Dalston, London {around your town}

Hi! My name is Liv. I am a make up artist and blogger currently living and loving with my Dave in London. Usually you can find our blog here: Liv+Dave

I am so excited to be a guest over here at Simply Us to share our favorite spots in this city with you guys.

Where do you live?

I am living in Dalston, East London a very vibrant and multi cultural neighborhood. One that Italian Vogue and The Guardian named the coolest place in Britain. ; We love it here.

How long have you lived in Dalston? 
I have lived in London for 3 years, after spending a year in NYC and 8 years in Berlin Germany, my home country. I constantly keep discovering this city myself.

Can you give us a little history behind London?

London is the capital of the United Kingdom and has been around for over 2000 years. It has experienced all kinds of drama including the plague, devastating fire, civil war, aerial bombardement, and terrorist attacks. It's a lovely place ; )

What is something you find unique to London?

The great bus network, the Queen and how London somehow manages the split between a very big cosmopolitan city and very charming traditional British place. The look of the cabs and phone booths. 

If you were planning a weekend around your town, what would the agenda look like? 

A weekend is way to short! Try and stay a little longer.  Maybe have a browse though our adventures on our blog and follow some of the recommendations that look exciting to you. 

London is a big city and there is so much to do and see. Here is a little pick of things that we love doing:
Start the Saturday with a good Breakfast at Caravan or Railroad Cafe taking a bus into central London and pick one of the many great Museums to visit. I love the Tate Modern, The British Mueseum, National History Museum. If you are into Fashion go to the V&A, it's amazing. You can take a walk along the river Thames, where you can see most of the famous sightseeing spots.

Borough Market is not far and a great food market to grab yourself some lunch.
On Saturday night try seeing a gig or even in the Roundhouse in Camden, its a great venue.

On Sunday explore East London with a Breakfast at the Happy Kitchen . After that you can walk around Broadway Market, people watching and exploring little shops, get a few snacks from the food stands and sit down in London Fields park. Take a walk down the canal towards Shoreditch and visit another great market and vintage shopping Mecca : Brick Lane. Now you are very close to Columbia Road flower market which is open every Sunday, grab yourself a bunch of beautiful flowers. After you prob spent a great deal on shopping , coffees and cakes you can visit the very budget friendly delicious Stingray Globe Cafe and order a one of their great pizzas.

If you are up for more, or you visit in the cold season, spend the Sunday afternoon in a pub that offers traditional (or vegetarian!) Sunday roast like the Talbot. 

If you are up for a very unique dining experience and money is no issue try the raw food restaurant Saf and you will eat what you have never tried before.

Best place to go shopping? 

For vintage explore the area around Brick Lane, a visit in the Topshop flagship store on Oxford street is a must, if trendy boutiques are your thing try Shoreditch and Stoke Newington if you have more time is worth checking out as well.

What is the best coffee or tea house? 

Despite a million coffee shops and cafes in London, it isn't easy to find one that makes real good coffee. The British love their tea, but I have always been a coffee girl.
The best ones you get at Allpress and Caravan. The coziest at The Railroad cafe and the friendliest at The Happy Kitchen.

When is the best month or season to visit? 

London has a mild climate so it's worth visiting anytime of the year. I prefer spring time. 

Being from out of town or from another country, what are some essential things I should pack? 

We have a different voltage to the USA so you will need a travel  transformer to convert the voltage. An American friend of mine blew the fuse of a whole hotel floor, with her hair dryer, so be aware!

As most people are aware, London just held the Olympics.  

Did you to any events? 

We weren't organized enough to apply for ticket a year in advance but we have watched the opening ceremony and a few events on a big screen in a park. I have also seen the Olympic torch live.  

And every lunch break I try watching a few events on a big screen next to my work. 

Have the Olympics effected your everyday life? 
I did the make up for an Olympics inspired beauty photo shoot for a fashion magazine the other week. It seems like the theme is just everywhere. You can't miss it. 

Do you have a favorite event? 

I love to see gymnastics. 

Are you cheering for anyone in particular?

 Banksy! The graffiti artist. He has recently done some amazing Olympic related works across the city. It always worth watching out if you could spot a real Banksy when you get here. (See picture below) 

Liv, thank you for being our London tour guide. You have really made me want to plan a trip to London in the very near future. 

If you are interested in being a tour guide for your town, please email me at katrinanbrooks@hotmail dot com.