A Northeners Guide To London: 6 Places You Need To Eat/Drink.

When I say "Nothener" I really mean Midlander, I'm from Derby, which in the grand scheme of things isn't really that North! But "A Midlaner's guide to London", just doesn't really have the same ring to it? Well frankly, it sounds pretty crap, so we're going with it. Plus anyone living in London says "anyone living north of London is northern". 
​By no means am I trying to say I'm some kind of London expert here, don't throw away your guide book just yet, this is just me, sharing with you the little spots I have found & grown to love. Some of them you are probably well aware of, others maybe not, but one thing I can guarantee is that there will be a few Marble Tables & flower decorated cocktails thrown in - I'm still a blogger after all.

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Food & Drink

Farm Girl Cafe - Porobello Road 

I'm not sure you'll need much more convincing after seeing the above pictures as to why you need to go here, it's an Instagram DREAM. This little slice of heaven can be found tucked up on Portobello road and is definitely worth a visit or 6. The Menus Include Lavender Lattes, Acai Bowls, Pancakes and BLT's - what more could you want? Find out more HERE. P.s yes that is strawberrys you can see on top of my Avocado Toast & yes it did work together - yum!

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Duck & Waffle - Heron Tower

*Image from The Duck & Waffle as I forgot to take any (oops)

Up on the 40th Floor of the Heron Tower theDuck & Waffle provides spectacular views of London. I have visited a number of times, usually for a cocktail or 7. However I have only been once for a meal- this is frankly because you can't bloody get in! So prepare to book around 3 months before if you fancy dining here. The main, The Duck & Waffle (obviously)- something I originally turned my nose up to - but oh my, you must try it! It somehow works oh so well together, in-fact my mouths watering at just the thought. I'd also recommend the Yellow Fin Tuna - which is delicious. The idea of the restaurant is that you order all plates to share - which makes it a wonderful social occasion. Check out the menu before you book, it's very pricey - but perfect for special occasions.

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Sketch - Just off Regent Street

If you are yet to visit Sketch purely just to see the toilets, are you even real? You'll see what I mean if you look here. Anyway, I can't say I have ever been here for a full meal but I have popped in for a coffee & a cake a number of times. Let me start by telling you that this isn't your average coffee/cake and the prices certainly show that *soz bank balance* 

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Flat Iron - Steak House

I gobbled mine up before a photo could be taken so this one is from > rebrn.com
This little gem was shown to me by one of my bestie bloggers Kirby - who I love dearly, mainly for introducing me to this place.
With Branches In Soho, Covent Garden & Shoreditch you don't really have any excuse to miss out on this place. There are no reservations allowed so you just gotta' turn up and hope.  I have visited 3 times now and each time I had a wait no longer than 5 minutes, but I expect at weekends/in the evening it gets a lil' busier.
​So you are greeted by smiley, helpful waiters and also a mug of free popcorn (your starter - simple  but effective) Then, the menu literally consists of about 3 items, plus a few daily specials, but you would be silly not to go for the steak (above) cook it how you like, and it costs £10!! (yes, that's right, I typed that correctly... I checked twice). It is unbelievable value for money. The sides are such good value to around £2-£4! I would advise (force) you to have the Creamed spinach, peppercorn sauce and the chips. I am drooling just thinking about it.. no really, I am. I can honestly hold my hands up and say it is one of the best meals I have ever had, and your sat in central London, paying a price similar to Nandos!? It's a place that sounds to good to be true, but honestly, it really is that GOOD! Then once you've paid your bill (a bill that is pleasant on the eye for once) your waiter will give you a little token, which you hand over at the ice-cream stand before you leave - in return a free salted caramel Ice-Cream!! Yuuuuuuup - this place really exists, and yuppp you need to go here! 

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The Rum Kitchen - Kingly Court - Carnaby Street 

Another little spot showed to me by my lovely Kirby. Nestled in Kingly court - located just off Carnaby street, there are tonnes of things to do around this area, making it the perfect pit-stop to soothe your tired feet and of course down a Cocktail or 9. It's a place I can't recommend for food  as I haven;t eaten here (although it looked amazing!) however I can certainly recommend the cocktails - they are DELICIOUS! (ppsstt check the website for the 2-for-1 cocktail times - every little helps!) Rum Based cocktails are always the top of my list, so this place for me got a big high five. The bar set up sends you off to a tropical Jamaican beach (minus the sun, obvs) and the bar staff help create a fun, yet relaxed atmosphere.! If you get the spot by the window (above), it's also the perfect people watching spot, as me and Kirby discovered. 

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Selfridges Roof Top

A hidden (kind of gem) hidden because it's so bloody hard to get to! (FYI there is only one lift up to the rooftop from the bottom floor near the perfumes) I must have walked about 9 miles inside Selfridges just trying to find it the first time. 
Selfridges have treated us to a beautiful little space, which changes theme every season. Currently the Forest on the roof - you can expect a wintery 

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A Place To Rest Your Sleepy Head.. Zzzzz

Malmaison London

I have done a blog post all about this place, my favourite hotel in London, The Malmaison. You cannot fault a single thing from the location, to the staff, to the decor! You can read all about it HERE.

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Village Hotel - London Watford

Another great hotel I have stayed out, situated just outside of London, in Watford you will find the Village Hotel. You can read all about why its a great option for a trip on a budget, whilst still having a luxury feel. See my full postHERE.

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Why not have a wander around Notting Hill? The Instagram opportunities are endless... ^

^ Or maybe a walk around Chelsea? Dreaming of the lives of someone behind the blue door.. 

I hope you enjoyed this post, I could have added another 50 places I have grown to love in the city however I didn't want to make the post to long. I'm sure I will have a series on this, and update you as and when I find new things.
Please, do let me know what your fave spots in London are? I am always on the look out for new places to try - so I would love to hear! xo

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