Cutting-Edge Culture

East London’s transition to epicenter of cool has made it become the focus of much cultural activity. Housed in a converted warehouse in trendy Dalston, Café Oto is the place to catch the latest underground music acts. While headliners have performed at this lo-fi venue, lesser-known acts are at the heart of its alternative ethos. Another boundary-pushing arts organization, Secret Cinema, is an interactive film event staged in secret, often abandoned locations. Entertainment, food, and drinks are all theatrically themed to complement the main feature, and you’re encouraged to dress in character. And South of the Thames, the immersive theatre company CoLab Factory invites a changing roster of creative companies to engage audiences afresh each week.