Culture and Culinary Goodness Unwrapped in London
Welcome to London
London’s allure lies in its layers. The history, the subcultures, the food, the attitude. But this isn’t a guide to Big Ben or Borough Market. This is the lesser-known London, where creativity simmers and flavour leads the way. From rooftop art spaces in Peckham to speakeasies in Shoreditch, this is a city where bold culture and global flavours collide in unexpected corners. So join us for a weekend, forget the postcard version, and traverse the city like a local.
Your long-weekend itinerary
Day 1: Bold art & bigger flavours
Start your long weekend in Peckham - a neighbourhood packed with personality. Grab a freshly roasted coffee from Old Spike Roastery before heading to Peckham Levels for lunch - a car park turned creative hub where indie food stalls serve everything from Nigerian jollof bowls to vegan ramen.
Spend your afternoon at the South London Gallery or catching an artist talk at Bold Tendencies, the rooftop art space with skyline views and sharp cocktails. Round off your evening at Theatre Peckham or the Young Vic in Southbank - both known for edgy performances with something to say. Families are welcome too, with matinee options and relaxed performances year-round. Finally, finish your evening with a tasting menu at Akoko, where West African fine dining meets Michelin-star flair.
Day 2: East eats & after-dark drinks
Start your day at Broadway Market, where little ones can roam and adults can grab a breakfast banh mi or flaky croissant from Yeast Bakery. Meander through Victoria Park, then wander over to Whitechapel Gallery - a cornerstone of London’s contemporary art scene. For lunch, book a table at Manteca in Shoreditch - a nose-to-tail Italian joint that’s loud, bold, and unforgettable.The afternoon calls for a cultural shift: explore green space at the nearby Museum Gardens - perfect for a picnic or a playground break. If you're craving something indoors, the Young V&A in Bethnal Green offers immersive exhibits, play spaces and workshops for curious young minds. Alternatively, head to Camden Passage for vintage hunting or detour to Coal Drops Yard, where repurposed railway arches now house concept stores, indie brands, and a free open-air cinema. Come evening, snag a spot at Smokestak for smoked brisket and burnt ends, or go full veggie at Tendril, a minimalist plant-based kitchen that’s anything but bland. If your schedule allows, slip into Nightjar - a speakeasy-style bar where jazz, candlelight, and prohibition-style cocktails set the scene.
Explore more with Priority Pass
Sip and learn on the Bombay Sapphire Distillery Discovery Tour
Step inside the iconic distillery for a guided look at gin-making history. From exotic botanicals to vapour infusion, it’s a sensory experience that ends with a perfectly mixed G&T.
Go undercover in the City of Spies tour
Explore London’s espionage roots with a Martini in hand. Led by an expert guide, you’ll visit real MI6 haunts, secret clubs and war offices that inspired Bond himself.
Taste the world in the Exotic East End Food Tour
Eat your way through Brick Lane’s Sunday market. Think salt beef beigels, Ghanaian hot chocolate, East Asian sweets - topped off with oysters, bubbly, and a crash course in Cockney slang.
Discover even more shows, museums and experiences in London.
Moments before take-off
Before you fly, wind down or fuel up at one of London’s many Priority Pass lounges. At Heathrow, you’ll find stylish escapes across all four terminals - including the plush No1 Lounges in T2 and T3. Gatwick has you covered too, with calming spaces in both North and South Terminals. Stansted, Luton, and London City round out the options, offering everything from craft beer to showers, so your journey ends (or begins) on a high.