super high ceilings and lots of large windows that let the light flood in. It makes working out really enjoyable and relaxing.

Emily Gosling, What’s On Editor, Design Week, @nalascarlett

While London has some stunning parks and outdoor spaces, an overlooked corner is Abney Park Cemetery, in Stoke Newington. It’s at once terrifying, beautiful and poignant with its raggedy shrubs and crumbling gravestones, but there’s something quietly dignified and beautiful about it.

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Vicky Sartain, Deputy Editor, Discover Britain

Here’s my list of 10 great heritage days out:Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland; Newstead Abbey, Nottinghamshire; Hampton Court Palace, Surrey;Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire;Castle Howard, Yorkshire;Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Hampshire;St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall;Ffestiniog Railway; Wales;Roman Baths, Bath;Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.

Jenny Priestley, Editor, Entertainment News, @jennypriestley

Whenever I need a bit of inspiration I go and sit in front of the Shakespeare portrait in the National Portrait Gallery for 10 minutes. I always feel inspired to crack on with whatever I’m doing afterwards.

David Djukic, Brighton, @davidd321

In my late teens and early 20’s Brighton was my home away from London. Clubs like Digital, Audio and Coalition offer some of the best up and coming artists across all genres.

Resident Record’s is a musical mecca for any audio enthusiast – great choice of limited edition releases and my go-to destination to buy music outside the capital.

Natalie Wheeler, Bath, @natswheeler

If you’re in Bath make sure you pay a visit to Sally Lunns Café to taste the famous Sally Lunns Bun. A mix between a savory bun and a sweet brioche, they’re steeped in the city’s history and taste fantastic with sweet or savory toppings!

Ivinghoe Beacon in Hertfordshire is full of bluebells covering the wood’s floor. People come from all over it to see it, and you get fantastic views across Hertfordshire. Best time to go is during April when the bluebells are out, and go on a sunny day to get a ice cream from the regular vendors who pitch up.

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Scott Manson, Editor-In-Chief, Tempus Magazine, @Tempusmagazine

Frost of London is situated in the heart of Mayfair, this high end watch and jewellery boutique is the choice of celebs such as Amir Khan and Professor Green, who had his wife’s engagement ring made in-store, plus other high net worth types. The reason? Frost bucks the trend by selling genuinely different, cutting edge products – Devon, Backes & Strauss, Maitres du Temps, Jason of Beverly Hills and Chrome Hearts, to name just a few – and its directors are constantly searching for the next big thing. With a store expansion in the offing, Frost looks set to shine brighter still.

Gabrielle Taylor, Leeds, @gabsalana

In between Leeds and Bradford sits a beautiful and quaint village called Saltaire. Named after Sir Titus Salt who built a model village and factory on the River Aire to house his workforce and ensure they had better working conditions.

You can take a stroll round the cobbled streets before ending up at Salts Mill which now houses various galleries, a history museum and pretty shops that sell everything from antiques to books to jewellery. There are also two cafes serving lovely food including vegan and gluten free cakes so you really can spend the whole day there. ®

Stephen Farmer, Restaurant Editor, Viewlondon, @MrStephenFarmer

It’s a bit of a mission to get to, and it’s not exactly glamorous, but for some of the best Italian food in London, New Barnet’s Ci Vediamo Li is superb. All the produce is imported from Tuscany and there’s even a romantic - typically Italian - tale behind the whole thing. The authentic Ethiopian food at Kentish Town’s Lalibela is very good indeed - and worth the trip alone. However, it’s the setting that really makes this place, with enough trinkets, carvings, sculptures, bric-a-brac and other bizarre bits and bobs to cover half of London. Odd (and a little bit musty) but great. Islington’s Saponara is a stunningly good Italian deli, and a real labour of love from the two brothers running it. The pizzas are incredible but it’s the imported produce that really draws people in – some of it you can’t get anywhere else in London.

Adam Woodward, Deputy Editor, Little White Lies, @AWLies

My favourite cinema in East London is the Aubin, tucked away down a quiet side-street in the heart of Shoreditch. It’s tiny (only about 45 seats), super cosy and a great place to discover something new.

David Wade, Jersey, @ThisIsDavidWade

I would recommend taking surfing lessons at St. Ouens Bay in Jersey. The sea comes straight from the Atlantic and has some of the largest surf ridden in Europe. If surfing doesn’t take your fancy you could always just spend the day walking along the sea wall where there are a couple of German bunkers and other sites of historical interest.

If you’re really interested in the Second World War, then you have to check out the Jersey War Tunnels. Whilst it never got used, it’s a chilling reminder of the Nazis presence on the island. Originally designed to be a hospital, the doors never were opened but the tunnels live on to tell the tale.

Anna Golding, Portsmouth, @annargolding

When I’m back home in Portsmouth I always try and stop by The Mary Rose. It’s Britain’s great Tudor warship, and the centrepiece in a stunning new museum in city’s historic Dockyard, also home of the Royal Navy.

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Jenna Gifford, Cambridge, @jen_n_na

When in Cambridge, popping over to Grantchester Meadows is a great shout – immortalised in song by Pink Floyd, a good place to go for a punt / picnic or a walk in the summer. There is also an old tearoom where Rupert Brook used to live!

