Mentioned by Secret London
31 Fascinating & Free Museums Every Londoner Should Visit At Least Once
"Located on the 43rd floor of the Walkie Talkie building in the City of London, the Sky Garden is the capital’s highest public garden and one of the coolest places to visit in London for free. The garden’s large plant-filled atrium has floor-to-ceiling windows with amazing panoramic views out over the city below and is open throughout the day and into the evenings on weekends – making it one the best free things to do in London at night too!. There’s also an open-air covered terrace on one side."
"A zany premium parlour all about indulgence to the highest degree, Chin Chin Labs is home to liquid nitrogen ice cream. While this might sound like a worn gimmick, Chin Chin Labs were among the first to this trend - a method of freezing the ice cream’s custard base instantly to make for a smoother and more flavourful result. Offering trusty flavours like burnt butter caramel and mango lassi, for those feeling extra indulgent their brownie cookie sundae will more than satisfy a sweet tooth."
"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."
"I remember my first Chin Chin ice cream years ago back in Camden Market. At that point the brand was pretty new and out there, making ice cream sundaes using liquid nitrogen. It was theatrical and fun, but also really sweet and delicious."
"If you gave a bunch of five year olds a box of crayons and told them to draw birthday cakes, you’d probably end up with something that looks quite a bit like the celebration cakes at this Soho bakery and café. That’s not a bad thing. Cakes with names like “Strawberry Eat-On Mess”*, “S’Mores”, “Apple Pie” – as a cake, and “Popcorn Drip” are short on cake and very long on globs of frosting, fillings, toppings and childlike humor."
"It’s pretty, it’s pink and the cakes and treats are equally as gorgeous to eat as well as look at. Their famous for their ‘biskie’ creations which are a cross between a cake and a cookie sandwiched with cream or chocolate. If you prefer you can go for one of their perfectly presented cakes by the slice."
"Each one features two biscuit pieces closing in on a layer of cream to create a beautiful dessert sandwich. They’re the perfect sugary pick-me-up and come in a selection of creative flavours. Try the rich billionaire dreambar, which is served with an extra layer of chocolate in the middle."
"Ross Brown is one of London coffee’s most irreverent, reluctant ambassadors. His eponymous shop is as much pillar of the citywide landscape as it is a neighbourhood essential; Square Mile’s iconic (if “steady”) Red Brick anchors the espresso offering, while DROP — a Swedish roastery focussed on juicy, expressive coffees, (sadly missed since Flat White’s defection to Dark Arts) — is a regular option on filter. A recent refurbishment has expanded and brightened the shop, but taken away none of its personality, which can also be found at St David’s in Forest Hill and Bon in East Dulwich."
"Browns of Brockley is a lovely, quaint coffee shop where you can fuel up on great espresso and homemade sandwiches. Founder Ross Brown knows that the secret to an excellent coffee shop is plenty of froth and friendliness – with both of those being found in abundance at his Coulgate Street latte lair. The Square Mile coffee is impeccably roasted and the baked goods from Little Bread Pedlar don’t go amiss, either."
"As well as running a string of neon-lit, cafe-bars across the capital, Grind boasts its very own coffee roastery in Elephant & Castle. If you’re missing your coffee fix – or your espresso martini one for that matter – Grind’s organic coffee is available to order through its online shop. Arriving either in a fetching baby pink tin or as refill packets (for which subscriptions are available, starting from £9.95 with the code GETSTARTED), Grind offers whole beans, ground, or in compostable Nespresso-compatible pods."
"Probably the most basic café on our list, Regency Cafe has featured in films such as Layer Cake and is famous for being a true London café. Built in 1946, this is a no-frills spot that serves a great English breakfast. You won’t find any avocados or specialty coffees here, and it’s hard luck if you’re vegan, but there’s usually a queue to order, since the food is so good."
"The Regency Café opened way back in 1946 and continues to serve proper British grub to this day. The interior is very unpretentious, with basic art deco features and pictures of Tottenham Hotspur players on the walls (sorry Arsenal). What it lacks in fanciful design it sure makes up for with the food."
"In a nutshell: Classic building returns in Shoreditch Where is it?. 233 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6PJ Why should you care?. The Light Bar has taken over a listed building in Shoreditch that once held "The Light"."
"OK, now we know this next suggestion for the best desserts in London, isn’t a restaurant or cafes – but if you’re looking for an amazing dessert on-the-go, then I don’t think you can top Ben’s Cookies for deliciousness and price. Yummy, gooey, tasty cookies that dreams are made of."
"M Restaurant Victoria Street brings all the lavishness of fine dining in London while steering clear of pretentiousness. The plush restaurant offers a variety of delicious dishes, boasting flavours from six different countries and bringing in only the finest cuts of meat."
"For those who love adorable décor and amazing ice cream, they’ll find both at Dyce. Although the focus at Dyce is ice cream and milkshakes, they also serve up bubble tea and fresh crepes. Whatever you end up choosing, you’re sure to deem it one of the best desserts in London!"
"Situated in the fancy Broadgate Circle near Liverpool Street, Yauatcha City is a huge restaurant with a stunning outdoor seating area adorned with cherry blossom - a perfect date spot. If you fancy taking your other half, a great friend or a family member out for lunch, their Yum Cha set menu gives you a LOT for the price and takes away the stress of ordering - just pick a veggie or a meat option, your cocktail and wine/tea of choice and they'll take care of the rest. The set menu offer runs on the weekend and there are three different price points: £58 per person for half a bottle of Henriot Champagne and the rest of the menu, £49 for the same but with a bottle of wine (you can choose red or white) instead of the champagne, and £47 for a selection of teas as the drink."
"This high-end dim sum paradise has the best location within Broadgate Circle. It wraps around about a third of the public space, with large terraces on both sides. Sit out here on a hot summer’s day, nibbling on delicately crafted dumplings and meat filled bao buns."
"People flock to Yauatch for the brand’s precision-made dim sum (buttery venison puffs are a must). There is also a short menu of more substantial Chinese classics like stir-fried beef rib-eye with black bean sauce."