Guides to London

Whisky and whiskey are beloved spirits that have been enjoyed for centuries around the world. In London, you can find a plethora of options when it comes to whisky tastings and masterclasses, from intimate, cosy bars to grand, luxurious venues. Whether you're a seasoned whisky connoisseur or a curio...

Over the years, London has developed a sneaker culture that easily rivals the US, with trainers a key status symbol among the city's youth, particularly on the flourishing and influential grime music scene. With the rise of athleisure as a global fashion trend, London's obsession with creps only int...

The busy Covent Garden area is known more for its flocks of tourists and pre-theatre dining than it is for lunch hotspots, but there’s no slacking off in that department by the many restaurants here either. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite on the go, a working lunch with your team...

Born as a response to the segregation and racism experienced by South Asian immigrants in the second half of the 20th century, desi pubs are a testament to the power of multiculturalism – failing pubs, taken over by British-Indian landlords and turned into a success story. With food and community at...

London is a city with a diverse range of restaurants, from Michelin-starred fine dining to streetfood stalls. But if you're looking for cheap eats, there are plenty of those too. In this guide, we'll focus on restaurants in the South Bank and Waterloo areas, which are both popular tourist destinatio...

Brunch is a fun and sociable way to kickstart the day, whether you're fresh as a daisy or recovering from a late night. This meal sometimes has a reputation for being expensive, but you can certainly get a cheap brunch in London, from booze-laden indulgence to something a little lighter. If you want...

Welcome to our guide to the best birthday cake shops in London! Whether you're celebrating a milestone birthday, an anniversary, or just want to indulge in a sweet treat, finding the perfect cake is essential. London is home to some of the best cake bakeries in the world, offering an array of flavou...

In the 60s, 70s and 80s, the Bengali community in London started to grow and with that came a boom in curry restaurants on bustling Brick Lane. Nicknamed London's Curry Mile, Brick Lane is synonymous with excellent spots to enjoy some of the best curries in the capital, which you've no doubt figured...

Camden Town is a lively and diverse part of London where there's plenty to see, do and eat. There are many affordable options if you're hungry, whether you're heading to Camden for a night out or need a break after a day of exploring the markets. Camden Market is a top local destination for cheap ea...

There's something romantic about sitting in an airport before a flight. There's a buzz in the air; everyone's excited and anticipating the announcement of their gate number. But what do you do while you're waiting? After traipsing around the shops and buying those last few holiday bits, you might wa...

London's live music scene is one of the best in the world. From the Amy Winehouse days in Camden to Jimi Hendrix's former stomping ground in Mayfair, the city has always been a hub for some of the most incredible musical talent to exist. Many pubs have played a part in this and continue to provide a...

Although Thanksgiving in the UK is nowhere near as celebrated as it is in America, plenty of restaurants all over the city still serve up a feast in honour of the tradition (plus any excuse to eat, right?). Here's our guide to where to don your best stars and stripes attire and celebrate Thanksgivin...

London has a reputation for being on the pricier side, and although that's not entirely wrong, there are definitely places where you can be savvy and save a few pennies here and there. When it comes to affordable dining in Shoreditch, there are a bunch of places where you can grab a bite to eat with...

Islington doesn't exactly have a reputation for being one of the cheaper London boroughs, but, like most places, if you know where to look you can always nab a bargain, especially when it comes to cheap eats. Most of the places listed in this guide probably won't cut the mustard if you're looking fo...

Eating out in London can be pricey so why wouldn’t you make it cheaper if you can? If you’re watching the pennies you can still enjoy a meal out if you visit a BYOB restaurant in London. Save on the cost of drinks, get exactly what you like the most, and you can still have a tasty meal i...

Soho is known for its vibrant culture and buzzing nightlife, but it's also home to some of the most delicious pizza joints in the capital. Whether you're looking for a classic margherita or something with more offbeat toppings, you're sure to find it here. Our guide to the best pizza in Soho feature...

