Seamlessly weaving between DJ, producer, label head and promoter, Hardt Antoine’s artistic credentials cut boldly through the dance music. His eclectic music taste - strongly stemmed from his mixed French and Jamaican heritage - muses between many genres including house, classical, soul and ‘80s pop. Such strong output has been extremely well-received across the club circuit, and as a result sees Antoine’s records regularly played around the globe, as well as signed to big-name labels including Innervisions, Kompakt, Correspondant and TAU. 

In this London Electronic Music Travel Guide, Hardt Antoine shares his favourite spots in West London.

No matter where in the world you’re from, everyone who comes to London is amazed by its size, the sheer variety of things to do, and the incredible choices available! It’s impossible to cover everything, so today I’ll focus on a few of my favorite spots in West London, as "East" has been getting all the attention lately.

The best Record Stores in London

Let's start with music! Although record stores are fading elsewhere, London still boasts many great ones for crate diggers of all kinds. My favorite is Soul and Dance Exchange on Notting Hill Gate. This second-hand vinyl and CD shop is a treasure trove, and it was the first record store I visited regularly as a teenager—I still do! In the techno section, you'll find everything from Model 500 to Cocoon Recordings, while the soul ‘bargain bins’ are a sampler’s dream.

You can’t talk about records without mentioning the famous Phonica Records on Poland Street. It’s the go-to spot for crate diggers seeking electronic or dance music. Their selection is fantastic, featuring international finds and underground British gems. Nearby, Sounds of the Universe is perfect for rare back-catalogue cuts, and Sister Ray and Reckless Records are also worth a visit while you're in the area.

The best Restaurants in London

Next up—food! For incredible Thai street-style cuisine, check out Kiln. Don't be fooled by its casual noodle-bar vibe; it’s on every foodie’s radar and worth the long queue. Be warned, though—every dish packs a punch! If the wait is too long, head over to Koya Soho (not to be confused with the famous COYA chain), a nearby spot renowned for its traditional udon noodles.

For a healthy lunch in Notting Hill, Jusu Brothers is the place to go. Enjoy a juice, espresso, or a healthy chicken katsu salad on the terrace. Full disclosure: I have a bit of a bias since I’m involved with the place—but it’s worth a visit for a DJ-founded, health-focused spot.

A trip to the UK isn’t complete without some Indian food. Everyone has their favorite curry house, so it’s hard to pick one. However, if you’re visiting, I highly recommend Dishoom. Despite having ten locations across London, there’s always a queue—and for good reason. Their food is high-quality, richly flavored, and well worth the wait.

Where to go Shopping in London

London is a fashion mecca, and Closet Case on Brewer Street is my top pick for unique Japanese, European, and Asian menswear with a minimalistic twist. They carry rare brands like Thom Krom and Boris Bidjan Saberi, alongside exclusive pieces from high-end labels such as Rick Owens and Issey Miyake. Just a few doors down, Machine-A offers avant-garde fashion that’s a must-see.

Soho is also the heart of streetwear, home to flagship stores for brands like Palace, Supreme, Cole Buxton, and END.—the ultimate destination for rare sneakers and mixed-budget streetwear.

Nightlife - The best Clubs in London

When night falls, fabric London remains the number-one spot for authentic underground music. It’s the most famous club in the country, offering everything from house and techno to drum & bass, garage, hard techno, and more. Whether you check the lineup or go in blind, you can trust the talent has been carefully vetted for quality.

Another standout is KOKO in Camden, a unique, large venue set in a historic theater that hosts top-tier electronic acts every weekend. Other excellent venues include E1, FOLD, and Village Underground—all known for their incredible parties and top-notch sound systems.