It’s hard to understand sometimes why particular neighborhoods become fashionable quite suddenly.  I might have predicted the renaissance of Bermondsey.  After all, it’s very central, close to the Thames, and has good transport links.  Its regeneration was overdue and, once the White Cube gallery opened on Bermondsey Street, unstoppable.  Exmouth Market’s emergence as a “go-to destination” is a little tougher to explain.  Although the area has a rich history and some good 19th century buildings (notably the Holy Redeemer Church), it wasn’t on anyone’s must-visit list until a few years ago.  It was, let’s be honest, scruffy and uninteresting.

Not any more.  For the past few years Exmouth Market has been a magnet for young Londoners, especially those looking for great food, bars, and cafés.  Moro, the internationally renowned Spanish restaurant, was a big part of that first push twenty years ago, and it continue to draw huge crowds.  Just as good, in my opinion, is its sister restaurant, Morito, which serves amazing, authentic tapas and which I visited recently for the first time.  Following Moro’s lead, scores of other restaurants and cafés have moved in, offering a huge variety of food and drink.  On a warm, sunny evening, the area has a wonderful atmosphere.  If you don’t know Clerkenwell and Exmouth Market, don’t miss them on your next trip to London.