A map of the Royal Wedding Procession is below and the best places to stake out a picnic spot are St. James Park, Green Park and Hyde Park, where screens have been set up throughout to broadcast the event.

Nonna’s
127-129 Parkway
London NW1 7PS
+44 (0) 20 7255 9254

Nonna’s is a little Italian deli connected to Gordon Ramsay’s York & Albany, which is right on Regent’s Park. You can order from their picnic menu, order a pizza from York & Albany, or drop in to pick up a few salads and treats, and take them right out to the park.

This brand, which has grown from its organic farm in Gloucestershire, sells gorgeous breads, cheeses from its own creamery, and plenty of organic produce from their own farm and other organic farms in England. Stop by to pick up a picnic hamper, packed in a nice big basket of its own, or stay for longer and enjoy a meal in one their crisp, airy cafes.

I love this spot: a one stop shop for your bread, organic groceries, butcher, cheeses, and a counter full of ready-made salads to take away or eat in. We’ve become big fans of their butcher’s chicken sausages.

Boundary, a Terrence Conran hotel that we’ll revisit later, houses this charming little British café right off Boundary St. Great for an uncomplicated fry up, fish and chips, a shepherd’s pie, or a toad in the hole, but also a good place to pick up a sandwich, some bread, artisan jams and spreads, and the best brownies (hard on the outside, fudgy on the inside) going around.

Ottolenghi

And, of course, there’s always Ottolenghi. This has definitely been a mainstay of mine when I don’t have time to prepare a meal. Their salads are just so good and so distinctive, and with 4 locations they’re easy to get to in a pinch. They’ve opened a new sister restaurant, Nopi, in Soho, a slightly more formal setting where you can reserve a seat as, famously, getting a seat at Ottolenghi is something of a challenge.

Fergus Henderson, who brought us nose-to-tail eating at his St. John restaurant, has, with Trevor Gulliver, opened up a new restaurant and, along with it, a new hotel. The décor is, as you’d expect, in keeping with the clean, white, and yet warm aesthetic of the St. John restaurants. The rooms are minimalist in their look but not in their feel. As they say, they have everything the traveler needs and nothing that the traveler doesn’t. The top floor, with three rooms and a living space, can be rented as well for large groups and those who, understandably, want to move in.

This 13 room Georgian townhouse seems to be the coolest place going, with each room designed individually full of its own antiques and plenty of British quirk. We thought this room was especially in keeping with spirit of the times. The cocktail lounge on the first floor comes as a major bonus, as it is a collaboration with one of the best cocktail bars in London these days, 69 Colebrooke Row.

Sir Terrence Conran’s latest venture is located in the ex-industrial and now very hip Shoreditch neighborhood. It’s a little bit of simplicity and elegance in its otherwise cutting-edge surroundings. There is tons of art on the walls, and the rooms are each inspired by a different legendary designer—The Eames’, Mies Van der Rohe (room pictured), Eileen Gray, Josef Hoffman, etc. Special highlights are the no-fuss Albion café, the more elegant Boundary restaurant, and best of all, the terrace—open all year round.

When it first opened, Trullo caused a stir for serving up such good food for such an affordable price. Go with a few friends and share a bunch of their small plates of delicious, super seasonal Italian food. Their menu changes all the time so you can always expect to be pleasantly surprised.

This one is way off the beaten track but it’s a real gem. On a nice day, it’s worth taking a trip out of town to spend the day at the nursery, and stop at the café for Skye Gyngell’s simple and modern British/Italian food. In fact, they’ve just earned their first Michelin Star.

This peaceful and modern space, full of light, is a world away from London’s streets. Make a day of visiting this multi-faceted art institution, and stop by Tom’s for chef Tom Aiken’s super fresh and seasonal food. Tom’s Terrace is now open too (weather permitting) for snack boards and cocktails. Yet another perfect place to escape the crowds this Spring.

Caravan starts early as a serious coffee drinker’s joint, morphs into a big brunch, and then becomes a drop-in restaurant the rest of the day for a smattering of salads or a full-on meal. Not only do they take coffee seriously, but, like the very varied menu, they also boast a well-considered wine and drinks menu. You can spend the day with many friends or alone with a good book.

I stopped here on my way to an event once and have become a fan ever since. In fact, this is quickly becoming one of my favorite places in London. This is an authentic tapas place made up of great food and all the requisite hustle and bustle of a good Spanish joint.

