Kenny's London Guidebook
Sightseeing
One of the most famous sights in the world. Sometimes, in the dead of night, you can even hear it chiming in the flat. To get the perfect photo, cross Westminster Bridge and go down to the riverside.
1337 locals recommend
Big Ben
One of the most famous sights in the world. Sometimes, in the dead of night, you can even hear it chiming in the flat. To get the perfect photo, cross Westminster Bridge and go down to the riverside.
Film central, a three minute walk from my apartment - movie premieres are held here, often at Europe's largest cinema the Odeon Leicester Square. Casino central too, with three casinos - the Hippodrome the pick of the bunch, though the Empire is fun too. Also hosts tkts, the genuine discount theatre tickets booth - all others marked half price tickets and so on are tourist traps.
319 locals recommend
Leicester Square
Film central, a three minute walk from my apartment - movie premieres are held here, often at Europe's largest cinema the Odeon Leicester Square. Casino central too, with three casinos - the Hippodrome the pick of the bunch, though the Empire is fun too. Also hosts tkts, the genuine discount theatre tickets booth - all others marked half price tickets and so on are tourist traps.
You'll know this when you get there, you'll have seen it a hundred times. It's a six minute walk from my place. Get a classic tourist photo sitting astride one of Nelson's lions.
634 locals recommend
Trafalgar Square (Stop B) station
You'll know this when you get there, you'll have seen it a hundred times. It's a six minute walk from my place. Get a classic tourist photo sitting astride one of Nelson's lions.
Expensive at £45 each (cheaper if bought in advance online), but totally worth it. Make sure you go on a clear day. Sometimes you can get 2 for the price of 1 when you buy two train tickets - ask me for info. But you can get a similar view over London for free at the Sky Garden or Horizon 42 - prebook either or both online in advance, though they fill up quickly.
2099 locals recommend
London Eye
Expensive at £45 each (cheaper if bought in advance online), but totally worth it. Make sure you go on a clear day. Sometimes you can get 2 for the price of 1 when you buy two train tickets - ask me for info. But you can get a similar view over London for free at the Sky Garden or Horizon 42 - prebook either or both online in advance, though they fill up quickly.
You know Charlie's home if the Royal Standard flag's flying above the Palace. If it's the Union Jack then he's probably off on a jolly at our expense. And 'Changing of the Guard' is rubbish - don't do it!
1912 locals recommend
Buckingham Palace
You know Charlie's home if the Royal Standard flag's flying above the Palace. If it's the Union Jack then he's probably off on a jolly at our expense. And 'Changing of the Guard' is rubbish - don't do it!
If you're going to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, don't miss a visit to St Katharine Docks too. Wander around and take in the atmosphere, then relax with a pint at the Dickens Inn. Harry Potter fans whilst out that way can wander over to the historic Leadenhall Market, which you'll recognise immediately as the inspiration for Diagon Alley. Closer to home, three minutes' walk from my apartment, Godwin's Court (with a lot of CGI) appeared in the first film as Knockturn Alley.
257 locals recommend
St Katharine Docks Marina
50 St Katharine's WayIf you're going to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, don't miss a visit to St Katharine Docks too. Wander around and take in the atmosphere, then relax with a pint at the Dickens Inn. Harry Potter fans whilst out that way can wander over to the historic Leadenhall Market, which you'll recognise immediately as the inspiration for Diagon Alley. Closer to home, three minutes' walk from my apartment, Godwin's Court (with a lot of CGI) appeared in the first film as Knockturn Alley.
From the river pier, catch the Thames Clipper to Greenwich. Unbeatable photos passing under Tower Bridge. Span the Meridian line at the Observatory, and visit the Painted Room. The cable car over the river from North Greenwich is superb. I have a suggested itinerary for this half-day trip - just ask.
Embankment station
From the river pier, catch the Thames Clipper to Greenwich. Unbeatable photos passing under Tower Bridge. Span the Meridian line at the Observatory, and visit the Painted Room. The cable car over the river from North Greenwich is superb. I have a suggested itinerary for this half-day trip - just ask.
Drinks & Nightlife
I do love a beer. It won't take much for you to talk me into joining you at any of these places and more.
A traditional picture-perfect English pub, with friendly staff, a two minute walk from my apartment. Standing outside on a fine day with a beer is a great way to watch the world go by.
10 locals recommend
Cross Keys, Covent Garden
31 Endell StA traditional picture-perfect English pub, with friendly staff, a two minute walk from my apartment. Standing outside on a fine day with a beer is a great way to watch the world go by.
