LONDON

Even though I know that there are plenty of up-and-coming neighbourhoods in London, and that I should be scoping out new ground for travel writing projects, each time I visit the city I still seem to gravitate towards a handful of spots that I never tire of; places that are - eek - a little bit touristy.

Usually whenever I visit a place I try not to be that kind of traveller, but in London I just can't help it. I love to see proper pubs with hanging baskets, and get a little bit excited when I see an original Routemaster drive by.


I love to wander around the streets admiring the multitude of architectural styles and the perfectly-kept squares and shared gardens, and there is something about navigating my way around a Tube map; a multi-coloured tangle of lines which lead to so many diverse areas of the city.

I've set myself a personal task to try some completely new places the next time I'm visiting but, for now, here are some of my favourite spots in central London:


Liberty, with its creaking floorboards and bazaar vibe, is my favourite department store. At Christmas I love to choose a decoration for my tree from its amazing festive floor, and I always awe at the luxury stationery products, miniature Diptyque section and pretty floristry department. I love the feeling that I might actually get lost wandering around among some of the most beautifully-crafted garments in the world.

Regent Street, London W1B 5AH
www.liberty.co.uk




I love the classic brasserie atmosphere at The Wolseley. With lacquered chinoiserie panels and marbled tabletops, it reminds me so much of the grands cafes of Paris. If you have to wait for a table there's a bar off to the side where you can sip on a cocktail before dining. I visited on a super hot summer day and my waiter knocked up a bespoke Tom Collins for me, full of summery elderflower, cucumber and mint. For lunch I enjoyed seared mackerel on toast with tapenade, rocket salad and thin fries, followed by an exquisite jasmine tea.

160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB
www.thewolseley.com




New to my must-visit list is Fortnum & Mason. As a self-confessed food-lover and with a magpie-like obsession for pretty packaging, the Royal department store is a veritable treasure trove for me. I recently spent what must have been thirty minutes circling the tea selection; in the end I settled for a tin each of Royal Blend and Chai (I will use the pretty tins as pen pots once they're empty). There is also a patisserie stand, a vast array of champagnes, condiments and beautiful luxe stationery.

181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER
www.fortnumandmason.com


For a start, I love the name of the street on which Persephone Books, an independent bookstore, is located (Lamb's Conduit Street) in the lovely, leafy neighbourhood of Bloomsbury. Their collection of literature is carefully selected and adorned with a beautiful, unique end-paper. It's true that, in most cases, one should never judge a book by its cover, by these are too beautiful to reserve judgment.

59 Lamb's Conduit Street, London WC1N 3NB
www.persephonebooks.co.uk



For gorgeous artisan chocolates with adorable packaging, visit Rococo Chocolates. At Christmas I was gifted some of their delicious quail egg truffles, and now I want to try their entire exotic and alluring range of flavour combinations including dark chocolate and cardamom, basil and Persian lime, and orange and geranium.

5 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JU
www.rococochocolates.com




So often travel becomes a means to an end - a frantic drive to the airport, a sprint to the taxi rank - and railway stations end up being a building in which to merely pass through from one destination to the next. When passing through London Kings Cross or St. Pancras, though, it's worthwhile making a little time to pop to Searcy's Champagne Bar for a pre- or post-travel tipple. Away from the busy platforms the station is actually a quite peaceful and enjoyable place to sip on a chilled glass of bubbly.

Grand Terrace, Upper Concourse, St Pancras International Station, London N1C 4QL
www.searcys.co.uk



After a steep climb, the view from the peak of Primrose Hill is rewarding; more so if the ice cream van is parked up so you can savour a 99 while looking onto the hazy skyline of the big smoke.