8 Instagram Viral Spots That Are Actually Worth The Hype
We are all guilty of eating with our eyes first, and in the age of the algorithm, Instagram has become the bible for scouting out the best bakeries, foodie spots and planning out weekend itineraries. Aesthetic reels often showcase dreamy Copenhagen-esque interiors, decadent pastries and irresistible eats, but are these spots actually worth paying a visit, or can their allure be put down to a strong marketing plan and good lighting?
I am no stranger to hunting down the latest viral spot and have often bought into the hype, but I have also found myself trudging to the other side of London to be greeted with a mediocre pastry and watery iced coffee. In a bid to prevent you from falling for the same traps, here is The Handbook team’s ultimate guide to the Instagram viral spots that won’t let you down:
Bar Crispin
To kickstart this list, we have an entry from one of Instagram’s most cherished spots, brought to Soho by the minds behind Bistro Freddie. Nestled in the heart of the city, this spot promises a surplus of natural wine and small plate offerings that more than live up to the hype. The menu features seasonal European-inspired sharing dishes, to be complemented by its curated list of low-intervention wines.
It’s rare that a spot truly lives up to the digital noise, but Bar Crispin is 100% worth the hype. There is a certain magic in its intimacy—a seamless blend of a gorgeous orange wine list and small plates that hit every mark. Beyond the menu, the staff are effortlessly accommodating, making it the kind of place you never want to leave. An absolute essential for any London rotation.
Beth, Social Media Assistant
Where: 19 Kingly St, Carnaby, London W1B 5PY
Website: www.barcrispinsoho.com
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When discussing viral trends, matcha has to be included. The green tea staple has held Londoners in a chokehold since Blank Street’s 2022 debut, but for the city’s gold standard, look to Jenki. Often when ordering a matcha in the city, you can expect to be met with a watered-down, barely green in colour drink, which will undoubtedly set you back north of a fiver. However, Jenki is our fail-safe for high-quality, hand-whisked matcha to pick up on the go.
I popped to Jenki on a whim while running errands as I wanted to figure out what all the hype was about. While I did have to wait in a queue of Alo-clad pilates goers, the matcha was undeniably one of the better ones I’ve had in London.
Mallory, Junior Food & Drink Editor
Where: venues across London
Website: www.jenki.com
Daunt Books
Unless you have been living under a rock, you will likely have come across Daunt Books while trawling through Instagram reels or TikTok. In fact, I would make a case for it being the most photographed travel book shop on the internet. So, naturally, when I first moved to London, a visit was at the top of my to-do list, and I am pleased to say it did not disappoint.
Beyond the stunning balcony that wraps around the main room, the entire shop is something to marvel. It really is a place where you could spend hours in, browsing the thousands of titles, spanning new in fiction through to travel guides.
Amelia, Culture & Lifestyle Writer/Creator
Where: 84 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4QW
Website: www.dauntbooks.com
Supernova Burgers
Another food trend which has been quick to dominate our feeds has seen the steer away from meaty patties in favour of the smashburger. With locations popping up all over London in the wake of this latest craze, it can be hard to know which ones are worth the hype and which have simply jumped on the bandwagon. Our certified spot for a quality burger is Supernova, where Instagrammable interiors meet quality food.
The clean lines and minimalist aesthetic are Insta-worthy, but the burgers hold up as one of the best smash burgers in London, too. Absolutely worth the long queue.
Astrid, Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor
Where: venues across London
Website: www.supernova.com
Don’t Tell Dad
Don’t Tell Dad is one of those spots that I trekked from one side of London to the other to visit, and it did not disappoint. The dual-concept venue in Northwest London functions as a bakery by day and a restaurant by evening, inviting people to go for the irresistible pastries but stay for delicious dishes and expertly crafted wine lists.
Don’t Tell Dad is one of those spots that’s been on my list for ages, so my expectations were suitably high. After visiting this week, I can confirm it lives up to the hype. The atmosphere is lively, food is brilliant (make sure you order the oxtail crumpet), and the staff are so lovely.
Natasha, Digital Editor
Where: 10-14 Lonsdale Rd, London NW6 6RD
Website: www.donttelldad.com
Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia Road Flower Market is a firm favourite among The Handbook team. Every Sunday, the same quiet street in Bethnal Green transforms into a floral oasis, complete with rows of street sellers and florists. It was mutually agreed that this activity lives up to the height and then some, with a morning stroll making for the perfect addition to the weekend itinerary.
Columbia Road Flower Market is one of my favourite ways to spend a sunny day in London. Wandering around with a coffee looking at all the beautiful flowers and shops and finishing the afternoon in London Fields with a bottle of wine. It’s the perfect Sunday. (Even better if you go towards the end of the day when the flowers are discounted).
Caitlin, Senior Campaign Success Manager
Where: Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG
Website: www.columbiaroadflowermarket.com
Milk Bakery
If you visit Balham in Southwest London on any given Sunday morning, you will likely spot a queue of brunchers wrapped around the building and down the street, all trying to score an illustrious seat at Milk. My slight aversion to any form of queue kept me from visiting for some time; however, after finally caving in one weekend, I was left wishing I had visited sooner. If you are looking to grab something on the go, you can also pick up a coffee and a baked good from its side entrance.
My slight aversion to any form of queue prohintted me from paying a visit for some time, however, after finally caving one weekend I was only left wishing I had visited sooner.
Amelia, Culture & Lifestyle Writer/Creator
Where: 18-20 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9RG
Website: www.milk.com
Ria’s Pizza
London’s pizza scene is currently undergoing a renaissance, with foodies spending hours in line to get a taste of W6 Crisp at the Marlborough and street vendors like Breadstall flogging slices to go in Soho. But the craze doesn’t stop at Neopolitan but has expanded to Detroit-style deep-dish pizzas. Couple Ria’s delicious recipes, which can be ordered by the slice so you can mix and match our order, with its aesthetic interiors and natural wine list, and you have a recipe for instant Instagram stardom, which it absolutely deserves.
Ria’s serves up the most delicious deep dish pizza in the city. Whether you are looking for a classic pepperoni or fancy trying its famous house pie this spot is a must visit that is well worth the hype. I would also highly recommend the whipped feta and fried potatoes side!
Amelia, Culture & Lifestyle Writer/Creator
Where: 29 All Saints Rd, London W11 1HE
Website: www.rias.com