Punk IPA is my favourite beer. Elvis Juice is a classic too. Brewdog has loads of craft beers. I highly recommend a sampler stick of four third-pints: try the above two beers plus two more that take your fancy. On Mondays, all their vegetarian and vegan main courses are 2-for-1. All just a 30 second walk from my apartment.
Brewdog Seven Dials
142 Shaftesbury AvePunk IPA is my favourite beer. Elvis Juice is a classic too. Brewdog has loads of craft beers. I highly recommend a sampler stick of four third-pints: try the above two beers plus two more that take your fancy. On Mondays, all their vegetarian and vegan main courses are 2-for-1. All just a 30 second walk from my apartment.
Next to the Palace Theatre, and just a minute's walk from my apartment, this heralds the gateway to Soho, London's nightlife capital. A decent pub to stand outside with a drink and people-watch, before you venture forth to explore more of Soho.
Spice of Life
Next to the Palace Theatre, and just a minute's walk from my apartment, this heralds the gateway to Soho, London's nightlife capital. A decent pub to stand outside with a drink and people-watch, before you venture forth to explore more of Soho.
Old Compton Street forms the epicentre of London's gay scene, in south east Soho. This bar, the Admiral Duncan, has free drag shows every night from 9pm. Comptons, G-A-Y, Duke of Wellington, Ku Bar, Village, Yard, Rupert Street - all within a five minute walk from my apartment.
The Admiral Duncan
54 Old Compton StOld Compton Street forms the epicentre of London's gay scene, in south east Soho. This bar, the Admiral Duncan, has free drag shows every night from 9pm. Comptons, G-A-Y, Duke of Wellington, Ku Bar, Village, Yard, Rupert Street - all within a five minute walk from my apartment.
Want a 24-hour bar with free admission every night? Try the UK's classiest casino, a three minute walk from my apartment. Head to the 3rd floor with its almost-indoor smoking terrace plus rooftop snug, or the first floor bar to relax as you watch punters lose their fortunes on the main floor below. If you gamble, it's cheaper in the basement. They won't let you in midweek if you're too drunk - but they relax that a bit on Fridays and Saturdays.
41 locals recommend
The Hippodrome Casino London
Leicester SquareWant a 24-hour bar with free admission every night? Try the UK's classiest casino, a three minute walk from my apartment. Head to the 3rd floor with its almost-indoor smoking terrace plus rooftop snug, or the first floor bar to relax as you watch punters lose their fortunes on the main floor below. If you gamble, it's cheaper in the basement. They won't let you in midweek if you're too drunk - but they relax that a bit on Fridays and Saturdays.
Food scene
These are some of my favourite veggie-friendly places in London.
Really excellent coffee just thirty seconds from my front door, famous for sourcing its coffee direct from single farms and cooperatives worldwide. Monmouth's coffee is served in many of London's best restaurants, and it was founded in 1978 right here in Monmouth Street. They somewhat admirably refuse to use disposable takeaway cups, so if you aren't drinking it on the premises then take a cup with you. And buy some coffee beans by the kilo to take home.
88 locals recommend
Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden - London
27 Monmouth StReally excellent coffee just thirty seconds from my front door, famous for sourcing its coffee direct from single farms and cooperatives worldwide. Monmouth's coffee is served in many of London's best restaurants, and it was founded in 1978 right here in Monmouth Street. They somewhat admirably refuse to use disposable takeaway cups, so if you aren't drinking it on the premises then take a cup with you. And buy some coffee beans by the kilo to take home.
Outstanding authentic plant-based Italian. You absolutely must try the fried gnocchi, either as the main attraction or as part of something else, for example they're in the Caesar salad which is the best of its kind I've ever had. The various tortellinis and raviolis are always great, and you can use the sauce as a vector to basically inhale the immensely-moreish cashew parmesan. Under no circumstances miss out on the Biscoff donuts, which are absolutely out of this world. They now have a lunchtime special with any main course, two donuts and a glass of wine or a soft drink for £13.50 - a giveaway when the mains alone cost more than that. Make a reservation in advance as it can get pretty busy.
Pastan Barbican
Outstanding authentic plant-based Italian. You absolutely must try the fried gnocchi, either as the main attraction or as part of something else, for example they're in the Caesar salad which is the best of its kind I've ever had. The various tortellinis and raviolis are always great, and you can use the sauce as a vector to basically inhale the immensely-moreish cashew parmesan. Under no circumstances miss out on the Biscoff donuts, which are absolutely out of this world. They now have a lunchtime special with any main course, two donuts and a glass of wine or a soft drink for £13.50 - a giveaway when the mains alone cost more than that. Make a reservation in advance as it can get pretty busy.
