London

MAP

Museums and Wanders

I tend to love smaller, bite sized museums, and two of my favorites are in London. The Wallace Collection is full of chandeliers and damask wallpaper, and filled with 18th and early 19th century art. It's free, so even if you have a couple of minutes, and you're nearby, I think it's worth it to pop in. From there, you're near Marylebone, and they have tons of cute shops and a nice high street. Check out Daunt, one of my favorite bookstores, and Chiltern Firehouse for tea, or a cocktail. If you're in need of food, check out the new St John!

The Courtauld Gallery is near and dear to my heart, as it's where I got my masters and kicked off my time living in London. You're right in the heart of things there, and can wander in pretty much any direction. If you're in need of a coffee or snack Watch House is a great coffee shop that's inside Somerset House in the courtyard. Nearby Toklas is great for food. 

From the Courtauld / Somerset House you can walk towards Trafalgar Square, and go to the National Gallery. Wander through Covent Garden and there's tons of shops and food. If you want a cocktail, the Savoy is always fun! Walking West, you can do Pall Mall, St James, Soho, and Oxford St. 

Personally, I love going to Liberty for a wander. Right there is Dishoom, one of my favorite Indian places in the world. They have a few locations (the Shoreditch one is the most beautiful, I'd say). Hatchards is pretty great, if bookstores are your thing, which is right next to Fortnum & Mason. From there you're super close to the Royal Academy, which always has something fun to see. The Wolseley is a majestic spot for breakfast or lunch nearby too. Maison Francois is also great!

Tate Modern is the best, and you could spend a whole day there, especially with its expansion into another massive connected building. I love wandering along the water from there to Borough Market. Pop into Monmouth for coffee, and Neal's Yard for some incredible cheese, if that's up your alley. From Tate Modern you can take a boat to Tate Britain if you're still wanting more art. 

East London

If you find yourself out east, you're officially in my old stomping grounds. My life there mostly revolved around food, so here are some of my favorites. 

BRAT

Tucked away upstairs on Redchurch St, Brat is great for simple, Spanish leaning food and amazing wine. Great for lunch or dinner. 

Rochelle Canteen

The only way I can describe it here is magical. You walk through an old school yard, and hidden in the back is a glorious spot for any time of day. Classic British food, cooked by the wife of the guy who started St John. 

Leila's

I went here many times a week when I lived here for breakfast. It's spare, in a way that's somehow charming. You'll get fried eggs with sage, and toast. Milky coffee. Next door they have a tiny grocery full of fresh produce. 

Dishoom

Already mentioned above. 

Brawn 

On Columbia Road, where a flower market tends to sprawl on a Sunday. Another one for classic British Food. Nearby, the Birdcage is a great little pub. 

Violet Bakery

If you need a cake, this is the spot. This is where I worked for a couple of years in the kitchen! She got quite popular recently after making Meghan and Harry's wedding cake. It's a bit out of the way, but if for some reason you're nearby check it out.