It's always good to spend quality time with your partner, whether the relationship is new or you've been joined at the hip for years. If you're bored of the same old dinner and drinks on date night and want to find fun new ways to enjoy your time together, London is packed full of great couples' act...

Going out for dinner is great but the experience is even more fun if you add some live music into the mix. From refined accompaniments to riotous party atmospheres, London has plenty of great restaurants that let you listen to some top tunes whilst you eat. Whether you enjoy music from around the wo...

There’s hardly a bigger thrill to be found on London’s crowded restaurant scene than the feeling of being the first through the doors of a brand-new culinary hotspot. With those popping up on a weekly basis, the biggest challenge isn't so much getting your foot in the door as it is keepi...

With diversity in all regards an intrinsic and proud part of London life, it's no wonder the capital's LGBTQ+ nightlife is some of the very best in the world. From pioneering queer clubs to niche spaces, drag shows to pop extravaganzas, the city has a multitude of safe spaces that champion inclusivi...

London has an ever-growing reputation for being expensive, and Notting Hill is certainly no exception to this cliché. You could easily spend £100 on a fancy lunch in this affluent West London borough, but you don't have to. You can fill up on a substantial meal for less than a tenner if you know whe...

With King's Cross being such a major hub for both commuters and travellers from all over the country, caffeine plays a big role in keeping everything running smoothly. If you're a coffee lover, you'll be delighted to know that the area is home to some of the top cafés in London. Whether you'r...

With the cost of living in London constantly going up, it's getting harder and harder to justify splurging on a round of drinks. Despite the rising price tags, however, there are still many cheap bars and pubs around the city that are friendly towards your wallet, offering happy hour deals or just h...

London is seriously spoilt with Michelin-starred restaurants, with some 71 restaurants awarded at least one star by the prestigious Michelin Guide. Michelin restaurants used to be synonymous with French haute cuisine and synchronised dome-lifting, but starred restaurants now include everything from...

Scandinavia is the northern and snowy bit of Europe where you'll find Denmark, Norway, and the very place where Thatsup first began – Sweden. Whether you're a Nordic ex-pat or you just want some extra Scandi cosiness in your life, there are lots of restaurants, bars and cafés where you...

Who doesn’t love pizza? With so many different styles and toppings available, there’s a pizza out there for everyone – it’s a versatile and universally-loved comforting favourite. Whether you like authentic Neapolitan recipes, New York-style slices, unique toppings, or vegani...

When it's time to party hard, Soho is where it's at. This famous part of London is known for its plentiful entertainment options, including plenty of spots for pre-party drinks and meals. Once you're prepped and ready, it's time to hit one of the many nightclubs in the area, from relaxed basement di...

Victoria is a bustling area with a variety of dining options to suit every taste and budget. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you'll find plenty of delicious and affordable options to choose from. In this guide, we've compiled a list of some of the best cheap eats in Victoria, offering a range o...

Home to countless restaurants, bars, cafés, theatres and one of the city’s top transport hubs, Victoria is brimming with places to see and things to do. You don’t have to look too far for a good quality cup of java or a quick bite to eat in Victoria, the district is teeming with c...

When you’re after a tasty and filling meal where you can eat exactly what you like, heading to a buffet is often a great decision. Choose whatever catches your eye, eat as much of it as you want to, and go home feeling satisfied. There are plenty of buffet restaurants in London offering tasty...

Known for its rich history and cultural diversity, Soho has retained an independent spirit to this day. Even though many of the world's top commercial brands have moved in, this vibrant London area is still home to eclectic record stores, quirky specialist shops, and other unusual retailers, making...

Each year, Christmas lights London up with festive cheer, as countless winter lights illuminate the dreary city streets. Various neighbourhoods across the capital put up Christmas lights and other festive decorations, and the London Christmas lights are a big draw for wintertime tourists from all ov...

Ćevapčići, pljeskavice and ražnjići might be a mouthful to pronounce – but they're a delicious mouthful. If you're looking to explore the tantalising flavours of cuisine from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and other countries from the Balkan region, our guide to the best Balkan restaurants...

