Popeye 954 – London

POPEYE magazine is the “Magazine for City Boys”. The founders printed this on the cover of the magazine when it debuted in 1976. What’s a “city boy”? The term doesn’t appear in the dictionary and no expert panel could define it. So we felt we should explore every aspect of what this “city boy” might be. After decades of debate, it still makes for a topic of lively discussion. It can be a style or a way of thinking. To get an idea of what makes a city boy, read POPEYE magazine.

In this issue:

Popeye’s October 2026 issue is a long-awaited London special. The magazine’s very first issue, 49 years ago, was supposed to be devoted to the city we call home. Now, just a few decades later, the team were tempted back by murmurings of quirky skateparks, exclusive boutiques, impeccable tees, art galleries teeming with young people, and a whole host of ‘incredible sandwiches’. We always trusted Popeye to be good at what they do, despite being unable to read the Japanese texts, but now we know they are!

Impressively eagle-eyed, the team take readers to hidden haunts across the city, such as Stoke Newington’s Macintosh Ales, Jake Burt and Stefan Cooke’s boutique in Bethnal Green, and south east London’s Cenci Vintage. Charity shops get a mention, as do a selection of classic pie and mash shops, plus Fortnum & Mason’s historic flagship store for its claim to the scotch egg: ‘Did you know scotch egg is from London?’ (We didn’t). Plus, recommendations from expert tour guides Adam Jones and John Alexander Skelton, and glossy catalogue of clothes and ephemera spotlights the iconic Burberry trench, Belstaff Motorcycle jacket, and a selection of vintage football shirts.

Language: Japanese