Ask us what our favourite burger restaurant in London is and we’d tell you Patty & Bun in a heart beat.

We’ve never been surer about a burger; we’ve almost never felt as strongly for any other burgers. Patty & Bun in London is where the real deal is.

Conveniently located in multiple spots in London such as White City, Liverpool and Marble Arch, Patty & Bun’s burgers will leave you salivating for more.

We have huge expectations from our burgers: bun, patty, sauces, accompanying toppings… every element must be right.

At Patty & Bun, the stars are aligned. There are 8 types of burgers on the menu, with ‘Smokey Robinson’ Burger (£9.50) being our absolute favourite. The smokey P&B mayo is the dealbreaker here, along with a heap of caramelized onions. Quite an explosion of flavours there, you can imagine.

Not a fan of beef? No problem. Go for the ‘Hot Chic’ Chicken Burger (£9.25) which comprises a huge piece of buttermilk fried chicken, pickled cucumber and smoked garlic aioli. Lovely textural variety, and something that is slightly lighter on the palate.

There are vegetarian options, and you can also top-up of £1 for gluten-free buns.

Enjoy some chips on the side; we love the Chips with Roast Chicken Mayo & Chicken Skin Salt (£3.95).

Patty & Bun also has their own beer! They’ve teamed up with FourPure Brewery to create their own poison that’s really a refreshing pilsner £4.75 per bottle.

Patty & Bun London
54 James St, Marylebone, London W1U 1HE, UK
Tel: +44 20 7487 3188
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Sun: 11.30am – 10pm

London is home to some of the best cafes in the world.

The diverse city that houses people of different cultures brings about a myriad of ideas and inspirations, and this has translated into the exhaustive array of thematic cafes, coffee-making techniques and culinary impressions, and architectural wows.

Good cafes are sprawled all over the British city. From residential neighbourhoods to CBD to the bustling city centre, good cafes are everywhere.

It is an endless quest and we are constantly being awed by new joints with every visit. It took us several years to visit numerous cafes in the city and here’s our picks on London’s best cafes and coffee shops.

ALLPRESS

Allpress may be small in size, but its popularity is huge. This coffee house in Shoreditch is perpetually packed on weekends.

Locals love their beans, which Allpress sources from all over the world and roast them in-house daily. It is also good to know that they supply many cafes in London.

58 Redchurch Street
Shoreditch
London E2 7DP
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Liverpool Street

ASSOCIATION COFFEE

This is one popular outlet in the CBD. Association Coffee boasts an industrial-looking interior with bare bricks and low tables. It sits near to The Gherkin, and their speciality coffee is what keeps the place packed every day.

We love a good breakfast at Association Coffee because there will always be a curated selection of handcrafted sandwiches and pastries that are prepared fresh every morning.

10-12 Creechurch Lane
London EC3A 5AY
Tel: +44 20 7283 1155
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Aldgate/Liverpool Street

BEANY GREEN

A sister cafe of the popular Daisy Green, Beany Green is an outlet off Shoreditch, and it sits within a compound called Broadgate Circle that is surrounded by corporate offices. We prefer it on weekends when it is free of crowd and busy executives.

The menu is pretty similar to Daisy Green’s, with favourites such as the Fancy Bacon Roll (£12) and Avocado on Charcoal (£7).

Broadgate Circle
1 Broadgate Cir
London EC2M 2QS
Tel: +44 20 7628 5888
Mon to Fri: 6am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Liverpool Street

BILL’S RESTAURANT

Not to be confused with Australia Celebrity Chef Bill Granger’s restaurant—Granger & Co—Bill’s Restaurant started off as a tiny shop in East Sussex and it has expanded to a massive empire with 20 outlets in London alone.

Bill’s is an all-day restaurant serving everything from breakfast to bedtime, and everything in-between. To be fair, Bill’s is not a dining destination and the food is not out-of-the-world. But the prices and portions are very reasonable and it is something you can rely on when you want a simple English meal without breaking the bank.

36-44 Brewer St, London W1F 9TB, United Kingdom
Tel: 0207 287 8712
Mon to Wed: 8am – 11pm
Thu to Sat: 8am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 10.30pm
Nearest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus

BISCUITEERS BOUTIQUE AND ICING ROOM

This is a must-visit for everyone who takes a trip to London. Biscuiteers Boutique And Icing Room in Notting Hill is really a whimsical biscuit boutique that sells the prettiest handcrafted biscuits that are widely popular in London. Lots of gift options are available in the boutique, as well as biscuit-decorating classes.

The sit-down area is a cosy one, complete with turquoise seats and marble tables. Biscuits are at £3 each, with gluten-free options available. They definitely taste as good as they look.

194 Kensington Park Road
London, W11 2ES
Tel: +44 20 7727 8096
Mon to Sat: 10am – 6pm
Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Ladbroke Grove

BLUEBELLES OF PORTOBELLO

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Portobello Road and far from the madness of the weekend market is Bluebelles, a neighbourhood cafe for the residents. Its primary decor of white walls and bricks makes it an inviting space.

The menu features several all-day brunch items such as Bluebelles Mess (£8.50)—which is essentially French Toast—and Green Breakfast (£9.50). Many of the dishes are vegetarian, too. We also had loved the Bread & Butter Pudding (£4).

320 Portobello Road
London, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 8968 4572
Mon to Fri: 8am – 4.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 4.30pm
Nearest Station: Ladbroke Grove

BRIKI

This was an accidental find for us as we were roaming around Exmouth Market. Roomy and spacious, Briki is a charming coffee joint that exudes rustic charm. Its coffee is more on the acidic side—which may not please everyone—but their in-house bakes are simple pleasures to enjoy.

Grab a seat by the windowsill, eat a blueberry muffin and sip cappuccino while looking out to the world that passes by.

67 Exmouth Market
London, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7278 8745
Mon to Thu: 7.30am – 7pm
Fri: 7.30am – 8.30pm
Sat: 8.30am – 8.30pm
Sun: 8.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Angel/Farringdon

BROOKLYN COFFEE

Situated in between Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane Market, Brooklyn Coffee is a monochrome-looking coffee house by the main road. Accessible and convenient, the small cafe is all about coffee from different origins.

139 Commercial Street
Shoreditch, E1 6BJ
Mon to Fri: 7am – 5pm
Sat: 8am – 5pm
Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Shoreditch High Street/Liverpool Street

CARAVAN COFFEE ROASTERS

If you find yourselves in King’s Cross, this is one cafe to stop by at. Or you can travel to King’s Cross for it; it’ll be worth it. Sitting in the UAL campus is this chic, industrial-like cafe that boasts a huge sitting space and fresh coffee aroma.

The guys here roast their own beans, and we also love the savoury mains such as Quinoa and Baked Eggs.

Granary Building
1 Granary Square
London N1C 4AA
Tel: +44 20 7101 7661
Mon to Fri: 8am – 10.30pm
Sat: 10am – 10.30pm
Sun: 10am – 4pm
Nearest Station: King’s Cross

CEREAL KILLER CAFE

Enjoy your happy cereal bowl at the cutest place in London. Cereal Killer Cafe—the first cereal-speciality cafe in United Kingdom—is a dream come true for cereal lovers. Located along Brick Lane, Cereal Killer Cafe sells a huge range of branded breakfast cereals.

Watch our video of Cereal Killer Cafe here.

139 Brick Lane
London, E1 6SB
Tel: +44 20 3601 9100
Daily: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Shoreditch High Street

CREAM CAFE

A spacious outlet in Shoreditch for a cuppa is Cream Cafe. It is set beside an apparel boutique, and while nothing special, it is a quiet space that has affordable drinks if you need to rest your feet.

31 New Inn Yard
London, EC2A 3EY
Tel: +44 7767 621 632
Mon to Fri: 8am – 4pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Shoreditch High Street

COVENT GARDEN GRIND

This is one coffee joint you must pop by when in Covent Garden. Grind is a sexy chain that has several outlets in London, but what makes them so amazing is that every outlet has a different look whilst still bearing the hipster Grind DNA.

Covent Garden Grind sits on a quieter street in the otherwise bustling Covent Garden, but we could do with some quiet time away from the crowd with green juices, coffee and bakes. Oh, free wifi too!

42 Maiden Lane
Covent Garden
London, WC2E 7LJ
Tel:+44 20 3019 1801
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat: 10am – 8pm
Sun 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

CURATORS COFFEE GALLERY

Need a pit stop in between shopping at Oxford Circus? Curators Coffee Gallery it shall be. This coffee house is strategically located in the heart of Oxford Circus, just farther up from Topshop.

The people here sure love their coffee, and while there is a fixed menu, there is often surprises. Do check out their featured coffee of the moment, where they use special beans combined with seasonal ingredients to intrigue with what they call their ‘creations’.

51 Margaret Street
London W1W 8SG
Tel: +44 20 7580 2547
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 6.30pm
Sat: 8.30am – 5pm
Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

CUTTER & SQUIDGE

Cutter & Squidge is a humble family business that started off and got really popular with pretty desserts. Their shelves are always filled with pastel-coloured gems and tall cakes, and anyone who walks by will not be able to resist stepping in.

Cutter & Squidge is popular for their biskies, which are pretty much like macaron/ biscuit sandwiches. Our favourite flavour is the S’more Biskie and Passion Fruit Pearl.

20 Brewer street
Soho
London, W1F 0SJ
Tel: +44 20 7734 2540
Mon to Wed: 9.30am – 8pm
Thu: 9.30am – 9pm
Fri: 9.30am – 10pm
Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun & PH: 11am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus/Picadilly Circus/Leicester Square

DAISY GREEN

Possibly one of the best cafes in Marble Arch, Daisy Green is two streets away from Selfridges & Co. It is an Aussie-style cafe with wholesome breakfast and brunch items, and there are both indoor and outdoor seating.

Go for the Salads of The Day, or the many other healthy and gluten-free options on the menu.

20 Seymour Street
London, W1H 7HX
Tel: +44 20 7723 3301
Mon to Fri: 7am – 6pm
Sat: 8am – 6pm
Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Marble Arch

DARK SUGARS COCOA HOUSE

Located along Brick Lane, Dark Sugars Cocoa House is a chocolate heaven. They offer a huge range of chocolates, all made from scratch.

But what you must not miss is the special hot chocolate which is topped off with a huge pile of chocolate shavings made of dark, milk and white chocolate.

DEPARTMENT OF COFFEE AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS

Established in London’s iconic Leather Lane Market in 2010, Department of Coffee And Social Affairs has gone from strength to strength in recent years and it has currently 12 coffee shops across London. Not too bad for a coffee shop that only started 7 years ago.
14-16 Leather Lane
London, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7419 6906
Mon – Fri: 7am – 5.30pm
Sat: 9.30am – 4pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Chancery Lane

DOMINIQUE ANSEL BAKERY

The world famous Dominique Ansel Bakery has a new outpost in London. Located in the quaint Belgravia district, Dominique Ansel Bakery’s arrival in London is great news for fans of their legendary Cookie Milk Shots, Cronuts and  Frozen S’mores.

Dominique Ansel Bakery London also has the Dosa Mille Feuille (£7.50)—an London exclusive dessert—which is a delicate puff pastry “dosa” shell with hazelnut coffee, whipped Chantilly, lemon curd and candied lemon peel.

But to be honest, we thought that it was nothing special; you are better off sticking with the Cookie Milk Shots and Frozen S’mores.

17-21 Elizabeth St
London SW1W 9RP
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7324 7705
Daily: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Sloane Square / Victoria

EGGBREAK

Sitting at Notting Hill Gate is Eggbreak, a cosy all-day cafe that we really love. Well, its name should suggest that its menu is all about eggs, and the egg dishes vary across the day. But regardless of whether you are going for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the many egg items here won’t disappoint.

We loved the Corn Cakes (£11) that is served with an interesting sriracha Hollandaise, and this star item is available throughout the day.

30 Uxbridge Street
London, W8 7TA
Tel: +44 20 3535 8300
Daily: 8am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Notting Hill Gate

EMBASSY EAST

Located on Hoxton Street, Embassy East is a hidden gem that offers excellent food and great coffee. On the menu, you can find comforting dishes such as Eggs on Toast (£5), Classic Cheese Toasties (£5), and our favourite Meat Sandwich (£11) which is stacked with slow-cooked beef cheek, kimchi fried egg and greens.

Come here for breakfast and coffee after visiting Hoxton Street Market—the oldest street market in Hackney.

285 Hoxton St
London N1 5JX, UK
Tel: +44 20 7739 8340
Mon to Fri: 9am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Hoxton

ESPRESSO BAR MOZZINO

There is no lack of cafes in SoHo. We have our favourites, and Espresso Bar Mozzino is one that we regularly head to because while there is nothing fancy, the coffee is always reliable. Plus, we love the seats by the window where natural sunlight streams in and keeps us warm!

74 Broadwick Street
London, W1F 9QZ
Tel: +44 79 6987 5968
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat: 10am – 7pm
Sun: 12pm – 7pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

EVERBEAN

Everbean sits on Avery Row, which is farther up from Bond Street. We call this the Boyfriends’ Corner, for bored partners when their other halves are shopping at Victoria’s Secret and other boutiques along New Bond Street.

The cafe has a mezzanine, making the space very breathable and homely. The daily fresh bakes include red velvet cakes and brownies.

30 Avery Row
Mayfair
London, W1K 4BB
Tel: +44 75 7261 5440
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 5pm
Sat: 10am – 6pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Bond Street

FARM GIRL CAFE

Farm Girl Cafe might just be the loveliest cafe in Notting Hill. Run by Australians, this secret hideout farther up from Portobello Road Market is a gorgeous Aussie-style cafe that promotes casual afternoons over wholesome food. There are both indoor and outdoor seats, but the outdoor has so much more to offer.

Bask in Spring and smell the flowers while sipping the famous Lavender Latte and Rose Latte (£3.60). The range of wholesome food includes a gluten-free Berry Buckwheat Pancakes (£10) with coconut shavings, and the classic Aussie-style Avo Toast (£7.50).

59a Portobello Rd
London, W11 3DB
Tel: +44 20 7229 4678
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Sat: 9am – 5pm
Sun: Sun: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Notting Hill Gate

FEDERATION

Nestled within Brixton Market is Federation, this is the locals’ haunt outside of Central London. The small cafe has a menu of drinks, but of course, people come here for their coffee.

Unit 77-78 Brixton Village Market
Brixton
London, SW9 8PS
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest station: Brixton

FERNANDEZ & WELLS

Fernandez & Wells is a common name in SoHo. With several outlets within the zone, you would be able to guess that this cafe is extremely popular with the locals. Good coffee, laidback vibes; our only gripe is the expensive sandwiches.

1-3 Denmark Street
London, WC2H 8LP
Tel: +44 020 3302 9799
Mon & Tue: 8am – 11pm
Wed to Fri: 8am – 11pm
Sat: 9am – 10pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road

FIX COFFEE

Established in 2009, Fix Coffee aims to deliver good coffee—using its FIX coffee blend roasted by Climpson & Sons—and service to East London.

There are two outlets at 126 Curtain Road and 161 Whitecross street.

126 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PJ, UK
Tel: +44 20 7033 9555
Mon to Fri: 7am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Liverpool Street

FLAT WHITE

Yet another popular coffee house in SoHo, Flat White serves exceptional coffee. Established in 2005, the cafe takes pride in spreading the coffee culture from Australia and New Zealand, and the Londoners sure love it here!

17 Berwick Street, Soho
London W1F 0PT
Tel: +44 20 7734 0370
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

FOXCROFT & GINGER

Hearty bakes and fresh hot English breakfast; that is what Foxcroft & Ginger is well-received for. Sitting at the tip of SoHo, this two-level cafe is unpretentious and quaint. Coffee is decent, and the menu is affordable.

3 Berwick Street, Soho
London W1F 0DR
Mon: 8am – 7pm
Tue to Fri: 8am – 10pm
Sat: 9am – 10pm
Sun: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus

FRIENDS OF OURS

Friends of Ours is extremely popular and queues are often spotted. It sits farther up from Shoreditch, on Pitfield Street.

