It’s been a while but we have another mini-London guide. This time it’s for the very special EC1 thanks to food blogger extraordinaire Krista, whose blog Londonelicious is one of the great joys of the food blog world. Yummy words and yummy pictures.

Anyway, Krista really digs EC1, and here’s what she has to say about it:

What’s the best thing to eat in your postcode?
Oh you’re torturing me…Sedap on Old Street does awesome char kway teow (dense noodles packed with flavour). The Market Cafe on Whitecross Street makes a fantastic bacon, egg, and cheese on ciabatta. And I could eat the Welsh rarebit at St. John every day for the rest of my life.

What’s the best smell in your postcode?
Smithfield Market at night once all the lorries from all across Europe have arrived. Some people might not like the smell of raw meat, but I’m not one of them.

I have 3 hours in your postcode. What do I do?
Go for a walk. Start at St. Paul’s station and walk your way up through St. Bart’s hospital to Smithfield Market. From here, I like to wander towards Farringdon Station and up Farringdon Road. (Maybe dropping into The Gunmakers for a pint–they do great ales.)

Afterwards, continue up to Exmouth Market. Drop into Brill for a coffee and to check out the music selection. Then pop over to Moro for some pimentos de padron, a glass of rioja, and some crispy bread. From there, wander up Roseberry Avenue (be careful you don’t venture into N1) and then down St. John Street. My Sugarland is a beautiful shop full of great fashion finds. Oh, and Bobbin Bicylces is awesome if you’re into totally retro biking. Later, check out the library. And then maybe head down to St. John for one of those Welsh rarebits!

If your postcode wasn’t in London, where would it be?
Brooklyn, NY! (Coincidentally, where my family hails from. So I like to think I speak with authority.)

What’s the best thing in your postcode?
That would be St. John. And its Welsh rarebit. Oh, and the raisin bread from the bakery. Can you tell I like St. John?

Talk dirty to your postcode. Go on… what would you say?
Hmmm…I’ve never been good at this. Um…you are so hot?

Best bus route in your postcode. Where does it start and where does it take you?
Thank you for changing the subject. I was getting a little uncomfortable. So…The number 4 will take you down Goswell Road/Aldersgate down the Strand and all the way to Waterloo! Great during Ascot when all of Islington turns out in their finery.

Has anyone written a book about/set in your postcode? Have you seen your postcode in a film or on tv?I’m American. What do I know? (ooh, good point Krista, and we don’t know either. Anyone care to help?)

Trading up or trading down?
Depends on which side. I’m on the grotty side. (For all of 2008, I lived upstairs from hookers.) But for the rest of Clerkenwell, definitely trading UP!

A bit about Krista:

Krista is the force behind Londonelicious.com, one of London’s most popular restaurant blogs. When she’s not eating, she’s definitely not cooking. She likes data, Danish furniture, and Cabernet Franc.

Thanks Krista – we love EC1 too, and will be checking out all the tips next time we’re there.