Monday 21 May was a day to remember, as my twin sister and I were off to see her birthday present – Jay – Z and Kanye West’s – Watch The Throne Concert at the O2. For a past birthday present, I had bought her tickets to see Rihanna, since she’s a massive fan, but more for their shared passion for style. However, I had a feeling that I had surpassed myself since we both had high expectations about the evening ahead.

Once we left North Greenwich station, we were met with hoards of fans and surprisingly bumped into uni friends and past and present work mates, as well as knowing other people that were going on different dates. With such a hyped atmosphere, how much more amplified was it going to be inside?

At 8:30 pm, it was SHOWTIME! As soon as the music started booming and the rappers came to the stage, everybody stood to attention and danced the night away until the very end. To the fans’ delight, there were also cube shaped stages, that rose up high, whilst Kanye and Jay – Z alternated between them. As an extra bonus to where we were seated, we had a close view to the cubed platform to our right. Whenever they looked over, we made sure we waved our arms – too bad it didn’t catch their attention though.

The crowd had the privilege to hear songs from the Watch The Throne album, plus tunes from each of their solo collections. It was great to hear past songs that you hadn’t heard in a while, especially since some made you want to dance even harder and repeatedly made you say “Oh yeaaaah!” in a chorus of remembrance.

But it was a current song and arguably the anthem to their present album, that really got the crowd going. Saving the best until last, Kanye and Jay – Z performed N!**@s In Paris! We were lucky enough to hear it three times in a row before both said goodbye for the night. However 99% of fans felt that this couldn’t be the end. And we were proved right when both re – entered the stage and Jay – Z shouted “again”! That was meet with a loud cheer and everyone rapping to the chorus ‘That Sh*t Cr_ay’, as they performed the song twice more.

It’s funny how they abbreviated the word ‘crazy’ – but the phrase definitely has a ring to it. Once the concert finally finished, my sister and I could only explain the event as ‘That Sh*t Cr_ay!’

Now that one of the most exciting Premiere League seasons has come to an end, what’s there to look forward to this summer? No need to wonder – this year we’re spoilt for choice as London’s not only hosting the Olympics, but more football fanatically important, this summer’s European football tournament is just a few short weeks away! With that in mind, read on for a guide to 10 top pubs and bars to follow all of the action.

If it’s a traditional pub you’re looking for, the Famous Three Kings in West Kensington fits the bill. You might be surprised as to what’s on offer, considering the grand and old fashioned exterior of the place, as this large venue caters for all sporty types.

For those young and trendy, The Arc in Angel, Islington is a good place to pick. Its cool, underground feel and modern look typically sums up the area, and with a number of TVs in a not-so-big space, makes up for any chance of missing the action. This Bar/ Pizzeria has a tasty menu, but lacks ‘die hard’ atmosphere. For this reason, it could be perfect for the ‘occasional’ fan.

The Junction in Highbury, Islington is of stark contrast to The Arc, especially since they are part of the same company. Largely due to its location, The Junction offers solid team spirit when visiting for Arsenal games. It also boosts a younger person’s pub atmosphere, which is one that I like, making this my second home in the summer for the tournament.

Looking for a match-winning place after work? Jetlag is easily accessible for those working in central London. Situated in Fitzrovia, this sports bar is certainly getting in the mood with its international street menu and drinks. In honour of the competition’s hosts, Polish beer Zywiec, and Ukraine’s Oboron beer is on tap.

If you fancy a trip to the O2 Arena, then American Sports Bar and Grill is your next stop. It endorses the wow factor on looks alone. An American-themed décor and menu flows throughout the venue plus it houses 60 40” plasma TV screens.

But what if you’re in one of the other countries in the UK. Belushi’s in Edinburgh is a great bar to watch this year’s competition. What’s more, they´ll not only be satisfying fan’s hunger for sporting entertainment, but will also be serving special edition burgers representing each country taking part.

Closer to home, there are a number of places in other cities worth a visit. The Sports Café in Birmingham, Shooters Sports Bar in Leeds, The Green in Manchester and Café Sports Bar in Liverpool are all fine venues to enjoy the event.

As a neighbouring resident of Islington, surprisingly Saturday 5 May was my first experience of the famous Camden Crawl. On arrival to the heart of Camden Town, I was surrounded by the colourful atmosphere and quirky shops that make up the area. But it was the Holiday Inn that was my first stop, as I went to collect my much sought-after press pass.  My exclusive goody bag gave me free entry and queue jump! If that wasn’t enough, I got to see private performances from some of the acts. From then on, I had a feeling that the event was going to embody the spirit of Camden Town.

With my trusty flip map in hand, I set off to my first chosen venue. The Jazz Café played host to The Hip Hop Shakespeare Company.  Fronted by British MC Akala, the organisation performed their alternative take to the music genre. As the art form allows for expression, a mixture of live music coincided with musical theatre. We were entertained with rhymes that were loosely based on Shakespeare’s plays, as well as originally inspired content.  And since rapping is related to poetry, one act gave an intense and passionate rendition of his poem ‘Moments’ to music generated by the live band, whilst another provided the audience with an emotional tale of a character who contracted HIV, and it’s disastrous effects  to those around him.

At the Roundhouse came ‘one woman band’, Tanya Auclair. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with her unique approach to music. She patiently played and recorded a sample of music, ranging from her own vocals to beat boxing, the guitar, keyboard and even wooden spoons for example. In turn, this supplied her with the soundtrack to her songs, which had an intricate, Electronica and ‘at peace with the Earth’ sound.

The Cuban was where I started the evening’s entertainment. Earlier the bar had put on Hula Hooping performances and master classes; however the night’s line up was in contrast to the carnival-like dressed acts, producing an urban menu to the festival’s showcase.  The Milk and Ghetts were my two favourite acts there. The Milk is an Essex quartet that vary from your usual indie band, considering that some of their songs were infused with a Motown, Soul and Reggae vibe. The crowd didn’t stop moving either, since the group insist on not taking breaks between each song.

For a different reason, Ghetts lit up the audience with his MCing and live band. His set offered a twist to usual MC performances, due to having a band. They also added a slight rock edge thanks to the electric guitar, whilst still managing to keep in sync with the authentic sounds of Grime music.

I wonder who’ll be performing at the Camden Crawl next year.