10 Tips for THE WIFE: The Way Back to London

You will have seen Jim Sturgess most recently in the Peter Weir’s epic tale of survival in The Way Back (in selected cinemas now) alongside Colin Farrell and Ed Harris. This year you will see him in a love fantasy story about two opposing gravitational worlds with Kirsten Dunst called ‘Upside Down’ and the film ‘One Day’ based on the bestselling book by David Nicholls where Jim plays Dexter alongside Anne Hathaway. Many of you probably know Jim Strugess from Across The Universe and 21. He is currently working on Tragic Toys, a musical project with his girlfriend Mickey O’Brien who also plays keys and backing vocals in La Roux.  Here’s Jim’s City Guide to “The Way Back”… to London.

1.  Dennis Severs House – Dennis Severs decided to recreate the 18th and 19th centuries by decorating this amazing Georgian terraced house in Spitafields. When you visit, you have to imagine yourself in another time with the help of your surroundings. www.dennissevershouse.co.uk

2. Dans Le Nior – Dine in the pitch dark with waiters who are blind helping you on your way. Talking points afterwards are what you think the people next to you look like. www.danslenoir.com

3. Whanda Fish Pedicure – There is not too much exotic about London, but close your eyes and you could be swimming in the warm oceans off the Maldives. Either that or you have fallen asleep with your toes in the fish tank again. www.wahanda.com/treatment/fish-pedicure/

4. The Last Tuesday Society – Hackney’s very own Little Shop Of Horrors. You can buy all sorts of things here from two headed lambs to vintage surgical equipment to phrenology heads to great taxidermy. There are also puppet shows, talks, exhibitions on occasion. Be sure to stop at The Cat and Mutton (Broadway Market) after for some supper. www.thelasttuesdaysociety.org

5. Garlic and Shots – 101 different vodka shots and garlic EVERYWHERE – probably not the best for a first date or before a first date. www.garlicandshots.com

6. The Bath House Avenue – Have dinner here or just drink and be merry but you are guaranteed a decadent turn back in time to a hedonistic London. Saturdays and Sunday evenings recommended for burlesque night. www.thebathhousevenue.com

7. Hampstead Heath Park – Go for a walk on Hampstead Heath. All year round it is lovely – wide open space in the centre of London for absolutely any outdoor activity. Lots of lovely cosy pubs nearby when finishing your outdoor adventures.

8. Portobello Road – Its good on Saturdays for the antiques that line Portobello road. Buy and old bassoon or football, some cool old compasses, decanters and pictures. But always finish with a red velvet cupcake at Hummingbird Bakery.

9. Camden’s Brick Lane – On a Sunday walk from Liverpool Street, round Spitafields and through to Brick Lane. Enter into the market and Search for lots of amazing food from all around the world – great vintage furniture, clothes, records and jewelry.

10. The Slaughtered Lamb – The Slaughtered Lamb is a Lovely pub for good roasts with classy vintage wall fans and nice lighting. Upstairs can get crowded, but venture downstairs for acoustic music. www.electroacousticclub.com – By: Jim Sturgess