I read 'Fitzrovia News' as 'Tower' for over thirty years,…read morebefore I was encouraged to contribute as a writer, & distributor. It is bang up to date, informative,witty, occasionally controversial... but always inclusive to locals who wish to be part of the bigger picture. Great local paper / Join / write for it too!

I recently discovered Fitzrovia News after a friend gave me a copy. I was amazed to find out it is…read morewritten entirely by volunteers and people who live in Fitzrovia. What I like about the paper is that it doesn't pull its punches yet at the same time caters for a wider variety of tastes. It's one of the few community papers that takes a firm stance on things that matter to people living in central London. The paper has interviews with local celebrities, analysis of local political issues. It's not afraid to have a go at big business. It doesn't moan about them. It attacks them! The letters' page is full of opinions about anything and everything in Fitzrovia. If you live, work in or visit Fitzrovia, it's essential reading.

All your ex-pat needs in one totally random place!…read more Hot News has shelves full of Australian, New Zealand and US foods and drinks to satisfy your homesick cravings. And I'm not just talking Vegemite. This place has all the obscure cereals, chocolates, beers, spirits and snacks you've been missing, and if it's not on the shelf, you can ask the friendly owner to order it in for you. It is pricey, but no way near as much as the old Australian Shop in Covent Garden. We spent £50 and got: Nutri Grain, 2x Kraft peanut butter, Cherry Ripe, Summer Roll, 3x Twisties, Cheezels, Violet Crumble, Chicken Crimpys, and a 6 pack of VB. If you aren't Australian, that may sound like nonsense, but believe me when I say, finding this place has made me a far happier Aussie in London :)

This is such a tucked away spot, in the basement of a sort of mini-mall, but perfect if you're…read moreheading to the Cineworld opposite and want something a lil more interesting to eat. They have super basic sandwiches and cheap drinks if you're on a budget, but also imported snacks from the US and Australia. These are a little more costly but worth it for the experimental value. Reese's cereal with Hershey's chocolate milk? (Way better than you'd expect!) Even if you just want to browse, you'll find lots of intriguing items to look at. And best of all, the staff are really friendly: not your typical newsagents - and I speak from experience ;)

Nobbies Hobbies is a real Bedford Institution, it's been around since before I was born and if a…read morenuclear weapon hit bedford I imagine this little store would be the only thing to survive. If you're heading towards the cinema then head to nobbies and grab value for money snacks instead of the over-priced tat on sale at the cinema.

Over the many years I lived in Bedford this once little shop has developed over the years into a…read morelarge convenience store which sells all those things you need from a local shop. There was once a Post Office but this closed due to the Royal Mail cuts and changes to local post offices. The shop has now been developed to incorporate a Fish and Chip shop which appears to have a roaring trade at present (probably aided by the fact that a campus for the University of Bedford is over the road) The owner is friendly and welcoming and always aiming to satisfy. If he doesn't have it and you can wait I'm sure he would endeavour to get it for you. From newspapers and sweets to things for the garden - try Nobbies Hobbies and you will more than likely be surprised