Latest posts from our London expert:
Top 5 places to shop if you’re a man
It’s no secret that every girl’s crazy about a sharp dressed man. In London, they’re not hard to find. Coming from Canada and the limited options that men have there, my boyfriend couldn’t believe his luck when he got to London. Entire floors at department stores, boutiques galore, men are given the choice and the freedom to be fashionable. Every man who has come to visit me in the last year has left London with just a little more style.
Here are my five favourite places to take the men of life for a little retail therapy.
Five Sunday Roast Faves
Here’s how my ideal Sunday in London works.
Step 1: Get up at noon.
Step 2: Spend the next few hours in my PJs, eating toast, drinking tea and reading the paper.
Step 3: Get ready to go out.
Step 4: Find myself a place for some drinks and a nice Sunday Roast.
On Sundays, all one really needs to eat is a plate full of roast meat (lamb or beef preferably), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and roast veggies all drenched in gravy. Wash it down with a pint or two and stumble on home and head back to bed. You’ll be ready to start your week off properly.
Here are five places where one can really get one’s roast on:
Where to Find the Best English Breakfasts
The best (and most economical) way to start your day when you’re visiting London is with an English breakfast. Anywhere between £5 to £12 will get you a large plate filled with fried eggs, toast, back bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, fried mushrooms and the odd piece of black pudding. While it most certainly is not the breakfast of champions, it is the breakfast of those looking to fill their belly before a long day of visiting London landmarks and museums.
London’s Best Markets
When I travelled around Europe, the first thing I would map out were the markets. North Americans have yet to fully embrace market culture. (The mall is not a market!) While London is technically not part of the continent, it does do a good market. Here are my faves:
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The mother of London markets and situated near the impossibly hip Shoreditch area of London. It’s got gourmet food, antiques, produce, cutting-edge fashion, novelty gifts and home décor. If you only do one market in London, make sure it’s this one. (Open Monday to Friday and Sunday)
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Foodie heaven on earth. You can eat your way through the market for under £10. The trick is to turn up early to beat the line-ups. (Open Thursday to Saturday)
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Although it specializes mainly in African and Caribbean food and produce, Brixton has been know to house a haberdasher or two as well as those proffering street fashion. Immortalized by Eddie Grant in the classic, “Electric Avenue,” Brixton Market is for those looking to experience a little bit of diversity in London. (Open Monday to Saturday)
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A hodgepodge of antiques, fashion, art and food, Portobello Market has something for everyone. As boho as this market claims to be, you cannot forget that you’re in bougie Notting Hill. Nevertheless, it’s a classic London market and not to be missed. (Open Monday to Saturday)
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As the name would suggest, this is a clothing market first and foremost. Men, women, and children of all shapes and sizes come here to find the latest in the latest street- and club-wear as well as designer and almost designer goods. (Open Sundays)
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London Rambling: The South Bank
If it’s one thing that the English like, it’s a good ramble (an fancy English term for walk). One of my favourites is the South Bank ramble. The area just bordering the Thames is filled with art, history, design and great food, so it’s no wonder that it’s often packed with both tourists and locals. I often do this walk on a nice sunny or even cloudy London day. Just as long as there is no rain you’re set. Here are the best pit stops to make while on the South Bank Ramble:
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Often mistaken for its less attractive sister, London Bridge, Tower Bridge connects the South Bank to the City. It is a beautiful structure that is not to be missed.
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Shaped like a tilted half egg, London's City Hall is as cool as the city itself. Designed by Foster & Partners, it was designed to be a distinctive landmark in the city. Mission accomplished.
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A foodie's paradise, Borough has been feeding Londoners for 250 years. It is the perfect place to stop by for a chorizo sandwich or a spicy chicken pie during your South Bank ramble.
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Yes, it's extremely touristy looking, but there are a surprising amount of Londoners who spend many a Saturday afternoon at Vinopolis. Take a break from your ramble with a sampling of wine, spirits and even absinthe.
