Guides to London

Central London has a bar on every corner, but not all are worth squeezing into your Friday night plans. Forget the overpriced tourist traps and generic cocktail menus; we've rounded up the spots actually worth your time. From some of the best bars in the world (yes, actual facts) and underground spe...

St Katharine Docks is one of London's most spectacular dining backdrops — a marina of bobbing yachts, cobbled walkways and flower-laden balconies that feels worlds away from the bustle of the City. Its waterfront restaurants mirror the setting: stylish but distinctly London. From Italian pasta gems...

Deptford is without doubt a buzzy part of the capital. It's not just the lively market that runs along the high street – in the area you'll find indie art galleries, cool bars, and best of all, loads of great places to eat. From Caribbean cooking and authentic Asian food to traditional pie and mash,...

Escape the monotony of supermarkets and enjoy a more authentic and peaceful experience by picking your own produce at farms in and around London. Throughout the year, you can immerse yourself in fruit and vegetable picking, with each season offering something different, be it filling your punnet wit...

Did you know London has so many trees that it falls within the UN definition of a forest? Yep, that's right; it's home to more than eight million of them, and 47% of the entire city is actually just vast green space, making London a haven for nature enthusiasts. From enjoying a peaceful walk in a ne...

Belgravia's well-heeled reputation might bring cocktail and champagne bars to mind. Whilst such sophisticated spots are indeed a fixture of the area, that doesn't mean there's a shortage of pubs with a friendly atmosphere and down-to-earth attitude. If you want to drink in a traditional venue or enj...

Just like TLC said, you can buy your hair if it won't grow, and there are plenty of places to get long and luscious tresses in London. Around the city, there are some great hair salons and technicians that specialise in hair extensions, helping you to achieve longer and fuller hair or completely cha...

A trip to London can be expensive, but if you want more affordable accommodation with a more personal vibe, you could consider staying in a bed and breakfast instead of a hotel. B&Bs usually give you a more homey setting, reasonable prices, and sometimes the chance to experience life outside of...

2024 is a banner year for sports fans, with major sports events lined up throughout the summer. The excitement is set to peak from 26 July to 11 August, when the Paris Olympic Games take place, and 28 August to 11 September, when The Paralympics get underway in Paris, showcasing some of the best ath...

Shoreditch is a vibrant, colourful part of London, which makes it an ideal fit for Mexican cuisine and all its vivid flavours. There are a number of taquerias in Shoreditch that have to be on any taco lover's list, as well as more refined eateries where you can sit down and enjoy a sophisticated mea...

Move over, Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day is what it's all about these days, and we've put together this guide to the best events in London to commemorate the occasion. Raise a glass to your gal pals and head to one of these Galentine's Day events with your besties to really spread the love this y...

It might not be close to the sea, but if you're a fan of fish and seafood, Covent Garden has lots to offer, with an array of top-tier restaurants celebrating the freshest catch of the day. Whether you're craving delicate oysters, indulgent seafood platters, or expertly prepared fish mains, this well...

Clapham is a microcosm of what makes London so exciting, home to a 200-acre common, an abundance of shops and excellent restaurants, cafés, and pubs. There’s an authentic community vibe in Clapham that sets it apart from every other district in the city. With this comes many incredible...

The capital might be known for having countless restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, but sometimes you just want to stay cosy and curl up on the couch with a nice takeaway. Thankfully, there's no shortage of options there either. From North to South London, East to West, our guide to the best...

London has a vast array of different types of accommodation for visitors. Staying at a pub that has its own guest rooms is one fab idea – it's usually more affordable than a fancy hotel and gives you a boutique hotel experience along with all the fun and atmosphere of a typical British pub. If you'r...

London has a well-deserved reputation as a global hub for art and design, and that means there’s loads to enjoy for art lovers in London. So much so that you can easily fill a weekend with inspiring art and design. We’ve got great galleries and museums but it doesn’t stop there - f...

While Covent Garden is famous for its world-class dining and lively street food scene, nothing beats a juicy, succulent burger. Whether you're craving a classic smashed patty, a gourmet twist, or a top-tier plant-based option, this buzzing part of London has it all. From messy, sauce-dripping stacks...

Southwark isn't just about Borough Market and tourist traps; it's actually packing a punch when it comes to excellent little Italian restaurants. From cosy pasta hangouts where queues are part of the experience, to hidden neighbourhood gems serving home-style plates inspired by Nonna's recipes, ther...

