London Favorites with Mak Gilchrist

If I’m in the neighbourhood, I can’t resist visiting Richard Howard’s Oyster stand in Borough Market. Their rock oysters are caught 70 miles away in the creeks surrounding Mersea Island in Essex and are served on paper plates with a simple selection of lemons, tabasco, and vinegar dressings.

Got to big up my local bakery here! No frills, nothing 'fancy do-dah' and that’s how we love it! The Old Post Office Bakery is London's oldest organic bakery and has been baking on-site for as long as I’ve lived in my neighborhood. What’s my favourite loaf? The Brixton Sourdough made with flour produced at Brixton Windmill, London's only working windmill. Now that’s what I call a local loaf!

I love vintage and pre-loved clothing finds. There are various stores or street market stalls I check in on. Favorites are a not so well kept secret of South East London, held every other Sunday morning, the Peckham Car Boot is a mecca for those searching for affordable and fabulous finds. I also recently discovered Clementine Loves at a market in East Dulwich and am very pleased with my Gucci tux jacket find. They pop up in various street markets around London and are online too.

For furniture and other collectibles, I check out the Mid-Century Modern shows for their huge selection of various antique collectibles, all conveniently located under one roof at the architecturally pleasing Dulwich College.

A great area to explore is Crystal Palace in South East London. It has emerged as a hub for vintage furniture, making it a perfect destination for an afternoon of discoveries.

I’d like to celebrate ALL of London's green and blue spaces, our 'lungs of London’. London is one of the greenest cities in the world, with nearly 50% of its land classified as green or blue space. Many parks, street trees, domestic gardens, allotments, rivers, canals, and ponds contribute to the city's thriving atmosphere and all-important biodiversity. The majority of these green spaces are accessible public areas rather than privately owned domains. As a result, many Londoners have the privilege of enjoying these essential resources that significantly contribute to the overall quality of life in the city.

If I had to pick just one park, it would be the 'London Blossom Garden', which I had the privilege to co-design as the creative director. This Covid memorial garden for Londoners opened in 2021 and is located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford.

Narrowing it down to one is impossible. Depends on the mood! Here’s a good all-rounder…

The Barbican Centre: I love the entire Barbican Estate as a location. Its magnificent Brutalist architecture and the naturalistic landscaping designed by Nigel Dunnet make it a truly remarkable destination.

The Barbican Centre within the estate is renowned for its diverse entertainment, cultural events, and exhibitions. It also holds a unique gem that remains one of London's best-kept secrets: a vast conservatory spanning 23,000 square feet. Inside, you'll find an impressive collection of over 2,000 plant and tree species thriving harmoniously against the backdrop of the centre. The sight is truly spectacular!