17 October 2024
London is a city that requires a bit of effort. Not if you stick to Soho and Covent Garden, but for those who want to visit inspiring new retail and hospitality spots with a focus on design, you’ll need to explore areas you might not immediately think of. Beauvoir Town, Highbury and London Fields for example. Of course this makes sense, as real estate is expensive, and young, independent entrepreneurs are now looking for new, up-and-coming areas.
On the Destination Page of London, you can find all 55+ tips for design lovers, but here I’d like to share 10 favorites. 3 x EAT, 3 x SHOP, 3 x STAY, and 1 x ART throughout the city.
Goodbye Horses & Day Trip
Opened in the summer of 2024 in a former pub in Beauvoir Town, between Islington and Hackney, Goodbye Horses & Day Trip is a coffee bar by day and a wine bar by night. The owners collaborated with Leopold Banchimi for the interior design, hired Lucy Stein for the art, and gathered a large collection of records. The bar’s name is no coincidence, as it’s named after a song by Q Lazzarus.
Saltine
Chef Phil Wood previously worked at Spring and St. John before landing in the kitchen of Saltine. In this restaurant located in Highbury, he focuses mainly on seasonal dishes. These are served in the back of the restaurant, which feels a bit like sitting in a garage: a lightbox in the ceiling, industrial walls, and three trees. However, it feels warm, as the vintage wooden chairs nicely complement the burgundy fabric of the benches. By the way, they’re also open during the day, serving coffee and croissants in the front of the place.
Ikoyi
If you want to combine high-end gastronomy with design, you must reserve a table at Ikoyi. The two men who started the restaurant in 2018 both had a passion for West Africa, and they continue to mix those influences with British ingredients to offer a unique tasting menu. The restaurant now has two Michelin stars and moved to 180 House in 2022, a creative member’s club. Also, pay attention to the interior of Ikoyi, designed by the Danish Studio David Thulstrup, which is also behind the interiors of Noma and Vipp Chimney House.
Present & Correct
Present & Correct has long been known to lovers of stationery and graphic design. Their online shop attracts visitors from all over the world, but their new store, just around the corner from the British Museum, also sees a steady flow of people looking for a new notebook, planner, or a unique Miffy stamp. Don’t expect products you’ll find everywhere: the owner has an eye for unique, often independent creators with a strong graphic design focus.
Ffern
In the heart of Soho, you’ll find Ffern, a unique perfumery that sells only natural scents. And it goes even further: normally, these scents are available for members only. Here’s how it works: each season they release one fragrance, and you have to put yourself on the waiting list to get one of the limited edition perfumes. In the store, they also sell a few, including some from previous collections. So, you can be sure you’re purchasing a unique fragrance nobody else wears. Oh, and the calming interior was designed by House of Grey studio.
Straw
The Colombia Road Flower Market is in every London guidebook. This flower market attracts many tourists, not just for the flowers, but because the shops around it are so photogenic. And among them, you’ll find charming coffee bars and stores, including Straw London. Here, you can buy a timelessly curated selection of home accessories, wicker baskets, and clothing, and even ask for advice. It’s only open on Sundays from 9 AM to 4 PM.
The Hoxton
The great thing about The Hoxton Hotels is that they have everything under one roof, so you don’t have to leave. You can eat at various restaurants, open your laptop in the lobby to get some work done, and the rooms have all the amenities you need. There are several locations in the city: one in Shoreditch, Southwark (near Tate Modern), Holborn (close to the aforementioned Present & Correct), and Shepherd’s Bush (pictured: not very central, but with rooms with big windows facing the park). The best part is that all Hoxton Hotels allow you to bring your dog.
Ember Locke
Locke Hotels also has multiple affordable locations around the city, particularly appealing for longer stays. Some rooms have a kitchenette and are more spacious. Leman Locke for example has a great location to explore both East London and the city center, although the design may feel a bit outdated now, with Hay sofas that were fitting for the time. At Locke Broken Wharf, some rooms offer views of the Thames. The newest addition is Ember Locke in chic Kensington (pictured).
One Hundred Shoreditch
In what used to be the famous Ace Hotel, One Hundred Shoreditch has now opened its doors. Jacu Strauss is not only the creative director of the hotel but also designed the interior, featuring striking artworks, Verner Panton chairs, and rich wall tapestries. The hotel has a restaurant, rooftop bar, coffee bar, gym, and lovely rooms, with the studio lofts offering cozy seating areas with views over Shoreditch. The location is excellent, with Redchurch Street around the corner, but what stands out the most is the service. The staff is incredibly friendly and will do everything to ensure you have a pleasant stay.
Tate Modern
There are quite a few museums and galleries in London that are interesting for design lovers: the Design Museum, White Cube gallery, The Barbican, and the Serpentine Pavilion among others. But I’m focusing here on the Tate Modern, which always has an interesting exhibition, provides unique ways for children to engage with art, is a place where you can spend hours wandering around (including in the museum shop), and is also free to visit.
Find all the 55+ recommendations in London on the London Destination Page.
Members also receive a London Map, a Google Maps file with all the spots on it, easily categorized with links to the page, so you can download it on your phone and find all the places while walking through the city.
Credits: all photos by Petite Passport, except Ikoyi (by Irina Boersma), Ffern (by Edvinas Bruzas), Straw (by Straw London) and Ember Locke (by Kensington Leverne)
