C R E A T I V E S G U I D E

L O N D O N

C R E A T I V E S G U I D E

L O N D O N

A B O U T

This is a highly subjective and personalised guidebook. The locations within reflect my own personal taste and insight.

The locations within this book aren’t really secrets but they are places that really are worth a visit.

A boutique guidebook of hidden gems and local delights.

A selection of what the real London has to offer any intrepid traveller.

C O N T E N T

NORTHEveryman CinemaWellcome CollectionDrink, Shop, DoBarrio NorthByron Hamburgers

SOUTHBrunswick House CafeBreads Etc.The Black LabWhite Cube GalleryBlueprint Cafe

EASTColumbia RoadThe Breakfast ClubBeigel BakeWapping ProjectFat Boys Diner

WESTOttolenghi Pizza east PortobelloCoronet CinemaNags Head Saatchi Gallery

CENTRALBubbledogsPortrait RestaurantPrince Charles CinemaMonumentScooterworks

N O R T H

E V E R Y M A NC I N E M A

Everyman Hampstead is a truly unique experience. Just sit back and relax in a two seater sofa. (Do I need to say anymore?) Two standard tickets are actually cheaper than in the big chain cinemas, and you get a lot more for your money. Perfect for a romantic date.

everyman cinema

W E L L C O M EC O L L E C T I O N

A Collection of extremely interesting medical implements and curios. Temporary exhibitions here are amazingly interesting. In the past the collection have explored subjects such as sleep and dreaming and the relationship between madness and art. You could wonder around here for hours; A great change from your usual museum.

the wellcome collection

D R I N K, S H O P, D O

Open during the day and the evening, this stylish little cafe is chic and retro. The perfect place to come during the day to chill with an amazing little cake and tea in a teacup and when the sun goes down the alcohol and the crazy ‘crafty’ events come out to play.

drink shop do

B A R R I ON O R T H

Plonked in the middle of Islington, Barrio North is a quirky little Latino bar offering a neighbourhood cocktail and DJ bar with a difference. With its quirky colourful interior (umbrellas on the ceiling and even a caravan at the back) this is a must visit on a night out up north.

barrio

B Y R O NH A M B U R G E R S

Byron may be a chain restaurant but at least they dont all look the same. The grungy, reclaimed look of the Islington restaurant is definitely not something you see everyday. The burgers here are to die for and everyone knows it, so make sure to come early or book.

byron hamburgers

S O U T H

B R U N W I C KH O U S E C A F E

This Cafe is a true feast for the eyes. A part of the Lassco salvage company, it is decorated with the an eclectic mix of antique furniture and lighting. The food is simple and delicious, the menu changes daily and focuses on seasonal ingredients. Stroll around Lassco after lunch for a good look around the showroom.

brunswick house cafe

B R E A D SE T C.

Breakfast should never be rushed. Cosy and homely with a toaster on every table. Take your pick from a selection of freshly made sourdough breads, as many slices as you like, toasted how you like it. Perfect. They serve other food too, the cooked breakfast is really good. It can get really busy here on a Saturday morning though.

breads etc.

T H E B L A C K L A B

Cosy little Clapham Common coffee house. It is small inside but it rarely gets really busy. Positioned directly across from the common, on a sunny day this is the perfect place to pick up a coffee and sandwich before sitting in the sun on the grass all afternoon.

the black lab

W H I T E C U B EG A L L E R Y

The largest of the White Cube Galleries, it is no disappointment. This huge space is the place to go in search of the best in modern conceptual art work.Take a walk down Tanner Street to Shad Thames to admire the view across tower bridge to the city.

the white cube gallery

B L U E P R I N TC A F E

Blueprint is the perfect place to come and grab a bite to eat after a walk around the beautiful old industrial streets of Shad Thames. This is a great spot to just sit and chat whilst looking out over the river. Great on a sunny day.

blueprint cafe design museum

E A S T

C O L U M B I A R O A DF L O W E R M A R K E T

This has to be the best flower market in London. Overflowing with all kinds of beautiful flowers. Visually amazing. The flower market occupies the street along which youll find independent galleries and shops. Definitely worth sacrificing the Sunday morning lie-in.

columbia road flower market

T H EB R E A K F A S T C L U B

The best breakfast, full stop. The popularity of this small chain has enabled it to grow to 4 locations with 2 more to open in 2013. The Hoxton restaurant has to be the best for atmosphere. People watching here is great. The Hoxton restaurant can get especially busy so get your timing right for the good tables.

the breakfast club

B E I G E LB A K E

Open 24/7 Beigel Bake is a great idea no matter what time it is. Its really cheap and really tasty. Spend the morning wondering up Brick Lane via all the vintage stores to here for lunch. Take a few bagels to sit around the corner in Arnold Circus before spending the afternoon around Shoreditch.

beigel bake

W A P P I N GP R O J E C T

The restaurant space as you walk in is spectacular. The juxtaposition of the contemporary furniture and the harsh industrial interior is beautiful. The gallery exhibits contemporary, experimental performance and fine art. Go for the art, stay for a drink.

the wapping project

F A T B O Y SD I N E R

Grab a real burger and shake at an authentic 1940’s Diner. Perfect if you’re looking for somewhere amazingly unusual to go for the day. Not the easiest to get to, DLR and a 15minute walk along the river path to Buoy Wharf. You get great views across the river to the O2 as you sit on the benches outside.

