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Vesper Restaurant

Jackson Boxer’s new Exmouth Market corner restaurant feels like my favourite version of London. This feeling exists in pockets like Soho and around markets, whereby everything is a little bit magic; with the surrounding streets filled with people enjoying their evenings, spilling out of restaurants and laughing. This romanticised version of London exists not too often, which makes it even more special when it does. I felt like this for a good few months post Covid, where going back to restaurants and wine bars felt sweeter than they ever had. But Vesper has that magical feeling; where everything looks beautiful, where a huge plane tree stands a few yards away and creates a dappled light over the restaurant as the sun sets, and the food is incredibly delicious.

Cremer Cafe

Cremer in Hackney is absolutely beautiful inside, with interiors designed by Genn Leone and Oscar Piccolo. It has certainly already become an Instagram sensation, but we do have very few places as accessible as a cafe as Cremer in London, so I don’t blame people. The fare is delicious and the light and decor spectacular, and a lovely outdoor terrace is perfect during our scorching summer.

Tano Ice Cream

An Argentine gelato spot in Hackney which is absolutely delicious. They use sustainable ingredients and packaging, and create weekly new flavours. I can’t wait to go back!

Béton Brut

Béton Brut is a London gallery for form-led design in Hackney Wick. It’s a great place to visit when you’re going to the V&A Storehouse. The collection is available for sale and hire, but the beautiful pieces make for a gorgeous gallery visit.

Breakfast at St. John Neal’s Yard

The Neal’s Yard location now does breakfast. In such a cute and special square in Covent Garden, a breakfast there feels very fitting. Especially when its made by St. John.

Towpath lunches

Probably my favourite summer spot. I love the ritual of it; queuing for most likely the best part of an hour, salivating at the dishes as you watch them come out and grow more hungry. The salads are always impeccable in summer, and the casual energy does not represent the quality of the cooking. It feels like how every summer spot should; fresh, mellow in atmosphere, but always packed, and happy.

Kismet

Yummy Turkish spot in Borough Market. Get all the dips and bread, and don’t skip dessert. A great place to go in a group after a few drinks.

Bar Etna

Delicious new pizza spot in Newington Green, with equally excellent interiors.

The River Cafe, always

Forever one of the best spots in London. It’s not an everyday restaurant, as it’s pretty expensive, but it’s another magic spot. The dining room is packed everyday of the week, often with people you may recognise, and it always feels celebratory and special. The produce and dishes are exceptional. Start with a cocktail and try and have all four courses. Spend as long as you can in there. I had my post registry wedding breakfast in there, it was one of the best nights ever. I would recommend the private room and one of their in house cakes for any big celebration.

Roast at The Watermans Arms, Barnes

An excellent and beautiful pub in Barnes, which is South West London, usually the part of London with the worst food (in my opinion). However, this is an excellent pub, in a beautiful area, nearby some great design houses and parks for long walks. We love going for a Sunday roast.

The Homewood, Esher

The Homewood is a famous modernist house in Esher, Surrey. Built in 1938 and designed by young architect Patrick Gwynne for his parents, the Grade II*-listed property sits within a 6-acre woodland garden and is managed by the National Trust. The interiors are heavenly, but it is private tours only, and no pictures allowed.

There is an inordinate amount of information shared about pregnancy, yet I still felt entirely unprepared for the symptoms I experienced in the first trimester. I think its incredibly hard to strike the balance for women pre getting pregnant, as there’s an element of preventing a fear of pregnancy and childbirth, considering its ultimately a natural process whereby every human being on the planet has come from. However, I wonder still if there’s something to do be shared in school. A way for women to be more adept at understanding those symptoms, and those around them can be best prepped to help them.

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Inwangsan Shelter in the Woods

The Inwangsan Forest Rest Area is a peaceful spot to pause, read, and breathe in the forest air. We were told by a man, trying to be helpful, that the walk from the other side of the mountain was about 30 mins. A very intense hike later, where we saw a snake, we arrived absolutely exhausted. It is beautiful, quiet and beautifully done. There was a much quicker route back down!

Lemaire Hannam

In a beautiful modernist home, this Lemaire store is almost as beautiful as the one in Tokyo. Absolutely worth the trip even if you don’t plan to buy anything!

Hohodang

Possibly my new favourite shop in the world. Heavenly gifts at really good prices, such as silk slippers and homewares. They also do absolutely perfect baby clothes; something that isn’t always easy to find. I bought my baby’s first shoes and outfit in there, ready for November.

Shinsegae The Heritage

This was an exhibition on whilst I was there, but absolutely worth seeing what else is on. I thought the below was so beautiful.

MAA cafe

Perfect spot, with heavenly breakfast plates and some of the best soft serve I’ve ever had. The coffee is good, but not as good as the food. We went twice on both trips.

Anthracite Coffee Seogyo

Possibly the most beautiful coffee shop in the world, with panoramic views of the most heavenly garden, alongside excellent cold brew. Highly recommend a visit here, multiple times on any trip.

Nothing Written

A beautiful modernist home, filled with perfectly sourced furniture, for the incredible Korean brand Nothing Written’s Seoul shop. They have a pretty good coffee shop attached, too. A must visit!

Oreno Ramen

Incredible noodle spot - do not miss! They do a few things extremely well.

Jidaebang

This beautiful tea house is perfect; this lotus tea is even more perfect. A place to pause, at any time of day. We went after dinner.

STAYFOLIO

They have many traditional hanoks to stay in, which is a wonderful experience in Seoul. This one is in one of the hanok areas, which is near the Folk Museum and some great shops.

Folk Museum

An unmissable experience in Seoul, filled with fascinating knowledge about Korean traditions and family life. Spend a few hours here wandering around.

Wild Duck Canteen

An excellent wine bar with small plates. Genuinely delicious food and great wine.

Jayeondo Sogeumppang (Salt Bread) & Jayeondoga

Truly life changing pastries - I dream about them. They are perfectly pillowy, salty and rich; heaven.

Myeongdong Kyoja

Family owned spot that’s been around since 1966, with a very short menu. Get everything, its delicious!

Coffee Hanyakbang

Beautiful old cafe with good coffee. A great place to spend an hour at the start of the day, felt very peaceful.

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