Vitamin Daily

Just back from a sojourn to her hometown of London, Toronto Editor Athena Tsavliris reveals a few of her favourite destinations.

stay
Nestled in the heart of SoHo, The Hazlitt’s (named after William Hazlitt, the writer who died here in 1830) is one of London’s most discreet hotels. Oozing with old-school charm, all 23 rooms feature grand Victorian mahogany furnishings, generous floor-sweeping drapes, and wonderfully soft sheets and pillows. Don’t miss out on the cozy living room boasting a library of signed books donated by the hotel's famous guests such as JK Rowling and Michael Ondaatje. From £390 for a double room, breakfast is optional ($18). http://www.hazlittshotel.com/

eat
Owned by London restaurateur Tom Conran (son of famous restaurateur Terence Conran), Crazy Homies serves up tasty Tex-Mex fare and Micheladas (a mix of Sol beer and lime juice in a salt-rimmed glass with a hint of chilli) out of a super kitsch two-floor bar/restaurant in Notting Hill.

shop
With more than 370 stalls, showrooms, and workshops, it’s worth leaving plenty of time to trawl your way through Alfie’s Market. Expect to find anything from ’50s silver ice cream spoons to antique lace collars to Vincenzo Caffarella lighting. Don’s miss Joel and Son Fabrics up the street for the most amazing materials (Pucci silks, Ungaro damasks) in the world.

do
With its eye-popping views, there is no better way to take in the city than from London’s beloved Ferris wheel. Tip: book your tickets on-line to avoid endless lineups. www.londoneye.com/