There’s something about a farmers market that slows everything down in the best way. No rush, no screens, just wandering between stalls with a coffee in hand, deciding what you definitely don’t need but will probably buy anyway.

With warmer mornings and longer days, these are some of the London markets we keep coming back to — for the produce, the pastries, and the feeling of a morning that feels slightly more considered.

Pimlico Farmers Market

Orange Square, London SW1W 8NW
Saturdays, 9am–2pm

A beautiful little pocket of a market that feels slightly hidden away. It has a calm, neighbourhood feel, stalls of fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and easy breakfast bits to take away. One of those places that makes you want to slow your pace without really thinking about it.

Notting Hill Farmers Market

Kensington Church Street Car Park, London W11 3LQ
Saturdays, 9am–1pm

Set just off Kensington Church Street, this is a long-standing favourite for good reason. The quality is consistently strong, seasonal produce, artisan food, and small producers who know exactly what they’re doing. It’s compact, but you rarely leave without something worth carrying home.

Marylebone Farmers Market

Aybrook Street, London W1U 4DF
Sundays, 10am–2pm

One of the most established Sunday markets in London, tucked just behind Marylebone High Street. It has that effortless mix of seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh flowers, artisan bread and really good cheese. It’s the kind of place you go for “just a quick look” and leave with a bag full of things for the rest of the day.

Herne Hill Market

Railton Road, London SE24 0JN
Sundays, 10am–4pm

One of the most loved neighbourhood markets in South London, with a mix of independent traders, seasonal produce, baked goods and flowers. There’s a real sense of community here, and it’s easy to spend a slow Sunday drifting between stalls with no real plan.

Alexandra Palace Farmers Market

Alexandra Palace Park, London N10 3TG
Sundays, 10am–3pm

Set within the grounds of Alexandra Palace Park, this is one of North London’s most scenic weekend markets. It has a relaxed, slightly elevated feel with seasonal British produce, fresh flowers, artisan bread and small-batch producers who often feel more farm than stall.

Venn Street Market

Clapham, SW4 0AT

Saturdays, 10am-3pm

Venn Street Market is one of Clapham’s best-loved weekend markets, bringing together independent traders offering everything from freshly baked pastries and coffee to seasonal produce, flowers and local treats.

Growing Communities Market

St Paul’s Church, N16 7UY

Saturdays, 10am - 2.30pm

Growing Communities Market is a community-led, fully organic farmers’ market in Stoke Newington, bringing together seasonal produce, artisan bakes and fresh flowers from independent local growers and makers. A firm favourite for quality, sustainable produce and a strong sense of community.

Farmers’ markets are rarely about just what you buy. It’s the pacing of them; the first coffee, the paper bags, the decision-making at a slower speed than the rest of the week allows.

There’s something about seeing London before the rest of the city wakes up. The streets are quiet, the skyline is softer and, if you’re willing to set your alarm early enough, you can have some of the city’s best views almost entirely to yourself.

So we’ve rounded up five of our favourite spots for catching the sunrise, with a breakfast or coffee stop nearby for afterwards. Because getting up at 5am is a lot easier when there’s a good breakfast waiting for you.

Primrose Hill

Best for: Classic London skyline views

One of London’s most famous viewpoints, Primrose Hill is worth the early start. Head to the top for panoramic views across the city, then wander down into Primrose Hill village for breakfast.

Breakfast afterwards: Sourdough Sophia. The perfect place for coffee and something freshly baked after your morning on the hill.

Putney Bridge

Best for: Sunrise by the river

Start at Putney Bridge and watch the first light come up over the Thames before taking a stroll along the river. It’s a much quieter side of London first thing in the morning and makes for a lovely slow start to the day.

Breakfast afterwards: Lil Bake. Stop in for coffee and freshly baked goods once you’ve finished your riverside walk.

Sky Garden

Best for: Sunrise above the city

For a very different view, head upwards. Sky Garden offers a chance to watch the city wake up from high above London, surrounded by its indoor gardens. You’ll need to plan ahead and check the available morning slots, but the view makes it worth it.

Breakfast afterwards: You don’t even need to leave, Darwin Brasserie is right inside Sky Garden, making this one of the easiest sunrise-to-breakfast combinations.

Potters Fields Park

Best for: The city waking up

Right beside Tower Bridge, Potters Fields Park is a brilliant spot for watching the morning light hit the Thames and the surrounding skyline. Arrive early, take a walk along the river and watch London slowly come to life around you.

Breakfast afterwards: White Mulberries. Just a short walk away, and a great place to settle in for coffee and breakfast.

Richmond Hill

Best for: A countryside escape

Richmond Hill is home to one of London’s most famous views, looking out across the Thames and the surrounding countryside. It’s especially beautiful first thing in the morning, when the light hits the river and Richmond is still quiet.

Breakfast afterwards: Peggy Jean at Riverside Green. Head down to the river for breakfast on this beautifully restored barge, with views across the Thames and Richmond Bridge.

Set the alarm, bring a coffee for the walk and give yourself enough time to arrive before the sun actually appears. The best part is often the 20 minutes before sunrise, when the sky starts changing and London is still wonderfully quiet.

Then, once you’ve watched the city wake up, go and enjoy some breakfast!

There are few better ways to spend a summer weekend than catching an early train out of London, grabbing a coffee and heading straight into the countryside.

Whether it’s chalk cliffs overlooking the sea, rolling hills or peaceful reservoirs, you don’t have to travel far to completely escape the city. Better still, every one of these walks is easily accessible by train, making them perfect for a spontaneous Saturday or Sunday adventure.

We’ve rounded up five of our favourite day hikes from London, complete with journey times, walking distances and our favourite breakfast stops nearby.

