My Ultimate Guide to London
This is probably long overdue, but given that I’m now officially a British Citizen, I think it’s about time that I shared all of my favourite places in London with you - where to eat and drink, where to shop, where to pamper yourself, and where to escape from it all.
So, without further ado, here it is: My Ultimate Guide to London.
Where to Eat and Drink
Quick Bites
Borough Market
Closest station: London Bridge.
My local food market, and also one of the largest and oldest in London! Busy and bustling, but good vibes. If you’re looking for a quick bite, or even some local produce to take home and cook with later, you’ll be spoilt for choice here. So many different cuisines on offer, making it the perfect compromise when you and your friends can’t decide where to eat!
Maltby Street Market
Closest station: Bermondsey.
A great quick lunch spot if you’re in the area! Smaller than Borough Market, but still lots to offer. My favourites there are Amen Ethiopian and the sandwiches at The Beefsteaks! 🤤
Victoria Park Market
Closest station: Bethnal Green/London Fields.
If you’re looking for a market your dog will love too, then the market at Victoria Park on Sundays is the one for you. Lots of green space to explore and set up a picnic blanket (if the British weather allows). The Filipino BBQ at Fili Grillz is a must, as are the sweet treats on offer from multiple vendors. I’m talking cakes, pastries, macaroons, doughnuts…including vegan ones! 🌱 There’s also a lake with paddle boats available to hire, which sounds like a pretty cute Sunday afternoon date idea to me.
Lunches and Brunches
Jolene Bakery & Restaurant
Closest station: Dalston Kingsland.
This is not your average bakery. Industrial chic interior, amazing sandwiches, small plates, pastries and cakes, and a delicious selection of wine (trust me ‑ I’ve tried them). A great place for a day time lunch with a friend or early evening drinks and nibbles, IMO.
José Tapas Bar - Bermondsey Street
Closest station: Bermondsey.
Specifically, the one on Bermondsey Street. My friends will know this place as my go‑to for Spanish tapas and a catch up over a glass (or two) of red wine. If you go, you have to get the potato omelette. Thank me later.
Sit Down Dinners and Date Nights
Lina Stores Marylebone
Closest station: Bond Street (+ other locations).
Light, bright, and a little fancy. This Italian restaurant has some of the best pasta dishes I’ve had in London (the Tagliolini al Tartufo is to die for), and the little canolos are as delicious as they are cute. This is both a good lunch and dinner spot, which you might have seen featured in one of my recent YouTube vlogs with Amelia!
Koya
Closest station: Tottenham Court Road.
This no‑frills, café‑style Japanese restaurant has perfected simple udon noodle dishes and small plates that are full to the brim with flavour. I’d say this is a great informal but intimate setting for a quick late night dinner, though they are open all day, too.
Ducksoup
Closest station: Tottenham Court Road.
A very cosy restaurant, perfect for a date night or dinner before drinks with a friend. Their menu changes weekly based on what’s in season, so just order a selection of their European‑fusion plates to try and share!
Berenjak Soho
Closest station: Leicester Square.
This Persian restaurant in Soho is BEAUTIFUL ‑ both in the food it offers and its interiors. Designed to be shared ‘elbow‑to‑elbow’ with friends and family, their dishes include charcoal grilled kebabs using seasonal British produce. Don’t forget to leave room for their Baklava Ice Cream Sandwich!
Manteca
Closest station: Old Street/Shoreditch High Street.
This ‘nose‑to‑tail’ Italian restaurant is a great one for the meat lovers; offering fire‑cooked meat, hand‑rolled pasta and an in‑house salumeria! Manteca are focused on whole‑animal butchery, so if that’s something you embrace, then this place is really special. That said, the vegetables are no second‑thought side dishes here ‑ they’re just as flavourful, and the Kale Rigatoni won’t leave you disappointed. Amazing cocktails here too!
Late Night Drinks
Lechavelier Wine Bar and Shop
Closest station: Borough/London Bridge.
As the name suggests, this is the place to go if you’re a wine and cheese lover like me. The staff here are so knowledgable and friendly, so whether you’re choosing between their wine list or their cured meats, they’ll be happy to help find the perfect selection for you. A lovely but low‑key special occasion dinner or date night is to be had here. 🍷
Brilliant Corners
Closest station: Dalston Junction
If you’re looking for a spot for drinks and music as well as food in East London, brilliant corners is the place. They offer a set menu of sushi and small plates (vegan options available too), accompanied by live DJ sets to keep things vibey. ✨
Louie London
Closest station: Tottenham Court Road
This central London restaurant does have incredible food, perfect for a celebration, but it’s made this list for its cocktails and decor more than anything. If you’re looking for a special night out, the terrace and bar here are not to be missed! Give the ‘Pensacola Sweet Tea’ a try ‑ but note: though it does contain Earl Grey, this is not your Grandmother’s cup of tea. Just warning ya.
