From a contemporary art museum with surprise celebrity connections to a beautifully refurbished pub that’s putting Maida Vale on the foodie map, this London Guide update spans culture, comfort, and cinematic charm. Add in a Borough Market seafood spot with a cheeky name, one of my new favorite pub burgers in the city, and dinner in the very place Bridget Jones once called home, and you’ve got five reasons to get exploring.
Moco Museum – Playful, Thought-Provoking, and a Little Bit Rock ’n’ Roll
Fresh from Amsterdam, the Moco Museum brings its eclectic mix of modern and contemporary art to London – and it’s a joy. Expect bold street art from Banksy, immersive rooms by Yayoi Kusama, and fun, interactive installations that invite you to step inside the art. The biggest surprise? Spotting works by none other than Robbie Williams – yes, that Robbie Williams – adding a little pop-star edge to the galleries.
The Moco Museum is located at 1 Marble Arch, London, W2 2UH. For tickets and more information, visit https://london.mocomuseum.com/
The Hero of Maida – A Revamp Worth the Journey
Following a thoughtful renovation, this Little Venice pub has become such a draw that people are heading to Maida Vale specifically to check it out. The space feels fresh yet still cosy, and the food alone is worth the trip. On our visit, we tucked into a perfectly gooey cheese toastie and two excellent salads, one with squash and goat’s cheese, and one with romaine, chicken and bacon. Definitely the kind of pub that makes you wish it was your local.
For more information on The Hero, visit https://theherow9.com/
Applebee’s – A Seafood Staple With a Wink
No, not that Applebee’s – there are no all-you-can-eat rib nights here. This Borough Market restaurant is all about fresh, well-cooked seafood in a friendly, unfussy setting. I went for the fish and chips, which hit the perfect balance of crisp batter and flaky fish. It’s a bit more “posh” than your average chippy, but it still feels approachable – and deliciously satisfying after a market wander.
Applebee’s is located at 5 Stoney St, London SE1 9AA, United Kingdom. For more information visit, https://www.applebeesfish.com/
The Princess of Wales, Primrose Hill – Burgers, Beers, and Views
Primrose Hill has no shortage of pretty pubs, but The Princess of Wales stands out for its warm atmosphere and standout pub food. In particular, the burger here is easily one of the better ones I’ve had in London – juicy, perfectly seasoned, and served with just the right amount of indulgence. Combine that with a pint and a stroll up to the hill’s skyline view, and you’ve got yourself an ideal London afternoon.
The Princess of Wales pub is located at 22 Chalcot Rd, London NW1 8LL, United Kingdom. For more information, visit https://lovetheprincess.com/ (ps – how great of a domain name is that!?)
Khao Bird – Thai Flavors with a Side of Movie Magic
Hidden in Borough Market in the very spot where Bridget Jones’ apartment appeared in the early films, Khao Bird serves up vibrant Thai dishes that pack a punch. We made a night of it, first watching the latest Bridget Jones movie at the nearby Everyman cinema before heading over for dinner. At dinner, every bite delivered and was fresh, flavorful, and brimming with spice. It’s the perfect spot to end an evening, whether or not you’re feeling a little Bridget-esque.
Khao Bird is located in Borough Market at The Globe tavern, 8 Bedale Street Upstairs, London SE1 9AL, United Kingdom. For more information, visit https://www.khaobird.com/
Want more London gems like this?
These five spots are just a taste of what London has to offer. For more of my favorite restaurants, pubs, cultural finds, and hidden corners, check out my full London Guide here and start planning your next adventure.
Jessica Gioglio founded the travel and lifestyle blog, The SavvyBostonian and is the co-author of The Laws of Brand Storytelling and The Power of Visual Storytelling. Professionally, Jessica has led innovative marketing and public relations programs for Dunkin’, TripAdvisor, Sprinklr, and more. Today, Jessica is a keynote speaker on brand storytelling (book her here) and founder of With Savvy Media & Marketing, a strategic branding, storytelling, and content strategy consultancy.