Time Out bills itself as the 'weekly listings bible', and there is some truth here in that there is no other publication which so aptly sums up the city. The magazine always leads with quirky angles on ways to enjoy the city's charms (eg. 101 Secret Spots in London; The Capital for Free). It is geared towards those new to the city, who are interested in arts and an active life, and, crucially, those with some type of sensible budget. I used to buy it much in my first year here and still am occasionally tempted by their features. In this way, Time Out became, for me, a sacred text, and the magazine lived up to its billing.
One complaint is that I never seemed to be able to attend all of the events that Time Out made me aware of. After reading I would inevitably make long lists of fascinating-sounding exhibitions and parties to attend, the majority paired with unchecked boxes. How and ever, that is mainly down to my own level of disorganisation, and is not the fault of the publishers. Time Out also publish my favourite range of city guides bar none - both the general London one, and its Eating and Drinking companion are essentials for getting to know, and then surviving what this mixed-up grey city throws at you. read more