If you don’t manage to have a good time in London, you just haven’t done it right!
On arrival, promise me you do one thing. Just let go. Let the city and its people absorb you. Throw out all the judgemental thoughts about the weather and comparisons you make with the coffee the city serves, and just let go. Once you do that, London will be a city you will not want to leave.
The post could go on forever, so I have concentrated mostly on central and northern London. Part 2 will delve further into this great cities food, pub and bar scene focusing on the south and east.
But for now, below is a guide to some of the standout eateries, around north and central London.
FOOD
PIG AND BUTCHER
The Pig and Butcher has to serve up one of the best Sunday Roasts in north London. No, correction. The best roast in London! Everyone has their go to place, and this on is mine. It never disappoints. The roast chicken for 2ppl and Cowboy Chop for 2ppl are go to items on the menu. And for pudding, the apple and rhubarb crumble is a must have.
Try and book this place 2-3 weeks in advance, as it is very popular! Bookings are made via their website listed below.
Website: https://thepigandbutcher.co.uk/
Address: 80 Liverpool Rd, London N1 0QD
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 12:00am
KILN
Kiln has to be my favourite place to eat in London. Serving regional Thai food with a twist. All cooking is done over kiln pots, and with an open kitchen you can see the cooking wizardry happen in front of your eyes. The cumin skewers are the perfect starter followed by their whole fish offerings. The menu is designed to share, and they have a great range of wines that accompany the food. Bookings are made via their website listed below.
Bookings are for only 4+ people. For less people, turn up to the restaurant, and the staff will accommodate you with a booking time and a drink at the bar.
Website: https://www.kilnsoho.com/
Address: 58 Brewer St, Soho, London W1F 9TL
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
BUN BUN BUN
If you fancy some authentic Vietnamese food, this is the place to go. Its the only place in London that serves a proper Bun Cha Hanoi. This dish was made popular when the late great Anthony Bourdain took then President Obama to a Bun Cha restaurant in Hanoi. After being to both restaurants, I can say that BUN BUN BUN does a great job with the dish, along with everything else on their menu!
Website: http://www.bunbunbun.co/
Address: 134B Kingsland Road, London, E2 8DY
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
LE RELAIS DE VENISE L’ENTRECÔTE
This classic steak and frites bistro is the best in London. Rumour has it they ship in their fantastic sauce in form Paris daily, and no matter how much you ask, they will never give up the recipe. The bistro does not take bookings, so its doing what the English do best. Queuing up outside the restaurant and wait. The line moves quick enough, but it is well worth the standing in line. Its a simple process once seated. Three courses, salad, steak and frites, steak and frites.
They have various locations around London (and the world!), but I always head to the Marylebone location, as the area has some great little cocktail bars and pubs neighbouring the bistro.
Website: http://www.relaisdevenise.com/
Address: 120 Marylebone Lane London W1U 2QG
Opening Hours: 12:30 – 3:30pm, 6:30 – 10:30pm
THE EAGLE PUB
Fancy a mid week pint and some great pub food? Well The Eagle Pub has you covered. It was one of the first pubs in London to start serving ‘proper’ food in pubs all the way back in 1991. Their Sea Bass is a great dish along with their steak sandwich (which for some reason is hard to come by in London. well a decent one). If you are in the area definitely pop in to this pub for a feed.
Website: http://www.theeaglefarringdon.co.uk/
Address: 159 Farringdon Road London EC1R 3AL
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 12:00pm
DISHOOM
Dishoom is a great traditional Bombay Cafe serving some brilliant Indian food. Weather its brunch, lunch or dinner, you will not be disappointed. They have 5 locations around London, so your best option is to visit their website listed below, choose the location closest to you and make a booking. One of my favourite brunch dishes is the sausage, egg and bacon naan wrap. It is a must!
Website: http://www.dishoom.com/
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 11:00pm
GOYKUZU
If you are feeling like some great Turkish food, head to Goykuzu. This is the place to go for shish, hellim cheese, Turkish tea and a meat platter that could feed a 10 man army! They do have multiple locations but the best restaurant for me is in the borough of Haringey. You can make bookings which is worth doing. To do so visit the website listed below.