Seven Sisters, East Sussex

Best for: Dramatic coastal views

Getting there: London Victoria to Seaford (change at Lewes) | Approx 1 hour 30 minutes.

Walk: Seaford to Eastbourne | 22KM (for a 5KM walk, shop at Cuckmere Haven)

Arguably the UK’s most iconic coastal walk, the Seven Sisters takes you along dramatic white chalk cliffs with uninterrupted sea views almost the entire way. It’s a challenging hike with plenty of steep climbs, but every viewpoint is worth the effort.

Breakfast at: Saltmarsh Farmhouse

Box Hill, Surrey Hills

Best for: A first countryside hike

Getting there: London Waterloo to Box Hill & Westhumble | Approx. 50 minutes

Walk: Box Hill Circular | 12KM

One of the easiest countryside escapes from London. Expect woodland trails, famous stepping stones, panoramic viewpoints and plenty of places to stop for a picnic along the way.

Breakfast at: Rykas Boxhill

The Chiltern Hills

Best for: Rolling countryside

Getting there: London Marylebone to Saunderton | Approx. 40 minutes

Walk: Saunderton Circular | 16KM (a shorter 7KM loop available)

Rolling hills, ancient woodland and pretty villages make the Chilterns one of the most underrated walking destinations near London. It’s peaceful, varied and surprisingly easy to reach without a car.

Breakfast At: The Front Room Coffee Lounge

Balcombe and Ardingly Reservoir

Best for: Amazing architecture

Getting there: London Bridge to Balcombe | Approx. 45 minutes

Walk: Balcombe Circular via Ardingly Reservoir Winter Walk 16KM | Summer walk 19KM.

A quieter alternative to some of the better-known walks, this route combines woodland paths, open countryside and beautiful views across Ardingly Reservoir. It feels wonderfully peaceful and is ideal if you’re looking to avoid the crowds.

Breakfast at: JO.CO

Devil’s Dyke

Best for: Wide-open landscapes

Getting there: London Victoria to Brighton then bus to Devil’s Dyke | Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes

Walk: Devil’s Dyke Circular 4KM | Devil’s Dyke - Poynings Circular 11KM

One of the South Downs’ most spectacular viewpoints, Devil’s Dyke offers sweeping views across the Sussex countryside. The circular route follows grassy ridges and rolling hills that feel a world away from London.

Breakfast at: The Wildflower Cafe

A Few Hiking Essentials

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Plenty of water

• Sunscreen (especially for Seven Sisters)

• A lightweight waterproof

• Snacks for the trail

• A portable charger

The best thing about these hikes is that they don’t require weeks of planning. Pack a backpack, catch an early train and you’ll be swapping London’s busy streets for some of the country’s best scenery before most people have finished breakfast.

Some breakfast recommendations come with a caveat. Others come with the confidence that you’ll be planning your visit before the conversation is over.

When we asked Mam Sham to share their favourite breakfast spots in London, that’s exactly what happened. From legendary fry-ups to one of their favourite bakeries in the city, every recommendation came with a story and, more importantly, a very specific order.

Here’s everywhere they think you should add to your breakfast list.

Antipiller, Green Lanes

Top of the list is Antipiller on Green Lanes, where the grilled lamb’s liver is the reason they keep coming back. Served with warm flatbreads and all the accompanying bits, it’s the kind of breakfast where every mouthful tastes slightly different.

Their advice? Wash it down with an ayran, finish with a cup of tea, and don’t make any plans afterwards.

“That will set you up for the day, maybe the month, maybe the year… maybe the rest of your life.”

New River Café, Stoke Newington

When it comes to a full English, Mam Sham don’t think it gets better than New River Café.

It’s not just the food, it’s the people, the atmosphere and the feeling of walking into somewhere that’s always buzzing.

“10s across the board.”

The plate of toast arrives generously coated in butter, the tea keeps flowing, and the fry-up is everything you’d hope it would be.

A few non-negotiables:

• Order both hash browns and chips (there’s no choosing).

• Add a tin of plum tomatoes to your fry-up, they insist more people need to do this.

• Grab a Ribena for the walk home.

Brewed, Stoke Newington

Just around the corner from New River Café is Brewed, their go-to coffee stop.

While the bagels and breakfast bits are worth a look, it’s the coffee and the people behind the counter that keep them returning.

Maria’s order is always a dirty chai, while Rhiannon goes for an almond flat white.

“We’re in love with the staff.”

Weirdough

In Mam Sham’s opinion, Weirdough is the best bakery in London.

Their standout order? The sourdough banana bread muffin, which they describe as unforgettable. Set in a lovely neighbourhood that’s worth exploring while you’re there, it’s the sort of bakery that quickly becomes part of your regular weekend routine.

Bake Street

If weekends had an official breakfast destination, this might be it.

Bake Street is one of those places where you’ll struggle to choose just one thing. The weekend menu is packed with indulgent breakfast tacos, burgers and sandwiches, alongside pastries and baked goods that make the counter impossible to walk past.

The drinks are just as good, and if you’re there on a warm day, don’t skip the soft serve.

Rhiannon admits she spends an “ungodly amount of money and time” here and honestly, we understand why.

Yasar Halim Harringay Bakery

No breakfast list would be complete without Halim Bakery and their flaounes.

Known for its beautifully crafted pastries, excellent coffee and minimalist interiors, it’s somewhere that’s just as good for grabbing a quick pastry as it is for settling in with a slow breakfast. If you’re building your own London bakery bucket list, this deserves a place on it.

One thing became very clear while chatting with Mam Sham: the best breakfast isn’t just about the food.

It’s the café where the staff know your order. It’s the place you return to every weekend without thinking. It’s arguing over whether a fry-up should come with hash browns or chips (their answer: both) and discovering a bakery you’ll happily travel across London for.