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The mother museum of modern art in London. The collection is impeccable and you can expect to be occupied for hours in this architectural and artistic highlight along the South Bank.
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It began a little wobbly at first, but has now become a sturdy fixture along the South Bank. A pedestrian-only footbridge, you can cross over to St. Paul's cathedral if you're tired of the South Bank at this point.
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The perfect place to end your ramble. Filled with restaurants that suit every need (sushi, latin american, Chinese, British), you will have earned the right to drink and eat the night away.
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The famous bard never fails to pull in the punters along the South Bank. Stop in for a quick tour of a part of London's cultural history.
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A venue for the arts, you can catch a dance performance, see some art, watch a band play or do a workshop with the kids. There is something for everyone at the South Bank Centre.
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Filled with posh shops and restaurants, it's where the stylish SE1 residents go for an evening drink at Tamesa or a full-blown meal at the Oxo Tower Brasserie.
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Top 5 Green Spaces for a London Picnic
The best thing about a summer in London are the picnics. Despite the fact that there are over 8 million people who live in London and about 3.7 million visitors a year, there never seems to be a shortage of green space for those looking to spread out a blanket to dine al fresco. Summertime weather in London is warm but mild and there is always a light breeze to be had — the perfect setting for a picnic. So next time you find yourself basking in some London sunshine, get yourself to the nearest Mark & Spencer, stock up on some ready-made grub and head to any one of the following parks. Don't forget to pack a bottle of wine. (Gotta love those lax public drinking laws.)
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Famous for its zoo and open-air sporting facilities, Regent's Park is made for leisurely family picnics. Immediately beside Regent's Park is its younger, more glam sister, Primrose Hill, which currently houses the likes of Jude Law and Sadie Frost. Primrose Hill picnics are for those looking to check out the young and pretty Londoners.
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Covering over 350 acres and bordering the posh neighbourhood of Knightsbridge, Hyde Park is king among the London green spaces. It's the only park in London, where one can actually ride one's horse. Plebes like me, however, would much rather pick a spot in the shade and chow down on a soup and sandwich combo from Pret a Manger.
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Home of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, Kensington Gardens borders the famous Notting Hill area of London. On a sunny day, it is one of the only parks I've ever seen packed to the gills with people, which is surprising considering that it's a vast 275 acres.
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A favourite spot for North West London runners, Hampstead Heath is vast (791 acres) and the oldest of London's ancient parklands. Its charm lies in the fact that's rather rambling and unkempt. You can actually get lost in the heath if you're not careful. Posh NW3 inhabitants stop by nearby Hampstead village to pick up their picnic supplies.
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Surrounded by Westminster, St. James's Palace and Buckingham Palace, St. James's Park is the most regal of all the London green spaces. Most ceremonial parades and processions take place here. Pay homage to pomp and circumstance with a proper tea and scones picnic in the park.
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Best of the High Street
If London is great for one thing, it's High Street shopping. Oxford Street is lined with shops offering up the latest fashion trends for the lowest prices. Trends in London turn over pretty quickly, so if you want stay current you have to shop all the time. If you're not the son or daughter of a former Beatle, chances are you're shopping on Oxford Street. These are my favourites.
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The mecca of High Street shopping. Whether you're rich or poor, you've got something from Topshop in your closet. This is where Kate Moss has her collection.
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This place features more down-to-earth versions of the latest trends. UK celeb stylist, Gok Wan, is the spokesperson for this chain.
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The best way to describe this place is that it's the Japanese version of the Gap. Best. Jeans. Ever. Japanese denim is like its beef - soft.
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A whole London block long and about three floors high. Despite its size, it is always packed. Why all the fuss? The trendiest clothes for prices that you can't beat anywhere. A raincoat for £15? T-shirts for £4? It's almost like they are giving it away. Almost.
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Very girly. And very cheap. A lot of London's under 20 crowd can be found here fighting over the last pair of ankle-length leggings.
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