Guides to London

With a past spanning more than two millennia, London has a wealth of interesting historic sites where visitors can find out more about the evolution of this major global city. From original Roman remains and medieval fortresses to royal palaces, Victorian cemeteries and memorials to battlefield vict...

There’s no shortage of quality venues on London’s vibrant live music scene, including those dedicated to jazz and related genres. Whether it’s a refined restaurant setting with fine dining to go along with live jazz, an impromptu jam session in a jazz bar that’s full of character, or a local proving...

It's no secret that Londoners love cheese: you can take cheese-themed tours, enjoy a cheese and wine cruise down the River Thames, and you can even run up London's biggest cheesegrater building in the Cheesegrater Run. So it's no surprise there are also countless cheese-themed restaurants and bars d...

Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply a keen hobbyist, London is a great place to be if you love art. We have access to some of the world's finest art galleries and a lively community of artists, as well as fantastic shops where you can buy exactly what you need for creating impressive...

Mexican cuisine has seen a rise in popularity in London over the past decade, with various restaurants popping up all over the city, including Soho. Whether you're craving casual tacos or Michelin-starred Mexican dishes, you'll find the perfect spot to suit any vibe, from laid-back to luxe. Alongsid...

Finding a restaurant that caters to the whole family can sometimes be a challenge. Whether you're treating the kids to a special meal or gathering the entire crew for a get-together, Canary Wharf has many family-friendly dining spots with tasty options for all ages. From casual spots with classic fa...

Regularly considered one of the trendiest parts of London, with the City's banker crowds right on its doorstep, it's no wonder Shoreditch has taken to sushi like a, well, fish to water. You'll find sleek, high-end restaurants serving artfully crafted omakase here, as well as more casual spots where...

The cosmopolitan neighbourhood of Notting Hill is one of the most famous areas of London, mainly renowned for appearing in blockbuster films, excellent antiques market (which is the largest in the world), rows of rainbow-multicoloured houses, parks, nightlife, and wining and dining options. This chi...

A fairly well-known writer by the name of William Shakespeare once said, “If music be the food of love, play on.” This Valentine's Day, however, we're taking things a step further and eating instead. With London's seemingly endless supply of swoon-worthy dining spots, finding the perfect restaurant...

With so many areas and establishments to choose from, deciding where to stay during a trip to London can be challenging. Staying in Central London gives you easy access to everything, and Covent Garden is one of the most popular areas to visit or book a hotel in. There are a variety of places to sta...

Wonderful as London is, it can all start to feel a bit overwhelming from time to time. When you need to escape and indulge in a bit of TLC, heading to a spa is a great way to relax, unwind, and treat yourself. If you don't have time to go for a weekend away at a spa resort, a trip to a day spa can m...

Despite being comparatively small in size, Paddington is rich in outstanding culinary options. With so many choices, it can be difficult to know where to start. Our guide to the best restaurants in Paddington will introduce you to dining in the area, covering a range of cuisines, atmospheres, and bu...

Ask a crowd of people what their favourite food is and you're likely to hear plenty of them say chocolate. Whether you fancy treating yourself to something tasty or you want a gourmet gift to delight someone else, chocolate is often a great choice. London is home to some fab chocolate shops where yo...

Dive into the saucy world of London's chicken wing scene; from classic to more inventive flavours, the capital is serving up wings that are a cut above the rest. Whether you're craving Wingstop's iconic buffalo sauce wings or you want to get your hands on Smoking Goat's famous fish sauce wings, ther...

North London might not be as well-known as some of the city's other areas when it comes to culinary thrills and trendy new hotspots, but you'll find a steadily growing restaurant scene here as well. From bustling street food joints in busy Camden to elegant bistros in leafy surroundings further nort...

Looking for the best French restaurants in Covent Garden? Voila! Covent Garden is renowned for its vibrant dining scene, and French cuisine has a prominent place in it. Whether you're craving classic French dishes like escargots, steak frites, or coq au vin, or seeking more contemporary takes on Fre...