Where to Shop
Beauty, Skincare, Clothes and Accessories
Closest stations: All over London!
So, not exclusive to London but one of my favourite places to shop all things beauty. They have a really varied selection of brands from big to small, and whether you know what you’re looking for or open to discovering something new, you’re bound to find a few holy‑grails here.
Closest station: Oxford Circus.
A must for many reasons. If you’re not from here, or even if you are, this independent department store is quintessentially British. It carries the big names that you all know and love, with carefully curated beauty and skincare on the ground floor, and designer clothing and homewares on the floors above. Their seasonal displays and collections (dare I mention Christmas?) are not to be missed!
With interiors more akin to a contemporary art gallery than a clothing store, Browns is a beautiful place to shop the latest collections from established and up‑and‑coming designers alike. Carrying everything from makeup to clothing, homeware and kidswear, they also host frequently‑changing creative installations, events and residences.
Closest station: Bond Street.
Loved by locals and tourists all the same, you’ll know you’re near Selfridges once you start seeing their famous yellow bags swinging in the hands of every pedestrian on the street. The largest of the list so far, this department store has everything you could ever want and need ‑ including a floor of decadent sweet treats and pastries. If you’re looking for some more affordable (but above high street) collections amongst the designers, then Selfridges may be the one‑stop‑shop for you.
Homewares
Closest stations: Oxford Circus / Covent Garden / Stratford.
One of my favourite high street stores for sustainable but affordable fashion and homewares (not just because they have in‑store cafe that enables me to sip, snack and shop all at once). There are many ARKET locations dotted about London, offering high‑quality basics and essentials for women, men, children, home and most recently pets! You can really find some timeless wardrobe staples here.
Closest station: Highbury and Islington.
Aria is a beautiful homewares concept store that looks like your Dream House Pinterest board came to life. Art meats furniture, kitchenware, lighting and more in an architecturally stunning setting!
Closest stations: Shoreditch High Street / Temple / Sloane Square.
Soho Home features an interiors collection designed by Soho House, full of pieces created for or inspired by the famous members only clubs, adorned by celebrities and creatives across the globe. I love going here to soak up some inspiration! If you’re feeling spendy, Soho Home’s pieces enable you to bring their renowned mix of traditional and modern elegance home with you.
Secondhand and Vintage
Closest station: Ladbroke Grove.
This bustling West London market is nothing but diverse. Vintage streetwear and designer clothing, antique homewares and jewellery, independent fashion brands, street food stalls galore, and some car‑boot realness to remind you that this is a street market, after all. This is a great spot for shuffling along on a sunny day, and with its size, you’re not going to struggle getting your steps in. It can be overwhelming, so if you only have the time or social battery for a few stops, I say: make sure to check out Regal Rags and Wings Vintage, then grab some Korean fried chicken bibimbap and enjoy it with a drink and live music in Acklam Village Market bar. Perfection!
Closest station: Aldgate East.
The closest thing to a secondhand and vintage department store you’re going to find. Atika’s two‑storey warehouse makes it feel less like you’re rummaging through someone else’s belongings, which is a welcome change if being shoulder‑to‑shoulder and scouring the racks of other vintage stores isn’t for you. You’re almost certain to find some pre‑loved fashion and home treasures here.
Closest station: Aldgate East.
Brick Lane is THE hub for secondhand and vintage shopping, and this underground market is home to too many stalls to count. It may take some rummaging around, but there’s a lot of cool vintage and reworked pieces waiting to be discovered. Expect to see a lot of graphic tees, Burberry trench coats, 90s and 00s streetwear, lived‑in Levi’s and leathers, and pre‑loved designer accessories and handbags.
Flowers, Cards and Gifts
Closest station: Dalston Kingsland.
This Dalston‑based flower bar and concept store creates stunning floral compositions for events, weddings and special occasions ‑ I mean, the photos say it all. Offering beautiful bouquets in person, fresh flower deliveries across London on Fridays, and even floristry workshops for you to develop your green thumb, this place is perfect if you’re looking for sculptural floral arrangements ‑ either for you or that special someone.
