Friday has arrived, and London’s calling. If you want to experience a local’s typical weekend for yourself, we’ve got you covered. This is 48 hours in London: a local’s perfect weekend by DK Eyewitness Senior Editor Lucy Richards.
London Like a Local
View BookFriday evening
Londoners can’t resist the pull of the city’s buzzing food halls on a Friday night. These friendly hangouts promise incredible street food, lively conversation and banging soundtracks – just what’s needed to get the weekend started. At 5.30pm sharp, locals down their tools and make for the likes of Pop Brixton, Southwark’s Flat Iron Square (perhaps followed by some live music at nearby Omeara) or Mare Street Market in Hackney. After a drink and some food, night owls continue down the road to Shoreditch to practice their swing under the neon lights of Junkyard Golf.
Saturday morning
A late Friday night means one thing and one thing only: a scrumptious Saturday brunch. While East Enders gravitate toward Stoke Newington’s The Good Egg for bulging bagels (stuffed with things like beef brisket and spicy mushrooms), those south of the river can’t resist Balham’s ever-popular Milk, happily joining the queue for the promise of sweetcorn fritters topped with halloumi and avocado. Over in central London, it’s Mildreds that keeps vegans and flexitarians satisfied with stacks of banana butterscotch pancakes.
Saturday afternoon
After a reviving brunch, it’s time for a dose of culture. The Saatchi Gallery is every West Londonder’s idea of a perfect Saturday afternoon. This uber-cool contemporary gallery in stylish Chelsea has previously displayed the likes of Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin. Power station-turned-gallery Tate Modern, on the Southbank, is also a good place to see the next big names in British art displayed in its vast halls.
Those wanting to brush up on their London history, meanwhile, book a place on a Black History Walk, strolling through the likes of Spitalfields, the West End and Soho with expert guides to gain a more rounded knowledge of the capital’s 3,500 years of Black history.
Those wanting to brush up on their London history, meanwhile, book a place on a Black History Walk, strolling through the likes of Spitalfields, the West End and Soho with expert guides to gain a more rounded knowledge of the capital’s 3,500 years of Black history.
Saturday evening
Saturday nights call for an indulgent sit-down dinner, ideally followed by a cocktail (or two). Those looking for something really fancy book a table at Sessions Arts Club, an old judge’s dining room where modern artworks line the peeling walls and sensational small plates are served by candlelight. Then it’s onto Zetter Townhouse, just around the corner, for a Nettle Gimlet in the plush cocktail lounge.
Those in East London prefer the industrial-chic of Bethnal Green’s Bistrotheque, a warehouse-style restaurant that’s all about modern British fusion (think potato and Comte pie, and cider braised pork cheeks). Afterwards, cocktail bar Coupette calls with its award-winning champagne piña colada. (You had us at champagne).
West Londoners like things cosy and laid-back, living la dolce vita at family-run Italian restaurant Ida. They stay put after a heavenly meal of hand-cut tagliatelle and sea bass, asking husband and wife Avi and Simonetta for a round of negronis.
Those in East London prefer the industrial-chic of Bethnal Green’s Bistrotheque, a warehouse-style restaurant that’s all about modern British fusion (think potato and Comte pie, and cider braised pork cheeks). Afterwards, cocktail bar Coupette calls with its award-winning champagne piña colada. (You had us at champagne).
West Londoners like things cosy and laid-back, living la dolce vita at family-run Italian restaurant Ida. They stay put after a heavenly meal of hand-cut tagliatelle and sea bass, asking husband and wife Avi and Simonetta for a round of negronis.
Sunday morning
On Sunday, locals look to blow away the cobwebs with a breezy walk. Fortunately, when it comes to outdoor spaces, London’s got one for every day of the year – and then some. South Londoners are fond of their back garden, Greenwich Park, with its unbeatable views of Canary Wharf. If they’re feeling especially ambitious, they'll walk from the park to Nunhead Cemetery. One of the “Magnificent Seven,” this Victorian burial ground is incredibly picturesque and tranquil.
East Londoners, on the other hand, head to Hackney City Farm to see volunteers hard at work looking after animal residents before strolling down the road to Columbia Road Flower Market. Yes, it’s a bit of a scrum (the absolute opposite of Nunhead Cemetery), but the sounds of East End market traders shouting about bargain bunches of daffs and house plants makes for a Sunday to remember.
In our view, however, North Londoners have hit the jackpot with Hampstead Heath. This vast expanse of wild and wooded greenland is the ultimate way to spend a Sunday. And hats off to the swimmers who enjoy a dip in the heath’s wild ponds, whatever the season – we salute you.
East Londoners, on the other hand, head to Hackney City Farm to see volunteers hard at work looking after animal residents before strolling down the road to Columbia Road Flower Market. Yes, it’s a bit of a scrum (the absolute opposite of Nunhead Cemetery), but the sounds of East End market traders shouting about bargain bunches of daffs and house plants makes for a Sunday to remember.
In our view, however, North Londoners have hit the jackpot with Hampstead Heath. This vast expanse of wild and wooded greenland is the ultimate way to spend a Sunday. And hats off to the swimmers who enjoy a dip in the heath’s wild ponds, whatever the season – we salute you.
Sunday afternoon
After all that fresh air, Londoners have earned a sociable meal with loved ones. After a stretch of the legs on Hampstead Heath, North Londoners make for the comfy confides of Spaniards Inn, a historic tavern that’s welcomed the likes of John Keats and Charles Dickens. These days it’s fellow walkers (and their canine companions) who tuck into hearty roasts here.
Back in East London, locals like the roasts plated up at the Royal Oak, ideally washed down with a bloody Mary. In Peckham, meanwhile, savvy South Londoners head to Persepolis. Unbeknownst to many, this corner shop doubles as a BYO restaurant specializing in Middle Eastern fare (we’re talking meze platters, wraps and an irresistible Turkish delight sundae).
Back in East London, locals like the roasts plated up at the Royal Oak, ideally washed down with a bloody Mary. In Peckham, meanwhile, savvy South Londoners head to Persepolis. Unbeknownst to many, this corner shop doubles as a BYO restaurant specializing in Middle Eastern fare (we’re talking meze platters, wraps and an irresistible Turkish delight sundae).
A final breath of fresh air with a spot of street art is the perfect way to round-off the weekend. Londoners quaff their Monmouth coffee as they walk from Covent Garden, crossing Hungerford Bridge, to the touching National Covid Memorial Wall, which is stencilled with hearts and names of loved ones.
West Londoners get their caffeine fix from Workshop Coffee before admiring the artworks of the Portobello Wall Public Art Project. Over in East London, locals grab flat whites from Pangea, a tiny coffee shop incongruously based in a suit shop. They sip and stroll along Brick Lane, drinking in some of the city’s most exciting, and ever-changing, street art.
Want more ideas on how to spend a weekend in London, just like the locals do? Check out London Like a Local.
West Londoners get their caffeine fix from Workshop Coffee before admiring the artworks of the Portobello Wall Public Art Project. Over in East London, locals grab flat whites from Pangea, a tiny coffee shop incongruously based in a suit shop. They sip and stroll along Brick Lane, drinking in some of the city’s most exciting, and ever-changing, street art.
Want more ideas on how to spend a weekend in London, just like the locals do? Check out London Like a Local.
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