Gerda’s guidebook - London

Gerda
Gerda’s guidebook - London

Neighbourhoods

Islington is cool, chic and just a little bit fancy without being too showy. Sitting pretty in the north of the city in the London Borough of Islington. With a mix of high-end writer-types & the smart city workers, you’ll also find students from London’s universities hanging out in the local bars and cafés. Located in the north of the city near Camden and Hackney, Islington is a 30-minute walk from the city centre. The borough is really well connected by the Underground ­– there are ten tube stops near the Islington area including Angel, Farringdon and King's Cross. You may hear a little bit more French being spoken around the area as the Eurostar terminal is located on the Islington border at St Pancras station. Upper Street is the place to be seen with restaurants, bars and quirky homewares stores attracting the fashionistas. There’s loads to do and it's a highly desirable area to live in for a lot of people moving to the city.
12 locals recommend
London Borough Of Islington
36 North Road
12 locals recommend
Islington is cool, chic and just a little bit fancy without being too showy. Sitting pretty in the north of the city in the London Borough of Islington. With a mix of high-end writer-types & the smart city workers, you’ll also find students from London’s universities hanging out in the local bars and cafés. Located in the north of the city near Camden and Hackney, Islington is a 30-minute walk from the city centre. The borough is really well connected by the Underground ­– there are ten tube stops near the Islington area including Angel, Farringdon and King's Cross. You may hear a little bit more French being spoken around the area as the Eurostar terminal is located on the Islington border at St Pancras station. Upper Street is the place to be seen with restaurants, bars and quirky homewares stores attracting the fashionistas. There’s loads to do and it's a highly desirable area to live in for a lot of people moving to the city.
620 locals recommend
Shoreditch
620 locals recommend

Food scene

Chilled atmosphere & the best coffee in the area and at night it becomes a cocktail bar
134 locals recommend
Shoreditch Grind
213 Old St
134 locals recommend
Chilled atmosphere & the best coffee in the area and at night it becomes a cocktail bar
80s referencing, fry up slinging chain The Breakfast Club has popped up all over London, but this tiny spot in Camden Passage is a stand out. There’s a cardboard cutout of Elvis to welcome you in, a large courtyard out the back (if you’re not too hungover) and more breakfast options that you can shake a coffee mug at. It’s actually open all day and its brunches are legendary. Try the salted caramel banoffee pancakes.
120 locals recommend
Rita's Bar & Dining
35 Stoke Newington Rd
120 locals recommend
80s referencing, fry up slinging chain The Breakfast Club has popped up all over London, but this tiny spot in Camden Passage is a stand out. There’s a cardboard cutout of Elvis to welcome you in, a large courtyard out the back (if you’re not too hungover) and more breakfast options that you can shake a coffee mug at. It’s actually open all day and its brunches are legendary. Try the salted caramel banoffee pancakes.
Gastropub with stripped-down decor serving organic beer & wine, meat & sustainable fish.
141 locals recommend
The Duke of Cambridge
30 Saint Peter's Street
141 locals recommend
Gastropub with stripped-down decor serving organic beer & wine, meat & sustainable fish.
Seasonally-inspired sharing plates with worldwide influences alongside bar and coffee roastery. Perfect for brunches and it has a lovely outside seating
91 locals recommend
Caravan Exmouth Market | Takeaway & Coffee
11-13 Exmouth Market
91 locals recommend
Seasonally-inspired sharing plates with worldwide influences alongside bar and coffee roastery. Perfect for brunches and it has a lovely outside seating
-One of our absolute favourite restaurants in London. Amazing food in an incredible setting. Has a great bar for drinks, as well. -Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian sushi in cool design setting with 38th-floor Heron Tower views. -To note: It must be booked far in advance, so please do contact us if you would like to us to try and reserve a table
237 locals recommend
SUSHISAMBA London
Bishopsgate
237 locals recommend
-One of our absolute favourite restaurants in London. Amazing food in an incredible setting. Has a great bar for drinks, as well. -Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian sushi in cool design setting with 38th-floor Heron Tower views. -To note: It must be booked far in advance, so please do contact us if you would like to us to try and reserve a table
Mark Hix's casual chicken-and-steak restaurant within former East End tram-generator building, featuring the famous Damien Hirst Cow art installation in the middle of the restaurant.
100 locals recommend
Tramshed
32 Rivington St
100 locals recommend
Mark Hix's casual chicken-and-steak restaurant within former East End tram-generator building, featuring the famous Damien Hirst Cow art installation in the middle of the restaurant.
