3 good reasons to spend the weekend in London

It’s one of the most frequently visited capitals in Europe. Sprawling over no less than 1,572 square kilometres, London is as adored for its artistic scene as it is for its numerous and diverse neighbourhoods. Here are the best reasons to spend a few days there (we forced ourselves to choose only three!).

Cover photo: Bruno Martins

#1: For its shops

We’re not saying it’s a bad idea to bring a Big Ben magnet home as a souvenir. We’re just saying that London is overflowing with cool shops where you can find gifts that are way more original. The first option: a second-hand art book that takes pride of place on a bookshelf or coffee table. Where to go? Take your pick. Artwords Bookshop, Judd Books or Skoob Books: the hard part is choosing just one item. The second option? A design object — a piece of furniture or small collectables. Browse through the treasures at Béton BrutSpazio Leone or Two Poems, three spaces that you will definitely want to follow on Instagram the rest of the year.

Photo: @spazioleone

#2: For its gastronomy

Forget what you may have heard. Often underestimated, English cuisine is highly appreciated by locals – and for a reason! Need proof? Try St. JOHN, which gave the entire country’s gastronomy the recognition that it deserved. You can go for lunch or dinner to try out two different moods. Another must-visit spot: Regency Café, known for the “best English breakfast in London”. If you don’t go for the food, then go for the setting, which is straight from another era. For Sunday brunch, head to Leo’s Restaurant & Bar, where the décor is just as appealing as the menu. And if you still don’t want to sample British dishes, then you can resort to manteca, an Italian trattoria that makes its pasta in-house.

Photo: Regency Café

#3: For its diverse activities

Are you a nature lover? In London, there are green spaces galore. Amongst the most popular (and rightly so): Hyde Park and The Regent’s Park, two places where you can book additional activities if you have time. Mad about art? Good news: there’s something for everyone. For contemporary works, you’ll love the iconic Tate Modern. To get lost in English classics, stroll through the famous National Gallery. More of a film fanatic? Then, follow in the footsteps of the heroes and heroines of your favourite films: Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Love Actually and Closer.

Photo: @zsofiabodnar_ph

 

Where to sleep?

At The Rookery, a boutique hotel nestled in the Clerkenwell neighbourhood. The ambience is deliciously spooky and there’s even a black cat (Bagheera) meandering through the corridors … Here, the lights are dim, the walls covered in wood and the beds covered with canopies. You’ll feel like you’re sleeping in an English castle. Smashing!

Photo: @therookeryhotel

Address book

Artwords — 20-22 Broadway Market, London E8 4QJ
Judd Books — 82 Marchmont St, London WC1N 1AG
Skoob Books — 66 The Brunswick, off Marchmont St, London WC1N 1AE
Béton Brut — Unit 2, 30 Felstead Street, London E9 5LG
Spazio Leone — 17 Amhurst Terrace, Lower Clapton London
Two Poems — 95 Heath Street, Hampstead, London NW3 6SS
St. JOHN — 26 St John Street, London EC1M 4
Regency Café — 17-19 Regency St, London SW1P 4BY
Leo’s Restaurant & Bar — 59 Chatsworth Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 0LH
manteca — 49-51 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT
Tate Modern — Bankside, London SE1 9TG
National Gallery — Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
The Rookery Hotel — 12 Peter’s Lane, Cowcross St, London EC1M 6DS, United Kingdom

Photo: @leos.london

AMV Journal is a space dedicated to encounters, discovery and travel. Every week, explore the musts, portraits and inspirations of American Vintage and its creation studio.