Guides to London

London is a city with a diverse range of restaurants, from Michelin-starred fine dining to street-food 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 destinati...

London has a buzzing food and drink scene, with new bars as well as restaurants opening up regularly. If you're the type of person who's always on the look-out for new venues and experiences, our list of the newest bars in London will keep you in the know about the latest places to go for a drink. W...

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 retail paradise with shops stocking all the products you could ever need, including lingerie and underwear. Whether you're shopping for the essentials or something special that makes you feel amazing, it's available thanks to the variety of lingerie shops London-wide. We've put together...

It's somewhat unclear what kickstarted London's passionate love for boozy bottomless brunches, but then again, they involve inordinate amounts of food and drinks in the company of your besties, so it's perhaps more appropriate to wonder why no one had thought of it sooner. In any case, today there a...

Music is a big part of life in London and, despite the rise of streaming, there are still plenty of stores that stick to the tried-and-true method of digging through crates of records to find album gems. Whether you’re looking for new releases or second-hand classics, vinyl records, CDs or cassette...

For children who go to school in London, February is a great time – it's half-term. However, if you're the person responsible for keeping them entertained all week it might not be such a thrilling prospect. Finding affordable and enjoyable ways to keep kids occupied can be difficult. Luckily, London...

We're all aware that eating out can often be pricey, but you don't have to miss out if you're on a budget. There are plenty of cheap eats in London that offer tasty food and great value for money. From affordable Asian favourites to Italian, Mexican, and even classic British cooking, the capital is...

Michelin-starred dining might have a reputation for being pricey – and let's face it, it usually is. But that doesn't mean there aren't an excellent selection of slightly more affordable options out there. Just because it's typically associated with fine dining and high-end chefs, enjoying a Micheli...

Hampstead and its neighbour Belsize Park are two of North London's most popular corners, and both deserve serious attention when it comes to eating and drinking well. Hampstead has long been known for its leafy parks, historic pubs and well‑loved neighbourhood favourites, and just a short stroll awa...

London has always taken its pubs seriously, but the current Guinness boom has taken things to another level. If you're privy to splitting the G, you'll know exactly what we mean. Suddenly, everyone's talking about it, frantically searching for where to get a pint that actually settles properly. We'd...

Whether you're searching for a cherished new companion, looking for the perfect toy for your current pet, or seeking expert advice on pet care, London's pet shops cater to every pet owner's needs. From the welcoming family-run businesses brimming with community spirit, to the modern superstore stock...

Whether you’re just looking to throw a couple of darts between rounds of drinks or trying to put together a proper competition with your mates, you’re sure to hit the bullseye in the capital. There’s a plethora of darts bars, dedicated dart-playing venues, pubs with interactive dartboards and other...

With the rise of online shopping, purchasing sporting goods is simpler than ever, but shopping in-person still has many advantages, especially when it comes to ensuring your gear fits you perfectly so you can achieve the best results. Whether you're a professional athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or s...

Sushi is a Japanese delicacy that has won hearts all around the world. And sometimes, a few rolls just don't cut the mustard – you want bottomless sushi. If you're someone who can't stop at just one or two, then all-you-can-eat sushi spots across London are the perfect solution. These places let you...

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...

The hipster HQ of Shoreditch is firmly on the map as one of London’s culinary hot spots. Over the years, this buzzy area has seen a boom in the restaurant and street food scene like nowhere else in the city; it’s exciting, eclectic and constantly evolving. From street eats and fine dining to dimly-l...

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...

This one goes out to all of the meat lovers on a quest to find the juiciest, tastiest steak in the city. Even though premium steak can be expensive, there are also some excellent steakhouses in London where you can pick up a prime piece of meat for a price that won't burn a hole in your pocket. From...

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...

London might not be known for its epic adventures in the great outdoors, but it is home to many shops that make sure you're stocked up for whatever expedition you're heading on. Looking for your next part of hiking shoes? Want to find a tent that can shelter you from all the elements? London's got y...

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, Albania, and other countries from the Balkan region, our guide to the best Balkan re...

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 Soho clubs, from relaxed basement dives to exclu...

London Luton Airport is a bustling hub for travellers from all over the world, connecting to a wide variety of destinations. Whether you're arriving or departing, you'll want to make the most of your time at the airport, and that includes finding the best places to eat while there. From fast food jo...

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...

London might be full of world-famous landmarks, but it's also one of the best cities on the planet for shopping. From the historic grandeur of department stores like Liberty and Selfridges to the indie boutiques of Shoreditch and the vintage markets of Notting Hill, there's something for every style...

