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101 things to do in London: bloggers' picks

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Find out what other London insiders rate as their essential experiences of life in the capital. Scroll through the lists below for top tens specially compiled for us by the Big Smoke’s most respected writers and bloggers...

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Cate Sevilla - www.cupcate.com

  • 1. Bowling at All Star Lanes

    Bloomsbury Place, WC1B 4DA

    Dine on American-style cheeseburgers and sip Oreo milkshakes and plenty of potent cocktails while you bowl the night away to sweet tunes from live DJs.

  • 2. Brekkie at The Breakfast Club

    2-4 Rufus St, N1 6PE | 31 Camden Passage, N1 8EA | 33 D’Arblay St, W1F 8EU | 12-16 Artillery Lane, E1 7LS

    For those who love apple and cinnamon pancakes for dinner and tasty comfort food all day long, this is the place to be. It’s perfect for when you’ve had a heavy night or much-too early morning.

    Breakfast Club, 2011

  • 3. Tea at Liberty

    Great Marlborough St, W1B 5AH

    Just a small pot of English breakfast at the tea room in Liberty feels so luxurious, it’s almost naughty. Meet your best mate for lush treat, or give yourself a break from shopping with the afternoon tea.

  • 4. Master class at The Old Brewery

    Pepys Building, Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9LM

    For those who love both beer and London, a beer master class with the crew from The Old Brewery and the Meantime Brewing Company will walk you through everything you’ll ever want to know about beer, as well as the history of the brewery itself.

  • 5. Get creative at Drink Shop Do

    9 Caledonian Rd, N1 9DX

    In this clever café, you can buy (almost) everything you see, enjoy a variety of delicious foods and beverages, and take part in number of their regular quirky classes and experiences.

    Drink Shop Do

  • 6. Make stuff at The Make Lounge

    49-51 Barnsbury St, N1 1TP | 41 1/2 Barnsbury St, N1 1TY

    Ever wanted to make your own knickers or a soya vintage tea cup candle? Join a workshop at The Make Lounge and find out how.

    The Make Lounge

  • 7. Live better with The School of Life

    70 Marchmont St, WC1N 1AB

    Learn more about yourself and life in general at The School of Life. They hold regular workshops, classes and Sunday Sermons on topics such as “How to Stay Calm” and “How to Make Love Last”.

  • 8. Go Retro with The Lomography Gallery Store

    117 Commercial St, E1 6BG

    If you want to get into Lomography or need more things to photograph with your Lomo camera, join The Lomography Gallery Store’s series of monthly and weekend workshops. Particularly fun are their awesome “Lomowalks”.

  • 9. Bust a tune at Lucky Voice

    173-174 Upper St, N1 1RG | 52 Poland St, W1F 7NQ

    Karaoke is so much better when you’re in the privacy of your own booth with your friends, isn’t it? There are no intimidating “professional” karaoke singers or unforgiving critics to worry about – just you, your mates and some crazy wigs.

  • 10. Cinnamon buns at The Nordic Bakery Soho

    14 Golden Square, London, W1F 9JG

    The Scandinavian treats at The Nordic Bakery in Golden Square are amazing, but their cinnamon buns are the absolute best. Grab a bun (or two) and a cup of fresh filtered coffee, and enjoy them in the fresh air of Golden Square.

    Cinnamon buns from Nordic Bakery
Go to www.cupcate.com

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City Girl Diaries

  • 1. Indulge in old-school glamour

    55 Brook Street, London, W1K 4HR

    The epitome of timeless elegance in the heart of Mayfair, Claridge’s hotel transports visitors to a decadent dream of clandestine love affairs and dazzling parties. Cocoon yourself in the covetable Art Deco interiors (including original features from the 1920s and 1930s) and enjoy an award-winning afternoon tea in The Foyer or cocktails in The Fumoir.

  • 2. Find sanctuary in the city

    Cheapside, EC2V 6AU

    With majestic St Paul’s a short distance away, visitors may overlook City of London church St Mary-le-Bow, despite its famous Bow bells being mentioned in the nursery rhyme Oranges and Lemons. Discover its breath-taking beauty and a fascinating history: like St Paul’s, it was restored by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire.

  • 3. Go mad for meat

    Charterhouse St, EC1A 9PQ

    In Smithfield in the heart of Clerkenwell, a livestock market has stood since the tenth century. Supplier to butchers, restaurants and shops, this world-famous market is a must-see. Arrive before 7am (that’s right) to peruse the stalls and experience the camaraderie of animated traders while shopping around for the best-priced steak. You will not forget this vibrant scene or its meaty smells.

  • 4. Let’s go to the movies

    Belvedere Rd, London, SE1 8XT

    Film enthusiasts go crazy for The British Film Institute. With its main location on the Southbank, the BFI has diverse film seasons and high-profile screenings, talks and interviews all year. Ever been a student of film or television? This will take you back. Slouch into the Benugo Bar’s comfy seats for a post-screening debate with friends. The BFI also runs The London Film Festival each autumn.

    BFI Southbank (© Matt Antrobus)

  • 5. Breakfast in style

    160 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9EB

    Breakfast at The Wolseley is a wonderfully civilised, English affair: well-dressed diners, pristine china and an excellent English breakfast tea. Still, it has an enviable European elegance, featuring Italian interiors and Parisian brassiere-style furnishings in what was originally a 1920s car showroom. The Wolseley has a history that is as colourful as its clientele, and, despite regular celebrity sightings, prices are very reasonable.

  • 6. Be entertained by the best

    Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP

    Frank Sinatra. The Beatles. Nelson Mandela. Sir Winston Churchill. Many of the history’s most famous figures have taken to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall. And what a stage it is. With 6 million red bricks and 80,000 blocks of terracotta, the amphitheatre-inspired design creates a magnificent platform for talks and performances year-round. Check out the ‘Front of House’ and ‘Afternoon Tea’ tours for a special peek inside.

  • 7. Spend a day at the park

    London’s Royal Parks have been open to the public for 160 years, and it is difficult to choose a favourite park. If you have a free day, The Regent’s Park (its official name) offers a wealth of activities for all ages and is arguably the most beautiful. Walk the rose-filled Queen Mary Gardens, enjoy a picnic on ever-trendy Primrose Hill, meet 650 animal species at London Zoo, then watch a play at the exciting Open Air Theatre (open May – Sept).

    Aerial view of Kensington Gardens & Hyde Park

  • 8. Shop on the King’s Road

    If you stand still for a moment, you can still imagine Mary Quant strutting down the King’s Road in a trend-setting miniskirt. As cool now as it’s ever been, the King’s Road mixes high fashion with high street favourites in that never-too-crowded, village-y, Chelsea way. After your window-shopping (or spending), there are many bistros for lunch and spas aplenty. Nearby Sloane Avenue is home to the world-famous Bliss Spa.

  • 9. Go down by the river

    Walk or get a taxi over London’s many bridges at night for a panoramic view of London in lights. The city’s history and beauty never seems so clear, as you gaze in all directions at monuments, offices and homes, shining brightly against the dark blanket of the night sky. Start at the Millennium Bridge, camera and companion in-tow.

