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From designing the world's best structures to music videos and winning international swing competitions with only one shoe! A hilarious strategy for Pickle Roulette, the brutal aftermath of winning a chilli-eating contest, and the brilliant, completely free life hack for experiencing London in a whole new way. We are joined by the incredible Lesta Woo, a world-class architect, award-winning jazz dancer, and talented artist. She also happens to be visually impaired. Lesta shares her extraordinary journey. Follow and subscribe to BEST OF LONDON for links on ALL the platforms including Apple, Amazon music, Audible, Instagram, Twitter / X / Facebook. Click here for links to all of those :⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Highlights: The Power of Echolocation: How Lesta uses the continuous rhythm of jazz music to "see" the dance floor, avoid collisions and more. Dancing with The Stars: Behind the scenes of a massive three-day music video shoot with one of the world's most successful recording artists Winning International Dance Competitions: Taking first place at the Upside Down Festival in Ghent—despite her shoe flying off mid-routine. Pickle Roulette & The Ring of Fire: Lesta’s fearless approach to buying mystery £1 pickles in Chinatown, and the terrifying realities of the Red Dog Saloon spicy wing challenge. The Ultimate London Life Hack: The best way to uncover the hidden magic, smells, and textures of the city. EXCLUSIVE BRAND NEW PARODY TRACKS THROUGHOUT THE EPISODE INCLUDING IN THE OUTRO AND AT THE VERY END People Mentioned in This Episode: Ed Sheeran: Global music superstar whose Azizam music video featured Lesta shaking her bum. David Attenborough: Legendary broadcaster, mentioned for featuring the Gardens by the Bay Supertrees on Planet Earth. Mike Figgis: Oscar-winning director of Leaving Las Vegas, who directed Lesta in the film London Tango. Romano Viazzani: Musician, producer of London Tango, and former Best of London guest. Amir Giles: Choreographer Kate Flatt: Artistic director and the original choreographer for Les Misérables. Jay Adegbenro: Lesta’s dance partner. Shivangee Agrawal: Audio describer for the contemporary dance show Plieu. Chris McCausland: Comedian and Strictly Come Dancing winner. Rosie Jones: Comedian whom Lesta spotted at the Scope Disability Awards. Sir Robin Miller: The blind chair of the disability equality charity Scope. Alice Gregory: Lesta’s dance partner for the disability and nightlife exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands. Best of London Picks include: The Crystal in Royal Victoria, Pleu The Place London School of Conemporary Dance, Jamboree in King's Cross (where Lesta teaches) and the inspiring Scope Awards at the Kia Oval. Her mum’s kitchen for unmatched wontons, Peppers & Spice in Dalston for incredible Caribbean patties and goat curry. Chinatown supermarkets (for Tiger Paw buns!), and K-Miso in Greenwich Market for Korean product, Clissold Park for chilling under a tree, grabbing a coffee, and saying hello to the deer. Lesta Woo: Instagram: Follow Lesta at @dis_swing_thing Exhibition: See the new disability and nightlife exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands. FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE to  BEST OF LONDON we have great shows coming up. For links click here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  E-mail:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ I read and reply to all your e-mails. Intro and Outro music lyrics and compositions by Ben Holland Best of London is presented and produced by Ben Holland and Ben Afleck. Ben's instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/benpodz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Ben's TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@benpodz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ben’s X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://x.com/benpodz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Logo by the brilliant [email protected] Follow and subscribe to BEST OF LONDON for links on ALL the platforms including Apple, Amazon music, Audible, Instagram, Twitter / X / Facebook. Click here for links to all of those :⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hidden Gem: How to find PEACE and CALM. Bus that goes on land AND WATER. And how to TUBE SURF with comedian Tom Ward. Plus Shepherds Bush Empire and Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever. Includes parody tracks which can only be found on this episode and nowhere else! This is a Hidden Gem (🫣💎 ) episode of Best of London including an interesting section from a previous full length episode. Please FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE TO  BEST OF LONDON as we have great shows coming up. For links on all the platforms and social media, just click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ For the full episode this is taken from click below: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/1chrFEeLNbWYL3W8J7UZjo?si=xf2zhmuwTtK7IPNgth4JWw⁠ You can listen to the FULL episode which this HIDDEN GEM is taken from by going to the previous edition of BEST OF LONDON. In which the guest tells us their favourite places to go and things to do in London. My guest this week is Tom Ward, one of the UK’s funniest comedians. He performed a storming set on BBC’s LIVE AT THE APOLLO and he’s been on TV shows like QI and ROAST BATTLE. He hosts a show called Abandoned Engineering where they visit breathtaking places all over the world like Abandoned Olympic Villages, Huge Space Rocket Facilities, Ghost Towns and Jungle Cities. Time Out said he has fine jokes and star presence and Best of London gives him 5 stars and says he is a hilarious comedian, he’s wonderful, warm, funny, loveable and relatable. For Tom's Linktree click