Everybody has their own London, with favourite haunts, snugs, clubs and dives. But mine began when I moved to London at 18 with a pocketful of ambition, a flash of naivety and a sense of adventure. Fast forward seven years and I’m still here in this city of "beautiful idiots and brilliant lunatics," as Wilde called it, and would now go so far as to call this mad place "home".
London is daunting when you first visit, let alone when you come here to live. It can also be quite lonely if you don't know anyone, which is why I made it my mission to discover all the best places to eat, sleep, party and meet people. It is also why my friend Valerie and I created an app called Huggle to help people find great places and meet the excellent people who go there.
I've always been obsessed with discovering what London has to offer and I love nothing more than sharing hidden gems this city holds.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
So, where to start? The first thing most new arrivals ask me is which part of London is best to explore?
If I had to pick just one place, it would probably be the east of the city. If you're into art or vintage shops, Shoreditch is a must. I love Redchurch Street for shopping and Brick Lane is great just to walk down to soak up the atmosphere.
I'm also a huge fan of Hackney. It has so much to offer, especially at the weekend. If you go that way, make sure to check out the shops and flower market on Columbia Road and then - (if the weather is nice - chill out in London Fields or Victoria Park. I've also just discovered Morito, on Hackney Road, which is a really cute tapas bar. Conveniently, it also happens to be right next door to Sager + Wilde, my go-to place for a good glass of wine.
The West End is pretty good too, especially for food. If you're a vegan/gluten-free/vegetarian/healthy person, then I cannot recommend Good Life Eatery, in Chelsea, highly enough. Everything is healthy and their juices are amazing. This haunt was started by two female entrepreneurs and I have supported them from the very beginning. Go there for an Acai bowl before you hit the shops on Kings Road.
Brunching
Friends and visitors also often ask me for brunch recommendations. There are so many incredible spots in London and the best are well documented, so I’m not going to point you to generic places such as Duck & Waffle or The Breakfast Club. Instead, I'm going to throw you off the well-worn track and tell you to check out The Farm Girl Cafe in Notting Hill. Not only are the staff warm and welcoming, the food is deliciously healthy and they also do these incredible rose lattes. What is a rose latte I hear you ask? Go there and find out – you won't regret it!
If you're looking for a naughty breakfast, then you need to go to Hush in Holborn. The pancakes there are amazing – bacon and maple syrup galore. Hoi Polloi at the Ace Hotel is another favourite brunch spot of mine and if you're lucky, you may encounter the funky orchestra who play modern-day tunes while you dine. Eat yourself silly to Drake and Kygo!
Exercising
Want a way to work off some of that breakfast? For an intense workout, I'm a big fan of Barry's Bootcamp. One session will probably be enough for most people. I run marathons and I thought I was fit until I tried their class! If you fancy something a bit less intense and you'd rather a gentle jog or walk, then check out some of London's beautiful parks and gardens. I love nothing more than taking my dog for a walk or going for a picnic in Battersea Park, Hampstead Heath or Regent's Park.
All eyes might be on Rio right now, but London has some serious sporting infrastructure from hosting the Olympics four years ago. For a taste of the Games, grab some friends and head to Lee Valley White Water Centre. I nervously did white-water rafting there and I have never laughed so much in my life.
Going out
For a good night out, you could head to one of the capital's many famed super clubs, but my best nights out in London have always been in slightly quirkier venues and have almost always involved Soho. Many people have decried the gentrification of London's historical nightlife epicentre, but I would still honestly say nowhere beats Soho for late night fun.
If you can't get into The Box, where interesting experiences are guaranteed, then let your hair down with some karaoke – Lucky Voice is consistently great fun. But if singing isn't your thing and dancing is, then head to a Soho House or La Bodega Negra. Of if you're simply looking for an atmospheric cocktail bar, try Milk & Honey or Mr Fogg's.
However, my favourite all-rounder is The Arts Club in Mayfair. The food is divine and the bar and dancefloor downstairs are so much fun. Novikov is another favourite. An Italian/Asian fusion restaurant may sound slightly odd, but the place has a buzzing atmosphere.
Seeing the sites
No visit to London is complete without a visit to one of the city's many tourist hot spots. Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament may be a tourism cliche, but even after all these years I still get excited every time I see them. I also simply love Westminster Abbey – it's breath-taking when you go inside.
Caffeinating, snuggling and more
Being British, I'm a huge fan of Sunday roasts. Most Londoners will tell you to go to Hawksmoor and yes, it's very good. But in my eyes, nowhere can beat the lesser-known Sands End pub in Fulham. It's also Prince Harry's favourite pub, so how bad could it be?
Londoners also love their coffee. Kaffeine, in Great Titchfield St, is where I go for my daily latte, although when I'm trying to be healthy, I get a matcha latte from Mojo in Soho.
If you're looking for a more romantic London experience, then go to the Electric Cinema and watch a film snuggled up with your squeeze on a huge bed.
London has so much to offer. It doesn't matter what mood you're in, this city will cater for you. I can't imagine ever leaving here – it is an addictive place. As Samuel Johnson said: "Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford."
Stina Sanders is a model, blogger and co-founder of Huggle - a London-based social networking app designed to connect people who enjoy going to the same kinds of places
For more on travel and the latest luxury news follow @the_week_portfolio on Instagram
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Today's political cartoons - November 2, 2024
Geoff Capes obituary: shot-putter who became the World’s Strongest Man
Israel attacks Iran: a 'limited' retaliation
