Our Guide to London

ESSEN’s Guide to London

Bustling and ever-evolving, London is a city whose character shines through its almost signature grey days. Filled with innovative dining and world-class art, it’s the kind of place that always leaves us feeling inspired and like we haven’t seen enough.

Having called the city home for six years, our dear friend and Art Director, Katja, is always our first point of call when touching down. A lover of contemporary art, great wine and Sunday’s well-spent, her distinctive London take fuses insider knowledge with quintessential city favourites.

From the exhibitions we’re frequenting to the city’s best walks, discover the ESSEN guide to London, as told by Katja.

ART

Hayward Gallery, central London: A landmark of brutalist architecture, Hayward Gallery’s year-round exhibition programme focuses on presenting a wide range of adventurous and influential artists from across the world. Hosting three to four major exhibitions each year, its contemporary curation and esteemed archive have drawn international acclaim with thought-provoking exhibitions including artists such as Hiroshi Sugimoto, Igshaan Adams, Tracey Emin and Antony Gormley.

v&a east storehouse

A reimagining of the museum format, V&A East Storehouse brings storage and exhibition into the same space — opening up the inner workings of the institution to the public. Objects from different eras and disciplines sit unexpectedly side by side, creating moments of quiet surprise and dialogue. The result feels raw and refreshingly accessible — a rare opportunity to encounter the depth of the collection in a way that is tangible, evolving, and alive with creative exchange.

ESSEN’s Guide to London

London is shaped by its parks, and a Sunday spent wandering through one feels grounding — a pause from the pace of the city. Battersea Park is an easy favourite — riverside paths, layered gardens, a broad lake and sculptures by Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth quietly woven throughout. For something wilder, Richmond Park opens out into ancient trees and roaming deer, alongside the evergreen azaleas of the Isabella Plantation.  In Stoke Newington, Clissold Park brings a more neighbourhood feel, with small lakes and open lawns at its centre. Clissold House now houses Fink’s — a coffee spot where people gather and linger. The cinnamon buns alone are reason enough to stop by.

v&a east storehouse

Farmers Markets, all over: Located in every borough, Farmers Markets are an incredible way to live like a local. From seasonal cut flowers to organic meat, fine cheese and an enormous range of fresh fruit and vegetables, it’s the perfect way to begin a weekend. Follow the advice of the incredibly knowledgeable stallholders and if you’re in Wimbledon, look out for Ellie’s Dairy or head to the Highbury Farmers’ Market — A smaller, steadily growing addition to North London’s weekend rhythm. What it lacks in scale, it makes up for in quality — from day-boat fish and seasonal fruit and vegetables to grass-fed meats, heritage grain bread, artisan cheeses and freshly baked tarts.

DINE

Mountain, Soho: Courtesy of the great minds behind Brat, Mountain is all about delicious natural flavours with a lengthy menu ideal for sharing. Spilt over two levels, the basement booths offer intimacy while the ground floor embraces the buzz of the kitchen. Designed for any number of guests, their signature dishes vary in size. From the sweet raw red prawns with house-made stracciatella to the whole lobster kaldereta, the open flames and wood fire promise a meal to remember.

Trullo, Islington: A North London institution known for its seasonal Italian menu and quietly confident approach to cooking. The space feels warm and unfussy — white tablecloths, dark timber and the gentle rhythm of a room that knows exactly what it’s doing. Expect generous bowls of pappardelle with beef shin ragu, a classic cacio e pepe and a bright Amalfi lemon tart to finish — worth saving room for.

DRINK

Sessions Arts Club, Clerkenwell: Regarded as an urban sanctuary, Sessions Arts Club sits in the old judges’ dining room at Sessions House, a grand Grade II* listed building in Clerkenwell. With a dining room surrounded by three terraces with fireplaces, a rooftop bar and a garden, it makes sense to understand that it was designed to shift with the seasons. Part restaurant and bar, part art and performance space, its curated collective program makes for a colourful crowd. Katja’s order? A glass of white wine.

LONDON EDIT

Whether walking to the tube, running to a taxi or biking across town, London is an on-foot city. When it comes to packing, we look to the three pairs we know will cover the bases of longevity, versatility and all-day comfort. An essential every day of the week, the Foundation Flat is a shoe you can rely on. Lending itself to styling, it works for day and as a relaxed answer to after-dark. Next on the list is the Chunky Slide. Easy to travel in and perfect for pairing with socks, it bridges the gap between cool and casual and is ideal for when the sun comes out. Finally, the Glove Boot. Designed for all-day wear with its memory foam padded sole, it’s a packing must-have that promises to elevate the most minimal silhouettes.