Safe to say, we’ve got a few new spots to add to our own breakfast list.

If this week’s weather is anything to go by, London is fully embracing summer.

The city feels different when the sun comes out. Parks fill up before 10am, iced coffees replace flat whites, and suddenly every pavement table becomes the most sought-after seat in town.

So, if you’re looking to make the most of the sunshine, we’ve rounded up six of our favourite breakfast spots with outdoor seating. Whether you’re after a flaky pastry and coffee, a long brunch with friends or somewhere to linger over a second cup, these are the places we’d be heading this weekend.

The Buttery

SW1W 9QU

Tucked away in the heart of Belgravia, The Buttery is one of those cafés that feels like a hidden gem. Its charming outdoor terrace makes it the perfect spot to settle in with a coffee and breakfast while watching the neighbourhood slowly come to life. Order a pastry, something from the brunch menu and take your time.

Towpath

N1 5SB

Few breakfast spots feel as quintessentially London as Towpath. Sitting right on Regent’s Canal, it’s a place where mornings unfold slowly, with cyclists passing by, boats drifting along the water and tables spilling out onto the towpath. The menu changes regularly with the seasons, but it’s the setting that keeps people coming back.

Elder Press Café

W6 9TJ

Bright, welcoming and known for its excellent coffee, Elder Press Café is the kind of neighbourhood spot you’ll wish was on your doorstep. Grab a table outside, order breakfast and enjoy one of West London’s best morning cafés.

Café Mission

E1 6PX

Set on a rooftop in East London, Café Mission offers one of the most unique breakfast settings in the city. Expect excellent coffee, a simple seasonal menu and panoramic views across the London skyline. On a sunny morning, it’s hard to think of a better place to start the day.

Brunswick East

N16 8JH

Brunswick East has built a loyal following thanks to its Australian-inspired brunch menu and consistently excellent coffee. Its outdoor tables make it an easy choice when the sun is shining, whether you’re stopping by after a morning walk or settling in for a leisurely weekend breakfast.

Common Ground

N4 3EF

A neighbourhood favourite with a welcoming atmosphere and a menu full of breakfast classics done well. On sunny mornings, the outdoor seating fills up quickly, so it’s worth arriving early to secure a table and make the most of the day.

London summers never seem to last quite long enough, so we’re making the most of every sunny morning while we can.

Whether you’re catching up with friends, taking yourself out for breakfast or simply looking for an excuse to spend a little more time outside, these are six spots we’d happily return to all summer long.

If you visit one, let us know which made your list. And if we’ve missed your favourite al fresco breakfast spot, let us know in the comments!

With London in the middle of a heatwave, there’s never been a better excuse to take breakfast outdoors.

Whether you’re meeting friends, planning a slow weekend morning, or simply looking for a reason to spend more time in one of London’s parks, a breakfast picnic feels like one of the easiest ways to make an ordinary morning feel a little more special.

We’ve put together three breakfast picnic combinations that require very little preparation, can be picked up during your weekly shop, and are perfect for throwing into a basket before heading to the park.

The Sweet Breakfast Picnic

For those who believe breakfast should lean sweet.

This picnic centres around a bowl of creamy yoghurt topped with crunchy granola, fresh berries and a drizzle of honey. Add a buttery croissant on the side and something cold to drink, and you’ve got a breakfast that feels indulgent without being overly complicated.

What you’ll need:

• Estate Dairy Natural Yogurt

• Deliciously Ella Granola

• Mixed berries

• Honey

• Innocent Apple Juice

• Croissant

Perfect for a sunny morning spent reading, journalling or simply people-watching.

The Bagel Breakfast Picnic

The savoury option.

A toasted bagel loaded with whipped cream cheese, smashed avocado, smoked salmon and a dash of Tabasco is hard to beat. Pair it with an iced coffee and you’ve got something that feels closer to a brunch order than a picnic.

What you’ll need:

• Bagels

• M&S Whipped Cream Cheese

• Holy Moly Smashed Avocado

• Smoked Salmon

• Tabasco

• Iced Coffee

A great option before a morning walk, swim or a day spent exploring the city.

The Picky Bits Breakfast Picnic

For those who can’t decide what they fancy.

Arguably the easiest picnic of the three, this one is all about assembling a selection of your favourite M&S bits and sharing them between friends. Think grazing board energy, but for breakfast.

What you’ll need:

• M&S Cheese Selection

• Shakshuka Pot

• Yogurt Pot

• Smoked Salmon & Dill Dip

• Fresh Baguette

• Sparkling Water

• Cheese & Onion Pain au Fromage

The kind of breakfast that slowly turns into lunch.

Our Picnic Essentials

A good picnic is as much about the setup as the food itself.

A few of our favourites:

• Yeti Backpack Cooler

• Explorer Flask Duo

• M&S Picnic Basket

• Aussie-Based Peek Neek Brunch Blanket

• Next Picnic Plates

• FieldBar Drinks Box

A great picnic blanket, temperature-controlled items and some proper picnic plates makes everything feel a little more elevated.

Where to Enjoy It

One of London’s many parks is the obvious choice. Whether it’s a city-view spot like Primrose Hill, a sprawling green space such as Hampstead Heath or Richmond Park, or somewhere more central like St James’s Park, there are plenty of places to roll out a blanket and spend a slow morning outdoors.

The earlier you arrive, the better the spot you’ll get. Bring a book, a friend, or simply enjoy a few hours away from your phone.

It’s scorching outside, and few things make you feel more virtuous than an early morning swim followed by breakfast. Whether you’re embracing cold-water dipping, swimming lengths before work, or simply looking for a new weekend ritual, London’s outdoor swimming spots offer the perfect excuse to get out of bed a little earlier.

