Here at House of Coco we love the promise of a shiny new year. There is no better time to pat yourself on the back for everything you’ve achieved and reflect on what you’ve still got to do.
Although we’re not ones for setting resolutions in the traditional sense of the word, (we’re never going to be able to reduce our wine intake much more than we already have), we do love the idea of creating new year bucket lists. After all, they’re all about what you’re going to do as opposed to what you’re not, and that is immediately more motivating.
For us, 2019 is going to be as much about exploring what’s close to home as it is about jetting to far flung corners of the globe. You just can’t beat weekends exploring what’s close to you.
For that reason, we’ve put together a London bucket list – there’s so much to try right on our doorstep; from the brunch spots in the capital that we’ve been meaning to try for years to the city’s hidden gems, here is everything you should do in London in 2019.
Have Lunch at Dalloway Terrace
Often dubbed London’s most Instagrammable brunch spot, this amazing restaurant in Fitzrovia mixes up its interiors depending on the season.
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They also serve up the most amazing eggs ben we’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting. Don’t forget your camera!
Have Sunday Lunch at the Tandoor Chophouse
Lover of Indian food? A visit to Covent Garden’s Tandoor Chophouse has GOT to be on your list of must-dos. Every Sunday, the team serve up a Sunday Lunch Thali.
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The Thali, a traditional Sunday meal in India, is a selection of dishes piled high on one platter.
For £25 per person you can share with your family and friends and enjoy everything from breads and lamb chops to paneer cooked in the tandoor. It is a total treat.
Drink Cocktails in the Lobby of the Ritz
Enjoy complete sophistication by sipping a cocktail in the lobby of one of London’s fanciest hotels.
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For editor Laura Bartlett, this is a London favourite. “They always have a live pianist playing – it’s so romantic!” she beamed.
Go Flower Shopping on Columbia Road
Try thinking up a more idyllic Sunday morning than one spent strolling bustling Columbia Road, having your spirits lifted by the cheerful Cockney street vendors and treating yourself to a bunch (or three) of fresh flowers… we dare you.
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Get the tube to Shoreditch High Street and stroll through East London’s quirky back streets to get there. You won’t regret it.
Visit God’s Own Junkyard
Sitting pretty at the Northernmost end of the Victoria line is Walthamstow: a place where besides the firework night spectacular every November, nothing too much happens.
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That is, of course, not counting God’s Own Junkyard – a totally hidden gem within one of the suburb’s industrial estates.
It is a gallery where late founder Chris Bracey showcases all of his fabulous neon light creations. It is a feast for the eyes (and there’s even a cafe for a quick coffee shaped pick-me-up before you embark on your long tube journey back into central).
Visit the Design Museum
Whilst the Natural History, Science and Victoria and Albert Museums are all wonderful, we’ve done them a million times over.
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One museum we’d recommend you try, though? The Design Museum.
Head here for some seriously cool interiors, genuinely interesting exhibitions and the best museum gift shop in the vacinity.
Eat Street Food at Camden Lock
Best enjoyed on a sunny day, beer in hand, Camden Lock is not only a honeypot for musicians and rockers but foodies in abundance.
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From nacho cheese topped fried chicken to Thai curries or mac n’ cheese, there is something to tickle whatever you fancy and it is all delicious.
Admire the Skyline from Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is actually within walking distance from Camden Lock, so once you’ve eaten your body weight in street food, meander along the canal to the edge of Regents Park.
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Stop off at London Zoo if you fancy, or keep going up the hill to (what some would argue to be) the best lookout point in the city.
Chalk Farm is just the other side, so after taking in the views, a pint at one of the nearby pubs would go down a treat.
A Night to Remember at Cirque le Soir
Party girls among you will love a night out at Cirque le Soir, our favourite Soho club which boasts cool interiors, fabulous drinks and a playlist sure to keep you on your feet. Thank us later.
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Head Up to the Sky Garden
For something a more touristy, you can’t beat heading up to the Sky Gardens for the most spectacular views of the city imaginable.
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You have to book a slot a week in advance, but tickets are free, which is perhaps the best part.
If you fancy pushing the boat out, you could treat yourself to food and cocktails at one of the bars at the top. Dreamy.
Explore Little Venice
Little Venice is in fact little known by many a tourist, yet it is the most lovely of areas to explore.
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Spend the morning looking around, and when the clock strikes midday we’d recommend lunch at The Summer House, before hopping on Jason’s Canal Boat to London Zoo.
If you don’t fancy admiring the animals, you can always stay on the boat until it arrives at Camden Market!
Sip Cocktails in Archer Street Wine Bar
If you’d opt for sipping on cocktails over shouting across a sticky-floored nightclub any day, pay a post-dinner visit to Archer Street wine bar.
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It is a sophisticated and seriously cool spot for delicious beverages, and you’ll find your hours easily melting away.
Tea and Cakes at Maison Bertaux
Maison Bertaux is the oldest (and cutest!) patisserie in London, and if you have a sweet tooth you should be sure to stop by.
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Our favourite pick on the menu? The handmade chocolate eclairs. We’d go as far as saying they can’t be beaten.
Visit Maltby Street Market
This unlikely backstreet market first opened in 2010 and quickly became a popular weekend destination for Londoners and tourists alike.
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It is full of stalls selling gourmet street food, beverages and fresh produce… so make sure you go when you’re hungry!
Have Sunday Brunch at The Ned
East London’s latest and most swish opening comes in the form of the Ned, a five star private members club and hotel complex in a converted bank building.
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Whilst staying the night is a pretty big splurge, the ground floor is made up of an array of eateries which are more than affordable.
We love Malibu Kitchen for healthy Californian-inspired brunches… oh, and every Sunday there’s live music to enjoy as you eat. Perfection.
Enjoy Spitalfields Market
Making for a nice addition to your morning on Columbia Road, Spitalfields is a vibrant and sense-stimulating array of arts and crafts and glorious handmade jewellery.
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There’s plenty to buy, plenty to eat and plenty to see, so don’t visit in a rush.
Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings Brunch
Okay, we might have already mentioned brunch one too many times, but this North London treasure just couldn’t be missed off the list.
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Imagine an eatery where all of your Instagram dreams come true, yet where barely any dish costs over a tenner! We never thought we’d see the day.
The Wonderful West End
Not quite a hidden secret but a must-do all the same.
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Be sure to download the TodayTix app to your phone for cheap, last-minute tickets to all your favourite shows. Not sponsored, just always relied upon.
Still after more London inspo? Why not check out our round-up of the most innovative menus in the city? As if we hadn’t given you enough food reccommendations already…
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