Trendy parts of London: Insider guide to the city’s coolest neighbourhoods
Find hidden gems in the best parts of London. Insider tips, on the best things to do all across town, will help you make the most of your city.
The best food in London won't just fall into your lap, and nor will the best galleries: you need to go and find them! Our guides to London's best areas will help you find the secret bars London's hiding, as well as the cafés and galleries only the locals know. These London hotspots are tried and tested, so head out and enjoy.
Dalston
Dalston is a rapidly-rising area in East-London, a cultural hotspot that's growing by the minute. Head to Pelicans and Parrots for vintage treasures, or check out the Rio Cinema. Dalston restaurant Harvest does wonderfully fresh, organic food, and Café OTO's live music is always on point.
Brixton
This South London neighbourhood is fantastic for its diverse range of foods, drinks, and cultural events. Brixton Village is filled with colourful cafés and shops, and Brixton restaurants filled with flavour and character. Have a daring meal at Snugg before catching a film at The Ritzy Picturehouse.
Fitzrovia
Arty, cool, and central, Fitzrovia is one of London's most sophisticated areas. Once the home of the literary elite, now its great for bars, fashion, galleries and restaurants. Fitzrovia's Royal Institute of British Architecture is a fascinating start to your day, pop in for lunch at The Scandinavian Kitchen, or head to one of the many excellent Charlotte Street restaurants.
Marylebone
Beautiful and calm, Marylebone has plenty to offer. A wonderful array of cafés provide a break from The Wallace Collection, and stop off too for some decadent candles at Cire Trudon, or some Whiskey at Cadenhead's Whisky Shop and Trading Room.
Soho
French and Italian influences give Soho restaurants a real sophistication, and the cafés are wonderful for cakes, tea and coffee. After you've seen the Photographers Gallery and eaten at Polpo, perhaps head to the Experimental Cocktail Club for exciting, custom-made drinks.
There's more to Hampstead than the Heath: for antiques and galleries, Hampstead is your North London haven. The Hampstead Antique Emporium is chock-full of curios, and Keith Fawkes Bookshop is great for little-known classics. After you've explored the wonderful Goldfinger House (designed not by a Bond villain, but by the influential 1930s Hungarian architect Ernö Goldfinger) have an equally Hungarian tea at Louis Patisserie.
Bethnal Green
Bethnal Green is filled with East London history, famous inhabitants including the Kray Twins, and is now home to some of the best galleries in London. When you're done with art, the V&A Childhood Museum is stunning piece of Victorian architecture, filled with fascinating and nostalgic childhood items. Finish off with a meal at on of the Bethnal Green restaurants such as the Gallery Café, which serves great vegetarian fare.
Michèle Fajtmann was born in Belgium and has lived in Brussels, New York, Warsaw and London. She is a lawyer and founder of From My City, a boutique event management and advisory company that creates unique tailor-made networking experiences and events focusing on arts and culture.
‘London is ever-changing,' says Michèle,'and it is fascinating to explore neighbourhoods that are going through rapid change. As city “curators”, we often get inspired by the unexpected and would love to give others the chance to be as excited as we are by these discoveries. All of our events are guided and animated by creative experts (writers, artists, musicians, etc.). For details of the discovery tours we offer, go to www.frommycity.com.'