Great starters and hearty mains with some of the best desserts ever at this unfussy vegetarian restaurant that I've been coming to for over two decades. When I first wrote my guidebook, there was just one of them in Soho - there's now about six, including this one just a three minutes walk from the apartment. And these days they're all vegan too. At busy times you may need a reservation.
Mildreds Covent Garden
Great starters and hearty mains with some of the best desserts ever at this unfussy vegetarian restaurant that I've been coming to for over two decades. When I first wrote my guidebook, there was just one of them in Soho - there's now about six, including this one just a three minutes walk from the apartment. And these days they're all vegan too. At busy times you may need a reservation.
Fast food but good food, Asian and Japanese fusion done well. There are several branches within a 10-minute walk. Try the yasai vegetable gyoza ramen, or if you’re feeling brave try the vegatsu, a modern classic which is their veganised version of a chicken katsu curry. Salted edamame and bang bang cauliflower are excellent side dishes. The fresh juices are very good, and the banana katsu dessert is to die for.
13 locals recommend
Wagamama Covent Garden
17 Bedford StFast food but good food, Asian and Japanese fusion done well. There are several branches within a 10-minute walk. Try the yasai vegetable gyoza ramen, or if you’re feeling brave try the vegatsu, a modern classic which is their veganised version of a chicken katsu curry. Salted edamame and bang bang cauliflower are excellent side dishes. The fresh juices are very good, and the banana katsu dessert is to die for.
The two guys that run this street food stall directly outside my apartment have been there for over a decade, serving reliably excellent falafel with all the trimmings cooked right in front of you. Was £5 for years, but since the pandemic it’s gone up to £6.50 for a large one, which counts as an absolute bargain in central London these days. Can be augmented with fried cauliflower, aubergine (eggplant) and more for a quid or so per extra item.
Beirut Kitchen Street
The two guys that run this street food stall directly outside my apartment have been there for over a decade, serving reliably excellent falafel with all the trimmings cooked right in front of you. Was £5 for years, but since the pandemic it’s gone up to £6.50 for a large one, which counts as an absolute bargain in central London these days. Can be augmented with fried cauliflower, aubergine (eggplant) and more for a quid or so per extra item.
What The Pitta recently won the British Kebab Award for London's best takeaway. And yet it's fully vegan. It didn't win best vegan takeaway in London - it won best takeaway in London overall. Their döner kebab really does have to be tasted to be believed. For a variation on a theme, try my usual order - their döner meat and chips.
What The Pitta Camden
89-91 Bayham StWhat The Pitta recently won the British Kebab Award for London's best takeaway. And yet it's fully vegan. It didn't win best vegan takeaway in London - it won best takeaway in London overall. Their döner kebab really does have to be tasted to be believed. For a variation on a theme, try my usual order - their döner meat and chips.
Essentials
Supermarkets, post office, money exchange, pharmacy
Damn I love M&S. Britain loves M&S. Their food, quality and ethics are the highest of any supermarket. Great place for lunch or to stock up for a picnic.
24 locals recommend
Marks and Spencer
173 Oxford StDamn I love M&S. Britain loves M&S. Their food, quality and ethics are the highest of any supermarket. Great place for lunch or to stock up for a picnic.
The best "normal" supermarket, since M&S is mostly own-brand. This one's tiny, but it packs a punch. Owned by John Lewis, which also has a Waitrose food hall in its Oxford Street branch's basement.
35 locals recommend
Little Waitrose & Partners
246 High HolbornThe best "normal" supermarket, since M&S is mostly own-brand. This one's tiny, but it packs a punch. Owned by John Lewis, which also has a Waitrose food hall in its Oxford Street branch's basement.
Our largest supermarket chain, but one of their smallest branches. There's a significantly bigger one in Bedford Street, but this one is just three minutes' walk from the apartment, and is open 7am to 11pm every day including Sundays. One in seven pounds spent on anything at all in the UK is spent at Tesco. There are over 50 branches within two miles of the apartment. But I much prefer M&S.
Tesco Express
Our largest supermarket chain, but one of their smallest branches. There's a significantly bigger one in Bedford Street, but this one is just three minutes' walk from the apartment, and is open 7am to 11pm every day including Sundays. One in seven pounds spent on anything at all in the UK is spent at Tesco. There are over 50 branches within two miles of the apartment. But I much prefer M&S.
The closest supermarket to the apartment, just two minutes' walk away, open 7am to midnight Mondays to Saturdays, and midday to 6pm on Sundays.
Sainsbury's Local
The closest supermarket to the apartment, just two minutes' walk away, open 7am to midnight Mondays to Saturdays, and midday to 6pm on Sundays.