The menu is quite unlike your usual brunch fare, but mainly Australia-influenced. The brilliant plating is a plus point, and explains why they often get Instagrammed.

61 Pitfield Street
London, N1 6BU
Tel: +44 75 4593 9751
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat: 9am – 5pm
Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Old Street/Hoxton

GAIL’S ARTISAN BAKERY

They may be a chain, but they are an impressive one at that. Gail’s Bakery—one of our favourite haunts—is recognised by its iconic red and white exteriors, and when you step into the bakery-cafe, a shrine of fresh bakes awaits.

Daily bread, cakes and pastries are displayed on the windowsill and by the counter. There are always so many to choose from, but we always return to the loaves (if you’re lucky to see the Lemon Drizzle Loaf, get that!) and Maple Pecan Drop Scone. Coffee’s pretty great too; we like ours with less acidity and with chocolatey notes.

71 Abbeville Road
London SW4 9JW
Tel: +44 20 8673 8017
Mon to Sat: 7am – 7pm
Sun & PH: 8am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Clapham South

GINGER AND WHITE

A little travelling is worth the while because Ginger And White is one of those quaint cafes in the quiet residential area for a peaceful afternoon with family and friends. Situated in Chalk Farm (Zone 2 of London), this cosy space is a favourite among families who reside in the hood.

Rustic bakes include the all-time favourite Stem Ginger Loaf with Cream Cheese Icing, and on the menu, there is the Sweet Potato Hash that comes in a generous portion. If you like acidic coffee with a strong bitter aftertaste, this place is for you.

Belsize Park
2 England’s Lane
London, NW3 4TG
Tel: +44 20 7722 9944
Mon – Fri: 7.30am – 5.30pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Chalk Farm

GRANGER & CO.

The famed Australian chef, Bill Granger, has an outpost in London—Granger & Co. The Notting Hill outlet is where you should head to for breakfast.

It is perpetually packed with keen cafe-goers, and everyone flocks to the cafe for its Ricotta Hotcakes (£12.50). They are indeed the best in the world, served with banana and honeycomb butter, and its texture threads on a perfect balance of density and fluffiness.

There is another outlet at King’s Cross should you not want to stand in line at the Notting Hill outlet, because the average wait for a table is 30 minutes.

175 Westbourne Grove
London, W11 2SB
Tel: +44 20 7229 9111
Mon to Sat: 7am – 11pm
Sun & PH: 8am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Notting Hill Gate

HEJ COFFEE

When in the Bermondsey hood, you must drop by Hej Coffee—a Swedish-style cafe with coffee and bakes. Distinctly recognized from far because of its creamy green building, Hej Coffee is a favourite among locals and residents for its carnival blend coffee with has tasting notes of milk chocolate, caramel and stewed fruits, as well as the famous Cinnamon Buns.

There is also a resident florist within the space where you can bring home some of the freshest blooms of the season.

1 Bermondsey Square
London, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 3441 4544
Mon to Fri: 7am – 5pm
Sat: 8.30am – 5pm
Sun: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: London Bridge

HOLBORN GRIND

Holborn Grind is our favourite Grind outlet. Its distinct honeycomb and copper-filled interior is every bit chic and sexy. While it is a relatively small outlet, the cafe remains highly popular among locals.

Fresh sandwiches, good coffee, and free wifi. Yes, we love Holborn Grind a lot.

199 High Holborn, Holborn
London, WC1V 7BD
Tel: +44 20 7242 4534
Mon – Wed: 7am – 10.30pm
Thu: 7am – 11pm
Fri: 7am – Midnight
Sat: 9am – Midnight
Sun: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Holborn

JOE AND THE JUICE

This pink bar needs no introduction. Popularly known as the “gay cafe”, Joe And The Juice is a simple, homely space. Don’t be put off by its outright support for homosexuality, because this is where you can use a fruit juice break.

46 Dean Street
London W1D 4QD
Mon to Thu: 8am – 8pm
Fri: 8am – 9pm
Sat: 9am – 10pm
Sun: 10am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square/Piccadilly Lines

KAFFEINE

Tell people you want to visit London’s cafes and many would point you to Kaffeine. Its original outlet in Marylebone got famous for its award-winning coffee and unpretentious vibes. It isn’t very big though, and seats aren’t exactly the cosiest for a morning-long chat.

The original Kaffeine is located at 66 Great Titchfield St, while they have another branch at 15 Eastcastle Street.

66 Great Titchfield Street
London W1W 7QJ
Tel: +44 20 7580 6755
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 6pm
Sat: 8.30am – 6pm
Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus/Goodge Street

KAHALIA

Everyone stops in their tracks to stare at the cake display at Kahalia. Of coffee and cakes, this small Brick Lane joint is a quaint respite from the hustle and bustle of the market.

135 Brick Lane
London, E1 6SB
Mon: 9.30am – 7pm
Tue to Fri: 8.30am – 7pm
Sat: 9am – 7pm
Sun: 9am – 5pm

KONDITOR & COOK

Founded in 1993 by German born baker Gerhard Jenne, Konditor & Cook offers a wide range of cakes and confections with seasonal variations. It has several outlets across London, but the flagship store is the swanky cafe at 30 St Mary Axe, also widely known as The Gherkin—an iconic symbol of London.

The Gherkin
30 Saint Mary Axe
London EC3A 8BF
Tel: +44 844 854 9369
Nearest Station: Liverpool Street/Tower Hill

LANTANA

One of the best breakfast spots in London, Lantana is a casual and relaxing Aussie-style café, perfect for brunch or to catch up with your companion over coffee and pastries.

If you are there for breakfast, you must try the English Muffin Breakfast with a sausage patty, fried egg and bacon. Otherwise, try the Asian Duck Rice. It is essentially fried rice with pancetta, fried egg, cucumber and chilli jam. It doesn’t sound like much, but believe us, it is that good.

Unit 2, 1 Oliver’s Yard
55 City Rd
London, EC1Y 1HQ
Tel: +44 20 7253 5273
Mon to Tue: 7.30am – 10pm
Wed – Fri: 7.30am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm

LOOK MUM NO HANDS

Primarily a cafe for cyclists to rest their wheels, Look Mum No Hands is every bit catchy as its name is.

There are both outdoor and indoor seating, and there is a merchandise corner where cyclists can enquire about and spend their money on bicycle-related everything.

49 Old Street
London, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7253 1025
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 10pm
Sat: 8.30am – 10pm
Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Barbican

L’ETO CAFFE

Not your average dessert bar. L’eto Caffe is well-known for their massive desserts display by the window, and we guarantee it will stop you in your tracks. There is every kind of dessert imaginable – cupcakes, crumbles, brownies, pies, meringue… you name it, they would probably have it.

The best outlet would be the one in SoHo, where the collection is really comprehensive. They also have a savoury food menu, but we say don’t waste your pounds on those because they are less than impressive. Go straight for the desserts. We never leave London without a cake or two here!

They have an insane display of daily fresh bakes, and it is almost frustrating to pick just one. Every item baked and assembled with love, and you can almost smell the pastry chefs’ passion in every piece.

155 Wardour Street, London W1F 8WG
Tel: +44 20 7494 4991
Mon to Tue: 8am – 9pm
Wed to Sat: 8am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road

MILKBAR

Yes, we have another coffee outlet in SoHo for you. MilkBar was founded by the guys behind Flat White, and you bet their coffee is reliable and satisfying.

Gluten-free cakes and salads are available if you are after some light bites.

3 Bateman street
Soho
London, W1D 4AG
Tel: +44 20 7734 0370
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 9.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

MONMOUTH COFFEE COMPANY

These guys are really dedicated to coffee. Monmouth Coffee Company has achieved legendary status in the city for serving top quality coffee. The guys at Monmouth travel around the world to hand pick and source for the best coffee beans for their roastery.

Tip: Go to Monmouth Coffee Company at Monmouth Street (off Covent Garden). The queue is much shorter than the Borough Market outlet.

27 Monmouth Street
Covent Garden
London WC2H 9EU
Tel: +44 20 7232 3010
Mon to Sat: 8am – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

MONOCLE CAFE

This famous Japanese-style cafe has an outlet in London, and it sits on Marylebone. While we did not quite fancy the breakfast we ordered, it is nonetheless a cosy outlet in the hood for a quick cuppa.

18 Chiltern Street
London, W1U 7QA
Tel: +44 20 7135 2040
Mon to Wed: 7am – 7pm
Thu & Fri: 7am – 8pm
Sat: 8am – 8pm
Sun: 8am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Baker Street

MURIEL’S KITCHEN

Stepping inside Muriel’s Kitchen had us falling head over heels in love immediately. A homely and well-designed space with velvet tub chairs, mosaic tiles, bird-cage lamps, and garden swing seats? Yes, they’ve got that covered.

Open from breakfast to bed-time serving delicious home-cooked comfort food—using local British ingredients—at inexpensive prices (most of the dishes are mostly priced under £10)? Checked.

36 – 38 Old Compton Street
London, W1D 4TT
Tel: +44 20 7434 0111
Mon to Sat: 8am – 12 Midnight
Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square/Piccadilly Lines

NAMA ARTISAN RAW FOODS

NAMA is every carnivore’s nightmare. There is no meat in here, and as its name suggests, (most of) its food are served raw. We had this Blueberry Pancakes that was life-changing; well that depends on your perspective.

If you are a health junkie that is ever spontaneous to explore raw food that is good for health, drop by NAMA when you are in Notting Hill.

110 Talbot Road
London, W11 1JR
Tel: +44 20 7313 4638
Mon to Wed: 8am – 5pm
Thur & Fri: 8am – 11pm
Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Westbourne Park

NORDIC BAKERY

This Scandinavian bakery-cum-cafe is famed for its dark rye bread and cinnamon buns. It does not have the fanciest interior, but the minimalism is something we can get used to. It is apparent that every outlet has its pool of regulars—mostly locals and expats who work in the respective vicinity.

14a Golden Square
Soho
London, W1F 9JG
Tel. +44 20 3230 1077
Mon – Fri: 7.30am – 8pm
Sat: 8.30am – 7pm
Sun: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus

NOTES COFFEE & WINE

Notes Coffee & Wine has six outlets in London, and the group also has its own roastery. Specialising in two very popular beverage groups, Notes is like a coffee shop in the day where you can get sandwiches, oat porridge and coffee; when the sun sets, they transform into a hangout spot with craft beers, wines, charcuterie and cheeses.

31 Street Martin’s Lane
London WC2N 4ER
Tel: +44 20 7240 0424
Mon to Wed: 7.30am – 9pm
Thu to Sat: 7.30am – 10pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

NUDE ESPRESSO

As if Brick Lane market is not bustling enough, the whole world seems to go into Nude Espresso. These guys source, roast and brew their own coffee, and the open-concept roastery is quite show-stopping. Of course, coffee is amazing with very sweet chocolatey notes.

26 Hanbury Street
London, E1 6QR
Tel: +44 77 1289 9335
Mon to Fri: 7am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Aldgate East

OTTOLENGHI

While Ottolenghi is more like a takeaway deli for fresh salads and delicious desserts than a proper dine-in cafe, it is one place that has our hearts and one that we always return to. Ottolenghi has an amazing array of desserts and pastries that make us go weak in the knees, and everything looks completely seductive.

63 Ledbury Road, London W11 2AD
Tel: +44 20 7727 1121
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat: 8am – 7pm
Sun: 8.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Bayswater

OZONE COFFEE ROASTER

This gem of Shoreditch is one pit stop you must make. Ozone Coffee Roaster is huge; with a cafe on the first level and a roastery in the basement.The people behind Ozone started their coffee business in 1998, roasting out of a small shop in Provincial New Zeland surf town; and damn, they sure roast and brew very good coffee.

The people behind Ozone started their coffee business in 1998, roasting out of a small shop in Provincial New Zeland surf town; and damn, they sure roast and brew very good coffee.

11 Leonard St
London, EC2A 4AQ
Tel: +44 20 7490 1039
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Liverpool Street

PAPER & CUP

There is this little cafe at a little corner of Shoreditch, and they are an online sensation. With its distinct blue shopfront, Paper & Cup has slowly crept its way through Londoner’s hearts—not just for its photogenic facade, but for its good coffee and laidback vibes.

Choose to sit outdoors and enjoy the calmness of the hood, or take a seat on the indoors which resembles a living room. Paper & Cup may be simple, but it serves honest drinks and a casual, comfy environment that keep locals going back.

18, Calvert Ave, London E2 7JP
Tel: +44 20 7739 5358
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Liverpool Street

PEGGY PORSCHEN CAKES

Ask around in London where to go for the prettiest cakes and most of them would direct you to Peggy Porschen Cakes. This pretty cake boutique sits on the junction of Elizabeth Street and Ebury Street, and it has an outstanding pink shopfront that you won’t miss.

Step in and smell the aroma of freshly baked cakes. Peggy Porschen is an institution in its own rights, and it even has a baking school right down the road.

Cupcakes are what they take pride in, though their tall sliced cakes often steal the limelight too.

116 Ebury St, Belgravia,
London SW1W 9QQ
Tel: +44 20 7730 1316
Daily: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Victoria

PEYTON AND BYRNE

Peyton and Byrne is a modern British bakery cafe with a neat display of pretty pastries, cakes and bread that are freshly baked every day.

The outdoor seats at its Covent Garden outlet are perfect for people watching as you sip some tea—choose from a range of 40 exclusive blends of tea—and some pastries.

44 Wellington Street
Covent Garden
London WC2E 7BD
Tel: +44 20 3422 1452
Mon to Thu: 8am – 7.30pm
Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat: 9am – 8pm
Sun: 9am – 7.30pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

PRIMROSE BAKERY

It is impossible not to like Primrose Bakery. The original shop at Primrose Hill started in 2004, and it has established a loyal fan base over the years. This cute little bakery serves one of the best, if not the best, cupcakes in London.

Other than cupcakes, Primrose Bakery also has an array of layer cakes, loaves and sliced cakes.

69 Gloucester Ave, London NW1 8LD
Tel: +44 20 7483 4222
Mon to Sat: 8.30am – 6pm
Sun: 9.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Camden Town/Chalk Farm

PRUFROCK COFFEE

We’ll go out on a limb to say that Prufrock Coffee—located on Leather Lane—has the best coffee in London. Out of the numerous coffee shops that we went to in London, Prufrock Coffee serves the most consistent and balanced cup of coffee.

The cafe on its own isn’t the cosiest nor most photogenic, but we would travel to Leather Lane any time for its cuppa that is so smooth and robust in every sip.

23-25 Leather Lane
London, EC1N 7TE
Tel: +44 20 7242 0467
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Chancery Lane

SACRED CAFE

Fans of antipodean style cafes, gourmet coffee, herbal teas should drop by Sacred Cafe. It has four outlets in Central London and the coffee shop at Kingly Court is a great pitstop after shopping at Carnaby.

13 Ganton St, Carnaby, London W1F 9BL
Mon to Wed: 7.30am – 10pm
Thu & Fri: 7.30am – 11pm
Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

SAID DAL 1923 ANTICA FABBRICA DEL CIOCCOLATO

A chocolate lover’s heaven—that’s how we would describe SAID dal 1923, the London outpost of a popular chocolate shop in Rome. From chocolates to praline, chocolate spreads in jars and hot chocolate, SAID dal 1923 is the real life Charlie & The Chocolate Factory.

Try the hot mocha. We will leave you to find out about it.

41 Broadwick St, London W1F 9QL
Tel: +44 20 7437 1584
Mon to Sat: 8am – 11pm
Sun & Holidays: 11am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

STORE ST. ESPRESSO

Heading to the British Museum? Stop by Store St. Espresso for breakfast first! They have three outlets, but the one on Store Street is the one you should go to. If you have a penchant for long windows with natural sunlight streaming in, this cafe is for you.

Store St. Espresso is evidently a popular spot for breakfast goers and all who need a quiet space to work at. While you are at it, grab yourself a Flat White (£2.70), Matcha Latte (£3.20), Avo Toast (£5.50) and its seasonal bagels.

