Mentioned by CN Traveller
The 20 best museums in London
"What: Sky Garden may be known for its lush greenery (the perfect backdrop for an impromptu photoshoot), but its sprawling views of the capital are also worth a mention. The Sky Pod bar, which isn’t separated from the rest of the space, allows guests to stand around admiring the views or pull up a chair to rest their legs. All the usual drinks can be found here (including a selection of signature cocktails), while the food menu features sharing platters of charcuterie, seafood or dessert."
"If a trip up to the stunning viewing gallery of one of London’s tallest buildings sounds like a pocket drainer, think again. Situated inside a glass oasis at the top of the “Walkie Talkie”, Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden, filled with greenery and boasting panoramic views of the capital. It’s totally free to head up there, but you’ll need to book in advance, with post-lockdown visits starting up again from July 29."
"Travel 43 floors up and see a unique perspective of landmarks like The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and more. With massive floor-to-ceiling glass windows, an open-air terrace, and beautifully landscaped scenery, you’ll have an abundance of options for IG pics. It also houses a swanky restaurant and bar, so you can relax and soak in the views with a drink in hand."
"Restaurants Ice-cream parlours Soho. Those nitro-fuelled experimentalists at Chin Chin are the Willy Wonkas of the ice-cream world, and this Soho shop is an ostentatious showcase for their wares. Not only their signature ices, but also full-on desserts – there’s some seriously elaborate stuff going on here amid all the bells and whistles (try the decadent tiramisu sundae)."
"Coffee ice cream, a dusting of cocoa powder and the fluffiest, softest cloud of whipped mascarpone cream, the base of this brilliant tiramisu mash-up is a thick, super rich, brownie-like cookie that is soaked in espresso for an extra gooey texture. The Chin Chin team have truly outdone themselves here. Address: 54 Greek St, London W1D 3DS or 49-50 Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF"
"The Lowdown: Look no further for quirky hot chocolates than Camden Market’s Chin Chin Labs – Europe’s first liquid nitro ice cream parlour. They have pimped up the hot chocolate experience – expect a delicious hot chocolate, complete with torched homemade marshmallow fluff. For your Instagram feed alone, it’s something you simply must try."
"A Biskie is a sandwiched dessert that’s essentially a cross between a cake and a cookie and is filled with cream or other ingredients. You can find Biskies only at Cutter and Squidge, a cute little bakery with locations in Soho and Bank. Their Salted Caramel Biskie is award winning and if you’re vegan or GF you’ll still find delicious options to choose from."
"Fun shop, fun website, inventive creations – two sisters established this Soho mecca and are always a step ahead of foodie trends. The sisters explain, “We are a bit health conscious and are not fans of overly fatty or sugar laden foods, so we always keep our fat and sugar content to “just as much as needed to make something delicious”."
"Cutter & Squidge are bringing the latest in hybrid desserts to London. Here, they have invented the Biskie. This is a biscuit-cookie-cake creation filled with buttercream, jam or caramel."
"Hidden behind the busy Hackney Road, Rogues London is stoking the fires of a brilliant residency at Hackney Coffee Club. In a charming courtyard at the back of the building, the team have set up an outdoor kitchen that gently wafts tantalising smells across to hungry diners. The tables are covered and heated, surrounded by festoon lights that add to the secret garden atmosphere."
"It's not always easy to pinpoint why some coffee shops end up becoming your favourite spot while others don't – sometimes it's because that's where you happened to go for a coffee after you'd slept with your partner for the very first time, other times it's because that's where you happened to go for a coffee after you'd slept with your partner for the very last time. Regardless, there's a few coffee shops in London that just feel right. Stone Bros is one of those places."
"You don't have to wait until Shrove Tuesday to get your pancake fix - Dalston's Cafe Route serve their Middle Eastern-inspired pancakes all year long. Yes, you read that right. Cafe Route specialise in hearty Middle Eastern cuisine, so forget lemon and sugar this year and go rogue with buttermilk pancakes topped with tahini, pekmez, clotted cream and crunchy pistachios."
"Treat yourself to the ultimate breakfast in bed with a takeaway from Dalston restaurant Cafe Route. Along with all the usual brekkie delights, this Pancake Day delivery in London will have you tucking into buttermilk bites with tahini, clotted cream and pistachios."
"For the Mr Darcys and Elizabeth Bennets of this world, a cosy night in a Georgian townhouse should do just the trick. Add the fact that French restaurant L’Escargot has entertained most of Soho’s most famous bon viveurs in its 90-year history, and you’ll detect a frisson of scandal in the air. For ultimate date ambience, be sure to grab a table in the front dining room: plush velvet furnishings, scarlet red walls and a chandelier hanging from its period ceiling are all built for romantic revellers."
"Just a short walk from London’s West End theatres,L’Escargot offers a fantastic pre-theatre menu as well as their usual a la carte fare and Sunday lunch options. Choose a table in front of the roaring wood fire and enjoy a whole lobster, sample the liquorice beef or opt for the traditional snails. All of the dishes on offer are the usual French bistro classics with a L’Escargot twist, and can be accompanied by a bottle of fine French wine; just ask the waiter to hand-pair the wine with the dishes."
"Mini Éphémère, a lemon and yuzu meringue and cream version of the Merveilleux. Finding a delicious sweet treat for less than £2 anywhere in London is rare but finding something that will put your sweet tooth into a trance in South Kensington for £1.20 is some kind of miracle. At Aux Merveilleux de Fred, the mini versions of their namesake confections are so light – and inexpensive – that you can indulge without guilt."
"For the melt-in-the-mouth pastry experience only a true French chef such as Frédéric Vaucamps can achieve, book yourself in at Aux Merveilleux de Fred. Famed for their brioches, meringues and truffles, which are must-buys, the whole menu is highly acclaimed. Do yourself a favour and get some takeaway buns to enjoy as you travel around the rest of the city – they are truly merveilleux."
"One of London's most beloved art collections, the Courtauld is to your right as you pass through the archway into the grounds of the…"
"The Heath Robinson Museum is a biographical museum dedicated to the life and art of its namesake. The museum displays memorabilia, artwork, and objects from the life of Heath Robinson, as well as hosts exhibitions and events that support Robinson's life mission and vision. Admission to the museum is free."
"A peaceful oasis amongst the buzz and bustle of the city, the Culpeper Community Garden is managed by and for the local people. It’s open seven days a week and is just a short walk from Angel station. COVID-19 UPDATE: Culpeper Community Garden is currently closed to the public."