Breadcrumbs [Home](/) > [Culture Picks From 3 Men About Town](/markdownify/node/4417) ![Culture Picks From 3 Men About Town](https://media.slman.com/lFw2E-4O6d071DjYT5egfVn7fj0=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl-man-150726-site-assets-culture-pros-hero-mobile-hero.jpg) ![Culture Picks From 3 Men About Town](https://media.slman.com/8Hf4cnwoX6xl8Z3KUKUt46KNaOo=/400x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl-man-150726-site-assets-culture-pros-hero-mobile-hero.jpg) Images: @bocca_di_lupo | @DontTellDad_qp [Culture](/culture) / 15 July 2026 # Culture Picks From 3 Men About Town Culture is shaped by the people who live and breathe it – from the chefs creating new spaces to the creatives changing the way we see the world. We asked three names across food, travel and entertainment to share the books, films, places and people that have influenced them, from the restaurants they return to and the artists they’re watching to the spaces where they find community. Images: @bocca_di_lupo | @DontTellDad_qp All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. [ ![](https://media.slman.com/pNxNxOtqjL1oVBRs8u9LheNqJbQ=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl-man-150726-culture-pros-eran-tibi.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/erantibi/?hl=en) @Bocco_Di_Lupo; @RestaurantMoro ## ERAN TIBI ### Chef & founder of Kapara and Bala Baya I’m a food-obsessed traveller running two neighbourhood spots in London. My cooking is a map of my own life – the heart and soul of it will always be my Middle Eastern origins, but the creative spark comes from wandering the globe. Whether I’m exploring local street food in South America or checking out food scenes across Europe, Thailand, Japan and beyond, I love taking those global flavours and adding some Middle Eastern flair. ## *THE BOOKS* I always come back to books that explore identity, vulnerability and belonging. [*Giovanni’s Room*](https://amzn.to/4b3DKzR) by James Baldwin is a book I think everyone should read at least once. It’s a stunning, heartbreaking look at love and identity in a beautiful city, and it reminds me that being vulnerable – whether in your personal life or when pouring your soul into a new restaurant dish – is always a risk worth taking. I also think Paul Mendez deserves far more attention. His debut, [*Rainbow Milk*](https://amzn.to/44PAxQG), is an absolute triumph of modern British writing – bold, gritty and full of the kind of creative risks I admire in any artist. I couldn’t put down [*Young Mungo*](https://amzn.to/3SKyURI) by Douglas Stuart either. It’s deeply moving, raw and tender, but the warmth between the characters is completely magnetic. I read it practically in one sitting. For memoirs, [*The End of Edd*y](https://amzn.to/4y3JqDA) by Édouard Louis has stayed with me for a long time. It’s a striking reminder of how difficult it can be to grow up feeling different, and how powerful it is when you finally find somewhere you can truly blossom and build your own life. ## *THE FILMS, TV & MUSIC* I’m drawn to stories with colour, emotion and a strong sense of identity. [*All About My Mother*](https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/all-about-my-mother/umc.cmc.ttczvysh0yttws9xapvj7rer) by Pedro Almodóvar is a perfect example. The vibrant colours, beautiful camp and emotional depth are unforgettable – it has this gorgeous Mediterranean warmth and soulfulness that constantly inspires my creative side. I also loved [*Wham!*](https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81137188) on Netflix. It’s a beautiful tribute to friendship, pop music and George Michael’s early journey, and leaves you feeling nostalgic in the best possible way. [*It’s A Sin*](https://www.channel4.com/programmes/its-a-sin) by Russell T Davies is a masterpiece. It captures both the joy and heartbreak of life in 1980s London, while celebrating the power of chosen family. It’s one of those shows that stays with you long after you’ve watched it. [*Heartstopper*](https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81059939) is the series that made me feel seen – it’s pure joy, and watching it feels like healing a small part of your younger self. Music has always been a huge part of my life. I come from a family of musicians, so it’s central to the atmosphere we create in our restaurants. Right now, Liora Twani is constantly on repeat for me – her mix of R&B and soul is always playing at [Kapara](https://kapara.co.uk/) and [Bala Baya](https://balabaya.co.uk/). ## *THE PLACES* For a proper night out, [Feel It](https://www.instagram.com/feelitparty/?hl=en) brings Berlin-style thrills to south London. It’s full of energy, community and joy, with Jodie Harsh at the heart of it. [Zodiac Bar](https://www.zodiacbarlondon.com/) in King’s Cross is another favourite. Founded by trans entrepreneur Jade Phoenix Hoskins, it’s one of the most welcoming, inclusive and genuinely fun spaces in London. For a long time, the narrative around our culture was solely about nightlife, but there’s a beautiful shift happening towards spaces focused on connection, heritage and