I’ve hear a lot that London is magical in Christmas time, and I believe it is, but for me exploring when there is a chance for summerish chill nights, people watching will always be the favourite time to explore places. I am a winter person definitively, but since living in Germany, you appreciate summer a bit more than you used to. All the places we’ve strolled through, were full of people, and you could hear the indistinct chatter as a soundtrack of the city, but also my friend always giving us a hint how beautiful this place is in Christmas Time. I was also surprised when on Pinterest I saw that the most search term for London was the jolly season. I’ll try to prove that summer is THE season, even though I’ve never been in winter time.

Instead of an Itinerary for London, I will note down my favourite food spots, and all that came along. We didn’t have the typical sightseeing stay, we had friends bonding one, and all the sightseeing was placed in a second plan.

BALLHAM

Hyde Farm – I would call this place the one and only. I thought that my friend is biased having in mind the closeness to her flat, but this place is a true gem. They opened even a second location in Balham. Apart from ultra tasty coffee, they have pastries, salads, focaccia, and deli like place in the shop with Italian products. In my 2 weeks time in London, I cam here 3 times.

Milk – breakfast /brunch / specialty coffee. Nice things that take time to arrive, but it seems that in the early morning everyone wants their breakfast here.
Gail’s – chain bakery that exists in every part of the city, that has more than huge variety of both salty and sweet treats.
175 Balham – coffee to go spot under the bridge, super stylish
Bakers Dozen – jamaican food – authentic food, in authentic setup, as for me to spicy and greasy, but i guess thats what this food is about.
The Windmill – chill pub for an afterwork session with open air seating
The Cyclist – very close to the oyster station with wide variety of cool drinks
The Avalon – every thing you expect from a typical pub, spacious, full of people, fish & chips / mushy beans
Nata’s Coffee Bar – another of the popular weekend breakfast locations in my opinion more on the low key side
Megan’s on the Hill Restaurant – breakfast brunch, place for young parents with babies, and gigantic sizzling brownies.

SOUTH BANK

Between Bridges – street food market, on a popular tourist spot, there are around 10 different stands, but basically has a representative from almost every cusine
BBQ Dept – food stand with pulled pork sandwich and fries
La Gelateria – OXO Tower – one of the rare gelaterias at the bank

NOTTING HILL

Buns from Home – just buns filled with amazing creams and with lots of special flavours over the weekend, accessible on another 10 locations in the city
Ottolenghi – a to go or stay in restaurant with great salads and sweets – has two more locations in the city

SPITALFIELDS

Smoko Loko – bbq food stand with amazing steak sandwihches
Darlish – ice cream, especially the baklava ice cream

KENNSINGTON

Kings Head Earl’s Court – unpretentious old school pub with small menu
The Ivy Kensington Brasserie – english restaurant that gives the feels you landed in another era, and the only place in London with shepherds pie on the menu
Blank Street Coffee – coffee, well hit or a miss, the iced coffee was better to be skipped
Bread Ahead – delicious donuts – the vanila, chocolate and pralines were especially nice, also available on borough Market, but here it is without waiting time.

MARYLEBONE

KOL Mezcaleria – mezcal bar & eatery – mezcal based cocktails and small bites in a cool setting with experienced baristas

SOHO

Mother Mash – I would say the place for pies in London, if you are only having one meal let it be this one we tried all the varieties and all of them were finger licking good, and no words for their Sticky toffee pudding.
Bubala Soho – high expectations, fancy setting, but overall it was just nice and picturesque
Creme – coffee shop with exciting windows

COVENT GARDEN

Arome Bakery – the caramelised toast and other korean style pastries a bit overpriced but thats the price of eating your soul in pastries in London
26 grains – breakfast eatery in a cool location – Neils Yard

ISLINGTON

Buns from Home – in this location we also tasted savory buns with spinach and cheese
Pophams bakery – I guess people come to Islington just because of this spot, weekendly changing menu and some special artisanal pastries
Jolene bakery – artisan bakery and eatery

BOROUGH

Bread Ahead – the upper described donuts but with a huge waiting line on this location
Kappacasein Dairy – grilled cheese toast
The Bridge Tap – low key pub with extensive menu of food and drinks and especially gin, gateway if it is too crowded at borough market

SHOREDITSCH

Bagel Brick Lane – Bagel Shop open 24 hours serving only one dish
Dishoom – indian/iranian bombay style kitchen many people’s favorite, mine maybe becuse of the decor, and the story, make sure to book otherwise prepare to wait in line. The creamy daal was amazing
BRAT – restaurant – micheline style bistrot

BRIXTON

Lost In Brixton – the most popular spot in Brixton for celebrations and meetups
Brixton Village Market – covered market with shops, bars and eateries

FINSBURY PARK

The Plimsoll – burger pub daily changing menu, maybe the cutest pub without other options around, reservation is preferred, favorite of many locals, the burger especially
The Happening – Bagel Bakery – the only place in London that didn’t accept

CANARY WHARF

Bōkan 38 Bar – rooftop bar on the 38th floor serving cocktails and great London views
My Wood Wharf Mercato – street food market with many of the famous food chains of the city

The one below were on the list as well, but obviously London is not doable in two weeks time when you are working 9-5 and spend the weekends out of the city. Luckily there are next times, because the city is out of this world.

BELGRAVIA MAYFAIR CHELSEA FITZROVIA COLUMBIA ROAD

LONDON FIELDS HACKNEY WICK WESTMINISTER & THE LANCASTERS

Butersea Plant station (Holy Carrot), Richmond Park, Hyde Park, Bermondsey, Chinatown, The old bell tavern, Regent street, Oxford street, Liberty London, Camden Canal