Picture a contemporary clothing shop, minimal and well presented, playing dramatic classical music and serving coffee from the most imposingly stunning coffee machine. They know their cortado from their macchiato equally as well as their wool from their cashmere. Although present doesn't cater for the female clientele, I'll still happily pay it the visit.

Find Present

present-london.com

It seems to be Londoner's who are the last to discover this concrete walled basement. Yes, its hard to locate but even more difficult to keep away from. The cocktails are creative, cheap and strong, while during the day the bar is transformed into a salad, soup and sandwich serving cafe. While you might find somewhere like this in berlin or prague, you won't elsewhere in london. Maybe that's why they keep Freuds such a secret.

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freud.eu

Story used to be hidden behind an overgrown creeper on a street that you would not walk down unless in attempt to avoid the hoards of Spitalfields. Since relocating it has become much more of a mainstream joint, but has nonetheless retained its unique appeal.

With a deli specialising in handmade pizzas served on rustic chopping boards towards the front, pass through to the shop at the rear where beautiful products are displayed amongst organic installations. Story boutique has a raw and mystical air that you can't help but be drawn into.

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storydeli.com

London is for me lacking in places that totally absorb you. Where you could be anywhere in the world, but only conscious of the present. Pizza East did that for me. The atmosphere is intoxicatingly vibrant and unique.

The difficulty lies in getting a table but even at its busiest on a Friday night, sit at the bar over a carafe of wine and wait to be called to your seat. From the menu to the presentation, everything is unfussy but thoughtful and perfectly executed. A personal favourite is sitting at the Pizza bar, across the counter from the kitchen and watch their seamless art of Pizza making.

Find Pizza East

pizzaeast.com