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London Like a Local: Things to do Off the Beaten Track
Written by Nate Robinson
Join us as we journey beyond tea to the terrific in London, where hip markets, underground cocktail bars and intriguing restaurants await.
Once you’ve basked in the shadow of Buckingham Palace, braved the British Museum and witnessed Big Ben’s booming majesty, London’s true brilliance begins to reveal itself. All roads lead to London – the city’s tremendous history and diversity stand at the cutting edge of the culinary, the cultural and the cosmopolitan. Whether it’s extraordinary food, rip-roaring retail spaces, ultra-cool galleries or deer-filled parkland, London’s guaranteed to make your soul soar.
From the flower markets and ferocious street art of ultra-hip East London to the charming waterfront scenery of leafy Richmond, here’s our guide to having the Thames of your life.
Dining and Drinking
Pierre Victoire, Soho
Pierre Victoire’s affable charm, intimate décor and robust à la carte menu cheerfully gifts Paris on a plate. Step through the bistro’s doors into a candlelit world and let the aroma of gently confited shallots and garlic awaken your tastebuds – it’s this magic that has kept guests returning again and again.
Brick Lane, East London
In the heart of London’s vibrant Bangladeshi community is Brick Lane, the city’s curry capital. It also hosts one of the city’s hippest markets, where bric-à-brac abounds and street art reigns supreme. After a morning of haggling, head to City Spice for seafood thali and daal that’s to die for.
Forza Wine, Peckham
Drinks, snacks and views are the name of the game at this rooftop wine bar in Peckham, perched high in the sky above the buzzy main street. Gaze out over London’s skyline as you share plates of Italian-leaning snacks – think cauliflower fritti with aioli, crispy polenta with gorgonzola dolce and burrata with marinated peppers and almonds. As the name suggests, wine isn’t an afterthought, with a slew of natural and traditional drops. Whatever you decide, make sure you finish with a signature custardos (a decadent mix of espresso and custard).
Apricity, Mayfair
On a side street in Mayfair, Apricity celebrates the idea of conscious cooking and joyful dining through its circular, eco-conscious approach. Come in off the busy street to find chairs made from recycled bottles, hanging lights made from oyster shells and a menu that celebrates sustainable produce at the height of its season, sourced from small-scale farmers and made with a low-waste approach.
Shopping
Kingly Court, Soho
Quirkiness is king at Kingly Court. Soho’s iconic three-story alfresco venue gleefully mingles high-concept dining and over 100 international and British heritage labels, charming boutiques and bespoke jewellers. Feeling thirsty? Journey underground to Cahoots for classic cocktails served in a historic air raid shelter.
Portobello Road Market, Notting Hill
If you crave antique mystique and are looking to flex your haggling muscles, Portobello Road Market is the place for you. Saturday is the day to visit – a riotous mile of vintage clothes, sizzling street food and collector’s items stretches endlessly ahead, and locals wheel and deal with joyful abandon.
Spitalfields Market, Spitalfields
One of London’s oldest markets, Spitalfields Market has operated since the 17th century. A far cry from the goods sold here in past years, today you can wander the aisles and find cutting-edge fashion, eye-popping original art, sumptuous food stalls and lovingly refurbished vintage pieces, all surrounded and supported by one of London’s most cherished local communities.
Marylebone High Street
More than just a station on the original Monopoly board, Marylebone offers a quaint village vibe in the centre of London. Stroll down high street for a spot of retail therapy at a carefully curated selection of independent stores, including Daunt Books, thought to be the first custom-built bookshop in the world. All that shopping will work up an appetite: finish with an Italian feast at Carlotta or modern British classics at St. JOHN, on nearby Marylebone Lane.
Culture and Art
Riflemaker Gallery, Carnaby
There may be no cooler art space in the world than Riflemaker Gallery. Specialising in emerging artists from across the world, each exhibition ignites curiosity with a pop and a bang. The only thing to expect is the unexpected with recent exhibitions including everything from Haitian Vodou ritual photography to subversive Chinese oil paintings and miraculous paper films.
Charles Dickens Museum, Bloomsbury
The Charles Dickens Museum is one of London’s most charming museums, located on 48 Doughty Street, the London home of Dickens from 1837-1839. Step back in time and discover how one of the country’s most revered authors lived and wrote his significant and widely acclaimed English literary works – including Oliver Twist – before you head to the Pickwick Café for tea and cakes.
Electric Cinema, Notting Hill
For a taste of the talkies and a glimpse into the golden age of film, head to Portobello’s Electric Cinema, in operation since 1910. Art and indie films screen regularly and the cinema is unhindered by the crowds which buzz about Leicester Square. After watching a film, head to Electric Diner for French-American favourites and shockingly good cocktails.
Sophie Tea Gallery, Carnaby
Immerse yourself in artist Sophie Tea’s latest works with a visit to her concept gallery in the heart of Carnaby Street. Across three levels, the gallery covers colourful past works and includes a photo booth that explores a new frontier of digital artworks. Step outside and you’ll be in the heart of Soho, ready for further exploration.
Green Spaces
Richmond Park, Richmond
Walk in the shadow of ancient oaks and through fields filled with endangered grasses, wildflowers and stag beetles at Richmond Park. Originally built by Charles I in 1637 as a deer reserve, the stunning fields still boast plenty of wandering, wild reds and fallow deer. Visit for a deeply poetic experience in the heart of the city.
Hampstead Heath, Hampstead
Visitors are surprised to discover that Hampstead Heath’s sprawling 320 hectares of idyllic parkland are less than seven kilometres from the city centre. Spectacular city views surprise and delight at every turn, and the park’s famed 18 ponds have been the swimming spots of choice for centuries.
Soho Square, Soho
Discover a gentle vision of glorious green surrounding a historic 17th-century timber shed at Soho Square. This sun-filled garden oasis is tucked just behind bustling Oxford Street and makes for an excellent reprieve from the crowds. It’s the perfect place to people-watch on a warm summer’s day – many of London’s most colourful characters pass through the park.
Horniman Museum and Gardens
With an aquarium, butterfly house, 16 acres of landscaped gardens overlooking London and a year-round program of exhibitions and events, the Horniman Museum is a treasure trove of times gone by. Explore over 350,000 objects spanning anthropology, natural history and musical instruments, and visit the lively Sunday market on the Bandstand Terrace.
Victoria Park, Hackney
Join locals on a lap of London’s oldest public park, Victoria Park. Opened in 1845 as a green space for the East End’s working class, this 86-hectare space is now a haven for the local community, with a rose garden, three lakes and a vibrant cafe selling freshly baked pastries and Sri Lankan breakfast staples.
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