London: Places I Love

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
A Future Trip
Other Inspiring London Links

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