Written by Devanshi Arora and Leila Malik
Nothing stimulates the mind like a particularly leafy green plant. Artists, poets, musicians, writers, creators: loved by many, we hope to see you indulge in its annual celebration: 4/20, April the 20th.
As relatively experienced Gen Z gardeners, we’ve built up a good understanding of how to curate the most satisfying 4/20 (aside from the time we were caught in the rain for fucking hours). Some of the things we recommend:
Check the weather before you leave!! We all know how moody London weather can be and it never hurts to be prepared.
Suncream. Or not. But you should.
Water. Lots of it.
Speaker: This is essential. Bring a portable charger. And a good playlist.
Picnic blanket: I think sitting on itchy grass is annoying. Blankets are the way to go.
Lighters, lighters, lighters. But those you don’t mind losing/ being stolen/ finding it in your friend’s bag two weeks later.
Sunglasses: Can’t leave home without it
A bevvy for the sun: a cool soft drink, beer, wine. You name it.
Some sort of outdoor game: a frisbee, a football, badminton, a children’s cricket set.
Snacks, you know, to help with the munchies (gummy bears are great for cotton mouth)
Lozenges, your body will thank you later.
Chewing gum (to freshen and avoid cotton mouth)
ALWAYS plan your trip home, before you head out.
4/20 is incredibly fun and is a city wide festival however it does leave you with some chaos by the end of it. Keep a close eye on your belongings and your lighters. Here are some places in London you can enjoy the cheeky smoke sesh:
Telegraph Hill Upper Park (arguably the best view of sunset in South London)
Blythe Hill Park
Hilly Fields Park
Ruskin Park
Greenwich Park
Brockwell Park (iconic)
Peckham Rye Park
Burgess Park
Hyde Park
Hampstead Heath
Streatham Common
Primrose Hill
Victoria Park
Richmond park
Now we know, this plant gives us an insatiable but impatient desire for food. This is what we recommend:
Camden Food Market: For our parks up north, Camden is generally easily accessible via bus or a quick walk. Be warned - it will be really hard to figure out what you want to eat, the problem of plenty is so real.
Chinatown: A short bus ride away, you will be spoiled for food. Savoury and sweet. ‘Good Friend Chicken’ gets a special mention - try their chicken popcorn or fried lotus with garlic, chilli and lemon.
Brick Lane: If you find yourself making your way towards Brick lane, you can guarantee some bangin’ munch. ‘Momlette’ and ‘Damascus Bite’ will give you some of your best food in central London. (Went to ‘Momlette’ post sesh, it changed my life. Get the desi breakfast.)
Near Hyde Park: gardening can make walking feel funny. Some places near you so you have to walk the least:
Pizza Pilgrims: approximately a 15 minute walk away from the centre of Hyde Park. You can make it.
Sheila’s Cafe: 10 minutes away, it is a lovely cafe tucked away in the heart of London with affordable sandwiches, pastries and coffee. A little pick me up after the inevitable nap in the park?
Cafe Helen: Yum, yum and yum. Cheeky 10 minutes walk, this is a spot to indulge in and get plates for the table (I adore a good, hearty middle eastern meal)
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