  • 10. Eat cakes at the cinema

    93-107 Shaftesbury Ave, London, W1D 5DY

    Soho is crammed with hidden treasures that we hope will remain so, even though we want to tell the world about them. Konditor & Cook at the Curzon Soho is one such place. Of the London-based baker’s six shops, this location, perfectly placed within a cinema chain known for its unique and homely ambience, is especially worth sharing. Enjoy comforting favourites like a fruit crumble or Bakewell slice, or try inventive alternatives like the ‘Brownie Bar’ (3 brownies for £5). A delicious hang-out, whether you are watching a film or not.

Go to www.citygirldiariesec1.blogspot.com

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Colouring a Corner

  • 1. Mingle with the soulful set

    566 Cable St, E1W 3HB

    In Limehouse, tucked under a wedge of artists’ studios, Jamboree Live Music Bar hosts incredible musicians and performers from all over the world. Dance between the tables, visit the resident painter or just look interesting in a darkened corner.

  • 2. Watch the big screen in big style

    1-5 Curtain Rd, EC2A 3JX

    Throughout the summer, you can munch hot dogs, drink beer and watch your favourite movie, all with the wind blowing through your hair. The Rooftop Film Club can be found on the rooftop of the Queen of Hoxton, high above the chaotic Shoreditch streets.

    Rooftop Film Club

  • 3. Discover a secret dining room

    29 Greek St, W1D 5DH

    At the Coach and Horses in Soho, you can slip behind the bar, up a twisting staircase and into a private dining room that for over forty years has laid on the Private Eye lunch. Drink tea and scoff cake while listening to the scratchy sounds of a record player in this hidden room.

  • 4. Bang your gun

    50 Great Dover Street, SE1 4YG

    A stand up poetry night “for those who don’t like poetry, especially the stuff about thwarted love and daffodils”. Try to catch it on a Thursday when it takes over the upper floor of lovely old boozer The Roebuck in Borough.

  • 5. View an exhibition by candlelight

    13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP

    Watch the light flickering against the possessions of celebrated architect Sir John Soane at Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Take a candlelit tour through the Sir John Soane Museum’s curious collection of art and antiquities, and discover the stories behind each piece.

  • 6. Brave a little shop of horrors

    11 Mare St, E8 4RP

    Upon descending into Viktor Wynd's Little Shop of Horrors, the traffic of Hackney’s Mare Street seems far away. Here you’ll forage through “natural and human curiosities”, including period medical props, supernatural and wax effigies, stuffed rats, winged cats and flying bats.

    Viktor Wynd

  • 7. See the nicest view

    Primrose Hill Rd, NW1 3NA

    Climb Primrose Hill to see London spread out like a rug before you. Look out for the “and the view’s so nice” graffiti on the way up. Painted by a Blur fan, it influenced the group’s decision not to disband when Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon stumbled upon the lyric and took it as a sign.

  • 8. Cringe

    Peek between your fingers at the uncomfortable performances laid on by Cringe. The brainchild of New Yorker Sarah Brown and now based in London, the group is made up of an unconventional bunch who gather to read out their teenage diaries, letters and poems.

  • 9. Catch the Winchester Geese

    18-22 Redcross Way, SE1 1TA

    Abandon Borough Market for the nearby backstreets of the Cross Bones Graveyard. An unconsecrated burial ground for paupers and prostitutes (or “Winchester Geese”) until 1853, it’s now a shrine, its railings twisted with ribbons, flowers, wooden geese and notes to the “outcast dead”.

  • 10. Bowl her over

    Basement of Tavistock Hotel Bedford Way, , London, WC1H 9EU

    Unlike traditional bowling lanes with their stained carpets, processed food and battered arcade games, Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes will impress your date. Located off Russell Square, it’s a stylish venue complete with sleek cocktail bar, karaoke and London's only private bowling room.

Go to www.colouringacorner.com

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InFormed London

  • 1. Take the Alternative London Tour

    Old Spitalfields Market, Brushfield St, E1 6DT.

    Discover the London you won't find in the guidebooks. The Alternative London Tour takes you on a two-hour walk through the East End. Like other tours in the area it covers some of the interesting history and culture of Spitalfields, Banglatown and Shoreditch. But unlike those other tours, it also shows you what is happening now in London's creative hotbed.

  • 2. Visit one of London’s most atmospheric restaurants: Busaba Eathai

    8-13 Bird St, W1U 1BU.

    Ten years after its inception, Busaba is renowned for its cult following of loyal customers. The combination of a stylish interior, chattering atmosphere and mouthwatering food provides London with a youthful yet sophisticated dining venue – and it continues to be one of the city’s hottest tables.

  • 3. Watch a cult movie at the Prince Charles Cinema

    7 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BY.

    The Prince Charles Cinema shows a rotating programme of cult, arthouse, and classic films alongside recent Hollywood releases – typically more than ten different films a week on two screens. The cinema has achieved a cult status among fans, flying the flag for independent cinema in the West End.

  • 4. Pop in to the Wilton Way Cafe for coffee and radio

    63 Wilton Way, E8 1BG.

    Nestled in central Hackney, just north of London Fields and east of the Hackney Empire, Wilton Way Cafe is a beacon for café society in this part of town. Serving smooth coffees using a bespoke blend of roasted beans from local roasters Climpson & Sons, Wilton Way Cafe maintains its links with the local creative community by showcasing artistic talent on the walls and broadcasting London Fields Radio from a booth in the corner of the café.

  • 5. Go to Deviation: king of London’s club nights

    Club nights like this one are hard to find, even in a city like London, which boasts thousands of talented DJs. Luckily, the Deviation club night brings you the best in hip hop, house, electronica and soul music. Benji B (BBC Radio DJ), head honcho of Deviation, invites the most forward-thinking international DJs to join him behind the decks once a month. The crowd is energetic and music savvy – so make sure you bring your best moves.

    Benji B

  • 6. Dance till the early hours at Fabric

    77a Charterhouse St, EC1M 3HN.

    Fabric is a 1,500-capacity nightclub. On Saturday nights you can enjoy underground DJ talent, internationally renowned electronic music legends and accomplished live acts. Its music policy is dedicated to cutting-edge house, techno, electro, disco and dub-techno. For excitement and thrills, no other nightclub touches this one. In addition to the venue, Fabric has a record label, which has put out a series of celebrated mixes which showcase the variety of sounds that have graced the club over the years. Oh, and be prepared for unisex toilets.

    Booby Hatch

  • 7. Join the loose-leaf tea movement

    27-28 Chalk Farm Rd, NW1 8AG.

    The first Yumchaa tea shop opened in Camden Lock’s West Yard, where you can get comfortable within the premises’ hand-finished interior or gaze leisurely over the market and Regent’s Canal with a lovely cup of tea. What more – other than cake, which is also available here – could you ask for?