here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/tomwardcomedian We're kicking off the post-summer run with a Hidden Gems edition, digging into the archives with comedian Tom Ward In this episode: • Vintage Venues & Indie Rock: Why Shepherd's Bush Empire holds the crown for old London vibes, plus Tom's love for Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever. • The Windsor Water Vans: Duck Tours are relaunching. We break down the chaotic joy of driving a duck bus straight into a river. • Victoria Line Surfing: The high-stakes, zero-handhold underground sport we're trying to pioneer. • Burner Phones & Brain Space: Tom's radical method for ditching the smartphone, embracing the grayscale screen, and actually talking to strangers. • Exclusive Audio: Stick around until the very end for a brand-new parody track you won't hear anywhere else. Catch the clips and say hello on Instagram, TikTok, and X: @Benpodz Consider doing something genuinely great and register to become an organ donor today: https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/register-your-decision/ Please FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE TO  BEST OF LONDON as we have great shows coming up. For links on all the platforms and social media, just click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ Email us: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠  Best of London is hosted and produced by Ben Holland and Ben Afleck. You can follow / subscribe to BEST OF LONDON on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Pocketcasts and everywhere else you get podcasts. Once a series we do a Q&A episode so please send in questions on any subject. E-mail: [email protected] BEST OF LONDON Instagram/x is: @bestolondon with NO F ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bestolondon/⁠ and has just joined TikTok at bentiktoks ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ BEST OF LONDON logo and artwork by Bob Magill of recolodesign.com. If you or your company would like to work with him email: [email protected] - he's a talented, patient and good natured designer/publisher with decades of experience who I whole-heartedly recommend. For the full episode this is taken from click below: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1chrFEeLNbWYL3W8J7UZjo?si=xf2zhmuwTtK7IPNgth4JWw

How to move abroad, get robbed, and end up in a big movie wearing oversized men's shoes? Discover how to hire a secret private room with a massive karaoke screen for FREE in an iconic music venue, the Michelin-starred dessert you have to try, and the insider hack to scoring front-row London theatre tickets for just £10. Please FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE to  BEST OF LONDON as we have great shows coming up. For links on all the platforms and social media, just click here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  You'll hear: * The Blockbuster: How volunteering at a women's health NGO led to Megan getting her purse stolen on night one, before accidentally getting cast as a journalist in a big budget film. * PhD Shortcut: How she managed to earn a doctorate while keeping her full-time job, and why her approach meant she could afford to do it. * Risky Business: Why taking a massive risk to work abroad might just allow you to get your dream job * The culture shock: Of moving from a tiny village to the big city. * The Free Birthday Hack: How to score a secret, private playroom with a massive karaoke screen and your own personal bar for absolutely nothing in one of London's most iconic music venues. Megan’s Best of London Secrets: * The Venue: The legendary Camden spot where you can catch up-and-coming stars up close, and the Nunhead vermouth bar that will instantly transport you to Madrid. * The Food: The secret Italian restaurant disguised as a tiny deli, and the Michelin-starred vegan dessert in Shoreditch that will blow your mind. * The Shopping: Forget the high street. Megan reveals the Peckham charity shop that comes with its own DJ. * Comedians in Bookshops: The tiny Bermondsey bookshop where you can catch big-name comedians like Nish Kumar and John Kearns performing up close — plus book clubs, life drawing, and craft beers. * The Area: The iconic golden Thames route from Tower Bridge to Waterloo that makes you realise how lucky you are to live in London. * The Hack: How to completely game the system and score £10 Friday rush and lottery tickets to National Theatre and Young Vic. Global health researcher Dr Megan Devonald joins Ben to share one of the wildest travel stories we've ever heard and some amazing tips. Plus Ben chats about surviving the hottest London May on record, mingling with Rose Ayling-Ellis, and Rosie Jones at the Scope Disability Awards. People Mentioned in this Episode: * Laura Willoughby * Amy Winehouse * Joy Crookes * Eddie Redmayne * Nish Kumar * John Kearns * Harriet Kemsley * Stuart Laws * Idi Amin * Hans Zimmer * Christopher Nolan * Elton John * Charlie Chaplin * Kalliopi Fouseki * Sara Al Maliki * Maria Manona * Rosie Jones * Rose Ayling-Ellis * Sir Robin Miller Please FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE to  BEST OF LONDON as we have great shows coming up. For links on all the platforms and social media, just click here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  E-mail:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ I read and reply to all your e-mails. Each week I ask a guest 7 questions including what’s your best London venue, event, place to eat, area and London Lifehack. You’ll find out the best things to do and places to go. Intro and Outro music by Ben Holland Best of London is presented and produced by Ben Holland and Ben Afleck. Ben's instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/benpodz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Ben's TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@benpodz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ben’s X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://x.com/benpodz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ BEST OF LONDON logo by the brilliant [email protected] for all your logo, artwork and design needs. Follow and subscribe to BEST OF LONDON for links on ALL the platforms including Apple, Amazon music, Audible, Instagram, Twitter / X / Facebook. Click here for links to all of those :⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hidden Gem: Where the best Italian restaurants and cabaret clubs are in London. Includes parody tracks which can only be found on this episode and nowhere else! This is a Hidden Gem (🫣💎 ) episode of Best of London including an interesting section from a previous full length episode. Please FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE TO  BEST OF LONDON as we have great shows coming up. For links on all the platforms and social media, just click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ You can listen to the FULL episode which this HIDDEN GEM is taken from by going to the previous edition of BEST OF LONDON. In which the guest tells us their favourite places to go and things to do in London. In this episode we hear from Romano Viazzani, a world-class musician with deep London roots and a story unlike any other who's recorded with Oscar winning directors and worked with huge music legends like Grace Jones. He's also one of the world’s finest accordionists. He grew up in the heart of Soho, one of the rare few raised within its tight-knit Italian community. As a child, he recorded a song at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, where The Beatles made history, and his track went on to be heard by millions around the world. He's toured the world with bands and written breathtakingly beautiful albums and soundtracks including one which was part of a film by a director who's films have won Oscars and as you'll find out it was a film that I was in. He's performed alongside musical greats like Grace Jones, Sir Bryn Terfel, and members of Roxy Music. He also won the BBC Album of the Year award as part of a renowned jazz septet. You can visit his website here: https://romanoviazzani.com/ You can buy his London Tango CD with detailed liner notes here: https://zzmusic.uk/accordionshop/recordings/the-romano-viazzani-ensemble-london-tango/ Please FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE TO  BEST OF LONDON as we have great shows coming up. For links on all the platforms and social media, just click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon ⁠⁠⁠⁠  Email us: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠  The show is hosted and produced by Ben Holland and Ben Afleck. You can follow / subscribe to BEST OF LONDON on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Pocketcasts and everywhere else you get podcasts. After every 10 guest episodes we do a Q&A episode so please send in questions on any subject. E-mail: [email protected] BEST OF LONDON Instagram/x is: @bestolondon with NO F https://www.instagram.com/bestolondon/ and has just joined TikTok at bentiktoks ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ BEST OF LONDON logo and artwork by Bob Magill of recolodesign.com. If you or your company would like to work with him email: [email protected] - he's a talented, patient and good natured designer/publisher with decades of experience who I whole-heartedly recommend.

Award winning actor, writer and star of stage and screen Jessica Regan. You'll hear: The Fleabag Beginnings: Jessica Regan was in the room when Phoebe Waller-Bridge performed a very early version of Fleabag . She reveals the original opening line that grabbed her attention and made her laugh. The Peep Show Confession: How Jessica got to be in the cult show and another big TV show by the same writers. The 18-Month Secret: Auditioning for a role in a made-up language, getting the job, and not being told what the project is for 2 years! Franchise surprise: Jessica explains how she accidentally ended up in one of the biggest franchises in history. Ben’s Techno No-No: Why did Ben end up in a concrete basement listening to two big dogs fighting in a metal bin. Jessica’s Best of London Secrets: The Venue: A hidden gem that feels like a David Lynch movie set, that you’ve probably walked right past. The Food: The dessert in Pimlico that is so good, the staff will stop working just to watch you eat it. The Shopping: Forget Oxford Street. Jessica reveals the specific road in West London where the charity shops are better than designer boutiques. The Walk: The "Golden Hour" route that beats the South Bank every time (and has better pubs). The Hack: Why you may avoid Members' Club and the secret free alternatives that are better. Jessica Regan's amazing new show 16 Postcodes is running at the King’s Head Theatre in Islington from 25th February to 8th March. It's had 5 star reviews so get your tickets NOW. There are some £10 tickets for every performance so hurry and click this link: https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/16-postcodes-jhby Please FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE to  BEST OF LONDON as we have great shows coming up. For links on all the platforms and social media, just click here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  E-mail:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ I read and reply to all your e-mails. Each week I ask a guest 7 questions including what’s your best London venue, event, place to eat, area and London Lifehack. You’ll find out the best things to do and places to go. Intro and Outro music by Ben Holland Best of London is presented and produced by Ben Holland and Ben Afleck. Ben's instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/benpodz/⁠⁠⁠⁠  