American steaks and wines are the focus at this high-end, white-tablecloth spot decked in mahogany. -£££
Smith & Wollensky
1-11 John Adam St
American steaks and wines are the focus at this high-end, white-tablecloth spot decked in mahogany. -£££
Hawksmoor is a British steakhouse and cocktail bar chain. The original establishment is in Spitalfields, near to where the architect Nicholas Hawksmoor built Christ Church.
152 locals recommend
Hawksmoor Spitalfields
157A Commercial St
152 locals recommend
Hawksmoor is a British steakhouse and cocktail bar chain. The original establishment is in Spitalfields, near to where the architect Nicholas Hawksmoor built Christ Church.
North African and Spanish dishes and all-day tapas in smart space with low lights and wooden floors. -£££
131 locals recommend
Moro
34-36 Exmouth Market
131 locals recommend
North African and Spanish dishes and all-day tapas in smart space with low lights and wooden floors. -£££
Long-standing family-run Modern European with 200-bin wine cellar, hidden garden and conservatory. -£££
75 locals recommend
Frederick's
106 Camden Psge
75 locals recommend
Long-standing family-run Modern European with 200-bin wine cellar, hidden garden and conservatory. -£££
Classic Japanese cuisine with a modern twist, including sushi, sashimi, hot pots and noodle dishes. Super close to the flat, and perfect to laid back, great tasting Japanese. ££
19 locals recommend
Zen Mondo
326 Upper St
19 locals recommend
Classic Japanese cuisine with a modern twist, including sushi, sashimi, hot pots and noodle dishes. Super close to the flat, and perfect to laid back, great tasting Japanese. ££
-Classic Italian dishes in airy basement with aqua-blue furniture, framed photos and hanging guitars. -££
88 locals recommend
Ciao Bella
86-90 Lamb's Conduit St
88 locals recommend
-Classic Italian dishes in airy basement with aqua-blue furniture, framed photos and hanging guitars. -££
Peruvian seafood, rotisserie, pisco cocktails & more in a historic dining room and hip adjacent bar. -££
47 locals recommend
Ceviche Old St
2 Baldwin St
47 locals recommend
Peruvian seafood, rotisserie, pisco cocktails & more in a historic dining room and hip adjacent bar. -££
Excellent pastries and deserts. Perfect middle eastern breakfasts, and lovely dinner too if you enjoy light, fresh and healthy tapas & dishes created by chef Yotam Ottolenghi.
364 locals recommend
Ottolenghi Islington
287 Upper St
364 locals recommend
Excellent pastries and deserts. Perfect middle eastern breakfasts, and lovely dinner too if you enjoy light, fresh and healthy tapas & dishes created by chef Yotam Ottolenghi.
The ultimate local!! Pub with canal views, serving craft beers, cask ales, and rustic food, including (GREAT) Sunday lunch.
122 locals recommend
Narrowboat
119 St Peter's St
122 locals recommend
The ultimate local!! Pub with canal views, serving craft beers, cask ales, and rustic food, including (GREAT) Sunday lunch.
-Cute and imitate wine bar, with some great tapas food. Fantastic wine selection.
10 locals recommend
Humble Grape
11-13 Theberton St
10 locals recommend
-Cute and imitate wine bar, with some great tapas food. Fantastic wine selection.
Authentic delicious french bistro at reasonable price. One of our favourites.
32 locals recommend
La Petite Auberge
283-284 Upper Street
32 locals recommend
Authentic delicious french bistro at reasonable price. One of our favourites.
Perfect place for a Sunday brunch in a difficult-to-find London club type restaurant in the heart of Clerkenwell village. Cosy and cool. Afterwards, check out Exmouth Market. It needs to be booked in advance! Feel free to contact us so we can help you to make a booking. Make sure you try the French toast with clotted cream, berries and honey...
36 locals recommend
Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings
42 Northampton Rd
36 locals recommend
Perfect place for a Sunday brunch in a difficult-to-find London club type restaurant in the heart of Clerkenwell village. Cosy and cool. Afterwards, check out Exmouth Market. It needs to be booked in advance! Feel free to contact us so we can help you to make a booking. Make sure you try the French toast with clotted cream, berries and honey...
Dishoom is the Londoner's favourite restaurant that served Indian food! Walk-ins only, but reservations can be made for brunch (they serve unlimited refills of Chai for brunch), exotic cocktails for dinners, buzzing atmosphere, friendly staff and not bad prices.
