Andreas Kambanis is the creator of London Cyclist, which is an extremely helpful blog for those who love to cycle. You can find a range of handy hints and tips about everything to do with cycling on the London Cyclist. An avid city cyclist, Andreas has produced an eBook, an iPhone app. Andreas told Qype what he loves about cycling, the city, and even shared some tips for a romantic cycling date!

Andreas’ first single speed bike

How did you start your blog, London Cyclist?

When I first found myself working in central London, I weighed up my options for getting to work:

a) expensive and sweaty tube journeys

b) crowded bus journeys or

c) my bike!

I chose my bike, but couldn’t find information anywhere about how to prevent punctures, and keep my bike safe without spending lots of money. So I set up a blog as a fun hobby, and then it grew into something bigger than I could have imagined!

You recently built your own single speed bike – what inspired you to do it? Did you enjoy the process?

I was inspired by all those cool single speed bikes you see whizzing around Hoxton. I thought if they can do it, then so can I. A lot of cursing, sweating and alcohol was involved in trying to build it from scratch but it was totally worth it. I love that I know the bike I’m riding inside out and if anything goes wrong, I can fix it. I spent £350 in total. If you’ve ever entertained the idea of building your own bike, then I’d thoroughly recommend it. However, do prepare yourself for hiccups along the way.

Why do you think it’s best to explore London by bike?

The bike is freedom. Freedom from bus timetables, from tube strikes and from fare rises! You can go wherever you want – I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What are your favourite areas to go exploring in London on your bike?

Hampstead Heath Lake

Great question! I adore Hampstead Heath. It’s a beautiful part of London with great views, lots of secluded spots and great pubs. I love taking my bike up there on a sunny day and shooting the breeze by the Highgate ponds.

Where can Qypers go for romantic bike rides?

My eBook, 30 great cycle routes in London will soon be updated to 35 rides so there’s no shortage of great routes in London to try. Personally, I love the cycle along the Thames Path to Canary Wharf, crossing under the Thames using the Greenwich Foot Tunnel and emerging at the other side to lie down in Greenwich Park. Finally, as the sun starts to set, riding back to Tower Bridge along the quiet paths you feel there’s just the two of you in London. You end the day at the restaurants with a view of Tower Bridge. It’s a beautiful, romantic and easy ride!

What cycling events have you taken part in London?

The London Naked Bike Ride! Never thought I’d cycle past Big Ben completely naked [Ed. - Whoa! Now that's a way to make daily commute fun!]!

What cycling events are you looking forward to attending in the future?

I’d like to do The Tweed Run. Dressing up in tweed and pedalling around London sounds like a lot of fun!

Best bicycle shops and best bicycle repair services?

Cloud 9 Cycles in Camden is my go-to bike shop. I like the friendly non-snobbish service. If you are hunting for a good bike shop then I’ve got an iPhone app with all of London’s bike shops. (Shameless self-plug there!)

The Lock Tavern

What are your favourite hangouts in London?

My favourite pub in London is The Lock Tavern. The Edinboro Castle is another pub I’d recommend which also has a beer garden. I love eating at Made in Camden and Nonna’s Deli! The Roundhouse is a great arts venue – they have live music, and a bar upstairs. No trip to Camden is complete without a wander around Camden Market. [For more things to do in Camden, check out some of the Camden guides on Qype.]

Nonna’s Deli

Any hidden gems you’ve discovered whilst cycling around London?

Two things spring to mind. The first is the Pergola in Hampstead Heath. To get there you go down a nondescript path and you suddenly stumble upon this gorgeous structure. I wondered around there last week with my camera.

The Pergola and Hill Garden

The second is the Wapping Rose Garden off Wapping High Street that overlooks the Thames. For a long time this was my go-to spot when I had some deep thinking to do. I like that you are never sharing this spot with anyone else, you get a relaxing view of the Thames and Tower Bridge.  I think everyone needs a spot like that.

What advice would you give to those who want to start cycling in London?

If you are nervous cycling on London’s busy roads then take cycle training. This isn’t the same as what you experienced at school with a bunch of kids in fluorescent vests. They teach you some voodoo cycling techniques that will make a huge difference with how you are treated on London’s roads. Fortunately, for a two hour one-on-one session it can cost as little as £2! Just search the internet for Cycle Training UK. I have no doubt this is the one thing that has made the most difference to my cycling in London.

Where in the world would you love to go cycling in the future?

Japan! I’m going there next week!

To read more about Andreas Kambanis, check out the London Cyclist, where you can find loads of helpful tips and tricks about cycling in the city. If you want to discover more about the different areas of London that Andreas mentions in his interview, head over to Qype for listings in Camden, Hampstead, a guide to pubs in Hampstead and another for pubs in Camden.

