Bloomsbury Uncovered: Where Locals Really Go

We’ve managed to snag a few words with our Bloomsbury Insider, Mr Light, who’s giving us the lowdown on which of our neighbours are truly local, and which spots he actually recommends (no tourist traps here).

If you really want to feel the heartbeat of Bloomsbury, don’t just wander the squares and admire the Georgian terraces – follow the locals. We don’t shop or sip coffee in just any old place; we’re loyal to our own. For instance, The Silk Road Shop is my little Aladdin’s cave – part bazaar, part treasure trove, and entirely irresistible. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, do stroll past Marchmont Street where Kelly’s Florist pops up with her gazebo, spinning out bunches of blooms that look like they’ve been freshly plucked from an English garden. For your morning fix, skip the chains and head to Bloomsbury Coffee right by Russell Square Station – run by someone who knows every commuter’s name and order before they’ve even said “flat white.”

Eating out? You’re spoiled. Apollo Restaurant in the Brunswick is a proper family-run spot where you’ll leave full and just a little smug for having discovered it. Ciao Bella on Lamb’s Conduit Street is another firm favourite – think red-checked tablecloths, noisy chatter, and that unmistakable warmth you only get from a family-owned trattoria. If pub vibes are more your flavour, I’ll admit to a fondness for The Harrison – cosy, convivial, and just far enough off the beaten track to feel like you’re in on a secret. And when the craving strikes for good old-fashioned fish and chips, you can’t beat North Sea Fish on Leigh Street – still driving in their catch fresh from the coast. Fryer’s Delight on Theobald’s Road is my cheeky second pick (you might even spot it in that E4 advert that seems to run forever).

Of course, Bloomsbury isn’t just about eating. On Coram Street, Smart Line Dry Cleaners will rescue any misbehaving suit (family-run, naturally), while Marchmont Street has seen its share of reinventions – these days 49 Café and Fig and Walnut are the locals’ go-to for a laid-back bite. For something wholesome, pop by the Marchmont Community Centre – there’s always an activity or class going on, kept alive by volunteers who’ve lived here for decades. It’s this patchwork of people and places that makes Bloomsbury less of a postcode and more of a neighbourhood. And now you’re in on the secret.