Ben's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benpodz⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ben’s X:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://x.com/benpodz⁠⁠⁠⁠ BEST OF LONDON logo by the brilliant [email protected] for all your logo, artwork and design needs. Follow and subscribe to BEST OF LONDON for links on ALL the platforms including Apple, Amazon music, Audible, Instagram, Twitter / X / Facebook. Click here for links to all of those :⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jessica's website: https://jessicaregan.com/big-speeches/ People Mentioned in this Episode: John Kearns (Comedian & Taskmaster star)Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Creator of Fleabag)Sam Bain & Jesse Armstrong (Creators of Peep Show & Succession)Lizzy Caplan & Chris Geere (Stars of Ill Behaviour)Jenny Agutter (Star of Call the Midwife)Sarah Snook (Star of Succession & All Her Fault)Andrea Mara (Crime Thriller Author)Zoë Wanamaker (CBE, Stage & Screen Legend)Lesley Manville (CBE, Star of Mum & Phantom Thread)Conleth Hill (Star of Game of Thrones)Millie Thomas (Playwright & Screenwriter)Ruth Everett (Artist & Illustrator)Claire Regan (Musician, Cordless)Natasha Jenkins (Set & Costume Designer)Lizzie Winkler (Actor)Maggie O'Herlihy (Producer, Avex Classics)Ludovico Einaudi (Composer)Tom Salinsky (Producer of 16 Postcodes)Deborah Frances-White (Host of The Guilty Feminist)Sarah Solemani (Writer & Actor)Nat Luurtsema (Author, Screenwriter & Comedian)Seán Burke (Comedian & Sketch Artist)Jamie Oliver & Nigella Lawson (Chefs)Lena Dunham (Writer/Director)Alan Rickman: Jessica mentions serving him Campari while working at the RADA bar Ian McKellen: Jessica mentions sneaking him rosé at the RADA barIra Mandela Siobhan Movement Director

David Lynch and Julia Cameron both have a lifehack which can give you a happy and fulfilled life if you do them every day. This is a Hidden Gem (🫣💎 ) episode with Etan Ilfeld Our guest is an incredibly intelligent, interesting and insightful individual who’s the owner of Watkins Media and Watkins Books and founded The Mind Sports Olympiad and Mind Body Spirit Magazine. He invented diving chess which involves playing chess at the bottom of a swimming pool and there are annual tournaments with competitors from all over the world. His media company has released many popular, well reviewed, bestselling and award winning books. He has recently launched the Ilfeld Prize and he hosts a podcast which has guests such as the acclaimed film director David Lynch and he’s written his own books and he even recently created The Synchronicity Oracle. This is Best of London according to Etan Ilfeld ⁠https://watkinspublishing.com/free-books-for-subscriptions/⁠ ⁠https://watkinspublishing.com/⁠ ⁠https://mindsportsolympiad.com/⁠  For the film Pentamind click here: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_84gvzZcXw⁠ For the Ilfeld Prize click here: ⁠https://www.ilfeldprize.com/⁠ For diving chess click here: ⁠https://divingchess.com/⁠ Please FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE TO  BEST OF LONDON as we have great shows coming up. For links on all the platforms and social media, just click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon ⁠⁠⁠⁠  Email us: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠  Follow us on instagram here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bestolondon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The show is hosted by Ben Holland and produced by Ben Afleck. You can follow / subscribe to BEST OF LONDON on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Pocketcasts and everywhere else you get podcasts. After every 10 guest episodes we do a Q&A episode so please send in questions on any subject. E-mail: [email protected] Best of London Instagram/x is @bestolondon with NO F and has just joined TikTok at bentiktoks ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠

NEW Mood Enhancing NonAlc Drinks, HOW TO Make Friends When Out, BEST Places for Tea, BEST place to Swim, BEST Alcohol Free Venues In London, Awarded an MBE from The Queen, Best of London with Laura Willoughby MBE and Ben Holland Please FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE to  BEST OF LONDON as we have great shows coming up. For links on all the platforms and social media, just click here:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  E-mail:⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠ I read and reply to all your e-mails. A great episode where we discuss: How Laura made being alcohol free feel normal in London’s pubs and bars The TWO revolution‑fuelers behind London’s mindful drinking surge Club Soda’s “Nudging Pubs” research that kick‑started a movement The story of London’s alcohol‑free Drinks Festival Club Soda’s Covent Garden “tasting room” your gateway to hundreds of non‑alcoholic drinks Unforgettable Club Soda events including alcohol-free cocktail masterclasses & private tastings The UCL‑backed behavior‑change program that helps you be in control of your drinking The NEW mood‑enhancing drinks: lion’s mane mushrooms, ashwagandha, valerian & herbal power blends Being awarded an MBE Cheap London ticket secrets revealed London’s hidden aquatic gems: from brutalist bathing to swimming in Royal Victoria Docks A food obsession: ricotta pancakes at Granger & Co, King’s Cross—fluffy, banana‑topped heavenThe buzzy Drury Lane Vietnamese haunt (ring the bell for service!)The best teas : oolongs at Postcard teas, hidden Chinese Tea Company gems & clandestine Japanese tea bars Mastering seat‑filler sites and solo chats to turn your London outing into an adventure Please FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE to  BEST OF LONDON as we have great shows coming up. For links on all the platforms and social media, just click here:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  E-mail:⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ I read and reply to all your e-mails. Visit the Club Soda website here and sign up to the mailing list and book on events https://joinclubsoda.com/ You can order the audiobook or the kindle edition of Laura's book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Be-Mindful-Drinker-Community-ebook/dp/B07YXRJG5G/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 The Club Soda Instagram account is at https://www.instagram.com/joinclubsoda Each week I ask a guest 7 questions including what’s your best London venue, event, place to eat, area and London Lifehack. You’ll find out the best things to do and places to go. Intro and Outro music by Ben Holland Best of London is presented and produced by Ben Holland and Ben Afleck. Ben's instagram is ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/benpodz/⁠⁠⁠  Ben's TikTok is⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@benpodz⁠⁠⁠ Ben’s X is⁠⁠⁠ https://x.com/benpodz⁠⁠⁠ BEST OF LONDON logo and artwork by my good friend Bobby Magill of recolodesign.com. E-mail [email protected] for all your logo, artwork and design needs. Chapters and transcript are created by Spotify and may contain inaccuracies these take 24 hours to show up. If you're listening to it in the first 24 hours thank you and why not guess what the chapters will be called. Follow and subscribe to BEST OF LONDON for links on ALL the platforms including Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Audible, Instagram, Twitter / X and Facebook, please click here for links to all of those :⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

FREE Music, Meditation, Mini-Museums, Concerts and Peaceful Havens! Including a 900 year old one! BEST OF LONDON Hidden Gem episode with Living London History presented by Ben Holland My guest's a bestselling author, millions watch his videos he was recommended by our former guest when she was on Best of London. He published his first book called London: A Guide for Curious Wanderers, which was a Sunday Times Bestseller and his name is JACK CHESHER. Please FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE TO  BEST OF LONDON as we have great shows coming up. For links on all the platforms and social media, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon ⁠⁠⁠⁠  E-mail: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To listen to the FULL episode CLICK here: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/119OjfqOKBz6q4r1o8sf4G?si=jTp_R5JlTfSMFJ31Tnwrvw⁠ Each week I ask a guest 7 questions including what’s your best London venue, event, place to eat, area and London Lifehack. Best of London is presented and produced by Ben Holland and Ben Afleck You can find all of Jack's links here: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/livinglondonhistory ⁠⁠⁠ Follow and subscribe to BEST OF LONDON for links on ALL the platforms including apple podcasts, amazon music, audible, instagram, twitter/x and Facebook, please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

WHERE to Watch Films for LESS THAN £1 . CINEMA TOURS Loved by Mark Kermode. Amazing SRI LANKAN restaurant that also helps the homeless. Website with the inside scoop on London's Cinemas. BEST OF LONDON with NIGEL SMITH & BEN HOLLAND produced by Ben Afleck My guest worked for the BBC and is a true lover of London, film and history who has tours which celebrate all of these and YOU can book on them. His tours have been recommended by countless people on review sites and by musician, author and world’s best film critic Mark Kermode. He’s recommended by me as I’ve been on his tour of Camden’s Lost Cinemas. He runs a London film club where you can join and watch some amazing films for less than a pound each. He’s helping to keep London film making and cinemas alive with his Memory Palaces website which is a beautiful and informative guide to London’s cinemas past and present. BEST OF LONDON according to NIGEL SMITH Please FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE to  BEST OF LONDON as we have great shows coming up. For links on all the platforms and social media, just click here:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  E-mail:⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ I read and reply to all your e-mails. You can book onto Nigel's tours here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/nigel-smith-guided-walking-tours-51402283783 Nigel's Memory Palaces Website: https://memorypalaces.co.uk/ Tufnell Park Film Club: https://www.tufnellparkfilmclub.com/  Follow Nigel Smith on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/nigelsmithwalks/ Hackney History Festival here: https://hackneyhistoryfestival.org/ Yogi's Sri Lankan Restaurant in Camden Passage: https://www.instagram.com/yogissrilankan_kitchen/ - Screenshot the Radio 4 show Nigel works on with Mark Kermode and Ellen E Jones: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00121bv BEST OF LONDON did one episode as a video on YouTube here: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@benpodz⁠ Each week I ask a guest 7 questions including what’s your best London venue, event, place to eat, area and London Lifehack. You’ll find out the best things to do and places to go. Intro and Outro music by Ben Holland Best of London is presented and produced by Ben Holland and Ben Afleck. Ben's instagram is ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/benpodz/⁠⁠  Ben's TikTok is⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@benpodz⁠⁠ Ben’s X is⁠⁠ https://x.com/benpodz⁠⁠ BEST OF LONDON logo and artwork by my good friend Bobby Magill of recolodesign.com. E-mail [email protected] for all your logo, artwork and design needs. Chapters and transcript are created by Spotify and may contain inaccuracies these also take 24 hours show up. If you're listening to it in the first 24 hours thank you and why not guess what the chapters will be! Follow and subscribe