Forget Notting Hill, this is the cutest neighborhood in London

Amsterdam has the 9 Streets, London has Seven Dials, an area just outside the hustle and bustle with, yes, 7 ‘cobbled’ streets featuring a delightful mix of international labels (Paul Smith, Kiehl’s, Le Labo, Malin+Goetz, Fred Perry…), small boutiques, bars, and plenty of bizarrely good spots for the perfect Insta-shot.

Seven Dials was established by property developer Thomas Neale, placed in such a way that the seven streets, which are located in a triangular shape, all lead to the Seven Dials monument. This was done to create as many homes as possible. It was intended as a luxury neighborhood, but initially, it did not become that. A bit ‘dodgy’ as they would say in Love Actually, but now it is completely upcoming, cool, and hip. Seven Dials is a fantastic area to explore for anyone who loves shopping in boutiques and enjoying small, cozy restaurants. Here are a few tips for your visit to

Seven Dials:

Food and drink
Monmouth Coffee Company: a place for coffee, perfect for a quick energy boost (and bathroom break) while shopping.
Homeslice: for delicious, wood-fired pizzas in an informal setting.
26 Grains: a cozy spot for healthy, Scandinavian-inspired dishes. Love it. And if you prefer Scandinavia over London, you will find our tips for Stockholm.
Seven Dials Market: a food hall with a great selection of street food stalls and bars, ideal for tasting different cuisines.
Dishoom: a popular spot for modern Indian dishes, inspired by the old Irani cafes of Bombay.

Sights
Neal’s Yard: this colorful alley is definitely worth a visit; it is full of boutiques and organic cafes.
Covent Garden Market: a short walk from Seven Dials, here you will find street performers, market stalls, and more shops.
St Martin’s Courtyard: a quiet square with more shops and small eateries

Insta-happiness
Seven Dials is close to Covent Garden, where you have some spots that work really well for your Instagram or photo book.
1.   The flower swing at the bottom of James Street
2.   Restaurant Ave Mario, named the most instagrammable restaurant in Covent Garden
3.   The infinity chamber between Long Acre and Floral Street
4.   The wheelbarrows full of flowers that you see everywhere
5.   The British phone booths (and then explain to your kids that you used to call this way and that we really lived without a phone)

And if you can't go to London for a while, you can still enjoy this lovely city by reading my old London diary which also contains nice tips.