Love it or hate it, the UK’s controversial Brexit furore means that one of the world’s most expensive cities has become a lot cheaper – for overseas tourists, there has never been a better time to visit. With many pockets of true originality, hip stylishness and a dash of English eccentricity there are many unique and exciting places to discover in the majestic UK capital. Here’s a collection of our favourite stylishly hip places which would make the perfect London weekend away for travel snobs everywhere…
Saturday
Breakfast at the Chiltern Firehouse, Marylebone
Start your day in the trendy affluent area of Marylebone with a breakfast at the fabulous Chiltern Firehouse – a Neo-Gothic ex-firehouse turned designer hotel and A-lister celebrity haunt. Grab a table in their in their award-winning restaurant and choose from a varied menu of dishes including organic eggs benedict and delicious Spinach crepes – just make sure you get yourself on the guestlist first!
Go shopping in Kensington High Street
Next take the tube to window shop in Kensington High Street, one of the most stylish shopping areas in London. With branches of all the usual chain stores, a handful of boutiques and some fabulous department stores, it makes a much more pleasant and less crowded alternative to London’s West End.
Lunch at Babylon at Kensington Roof Gardens
You’ll probably be feeling hungry now so head down to the Babylon, a modern British restaurant located on the 7th-floor restaurant and set beside 3 rooftop gardens complete with flamingos! Enjoy fabulous views of the city skyline while tucking into sweet potato discs and their date pudding covered with lashings of Guinness caramel.
Browse for bargains at Portobello Road Market
Next take the tube to Notting Hill to explore the world-famous Portobello Road Market. Attracting hipsters by the bucket load, the market stretches for miles and offers everything from food to posters, vintage clothes, antiques and music. The main market days are Friday and Saturday with a smaller market running Monday to Thursday.
Dine on Dim Sum at Seventeen, Notting Hill Gate
For your evening meal head to the sleek, dark and sexy surroundings of Seventeen in Notting Hill which serves up delicious a fusion of Chinese, Japanese and Korean cuisine. Expect carved wooden screens, blue lighting and black lacquer furniture at this highly regarded restaurant and that’s not forgetting the fine array of food on offer. Make sure you try at least one dish of their delicious Dim sum which is handily served up all day.
Taste a biodynamic wine or two at Negozio Classica, Notting Hill
End the evening with an organic or biodynamic wine served up by the glassful at the warm and elegant Negozio Classica, a fine Italian establishment part-owned by the Tuscan winery Avignonesi. With an excellent reputation to uphold, they meticulously source all their ingredients ensuring all their customers have an original and artisanal drinking experience.
Sunday
Brunch at The Blue Legume, Angel, Islington
Start the day at the trendy North London Borough, Angel Islington. The Blue Legume is a light and airy room with an atrium skylight, exposed brickwork and a gorgeous vintage decor making it a perfect spot for brunch. Expect tantalising sweet offerings such as french toast, Spanish doughnuts or a more savoury vegetarian/vegan English breakfast.
Browse the boutique stores of Upper Street, Angel
While away some time perusing the shops of Upper Street, Angel. One of the most highly regarded places to shop in the city, Upper Street has eschewed chain stores in favour of a fabulous collection of boutique and independent stores. Islington’s shops boast vintage finds, design icons and quirky one-offs aplenty. For antiques and second-hand treasures, head to tucked-away Camden Passage.
Go for lunch at Tapas Brindisa, Borough Market
Next hop on the tube to another trendy area in London, the Artisan food market Borough Market. You’ll probably be feeling hungry so head to Tapas Brindsa a Spanish Tapas restaurant with an excellent reputation. Brindisa is one of the UK’s best-known importers of Spanish produce, so it’s no surprise that the establishments prides itself on its breads, cheeses and charcuterie. Choose from freshly cooked seasonal dishes such as tortilla, freshly made croquetas and Padrón peppers.
Shop for artisan food, Borough Market
You can’t visit to the market without having a look around as Borough Market is one of the largest and oldest food markets in the city and has now become a London institution. Expect gourmet goodies from fresh bread and cakes to all manner of preserves, oils and teas. Make sure you take advantage of the takeaways or the plentiful supply of free samples on offer.
Go for early evening drinks with a view at the Aqua bar, The Shard
This cosmopolitan bar and restaurant is located on level 31 of The Shard, the three-storey high atrium bar is particularly spectacular and makes a fabulous stop for early evening drinks. Take in the breathtaking views while supping on cocktails endearingly named “The Camomile Lawn” and “Old Times Revival” – just make sure you dress smartly!
Dine at Brigade Bar and Bistro, Tooley Street
Next head down to Tooley Street to this hip and stylish bistro with a heart. Located in a former fire station, the decor is trendy but relaxed with exposed brickwork and an open kitchen, but it’s also a social enterprise. The restaurant help homeless individuals develop skills and motivation to find employment and a visit here means you’re helping their apprentice chefs. The Modern European food is also delicious and they serve only seasonal, sustainably sourced dishes – a perfect way to round off your two-day hip London break!
Where to Stay in London
We have a post of the Top 12 cool and unusual hotels in London or the Top 15 best dog-friendly hotels in London.
Enjoy your London travel snob weekend!
93 Comments
KKM
4 November, 2019 at 9:07 amI like Borough Market. I have seen some images of borough market, it has a great cake shop, fruit shop and more. I would love to visit the oyster bar whenever I go to London.
Sal
21 October, 2019 at 2:56 pmSome great suggestions here – love Kensington Roof Gardens and will definitely try Tapas Brindisa next time I’m around Borough Market. The Shard is always a cool spot too!
Materialist
14 October, 2019 at 3:56 pmI love swanking it up in London, but be warned…you can easily blow £1K in a weekend 🙂
Pro Tip: While you are at Portobello Rd, you MUST go and see a film at the Electric cinema. Leather seats, footstools + cocktails. Best cinema in London.
Cacinda Maloney
9 September, 2019 at 11:47 pmWow! I can’t wait to go back to London! What great suggestions! I will be in Europe in a few weeks and can’t wait to check a few of these fab places out!
AstroTalk
9 August, 2019 at 11:08 amLondon is one of the most loved places in UK for travelling. Great blog. Keep up the good work.
Roshni
25 July, 2019 at 4:49 pmborn and bred Londoner but some of these are new to me! will be checking them out thanks!!
Olive Johns
25 July, 2019 at 6:34 amGreat information! This post would be very useful for first-time travelers to London. I am planning to visit London next week and these tips would certainly help me in my journey.
Will
24 July, 2019 at 1:57 pmI like Kensington Roof Gardens. nice article
John
15 March, 2019 at 11:24 amNo mention of Brick Lane or Shoreditch?
They scream hipster!
Great Blog BTW 😉
Jais
20 February, 2019 at 9:59 amThanks for great suggestion. I ll be visiting London next month. these suggestions seems to be of great help. 🙂
Acha Lrka
12 February, 2019 at 12:39 pmVery cool looking places, love the look of the Shard bar and the Chiltern Firehouse – now just to get myself on the guest list
Dee
10 September, 2018 at 11:09 pmLondon is finally the most beautiful first capital city in the world. thanks, Becky Moore for reminding memory.