TAP COFFEE

TAP is hands down our favourite coffee house in London. It has a few outlets all over Central London, but the one we like best is TAP Coffee No. 114. It is situated in Soho, and is a light-filled space with bench tables.

The coffee is consistently good, and croissants are always fresh and flaky, and we really love the £2.50 Porridge with unlimited toppings.

26 Rathbone Place
London W1T 1JD
Tel: +44 20 7580 2163
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road

TAYLOR ST BARISTA

Tucked along Brooks Mews in Mayfair, Taylor St Barista is another pit stop for coffee after shopping at Oxford Street and Regent Street. The coffee shop offers its house blend, Rogue Espresso, as well as a selection of single origin and coffees from around the world.

Taylor St Barista also has branches at many locations in London, including Shoreditch, Canary Wharf, and Liverpool Street.

22 Brooks Mews, Mayfair
London W1k 4DY
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

TIMBERYARD

Timberyard has two outlets in London—Seven Dials and SoHo. Having been to both, we love the Seven Dials branch for its spacious interior and the SoHo branch for its homely and colourful vibes.

Do check out their daily display of fresh bakes which ranges from brownies to loaves and scones. They also have a range of cold-pressed juices for the health-conscious or if you do not prefer the slightly acidic coffee.

7 Upper St Martin’s Lane
Seven Dials
London WC2H 9DL
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat: 10am – 8pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

THE ATTENDANT

The Attendant is probably the only toilet café in London. Located in a former Victorian underground public lavatory with most of the original features being tastefully preserved, this nondescript place is almost too easy to miss.

Be rest assured that it is completely clean and sanitised. If any, it is one cool outlet to hang out at over some fresh brew and brownies; it is not every day that you can dine in a toilet café.

Basement 27A Foley Street
London W1W 6DY
Tel: +44 20 7637 3794
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus/Goodge Street

THE BOROUGH BARISTAS

A chic interior and highly trained baristas make up The Borough Baristas. Since its opening in 2011, the coffee house has impressed many with their artisanal coffee which they roast themselves in the UK. Every cup of coffee comes with impressive latte art—an testament to the baristas’ strict training—and they take pride in using local products for everything on their menu.

60 Seymour Street
London, W1H 7JN
Tel: +44 20 7563 7222
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 4.30pm
Sat: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Marble Arch

THE COFFEEWORKS PROJECT

Take a little walk down from the Blackfriars Bridge and you will find The Coffeeworks Project—a spacious cafe with a fairly sexy industrial interior. We love the mismatched seatings and the random pots of hanging plants.

Pretty cakes and brownies are displayed out for your musings, and we’d say go right for the Lemon Drizzle & Poppy Seeds Cake (£2.75). Coffee here are of single origin beans, mainly from Colombia, Ethiopia and Papua New Guinea. They do pretty kickass cold brew at £3 too!

235 Blackfriars Road
London, SE1 8BF
Tel: +44 20 7928 8456
Mon to Thu: 7am – 5.30pm
Fri: 7am – 5pm
Sat to Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Southwark Station

THE GENTLEMEN BARISTAS

The Gentlemen Baristas is farther up from Borough Market, and it is one of London’s best kept secrets. A two-storey cafe that focuses on coffee and providing coffee lovers with a homely environment—that pretty much sums up this place.

Your coffee will be amazing. The beans are ground to order, before being brewed in premium coffee machines; completed with a pretty latte art, no less! They also have a coffee school should you baristas-in-the-making want to hone your craft.

63 Union St
London SE1 1SG
Tel: +44 78 1646 1315
Mon to Fri: 7am – 6pm
Sat: 8.30am – 5pm
Sun: 10am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Borough/London Bridge

THE MAE DELI

The MaE Deli is everything a health nut would love. Whole wheat toasts, chia puddings and green smoothies; that pretty much makes up their daily menu. We like the idea of being able to build our own chia puddings, with the mixed berry compote and spiced apple being our favourite toppings.

21 Seymour Place,
London, W1H 5BH
Mon – Fri: 8am – 9pm
Sat: 9am – 9pm
Sun: 9am – 9pm

THE MUFFIN MAN

The Muffin Man is an old-school English tea shop that serves a variety of breakfast dishes, rustic cakes and scones.

Come here for tea and get the legendary scones, and you will be rewarded with crumbly, perfectly baked goodness. The Devon Cream Tea set (£6.50) is what everyone orders; it comes with a pot of tea of your choice, two toasted scones that is served warm no less, English strawberry jam and Devon cream.

12 Wrights Ln
London, W8 6TA
Tel: +44 20 7937 6652
Mon to Sat: 8am – 8pm
Sun: 9am – 8pm
Nearest Station: High Street Kensington

THE RIDING HOUSE CAFE

You might remember Kaffeine, and you have to take notice of The Riding House Cafe, which sits directly opposite. The all-day brasserie is an extremely popular brunch spot (so reservations are very much recommended) in Central London.

The Avocado Benedict (£11) changed our lives, and there is a Lobster Benedict (£17.50) if you are craving some luxe. The Buttermilk Pancake (£9.50) are everything—fluffy and creamy, decorated with fresh berries, vanilla clotted cream and maple syrup.

43-51 Great Titchfield St
London, W1W 7PQ
Tel: +44 20 7927 0840
Mon to Thu: 7.30am – 11.30pm
Fri: 7.30am – 12.30am
Sat: 8.30am – 12.30am
Sun: 9am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

THE WREN

It is not every day that you can find a cafe inside a church. The Wren sits inside St Nicholas Cole Abbey, and opens daily from Monday to Friday.

Stained-glass windows and a peaceful environment, The Wren is a cafe for great coffee (they use coffee from Workshop Coffee Co.) and salads. Breakfast is all about freshly baked pastries at £2.20; while lunch would feature a range of seasonal salads at £7, as well as quiches at £5.50.

114 Queen Victoria street
London, EC4V 4BJ
Mon to Fri: 7am – 5pm

TOMTOM COFFEE HOUSE

There is a Tomtom Coffee House across Peggy Porschen Cakes, and it is a small outlet with a main communal table.

Truth be told, we did not think much of Tomtom Coffee House when we first went to Peggy Porschen Cakes. Obviously, we were wrong as we later found out that Tomtom Coffee House is a favourite amongst the locals staying in the neighbourhood.

Croissants are the breakfast staple here, where you can grab your piece from the communal table and help yourselves to the jam and spreads.

Otherwise, go for hot food on its breakfast menu. They have a different interpretation of the classic Bubble & Squeak, and instead of cabbage, the cafe uses kale. No potatoes too; because sweet potato mash is everything to love about Tomtom Coffee House’s Bubble & Squeak.

114 Ebury St, Elizabeth St, Victoria, London SW1W 9QD
Tel: +44 20 7730 1771
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Victoria

WORKSHOP COFFEE

The original Workshop Coffee started in Clerkenwell back in 2011, and this charming and elegant coffee shop currently has locations in Marylebone, Holborn and Fitzrovia.

What makes Workshop Coffee different from the other coffee shops in London is that it is more like a coffee bar than a coffee shop—in a good, hipster way of course. The interior is inspired by the surrounding neighbourhood’s 19th Century British heritage with its Victorian Bohemia design.

80A Mortimer Street, Fitzrovia
London W1W 7FE
Mon to Fri: 7am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

London is one of the best cities in the world, and if you are being based there, you are lucky! Otherwise, as travellers, London is always a good idea for a city holiday. What’s even better is that there is plenty more to explore outside of the capital to enrich your travel experience.

The fantastic thing about London is that it is strategically located in close proximity to many other cities, and the UK’s advanced transport system allows you to reach these places quickly and without much hassle.

Here are  10 Day Trips from London for Under £35. The next time you find yourselves in London, don’t forget to factor in a day or two for these alternative experience!

Photo Credit: Have Dog Can Travel

#1 BRIGHTON

A seaside town, Brighton is located in East Sussex, and is about an hour and a half by train from London.

Train tickets range between £5 to £27 for a morning train ride with the cheapest return rides amounting to £10.

Brighton is one of the most popular tourist destinations as the city is filled with diverse communities and a vibrant cultural, music and arts scene. Every May, the city is host to the Brighton Festival which is a celebration of various art forms such as music, theatre and dance.

Notable landmarks of the city include the Royal Pavilion, the Sassoon Mausoleum, the Brighton Pier and Brighton Clocktower. For those who have an interest in paranormal activity, be sure to visit the Preston Manor which is a charming Edwardian style historic house reputed for being one of the most haunted buildings in Britain.

Royal Pavilion
4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton BN1 1EE, UK
Tel: +44 300 029 0900
Daily: 10am – 5.15pm

Preston Manor 
Preston Drove, Hove, Brighton BN1 6SD, UK
Tel: +44 300 029 0900
Tues to Sat: 10am – 5pm
Sun: 2pm – 5pm

#2 BRISTOL

History records Bristol as the starting place where early voyages left for exploration of the New World. Since then, the ports of Bristol have been preserved as heritage sites and centres of culture. Not only does the city house the 2,000-seat Colston Hall, the Bristol City Museum also holds a vast collection of natural history, archaeology and local glassware.

One of the museums to visit is the M Shed museum located on the Prince’s Wharf beside the Floating Harbour. Admission to the museum is free, and you’ll be thrilled with three galleries featuring over 3,000 Bristol artefacts and stories that detail Bristol’s history in slave trade and its development as a city port.

When visiting Bristol, don’t forget to treat yourself to some of Bristol’s best restaurants. Not only do these restaurants provide high-quality fresh produce, their seafood is also second to none. Try out the Loch Fyne Bristol which is located along the waterfront in the ‘Old Granary’ where a three-course meal for children is affordably priced at £9 and similarly at £12.95 for adults.

Bristol is only about three hours bus ride from London and most return bus rides cost below £16 if booked in advance.

Bristol City Museum
Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1RL, UK
Tel: +44 117 922 3571
Tues to Sun: 10am – 5pm

M Shed Museum 
Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN, UK
Tel: +44 117 352 6600
Tues to Sun: 10am – 5pm

Loch Fyne Bristol
The Granary, 51 Queen Charlotte St, Bristol BS1 4HQ, UK
Tel: +44 117 930 7160
Mon to Thurs: 12pm – 10pm
Fri: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 9am – 10.30pm
Sun: 9am – 10pm

#3 OXFORD

Perhaps one of the more commercialised towns in the UK, Oxford is home to one of the most renown universities around the world, the University of Oxford—as well as numerous notable architectural works such as the Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford and the University Church of St Mary the Virgin.

Located over an hour away from London, train tickets are extremely affordable and a return ticket can be purchased for under £12.

Over the years, the town has cultivated a cosmopolitan character as the town has a large student population. The University of Oxford is also famous for having the largest university library in the UK and was featured in the Harry Potter movie franchise. Harry Potter walking tours run every weekend at 11am and 2pm, at the price of £19.99 for adults and £14.99 for children under 13.

If you fancy walks in the park, do visit the University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum which was founded in 1621 with the purpose of furthering learning and glorifying nature. This is also the oldest botanic garden in the United Kingdom and is conveniently located within the city centre.

University of Oxford
Oxford OX1 3PA, UK
Tel: +44 1865 270 000

Christ Church Cathedral
St Aldate’s, Oxford OX1 1DP, UK
Tel: +44 1865 276 155
Mon to Sat: 10am – 5pm
Sun: 2pm – 5pm

University Church of St Mary the Virgin 
High St, Oxford OX1 4 BJ, UK
Tel: +44 1865 279 111
During Sept to June, Mon to Sat: 9.30am – 5pm, Sun: 11.30am – 5om
From Jul to Aug, daily: 9am – 6pm

Bodleian Library
Broad St, Oxford OX1 3BG, UK
Tel: +44 1865 277 162
Mon to Fri: 9am – 7pm
Sat: 10am – 4pm

Radcliffe Camera
Radcliffe Sq, Oxford OX1, UK
Tel: +44 1865 277 162
Mon to Fri: 9am – 7pm
Sat: 10am – 4pm
Sun: 11am – 5pm

#4 CAMBRIDGE

Cambridge is yet another university town that is conveniently located over an hour away from London Return train tickets are approximately priced at an affordable £23.Within the city lies the Fitzwilliam Museum located on Trumpington Street, which is not only the town’s top

Within the city lies the Fitzwilliam Museum located on Trumpington Street, which is not only the town’s top museum but the largest as well. The Fitzwilliam Museum showcases five departments of art and historical artefacts ranging from antiquities to manuscripts and printed books.

The University of Cambridge also has a range of other museums such as the Museum of Classical Archaeology and the University Museum of Zoology opened for public viewing.

Every year, the town also plays host to one of the largest festivals of folk music, the Cambridge Folk Festival. Held in the grounds of Cherry Hinton Hall, the festival features an eclectic mix of music and takes place during a long weekend over the summer.

As for those who enjoy choral music, be sure to attend Evensong for free at the King’s College Chapel that usually takes place every evening at 5.30pm. Some of the historical landmarks of the town include the Great St Mary’s Church as well as the Gonville and Caius College.

Fitzwilliam Museum
32 Trumpington St, Cambridge CB2 1RB, UK
Tel: +44 1223 332 900
Tues to Sat: 10am – 5pm
Sun: 12pm – 5pm

Museum of Classical Archaeology
University of Cambridge, Sidgwick Ave, Cambridge CB3 9DA, UK
Tel: +44 1223 330 402
Mon to Fri: 10am – 5pm
Sat: 10am – 1pm

University Museum of Zoology 
Downing St, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
Tel: +44 1223 336 650
Mon to Fri: 10am – 4.45pm
Sat: 11am – 4pm

Great St Mary’s Church
The University Church, Senate House Hill, Cambridge CB2 3PQ, UK
Tel: +44 1223 741 720
Mon to Sat: 10am – 5pm

Gonville and Caius College 
Trinity St, Cambridge CB2 1TA, UK
Tel: +44 1223 332 400
Daily: 9am – 2pm

King’s College
King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST, UK
Tel: +44 1223 331 100
During college terms, Mon to Fri: 9.30am – 3.30pm, Sat: 9.30am – 3.15pm, Sun: 1.15pm – 2.30pm
At all other times, daily: 9.30am – 4.30pm

Photo Credit: Rural Retreats

#5 BATH

The city of Bath, located in Somerset, is famous for its Roman-built baths which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Apart from the baths, there are many Roman archaeological sites within the central city for all to explore. Notable architectural landmarks include the early 16th century Bath Abbey Norman Church as well as the Circus, an iconic piece of Georgian architecture.

Free guided walking tours are also available from Sun to Fri at 10.30am, 2pm and 10.30am on Sat and last about 2 hours from the meeting point at Abbey Church Yard. Children are welcome to attend if they are accompanied by an adult.

To spice up your trip, why not try a comedy walk which is held every evening at 8pm from April to September. At just £10, the walk provides a comedic perspective of the city’s history and would make you laugh yourself silly over the tales that your guide shares with you during the walk.

Just under 3 hours by bus, a return trip to Bath is indeed a worthwhile trip at an affordable cost of under £20.

Roman Baths
Stall St, Bath BA1 1LZ, UK
Tel: +44 1225 477 785
Daily: 9.30am – 5pm

Bath Abbey
Bath BA1 1LT, UK
Tel: +44 1225 422 462
Mon: 9.30am – 5.30pm
Tues to Fri: 9am – 5.30pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
Sun: 1pm – 2.30pm, 4.30pm – 5.30pm

Circus 
The Circus, Bath BA1 2ET, UK

Comedy Walks
Huntsman Inn, North Parde Passage
Email: noelbritten@talk21.com

#6 NOTTINGHAM

While a visit to Nottingham may seem rather out of the way, it is possible to travel to the town of Robin Hood under £28 and within 2 hours if you travel by the train route “Cambridge Station—via London St Pancras—Nottingham”.

Famous for the legend of Robin Hood and its tobacco industries, the town has the largest urban area and the second largest population in the East Midlands.

Significant landmarks to take note of would be the Robin Hood Statue located just outside the Nottingham Castle as well as the Wollaton Hall and deer park, which was featured as Bruce Wayne’s manor in the Batman film series.

