My guide to London…living like a local!
Food scene
Jamavar
8 Mount StOne of the best Indian meals I’ve had in London!
Super-cute pedestrian street with some lovely places to eat. Great for brunch, lunch or dinner.
8 locals recommend
Pavilion Road
Pavilion RoadSuper-cute pedestrian street with some lovely places to eat. Great for brunch, lunch or dinner.
For the best coffee!
In 1956 after the failed Hungarian Revolution, Holocaust survivors Mr George Markus and Mrs Eva Markus fled Hungary to settle in London, England. They envisaged providing the city with coffee beans of unparalleled quality and freshness. The beans were to be both roasted and blended on the premises - a process in which Mr Markus had great experience, having run the ‘Mokka’ coffee bean shop located in the heart of Budapest prior to the Communist takeover.
Having sourced the finest coffee beans from around the world, they opened the doors to Markus Coffee at 13 Connaught Street in 1957, where the shop still stands today. Markus Coffee quickly became a household name, supplying leading hotels and restaurants as well as crowds of private customers.
As retirement approached, Mr Sarwar, a close friend, took over. Today, over 50 years since the shop’s opening, Mr Sarwar has maintained these impeccable standards and continues to find the very best coffee beans from around the world.
The store boasts a selection of 34 varieties of coffee beans from 13 different countries. The staff at Markus Coffee take great pride in roasting on the premises daily; the rich and awakening aroma often luring in passers-by.
Markus Coffee
13 Connaught StFor the best coffee!
In 1956 after the failed Hungarian Revolution, Holocaust survivors Mr George Markus and Mrs Eva Markus fled Hungary to settle in London, England. They envisaged providing the city with coffee beans of unparalleled quality and freshness. The beans were to be both roasted and blended on the premises - a process in which Mr Markus had great experience, having run the ‘Mokka’ coffee bean shop located in the heart of Budapest prior to the Communist takeover.
Having sourced the finest coffee beans from around the world, they opened the doors to Markus Coffee at 13 Connaught Street in 1957, where the shop still stands today. Markus Coffee quickly became a household name, supplying leading hotels and restaurants as well as crowds of private customers.
As retirement approached, Mr Sarwar, a close friend, took over. Today, over 50 years since the shop’s opening, Mr Sarwar has maintained these impeccable standards and continues to find the very best coffee beans from around the world.
The store boasts a selection of 34 varieties of coffee beans from 13 different countries. The staff at Markus Coffee take great pride in roasting on the premises daily; the rich and awakening aroma often luring in passers-by.
The charming streets of St Christopher's Place are perfectly tucked away just off of Oxford Street. Packed with eclectic restaurants, cafés and boutiques.
17 locals recommend
St Christopher's Place
23 Barrett StThe charming streets of St Christopher's Place are perfectly tucked away just off of Oxford Street. Packed with eclectic restaurants, cafés and boutiques.
One of my favourite places for great service and reliably good food.
“Relaxed all-day dining in an upscale haunt featuring a brass bar, plus patio seating.”
The group now has several other restaurants dotted around.
28 locals recommend
The Ivy Cafe Marylebone
96 Marylebone LnOne of my favourite places for great service and reliably good food.
“Relaxed all-day dining in an upscale haunt featuring a brass bar, plus patio seating.”
The group now has several other restaurants dotted around.
An iconic yet cosy gastropub, serving a great Sunday lunch. Makes a perfect stop on the way back from the West End.
34 locals recommend
The Grazing Goat Marylebone
6 New Quebec StAn iconic yet cosy gastropub, serving a great Sunday lunch. Makes a perfect stop on the way back from the West End.
Possibly the best outdoor terrace in London. Tucked away from the tourists in a pretty courtyard. An ideal respite from a day’s shopping on Bond Street and Oxford Street!
6 locals recommend
Hush Mayfair
8 Lancashire CtPossibly the best outdoor terrace in London. Tucked away from the tourists in a pretty courtyard. An ideal respite from a day’s shopping on Bond Street and Oxford Street!
Sightseeing
Access to this newly developed section of the Grand Union Canal is just up the road. Traffic-free, enjoy the cafés, floating island park, sand pit and, in summer, outdoor tv and movies. Head to the pretty Darcie May Green barge for brunch or across the canal to Bondi Green for an al fresco dinner. Follow the canal to pretty Little Venice where you can catch a boat to London Zoo or watch a performance at the Puppet Theatre. If you’re feeling adventurous, hire a Go Boat of Paddleboard!
