olivemagazine
type: channel
link: https://www.olivemagazine.com
date: 2026-04-09T14:43:28.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Best London hotels for a stay in the heart of the city's action
items: The best weekend food markets in London for spring refuelling
items: 10 premium hot chocolates in London to try this festive season
items: 10 magical London streets and neighbourhoods for Christmas shopping
items: 10 London park café destinations for food lovers
items: Best street food stalls in the UK

Best London hotels for a stay in the heart of the city's action
type: item
date: 2026-04-09T14:33:58.000Z
subject: Travel
subject: Travel london
subject: UK
subject: Hotel guides
description: Lounge in a freestanding bath tub, take your pick from a pillow menu and tuck into Moroccan eggs with labneh at London’s best hotels
encoded: Looking for the best hotels in London? Want to know where to stay in central London? Our guide to London’s best boutique hotels… For more hotel inspiration, discover the best UK spa hotels for food lovers, the most romantic hotels in the UK and the best UK country house hotels. Check out some of our London food guides, including the best restaurants in Fitzrovia, best restaurants in Battersea and best restaurants in Chelsea. Four Seasons Hotel Tower Bridge – for an impressive location Doubles from £562, check availability at fourseasons.com or booking.com On the banks of the Thames, Four Seasons Tower Bridge is as rich and colourful as its historic location. The sweeping beaux-arts building at 10 Trinity Square opened in 1922 as home to the Port of London Authority, and the dramatic architectural legacy of this former centre of trade is felt the moment you step into its marble lobby. At its heart is the Rotunda Bar, topped with a striking glass dome that echoes St Paul's Cathedral. Despite the rich heritage, the interior is thoroughly modern – elegant contemporary furnishings, marble bathrooms and warm wall panelling. Rooms are spacious, cocooned and built for comfort and convenience: we loved that the stereo system extended into the bathroom too. There's a steak restaurant, Cooper's Cut, but we dined at Mei Ume, the contemporary Chinese and Japanese restaurant. The big, bold menu balances crowd-pleasers – whole peking duck, spring rolls, egg fried rice – with more ambitious dishes like slow-cooked Australian abalone, hot stone wagyu beef and roasted black cod, plus an extensive sushi menu spanning futomaki, uramaki, temaki, nigiri and sashimi. A playful dessert of Mei Miao, a yuzu chocolate cat filled with banana sponge and miso mousse, feels perfectly at home in the ornate, high-ceilinged dining room. Breakfast is served in-room or at Rotunda – porridge with treacle and salted butter, a York ham and Neal's Yard Dairy cheddar omelette, bubble and squeak with black …

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The best weekend food markets in London for spring refuelling
type: item
date: 2026-03-27T12:19:56.000Z
creator: Helen Salter
subject: Guides
subject: Travel london
subject: UK
subject: Travel
description: Fill your totes at one of London's charming weekend markets, from the UK's only all-organic farmers' market to modern street food havens
encoded: There's no better time than spring to visit London's clutch of treasured food markets, allured by the scent of fresh bread, the chatter of traders and a rainbow of farm-fresh produce. These markets are bastions of quality produce and community spirit, making them the perfect spot for a quick lunch or hunting down a prime foodie gift. Read on to discover olive's pick of the capital’s finest weekend food markets — from organic farmers' markets to sizzling street food offerings — perfect for a food-fuelled weekend activity. For spring travel inspiration, check out the unmissable destinations to see spring in full bloom and the UK hotels with beautiful gardens to book. We also have our top picks of where to go in April and the best European gourmet escapes to catch spring produce at its peak. Best weekend markets in London Growing Communities, Stoke Newington The UK's only all-organic farmers' market, Stoke Newington’s market is a leafy local gem and a true champion of sustainable food. It's committed to working with small-scale organic and biodynamic farmers and growers from the areas closest to London, with most located in Kent, Essex, Cambridgeshire and East Anglia. Every Saturday the churchyard is transformed into a buzzy patchwork of stalls showcasing a rainbow of seasonal, farm-fresh produce, from peppery Asian greens to vibrant squashes. You can also secure organic cheese, small-batch preserves and handmade chocolate. Grab a locally roasted coffee and settle on the church steps for a spot of people watching. growingcommunities.org Address: St Paul's Church, Stoke Newington, London N16 7UE Opening times: Saturday (10am-2.30pm) Nearest station: Rectory Road Brockley Market Hailed for its exceptional produce and all-round good vibe, Brockley's 'car park of dreams' is a south London institution. Fresh and glossy local produce shares space with interesting small-scale goodies, from wild garlic plants to fermented cashew dips. Lots of the foodie finds available are hyp…

