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!
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
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!
