Timeless ideas for Xmas in London

Walk along South Bank – and stop at the new Tate building for the view

There’s usually an pop-up xmas market up near Royal Festival Hall – and then keep going and explore four distinct fixtures:

• Borough Market – where the well-to-do middle-class hangs out. That said, Monmouth is hard to beat. And if you have time, the bread baking courses are fun. Also, some of the fishmongers have a fire-sale just before 5pm on a Saturday. 
• Flat Iron Sq – the newcomer to the area – mix of food etc. Also, Gentlemen Baristas are gentlemen (and a have a secret roof terrace). And sometimes you can hear music students across the street practice. Which is nice.
• Mercato Metropolitano – slightly older than Flat Iron – and a bit further away – still worth a visit.
• Maltby St. – only open on the weekends – the original break-out … Rope Walk is a tight but fun alley of interestingness. And you can taste Jensen Gin straight from the still… And on the other side of the railway tracks you have the Beer Mile.

More waterside walking – East London edition

Walk along the River Lee – and stop for pizza (and beer) at The White Building – or keep going and have a riverside coffee at Stour Space … and if you have salmon eaters with you, stop at Forman’s. For it is good.

Or if you ventured down the Hertford Union Canal, then make a side visit to the Pavilion in Victoria Park. Decent coffee.

Secret Sq. and an old mansion house

Have lunch at the co-operatively run vegetarian/vegan Bonnington Cafe – cash only… and then stop at Italo (across the street) before heading down to Brunswick House for a browse from cellar to top floor – (and have a drink in the bar at the end).

Books, nuts and cheese in Piccadilly and a proper martini in St James

Stop by the quirky Maison Assouline, then Hatchards (and the big Waterstones in-between if you must). Gorge on nuts and Greek Coffee at Carpo – and cheese at Paxton & Whitfield – and Nordic baked goods at Ole & Steen. And there’s a little wine-bar in Fortnum’s whilst you wait for others to finish their shopping  – whether upstairs or in one of the nearby historic Arcades.

And then ask lots of questions about wine – and buy a bottle – at BBR. Then repair to the frankly bizarre backstreet Duke’s Bar for a Martini. Remember: Only One.