If you're a fan of French cuisine and you're heading to Soho, you're in for a treat, as the area boasts a number of top-notch French eateries. From cosy bistros to fine-dining establishments and some of the best restaurants in the whole world, our guide to the best French restaurants in Soho highlig...

It's hard to get more quintessentially British than indulging in afternoon tea in Covent Garden. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a born-and-bred Londoner, there's just something about the tiered platter of different goodies that makes you feel fancy and cosy at the same time, and one of Londo...

If you're looking for a fun activity to do at the pub but you're hopeless at quizzes, terrible at pool, and would clear the room with your karaoke skills, settling in somewhere for a few drinks over a board game is a great alternative. London has lots of places where you can play board games, includ...

Aside from being a hotspot for nightlife, jazz clubs, cocktail bars and top-notch restaurants (shout out to House of Momo), Dalston is also home to various excellent shops. Whether you're looking for your next pre-loved jazzy festival outfit or want to rummage through piles of records to see if you...

The affluent suburb of Highgate is best-known for the famous cemetery and for the many famous faces that live in the area. The area is also home to a broad variety of traditional pubs and tempting restaurants, as well as a charming village atmosphere. When you're looking for a great meal there's sur...

What could be better than a delicious meal outside with a great view on a sunny day? There may not always be blue skies in London but there are plenty of places for al fresco dining when the weather is cooperating. Whether you're looking for an elegant rooftop terrace or pavement tables where you ca...

In an area as diverse and creative as Hackney Wick, it's no surprise that it's also home to some of the best drinking spots in East London. Whether you want an all-nighter to the sound of live DJs spinning the freshest tracks or looking for a spot to enjoy a quiet glass of wine, there's plenty of ch...

London’s urban jungle doesn’t make for the most dog-friendly of cities, but there are still plenty of pooches out and about with their owners at any given time. As a consequence, you can find dog-friendly pubs and restaurants all around the capital, with some even catering to their four-legged patro...

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...

Home is where the heart is, so it's fun to make your home comfy, cosy, and stylish. From major home makeovers to little touches to spruce the place up, interior design shops in London are fantastic for getting inspiration and finding the perfect pieces for your property, whatever your preferred styl...

Covent Garden is brimming with lovely little wine spots, from chic Parisian-inspired bars to female-founded gems. This lively London neighbourhood boasts a buzzing drinking scene, including ample places to enjoy a glass of your favourite vino. Whatever you're in the mood for, the bars mentioned in t...

Richmond might not be a halal hotspot, but this leafy sliver of southwest London has more going for it than riverside strolls and fancy pubs. Look a little closer and you'll uncover a handful of spots serving everything from smoky Persian kebabs to wholesome Indian comfort food, with halal options o...

When it comes to lunch in Westminster, you don't have to settle for soggy sandwiches or tired takeaway food. The area is thrumming with great little spots, including elegant sushi with rooftop views, spicy Sichuan classics, and hearty British staples that have been feeding locals for decades. Our gu...

Once a late-night Irish takeaway staple, the spice bag has slowly but surely found its people in London. What began as a crumpled paper bag of chips, chicken, peppers and tasty Chinese-style seasoning now shows up in City pubs, Irish boozers and the odd sit-down spot, usually within arm's reach of a...

Although the humble burger is believed to have originated in the United States, London still has its fair share of excellent places to get your hands dirty and chow down on one of the world's favourite dishes–especially in Shoreditch. From classic American-style burgers to crispy-edged thin patties...

While Soho is traditionally known as the epicentre of London's jazz scene, Shoreditch has long been home to an underground jazz movement and live music culture. From clandestine jazz bars to award-winning clubs hosting dedicated jazz nights, you'll find something jazzy every day of the week in Shore...

Beyond the private members' clubs and fine-dining institutions, this corner of London is home to some of the city's most glamorous late-night drinking spots. From five-star hotel lounges shaking up martinis at midnight to sexy speakeasies hidden behind ambiguous doors, these bars keep the party goin...

