Full of must-see sights and others that, despite not being so well known, are worth a visit, London is capital effervescent in history, good gastronomy and neighborhoods that reserve peculiar characteristics to visitors.
At least that’s what the choices of what to see and where to eat in the city show from the insider’s eye. André Farias.
Entrepreneur and CEO of Club Experience Nordeste, a corporate knowledge platform for entrepreneurs, the professional recently spent a season in London and discovered interesting new corners of the English capital, as well as revisiting some of his favorite spots.
“First-time visitors to London will likely spend a good deal of time visiting the main tourist attractions. But what to do on a second or third visit to the city?”, asks the businessman.
It is with this vision that the professional shares below a mix of restaurants, bars, interesting neighborhoods, rooftops and even cultural spaces which is worth checking out.
Bars and restaurants: where to eat
Neighboring Hyde Park, Mayfair it is one of the most expensive areas of London and, therefore, ends up being off the itinerary of most tourists.
Even so, it is worth going around the region to see shop windows, buildings and beautiful squares, where the neighborhood presents itself in an elegant way with semi-detached houses, sophisticated shops and even art galleries.
Thus, the region, which is one of the most popular in London, is a good bet if you are willing to try quality cuisine.
Here one can pay attention to the iconic Park Chinois a refined Chinese restaurant inspired by Shanghai in the 1930s. My tip is to order the Duke de Chine, a 72-hour Peking Duck – one serving comfortably serves two people and costs £110.
The restaurant also has other interesting areas. My tip is to go up to the second floor for dinner to the sound of jazz and then go down to enjoy drinks and enjoy the animation of the DJs.
It is also worth investing in other names and enjoying the neighborhood. I highlight the The Twenty Two London , an in-hotel restaurant and eponymous club that mixes Mediterranean touches with modern British cuisine; O 34 Mayfair , famous for its brunches and seasonal menu; it’s the Isabel Mayfair glamorous house with noble cuts and exquisite pasta.
There is also Japanese rock , which uses the robatayaki technique, similar to barbecue; as well as the famous Sexy Fish , with an Asian-inspired menu focused on Japanese cuisine; O Novikov , which mixes two restaurants, one Asian and one Italian; and the robust C Restaurant Italian that carries on the traditions of classic cuisine served in the older brother Harry’s Bar, in Venice.
If you want something more lively, go to MNKY HSE , a contemporary Latin American restaurant tucked away in a discreet entrance on Dover Street. If you can, make time for drinks at the The Connaught bar luxurious and classic hotel in the heart of Mayfair – the bar was elected last year as the best in the world.
How about a traditional London afternoon tea? Between walks on Old and New Bond Street, make time for afternoon tea at the department store Fortnum & Mason which has been serving “afternoon tea” since 1926.
Among so many choices, I also highlight the Berners Tavern which is inside the The London Edition , super upscale Soho hotel. The restaurant is amazing in contemporary British cuisine and reveals a true exhibition of works of art.
I also share the Wild Honey St. James , near The National Gallery, a Michelin-starred restaurant. I consider it the best tasting menu in town, where the dishes focus on flavor, without too many frills, as the guide highlights.
Unmissable neighborhoods: what to visit
Chelsea
It’s one of my favorite neighborhoods in London. Despite the easy location, it is an area little known by tourists, but it is definitely worth being included in the itinerary.
The region is even considered by Londoners as one of the best in the city.
My tip is to “get lost” in the beautiful streets of the neighborhood, full of colorful and semi-detached houses, and have lunch at the The Ivy Chelsea Garden which serves varied menus throughout the day and has a fantastic garden with tables – the decor also impresses with its retro vibe.
Cultural stronghold, Chelsea also attracts art lovers, who should not miss out on Saatchi Gallery . It is a contemporary art gallery in the middle of King’s Road that always has very interesting exhibitions on display, as well as its own collection that can be viewed at no cost.
In addition, every Saturday, in front of the Saatchi Gallery, the Duke of York Food Market a fair with local products and foods from around the world.