  • 8. Go vintage shopping in Brick Lane

    101 Brick Lane, E1 6SE.

    You’ll find great stuff including T-shirts and vests, cool jackets, unique shoes, vintage jeans and smart dresses. Whether you’re a vintage clothes collector seeking a rare original, an authentic retro specimen or a designer piece, or someone who just wants to find cheap, inspired and individual clothing, Rokit offers an eclectic shopping experience full of vintage treasures to suit everyone.

  • 9. Brighten up your wardrobe with clothing from Lazy Oaf

    19 Fouberts Place, W1F 7PZ.

    Lazy Oaf is a pop-graphic, print-focused label bringing you arrays of new clothing, accessories and stationery. Lazy Oaf is famous for its bright T-shirts, reversible sweats and accessories collections.

  • 10. Taste the salt-beef bagels at Beigel Bake

    159 Brick Lane, E1 6SB.

    Drunk or sober, hungry or just peckish, if this is within a mile radius of your current location, you must visit. Order the salt-beef bagel (a steal at £3.50) with all the hot mustard and salty goodness you could hope for.

Go to www.informedlondon.com

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The Londoneer

  • 1. Tripping the light fantastic in the heart of the East End

    Gerry Raffles Square, E15 1BN

    One of London's oldest theatres, the Theatre Royal Stratford East is an architectural gem. Built in 1884, it gained its reputation for ground-breaking performances during the 1950s when Joan Littlewood established the Theatre Workshop Company there. The theatre is now well known for hosting multicultural plays and musicals which accurately reflect the life and character of London's East End. They also host free open mic nights, comedy and jazz in the popular bar. For fans of theatre history, the Theatre Royal Stratford East has one of a pair of elaborate chandeliers hanging over the main auditorium. Its twin can be found in the Wyndham theatre in London's West End.

  • 2. Stealing the scene up in the eaves

    189 Greenwich High Rd, SE10 8JA

    The Greenwich Playhouse is one of London's smallest theatres. Home to the Galleon Theatre Company, it occupies the attic of a popular American-themed bar next to Greenwich railway station. Expect to get up close and personal with the actors during performances, as the seats in the auditorium are in just a few rows on three sides of a minute stage. If it all gets too much for you, retire to the bar downstairs for a cocktail during the interval.

  • 3. Old and new on the Olympic trail

    One of London's most overlooked walking and cycling paths, the Greenway runs from Bow to Beckton and follows the path of Joseph Bazalgette's Northern Outfall Sewer. It is experiencing a new lease of life as the best place to witness the ongoing construction of the London 2012 Olympic Park: a set of refurbished sea containers, the View Tube, offers a commanding view of the Olympic Stadium. Nearby, you can see a slice of London's wartime past on the route, where tank traps and a machine gun emplacement were established to thwart an invading German army.

  • 4. Just like Matka used to make

    198 The Grove, E15 1NS

    London has been welcoming immigrants for centuries, and these days Poles and Lithuanians are making their mark on London's East End, with shops and restaurants that cater to their tastes springing up all over Bow, Stratford, Leyton and the surrounding areas. One of the best examples is 'Londek', a little Polish cafe on The Grove in Stratford (Londek is the colloquial way to refer to London in the Polish language). Here you'll be able to try many traditional Polish staples such as pierogi (dumplings), bigos (sauerkraut and meat stew) and golumpki (cabbage leaves stuffed with mince in a spicy tomato sauce) without spending more than a fiver. They have a large selection of rich, waist-thickening cakes as well.

  • 5. Communing with the dear departed in N16

    Stoke Newington High St, N16 0LH

    One of London's most poignant treasures is the Abney Park Cemetery in Stoke Newington. Managed by the Abney Park Trust, this gently decaying Victorian cemetery was established in 1840 as one of the 'Magnificent Seven' – a group of large cemeteries planned across London to alleviate overcrowding in existing parish burial grounds. Visit the cemetery to discover its spectacular Egyptian-revival entrance, a Gothic chapel at its centre and row upon row of beautiful monuments to long-departed Londoners draped in ivy. The cemetery is also a designated local nature reserve and is home to a range of woodland birds, mammals and butterflies.

  • 6. Vegetarian spice with a Hindu flair

    161 Stroud Green Rd, N4 3PZ

    Pass by the wealth of independent restaurants along Stroud Green Road in Finsbury Park and eventually you'll arrive at Jai Krishna, an understated temple to Indian vegetarian cuisine. Ignore the wonky tables and mismatched plates and cutlery, and tuck into some of the best food you'll find this side of the Ganges. Highlights include the deep-fried vine leaves, sliced and served with a tamarind sauce, and the earthy okra curry. Wash it all down with one of the spicy or sweet lassi, or bring your own. It is popular with a rather bohemian crowd, and it's also amazingly cheap - a meal for two is likely to leave you with change from a £20 note.

  • 7. Exploring the past with Comrade Lenin

    245 St John St (below Finsbury Library), London, EC1V 4NB

    Established in mid-2008, the official museum of the London Borough of Islington can be found on St John Street. With a focus on local history, the museum is jammed with exhibits on Islington's domestic life, architecture, fashion and immigrant communities. Taking pride of place is the bust of Vladimir Lenin that formed the centrepiece of a monument proudly erected by the people of Islington in 1942. After being attacked by vandals in the 1980s when it was on show at Islington Town Hall, Comrade Lenin now enjoys a more peaceful existence in this small space in the basement of Finsbury Library.

  • 8. Wandering through the Walthamstow Reservoirs

    2 Forest Rd, N17 9NH

    Situated close to Tottenham Hale tube is the public entrance to the network of ten Walthamstow reservoirs, managed by Thames Water, which provide a large percentage of the fresh water supply for London. Cross the palm of the man at the gate with £1, and you can spend a few hours enjoying some fishing, bird watching or simply strolling around one of London's most quiet and peaceful open spaces.

  • 9. Exploring your dreams with Doctor Freud

    20 Maresfield Gardens, NW3 5SX

    Cross the threshold of 20 Maresfield Gardens in Hampstead, and you'll find yourself in a shrine to the man who coined the term 'psychoanalysis', Sigmund Freud. What is now the Freud Museum was both the home and consulting rooms of Freud during the final year of his life, after his escape from persecution in Nazi Germany in 1938. The building contains much of his fine art collection, many of his research papers and even the famous psychoanalytic couch. Now, tell me about your feelings towards your mother...

  • 10. Mixing it up At Rich Mix

    35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, E1 6LA

    At the centre of the trendy arts and culture scene in Shoreditch is the Rich Mix arts centre. The building, converted from a garment factory, opened in 2006 and now hosts live music events, dance performances and plays. It has a popular cinema which shows both Hollywood blockbusters and foreign films, and there's also a gallery which has regularly changing exhibitions. While you're there, check out the funky industrial-style cafe which serves some of the most indulgent Swiss ice cream to be found in London.

Go to www.londoneer.org

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London Is Cool

  • 1. The Ghost Bus Tour

    Designated bus stop on Northumberland Avenue, WC2N 5BY.

    Take a journey on the London Necrobus and enjoy the spookiest ride in town. Learn about the dark, sinister and ghostly side of the city aboard a haunted Routemaster...

  • 2. The Connaught Bar

    The Connaught, Carlos Place, W1K 2AL.

