Best French Bakery in Chingford

"For a lunch date to remember, 155 meters high at the top of the famous ‘Walkie-Talkie’ building, the Sky Garden offers spectacular views of the city. But it’s the incredible tropical garden which makes this iconic London landmark a must-see. There are multiple restaurants and bars to choose from, but for informal yet stylish lunchtime dining, we highly recommend Darwin’s Brasserie to take in some of the best views of the city."

"Located on floor 36 of the iconic Walkie Talkie, the views from the Darwin Brasserie are pretty striking. Although Fenchurch Restaurant – one of Sky Garden’s other offerings – is higher, the Darwin Brasserie has better views thanks to its position further back from the Sky Garden’s atrium roof. A good option if you want to enjoy the sights without the flocks of camera totting tourists."

"Restaurants Ice-cream parlours Soho. Those nitro-fuelled experimentalists at Chin Chin are the Willy Wonkas of the ice-cream world, and this Soho shop is an ostentatious showcase for their wares. Not only their signature ices, but also full-on desserts – there’s some seriously elaborate stuff going on here amid all the bells and whistles (try the decadent tiramisu sundae)."

"Must try: Griddled vegan cookie dough with burnt butter ice cream. Chin Chin is Europe’s very first liquid nitrogen ice-cream parlour and one of the best spots to discover some of the most unique and delicious desserts in London. Their exciting selection of ice cream flavours are frozen with liquid nitrogen in giant tanks, in a space that looks more like a mad scientists lab than a dessert parlour."

"Don’t go to Chin Chin Labs for your average cake and cookie because ‘simple’ really isn’t in their vocabulary. They are most famous for their ice-cream made with liquid nitrogen but what a lot of people don’t know is they make and bake a whole load of cakes, cookies and pies downstairs in their in-house bakery. Find things like their naughty titty cakes, party cakes and hot cherry pies."

"If you gave a bunch of five year olds a box of crayons and told them to draw birthday cakes, you’d probably end up with something that looks quite a bit like the celebration cakes at this Soho bakery and café. That’s not a bad thing. Cakes with names like “Strawberry Eat-On Mess”*, “S’Mores”, “Apple Pie” – as a cake, and “Popcorn Drip” are short on cake and very long on globs of frosting, fillings, toppings and childlike humor."

"This sister-owned Soho bakery looks sweet, but isn't saccahrine. Using no more sugar and fat than they need, their inventive and joyfully decorated offerings are delicately, carefully flavoured. Cutter & Squidge’s Dream Cakes make for jaw dropping centrepieces for your big celebration, or can also be enjoyed by the slice in house – the Lychee Kiss is an elegant flavour trio of lychee, raspberry and rose."

"Cutter & Squidge are bringing the latest in hybrid desserts to London. Here, they have invented the Biskie. This is a biscuit-cookie-cake creation filled with buttercream, jam or caramel."

"It may look like a mild-mannered café from the outside, but the mask comes off when you step inside to discover a down-and-dirty hangout where you can groove and grind to anything from electro to disco and 90s R&B. Consistently packed with it-boys and -girls, the well-worn dance floor is a definite testament to their loyal following. Address: 117 Kingsland High Street, London E8 2PBContact: 020 7254 2273Website:dalstonsuperstore.com"

"Another one that helped shape the London coffee scene, this Australian style coffee shop serves excellent speciality coffee. Food is seasonal, with a weekly changing menu. Kaffeine has two shops in Fitzrovia, one on Great Titchfield Street and one on Eastcastle Street."

"With its two West End shops, Kaffeine has become a staple of the London coffee scene – and being an Australian/New Zealand operation, knows a thing or two about flat whites. It also runs courses in "latte art" and other essential coffee-making skills."

"Starting just east of Chalkwell Station, this beach is the choice of people who value peace for winter walks or sunbathing hot summer days. Chalkwell Beach is removed from Southend’s bustling arcades and entertainment, and has a vast belt of pebbles and sand tracked by a quiet, residential esplanade. And even if Chalkwell Beach has a more restrained atmosphere, there are shops selling beach paraphernalia and amenities like cafes just behind."

"Out of the way of the hustle and bustle of Southend’s central seaside, Chalkwell beach offers a quieter beach area for relaxation."

"One minute the sea will be there, then at low tide it’s literally completely disappeared. (Hence why the pier needed to be so long back in the day!). The largest beach which is closest to everything is Jubilee Beach."

"With locations in Shoreditch, Brixton, and Camden, Blues Kitchen serves smoking Texan BBQ to the tune of live rhythm and blues. However, it also does fantastic deep-fried Oreo Donuts, accompanied by a salted caramel dip which has received rave reviews. For those who prefer savoury flavours, Crab Donuts are on the appetisers menu and are filled with Cajun crab meat and chipotle mayo for a sophisticated twist."

"Not only is The Blues Kitchen renowned for its blues and rock’n’roll music, diner style food and boozy cocktails, it’s also hugely popular thanks to its Oreo stuffed deep fried doughnuts. Served alongside salted caramel dipping sauce you won’t be able to resist a bite (or ten) of these little dough balls. They’re as dirty and indulgent as they sound but oh, so good."

"Known for its top live blues bands, the Shoreditch Blues Kitchen also has a stellar menu to match, boasting mouth-watering Southern grub. A highlight is the Wings & Things sharing platter, offering buffalo wings, pork ribs, sweet potato fries, corn chips and dips. NW1, SW2, EC2, theblueskitchen.com"

"Balady is an Arabic word that can mean home, but also homeland and when applied to something like an aubergine, it can mean a local or heirloom variety. The name is written out in both Arabic and Hebrew at this Temple Fortune cafe, nodding to the complex interaction of people that has created the food it serves. That food, all made in house by the Sabbo brothers, is a labour of love and generosity."

"The Temple Fortune sabich slinger opened its second restaurant, Alaesh next door mere weeks before the previous lockdown. It’s taken it in its stride, with that sabich, one of the best sandwiches in the city, flying out alongside tubs of mafioso-smooth hummus and top-tier chips. Call for takeaway or order through the apps."

"Feast Your Eyes|Photograph by Maz McEwan | Courtesy of Crosstown Doughnuts. Betsy and Jo, founders of pop-up stand You Doughnut, have perfected the art of the bitesize doughnut, resulting in mouth watering morsels with a choice of toppings and sauces. The doughnuts are always fresh, ensuring that they are consistently delicious."