The Puppini Sisters’ ‘little black book’

Going out: The Puppini Sisters

Marcella Puppini:

Hurwundeki, Cambridge Heath Road
I started going there when it first opened in the summer of 2009, and would sit either inside at one of the big tables or outside in the surrealist sand garden. At the time there were only two people working there – Frederic, the crazy French bartender with the Asterix moustache and the Alpine hat, and a lovely Italian-American girl who made wonderful coffee. Frederic and I would have long chats in French about the meaning of life while an old beaten record player would blast out ‘Some Velvet Morning’ by Lee Hazelwood and Nancy Sinatra all day long. Frederic is still there and he always welcomes me with a big file and a hug whenever I visit. I love that.

The Last Tuesday Society, Mare Street
It’s a wonderful place, part ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and part art gallery/lecture space, run by friends of a friend. I often attend their lectures on topics such as ‘Send-Offs for the Dead’ and then stay on for dinner, which is usually takeaway curry eaten on the downstairs shop’s mortuary table, surrounded by petrified penises and very impressive taxidermy.

The People Show Studios, Pollard Row
A little known Bethnal Green gem is The People Show Studios on Pollard Row. The People Show Theatre Company has been going since 1966. I got to know them through my husband, who has been managing the theatre for the last 4 years, and I love to drop by and see what wonderful props are being made in their workshop, or who’s around for lunch and a chat. The People Show will not be around in its present state for very long due to the recent harsh cuts, so it’s worth visiting as soon as possible.

Kate Mullins:

Hackney Museum, Reading Lane
Completely secluded from the hustle and bustle of Hackney life, it is so surreal to step inside the museum away from everything contemporary and see how Hackney has changed throughout the years. It has such a rich and varied past. This is one of my favourite quiet spots, great for some reflective time on one’s own.

Regent’s Canal
I love to go running up and down the endless canal systems. It is absolutely perfect for running. You get to see the changing seasons and shout at cyclists who try and push you in the water. I have to say though, since my wonderful boyfriend has done up my bike, I am not as sympathetic towards runners as I was. Cycling on the canals is way more fun and not nearly as evil as running.

The Dolphin, Mare Street
On Mare Street, it is eerily dead during the day and then as soon as the pubs reach chucking out time, it is heaving. Many an evening has ended here, it is where my boyfriend and I had our first kiss (romantic) and they even gave me my very own Dolphin t-shirt. Must be because I am such a loyal customer…

The Puppini Sisters’ new album, Hollywood, comes out on Boxing Day.