‘Andreas’ first single speed bike’ (Photo credit: Andreas Kambanis)

Hampstead Heath Lake (Photo credit: Andreas Kambanis)

The Pergola and Hill Garden (Photo credit: Richard Lea-Hair)

Recently christened “South London’s coolest quarter” by Vogue, Bermondsey has more than its fair share of top-rated venues. Throw in a friendly community plus London’s best public space and it’s no wonder that people are flocking to the SE1 borough.

Bermondsey Square

Hungry? Then Bermondsey Street alone has it covered. One of the top Italian restaurants in Europe, Zucca is renowned for “beautiful food without leaving you bankrupt.” We’ve heard excellent things about the tagliatelle with a veal ragu and panna cotta “that made you want to lick the plate clean and beg for more.” Definitely our kind of restaurant. Or if you fancy something lighter, sample some of London’s best patatas bravas and dry sherry at José just down the road.

The Garrison

Described as the “elegantly batty ballerina of Bermondsey Street”, The Garrison is a little on the pricey side and should really be booked in advance. But what you get is a beautiful gastropub (perfect for impressing dates) that does everything from a full english breakfast to slow-roast lamb shoulder very well indeed.

If you’re in Bermondsey on a Saturday morning then a visit to Maltby Street Market is essential – you’re guaranteed all the foodie delights of Borough Market but none of the touristy crowds. Expect to find Neal’s Yard Dairy, Monmouth Coffee Company and plenty of cheese, pastry and charcuterie stalls in a “secret garden atmosphere.”

Bermondsey Antiques Market

But there’s more to Bermondsey than (albeit excellent) food. Bermondsey Antiques Market is the place to go for Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian finds on a Friday morning. For a dose of culture, the Fashion & Textile Museum is worth a visit. Founded by designer Zandra Rhodes, it’s unsurprising that the bright building explores fashion, textile and jewellery design.

Shortwave Cinema is billed as “a great addition to the ever-trendifying Bermondsey Street area” and screens a selection of films that you might not find at your local Odeon. Plus, you’re allowed to take in your drinks from the bar.

Know of a hidden gem in Bermondsey? Add it to our guide!

Image of Bermondsey Antiques Market from bagelmouse’s flickr photostream

Mo Greig’s blog, A Glimpse of London, has a range of quirky and unique photographs of London. It offers glimpses into different parts of London, documenting famous (and less well-known) landmarks, local people and special events. All photos tell stories – Mo’s photographs reveal London’s little secrets and somehow manage to make everyday city life seem wonderfully magical! We interviewed Mo to find out more about her love for London and photography.

What stirred your passion for photography?

I got into photography seriously about five years ago when I started travelling. I have caught the bug and am now doing my degree in photography.

Is there a photographer whose work inspires you or whose work you admire?

There are many photographers whose work I like; Jane Brown’s portraits, Martin Parr’s quirkiness, Annie Leibovitz’s creativity, Cartier Bresson’s timing.

Photographing London is one of your passions, can you tell us an interesting story from your experience as a photographer in London?

Yes! I was on a mission one day hunting for what is supposed to be the Duke of Wellington’s nose at Admiralty Arch! I spent ages walking around trying to find it! [Qype was intrigued by the story of the 'nose', and found out that these noses are the work of sculptor Rick Buckley. Apparently, he sculpted seven of these - the casts are of his own nose - and placed them in mysterious locations around London! Feeling nosey and interested in sniffing out all the other ‘secret’ nose locations? You can read more about the myth here].

What are your favourite areas in London to chill out in?

Southbank, Covent Garden and the Thames towpath are my favourite areas in London. [If you want find out more about what to do in Covent Garden and Southbank, check out these Qype guides: Covent Garden Restaurants, Places to visit in Covent Garden, and Southbank Restaurant]

Where do you enjoy spending your free time?

I love visiting all the museums (I especially like to discover the smaller, quirkier ones). Some of my favourite galleries are the National Portrait Gallery, Tate Modern and Victoria & Albert museum. Some of the less well-known places I enjoy visiting are the Deimar/Noble Photography Gallery, Proud Galleries and White Cube Gallery. [Discover a whole range of London's quirky museums here].

All the walking around London and taking photos must work up an appetite – where do you go when you are hungry?

I am happy travelling to anywhere a red bus takes me! But I would recommend Cay Tre – you can find the best Vietnamese food here! Few of my other favourite restaurants are The Hix Oyster and Chop House, Moro and Sushi of Shiori has the best Japanese cuisine! [If you would like to try out something different, and swap your sandwich for something new - check out this guide to independent cafés and diners!]

Do you have one photo that sums up London?

If you want to follow Mo’s adventures around London and view some of her excellent photography, make sure you check out A Glimpse of London. Taking photographs of your city is a great way to share your adventures with the world – if you want to discover more recommendations in London and many more cities head over to Qype and start sharing your reviews and photos!