Letter to London

From Akanksha — Writer, Creative, 431-88 Muse

There’s something about London in the summer that softens the edges. Suddenly, the same street you’ve walked all year feels cinematic. People linger. They eat outside. They start sentences with “fancy a pint?” and mean it.

Shweta asked me to share a few of my favourite spots in the city — the ones I return to, recommend, and mentally bookmark for when friends visit. This isn’t a list you’ll find on a tourist blog (or even on your well-intentioned Pinterest board). It’s a love letter to the quieter corners, the buzzy new openings, and the places that pair perfectly with a 431-88 blazer.

Where to Eat, Linger, & Repeat

Canteen, Notting Hill: Go solo. Sit at the counter. Order the tart. Pretend you live around the corner.
Akoko, Fitzrovia: West African cuisine with a punch. The £55 set lunch is quietly perfect.
Jikoni: For when you’re craving spice, comfort, and something celebratory.
River Cafe, Hammersmith: Sit by the Thames at dusk. Rowers drift by. Magic unfolds.

Nina’s, Marylebone: On my wishlist — everyone’s been whispering about it.
Petersham Nurseries or Riverside Cafe, Richmond: Post-walk tea or wine. Their house bread (apparently made with beer) is unlike anything I’ve ever tasted.
107 Wine Bar, Dalston: Natural wine and excellent people-watching.
Under the Counter, Soho: A listening bar with low lighting and great pours.
BookBar, Finsbury Park: A bookstore that doubles as a wine bar. I know.

Monmouth, Borough Market: For coffee, always.
Anya Hindmarch’s Ice Cream Project: Whimsical. Weird. Totally worth it.
Dumbo Paris (now in London): Believe the burger-hype. Go early and go hungry.

For the Culture (and the Cartier)

V&A’s Cartier Exhibition: Maharaja jewellery, Sita Devi of Kapurthala in British Vogue, craftsmanship that’s as much about identity as it is about adornment. Don’t miss it.
Serpentine Pavilion + Galleries: Follow it with an Aperol Spritz near the water. Swans included.
Old Sessions House Arts Club: Rooftop drinks or a slow bar snack inside. Either way, you’ll leave inspired.

Where I Shop (or Just Browse)

Marylebone High Street: Calm, chic, curated.
Dover Street Market: A forever favourite.
Paloma Wool Pop-Up: Catch it while it’s here.
Liberty Jewellery Hall: I always stop to try something on, even if I’m not buying.
Maison Diptyque, New Bond Street: A temple of scent.
Maison Assouline: Wine, books, and quiet drama.
Kama Ayurveda, Notting Hill: Book a massage post-shop. You’ll thank me.
Harrods Perfume Library: Transportive.
Bamford, Mayfair: An oasis of wellness meets style. Follow it up with a pint in the sun at The Audley (if you find enough wiggle room).
Bicester Village: For a full-day fashion pilgrimage.
Vout Vintage, Columbia Road: Tucked in before the flowers begin. A real gem.

Outdoors, With Intention

Terrace Gardens, Richmond Hill: One of my favourite places to sit and do absolutely nothing.
Hyde Park Walks: Classic for a reason.
Columbia Road Flower Market: Go for the blooms, stay for the vibes.
Shreeji News: For people watching and bougie coffee.

This list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s what I’d send to a friend who wants to experience London without defaulting to the algorithm. Some places are quiet, some are buzzy, all are worth the detour. Take your time, find your corner, and maybe order the tart.