Best French Bakery in Nine Elms

"The ferns, fig trees and purple African lilies that clamber up the final three storeys of the 'Walkie Talkie' skyscraper are mere wallflowers at this 155m-high rooftop garden – it's the rather extraordinary 360-degree views of London (the best in the City) that make this vast, airport-terminal-like space so popular (advance booking recommended). Located on the 35th floor of 20 Fenchurch St, the Sky Garden has front-row seats for the Shard and vistas that gallop for miles east and west."

"Located on floor 36 of the iconic Walkie Talkie, the views from the Darwin Brasserie are pretty striking. Although Fenchurch Restaurant – one of Sky Garden’s other offerings – is higher, the Darwin Brasserie has better views thanks to its position further back from the Sky Garden’s atrium roof. A good option if you want to enjoy the sights without the flocks of camera totting tourists."

"Sky Garden is on top of one of the skyscrapers found in London. You can visit levels 35 through 37 of the "Walkie Talkie" for free—just make sure to book a ticket in advance."

"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 (anyone for halva black tahini?), but also full-on desserts – there’s some seriously elaborate stuff going on here amid all the bells and whistles."

"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."

"This sister-owned Soho bakery looks sweet, but isn't saccahrine. Using no more sugar and fat than they need, their inventive and joyfully decorated offerings are delicately, carefully flavoured. Cutter & Squidge’s Dream Cakes make for jaw dropping centrepieces for your big celebration, or can also be enjoyed by the slice in house – the Lychee Kiss is an elegant flavour trio of lychee, raspberry and rose."

"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."

"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”."

"Bright and airy, and where the Mediterranean meets London, Amber is what modern London is all about. The menu includes Greek feta cheese, shakshuka, grilled Jerusalem pita bread, Turkish coffee, and Kandula tea. You can order a fry-up here, but it won’t be your traditional English breakfast — this one is more likely to include Spanish sausages and halloumi cheese."

"Waterlow Park makes for a great alternative to Hampstead Heath and is still a bit of a hidden gem thanks to its more famous neighbour. As well as three ponds, the lawns are all well maintained and Lauderdale House on the edge of the park is worth a look too. Plus it’s near to Highgate Cemetery, which houses Karl Marx, Douglas Adams and more."

"It’s not just the height of Highgate Hill that makes you look down your nose at the rest of London. The air tastes sweeter up here, the trees are leafier, and everything is a bit less, well, Londony. And Highgate’s loveliest spot?"

"For a relatively small town, Windsor has a wide range of shops, including department stores, high street outlets, specialist fashion shops and local independents. There are plenty of retail stores catering for tourists, offering souvenirs and other memorabilia. The main shopping areas are Peascod Street, the High Street and Thames Street, along with Windsor Royal Station and Eton High Street, where the upmarket, fashionable stores can be found."

"Whether you’re looking for local crafts or designer duds, you’re bound to find something that strikes your fancy at this quirky shopping arcade located opposite Windsor castle. Housed in a fromer Victorian Railway Station, architecture lovers will get a kick out of spotting the building’s original remaining features including Jubilee arch, the cobbled stones, and Queen Victoria's Royal Waiting Room."

"After taking some traditional touristy selfies at Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, do the 2-minute walk over to the fantastically funky Carnaby Street!. This artsy and eclectic street shines the spotlight on independent artisans, local vendors, and the true out of the ordinary and is a must-see on your 4 day London itinerary. Be sure while you’re here to stop into Choccywoccydoodah – one of the coolest chocolate shops in London!. Check out the wedding cake alternatives, the huge eggs, and many other items ready to be devoured by even the shyest of chocolate enthusiasts."

"Toddlers can let their imaginations run wild at the UK’s first Story Centre. A day pass includes entry to the Story World and Story Garden where you see tales like The Gruffalo brought to life by Story Builders. There are also storytelling sessions and family exhibitions which you can book onto."

"A hidden gem located just a short walk away from Kings Cross, Rotunda is known for its epic summer BBQs and heated cocktails come winter. With a strong gate to plate ethos, the produce here is as fresh as it comes, and with canalside tables - the views aren't too shabby either."

"Restaurants Food court West Brompton. The Prince is a big ol’ comfy corner boozer in West Brompton. Well, maybe that’s understating things: it’s actually the old Prince of Wales pub, plus four interconnected townhouses and a massive ‘woodland’ garden with a retractable roof."

"The Prince is a lively pub garden with an extractable roof so come rain or shine, you can sit outdoors. As well as beer and winter cocktails, The Prince’s resident food traders serve tasty street food, including burgers and sides from Filth&Co, sweet and savoury waffles from Utter Waffle, and fish and seafood specialties from Jack’s Sprat."

"Eating al fresco is resplendent in meteorological risk, so nothing makes us feel safer than the retractable roof at The Prince in West Brompton. If you enjoy watching sports fixtures, it's also a splendid place for that."