Best French Bakery in Hackney

"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."

"If you guys have been following this blog for a while you may have realised that I am borderline obsessed with Sky Garden. I think it’s not only one of the best views and best rooftop bars in London, but it’s also very Instagrammable. The combination of stunning views over the rooftops of London, with modern architecture and green plants is a winner for me."

"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."

"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 sweet treats get scientific at Chin Chin Labs, where all the ice cream is hand-churned with liquid nitrogen. Its short but inventive menu of regular flavours includes tonka bean and burnt butter caramel, with an array of topping options including bee pollen honeycomb and truffle crumble."

"A thick, brownie-like cookie with sweet-and-sticky dulce de leche, toasted hazelnuts and cranberries, it’s luxurious – full of Valhrona chocolate – and super indulgent. 54 Greek St, London W1D 3DS or 49-50 Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF. Open for take-away in the weekends."

"This North London bakery describes itself as ‘a bit health conscious’: cakes contain low fat and sugar, but enough to ensure they taste delicious. Cutter & Squidge cakes make the perfect centrepiece for a big celebration too: the Macron Drip Cake, for instance, is a layered creation decorated with macarons, topped with chocolate shards and finished with 24 carat gold. Vegan cakes are also available, and everything can be personalised."

"From show stopping dripped cakes to the glossiest salted caramel we’ve ever seen, Cutter & Squidge is the bakery to go to if you’re in need of a special birthday treat or serious ‘I’m sorry’ gift. All products are made with 100% natural products and as little sugar as possible – don’t worry, they still taste devilishly sweet. Where:Various locationsWebsite:www.cutterandsquidge.com"

"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”."

"Coppa Club’s Instagram-friendly riverside igloos are back for the summer, set against the backdrop of Tower Bridge, The Shard and the city beyond. Whatever the weather these make an idyllic al fresco dining spot – just be sure to book ahead, as they’re hugely popular. Food options include everything from pizzas to vegan burgers to small sharing plates, all very reasonably priced, which you can enjoy alongside some of the tasty cocktails on offer."

"Whatever the season, us Londoners can’t seem to get enough of Coppa Club’s riverside igloos. They’re back this spring with a new look – think woven wicker chairs, bamboo lanterns and linen throws beneath suspended botanicals. Go on a clear night for optimum Insta-worthy snaps of the igloos in their prime, sparkling against the night sky with Tower Bridge as a backdrop."

"Coppa Club Tower Bridge’s famous dining igloos have had a spring makeover, with the pods now decked out in whimsical blooms. Guests can enjoy a selection of seasonal European dishes from generous sharing plates of seared garlic king prawns to fresh pasta of Devon crab linguine with anchovy & chilli and sourdough pizzas."

"Housed in the grandly historic St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, there are few better places to ease the tensions of a long train journey than the St Pancras spa. Inspired by the area’s Victorian architecture, patterned tiling, exotic fauna and stone floors abound throughout, while the treatment menu draws on traditional rituals from around the world, with the new Ko Bi Do Fountain of Youth facial being a must-try. Day passes are available from Monday to Thursday, giving access to the spa’s gym, sauna, steam room and relaxation pool, while spa days start from £140 for the Lunch Escape: a 60-minute treatment, use of the facilities and a two-course lunch at The Hansom."

"Kings Cross St Pancras, North West London Instant Book. A seductive subterranean spa in the heart of London, St Pancras Spa carries the romance of golden age of travel, while the hotel serves the most delectable afternoon tea."

"A blend of treatments from around the world are on offer here. St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Road, King's Cross, London, NW1 2QP. Tube: King's Cross Station"

"The spa at the Mandarin Oriental in Hyde Park underwent a multi-million pound refurb before reopening in 2018, and is now arguably London’s most luxurious. Fancy features include an amethyst crystal steam room, 17-metre twin lane swimming pool, vitality pool and samarium, alongside 13 treatment rooms and the Oriental Suite, complete with an impressive Rasul water temple - a tiled steam room used for heat and mud therapies - that’s perfect for indulgent couples therapies. Be sure to arrive 45 minutes ahead of your appointment to enjoy full use of the facilities."

"Originally built in 1889 as an exclusive gentleman’s club, the building was opened as a grand hotel in 1902 and extensively refurbished in 2000. The Mandarin Group has hotel across the globe and their London residence is situated in fashionable Knightsbridge, overlooking Hyde Park. The hotel has 141 rooms, 40 suites and 3 restaurants and over the years has played host to a number of events involving royalty and celebrity guests."

"Perfectly perched between Knightsbridge and Hyde Park, this glamorous hotel features opulent rooms, suites and a world-renowned spa. For added gastronomic delight, the hotel is home to the exclusive Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, which has two Michelin stars. The hotel has recently undergone a massive refurbishment making it more luxe than ever."

"I was looking for a spa hotel mini-break for an anniversary celebration (last minute due to personal schedules). Everything was so booked up, over-priced (in my opinion), or not suitable. I then found a too-good-to-be-true offer on the Richmond Habour Hotel Spa website (whilst searching all their Harbour Hotel sites) which was worth taking a risk for."

"The Gates Restaurant at the Richmond Gate Hotel serves fresh, imaginative food in a relaxed dining room. The menu is packed with rich flavours showcasing British and Mediterranean influences, using carefully sourced produce to create elegantly presented…"

"Katsute 100 is no doubt my favourite Japanese cafe in London. Their range of matcha desserts and tea selections are all absolute winners, consistently delivering top-notch quality. In addition, they feature some lovely interior, creating a really great atmosphere to enjoy your matcha goodies."

"The one by Fortune Street ParkPham Sushi has two different locations – the one located by the Barbican Centre is tailor made for eat-in dining while their takeaway option up the road does much of the same dishes but without fussing about service. They even deliver too. Get around some fresh and simple sushi and sashimi, being sure to try some of the amazing seafood options."