From wild swimming ponds to heated lidos and open-water reservoirs, these are some of our favourite places to swim in London — plus where to head for coffee and breakfast afterwards.

Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds

NW3

Get Breakfast At: Oak & Poppy

The closest thing London has to wild swimming. Hampstead Heath’s famous swimming ponds are surrounded by greenery and feel surprisingly removed from the city, despite being only a short journey from central London. With dedicated men’s, women’s, and mixed ponds, it’s one of the capital’s most iconic outdoor swimming experiences.

Tooting Bec Lido

SW16

Get Breakfast At: Juliet’s Quality Food

As the UK’s largest freshwater swimming pool, Tooting Bec Lido has become something of a South London institution. Open between May and September, it’s known for its colourful changing huts, community feel, and long stretches perfect for swimming lengths.

Brockwell Lido

SE24

Get Breakfast At: Archie’s Herne Hill

Part swimming pool, part wellness destination, Brockwell Lido is ideal if you want to make a morning of it. The Art Deco pool is open year-round and sits alongside a gym, steam, and sauna, making it easy to linger a little longer.

London Fields Lido

E8

Get Breakfast At: Drupe Cafe

An Olympic-sized heated pool that’s open throughout the year, London Fields Lido is one of East London’s most popular swimming spots. The heated water makes it approachable whatever the season, whether you’re fitting in a quick pre-work swim or settling into a slower weekend routine.

West Reservoir Centre

N4

Get Breakfast At: 215 Hackney

If pool swimming isn’t your thing, West Reservoir offers 23 acres of open water in the heart of Hackney. Alongside swimming, you’ll find paddle boarding, kayaking, and sailing, making it one of London’s best spots for water sports.

Swimming might be the reason you set your alarm, but breakfast is often the reason you actually get out of bed. Let us know your favourite swim-and-breakfast combination in London in the comments!

There’s a very specific kind of London morning that starts at a car boot sale.

It’s early. It’s slightly chaotic. You’ve usually got a coffee in one hand, a tote bag in the other, and you’re halfway through negotiating over a vintage jacket you didn’t plan on buying.

But that’s exactly the point. Car boot sales in London aren’t just about what you find — they’re about the morning itself. And if you do it right, it always ends in breakfast.

Here’s your guide to some of the best car boot sales in the city — plus where to go afterwards when you’ve finished treasure hunting.

Peckham Car Book Sale

SE15

Every Second Sunday, 10AM-2PM

A South London favourite with a strong creative crowd, Peckham Car Boot is where vintage fashion, vinyl, and one-off homeware pieces tend to surface.

It’s busy in the best way — the kind of place where you go “just for a look” and leave with something you definitely didn’t need but now can’t imagine not owning.

Get Breakfast At: Bara Cafe

Balham Car Boot Sale

SW12

Every Second Sunday, 10AM-2PM

A slightly smaller, more neighbourhood-style boot sale, Balham is ideal if you want the thrill of the hunt without the overwhelm.

Expect a mix of clothing, books, home bits, and the occasional hidden gem that makes the early start worth it.

Get Breakfast At: Milk

Chiswick Car Boot Sale

W4

First Sunday of Every Month, 6.30AM-12.30PM

One of West London’s most established boot sales, Chiswick leans more towards antiques, interiors, and properly interesting one-off pieces.

It feels a little more curated, a little more considered — perfect if you’re into homeware or vintage furniture.

Get Breakfast At: My Place

London Car Boot Co

N16

Every Saturday & Sunday, 7.30AM-2PM

Fast-paced, busy, and full of variety, London Car Boot Co is a proper weekend staple.

From fashion and accessories to household bits and genuine bargains, this is one for digging through rails and tables without too much overthinking.

Get Breakfast At: The Good Egg

Capital Car Boot Sale

SW1V

Every Sunday, 11.30AM-2PM

One of the most well-known weekly boot sales in London, Capital Car Boot is a reliable mix of vintage clothing, designer finds, homeware, and classic car boot randomness.

It’s central, easy to get to, and a strong Sunday morning option if you want a bit of everything.

Get Breakfast At: Third Coffee

Car boot sales are less about what you’re looking for and more about the ritual of it all — early starts, slow wandering, and the small thrill of finding something unexpectedly good.

And if you finish the morning with coffee and a table full of random finds, you’ve done it right.

There’s something about reading in the morning that feels different. Before the notifications, the emails, and the inevitable distractions of the day, a few pages can completely shift your mood.

For this edition, we’ve teamed up with Lucy Ellis, founder of Lucy’s Book Club, a London-based reading community that has grown from a small meet-up into a thriving space for readers to connect over great books. Known for her thoughtful recommendations and love of building meaningful reading habits, Lucy has shared six books she thinks are particularly suited to the quieter hours of the day.

Whether you’re looking to journal, escape somewhere sunnier, fall into a love story, or become completely consumed by a mystery, there’s something here for every kind of morning.

For Morning Self-Development

The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest

If your mornings tend to begin with a scroll, this is the book Lucy recommends reaching for instead.

Built around 365 short daily reflections, The Pivot Year is designed to be read one page at a time. Each entry offers a small prompt, quote, or observation that encourages you to pause and reflect before the day begins.

Lucy describes it as a book that often “meets me exactly where I am” and says she regularly uses it as a journaling prompt before looking at her phone. The entries are short enough not to feel like a commitment, making it an easy addition to even the busiest mornings.

For Creativity & Routine

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Few books have developed a cult following quite like The Artist’s Way.

Part creativity guide, part self-discovery programme, the book centres around one deceptively simple practice: Morning Pages. Every day, before doing anything else, you’re encouraged to write three pages of unfiltered thoughts by hand.

Lucy admits she resisted this book for years but says “nothing could have prepared me for how much it shifted something in me.”

