Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/906955
40 maltatoday SUNDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2017 Travel THE NATIVE Travelling is always risky business – getting stuck in a touristy area with terrible meals. The same can be said of sightseeing, hotels and nightspots. Travelling to a place where you know people to recommend the right places makes your stay all the more enjoyable. Alessandra, 23, was born in Malta, and lived in London for a year. If you're visiting London, these are the places she recommends to hang out like a native. BEST PLACE TO EAT From the food joints I've tried, I'd definitely recom- mend Bao for their steamed buns, Andina in Shoreditch for healthy Peruvian food (vegetarian friendly), and Kanada-Ya, Bone Daddies and Shoryu for Ramen. For a good brunch in the East, head over to Albion, or Hackney Bureau which is just a short walk away from Broadway market. Cross- town and Bread Ahead won my mini best doughnut hunt in London which are conveniently sold in most food markets around. There's also a bakery on the amazing Bricklane which will make you feel like you're entering a traditional Hal Qormi bakery: Beigel Bake. If you're on a burger hunt, try out Flat Iron, Five Guys and Bleaker Street Burger in Spitalfields Mar- ket, or if you feel like a pizza, Pizza East never disappointed. London Alessandra Baldacchino, 23, was born in Malta and lived in London for a year BEST PLACE FOR A NIGHT OUT Soho, Camden, Brixton and Shoreditch are the places I always ended up in on nights out. If you're into the clubbing scene, Village Underground, XOYO, Phonox and Fabric should be on your go-to list. The Jazz Café and Koko in Camden often organise events, and for fancier gigs you may enjoy the Royal Albert Hall, and Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club. Dalston Superstore has a cool underground club scene and Brilliant Corners has gigs on a Sunday after- noon. If you'd like a drink with skyscraper views without the queuing, City Social is a more low-key resto/bar in the City, situated in the iconic skyscraper Tower 42. Sofar Sounds was a concept I really enjoyed for its spontaneity. Once you select a borough, you will be hosted in a home or privately owned space which is only revealed to you a few days before. It is an evening of intimate gigs by upcoming artists and some well- known ones if you're lucky. Random bonus: You can enjoy smash- ing dishes at Elysée in Fitzrovia past midnight after a night of delicious Greek food.