Jake's Guidebook
Food scene
Great spot to take a break from trekking around London. Serving excellent coffee, loose leaf tea and amazing hot chocolates. Also have a small range of pastries, cakes and savoury options if you're feeling peckish. Very reasonably priced and a nice vibe. Open 8am-8pm weekdays and 10am-8pm weekends...so great option for evenings too.
Sacred Grounds
Great spot to take a break from trekking around London. Serving excellent coffee, loose leaf tea and amazing hot chocolates. Also have a small range of pastries, cakes and savoury options if you're feeling peckish. Very reasonably priced and a nice vibe. Open 8am-8pm weekdays and 10am-8pm weekends...so great option for evenings too.
Family owned for 70 years, this place serves simple but delicious meals and the best tiramisu in town. They have an entrance on New Row and another on Goodwin’s Court which is a hidden pathway that has a Harry Potter-esque feel to it.
Giovanni's of Covent Garden
10 Goodwin's CourtFamily owned for 70 years, this place serves simple but delicious meals and the best tiramisu in town. They have an entrance on New Row and another on Goodwin’s Court which is a hidden pathway that has a Harry Potter-esque feel to it.
Enjoy cicchetti (Italian tapas) and cocktails at La Goccia on Floral Court which is tucked away just off King Street - it has a lovely outdoor area but it is rather expensive.
La Goccia Covent Garden
2 Floral StreetEnjoy cicchetti (Italian tapas) and cocktails at La Goccia on Floral Court which is tucked away just off King Street - it has a lovely outdoor area but it is rather expensive.
Admittedly it's been a while since I've been here, but I couldn't leave it off.
Enjoy delicious food whilst watching the most spectacular performances. It's expensive but you're getting top-class entertainment included. You can even pay a little extra to sit at the Stage Table - as the name suggests, this table becomes the stage for the performances between courses.
12 habitants recommandent
Circus
27-29 Endell StAdmittedly it's been a while since I've been here, but I couldn't leave it off.
Enjoy delicious food whilst watching the most spectacular performances. It's expensive but you're getting top-class entertainment included. You can even pay a little extra to sit at the Stage Table - as the name suggests, this table becomes the stage for the performances between courses.
Located on the corner of the next block, this local restaurant serves modern interpretations on South East Asian cuisine. They have a great menu with lots to choose from and quite possibly the best vegetable curry I've ever had - fresh ingredients, great flavour and reasonably priced. Be sure to leave room for dessert (or at least one to share) - the 'Sticky Mango' is divine!
Sticky Mango
33 Coin StLocated on the corner of the next block, this local restaurant serves modern interpretations on South East Asian cuisine. They have a great menu with lots to choose from and quite possibly the best vegetable curry I've ever had - fresh ingredients, great flavour and reasonably priced. Be sure to leave room for dessert (or at least one to share) - the 'Sticky Mango' is divine!
Limin' Beach Club
56 Upper GroundServing up delicious Caribbean food/drinks with a beach-like outdoor area.
Extensive menu of dim sum - just tick the items you'd like and they'll bring them to you as they're ready. Good drinks menu too. Mixture of large communal tables and some smaller private tables. On Sundays they have all you can eat dim sum...perfect if you're feeling ravenous!
28 habitants recommandent
Ping Pong Southbank
Belvedere RoadExtensive menu of dim sum - just tick the items you'd like and they'll bring them to you as they're ready. Good drinks menu too. Mixture of large communal tables and some smaller private tables. On Sundays they have all you can eat dim sum...perfect if you're feeling ravenous!
One of my favourite vegan restaurants serving breakfast, lunch and dinner (plus a great cocktail menu). They also have branches in Covent Garden, Camden, Dalston and Kings Cross.
45 habitants recommandent
Mildreds Restaurant
45 Lexington StOne of my favourite vegan restaurants serving breakfast, lunch and dinner (plus a great cocktail menu). They also have branches in Covent Garden, Camden, Dalston and Kings Cross.
The sister restaurant of Mildred's - Mallow is also 100% plant-based but with a focus on minimal waste, sustainability and locally sourced ingredients (primarily from Borough Market).
mallow
1 Cathedral StreetThe sister restaurant of Mildred's - Mallow is also 100% plant-based but with a focus on minimal waste, sustainability and locally sourced ingredients (primarily from Borough Market).
On Friday and Saturday (until 8pm) and Sunday (until 6pm) the Southbank Centre has a food market with plenty to choose from if you can’t all agree on the same cuisine! It's also a great place to get cakes, breads, juices and coffee.
36 habitants recommandent
Marchés alimentaires du Southbank Centre
Belvedere RoadOn Friday and Saturday (until 8pm) and Sunday (until 6pm) the Southbank Centre has a food market with plenty to choose from if you can’t all agree on the same cuisine! It's also a great place to get cakes, breads, juices and coffee.