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10 premium hot chocolates in London to try this festive season
type: item
date: 2025-12-15T15:26:32.000Z
creator: Helen Salter
subject: Travel
subject: Travel london
subject: UK
subject: London area guides
description: Fight the winter blues and treat yourself to one of these handcrafted hot chocolates, expertly blended for a bespoke and luxury experience
encoded: As the temperature drops and Christmas lights start to twinkle, there’s nothing more comforting than wrapping your hands around a cup of thick, silky hot chocolate. London is home to a bundle of independent cafés stirring up luxurious versions of this classic winter warmer – read on to discover where to find the most indulgent hot chocolates this festive season. Recreate a rich and creamy hot chocolate in the comfort of your kitchen with our hot chocolate recipes, including a chocolate orange twist and boozy alternative. Or seek more ways to make the most of the season with our four festive UK city getaways perfect for shopping, eating and exploring and these magical winter travel experiences for food lovers. Maison Pierre Marcolini, Notting Hill This glossy new boutique from the famed French chocolatier is the first of the Marcolini emporiums to serve bean-to-cup hot chocolates, using cocoa beans sourced directly from independent producers in Madagascar, Peru, Cuba, Brazil and São Tomé. Super-smooth and milky serves include ‘Speculoos’ and a signature ‘Piedmont Hazelnut’, topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce and hazelnuts. Those who prefer a darker cup of chocolate are also catered for, with cocoa percentages ranging from 77%-83%. You can enjoy these artisanal creations hot or cold, with the choice of whole, pea or oat milk. We're excited to visit again soon to try its new hot chocolate which now comes with an espresso shot. marcolini.co.uk Barnabys, Covent Garden (and Tottenham Court Road and City of London) This handmade chocolate shop may be known for its thick, gooey chocolate bars, but its newer range of hot chocolates, using real chocolate, are just as noteworthy. Available in three flavours – classic, malt and peanut butter and caramel – all offerings are equally drool-worthy. Dip a bar of the weekend special into your cup and you'll notice that the chocolate pools in the bottom – just heavenly. barnabybars.com Dark Sugars, Greenwich A visit to Dark Suga…

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10 magical London streets and neighbourhoods for Christmas shopping
type: item
date: 2025-11-20T17:17:49.000Z
creator: Helen Salter
subject: Travel
subject: Travel london
subject: UK
subject: London area guides
description: Shop, eat and feel merry on these festive London streets lined with unique boutiques and established brands – it'll make Christmas shopping a breeze
encoded: On the hunt for unique gifts for the food lover in your life? These London neighbourhoods are brimming with independent boutiques, artisan food stores and Christmas markets – perfect for shopping, exploring and soaking up some festive cheer. We've also included nearby foodie hot spots to refuel for an all-round shopping experience with seasonal sparkle. Discover our guides to the best UK city breaks and our favourite European hidden gem hotels. For more winter travel inspiration, see our guide to the best ski destinations or best winter sun destinations for something a little warmer. Festive London streets and neighbourhoods for Christmas shopping Columbia Road Market More than the heaving East End flower market that takes place every Sunday, Columbia Road's shops host a range of events during the year, including Columbia Road Christmas Wednesdays. Being one of the few streets in the country composed of sixty independent shopfronts, it's a good opportunity to pick up unique gifts in a local environment while enjoying a big dose of Christmas cheer (expect mulled wine and mince pies). You can also shop later in the evening along the small stretch of stores, where small art galleries sit next to English delis and homeware and antique shops. There’s also a wealth of great pubs, cafés and restaurants. Pick up custom cakes at Lily Vanilli Bakery or head to cool boozer The Royal Oak for a post-market tipple. Brawn is an olive favourite, serving European small plates alongside a menu of natural and organic wines. Coal Drops Yard and King’s Cross Once industrial, but now one of London’s most stylish shopping destinations, King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard come alive at Christmas with a packed programme of markets. The Canopy Christmas Market is home to over 50 indie crafters, designers and artisan produce – perfect for ticking off your gift list and sampling street food and mulled cider. Other Christmas offerings include the Wine Car Boot, where each stall is an independent w…