the joy of breaking bread. For me, community has always been about bringing people together around a table – and supper clubs and pop-ups are now some of the easiest ways to connect. When it comes to restaurants, [Bocca di Lupo](https://www.boccadilupo.com/) is a favourite. Jacob Kenedy has created one of London’s great restaurants, and I have enormous respect for everything he’s built. For something more casual, [Pockets](https://www.instagram.com/pockets_uk/?hl=en) just off London Fields is, in my opinion, the best falafel in the world. There’s always a queue, but it moves quickly and it’s worth every minute. ## *THE ICONS & CREATIVES* [RuPaul](https://www.instagram.com/rupaulofficial/?hl=en) completely changed the conversation around drag, taking it from an underground art form to a global cultural phenomenon. That’s an extraordinary legacy. I’ve always admired people who bring personality to what they do, which is why [Tan France](https://www.instagram.com/tanfrance/) is such a style inspiration. I love how he combines classic tailoring with playful patterns and modern pieces. He proves you can be polished while still showing plenty of personality. I’ve abandoned the idea that formal and casual shouldn’t mix. I love pairing a beautifully tailored jacket with relaxed resort wear. Fashion, like food, should be playful and just a little flirtatious. When it comes to music, Madonna’s *Vogue* is the ultimate anthem. It has to be. Everyone should experience a Madonna show at least once in their lifetime. [Lil Nas X](https://www.instagram.com/lilnasx/?hl=en) is another creative I admire. He uses music, fashion and visual storytelling to challenge conventions in a way that’s fearless, bold and incredibly entertaining. ## *THE THINGS I’M LOVING RIGHT NOW* I love [*Table Manners*](https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/table-manners-with-jessie-and-lennie-ware/id1305228910) with Jessie and Lennie Ware. It’s everything I enjoy: food, family and brilliant conversations with fascinating guests. It celebrates the joy of gathering around a table. Chef [Shimi Aaron](https://www.instagram.com/chef_shimi_aaron/?hl=en) is someone I love following. He’s a close friend, and an incredible chef and teacher, sharing beautiful recipes and helping people recreate them at home. His babkas are legendary for a reason. Artist [Oli Epp](https://www.oliepp.com/) is another name to watch. His paintings have this incredible hyper-real quality that almost looks like print, but they’re entirely hand-painted. He’s doing something genuinely distinctive. But what excites me most right now is the independence of the next generation of creatives. They’re not waiting for permission – they’re building their own communities, launching their own brands and creating opportunities for themselves. It’s exciting to watch. Follow [@EranTibi](https://www.instagram.com/erantibi/?hl=en) ## NICKY KELVIN ### Travel expert & content creator I grew up in a tight-knit Jewish community in Leeds and have called London home for almost 20 years. Today, I’m chief spokesperson at travel media brand [The Points Guy](https://thepointsguy.com/), where I combine my love of aviation, storytelling and travel. Aviation has fascinated me since childhood. My sister worked as British Airways cabin crew, so I was exposed to that world early on. I didn’t realise it at the time, but there has always been a queer thread running through aviation – it’s glamorous, camp in the best sense and full of people who left small towns to build their identities at 35,000 feet. When Crohn’s disease ruled out my dream of becoming a pilot, I found another way into that world, turning a passion project into my career. I’m also open about my experience of living with Crohn’s disease and staying firmly in the closet until I was 30. Growing up gay in a heavily Jewish environment came with a tension that many people from minority communities will recognise – trying to be fully yourself while still belonging to a tradition that doesn’t always have the language or space for that reality. It’s a story that deserves more attention than the standard coming-out narrative. ## *THE BOOKS* The books I return to are often the ones that help me understand myself better. [*The Velvet Rage*](https://amzn.to/4vnSwbR) by Alan Downs wasn’t an easy read, but it’s the book that made me reflect on why so many of us chase perfection, status and approval long after we’ve come out. I also couldn’t put down [*The Heart’s Invisible Furies*](https://amzn.to/3T67SUP) by John Boyne. It follows one man’s life across 70 years of a changing Ireland and a changing world. It’s funny, devastating and raw, and it made me think a lot about the realities of being gay today. I think everyone will find something deeply relatable in it. ## *THE FILMS, TV & MUSIC* [*Death Becomes Her*](https://www.picturehouses.com/movie-details/000/HO00016998/death-becomes-her?filter=) might not be a queer film on the surface, but it’s a gay cult classic, a rite of passage and, most importantly, my favourite film of all time. In my late 20s, before I came out, I went on a secret date and