For breakfast/brunch you could try The Table Cafe which is not too far away on Southwark Street – they were voted one of the top ten places to get brunch in London! They have a great menu with plenty to choose from and their juices are freshly squeezed.
43 habitants recommandent
The Table Café
83 Southwark StFor breakfast/brunch you could try The Table Cafe which is not too far away on Southwark Street – they were voted one of the top ten places to get brunch in London! They have a great menu with plenty to choose from and their juices are freshly squeezed.
No-frills café popular with local workers - the portions are generous and the prices very reasonable. The best place to go for a fried breakfast. They also serve sandwiches and jacket potatoes if it's lunch you're after.
Waterloo cafe
1 Wootton StreetNo-frills café popular with local workers - the portions are generous and the prices very reasonable. The best place to go for a fried breakfast. They also serve sandwiches and jacket potatoes if it's lunch you're after.
The best place to go for bread and pastries...the coffee is great too! Has indoor and outdoor seating.
Little Bread Pedlar
20 Lower MarshThe best place to go for bread and pastries...the coffee is great too! Has indoor and outdoor seating.
Fancy a sweet snack? Head to Konditor & Cook for delicious cakes, cookies and brownies. Quite expensive though.
23 habitants recommandent
Konditor
22 Cornwall RdFancy a sweet snack? Head to Konditor & Cook for delicious cakes, cookies and brownies. Quite expensive though.
One of my favourite local coffee shops. Looks like a plant shop from the outside but venture in and they're serving great coffee! Note that this place doesn't have any indoor seating.
The Travel Café - South Bank
139 Westminster Bridge RoadOne of my favourite local coffee shops. Looks like a plant shop from the outside but venture in and they're serving great coffee! Note that this place doesn't have any indoor seating.
This colourful tin shed has all your beverage needs....in the morning stop by for a coffee before walking over the bridge to explore the West End....then swing by again on your way home for a beer, cider or cocktail.
Beany Green
Belvedere RoadThis colourful tin shed has all your beverage needs....in the morning stop by for a coffee before walking over the bridge to explore the West End....then swing by again on your way home for a beer, cider or cocktail.
If you venture into Soho then try to find Hideaway Coffee on Smith’s Court - as per the name, it’s hidden in a cute little courtyard where you can sit to enjoy your coffee away from the hustle and bustle. It's also where I get the coffee beans for my machine. ☕😍
Hideaway Coffee
7 Farrier's PassageIf you venture into Soho then try to find Hideaway Coffee on Smith’s Court - as per the name, it’s hidden in a cute little courtyard where you can sit to enjoy your coffee away from the hustle and bustle. It's also where I get the coffee beans for my machine. ☕😍
Friendly staff and great menu with lots to choose from, including vegan options. Has outdoor seating. Can get quite busy so find a table then order at the counter (with someone looking after your table).
7 habitants recommandent
Balance
42-43 Lower MarshFriendly staff and great menu with lots to choose from, including vegan options. Has outdoor seating. Can get quite busy so find a table then order at the counter (with someone looking after your table).
Another place to find great bread, cake and pastries. Their sourdough is delicious! There are a few locations nearby.
GAIL's Bakery Blackfriars
Another place to find great bread, cake and pastries. Their sourdough is delicious! There are a few locations nearby.
Sightseeing
Built to commemorate the Great Fire of London, Monument stands at 202ft above the City of London, offering a unique perspective to those who climb the spiral staircase to take in the view from atop. Open only on weekends and during school holidays. Very reasonably priced compared to other viewing platforms in London.
107 habitants recommandent
Monument du Grand Incendie de Londres
Fish Street HillBuilt to commemorate the Great Fire of London, Monument stands at 202ft above the City of London, offering a unique perspective to those who climb the spiral staircase to take in the view from atop. Open only on weekends and during school holidays. Very reasonably priced compared to other viewing platforms in London.
You can buy tickets to go up the North Tower, walk along the walkway and then go down the South Tower and along to the engine rooms. With lots of interesting information along the way and some great views from the walkway. You can get a discounted joint ticket that allows you access to Monument.
If you want to see the bridge opening then check the website for the times - they're planned in advance but not to a set schedule.
1577 habitants recommandent
Pont de la Tour
Tower Bridge RoadYou can buy tickets to go up the North Tower, walk along the walkway and then go down the South Tower and along to the engine rooms. With lots of interesting information along the way and some great views from the walkway. You can get a discounted joint ticket that allows you access to Monument.
If you want to see the bridge opening then check the website for the times - they're planned in advance but not to a set schedule.
Located just over the river, it'd be a crime not to stop by to witness the stunning architecture. Entry to the building is free but I'd highly recommend an official tour from one of their knowledgeable guides.
20 habitants recommandent
Royal Courts of Justice
StrandLocated just over the river, it'd be a crime not to stop by to witness the stunning architecture. Entry to the building is free but I'd highly recommend an official tour from one of their knowledgeable guides.
Offering great views across London and completely free - but you must book in advance. Tickets are released every Monday for the week commencing three weeks ahead - all slots are usually all booked within a few days.
