In the last few months, I’ve received a ton of DM’s and emails asking for London recommendations! Seeing as your girl is going on living ONE YEAR (yep, crazy right?) in this city, I think it’s high time to get you guys a London guide. It also makes things a lot more exciting when I can pass along a blog post instead of an ugly email draft I have sitting in gmail, you feel me?
Over my first year living abroad, I’ve accrued a boat load of favorite spots in this city – from cocktail spots, to coffee shops (DUH), to the best eats, I’ve got you covered.
The thing about London is it’s MASSIVE – there are so many neighborhoods and areas to explore. Each are unique and deserving of their own guide to be honest, BUT consider this part 1 of many, and a round-up of my favorites (most being in Central London where I live!)
Lasttttt thing – I’ve included links to everything worn in these photos, just just in case 🙂
EATS
Bernardi’s – delicious Italian in West Marylebone. This place is on the trendy side, but it’s so pretty and the cocktails are just about a 10
Trishna – Nick (for those of you that don’t know, my husband) loves this Indian spot in Marylebone – food is VERY spicy so if you want something a bit more basic / beginner’s Indian, go for Dishoom. I’ve never had a bad meal here – it’s an insanely popular Indian cafe chain in London. Go EARLY as there will be a queue. Everything is family style.
Berner’s Tavern: a London staple, amazing food, known for their mac and cheese. Grab a drink at The Edition bar / lobby next door prior to your reservation!
Chiltern Firehouse: one of my favorites and a London staple. My recco is to sit outside in their pretty garden for a cocktail during happy hour
Barrafina – I’ve actually never been, but this is on my short list. This place is so popular – they don’t take reservations so get in the queue early
Dean Street Soho House – classic english fare, solid drinks, great scene
Pizza Pilgrims – if you’re feeling some serious ZA, do not hesitate, locations all over London
Breddos – London is NOT known for their mexican food but Breddo’s is great if you need a taco / marg fix stat
Coachmaker’s Arms and The Grazing Goat (same restaurant group) – both are great modern english pubs with solid British food options. Also a great spot for a quick pint / G&T – stand outside and do as the Londoner’s do!!!
DRINKS
Cahoots – really fun drinks spot in Kingly Court in Soho
Artesian – located in The Langham hotel (which is British dreamy), pop in for one of their famous cocktails
The Edition Hotel Bar – one of my favorites for great drinks and that fun hotel buzz
The Blind Pig – in Soho is a must for their cocktails, which are on the inventive side
Mr Fogg’s – classic cocktails, located in Mayfair
Six Storeys – just as the name entrails, 6 stories of cocktail bars + event space. Solid option for a good cocktail
London Cocktail Club – also on my short list. Locations all over London – always busy / something going on here
COFFEE
Monocle Cafe – their coffee is STRONG – make sure you snag a cinnamon bun as well. Located on Chiltern st. which is a dream
Grind – with locations all over London, some are more like restaurant / cafes with food + cocktails, but the coffee is always killer. They’re very instagrammable as well (I’m sorry I had to)
Kaffeine – These are my no BS coffee shops – aussie inspired, great coffee
Lantana – Also aussie inspired this spot is great for a quick coffee and the breakfast is delicious as well (get the courgette bread with poached egg)
Attendant – used to be an old Victorian bathroom (quirky, I know, but trust me) – order their cold brew!
TAP – locations all over the city. I LOVE their Soho spot – wifi is solid if you need to get some work done
Workshop Coffee – Another no frills spot – great coffee, minimalist vibes
Princi Bakery – one of my favorite Italian bakery’s in London. Their espresso is amazing, but make sure you grab an olive stick and/or slice of pizza (it’s ahhhmazing)
Bar Italia – A favorite of Anthony Bourdain, this place is super old school italian – cash only!
TO-DO
Touristy Must-do’s: double decker bus tour, London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Walk along the embankment
High Tea:
- Telegraph 10 Best Afternoon Teas: http://bit.ly/2zXUOmA
- Sketch does a damn good high tea – if you don’t do tea, at least grab a cocktail there and check out the pink room and bathrooms! (hint, hint, Instagram)
- The Ned – one of my personal favorites for high tea – it’s a beautiful venue and the high tea is a tad more on the casual (not to mention inexpensive) side
- The Ritz – a very British / classic high tea experience. I took my mom here. I also wore jeans (do not do this!)
Parks: Hyde Park, Regent Park – they’re both beautiful
Regent Street, Soho, Carnaby St: great place to shop and do dinner + drinks
Selfridges, The Liberty, Fenwick, and Harrods – all classic London department stores to explore
Borough Market – great foodie market!!! Get the fish and chips 🙂
Notting Hill– check out Portobello Market, get brunch at Farm Girl, Daylefords Farm, or Granger & Co.
Also, this Infatuation London First Timer’s guide is amazing, you’ll see some repeats from my above list 🙂
https://www.theinfatuation.com
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