LDNERS

If you lament the Pret-isation of London’s sandwich bars, this Clerkenwell institution—it’s been on the same site for over 50 years—backs up your argument. Order the sandwich of your dreams and watch it being prepared in front of you.

An independent Vietnamese takeaway serving fresh food. Fight through the delivery riders to order delicious pho, crispy spring rolls and more. You can also eat in.

A friendly local pub with pizza. Sit outside on St John Street in the summer and enjoy the heat—the picnic benches become a sun trap at dusk.

Need an artwork framed? Book a consultation here for friendly advice on colour, thickness, material and mounting. Not cheap, but if you have something precious to hang on your wall get it done properly.

Clear a blocked sink, replace a screw, pick up an extension lead. A rare old, original shop among the restaurants and bars of Exmouth Market, its also a satisfying Amazon antidote.

As one favourite leaves, another arrives. Ex-Dazed magazine editor Isabella Burley has moved the London branch of her bookshop to Clerkenwell. Flick through rare books about fashion and culture, and pick up the collectible merch.

This wonderful stationary shop moved to Bloomsbury a couple of years back, but it retains its honorary Clerkenwell citizenship. Diaries, organisers and greetings cards, often discovered in far flung parts go the world, sit alongside pens, pencil sharpeners and stencil kits. You’ll want it all.

Special occasion klaxon… this Michelin starred Italian is a dream. Dreamy food (those parmesan fries!), comfortable surroundings, and fabulous wines. It’s smart, expensive, but unpretentious and friendly. Big birthday? Marriage proposal? This is the place.

This little sister of local favourite Moro offers a noisier, more relaxed space for similar Mediterranean fare: tapas, mezze, cocktails and wine. Ideal for a delicious quick lunch or a longer evening meal, and for when Moro is booked out.

Opening next year! The UK’s only charity supporting illustration is converting an old waterworks into an exhibition and activity space to open up the art of illustration to all-comers.

Dare I say, possibly the most "sustainable" eyewear one can get?

Arguably one of the most talented fine jewellers that exists today. His workshop is appointment only but absolutely worth a visit if you're in the market for a truly special piece.

Selling wardrobe staples such as the best button down shirt you'll ever wear and in 100% natural fibres.

I love this stationery shop for its array of Japanese stationery and Victorian-inspired aesthetic.

This is where the wealthy hot mums of Chelsea bring their barely worn designer clothes to be sold. It's a consignment store where you can find some marvellous things - a few years ago I scored silk Pucci trousers for £100 and have been far ahead of TikTok thanks to them.

The best charity shop in London, IMO.

Home to the original sources that inspire many a designer collection today.

This is my favourite custom jewellery shop that specialises in pearls. They can make you anything you like from whatever you see on display and extremely reasonably priced.

A monthly market that is one of the best around for truly nostalgic knick knacks, furniture and even sewing supplies.

I spend too much money here on yarn. They're also a haberdashery and fabric shop.

A little trip out of the city centre is well worth the effort and this amazing Irish pub has one of the best views of London.

Lives up to the hype and the service is quick despite the huge crowds.

Probably London's most beautiful pub and a stone's throw from Abbey Road.

Top music pub that was good enough for an impromptu Green Day Gig in 2023 and has an eclectic record collection behind the bar.

London's oldest galleried inn with a huge courtyard perfect for sporting occasions.

The riverside pub that famously floods and customers need to borrow wellies just to leave.

This lively corner pub is especially busy when the cricket is on or a trad band is playing.

One of the oldest in the country and the birthplace of Dr. Johnson's Dictionary.

A pretty corner pub in the back roads of Barbican, next to a famous cemetery.

Famous for the noose that hangs over the edge of the Thames.

Nathan Collymore heads up this vegan spot - he really knows how to make a plant-based dish sing and his vegan fried chicken tastes like the real thing. I love the jerk plantain fries - a must order.

This is my local and I love it - it never disappoints.

Located in Selfridges Food Hall, the food here is full of depth and brings a smoky, rich flavours. It’s run by two brothers and their sister and they’ve just set up in Dubai.

There’s neon lights, the reggae is always playing and flavour-packed dishes. It’s more fun than refined, a great place to go with a group of friends. I recommend the pepper prawns.

I come here a fair bit and it’s impeccable vibes - so relaxed. The curry goat is what it’s known for and they also do a jerk salmon. Portions are really generous!

I love this family run restaurant in Canary Wharf, their curry goat and plantain is exceptional. I order mac & cheese every time I go.

This is an institution, it’s so consistent and the go-to spot for roti and channa.

Deep stews and spice blends that remind me of the Caribbean roots in Africa are served at this fusion spot. The lamb ribs dish is unforgettable, so rich and tender. It’s not strictly Caribbean, but deserves a spot on the list.

An Irish sports bar in Stamford Hill. It's always open and there are always a couple of men day-drinking so you don’t feel bad for having a midday Guinness on a Monday. Tiger bread ham rolls are nice and only two quid.

Small homely cafe in Farringdon. Aesthetically pleasing. Nice chicken escalope sandwiches and the orange juice comes in a glass bottle. Owners are very inviting and caring, so you kind of feel like you are being cooked for by your auntie and uncle.

Lovely boys. Warm spongy naan. Lush fillings. You’re in and out like it’s a Subway. Lots of sauce and salad options. Lots of residential streets nearby for you to enjoy your lunch on a sturdy tree-shaded pavement.

I get the Singapore laksa and never anything else. Nice spongy bean curd exploding with good sauce. Broth is creamy and warm. Quiet, comfy, relaxed seating and not much English-speaking going on so there is no obligation for superfluous niceties.

Has a fun conveyor belt system like the IKEA restaurant so the visit is entertaining and stimulating as well as tasty. They have a great buffet bar with loads of free toppings, including tempura scraps. Usually there are loads of other people eating alone so that eradicates any potential feeling of shame.

I don’t like eating Mexican food with other people - the sharing aspect is too stressful and I am incapable of conversing in a relaxed way when there are chips and salsa on the table. Cold beer and tacos is a solo quest.

I sit outside and order cucumber salad and noodles and stare at the Emirates stadium. Good food. Quick, easy and chewy. And the space is too small to go with other people anyway.

Fun to go if you are a young woman because the usual corporate clientele (bald men in suits) get unnerved by you crashing their vibe. Good fishy snacks and a black velvet is a nice classy alternative to a lunchtime pint.

I like going here for a weekday lunch. It's two courses for under 20 quid and the other customers are usually just loads of old ladies post-matinee so that makes me feel young, hot and sexy in comparison.

London's Queer / intersectional bookshop and events hub.

This really is my home away from home! Catch me there on Sat 5th July for our biggest ever Pride parties.

Line dancing lessons and social space with events in Walthamstow and Peckham, it's SO fun.

A very chic lesbian wine bar and café that I love.

An LGBTQ+ hub for arts, health and social action.

An inclusive and welcoming non-profit boxing club for the LGBTQ+ community.

The UK's 1st National LGBTQ+ museum, it's incredible.

East London's notorious palace of queer joy and messy nights out.

London's best black queer night.