Photo Credit: Abdullah Alan Dalusi

When visiting Nottingham, do drop by the Old Market Square as well as the Council House to admire the baroque columns and its architecture. The town is also famous for its university which located just behind the University of Nottingham boating lake.

For those who are history buffs, check out the town’s City of Caves, an attraction which allows visitors to explore an ancient network of caves formed since the Anglo-Saxon era.

Nottingham Castle
Lenton Rd, Nottingham NG1 6EL, UK
Tel: +44 115 876 1400
Daily: 10am – 5pm

Wollaton Hall
Wollaton Hall, Nottingham NG8 2AE, UK
Tel: +44 115 876 3100
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm

Old Market Square 
Nottingham NG1 2LH, UK

University of Nottingham
Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
Tel: +44 115 951 5151

City of Caves
intu Broadmarsh, Upper Level, Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, Nottingham NG1 7LS, UK
Tel: +44 115 988 1955
Mon to Fri: 10.30am – 4pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 4pm

#7 STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

Hailed as the birthplace of the legendary poet William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town located in Warwickshire. The town is a 2-hour train ride from London and return trips can be purchased under £11.

Part of the Shakespeare’s birthplace trust, learn more about Shakespeare’s family and his home at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.

After Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, travel to Shakespeare’s Birthplace to learn about the place where Shakespeare was born and grew up. Next, visit Hall’s Croft, the home of Susanna Shakespeare, Shakespeare’s daughter, and her husband Dr John Hall, which is a beautifully furnished Jacobean home.

If you have the opportunity, catch a play live at the Waterside Theatre before you head back to London.

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Cottage Ln, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9HH, UK
Tel: +44 1789 338 532
Daily: 10am – 4pm

Shakespeare’s birthplace
Henley St, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6QW, UK
Tel: +44 1789 204 016
Daily: 10am – 4pm

Hall’s Croft 
Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BG, UK
Tel: +44 1789 338 553
Daily: 11am – 4pm

Waterside Theatre
13 Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BA, UK
Tel: +44 1789 403 493

Photo Credit: Wikimedia 

#8 WINCHESTER

£11 is all you need for a return bus ride under two hours from London to Winchester.

Winchester is famous for the legend of King Arthur and is a great getaway for those who always wanted to have a seat at his round table. King Arthur’s round table is located in the Great Hall of the Winchester Castle which was built in the 12th century and rebuilt sometime between the period 1222 and 1235.

Photo Credit: Travel Pod

If you are a fan of historical architecture, make sure that you pay a visit the beautiful Winchester Cathedral built in 1079 that is known for being the longest cathedral in Europe.

After that, spend some time at the Wolvesey Castle and Palace which is currently a ruin maintained by English Heritage and admission is free.

Winchester Castle 
The Castle, Winchester SO23 8UJ, UK
Tel: +44 1962 846 476
Daily: 10am – 5pm

Winchester Cathedral
9 The Cl, Winchester SO23 9LS, UK
Tel: +44 1962 857 200
Mon to Sat: 9.30am – 5pm
Sun: 12.30pm – 3pm

Wolvesey Castle and Palace 
College Street, Winchester SO23 9NB, UK
Tel: +44 3703 311 181
April to October, daily: 10am – 5pm

Photo Credit: Hotel-R

#9 SHAFTESBURY 

Just over £33 pounds for a return trip, take a 2-hour train from London to Gillingham, which is the closest train station to the gorgeous town of Shaftesbury.

Shaftesbury is a small but bustling market town in Dorset, which is home to magnificent views of the Hardy’s Blackmore Vale and architectural beauties like the St Peter’s Church and the historic Georgian Town Hall.

Follow the steep cobble steps of Gold Hill which will bring you to Shaftesbury’s Abbey which was built in the 8th century by King Alfred.

Take a tour around the Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Garden which lies in a peaceful walled garden with an extensive herb garden for visitors to admire.

Admission is priced affordably at £3 for adults and is free for children (accompanied) under the age of 16.

St. Peter’s Church
High St, Shaftesbury SP7 8LY, UK
Tel: +44 1747 855 375

Town Hall
Town Hall, High St, Shaftesbury SP7 8JE, UK
Tel: +44 1747 852 420

Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Garden
Park Walk, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8JR, UK
Tel: +44 1747 852 910
From Apr to Oct, Daily: 10am – 5pm

Photo Credit: British Council 

#10 CANTERBURY

A town filled with stunning views, Canterbury in Kent is unsurprisingly one of the UK’s most famous English cathedral city and is also home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city centre.

A return train ticket to this historic city costs approximately £33 pounds and is just under 2 hours away from London.

Photo Credit: 4 gress

Once you have reached Canterbury, you will be treated to numerous sights of beautiful historical structures that were constructed during the Roman times. Cater time for a visit to the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey and the King’s school. 

For those who are interested in the town’s local heritage, drop by the family-friendly Canterbury Heritage Museum learn more about the town’s local history whilst admiring the Rupert Bear displays.

St Augustine’s Abbey
Longport, Canterbury CT1 1PF, UK
Tel: +44 3703 331 181
Until 31 Mar 2017, Sat & Sun: 10am – 4pm

King’s School
25 The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2ES, UK
Tel: +44 1227 595 501
Mon to Fri: 9am – 5pm
Sat: 9am – 1pm (During term time only)

Canterbury Heritage Museum
Stour St, Cantebury CT1 2NR, UK
Tel: +44 1227 475 202

For ideas on where to go to in London, read our food & travel guides on London.

The capital of England is not just home to the best dining destinations but too boasts a fine selection of museums. Following the recent Brexit, travel gurus have declared the UK as a great travel bargain; its affordability has propelled London to become even more highly sought after than before.

From Victoria and Albert Museum, Grant Museum of Zoology to National Gallery London, here are The 9 Best Museums in London that all cultured travellers must check out. By the way, most of London’s major museums offer complimentary general admission. Now, you have no excuses to not make a special trip!

#1 BRITISH MUSEUM

Situated in the Bloomsbury area, the British Museum boasts a splendid collection of art and artefacts dedicated to art, culture and human history. You can easily spend half a day here marvelling at its architecture and various exhibitions. Like most museums in London, admission to the British Museum is complimentary for all visitors.

Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7323 8299
Sat to Thu: 10am – 5.30pm
Fri: 10am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Russell Square / Holborn

Source: Free For Tourists

#2 GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY AND COMPARATIVE ANATOMY

Located within the same compound of University College London, The Grant Museum of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy is a natural history museum showcasing approximately 68,000 specimens. Founded in 1828, you can find even extinct species of the animal kingdom such as the Dodo Bird and the Quagga.

21 University St, London WC1E 6DE, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 3108 2052
Mon to Sat: 1pm – 5pm
Closed on Sundays
Nearest Station: Euston Square

We love London for its beautiful markets. Each market is inherently unique and that makes it all the more exciting to explore all of them! Here is our guide to 8 Best Markets In London To Check Out.

Source: Science Museum

#3 SCIENCE MUSEUM, LONDON

For an educational experience, head over to the Science Museum. Located in South Kensington, the age-old museum itself is a major tourist attraction and attracts about 3.3 million visitors every year. A general admission day ticket starts at £8 per adult.

A general admission day ticket starts at £8 per adult.

Exhibition Rd, London SW7 2DD, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 870 870 4868
Daily: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: South Kensington

Source: London Town

#4 TATE MODERN LONDON

Tate Modern comprises four art galleries and features a curated collection of contemporary and international modern art. Entrance to most exhibits are free of charge, but admission fees do apply for special exhibitions.

Bankside, London SE1 9TG, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7887 8888
Sun to Thu: 10am – 6pm
Fri and Sat: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Southwark

Here’s a Guide to 14 of Our Favourite Food Places in London; first-timers to London should visit all of these to have a fair glimpse of what London can offer!

Source: Timeout

#5 MUSEUM OF LONDON

From the prehistoric period to present day, the Museum of London is an award-winning institution that documents the city’s history. Admission is free and visitors also get to enjoy complimentary wifi.

150 London Wall, London EC2Y 5HN, United Kingdom
Tel: 020 7001 9844
Daily: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Barbican

#6 NATIONAL GALLERY LONDON

The National Gallery is a must-visit for all art enthusiasts. The reputable art museum was founded in 1824 and houses more than 2,300 paintings. These masterpieces are dated from the mid-13th century to 1900. Over here, you can see the works of Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh! Oh and access to view these artworks are free.

Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom
Tel: 0800 912 6958
Sat to Thu: 10am – 6pm
Fri: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Charing Cross

#7 NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

The Natural History Museum has transcended time and geography with its impressive vast collection of specimens. The museum is committed to natural history and attracts more than five million visitors on an annual basis.

Drop by, admire the building’s architecture and partake in interactive exhibits. Admission to London’s Natural History Museum is free.

Cromwell Rd, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7942 5725
Daily: 10am – 5.50pm
Nearest Station: South Kensington

Source: Victoria and Albert Museum

#8 VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM

Founded in 1852, Victoria and Albert Museum is the world’s biggest museum of design and decorative arts. The permanent exhibition showcases over 4.5 million objects and it is perfectly normal if you end up spending more than an entire day at the world’s leading museum of art and design. Admission is free, but charges do apply for special exhibitions and events.

Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7942 2000
Sat to Thu: 10am – 5.45pm
Fri: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: South Kensington

Source: Wiki Wand

#9 WALLACE COLLECTION

The Wallace Collection is free for all to visit. The stellar collections under this roof consists of furniture, paintings and porcelain etc. There is also a stunningly beautiful courtyard restaurant onsite called The Wallace Restaurant. Visit on a Friday evening and enjoy a meal under the stars!

Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7563 9500
Daily: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Bond Street

For more recommendations, read our London’s food and travel guides to find out about the best places in the city.

Christmas is the best time of the year, and no other country celebrates it better than the United Kingdom. Besides the snow, the festive lights, and the array of fine festive foods, London is also best known for their Christmas markets.

From Scandinavian-style set-ups to festivals filled with irresistible finger food, and even workshops for you to release your inner crafter, the Londoners sure know how to plan a great Christmas market.

If you are planning on visiting the great city during this period, here are 8 Best Christmas Markets In London To Get You In The Festive Spirit.

Photo Credit: London Town

#1 CHRISTMAS MARKET AT LEICESTER SQUARE

Leicester Square’s Christmas Market is one of the city’s hallmark events. La Soirée, the theatrical phenomenon, will be calling the square its home from November to December 2016.xpect to witness parades filled with mind-bending, body-twisting acts and circle artists.

Expect to witness parades filled with mind-bending, body-twisting acts and circle artists. And of course, its Christmas tree is always one of the bests.

When: 11 November 2016 – 08 January 2016

Photo Credit: Loving Apartments

#2 CAMDEN CHRISTMAS MARKET

The Camden Christmas Market runs every Thursday from 17 November 2016 until Christmas.

There will be lots of stalls, live music, and of course, food! Each week boasts a different theme, so you will never be bored at the market. And there is always reason for you to go back!

When: 17 November 2016 – 15 December 2016

#3 THE SWEDISH CHURCH CHRISTMAS FAIR

Hop on by the Scandi Christmas Market in the Swedish Church in Marylebone, and treat yourselves to treats, crafts and gifts.

There is even a pop-up café in the church hall serving sandwiches and the Swedes’ rendition of mulled wine: glögg.

When: 18 November 2016 – 20 November 2016

Photo Credit: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

#4 HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND

This year’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park would mark its tenth, and it is the ultimate place to soak up the festive atmosphere. Admission into Winter Wonderland is free, but you do need to pay for the fairground rides within the park.

There will also be two circuses within the Winter Wonderland, an ice rink, and even a 60-metre tall observation wheel! Besides being an excellent location for your Christmas shopping, Winter Wonderland also brings fun for both the kids and the adults.

When: 18 November 2016 – 02 January 2017

Photo Credit: Real Food Festival

#5 REAL FOOD MARKET AT KING’S CROSS

We love Christmas so much because of the food too (duh). Cue mince pies, candy canes, stews, ham and turkey.

The Real Food Market at King’s Cross is the ultimate place to go for foodies and you can possibly get everything you need for your Christmas feast. Christmas puddings, cured meats, hampers, snacks, cheeses—you name it, the Real Food Market has it.

When: 14 December 2016 – 23 December 2016

Photo Credit: Culture Whisper

#6 SOUTHBANK CENTRE WINTER FESTIVAL

The Southbank Centre Winter Festival will come alive with performances of all kinds to welcome to festive season. The annual Christmas Market within the festival will be back again for another year with everything from Christmas tree baubles to gingerbread, and even a Bump Roller Disco that the kids will probably go nuts for!

When: 11 November 2016 – 08 January 2017

Photo Credit: Travellous World

#7 CHRISTMAS MARKET AT TATE MODERN

This Christmas Market is housed in little wooden huts occupying the spaces between Tate Modern and the Thames, and will be filled with everything you will ever need to purchase for Christmas—from wooden toys, to tree decorations, and even a number of snacks to nibble on as you shop.

When: 19 November 2016 – 24 December 2016

Photo Credit: Selvedge

#8 SELVEDGE ADVENT FESTIVAL

The Selvedge Advent Festival is the perfect opportunity for crafters to get their hands dirty. The textile-inspired events and workshops open to public will allow you to design your own wrapping paper, and even create your own Hungarian hand-cut felt appliqué for your home.

Admission fee is £5 per person.

When: 26 November 2016 – 03 December 2016

Dominique Ansel Bakery has opened in London! Londoners are sure in for a treat.

Dominique Ansel is a revered French-born pastry chef who has wowed the world with his extraordinarily unique dessert creations. For those not in the know, Dominique Ansel is the creator of the life-changing cronuts and cookie milk shots. While other patisseries are scurrying to replicate his inventions, Dominique is already on his way to create something entirely new.

The world-famous bakery has three outlets in New York City, Tokyo and now London. After much anticipation, the award-winning brand alas opens a 25-seater bakery in the capital of England. Snaking queues are already forming in the quaint Belgravia district; Londoners are evidently overjoyed with the city’s newest food-and-beverage addition.

Dominique Ansel is such a global smash hit and we are predicting throngs of eager fans queuing outside the gorgeous bakery for the subsequent months.

Similar to its stores in the Big Apple and Land of the Rising Sun, the outpost in London will too be launching an exclusive Cronut flavour monthly. The very first flavour is Salted Butterscotch and Cocoa Nib flavoured.

Similar to its stores in the Big Apple and Land of the Rising Sun, the outpost in London will too be launching an exclusive Cronut flavour monthly. The very first flavour is Salted Butterscotch and Cocoa Nib flavoured.

Needless to say, Dominique Ansel’s signature creations such as Frozen S’more and Cookie Shots will be available too. But that’s not all. Dominique Ansel values local British flavours and sees the important of integrating them into his desserts.

The Dosa Mille Feuille (£7.50)—an London exclusive dessert—is a delicate puff pastry “dosa” shell with hazelnut coffee, whipped Chantilly, lemon curd and candied lemon peel.

But to be honest, we thought that it was nothing special; you are better off sticking with the Cookie Milk Shots and Frozen S’mores.

Dominique Ansel Bakery London
17-21 Elizabeth St
London SW1W 9RP
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7324 7705
Daily: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Sloane Square / Victoria

Have you heard? The Muffin Man has the best scones in London!

The Muffin Man is an old-school English tea shop that serves a variety of breakfast dishes, rustic cakes and scones. You might have seen this name on Instagram before, because it is a highly popular joint, especially among Singaporeans and Indonesians.

Indeed, it is one of those places that you must dine at at least once in your lifetime.

Sitting in the quaint neighbourhood of Kensington, The Muffin Man is as British as it can get. Don’t expect lavish decor and expensive furniture; The Muffin Man is nothing like that. Instead, the furniture are visibly aged – round glass tables that are lined with old linen, wooden chairs, faded shelves.

But this charm is irreplaceable.

Come here for tea and get the legendary scones, and you will be rewarded with crumbly, perfectly baked goodness. The Devon Cream Tea set (£6.50) is what everyone orders; it comes with a pot of tea of your choice, two toasted scones that is served warm no less, English strawberry jam and Devon cream.