    Experience the famed Connaught Bar's Martini Trolley, which is one of life’s truly decadent five-star pleasures. It’s an ultra-stylish hotel bar, with prices that are not for the faint hearted.

  • 3. Notting Hill Arts Club

    21 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3JQ.

    Every Saturday afternoon from 4pm to 8pm the Notting Hills Art Club plays host to Rough Trade record shops’ legendary RoTa sessions. Listen to the best new music around, including indie-pop, electronica, new wave, post-punk and much, much more. Free entry.

  • 4. The Monument to the Great Fire of London

    Monument St, EC3R 8AH.

    Not only is the Monument a real piece of London history – it was opened in 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London and to celebrate the rebuilding of the City – the 61m-high structure also offers amazing panoramic views of London from its viewing platform which is reached by climbing 311 steps.

  • 5. The view from Greenwich Park

    People rave about the views from Primrose Hill and Parliament Hill, which are pretty good – but in my opinion the best free views in London are from the viewing platform in Greenwich Park. In the middle distance you will see the Millennium Dome and Canary Wharf, but what makes this view truly special is the spectacle of the River Thames leading the eye into central London and beyond.

    Greenwich Park with views to the National Maritime Museum and the City

  • 6. Al Arez Lebanese restaurant

    101 Edgware Rd, W2 2HX.

    Edgware Road is home to dozens of Middle Eastern eating places and one of the best is the Al Arez restaurant. Great food, excellent service, wonderful ambiance and excellent value for money.

  • 7. Ye Olde Mitre pub

    1 Ely Court, Ely Place (side of 8 Hatton Garden), EC1N 6SJ.

    Quite possibly the most difficult pub to find in London. Hidden down an alleyway near Holborn Circus, this centuries-old tavern is a real sanctuary from the hustle of the City. Perfect for a relaxing beer or two.

  • 8. The Royal Air Force Museum

    Grahame Park Way, NW9 5LL.

    This is home to more than 100 aircraft from around the world, including some very old planes, modern-day jets and military aircraft. The thrill of seeing planes such as the Avro Vulcan B2 bomber, Harrier Jump Jet and the de Havilland Tiger Moth II make the journey up the Northern Line to Hendon a worthwhile trip. Free entry.

  • 9. Museum of London

    150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN.

    Built around the surviving fragments of the London Wall – built by the Romans some 1,800 years ago – the Museum of London holds a fantastic collection. It provides a fascinating journey through the history of London, from prehistoric times to the present day.

    The Pleasure Gardens

  • 10. Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park

    Thames Path, John Harrison Way, SE10 0QZ.

    A real hidden gem of a park, located next to the Thames and only ten minutes’ walk from the O2 Arena. A true slice of nature, which offers peace and tranquillity in beautiful surroundings.

Go to www.londoniscool.com

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Londonist

  • 1. Luxury cinema

    5 Hollybush Vale, Hampstead, NW3 6TX.

    The Everyman chain offers something a little more classy to cinema-goers. Try the Hampstead branch for luxurious sofas and table service while you watch the latest blockbuster or art-house film.

  • 2. Street art tours

    84 Great Eastern St.

    Wander around Shoreditch to see the best of London's street art. Guided tours are available if you'd like to know more about the artists.

  • 3. Secret City

    The ancient City of London is peppered with quiet parks tucked away between the corporate office blocks. In particular, seek out St Dunstan in the East, a bombed-out church with a beautiful peace garden.

  • 4. Pancakes

    No need to wait until Shrove Tuesday. My Old Dutch serves king-sized pancakes all year round. Treat yourself to three courses of hand-crafted batter. Branches in Holborn, Kensington and Chelsea.

  • 5. Speedboating

    Embankment Pier, Victoria Embankment, London, WC2N 6NU

    Catch an RIB speedboat from beneath the London Eye and enjoy a white-knuckle journey along the Thames.

  • 6. Go for a walk

    London is a surprisingly green and pleasant place. Take a stroll along the Thames Path, or head further out for the London Loop walk.

  • 7. Find out how the world works

    165 Queen's Gate, SW7 5HD

    Stretch your brain and enjoy a glass of wine at the Dana Centre, the Science Museum's adults-only events venue. Meet some of the country's top scientists and technologists, and learn something wonderful at one of the centre’s regular evening talks.

  • 8. High-rise celebrity spotting

    The Heights in St George's Hotel, just off the northern end of Regent Street, is a little-known bar with a great view (15 storeys up). It's next to Broadcasting House, home of BBC Radio, so you're almost guaranteed to see a famous DJ or two.

  • 9. Olympic view

    The Greenway, Marshgate Lane, London, E15 2PJ

    Walk along the Greenway to the 'View Tube' building for a ringside view of the emerging Olympics site.

  • 10. Sci-fi with style

    Type on Bethnal Green Road is an ultra-stylish café-cum-design shop with a surprising sideline in vintage pulp fiction and sci-fi. One of London's quirkier outlets.

Go to www.londonist.com

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The London Word

  • 1. Visit a Sotherby's auction

    34-35 New Bond St, W1A 2AA (020 7293 5000).

    Sotherby’s auction house is an institution in London and has been putting items under the hammer for hundreds of years. Members of the public are welcome to come in and see what might be of interest to them. It’s not just antiques and jewellery that are auctioned off – some of the items are well within the budget of a canny buyer. Just be careful not to get too carried away when bidding!

  • 2. Eat at the Rootmaster bus

    Dray Walk, E1 6QI (07912 389314).

    If you’re wandering around the markets and curry houses of Brick Lane, you might come across what appears to be a stranded bus. But don’t worry, it’s not a 219 that’s lost its way, it’s actually a vegan restaurant. All of the ingredients that are used in the dishes are sourced locally, which is part of the restaurant’s mission to promote sustainable living. You’ll get a healthy portion of whatever you choose, whether it’s stir fry or pizza. Booking is recommended as the limited space means that the restaurant does tend to fill up quite quickly.

  • 3. Have a dance at Cecil Sharp House in Camden with the English Folk Dance and Song Society

    2 Regent's Park Rd, NW1 7AY (020 7485 2206).

    Camden is synonymous with live music – but if you’re tired of watching indie bands fall out of the Barfly, head along to Cecil Sharp House. There you’ll find the English Folk Dance and Song Society. This is a group who are committed to keeping tradition alive. To this end, they run various classes and events and they are always keen to pass on England’s old customs to eager learners.

  • 4. View great art at the Wallace Collection

    Manchester Square, W1U 3BN (020 7563 9500).

    One of London’s most underrated museums, the Wallace Collection has a wide range of exhibits including paintings by old masters (Titian, Rembrandt and Velázquez). It is also gives you the chance to see ‘The Laughing Cavalier’ by Frans Hals. It also has one of the best collections of French paintings and porcelain and gold boxes outside France itself. Entry is free and the museum is open seven days a week.

  • 5. Have a laugh at the Canal Cafe in Maida Vale

    Delamere Terrace, W2 6ND (020 7289 6054 ).