219 locals recommend
Dishoom King's Cross
5 Stable St
219 locals recommend
Dishoom is the Londoner's favourite restaurant that served Indian food! Walk-ins only, but reservations can be made for brunch (they serve unlimited refills of Chai for brunch), exotic cocktails for dinners, buzzing atmosphere, friendly staff and not bad prices.
A neighbourhood cocktail bar, espresso bar and all-day restaurant located on the famous Exmouth Market, a pedestrianised market street in Clerkenwell. Love this place for brunch.
219 locals recommend
Exmouth Market
Exmouth Market
219 locals recommend
A neighbourhood cocktail bar, espresso bar and all-day restaurant located on the famous Exmouth Market, a pedestrianised market street in Clerkenwell. Love this place for brunch.
One for a special occasion. Historic former gym transformed in to an all-day Grand Café and bar. Fantastic setting, serving Mittel-European inspired dishes - and of course - champagne. Booking in advance recommended. £££.
43 locals recommend
German Gymnasium
1 King's Blvd
43 locals recommend
One for a special occasion. Historic former gym transformed in to an all-day Grand Café and bar. Fantastic setting, serving Mittel-European inspired dishes - and of course - champagne. Booking in advance recommended. £££.
A beautiful space on the top floors of the skyscraper at 20 Fenchurch Street, with tropical-looking gardens that are free to visit—but you must book ahead (get in touch if you want me to help you with reservation). It has the biggest amount of plants and the walls are all glass with a 360-degree view of the city. It’s a really special and inspiring place to explore and look out over east London and beyond. There are two restaurants and two bars up there. Fenchurch Restaurant, housed in a glass box within the glassed building, is great and really accommodating for veggies and vegans, with a special vegetarian menu, great wines, and great service. I’ve never heard music there though a live show would be great.
29 locals recommend
Sky Garden
29 locals recommend
A beautiful space on the top floors of the skyscraper at 20 Fenchurch Street, with tropical-looking gardens that are free to visit—but you must book ahead (get in touch if you want me to help you with reservation). It has the biggest amount of plants and the walls are all glass with a 360-degree view of the city. It’s a really special and inspiring place to explore and look out over east London and beyond. There are two restaurants and two bars up there. Fenchurch Restaurant, housed in a glass box within the glassed building, is great and really accommodating for veggies and vegans, with a special vegetarian menu, great wines, and great service. I’ve never heard music there though a live show would be great.
Afternoon tea is really great here. On Sunday morning they play classic live music. The St. Pancras Grand hotel is beautiful (and makes for a great Instagram). The service is fantastic.
The Hansom
Euston Road
Afternoon tea is really great here. On Sunday morning they play classic live music. The St. Pancras Grand hotel is beautiful (and makes for a great Instagram). The service is fantastic.
It has the most magical outdoor garden seating but be patient, you need to make a big smile at the waitrer to get the table and dress chic. Smart casual, shirt, jacket, chinos and loafers (basically think relaxed European riviera chic) for men and relaxed tea dresses (read I have just flown back from St. Tropez or Verbier) for ladies. This restaurant is one of my favourite restaurants in the whole of London (make sure to reserve way in advance & try to get the table outside).
202 locals recommend
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
197 King's Road
202 locals recommend
It has the most magical outdoor garden seating but be patient, you need to make a big smile at the waitrer to get the table and dress chic. Smart casual, shirt, jacket, chinos and loafers (basically think relaxed European riviera chic) for men and relaxed tea dresses (read I have just flown back from St. Tropez or Verbier) for ladies. This restaurant is one of my favourite restaurants in the whole of London (make sure to reserve way in advance & try to get the table outside).
Traditional fish-and-chip shop decorated with 1950s memorabilia, offering table service or takeaway. Iconic.
Poppies Fish & Chips Kiosk
15A Lamb St
Traditional fish-and-chip shop decorated with 1950s memorabilia, offering table service or takeaway. Iconic.
Favourite hangout of the young and moneyed Chelsea-ites, the food at Bluebird has traditionally played second fiddle to the cocktails. Newly-appointed executive chef Simon Gregory has, thankfully, upped the kitchen’s game considerably with the likes of salt baked kohlrabi and salsify and spice roasted baby chicken now the stars of the show.
305 locals recommend
Bluebird Chelsea
350 King's Rd
305 locals recommend
Favourite hangout of the young and moneyed Chelsea-ites, the food at Bluebird has traditionally played second fiddle to the cocktails. Newly-appointed executive chef Simon Gregory has, thankfully, upped the kitchen’s game considerably with the likes of salt baked kohlrabi and salsify and spice roasted baby chicken now the stars of the show.