17 locals recommend
Paddington Basin
Access to this newly developed section of the Grand Union Canal is just up the road. Traffic-free, enjoy the cafés, floating island park, sand pit and, in summer, outdoor tv and movies. Head to the pretty Darcie May Green barge for brunch or across the canal to Bondi Green for an al fresco dinner. Follow the canal to pretty Little Venice where you can catch a boat to London Zoo or watch a performance at the Puppet Theatre. If you’re feeling adventurous, hire a Go Boat of Paddleboard!
Free entry but you do need to book in advance. Great views; kids can roam around; cafés and a restaurant up there too.
300 locals recommend
Sky Garden
Free entry but you do need to book in advance. Great views; kids can roam around; cafés and a restaurant up there too.
Great if you’re heading East. Perfect for breakfast!
1660 locals recommend
Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia RoadGreat if you’re heading East. Perfect for breakfast!
Another hidden gem, tucked away just 5 minutes from Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Relax at the famous Dickens Inn or any of the many cafés and restaurants.
257 locals recommend
St Katharine Docks Marina
50 St Katharine's WayAnother hidden gem, tucked away just 5 minutes from Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Relax at the famous Dickens Inn or any of the many cafés and restaurants.
We went to this a couple of weeks ago and LOVED it! Frameless is literally 5 minutes from the house and, contrary to the usual single artist shows, this one incorporates 40 paintings from numerous artists, separated into movements. My daughter especially enjoyed kicking around the piles that looked like confetti in the impressionists gallery before it fluttered up, piece by piece, to highlight the individual brushstrokes in the paintings, which seem to magically appear. Booking now to Jan 2023; other 2023 dates releasing soon.
Frameless Immersive Art Experience
We went to this a couple of weeks ago and LOVED it! Frameless is literally 5 minutes from the house and, contrary to the usual single artist shows, this one incorporates 40 paintings from numerous artists, separated into movements. My daughter especially enjoyed kicking around the piles that looked like confetti in the impressionists gallery before it fluttered up, piece by piece, to highlight the individual brushstrokes in the paintings, which seem to magically appear. Booking now to Jan 2023; other 2023 dates releasing soon.
Neighbourhoods
Primrose Hill is a compact, Village-like area of grand Victorian terraces and pastel-coloured Regency townhouses. Its namesake hilltop park has panoramic views over Regent’s Park and the city beyond. Upmarket delis, chic eateries, and boutique fashion stores cluster along Regent’s Park Road, and surrounding streets are dotted with gastropubs and tea rooms. The Regent’s Canal towpath leads to nearby Camden Market.
790 locals recommend
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill RoadPrimrose Hill is a compact, Village-like area of grand Victorian terraces and pastel-coloured Regency townhouses. Its namesake hilltop park has panoramic views over Regent’s Park and the city beyond. Upmarket delis, chic eateries, and boutique fashion stores cluster along Regent’s Park Road, and surrounding streets are dotted with gastropubs and tea rooms. The Regent’s Canal towpath leads to nearby Camden Market.
Marylebone Village is one of London’s most distinctive and atmospheric shopping destinations.
Located just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, but very different in personality, it offers an array of shopping, eating and lifestyle experiences in a picturesque setting, surrounded by period architecture and attractive green spaces.
Running through its heart is Marylebone High Street – a vibrant stretch of shops, restaurants and cafes, including some of the area’s best-known names – but the quieter roads that flow into it are a major part of the draw: Moxon Street a destination for food lovers, Marylebone Lane a meandering run of small shops and cafes, New Cavendish Street a singular mix of specialist retailers.
117 locals recommend
Marylebone High Street
Marylebone High StreetMarylebone Village is one of London’s most distinctive and atmospheric shopping destinations.
Located just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, but very different in personality, it offers an array of shopping, eating and lifestyle experiences in a picturesque setting, surrounded by period architecture and attractive green spaces.
Running through its heart is Marylebone High Street – a vibrant stretch of shops, restaurants and cafes, including some of the area’s best-known names – but the quieter roads that flow into it are a major part of the draw: Moxon Street a destination for food lovers, Marylebone Lane a meandering run of small shops and cafes, New Cavendish Street a singular mix of specialist retailers.
Lovely pedestrianised street connecting Oxford St and Bond St. As well as cafés and luxe boutiques, there are increasing numbers of ethical shops. Stop at the Fair Shot café - a social non-profit enterprise with delish cakes!
South Molton Street
South Molton StreetLovely pedestrianised street connecting Oxford St and Bond St. As well as cafés and luxe boutiques, there are increasing numbers of ethical shops. Stop at the Fair Shot café - a social non-profit enterprise with delish cakes!
Another lovely area off the beaten track. Shepherd Market is a charming small square and piazza with a variety of boutique shops, restaurants and impressive Victorian pubs. Tucked away in Mayfair between Curzon Street and Piccadilly.
