London_v4.mp3

Exceptional ALIEN and Jack Daniel's & Coca‑Cola have teamed up to share Victor Ray's top travel tips for London.

Exceptional ALIEN is a compass for the curious. We curate recommendations from all over the world, loved by those in the know. Scroll down to find out more...

London

From Newcastle to busking on the streets of London, singer-songwriter Victor Ray now calls the city that has shaped his career home. Check out the storyteller and artist's recs for all things he loves to do offstage before and after a gig in London.

"When I'm looking for inspiration in London, I go to the Camden [Regent's] Canal. I used to live nearby, and it's where I wrote a lot of the songs that I first put out. I’ve had so many random experiences there, and that's kind of what I like about Camden." 

Camden Town.mp3

Camden Town

"I quite like Alexandra Palace. There's a lot of greenery and a park where you can just kind of sit and see the city; it's so nice and not as busy as some of the other parks in London. I just like to go there for people watching."

Alexandria Palace.mp3

Alexandra Palace

"They have open mic nights, and I only discovered it this year. I wish I had found this place when I was really earning my stripes. So when I'm looking to find new talent or just hear good music, Troy Bar, in East London, is where I go."

Troy Bar.mp3

Troy Bar

"They have this Honey Ginger Buffalo burger—probably so unhealthy, but it tastes banging! And it has ginger in the title, so I assume it's almost good for me."

Coqfighter.mp3

Coqfighter

"They serve vegetarian food, and honestly, I didn’t even realize it was vegetarian when I had breakfast there. It tasted amazing!"

Common Ground in Finnsbury Park.mp3

Common Ground Finsbury Park

"If I were to take someone on a third date in London, I might take them to Tate Britain art gallery. That's pretty rogue, but I like the paintings there; they're really cool."

Tate Britain.mp3

Tate Britain

"I’d get some Jamaican food in Brixton. My favorite Jamaican dish is probably rice and peas, jerk chicken and plantain. I know anyone who eats Jamaican food would think that’s very basic, but I like it!"

The Big Taste.mp3

The Big Taste

"If I had friends visiting London I'd take them to East London. Maybe to Strongroom Bar in Shoreditch, get some drinks and then just walk around, go to some thrift shops."

Strongroom - Shoreditch.mp3

Strongroom Bar

"I used to go to this record shop all the time. They have loads of great vinyl there. I bought a Miseducation of Lauryn Hill vinyl from there, which I always play. Classic. And just along that whole strip in Soho, there are some really cool thrifty shops. I spent a lot of time there after a day of busking."

Sister Ray.mp3

Sister Ray