    The Canal Cafe in Maida Vale has a great pedigree for producing comedy. The sketch group The League of Gentlemen had a residency here before going on to conquer the world with their unique brand of twisted humour. It’s the venue for the world’s longest-running satire show, ‘The News Revue’, which picks apart the week’s goings-on in politics and entertainment. You can also find ‘Test Tube Comedy’, a monthly night which comprises top-level stand-up, sketch groups and character acts.

  • 6. Get active at the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre

    235a Westferry Rd, E14 3QS (020 7537 2626).

    It’s very easy to forget that in among the mass of traffic and the congestion, London has some wonderful open spaces and expansive bodies of water. One of these is down by the Docklands. The Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre offers a range of activities as well as tuition to help you develop your skills at a number of disciplines. The courses covered involve dinghy sailing, kayaking and yacht theory. There is also the possibility to enjoy all of these activities as the sun goes down.

  • 7. Enjoy a Thamesside pint at The Blue Anchor

    13 Lower Mall, W6 9DJ (020 8748 5774).

    One of the joys of summer is enjoying a late night pint outdoors. One of the ways in which this experience is made even better is by having that drink by the river. The Blue Anchor near Hammersmith Bridge takes you right to the edge of the Thames. You’ll need to get in early as places on the river terrace tend to get taken very quickly. But if you’re unable to find a space, you can always come indoors and drink beneath the rowing paraphernalia that decorates the inside. It’s also worth sampling the wide range of ales.

  • 8. Play in the Peter Pan Gardens

    In Kensington Gardens, you’ll find a statue of a very famous boy. Although he has been here since 1912, he has not aged one day. This is because it’s of Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up. He is an inspiration to the large crowds of people that the statue draws, reminding them it’s never too late to rekindle the spirit of childhood. The gardens themselves have great open spaces as well as trees that can be used for climbing and hiding.

  • 9. Get your east London art fix for free with First Thursdays

    Shoreditch has a diverse range of galleries, showcasing the work of the many artists that populate the area. On the first Thursday of every month, these spaces open up their doors and invite anyone who has an interest to come along and view to their hearts’ content. There tends to be an art gallery crawl going on, but if you stick around in one place long enough, it’s likely you’ll bump into the artist – who will often be only too happy to talk about their work.

  • 10. Brave the crowds of Columbia Road Flower Market

    If you’re up and about on Sunday morning, one of the best places to be in London is Columbia Road in Shoreditch. It has a magnificent flower market with a diverse collection of flowers. If you’re lucky towards the end of the day (the market finishes at 3pm) you might pick up a bouquet for next to nothing. A little further down, just off the main street is The Yard on Erza Street. Drop in here for the chance to pick up a vintage bargain or two.

Go to www.thelondonword.com

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Obsessed With London

  • 1. Watch opera in the back of a pub.

    115 Upper Street, London, N1 1QN

    Get intimate with your favourite operas at London’s Little Opera House at the King’s Head Theatre.

  • 2. Visit a literary night club

    Last Thursday of every month, 35 Powis Square, off Portobello Rd, W11 2AY

    Hear London’s literary icons read from their latest works at Book Slam. From new authors to old masters, Book Slam has had them all. Guests have included Hanif Kureishi, Nick Hornby, Joe Dunthorne and Will Self.

    Patrick Neate at Bookslam

  • 3. Go backstage at The Royal Opera House

    Bow St, London, WC2E 9DD

    Discover the troubled history of the theatre, and get unique insights into current productions.

  • 4. Get your costume on at the National Theatre

    South Bank, London, SE1 9PX

    Check out, try on and hire some of The National Theatre’s thousands of quality costumes and accessories from their many performances.

    Backstage at the National Theatre

  • 5. Get aggressive with the London Roller Girls

    The roller derby is the closest London gets to the aggression of North American ice hockey. Head down to a derby, or if you’re feeling brave, you can even try it out.

  • 6. Go to the dogs

    Plough Lane, SW17 0BL

    Put aside the images of champagne and suits. Dog racing is all about beer and hot dogs – but don’t worry, it is a normal sausage. So go down and make a bet or two.

  • 7. Drink in a disused public toilet, (allegedly) frequented by Wilde

    Zero Aldwych, WC2E 7DN

    Somewhere near Covent Garden there’s a set of steps leading down to what was once a disused public toilet. It is now one of the sexiest bars in London, where cabaret, lounge singers and drag acts keep the party going all night long.

  • 8. Take a class at The School of Life

    70 Marchmont St, WC1N 1AB

    This shop has a philosophical underbelly. With an aim to challenge, provoke and inspire, The School of Life runs classes which are designed to provide useful insights around the big themes in life.

  • 9. Drink like a 1920s American

    12-16 Artillery Lane, London, E1 7LS

    Whether the entrance is via a fridge door or by secret password, London has a large selection of bars where you can relive Prohibition days and drink as if it were illegal.

  • 10. Shoot some film

    117 Commercial St, London, E1 6BG

    London’s analogue camera community shows no signs of slowing down, and the Lomography Stores will welcome you with open arms, whether you’re a beginner or an old hand. With regular photo walks and analogue camera workshops, there’s no better way to take photos.

Go to www.owlondon.com

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RWD Mag

  • 1. Catch the next big thing live at The Garage

    20-22 Highbury Corner, N5 1RD

    Highbury is usually a peaceful and calm place, unless you frequent music venue The Relentless Garage. On July 27 the venue joins forces with RWD magazine to host a one-off live session featuring Modestep, Kiss FM DJ Manny Norte and a very special guest. Check out other Mean Fiddler venues like Jazz Cafe and HMV Forum for even more live shows.

  • 2. The G-Shock store

    Dray Walk, Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL

    Known for their tougher-than-tough yet stylish-as-ever designs, G-Shock celebrates the first anniversary of über-cool store G-Shock East in 2011.

  • 3. Parklife at Victoria Park

    Victoria Park Rd, E9 7BT

    Sitting between Bow and Hackney, Victoria Park is full of locals basking in the occasional day of sunshine. Throughout summer London’s oldest park also hosts the awesome Lovebox and Field Day festivals. If you get tired of the sun, there is an array of shops, cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants nearby.

  • 4. Listen to live music at Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen

    2-4 Hoxton Square, London, N1 6NU

    Paloma Faith, Major Lazer, Example and Vampire Weekend have all played this trendy East London venue recently. It’s also the new home to ILUVLIVE, which features a live band alongside the UK’s finest up-and-coming urban talent. Spending an entire evening there is easy: the menu’s not bad, and there’s a huge variety of beers to try.

  • 5. Get bass in your face at Plastic People

    147-149 Curtain Rd, London, EC2A 3QE

    Newcomers to underground bass music, this is your one-stop shop. Run by legendary (and newly legal) radio station, record label Rinse FM, the weekly events at Shoreditch basement club Plastic People feature the likes of Skream, Roska, Marcus Nasty and a load of other huge names from the world of dubstep, funky, house and grime.

