Chic & Charming Primrose Hill

With London temperatures setting new highs this past week, there really wasn't a better way to toast the arrival of Spring than by taking in the gorgeous views of the city from the top of Primrose Hill and enjoying a few leisurely afternoon strolls through the ridiculously cheery and colorful streets that surround this posh little "village" on the fringe of central London. 

{even the cars are bright and cheery in Primrose Hill}

This neighborhood is fast becoming one of my favorite hidden corners of London, although there's probably not much left "hidden" about an area with such a disproportionate number of famous faces strolling about. Believe it or not though, celebs are just a tiny piece of the eye candy that makes Primrose Hill so fab. There's probably nowhere outside of Paris that I find as enjoyable sipping a cappuccino at a sidewalk cafe and watching the world go by.  And then there's the sweet shops... Primrose Hill is literally tripping over chic little patisseries and cupcake shops, including the cute-as-a-button Primrose Bakery, which has been known to inspire more than a few recipes on this blog, including this summery treat for ladies who adore their afternoon tea.

Despite the brilliant array of colors that give this neighborhood its distinctive personality, the most beautiful time of day to see this area in all its glory is definitely sunset.  Sunset in Primrose Hill is something pretty special. A tranquil hush falls over the streets while the big vintage globe lanterns of the local pubs quietly start to cast their warm amber glow and the local church spires are illuminated against a vibrant red and gold sky.  There's not too many better ways to wind down a day.

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If you find yourself passing through North London, this little gem of a neighborhood should not be missed.  I promise it will be well worth the detour.

To get you started, here's a little cheat sheet of five things you must do when visiting Primrose Hill:

1.  Indulge in a lemon meringue or malted marshmallow cupcake from Primrose Bakery

69 Gloucester Avenue, London  NW1 8LD

2.  Enjoy a pre-dinner glass of champagne at the romantic French bistro, L'Absinthe

40 Chalcot Road  London NW1 8LS

3.  Dine al fresco on incredibly fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine at Limonia,  a favorite gastro haunt of  local residents

89 Regents Park Road, London NW1 8UY

4.  Take a stroll around Chalcot Square and drool over the exquisitely colored 

multi-million pound townhouses 

5.  Pack a picnic (or spontaneously load up at any of the local delis) and watch the sun set over the city from the top of Primrose Hill