91Èȱ¬

He's clocked it after reading our own Online feature and correctly predicted it would be a fun way of getting his evening started.

"Sliding down the tubes gives you a wonderful sense of well-being," says Athos, who believes art attractions should be free.

"But," he warns, "it's best to avoid the bigger slides because there are huge queues for them."

Meanwhile, just across the river in south Kensington is our fellow guinea pig, Elizabeth McPherson.

Following a quick search on Time Out's website, she's opted for some free art too - Volume at the V&A, a light and sound interactive installation in the museum's John Madejski Garden.

"It's fascinating to stand back and watch the lights and sound change, triggered by people moving through the columns," says Elizabeth.

"I'm not a big fan of modern art, I prefer the Old Masters," she continues, "But Volume is such a great concept I can't believe it's free. I'd be willing to pay to see it."

relaxed atmosphere

It's after 6.45pm and while Elizabeth is still taking in the spectacle of Volume, Athos's next stop is an Open Mic night at the Poetry Café in Covent Garden.

A friend recommended the venue, knowing him to be a budding poet and a regular at RADA's poetry reading sessions.

Athos is just in time to pay his £2.50 entrance fee and sign up to read his work as one of 24 poets here tonight, each with a 5 - 10 minute slot.

Athos arrives at the Poetry Café

"It's really good value for money - the standard is quite high," he says between acts, "And what a relaxed atmosphere to read poetry in. Next time I'll sign up earlier so that I don't have to wait till near the end for my turn."

At 7.45pm Elizabeth has taken a 30-minute tube journey and is now tucking into a half-price steak dinner for £7.98 at Bodean's BBQ Smoke House near Clapham Common station.

Recommended by Australian friends, the venue impresses her along with the size of the steak. "I normally eat healthily and this is a little over-cooked," she observes.

"But I couldn't give up the opportunity. It's no mean feat finding a steak dinner this cheap in London," continues Elizabeth. "Next time I'll ask them to cook it rare."

foreign concept

It's now 9.30pm and Athos is walking to the 12 Bar Club off Denmark Street W1, snacking on a £2.50 broccoli and sweetcorn pasty.

He's chosen the venue for its Open Mic music night after checking the Gigs section at MySpace.com. For a fee of £6, Athos is seeing four acts ranging from "indie through to folk and funk."

"All the performers are talented. I'd normally pay this much to see one band, so it's great value for money," he says.

Elizabeth finds a perfect cheap eat

After a 15-minute walk from Bodean's, Elizabeth is also making her way to an Open Mic night - this time at The Calf pub where, at 10pm, she gains free entry and buys two half pints of Stella Artois for £3.

She catches the last three of the eight covers bands on the bill that night.

"Open Mics were a foreign concept to me until friends suggested I do a Google search for them," says Elizabeth. "But I've been converted. I hadn't expected to find such high quality on my own doorstep. There's such a huge repertoire - everything from Pearl Jam to Dusty Springfield."

Both she and Athos call it a night by 11pm, Elizabeth heading back to her Clapham flat while Athos takes the last tube home to Hendon.

spontaneous attitude

What tips would our intrepid duo pass on to others about to embark on their own budget night out in London?

"Don't pack too much in just because it's cheap or free. If you pick say two venues, you'll be able to enjoy yourself more."

And Athos? "Have a flexible, spontaneous attitude," he advises. "Be prepared to tweak your plans because some venues may be shut, and other events may not be exactly as they appeared on the website."

"It might sound more haphazard than your usual night out, but you could find yourself discovering some amazing up-and-coming artist," he continues.

"As well as having a more entertaining, off-the-wall, not to mention cheaper, evening."

What you've been telling us:

JAMES FORREST: you can always check out www.applausestore.com in advance for tickets for tapings of TV shows. It's not always easy to get them - but they are free at least. Try for QI if it's taping, you get two hours worth of comedy, which is eventually cut down to a half-hour show.

CHRIS TILBURY: you can rarely do better on a budget than the 91Èȱ¬. Tapings for TV and radio are free, using central venues like the Drill Hall and RADA in Bloomsbury. Where else can you see 4 or 5 of the best comic talents in the UK on a Thursday night in March, for free?

MIKE AGER: go see a show at Battersea Arts Centre, loads of the shows cost less than a tenner (there's even discounts for students and pay-what-you-can nights).Ìý It's the best place in London to see new, innovative theatre.

ROBERT ABBEY: eat the Chinese buffet at £6.50 near to Bear Street, WC2, off Charing Cross Road. Walk around Covent Garden and be entertained free by prospective opera singers, mime artists, and all sorts. Go to the National Portrait Gallery or National Gallery completely free except for special exhibitions. Enjoy!

IAN: look up something interesting going on for free at www.londonfreelist.com, then start the night at a veggie Thai (all you can eat for a fiver) meal at Tai on Greek Street, W1 (or check out www.vegveg.com/ to find one nearer to you). Works for us every time!

SARAH from LA, California:Ìýthere is a restaurant in Kilburn Park calledÌýThe Little Bay and you can get a 3 course meal for around £8.Ìý It's amazing, the ambience is cool and candle-lit, and there are no tourists!

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