Quiet afternoons are made of these simple pleasures of life. If this still ain’t a quintessential British experience, we don’t know what is.

The Muffin Man
12 Wrights Ln
London W8 6TA, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7937 6652
Mon to Sat: 8am – 8pm
Sun: 9am – 8pm
Nearest Station: High Street Kensington

If you want to get fat, go to London. The British city has cuisines from all over the world, and the sheer number of options is mind-boggling to say the least.

Meal times are never dull when in London, and we always look forward to the next meal because our list of places to check out never ends.

Getting this done was hard, because it is hard to point down to just one or two favourites. But here’s a Guide to 14 of Our Favourite Food Places in London; first-timers to London should visit all of these to have a fair glimpse of what London can offer!

#1 ASSA KOREAN RESTAURANT

Assa is our go-to Korean restaurant when in SoHo, London. The prices are relatively affordable (by London’s standard) and the Kimchi Pork Stew (£22) is the tastiest.

If you are with friends, or simply feeling extra hungry, go for their value-for-money set. For £35, you get a Korean stew with kimchi, rice cake, two bowls of rice and two drinks.

53 St Giles High St
London WC2H 8LH, United Kingdom
Daily: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road

#2 BIG EASY

We found a lobster shack that can rival Burger and Lobster. At £20, you get a whole Maine lobster that is beautifully grilled, complete with fries and side salad. And it comes with a complimentary cocktail, too!

Not too sure if we were extremely lucky or what but on the several occasions we went, the lobsters were significantly huger than B&L’s, and the meat was a lot fresher. It is now a pit stop for us when in Covent Garden.

It has also one of the best kept-secrets in London. On every Monday, you can get UNLIMITED servings of a platter of North Carolina Chopped Pork, BBQ Chicken and St Louis Pork Ribs with Coleslaw, Beans and Fries for just £19.90. And it comes with a pint of beer too.

12 Maiden Ln
London WC2E 7NA, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 3728 4888
Mon to Wed: 12pm – 11.30pm
Thu to Sat: 12pm – 12.30am
Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

#3 BURGER AND LOBSTER

This – the famous Burger and Lobster. Where do we even start?

The concept of Burger and Lobster is brilliant. There are only three items on the menu – burger, lobster and lobster roll – and at £20 each, they represent fantastic value.

A whole fresh lobster grilled/ steamed (choose the steamed option), accompanied by a generous bowl of lemon butter dip, a side salad and a bucket of fries. All for only £20.

Burger and Lobster has the winning formula: a sexy crowd, sexier cocktails, unpretentious and fun atmosphere, and brilliant food at unbeatable price. As much as Burger and Lobster has become a place where every tourist would go to, it still remains as a must-visit dining destination in London.

6 Little Portland St
London W1W 7JE, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7907 7760
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

#4 DINNER BY HESTON BLUMENTAL

If you are a fan of Chef Heston Blumenthal – chef and owner of The Fat Duck – you definitely have to drop by Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the swanky Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park.

On a budget? Opt for lunch instead of dinner with the three-course sample menu – very reasonably priced at £36.

Dinner by Heston Blumental is a concept that banks on the comfort of ancient recipes. How the culinary team will surprise you is with its modern interpretations of these age-old traditional recipes, without steering away too far from its original ideas and tastes.

When you are at it, please do yourself the favour and order the Tipsy Cake. The famed dessert is reason enough for us to go back just for it.

66 Knightsbridge
London SW1X 7LA, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7201 3833
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Knightsbridge

#5 DISHOOM

It is no secret that Dishoom is our (and many others’) favourite Indian restaurant in London. Mystically sexy, Dishoom should be on everyone’s bucket list when visiting London. From its menu and price points to its decor and ambience, no other Indian restaurants come close.

Their menus differ during different times of the day, and while we love the classic lunch/ dinner menu, the breakfast is what we would get out of bed for. Be there as early as 8am to avoid long queues.

22 Kingly Street, London W1B 5QB
Tel: +44 20 7420 9322
Mon to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri: 9am – 12am
Sat: 9am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

#6 DUCK AND WAFFLE

Everyone visits Duck And Waffle for two things – the splendid view overlooking the city of London from the 40th floor of Heron Tower, and the signature dish – Duck and Waffles (£15 during breakfast, £17 all day) – which gave the restaurant its name.

Duck and Waffle opens 24/7, but reservations are still recommended anyway because they are perpetually booked.

Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate
London EC2N 4AY, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 3640 7310
Open 24 Hours
Nearest Station: Liverpool Street

#7 FLAT IRON

There is only one dish on the menu at Flat Iron restaurant – the Flat Iron steak. The steak may not be of the best cut but at £10 for a steak, it is considerably cheap and warrants a visit.

You can order accompanying sides such as dripping cooked fries, creamed spinach, and roast aubergine.

Occasionally, they would offer special and better steak cuts at seasonal prices, as well as surprises such as burgers.

17 Beak St
London W1F 9RW, United Kingdom
Daily: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus

#8 LANTANA

Lantana is an all-time favourite brunch spots in London, and it is arguably the best. There are three outlets in the city, but we like to patronise the one on Charlotte Street.

It is a casual Aussie-style café with very relaxing vibes that is perfect for brunch over hearty food, coffee and pastries. If you are there for breakfast, you must try the English Muffin Breakfast with sausage patty, fried egg and bacon. The chilli jam is to die for.

The Asian Duck Rice surprised us. The ingredients – duck, pancetta, cucumber and chilli jam – elevated this seemingly ordinary dish to something quite special, and to us Asians, nothing beats the comfort of a fried rice dish.

13 Charlotte Pl, Fitzrovia
London W1T 1SN, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7637 3347
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Goodge Street

#9 KANADA-YA

We have tried numerous ramen shops in London, but sadly, most of them are catered to the Westerners’ palate and nothing near to how authentic Japanese ramen would taste like in Japan.

Kanada-ya is an exception. The tonkotsu ramen is exactly how a good pork broth ramen is supposed to be, with rich and flavourful broth, pork slices flavoured egg with a runny center, fungus and leek.

64 St Giles High St
London WC2H 8LE, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7240 0232
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road

#10 MAISON BERTAUX

One of the oldest patisseries in London is Maison Bertaux, our go-to place for a quiet afternoon tea in London. They offer many beautiful cakes and rustic pastries. Make sure you try their almond croissant.

28 Greek St
London W1D 5DQ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7437 6007
Mon to Sat: 8.30am – 11pm
Sun: 9.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

#11 NEW FORTUNE COOKIE

After trying several roast ducks in London, New Fortune Cookie won our hearts with the best roast duck in London. Better than our previous favourite, Gold Mine. And better than the famous Four Seasons.

And at £9.50 for half duck – as compared to £13 at Gold Mine and £13.50 at Four Seasons - it is the cheapest option. The staff here are friendlier, and we like how we do not feel pressured to leave. In case you have no idea, the staff at Four Seasons will always chase you out once they see that your plates are empty.

1 Queensway
London W2 4QJ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7727 7260
Daily: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Queensway

#12 PATTY AND BUN

We have said it before and we will say it again: Patty and Bun’s Smokey Robinson burger is hands down the best burger in London.

Messy, greasy and finger-licking good, the Smokey Robinson Burger (£8.50) comes with everything you need in a burger – caramelised onions, bacon, smokey mayo, cheese, tomato, lettuce, and a juicy beef patty.

Beyond the amazing burger, the mood at Patty & Bun is hippy and loud; you instantly feel cool just by dining there. It truly delivers a unique and complete burger experience.

22-23 Liverpool St
London EC2M 7PD, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7621 1331
Mon & Tue: 11.30am – 10pm
Wed to Fri: 11.30am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Liverpool Street

#13 PRUFROCK

Prufrock has achieved cult status in London and it is widely recognised as one of the best coffee shops in the city. The coffee here is rich, creamy and well-balanced; indeed, it is easily the best cup of coffee you can find in London.

There is a small selection of sweet and savoury baked goods to go along with your cuppa.

Its flagship cafe on the bustling Leather Lane in Clerkenwell also offers coffee tastings, training and events.

23-25 Leather Ln
London EC1N 7TE, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7242 0467
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Chancery Lane

#14 THE MUFFIN MAN

Have you heard? These are the best scones in London!

The Muffin Man is an old-school English tea shop in Kensington that serves a variety of breakfast dishes, rustic cakes and scones.

Come here for tea and get the legendary scones and you will be rewarded with crumbly, perfectly baked goodness. The Devon Cream Tea set (£6.50) comes with a pot of tea, two toasted scones with jam and Devon cream.

If this still ain’t a quintessential British experience, we don’t know what is.

12 Wrights Ln
London W8 6TA, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7937 6652
Mon to Sat: 8am – 8pm
Sun: 9am – 8pm
Nearest Station: High Street Kensington

For more recommendations, read our London travel guide on what to eat and where to go to.

London is synonymous with good food, and where the Chinese community is concerned, roast ducks are a must when in the British city.

Sure, there are many upmarket Chinese restaurants serving exquisite Chinese cuisine and dimsum, but most would agree that when in London, nothing beats the comfort of a plate of roast duck and a bowl of egg fried rice in a relatively old-school Chinese-looking eatery complete with (gaudy) red and gold decor.

So London has three very famous names when it comes to roast duck – Four Seasons Roast Duck, New Fortune Cookie and Gold Mine. These three are the most talked about restaurants, but which exactly is the crème de la crème?

We’ve been to all three many times on numerous occasions, and this is our humble take on the best roast ducks in London.

FOUR SEASONS CHINESE RESTAURANT

WHY YOU SHOULD COME HERE: This is the legendary Four Seasons Roast Duck that everyone talks about, and is dubbed as the most branded place in London for roast duck.

HOW MUCH: It is £13.80 for half a duck – which is rather pricey considering how it does not taste fantastic and the skin ain’t crispy.

VERDICT: There are two outlets in London – one in Chinatown (that everyone goes to) and one in Bayswater. Surprisingly, the standards differ vastly. Let’s just say no one should waste their time at the Chinatown outlet.

The Bayswater outlet has (just very) slightly better service, and strange enough, better roast ducks. While it was not life-changing, it was a been-there-done-that experience for us. That said, we won’t head back to Four Seasons Roast Duck when in London because the next two options that we are about to share are much better.

EXTRA NOTE: You have been warned that service is atrocious and the staff are infinitely rude.

NEW FORTUNE COOKIE

WHY YOU SHOULD COME HERE: Because it is the best. We had meals here on several occasions and none of them disappointed us. New Fortune Cookie is the most affordable option among all three places, and has a good consistency to boast. The duck is prized for its fats (in a wonderful way), and every bite of the fatty duck comes with a gratifying aroma that lingers.

HOW MUCH: For £10.50 per half duck, New Fortune Cookie wins in terms of price. It is the best roast duck in London, and the cheapest among all three.

EXTRA NOTE: The service is commendable and the staff are ever approachable. They do pretty mean Egg Fried Rice (£3) too!

GOLD MINE RESTAURANT

WHY YOU SHOULD COME HERE: Gold Mine Restaurant sits on the same stretch as Four Seasons Roast Duck in Bayswater and it is a cosy outlet with friendly staff. The roast duck is always good, with beautiful crisp skin and very fragrant sauce.

HOW MUCH: At £13.50 per half duck, Gold Mine Restaurant is a great option when you need your Chinese food fix.

EXTRA NOTE: The chunks of duck sits atop a bed of white cabbage that we always polish off too, because it being soaked in the sauce is too good to pass!

It is no secret that Dishoom is our favourite Indian restaurant in London. Sexy and charming, Dishoom should be on everyone’s bucket list when visiting London. No other Indian restaurants come close.

While there are many other great Indian restaurants in London, Dishoom is the one you should visit if you only have time for one.

Queues are part of the restaurants’ characteristics, and during peak hours, be prepared to wait up to an hour for a table. And we are telling you go queue anyway, because hell yeah, a meal there is better than ten other Indian meals elsewhere.

Their menus differ during different times of the day, and while we love the classic lunch/ dinner menu, the breakfast is totally worth waking up for.

At 8am every day, queues will start forming at Dishoom (particularly the Carnarby outlet). You would see businessmen, locals and travelers all waiting for tables for a wonderful breakfast.

And you may wonder why. That’s because it is affordable and so very yummy.

The Bacon & Egg Roll Naan (£6.90) – smoked streaky bacon with two fried free-range eggs wrapped in a freshly baked naan; accompanied by a little cream cheese, chilli tomato jam and fresh herbs - is one of the best things you can eat for breakfast in London. It is flavourful in every bite, with a subtle contrast of East and West.

The Kejriwal (£5.50) is essentially chilli cheese toast and is another must-try from the breakfast menu.

Over on the all-day menu (available after 11:45am), you can find almost every North Indian classic. From small plates to share to salads, biryanis to grills, the idea is to order several dishes and dine communal style so that everyone can share and try a bit of everything.

Of course you have to try the Dishoom Chicken Tikka (£7.90); the marinate is a family recipe. And we always return to the Masala Prawns (£11.20). We love how every fresh, juicy prawn is slightly charred on the surface for a little textural crunch. You have to eat all these with the Cheese Naan (£3.20).

One really interesting drink to try is the Chocolate Chai (£2.90). The lovely blend of spicy and sweet is one so unforgettable.

Dishoom also has a charming bar where the bartenders whip up some of the sexiest cocktails. The menu is mind-boggling!

Dishoom
22 Kingly Street, London W1B 5QB
Tel: +44 20 7420 9322
Mon to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri: 9am – 12am
Sat: 9am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus Station

London is the amazing British city where people from all walks of life move over to to call that place home. Being one of the finest in the world, London is a dream destination with so much to offer.

However, living in London can be very expensive and dining out would mean taking a toll on your wallets. For locals, they cook a lot at home. For holiday goers, do you always think twice about stepping into a restaurant and ordering just everything that looks good on the menu, but eventually giving up that thought entirely because everything costs a bomb?

Yes, you are not alone. Eating in London can be an extremely costly affair and we are here to help. Having combed the city for great finds, here are London’s Best Cheap Meals For £10 And Under.

#1 BIBIMBAP

This nondescript Korean casual restaurant sits within SoHo, and while it may look boring, it is actually one of the best places for an affordable Korean meal. As its name suggests, Bibimbap specialises in Korean mixed rice. You can customise your own bibimbap, and they are averagely £7.50. Go for the pork one. That’s the tastiest. Remember to mix in more chilli paste for a fiery kick!

The menu also includes other Korean dishes such as Korean Fried Chicken (£5 for 5 pcs), Kimchi Pancake (£5.50) and Korean soups (£7).

11 Greek St, London W1D 4DJ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7287 3434
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat and Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Tube Station: Tottenham Court Road

#2 BILL’S RESTAURANT – ENGLISH BREAKFAST

Not to be confused with Australia Celebrity Chef Bill Granger’s restaurant – Granger & Co – Bill’s Restaurant started off as a tiny shop in East Sussex and it has expanded to a massive empire with 20 outlets in London alone.

Bill’s is an all-day restaurant serving everything from breakfast to bedtime, and everything in-between. To be fair, Bill’s is not a dining destination and the food is not out-of-the-world. But the prices and portions are very reasonable and it is something you can rely on when you want a simple English meal without breaking the bank.

The English Breakfast – with fried free range eggs, tomatoes, sausage, mushrooms, streaky bacon and toast – is £7.95. Which is not a bad way to start your day. Else, the Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes (£5.95) are lovely.

36-44 Brewer St, London W1F 9TB, United Kingdom
Tel: 0207 287 8712
Mon to Wed: 8am – 11pm
Thu to Sat: 8am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 10.30pm
Nearest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus

#3 COOKHOUSE JOE – ROASTED CHICKEN

Cookhouse Joe is a Lebanese-influenced rotisserie chicken joint that sits at the corner of Berwick Street in SoHo. It only opens for dinner, and when it does, you have to go there for the signature rotisserie chicken.