Whether you work in a creative industry or not, it’s a powerful reminder of what can happen when you make space for your own thoughts before the rest of the world gets involved.

For Something Light-Hearted

All Grown Up by Daisy Buchanan

Not every morning read needs to be life-changing.

All Grown Up follows three sisters in their thirties who unexpectedly find themselves back under one roof. Warm, witty, and sharply observed, it’s the kind of novel that feels like spending time with funny friends over coffee.

Lucy describes it as “light, warm, and genuinely hilarious” — exactly the sort of book that can make a morning commute feel considerably more enjoyable.

For Morning Escapism

Hot Milk by Deborah Levy

If you’re looking to mentally leave London before 9am, this is your answer.

Set against the heat and intensity of southern Spain, Hot Milk is an immersive piece of literary fiction that transports you somewhere entirely different for a few pages each morning.

Lucy calls it “as intoxicating as the landscape” and it’s easy to see why. Deborah Levy’s writing has a dreamlike quality that makes the outside world fade away.

This is the book to pair with a coffee, an open window, and a little extra time.

For Early Romance

Sunstruck by William Rayfet Hunter

Some books feel like a slow Sunday morning in literary form.

Sunstruck follows an aspiring musician who becomes entwined with a wealthy family, beginning with a sun-soaked holiday in France before returning to London.

Lucy says it gives “the same energy as waking up with no alarm on a slow Sunday morning” — full of warmth, longing, romance, and the bittersweet feeling of summer ending.

A perfect choice if you’re looking for something immersive without being overly heavy.

For Something Gripping

Strange Pictures by Uketsu

Proceed with caution: this may completely derail your morning plans.

Unlike anything else on this list, Strange Pictures is a mystery told through a series of interconnected drawings that gradually reveal a larger story.

Lucy describes it as “like nothing I’ve ever read before,” and says every person she’s recommended it to has loved it.

Part puzzle, part mystery, part obsession, it’s the sort of book that has you reading one more chapter until suddenly you’re late for work.

Whether you have five minutes with a coffee or an hour to yourself before the day begins, reading has a way of making mornings feel a little slower and more intentional.

And if you’re looking for somewhere to start, Lucy’s list is a pretty good place to begin.

With the Chelsea Flower Show & Chelsea in Bloom just wrapped, London officially feels in flower mode. The parks are looking greener, peony season is underway and warmer summer mornings are here.

It also felt like the perfect moment to put together a guide to New Covent Garden Market, one of the best places in London to spend an early morning. From buckets of seasonal flowers to endless rows of foliage, it’s somewhere that feels equal parts chaotic and inspiring in the best way.

Whether you’re looking to buy flowers for your home, romanticise your morning routine a little more, or simply try something different one weekend, here’s everything worth knowing before you go.

One of London’s best early-morning spots, New Covent Garden Flower Market is where florists, hotels, and event designers source their flowers before the city wakes up.

Inside, you’ll find endless rows of fresh flowers, foliage, house plants, and seasonal stems. It’s chaotic, colourful, and very easy to leave with more flowers than you planned for.

The market opens incredibly early, but for most people, 6am–8am is the best time to go. You’ll still catch the full atmosphere without the busiest trade hours, and there’s something very satisfying about wandering through the flowers before most of London is awake.

Official hours:

Monday–Friday: 4am–10am

Saturday: 4am–9am

Sunday: Closed

One of the best things about the market is how much it changes with the seasons. In spring and summer, expect buckets full of peonies, sweet peas, delphiniums, garden roses and so much more.

Wholesalers are now receiving mixed buckets of English flowers every Monday & Thursday up until the end of September, making those mornings especially good for seasonal British stems.

Every stand feels slightly different. Some specialise in fresh flowers, others in foliage, house plants, dried flowers or floristry supplies. It’s worth doing a lap before you buy anything.

Make sure to chat to the wholesalers too, their knowledge is unmatched, and they’ll tell you exactly what’s best that week.

1. It’s still a fully working wholesale market, so expect plenty of movement, forklifts, and vans being loaded. It’s busy, fast-paced, and very much a working environment rather than a retail shop.

2. Most flowers are sold in bunches rather than single stems, and prices are usually shown before VAT (so factor that in when budgeting). Even so, you may find you get more for your money than in a standard florist, especially if you’re buying in larger quantities or mixing varieties yourself.

No early morning trip would be complete without a visit to the markets Garden Cafe. It’s the perfect stop for something warm once you’ve finished wandering the market.

Once you’re home, trim the stems at an angle, take off any of the lower leafs, and place them into fresh water. Make sure to change the water every couple of days and keep away from direct sunlight.

There are worse ways to spend a London morning than leaving with a coffee in one hand and far too many flowers in the other.

London really comes into its own at this time of year. Early morning runs feel a little easier when the sun’s already out, cafés are spilling onto pavements again, and the city’s parks and riverside paths are at their best.

So, for part two of our favourite London running routes, we’re heading beyond the obvious with a mix of scenic park loops, quieter Thames-side stretches, and routes that make the miles go by a little quicker. As always, we’re also including a few nearby spots worth stopping at afterwards for breakfast or coffee.

Greenwich Park

5.39KM LOOP

Best For: Skyline views & hill running
Get Breakfast At: Heap’s Sausage Cafe

One of London’s most scenic park runs, with wide paths, rolling hills, and stunning views across the city skyline from the Royal Observatory. Expect a mix of steady climbs and flatter sections, making it ideal for both easy miles and hill efforts.\

Hammersmith Bridge & Barnes Bridge

6.5KM LOOP

Best For: Quiet riverside miles
Get Breakfast At: Elder Press Cafe

A quieter Thames-side route with leafy paths, houseboat views, and a slower pace than most central London runs. Ideal for easy recovery miles or relaxed weekend runs along the river.

