Mentioned by CN Traveller
The 20 best museums in London
"For a lunch date to remember, 155 meters high at the top of the famous ‘Walkie-Talkie’ building, the Sky Garden offers spectacular views of the city. But it’s the incredible tropical garden which makes this iconic London landmark a must-see. There are multiple restaurants and bars to choose from, but for informal yet stylish lunchtime dining, we highly recommend Darwin’s Brasserie to take in some of the best views of the city."
"The view from Rafael Viñoly’s Sky Garden, also known as the Walkie-Talkie building, is unlike any other in the city. From here you can survey London’s ever-growing sprawl with the city stretching up to the north, Tower Bridge and the Shard to the south, and Canary Wharf to the east. It’s free to explore the tower’s three stories of landscaped public gardens, but make sure to book in advance."
"At the Sky Garden you’ll get panoramic views of the city and you can also stop for food and drink. You have to book a ticket in advance to visit but it’s free. Head to skygarden.london for more info."
"London’s first ice cream parlour made using liquid nitrogen, Chin Chin Labs is best known for their bold flavours, big scoops and scientific methods. The team wanted to create something which hadn’t been explored before and it’s certainly done the trick because they now boast three outposts in London. Designed as a grab-and-go pit stop, their ice creams are great for scoring a ‘gram worthy image and fuelling you on your Sunday stroll around the city."
"Address: 49-50 Camden Lock, Camden Town, London NW1 8AF and 54 Greek Street, London W1D 3DS. Whether you're a science buff or not, you have to head here just for the experience - you get to watch as your dessert is frozen to order using liquid nitrogen. Toppings and sauces are kept in beakers to complete the science lab vibe, and flavours are outlandish - think pandan leaf and black sesame cake."
"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 biscuit isn’t quite a dessert – unless it’s in the hands of Cutter & Squidge, that is. Enter the Biskie, the Soho bakery’s signature dessert which sees two discs of a cake-cookie hybrid sandwich an array of flavoured creamy fillings. The chocolate s’more version is filled with buttercream and a handmade marshmallow, while the blueberry cheesecake version layers jam, cheesecake cream and a wedge of digestive biscuit."
"Nestled in the heart of Soho lives Cutter & Squidge, artisan cake makers who specialise in extravagance and wonder. Serving up slices of uniquely flavoured and decorated cakes along with their signature Biskie - a mix of cake, biscuit and cookie topped with marshmallow, buttercream and other goodies - it’s a one-of-a-kind shop in London. And it’s not just for the dairy eaters and gluten-friendly."
"You'd be bonkers not to try one of their famous 'Biskies' (a merge between a cake and a biscuit - v moreish) while sitting in their secret garden."
"A modern reinterpretation of a British caff, Norman’s Cafe is a no-frills ode to everything we love about greasy spoons. Classic dishes like beans on toast, chicken escalope, and even the humble chip butty are given a quick glycolic scrub and elevated by chef Richie Hayes. But what about the coffee, you ask?"
"Rich Mix allows creativity in all its magnificent forms – live music, theatre, poetry, film, art, design and drawing, so it’s a little distinct from the other places on the list, but the charity behind the cross-media arts centre, The Rich Mix Cultural Foundation, has a pretty inspiring goal. And that’s to offer the public space to discover more about the creative offerings of people from various migrant populations. Since taking over the former clothing factory on Bethnal Green Road, Rich Mix has put on many free exhibitions, screenings and concerts."
"This fantastic creative space in the East End, on the site of what used to be in a leather factory, has regular exhibitions featuring emerging and established artists. 39-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Free entryrichmix.org.uk"
"Opening in 2014 with a modest team of five, this humble café was founded by actress and puppeteer Ruth Rogers, who most notably starred in the West End production of War Horse. Within the first two years of opening, it became the capital’s first Happy Cafe, working with the charity Action for Happiness to host events promoting happiness. It has also launched Happy Hour, a safe space comedy night with writer, speaker, comedian and actor Juliette Burton."
"Those who were impressed with Taiji Maruyama’s kitchen work when he opened a second Taka in Marylebone last autumn will be pleased to hear the master itamae will be opening an exclusive sushi counter at the site of the first Taka, on Shepherd Market. Named Maru (after the chef), the venue will seat just 10 diners and serve a 20-course farm-to-table omakase menu. 18 Shepherd Market, W1J, takalondon.com"
"18 Shepherd Market, Mayfair, London W1J 7QH Why should you care?. This restaurant has taken over the space from the original Taka. It comes from the same people but will have a very different approach - all centred around a 20-course omakase-style tasting menu."
"New to the neighbourhood and an experience like no other, Haute Dolci in Wembley Park is a must-visit for any dessert lover. The plush dessert emporium serves up an international storm of heavenly treats from their famous Belgium waffles to American pancakes, elevated Italian sorbets and tasty cakes. Don't miss their cookie doughs for a real treat."
"In a nutshell: Healthy and light Asian food for the Chelsea crowd Where is it?. 9 Park Walk, London SW10 0AJ Why should you care?. A new dessert bar is coming to Wembley Park after making its name around the country first."
"Looking for a luxury dessert parlour with delicious sweet treats in Wembley?. Haute Dolci offers the best in waffles, pancakes, brownies and more."
"Morelli’s opened a year after Marine Ices - in 1932 - on the Kent coast in Broadstairs. Fifteen years ago they landed a concession in Harrods and for the past few years, they’ve had their own shop in Covent Garden. Flavours you’ll find here might include cherry meringue or caramel panna cotta."
"Restaurants Ice-cream parlours Covent Garden"
"A chain on a mission, Leon wants us to eat healthily when we’re on that fast-food treadmill. Ok, lunch comes in a cardboard box with plastic cutlery, but the ingredients are seasonal and eco-friendly, right down to the last green pea. Leon’s worthy message is even easier to swallow when the bill arrives."
"Natural and delicious fast food specialising in hot boxes, wraps and salads, inspired by the flavours, variety and healthiness of Mediterranean cooking."
"20/02/2021: Ussually our go to chicken place but the service has just gone to shame. Wrong orders, missing food and unfresh hard chicken on top of a real lack of customer service and care. Lost our business for sure, never again."
"Combining Indian street food and easy-to-eat formats, Wrapchic in London Designer allows you to build your own dish with an abundance of fresh veggie and vegan options. Packed full of flavor, spices and the best ingredients, you’ll keep going back for more (sorry!)."