Where's London's cutest cake shop?

Where is the best place for cake in London?


I'm torn between two places – so let's go for a cake in each. The "duffins" at Beas of Bloomsbury in Bermondsey are an irresistible blend of a doughnut and a muffin. Lethal. And then anything and everything at Violet in London Fields. It's London's cutest cake shop.



Where can you get a cheap lunch?


Broadway Market in London Fields is packed with delicious food stalls on a Saturday. If it's sunny, grab something to eat and go and sit in the nearby park. Doesn't get cheaper than that.



Which vintage shop in London do you swear by?


I'm always blown away by Blitz in Shoreditch. It's more like a department store than a shop, with beautifully selected and curated clothes and furniture. There's even a coffee shop and magazines to read.



Where do you head for a Sunday roast?
 

So many pubs, so many Sunday roast opportunities. I've got two current favourites – The Chamberlayne in Kensal Rise (my local) and The Bull & Last in Highgate. They're both great examples of what a London pub should be – laid-back atmosphere and a delicious, well-priced menu. I love them both. 



Which shop is the best place for men's wear?
 

One particularly well-dressed ex-boyfriend was obsessed with Present in Shoreditch. It's easy to see why – a brilliant selection of labels, from dressy to more casual, and some of the nicest staff in London. And did I mention the award-winning barista? It really is a very cool shop. 



Which shop is the best place for women's wear?


I found some brilliant places while researching the book. K.J.'s Laundry in Marylebone has a fantastic range of labels – it's a great example of an independent boutique that knows its market and makes a real effort to stock things that you won't find everywhere else. And a visit to Start London in Shoreditch is a must. Your wallet won't like it but owner Brix Smith-Start has created a fashion wonderland. 



Which is the most stylish tube station?
The revamped King's Cross station is pretty breathtaking – its new, domed concourse is modern architectural design at its best. And while you're there, make sure you cross the road and have a gawp at the refurbished St Pancras – it's a Victorian masterpiece.



Where is the classiest pub?


The Drapers Arms in Islington [pictured] is pretty special, with its elegant Georgian interior and lovely walled garden. Fantastic food, too. Whenever I go, I daydream that I live in a big white house in one of the surrounding streets. Dream on.  



Where is the quirkiest café
? 

The best thing about writing this book was discovering new places, and the Wilton Way Café in London Fields is a gem. Simple, delicious food, great coffee and a DJ booth from where the local community radio station broadcasts. I wish I lived closer, I'd be in there all the time. 



And which market has all the best finds?


Two must-visits: Columbia Road flower market on a Sunday has, as you'd expect, amazing flowers, but also tiny, eclectic shops that only open at the weekend. And Golborne Road, near Portobello. Avoid the Portobello hordes and head 10 minutes north. You'll find bric a brac stalls on the street (at weekends) and some of London's best interiors shops. I love it. 
 


London Style Guide by Saska Graville is published by Murdoch Books.