Hammersmith Bridge & Putney Bridge

12.2KM

Best For: An extended run of the previous route
Get Breakfast At: Coppa Club Putney

If you want to make your run longer, continue past Barnes Bridge towards Putney Bridge along the Thames Path. The mostly flat riverside stretch is popular with runners and rowing crews, making it perfect for steadier long runs and tempo sessions.

Thames Sightseeing Route

9.5KM LOOP

Best For: London landmark spotting
Get Breakfast At: Lantana

Following the Thames Path through central London, this route passes many of the city’s most iconic landmarks including Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Big Ben. Flat and easy to follow, it’s one of the best ways to turn a long run into a sightseeing route.

Bushy Park

10.8KM LOOP

Best For: Peaceful long runs
Get Breakfast At: Colicci (The Pheasantry Cafe)

A quieter alternative to Richmond Park with long open paths, roaming deer, and a more peaceful feel overall. Mostly flat with gentle undulations throughout, it’s perfect for slower long runs away from the crowds.

With the recent London Marathon and the upcoming Hackney Half, running season is in full swing. Warmer and lighter mornings bring even more incentive for us to lace up the trainers and hit the trail.

Whether you’re considering starting your running journey or just looking for a new route to mix into your routine, here are a few of our favourite running (or walking!) routes in London – and where to refuel after.

Richmond Park

11.7KM LOOP

Best For: Trail running & wildlife spotting
Get Breakfast At: Colicci (Roehampton Gate Café)

A favourite among London runners, the Tamsin Trail loops around the edge of the park with wide gravel paths, rolling hills and plenty of deer sightings along the way. Starting at Roehampton Gate, you can run clockwise or anticlockwise depending on your mood but either way, expect a few climbs.

Hampstead Heath

7.5KM LOOP

Best For: Hill reps & city views
Get Breakfast At: Trade (Highgate Location)

One of North London’s largest and most-loved green spaces, with various trails and some of the best skyline views in the city. Expect plenty of hills throughout, including the climb up Parliament Hill, a favourite spot for hill reps if you fancy a challenge.

Regents Canal

13.8KM

Best For: Long scenic runs
Get Breakfast At: The Yurt Cafe

Starting in Little Venice near Paddington and finishing in Limehouse Basin in Docklands, this waterside route runs through some of London’s most characterful neighbourhoods. Expect narrow boats, amazing wildlife and mostly flat paths throughout. This one can get a little busy when the sun’s out!

Victoria Park

4.35KM LOOP

Best For: Easy paced laps
Get Breakfast At: Pavilion

East London’s favourite social running spot where you can expect flat loops and plenty of spots for some mid-run scenic snaps. As this is the oldest public park in London, there is lots of history to take in on your way round.

Battersea Park

2.74KM LOOP

Best For: Flat speed work
Get Breakfast At: Pear Tree Cafe

Flat, peaceful and easy to loop depending on how far you want to go. If you’re wanting to work on your speed, the wide, paved path makes it perfect place to do so - plus you’ll get amazing views along the River Thames at the same time.

Hyde Park

6.9KM LOOP

Best For: Running with friends
Get Breakfast At: Friends Of Ours

A classic for a reason. Wide paths circling the Serpentine make it ideal for a run with your friends and with neighbouring parks, and it’s easy to scale up the distance if you’re fancying something a little longer.

Spend the morning with Bianca Bridges, our Chief Morning Officer of Breakfast London and Breakfast Studio.

Waking Up

I love waking up to my Hatch Restore Sunrise Alarm. It starts waking me up gradually and gently with light (30 minutes before I need to be up), followed by a gentle melody as my official ‘alarm’. Sometimes it’s followed by Jaida Essence Hall giving me a pep talk on it. You can customise your sleep and wake-up routine on it, it’s amazing.

While I make my bed and get dressed, I’ll put on some songs to match my mood.

Getting Ready

Before I shower, I’ll dry brush my body with my Sweathouse Detox Dry Body Brush, which helps hugely with lymphatic drainage and exfoliates my skin. Post-shower, I love Byredo’s Gypsy Water body lotion (it’s expensive but I absolutely adore it - it’s light, yet so moisturising).

I’ve been big into Korean Skincare for over a decade, and my favourite brand is Sulwhasoo – I have a multi-step routine but I love it. Their overnight mask is what got me hooked on them years ago. I’ll also put on my LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask (it’s not just for sleeping!) while I’m getting ready, before I put on any lip colour on top.

For hair, I’m still experimenting with my Dyson Hair Wrap – I’m getting better each time I use it! I’ll use some sort of volumising hair product, and heat protective spray as well.

Movement

I’ll start the day walking my dogs, and this will often be followed by a workout class – usually it’s infrared barre or reformer pilates. I love buying socks rom pilates studio abroad as a souvenir.

I’m currently training for my first ever half marathon, so I’m going on lots of runs. I’m using Runna, which has been amazing for a running training plan. Another app I use is Ladder, which is great if you have access to a gym (I use it mostly at hotel gyms when I travel).

Breakfast - At Home

I’ll buy a loaf of sourdough and use it throug the week, with different toppings each day. My favourite is scrambled eggs with ketchup, which my boyfriend thinks is really weird but I absolutely love it.

On colder months I’ll make a porridge, which I only started loving when I lived in Copenhagen for 6 months.

My go-to porridge base: Equal amounts rolled oats, milk of choice, and water, plus a pinch of salt.

Breakfast - Out

Eating out for breakfast is a big part of what I do, and I still love it so much. Here are 5 of my favourite breakfast spots in town:

• The Park, Queensway - (dog friendly, filter coffee, read the paper vibe)

• KURO Bagels, Notting Hill - (grab and go)

• Regency Cafe, Westminster - (iconic greasy spoon)

• Kapihan, Battersea - (local Filipino coffee house & bakery)

• Brunswick East, Dalston - (seasonal brunch plates)

Ready To Work

Meditation - Before I start working, I’ll usually do a meditation (10 minute daily meditation on the Calm app), possibly followed by some journalling.