Clowns is an Italian family run café, it’s a Cambridge institution and probably not somewhere you’d go unless you were a local.

Cambridge Shakespeare Festival is a great place to take a champagne picnic and watch Shakespeare in the gardens of Cambridge colleges. It is really beautiful and amazing.

The Fitzwilliam Museum is a really cool museum and hidden cultural gem. Think the British Museum but smaller and it won’t take you a whole day to explore. At the weekends they have string quartets playing while you go round, which is always an added bonus.

Lydia Swinscoe, Junior Fashion & Beauty Editor, Girl Talk, @LydiaSwinscoe

If you love Indian food you have to head to Southall in West London, there’s an amazing selection of restaurants that beat Brick Lane’s offering hands down!

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Helen Doyle, Cheshire, @doylehl

As a proud northerner whenever I make the visit back, my first stop is Booths. It is the perfect place to browse the aisles, taste something from their hot counter and even try a glass of complimentary wine with one of their wine experts. With only 29 stores in the North West it’s a real northern gem!

Kate Lough, Going Out & Lifestyle Editor, London Evening Standard, @kate_loughs

Things are changing in Tooting, not least its burgeoning bar scene. We stumbled across the Little Bar on Twitter and what a find it is for South Londoners: a cosy, simple, unpretentious little bar (the clue’s in the name) that does great drinks (they don’t like the word ‘cocktail’), has a thoughtful wine list and delicious little plates of charcuterie and cheese. Alongside champagne cocktails and Hix Fixes, owners Madeleine - an ex-food critic - and Martin have a whole list dedicated to negronis, this place was made for first daters.

James Mullinger, Comedy Editor, GQ, @jamesmullinger

If you want to experience a real, edgy live experience where anything can happen head to Outside The Box Comedy in Kingston or We Love Comedy in Brixton. Both offer some of the biggest and best comedians in the world (Bill Bailey, Lucy Beaumont, Robin Williams and Michael McIntyre) trying out new material and testing the waters with jokes they are workshopping. These clubs also book the best of new talent and you are guaranteed the greatest, most unpredictable night of your lives at these clubs. Avoid the big clubs, support your local small clubs. You won’t regret it.

Paul Drury, Sheffield, @thisisjukebox

Showroom Cinema is a great place for live music, has excellent programming and is home to world’s most important film festival, Sheffield International Documentary Festival. Forum Cafe Sheffield offers independent local shops, bars, cafes, tattoo parlour and more.

Nichols Building is a retro and vintage department store selling art, craft, vintage clothing & retro interiors, where people can display, buy, sell or just meet up in a relaxing environment for a coffee.

Bungalows & Bears is a quirky bar opened till late with awesome décor. ®

Astrid Carter, Assistant Editor, StyleNest, @AstridCarter

I LOVE burgers! My current favourite is Bukowski’s on the top of Shoreditch’s Boxpark.

Keep a look out for pop-up treatments taking place in Liberty’s Queen Mary Room. It’s a tiny room hidden away right in the store’s beauty hall, small but decadent with wood panelling and gold trims, it’s a peaceful sanctuary right in the middle of London.

If I can’t face heading into town to shop, there’s a great boutique on Angel’s Upper Street called Diverse. They stock my favourite brands from Sophie Hulme to Carven, Acne to Marc Jacobs.

David Cornish, Online Editorial Assistant, Shortlist.com, @d_cornish

If you’re yearning for something authentically Japanese, take a trip to Brixton Village’s Okan. This Osaka street-food kitchen serves up the best noodle dishes in south London.

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Emily Cater, Assistant Editor, Travel & Arts, WGSN, @EmilyRCater

New Angel-based restaurant Hoxley and Porter takes you to the 1920s as an explorer aboard the Orient Express, with the glamorous interior fashioned as a carriage dining car, complete with vintage suitcases and art deco inspired-mirrors. But this isn’t all that impresses, as the venue serves fantastic cuts of meat complemented with seasonal vegetables, and really packs a punch with its cocktails. A favourite is the ‘Whatever Doesn’t Kill You’ cocktail, complete with an absinthe coated Scorpion!

My absolute favourite homeware and lifestyle store in Stoke Newington is Search and Rescue. Beautifully original stuff in there including art, interiors, furniture and fashion.

I would recommend Dirty Blonde on Stoke Newington Church Street for great vintage clothing items.

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Day Nurse Liquid 240 ml - RRP £5.53Day Nurse Capsules (20s) - RRP £4.90Night Nurse Liquid 160 ml - RRP £5.53Night Nurse Capsules (10s) - RRP £3.72

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Day & Night Nurse is supporting the Treat Yourself Better campaign – a new campaign from Pharmacy Voice and the Proprietary Association

of Great Britain (PAGB) designed to take the pressure off the NHS by encouraging people to self-treat winter ailments such as coughs

and colds rather than going to the GP and asking for antibiotics which are ineffective against cold and flu symptoms. The campaign is also

supported by the Department of Health and Public Health England. More information on the Treat Yourself Better campaign can be found at:

www.treatyourselfbetter.com

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