Closest stations: Liverpool Street / Oxford Circus / Notting Hill.
More traditional but breathtaking nonetheless, Nikki Tibbles Wild at Heart florists are the perfect place to find fresh, hand‑tied bouquets, especially if you’re on the way to meet the recipient! They can help you create a bespoke arrangement there and then, or you can opt for the florists favourites ‑ and with such passionate and knowledgable staff, you’ll be happy either way. Even better, a donation of profits go to Nikki Tibbles Wild At Heart Foundation ‑ the founders’ charity for the rescue, rehabilitation, sterilisation and adoption of dogs worldwide, and where I adopted my little Effie from!
Closest station: Bethnal Green.
I LOVE this independent store located on Broadway Market. It’s full of all things wellness, including the spiritual and mystical, which if you know me, I am a big fan of. Offering trinkets, crystals, incense, sage bundles, unique homewares and more ‑ this is a great spot for finding a gift! They also host some incredible wellness events, and can provide entry to these as gift cards, too!
Where to Pamper Yourself
Would an ‘Estée’s Guide to London’ be complete without some self‑care recs? I don’t think so. I’ve had a lot of pampering in my time, so it truly was a mission to narrow this list down, but here are just some of my favourite places for when I’m in need of a glow‑up (mentally and physically)!
Beauty Treatments
Closest station: Oxford Circus.
I cannot recommend the Holistic Bespoke Facial Treatment at Susanne Kaufmann enough. If you want something that’s tailored specifically to your skin that will target your concerns, this 50 minute treatment is what you need. Starting with gentle exfoliation, followed by a nourishing face mask, and finally a dynamic facial massage, this treatment will leave you feeling brand new. There is also a glow facial and a hydration treatment available, with treatment prices being fully redeemable against any Susanne Kaufmann products you wish to buy on the day. Note: treatments are only available at Liberty London on certain dates ‑ check the site for the latest details!
Closest station: Cambridge Heath.
I love the facials at Re:lax, especially the Signature facial, which I like to call ‘the full works’. It involves a mixture of high‑frequency and LED light therapy, facial massage and sculpting (including Gua Sha), micro‑needling, and ‑ my favourite part ‑ the buccal massage. It’s more relaxing than it may sound, and I love that they use natural products from local and sustainable brands. They also have body and reiki treatments, which I’m hoping to try soon!
Closest station: Sloane Square.
Sarah Chapman’s Skinesis Clinic offers bespoke facials, advanced treatments, and (my personal favourite from them) skin rejuvenation treatments. The High Definition facial is a must before a special event. Though I haven’t tried them, they do also offer doctor‑led medical treatments for both aesthetic services and dermatological concerns, if you need that extra support.
Closest station: Picadilly Circus.
You may have seen Skinwork featured in some of my YouTube vlogs, simply because I truly love it there. Their new flagship location in Soho is a minimalists sanctuary in the centre of the city, and with the extensive list of treatments on offer, there’s always something new to try. From face and body cleansing and detoxifying, to contouring and resurfacing, and even full‑body red light therapy, Skinwork can really transform you.
Hair and Nail Services
Closest stations: South Kensington / Notting Hill.
You probably know by now that I owe my signature blonde to Harriet Muldoon and my blunt bob to Lucy Jones at Larry King Hair Salon. If they ever moved out of the city, I would have to move with them. Whether you’re looking for a transformation or a you‑but‑better freshen‑up, this is the only place I’d recommend for your cut and colour.
Closest station: Oxford Circus.
If I’m looking for a long‑lasting manicure with a touch of nail art, I’ll head to DryBy. The setting is gorgeous and peaceful, the treatments are always executed with care, and you can really tell that everyone there loves what they do.
Body Treatments and Spas
Closest stations: Old Street/Shoreditch High Street.
Though I do love a relaxing treatment, at MASAJ I opt for the firmer, deep tissue massages to really work out any stiffness and soreness in my muscles. You can opt for a massage that targets a specific area if you’re suffering from a particular tightness or pain, or a full body massage to alleviate all‑over tension ‑ the firmness of which is up to you!
Closest stations: Chalk Farm / Tottenham Court Road / Bank.
Cowshed have spas across the UK, including here in London at their Primrose Hill location and members‑only clubs Soho House and The Ned. They offer treatments across face and body, including facials, massages, full‑body scrubs, brows, lashes and hair removal! If you’re looking for somewhere for a top‑to‑toe maintenance day, this is the place.
