Best Zoo in Chigwell Row

"Giants of the Galápagos was opened in 2009 to coincide with the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin,[34] and is home to three female Galápagos giant tortoises named Dolly, Polly and Priscilla. The exhibit features a large indoor area, with a heated pond and underfloor heating, while the outdoor paddock has been designed to mimic the tortoise's natural environment and features two heated pools, one of which is a naturalistic clay wallow."

"London Zoo sits in the northern part of Regent’s Park and is extremely popular with families. Wildlife habitats include Tiger Territory, Gorilla Kingdom, Land of the Lions, Penguin Beach and Reptile House (where part of a Harry Potter film was shot). Meet the Monkeys is a big hit with younger kids and you can visit creepie crawlies in the spider walkthrough."

"London’s huge metropolitan zoo has been delighting visitors since it opened in 1828, making it the world’s oldest scientific zoo. You can spot an amazing variety of animals from all over the world. Your best bet is to purchase your tickets ahead of time for the best price and stress-free entry."

"Nestled in Battersea Park, this Children’s Zoo may not exactly be big, but that’s part of its charm. They house a range of mammals, reptiles and birds, from farm to smaller exotics animals. With various feeding times, picnic and play areas and children’s rides, this zoo is especially good for the little ones."

"Battersea Park Children's Zoo is home to a host of farmyard animals, flamingos, otters and monkeys. Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ. Tube: Sloane Square Station"

"Located in Canary Wharf, Smollensky's is a fill your boots sort of place, with an emphasis on American-style dining. Grab a space on the terrace on a sunny day and work through the likes of steaks, burgers, and cajun-spiced chicken."

"At a time when the idea of crossing the Atlantic to get to the USA feels like the stuff of your wildest fantasies, it’s excellent news that New York restaurant Sunday in Brooklyn is coming to London. Opening in Notting Hill, this NYC favourite known for its ace brunches. Its popular and heavily-Instagrammed malted pancakes with hazelnut praline and brown butter will be on the menu, as well as the Don Reuben omelette with mole sauce, goats’ cheese and roasted mushrooms, and ‘Biscuits and Gravy’ with drop cheddar biscuits (that’s American-style biscuits, not a chocolate digestive, obviously), sausage gravy and poached eggs."

"Famous for pancakes drenched in hazelnut maple praline, Sunday in Brooklyn will be opening its first oversea venture in Notting Hill this summer. Expect proper American comfort food from morning until night. Think biscuits – not the British kind – and gravy, steak and eggs, plus sandwiches than can all be made “deluxe” or substituted for gluten-free bread."

"Sunday in Brooklyn has been a big hit in New York - and they're the latest NYC restaurant to make a splash in Notting Hill. They have dishes from the original restaurant (including the famed pancakes) and a big focus on brunch. (Soft launch to 21 July)"

"China Tang was founded by the late, extraordinary Sir David Tang. Only he could have created a restaurant where the Cantonese food would satisfy the most discriminating diner and an environment where the Sultan of Brunei, Kate Moss and Kanye would all feel equally at home. We love this swellegant place and will always think of Sir David when we're here."

"If you like your Asian food luxe, it doesn’t get swankier or more renowned than Mayfair’s China Tang, which specialises in Cantonese cuisine. Based at the Dorchester Hotel, decor is opulent and Art Deco-inspired. Do take a look at the Dim Sum menu and if you’re going all out, the Bird’s Nest Chicken Soup is a delicacy."

"One of the prettiest restaurants in London is sorting you out with the ultimate alfresco dining experience this spring and summer. Head over to Southbank where Ping Pong are taking their bottomless brunch into the great outdoors with free-flowing cocktails and delicious dim sum."