Southwark isn't short on good food, but when it comes to Indian restaurants the choice is especially strong. You'll find elegant dining rooms serving modern plates alongside long-standing tandoori spots still firing up favourites. There are places for a quick Borough Market bite, and others where yo...

A burger can be a convenient fast food meal or a big and indulgent treat – no wonder they're so popular all over the world. Beef might be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of a burger, but the rise of plant-based dining means there are loads of creative vegan burgers out there. If...

The hustle and bustle of London can sometimes get a little too much, but luckily, thanks to its location, taking a day trip from the city is easy for anyone looking to escape for the day. Whether you're after some beachside bliss, a refreshing countryside walk or want to sink your teeth into the his...

Brockley is an on-trend part of South London, popular with families and known for its expansive green spaces and weekly farmers' market. This place is also known for its great choice of restaurants, dishing up authentic global cuisines from pizza and Lebanese food to traditional fish and chips. Ther...

If you find yourself tempted by the nautical lifestyle every time you pass by one of London's waterways or dream about a relaxing afternoon cruise down the river to help fend off everyday stress, try one of the many boat rental options available in the city. Our guide to the best boat hire in London...

It may not be on everyone's foodie map, but Clapton boasts a restaurant scene worth taking a good look at. It's home to a Michelin-starred restaurant, and thanks to its diverse community, it's also home to a plethora of excellent restaurants spanning cuisines from all around the world. Whether you'r...

From nibble-ready tapas and pintxos plates to steaming pans of paella and thinly sliced jamon, Central London is no slouch when it comes to capturing the flavours and spirit of Spain. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite with a glass of sherry, a long, leisurely procession of tapas, or an ele...

Whilst some foodies are comfortable with a vegan lifestyle all year round, others find it more challenging. If you’re aiming to eat more plant-based foods or just try out something new, Veganuary is a great time to get involved. Thanks to London having so many options for vegan dining –...

Canary Wharf is London's financial district, known for its towering skyscrapers and bustling business atmosphere. But it's more than just buildings and business suits; this newer region on London's map also boasts an eclectic culinary scene, including a handful of excellent Turkish restaurants. Crav...

London is home to a thriving Ethiopian community and that means it's not too difficult to find authentic Ethiopian cooking around the city. Known for rich flavours, lots of plant-based options, and casual meals that you eat with your hands, this cuisine is popular whether you're on a date or having...

Some of our readers will be surprised to learn that London has nine travel zones, extending all the way out to Amersham, which is considered part of Buckinghamshire. You can get there on the Metropolitan line, which also goes from Aldgate to Uxbridge in zone six. Whether you'd like to explore the ou...

For those in the busy city of London, finding a trusted place to develop their beloved film is an ongoing mission. Say you've got eight 35mm film rolls ready to develop, all with cherished memories of your recent trips with loved ones; that's a lot of film and a lot of memories, and you're right to...

Chelsea is an affluent neighbourhood located along the northern bank of the River Thames, known for its opulence and cultural significance. The streets are lined with historic Georgian and Victorian buildings, fringed by lush gardens and high-end boutiques. It also has its fair share of art gallerie...

Mayfair is one of London's most sophisticated neighbourhoods, so it's no surprise that it's home to some excellent Turkish restaurants offering both traditional and modern takes on Anatolian cuisine. Whether you're craving sizzling kebabs, fresh mezze, or just-caught seafood dishes, the area provide...

There's no doubt that chefs are imaginative and creative people. If you give a chef free reign to do what they like in the kitchen, you're sure to end up with an exciting meal that's new and unique. In Japanese cooking, omakase means leaving things up to the chef, so if you're looking for a Japanese...

London is a sprawling urban metropolis so you could easily think there isn't enough open space for the city to have many golf courses. In fact, there are plenty of golf lovers in London and plenty of golf clubs too, especially around the outskirts of the city. If you're keen to get together with fri...

The City of London may be known for its skyscrapers and high-end restaurants, but it's also home to a few Thai restaurants that deserve a spot on your must-visit list. The City is at the heart of London, dating back over 2000 years and shaping the London that we know today. You'll find Roman ruins i...

Shoreditch is a buzzy district in East London, known mainly for its creativity, culture, and dining. You'll find a selection of French restaurants tucked in and amongst its buzzing streets and trendy spots, offering everything from rustic comfort food to refined à la carte dining. Shoreditch boasts...

Canary Wharf is one of London's main financial districts, which means lots of offices, which also means lots of places to wine and dine. Japanese restaurants are no exception to this, and the area boasts its fair share, ranging from casual sushi bars to upscale restaurants specialising in traditiona...