You will find Brawn on a corner of Columbia Road. The big windows let in lots of natural light, and the interior resembles a studio workspace with simple retro wooden furniture. In the evenings, this space fills with warm soft light which creates a relaxed vibe. At Brawn the menu changes daily to reflect what is in season and to showcase what the local producers have to offer. Come here to enjoy French and Spanish cuisine that respects its ingredients, paired with an extensive wine list. The food is in the moderately expensive price range. It’s close to the flower market, so be sure to book a table for Sunday lunch.
162 locals recommend
Brawn
49 Columbia Rd
162 locals recommend
You will find Brawn on a corner of Columbia Road. The big windows let in lots of natural light, and the interior resembles a studio workspace with simple retro wooden furniture. In the evenings, this space fills with warm soft light which creates a relaxed vibe. At Brawn the menu changes daily to reflect what is in season and to showcase what the local producers have to offer. Come here to enjoy French and Spanish cuisine that respects its ingredients, paired with an extensive wine list. The food is in the moderately expensive price range. It’s close to the flower market, so be sure to book a table for Sunday lunch.
Indie shopping, hip food popups and bars.
377 locals recommend
BOXPARK Shoreditch
2-10 Bethnal Green Rd
377 locals recommend
Indie shopping, hip food popups and bars.
Another great independent coffee shop, close to Redchurch Street and Brick lane
6 locals recommend
Holy Shot Coffee
155 Bethnal Green Rd
6 locals recommend
Another great independent coffee shop, close to Redchurch Street and Brick lane
Our favourite local restaurant just now - very fresh and interesting Vietnamese food. Cheap.
18 locals recommend
Sen Viet
119 King's Cross Rd
18 locals recommend
Our favourite local restaurant just now - very fresh and interesting Vietnamese food. Cheap.
Street with many trendy and cool restaurants and coffee shops. Worth going there an check the amazing options. Exmouth Market in the weekday has food stalls at lunch time. In the evening it is a great place to visit a local eating and drinking.
219 locals recommend
Exmouth Market
Exmouth Market
219 locals recommend
Street with many trendy and cool restaurants and coffee shops. Worth going there an check the amazing options. Exmouth Market in the weekday has food stalls at lunch time. In the evening it is a great place to visit a local eating and drinking.

Art & Culture

The Almeida Theatre, opened in 1980, is a 325-seat studio theatre with an international reputation, which takes its name from the street on which it is located, off Upper Street, in the London Borough of Islington.
224 locals recommend
Almeida Theatre
Almeida Street
224 locals recommend
The Almeida Theatre, opened in 1980, is a 325-seat studio theatre with an international reputation, which takes its name from the street on which it is located, off Upper Street, in the London Borough of Islington.
Shows the work of established and emerging artists from the USA, Europe and Asia in an exhibition space close to the financial heart of London.
95 locals recommend
Victoria Miro Gallery
16 Wharf Rd
95 locals recommend
Shows the work of established and emerging artists from the USA, Europe and Asia in an exhibition space close to the financial heart of London.
The Barbican Centre is a performing arts centre in the Barbican Estate of the City of London and the largest of its kind in Europe.
509 locals recommend
Barbican Centre
Silk Street
509 locals recommend
The Barbican Centre is a performing arts centre in the Barbican Estate of the City of London and the largest of its kind in Europe.
The Screen on the Green in Islington is one of the country’s oldest cinemas: it opened in 1913 and has been a single-screen cinema ever since. It was bought by the Everyman chain of luxury cinemas in 2008 and soon after was renamed Everyman Screen on the Green. It offers a mix of standard and premier seats (the latter being ‘luxurious sofas with footrests’), and there’s a bar at the back of the screen.
177 locals recommend
Everyman Screen on the Green
83 Upper St
177 locals recommend
The Screen on the Green in Islington is one of the country’s oldest cinemas: it opened in 1913 and has been a single-screen cinema ever since. It was bought by the Everyman chain of luxury cinemas in 2008 and soon after was renamed Everyman Screen on the Green. It offers a mix of standard and premier seats (the latter being ‘luxurious sofas with footrests’), and there’s a bar at the back of the screen.
I feel as though I should really champion the waterways here, and I’d love for more people to learn about the history behind London’s man-made waterways at this museum. It’s a quirky and antiquated gem in a cute little spot on the canal side, and will send you back in time to when horsepower was real horsepower. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday and is £4 entry. A lovely way to start or end a canal walk.