Finally Belsize Park has a neighborhood hangout that isn’t a pub and isn’t a chain. The latest addition to the area is most welcome, with chalkboard walls, a cozy and slightly industrial look, and a frequently changing menu of small but very intensely flavored dishes. A great place to stop after a day in Hampstead Heath, or for brunch before getting your weekend started.

Don’t worry about the line, as it moves quickly. The authentic Japanese noodles, which you can have either hot or cold, in a choice of several different broths, are, simply put, amazing. This is true Japanese home-style cooking, and it’s the perfect hearty comfort food for any time of year.

This is really good food for all of your taste buds. The café downstairs is friendly to the freelancers with their laptops and also to those wanting to sit down for a serious meal. The food is just as flexible and is always, whether for brunch on the weekend, a formal dinner, or lighter fare, incredibly well prepared. The Blueberry and Ricotta pancakes are a real brunch treat.

Hidden away (literally hidden, as its red doors are virtually unmarked) in Dalston, amid all the Turkish grills, is this very sweet, very seasonal restaurant for locavores. There are dishes for meat lovers and some very flavorful takes on salads and tarts for those who don’t partake. Save room for dessert as it’s worthwhile.

Fernandez & Wells
43 Lexington St
London W1F 9AL
+44 (0) 20 7734 1546

A great afternoon stop for a cheese and/or cured meats plate and a glass of wine or prosecco. The offering in this tiny, white space is very straightforward, and a welcome relief from the rest of Soho. It is the perfect place to take a break in the afternoon with a friend. F&W also has a coffee shop around the corner that serves an excellent cup and has a similar relaxed atmosphere.

Monmouth Coffee
2 Park Street (and around the corner on Park St. and Stoney St.)
London SE1 9AB

27 Monmouth Street
London WC2H 9EU

34 Maltby Street
London SE1 3PA

The best coffee you’ll ever have in London and possibly anywhere else. Their Borough Market locations have crowds spilling into the street just for a cup to go. Also has good pastries and sweet spaces to enjoy your coffee if you can get a seat.

The Aubin Cinema in Shoreditch is operated by the nearby Shoreditch House, which is not to say non-members can’t partake in the uber-pleasant movie going experience. There are plush couches and ottomans instead of theater seats, and a full bar in place of a popcorn stand. The theater mixes in independent films into their program along with the best of the mainstream movies. Also check out the Aubin & Wills shop up the stairs for great, basic clothing.

The Aubin Cinema in Shoreditch is operated by the nearby Shoreditch House, which is not to say non-members can’t partake in the uber-pleasant movie going experience. There are plush couches and ottomans instead of theater seats, and a full bar in place of a popcorn stand. The theater mixes in independent films into their program along with the best of the mainstream movies. Also check out the Aubin & Wills shop up the stairs for great, basic clothing.

The resident mixologist, Tony Conigliaro literally concocts his recipes in a science lab above the bar. So you’ll definitely be enjoying flavors you’ve never encountered before. Tony and his partner Camille Hobby-Linton run the hippest bar around, open 7 days a week with Jazz every Sunday night—and yet they still manage to maintain an enjoyably relaxed atmosphere. Make sure to reserve beforehand, as it’s a small space, or try their offshoot at the Zetter Townhouse.

Run like an old-fashioned speakeasy, its black door is easily missable, and then it’s down some dark stairs to this underground space. Once you’re in, it’s like a true jazz age bar with some stiff, old fashioned drinks. Their super spicy Bloody Mary that comes with a basket full of fixings so you can customize, is pretty memorable. You’ll often encounter troops of swing dancers dressed to the nine’s in their gear ready to dance to the live jazz provided by the bar.

If only all men could dress this well. This store also makes you wish you could be a man, just so you could justify buying from their tastefully selected sneakers, jeans and, of course, their plaid button downs. Women can console themselves by enjoying their selection of totes and canvas bags. Have a coffee while shopping from their bar at the entrance.

Low key, simple clothes for men and women. They’ve got great spring dresses and the best raincoats for London’s weather.

Folk carries a few great and tastefully selected brands like Acne, Aesop and Sessun among others. The backbone of the brand is definitely their own brand shoes, which are all classic in their design whether for winter or spring.

Sisters Lily and Sarah Allen started their vintage boutique in Covent Garden to much acclaim last year. Now the sisters are venturing into design with their upcoming ready-to-wear collection. It’s a great place to visit for their vintage finds from all over the world, and now a beauty bar to make your vintage look complete.