From typical British pubs and welcoming family-run joints to refined upmarket palaces, Thai cuisine has become a firm favourite on London’s dining scene. You can find the intense flavour combinations of staples such as pad Thai or green curry all over town, often with a jolt of spiciness thrown in f...

Want to watch an important match with a lively crowd of fans, spend some quality time with your mates, or just grab some chow with the footie on in the background? It comes as no surprise that the capital of such a sports-loving nation sports a bunch of lively bars, football pubs, and other venues d...

London is a carnivore's paradise, especially for those with a discerning palate for prime cuts, artisanal charcuterie, and sustainably sourced meats. Our guide to the best butchers in London covers the full range of meat vendors, from a world-famous London meat market to independent, family-run butc...

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...

London Bridge is probably best known for sights such as Borough Market and The Shard, but there are plenty of watering holes tucked away among the headliners, letting you catch your breath while touring the area. Thanks to London Bridge's proximity to the Thames and merchant past, there's no shortag...

Having been heavily redeveloped in recent years, King’s Cross has become one of the buzziest areas of London, and its role as a hub for both domestic and international travel hasn’t hurt it either. Accordingly, numerous restaurants are choosing the area around St Pancras as their base of operations,...

Asian cuisine is vast and varied, from curries with a kick to elegant sushi, or street food that you can eat on the go. Being such an international city, there’s a wide variety of high quality Asian restaurants in London, showcasing cooking from a number of different countries. You can stick to clas...

London can get expensive, and you can feel the pinch, particularly when you're in central parts of the city like Soho. However, if you think you can't get an affordable meal in this area, you're in for a pleasant surprise. There are plenty of cheap eats in Soho, from fish and chips to Japanese cuisi...

Thanks to Borough Market, South London draws its fair share of foodies from around the world, but those in the know will tell you there's much more to this vast area than that – and we count ourselves firmly among those in the know. Ranging from the charmed lifestyles of neighbourhoods like Richmond...

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 can explore S...

Every restaurant has its own unique character, but it's fair to say that some have more character than others. If you're looking for a dining experience unlike any other, you can take your pick from a variety of quirky and unusual restaurants in London. Whether you want dinner in a distinctive setti...

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...

There are plenty of awesome restaurants located around Liverpool Street, from grab-and-go sandwich spots to Michelin-starred sit-down eateries. However, there are also heaps of restaurants you should definitely avoid, and that's where this guide to eating in and around Liverpool Street comes in hand...

Hollywood films based on comic books have exploded in popularity in recent years. No longer a niche interest, these stories are now reliable material for a blockbuster release. If you're just as interested in the original comic books as you are in the films, there are plenty of comic book shops arou...

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...

With its vibrant green colour, distinctive taste, and versatility in both food and drinks, it's no surprise that matcha has become a big hit in London. From traditional tea-drinking experiences to innovative desserts, there are lots of ways to get your London matcha fix. If you're a devotee of the g...

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...

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 ov...

In the years since the smoking ban there has been a decrease in the number of places in London where you can smoke a cigar in peace, but cigar aficionados can still indulge their passion at a number of locations across the city. From exclusive cigar bars at luxury hotels to airy outdoor cigar terrac...

London is packed with exciting soft play centres, offering a haven for families looking to entertain energetic little ones. From colourful indoor play zones filled with slides, ball pits, and climbing frames to cosy cafés where parents can unwind, the city has a range of venues catering to different...

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day so make sure you don't miss it. Whether you wake up craving a full English or you like to start the morning (or afternoon) with something a bit lighter, there are some brilliant breakfasts waiting to help you greet the day in the capital. If you're won...

Bustling Covent Garden is known for its flocks of tourists, markets, and street entertainers, meaning it's a busy place from morning til night. There are plenty of places to eat in Covent Garden too, including great places that are open for lunch. Whether you're looking for a quick bite on the go, a...

With its Victorian townhouse charm and colourful Portobello Road, Notting Hill is an iconic backdrop for romantic films, but those with a sweet tooth will find something else to love here. The upmarket area is home to some of London's top bakeries and cake shops, bridging the gap between traditional...

You don't have to hop across the Channel to treat yourself at some of the finest patisseries that the world has to offer. Whether you're on the hunt for the best pastries London has to tantalise your tastebuds, the timeless elegance of a French patisserie, or the delicate intricacies of a Japanese p...