Mentioned by Condé Nast Traveler
15 Best Museums in London
"Offering perhaps the best free vantage point in Central London, the indoor viewing decks and restaurants occupying the top three floors of 20 Fenchurch Street (known to locals as the "walkie-talkie") are a great place to hang out without spending a penny. It is open daily, just book your free visit in advance."
"Set atop 20 Fenchurch Street (aka the Walkie Talkie building), Sky Garden is the highest public garden in London. Amidst a lush urban jungle, it offers stunning 360° panoramic views of the city. The unique setting and spectacular views easily make this one of the most Instagrammable places in London."
"When Chin Chin first opened their first place in a former condom shop (yes, really) in Camden their crazy take on making ice cream with liquid nitrogen may have been pre-Instagram but it was still an almost instant sensation. The thing is that it's not just a party trick, the ice cream they make here really does taste smoother because there are no ice crystals. They've also used their USP to devise a clever way of chilling ice cream down to a level that it can actually be sent by post."
"Must try: Griddled vegan cookie dough with burnt butter ice cream. Chin Chin is Europe’s very first liquid nitrogen ice-cream parlour and one of the best spots to discover some of the most unique and delicious desserts in London. Their exciting selection of ice cream flavours are frozen with liquid nitrogen in giant tanks, in a space that looks more like a mad scientists lab than a dessert parlour."
"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 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."
"A post shared by Cutter & Squidge (@cutterandsquidge) on May 28, 2018 at 5:50am PDT. Just yards away from its previously successful pop-up space, Cutter & Squidge's Soho home is full of sweet delights. Choose from a wide selection of its speciality biskies, or opt for vegetarian marshmallows, dream cakes, honeycomb or its award-winning salted caramel."
"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”."
"The Desert Factory is so serious about desserts, they've travelled far and wide to bring you the very best flavours and combos. Their sweet-induced menu is packed with firm favorites, rotational specials and some good cake. If you're a fan of nuts, their Ferrero Dream crepe is for you but for a fruity flavour, their Banoffee combo will leave you wanting more."
"Rivalling the ring shaped doughnut, Longboys are the tasty treats bringing some serious patisserie credentials to the dessert scene. The eclair-doughnut crossover is a unique idea, combining traditional techniques and creative fillings. From a zesty lemon meringue pie to a sweet and salty take on the classic peanut butter jelly, there’s a sweet treat to suit all tastes."
"A long, light, brioche-based doughnut with shavings of caramelised white chocolate on top and a luxuriously thick, salted caramel crème inside, the glossy, golden liquid just oozes out after one bite. Address: 119 Lower Stable Street Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4DR or Boxpark, 18 Olympic Way, London HA9 0JT"
"For Pearl and Groove founder Serena Whitefield, cake is much more than just a sweet treat: it’s a symbol of love, friendship and celebration. The bakery is 100 per cent gluten free, using mainly ground almonds as a substitute – but this certainly doesn’t compromise flavour; everything is perfectly moist and light. Bright and beautiful cakes include a yellow lemon and elderflower number, a beautiful carrot cake topped with flowers, and a colourful drip cake topped with macarons."
"Stefan Kalmár, the Director of the ICA London states: The Institute of Contemporary Arts in London has been the model for most ICAs that exist in the world today. Since its founding in 1946, the ICA contextualises contemporary culture within the socio-political conditions of the times. The ICA was created as an institute (not a museum), for the contemporary (not just modern) and for all the arts (not just art)."
"The Institute of Contemporary Arts is an art gallery near London's Trafalgar Square. In addition to exhibits on contemporary art, the ICA includes two cinemas, a bookshop, a theatre, and a bar. Established in 1947, ICA creators wanted to create a place for artists and other creative and science folk to debate ideas without being constricted by the rules and traditions of the Royal Academy."
"At just over 1000 metres long, Walthamstow Market is the longest in Europe and, because it’s not really part of the London tourist track, it’s one of the best London markets for real budget bargains. It’s open every day (except for Sundays and Mondays) from dawn until dusk, and is used by locals on a daily basis to buy food, clothes, gifts, electrical equipment, music, body care products and household goods. Whatever you need, Walthamstow Market has it, and if you can’t see what you want, someone will get it for you by the following week."
"Alfies Antiques Market is a London gem, a historic antiques market that should be the very first stop for anyone looking for characterful furniture and accessories for their home. This is London’s largest indoors antiques and vintage market and it shows – there are over 100 dealers touting stunning pieces waiting to take pride of place in your home. Away from furniture, there’s also a great selection of vintage art, fashion, textiles and books."
"Located in Marylebone at 13-15 Church Street sits Alfies Antique Market. As London’s weather is notoriously unpredictable the fact this is London’s largest indoor market, spread over four floors is a major plus. Specialising in antiques, vintage fashion and 20th-century design, the market is popular with collectors, interior designers and has been known to have the odd celebrity wandering its corridors too."
"Take a step back in time at London's largest indoor market for antiques, vintage fashion and 20th century design. Here you'll find an abundance of home decor features to eye-catching furniture and heaps of breathtaking clothes that will have you wanting to redo your entire wardrobe. When to visit: Alfie's is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am-6pm."
"Over in Notting Hill, Cloud Twelve is a wellness and lifestyle club set across three floors. There’s a salon, spa and holistic wellness clinic, plus a healthy brasserie and creche. Treatments include drawl-worthy massages, facials, pre and post-natal rituals and treatments specifically designed for men."
"Côte Brasserie serve breakfast and brunch from 8am until 12 noon on a Monday to Friday and then 9am to 1pm on a Saturday and Sunday. Highlights include a breakfast set menu that involves any cooked breakfast with fresh orange juice or cloudy apple juice and a hot drink of your choice. Options include a full English breakfast, Crepe Complete (pancakes, bacon and comte cheese), Eggs Florentine, Eggs Royal and Eggs Avocado."
"Uncomplicated French food in an unpretentious setting is what Luc’s is all about. Think roast hake, entrecôte steak, Toulouse sausages with lentils or a niçoise. An all-French wine-list adds a certain je ne sais quoi."