Guidebook for London
Food Scene
De Beauvoir Deli Co
98 Southgate RdGreat little coffee place & for picking up delicious treats.
Fantastic Spanish/North African influenced menu. Sam & Sam Clark have been here since 1997 providing a consistently quality experience that has stood the test of time.
131 locals recommend
Moro
34-36 Exmouth MarketFantastic Spanish/North African influenced menu. Sam & Sam Clark have been here since 1997 providing a consistently quality experience that has stood the test of time.
Moro's little brother. A great tapas/mezze alternative to Moro next door, and they don't take reservations in the evenings, so if Moro is full, you're still in with a chance as a walk in!
162 locals recommend
Morito
195 Hackney RdMoro's little brother. A great tapas/mezze alternative to Moro next door, and they don't take reservations in the evenings, so if Moro is full, you're still in with a chance as a walk in!
Seasonal small plates in a modern European style. Daily changing menu and good wine list. Worth going to if you can get a table!
110 locals recommend
Primeur
116 Petherton RdSeasonal small plates in a modern European style. Daily changing menu and good wine list. Worth going to if you can get a table!
Another London legend. A focus on getting the basics in life, bread, meat, & wine, spot on with simplicity & amazing quality.
38 locals recommend
Saint John Restaurant
26 Saint John StreetAnother London legend. A focus on getting the basics in life, bread, meat, & wine, spot on with simplicity & amazing quality.
This place doesn't look much in terms of interior, but amazing tasty turkish BBQ food at very reasonable prices. BYOB.
150 locals recommend
Mangal 1
10 Arcola StThis place doesn't look much in terms of interior, but amazing tasty turkish BBQ food at very reasonable prices. BYOB.
American themed Dalston-style burger, shake, & cocktail joint. Right on Dalston Junction, go & watch the fashion kids parading up & down Kingsland Rd, they spent ages dressing up, so enjoy!
7 locals recommend
The Diner Dalston
600 Kingsland RdAmerican themed Dalston-style burger, shake, & cocktail joint. Right on Dalston Junction, go & watch the fashion kids parading up & down Kingsland Rd, they spent ages dressing up, so enjoy!
Japanese food in a converted pub. A well known local 'secret'. Not gonna keep it a secret that it's pretty tasty!
63 locals recommend
Akari
196 Essex RdJapanese food in a converted pub. A well known local 'secret'. Not gonna keep it a secret that it's pretty tasty!
Classic English Pub, almost country style. With a fantastic garden in the summer & amazing roast lamb. Go with a group of friends who enjoy eating & while away a lazy sunday afternoon!
167 locals recommend
The Albion
10 Thornhill RdClassic English Pub, almost country style. With a fantastic garden in the summer & amazing roast lamb. Go with a group of friends who enjoy eating & while away a lazy sunday afternoon!
Modern Scandi design meets clean delicious vietnamese food. Eat in or they do a carry out service if you ask them nicely.
91 locals recommend
Salvation in Noodles
122 Balls Pond RdModern Scandi design meets clean delicious vietnamese food. Eat in or they do a carry out service if you ask them nicely.
Decent local pizza joint with a range of organic italian wines if you want a chilled bite & an easy stroll home.
90 locals recommend
Sweet Thursday
95 Southgate RdDecent local pizza joint with a range of organic italian wines if you want a chilled bite & an easy stroll home.
The more East scene little brother of Moro, same fab food, great wine selection, good open and light interior. We nip over here when we can and fancy a midweek treat!
162 locals recommend
Morito
195 Hackney RdThe more East scene little brother of Moro, same fab food, great wine selection, good open and light interior. We nip over here when we can and fancy a midweek treat!
Drinks & Nightlife
Our local. Great garden to hang out in & have a pint. The food is classic english Pub and tasty too!
133 locals recommend
The Scolt Head
107A Culford RdOur local. Great garden to hang out in & have a pint. The food is classic english Pub and tasty too!
The highest restaurant in the UK! Check out the amazing views of London. Great for a late night snack, they are open 24/7!
216 locals recommend
Duck & Waffle
110 BishopsgateThe highest restaurant in the UK! Check out the amazing views of London. Great for a late night snack, they are open 24/7!
High Victorian Pub interior. A gem. Go here after a trip to James Smith & Sons nearby for a really Dickensian experience!