Closest stations: Charring Cross / Embankment.
I have often spoken about the healing and transformative effect of baths for both mental and physical relief, to the point where ‘Lover of Baths’ will likely be written on my headstone, so it should come as no surprise that this has made the list! Described as ‘temples dedicated to the relaxation of body and mind where time does not exist’, there really isn’t anywhere else in London like AIRE Ancient Baths. In addition to multiple thermal baths, there are massages, scrubs, and sensory experiences available for booking. They also offer packages and couples treatments, and I have to admit, this place is as romantic as it is luxurious!
Where to Escape from it All
No matter how much you love the city, taking a break from the hustle and bustle every now and then is a must ‑ especially if you have a nervous and/or nature‑loving pup like I do. If you’re looking for some fresh air, or just some quiet and calm, here are my favourite places for some escapism.
To be Surrounded by Nature
Closest station: Barbican.
This free conservatory is the second largest in London, offering admission to its tropical oasis from 12pm on selected days throughout the week. Ideal for a tranquil lunch break if you work in the area, or a quiet wander around which will only take you about 20 minutes.
Closest station: Kew Gardens.
There’s a lot to explore here at this Royal Botanic Garden. There are multiple beautiful glasshouses, including the Waterlily House (pictured) and exotic rainforest in Palm House, a treetop walkway overlooking its 320 acres of gardens, which is home to over 60,000 plants and 14,000 trees. There’s also the pagoda and palace, which is open in the summer months. At Christmas, the gardens transform into a stunning light trail that’s bound to lift your festive spirit.
Closest station: Hampstead / Gospel Oak / Golders Green.
Often topping any list of London’s best parks (and not just because Harry Styles lives nearby) is Hampstead Heath. If you’re longing to fill your lungs with some fresh(ish) air and let your dog run free, this is the place for you. With the cityscape in distance, it’s also a great spot for sitting and reading or simply enjoying the scenery.
Closest station: Loughton / Chingford.
Further afield on the outskirts of London is Epping Forest. You don’t have to venture too far in to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, though. This ancient woodland is peaceful for you, but full of intrigue ‑ particularly for furry friends. Containing areas of grassland, woodland, rivers and ponds in amongst its 6000+ acres, leaving new sites to explore with every visit.
Closest station: Stoke Newington.
A local favourite, Abney Park is one of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ cemeteries in London that seems to have been reclaimed by nature in the most beautiful way. There is such a peaceful energy here, which is why it’s one of mine and Effie’s favourite spots. It’s hard to believe you’re in the midst of the city once you enter!
Closest station: Richmond.
Known mostly for the deer that call it home, Richmond Park is a breathtaking national nature reserve in South East London. As the largest urban parkland in Europe, there’s so much to explore whether it’s just you, the family, the dog ‑ you’ll really feel at one with nature here.
Closest stations: Mottingham / Eltham.
This South‑East London sanctuary was once a royal residence, but is now open to the public all year round. It’s home to an art‑deco mansion and 19 acres of gardens where medieval meets modern, making it the perfect choice for those who enjoy interior design and seek a change from the usual sights.
To be Surrounded by Art
My final recommendations: the Tate Galleries. They’re the ideal escape if you’re not desperate to be surrounded by nature, and this one’s great whether you’re an art buff or not!
Closest stations: London Bridge
The TATE Modern is home to contemporary artworks and installations from across the globe; quiet with enough visual stimulation to keep your mind intrigued, but not too busy. Access to permanent exhibitions is always free, but be sure to keep an eye on tickets for their special exhibitions, including Yayoi Kusama’s stunning room installations ‑ tickets sell out fast!
Perhaps one for lovers of traditional art but still enjoyable for peace‑seeking novices (like me), Tate Britain is home to some of Britains most famous artworks from the 1500s to the present day. Here you can essentially take a walk through the country’s art history as you wander through the stunning Victorian building. This is often the quieter gallery of the two Tates, and I actually recommend visiting alone as opposed to with company, to really get into a state of reflection. I find being with someone else almost forces you to rush through, or seek something to talk about, instead of simply observing and moving on at your own pace… but to each their own.
So, there you have it - My Ultimate Guide to London! I have also posted these recommendations as a series of guides on my Instagram for easy access, and I’m always adding more places as I discover new favourites. If you have any gems you think I should try, let me know! 🤎