someone suggested we watch it. I couldn’t understand why he’d picked such a random film until he said, “Well, it’s every gay person’s favourite film.” Looking back, my love for it was probably a sign of what was to come. Seeing it now, it’s impossible not to appreciate just how camp and queer it really is. [*It’s A Sin*](https://www.channel4.com/programmes/its-a-sin) is another one that has stayed with me. Russell T Davies tells the story of the Aids crisis through a group of friends in 1980s London, and it absolutely gutted me. Nothing I’ve watched recently has cut as deep. I also loved [*Love, Simon*](https://www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/browse/entity-b7b788b5-5254-40b0-850a-93ed0f3d75e5). What made it so special was that it gave a gay teenager an ordinary coming-out story. That normality was the amazing part. I’m obsessed with [*Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders*](https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81685878) – it’s high energy and high camp, and I’ve loved every season so far. Season three is locked and loaded for me. I’ve become re-obsessed with Kylie Minogue after watching [her Netflix documentary](https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/82075657). Nothing gets me going in the morning – or any time of day – like a loud blast of ‘The Loco-Motion’. My ultimate queer anthem is ‘Part Of Your World’ from *The Little Mermaid*. It sounds like a random choice, but I love old-school Disney – and Howard Ashman, the openly gay lyricist behind the film’s score, was secretly living with HIV while he wrote it in the late 80s at the height of the Aids crisis. You hear it completely differently when you think about that desire to belong somewhere else, stop hiding and live openly. ## *THE PLACES* [Kapara](https://kapara.co.uk/) in Soho is a regular haunt of mine. It has fantastic food, regular events and a brilliant atmosphere – it’s my go-to for a celebration. Queen’s Park is one of my favourite parts of London. It’s emerging from its hidden status, but still has that cosy neighbourhood feel, with brilliant food and fitness options. Places like [Don’t Tell Dad](https://www.donttelldad.co.uk/), [The Salusbury](https://thesalusbury.co.uk/), [Carmel](https://www.carmelrestaurant.co.uk/) and the soon-to-open [Blondie’s Bar](https://www.barblondie.co.uk/) make it a great area to spend time in, and the Sunday farmers’ market and street parties are legendary. In a world and a city where antisemitism is rife, and where I’ve experienced countless personal attacks, especially online, I find so much comfort and community in Jewish spaces. Whether it’s community events, making Shabbat dinners for family and friends, celebrating Jewish festivals, eating Jewish food or shopping at Jewish shops in north-west London, it all gives me a feeling of home and inclusion. For a night out, [Buttmitzvah](https://www.instagram.com/buttmitzvah13/?hl=en) is hard to beat. The combination of Jewish and queer joy is something really special. It’s been a while since the last one, but there’s nowhere I’ve had more fun or felt more at home. ## *THE ICONS & CREATIVES* My best friend [Sam Salter](https://www.instagram.com/sammsalter/?hl=en) has had the biggest influence on my style. He trained at [Sylvia Young](https://www.syts.co.uk/), danced his way across West End stages and movie sets, and has since built a following for his sharp, modern approach to menswear. He’s the first person to tell me when I’m getting it right – and when I’m getting it wrong. My friend [Chris Lloyd](https://www.chrislloydart.com/) is a brilliant artist and one to watch. You’ll see him sketching everywhere from awards ceremonies to stadium tours, but his series capturing spaces around the world is particularly fabulous. For something a little more chaotic, I’d recommend following [@Candy\_Gigi](https://www.instagram.com/candy_gigi/?hl=en) – deeply unhinged, hilarious comedy and a true ally. Follow [@NickyKelvin](https://www.instagram.com/nickykelvin/?hl=en) [ ![](https://media.slman.com/UY2Lpk4eNK_BR3rNsfIE9m46mcY=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl-man-150726-culture-pros-nicky-kelvin.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/nickykelvin/?hl=en) @DontTellDad_qp [ ![](https://media.slman.com/Wqhge3-CH12AkSq1y09GBMv1Ekw=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl-man-150726-culture-pros-adam-fogarty.