fat boys diner

W E S T

O T T O L E N G H I

Ottolenghi has 4 locations, but this is the first. A tiny shop just off Westbourne Grove selling really nice food and pastries. Come here to get a few pastries to go after having a nose around the boutiques around the corner. It has a small table at the back but you’ll be lucky to get a seat.

ottolenghi

P I Z Z A E A S TP O R T O B E L L O

Beautifully furnished, relaxed and home to possibly the best pizzas in the city. Pizza East is a must. If you’re brave enough to face the crowds then spend Saturday morning nosing around the market before heading here for lunch. Any other day, taking a walk along the canal from Paddington is lovely.

pizza east

C O R O N E TC I N E M A

This cinema could be the most atmospheric in London. Opened in 1898 and now Grade II listed, it has hardly changed. Come here for a really nice old fashioned night at the cinema.

coronet

N A G S H E A DK N I G H T S B R I D G E

The Nags Head is definitely not the kind of pub you would expect to find in the middle of Knightsbridge. Small and cosy, its a nice place to stop for a drink after a morning of shopping. Feels like a true old fashioned pub, it’s even banned mobile phones.

nags head

S A A T C H IG A L L E R Y

One of the top contemporary art gallery in London. A beautiful space with often very good temporary exhibitions. Take a look around before heading shopping on the Kings Road or an afternoon stroll along the river.

the saatchi gallery

C E N T R A L

B U B B L E D O G S

Recently opened, Bubbledogs serves two of the best things in the world, Champagne and hot dogs! It can get busy here. If you havn’t booked, you will probably have to queue. A good place to go as a group, for the novelty of posh hot dogs.

bubbledogs

P O R T R A I TR E S T A U R A N T

The little known restaurant above the National Portrait Gallery. Take afternoon tea here whilst soaking up the breathtaking views over Trafalgar square and down Whitehall to the Houses of Parliament. The perfect way to end a day exploring the National Gallery and the Portrait Gallery.

searcys at national portrait gallery

P R I N C E C H A R L E SC I N E M A

The cinema for cult film screenings. The Prince Charles loves screenings of classic films and movie marathons. For a Leicester Square cinema its really cheap. Membership is only £10 a year and most films will then be a ridiculously cheap £4. Great for a lover of old movies.

the prince charles cinema

M O N U M E N T

Monument isn’t that popular, which is good as its really small and the stairs are scarilly tight. On a clear day you can see from the O2 in the East to Battersea in the West. A view not many have seen. Far better than climbing St.Pauls and you get a certificate at the end for your efforts. Nice.

monument

S C O O T E R W O R K S

This busily decorated little cafe in waterloo is the perfect place to come for a quiet afternoon coffee and has plenty of room to bring some work too. Stay for a few hours to see the basement converting into a screening room for evening showings of some great films.

scooterworks

alexanderlloyd

I N D E X

NORTH

Everyman Cinema5 Holly Bush Vale, Hampstead,NW3 6TX.www.everymancinema.com

Wellcome Collection183 Euston Road, NW1 2BE.www.wellcomecollection.org

Drink, Shop, Do9 Caledonian Road, N1 9DX.www.drinkshopdo.com

Barrio North45 Essex Road, N1 2SFwww.barrionorth.com

Byron341 Upper Street, N1 0PB.www.byronhamburgers.com

SOUTH

Brunswick House Cafe30 Wandsworth Road, SW8 2LG.www.brunswickhousecafe.com

Breads Etc.127 Clapham High Street, SW4 7SSwww.twitter.com/BreadsEtc

The Black Lab18 Clapham Common Southside, SW4 7AB.www.blacklabcoffee.com

White Cube Gallery144 – 152 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3TQ.www.whitecube.com

Blueprint Cafe Design Museum, London,SE1 2YD.www.blueprintcafe.co.uk

EAST

Columbia Road Flower MarketColumbia Road, E2 7RG.www.columbiaroad.info

The Breakfast Club2-4 Rufus Street, N1 6PE.www.thebreakfastclubcafes.com

I N D E X

Beigel Bake159 Brick Lane, E1 6SB.

Wapping ProjectWapping Hydraulic Power Station, E1W 3SG.www.thewappingproject.com

Fat Boys Diner64 Orchard Place, E14 OJW.http://fatboysdiner.co.uk

WEST

Ottolenghi63 Ledbury Road, W11 2AD.www.ottolenghi.co.uk

Coronet Cinema103 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3LB.www.coronet.org

Pizza east Portobello310 Portobello Road, W10 5TA.www.pizzaeastportobello.com

Nags Head 53 Kinnerton Street, SW1X 8ED.

Saatchi GalleryDuke of York Sq, King’s Road, SW3 4RY.www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk

CENTRAL

Bubbledogs70 Charlotte St, W1T 4QG.www.bubbledogs.co.uk

Portrait RestaurantSt. Martin’s Place, WC2H OHE.www.searcys.co.uk/national-portrait-gallery/portrait-cafe

Prince Charles Cinema6 Leicester St, WC2H 7BX.www.princecharlescinema.com

MonumentMonument St, EC3R 6BD.www.themonument.info

Scooterworks132 Lower Marsh, SE1 7AE.