15 locals recommend
Princess Louise
208 High HolbornHigh Victorian Pub interior. A gem. Go here after a trip to James Smith & Sons nearby for a really Dickensian experience!
Our other local Pub! Good selection of ales, & the scotch eggs are homemade and super scrummy.
37 locals recommend
The Duke Of Wellington
119 Balls Pond RdOur other local Pub! Good selection of ales, & the scotch eggs are homemade and super scrummy.
Everything Else
Great place to head to for Tea & Cake plus a bit of culture with their period room sets. Like stepping into a different world, with a wonderful garden space.
326 locals recommend
Museum of the Home
136 Kingsland RoadGreat place to head to for Tea & Cake plus a bit of culture with their period room sets. Like stepping into a different world, with a wonderful garden space.
Wonderful open space in London with a cafe serving through the day. Wonderful for a morning stroll and coffee.
505 locals recommend
Clissold Park
Green LanesWonderful open space in London with a cafe serving through the day. Wonderful for a morning stroll and coffee.
A good reason to take a trip into The City to explore the wonderful diversity of architectural styles in this ancient settlement centre. The museum tells the Story of London through the ages.
300 locals recommend
Museum of London
Museum of LondonA good reason to take a trip into The City to explore the wonderful diversity of architectural styles in this ancient settlement centre. The museum tells the Story of London through the ages.
The squares of Islington make for a great urban walk. Wonder down to Wilmington Square via Amwell Street & Lloyd Square for a taste of Regency London. Harry Potter fans will recognise this location!
Wilmington Square
Wilmington SquareThe squares of Islington make for a great urban walk. Wonder down to Wilmington Square via Amwell Street & Lloyd Square for a taste of Regency London. Harry Potter fans will recognise this location!
An amazing medieval survival in a modern city! The museum tells the story of history of The Order of St. John, the building is the gatehouse of an ancient Priory.
19 locals recommend
The Museum of the Order of St John
26 St John's LnAn amazing medieval survival in a modern city! The museum tells the story of history of The Order of St. John, the building is the gatehouse of an ancient Priory.
One of the finest collections of old master paintings in the world, with every popular special exhibitions as well as their renowned permanent collection.
796 locals recommend
The National Gallery
Trafalgar SquareOne of the finest collections of old master paintings in the world, with every popular special exhibitions as well as their renowned permanent collection.
Museum of the history of Surgery. Fascinating, but not for the faint hearted!
15 locals recommend
Hunterian Museum
43 Lincoln's Inn FieldsMuseum of the history of Surgery. Fascinating, but not for the faint hearted!
A museum which is also a house. The home of proto-modernist 19th c. architect John Soane, & preserving many of his inimitable interiors, along with much of his collection of architectural elements.
183 locals recommend
Sir John Soane's Museum
13 Lincoln's Inn FieldsA museum which is also a house. The home of proto-modernist 19th c. architect John Soane, & preserving many of his inimitable interiors, along with much of his collection of architectural elements.
Art Deco Single Screen independent cinema showing a mix of the best new & cult classic films.
322 locals recommend
Rio Cinema
107 Kingsland High StreetArt Deco Single Screen independent cinema showing a mix of the best new & cult classic films.
The late Gothic Chapel of Henry VII is probably the finest of it's style in the world, with insane fan vaulting. Dickens, Darwin & Newton are all buried here!
668 locals recommend
Westminster Abbey
20 Deans YdThe late Gothic Chapel of Henry VII is probably the finest of it's style in the world, with insane fan vaulting. Dickens, Darwin & Newton are all buried here!
The best collection of British Paintings as you would expect, but at least peak into the restaurant for a view of Rex Whistler's fantastic mural 'The Expedition in Persuit of Rare Meats'.
656 locals recommend
Tate Britain
MillbankThe best collection of British Paintings as you would expect, but at least peak into the restaurant for a view of Rex Whistler's fantastic mural 'The Expedition in Persuit of Rare Meats'.
They have a great permanent exhibition on the development of early computers. Fascinating in light of how much they are involved in the modern world & things like Airbnb!
1157 locals recommend
Science Museum
Exhibition RoadThey have a great permanent exhibition on the development of early computers. Fascinating in light of how much they are involved in the modern world & things like Airbnb!
Part of the ancient hospital of St. Bartholomew founded by Rahere (see 'Rahere' by Rudyard Kipling) in 1123. The hospital still functions across the road, & the priory church is now a parish church.