  • 6. Get one-off streetwear at the Nike store

    Arches 477-478 Batemans Row, EC2A 3HH

    Underneath the arches deep in the heart of Hoxton, Nike house their 1948 store. The shop has in-house NikeID stations with a team of specialists from the world of art and fashion and is crawling with locals who have their fingers on the pulse. Search out limited edition sneaks, and if you’re lucky, catch one of their many events fusing music, fashion and art.

    Nike women's cherry-print high-skinny Dunk: £58.70 (www.nike.com)

  • 7. Yoyo at Notting Hill Arts Club

    21 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3JQ

    It’s not what you’d expect in the middle of west London, but the intimate venue at 19-21 Notting Hill Gate has seen huge acts grace its tiny stage. So whether it’s an exclusive set from Q-Tip or Mark Ronson or a live set from Bruno Mars, every other Thursday you’re guaranteed a good show. Just make sure you get there early – it really is very small.

  • 8. Get creative at Corsica Studios

    4-5 Elephant Rd, SE17 1LB

    Six years ago indie arts lot Corsica Studios had a great idea to provide a venue that acted as a creative platform. The result is this south London space. Music lovers can check out the dubstep and house heavy Trouble Vision nights, and arty types get treated to flea markets in the daytime. See? Everyone is happy!

  • 9. Have a laugh at The Brickhouse

    152C Brick Lane, E1 6RU

    Once again Shoreditch is the spot: film director Arjun Rose (Suicide Kids) and comedian Jamie Howard host a monthly instalment of pure unadulterated belly laughs down Brick Lane. Resident DJ Excalibah brings the beats, a mix of well-known and up-and-coming comedians bring the jokes and there are a couple of live acts thrown in for good measure.

  • 10. Get grimy in Bow E3

    Not that we would recommend you go and stand on street corners or anything, but Bow E3 is pretty much the birthplace of grime. Wiley, Dizzee Rascal, Tinchy Stryder, et al, got their start there. The basement of Boy Better Know MC and producer Jammer may not be in full effect yet, but a stop in the area can’t hurt. And with iconic grime battle Lord of the Mics making a comeback this year, who knows which future stars you might bump into?

Go to www.rwdmag.com

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Sarah Young - www.iamsarahyoung.com

  • 1. Bogayo Moroccan fusion cuisine

    320 Old Street, EC1V 9DR

    With shisha prices on Edgware Road hitting £25, you can’t go wrong Bogayo’s charge of £12 a pop. Order the grilled haloumi starter with artichoke hearts and hot tea. And the owner is a great personality, often found outside smoking and recounting stories about life back in Morocco.

  • 2. Whitechapel Market

    Whitechapel Rd (Vallance Rd to Cambridge Heath Rd), E1 1DT

    This is the place to get saris and Indian jewellery. You cannot beat the prices, which are great for fashion students looking for cheap fabric or photographers seeking inspiration. Do not be afraid to haggle: most of the time, if you stand your ground you can end up getting a 10-30% discount. It’s also a great place to buy old Bollywood DVDs and Bhangra music. Go on a Saturday to soak up the vibes.

  • 3. Cocktails at The Polo Bar at the Westbury Hotel

    Bond St, W1S 2YF

    Get the white Russian at the Polo Bar at the Westbury Hotel. Cheap? No. Worth it? Definitely. If you’ve just got paid and feel like splashing out on something to accompany your cocktails, order the lightly toasted salmon and cream cheese sandwiches.

  • 4. Red Bull Studios

    155-171 Tooley Street, SE1 2JP

    Kano, diplo, Katy B and many other internationally renowned artists have worked in this one-year-old state-of-the-art studio. Red Bull Studios has cool monthly events and special projects which are launched on its website, such as the Red Bull Mix Tape. This hidden gem also has a gallery with regular exhibitions that you shouldn’t miss.

    36. Kano - London Town

  • 5. Sounds of the Universe

    7 Broadwick St, W1F 0DA

    For those who collect vinyl but DJ on a laptop, this is a perfect little find. This shop mostly stocks vinyl but also has a great selection of CDs. If you’re after reggae, Latin, soul-jazz, Afro-beat and funk, it’s a treasure chest. Put aside a few hours for browsing and listening.

    Nicole McKenzie at Sounds of the Universe

  • 6. Laudree at Harrods

    87-135 Brompton Rd, SW1X 7QN

    The best, best, best macaroons in London! Order the hot chocolate, which is as thick as posh Nutella, and the liquorice and raspberry macaroons. The manager, Pascal, has as much swagger as the gold, Versailles-esque interior. It’s a great place for people watching, but go on a Thursday or Friday to avoid the weekend crowds.

  • 7. City Arts and Music Project

    70-74 City Rd, EC1Y 2BJ

    This venue is a small, no-frills basement where the vibes flow easily. The upstairs bar has live music at the weekends, and come 11pm, you can go downstairs to enjoy whichever club night is on.

  • 8. The Wonder Room at Selfridges

    400 Oxford St, W1A 1AB

    The Wonder Room is one of those places you can waste a load of hours and cash. But it’s completely worth it. Allow yourself to get lost in the bling, the expensive objects and the weird and wonderful books and CDs. The room is a museum of pretty things, so bring your wallet and go on pay day.

    Selfridges

  • 9. Cycling in Highgate

    I hate the gym, so I find the best (and cheapest way) to keep fit is cycling. Highgate is a great area for cycling because it feels like the countryside. It also has about a thousand steep hills, so it’s the most effective work out for the thighs.

    Woman on an Amsterdammer bike

  • 10. Hair Botox at Daniel Galvin

    58-60 George St, W1U 7ET

    No needles or injections are involved in this quick treatment. It is literally a miracle, as it makes hair look thicker and glossier in about 25 minutes. It lasts for about ten washes, so at £21, it is a bargain.

Go to www.iamsarahyoung.com

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Secret LDN

  • 1. Enjoy a Sunday lunch at the London Wetland Centre

    Queen Elizabeth's Walk, SW13 9WT (020 8409 4400). Hammersmith tube then 283 bus.

    Under the Heathrow flightpath, feathered arrivals land from all over the world. Kids will love it and it's a chance for all budding 'twitchers' to practise their photo skills.

  • 2. Have a drink at the Nell Gwynne Tavern

    1-2 Bull Inn Court, Strand, WC2R 0NP (020 7240 5579).

    Lost down a narrow alley off the Strand, this tiny boozer retains a local feel despite its location near touristy Covent Garden. The alleyways and gardens running from Embankment to Covent Garden - and up to King's Cross - will allow you to escape the crowds and discover a London seemingly untouched by time.

  • 3. Tour Lincoln's Inn

    Lincoln's Inn Fields, Chancery Lane, WC2A 3TL.

    Lincoln's Inn is full of treasures, such as the Old Hall, which predates Christopher Columbus's voyage to the New World (and where the opening scene of Dickens's Bleak House is set), or the chapel where poet John Donne (‘Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee’) preached in the early 1600s. There is a regular tour on the first Friday of each month: meet at 2pm at the gatehouse on Lincoln's Inn Fields (£5).

  • 4. See the dinosaurs in Crystal Palace

    Thicket Rd, SE20 8DT.