80 locals recommend
London Canal Museum
12/13 New Wharf Rd
80 locals recommend
I feel as though I should really champion the waterways here, and I’d love for more people to learn about the history behind London’s man-made waterways at this museum. It’s a quirky and antiquated gem in a cute little spot on the canal side, and will send you back in time to when horsepower was real horsepower. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday and is £4 entry. A lovely way to start or end a canal walk.
This building near King’s Cross is an amazing blend of modern architecture and ancient leather-bound tomes. It’s really pleasant to sit and use their fast wifi or have a meeting in the cafe or public area while gazing up at the King’s Library—65,000 volumes assembled by George III and displayed in a striking glass column. For the comfiest spot, look for the padded leather armchairs with coveted built-in electrical outlets. You’ll have to join the queue of regulars that forms before the library opens in order to nab one.
430 locals recommend
The British Library
96 Euston Rd
430 locals recommend
This building near King’s Cross is an amazing blend of modern architecture and ancient leather-bound tomes. It’s really pleasant to sit and use their fast wifi or have a meeting in the cafe or public area while gazing up at the King’s Library—65,000 volumes assembled by George III and displayed in a striking glass column. For the comfiest spot, look for the padded leather armchairs with coveted built-in electrical outlets. You’ll have to join the queue of regulars that forms before the library opens in order to nab one.
Wonderful cinema. 5 screens, all the big blockbusters & some smaller independent films too. they have comfy 2-person sofas & serve you proper grown-up food and drink to your seat.
17 locals recommend
Everyman Kings Cross
14-18 Handyside St
17 locals recommend
Wonderful cinema. 5 screens, all the big blockbusters & some smaller independent films too. they have comfy 2-person sofas & serve you proper grown-up food and drink to your seat.
House of Illustration is the world’s first public gallery dedicated to the art of illustration in all its forms. The gallery is the brainchild of Quentin Blake, whose iconic drawings you might recognise from Roald Dahl’s books. The gallery plays host to all forms of illustration, from animation to adverts, picture books to political cartoons and scientific drawings to fashion design.
12 locals recommend
House of Illustration
28 Amwell Street
12 locals recommend
House of Illustration is the world’s first public gallery dedicated to the art of illustration in all its forms. The gallery is the brainchild of Quentin Blake, whose iconic drawings you might recognise from Roald Dahl’s books. The gallery plays host to all forms of illustration, from animation to adverts, picture books to political cartoons and scientific drawings to fashion design.
A must to do! Shakespeare's Globe is a unique international resource dedicated to Shakespeare's work and the playhouse for which he wrote, through performances and education.
449 locals recommend
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
21 New Globe Walk
449 locals recommend
A must to do! Shakespeare's Globe is a unique international resource dedicated to Shakespeare's work and the playhouse for which he wrote, through performances and education.
The National Portrait Gallery houses a collection of portraits of historically important & famous British people. It was the first portrait gallery in the world when it opened in 1856. Nearest tube: Charing Cross
353 locals recommend
National Portrait Gallery
Saint Martin's Place
353 locals recommend
The National Portrait Gallery houses a collection of portraits of historically important & famous British people. It was the first portrait gallery in the world when it opened in 1856. Nearest tube: Charing Cross
One of my favourite museums in London. A small but wonderful formerly private collection of art, porcelain, furniture and armour in Hertford House. Open daily 10am-5pm. Admission free but you can pre-arrange a (paid) guided tour. Not on the main tourist circuit so usually quiet. Has a great café in the covered courtyard so perfect for a rainy day visit to the museum followed by lunch/afternoon tea.
230 locals recommend
Wallace Collection
Manchester Square
230 locals recommend
One of my favourite museums in London. A small but wonderful formerly private collection of art, porcelain, furniture and armour in Hertford House. Open daily 10am-5pm. Admission free but you can pre-arrange a (paid) guided tour. Not on the main tourist circuit so usually quiet. Has a great café in the covered courtyard so perfect for a rainy day visit to the museum followed by lunch/afternoon tea.
This amazing 19th century townhouse was the home of architect John Soane and has been left untouched since his death nearly 180 years ago. It is a remarkable treasure trove, full to bursting with unique objects. I just love his stunning architectural drawings. And don’t miss the room full of marble artifacts. Go at night. The museum is open 6-9 pm the first Tuesday of every month, when it’s illuminated only by candlelight. It is magical. Free entry excep for events.
