Put your best fit on & get your camera ready for these!
Ahh, it’s that time of year where before you know it, Christmas will be arriving! London is a special place worth visiting to celebrate the holidays. You’ll see those extraordinary Christmas lights scattered all over the city, experience the fun-fair that’s Winter Wonderland, and try delicious treats at the Christmas markets! Not only that, but it’s also the perfect time to cozy-up in those cafes and restaurants for hearty meals and insta-worthy experiences!
1. Fait Maison London
In the mood for some afternoon tea or a light lunch? Fait Maison is the place to visit. With 4 different locations scattered around London, it’s easily accessible. Additionally, with a pastel hued atmosphere and vibrant dećor, it’s the perfect spot to meet your gal pals for a stylish and hearty experience. I love how Fait Maison offers a wide variety of menu items by incorporating different cultural cuisines including Middle Eastern, Indian, British, etc. They offer a signature Middle Eastern-styled breakfast which sounds lovely. In addition, you can expect to see some all-time favorites including Vegetable Samosa (my fav), Lentil Soup, Chicken Tacos, and Shakshuka.
2. Saint Aymes
A pink-floral heaven is the definition of Saint Aymes. Located in the heart of Marylebone near Marble Arch, you’ll easily recognize this cafe from it’s striking pink-hues and draped floral arrangements. Saint Aymes is known for their Unicorn Lattes and adorable cupcakes in a vibrant atmosphere. This is a great spot to visit after a shopping spree on Oxford Street that’ll pick your mood up from London’s clouds and grey! I haven’t visited this spot yet, but it’s been on my list for some time now.
3. Brigit’s Bakery Bus Tour
Brigit’s Bakery Bus Tour is one of those classic English experiences you must have in London. With a combination of afternoon tea (endless unlimited tea/coffee!) mini sandwiches, and pastries, on a double decker bus tour of London, it’s the perfect way to see the city.
Everything is included starting at £55 for the lower deck seating ($75) and going upwards for the upper deck. If afternoon tea isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Brigit’s Bakery Bus Tour also offers a “Gin Lover’s” experience, and other themed events depending on the time of year. For example, they’re hosting a Halloween-themed bus tour during the month of October!
I’ve been on two tours with Brigit’s Bakery including the original afternoon tea experience and a Christmas Lights tour with my friends. I absolutely loved both tours but I must say, the Christmas Lights experience felt very special! Tours typically depart from Victoria Bus Station and last between 1-2 hours and you’ll leave the bus with your very own reusable Brigit’s Bakery coffee cup! I’ve been using both of mine for the last 2 years as they’re perfect for on-the-go.
4. Milk Train
The prettiest ice cream you’ll probably ever buy will be from here! Milk Train is a sundae parlour located in the center of Covent Garden. They’re famously known for their soft-serve artistic creations featuring a cloud of candy floss (cotton candy) and various toppings. Furthermore, Milk Train’s Maple Tree Pot Ice Cream is an autumn-favorite with seasonal color-hues and a whole Cadbury Flake (YUM!) to mimic the Maple Tree! While I haven’t visited parlour yet, it’s on my list for places to visit on my next trip to London!
5. The Knot Churros
The Knot Churros is a dessert shop located in South Kensington. Specializing in adorably-decorated churros, frozen yogurt, and shakes, this place is perfect to satisfy your sweet tooth! Additionally, the interior dećor is super instagrammable with a flower-draped ceiling and swinging bench to take those perfect Instagram shots.
I visited The Knot Churros in 2019 during a spring-vacay to London and had a great experience. For some reason, being in a place that has pink walls, tables, and seating makes me happy!
6. EL&N
El&n is my absolute FAVORITE pink cafe that I’ve visited in London! El&n has over 10 locations scattered all over the city and internationally. No two El&n’s are the same with each location having a different atmosphere, but within the same El&n signature theme. I’ve visited three different locations in London and the Knightsbridge location is one of my favorites because it has the iconic unicorn! Whenever I visit London, I always look forward to eating at El&n. The newest location that El&n has just opened is in Paris at Galeries Lafayette!
In regards to food, they have some wildly-pretty menu items that I’ve never seen before (like pink spaghetti!!) Some of my favorite things that I recommend ordering include: Blue Sapphire Latte, Açai bowl, Rose Macaron (beats Laduree’s version), and Pink Ribbon Pasta. El&n has definitely expanded their menu quite a lot since the last time I’ve visited. Everything looks so delightful that I want to order the entire menu! All I can say is: El&n is spreading their positive pink energy around the world and I’m here for it.
