My Plate & Place with… Christy Lam

Alongside creating content for her own platforms, she works freelance with independent bakeries and coffee shops, as well as luxury hospitality brands, creating photography and digital content that brings food and spaces to life. Her photography has been featured in The Times and various other publications.

We were lucky to grab some time with Christy to hear all about her favourite things to do in London.

Describe your perfect day in London?

I love a warm sunny day with absolutely zero plans and hours to sit, read a book and dog-watch.

I adore a cute cafe like Katsute 100 in Islington or even venturing as far out as Uchi Bake in Clapton for a peaceful place to unwind. 

Favourite restaurants?

I love my bakeries (do they count as restaurants?) and being an East London local we are spoilt for choice by some of the most incredible bakeries in the area.

Pophams is my favourite, especially their London Fields location. Their bacon & maple swirl is my favourite throughout all these years. 

I also have a soft spot for Asian bakeries that are having a well-deserved moment in the London food scene: Arôme, Panadera, Happy Sky to name a few.

Best dishes in London?

The falafel pocket at Pockets in London Fields. I first had it years ago when they were still in their early days trading at Netil Market. I am still amazed by the pillowy, bouncy texture of the pitta, the balance of flavours and spices, and the glorious crispy deep-fried potato slice on top. 

It’s the absolute best falafel spot in London, and it’s worth trekking across East London for!

What was the last museum or gallery you visited?

The Courtauld Gallery in Somerset House, last year, for the Wayne Thiebaud: American Still Life exhibition. 

It was a food-lover’s dream: nostalgic, colourful paintings of cakes, ice cream, pies, hot dogs… a fun peek into life in 1960s America.

I have to admit; the gift shop was one of the best parts of the experience. (I always judge a museum by their gift shop.) It was so fun and thoughtfully curated, I took home some glass candy ornaments that still remind me of the whole experience.

Where are the best places to shop?

My favourite area for a shopping day is Marylebone. I’d start on Chiltern Street, exploring unique boutiques like Labour and Wait and The Monocle Shop for all sorts of interesting homeware, moseying along to Marylebone High Street for their tasteful mix of high street names and independent stores, getting lost inside Daunt Books, then deciding which one of the many restaurants and cafes for a bite or two. 

It’s also so close to Oxford Street, Bond Street and Selfridges for even more shopping.

Preferred bar or pub for a great night out?

Bar hopping in Mayfair. Recent favourites are Brutes of Mayfair for their fully customisable martini menu, Dante for people watching, The Dover for some more glamour, or The Connaught Bar for an extra special night out. 

If you had only one day in London, where would you visit?

I’d do a foodie day, starting in Borough Market before it gets busy with a sausage roll from The Ginger Pig. 

I’d then walk down Bermondsey Street to check out all the restaurants and bars there, the independent traders at Maltby Street Market and perhaps all the way to Spa Terminus for pastry at Little Bread Pedlar on Saturdays. 

I’d then make my way back up to join the queue for some amazing pasta at Flour & Grape or grab a table at Casse-Croûte (or its sister restaurant Pique-Nique just around the corner) for a hearty French dinner. 

What is your top London tip?

Make sure to save a day or two to venture outside Central London for some spontaneous exploring of areas like Broadway Market, De Beauvoir Town and Islington. 

I feel these areas often get overlooked by the typical tourist, they are totally missing out on a different perspective of the city. 

Tell us what you are currently up to?

I’m on my 10th (I’ve lost count!) year of creating content in London, every year brings exciting new trends and places to try, and I can’t wait to see what’s to come.

To find out more about Christy’s work and to keep up to date on her news, follow @the_lazyfoodie