Amayzine

Where the models shop and eat in London

model diary

Lily spends her days as a model, rushing from shoot to show and on to yet another casting. On Amayzine, she tells you all about what her life is really like. Under a different name, of course, but that means she can share all the juicy details. This week: her hotspots in London.

As a model, you are non-stop on the go from casting to casting on certain days. Those castings are often scattered all over the city, resulting in no time to have lunch at home in between. Because of this – and the fact that I really love coffee, food, and discovering new places – I have been able to compile an incredibly long list of hotspots in every major fashion city. Although these hotspots are often so fun because they are local hidden gems, I have decided to share a few with you. This week: London.

Millfields Coffee: A coffee, brunch, and lunch spot in the far northern Clapton. The roasted avocado is to die for and they have nice picnic benches outside. Ideal for a beautiful sunny day. Plus, it's around the corner from Millfields Park, one of my favorite parks in London.

Hai Cafe: This is a tiny Vietnamese café in Clapton. It is run by a son (a hip East London boy) and his parents, who prepare delicious traditional Vietnamese food. Inside, there are four small tables and it is almost always full. They also have vegan options and the best summer rolls in all of London.

Lele’s: A 100% vegan breakfast and lunch spot. Here too, they only have four or five tables and it is often full. However, the tofu scramble and green smoothie bowls are definitely worth the wait.

The Grand Howl: A work/chill café in Homerton, filled with hip, oat cappuccino slurping East Londoners and known for the delicious avocado on toast.

L’eau à La Bouche: A French café and deli on Broadway Market. Besides the super delicious coffee, they have a menu full of all kinds of delicious French-inspired dishes. There is also a cheese selection that will impress you and a whole section with truffle products.

Broadway Market: Actually, this whole street is a recommendation. Every Saturday there is a market where hip London comes together. Besides L’eau à La Bouche, there are more nice spots here, such as Climpson & Sons Cafe, The Dove, Market Cafe, and many more.

Coffee in Shoreditch: We know by now that Londoners love coffee. Especially in Shoreditch, you can grab an oat cappuccino on every corner. Here are a few of my favorites: Long White Cloud, Nkora, Jonestown Coffee, Holy Shot, The Grind, and Ozone Coffee Roasters.

The Grind: This has grown into a chain and is now found in various locations in London. The sweet potato fritters are especially recommended. Plus, there are many handsome baristas working there, haha.

Wild Food Cafe: Hidden in Neal’s Yard in Covent Garden is this cute vegan healthy lunch and breakfast café. It’s not cheap, but you feel ten times healthier when you walk out. Check their menu online in advance.

26 Grains: Across from the Wild Food Café, you can sit nicely at this coffee spot. They have delicious coffee with a view of Neal’s Yard.

Mildreds: Very popular among vegan food lovers. Mildreds also has several locations in London and they have a (mainly) vegan menu here. They also have good cocktails. Be sure to make a reservation, as it is often already full.

Farmacy: A vegan restaurant in West London. It’s on the pricey side, but the food is fantastic.

Golborne Deli: Just off Portobello Road is Golborne Road, a street full of vintage clothing and furniture shops. Many locals gather at this deli. They have an enormous menu (from healthy to unhealthy food) and the atmosphere is fantastic.

The Pear Tree: One of the few places I know in South London. It’s also a deli and café combo. You won’t find any tourists there. Besides a nice breakfast and lunch menu, they have cookies, cakes, and almond milk cappuccinos.

The list could go on forever. Londoners just love coffee and going out for brunch. I also spend my savings mainly on those two things. But hey, anything to fit in with the locals.

XX Kisses from Lily