Shepherd Market, London W1J, UK
Another lovely area off the beaten track. Shepherd Market is a charming small square and piazza with a variety of boutique shops, restaurants and impressive Victorian pubs. Tucked away in Mayfair between Curzon Street and Piccadilly.
For kids!
Huge playground, walking distance from the house. Café and loos. Loads of picnic benches if you want to take a picnic.
78 locals recommend
Diana Memorial Playground
Broad WalkHuge playground, walking distance from the house. Café and loos. Loads of picnic benches if you want to take a picnic.
Rainy day? Get the bus from the bottom of the road to Queensway for ice skating and bowling.
43 locals recommend
QUEENS skate dine bowl
17 QueenswayRainy day? Get the bus from the bottom of the road to Queensway for ice skating and bowling.
Our local Leisure Centre - for swimming, climbing wall and more!
21 locals recommend
Seymour Leisure Centre
Seymour PlaceOur local Leisure Centre - for swimming, climbing wall and more!
It’s a bus or tube ride but…the Sheriff Centre is home to one of the best soft play centres. With the added benefit of comfy seating for the grown ups…and a licensed café!
The Sherriff Centre
2 Sherriff RdIt’s a bus or tube ride but…the Sheriff Centre is home to one of the best soft play centres. With the added benefit of comfy seating for the grown ups…and a licensed café!
Kids need to let off steam? These are lovely gardens with a great playground tucked away behind Marylebone High St.
10 locals recommend
Paddington Street Garden
Paddington StreetKids need to let off steam? These are lovely gardens with a great playground tucked away behind Marylebone High St.
Amorino Gelato Al Naturale
134 Edgware RoadFor THE best ice cream locally
The closest toy department to us. Head to the top floor. For skateboarders, book a session in the Skate Bowl on Level 2.
554 locals recommend
Selfridges
400 Oxford StThe closest toy department to us. Head to the top floor. For skateboarders, book a session in the Skate Bowl on Level 2.
Possibly the biggest (and most iconic) toy shop in London…? Five glorious floors to explore…but pick your time carefully as it can get very busy.
76 locals recommend
Hamleys
188-196 Regent St.Possibly the biggest (and most iconic) toy shop in London…? Five glorious floors to explore…but pick your time carefully as it can get very busy.
Bluebird Boats Ltd
Have fun on the Serpentine in one of their hire boats.
Go Ape Battersea
For a fantastic and active afternoon. We love it!
Shopping
Selfridges
400 Oxford StHarrods
87-135 Brompton Rd
Liberty London
Regent StreetHarvey Nichols
109-125 KnightsbridgeGigantic shopping mall next to Shepherd’s Bush and White City tubes.
1121 locals recommend
Westfield London
1081 Ariel WayGigantic shopping mall next to Shepherd’s Bush and White City tubes.
Since 1707, Fortnum & Mason has been home to extraordinary hampers, delicious food, joy-giving gifts and unforgettable experiences. Need to book for their iconic afternoon tea!
193 locals recommend
Fortnum & Mason
181 PiccadillySince 1707, Fortnum & Mason has been home to extraordinary hampers, delicious food, joy-giving gifts and unforgettable experiences. Need to book for their iconic afternoon tea!
City advice
Ways to save
Public transport
Pay for every trip on public transport (buses, underground) using the same debit or credit card and you will always pay the lowest fare for the day/week.
Getting around
Bus trick
Buses are a great way to get around London. The display inside the bus will tell you which stop is coming up so you always know where to get off. If you start two bus trips within one hour then you only pay for one - worth remembering for quick trips!
Travelling with kids
Babysitter recommendations
Please ask if you would like details for the babysitters I trust to look after my daughter.
Don't miss
Child-friendly musicals in the West End
We’re lucky to have an amazing theatre scene in London. Here are the musicals I’ve seen with my daughter, which I am happy to recommend: 1) JOSEPH and his amazing technicolour dreamcoat (6 y/o; she loved it!); 2) PRINCE OF EGYPT (7 y/o; loved it!); 3) The LION KING (7 y/o; loved it; I didn’t find it as engaging as other musicals); 4) MATILDA (8 y/o; we both loved it; probably best to have read the book or watched the movie beforehand); 5) FROZEN (8y/o; we were wowed by the special effects); 6) WICKED (9y/o; fabulous)
Getting around
Local supermarkets
Everything is on the Edgware Road, just a few minutes’ walk from the house. Upscale: Waitrose (No.168-176) and M&S food (No.258); Budget: Tesco Express (No.90-100); Lebanese: Green Valley (No.36-37 Upper Berkeley St)