    The restored Dinosaur Park was the world's first theme park and shows full-size dinosaurs hiding among trees and lakes. Reflecting Victorian notions of what the prehistoric beasts looked like, some are distinctly odd but conjure up fond folk memories of the glorious Crystal Palace – built for the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park of 1851, moved to Sydenham Hill in south London in 1854, destroyed by fire in 1936.

  • 5. Sit for a quiet moment in Notre Dame de France

    5 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX.

    This is a French Catholic church just off Leicester Square, next to the Prince Charles Cinema. Built on the circular site of a burnt-down 'Panorama', it houses Jean Cocteau murals and also services Soho's Chinese community and the francophone West Africa community. Pick the right time and you might see a colourful African wedding.

  • 6. Make a call from the first red phone box

    Piccadilly, W1J OBD.

    This is to be found inside the gates of the Royal Academy on Piccadilly. The two boxes here are the actual 1924 prototypes designed by architect Giles Gilbert Scott of Bankside and Battersea fame.

  • 7. Go lion hunting

    Walk through the alleyways of the City on Sunday and you have the place to yourself. Now is a good time to look up and around to spot the oddities, such as the huge number of sculpted lions left over from Britain's imperial past: sculptures, door knockers, keystones etc. They’re everywhere you look...

  • 8. Admire the war memorials at Hyde Park Corner

    The Royal Artillery Memorial by Charles Sargeant Jagger is magnificent, showing a gunner in a crucifixion pose and a dead soldier under a poncho – both very controversial at the time. The naked ‘The Boy David’ memorial to the Machine Gun Corps is one of London's finest nudes, too.

    Aerial shot of Hyde Park

  • 9. Enjoy a martini in Dukes Hotel

    35-36 St James's Place, SW1A 1NY.

    The best in London. They only let you have two, so go next door to the American Bar at the Stafford for a comparison, and ballast yourself there with the best hamburger in London.

  • 10. Dance rockabilly-style till 5am at Ye Olde Axe in Shoreditch

    69 Hackney Rd, E2 8ET.

    But don't arrive before midnight, as it's a strip pub until then. Pass the waiting time in one of the many atmospheric pubs or coffee shops nearby, or grab a Vietnamese meal on Kingsland Road.

    Two rockabilly rebels at Ye Olde Axe in Shoreditch
Go to www.secret-london.co.uk

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This Strange City

  • 1. Wherever you go, walk

    There’s no view from the tube. Walk, or use Boris bikes where possible (the bikes are free for the first 30 minutes), or mainline trains if not.

  • 2. Stay late at the Tate

    For a more relaxed way to view our lovely Tate galleries, go to their ‘lates’. Tate Modern is open every Friday and Saturday till 10pm, and Tate Britain stays open on the first Friday of the month, 6pm-10pm. Enjoy the performances, talks and a glass of wine.

    Tate Modern

  • 3. See an underground concert in Brunel’s Thames Tunnel

    Railway Avenue, London, SE16 4LF.

    The tunnel at Rotherhithe, built by Marc and Isambard Kingdom Brunel, is an astonishing concert venue. Wonderful music events are combined with an introduction to the construction of this amazing – though flawed – piece of Victorian engineering.

  • 4. Get involved with the community at Arnold Circus

    Calvert Avenue, E2 7ES.

    Arnold Circus is at the centre of Britain’s first council estate. These beautiful arts and crafts buildings had fallen into disrepair but the residents teamed together to repair the bandstand and now hold regular events there. Try joining in with a game of carrom (a board game) or listening to music.

  • 5. See a gig at the Union Chapel

    Compton Terrace, N1 2UN.

    It almost doesn’t matter who you see – everyone sounds good in this wonderful wooden church interior. It has friendly staff, a cosy and eclectic bar and good food too.

  • Eat at E Pellicci

    332 Bethnal Green Rd, E2 0AG.

    It’s the best café in London. Wonderful, friendly staff, interesting history, and the food is always fantastic. NB: Closed on Sundays.

  • 7. Walk in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper

    Of all Jack the Ripper walks, this one is surely the most chilling and poetic. Your nameless guide appears at 7pm every night opposite Whitechapel Station. (Out of the mist, when there is mist). Best to book, as they take small groups only.

  • 8. Browse the shelves at at Housmans bookshop

    5 Caledonian Rd, N1 9DX.

    This charming not-for-profit bookstore specialises in radical and progressive political books. It also has a cracking £1 section.

  • 9. Visit the Crossbones graveyard

    The local community maintains Southwark’s moving and unusual monument to London’s outcast dead – women of ill repute who were denied a churchyard burial.

  • 10. Walk the Regent’s Canal

    For a short walk, begin by perambulating through east London’s lungs, Victoria Park; drop down to the canal path at Old Ford Lock; and make your way past the barges at Mile End, stopping for a pint at Broadway Market or in London Fields (The Pub on the Park is good).

Go to www.thisstrangecity.blogspot.com

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Tiki Chris

  • 1. Bury your face in a burrito

    In only a few years, big, fresh and affordable burritos have become an established part of London's fast food scene. Benito's Hat, Chilango and Daddy Donkey have wrapped up the best reputations, and you can argue among yourselves who the top bean slinger is. Try anywhere else and results may vary. And here's a tip to maximize the taste: when choosing your salsa, get a little mild and little hot for flavour and heat.

  • 2. Do brunch at Cookbook Café

    One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J 7QY

    Cookbook Cafe's weekend brunch is brilliant. Just make sure you're hungry when you give it a go. The unlimited menu has a market table of seasonal dishes which includes the best pastrami outside New York, eggs any way, freshly made waffles and pancakes, a carvery-centric yet veggie-friendly selection of mains, tasty desserts… and bottomless drinks. The damage for such a feast is £49. And the bloody Mary is worth paying extra for – it’s possibly the best in London. It’s not cheap, but considering the quality, variety and quantity of the food and drinks, brunch at the Cookbook Cafe is excellent value for money. Plus, the restaurant is steps from Hyde Park for post-face-stuffing ambling.

  • 3. Eat frogs' legs at Royal Dragon or Cay Tre

    Royal Dragon 30 Gerrard St, W1D 6JS | Cay Tre 301 Old St, EC1V 9LA, 42-43 Dean St, W1D 4QA

    The French don’t have a monopoly on frog’s legs. Chinatown mainstay Royal Dragon on Gerrard Street and Vietnamese restaurant Cay Tre (Old Street and Soho) offer these no-cholesterol, lean, delicious treats. A massive heap of Kung Po frogs’ legs at Royal Dragon is perfectly binge-able and definitely hot. Cay Tre's “wicked” crispy frogs' legs with lemongrass and capsicum (at the Old Street location) or crispy salt and pepper style (Soho) are real palate pleasers.

  • 4. Drink sherry

    Varnishers Yard, Regents Quarter, N1 9FD

    A sherry bar in London? What a fino idea! Not just for grandma at Christmas anymore, sherry is one of the tastiest excuses to raise a glass, and Bar Pepito is a great place to do it. In the same secret courtyard as Spanish restaurant Camino (they have the same owner), Bar Pepito is a tiny place with a hefty list of 15 sherries, a delectable smattering of tapas and a rustic atmosphere that’ll have you forgetting you’re so close to King’s Cross.

