Hello London, how've you been?

From the moment I stepped of the train, I could feel the bustling energy of London and its people. Walking down the streets, I was once remembered why I love this city.

("The Gherkin" - City of London)

If not only for the friendliness of the Londoners as they kindly wait with boarding the underground until the last traveller has exited the train – a whole different world when being used to the Parisian metro where everyone already rushes to the doors as the train stops, and starts pushing before the doors even open…

But besides the warm welcome, this place surprises me over and over again; a city where history meets modernity, where to find tradition and all thing untraditional. As it only has been three years since I last visited, London keeps on evolving and at the same time hold so much history in place.

Although I have seen my fair share of London, every time feels like the first time all over again. New sides emerge and favourites at re-discovered as I take you along with me….

First Up: Where to go - Neighbourhoods

Shoreditch - Brick Lane

One of London’s most colourful areas and home to the street art scene. Its vibrant atmosphere captivates you immediately. If you are weak for art, culture, good food and all things vintage, Shoreditch, and more specifically Brick Lane is definitely your go to.

Never a dull moment and wherever you look a new piece of art to admire. Also, walking through will never be the same as the street artists continue to change the scenery.

Street art on Brick Lane

TIP: If you want the full look, go earlier in the morning before the shops open to see the designs on the shop doors.

Holland Park & Notting Hill

Holland Park, with its beautiful grand white houses, one could only dream of living in. Wandering around the area from the street to the allies, leaving the city buzz farther behind. To really escape the bustling atmosphere, a green oasis emerges in the middle of the residential area. Holland Park, where you will find yourself in silence surrounded by all that is green and a perfect spot to have a break. Walk around and discover Kyoto Garden, Holland House and its beautiful flower gardens.

Not far from the park, the scenery changes moving to the famous Notting Hill; where big residences are replaced by slightly smaller, but much more colourful houses. Who says Notting Hill, of course thinks of Portobello Road market. Take a stroll down the street, browse your way through the various stands, from clothing & accessories to vintage books & antiques….and of course good food. Take the time to pop in some shops and art galleries as well whilst you’re at it.

Sloane Square

From white grandeur to orange brick mansions, the first time walking around the area of Sloane Square, I fell in love. A beautiful Edwardian architecture which can only be admired, transporting me to a totally different and unique side of London.

Walk down King’s Road to still your shopping cravings, or find yourself at the Duke of York Square. And if in need for a culinary break, Pavilion Road is where I find myself for a bite and a drink at one of the many restaurants and cafes.

Covent Garden

In the heart of London and from historical perspective the centre of the city. I can feel the excitement and bustle amongst the people when moving toward Convent Garden. The middle point where shops, cafes and restaurants come together. People are everywhere and the livelihood of London is never shown better. Although, as I am quite anxious when people are crawling up on me and the feeling of closing in creeps in, I start searching for some quitter places. Remaining in the same warm ambience of Covent Garden, I find myself getting lost in Neal’s Yard and the streets of Monmouth and Mercer. The one boutique after the other, and the occasional cafe or restaurant in-between.

Marylebone

From one beautiful residential area to the next, Marylebone gives you the impression walking around a village within the big city. Just a stone's throw away from the big and busy shopping streets as Baker, Bond and Oxford…, I find myself wandering through Marylebone High Street and Thayer Street with its many restaurants and unique shops.

The village feeling is not only experienced through the lower buildings in its Gregorian style, but also the peacefulness (although still liveliness) by the people walking around. Next time you’re walking on oxford street, take a turn and enter the village.

Second: Where to eat & drink - Restaurants & Cafes

Breakfast & Brunch

White Mulberries – Katherine Docks

A cute day cafe serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and small bites. They have several locations in the city and offer a nice menu with various options for each mood.

Holy shot – Shoreditch

Just around the corner of Brick Lane, you will find Holy shot. A breakfast and lunch café serving a small menu, but all tasty dishes, and a great cup of coffee to go with it.

Coffee

Cafe Kitsune – Belgravia

Cafe Kitsune is my go-to in Paris, so when bumping into one at London, I had to get myself a special coffee. Serving several blends and special coffees with a small (but all delicious) offer of pastries and baked goods.

Jenki Matcha– Spitalfields Market

Not officially coffee, but this one is for the matcha lovers out there. Serving the matcha classics as well as new concoctions. Highly recommend the rose and lavender matcha lattes.

Monmouth Coffee – Several locations

For a good, full and round cup of coffee, you have to go to Monmouth coffee. Seeing the people queue for their coffees, you know it must be good.

Dinner & Drinks

Officina 00 – Fitzrovia

Fancy yourself a nice pasta, go to Officina 00. Serving the pasta classics as well as some new flavour combinations. Also, try the focaccia as a starter to share.

Seven Dials Market – Covent Garden

A food market which holds all you need. Whether in search for a fresh drink, a coffee or if feeling hungry; a small bite or a full meal. Here you’ll find all under one roof.

Third: Where to shop

Battersea Power Station

Opened in 2022 after 10 Years of renovations and development, the old power station has been transformed into every shopaholic’s dream. Besides a vast variety of shops, many eat and drink availabilities are to be found. In addition, fun activities and events are regularly organised in and around the station.

Daunt books - Marylebone

A bookworm’s paradise; this charming book shop will make you want to read faster and buy more books. Every language, culture, literature style is represented and besides the large offer, the building itself is beautiful with its glass arched ceiling.

Elizabeth Street - Between Belgravia and Pimlico

If hopping from the one boutique to the other is your favourite way of shopping, go to Elizabeth Street. Here you’ll find interior and home decor shops, as well as unique clothing boutiques offering those one-of-a-kind fashion pieces to complete your wardrobe.

Spitalfields Market

Just behind Brick Lane, there is Spitalfields market. A covert market area where each day, stand holders built up their booths, food trucks ride in, and artists set up their displays. Besides the stands, various shops are to be found around the market from high street fashion brands to unique branded stores.

Fourth: What to do - Museums & Exhibitions

Saatchi Gallery

Hidden behind Sloan Square, Saatchi Gallery showcases contemporary works of art. With beautiful changing exhibitions, upcoming artists are discovered. Roaming around the rooms, I stumbled upon a dazzling exposition of Andrew Millar, Hidden Visions and the RHS Botanical Art & Photography Show 2023.

(For more pictures, see my gallery)

Liefs,

Bente