to BEST OF LONDON for links on ALL the platforms including apple podcasts, amazon music, audible, instagram, twitter/x and Facebook, please click here :⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This is a hidden gem (🫣💎) episode. To listen to the full episode click here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7jMQFcSNRgzNboLaX4qIor?si=f5OuJUlDT_WzTIH4jV7hZQ My guest has acted in stage plays, musicals and feature films. She wrote and released an album which is beautifully sung and has raw, honest, dark and funny lyrics. She has a podcast about her life. She’s an IT guru, a trained lifeguard, and she wrote and performed a chapter in world famous comedian Katherine Ryan’s bestselling audiobook, The Audacity, and she’s voiced a number of other audiobooks. She features in the excellent recently released UK TV series Katherine Ryan Parental Guidance. This... is Best of London… According To… Julie McCarthy You can follow her on instagram @jewelssays Her podcast is also called Jewels Says She has a darkly comic album available on Spotify called I'll Be Drunk For Christmas by Jewels Sings Please follow and subscribe to BEST OF LONDON for links on all the platforms and social media, just click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon ⁠ You can follow / subscribe to BEST OF LONDON on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Pocketcasts and everywhere else you get podcasts. The show is produced and hosted by Ben Holland and Ben Afleck Please FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE we've got some great episodes coming up. Please follow and subscribe to BEST OF LONDON for links on all the platforms and social media, just click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ E-mail: [email protected] After every 10 guest episodes we do a Q&A episode so please send in questions on any subject. Ben's instagram / tiktok / x / youtube / bluesky is @benpodz ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon⁠⁠ ⁠

JACK BERNHARDT reveals new DISNEY show; The best Taskmaster series, contestant & tasks; Writing The Taskmaster Compendium with Alex Horne & Working with JENNY ECLAIR & LOU SANDERS. My guest's written for The Guardian and series like Horrible Histories and The News Quiz.  He’s recently been writing for a Disney production that’s coming out next year and he gives us an exclusive on that. He wrote The Taskmaster Compendium with my previous guest Alex Horne and he’s presented Taskmaster The People’s Podcast since it’s inception with Lou Sanders and then Jenny Eclair. He tells us what it was like writing the book with Alex, I press him on the good points and bad points of working with Jenny and Lou and he reveals which Taskmaster series is best and his favourite contestant. He grew up in London so he also has so many amazing recommendations and lifehacks. Please FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE to  BEST OF LONDON as we have great shows coming up. For links on all the platforms and social media, just click here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon ⁠⁠⁠⁠  E-mail:⁠[email protected]⁠ I read and reply to all your e-mails. For the Alex Horne video episode of Best of London please watch on YouTube or Spotify here: https://www.youtube.com/@benpodz and https://open.spotify.com/episode/3a4djMtTnaJ2GSusHxNYFW For more Jack Bernhardt visit: ⁠https://jackbern23.medium.com/ ⁠ ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/jackbern.bsky.social⁠ You can get his EXCELLENT book The Taskmaster Compendium here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Absolute-Casserole-Taskmaster-Compendium/dp/B0DDY2TCXQ/ or https://www.waterstones.com/book/an-absolute-casserole/alex-horne/jack-bernhardt/9781529441529 Each week I ask a guest 7 questions including what’s your best London venue, event, place to eat, area and London Lifehack. You’ll find out the best things to do and places to go. Intro and Outro music by Ben Holland Best of London is presented and produced by Ben Holland and Ben Afleck. Ben's instagram is ⁠https://www.instagram.com/benpodz/⁠  Ben's TikTok is⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@benpodz⁠ Ben’s X is⁠ https://x.com/benpodz⁠ BEST OF LONDON logo and artwork by my good friend Bobby Magill of recolodesign.com. E-mail [email protected] Chapters and transcript are created by Spotify and may contain inaccuracies these also take 24 hours show up. If you're listening to it in the first 24 hours thank you and why not guess what the first chapter will be called!? Also I think Spotify need to get their AI to work harder so you don't have to wait around for so long for these! Follow and subscribe to BEST OF LONDON for links on ALL the platforms including apple podcasts, amazon music, audible, instagram, twitter/x and Facebook, please click here :⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

My guest's a bestselling author, millions watch his videos he was recommended by our former guest the academic and historian Elizabeth Ingleson when she was on Best of London. In 2023 he published his first book called London: A Guide for Curious Wanderers, which was a Sunday Times Bestseller. Please FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE TO  BEST OF LONDON as we have great shows coming up. For links on all the platforms and social media, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon ⁠⁠⁠  [00:00] Ready to Uncover London's Secret Spots? 🤫 This episode takes you on a journey to discover the hidden gems of the city, starting with Jack Chesher's favourite locations. [00:12] Beyond the Tourist Trail: What Makes London Unique? 🗺️ Hear how Jack Chesher suggests moving beyond the well known landmarks to find the true heart of London. [00:30] Can You Get Lost in London? 🌳 Find out how Jack Chesher manages to escape busy London life without going too far away. [01:02] Hampstead Heath: How Was it Saved From Development? 