  • 5. Get pampered at Alfred Dunhill

    2 Davies St, W1K 3DJ

    “Committed to advancing the pursuit of male indulgence”, the Barber at Alfred Dunhill offers an exquisite wet shave and hot towel face massage. The treatment features several towel changes, gradually going from tepid to super hot. The last towel is icy, leaving you with ultra-smooth cheeks. Booking is recommended, but unless you visit at lunchtime, staff should be able to accommodate you after a short and extremely comfortable wait in this Mayfair establishment.

  • 6. Get a Thai massage at Thai Therapeutics

    26 Beauchamp Place, SW3 1NJ, 39 Thurloe St, SW7 2LQ

    Thai massage is great for relieving the tension that builds up in your shoulders and lower back from sitting hunched over a desk all day. An hour at the hands of an expertly trained therapist relieves as much as it reinvigorates, and the benefits of a quality massage last a while. A week later, you still feel a little more limber and looser. Clean, friendly and centrally located, Thai Therapeutics offers a number of services, as well as great discounts if you can book a weekday morning appointment.

  • Paul A Young Fine Chocolates

    33 Camden Passage, London, N1 8EA

    Now with locations in Angel, The City and a flagship in Soho, Paul and crew create some of London's finest chocolates. They eschew preservatives and additives for fresh herbs and spices, organic essential oils and fresh fruits. Everything is handmade, and the vast majority of the chocolates are created in the shops' downstairs kitchens. They have arguably the best brownies in London, and the sea salted caramels are to die for.

    Delicious chocolate at Paul A Young

  • 8. Take a Cuban cigar audio tour in Mayfair

    Cities in Sound’s Cuban Cigar Walk audio tour is an excellent way to experience the tony streets of Mayfair and St James's. History buffs and cigar smokers in particular should find this tour worthwhile. You hit four of London’s world-class cigar stores and smoking venues, as well as other fascinating spots, as you take in the history of Cuba’s most famous export and its ties to one of London’s spiffiest postcodes.

  • 9. View Velasquez at the National Gallery

    Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN

    A photorealistic portrait artist long before photography was even contemplated as a reality, Diego Velasquez was a "painter of painters", or at least that's what Manet thought of him. A good long look at Velasquez's “Christ in the House of Martha and Mary” and “The Toilet of Venus” (aka “The Rokeby Venus”) will make clear why he's so celebrated. These and a number of his other important works are on view at the National Gallery and should be reason enough to duck out of the office for a prolonged lunch break. That his paintings can be seen for free makes a visit a no brainer.

  • 10. Walk the Regent's Canal

    Enjoy a scenic stroll from Paddington Basin to the Thames at Limehouse (or vice versa), replete with bobbling canal boats, swans, fabulous pubs and some of London's best graffiti. Time it right on a Saturday and you can have a foodie pit stop amongst all the hipsters at Broadway Market or check out the scene around Camden Market. The best stretch is from the eastern portal of the Islington Tunnel to the river.

Go to www.tikichris.wordpress.com

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Tired of London, Tired of Life

  • 1. Cross Westminster Bridge as Big Ben chimes

    Whitehall, London, SW1A 0AA

    It is no coincidence that the huge bell in Westminster Clock Tower, cast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry and installed in 1859, plays such an important role in the national psyche. The sound of the bell chiming to mark the hour as you cross the bridge is enough to stir even the most cynical Londoner.

  • 2. Attend Notting Hill Carnival

    Held each August Bank Holiday since 1966, the Notting Hill Carnival is the largest carnival in Europe and the second largest in the world. Attracting up to a million revellers, it is an excuse for people from all walks of life to mark the end of the summer in style with one of the world's best street parties.

  • 3. Cycle the Thames Path

    Cycling is the best way to see London, and one of the best cycling routes follows the Thames past all the major landmarks of Central London on a well-signposted route. It even boasts substantial off-road sections.

  • 4. Visit 19 Princelet Street

    19 Princelet Street, E1 6QH

    Originally built in 1719 as a Huguenot weaver's home and extended in 1869 by the then Jewish owners who turned it into a synagogue, 19 Princelet Street is an East London gem, open to the public only a few days a year. Possession of the crumbling building was passed to a charity in the 1980s, and they are struggling to raise £3 million to ensure its protection.

  • 5. Take in the view from the Royal Observatory, Greenwich

    Blackheath Avenue, SE10 8XJ

    The view from the Royal Observatory in Greenwich overlooks the rest of the World Heritage Site at Greenwich, which includes Old Naval College and takes in the River Thames and the towers of Canary Wharf beyond. It is one of London's best views and has inspired Londoners for generations.

  • 6. Walk on Hampstead Heath in the snow

    Highgate Rd, NW3 7JR

    When snow begins to settle, Hampstead Heath immediately becomes a mecca for walkers and sledgers keen to take advantage to the slopes on Parliament Hill. The view into London is magical, and any cold extremities can be warmed by the fire of a Hampstead pub afterwards.

  • 7. Cruise the Thames at sunset

    There is nothing quite like taking a boat trip to make the most of a fantastic London sunset, cruising from west to east as the sun slips away. It is a magical time of the day to be out on the Thames.

  • 8. Drink in the Jerusalem Tavern

    55 Briton St, EC1M 5UQ

    Built on the site of a medieval tavern of the same name, Clerkenwell's Jerusalem Tavern is a magical little pub which is as beautiful inside as it is out. It is a friendly place for after-workers and tourists to mix over excellent ales from the St Peter's brewery.

  • 9. Watch storms roll in over Blackheath

    Shooters Hill Rd, London, SE3 0TY

    The view across Blackheath, where Wat Tyler rallied his supporters for the Peasants' Revolt of 1381, has changed less than could be expected over the years, and as storms roll in from the west, it is possible to imagine what it might have looked like then, before the A2 was laid across it and One Canada Square rose up beyond.

  • 10. Watch the engines at Crossness Pumping Station

    Belvedere Rd, SE2 9AQ

    Located beside the Thames at Crossness in south-east London, the huge engines at Crossness Pumping Station are only open to the public on occasional weekends, but it is well worth a visit. The inside of the sewage pumping station, opened in 1865 as part of the redevelopment of the London sewers, is an engineering marvel.

Go to www.tiredoflondontiredoflife.com

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By Bowl Of Chalk - Jan 13 2012

A 102nd thing that people might like to do in London on a weekend is a 'pay what you want' London guided walk with me ... Bowl Of Chalk. Fun, factual and informative. Just a thought. No pressure. Just thought I'd put it out there. www.bowlofchalk.net

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By Steve - Jul 14 2011

Two of these are out of date. The NIKE ID pop up store isn't there anymore and neither is the routemaster bus in brick lane

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By Claire Nelson - Jul 13 2011

Quite a few double ups here (ie walking Regents Canal, and Winchester Geese/Crossbones graveyard) but those are well worth repeating so no big deal! :)

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