48-Hour City Hopping with Two Lins in LONDON

London has always been a spiritual place for Foodie Amber and Director Lin (who are actually sisters). It’s a bit elegant yet rebellious, with endless captivating stories to uncover! From charming little shops to hipster neighborhoods, you can see rebellious creativity, a variety of aesthetics, and vibrant energy along the way. The most interesting part is how this diverse cultural background still retains a strong sense of gentlemanly charm—subtle, non-mainstream, yet always drawing crowds. In this long-awaited 48-Hour City Hopping adventure, the sisters, who spent many years living in London during their student days (and even claim to have seen a vampire in London!), want to share their favorite hidden gems with you!

Pub / Brunch / Select Shop

1. Pub | Marksman

The term “Pub” is short for “Public House.” It is not just a place for drinking, but a social hub offering various beverages and snacks. Since the 16th century, pubs have been the liveliest spots in England between 5-6 PM, serving as the first stop after work or school.

The modern pub “Marksman” in East London is the Two Lins favorite choice. Housed in a Victorian building with modern interior elements, Marksman focuses on traditional British dishes, incorporating seasonal ingredients and carefully selected natural wines. With bold flavors and a menu that changes weekly, it has been awarded Michelin Pub of the Year and hailed as a must-visit London pub by CN Traveller. (And the café across the street is also very charming!)

Photo from @marksman_pub

Cute Cafe across Marksman | 245

Photo from @marksman_pub

2. Café | Café Deco

Café Deco was recommended by a food photographer we met while working in London. Located near the British Museum, this small establishment boasts a vibrant, retro-chic visual style that reflects its boundless creativity. The head chefs, Anna Tobia and Jeremy Lee, have previously worked at some of London’s most renowned cafés (River Café, Blueprint Café, Rochelle Canteen). They excel in using natural ingredients and creating vegetable-focused dishes. The small portions are simple yet never boring, making Café Deco a highly recommended spot for a delightful and charming brunch.

Photo from @Sam Harris

3. Café | Petersham Nurseries

Petersham Nurseries, located near Richmond, was a weekend secret hideaway for the Lin sisters during their university days. It’s like a little garden divided into different areas, including a greenhouse, tearoom, and garden, along with sections selling home decor and gardening items. The perfect weekend plan is to take a stroll through Richmond or Kew Gardens and then head to Petersham Nurseries for a cup of tea and some light bites, making for a very leisurely and enjoyable time.

Photo from @petershamnurseries

4. Restaurant | Manteca

Manteca is a lovely Italian restaurant in East London, adored by locals. Upon entering, you are greeted by rows of curing Italian meats. The space features warm wooden structures paired with metal bar counters and an open kitchen, creating a stylish yet welcoming atmosphere. Manteca delivers its dishes in a casual yet refined manner, earning a spot on the Bib Gourmand list in recent years, making it one of London’s hottest new dining spots. The restaurant’s focus on “handmade” is evident in their daily offerings of house-cured meats, breads, and pastas. Emphasizing sustainability, they adhere to the “nose-to-tail” philosophy, utilizing every part of the ingredients as much as possible. Diners can enjoy a variety of Italian pastas, seafood, and meats, including traditional Italian pork trotters and pig’s nose dishes, showcasing the diverse culinary culture of London. With its hearty food and drinks, Manteca provides the perfect ending to a day.

La Mercerie 餐廳 | Photo from @lamercerieny

5. Bar | 🔶🟥🔵

(A Bar with Shapes for a Name) is one of the most unique brands on The World’s 50 Best Bars list, named with distinct geometric shapes. It’s an interesting find while strolling along Kingsland Road in East London. Founders Remy Savage and Paul Lougrat are Bauhaus enthusiasts, and their minimalist style is evident in everything from cocktail development and interior design to staff uniforms. As Remy explains, “It’s like if you had a frame with no painting, you’re going to notice the absence of a painting.” They aim to amplify the sensory experience through minimalism, allowing patrons to fully savor the flavors of each cocktail. Open until 4 AM on weekends, it’s the perfect spot for late-night revelry.

Photo from @Felix Speller

Photo from @a_bar_with_shapes_for_a_name

6. Stroll | The Ned

Located next to London’s Bank Underground Station, aptly named for being the financial district where many banks are headquartered, The Ned occupies the building that once served as the headquarters for Midland Bank, one of the UK’s “Big Four” banks. Now reborn as a hotel, The Ned breaks from traditional hotel norms. Upon entering, you won’t see a check-in desk; instead, you’ll find a circular stage with live jazz performances daily. The former banking hall has been transformed into a culinary paradise with various international cuisines, each area designed uniquely, creating a harmonious yet contrasting environment. Additionally, the hotel’s basement houses the mysterious vault featured in the 1964 film “007: Goldfinger,” now serving as The Ned’s Club, an exclusive private club. Even non-members can easily mingle with London’s new elite trendsetters.

The mysterious vault from “007: Goldfinger.”

Kitchen

Lounge

7. Stroll | Spazio Leone

Looking for unique home decor and furnishings from around the world? Look no further than Spazio Leone in Hackney! The curator, Gen, hails from Italy and was previously a manager at Boiler Room, the world’s most iconic underground music platform. Having traveled to major cities worldwide to discover the latest trends in music, Gen decided to channel his passion for music into furniture during the pandemic, leading to the establishment of Spazio Leone in 2020.

All the home decor and art collections at Spazio Leone are sourced from Italy. Gen visited dozens of cities in his homeland to find standout pieces, including a 1960s bright orange sofa, an antique Cassina coffee table, and sculptures designed by lesser-known designers for the brand. The showroom is filled with unique selections in every corner, with over a hundred curated pieces and new furniture arriving every two weeks. The warehouse location is quite mysterious (you might initially think you’re not in the right place!), but the logic and arrangement of the displays are harmonious. Each visit offers a completely different atmosphere and objects to experience, and with limited quantities, it’s all about fate!

Photo from @Emma Lin

8. The Muffin Man Tea Shop

Finally, just like how everyone has their favorite minced pork rice in Taiwan, everyone in the UK also has their own list of the best scones. As Director Lin is a scone enthusiast, there’s a heated debate in the office between Kensington’s Muffin Man and the century-old Maids of Honour. Although both are exceptional, Muffin Man wins out due to its closer proximity. If you ever get the chance to visit the area, I highly recommend giving it a try!

Photo from @saydone

Photo from @nobelbelle

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