🏛️ Discover the fascinating history behind Hampstead Heath, and how it became a space for public well-being, according to Jack Chesher. The City of London Corporation now runs Hampstead Heath. [01:30] What Can Bird and Plant Apps Reveal About London? 📱 Jack Chesher explains how they use apps to identify birdsong and plants to enhance their walks in nature. He uses Erlin Bird ID for birdsong and Seek for plants. [02:17] What birdsong do you hear in London? 🐦 Learn about the common birdsongs and the distinct sounds of parakeets, as explained by Jack Chesher. [02:44] Are London's Noisy Parakeets Hiding a Secret? 🦜 Jack Chesher notes the common sounds of blackbirds, robins, and wrens, as well as the parakeets' screech. [03:15] Shhh! What Are London's Best Quiet Corners? 🤫 Discover the best places to go to find a little peace and quiet away from the bustle of central London, as revealed by Jack Chesher. [03:50] The City of London: Why Is It So Quiet at the Weekends? 🌃 Explore the City of London and its transformation into a peaceful place on weekends, according to Jack Chesher. The area between the Tower of London and St. Paul's is quiet at the weekends. [04:29] Roman Ruins in London? Where Can You Find Them? 🪦 Jack Chesher reveals the location of the Roman amphitheater remains in the City of London and the Guildhall Art Gallery. [04:48] Hidden Gardens and Pocket Parks: Are You Missing Out? 🌿 Jack Chesher explains how they love to wander around the pocket parks and hidden gardens in the City of London, and how each one has its own fascinating history. [05:13] Can You Discover London's Forgotten History? 📜 Learn how to discover more about London's history and hidden gems, to make your everyday journeys more interesting, as suggested by Jack Chesher. [05:38] What is the Ultimate Life Hack for London Lovers? 🔑 Jack Chesher explains how learning about London’s history makes the city more interesting, and helps you build your own stories as you explore. [06:15] How Can London's History Change Your Everyday Life? 💖 Learn how to make your daily commute or weekend walks more engaging by knowing more about London's history, thanks to advice from Jack Chesher. [06:48] Ready for More? What's Next on Best of London? 🎧 Find out how to access the full episode, and what to expect next time. E-mail: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠ To listen to the FULL episode CLICK here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/119OjfqOKBz6q4r1o8sf4G?si=jTp_R5JlTfSMFJ31Tnwrvw Each week I ask a guest 7 questions including what’s your best London venue, event, place to eat, area and London Lifehack. Best of London is presented and produced by Ben Holland and Ben Afleck You can find all of Jack's links here: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/livinglondonhistory ⁠⁠ Follow and subscribe to BEST OF LONDON for links on ALL the platforms including apple podcasts, amazon music, audible, instagram, twitter/x and Facebook, please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon⁠⁠⁠⁠

ALEX HORNE reveals TASKMASTER SECRETS, his FIRST EVER FICTION BOOK and his embarrassing dalliance with the Norwegian Prime Minister, his thoughts on AI and if he’d ever use it and why he rips up his birthday cards! PLUS the amazing new HORNE SECTION TOUR. You can WIN a signed Alex Horne book and the customised Horne Section t-shirt worn in this interview by commenting below the video of this episode on Spotify or YouTube and I would really love you if you’d also Follow or Subscribe you can always unfollow and unsubscribe at any time. You can watch the video of this podcast on YouTube here:https://www.youtube.com/@worldsbestpods  And on Spotify here:  https://open.spotify.com/show/7fAlMqqyco7emrOMge6RD7  BEST OF LONDON & Ben’s LINKS on ALL platforms including apple podcasts, amazon music, audible, instagram, x, Facebook, TikTok etc click here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon⁠⁠⁠⁠ 00:00:00 Intro to B.O.L. 00:00:45 YOU can WIN a book signed by Alex Horne and shirt. 00:02:02 Horne Section Hit Show Tour 00:03:10 Alex’s NEW BOOK his first ever fiction book 00:05:17 Does Alex Horne still birdwatch  00:09:10 Would Alex and Greg do Taskmaster USA?  00:10:28 Taskmaster Tour  00:10:36 Dalliance with the Danish Prime Minister 00:17:06 Alex Horne’s Comedy Inspirations, Ken Dodd and Monty Python 00:22:07 Alex Horne on AI 00:25:15 Taskmaster NEW Series , what Ed Gamble thinks 00:26:39 An independent podcaster who does a podcast about a city would make THE IDEAL guest for The Horne Section and Taskmaster 00:27:36 Earliest memories of London 00:30:41 Best venue 00:32:54 Best thing he’s seen 00:35:22 Best event he’s has attended 00:38:32 Best place to eat 00:39:52 Best place to buy things 00:46:02 Best area of London? Phoebe Waller Bridge loves it there.  00:48:50 Alex Horne & Lily Allen on a plane  00:49:50 Chesham & Chesham United 00:53:08 What's Alex Horne’s best life hack  00:57:22 Meaning of Neologism 01:00:53 Tim Key’s show which mentions Alex Horne I hugely recommend going to see The Horne Section live. The Guardian called them Britain's Funniest Band. You can book tickets to THE HORNE SECTION’S HIT SHOW TOUR here and there’s new dates released for 2025: https://www.thehornesection.com/  Alex’s books including BirdWatchingWatching, WordWatching, The Horne Section book and all the Taskmaster books: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Alex-Horne/author/B003DPFT4Q  Official Horne Section merch:https://www.hornesectionmerch.com/  The Horne Section Bandcamp :https://hornesection.bandcamp.com/music  Pre-order Alex’s new fiction book aimed at kids using one of these links and be the first to receive it. Let’s get it to number 1 in the kid’s fiction charts: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-last-pebble/alex-horne/9781529502565  https://www.foyles.co.uk/book/the-last-pebble/alex-horne/9781529502565  