If you’re looking for a rum-soaked evening there’s no better place than Barrio North on Islington’s Essex Road. Founded by financier-turned-DJ Ferdie Ahmed his love of travel and rum formed the basis of the Barrio concept. The Spanish word ‘Barrio’ literally translates as ‘neighborhood’ and that concept runs through the watering hole in the community spirit and chilled out vibe. A dilapidated, deconstructed and reclaimed aesthetic is created through the school desks which lined up, rainbow light bulbs and creeping leaves, not to mention the vintage caravan which stands proud at the back of the bar. The drinks menu is unique and wide-ranging and in making the cocktails no detail is too small; the bar staff take their time and present the drinks beautifully.

Here’s our pick of the best cocktails:

Gunpowder: ‘Strong Havana Club rum, honey and spice served the Cuban way, only without the…’

Brazilian Lady: ‘An exotic seduction of Abelha cachaca, passion fruit and cool lemon’

Pacific Twitch: ‘Aloha! Sailor Jerry spiced rum, apple, ginger, falernum and Ting’

Barrio Club Cocktail: ‘Silky Martin Miller’s gin, homemade gin liqueur and raspberries’

Or if you’re feeling brave try ‘The No Brainer’: ‘Two expressions of Herradura 100% agave tequila party with exotic guava and pineapple juice, super fresh grapefruit and lime before being charged with some fine bubbly’, which is served up in a giant mug shaped like a wrestling mask!

Summer’s the perfect time to get down to the Queen of Hoxton as, following the rooftop launch a couple of months back, there’s a whole host of activities in full swing on the roof. This month saw the Music and Makers market (above) and over the summer the Roof Top Film Club continues with such classics as Jaws, Roman Holiday and The King’s Speech. With its view of the City around Liverpool Street and the twinkling lights that come on at night this can be quite a magical spot in the midst of East London. Plus, should the weather be more drizzle than sizzle there’s always a magnitude of exciting events happening on the ground floor and in the basement. The rooftop bar and kitchen is open daily from 12 – 10pm.

In the quiet kitsch Hanbury Arms pub near to Essex Road, Islington, people are coming together to do what many haven’t done for decades: sit quietly together to listen to an entire vinyl. Classic Album Sundays is quite a simple concept but is resonating with many. Classic albums include such corkers as Human League’s Dare, Bob Marley’s Exodus and – coming up in September – Pink Floyd’s seminal album Dark Side of the Moon. Organizer Colleen Murphy presents the album to the discerning crowd with some background information and then everyone listens in silence to the entire vinyl album. The monthly event is popping up at festivals including Vintage at Southbank during August and, considering the steady flow of listeners, is sure to continue for many months to come.

One of the greatest ‘hidden gems’ in London is the Prince Charles Cinema. Only thing is, it’s not so hidden; in fact, it’s right smack bang in the middle of Leicester Square. Opened in 1991, the building once housed a West End Theatre and a film-house of ill repute! The only non-subsidised repertory cinema in the UK, their trick is to get hold of films which are off general release so they pay less rental and can charge the customer less.  Films cost between £5.50 and £6.50, though if you become a member you get even better discounts. For an annual fee of £10 (or a lifetime membership costing £50) tickets cost between £1.50-£4.00 and customers get 10-15% discount off products at neighboring indie stores like Pop Boutique and The Cinema Store. There’s a real old school community feel to this picturehouse which is a real rarity – and a joy to find in the centre of London.

This summer the Barbican Art Gallery presents an ambitious exhibition of animation in all its glory. Spanning the past 150 years the extensive show includes works from such independent animators and studios as Étienne-Jules Marey, Walt Disney, Jan Švankmajer, Pixar, William Kentridge, Nathalie Djurberg and Studio Ghibli. Exploring the genre as a cultural phenomenon 170 iconic and lesser-known works will be on display. Divided into seven themes, visitors can trace animation’s history and influence from Percy Smith’s 1920′s time lapse photography to modern day CGI effects and immersive visual experiences. The show is sure to delight both those looking for information and those who want to be entertained.

