You’ll win some definite cool points if you bring your friends to these spots.
London is one of my absolute favourite cities. I love the buzz, the variety of things to do there, the style, the architecture and the idyllic parks.
I don’t even mind the busy tubes – au contraire, the city always puts me in such a good mood that nothing can dampen my spirits. I’m like Joey in Friends getting into his map and overusing the phrase, ‘London Baby!’
The city is a melting pot of different cultures, so anytime I head over I like to look for unique things to do. Personally, even though there’s great shopping potential there, I like to investigate some of the more exclusive things the metropolis has to offer so I’ve compiled my favourite spots for food, drinks and entertainment in case you’re planning a trip and looking for ideas.
Food:
Breakfast – Cereal Killer Café
You absolutely must go here if you’re in London. They honestly have a ridiculous choice of cereals; if you can think of it, they’ve probably got it. Created by two Northern Irish lads, the cafés (one on Brick Lane and the other in Camden) stock around 120 different types of cereal from countries all around the world. You can also choose from 13 different kinds of milk and twenty toppings. It’s quite the breakfast experience.
Lunch – Deliciously Ella’s Café, The Mae Deli
Queen of healthy and, you guessed it, delicious food, Ella Woodward (Deliciously Ella) has a few beautiful cafés dotted around the city. The menus vary depending on what’s in season, but you can usually pick up things like a tasty salad or a hearty vegan curry to keep you going as you explore the city. The cafés also stock a variety of healthier sweet treats to get your fix.
Dinner – Home Slice
OK, so I know ‘the best pizza I’ve ever had’ is a big claim, but I’m willing to go out on a limb and stand by this statement. I’ve been to the Neals Yard branch and it’s such a hidden gem. If you didn’t know about it you’d easily miss it. You will seriously be in knead of some more after a pizza this! (Sorry…)
Drinks:
Nightjar
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Thanks @marcoomi for this ace shot of Boom La Tete in action #aboutlastnight
Located in Hoxton, this suave cocktail bar is a throwback to the 1920s. When you descend the steps into the basement bar, there’s an immediate feeling of being transported back to the speakeasy era and the effect seems genuinely authentic. Feel-good jazz music, with an opulent setting and great cocktails…what more could you want?
Gordon’s Wine Bar
If you’re more of a wine gal, I’d definitely recommend checking out this absolute haven near Embankment underground station. Established in 1890 and coined as London’s oldest wine bar, it’s definitely one to check out for a relaxing, cosy evening. And they do a great cheese board.
The Shard
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Now The Shard is probably out of most people’s price range for dinner (it certainly is for me, anyway!) but I’d definitely recommend grabbing one drink here if you’re looking for a fancier night out. The view is absolutely incredible to experience at least once.
Entertainment:
Jar of Moles – Grant Museum of Zoology
From the sublime to the ridiculous, Grant Museum is part of University College London and is one of the oldest natural history collections in the United Kingdom. In amongst the collection is the infamous ‘Jar of Moles’, who even have their own Twitter account! It’s a lovely little natural history museum and one that’s off the beaten track a bit.
The Holocaust Exhibition – Imperial War Museum
The Science Museum, the V&A and the Natual History Museum always get a lot of love, but the Imperial War Museum is in my opinion, one of the city’s best. In particular, the Holocaust exhibition is fascinating and harrowing in equal measure. It contains testimonies from survivors which bring a moving perspective to the many objects on display. There is also a model of Auschwitz-Birkenau by artist Gerry Judah demonstrating the extent of events that occurred.
Namco Funscape – Arcade on Westminster Bridge
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#PACMAN & the team have headed to the #EAGInternational #VisitorAttractionExpo @excellondon! ?
I have to say, I was a bit allergic to going here and only agreed to it because the boyfriend had put up with me and my bizarre need to go see a jar of moles. In all honesty, I thought it would be a bit tacky and just not my scene but I ended up loving it! I had such a laugh and got really competitive trying to win as many coupons as possible to win a FABULOUS prize (ended up being tasteless chocolate). It’s definitely a spot I have fond memories of.
Ballet at the Royal Opera House
In February, I took my mama (herself a former pro) to see a Giselle in the Royal Opera house and it was sublime. I know, best daughter in the world! It’s worth checking if there’s a performance you’d like to see if you’re over because being there is an amazing experience.
The Roundhouse
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We just love this shot of @calvinharris at the @applemusic festival back in 2016. #lighting #smoke
Equally, the Roundhouse is a brilliant venue to and go see some live music or performing arts. The architecture of the building and the quality of the sound is incroyable!
So that’s my round up of a few non-touristy bits to do in one of the world’s best cities. Even if you’re going on a super quick trip, make the most of it and enjoy London, baby!