https://www.walker.co.uk/9781529502565/the-last-pebble/  https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781529502565  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Pebble-Alex-Horne/dp/152950256X Please FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE TO  BEST OF LONDON as we have great shows coming up. For links on all the platforms and social media, just click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon ⁠⁠⁠  E-mail:[email protected] I read and reply to all your e-mails. Each week I ask a guest 7 questions including what’s your best London venue, event, place to eat, area and London Lifehack. You’ll find out the best things to do and places to go. Intro and Outro music by Ben Holland Best of London is presented and produced by Ben Holland and Ben Afleck. Ben's instagram ishttps://www.instagram.com/benpodz/  Ben's TikTok ishttps://www.tiktok.com/@benpodz Ben’s X ishttps://x.com/benpodz BEST OF LONDON logo by Bob Magill⁠Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow and subscribe to BEST OF LONDON for links on ALL the platforms including apple podcasts, amazon music, audible, instagram, twitter/x and Facebook, please click here : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon⁠⁠⁠⁠

He had a STEPHEN COLBERT TV series and plays comedy clubs worldwide, including New York, Edinburgh and London. He’s been on channels including Comedy Central and is big on social media. He’s done multiple shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He had a recurring role in a Stephen Colbert show who's one of the huge US late night talk TV presenters and presents The Late Show which has remained the highest-rated US talk show for seven consecutive seasons  and won 9 Emmy Awards. Stand up is his big love and he thrives in front of a live audience with his hilarious stories, audience interaction and powerful songs. This is best in London, according to   Otter Lee Please FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE TO  BEST OF LONDON as we have great shows coming up. For links on all the platforms and social media, just click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon ⁠⁠  E-mail: [email protected] ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ You can listen to the FULL episode which this HIDDEN GEM is taken from by going to the previous edition of BEST OF LONDON or by clicking here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/60sI0DM2AdP3g8GspjAiqU?si=G0YBvUczRBWKD-529adxIA Each week I ask a guest 7 questions including what’s your best London venue, event, place to eat, area and London Lifehack. You’ll find out the best things to do and places to go. I read and reply to all your e-mails. Intro and Outro music by Ben Holland Best of London is presented and produced by Ben Holland and Ben Afleck. Best of London Instagram/x is @bestolondon with NO F Ben's instagram is @benpodz Ben's TikTok is @bentiktoks We are on X @bh27 BEST OF LONDON logo and artwork by Bob Magill of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠recolodesign.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you or your company would like to work with him email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow and subscribe to BEST OF LONDON for links on ALL the platforms including apple podcasts, amazon music, audible, instagram, twitter/x and Facebook, please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon⁠⁠⁠

He launched a series with DAVID ATTENBOROUGH & launched popular TV CHANNELS. He gave a BLUR member a v special ride! He offered to teach DAVE GROHL drums and he's followed by BARACK OBAMA and he's in one of my favourite bands. My guest has SO much insightful advice and recommendations and some great stories. He's helped shape the media and music industries for over 3 decades and he’s a drummer and guitarist in a great band. He got his first glimpse into the media world as a teenager by secretly following a courier into a music magazine and went on to climb the fence at Glastonbury before being invited back with VIP backstage passes. He went on to work for some of the world’s greatest media brands launching a show with David Attenborough and even launching a popular TV channel. He’s been a good friend of mine for a very long time and I can tell you he’s a total original and a wildcard on a night out whether he’s offering to give Dave Grohl drum lessons or dragging an almost naked member of Blur around a dance floor. Or meeting other greats like Nina Simone, James Brown, Van Morrison, John Cleese, the cast of Monty Python and so many other interesting people. I loved this episode as my guest is such an intelligent, funny and warm human being. This is Best of London according to Andy Boothroyd  Please follow and subscribe to BEST OF LONDON for links to us on ALL the platforms and social media please simply click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . E-mail: [email protected] . Follow Andy B on X @andyboothroyd Listen to the Subrosa5 Album on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6IvO0i2lqAteGoIFVyjKOQ Each week I ask a guest 7 questions including what’s your best London venue, event, place to eat, area and London Lifehack. You’ll find out the best things to do and places to go. I read and reply to all your emails. Intro and Outro music by Ben Holland Best of London is presented and produced by Ben Holland and Ben Afleck. Ben's instagram is⁠https://www.instagram.com/benpodz/⁠  Ben's TikTok is⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@benpodz⁠ Ben’s X is⁠https://x.com/benpodz⁠ BEST OF LONDON logo and artwork by Bob Magill of recolodesign.com. E-mail [email protected] Follow and subscribe to BEST OF LONDON for links on ALL the platforms including apple podcasts, amazon music, audible, instagram, twitter/x and Facebook, please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/bestolondon⁠⁠⁠⁠