18
ISSUE 106 / 2018
TRAVEL
Known by some as the 'Paris of the East'
due to its lavish Nouveau architecture.
While not many have been there (yet),
Latvia is definitely worth a visit if you want
to see something different.
Besides the beautiful nature that
surrounds the city, there has been an
ever-expanding alternative scene that has
grown over the past decade. What's more,
abundance of unique venues there are
endless. Here are some of our favourites:
Stock Pot
Indian inspired, with an eccentric menu
with a lot of vegan options all available
for ridiculously low prices at the Stock
Pot. Last time we went there, we got the
chickpea soup, delicious falafels with
hummus and rice with seitan, all for about
8 quid. They also have a great range of
food from meat, fish, veggie, mild or hot,
you'll find something you'll love.
KKC
KKC stands for Kaņepes Kultūras Centrs,
meaning the Cannabis Cultural Centre
but don't giggle, Kaņepe is the owner's
surname! The bar can be found standing
in what used to be one of Riga's music
schools. They host everything from drum
circles in their massive beer yard during
the summer, to swing dance lessons, film
showings, comedy nights, and a ton of live
gigs. Did I mention the beer is spectacular?
£2.50 and up for their alcohol selection.
Midsummer Solstice
Of course, it's not just food and alcohol
that makes Latvia worth visiting. They also
have some crazy stuff going on as well!
There is a Midsummer Solstice, which will
give you an excuse to stay up all night,
drink, eat, and jump over bonfires, what
more do you need? Jāņi is every Latvian's
favourite holiday, on the 22nd and 23rd of
June, they celebrate the shortest nights
of the year. The festival is very pagan
in essence, but if you like to dance and
tradition, this one is unmissable!
EXPLORE EUROPE'S HIDDEN
GEM - RIGA, LATVIA
Latvia, alternative, expansive, beautiful and full of nature.
Who better to give a first-hand account of what to do,
than someone who was born there?