East London
East London is a true open-air art gallery. Among the famous names of street art is the unique Banksy, with works scattered throughout the region.
Modern, young and alternative, the region is home to several markets, an excellent way to get to know local brands and producers, in addition to being able to experience a little of the experience of those who actually live in the city.
Here is the Spitalfields Market , covered market that is one of the oldest in London. I recommend visiting the place on Saturdays, when the market is full of people and is packed with music and food from everywhere.
Here, in the characteristic brick building that occupies an entire block, we can find clothes from the most fashionable brands and designers to good local cuisine. On Thursdays there is also an antiques fair.
Also in East London, every Sunday for over 150 years, the Columbia Road Flower Market opens its doors. It is a very interesting flower market that has several shops and cafes nearby.
O Borough Market it should also be on the list of the “not so obvious” places to visit in the English capital. It is an unmissable market for those who like gastronomic fairs
Notting Hill and Camden Town
Notting Hill it’s yours Portobello Market are mandatory visits in the city. Walking around the neighborhood whose name is immortalized in the film starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant has to be part of a trip to London.
O Portobello Road Market It is an antiques market that takes place every Saturday and is one of the most famous in the city.
Already Camden Market located in the most alternative district of London, also known for being the official place of Amy Winehouse, is a market that has everything: food, clothes, handicrafts and a very pleasant atmosphere along its canals.
Rooftops: views of the English capital
London also has some rooftops that bring together privileged views of the best spots in the city along with drinks and delicious food.
For me, the best of all is the The Rooftop on top of The Trafalgar St. James hotel in the heart of Trafalgar Square – so the views are beyond interesting, as it has 360° angles and the atmosphere is very intimate.
There is also the Radio Rooftop Bar which is worth a visit for being on the 10th floor of the ME London hotel, overlooking the River Thames and the skyline of the English capital.
Finally, if you book in advance, you can go to Sky Garden , a space on the 35th floor of a skyscraper close to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. The top has a bar and restaurant, but entry for those who just want to check out the view is free.
Corners out of the obvious
at St. James Street, across the famous Piccadilly, is worth visiting the oldest store in John Lobb , one of the most traditional shoe brands in the world. The store dates back to the 19th century and remains an independently operated family business.
The brand owns the Royal Warrant (famous royal seal), given by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales for its classic and luxurious handmade leather boots and shoes. Since Victorian times, the brand has dressed princes, prime ministers and personalities.
Still in this region, it is worth visiting the Maison Assouline of London, which is on St. James. Assouline has always been much more than a luxury bookstore, characterized not only by the sophistication of its publications, but also by the opulence of its stores and an experiential approach to retail.
The greatest expression of this philosophy is Maison Assouline itself, a grand old Edwardian banking hall designed in 1922. Situated in an inconspicuous location next to St. James, is like a cultural sanctuary, a retreat that immediately transports you from the hustle and bustle of London’s West End into an elegant and engaging space.
Here we are treated to what is possibly one of the most chic emporiums in the city, where tall shelves display titles dedicated to fashion, art, architecture, photography, design and travel.
The shelves line the hall and create a divide between the bookstore and the Swan’s Bar , where we can sit and have tea, for example. The idea is to make the store an extension of a private residence.
Bonus: National Gallery
My favorite museum in London is the National Gallery . The national gallery in Trafalgar Square, an imposing square in the center of the capital, has an important citizen spirit, as it is subsidized by the government, giving the population the opportunity to access the galleries for free.
The museum has an abundant and very rich collection, which brings together artists such as Monet and van Gogh . In addition, the gallery’s grandeur impresses art lovers.
About André Farias
Entrepreneur and philanthropist, the young leader from Pernambuco André Farias it is multifaceted. The entrepreneur still holds the title of CEO of Experience Club Nordeste, a corporate knowledge platform for entrepreneurs and company CEOs. Travels around the world are part of his free time: Dubai, Paris, Bordeaux, Barcelona and Zanzibar are some of the destinations visited by the professional.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
