The designer’s city guide to London

Maison Assouline, Piccadilly Circus

London is full of places that feel thoughtfully made. From museums housed in former homes to cafés where the interiors are as considered as the coffee, this city rewards curiosity and a love of good design.

This guide pulls together spots that are calm, characterful, and quietly inspiring. Think: a floral studio with a sculptural twist, a Brutalist arts centre that hosts some of the best exhibitions in the city, and a bookstore that’s just as beautiful as the titles it stocks. 

We’ve included museums, cafés, shops and even a few day trips that offer a fresh perspective — all through the lens of design.

• Museums

  Where historic architecture meets curated creativity.

  • Sir John Soane’s Museum – A design pilgrimage. Part cabinet of curiosities, part architectural wonder.
    

  • The Design Museum – Self-explanatory, but essential. Modern, interactive, and often overlooked by tourists.
    

  • Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) – A treasure trove for textiles, furniture, and design history.
    

  • Barbican Centre – Brutalist beauty and a rotating lineup of art, architecture, and design exhibitions.
    

  • The Garden Museum – A hidden gem with minimalist charm and one of the most aesthetic cafés in the city.

• Cafés

  Where the interiors are as good as the espresso.

  • Toklas Bakery & Café – Scandinavian interiors, terrazzo floors, and an art-adjacent clientele.

  • Abuelo (Covent Garden & Marylebone) – An Aussie-meets-South American café where architectural details, artisan ceramics, and warm lighting set the tone for a slow, design-conscious pause.
    

  • Pophams Bakery (Islington or Hackney) – Sleek, subtle, and home to the city’s most photogenic pastries.
    

  • WatchHouse (various locations) – Polished interiors with a design language tailored to each neighbourhood.
    

  • Maison Assouline (Piccadilly Circus) – Equal parts bookshop, bar, and café, this grand space oozes old-world glamour and design prestige.

  • Towpath (Regent’s Canal) – Open-air, minimal, and beloved by chefs and creatives alike. Its quiet confidence is its design signature.

• Shopping

  Design-led retail experiences.

  • TOAST (Notting Hill or Shoreditch) – Earthy, well-crafted clothing in beautifully curated spaces.
    

  • Labour and Wait (Shoreditch) – Functional design objects in a timeless utilitarian style.
    

  • Daunt Books (Marylebone) – A dream for bibliophiles and design lovers alike, with Edwardian oak galleries and skylit ceilings.
    

  • Earl of East (Coal Drops Yard) – Candles, scents, and ceramics in a space that blends retail and ritual.

  • Liberty London (Soho) – Yes, we’re adding a department store — but this one’s a Tudor revival icon with creaky floors, curated edits, and a fabric archive worth getting lost in.

• Day Breaks

  Design-centric day trips just outside the city.

  • Oxford – All symmetry, sandstone, and spires. Highlights include Modern Art Oxford, The Oxford Ceramics Gallery, and architectural calm around every corner.
    

  • Bath – Georgian elegance meets clean lines and warm light. Visit the Holburne Museum or Francis Gallery for a design-led take on the city’s historic charm.
    

  • Brighton – A creative coastal favourite. Think Regency architecture, independent design stores, and a lively mix of old and new.
    

  • Margate – A seaside town with serious art credentials. Home to Turner Contemporary, Haeckels, and a growing wave of well-designed spots to browse, stay, and eat.
    

  • Charleston (East Sussex) – The Bloomsbury Group’s country home. Patterned walls, painted furniture, and the kind of lived-in creativity that still feels fresh.

  • Cowley Manor (Cotswolds) – A modern country house with playful interiors by Emil Eve Architects, Cowley pairs historic charm with bold contemporary design. Think checkerboard floors, sculptural furniture, and a spa that feels like a minimalist sanctuary.