Guides to London

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...

London set lunch menus are a reliable way of enjoying a balanced midday meal in the city while keeping costs low and avoiding store-bought slop. Our round-up of the best set lunch menus in London features great value deals around the city, ranging from Michelin-starred bastions of fine dining to rel...

Eternally popular, sushi is always in favour with fashionable crowds across London. It makes sense that there are great sushi restaurants in Notting Hill, one of the trendiest parts of the capital, too. Whether you're looking for a quick and affordable sushi fix to go, want to enjoy a sit-down meal...

Shoreditch is mostly known for its creativity, excellent dining scene, and varied mix of cultures, but it's also a hotspot for some of the best halal dining in London. From sizzling street food stalls to stylish sit-down restaurants, there are many halal-friendly restaurants to choose from here. Whe...

Breakfast in Notting Hill is anything but boring, featuring everything from cosy cafés to stylish brunch spots. Beyond the classic full English, you'll find everything from shakshuka and sourdough topped with smashed avocado to viral pancakes and Mexican fusion dishes. Whether you prefer a laid-back...

Londoners take their pizza seriously – in fact, it's one of the most ordered foods in the capital. Whether you're a Neapolitan purist, a deep-dish devotee, or all about that crispy Roman base, there's a pizza spot for every style and every taste in the city. London has every base covered – literally...

If you ask us, there are precious few situations that can't be improved by a nice, juicy burger. It therefore comes as no surprise that Central London is burger-rich, with a range of burgers available to choose from. Whether it's quick and convenient burger chain deals, the latest smash burger smash...

The café scene in Sutton isn't one you hear about all the time, but that doesn't mean cracking little spots don't exist. There's a great mix here, from community-focused cafés to long-standing local institutions, all serving proper coffee and friendly vibes. Some are best for quick pit stops and caf...

Sure, having access to the world-famous West End makes the classic dinner-and-a-show routine easy to come by, but what if you want to guarantee the best seats in the house, be part of the show, and keep the planning hassle to a minimum as an added bonus? Dinner theatre is the answer, combining dinin...

If there's one thing London is famous for, it's Indian food. We're lucky to boast many immigrants from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, many of whom came over in the 1950s and 1960s, bringing with them their incredible cuisine. Today, Indian food is enjoyed all around the city, including Marylebone,...

Written for those with a taste for the chic and glamorous, this guide takes you on a journey through the crème de la crème of London's restaurant scene. Each venue we have picked captures the spirit of fine dining in the city, offering more than just a restaurant to eat and drink at—these places tak...

Soho, the heart and stomach of London, is a bustling hub of culinary diversity, offering something for every palate. Those seeking halal dining options can look forward to an impressive array of restaurants, showcasing flavours from across the globe. Our guide explores the best halal restaurants in...

Soho has long been the heart of London's thriving nightlife, and its jazz bars are no exception. Whether you're a die-hard jazz lover or simply in the mood for some smooth tunes, this iconic district houses a mix of cosy venues and iconic spots where the music flows and the vibes are high. Soho's ja...

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...

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 brunch spots,...

London is renowned for its love of traditional British cuisine, and one dish that holds a special place in the hearts of Brits everywhere is pie and mash. This hearty meal, made up of a savoury pie served with creamy mashed potatoes and a tangy green liquor sauce, has been a staple of the country's...

It doesn't matter whether you're a beginner or a pro, creative activities like life drawing and pottery are fun ways to express yourself and pick up new skills. London is certainly an artistic city and all over the capital you'll find different creative workshops, whether you're interested in potter...

Dietary restrictions shouldn't mean that you have to miss out on delicious food, and luckily you don't have to if you're in London. There are countless eateries around the city that cater to different dietary needs, including gluten-free diets. If you're gluten-intolerant and craving pizza, pancakes...

Tacos, the handheld, flavour-packed Mexican classic, have London firmly in their grip. Historically, this city hasn't always come up to scratch when it comes to Mexican dining. Now, London has levelled up, with a wave of brilliant taquerias serving up everything from street-style bites to fresh take...

The diverse and exciting food on offer in the Borough of Hackney is definitely one of the main reasons why this East London area has become so popular. From up-and-coming culinary talent to famed chefs planting their flags, from affordable street food eateries to classy Michelin-starred establishmen...

October is the scariest month of the year, and not just because the heating bills are about to start going nuclear. Throughout October, the capital gets in the mood for the grand Halloween finale. A variety of frightfully delightful Halloween events and activities for children, adults, and families...

Clapham might be somewhat removed from Central London's dining finery, but that doesn't mean it lacks in options for eating out. From cosy local eateries overlooking Clapham Common to refined Michelin-starred spots doing creative things in the kitchen, from quick 'n' easy takeaway joints to leisurel...

Sometimes you're just craving that one dish you can't get enough of — but leaving the comfort of your cosy home isn't on the cards. Instead, you're Googling 'good takeaways near me'. Luckily, some of the best restaurants in the city offer delivery, so you can enjoy your favourite Indian curry or a s...

Looking for a taste of the tropics in London? Look no further than the city's top tiki bars! From subterranean sustainable bars with innovative cocktails to tropical havens with private huts and pirate caves, London's tiki bar scene has something for everyone. Whether you're craving signature fruity...

