Everybody knows Shoreditch, Hackney and London Fields as the perfect summer hangout, but about Primrose Hill? Definitely one of my favorite daytime areas to wonder around, specially over summer!
Primrose Hill is rather residential when compared to East London, but its vibe is still pretty damn cool. People are more posh here, but they tend to have a relaxed attitude about it. Streets are cleaner and pretty, fulled with designer shops, antique boutiques and organic food shops, cafes and restaurants.
If you ask me, a perfect day in North London starts by strolling down Regent's Street Rd, from Chalk Farm Station down to Regent's Park back entrance. Of course, parading around Primrose Hill to take in the breathtaking views of the city is mandatory.
I love starting my day by having a coffee at The Little One Coffee shop. It's a tiny place, almost unnoticeable, but their stuff is fantastic. You know I love my coffee and, I am telling you, this is a TCB Certified Good-To-Go place. Also, they have the most amazing snacks to go with my coffee: Pastel de Nata (MY FAAAAVE!) and Bolinha de Queijo, which basically means puffed cheese balls. YUM?
After your coffee fix is sorted, you can relax and pamper yourself at Cowshed Spa, literally within seconds distance, or continue strolling down the road. I love grocery shopping here, they have lots fresh produce. Fresh crispy bread and great cakes at Sweet Things or Primrose Hill Bakery or a bit of everything from Shepherd's Food. I particularly like this place because they always showcasing new businesses and new products in their front door. In fact, that's how I met Une Normande a Londres, which now sells all sorts of cheeses and cured meats (Hello, saucisson sec? OBSESSED!) in Borough Market.
Now you've got food, what else? Grab a book at Primrose Hill Books or the newspaper at the local newsagent and head to the park! If it's a lovely day, you can stay there for hours, take in the sun and enjoy the view, probably the best to see the London skyline.
Of course if sitting on the grass is not really your thing, you can people-watch at The Queen's while sipping a drink and then move on to Lemonia for a deliciously cooked Greek Meal. Afterwards you'll want to walk down your meal, trust me.
Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes (that can be a nice pair of heels, surely?), but don't forget: comfortable do not mean dressing down, just dressing accordingly; and always, ALWAYS, in style.
TCB xx