If you're an aspiring artist or simply enjoy soaking up live music, open mic nights offer an excellent opportunity to discover new talent and showcase your own skills. In this guide to the best open mic nights in London, we'll be taking a closer look at the best open mic nights in London, providing...

Going out somewhere fancy often means forking out a lot of cash but that's not always the case. Thanks to the diversity of London's restaurant scene, the city is home to quite a few places that feel chic and special but are still kind to your bank balance. If you're celebrating a big occasion on a b...

Whether you're a professional musician or you play an instrument as a hobby, having the right kit for making great music is essential. Luckily London is a creative city and around the capital you'll find a range of musical instrument stores like guitar shops and piano showrooms, typically staffed by...

So, you've been given the overwhelming task of finding a restaurant to cater for a gigantic group of fussy eaters. But where do you even start? A quick Google search with thousands of results from all over the city? Maybe. Or you could just bookmark this guide to restaurants for big groups; we updat...

Unsurprisingly, London’s riverside South Bank is one of the city’s busier areas to explore, so when it comes to picking the best places to sink a pint or two, it’s always worth planning ahead. We’ve hand-picked our favourite spots to enjoy a drink in this creative district, f...

London is home to a vast range of afternoon teas, including many that are extravagant and expensive. If that's not your style or you want the experience without breaking the bank, you can find a cheap afternoon tea in the capital that gives you the grandeur you want without sending you into your ove...

With its central location and mix of locals, tourists, and office workers, Soho is one of the most bustling and interesting parts of London. This also means that there are plenty of places where you can get a delicious lunch. From a sophisticated sit-down meal to a quick sandwich on your lunch break...

It’s always great to go drinking somewhere that has the aesthetic and music you love. If you prefer things a little on the darker or heavier side, you’ll have a great time at some of London’s alternative bars and pubs. Camden Town has long been a hotspot for these places but there...

Maybe you have something to celebrate or perhaps you just want to treat yourself to a meal that’s a little bit fancier than usual. When you want the highest standards of food and service, fine dining restaurants in London offer plenty of possibilities. It’s not all French haute cuisine e...

London boasts an array of exquisite venues that go above and beyond to create unforgettable moments during the most magical time of the year. From twinkling lights and seasonal decorations to mouth-watering treats and aromatic teas, join us as we explore the best festive afternoon tea experiences in...

Maybe you’ve got the voice of an angel or perhaps you sing at a frequency that only cats and dogs can hear. Either way, doing karaoke in London can be a great way to have fun with friends and let off some steam. With private booths at many venues, you can channel your inner rock star even if y...

Online shopping might be on the rise but London is still world-renowned as a fantastic shopping destination. Shopping in London has something for everyone – glitzy department store? We’ve got them! Cool markets? That too. Something for that very niche interest you have and only admit to...

London definitely isn't short of brilliant brunch spots to get your brekky fix, but sometimes regular brunch just doesn't cut the mustard. From time to time, it's fun to indulge and opt for bottomless, where free-flowing bubbles and endless plates of mouthwatering food never seem to stop coming. Fro...

One of the advantages of living in London is having access to so many global cuisines, in terms of both restaurants and shops and supermarkets. If you're after authentic Asian ingredients and products for your recipes or you're an ex-pat craving a taste of home, there are a wide variety of Asian sup...

Choosing the right gift can be tricky sometimes, and we all know that some of our loved ones are easier to buy for than others. From extravagant gifts to little tokens of your affection, there are great options all over the city, from gift shops in North London stocked with unique items to impress o...

With the UK's historic ties to India, it's no wonder Indian cuisine is thriving in London. Offering exhilarating spice blends, comforting staples, and contemporary takes on authentic dishes, the best Indian restaurants in the capital know how to hit that sweet flavour spot. Whether you're looking fo...

Whether you’re an amateur pool player or you reckon you can give Efren Reyes a run for his money, nothing quite beats a bit of competitive pool playing on a night out. Countless places in the city have their own pool table moments from the bar; it's basically a must for any London pub. But, wi...