Bits & Bobs
For those who are travelling from far and wide or are keen to be a tourist in their own town, we have put together a list of some fun London alternative bits & bobs that might make the stay more enjoyable.
Breddos
If you’re in town on Saturday night and feel like tacos and margaritas might be a strong start to the festivities, I cannot recommend Breddos enough. With a very relaxed vibe, the Clerkenwell branch is close to the venue and was the site of one of our early dates.
If you’d like to visit I’d recommend booking early or be prepared to wait for a table on the night.
Dose
This tiny coffee shop right around the corner from Barbican station. It only seats a dozen or so people, but it does excellent coffee, as well as pastries, brownies and sandwiches.
Lantana
If you are looking for a place to brunch and mop up the damage from the night before, Lantana Shoreditch does an excellent Australian inspired brunch and opens early for coffee.
If you can’t stay they have great take away snacks too.
Bowl of Chalk
If you have a spare few hours in the capital and would like to see London’s landmarks in a new way, Jonnie and his Bowl of Chalk walking tours are a great way to spend a morning or afternoon. Both of us have been on a number of his tours and enjoyed them immensely. Jonnie is fun and friendly and has a number of very reasonably priced prearranged tours on his website or if a number of you get together a private group tour might be a great way to go!
St John’s
St John’s, for the uninitiated, is the best of modern British dining achieved in a casually confident way. The mezzanine dining room has bare white walls, battered floorboards and tables lined up canteen-style all while serving bone marrow with toast and crispy pig-skin salad. The downstairs bar, with superb snacks, is equally relaxed. It is a local favourite so again I would suggest booking well in advance or expect a long wait on the night.
Swarma Bar
Located in lively Exmouth Market, Swarma Bar’s menu takes its influence from cuisines across the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. Its a mix of mezze for sharing, slow cooked and spit roasted meats and tasty vegetables. The house craft beer is a favourite of ours and goes perfectly with the fantastic food.
Milroy’s
If you are looking to stamp one off your Phil & Shea bingo card, then Milroy’s is a must. Located in Soho, Milroy’s is the Platform 9& 3/4 for whiskey buffs and the location of our first date. Upon entering Milroy’s it appears as any normal whiskey shop might but make your way to the bookshelves at the rear and pull to reveal a subterrainian bar for a cozy dram or two. The Buttered Old Fashions come highly recommended.
Ghost Whale
Another local favourite of ours, if you’re willing to head south of the river for some local and international craft ales then Ghost Whale may be for you. A short walk from Brixton tube, this wonderful little bottle shop has indoor and outdoor seating and been the starting point to more than one night that got completely out of hand.
Book dinner at nearby Kricket and make a night of it!
The Old Red Cow
The Old Red Cow an independent pub located in Long Lane Smithfield. They have an eclectic range of beers and good pub food. The space is welcoming and it has a downstairs bar that is great for a few pints or to sample the wine list with friends