London: Where I ate, shopped and visited
Hi! I’m Hayley, your bookish travel gal. I put hours of research into all my trips to make sure I visit some of the best places I can!
I started my travel Instagram (@bookmoretravels) in May of 2024. And while my insta content focuses on more bookish and nyc- I wanted another space to share all the fun places I go to!
While this is not a complete list, it is all the places I recommend after two visits. I think it will be a great start for any future London trips! If you want to know more about the 50 bookstores in the London area, check out my other post from the trip!
A toast to dinner (at the stunning Sarastro) before our West End Show
Below is my vlog from my last visit to London!
Want this guide as an interactive map? Members of my bookish travel community get it for free, along with all my other digital guides!
Check out my Bindery to get digital access to all my maps and guides over at the Member Exclusives page of this site for only $5 a month!
PS- I have a free NYC stationery store guide over there too if you wanted to check it out before joining!
Where I Shopped
Stationery Stores
Here are three stores I visited with the cutest stationery options!
Choosing Keeping
Perfect for high quality and bespoke items. It is carefully curated and the vibe is whimsical. You can find a lot of trinkets and items you didn’t think you needed!
London Graphic Centre
A go to spot for all your every day art and stationery needs. Great selection and good prices- more for a local crowd but they still have some great finds for visitors.
Present & Correct
You can clearly see that graphic design is a major influence on their shop. While it’s the smallest, there are still plenty of gems to look through, with both local and imported items.
Other Shops
Labour and Wait | 85 Redchurch St, London E2 7DJ, United Kingdom
This shop is a jack of all trades, with local sourced and handmade items for your household.
Camden Passage
This pedestrian only street is full of fun shops and unique places.
Liberty London | Regent St., Carnaby, London W1B 5AH, United Kingdom
This historic shopping spot has multiple floors to shop through. The building itself is gorgeous and worth a visit just to see it in person!
Poetry Pharmacy | Floor 1, Lush Spa, 175-179 Oxford St, London W1D 2JS, United Kingdom Watch Here!
Only two stores in the world prescribe bite sized poetry for all types of occasions.
Where I Ate
Banh Mi Keu Soho |9 Poland St, London W1F 8PY, United Kingdom
Maybe the best Bahn Mi in my life? They have a ton of options- they are huge and affordable.
Beigel Bake | 159 Brick Ln, London E1 6SB, United Kingdom
When I saw this London bagel spot on my instagram I knew I had to get it- and it’s exactly what you want! I got the plain bagel with salt beef, pickle and mustard- yum!
Borough Market | London SE1 9AH, United Kingdom
If you are looking for a food hall, this is it- from the famous chocolate covered strawberries to loaded sandwiches and more, there will be food for you.
Chestnut Bakery | Multiple Locations
Bright and cheery spot perfect for a drink and pastries. I tried their croissant and potato & garlic bread and both were tasty!
Chinatown Bakery | 7-9 Newport Pl, London WC2H 7JR, United Kingdom
This busy bakery is full of sweet treats- I tried their famous pastry fish full of red bean paste. You really can’t go wrong with any of their options!
Dark Sugars | 141 Brick Ln, Bethnal Green, London E1 6SB, United Kingdom
This chocolate shop is the stuff of dreams- make sure to try their hot chocolate with extra chocolate shavings (a perfect thing to wash down the bagel from Beigel Bake up the street!
Dishoom | Multiple Locations
Funny story… I have never actually eaten at Dishoom (gasp!) Literally everyone recommends going there when visiting London for the best Indian food. I really do want to go I promise- it’s just hard to get a reservation and I always think about it last minute!
JD Wetherspoon | Multiple Locations
This restaurant chain is known for being an affordable option to sit and eat. They have specials every day of the week and at different times of day. A great spot to grab something quick and cheap!
Nando’s | Multiple Locations
Pop on over for a cheeky Nando’s (as the locals say) for this yummy Afro Peruvian fusion. The yummiest chicken and fries you will ever have!
Poppies Fish & Chips | 55-59 Old Compton St, London W1D 6HW, United Kingdom
Fish & Chips is a classic British food item you have to try at least once! There are a couple famous spots, but this is the one I tried and loved!
Sarastro Restaurant | 126 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5SU, United Kingdom
A great spot for dinner before a West End show! They have a pre show dinner special and the space itself is just gorgeous. You can sit in an old opera box!
Where I Got Drinks
The Alchemist | Multiple Locations
Some of the most interesting cocktails I have ever tried. Want shooters that look like oysters? A cocktail that looks like it’s in a test tube? They have all that and more.
Blame Gloria | 20 Bedford St, London WC2E 9HP, United Kingdom
Maybe one of the best happy hours in the West End! Buy one get one free on all their custom cocktails- and all of them taste delicious!