30 locals recommend
St Bartholomew the Great
West SmithfieldPart of the ancient hospital of St. Bartholomew founded by Rahere (see 'Rahere' by Rudyard Kipling) in 1123. The hospital still functions across the road, & the priory church is now a parish church.
The home of the Corporation of London, which governs the City. They have an extensive art collection, some of which is on display, & the building has a Roman amphitheatre in the basement!!
23 locals recommend
Guildhall Art Gallery
Guildhall YardThe home of the Corporation of London, which governs the City. They have an extensive art collection, some of which is on display, & the building has a Roman amphitheatre in the basement!!
This doesn't take long to look round, but it is a charming survival in a courtyard off Fleet Street typical of early 18th c. London. Dr Johnson penned his famous English dictionary here.
21 locals recommend
Dr. Johnson's House
17 Gough SquareThis doesn't take long to look round, but it is a charming survival in a courtyard off Fleet Street typical of early 18th c. London. Dr Johnson penned his famous English dictionary here.
Arts & Culture
Go check out this collection of 20th c. Italian modernist paintings, including Modigliani amongst others.
67 locals recommend
Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art
39A Canonbury SquareGo check out this collection of 20th c. Italian modernist paintings, including Modigliani amongst others.
Recognised as one of the top theatres in Britain with a varied program, showcasing some of the best talent around.
224 locals recommend
Almeida Theatre
Almeida StreetRecognised as one of the top theatres in Britain with a varied program, showcasing some of the best talent around.
International Dance Venue, worth checking out whether you are into Classical or contemporary Dance. They attract some of the best shows in the world.
253 locals recommend
Sadlers Wells Theatre (Stop UB) station
International Dance Venue, worth checking out whether you are into Classical or contemporary Dance. They attract some of the best shows in the world.
An easy bus ride on the 38. A must see for anyone interested in Art & the history of Civilisation. Take a day, explore one of the most important collections of beautiful historic objects in the world.
1546 locals recommend
British Museum
Great Russell StreetAn easy bus ride on the 38. A must see for anyone interested in Art & the history of Civilisation. Take a day, explore one of the most important collections of beautiful historic objects in the world.
A permanent collection of weird & wonderful medical related exhibits, and thought provoking special exhibits. The Welcome Trust funded the mapping of the Human Genome to prevent it being patented.
The Wellcome Trust
183-193 Euston RoadA permanent collection of weird & wonderful medical related exhibits, and thought provoking special exhibits. The Welcome Trust funded the mapping of the Human Genome to prevent it being patented.
Amazing Norman fortress in the heart of a modern city. Going strong for nearly a thousand years! Fascinating history to explore & the eye popping Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom!
1372 locals recommend
Tower of London
Amazing Norman fortress in the heart of a modern city. Going strong for nearly a thousand years! Fascinating history to explore & the eye popping Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom!
Amazing collection of portraits of the great & good (& some more infamous than good!) of Britain through the ages, including works by all the most important British portrait painters & photographers. Head up to the restaurant for great 'secret' views across Trafalgar Square and check out their late night openings program!
353 locals recommend
National Portrait Gallery
Saint Martin's PlaceAmazing collection of portraits of the great & good (& some more infamous than good!) of Britain through the ages, including works by all the most important British portrait painters & photographers. Head up to the restaurant for great 'secret' views across Trafalgar Square and check out their late night openings program!
Does what it says on the tin. But also ballet. They often have returns on the day of a performance & cheap standing tickets if you want your high culture at a bargain price!
252 locals recommend
Royal Opera House
Bow StreetDoes what it says on the tin. But also ballet. They often have returns on the day of a performance & cheap standing tickets if you want your high culture at a bargain price!
Historic Arts Performance Venue, including music, theatre, & dance. With Harold Pinter as patron you know you are onto a winner.
202 locals recommend
Hackney Empire
291 Mare StHistoric Arts Performance Venue, including music, theatre, & dance. With Harold Pinter as patron you know you are onto a winner.
Head over to West London check out the amazing history of our planet! I loved visiting the dinosaurs here was I was a kid & they are still just as awesome now!
1954 locals recommend
Natural History Museum
Cromwell RoadHead over to West London check out the amazing history of our planet! I loved visiting the dinosaurs here was I was a kid & they are still just as awesome now!