Until 11th September 2011

Thursday

We arrived on a very muddy and wet Thursday night at Winding Lake farm, a spot off-site full of luxury winnebagos with hot showers and plasma TVs. Neighbours for the weekend included England football player Wayne Rooney and his glamourous wife Coleen. Beyoncé arrived there in a helicopter on the Sunday before she headlined the Pyramid stage.

Friday

All day Friday we were shooting with ES magazine with super hot model couple Sara Blomvquist and Jeremy Young. The shoot was very much a reportage of their trip to Glastonbury. We found some amazing shoot locations including an original airstream from the ’60s, the stone circle and Shangri-la… a very secret part of the Glastonbury site which comes alive after dark.

Sara Blomqvist in her Hudson Hampton Cuffed Shorts

We sheltered from the rain and hung out backstage in the Hospitality bar and spotted Bono and his wife Alison Stewart having a quick break before his set with U2.

Saturday

We made sure to get a good spot for Pulp who had reformed for a special guest appearance at the Park stage. It was so packed that even Kate Moss wasn’t allowed past the security at the gate past security to see Jarvis. He seemed in his element performing to a crowd of over 30,000 die-hard fans. He was incredible and proved he still had his moves!

Sunday

On Sunday crowds including Brit Alexa Chung headed down to see Laura Marling in the blazing sunshine. Poppy Delevigne and Sara Blomqvist hung out backstage in their Hudson Hampton cuff shorts. We made our way over to the Other Stage and almost ended up on the stage with the huge range of wristbands I had amassed on my trip!

Poppy Delevigne in her Hudson Hampton Cuffed Shorts

Sadly we had to leave before Beyoncé’s epic performance but will be watching it on BBC iPlayer from the comfort of my bed this evening!

While going to the cinema isn’t normally associated with the summer; Lexi Cinema’s latest venture might entice film-lovers.  The Nomad, a kind of roaming pop-up cinema is currently on tour around London and the south-east of England, setting up screens indoors and out at castles, theatres, ballrooms, churches and parks.

The genre of films on offer vary somewhat and yet they are all united by a kind of cult status.  Expect the likes of Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the Coen brothers’ Fargo which is a part of The Saab Independent Thinking Season – films that challenged viewers and changed the rules of film-making.  50% of all profits will be donated to charity – The Sustainability Institute in South Africa.  Co-founder Sally Wilton says ”For The Lexi this is a dream come true, taking film out on the road to our public, having one hell of a good time and raising money for charity, life doesn’t get much better than that.”

Everyone’s got their tents ready and the weather’s looking gloomy – this can only mean one thing. Glastonbury is here.

The festival was started in 1970 the day after Jimi Hendrix died and ever since Worthy Farm has become arguably the UK’s best known country residence. Musical highlights of this year’s festival include headliners Beyoncé and Morrissey, cult bands such as Warpaint and Anna Calvi and mega groups Hercules and Love Affair and Queens of the Stone Age. But never mind the music; everyone knows that at Glastonbury it’s as much about the fashion as it is the music.

For the authentic Glastonbury look it’s all about a pair of cuffed Hudson shorts, some sturdy waterproof boots or wellies and whatever top you don’t mind dowsing in mud. Add a cross-body bag in a tan brown for festival essentials (camera, phone, sanitizer…) and, for a hint of glamour, a pair of sunglasses and a classic parka à la Kate Moss and Sienna Miller, stalwarts of the Glastonbury scene.

For something a bit different this Father’s Day why not take the opportunity to get out of the centre of London? Guaranteed there will be queues for the usual London haunts like The Natural History Museum and The London Eye so for real quality time with your old man the best bet is to head to the borough of Richmond upon Thames. Just a hop away on the district line or London overground service, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a holiday from the hustle and bustle of London’s tourist hotspots. Taking a walk along the Thames canal and (fingers crossed) soaking up the sun is a far nicer way to spend a Sunday afternoon.Verge off from the canal path and join up with the high street via this idyllic country scene. Once you’ve well and truly stomped around the town reward yourselves with a well-deserved meal at one of the lively pubs on Richmond Green. Surely there’s no better way to treat your Dad than by getting a round in?