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Calm Scandi-style café with a basement roaster visible through a glass floor. Order a flat white and the lunch special; open late Fridays.

Stay for Friday evening drinks

Bright, spacious coffee bar that doubles as a barista training centre. Flat white with a slice of coconut and almond cake.

Visit on a weekday morning

New Zealand-born coffee bar near Baron's Court, named among Britain's best coffee shops for 2026. Good stop for a careful filter or flat white.

Check opening hours before going

East London coffee shop on Time Out's 2026 UK best list, known for brewing with a specially filtered water system.

Try a filter brew

Bombay-café favourite. Start with the bacon naan roll at breakfast, or bhel and chicken ruby for dinner, then kulfi.

Book ahead or arrive early

Newly opened Egyptian restaurant in Soho. Order the squid salad, white bean dip and shefatalia from the sharing plates.

Book dinner a week ahead

Awadhi Indian cooking from Lucknow, with slow-sealed dum dishes. The vegetable Lucknowi kofta pilau is a standout.

Share several small plates

Cheap, filling Chinese noodle house. Try the beef rib noodles and grilled crab and pork dumplings.

Go off-peak to skip queues

Grassy summit with a wide view over the City skyline. Free to visit; bring a picnic and stay for the sunset.

Arrive 30 minutes before sunset

Tiny courtyard of brightly painted, mural-covered buildings reached by two narrow cobbled lanes. Free, and quick to see.

Come early for empty shots

Pedestrian bridge linking Tate Modern to St Paul's Cathedral, which frames neatly at the far end. Free to walk.

Shoot at golden hour

Free public garden on the 43rd floor of the Walkie Talkie, with floor-to-ceiling windows and an open-air terrace.

Book free ticket in advance

Japanese-style sandwich bar on Peckham Road using bread from Toad Bakery next door; weekend lines form before noon.

Arrive early on Saturdays

Steak-frites spot with one signature butter sauce; fillet, chips and salad for about £20, and a no-fuss short menu.

Expect a wait at peak