Soft Structure To-Do List - I’ll then make a to-do list for the day - I have a ‘soft structure’ approach to work, where it’s more emotion and rewards-based. I’ll schedule time for things I want to do, bring me joy and make the day memorable - not just work!

Blue Light Glasses - When I do get my laptop out, I’ll put on my blue light glasses. Work requires a lot of screentime most days, so I find these help a lot with eye fatigue.

We’ve rounded up eight of our favourite spots - some dedicated bagel shops, alongside a couple of cafés where the bagels are simply too good to overlook.

Paulie’s Bagels

The Husband and Wife team behind Paulie’s Bagels take their inspiration from the bagel shops, delis, bodegas and pizza slice joints of New York. Alongside their main shop on Well St, they’ve also got a stall in Netil Market.

What to order: The BEC (Bacon, Egg, Cheese)

Paulie’s Bagels, 192 Well St, London E9 6QT

@PauliesBagels

Juliet’s Quality Foods

Juliet’s is one of those neighbourhood cafes that you dream of having as your local. Try as many things as you can on the menu, but especially this bagel. It’s paired perfectly with any of their hot drinks (including unmissable coffee specials).

What to order: Grilled Boudin Blanc Bagel

Juliet’s Quality Foods, 110 Mitcham Rd, London SW17 9NG

@JulietsQualityFood

Papo’s Bagels

Papo's brings true NYC bagels to London with all the trimmings. You can order pick-up or delivery directly from their website, or even get their Everything Mix Bagel Seasoning on DELLI Market.

What to order: The Classic (smoked salmon, scallion schmear, onions, capers)

Papo’s Bagels Amhurst Rd, Railway Arch, London E8 2AJ

@PaposBagels

KURO Bagels

While they may have been first known for their coffee shop (located opposite) and their bakery (around the corner), Kuro Bagels is truely where it’s at. Tucked amongst the colourful houses of Notting Hill, it’s not one to miss in West London.

What to order: Egg + Cheese + Sausage + Mayo

KURO Bagels, 5 Hillgate St, London W8 7SP

@Kuro_London

HOKO

This Hong Kong Cafe on Brick Lane is worth coming to for a lot of reasons, but this beigel is one of them. The Char Siu & Scrambled Egg Beigel is a masterpiece, with the beigels supplied by their legendary neighbour, Beigel Shop.

What to order: Char Siu & Scrambled Egg Beigel

HOKO, 224 Brick Ln, London E1 6SA

@HOKO.London

Banook Bagels

The much-loved Banook Bagels will be back open with their new site on East Dulwich Road, thanks to the hard work from their team and the support of their community of bagel-lovers. If you’re around South London, this is one not to miss.

What to order: Green Onion + Chive Cream Cheese

Banook Bagels, 40 East Dulwich Rd, London SE22 9AX

@BanookBagels

It’s Bagels

The most fashion-forward on the list, It’s Bagels have generated buzz around town with fashion collaborations (such as Coach), and have photoworthy merchandise on display in their stores. With three stores around London, your next bite of bagel is never too far away.

What to order: Bagel with a Schmear + Lox

It’s Bagels Soho, 8 D’Arblay St, London W1F 8DP
It’s Bagels Primrose Hill, 65 Regent’s Park Rd, London NW1 8XD
It’s Bagels Notting Hill, 120 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2PW

@Its__Bagels

Beigel Bake

No bagel list would be complete without the iconc Beigel Bake. It’s open 24 hours a day, so your bagel craving can be satisfied at any hour – but expect a queue no matter the time.

What to order: Salt Beef Beigel

Beigel Bake, 159 Brick Ln, London E1 6SB

@Beigel_Bake

Leave us a comment below if you’ve got a favourite that our breakfast community need to know about.

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Lo and behold, I had smoked caviar butter and caviar waiting for me in there. “What a boujie fridge raid”, I thought. We really went from campsite to luxury living very quickly.

What else would make the ultimate caviar crumpet? Hot smoked salmon. I think this is quite underrated – I adore hot smoked salmon (it’s basically cooked salmon, but smoked, and served hot). I bought a pack from a very fancy local shop in my neighbourhood, and started crafting the most luxurious breakfast I’ve probably ever made in my kitchen.

Ingredients

Crumpets
Smoked Caviar Butter (mine was from Exmoor Caviar, you can just use normal butter otherwise)
Hot smoked salmon
Eggs
Crème fraîche
Caviar (!!)
Chives, chopped

Method

1. Prepare your hot smoked salmon! You can follow the cooking instructions on the packet – I popped mine in my air fryer and put it on the fish setting, so you do you.

2. Toast your crumpets! Once they’re nice and toasted, spread your smoked caviar butter/regular butter on top

3. Scramble your eggs! Do this however you like. I usually crack two (per person) in a bowl, add a bit of salt, pepper and a dash of milk (I actually put a tsp of crème fraîche in this time instead of milk because why not) and whisk it together. Get your saucepan, put it on a low heat, add a little knob of butter and wait for it to melt, then add the eggs. Scramble it slow and low until it’s done!

4. Top the hot smoked salmon on the crumpets, followed by the scrambled eggs. Add a dollop of crème fraîche on top, followed by a generous portion of caviar. Sprinkle your chopped chives on top and serve!

Enjoy!

B xxxx

I’d habitually go to my favourite coffee spot, Skittle Lane, where I’d get a soy flat white and a cookie. This cookie was my favourite. I’m not really sure what it was, but it was kind of an oatmeal raisin/muesli cookie. These ingredients alone made me consider it a breakfast cookie, and also made me wonder, why don’t we have more breakfast cookies? We have breakfast cakes, pastries, etc. Justice for the breakfast cookie!