Friday evening at the V&A is late opening till 10pm, you can have a glass of wine, take in the great renaissance revival building, & check out some of their stunning exhibits. A great date night!
1694 locals recommend
Victoria and Albert Museum
Cromwell RoadFriday evening at the V&A is late opening till 10pm, you can have a glass of wine, take in the great renaissance revival building, & check out some of their stunning exhibits. A great date night!
Textbook classic of what to do with a redundant industrial building. The re-purposing was done to great effect, the Turbine Hall is dramatic space at it's best, & there's great views over the Thames!
2008 locals recommend
Tate Modern
BanksideTextbook classic of what to do with a redundant industrial building. The re-purposing was done to great effect, the Turbine Hall is dramatic space at it's best, & there's great views over the Thames!
It really does look like a theatre in the time of Shakespeare! & you can watch Shakespeare here too!! Bring a cushion, the seats are oak!
449 locals recommend
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
21 New Globe WalkIt really does look like a theatre in the time of Shakespeare! & you can watch Shakespeare here too!! Bring a cushion, the seats are oak!
Some of the finest examples of artworks ranging from 18th c. French furniture, to Titian's Perseus & Andromeda, to Moghul armour, intimately gathered in a 19th c. aristocratic mansion, now a museum.
230 locals recommend
Wallace Collection
Manchester SquareSome of the finest examples of artworks ranging from 18th c. French furniture, to Titian's Perseus & Andromeda, to Moghul armour, intimately gathered in a 19th c. aristocratic mansion, now a museum.
It's an off beat one, but if you are interested in the future of the built environment in London they have an amazing model with all current projects in the pipeline shown on it.
New London Architecture
3 AldermanburyIt's an off beat one, but if you are interested in the future of the built environment in London they have an amazing model with all current projects in the pipeline shown on it.
An eccentric who lived an 18th century life in the 20th. His house is preserved and you can book to go on a tour of this historic Spitalfield's silk-weaver's house.
79 locals recommend
Dennis Severs' House
18 Folgate StAn eccentric who lived an 18th century life in the 20th. His house is preserved and you can book to go on a tour of this historic Spitalfield's silk-weaver's house.
Learn about the history of money & the role that the Bank of England has played in shaping the world we live in.
32 locals recommend
Bank of England Museum
Bartholomew LaneLearn about the history of money & the role that the Bank of England has played in shaping the world we live in.
Entertainment & Activities
One of the oldest continuously showing cinemas in London (opened it's doors in 1913), a single screen old-school experience, with a varied program including cult classics.
49 locals recommend
The Screen on the Green
Upper StreetOne of the oldest continuously showing cinemas in London (opened it's doors in 1913), a single screen old-school experience, with a varied program including cult classics.
Multiplex but independent! A variety of different movies and times, you can grab drink and a bite to eat on the ground floor before your show!
445 locals recommend
Hackney Picturehouse
270 Mare StMultiplex but independent! A variety of different movies and times, you can grab drink and a bite to eat on the ground floor before your show!
Sightseeing
A fantastic example of Baroque architecture. Christopher Wren's masterpiece. "Reader, if you seek his monument look around you."
845 locals recommend
St. Paul's Cathedral
A fantastic example of Baroque architecture. Christopher Wren's masterpiece. "Reader, if you seek his monument look around you."
Only open in Summer, check out the State Apartments decorated for George IV. Has to be seen to be believed, but think it may have given a few dictators decorating ideas on how much gilding is good!!
1912 locals recommend
Buckingham Palace
Only open in Summer, check out the State Apartments decorated for George IV. Has to be seen to be believed, but think it may have given a few dictators decorating ideas on how much gilding is good!!
Shopping
Classic Victorian Shop. Best continuously operating example of a typical victorian shop & specialising in hand made umbrellas & walking sticks. Has to be seen to be believed!
James Smith & Sons
53 New Oxford StClassic Victorian Shop. Best continuously operating example of a typical victorian shop & specialising in hand made umbrellas & walking sticks. Has to be seen to be believed!
Ottolenghi is well know for his amazing combination of flavours from around the world. Sample it here as a relief from searching out those hard to find ingredients, with decent wine to boot!
364 locals recommend
Ottolenghi Islington
287 Upper StOttolenghi is well know for his amazing combination of flavours from around the world. Sample it here as a relief from searching out those hard to find ingredients, with decent wine to boot!