300 habitants recommandent
Sky Garden
Offering great views across London and completely free - but you must book in advance. Tickets are released every Monday for the week commencing three weeks ahead - all slots are usually all booked within a few days.
A historic market with stalls selling mostly arts, crafts and some antiques (as are the surrounding shops).
The coolest way to get there is by riverboat - check out my separate guide on that.
469 habitants recommandent
Marché de Greenwich
5B Greenwich MarketA historic market with stalls selling mostly arts, crafts and some antiques (as are the surrounding shops).
The coolest way to get there is by riverboat - check out my separate guide on that.
Harry Potter fans should definitely stop by to have their photo taken as they run onto the hidden platform that'll take them to Hogwarts. There's also a shop for official merchandise.
Platform Nine and three Quarters
Euston RoadHarry Potter fans should definitely stop by to have their photo taken as they run onto the hidden platform that'll take them to Hogwarts. There's also a shop for official merchandise.
This historic and beautiful market dates back to 1881 and features a collection of fancy boutique stores and eateries.
Another absolute must-see for Harry Potter fans who will recognise it from the scene where Hagrid takes Harry to buy his wand.
47 habitants recommandent
Marché de Leadenhall
Gracechurch StreetThis historic and beautiful market dates back to 1881 and features a collection of fancy boutique stores and eateries.
Another absolute must-see for Harry Potter fans who will recognise it from the scene where Hagrid takes Harry to buy his wand.
Need a book for the flight home? Check out the book market located beneath Waterloo Bridge. There are also stalls selling antique prints and maps from all over the world.
Southbank Centre Book Market
337-338 Belvedere RdNeed a book for the flight home? Check out the book market located beneath Waterloo Bridge. There are also stalls selling antique prints and maps from all over the world.
If you're in the Covent Garden area and would like somewhere quiet to collect your thoughts then do stop by Ching Court. You'll no doubt be struck at how tranquil this little courtyard is compared to the streets surrounding it. The entrance is on Shelton Street.
Ching Court
If you're in the Covent Garden area and would like somewhere quiet to collect your thoughts then do stop by Ching Court. You'll no doubt be struck at how tranquil this little courtyard is compared to the streets surrounding it. The entrance is on Shelton Street.
Conseils sur la ville
Déplacements
Travel from London Gatwick Airport
You can get a direct train to London Blackfriars in as little as 35 minutes. The destination on the departure boards will be Bedford, Cambridge or Peterborough and you can download the National Rail app to check which services are the quickest. On arrival, take the exit for Bankside and the apartment is a 10 minute walk along the riverside.
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Travel from London City Airport
From City Airport the journey by public transport is very easy. Just hop on the Docklands Light Railway from the airport to Canning Town and then the Jubilee Line from Canning Town to Waterloo. The apartment is then a five minute walk from the station and it should take about 30mins overall.
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Travel from London Heathrow Airport
From Heathrow I'd recommend taking the new Elizabeth Line to Bond Street and then the Jubilee Line to Waterloo (about 50min journey time). The apartment is a short five minute walk from there.
FYI - I don't think the Heathrow Express is worth the extra expense - it only saves you about 10-15 minutes but will cost way more.
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Visitor Oyster Card
You can buy a Visitor Oyster Card from the TfL website and have it delivered to you before you depart so you'll be ready to go straight off the plane.
The Visitor Oyster Card can be used to pay for travel on most public transport and to get discounts at various restaurants and attractions.
Children under 11 travel free and children aged 11-15 travel at discounted rates. You can get a discount set on an Oyster card at the ticket office.
If you have a contactless debit/credit card then you can use that instead - just be sure to check with your bank if there are any fees involved.
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Travel from London Stansted Airport
The best way to get to the apartment from Stansted is to get the A7 National Express Coach direct to Waterloo Station. An alternative route is to get the train to Liverpool Street Station and then either the underground or a taxi/Uber to the apartment.
I recommend booking your coach or train tickets in advance for the best prices.
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Travel from London Luton Airport
A shuttle bus departs every ten minutes and will take you from Luton Airport to Luton Airport Parkway in ten minutes - from there hop on the train to London Blackfriars (the destination on the departure boards will be Brighton or Gatwick Airport). On arrival, take the exit for Bankside and the apartment is a ten minute walk along the riverside.
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Riverboat Services
The River Bus commuter service is the cheapest option for travelling a single or return journey on the river - you can use an Oyster Card or contactless credit/debit card to pay as you board. There's no commentary and the outside areas are small.
If you prefer commentary or like the idea of a hop-on-hop-off ticket then the tour boats are the way to go - you can choose from City Cruises (24hr pass) or Thames River Sightseeing (48hr pass). Both operate between Westminster and Greenwich.
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Travel from St Pancras International
Head to Platform A where you can catch a train to London Blackfriars. On arrival take the exit for Bankside and the apartment is a short ten minute walk along the riverside.