The Coffee Room is a nice venue in the bustling Mile End. They offer nice cakes, coffee, breakfasts, sandwiches and salads (maybe even more since I don’t know their menu by heart) The cafe is small but they have also a cosy outside at the back. That is not the best location ever, but the spot is great if you are looking for quality food or coffee. Sitting right in front of Mile End Park, you can always order a take-away and enjoy it in the park.
East Londoners are the most picky in the world when it comes to Fish and Chips, so when you see a place with a queue outside everyday, you can be sure it’s good! Why not stop by Britannia Fish Bar? Our local Fish Bar is 100% typical, their price are fair, the portion are huge (you can definitely share a big one with an other person, bare in mind that Britannia is only take-away) and to be frank that’s not too bad! Quick, easy and fresh cod and chips! And the best part is that it’s only 2 minutes away from Park Villa’s gate 🙂
Muxima is a really nice and welcoming cafe/ restaurant on Roman road. Their food is exceptional, their staff is caring and will make you want to stay for an other quality coffee. Artisan coffee, homemade cakes and bread…breakfast, lunch, dinner, wines, craft beers, cocktails, art exhibitions, pop up dinners, gigs, DJ’s, documentary nights, that’s what they do in Muxima (and I probably have missed some other things) That’s chilled, sociable, and has been rewarded several times by Time Out. This is a homely oasis in East London.
Zealand Road Coffee Shop is a focus on special coffees, cakes and simple food. Just 10 minutes walk from Park Villa on Roman Road. The place is pretty small but offers comfortable seats and wifi. They don’t have a big selection of cakes or pastries, but you can be sure they’re fresh and good. Nice place to have a sweet break 🙂
The Globe theatre is a replica of the theatre that first staged Shakespeare’s plays 400 years ago on Southbank, right next to the Tate Modern and close by Borough Market.
The Globe is more than just a theatre. It is like a working museum to the life and times of Shakespeare. (a replica of the theatre that first staged the writer’s plays 400 years ago) The theatre has been constructed as it was in Shakespeare’s time – without a roof. But is only a functioning theatre during theatre season. (there is the option of affordable standing tickets in the front pit of the theatre – where the ‘unclean’ would have watched the plays during Shakespeare’s time!), there are also tours and a museum at the Globe.
The theatre season dates change each year (they tend to run from around April to October), so it is best to check the Official Shakespeare’s Globe Website to find out whether you will be able to get play tickets during your visit.
Fans of the film ‘Shakespeare in Love’ will recognise the theatre as the central scene for the majority of the film’s action. 😉
Are you seeking something in particular? Do you need a T-shirt, an ice-cream, or you wanna see a new block-buster? In any cases, you can go in Westfield where you will probably end-up buying more than you need.
Westfield is a capitalist haven for those who love giant super mall. And even for the ones who don’t enjoy that much the indoor shopping, they will have to recognise that this is a very convenient place. I believe you can find everything over-there. Thanks to the maps located pretty much everywhere, you can spot easily the shop you are looking for without turning too crazy.
The other good thing about Westfield is that it’s only 1 tube stop away from Park Villa, or 10 minutes away if you decide to walk by the canal 🙂
N.B: Avoid on rainy Saturdays (except if you appreciate to be stifled by a crazy crowd)
Tate Modern is a modern art gallery located in the Bankside, in front of the Millennium Bridge and St Paul . It is Britain’s national gallery of international modern art and forms part of the Tate group (together with Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool, Tate St Ives and Tate Online)
Even if you are not fond of modern art, the Tate Modern is a sight worth the visit, at least for its incredible architecture. (If you don’t think Picasso, Klee, Bacon and all the others don’t deserve your attention) Climbing (or queuing for the elevator) to the top of Blavatnik building, will offer you a striking view of London.
So yes, go there 🙂
Lahore Kebab House is an other London institution serving authentic Pakistani food. A place of pilgrimage for all the curry lovers! This is a very busy place with great atmosphere. You might be scared by the crowd but the service is quick, there’re dozens of waiters, hundred tables, dozens of cooks (which you can see in action through a large window). Famous for their lamb chops, currys and pretty much everything else.
Should I mention its also BYOB 😉
Less traditional than the non-less famous Brick Lane Bookshop (10 minutes away) Libreria will make you step into a brand new world. Its looks quite obscure and really classic from the outside but once you’ve opened the door, a world of colours dazzles you. The shelves are endless and you better forget the typical science-fi, thrillers or art sections. Instead books are grouped by ideas! So there you go with ‘The Future and the Death’, ‘Mothers, Madonna, Whores’, or ‘Despair and Redemption’.
Mobile phones are banned (sorry snapchat lovers) so you can purely enjoy the great atmosphere of the boutique. Just grab a book, find a corner and make you comfortable.
N.B : For the ones interested they run risograph printing workshops in the basement.
Voted the best department store in the world, Selfridges has all the latest designer collections, must-have toys & gifts for all the family. It comes just after Harrods for the size and I would say that despite their renown it’s a lot less eccentric than Harrods or even Liberty.
But if you are a shoes lover you should be aware that Selfridges is often celebrated for its huge shoes department. Kind of a Carrie Bradshaw’s paradise. And we are talking of both affordable and premium brands. At the end of the sales you can easily find some good bargain. Their sales are sometimes going up to 70% off!
Moreover The Wonder Bar in Selfridges has an Enomatic Wine System that allows customers to sample from 52 different wines before purchasing!
To sum up, if you are on a budget during your London trip but still wanna experience the posh side of London, you then know even fancy department stores can have good deals and that you don’t need to pay the full price to get drunk!