A Journalist's Guide to London

Trying to boil down London to just one city guide isn’t possible. There is way too much going on in the UK capital to choose just a few restaurants, shops, or hotels. In fact, we’d argue that London makes even NYC seem tiny in terms of potential travel time between areas and highlights along the way. So, instead of giving you one top list, we’ve decided to show you a variety of perspectives from one of Safara’s bases. 

First up is 

guide to London – with a focus on the North East, including Shoreditch, Spitalfields, Islington, and the surrounding areas. As a freelance journalist, Annabel has written for CN Traveler, Vice, and Stylist, and is the person we call for tips on the best coffee shop to work from, the new spot for a 6 pm cocktail, and where to escape from the city noise. Whether you’re looking to work out or shop, her London selections are second to none. 

I loved the 

 on Southbank when I worked in Covent Garden. There are various 

 all over London and they do great salads; good for meetings, too. I just discovered a lovely organic market at the end of my road, Manse Road, in Stoke Newington that’s on every Saturday morning. They have whatever the farmers have grown that week, as well as honey, homemade bread, cheeses, milk, etc.

 is such a special place. Under the arches by Farringdon station, it feels like it’s been here forever – although it only opened in 2021. Think old Italian trattoria: low-lit, beautiful service, and even better negronis. My two tips are to be quick, tables are made available 14 days in advance; and, order the vodka pasta. 

I’m more about pubs than bars. A few that come to mind: 

 in Finsbury Park; 

 near Moorgate; and the 

 in Gospel Oak, which has a wonderful live jazz duo, only takes cash and is a very old-fashioned, proper ‘old man pub’ with great local ales.

 (various around the city) is an easy choice and always good (short and strong with oat milk, please). Any 

 is also reliable for a quiet spot for a morning coffee meeting.

Has to be 

 in Shoreditch for mid-to-high-end brands, like Acne, or 

 in Stoke Newington, where you’ll find lots of lovely interiors boutiques and antique shops.

In and around Shoreditch, you’ve got 

 for vintage, 

 for local designers, and 

 for bigger brands.

 in Stoke Newington for a stroll (and the goats), or smaller Shoreditch galleries like 

 or 

. Now I’m freelance, I tend to go to galleries midweek (a luxury, I know) as I can’t handle weekend crowds.

 in Finsbury Park. It’s very weird but very fun. The 

 in Angel, or 

 in London Fields for a crowd-pleasing summer rooftop bar, plus a year-round sauna. 

 in Angel is a beautiful venue.

The northern edge of 

 is away from the crowds. Ideally not on a weekend, but super early, when it’s misty if you can handle it.

You have to book in advance wherever you go really. I’m so not the right person to ask for this – I just like a big beer garden, with good ales (easily pleased). So, maybe further out in North London, like 

 in Hampstead, which is lovely.

 – there’s also an old railway line above Archway that not many people know about. Download 

 for more ideas, they have loads. 

Cycle – that’s my number one tip if you’re brave enough. It’s really not as scary as it looks.

The best galleries, but midweek if possible: 

, 

, 

, 

.

One of the many beautiful Stoke Newington cafes. 

I love spinning at 

 or 

 (they do hip-hop-themed classes). There’s a tiny, community-focused yoga studio called 

 near me that’s a registered charity, their classes are amazing considering their low prices. Other amazing studios with a cult following (more expensive) include 

 (Marylebone) or 

 (Camden, Shoreditch, Soho).

I’ve heard treatments at 

 are amazing.

 on a Sunday. Get there early.

 in Somerset, or the 

 – it’s so wild there.