This 220,000-work collection captures the essence of British society. There is a vibrant painting of Zadie Smith by Toyin Ojih Odutola as well as oils of Shakespeare and Lord Byron, and the annual Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait exhibition is always a joy. For anyone passing, it’s worth stopping just to look at the bronze doors scribbled with the faces of 45 women by Tracey Emin.

A menu that proves museum restaurants can be so much more than glorified cafeterias. It was designed by award-winning architect Brady Williams and is perched at the top of The National Portrait Gallery, but the ingredient-led menu by Irish chef Richard Corrigan makes it a destination in its own right. And the views are good too.


Rose Bakery is one of our favourite lunch spots, especially when we're on the hunt for little luxuries at Dover Street Market. Share one of their beautiful homemade cakes after lunch - or keep it all for yourself. They've got our go-to tea on the menu (genmaicha, for the tea lovers out there), so order a pot to go with dessert.
