London has that ever sought after quality: mystery. I love discovering her best kept secrets and hidden gems. Those truly local spots that make me feel like a real Londoner.

I want to share more of these with you. My favourite haunts. My daily life here. The adventures I go on. You’ve been asking for more of these posts and I’m committed to writing them.

One of my favourite places that feels like a real secret is Lo’s Noodle Factory.

Nestled along one of the back alleys in Chinatown, from the outside it just looks like a grotty back door, with nothing but a tiny sign jutting from the wall to announce its presence.

Many afternoons there’s a line up of patrons waiting patiently for their bounty. But when it’s quiet, you might have to pluck up a bit of courage to step into what seems like an abandoned entranceway.

Inside you’ll find a smiling man, churning out bag after bag of fresh rice noodles that he’ll sell to you for a pound apiece.

And I know what you’re thinking: how spectacular can rice noodles really be? I had my doubts as well, but let yourself be surprised.

These soft, pillowy tendrils will transform any stir fry or Asian noodle dish you want to whip up. Those in the know say they’re absolutely authentic Ho Fun noodles. I love using them to make vegan pad thai or my favourite spicy noodles.

Buying them feels like a mini adventure in and of itself, and you’ll feel like a true blue Londoner knowing about these back alley noodles. Plus, I think you’ll have a hard time going back to packaged noodles after trying these fresh ones. Just be sure to cook them the day you buy your noodles or else they’ll dry out and get stuck together.

Lo’s Noodle Facory is located at 6 Dansey Place (W1D 6EZ). Have you ever checked it out? What are your favourite hidden gems in London, or your own home town?

Love, spicy noodle bowls, and lemonade cocktails,

I’d never been to Brixton Market until recently, but having spent the last two Sundays there, I can attest to it being a great place to mooch around for the afternoon.

Brixton is an interesting neighbourhood and very much feels like a transitional space. It’s undergone a lot of gentrification over the past few years, but seems to maintain much of its original vibe. Trendy coffee shops and boutiques stand beside traditional fish mongers and tiny food shops selling ingredients from around the world.

In some way the multicultural atmosphere and vibrant, eclectic mood reminds me of Toronto. And Brixton Market is definitely worth a visit, whether you live in the city or are just visiting.

When we were there last weekend, Matthew and I planned to just eat our way around the market. There are so many restaurants and food stalls, featuring cuisines from all over the world, so it’s great to just get a little something at a few places and sample the selection.

The dumplings above were from Mama Lan – they’re stuffed with wood ear mushrooms, spinach, and vermicelli. So much yum!

And vegan bakery Ms. Cupcake is just around the corner. They boast “the naughtiest vegan cakes in town” but I taken by the vegan nanaimo bars. This Canadian girl’s day was made!

The weekend before I had brunch at Senzala Creperie and it was amazing.

If you’re visiting the market, be sure to go hungry.

There are so many cute shops to poke around in, so even if you’re not in the mood to shop, you’ll still find lots of interesting things to look at. You’ll find lots of homewares, vintage clothing, knickknacks, unique gifts, handmade goods, and original artworks. I picked up some beautiful rose-scented soap from France and a handmade, coconut-scented candle.

Brixton is a colourful neighbourhood and the surrounding area is full of interesting things to look at. So after you’ve strolled around the market, be sure to go for a wander to rock on to Electric Avenue (yep, the one in the song) and then check out the great street art, independent shops, and speciality food stores.

Do you have a favourite spot in Brixton? I’d love to get tips of more places to eat and shops to check out on my next visit.

Love, disco balls, & neon spray paint,