4 February 2026
Where it once sufficed to stick to Soho and Covent Garden, today the city’s most creative entrepreneurs are drawn to neighbourhoods where things are still emerging. From Newington Green to Peckham, and from Acton to De Beauvoir Town. In this itinerary, we don’t skip Shoreditch and Marylebone, simply because of their high density of great addresses, but I’ll also take you to London Fields and De Beauvoir Town.
11 am
Check-in at Sir Devonshire Square Hotel
The Sir Devonshire Square Hotel opened in 2025 in a former warehouse, just around the corner from Liverpool Street Station and Spitalfields Market. Leave your bags at reception so you can head out straight away – and later fully enjoy the wonderfully cloud-like mattress in the rooms, many of which also feature a cozy reading nook.
12 pm
Lunch at Lagana in Shoreditch
Whether you love Greek food or are simply in the mood for something creative, Lagana is a great choice. The menu is designed for sharing, and on the table you’ll find not just a tablecloth, but a large sheet of drawing paper as well. Grab the crayons and get creative, either as an ode to your table companion, or as a never-ending doodle if they just won’t stop talking.
1 pm
Shopping on Redchurch Street in Shoreditch
Just around the corner from Lagana is Redchurch Street, home to some of the best independent shops in the city. From Labour and Wait, where they’ve been selling timeless everyday objects with a story for over 20 years, to Earl of East, where you can shop their signature home fragrances alongside brands like Baggu and Ferm Living. Stop by Jolene for coffee or tea and something sweet, or try the peanut milk at BAO, and don’t forget to order a bao while you’re there.
7 pm
Dinner at Noisy Oyster in Shoreditch
If you love fish and seafood, this is your place. At Noisy Oyster, the menu revolves around oysters, tuna, and seabass. A fun detail: they serve mini cocktails. And whatever you do, don’t skip the panna cotta with white Belgian chocolate, basil, and poached rhubarb for dessert.
9 am
Coffee at Ozone Coffee Roasters in London Fields
Whether you’re stopping by for a takeaway coffee or sitting down for breakfast, Ozone Coffee has you covered. Afterwards, head to Broadway Market, where Artwords Bookshop is the place to browse beautiful books and magazines. Pick up a fresh croissant at Pavilion too – though be prepared, it’s always busy.
12 pm
Lunch at Café Cecilia in London Fields
Chef Max Rocha previously worked at St. JOHN and The River Café before opening Café Cecilia. The menu is short, but every dish is excellent. Making a reservation is definitely recommended.
3 pm
An afternoon at V&A East Storehouse
Around 90% of a museum’s collection is usually kept in storage, waiting to be displayed someday, while being carefully conserved in the meantime. At the V&A East Storehouse, which opened in 2025, you can step inside the depot itself and learn more about the museum’s collection of design, architecture, fashion, and paintings. Even better: admission is free.
7 pm
Dinner at Goodbye Horses
Today is all about hopping from one hotspot to the next in East London, but that’s how you get to know the neighbourhoods where locals actually hang out. Tonight, head to De Beauvoir Town, where people come from far and wide to try the natural wines at Goodbye Horses, paired with delicious dishes. You can easily linger at the bar well into the evening.
9 am
Sleep in at Sir Devonshire Square Hotel
It would be a shame not to enjoy the hotel when you’re already there. Order breakfast in bed and ease into a slow morning – you don’t have to check out until noon.
12 pm
Lunch at The Hart in Marylebone
Book a table upstairs at The Hart, it might just be one of the most romantic settings in London right now. Once a traditional pub, it’s been given new life with a modern twist. You can stay on for a drink downstairs, or head out to explore Marylebone, where you’ll also find Shreeji Newsagents, Monocle, Anna + Nina, and Sabre Paris.
Want to see all the great restaurants, shops, and hotels in London that I’ve curated for you? And download a map you can add straight to Google Maps, so you’re effortlessly guided to the city’s best design-led addresses while you’re there?
Become a member and get access to all of this: and much more. Think an exclusive newsletter, access to the Best Friends list, and the ability to explore all my tips for other destinations too.
A monthly note with new addresses and places worth traveling to
