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Alastair Reid Schanche

Alastair is a features writer at London X London. He joined the team in late 2022 hot off the back of a five-year stint in Shanghai where he wrote for Time Out and ran a very niche blog about Chinese food.

He’s unable to shake his addiction for Sichuan noodles, but will be found devouring London’s other glorious cuisines when he’s not warming seats at the Prince Charles.

Discover why you need to snag yourself a reservation at Farzi Cafe – read our full review now. Within a hundred metres of Farzi Cafe you’ve got enough good restaurants to pose a hell of a dining conundrum. In fact, Fallow can literally be seen from its doorway. But none of this stops Farzi Cafe …

Read More about Dining at: Farzi Cafe – Flashy Indian Food in the Heart of the City

Candlelight concerts are totally… lit? But where do you find the best ones, and how should you know what’s on? Here’s what you need to know.  Whoever came up with the idea of dressing a stage in candles and playing beautiful music on it deserves a pat on the back. We salute you. So does …

Read More about Candlelight Concerts in London – The Complete Guide

London has enough Indian restaurants to make New Delhi jealous, but none are as raved about as Gunpowder. Gunpowder opened its doors in Spitalfields in 2015 and didn’t stop there. On the back of a serious cult following for excellent elevated Indian food, they opened another restaurant near Tower Bridge, and following that, another last …

Read More about Dining at: Gunpowder – Soho’s Punchy Indian Restaurant

The Mandrake Hotel’s in-house restaurant, YOPO, got a complete makeover and it’s mental. Read our review now. Every self-respecting hotel needs a good restaurant. At the Mandrake on Newman Street, that place is YOPO. Food here is the work of Chef George Scott-Toft who’s been at the Mandrake coming on 6 years now. Before this …

Read More about Dining At: YOPO, Fitzrovia’s Weird and Wonderful Latin Restaurant

Something we’ve all been quietly waiting on is happening next year. Blur’s reunion is on the horizon. Here’s all you need to know.  In surprise news, Blur have announced that they’ll be getting back together to play Wembley Stadium on the 8th of July 2023.  Excited? We are too. Here’s what you need to know. …

Read More about Blur is Getting Back Together For One Night at Wembley!

Just in time to bring a bit of that Christmas cheer, Lightopia is returning to London for another round of magical light displays. Here’s what you need to know.   In case you didn’t know, Lightopia is an immersive light experience. It’s super magical and will definitely put you right in the festive mood.  They basically …

Read More about Lightopia: The Magical Festive Light Experience Is Returning to Kick Off the Christmas Period

King Henry’s Mound is one of Richmond Park’s hidden gems. Discover the history of this intriguing spot.  London’s sights are rarely as straightforward as they seem, and King Henry’s Mound is no exception. On the surface – a spot to catch an excellent view. Scratch that surface and it turns up no end of intrigue.   …

Read More about The Hidden Secrets of King Henry’s Mound: Richmond Park’s Secret Viewpoint

Get ready to soar above London on a Willy Wonka-esque elevator, as the Battersea Power Station lift opens in the capital next week. If you keep your finger on the pulse of London goings on you’ll have heard about the recent refurbishment of Battersea Power Station – a job that cost zillions of pounds and …

Read More about View London from Above: Battersea Power Station Opens a New 109m-High Viewing Platform in One of Its Chimneys