To-do & To-eat: A Lively London Respite

Located just opposite St. Paul’s Cathedral, One New Change is a popular shopping and dining spot in the city. However, its free rooftop deck is often overlooked by tourists. Spectacular views and it’s free. 

Brick Lane is a seriously cool, art-heavy, diverse run of Shoreditch. Great eateries and shops dot the street and neighborhood. 

Grab a quick lunch or snack at Leadenhall Market. This covered Victorian arcade was a Diagon Alley filming location and was used in numerous films over the last century. Between the cobblestone alleys and richly painted walls, you’ll wonder if you’ve somehow stepped back in time.

Sky Garden is a really cool garden at the top of what some consider the ugliest building in London. It’s free to go up, but you may want to get a ticket so you’re not waiting in huge lines.

Everyone wants to shop on Oxford Street, but I’m partial to nearby Bond Street. And while we’re at it, Savile Row is a must for the dapper man. 

You like spooky-cool? Highgate Cemetery. That's the tip. 

Meander Brixton, London’s cultural melting pot. Good music and good food!

The Silver Vaults, beneath Chancery Lane house, might be the world’s largest collection of silver retailers. It’s quite secure, and it’s not for the bargain shopper. 

Neal’s Yard near Covent Garden is just a masterpiece of a place. A quiet, artisans' escape from the hustle and bustle of the area is well worth the stop.

Bounce (Shoreditch): A social ping-pong club. At the very least, it’s got a good pizza. At the most, it’s a wild ping-pong ride. 

Flight Club (4 locations, or so, maybe less after this pandemic): Yeah, it’s a darts bar, but you don’t have to love darts to go. I’ve met some fun people there, so I suggest it. 

Duck & Waffle (Liverpool Street): Fantastic British food in a most stunning place. Killer views. 

Dishoom (Kensington): Some of the best Indian food outside of India, and very approachable. 

Farmacy (Notting Hill): Vegan food that kicks butt. Seriously, it does. 

The Ned: A club that has certain things open to the public (but you’ll need a booking). Everything is good, but the Sunday Feast is mind-blowing. 

Coppa by the Tower: Reserve an igloo and enjoy the Southbank skyline while dining in a unique, fun place. 

Le Bab (Soho): Ok, so there are kebab joints everywhere. But if you want a real deal, curated experience, this is the place. 

The Churchill Arms: The floral pub on every London IG account is popular, but worth it. 

BOXPARK (Shoreditch): It’s like a food court, but awesome. I call it a food hall for every taste. Great food stalls, cocktails and a few nice clothing spots. 

Borough Market: The granddaddy of London markets. It’s touristy as hell, but it’s earned its place on my lists for good reason. 

Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town: Within the Breakfast Club in Shoreditch, you’ll go through a fridge (yeah, a fridge) to request to see the Mayor. Inside, visit a cool “hidden” bar. 

Evans & Peel “Detective Agency”: Make an appointment and tell the person you have an appointment. Walk through a bookcase to have some fun drinks with some fun people.

Cahoots (Soho): I can’t even start. I love this place. Look it up. 

Frank’s Cafe: Awesome views, casual crowd, cool place. The food here, though not fancy, will make you wonder why you aren’t in some nicer dining room, in a good way. 

Ballie Ballerson: This is the famous ball pit bar in London. This might be the most unique experience in London bars, but it’s not for everyone.