184 locals recommend
Sir John Soane's Museum
13 Lincoln's Inn Fields
184 locals recommend
This amazing 19th century townhouse was the home of architect John Soane and has been left untouched since his death nearly 180 years ago. It is a remarkable treasure trove, full to bursting with unique objects. I just love his stunning architectural drawings. And don’t miss the room full of marble artifacts. Go at night. The museum is open 6-9 pm the first Tuesday of every month, when it’s illuminated only by candlelight. It is magical. Free entry excep for events.
Modern art gallery - free entry - extraordinarily good exhibitions. Off the beaten track in a side street near King's Cross
7 locals recommend
Gagosian Gallery
20 Grosvenor Hill
7 locals recommend
Modern art gallery - free entry - extraordinarily good exhibitions. Off the beaten track in a side street near King's Cross
Dennis Severs' House in Folgate Street, London is a "still-life drama" created by the previous owner Dennis Severs as a "historical imagination" of what life would have been like inside for a family of Huguenot silk weavers.
79 locals recommend
Dennis Severs' House
18 Folgate St
79 locals recommend
Dennis Severs' House in Folgate Street, London is a "still-life drama" created by the previous owner Dennis Severs as a "historical imagination" of what life would have been like inside for a family of Huguenot silk weavers.
Extraordinary home built for Sir Frederick Leighton RA, with the most beautiful use of Islamic tiles and interesting architectural details. The entrance is £9, £7 concession.
105 locals recommend
Leighton House Museum
12 Holland Park Rd
105 locals recommend
Extraordinary home built for Sir Frederick Leighton RA, with the most beautiful use of Islamic tiles and interesting architectural details. The entrance is £9, £7 concession.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum is a privately run museum in London, England, dedicated to the famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. It is the world’s first museum dedicated to the literary character Sherlock Holmes. The best example of the living period costume I have come across! Absolutely everyone was in character! After giving the introduction, the butler was asked if Sherlock Holmes was real, and he kindly explained that the museum was there to help build the story. Brilliant experience and highly recommend!!
303 locals recommend
The Sherlock Holmes Museum
221b Baker St
303 locals recommend
The Sherlock Holmes Museum is a privately run museum in London, England, dedicated to the famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. It is the world’s first museum dedicated to the literary character Sherlock Holmes. The best example of the living period costume I have come across! Absolutely everyone was in character! After giving the introduction, the butler was asked if Sherlock Holmes was real, and he kindly explained that the museum was there to help build the story. Brilliant experience and highly recommend!!

Drinks & nightlife

Traditional alehouse saved from demolition, with piano and live entertainment at weekends.
44 locals recommend
The Wenlock Arms
26 Wenlock Rd
44 locals recommend
Traditional alehouse saved from demolition, with piano and live entertainment at weekends.
Lovely, posh gastro pub in Islington. Look out for the odd celeb in their lovely leafy garden, or settle in for a cosy roast in winter. Booking essential - get in contact with us, so we can help you to make a reservation.
167 locals recommend
The Albion
10 Thornhill Rd
167 locals recommend
Lovely, posh gastro pub in Islington. Look out for the odd celeb in their lovely leafy garden, or settle in for a cosy roast in winter. Booking essential - get in contact with us, so we can help you to make a reservation.
The Craft Beer Company sets out to achieve a clear mission: to create a unique beer experience and set new standards in the pub and bar trade. It specialises in micro-brewed cask ales, small batch craft beers and over 400 global bottles.
19 locals recommend
The Craft Beer Co Clerkenwell
82 Leather Ln
19 locals recommend
The Craft Beer Company sets out to achieve a clear mission: to create a unique beer experience and set new standards in the pub and bar trade. It specialises in micro-brewed cask ales, small batch craft beers and over 400 global bottles.
Slickly-designed, minimalist Modern British gastropub with big windows & a canal-side alfresco bar.
45 locals recommend
The Lighterman
3 Granary Square
45 locals recommend
Slickly-designed, minimalist Modern British gastropub with big windows & a canal-side alfresco bar.
Overlooking Kings cross station (Harry Potter movie scene) lovely on a summers day with an amazing menu and a wide selection of fine wines.
23 locals recommend
Vinoteca Kings Cross
3 King's Blvd
23 locals recommend
Overlooking Kings cross station (Harry Potter movie scene) lovely on a summers day with an amazing menu and a wide selection of fine wines.
The only British Pub located within the Grade I Listed building underneath the clock tower and arches at St Pancras International station. Elegant dining room, heritage features, charming staff and stunning British pub classics menu. This is my new favourite Sunday Lunch local.