Drag performances are unlike any other form of entertainment, combining glamour, talent, a healthy dose of humour, and audience interaction in a spellbinding show. London's drag scene is renowned worldwide, with famous drag queens and kings making their way here from all around the globe, complement...

Thanks to a constant stream of travellers and commuters, large-scale redevelopment projects, and busy after-work crowds, King's Cross has become a bustling and eclectic hub in the heart of London. Combining rich history and exciting modern developments, King's Cross offers various attractions, from...

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...

Discover the epicentre of London's shopping scene with our detailed guide to shopping in Central London. From iconic streets to hidden alleys, this guide unveils the city's retail gems. Explore independent boutiques, uncover unique stores, and indulge in a hefty dose of retail therapy right in the h...

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...

If you're stocking up for a dinner party, or just want a great bottle to crack open on the sofa, London's full of excellent wine shops worth knowing about. From neighbourhood spots stacked with natural bottles and pet nats, to refined merchants pouring rare vintages and cult producers, there's somet...

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...

Moroccan food is unique and full of spices and flavour. This North African cuisine blends a variety of culinary influences, and fortunately, there are plenty of restaurants where you can try it out in London. If you're looking for flavour-packed tagines, delicious mezze, and mountains of couscous, t...

Just like the rest of the UK, we love a good curry in London. Indian food offers lots of variety along with exciting flavours, and you can find authentic Indian restaurants throughout the capital, including in Covent Garden. If you’ve had a busy day of shopping or you’re about to see a show but you’...

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...

Although England is often associated with tea, coffee culture has been thriving in London and around the country for quite some time now. If you need some rocket fuel to get you through the day or want a gourmet cup of artisan coffee to savour, this city won’t let you down with its great variety of...

Despite being home to one of London's best free sights – Richmond Park – Richmond as a whole isn't exactly low-cost, with the upmarket neighbourhood a favourite among those with money to spend. Nonetheless, you can still find decent cheap eats and affordable restaurants here, and our guide tells you...

The Jubilee line is the deepest of all London Underground lines and yet miraculously it’s the only one that 4G works on. That’s not the only reason to hop on one of these trains – taking you from Stanmore to Stratford, the line stops at lots of interesting locations along the way. If you want to exp...

Shoreditch has rightfully earned iconic status in the bar scene over the past decade, and it's easy to see why. Many of its bars have won awards, even securing spots on the list of the world's top cocktail bars. Whether they're among the best or not, you'll find everything from molecular mixology to...

The City of London might be all suits and skyscrapers, but it's also home to some seriously good veggie restaurants. Whether you're after a swish spot serving 100% plant-based plates or a casual café dishing up hearty meat-free comfort food, there are plenty of great places in and around the City. C...

With its lively streets, constant comings and goings, and countless culinary delights, Soho has a lot in common with grand Spanish cities like Barcelona or Madrid – though the thermostat could do with a tune-up. Regardless, perch up at one of the Soho tapas bars during peak summer and you'll soon fe...

If you only think of Canary Wharf as a place for spreadsheets and suits, it might surprise you how much good Asian food is packed into the area. There are sleek Japanese joints, classic crowd-pleasers, cosy neighbourhood spots and plenty of grab-and-go options for when you're in a rush. Here are the...

If you're looking to take your regular everyday lunch to the next level, might we suggest simply going to that level? When the sunshine kicks in, London's impressive skyline is the perfect backdrop for a filling rooftop lunch, and there are quite a few restaurants making full use of their elevated p...

London's art scene is defined as much by its intimate, independent spaces as it is by its world-class institutions. While landmark venues such as Tate and the National Portrait Gallery provide the historical bedrock, private and independent London galleries offer a more personal and immediate encoun...

Welcome to our guide to the best afternoon tea in Central London, where tradition meets modern luxury in the heart of one of the world's most vibrant cities. Afternoon tea, a venerated British custom, has evolved in London from a simple mid-afternoon refreshment to an elegant and sought-after experi...

Afternoon tea is a time-honoured treat that you can enjoy all over the city. Dietary requirements are no obstacle either, with many London venues offering a choice of tea menus to suit different needs. Vegetarian diners certainly aren't left out, with a great range of veggie-friendly afternoon tea m...

With its bustling crowds, attention-grabbing signage, and colourful characters, there's something very Tokyo about Soho, and the Japanese dining options here really underline the similarities. Duck into a lively izakaya for some sake, watch a sushi master ply his craft, or gaze out at a bustling met...

With some of the brightest and most creative young minds in London flocking to Shoreditch, this hip East London area has a well-established reputation as a trendy, fun part of the city. If you're looking to infuse some of that carefree spirit into your meal, check out our guide to the most fun resta...

Hot, steamy, creamy bowls of ramen aren't hard to come by in London, but a seriously good bowl is. That's why we've shortlisted our favourite places to pick up a bowl of noodle soup in the city. From Bone Daddies' broths that come with a Western twist to Ippudo's award-winning Michelin-star ramen, h...

Many of us are taking more of an interest in the origins of what we eat and drink, and that includes wine. Natural and organic wine in London is becoming the first choice for more and more vino connoisseurs because of its unique style, and there are many destinations in the capital where you can exp...

Sometimes, a door is just a door. And sometimes, it's the portal to a boozy haven where those in the know come to indulge in whispered secrets and mysterious potions. Those who take a look around the capital and think there can’t possibly be any more bars are in for a surprise, as the city hides a w...