For £7, you get half a chicken with two sauces of your choice – pick from Chili, Garlic, Yogurt and Cool Mint & Cucumber. Some people love their rotisserie chicken all white and succulent and naked; some like it juicy with a little bit of grease. Cookhouse Joe’s version is the former, so if you would like some no-frills and healthy rotisserie chicken, you know where to go.

55 Berwick St, London W1F 8SP, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 7970 555355
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Fri and Sat: 11.30am – 11.30pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus

#4 DISHOOM – BACON & EGG ROLL NAAN 

It is no secret that Dishoom is our favourite Indian restaurant in London. At 8am every day, queues will start forming at Dishoom (particularly the SoHo outlet). You would see businessmen, locals and travelers all waiting for tables for a wonderful breakfast.

The Bacon & Egg Roll Naan (£6.90) – smoked streaky bacon with two fried free-range eggs wrapped in a freshly baked naan; accompanied by a little cream cheese, chilli tomato jam and fresh herbs - is one of the best things you can eat for breakfast in London. It is flavourful in every bite, with a subtle contrast of East and West.

22 Kingly Street, London W1B 5QB
Tel: +44 20 7420 9322
Mon to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri: 9am – 12am
Sat: 9am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus Station

#5 EAT TOKYO – CURRY KATSU RICE 

Eat Tokyo is one of those places that we would frequent if we were staying in London. The menu features a great variety of dishes and most of them are reasonably priced under £10. Long queues are often seen precisely because a meal there is very affordable (by London’s standards).

Try the Curry Katsu Rice – go for the sized-up version at £9. The portion will shock you with its generosity and most people wouldn’t be able to finish it. There is also a variety of chirashi-don that are under £10. While they may not be fish of supreme grades, we can’t complain much since it is so cheap, yes?

Do note that at Eat Tokyo, there is a minimum spend of £10 per person though.

16 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4TL
Tel: 020 7439 9887
Mon to Sat: 12am – 11.30pm
Sun: 12am – 10.30pm
Nearest Tube Station: Covent Garden

#6 FLAT IRON – FLAT IRON STEAK 

Flat Iron Steak is a brilliant concept and one that is very well received in London. While the flat iron is not the best cut, at £10 for a steak, it is extremely value for money and warrants a visit.

The menu is simple – the flat iron steak (£10), the cut of the day (prices vary), and sometimes a special burger (prices vary). You can order accompanying sides such as Dripping Cooked Fries (£2.50), Creamed Spinach (£3) and Roast Aubergine (£3).

9 Denmark St, London WC2H 8LS, United Kingdom
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 12am
Sun: 12pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Tube Station: Tottenham Court Road

#7 FRANCO MANCO – SOUGHDOUGH PIZZA

Even though Franco Manca has 22 outlets in London, there are always long queues at every outlet during dinner times. It is not difficult to understand why this chain enjoys such wide popularity in London.

The Sourdough Pizzas are really good and so close to what you would get in Naples, and they are all priced under £7 each – rest for some daily specials that might go up to £8. The tomato-based ones are the best; stick to them and you’d be fine. Definitely worth a try when you are in London!

51 Berwick Street, London W1F 8SJ
Mon to Wed: 12pm – 11pm
Thu to Sat: 12pm – 11.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 10.30pm
Tel: 0207 734 9330
Nearest Tube Station: Tottenham Court Road

#8 KOYA BAR – UDON

This Japanese eatery in Soho attracts crowds during meal times – from tourists who have heard about this place from travel guides and blogs, to Asians seeking comfort food while being across the globe from home.

The original Koya might have closed, but you can still satisfy your udon cravings at Koya Bar. On a cold day, slurping down a bowl of Koya’s Buta Miso Udon (£9.90) will give you instant gratification.

50 Frith St, London W1D 4SQ, United Kingdom
Mon to Wed: 8.30am – 10.30pm
Thu and Fri: 8.30am – 11pm
Sat and Sun: 9.30am – 11pm
Nearest Tube Station: Leicester Square/ Tottenham Court Road

#9 NOSTEAGIA – GYUDON 

Nosteagia at Pump Shoreditch is perhaps more well-known for its bubble waffles, but what many people do not know is that it serves a seriously good Gyudon. Just look beyond the bubble waffles station and you will see a menu of Japanese-style rice bowls that are mostly priced under £6.

Go straight for the Gyudon; the rest can wait. Every slice of beef was well-marinated and juicy, and the rice is completely soaked with the warm, oozing beef sauce. At £6, this amazing rice bowl represents great value for money and it comes with a very generous portion that will fill you up.

Shoreditch Service Station
168-175 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6HU, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 7564 117339
Mon: Closed Tue to Sun: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Train Station: Shoreditch High Street

#10 PATTY & BUN – SMOKEY ROBINSONS BURGER

Patty & Bun charges £8.75 for its Smokey Robinson Burger; it is so good that we will gladly fork out double the amount for it. It is, hands down, the best burger you can have in London. No one else comes close.

Other than the Smokey Robinson, there is also the Hot Chic Chicken Burger (£8.50) that features a huge slab of buttermilk chicken with coleslaw. London is synonymous with kickass burgers and Patty & Bun is probably the main reason why!

18 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4TN
Tel: 0207 2871818
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri and Sat: 11.30am – 12.30am
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Tube Station: Covent Garden

#11 PRINCI – RISOTTO MILANESE

There is a reason why Princi sees a perpetual full house all day long – it is a sexy dining spot for any time of the day. Whether you are there for a hearty breakfast, a casual lunch with friends, or a dinner date, this outpost of the popular Milanese bakery chain is always buzzing with energy.

The best part? Prices are actually more reasonable than you think. The Risotto Milanese is £7, while you can get a Margherita Pizza for (£7.50). There is also a whole arsenal of Italian desserts on display that would have you go weak in your knees.

135 Wardour St, London W1F 0UT, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7478 8888
Mon to Sat: 8am – 12am
Sun: 8.30am – 10pm
Nearest Tube Station: Tottenham Court Road

#12 SEOUL BAKERY – BIBIMBAP

Probably one of the smallest Korean joints in town, Seoul Bakery may be small in size but big in popularity. It sits farther up from British Museum, and its menu is super affordable. From kimchi-jjigae to ramyeon to bibimbap, Seoul Bakery is a heaven for students.

Honestly, just skip the Korean soups as we’ve tried a few of them and they were pretty diluted and unsatisfying. But the bibimbap is worth a shot, and the sets are mostly priced at £7.50, where you get a soup, a side dish of kimchi or beansprouts, and a main dish.

14 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NH, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7240 0877
Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 11am – 8pm
Nearest Tube Station: Tottenham Court Road

#13 SHOYRU – TONKOTSU RAMEN

Shoyru has several outlets across London, but the one in Kingly Court has the most wonderful vibes. We loved a good bowl of piping hot ramen while being caressed by the night breeze at the outdoor seats.

Shoyru has a complicated menu. Lots of choices there, but what you should turn your attention to is the classic Tonkotsu Ramen. In London, it is one of the closest you can get to an authentic bowl of Japanese ramen with a robust pork broth.

3 Denman Street London W1D 7HA
Mon to Sat: 11.15am – 12am
Sun: 11.15am – 10.30pm
Nearest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus

#14 SMACK – BRISKET ROLLS

Smack started out with £10 lobster rolls, which is a fabulous deal. They have recently jacked up their prices to £12, but it is still worth a shot. You get lots of chunky lobster meat cocooned in toasted pillowy brioche. Else, go for the brisket rolls that are £8 each.

The Lobster Bisque (£5) is a decent one too!

Kemble House, 58 Dean St, London W1D 6AL, United Kingdom
Mon: 12pm – 8pm
Tue to Thu: 12pm – 10pm
Fri and Sat: 11.30am – 10pm
Sun: 11.30am – 8pm
Nearest Tube Station: Leicester Square

#15 WOK TO WALK – FRIED NOODLES

This is probably the best cheap takeout you can have in London. Wok To Walk is a massive chain across Europe, and particularly in London, you can find it in many neighbourhoods. It specialises in Chinese-style fried rice and noodles, and the base price is £3.95 per box.

Customise your own and pick your staple – udon noodles, rice noodles, egg noodles, jasmine rice etc. Then, choose your favourite sauce (our favourite is Shanghai and Tokyo). Your staple would then be wok-fried (with huge flames!) with fresh vegetables and egg. ots of top-up options are available, and they range from prawns to bamboo shoots to chicken breast meat.

15 Argyll St W1F 7TP London
Tel: 020 7287 5491
Mon to Tue: 11am – 1am
Wed: 11am – 4am
Thu to Sat: 11am – 5am
Sun: 11am – 12am
Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus

For more recommendations, read our post on 35 Reasons Why We Are In Love with London.

Biscuiteers Boutique And Icing Room is really a whimsical biscuit boutique that sells the prettiest handcrafted biscuits in London. Founded by a couple who has enormous passion for biscuits and lives by the belief that biscuits make better gifts than flowers, Biscuiteers was born.

They first started out with a humble e-commerce site, taking in orders for bespoke biscuits and corporate gifts. The response was simply overwhelming, and the birth of Biscuiteers Boutique And Icing Room in Notting Hill happened in 2012.

Today, Biscuiteers’ handcrafted biscuits can also be found in Selfridges, Harrods and Fortnum & Mason. A trip to London wouldn’t be complete without having a bite of these beauty queens of biscuits.

Biscuiteers Boutique And Icing Room in Notting Hill is where you get to see the full range of biscuits. They come in individual pieces, or you can get them nicely packed in tins. And yes, we’d rather receive a tin of these biscuits than flowers!

There is a sit-down area and it is a cosy one, complete with turquoise seats and marble tables. Grab a biscuit or two at £3 each (gluten-free options are available), together with a pot of tea; that is our idea of a perfect afternoon in Notting Hill.

A London Afternoon Tea for two (£48) is also available, where you enjoy a quintessential British experience complete with Biscuiteers’ iconic biscuits. There are also daily in-house bakes such as loaves, brownies and macarons.

Want to ice your own biscuits? Of course you can! Biscuiteers’ School of Icing is where budding icers and artists can pick up a skill or two from the pros. There are several sessions across the year, and they usually go by seasons and collections.

It may not be cheap (averagely £78 per person), but you take home with you lots of fun, techniques and experience and you can even ice your own biscuits at home in future! Well, you get to bring home a tin of biscuits you’ve iced yourself, too!

Biscuiteers Boutique And Icing Room is truly a one-of-a-kind experience in London and it is a must-see, must-do and must-eat that we will always remember.

London’s first naked restaurant is about to open its doors to the world.

You know, nothing much. Just dining in the buff alongside many other naked patrons, and having naked waiters and waitresses serve you. Why dirty your clothes when you can just tuck in without your clothes right?

That is what is going to happen at The Bunyadi – which already sees a waiting list of more than 20,000 people (and the numbers are jumping every hour). The Bunyadi is set to open in June 2016.

Experience true liberation and relish life in its barest form. That is what The Bunyadi – the forty-two seater restaurant – is all about.

The environment of the restaurant will be one that is bare, and no mobile phones and photography will be allowed. The idea is to escape into a world with no impurities – there will not be artificial preservatives and colouring in your food, natural bamboo and candlelight will be used, and you enjoy your £60 dinner in the buff.

Upon stepping in the The Bunyadi, you will be ushered into a changing room, where you remove your clothes and place your belongings in the locker. A light robe will be given to you if you are truly uncomfortable with being completely naked. There is a non-naked area for those who back out at the eleventh hour.

“Enter a secret Pangea-like world,” The Bunyadi promises. The “Path to Purity” is the start of a mystically wonderful journey, where you return to Earth in its fundamental form – without modernisation and without technology.

Are you up for a dining experience-of-a-lifetime like this? Well, please join the line with 20,000 other people.

London – the capital of England – has plentiful of markets that sell all sort of items thinkable. From vintage dresses, antiques, classic fish and chips, flowers to fresh produce; you name it, you got it.

London also happens to be our favourite city in the world, and we really love London for these markets. Each market is inherently unique and that makes it all the more exciting to explore all of them!

From the popular open-air Camden Market, beautiful Convent Garden Market to the world’s largest antique bazaar Portobello Road Market, here is our guide to 8 Markets In London To Check Out.

Source: Bermondsey Square

#1 BERMONDSEY MARKET

Open only on Fridays from 6am to 2pm, Bermondsey Market is a specialty antique market catered to the early birds. Browse through an interesting collection of age-old items such as 18th-century paintings and old-school world maps.

Bermondsey Square, Southwark, SE13
Friday: 6am – 2pm
Nearest Station: Camden Town

#2 BRICK LANE

On a budget? No worries. Head to East London’s Brick Lane – a vibrant market characterised by its cultural splendour and wallet-friendly goods. This is the place where you can put your bartering skills to test and bargain for the second-hand leather bag that you have been eyeing on. There is also an impressive variety of ethnic cafes restaurants lined up along the street.

91 Brick Ln, London E1 6QR, United Kingdom
Saturday: 11am – 6pm
Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Liverpool Street

Source: Brixton Blog

#3 BRIXTON MARKET

Brixton Market is a community market run by local traders and the South London market’s highlight would be its enticing selection of food from all over the world. If food is not your interest, then rummage through the vast display of books, furniture and jewellery etc.

Electric Ave, SW9 8JX
Mon to Sat: 8am – 6pm
Sun: 10am – 2pm
Nearest Station: Brixton

#4 BOROUGH MARKET

Borough Market – London’s oldest fruit and vegetable market – is the one-stop destination for all chefs, cooks, restaurateur and literally every foodie. The lively marketplace is our favourite pit stop for lots of food, and apart from the many cooked food stalls, Borough Market also boasts an incredible multitude of fresh local gourmet produce and finest international ingredients.

Read: Why You Must Visit London’s Borough Market.

8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL, United Kingdom
Mon to Thu: 10am – 5pm
Fri: 10am – 6pm
Sat: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Station: London Bridge

#5 CAMDEN MARKET

Camden Market – also known as Camden Lock – is essentially an enclave of adjoining large retail markets. While it can be quite acquired, anticipate just about literally anything over here – from alternative punk fashion garments and the quirkiest street food.

56 Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF, United Kingdom
Daily: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Camden Town

#6 COVENT GARDEN MARKET

Strategically located in the heart of downtown London, the iconic Covent Garden Market is exceptionally popular amongst locals and tourists alike for its diversity of goods. Two splendid markets, namely The Jubilee Market and The Apple Market are housed under the same roof.

The Apple Market, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RF
Mon to Thu: 8am – 6pm
Fri: 8am – 7.30pm
Sat: 8am – 6pm
Sun: 11am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Covent Garden

Source: My London Xperience

#7 MALTBY STREET MARKET

Maltby Street Market might be small but by no means pales in comparison with its gourmet offerings. This tiny weekend market’s bizarre location of being under the railway arches might have put off the typical tourists, but has attracted the locals with its fantastic food options.

Ropewalk, London SE1 3PA, United Kingdom
Sat: 9am – 4pm
Sun: 11am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Bermondsey

#8 PORTOBELLO ROAD MARKET

The world-famous Portobello Road Market spans across two miles and is renowned for being the world’s largest antique markets. Over here, Londoners and foreigners alike can haggle for household goods, vintage clothing and other curios. It is terribly crowded on weekends, though.

Portobello Road, London, Greater London, W10 5TA
Mon to Wed: 9am – 6pm
Thu: 9am – 1pm
Fri and Sat: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Ladbroke Grove

Read: 35 reasons why we are head over heels in love with London.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

“It is difficult to speak adequately or justly of London. It is not a pleasant place; it is not agreeable, or cheerful, or easy or exempt from reproach. It is only magnificent.”

Simply only magnificent, and nothing less indeed.

London is our favourite city in the world, and it is a favourite for many too. It is not difficult to understand why, for the British city has so much to offer and is so very live-able. Wake up to amazement every day, live it up like the Brits, and go to bed each night thanking all your lucky stars that you are in London.

Here are 35 reasons to love London, and it is but the tip of the ice berg. You have to set foot in that part of the world to understand why it is home for so many.

#1 THE INSTAGRAM-WORTHY RED TELEPHONE BOOTHS

Because they are so iconic and everyone loves taking photos of and with them.

