If you’re a shopaholic, culture vulture, architectural fanatic, or a serious foodie, then London is the place for you.

England’s capital is one destination that is extremely diverse, with lots to see and do, but also offers acres of unexplored areas for most visitors.

So what’s new besides Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Marble Arch and all the usual haunts? If you’re prepared to take a walk on the wild side, you may be in for a pleasant surprise. In East London.
Yes, I know its home to the Kray Twins and those dreadful inhabitants of Walford Square, but the East End is also one of the most fashionable and upcoming areas in London.

To keep your strength up if you’re going to do the sights, visit ‘Pellici’s’, which is tucked away in Bethnal Green. This is not your average London caff. With celebrities like Robbie Williams, Liam Gallagher as well as its regulars dropping in, you never know what famous face you may be sitting opposite.

Ask to see the autograph book which gives you an idea of the clientele. Just awarded Grade Two listing by English Heritage for its Art Deco interior, its run by Nevio Jnr.’s family since 1900.
Nevio’s grandfather left his poor Tuscan village and arrived in London. He worked for the original owner who then decided to return to Italy. Nevio took over and set up ‘Pellici’s’ as an ice cream parlour.

He died young, unfortunately, leaving his wife Elide to run the shop. Don’t miss this friendly family-run little gem at 332 Bethnal Green Road. Tel: 0207 739 4873.

After your fuel stop, have a wander down the old Spitafield market. Start with an Australian-run shop called ‘Queens’, owned by Gary Ashe and his sister who arrived from Sydney in 1995. This pink, lush, over-the-top shop is overflowing with kissing fish, pink poodles, flamingos, and glittered dragonflies with a gold chandelier in the middle. And for all you fairy lovers, this is the shop for you. Hanging from every crevice are fairy flowers, wind chime fairies, fairy bears in tutus and fairy costumes for little girls. After ‘Queens’ and its fabulous fairies, why not wander round the ethnic stalls nearby.

If you’re looking for something special to wear, drop into ‘Frockbrokers’ in Commercial St. This shop supports London-based independent designers. In operation for about eight years, it has a steady clientele which includes Kate Moss, Anna Friel, and Sienna Miller. Some designers have built up a reputation while others are just starting off.

One of the best ways to learn about London is a walking tour. There are plenty to choose from, so you’re sure to find one to appeal to you.

Catch comedians Alan and Steve’s tour of the back passages of Spitafields, who will enlighten you on everything from Christ Church– a magnificent English Baroque building, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and built for the weavers in the area– to Jack the Ripper’s patch, where he is known to have butchered five prostitutes in the back passages of East London in 1888.

If you prefer to remain in the present, the Clerkenwell Film Locations walking tour takes you around the city, showing you where films such as ‘Bridget Jones’, ‘Closer’, ‘Shakespeare In Love’, ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’, ‘About a Boy’ and ‘Love Actually’ were made.

You’ll be amazed at how much of the city you cover in an immensely interesting fashion. Speaking of which, if you’re a dedicated follower of fashion, there’s the Fashion and Textile Museum. Cleverly designed by award winning Mexican designer, Ricardo Legoretta, this split-level building not only offers exhibitions but has continual events, education, and workshops programmes.

If you decide to visit London soon, check out what’s on at www.visitlondon.com or drop into their offices in Dame St. for more information. Enjoy, me old chinas!

There’s far more to London than familiar sights like Buckingham Palace (Above).