These are a few of the places I’ve enjoyed in London. The ones I look forward to revisiting when I travel there again. Keep in mind, this is by no means a comprehensive list or guide. More often than not, I run short on time, and never seem to make it through my travel hit-list. Try to think of this as an ongoing, ever-evolving, all-in-one-place city page. I’ll update it after future visits, and, in the meantime, I’ll include links to other London guides and links I find inspiring.
View map: Heidi Swanson: London
To Eat and Drink
- The Rose Bakery (Dover Street Market): The space is tiny, so do your best to avoid the lunch crush.
- St. JOHN BREAD and WINE (Spitalfields): Although St. JOHN is known (in part) for nose-to-tail, the veg options the day I went for lunch were brilliant.
- Morito (Moro’s neighboring little sister / walk-ins / small plates)
- Ottolenghi: I’m guessing most of you are already Ottolenghi fans (through Yotam’s books or his Guardian column). Just know, a visit to Ottolenghi brings it all home. It’s exactly what you expect, and then some.Take-away or grab a seat. And pack a box for the flight home.
- NOPI: Breakfast, lunch, dinner in a stunner of a space. If you like things on the fancy side, eat on the ground floor. But, if you’re up for family-style seating or like to see the kitchen in action, downstairs is where you want to be. Ottolenghi fans: NOPI is related in all the best ways. Interesting flavor combinations, bright and fresh ingredients, aesthetically detailed from the minute you walk in the door – food to floors.
- Maltby Street: If you’re in London on a Saturday, really, don’t miss this gem of a market – The Kernel Brewery, Borough Cheese Company, Monmouth Coffee Company, St. John Bakery, and a host of other local vendors.
- Borough Market: Maltby Market is more my speed, but this market has an impressive range of international and local vendors, produce and prepared foods.
- Monmouth Coffee Company (Borough Market): A people-watching paradise on market days. Grab a drip, an order of toast & jam, and see what unfolds in front of you.
- The Providores and Tapa Room: On the recommendation of Yotam & Keiko, this was the last meal I had on a recent visit. Couldn’t have asked for a better brunch.
- Fernandez & Wells: 73 Beak Street for Coffee | 43 Lexington Street for sandwiches, soups, and sips.
- Mason & Taylor: A+ craft beer and real ale bar.
- The Craft Beer Co: Grab a pint here, and then walk to nearby Morito for dinner at the counter.
To Shop and See
- Dover Street Market: The ultimate London shopping sampler – Rose Bakery, COMME des GARÇONS, egg, Labour and Wait, and more – under one roof.
- Egg – more details on Remodelista, bought my favorite sweater ever of-all-time here.
- Books for Cooks
- Labour and Wait
A Future Trip
- St. JOHN HOTEL
- Moro – (book in advance)
- RAILROAD
- Petersham Nurseries (be sure to book in advance & have a look at Keiko’s lovely photos)
- Violet: Claire had a stand at the Maltby Street market the day I was there, but I suspect it would be a real treat to visit her East London bakery itself. Black ginger cake – try it if they’ve got it.
- The Modern Pantry: I have the cookbook, need to make it in next time!
- The Zetter
- Rough Luxe
- Tate Modern
- Saatchi Gallery
Other Inspiring London Links
- Remodelista: Guide to London
- Monocle | London (or as a PDF)
- GOOP | GO – London
- Nordljus | Rediscovering Some of London’s Markets