The cookie was perfect to eat on a walk, and to enjoy while sipping on the coffee. I longed to recreate that morning magic, so set out to develop my own breakfast cookie recipe, now dubbed the ‘Hot Girl Walk Cookie’. A tribute to my Bondi cookie, and the fact that everyone who walked in Bondi was absolutely gorgeous.

Ingredients

(My weighing scales were out of battery so this is all in cups/spoons x)

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

• 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats

• 1/2 cup ground almond

• 1/2 cup coconut flour

• 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

Add-ins

• 1/4 cup raisins

• 1/4 cranberries

• 1/4 pumpkin seeds

• 1/4 sunflower seeds

Method

1. Whisk together all the wet ingredients (I used an electric stand mixer) until creamy and combined.

2. Mix together the dry ingredients in a bowl until combined, then add it into the wet mixture. Mix until JUST combined (don’t over-mix).

3. Add your add-ins! I’ve chosen these dried fruits and seeds as they’re my muesli preferences, but feel free to mix it up.

4. Roll into balls and then flatten slightly into thick round discs. Distribute them on a baking tray (leaving enough space between them) and place in the freezer for 30 mins, or in the fridge for an hour or so.

5. When you’re nearly ready to bake, heat your oven to 180 degrees. Put in your baking tray of cookies when you’re ready (you will likely have two batches), and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.

6. Remove from the oven and leave on the tray for 30 minutes before moving (so it can continue to cook!)

Enjoy!

B xxxx

And my breakfast carb of choice? God there’s so many – English muffins, bagels, toast of all kinds. But crumpets always have my heart.

The combination of the lot, with butter, salted avocado, and topped with crispy onion (a staple in my cupboard), is hard to beat. Perfect for a Sunday morning, with a cup of coffee and orange juice on the side. It’s less of a recipe and more breakfast combination inspo!

Ingredients

Crumpets
Butter
Eggs
Chilli Oil
Avocado
Flaky Sea Salt
Crispy Onion

Method

1. Scramble your eggs! Do how you do – but my favourite way is slow and low on the hob. Pre-hob, I beat my eggs with a drop of milk, and add some salt and pepper. Pop a bit of butter in the saucepan before adding the eggs. Make sure your heat is on low, and stir (making sure you’re constantly scraping the bottom of the saucepan), taking it off heat when it’s at the consistency you’re happy with!

2. If you’re a multitasker, you can pop your crumpets in the toaster while you’re scrambling. Once toasted, slather with some butter, then top with mashed or sliced avocado (topped with flaky sea salt).

3. Place the scrambled eggs on top of the avocado, then drizzle your chosen chilli oil on top. Finish with a generous sprinkle of crispy onions!

Enjoy!

B xxxx

This potato rösti is crispy and delicious – smeared with a garlic & herb cream cheese, topped with smoked salmon and dill, and a squeeze of lemon.

Highly recommend adding a side of avocado and poached eggs or fried eggs on top of this bad boy. But you do you.

Ingredients

2 maris piper potatoes
Rapeseed oil
Garlic & herb cream cheese
Smoked Salmon
Dill, chopped
Lemon

Method

1. Peel and grate your potatoes (with cheese grater), then soak up as much moisture as you can with a few paper towels.

2. Heat up a pan on low-medium heat with a splash of oil, spread and press your potatoes into a hash cake and top with salt and pepper. Fry for 10 minutes, then flip over and fry for another 10 minutes.

3. Top it with the garlic and herb cream cheese, then layer your smoked salmon on top.

4. Sprinkle dill over it to serve, and a squeeze of lemon (serve it with lemon wedges on the side if you’re making it for people to squeeze themselves!).

Enjoy!

B xxxx

I love a stuffed croissant. Marmite and cheddar! Brie and fig! The options are endless. Kimchi and cheese (‘kimcheese’, voila) is a winning combination that I just never tire of.

Ingredients

Croissant
Garlic & herb cream cheese
Spring onion greens, chopped
Kimchi
Cheddar cheese, grated
Sriracha mayo (make this yourself by mixing sriracha and mayo if you don’t have store-bought)

Method

1. Cut open your croissant down the middle so you have a nice long opening (like a hot dog bun).

2. Stuff in a layer of the garlic & herb cream cheese. I piped it by filling the corner of a sandwich bag with the cream cheese and cutting off the tip before squeezing it through, but you can just spoon and spread it in as well.

3. Place a layer of kimchi inside the croissant, as well as a sprinkle of the spring onions (use only 1/3, as we’ll use the rest later).

4. Sprinkle your grated cheddar cheese on top of the other ingredients, then stick it in the air-fryer for a few minutes (if you have one, you can also pop it in the oven otherwise, or any other heating method) until the cheese is lovely and melted.

5. Top with sriracha mayo and another sprinkle of spring onion.

Enjoy!

B xxxx

It’s also because of the punchy, memorable FLAVOURS of these beans on top of a thick slice of buttered Farmhouse white toast. It’s the kind of thing you could make over a campfire. Top of off with cheddar melting gorgeously. I’m drooling just typing.

Ingredients

1/4 yellow onion, chopped
2 sausages, roughly chopped/minced
1 small tin of baked beans
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 cup barbecue sauce

Method

1. Cook your onion until soft in a bit of rapeseed oil. Add a splash of water if needed so it doesn’t burn!

2. Add the sausage meat and fry until cooked.

3. Add everything else, stir together and cook down until you’ve got your desired consistency!

4. Top with grated cheddar, or a fried egg, or whatever – both!

Enjoy!

B xxxx