Holborn

A long-established wellness practice on the West Coast (as well as the Far East) sound baths are finally hitting the mainstream in London. The soothing sounds of chanting, tuning forks, and gongs are the antidote to London’s sensory overload, forcing the mind to quiet and focus only on the sound and your breath. For those who struggle with “traditional” meditation and mantras, sound baths are a joyous relief. Jasmine Hemsley—of the Hemsley and Hemsley cookbooks and café—founded Sebastien with her friend Toni Dicks, and the same calm that pervades all her other wellness ventures is equally present here. This winter’s residency is at Good Vibes in Holborn. Book in, rest your head on a lavender-scented pillow, settle in underneath a warm blanket and just listen.

What brings us back to Workshop again and again is more than the coffee—it's the industrial-modern space. The center is anchored by a huge concrete-and-marble bar surrounded by lots of seating for singles or small groups. They’re big fans of the Aeropresse press here, so if you love your coffee black, Workshop is a must-visit. Note: It’s closed on the weekends, which is when the staff hosts barista master classes (and yes, we’re inclined to try one).

The Foundling Museum, devoted to the history of the Foundling Hospital, London’s first home for abandoned children, also shines the spotlight on three great men: philanthropist Thomas Coram, artist William Hogarth, and composer George Frideric Handel. There's a lot to see and do, from the original Hospital's Art Collection, which includes 18th-century paintings and sculptures, to the Gerald Coke Handel Collection, which is the largest privately-owned collection of Handel memorabilia.