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/adamfogartyy/?hl=en) @Adamfogartyy; @SocialFabric.Cafe; The George, Dublin ## ADAM FOGARTY ### Dancer & Content Creator I’m a professional dancer, and a lifestyle and fashion content creator. I spent years working across film, TV and performance before moving into content creation with brands. I’ve been surrounded by queer culture from a young age through the arts, and it has shaped so much of who I am today. Growing up as a performer, I was always inspired by the creativity, confidence and willingness to challenge conventions within the community – from the way people dress and express themselves to the stories they tell. This still inspires me to take risks, experiment and have fun with my own personal style. ## *THE FILMS, TV & MUSIC* [*Milk*](https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/milk/umc.cmc.1sjkkj28k7yaobby4bdh1klye) and [*Brokeback Mountain*](https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/70023965) were two films that had a huge impact on me growing up. They were important films in my early teens and helped shape my understanding of queer stories on screen. Seeing Sean Penn portray one of the first openly gay elected officials in the US in the 2008 film adaptation was hugely impactful. [*Queer As Folk*](https://www.channel4.com/programmes/queer-as-folk) was another landmark for me. It was one of the first queer shows I watched that was told entirely from that perspective – not as a storyline or a side subject, but as the whole world of the show. When it was released in 1999, that was incredibly important. As a dancer from a young age, [*Billy Elliot*](https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/60003378) made me feel seen. It brought attention to male performers at a time when that wasn’t always widely accepted, with such a powerful message of individuality and acceptance. It’s still one of my favourite films and musicals. More recently, [*Interview With The Vampire*](https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81639986) has been one of the best shows I’ve watched. It’s a beautifully written love story, with an incredible cast and such a strong sense of atmosphere. I’m an OG Zara Larsson fan. I’ve been listening since 2016, and *Midnight Sun: Girls Trip* is on repeat for me right now. Everyone should see Zara Larsson live at least once. The vocals, visuals, performance and personality are all incredible. [Slayyyter](https://www.instagram.com/slayyyter/?hl=en) is also someone I’m excited by. Her rise after Coachella this year has been amazing to watch, and her sound feels both fresh and nostalgic – like the early days of Gaga. But the ultimate queer anthem still has to be *Freedom* by George Michael. It’s one of the best pop songs ever created. ## *THE PLACES* If you’re visiting Ireland, [The George](https://thegeorge.ie/) in Dublin is somewhere I’ll always recommend. It’s a gay nightclub with such a great atmosphere and it has become a real institution. [Social Fabric Cafe](https://www.social-fabric.ie/) in Dublin is a favourite for food – especially its breakfast burritos. I’m hungry just thinking about them. One of my best nights recently was seeing Robbie Williams in Seville. It was an incredible show and such a fun night. ## *THE ICONS & CREATIVES* I’ve always been inspired by the way queer creatives have influenced fashion. Stylists like Jason Bolden, Luke Jefferson Day and Jared Ellner have changed the way global figures approach style, and that inspires me to take more risks – whether that’s pairing a skirt with an oversized T-shirt and trainers or wearing a cropped tee with baggy jeans and boots. In my teens, Rihanna had a huge influence on my style. I loved watching her take risks and evolve her look while always making everything feel effortless. More recently, Tyriq Withers has been delivering some incredible looks, thanks in part to his stylist Jason Bolden. When it comes to clothes, I love mixing high street and luxury – a typical look might be [Uniqlo](https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/) or [H&M](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=43250&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww2.hm.com%2Fen_gb%2Fmen.html) paired with [Dries Van Noten](https://www.driesvannoten.com/en-gb?) trainers and an [Acne Studios](https://www.acnestudios.com/uk/en/home?srsltid=AfmBOoqLyOkELxvCTp1xJ7e49ZzHKufnJyVIL5Fd04uJjzH-OEEAowNl) bag. The style rule I’ve been inspired to abandon is that there are any rules at all. If you feel good in what you’re wearing, confidence is the secret ingredient to any look. ## *THE THINGS I’M LOVING RIGHT NOW* I think allyship is something that will always deserve more attention. It’s such an important part of creating a more supportive and inclusive culture. Right now I’m excited to see more queer creatives getting the recognition they deserve, and seeing that influence become even more integrated into mainstream pop culture. The podcast I’d recommend is [*The Morgan Stewart Show*](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-morgan-stewart-show/id1884146372). It’s nonstop laughs and Morgan is such a brilliant conversationalist. When it comes to emerging creatives, keep an eye on [ELI](https://www.instagram.com/journalofadoll/?hl=en). She’s a pop artist who recently featured on Zara Larsson’s *Midnight Sun: Girls Trip* album and her music feels like perfectly curated pop hits. I’m also looking forward to reading Anne Rice’s [*The Vampire Lestat*](https://amzn.to/4gDcb3U) before starting the next season of *Interview With The Vampire* – I think it’s going to become my new obsession. Follow [@AdamFogartyy](https://www.instagram.com/adamfogartyy/?hl=en) All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. 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