London: top insider tips
Discover the hidden gems within the English capital
Before we get started, let’s correct a few of the never ending stereotypes I hear so often living in France:
- No, it doesn’t rain all the time. It’s actually pretty sunny.
- English food is delicious, varied and incredibly international! Something for everyone: sausage & mash, pies, curry, Sunday roasts etc.
- We rarely eat afternoon tea with scones and cream.
- We love queuing. (This one is very true and highly adviseable if you want your London visit to go well.)
Now you know what you are in for, let’s get down to it…
London is a unique, alternative, multi-cultural and buzzing city. There is a vibe of fun and edgyness that invites you in and makes you want to stay.
London has an overwhelming amount of bars, cafes, and things to do. Our guide will show you where the real Londoners eat, party and shop.
Parks:
London is incredibly green, with so many parks to choose from, we highly recommend the following:
Holland Park: head for the centre, and you suddenly rewind a century or 2. Great for Downton Abbey fans.
Hampstead Heath: a beautiful view over London, breathtaking.
Regents Park: visit Camden Market food market for lunch then walk down the canal.
At Primrose Hill you will have an amazing view of London. From here cross over to Regents Park, full of colourful roses and a picturesque lake.
Neighbourhood strolling
Un-touristy neighborhoods that we love strolling around: Richmond, Stoke Newington, Hampton, Highbury & Islington.
An abundance of cute cafes and unique restaurants waiting to be discovered.
Food
Ivy Chelsea Garden: a wonderfully British restaurant, for a delicious English breakfast with a tasty Bloody Mary. A perfect start to a Saturday! Address: 197 King’s Road, SW3 5ED.
Brick Lane: a must for any curry lovers! Address: E1 6QR
Bocca di Lupo: an authentic tapas style Italian restaurant in heart of soho. Great wine, amazing food. The sea urchin linguine is highly recommended! Address: 12 Archer St, W1D 7BB
The Stag: a homely British pub with a menu that will make your mouth water. Lovely beer garden and great staff! A short walk from Hampstead Heath, full of real Londoners and a guaranteed good time. Address: 67 Fleet Rd, NW3 2QU
Drinking
Evans and Peel: an underground speak easy in Earls Court. This detective agency themed bar requires a crazy story on the door in order to be allowed in. Perfect alternative night out. Address: 310c Earls Court Road, SW5 9BA
Experimental Cocktail Club: in the heart of China town, behind a hidden, unassuming black door, you find yourself in a super trendy cocktail bar with the most delish cocktails. Address: 13a Gerrard St, W1D 5PS
Ridley Road Market Bar: a great laid back bar full of jazz, soul and funk. You can’t help but love the cocktails and fun loving vibe that emminates from this place. Address: 49 Ridley Rd, E8
XOYO: this 2 floor club boasts great line ups in an intimate venue. Its unpretentious and diverse music options mean you are bound to find a night that suits you. Dance the night away in this cool, unpretentious club, pre-buying tickets is advisable. Address: 32–37 Cowper St, London EC2A 4AP
With so much to discover, you can’t but help fall in love with London. Have a great trip!
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