Website: https://gokyuzurestaurant.co.uk/
Address: 26–28 Grand Parade Green Lanes London N4 1LG
Opening Hours: 8:00am – 1:00am
BEIGEL BAKE
Every city has there late night go to eatery. In London its Beigel Bake. This 24 hour institute serves up some of the best beigels in town. Their salt beef beigel with mustard and pickles and their salmon and cream cheese are what makes those late night Uber rides home worth while. Situated in east Londons Brick Lane Beigel Bake is one of two original Beigel shops still operating in the once thriving Jewish part of town.
Beigel Bake sits right next to their competition, but for me their beigels reign supreme. Just make sure you visit the right shop. Its rather easy. Head to the Beigel shop with the large bright white signage!
Website: http://www.beigelbake.com/
Address: 159 Brick Ln, London E1 6SB
Opening Hours: 24 hours
DRINKS
ZETA TOWN HOUSE
The Zeta Town House is a hotel, but situated on the ground level is a great little cocktail bar. They serve up the age old classics as well as their own superb menu of in house cocktails. Each cocktail from the menu comes with its own unique story of how it was created, which is lovingly told by the waiters. Not only are the cocktails great but the decor within this bar is filled with little surprises around each corner.
It is best to book via the website listed below, but you can also walk in to the bar if you feel like a quick night cap.
Website: http://www.thezettertownhouse.com/clerkenwell/bar
Address: 49-50 St John’s Square, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 4JJ
Opening Times: 7:00am – 1:00am
GORDONS WINE BAR
Their own website best describes this place – ’19th-century wine bar in candlelit, vaulted cellars with original Dickensian-style decor’. Great wines, delicious dried meats and cheeses, what else could you ask for! Also has a very large outdoor area which is perfect place to sip on some wine, eat some cheese and enjoy the sun!
They have a vast array of red and white wines and a great selection of ports and dessert wines!
Website: https://gordonswinebar.com/
Address: 47 Villiers St, London WC2N 6NE
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 11:00pm
NIGHT JAR
A great speakeasy bar with great cocktails and jazz and blues music to boot. As with anything in London best to book yourself a spot instead of trying to grab a table off the street. Give them a call on +44 20 7253 4101
Website: http://www.barnightjar.com/
Address: 129 City Rd, Hoxton, London EC1V 1JB
Opening Hours: 6:00pm – 3:00am
HAPPINESS FORGETS
One of my favourite cocktail bars in the east end of London. Again, you may want to book a table in advanced but the bar does take walk-ins. The staff are friendly and they make one mean negroni. Try and sit at the bar for a great experience.
Website: http://www.happinessforgets.com/
Address: 8-9 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU
Opening Hours: 5:00pm – 11:00pm
MARKETS
BRIXTON VILLAGE
Brixton Village is south Londons go to cheap eat market. Its located in Brixton. So jump on the Victoria line on the tube and head south until lines end. Jump out of the tube and walk towards Brixton Village where you will find cafes, asian food, pizza and much much more. Visit the markets website listed below to workout the best way to get there from the tube station. You want be disappointed!
Website: https://www.wearebrixtonvillage.co.uk/
Opening Times: 8:00am – 11:30pm
MALTBY STREET MARKET
Maltby street market is one of my favourite food markets in London. Its south of the river and not too far away from the famous Borough Market. Maltby Street Market has everything you could wish for, from English oysters, Pie n mash, Pho, and even cheese toasties. All can be washed down with some wine or locally brewed beer.
Website: http://www.maltby.st/
Address: Maltby St, London SE1 3PA
Opening Hours: Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
CAMDEN MARKET
Camden market has gone through some changes over the years. Its now a great place to visit with the variety of food and drink. Once you have finished visiting the market grab a pint along the canal and enjoy the people watching of this eclectic area
Website: https://www.camdenmarket.com/
Address: Camden Lock Pl, Camden Town, London NW1 8AF
Opening Hours: Everyday – Late
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