22 locals recommend
The Betjeman Arms
Euston Road
22 locals recommend
The only British Pub located within the Grade I Listed building underneath the clock tower and arches at St Pancras International station. Elegant dining room, heritage features, charming staff and stunning British pub classics menu. This is my new favourite Sunday Lunch local.
Official London Irish Pubs. A warm welcome to all rugby fans! Match tickets, transport, competitions, live events & craic!
152 locals recommend
The Churchill Arms
119 Kensington Church Street
152 locals recommend
Official London Irish Pubs. A warm welcome to all rugby fans! Match tickets, transport, competitions, live events & craic!
Located in a former bus depot, Ministry of Sound was once the epitome of warehouse cool and is still perhaps the UK’s best-known clubbing venues: thus, any self-respecting fan of dance music in any form should visit Ministry at least once. To be honest, though, once won't be enough when you've seen the fun you can have in this gargantuan beat playground. Laid out across four dancefloors and various bars, there’s lots to explore thanks to the club's extensive refurb at the end of 2013, as well as a shift towards more underground pastures in the music programming, too.
197 locals recommend
Ministry of Sound
103 Gaunt St
197 locals recommend
Located in a former bus depot, Ministry of Sound was once the epitome of warehouse cool and is still perhaps the UK’s best-known clubbing venues: thus, any self-respecting fan of dance music in any form should visit Ministry at least once. To be honest, though, once won't be enough when you've seen the fun you can have in this gargantuan beat playground. Laid out across four dancefloors and various bars, there’s lots to explore thanks to the club's extensive refurb at the end of 2013, as well as a shift towards more underground pastures in the music programming, too.
Big place with loud music. Very busy on weekend nights. Free entry before 9pm and after that the queues get crazy and entry expensive. Great beer garden
88 locals recommend
Cargo
83 Rivington St
88 locals recommend
Big place with loud music. Very busy on weekend nights. Free entry before 9pm and after that the queues get crazy and entry expensive. Great beer garden
Books. Everywhere. They also have great cocktails and ping pong tables. It gets crazy busy on weekends so get there early.
93 locals recommend
The Book Club
100-106 Leonard St
93 locals recommend
Books. Everywhere. They also have great cocktails and ping pong tables. It gets crazy busy on weekends so get there early.
This place is royalty! It has fun themed nights and a great roof terrace and is worth including in your night on the town
110 locals recommend
Queen of Hoxton
1 Curtain Rd
110 locals recommend
This place is royalty! It has fun themed nights and a great roof terrace and is worth including in your night on the town
Union Chapel is a working church, live entertainment venue and charity drop-in centre for the homeless in Islington, London, England. Built in the late 19th century in the Gothic revival style, the church is Grade I-listed.
87 locals recommend
Union Chapel
19b Compton Terrace
87 locals recommend
Union Chapel is a working church, live entertainment venue and charity drop-in centre for the homeless in Islington, London, England. Built in the late 19th century in the Gothic revival style, the church is Grade I-listed.

Shopping

This secondhand bookshop on a 1920s Dutch barge narrow boat is an unusual, funky little place that moves around the Regent’s Canal. There is something very satisfying about seeing a space stuffed to the brim with books. The first time I went in, I resurfaced 45 minutes later, not sure where the time went. Occasionally there are poetry slams or musicians playing gigs on the roof. Check the Facebook page for events and the boat’s location that day.
7 locals recommend
Word On The Water - The London Bookbarge
Regent's Canal Towpath
7 locals recommend
This secondhand bookshop on a 1920s Dutch barge narrow boat is an unusual, funky little place that moves around the Regent’s Canal. There is something very satisfying about seeing a space stuffed to the brim with books. The first time I went in, I resurfaced 45 minutes later, not sure where the time went. Occasionally there are poetry slams or musicians playing gigs on the roof. Check the Facebook page for events and the boat’s location that day.
Includes a live Jazz band playing in the wine bar area of Waitrose while you select your groceries. Waitrose​ Kings cross also holds regular fine dining​ cookery lessons.
Waitrose Wine Bar
Granary Square
Includes a live Jazz band playing in the wine bar area of Waitrose while you select your groceries. Waitrose​ Kings cross also holds regular fine dining​ cookery lessons.
This is the place to go in London for shopping. You will find all the stores either along Oxford Street (mostly high street brands) or intersecting Regent Street (mostly premium & luxury brands).
1427 locals recommend
Oxford Street
Oxford Street
1427 locals recommend
This is the place to go in London for shopping. You will find all the stores either along Oxford Street (mostly high street brands) or intersecting Regent Street (mostly premium & luxury brands).
