Europa House Apartments

Located in this leafy West London neighbourhood, Europa House Apartments provide seclusion, discretion and independence all within reach of some of Central London's most famous landmarks.

Best picnics

You don’t have to go far – the gardens behind Europa House are perfect, and they can provide picnic blankets, cool bag, and a play tent. We suggest trawling Raoul's Gourmet for deli salads, meats and cheeses, fresh breads, dips, fruit juices (see ‘Shopping’). Or take in some drama with your alfresco entertainments a picnic, sit on the grass banks and let the words of the Bard and co float out across the balmy breeze to you.

Best beaches

As you're in London beaches aren't really one the agenda, but long-term stayers might be tempted by a day trip to Whitstable or Brighton. Nearer is the 'Plage' opposite Tower Bridge on the South Bank of the River Thames, which is set up in the summer. There is a fantastic Beach Party at the end of August before they take it away.

Best walks

Take a guided tow-path tour along the Grand Union Canal all the way to King’s Cross armed with your iPod; download the MP3 file from www.canalmuseum.org.uk/visit/podcasts.htm

Shopping

Raoul's Gourmet at 10 Clifton Rd London W9 1SS is ideal for deli goods (www.raoulsgourmet.com). Get basic provisions from the Organic Grocery at 17 Clifton Road, London W9 1SY. For all you’re your floral desires, we love Absolute flowers and home shop at 14 Clifton Road, London W9 1SS. Sheepdrove Organic Farm family butcher is a favourite for carnivores at 5 Clifton Rd, London W9 1SZ (020 7266 3838). The 24-hour Tesco at 115 Maida Vale, London W9 1UP is your nearest supermarket.

Activities

You might think it's the preserve of Japanese tourists, but hey, a pic of you and yours channelling the Beatles on their iconic Abbey Road LP cover could be a fun one for the family album. Head to the original recording studios just up the road in St John's Wood. Or if cricket is your dream day out, your mothership is around the corner at Lords (www.lords.org; +44(0)20 7616 8500). Also in that direction is London Zoo in Regent's Park (www.zsl.org; 020 7722 3333). In this neck of the woods too is Regents Park open-air theatre (openairtheatre.org; +44 (0)844 826 4242) where thesps declare their undying love, hate and who knows what else, outdoors. Productions have included 'Much Ado About Nothing', 'The Importance of Being Earnest' and 'Hello Dolly!' The New Shakespeare Company Ltd, The Ironworks, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4NR.

Pubs

The Warrington Pub

+44 (0)20 7592 7960

Gone is the beloved Thai upstairs at this fine wood-panelled boozer, replaced by a hostelry owned by Gordon Ramsay no less. And it is right next door – fab.
93 Warrington Crescent, London W9 1EH

Restaurants

Formosa Dining Rooms

+44 (0)20 7286 3287

For some hearty pub food in stylish Victorian surrounds, feast in the Prince Alfred’s beautiful dining room. A chic contrast to the 1863 building, this is a modern and minimalist space, whose menu has gained a nod of approval from the maestros at Michelin. Twice-cooked crisp belly pork is a popular choice and there is a wallet-friendly ‘Two courses for £10 deal’, is available throughout the week at lunch, or from 6.30pm–7.30pm, Monday to Thursday. Try Mussels with spicy coconut & sugar snaps, move on to the legendary pork belly main and finish off with the British cheese board.
Formosa Street, London W9 2JS

Red Pepper

+44 (0)20 7266 2708

For a quick, slick Italian meal with panache, enter the pepper-red dining room and order a thin-crust pizza, some seductive seafood, or a pasta dish to remember, like fresh artichoke and king prawn ravioli. On a cold day, the parmigiano pizza will bring warmth to your body and contentment to the soul. Pace yourself though, the tiramisu and dark chocolate tart are local favourites. Not the place to woo Mrs Smith (the small space gets crowded and service comes sans frills) but nevertheless, fantastic fuel to set you up for London exploring.
8 Formosa Street, London W9 1EE

Ben’s Thai

+44 (0)871 971 7258

Formerly of the Warrington, this small but informal eatery is now sitting pretty above the Robert Browning pub. Ben’s menu ticks all the tasty Thai boxes and delivers great food at reasonable prices. Panang is lusciously creamy, the Pad Thai has just the right spice-kick and the duck rolls are the perfect blend of crunch and chew. Sam Smith fans should head downstairs to the pub for a post-dinner brew.
15 Clifton Road, London W9 1SY

Maguro

+44 (0)20 7289 4353

For a taste of Japan via Maida Vale, savour some sushi and sip some sake in Maguro’s sleek, streamlined wooden expanse. The restaurant serves up lunch and dinner, boasting a bewilderingly long menu for each. There is also a sushi bar for conveyor-belt style dining. Try the signature Maguro maki roll: prawn tempura, avocado, cucumber and lettuce with salad and soup accompaniments.
5 Lanark Place, London W9 1BT

Cafes

Raoul’s Café

+44 (0)20 7289 7313

If consuming your five daily fruit and veg is a challenge, head to Raoul’s and sample a more-ish Mediterranean menu; there’s a rainbow of pulses, roots, beans and salads to choose from and fresh fruit smoothies to wash them down with. We also love their famous yellow eggs scrambled for brunch. You could actually eat away an entire day at Raoul’s; it serves up Full English (be sure to try those Italian eggs) and muesli breakfasts, light lunch and delectable dinner. The surroundings are suitably stylish; don’t be surprised if a local celeb sits slurping a shake behind you. The café also has a deli section, with picnic-perfect goodies to enjoy in the sunshine. http://raoulsgourmet.com
13 Clifton Rd, London W9 1SZ

Vicki’s Café

+44 (0)20 7289 6399

Make like a cabbie and feast on a full English at Vicki’s, a warm and welcoming Maida Vale establishment beloved for its reliably good food and reliably smiley owner. Vicki has a contempt for mean portions, so bring your appetite with you and expect a plate piled high. The all-day breakfast is a deliciously sinful way to banish hunger and lighter snacks are available for the less ravenous, including sandwiches (the club comes highly recommended) couscous salads, chicken kebabs and fish cakes.
28 Clifton Road, London W9 1ST

For a full list of eating and drinking recommendations in London, check out our London restaurant guide

For a full list of recommended activities in London, check out our London destination guide

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