Libraries are great community spaces that you can use for a range of purposes, from carrying out your own research to ticking some books off your reading list or joining in with events. If you're looking for the best and most beautiful libraries around London for studying, reading, or simply browsin...

If you live in London or you're visiting, you might be tired of the major sights and landmarks that everyone knows and loves. Whilst places like the Tower of London and St Paul's Cathedral are iconic parts of the city, perhaps you want to explore some of London's secret places that give you a differ...

From artisanal roasters in hidden nooks to community hubs and stylish spaces at busy thoroughfares, vibrant Peckham's café scene is both diverse and delightful. There's no shortage of cool spots for a quick bite and a relaxing break among Peckham cafés. Whether you're a local seeking a new haunt or...

Here in the UK we have a reputation as big tea drinkers, so it's not too hard to find a great place for a cup of tea in London. It's not only the English style of tea that we have here – there are plenty of global takes on the drink available, including warming spicy chai or green matcha. If you wan...

Mayfair, one of London's most prestigious and historic areas, isn't just known for its high-end boutiques, art galleries, and luxurious residences. Nestled among its elegant streets are culinary gems waiting to be discovered, particularly when it comes brunch. For brunch Mayfair pulls out all the st...

Known for its multicoloured rows of houses, huge antiques market and luxury boutiques, it would be more than easy to while away an entire day exploring Notting Hill. Whether you're searching for vintage treasures, want to get acquainted with the area's culture or you simply want to explore a new are...

Airports can be a hectic and stressful environment, and finding a good place to eat can often be a challenge. With so many options and limited time available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go and what to order. That's why we've put together this guide to help you navigate the food option...

You're mistaken if you think that a gluten-free diet means you have to miss out on sweet treats like cookies, cakes, and brownies. London has plenty of specialist gluten-free bakeries and bakeries that offer ranges of gluten-free products, letting you get your fix of sweet bakes and fresh bread. Whi...

A night at the theatre is certainly exciting, and a tasty pre-theatre meal can make the experience even more special. Italian food is a crowd-pleaser and a great option if you're off to see a show and want to make a night of it. There are a number of Italian restaurants located near theatres in Lond...

If you want a Michelin-starred meal in London then you're certainly in luck. The city is home to more than 80 restaurants with at least one Michelin star and between them they serve up a broad array of cuisines. From French haute cuisine and modern British cooking to Asian food with the wow-factor,...

When you're planning a romantic meal, you need somewhere that looks good, has the right atmosphere, and serves up delicious food for you and your date to enjoy together. London has loads of places that fit the bill, including Italian restaurants that set the scene for a romantic meal. We'll help you...

Even in this day and age – or perhaps even more so – there’s nothing quite like curling up in a comfy chair with your favourite book. Our guide to the best bookshops in London will guide you to the stores where that spirit is still alive, where getting lost among stacks of dusty tomes is part of the...

Spain's popular tapas dishes are favourites all over the world, so it's no wonder that they've also gained a loyal following in the culinary mecca that is London. The small plates are the perfect accompaniment to sociable meals with friends and family, letting you share a variety of Spanish delicaci...

There are plenty of hair salons all over London covering all kinds of treatments, but finding a reputable and trustworthy organic hair salon can be pretty challenging. If you’re looking for an 100% vegan spot or a salon that uses natural products with no nasties, you’ve come to the right place. From...

Teens can be notoriously challenging to impress, but with a city as varied and vibrant as London, there's plenty to offer the discerning teenager looking to fill their time with something they're passionate about. Whether or not your teen knows what sparks their interest, this guide covers all bases...

Brunch is always a popular way to relax and welcome in the weekend in style. Whether you’re full of beans or nursing a sore head, it’s a great opportunity to kick back, enjoy some tasty treats, and probably have a drink or two. When you’re in central London, brunch in Soho is full of possibilities....

Renowned for its eclectic community, adventurous dining options, culture and creativity, Hackney is brimming with incredible places to eat, drink, play and stay, including several cafés for every discerning Londoner. From hip Hackney hangouts and old-school English cafés to bottomless brunch spots a...