Annie Lord

The Barbican’s latest programme of themed events, Masculinities, delves into the ways that masculinity has been constructed and enforced. With a major photography exhibition, panel discussions and performances, the series will ask tough questions about stereotypes, power and patriarchy. We asked some London men with ‘macho’ jobs to share perception-changing truths about themselves. ‘I love to cuddle my pomeranian puppy’ Photograph: Rob Greig Darren Son, 50, smashes stuff up for Associated Demolition Services ‘Twenty years ago, guys doing my sort of work would be down the pub at lunchtime, but it’s not like that any more because of health and safety regulations. Demolition is a very physical job, so do you have to be fit. But anyone, man or woman, can do it. You just need to be precise and hardworking. People are often surprised to hear that I have a pomeranian puppy who I love to cuddle. And, that at home I do most of the housework – hoovering is my favourite.’ ‘My favourite thing to do is watch Disney films’ Photograph: Andy Parsons Daniel Martin, 34, works as a farrier at the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich ‘Often people are surprised by how caring I can be. People tend to think blacksmiths are rough and short-tempered. But to work with horses you have to be patient, otherwise they might kick you or try to gallop off. I understand why the animals might be frightened: I am walking over to them with a bit of burning-hot steel. I gain their trust by acting in a way th

Getting along with your flatmates is a necessity in a city where a future of shared living is on the cards for the majority of us. Since we're in this for the long haul, our relationship with our flatmates can be more important than with our friends or partners. Many Londoners have found numerous ways to make a life for themselves at home with their flatmates whether they have different political views, have struggled to find a decent house, or barely see each other. Read on to see how these London flatmates get along. On the hunt for a new flat? Here are some of the best places to live in London.  

From hidden green spaces to the city’s major parks, London is full of amazing leafy locales. And the city’s parks are where you’ll find most Londoners once the sun comes out, which is why we spent the first sunny Saturday of the year hanging out in some of London’s most loved verdant places. From dawn until dusk, we chatted to people in Hampstead Heath, Clapham Common, Hyde Park, Holland Park and London Fields, meeting everyone from joggers to hen parties.

It's been a weird year for music fans: no gigs means no chance to see your favourite artists in the flesh. How do you still show support when you can’t do it IRL? One stan gives their tips...  1. Show up for them ‘I stayed up until 3am to watch Charli’s album-release party on Zoom. My friends did too and we all dressed up. I was sitting in the living room with my dogs wearing the same crazy metallic eyeliner Charli wears and a sparkly crop top. I dyed my hair blue for it.’ 2. Open your wallet ‘Charli did a Boiler Room set that was a charity fundraiser for homelessness in LA and she brought out an exclusive merchandise range especially. I bought two T-shirts. When she brought out “Vroom Vroom” on vinyl I got a copy of it, too.’ 3. Get busy on your socials ‘A lot of K-pop stans reply to popular tweets with an edited video of their favourite K-pop idol to promote them. Some Beliebers load up Justin Bieber’s music on Spotify and play his songs on mute so he gets higher streaming numbers.’ Time Out staff’s favourite albums of 2020.  Sherelle: ‘We’re going to have to rely on the goodness of local communities to get the music sector back on its feet’.