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10 London park café destinations for food lovers
type: item
date: 2025-10-29T10:14:28.000Z
creator: Helen Salter
subject: Travel
subject: Travel london
subject: UK
subject: London area guides
description: Discover London's cool clutch of park cafés for refuelling – the perfect excuse to linger a little longer in the city's leafy spaces
encoded: London’s plenteous leafy spaces have long been a sanctuary for city-dwellers, but in recent years the classic park café has undergone a transformation. Gone are the days of limp sandwiches and instant coffee in polystyrene cups. Across the capital, a new breed of park cafés is drawing Londoners and visitors with menus as first-class as their views. More than just a place to grab a flat white – these are foodie destinations in their own right, where you can expect specialty coffee, next-level bakes and a sense of community – all without leaving the park. Whether you’re seeking a post-run pastry, a peaceful lakeside brunch or a packed-out burrito, these spots are worth the detour. FINK'S, Clissold House North Londoners have even more reason to swoon over this beloved Hackney park thanks to newly opened Fink’s Clissold House. Breathing life into the park’s elegant Grade II listed Clissold House, expect straightforward fare with an emphasis on utilising local suppliers. Go for the coffee from Scenery Coffee Roasters and stay for the next-level toasties (pastrami, dill pickle and gruyère) and pastries coming fresh daily from Fink's Bakery in N4, such as the rosette apple, vanilla custard and pecan crumble danish. Cakes are made with seasonal fruit from Natoora & Shrub Provisions and Wildfarmed flour. Furrier friends are also catered for, with dog treats available for purchase in shop. Aside from the refrigerator stocked with locally made soft drinks, foodies can fill their totes on Fink's thoughtful selection of gourmet goods, from tinned fish and truffle crisps to wines and spirits. Come for a proper refuel before a stroll to spot the park’s roaming deer - a blissful afternoon. instagram.com/finks.london Bad Manners, Shoreditch Church Serving a pithy menu of burritos and Mexican-style snacks, this shiny silver trailer has become a cult favourite for East Londoners in the know. Following a successful stint at St John at Hackney Churchyard, this hip establishment is now p…

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Best street food stalls in the UK
type: item
date: 2022-06-09T10:33:49.000Z
creator: Helen Salter
subject: North East travel
subject: Restaurants
subject: Travel london
subject: UK
subject: Yorkshire & Humber travel
subject: Travel
subject: Street food
description: The UK is awash with fantastic street food stalls selling everything from Venezuelan arepas to vegan kebabs, so we've rounded-up our pick of the best available
encoded: Want to try the best street-food in the UK? Here's our pick of the best food trucks, stalls and market halls, with culinary delights ranging from vegan kebabs, British-Indian comfort food, loaded cheesecakes and more. For more street food inspiration check out the best street food in London. Best street food in London and South East The Orange Buffalo, various locations Deemed the best wings in London by its loyal fans, The Orange Buffalo is the product of school friends, Nick and Mike, who travelled across America and decided to bring a piece of it back. In 2012, The Orange Buffalo became the UK’s first dedicated buffalo wing food truck, selling glistening wings, stacked burgers and funky variations including a spin on brunch (fried chicken benedict, anyone?). Locations in Soho, Tooting and Hoxton. theorangebuffalo.com Click here to read about the best street-food stalls in London Pockets, Netil Market Head to Netil Market in East London for your lunchtime Pocket fix (and thank us later). This little falafel stall delivers on big flavours, with its soft and springy pittas full of flavourful layers: think crispy hot falafel, cabbage salad, lashings of sauce and hummus. The final topping comes in the form of a potato slice, coated in batter and fried. instagram.com/pockets_uk Guasa, various locations Guasa is bringing a Venezuelan food experience to the London street food scene. Try its popular artisan Venezuelan arepas made with naturally gluten-free white corn, with fillings spanning teriyaki-style jackfruit, marinated chicken, buffalo beef and more. Yuca fries, served golden and crispy, also grace the menu, as well as Venezuelan rum and cocktails with a twist. guasagroup.com Eat Lah, various locations Malaysian street food stall Eat Lah is based across a handful of London street food markets, including Design District Canteen, Victoria Park and Brockley Market. The bright blue stall is famous for its hot fresh nasi kerabu, a blue-hued rice salad topped with plenty…

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