MY GUIDE TO LONDON

I just got back from a lovely three weeks in London where I took a short course in fashion design at Central St. Martins. Besides my time spent in class, I loved all that London has to offer. Below are some places that I thought you all might enjoy visiting if you are in London!

SHOPS

HARRODS

The iconic luxury department store is like walking through a museum. All of the displays and merchandise were picturesque, and the store itself is massive! One could easily get lost. Harrods carries some of the most valued designer brands such as Alexander McQueen, Ralph Russo, and Elie Saab. The store also includes an appetizing food court and the beloved bakery Ladurée.

​DOVER STREET MARKET

This is another high-end department store. It has the most unique store displays, and features new and upcoming designers. Dover Street Market is a must-see if you’re into fashion!  

ONE OF A KIND

The vintage store’s name holds true to its merchandise. It’s a capsule of rare and vintage designer merchandise from garments dating back to the 19th century to pieces worn by celebrities today. Looking around the store is like being on a scavenger hunt—it is decked out in clothing and accessories from floor to ceiling - literally. Kate Moss, Karl Lagerfeld, Tom Ford, and Stella McCartney are just a few of the many celebrities that shop there. So, if you’re ever wandering around Portobello Road Market, be sure to stop at One of A Kind.

​CAMDEN PASSAGE

Camden Passage is a treasure trove of cafes, boutiques, and vintage shops! Great way to spend a relaxing morning or afternoon in London.

MARKETS

I love going to markets because you can always find the most unique and fun things. It just so happens that London is crowded with them! Here is a list of some of the most popular markets in London: 

• Camden Market
• Columbia Road Flower Market 
• Borough Market
• ​Brick Lane Market
• Greenwhich Market
• Portobello Road Market
• Old Spitalfields Market​

TO DO / SEE

ELECTRIC CINEMA 

Electra cinema in Notting Hil is one of the oldest working cinemas in the country! The overall atmosphere of the theater is classy and elegant. It is the perfect place to escape a rainy day in London. 

ST. DUNSTAN’S IN THE EAST  

​Truly a hidden gem, the garden is tucked behind the city’s skyscrapers. The best way to describe this dwelling is simply enchanting or straight out of Narnia.     

GOD’S OWN JUNK YARD

​This cool place is overcrowded with neon signs featured in movies or collected from the streets and then resurrected. Vogue Magazine also had a photo-shoot there!   

TO EAT

THE IVY CHELSEA GARDEN
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A charming and lovely restaurant to enjoy brunch, or afternoon tea. I highly recommend making a reservation in the garden. 

PETERSHAM NURSERIES 
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Petersham Nurseries looks like a scene from Alice in Wonderland: antique furniture scattered on a gravel floor surrounded by lively and intriguing plants. It’s a great lunch spot to enjoy a fresh and seasonal menu.

SKETCH
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Sketch is the most unexpected and superb restaurant I’ve ever seen. It encompasses 5 rooms, each with it’s own exclusive vibe and atmosphere. Even the bathrooms are cool - the stalls are “eggs”! My favorite room is called The Gallery, which is the main dining room. It is posh and completely pink! Kylie Jenner happened to eat there while I was in London.

THE MAYOR OF SCAREDY CAT TOWN 

​If you eat at The Breakfast Club in Spitalfields, ask your server if you can “See the Mayor”. You will then be escorted through a refrigerator door into a secret basement bar!      

EVAN & PEEL DETECTIVE AGENCY

This is another unique speakeasy. To get in, you ring a bell and a “detective” answers the door. You then proceed to role play a mystery you've made up and convince the detective to help you solve it. Get creative, it is so much fun!

COOKIES & SCREAM

​If you are gluten-free, vegan, or both… Your prayers have been answered. Cookies and Scream is an entirely gluten-free and vegan bakery! Everything looks and tastes unreal! Even if you don’t have food allergies I highly recommend going, it’s delicious! They have one location in the Stables Market in Camden, and another in Holloway.

PEGGY PORSCHEN 

A beautiful floral window display makes this cake boutique unmissable! Peggy Porschen’s is the perfect place to enjoy an award winning cupcake and a cappuccino. ​

BISCUITEERS

The whimsical biscuit boutique draws you right in! The store exterior and interior is charmingly decorated. They offer scrumptious iced biscuits (Britain's version of a cookie)! Gluten free options are available too :) 

I hope this was helpful for navigating unique spots around London! 

Cheers!

Betsy