This London travel guide is packed with hidden gems from amazing creators who are part of the city’s cultural and artistic fabric, revealing the under-the-radar things to do in London you won’t find anywhere else.
London with
Joey Yu
Illustrator
Our born and bred London illustrator reveals a surprisingly green city. Take a tour with Joey around her favourite hidden parks, one-of-a-kind trinket shops and royal tea houses for a true insider look at the city.
London with Joey Yu
Illustrator
Food & Drink The Original Maids of Honour Tea House
‘The Original Maids of Honour Tea House, this very old building. It looks amazing from the outside, with a hand-painted sign on the front. And inside, they have the most amazing pastries and little tarts, so beautifully crafted. They were made by a king to inspire a queen and profess his love. It’s a royal, delicious, special treat — all of the things I do in London have a little sumptuous treat.’
288 Kew Rd, Richmond TW9 3DU
Nature Greenwich Park & Market
‘It feels very historic; you have the Royal Observatory, the GMT line running, the marker of time. And you can see all the universities, the old buildings and all across London. I like to go and walk up to the top, stand there, and imagine I’m a traveller from hundreds of years ago. Then visit Greenwich market — they also have a little vintage market. Getting a bite to eat after a long walk along the river, and finding a little trinket or gem.’
5B Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ
Location Choosing Keeping Stationary Shop
‘Choosing Keeping is a stationery shop. They sell really specific items such as gorgeous paper, like marbled paper, pencils, pens and tiny little things from Japan. They also have paints and watercolours, very precious things if you’re interested in the arts or painting. It’s just a delight. Go there to get a very special present for a friend or someone. It feels like you’re giving them something they can’t find elsewhere.’
21 Tower St, London WC2H 9NS
Culture Covent Garden
‘Covent Garden in an area called Seven Dials — there’s this main dial and all the roads going off of it in this sort of clock formation, and all the shops are around there. You’ve got lots of vintage, little food shops and nice clothing places. It’s quite a cool place to walk around and have a little mooch.’
Regal House, 14 James St, London WC2E 8BU
Nature Richmond Park
‘Richmond Park is a really old park in London, on the outskirts. I lived nearby when I was younger, so I’d go quite often, and it’s a very ancient feeling. You feel like you’re in a Tudor Kings garden, and you can see tons of deer — they’re just walking around and lazing under the trees. You can get lost in the park, walk around for a few hours and feel like you’re treading new ground. It feels very exploratory.’
Richmond, London TW10 5HS
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Creators
Astrid Stavro
Graphic Designer and Speaker
Over the last 14 years, Astrid has collected some of the best kept secret spots in London. From restaurants among the clouds, hidden museums and fine-dining French bistros, you won’t want to miss these next time you’re in the city.
Ali Alvarez
Film Director
Creating documentaries all over the world, Ali has a knack for seeking out the story behind the story. That’s why her insider guide of London features overlooked and hidden cinemas, cafes and markets she’s uncovered much closer to home.
For more exceptional creators, visit www.exceptionalalien.com
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