Bindy Street's Top Tens of 2023
With 2024 rapidly approaching, we’re shaking off those post-Christmas blues with a look back to some of the highlights from 2023. In a city as busy as London, there was never a dull month without a fun pop-up, exciting event, or cool new opening - and these are some of our favourites…
Favourite New Restaurant: Sonora Taquería
Netil Markets' most popular food stall threw open their doors to its first proper restaurant this year - and boy, was it worth the wait. From delicious adobo to slow-cooked barbacoa, their tacos are bursting to the brim with both fillings and flavour - and if you’re an early bird, we HIGHLY recommend a breakfast burrito to start.
Address: 208 Stoke Newington High St, London N16 7HU
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Favourite Exhibition: Delight Media Art Exhibition
London is FULL of immersive experiences, but Delight Media Art Exhibition is the one that impressed us the most this year. With 12 unique rooms and over 25 stunning art installations, it whisks you away to the cool and buzzing city of Seoul in South Korea full of bright, neon lights, and a simply captivating culture.
Address: Clink Street Borough Yards Unit 219-221, London SE1 9DG
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Favourite Casual Bite: Goddards at Greenwich
Practically a local institution, Goddards is one of the oldest and most traditional pie shops in the City - and you can taste the history and love with every bite. With vegan and gluten free options (and even jellied eels!) this is hands down a pie we’ll return for time and time again.
Address: 22 King William Walk, London SE10 9HU
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Favourite New Opening: Bubble Planet
The city isn’t shy of quirky experiences, and Bubble Planet tops our list for one of the most unusual openings of 2023. Its rooms are full of exciting bubble-related themes, massive ball pits, an infinity light show - and even a VR experience! - proving to be one of our most unique days out of the year.
Address: 22 Fulton Rd, Wembley HA9 0TF
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Favourite Bakery: Forno
One of the best additions to Hackney this year is Forno, an Italian bakery and deli baking fresh bread right in front of you. Serving delicious traditional Italian pastries, like Maritozzi Italian cream buns, sublime focaccia sandwiches, and excellent pizza slices (ours was topped with wild boar mortadella and the creamiest of mozzarella), it’s 100% a must-try if you’re ever in the area.
Address: 322 Andrews Rd, London E8 4RP
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Favourite Activity: Tomb Raider Live Experience
Channel your inner Lara Croft at one of the best escape rooms in London! From zip wires to archery, the Tomb Raider Live Experience in Camden had us fighting our way out of danger with fun actors and rooms that were excellently designed - and full of exciting challenges with every turn.
Address: The Stables Market, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8AH
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Favourite Pop-Up: Poon's Wontoneria
Our favourite pop-up this year has to be Poon’s Wontoneria, a delicious spot specializing in all things wontons. From drenched wonton noodles in the perfect chilli oil to steaming hot bowls of pork, prawn, or veggie wontons, the pop-up was so successful they now offer dinner service - with a view of turning permanent in the near future.
Address: 23 Charlotte St., London W1T 1RW
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Favourite Aesthetic Location: The Painted Hall
One of the city’s most underrated tourist destinations, The Painted Hall is often described as ‘London’s own Sistine Chapel’. Found in the heart of Greenwich, it’s a building full of beautiful paintings, tons of history, and simply gorgeous architecture.
Address: Old Royal Naval College, London SE10 9NN
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Favourite View: Horizon 22
Standing proud at 254 meters high in the sky, Horizon 22 is Europe’s HIGHEST viewing platform found right here in London. With spectacular panoramic views of the city, another added bonus to this new opening is that it’s totally free to visit and open to the public all year round.
Address: 22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AJ
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A Trend We Hope Will Pass...
A trend we’re hoping to see dry up in 2024? The sudden craze for differently shaped croissants. We’ve had squares, we’ve had circles - and we’ve even had a megalodon-sized croissant grace our paths this year. With each variation drier than the last, and not to mention more expensive (WHO is happily paying £7 for a croissant?!), it’s definitely one we’re hoping to see the back of come the new year.
Want to keep up with all the amazing events, new openings, and funky pop-ups in the city next year? Download our Bindy Street app and never miss a beat with our Guides to London.
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