#2 AN UNFORGETTABLE MEAL AT BURGER & LOBSTER

What is London without a meal at one of the most popular restaurants? Whole grilled lobsters at £20, anyone?

#3 THE BRITISH ACCENT AND FAMILIARITY OF THE ENGLISH CITY

Every bit of London rings a bell and the familiarity of the places, street names, language and food feels like we are at our second home. And, let’s face it – Brit accent is the sexiest.

#4 THE ONE-AND-ONLY BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Who knows if you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge?

#5 THE ICONS OF LONDON – BIG BEN AND LONDON EYE

Take a stroll along Westminster Abbey and breathe in the essence of London. The magnificence of Big Ben is one sight to behold, and you can go on a round on the London Eye to see the majestic city from high above.

#6 HANG OUT AT SOHO

The sexiest and most happening hood is none other than Soho, where you can find an eclectic mix of restaurants and cafes, and little local boutiques and theatres. Peppered with character, and always worth a stroll.

#7 HAVE A PICNIC AT HYDE PARK

Pick a day, enjoy it to the fullest, and have a picnic at Hyde Park. Spot the big friendly swans who are ever ready to pose for your cameras too!

#8 SELFRIDGES & Co – EVERY SHOPAHOLIC’S DREAM

Shop till you drop at this one-stop luxury mall with all the highly coveted luxury labels and high street brands. Just remember to increase your credit limit before your trip! Tax refunds can be done within the mall, too.

#9 A DELIGHTING FOOD TRAIL AT BOROUGH MARKET

This is the ultimate and most visually-arresting farmers’ market and there is nothing to not love here! From fresh produce to a delectable mix of local food and snacks, Borough Market is sure to delight anyone and everyone.

Read our guide on the top reasons to visit Borough Market when you are in London.

#10 ALL THINGS VINTAGE AT PORTOBELLO MARKET

If you love vintage finds and quirky picks, then this world’s largest vintage market is for you! Do take note that it is only open on Saturdays for the antiques and second-hand goods.

#11 A QUAINT NEIGHBOURHOOD – NOTTINGHILL

One of the many quaint neighbourhoods in London is Nottinghill – lined with pretty pastel houses and blooming flowers, it is one morning stroll we’d gladly take all over again.

#12 LITTLE VENICE & CAMDEN MARKET

Punk lovers gather here on weekends, but beyond those acquired merchandise, we fell in love with the Venice-like environment and the art of dining by the canals. There is a marvellous spread of street food here too!

#13 STAY AT AIRBNB APARTMENTS AND LIVE THE BRIT WAY

What better way to experience a local culture than to put up at a local apartment and adapt to their lifestyle? Airbnb apartments are aplenty, and the wide range caters to travellers with all sorts of budget. If you want a backpacker style, you’d find apartments at less than £100 per night. But splurge a bit more and you get lovely units that are strategically located, thematically designed and fully furnished.

Our favourite neighbourhood to stay at is Soho for its sheer convenience and vast availability of food and shopping options around the vicinity. In the day, we woke up to cool mornings and had breakfasts at the many cafes within the hood; at night, we packed groceries and cooked at our kitchen while the crowd came alive and started partying.

Airbnb is offering all ladyironchef readers US$25 travel coupon to book your next holiday accommodation. Simply click on this link, sign up and get US$25 on your first booking on Airbnb.

#14 FOR THE LOVE OF LONDON, HARRODS

No one leaves London without making a trip to the world famous departmental store and exchanging friendly banters with the giant Harrods bear! All the iconic souvenirs are found here, alongside a more-than-splendid food hall and many exhilarating levels of shopping for refined goods like shoes and bags, perfumes and cosmetics, home products and books.

#15 THE FINEST OF LONDON AT FORTNUM & MASON

An emporium off Piccadilly Circus that houses the best picks of London – think the many kinds of English tea, jams in a hundred variations, cookies in the most elegant tins, chocolates and truffles… you get the idea. This is one pit stop you have to make when in London.

#16 INDULGE IN THE ART OF WATCHING MUSICALS

Watching musicals is a very Brit thing to do, and theatrical art is one so highly appreciated and well-received among both locals and visitors to London. There are so many to choose from; even if you watch one every night, it’ll take you some months to tick all of them off your list.

#17 THE STUNNING DISPLAY OF THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

If there is only one musical to catch when in London, it is undisputedly Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of The Opera. This award-winning musical is an all-time gold, and runs daily on a full house at the prestigious Her Majesty Theatre. The stunning display will have you understand what The Music of The Night truly means.

#18 SHOPPING REDEFINED AT OXFORD STREET

Or Bond Street. Or Regent Street. You’ve got all your favourite brands congregated in this area – UK labels Miss Selfridge & Topshop, Chanel & Hermes, J-crew, H&M… yes, you are welcome.

#19 VALUE-SEEKING AT PRIMARK

Primark is a shopping paradise for many because this mega Irish retail store redefines affordable shopping with its diverse range of merchandise. Think basic tops and tshirts at £3 and shoes at £10. And you’d be delighted to know that the quality is nowhere near inferior!

#20 HAVE A QUINTESSENTIAL AFTERNOON TEA AND SCONES

Why, how Brit! Put on your best dress and spend an afternoon at one of the many elegant tea places at London; sip tea and eat scones, because nobody says no to such elegance.

#21 LIVE IT UP AT PICCADILLY CIRCUS

The Times Square of London, Piccadilly circus is one absolutely happening and popular area – to dine, to shop, and for musicals.

#22 LOTS OF GOOD CAFES AND COFFEE PLACES

Connoisseurs are in heaven, for London has one of the best brews in the world. And the cafe scene is world class. We had so much fun cafe-hopping and drinking cappuccino every day!

Read our guide on London’s top 25 independent cafes and coffee shops.

#23 ENDLESS BURGER OPTIONS

Not the most glamorous dining option, but burgers are our favourite messy affair. There are many impressive burger joints, and we are sure after having one good one in London, you’ll never look at burgers the same way again.

Read our guide to London’s Best Burger Restaurants.

#24 THAT GORGEOUS TOWER BRIDGE

No, this is not London bridge. This icon of London is called Tower Bridge, and is a mandatory photo spot. By the way, London Bridge is the grey and rundown-looking one right across it. Now, stop mixing up their identities. Thank you very much.

#25 TAKE A DAY TRIP TO STONEHENGE

Remember the stone formation we used to see on our Windows XP wallpaper? This is it. Take a day trip out to Stonehenge and marvel at the mystery that is left untold for so many centuries. We’d love to think of this as a must-see in everyone’s bucket list.

#26 IT IS A TOYS HEAVEN AT HAMSLEY

Toys heaven for both kids and adults alike! This massive toy store houses all the cutest merchandise; even the grown-ups have fun just from taking a tour around the shelves!

#27 PEOPLE-WATCH AT TRAFALGAR SQUARE

A popular spot to gather and people-watch is a Trafalgar Square. Enjoy the random street performances by talented buskers, or watch the world go by and master the fine art of doing nothing while sipping latte.

#28 FOSSILS AND MORE AT THE NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM

It is a fascinating world in here at the National History Museum. History buffs and the curious minds will be intrigued by all the fossils and skeletons, and all that ancient civilization has to tell us.

#29 LIBERTY – A SHOPPING EMPORIUM

The monochromatic building on Regent Street is an avant-garde shopping destination for classy finds and luxury buys. Quite unlike your usual modern malls, Liberty is an emporium that boasts a – for the lack of a better word – Brit interior with a sophisticated shopping environment.

#30 COVENT GARDEN

What used to be a fruit and vegetable market is another happening area to hang out for both locals and tourists. Today, Covent Garden is well-loved for its curated shopping, bars and little restaurants. Sitting on the fringe of West End, Covent Garden is a pit stop for entertainment and art lovers. The renown Royal Opera House sits proudly on this ground too.

#31 TAKE A WALK AT MAYFAIR

A prestigious area in Central London, Mayfair houses the most five-star hotels and luxury properties in London. Fancy taking a walk and breathing in the elegance of the area? Or do a little shopping at the exclusive boutiques? For classical music lovers, the Handel House Museum is also situated at Mayfair, to commemorate the late German-born baroque composer George Frederic Handel who eventually made London his home.

#32 A DISTINGUISHED BREAKFAST AT THE BREAKFAST CLUB

Dubbed as the best breakfast place in London, this small joint at Soho sees a long queue every day. With a casual 80′s interior, hippy music and a menu of comfort breakfast classics, you are in for a hearty and very filling (portions are relatively huge!) meal over at The Breakfast Club.

#33 A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE AT ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL

Embodying the spiritual life and heritage of the British nation, St Paul’s Cathedral is the most highly recognised Cathedral for worship. Religious souls seek inspiration and enlightenment here, and visitors from all over the world are welcome to join the hourly prayers where they can pray in their own languages.

#34 MADAME TUSSAUD’S FLAGSHIP MUSUEM

Since she first opened doors to her wax museum on Marylebone Road, Madame Tussauds’ wax models have been a nationwide hit. Its flagship outlet at London is packed with visitors every day. And since it is impossible to ever meet Picasso and Charlie Chaplin, and even sheer luck may not have us bumping into Kate Winslet and Lady Gaga, why not exchange friendly banters with their life-size wax models at the museum?

#35 THE SHARD

Because it is not every day that you can find a triangular building as grand as The Shard of London.

For more recommendations, read our London Travel Guides.

We were in London for a week last month, and the sheer number of good cafes and coffee shops in the city amazed us. Some are like coffee institutions, some are casual joints, some make lovely outlets when you need a midday break, some are totally worth waking up for.

Whether you are looking for a nice spot to chill out and to have a light lunch, or to satisfy your caffeine addiction, here is our guide to London’s Top 25 Independent Cafes & Coffee Shops.

ASSOCIATION COFFEE

A sleek and well-designed cafe with an industrial feel, Association Coffee caters to executives working in the area, and every cup of coffee is prepared to a high standard. In addition to espresso, it also has a range of coffees that are continually changing. You can also get sandwiches, pastries and a variety of cakes to go along with the coffee.

10-12 Creechurch Lane, London EC3A 5AY
Tel: +44 20 7283 1155
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Aldgate/Liverpool Street

CAMDEN HOUSE COFFEE

A favourite among the locals living in the Camden neighbourhood, Camden House Coffee is a good spot to head to for a coffee break if you are visiting Camden Market.

30 Camden Road, Camden Town
London NW1 9DP
Tel: +44 20 7428 9477
Mon to Fri: 7am – 6pm
Sat: 8.30am – 5pm
Sun: 10.30am – 4pm

FERNANDEZ & WELLS

Small, homely and cosy, Fernandez & Wells is one of those hole-in-the-wall kind of neighbourhood cafes that we love. Fernandez and Wells may be a coffee chain – with six shops in London – but you can always depend on them to serve a reliable cup of coffee.

73 Beak Street, London W1F 9SR
Tel: +44 20 7287 8124
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 6pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus

FLAT WHITE

Flat White was established in 2005 to introduce the coffee culture from Australia and New Zealand to London. It serves exceptional coffee made by their talented and passionate baristas, and we would even consider this an institution!

17 Berwick Street, Soho
London W1F 0PT
Tel: +44 20 7734 0370
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

FOXCROFT & GINGER

Another cafe that we like in Soho is Foxcroft & Ginger. Trendy yet laidback, it is a space where you can sit and linger with a cup of good coffee while escaping from the hubbub of the city. Need something to complement your coffee? They have an array of cakes and pastries like Chocolate Truffle Brownie, Chocolate & Orange Cake, Carrot Cake & Cream Cheese, and Croissant that are freshly baked on premise.

On the brunch menu, you can find a selection of dishes like Eggs Bennie, Veggie Frittata, Pancakes with bacon, and French Toast. Foxcroft & Ginger is a lovely cafe, if you ever find yourself in Soho, this all-day dining spot is the place to go.

3 Berwick Street, Soho
London W1F 0DR
Mon: 8am – 7pm
Tue to Fri: 8am – 10pm
Sat: 9am – 10pm
Sun: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus

GAIL’S ARTISAN BAKERY

What drew our attention to Gail’s Artisan Bakery was the aroma of the freshly baked breads. The talented bakers at Gail’s bake nearly 30 types of bread – including French Dark Sourdough, German Rye and Caramelised Garlic Bread – every day. If you love bread, you will fall in love with Gail’s Artisan Bakery.

Gail’s Artisan Bakery has 16 bakeries across the city, including Notting Hill, King’s Road, Bloomsbury and Soho.

128 Wardour Street
London W1F 8ZL
Tel: +44 20 7287 1324
Mon to Thu: 8am – 9pm
Fri: 8am – 10pm
Sat: 9am – 10pm
Sun & Bank Holidays: 9am – 7pm

JOE AND THE JUICE

Joe and the Juice has several outlets in London, but we like the Soho shop on Dean Street. While you can get sandwiches, salads and coffee, the spotlight here is actually the wide selection of fresh fruit juices.

46 Dean Street
London W1D 4QD
Nearest Station: Leicester Square/Piccadilly Lines

LANTANA

For really good brunch and coffee, go to Lantana. It has firmly established itself as a hot favourite in London’s coffee scene.

Lantana is a casual and relaxing Aussie-style café, perfect for brunch or to catch up with your companion over coffee and pastries. We can sit here and chat all day long because the environment is too inviting. If you are there for breakfast, you must try the English Muffin Breakfast with sausage patty, fried egg and bacon.

13 Charlotte Place
London W1T 1SN
Tel: +44 20 7637 3347
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Goodge Street

L’ETO CAFFE

They have an insane display of daily fresh bakes, and it is almost frustrating to pick just one. Every item baked and assembled with love, and you can almost smell the pastry chefs’ passion in every piece.

155 Wardour Street, London W1F 8WG
Tel: +44 20 7494 4991
Mon to Tue: 8am – 9pm
Wed to Sat: 8am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road

KAFFEINE

Inspired by the coffee culture in Australia and New Zealand, Kaffeine is an independently owned cafe and espresso bar. It has been widely recognised as one of the most famous coffee places in London for setting a high benchmark for consistently good quality coffee. The café is bustling and always packed with regulars – a must visit for coffee lovers.

66 Great Titchfield Street
London W1W 7QJ
Tel: +44 20 7580 6755
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 6pm
Sat: 8.30am – 6pm
Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus/Goodge Street

KONDITOR & COOK

Founded in 1993 by German born baker Gerhard Jenne, Konditor & Cook offers a wide range of cakes and confections – using organic, free-range eggs and natural butter – with seasonal variations. It has six outlets across London, but the flagship store is the swanky cafe at 30 St Mary Axe, also widely known as The Gherkin – an iconic symbol of London.

The Gherkin
30 Saint Mary Axe
London EC3A 8BF
Tel: +44 844 854 9369
Nearest Station: Liverpool Street/Tower Hill

MAISON BERTAUX

Maison Bertaux, one of the oldest patisseries in London, is our go-to place for a quiet afternoon tea. They offer many beautiful cakes and pastries, but our favourite is their almond croissant.

28 Greek Street, London, Greater London W1D 5DQ
Tel: +44 20 7437 6007
Mon to Sat: 8.30am – 11pm
Sun: 9.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

MONMOUTH COFFEE COMPANY

Monmouth Coffee Company is a true London institution. It has achieved legendary status in the city for serving top quality coffee. The guys at Monmouth travel around the world to hand pick and source for the best coffee beans for their roastery.

Don’t be surprised to see queues outside the coffee shop when you are there. After having a cuppa, remember to bag a pack of Monmouth’s coffee home. They are available in whole beans (or ground to your specification).

27 Monmouth Street
Covent Garden
London WC2H 9EU
Tel: +44 20 7232 3010
Mon to Sat: 8am – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

MURIEL’S KITCHEN

Stepping inside Muriel’s Kitchen had us falling head over heels in love with the café immediately. A homely and well-designed space with velvet tub chairs, mosaic tiles, bird-cage lamps, and garden swing seats? Yes, they’ve got that covered. Friendly staff that greet you and make you feel at home? But of course.

