Here we are for the belated weekly appointment with “Meet the Buzzhopper!” Last week Ana Mackay-Sim, New York City, nominated Gabriele in London, so off we go!

Hey Gabriele, tell us a bit about  yourself, what makes you a Buzzhopper?
I came to London to study and enjoy the big city life back in 2012. Since then, I have made the city my home, from east to west. I have to admit that, in a week, I spend more time out for drinks and meals than I would ever spend in the gym in a month but I love walking around as much as possible, to discover places off the beaten path. I’m a musician who works in communications and dabbles in fashion, always out looking for special things in my restaurants, bar or dance-floor excursions. I’m constantly on the hunt for new places to discover and share with my close friends.  I like bringing people from different backgrounds together and location is key in the process – it being for dinner and drinks or club action. That’s probably what makes me a Buzzhopper. I’m always moving about in London to enjoy different environments and meet new people.

You have selected Cheap & Cheerful as a Buzzhopper Vibe, so what kind of places do you enjoy?
I enjoy places that have a unique, authentic atmosphere that comes straight from the crowd they attract. I believe the best experiences come from the people around you, not your spending power. Authenticity is key in creating a good vibe, and that’s something you can only achieve when the management tailors the experience for an audience – and its pockets.

Be it a bar or restaurant, I love liveliness, good affordable service and people who are out to have a good time.

What kind of things makes you say “this is a Buzzhopper place?”
It’s a Buzzhopper place when it offers me something out of the ordinary, it being the location, the audience or its service – from an exceptionally good cocktail and music, to great food and fun faces. It needs to be a place I can trust when it comes to stepping in at any chosen time and knowing it will not disappoint me or friends from London and abroad.

What’s your favourite tip from another Buzzhopper so far?
Kua ‘Aina – I took Ant O’Neil’s advice and went there for dinner with my girlfriend. The staffs Hawaiian shirts, the deco and music give it a very fun and cosy vibe. The avocado and bacon burger is delicious and I can only recommend pairing it with the sweet potato fries and a fresh Hawaiian Longboard lager. A fun little Hula break in central London. Having passed through and eaten in Carnaby often, it was a good surprise of the beaten shopping path.

What would you say to  people discovering/using the site for the first time?
Whether you are looking up your own city or a travel destination, you can use Buzzhopper Vibes to zero into Buzzhoppers that share your lifestyle, and consequently provide tips that suit you best. Otherwise just browse and explore the Tip feed and see what strikes your fancy. I find I can almost always find out which Buzzhoppers are good for me by reading a couple of their tips.

Nominate  a Buzzhopper you like for the next spotlight!
I think we’ll stay in London… Ant O’Neil!

 

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Meet the Buzzhopper, check-out Gabriele’s profile, Tips and Collections here!