Richmond isn’t exactly a part of London we go to every single day, but there are some things (say, Richmond Park!) that make it well worth the trek no matter where you’re coming from in the city. Kiss the Hippo is one of those places. It’s a fab neighbourhood spot & a true coffee lovers’ destination all rolled into one. 

Petersham Nurseries Cafe is an idyllic spot tucked within the main restaurant at the Nurseries. After brunch, go for a stroll in nearby Richmond Park. Ah, England!

The city’s largest royal park is where Londoners go to feel like they’re in the country without leaving town. Spot the hundreds of red and fallow deer that roam the wide open space, ancient trees (the Royal Oak is estimated to be around 750 years old) and, from King Henry’s mound, St Paul’s Cathedral 12 miles away. Team a walk with a visit to garden centre meets Michelin-green-starred restaurant Petersham Nurseries, to make a day trip out of it.

Beautiful Barnes, with its big houses, has never really been a destination for food. So the arrival of this spruced-up pub from burger king, Patty & Bun founder Joe Grossmann, was an instant hit with locals. In the kitchen is a former Camberwell Arms head chef, so it’s no surprise that the confit chicken legs and braised beef-shin hotpots are top-notch. Even better, it’s one of the few pubs where the burger stands up to those in dedicated joints. Book for lunch on the upstairs terrace for river views.