Our Favourite London Street Destinations

If you live in London, it's very easy to get ensconced in your own little area and not venture out much further than your route to work. Conversely, if you're just visiting, you're likely to only head to the most well-known areas of central London and miss out on some of the capitals best locals spots, so we asked our team at Lambs Conduit Street for their London recommendations, combining food, shopping, and general vibe. 

Maltby Street, Bermondsey

Maltby Street Market has been a local Bermondsey gem since 2010. What it might lack in aeons of history, it most certainly makes up for with flavour because this unlikely South-East London backwater has quickly become one of London's best foodie destinations, with the cobbled "Ropewalk" being the pride of London street cuisine. The Ropewalk gets its name from a nearby ropewalk that was owned by notable Bermondsey eccentric, Robert Rich, in the 18th century. The area was disrupted by the construction of the London to Greenwich railway completed in 1836, including the viaduct which apparently transported over 40,000,000 bricks. The arches now house some absolute culinary delights, such as Spanish bodega Bar Tonzino, Neapolitan pizza restaurant Bonvino Enoteca, but at the weekend it's all about the street stalls, so do yourself a favour and skip breakfast so you can sample as many different dishes as possible.

Lambs Conduit Street, Holborn 

So we're a little biased with this one given that two of Oliver Spencer's stores reside on the street, but we'd like to think that Lambs Conduit Street would appear on this list regardless. Nestled in the heart of Bloomsbury, the street was named after William Lamb, a philanthropist who funded its development in the 17th century, and which was frequented by the Bloomsbury set and the contemporaneous cognoscenti. Today, it has retained a unique micro-village feel thanks to the plethora of independent retailers, international brands, local sellers, and world-class restaurants. Just over the road from us is the esteemed Noble Rot, which surely must house one of the most interesting and curated wine lists in all of London, alongside some absolutely stunning cuisine. They've recently opened up a superb bottle shop, too, called Shrine To The Vine, which is a must-visit for budding oenophiles.

Honey & Co and La Fromagerie are both top class cafés, with the later selling a stunning selection of gourmet goods, and of course, the cheese of dreams. For a great pint, both The Lamb and The Perseverance are always happy to oblige. We reckon some o the best coffee in London is served at Redemption Coffee Roasters at the far end of the street, but if you want something even stronger you can venture into the former public loos at the junction with Guildford Place where you'll find the lesser-known speakeasy, WC Bar. 

Berwick Street, Soho

Nestled in the heart of London's Soho, Berwick Street weaves a rich tapestry of history, culture, and artistic expression, with a history that has consistently dealt in the rag trade and the music industry. It actually dates back to the 18th century when it was a flourishing marketplace for all manner of goods. As the 19th century dawned, Berwick Street evolved into a thriving hub of trade, reflecting London's transformation into a modern metropolis. The street became a focal point for artisans, with workshops and boutiques dedicated to tailoring, textiles, printing, and crafting. The mid-20th century ushered in a seismic shift as Berwick Street embraced the melodies of a new era. Record shops emerged, transforming the street into a mecca for music enthusiasts, with legendary stores such as Reckless Records and Vinyl Junkies drawing in people from all over the capital. It was also the site for the cover artwork of the Oasis album, (What's The Story) Morning Glory? Today, it's as vibrant and diverse as ever, with an excellent array of menswear boutiques including Oliver Spencer. The focal point of the street is The Blue Posts, which sits on the corner of Broadwick Street and is a vital drinking hole for residents and visitors alike.

Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell

Exmouth Market, hidden away in Clerkenwell, has been an active market ever since Victorian times. Back then, Clerkenwell was a part of London that you would visit if you were in the market for a clock, or a prostitute, and no doubt gentlemen of the era felt inclined to make their precious time work for them. These days, Exmouth Market is renowned for its eclectic array of eateries, bars, and independent retailers. But in the late 1970s, it was seriously under threat of closure. In 1984, only six pitches were active out of 100 available ones so the Islington Council relaunched Exmouth Market as a regeneration project at the beginning of the 90s. It has not looked back since.

The cultural regeneration was also improved by building a planning policy, in 1996, which promoted the buildings’ mixed use with shops on the ground floor and residential parts and offices above. This ultimately created the feeling of a village, an atmosphere is has been retained thanks to the careful curation of independents that line the market. Moro restaurant was one of the early draws (and still is), while the revamped Exmouth Arms still pulls in craft beer fans from all over London. There is an embarrassment of foodie riches to be sampled, with particular highlights being Cotica Deli, Panzo Pizza, Macellaio, and La Petite Ferme. On the retail front, EC One is a fantastic B-corp certified independent jeweller that is well worth a peruse, and if you're looking to get your rug cut, how could you possibly refuse an invitation to Barber Streisand?!