I sometimes forget what the best things about London are. Or I don’t even try to stop myself rolling my eyes when those newer to the city talk about Covent Garden, Nottinghill, Borough Market et al… Been there, done that. But last Saturday was a revelation – taking in stomping grounds current and past as well as discovering a new (for me) foodie destination (Malty Street Market) with the gang. The weather was truly freezing but we didn’t stop laughing (and smiling, singing in the street etc) all day. My cheeks still ached long after my fingers had thawed out proving that my smile muscles are maybe in need of more frequent workouts. Brunch, plenty of walking, hidden gems and food markets make for a Saturday well-spent…

Brunch in my current ‘hood – Foxlow in Clerkenwell didn’t disappoint and was followed by a swift walk through the City and over the Millennium Bridge. I slipped into tour guide mode and we swung by St Bart’s to peer at the Sherlock-grafitti adorned phone box. 

Borough Market is always hideously busy but the weekend breakfast spot of my student years is still fun. Sharpen those elbows, try to avoid tripping over someone’s labrador and get stuck in.

Food heaven at Bread Ahead.

I used to pass Cross Bones on my walk to Sainsbury’s before M&S built a store two minutes away… The unconsecrated graveyard is the resting place of medieval prostitutes and paupers. Two minutes from Borough Market tucked down a quiet side street, it’s still as thought-provoking as when I first came across it while on a Diet Coke and loo roll run sometime in 2007. 

We spotted a Guiness Trust estate in Bermondsey which functioned as a spot for impromptu outfit photos (who are those lads lurking in the background?). 

I’m incapable of dressing for the cold. Vintage silk scarves are not known for their warmth.

Working a combination of a super old Longchamp bag, my trusty red coat, H&M boots, vintage scarf and a flash of my dress which would be better suited to a sunny day in May. Photo credit: Sarah Farrell. 

Our final stop was Maltby Street Market (fingers too cold for photos) before it was time to return to the ‘hood.