Boots
The closest pharmacy to the apartment, and the UK's biggest pharmacy chain.
The best value currency exchange place that I know of, hidden behind the Covent Garden piazza. Whatever you do, don't change your currency at a London airport, the most expensive place possible!
Covent Garden FX
The best value currency exchange place that I know of, hidden behind the Covent Garden piazza. Whatever you do, don't change your currency at a London airport, the most expensive place possible!
New Oxford Street Post Office
The closest post office.
Shopping
Six floors of fantasy shopping, an upscale department store with reasonable prices too. All of the Egyptian cotton bedding and towels in my flat are from here. For me, the true jewel of Oxford Street.
22 locals recommend
John Lewis
300 Oxford StSix floors of fantasy shopping, an upscale department store with reasonable prices too. All of the Egyptian cotton bedding and towels in my flat are from here. For me, the true jewel of Oxford Street.
One of the great department stores. Prices may cause you to take a breath, but it's worth a look if you're doing the Oxford Street thing.
554 locals recommend
Selfridges
400 Oxford StOne of the great department stores. Prices may cause you to take a breath, but it's worth a look if you're doing the Oxford Street thing.
Best at weekends but worth a look any day of the week, Camden Market is vast and you're sure to find plenty to distract you. A great place to bar-hop in the evenings, too. Three of my favourite restaurants have branches there too: Mildreds, What The Pitta and Temple Of Seitan.
1028 locals recommend
Camden Market
54-56 Camden Lock PlBest at weekends but worth a look any day of the week, Camden Market is vast and you're sure to find plenty to distract you. A great place to bar-hop in the evenings, too. Three of my favourite restaurants have branches there too: Mildreds, What The Pitta and Temple Of Seitan.
Look, it's hideously touristy, but I can't deny that whenever I take tourists there it takes their breath away, so they're doing something right. I live in Seven Dials, where Covent Garden meets Soho, four minutes' walk from the piazza.
955 locals recommend
Covent Garden
41 James StLook, it's hideously touristy, but I can't deny that whenever I take tourists there it takes their breath away, so they're doing something right. I live in Seven Dials, where Covent Garden meets Soho, four minutes' walk from the piazza.
Arts & Culture
Most of London's museums and art galleries are completely free. It's worth spending a moment planning which ones to visit, and what to see once inside.
The country's top tourist attraction, with 5.8 million visitors a year. And it's free. (Six minutes' walk from my apartment)
1546 locals recommend
British Museum
Great Russell StreetThe country's top tourist attraction, with 5.8 million visitors a year. And it's free. (Six minutes' walk from my apartment)
Five million visitors a year can't be wrong. The National Portrait Gallery is adjacent to it too. Free, and six minutes' walk from my apartment.
796 locals recommend
The National Gallery
Trafalgar SquareFive million visitors a year can't be wrong. The National Portrait Gallery is adjacent to it too. Free, and six minutes' walk from my apartment.
Tiny, quirky, and free - well worth an hour's visit to look around the eclectic collection of this eccentric 19th century architect. Ask them to show you the amazing Picture Room.
183 locals recommend
Sir John Soane's Museum
13 Lincoln's Inn FieldsTiny, quirky, and free - well worth an hour's visit to look around the eclectic collection of this eccentric 19th century architect. Ask them to show you the amazing Picture Room.
I don't even like art galleries but I like this one. Located by the famous wobbly pedestrian bridge on the south bank. The walk along the south bank from opposite Embankment to Tower Bridge is well worthwhile.
2008 locals recommend
Tate Modern
BanksideI don't even like art galleries but I like this one. Located by the famous wobbly pedestrian bridge on the south bank. The walk along the south bank from opposite Embankment to Tower Bridge is well worthwhile.
Parks & Nature
London is made of 40% public green space, including 3,000 parks totaling 35,000 acres. Here's just a couple to get you started.
Your very own secret garden, under a minute's walk from my apartment. Almost a wilderness, right in the heart of the West End, known about by virtually no-one! Great spot for a ten-minute sit-down.
12 locals recommend
Phoenix Garden
21 Stacey StYour very own secret garden, under a minute's walk from my apartment. Almost a wilderness, right in the heart of the West End, known about by virtually no-one! Great spot for a ten-minute sit-down.
The closest of the Royal Parks to my place, and perhaps the most picturesque. With luck you'll get to see the pelicans close-up.
250 locals recommend
St. James's Park
The closest of the Royal Parks to my place, and perhaps the most picturesque. With luck you'll get to see the pelicans close-up.