British “IT” girl and blogger of MrsAliceInHerPalace, Alice Naylor-Leyland, is the ultimate Londoner.  Here she shares her favorite spots in the city she calls home.  Cheerio!

I love London because:

It’s the most unique and varied city in the word. Buzzy and exciting when you want it to be and calm and quiet all at the same time.

The ideal London wardrobe is:

High Street buys from Zara, Topshop, ASOS etc. mixed with designer investment pieces…Toga Boots, Jerome Dreyfus Bags and Charlotte Olympia clutches.

Best places to stay:

The Zetter Townhouse is so cool. And I cant get enough of the Chiltern Firehouse.

Best places to shop:

How to choose?!!!!  Head down Westbourne Grove for some unique pieces. And every tourist should just head straight to Oxford Circus for the Topshop flagship store. For online shopping check out GiftLibrary.com

Best place for morning coffee:

Jaks on Walton Street – and if Jak is there he will make your morning. Or Granger on Westbourne Grove

Best juice bar:

Without doubt The Good Life Eatery on Sloane Avenue. Try their One Day Recovery Cleanse.

Best place to grab lunch:

Berners Tavern at the Edition Hotel, Eight over Eight in Chelsea, and La Famiglia for the best Italian in town.

Best place for dinner:

Nothing beats The Wolseley for me. Eating delicious food in such beautiful surroundings is faultless.

Best place for afternoon tea:

Ooooh. Now you’re talking! Cocomaya is delicious. As is anything at Fortnum & Mason in Piccadilly. Try their Rose Eclairs!

Best place for a mani/pedi:

Julie Nails on Notting Hill Gate – they have every shellac colour under the sun.

Where do you go to exercise:

Head to Lomax for the best spin class of your life!

When you want a little culture visit:

Head to the upcoming Wedding Dress Exhibition at the V&A…I’m so excited to see it.

A typical London weekend involves:

When it’s sunny long brunches with friends and reading the papers outside. Heading to our beautiful parks for walks and jogs.  And enjoying what london has to offer in the evenings–great restaurants, fun bars, and glam locations. Oh, and don’t forget to squeeze in a bit of shopping too.

What’s a very touristy thing that you still love as a local:

 Getting a cupcake at the Hummingbird Bakery on Portobello Road & seeing the Guards at Buckingham Palace.

Secret only a local would know:

Be kind to cab drivers in London. They are the kindest most down to earth people you’ll meet here. And they know London like the back of their hands.

When packing for a trip to London, don’t forget:

 Dress up! Pack heels, dresses… all the items you have in your wardrobe that you don’t have the chance to wear. London is all about that. Oh, and don’t forget an umbrella!