7. Bob Bob Ricard
*Presses button* “Champagne please!” That’s what you’ll be doing when visiting this luxe Russian-inspired restaurant. Bob Bob Ricard is an experience of its own kind. Located in Soho just a few blocks away from Carnaby Street, this elaborate restaurant allows you to “Press for Champagne”. In other words, with just a push of a button, your waiter will come to you within minutes to pour you a glass (or another) of champagne!
Pretty cool right? Bob Bob Ricard is also famous for serving the most champagne than any other British Restaurant. With two locations in London and an upcoming launch of Bob Bob Ricard Tokyo, it clearly shows how experiential and elaborate this place is! I visited this spot in December of 2019 with some of my closest Londoners, just New Year’s! I will admit, it was quite difficult to get a reservation as bookings fill up quickly, but I can understand why.
In regards to food and drinks, both are incredible. I ordered the Chicken Kiev and it was so buttery-delicious and perfectly crispy. I also had Bob Bob Ricard’s Signature Chocolate Glory, which is basically a gold hollow ball with warm melted chocolate drizzled over to unravel a chocolatey surprise! This experience was one of a kind and I’d gladly go back again for another fancy and elaborate dinner.
8. Feya Cafe
Feya is a unique cafe with locations in Knightsbridge and Bond Street Station that has a regal and forest-like atmosphere. Their lavish dećor is what catches my eye (besides their divine menu). You can expect to see things like Rose Avocado Toast, The Butterfly Bowl (YUM!), and Wisteria Waffles. The menu has loads of pastries and sweets for those of you with a sweet tooth! Additionally, for those of you who are vegan, Feya Cafe is vegan friendly!
9. Ivy Asia
My absolute favorite Asian restaurant in London is right in the heart of St. Paul’s. Ivy Asia isn’t your typical Asian-fusion restaurant; in fact, it’s the opposite. It encompasses artistic interior design elements that create a lavish atmosphere unlike any other. When I visit establishments, I like to go to places that have a combination of artistic interiors and delicious food.
Ivy Asia hits these marks with a stellar view of St. Paul’s. I highly recommend ordering the Chilli Noodles, Chicken Teriyaki Skewers, Kimchi Egg Fried Rice, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, and Vegetable Gyoza. Not only that, but their drink menu is fabulous like their Black Cherry Cocktail!
10. Harry’s Dolce Vita
Just around the corner from Harrods in Knightsbridge is Harry’s Dolce Vita. Harry’s Dolce Vita is the go-to place if you want authentic Italian fare in a luxurious atmosphere. This restaurant is part of the Caprice Restaurant group that also runs Ivy Asia, along with other establishments.
Harry’s is the perfect place to visit for people watching and views of Harrods from across the street. I love their Porcini Risotto, Chicken Milanese, and Toadstool. Harry’s Toadstool is what brought me into their restaurant in the first place (other than being around the corner from Harrods!). An incredibly cute mushroom that looks like it’s from Mario Kart is filled with iced vanilla parfait, mascarpone, and white chocolate with a surrounding “grass” of biscotti crunch and pistachio sauce. Sounds heavenly right? Trust me, it is!
11. Fortnum & Maison at The Royal Exchange
Fancy some booze while shopping? Head over to Fortnum and Maison at The Royal Exchange for a refreshing drink while mingling with other shoppers. This bar gives me “historical London vibes” with its surrounding British architecture and upscale energy. This is a place where you won’t find many tourists, but rather local Londoners. If you want a local yet instagrammable bar to visit, this is one of them!
12. Coppa Club
With a lively name called Coppa Club, you can find this popular spot in Tower Hill! The place that made dining in an igloo go viral during the cold winter season. Coppa Club has inspired people around the world to create their own igloos. This concept has not only attracted customers and tourists, but it’s also making outdoor dining in winter possible. It’s become a phenomenon that has also helped restaurants stay afloat last winter during Covid-19 by creating social-distancing bubbles.
Coppa Club is a place I highly recommend for first-time visitors in London. You get stunning views of Tower Bridge and the Shard right in front of you while being in a heated igloo. For the menu, their cocktails are great and have some of the best truffle fries. Come for the view, stay for the drinks.
If you have a trip planned to London already, I hope you get a chance to check off every spot on this list! Let me know how your experiences were and what your favorite place was!
Cheers!
Sonia 🙂
