Who is Cool Cousin and how are they transforming visits to London?
New app Cool Cousin has the inside track from Londoners on how to best spend time in the greatest city on earth.
Whether you’re a visitor or a local explorer, in London, no one wants to look like a tourist! When it comes to scoping out the best places, ‘that’s a bit touristy’ is the phrase we all dread to hear.
We’re all just looking for recommendations from interesting, local people that we can trust, it shouldn’t be that hard, right? In a moment of weakness, we might find ourselves typing “Hipster bars in London” into our Google search bar but with thousands of results, that won’t do us a lot of good. It’s undeniably hard to decipher what’s good when researching online, (Unless, of course, you read Your Coffee Break *wink*). This basically sums up the big travel riddle for 2016: we supposedly have access to unlimited information, all the suggestions are out there, yet we can only find what we already know. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to discover new hidden gems when you don’t know what you’re looking for.
There is, thankfully, an answer. A new awesome app, currently available in beta stage of development, has just launched in London. Cool Cousin – which will help you find amazing undiscovered places as recommended by like minded locals – the people who know best. You’re welcome.
First, users find their perfect ‘Cousin’; someone they share similar taste with, who lives in the area they’re planning on visiting and whose advice they would value and appreciate. The chosen local then provides tried-and-tested, real-time recommendations of unique and lesser-known places to discover. Here is just a selection of places in the capital that the cousins would recommend:
Reign Vintage
Recommended by: Jacob, Musician and Filmmaker
Jacob says: “This place is the best vintage shop in London. Fact. The clothes are fantastic, affordable, and diverse. Whether you’re looking for a 60s dress, a 70s suit, or just a shirt, bag or hat, this is the place. The staff are delightful and you’re in the heart of Soho.”
12 Berwick St, London W1F
The Escapologist
Recommended by: Alex, PR professional & London Community Manager for Cool Cousin
Alex says: “My favourite thing about this bar is that you can enter one of the spaces through a secret door that looks like a large painting! It’s best to get here in the late afternoon rather than the evening for an intimate drink in one of the booths. If you’re a fan of an Espresso Martini, the Nero Must Die cocktail is a great alternative.”
35 Earlham St, London WC2H 9LD
The Peace Pagoda
Recommended by: Adam Bodini, Photography and Brand strategy consultant
Adam says: “The Peace Pagoda in Battersea Park is an amazing place to escape and reflect on the world. Overlooking the Thames, surrounding by lush greenery it is easy to feel completely at peace and relaxed here. I often escape to the Pagoda, lie down and forget about the stresses and strains of the world.”
Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ
Dalston Eastern Curve Garden
Recommended by: Max, Filmmaker and Props Scouter
Max says: “Hidden off the forever busy Dalston Lane is this incredible and relaxing community garden. The garden was built on an old railway line and is surrounded by warehouses and some converted industrial buildings. They serve both hot and alcoholic drinks and the garden gets lots of sunlight. They also often do biscuits and cakes. The vibe is incredibly friendly and they often hold workshops.”
13 Dalston Ln, London E8 3DF
Cool Cousin is a unique brilliant app, and a favourite here in the YCB offices, that’s shaking up the way we discover and explore cities. Whether you want to find a fantastic hidden gem in London, or are planning a trip to a city you’ve never been to before on the other side of the world, Cool Cousin will give you real recommendations from the people you choose, who know best. The app is currently free to download. Check out their website and blog to see what other cities and places you can explore.
