LONDON’S HIDDEN GEMS

EAT, SHOP, EXPLORE

One of my most requested posts is a guide to my fair ol’ city, London. The truth is, you could spend every day trying out a new place and you’d still not manage to experience everything! So, I’ve decided to create a new series, Hidden Gems, in which I’ll post the places I’ve discovered in London each month.

If you’re a Londoner, you may well have unearthed these places already, but I’m hoping to publish shops, restaurants and the like that are a little off the beaten track, so even if you are a local, I hope you manage to find at least one place to add to your to-do list!

Without futher ado…

BREAKFAST

VILLAGE EAST

Now, Village East can’t be that hidden as it was extremely busy when me and my pals arrived on a Saturday morning for brunch, so I’d suggest booking a table if you’d plan to eat here.

It’s got a beautiful interior, and just as good food! Our table ordered everything from pancakes and berries to full English breakfasts. I opted for the Campfire Breakfast; slow roasted pork shoulder, barbeque baked beans and fried eggs. I’m going to assume everybody else’s food was as good as mine as there wasn’t much talking going on as soon as our plates arrived and Instagram photos were out of the way!

171-173 BERMONDSEY ST, LONDON SE1 3UW

SHOP

BANG BANG

For as long as I’ve had this blog, I’ve been described as vintage. Which is cool, I can understand why – I wear a heck of a lot of vintage inspired shapes, but my collection of vintage isn’t really that exciting or broad. It’s probably because I’m really not a fan of rifling through rails and the hunting down element of vintage shopping, which is why I’ve often walked past Bang Bang without ever entering. Big mistake!

I entered the Goodge Street branch and realised quite quickly that everything in the shop was very well curated, and not just vintage by any means. Here you can find second-hand designer and high street pieces, carefully handpicked, with beautiful vintage items making up the rest of the colour-coordinated rails. I fingered through See by Chloe, Vivienne Westwood, COS, Lulu Guiness and a few very reasonably priced vintage summer dresses before picking out a £30 APC sweatshirt and a beautiful vintage blouse with the best lace sleeves I’ve ever seen!

Of course, you can also bring in your clothes to sell here, but don’t expect to leave with your wardrobe any less full – you’re bound to find something you love!

21 GOODGE STREET, FITZROVIA | 9 BERWICK STREET, SOHO | 180 DRURY LANE, COVENT GARDE

EXPLORE

ST JOHN’S LODGE GARDENS

This place is a little secret of mine! Miguel and I discovered it on a walk in Regent’s Park. You’ll spot a small gate with a corridor of flowers, leading to what looks like a dead-end. It seems as though it’s private property, but on closer inspection, leads to a tranquil garden.

I’ve only ever found it inhabited by a couple of people or the ducks that reside in the fountain, so it’s the best place to stop and read or eat your lunch in the sunshine. I’m almost tempted to hop on the bus and take my laptop there and hide away on a bench when the sun comes out!

INNER CIRCLE, REGENT’S PARK

CHILL OUT

CITIZEN M HOTEL, BANKSIDE

I’ve been asked by a few of you overseas about the best places to stay in London. As I’ve only really experienced the city as somebody that lives here, I don’t have too many recommendations, but recently was introduced to Citizen M – a Dutch company specialising in beautiful design hotels for travellers.

Even if you live in London, you’re welcome to enjoy Citizen M – it’s large lobby was full with people either meeting their friends for a drink or catching up on their emails over coffee and a cake from the self-serve kitchen, stocked full of locally-sourced treats.

I was taken on a tour of the rooms and absolutely marvelled at the in-room tablet that controls the lighting…plus, they stream movies for free, which makes them a total winner in my books!

20 LAVINGTON ST, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM SE1 0NZ

EAT

DIRTY BURGER

You all know burgers are my absolute favourite thing, so it’s a given that I’ve tried and tested many burger joints London. One of my absolute favourites happens to be just a short walk from my place in Kentish Town – Dirty Burger.

Dirty Burger is literally a hidden gem – the first time Miguel and I went we couldn’t find it! It’s hidden around the back of Pizza East, under a stairwell. It’s a little metal shack specialising in burgers and only burgers, which suits me just fine. If you’re a fan of Meat Liquor et al and enjoy their Dead Hippie, you’ll get on with the cheeseburger here at Dirty Burger too – it’s a messy one! Their crispy crinkle cut fries are also to die for.

Want to know a funny fact? My gym is situated just behind – after sweating it out (which I’ll admit, doesn’t happen very often) for an hour or so, walking past this place is the ultimate temptation!