For food, antiques and retro clothing check out this awesome market. Open 7 days a week.
696 locals recommend
Old Spitalfields Market
16 Commercial St
696 locals recommend
For food, antiques and retro clothing check out this awesome market. Open 7 days a week.
Antiques market & street food - make sure to also explore the little square of shops behind the market.
213 locals recommend
Camden Passage
Camden Passage
213 locals recommend
Antiques market & street food - make sure to also explore the little square of shops behind the market.
Must see. East London’s vibrant Sunday flower market is a local favourite. Here, you can barter with market stall merchants for everything from houseplants and fresh bouquets to succulents and seeds. Columbia Road is well worth a visit from Monday to Saturday, too: the lack of Sunday crowds leaves you free to wander the street’s many independent businesses, including art galleries, antique stores, homeware boutiques and even an old-school sweet shop. Sun: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
1660 locals recommend
Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia Road
1660 locals recommend
Must see. East London’s vibrant Sunday flower market is a local favourite. Here, you can barter with market stall merchants for everything from houseplants and fresh bouquets to succulents and seeds. Columbia Road is well worth a visit from Monday to Saturday, too: the lack of Sunday crowds leaves you free to wander the street’s many independent businesses, including art galleries, antique stores, homeware boutiques and even an old-school sweet shop. Sun: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Classic Saturday street market (on Sundays go to Columbia Flower Market). Vibrant & great for people watching. A must-do walk by the canal.
1735 locals recommend
Broadway Market
Broadway Market
1735 locals recommend
Classic Saturday street market (on Sundays go to Columbia Flower Market). Vibrant & great for people watching. A must-do walk by the canal.

Parks & nature

A must for any visitor to London. It’s stunningly beautiful. Fly a kite on Parliament Hill or get lost in the long grass with your summer lover. But what makes it really queer are the bathing ponds, which attract a large gay crowd. You can either sunbathe nude by the water’s edge or in your bathing suit on the grass outside the changing area. The ponds are divided into men’s, women’s, and mixed. It gets very busy and attracts all sorts and all ages. Early morning swims are advised on very hot days. This is the best time, too, to meet friendly, often older, locals who are always up for chats.
1215 locals recommend
Hampstead Heath
1215 locals recommend
A must for any visitor to London. It’s stunningly beautiful. Fly a kite on Parliament Hill or get lost in the long grass with your summer lover. But what makes it really queer are the bathing ponds, which attract a large gay crowd. You can either sunbathe nude by the water’s edge or in your bathing suit on the grass outside the changing area. The ponds are divided into men’s, women’s, and mixed. It gets very busy and attracts all sorts and all ages. Early morning swims are advised on very hot days. This is the best time, too, to meet friendly, often older, locals who are always up for chats.
This is simply wonderful - enjoy a stroll through Henry VIII's old hunting ground - go to Henry VIII's mount to see the view of Windsor castle in one direction and St.Paul's Cathedral in the other. amble by next to grazing dear but be careful during rutting season!
932 locals recommend
Richmond Park
932 locals recommend
This is simply wonderful - enjoy a stroll through Henry VIII's old hunting ground - go to Henry VIII's mount to see the view of Windsor castle in one direction and St.Paul's Cathedral in the other. amble by next to grazing dear but be careful during rutting season!
It's a beautiful walk on the canal, lots of bars and cafe's leading to Angel or Broadway market. You can walk from Kings Cross all the way to Heathrow. Or from Angel all the way to the Thames River.
Canal Walk
Canal Walk
It's a beautiful walk on the canal, lots of bars and cafe's leading to Angel or Broadway market. You can walk from Kings Cross all the way to Heathrow. Or from Angel all the way to the Thames River.
Primrose Hill Park is my absolute favourite place to go to for a romantic walk, especially at sunset! The park has panoramic views over Regent’s Park and the city beyond. Upmarket delis, chic eateries, and boutique fashion stores cluster along Regent’s Park Road, and surrounding streets are dotted with gastropubs and tea rooms. The Regent’s Canal towpath leads to nearby Camden Market.
790 locals recommend
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill Road
790 locals recommend
Primrose Hill Park is my absolute favourite place to go to for a romantic walk, especially at sunset! The park has panoramic views over Regent’s Park and the city beyond. Upmarket delis, chic eateries, and boutique fashion stores cluster along Regent’s Park Road, and surrounding streets are dotted with gastropubs and tea rooms. The Regent’s Canal towpath leads to nearby Camden Market.