Hidden gem. This beautiful little courtyard is stacked high with little shops, restaurants, cafes, tea rooms etc. Even a yoga place. This is a wonderful location for date night. At Christmas time it's kitted out with decorations and lights. The pizza place here on the ground floor is my favorite. It can be a quieter here in the late evening so it's nice and personal. Perfect location for an Instragrammer. Read more...

This classical courtyard is well maintained and looks stunning. There are all sorts of events that are held here such as fashion shows, parties and special events in general. Probably the most notable public event is when the courtyard is transformed into an ice rink during winter and is a must see if you are visiting London. It's only a short walk from Covent Garden. In the corner of the yard is a coffee shop that is of surprising high quality with decent food and cakes. Go through the back main building to reach the Thames, and if you get a chance, explore the building. There are lots of interesting snaps to take if you're an Instagrammer. Read more...

As a local to this branch of Nandos I've had very mixed experiences over the years, so I would say it's geared more towards tourists than anyone else due to the varying service levels. Various regular issues I have is incorrect orders, cold food, long waits for table, to order food, and another for food to arrive; as well as the restaurant itself being cold, dark, and damp. It's not all bad, it's a Nandos at the end of the day. The Nandos in Stratford however is like a palace compared to Clink Street. I do recommend using the iPhone app to order to saving having to queue and at least having the right order. In summer sit outside, otherwise sit on the upper levels inside by the window facing the Thames. Read more...

A more civilized dining experience compared to the chaos down Brick Lane. The flavors here are amazing. The orange or coconut rice I could just eat by the bucket load, the rice alone is one of the reasons I keep coming back here. Loads of stuff for vegetarians, but I'm told the chicken stir-fry is delicious. They do a lunch bento box which is really big for a portion. Sweet naan is also a favorite. It's sometimes quiet here with it's busier time in the evenings. Read more...

Some really beautiful landscaping work in the public thoroughfares here amongst the cafes and modern glass apartment buildings. Really natural and busy foliage is well maintained as well as some unique sculpture. There isn't anywhere to sit but is nice enough to go for a stroll in. The park is bordered by the Albion cafe who do have heated seats outside so you can sit on the edge and look out. Good place to get some fresh air in a short office break. Read more...

An often overlooked hidden gem - I see so many people go past this large structure without even looking at what's inside. There shops might be a bit basic but it's still a building that's unique in all of London. It gets very quiet here in the evening so is a nice spot to come and see by far the best views of the City from across the river. During Christmas time the place is decorated. Read more...

A really modern, spacious, and clean estate with large office structures. What makes this place special is the view - being along side the river it's directly in front of Tower Bridge, with all to see from Tower of London to the City's skyscrapers just opposite. There are fountains in the floor that are very popular with children. A nice selection of fine restaurants keeps this place busy into the evening. Read more...

This out-of-the-way coffee shop seems to cater for the tourist and locals alike being tucked away in the middle of St Katherine Docks. Coffee wise it's quite delicious. They take their time to make the perfect coffee and take pride in their foam art. The soy is an extra 40p but tastes really natural with the coffee. Service wise, this place is a victim to it's own popularity. It's only a small/tiny shop with space inside for seating about 10, 2 or 3 staff max. So it can get crowded rapidly, the selection of sandwiches/cakes can be depleted if you visit after lunch, and they'll give you cheap disposable takeaway cups even if you sit inside (or ask for a a 'proper' glass like I did). An extra star if they had offered the same quality service as the coffee, otherwise I might as well go to the Waitrose around the corner and have the free customer coffee they offer which is also pretty decent. Read more...

Wacaha is doing well to have quite a standardized experience; as is in, whichever branch I go to, the service is always consistent and the places where the fewest mistakes happen. Staff are friendly and on the ball. This branch at Waterloo can get busy on weekends with a queue of 30 mins sometimes which is a pain as there is no real bar to speak of that you can wait in (unlike Soho which has a large bar/club downstairs). Food wise, the menu changes and there are at least 5 vegetarian options to choose from. The food is a little cheese heavy (so watch out if you get bloaty on dairy based food, but there is a dairy-free hot chocolate which is delicious), but generally tasty and spicy. I highly recommend the Horchata drink and Plantain Tacos. I could have just these things forever. Read more...

A little slower than the other branches (with the southbank pop-up bus being the slowest) but still offering the same selection froyo and toppings in a buzzy atmosphere with friendly up-beat staff. It's a surprising thing to have during winter but it does give you an energy boost while feeling quite healthy - I get a coconut flavored one with kiwi, mango, and granola and comes in at about £5 which is easy enough for two to share. Read more...