Open from breakfast to bed time serving delicious home-cooked comfort food – using local British ingredients – at inexpensive prices (most of the dishes are mostly priced under £10)? Checked. A gorgeous cake and display counter that makes you feel like a kid in Disneyland? We are sold.

36 – 38 Old Compton Street
London, W1D 4TT
Tel: +44 20 7434 0111
Mon to Sat: 8am – 12 Midnight
Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square/Piccadilly Lines

NOTES COFFEE & WINE

Just a short walk from Trafalgar Square is Notes, a speciality coffee, food & wine company in Covent Garden. The cafe serves food such as pastries, eggs and toast throughout the day. During lunch, there is a range of salads, sandwiches and soups – nothing fanciful, just comfort food for the soul.

At Notes, they take their coffee seriously. Besides having a espresso-based coffee menu, it also has a dedicated brew bar for filter coffees. Also, there is a selection of popular wines, as well as some unusual wines that you cannot find elsewhere.

31 Street Martin’s Lane
London WC2N 4ER
Tel: +44 20 7240 0424
Mon to Wed: 7.30am – 9pm
Thu to Sat: 7.30am – 10pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

OTTOLENGHI

While Ottolenghi is more like a takeaway deli for fresh salads and delicious desserts than a proper dine-in cafe, it is one place that has our hearts and one that we always return to. Ottolenghi has an amazing array of desserts and pastries that make us go weak in the knees, and everything looks completely seductive.

Ottolenghi is listed in our guide to Top 10 Cheap Eats in London.

63 Ledbury Road, London W11 2AD
Tel: +44 20 7727 1121
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat: 8am – 7pm
Sun: 8.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Bayswater

PEYTON AND BYRNE

Peyton and Byrne is a modern British bakery cafe with a neat display of pretty pastries, cakes and bread that are freshly baked every day. There are currently seven bakeries across London, but we like the one at Wellington Street in the heart of Covent Garden. The outdoor seats are perfect for people watching as you sip some tea – choose from a range of 40 exclusive blends of tea – and some pastries.

44 Wellington Street
Covent Garden
London WC2E 7BD
Tel: +44 20 3422 1452
Mon to Thu: 8am – 7.30pm
Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat: 9am – 8pm
Sun: 9am – 7.30pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

PRIMROSE BAKERY

It is impossible not to like Primrose Bakery. The original shop at Primrose Hill started in 2004, and it has established a loyal fan base over the years. This cute little bakery serves one of the best, if not the best, cupcakes in London. Other than cupcakes, Primrose Bakery also has an array of layer cakes, loaves and sliced cakes.

Primrose Bakery also has a second branch in Covent Garden, but we very much preferred the peace and tranquility of Primrose Hill.

69 Gloucester Ave, London NW1 8LD
Tel: +44 20 7483 4222
Mon to Sat: 8.30am – 6pm
Sun: 9.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Camden Town/Chalk Farm

SAID DAL 1923 ANTICA FABBRICA DEL CIOCCOLATO

A chocolate lover’s heaven. That’s how we would describe SAID dal 1923, the London outpost of a popular chocolate shop in Rome. From chocolate, to praline, chocolate spreads in jars and hot chocolate, SAID dal 1923 is the real life Charlie & The Chocolate Factory.

41 Broadwick St, London W1F 9QL
Tel: +44 20 7437 1584
Mon to Sat: 8am – 11pm
Sun & Holidays: 11am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

TAP

The original Tap at No. 26 Rathbone Place – just a short walk from Primark on Oxford Street – has been around for 4 years, and since then, they have opened two cafes in the area. Beat the summer heat with a Jam Jar Iced Latte – two shots of espresso with cold milk and a shot of sugar syrup.

26 Rathbone Place
London W1T 1JD
Tel: +44 20 7580 2163
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road

TAYLOR ST BARISTA

Tucked along Brooks Mews in Mayfair, Taylor St Barista is the perfect pit stop for coffee after shopping at Oxford Street and Regent Street. The coffee shop offers its house blend, Rogue Espresso, as well as a selection of single origin and coffees from around the world. Taylor St Barista also has branches at many locations in London, including Shoreditch, Canary Wharf, and Liverpool Street.

22 Brooks Mews, Mayfair
London W1k 4DY
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

THE ATTENDANT

The Attendant is probably the only toilet café in London. Located in a former Victorian underground public lavatory with most of the original features being tastefully preserved, this nondescript place is almost too easy to miss.

Be rest assured that it is completely clean and sanitized. If any, it is one cool outlet to hang out at over some fresh brew and brownies; it is not every day that you can dine in a toilet café.

Basement 27A Foley Street
London W1W 6DY
Tel: +44 20 7637 3794
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus/Goodge Street

TIMBERYARD AT SEVEN DIALS

At the intersection of Tower Street and Monmouth Street is Timberyard at Seven Dials. The café is nicely done up, and we love the vibe of the place. Beyond the excellent coffee and delicious baked goods, what makes Timberyard a place that you can return to is the idea of getting a table by the side of the window to watch the world go by.

7 Upper St Martin’s Lane
Seven Dials
London WC2H 9DL
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat: 10am – 8pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

WORKSHOP COFFEE CO COFFEE

The original Workshop Coffee Co started in Clerkenwell, and this charming and elegant coffee shop currently has locations in Marylebone, Holborn and Fitzrovia. Its newest Fitzrovia outlet is located just off Regent Street, and it feels more like a coffee bar than a coffee shop – in a good, hipster way of course. The interior is inspired by the surrounding neighbourhood’s 19th Century British heritage with its Victorian Bohemia design.

Workshop Coffee Co serves an espresso-based menu, filter offerings through the Aeropress and Fetco CBS brewers, as well as a small selection of food.

80A Mortimer Street, Fitzrovia
London W1W 7FE
Mon to Fri: 7am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

For more recommendations, read our London’s food & travel guides.

London has seen an explosion of gourmet burger joints and there are plenty of options when you are craving for a good and solid burger. Think huge and juicy patties enveloped in soft pillowy buns, together with crisp lettuce and feisty sauces. Whatever kind of burgers you are craving for, you can probably have them satisfied the Brit way. We explored the city to discover London’s best burger restaurants. Here are our top picks for the finest burgers:

BURGER & LOBSTER

Burger & Lobster is one of the hottest restaurants in London, and a must-visit every time we are in the city. For those of you who are not familiar with Burger & Lobster (what, you must be living under a rock!), it serves three items on the menu – lobster, lobster roll and beef burger – and at £20 each, they represent fantastic value. We’ve said it before and we will say it again: Burger & Lobster’s concept is brilliant.

The food is uncomplicated and nothing too fanciful – just delicious food that you can eat regularly. And the best part is dining here is actually fun. While most people usually go for the lobster or lobster roll, don’t miss out on the burger. Have the best of both worlds by ordering a lobster or lobster roll for yourself and the juicy beef burger to share.

36 Dean Street
Soho, London
Tel: +44 20 7432 4800
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

BYRON BURGER

Byron Burger may be a burger chain – at the last count, there are 36 outlets in London – but don’t let that mislead you into thinking it is but another mediocre burger joint. And if there is something to fall in love with Byron Burger, it is that every outlet is done up differently and exudes its own character.

At Byron Burger, the goal is to do a simple thing properly, and to do it well. There are 8 options on the burger menu, with the classic hamburger starting at £6.75. Other options include Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger (£7.75), Chicken Burger (£8.95) and the Cheese Burger (£7.95) which you can choose from an array of cheeses like mature cheddar, American, Monterey Jack, smoked cheddar, blue cheese, or emmenthal.

Bryon Burger is also listed in our guide to the top 10 cheap eats in London.

4-5 Langham Place
London W1B 3DG
Tel: +44 20 7580 2888
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri: 11.30am – 11.30pm
Sat: 11am – 11.30pm
Sun: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus

HONEST BURGER

One of the most popular gourmet burger restaurants in London, Honest Burger – which opened in Brixton in 2011, and it has expanded to other locations like Soho, Camden, Oxford Circus and Kings Cross - serves a simple and no-frills burger.

It has three different burgers (£8 – £11.50) – chicken, beef and vegetarian. There may be several variations on the different toppings that you can add, but the idea at Honest Burger is to, well, serve an honest burger. The name’s just about right.

The Beef Burger (£8) ticked all the right boxes. The dry aged beef patty is superbly cooked, but it is the red onion relish that elevates the taste and had us feeling ridiculously contented and delighted. Yes, the magic that a good burger has on us is really quite inexplicable. Gluten-free buns are also made available for the more health conscious ones. Much has been said about the rosemary-salted chips, and they were indeed addictive. Wash down everything with a glass of homemade lemonade and your day is complete.

4a Meard Street London W1F 0EF
Tel: +44 20 3609 9524
Mon to Wed: 12pm – 11pm
Thu to Sat: 11.45am – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus

MEATLIQUOR

MEATliquor has been getting mixed reviews since its opening in 2011 – fans of MEATliquor love it for its edgy vibe and lips-smacking good burgers, while some people say it is more hype and no substance, and that its queue during dinner times is not worth it.

The meat burger was all right. The beef patty was too charred for our liking, and we thought the bun could be grilled slightly longer. Nonetheless, MEATliquor is still a place that is worth dropping by if you haven’t tried. It is cool, hip and fun. The dimly-lit interior is accompanied with red neon lights and loud music blasting in the background. MEATliquor is more like a club than restaurant, and dining here is more about the experience while the burgers are part of the show.

74 Welbeck St, London W1G 0BA
Tel: +44 20 7224 4239
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 12 midnight
Fri: 12pm – 2am
Sat: 12pm – 2am
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bond Street/Oxford Circus

PATTY & BUN

Patty & Bun has achieved cult status in London for serving one of the best burgers. Messy, greasy and fingers-licking good, Patty & Bun’s Smokey Robinson Burger (£8.50) is the perfect burger. It comes with everything you need in a burger – caramelised onions, bacon, smokey mayo, cheese, tomato, lettuce, and a beef patty which is cooked to perfection. We wolfed it down within minutes.

Beyond the amazing burger, the mood at Patty & Bun is hippy and loud; you instantly feel cool just by dining there. It truly delivers a unique and complete burger experience.

The next time we are in London, we are going to head straight to Patty & Bun from the airport. The burger is one of the must-eats and one that is worth every calorie.

54 James Street
Tel: +44 20 7487 3188
Tue to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bond Street

SHAKE SHACK

Shake Shack, an institution in New York City, opened its first-ever UK Shack in July 2013 to much fanfare. Located in the historic Market Building near the Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden, Shake Shack offers the usual classic dishes. Sink your teeth into a juicy cheeseburger here before catching a musical at the West End.

24 Market Building, The Piazza
Covent Garden, London
Mon to Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Leicester Square

For more recommendations, read our definite guide on where to eat at London.

Not the most pleasant word in the dictionary, but a dinner at Beast King Crab & Steak Restaurant is surely one of the most memorable dinners we’ve had at London. Fans of the ever-popular Burger & Lobster would know that Beast Restaurant is the other brainchild of the same owner, and it is a five-month-old joint that is the talk of the town.

It is similar, yet very different. Beast Restaurant is a posh outlet in Marylebone, and it is a stunning underground restaurant for diners of the after-dark. Longitudinal log tables and seats fill the indoor sitting area, together with endless candles to light up the restaurant. It felt like we stepped right in to a scene from Phantom of The Opera – the regal British atmosphere is second to none. The open kitchen makes the place less intimidating and we had fun exchanging banters with the chefs. The team of wait staff stands all around the space, ever ready to serve.

Be seated, have a drink, and the staff will brief you about how Beast Restaurant works. There is no menu. At £75 per person, you are in for a feast that is fit for even the biggest beast. Like many other things in London that will shock you with its price tag, this dinner is an indulgence, one that only those with a raw love for premium steak and Norwegian red king crab will covet. If you are willing to splurge, Beast Restaurant will promise you a theatrical and gastronomical experience.

And the night began with an appetiser of cheese platter for us. Presented in a hacked cheese wheel, dig in to crumbly good cheese and savour them with the accompanying olives and artichoke.

The succeeding salads come in different variations – every one so fresh and tasty. Beetroot and roasted potatoes, French beans and plump tomatoes, each salad came in a lovely portion and the plates fast filled our table. Refills are available and free of charge, and if you love beetroot as much as we do, one serving is definitely not enough.

But save some space for the stars of the show – Norwegian Red King Crab and Angus Beef. The sheer size of the crab was jaw-dropping for all of us at our table of four, and the slab of steak was so thick and perfectly medium rare – just the way we had wanted it. And we were to understand why the dinner was well worth the £75/pax we paid.

The king crab was the freshest we ever had, every leg so long with full chunks of sweet flesh. It was so good that we almost forgot that it came with condiments. We would suggest eating the crab on its own, but they taste marvellous too with the accompanying herb butter sauce and Thai sweet chili dip.

And we cannot get over how beastly the steak was! No pun intended. We spoke with the chefs and learned that each steak requires an average cooking time of 40 minutes – depending on the customer’s preferred doneness – and another 5 minutes of cooling down before it is served to pamper palates.

You get either a USDA Rib Eye or Striploin, or both if you have a group of four and more. The doneness can be done separately if not all diners have the same preference, but medium rare is the most ideal to fully enjoy the creaminess of the beef.

Think the show is over? Not really, because everyone needs some sugar for the soul. The daily desserts differ, but the mainstay – a very groundbreaking one – is the deconstructed cheesecake that we polished off despite the fact that we were already so bloated after our starters and mains. We were not told that desserts were to be served, but boy were we glad all the same. A very intricate creation, Beast Restaurant’s version of deconstructed cheesecake is presented like a work of art, and tasted better than it looked. Even our friend who is not usually a fan of sweets was wowed by it and couldn’t resist helping himself to more!

We went in starved, and left very stuffed. And very impressed with dinner. We love Beast Restaurant, as with Burger & Lobster. The owner is brilliant and he must feel so proud with two very successful concepts. The idea is to be so damn good at one thing, and leave people with no choice but to try it to complete their lives. And Beast Restaurant has done exactly just that.

Beast Restaurant
3 Chapel Place
London, W1G 0BG
Tel: +44 20 7495 1816
Nearest Station: Bond Street/Oxford Circus

Messy, greasy and fingers-licking good, Patty & Bun’s Smokey Robinson Burger (£8.50) is the perfect burger. It comes with everything you need in a burger – caramelised onions, bacon, smokey mayo, cheese, tomato, lettuce, and a beef patty which is cooked to perfection. We wolfed it down within minutes. It was, hands down, the best burger that we have had in London.

Beyond the amazing burger, the mood at Patty & Bun is hippy and loud; you instantly feel cool just by dining there. It truly delivers a unique and complete burger experience. Patty & Bun currently has two locations in London, but we won’t be surprised if they open more branches in the future. The next time we are in London, we are going to head straight to Patty & Bun from the airport. The burger is one of the must-eats whenever we are in town.

Patty & Bun
22/23 Liverpool Street
London EC2M &PD
Tel: +44 20 7621 1331
Mon to Wed: 11.30am – 10pm
Thu & Fri: 11.30am – 11pm
Sat: 11.30am – 9pm
Sun: 11.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Liverpool Street

54 James Street
Tel: +44 20 7487 3188
Tue to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bond Street

We had many great meals when we were in London last week, but the standout was the dinner that we had at Flat Iron Steak. It is one of those hip and trendy no-reservation restaurants that have been popping up all over Soho. If we had to describe Flat Iron Steak in just one word, it would be brilliant.

There is only one dish on the menu – the flat iron steak. The steak is superbly cooked and very tasty. While the flat iron is not the best cut, at £10 for a steak, it is extremely value for money and warrants a visit. You can order accompanying sides such as dripping cooked fries, creamed spinach, and roast aubergine.

We love dining concepts like these that just focus on doing one item well. It would be really cool if there are more of such dining concepts, just imagine restaurants that specialise in serving one signature item.

Flat Iron Steak
17 Beak Street
London WC2H 8LS
Nearest Station: Oxford Circus/Piccadilly Circus