Guides to London

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...

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...

Fish and chips has always been the national dish of the UK, and nowhere does it quite like us. If you've landed on London turf and trying proper fish and chips is at the top of your bucket list, then you're in the right place. Whether you're after a classic chippy or a historic pub, we've picked a h...

It's no secret that Central London is home to some of the best restaurants on the planet, offering cuisine from pretty much every corner of the globe – Thai, Indian, Italian, British, you name it, Central London's got it. The city is home to a wealth of Michelin-starred restaurants as well as street...

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...

A busy Central London area with plenty of footfall thanks to its proximity to Oxford Street, Hyde Park, and other famous London sights, Marylebone is home to many restaurants. From award-winning temples of fine dining and palaces of luxury and affluence, to vibrant street-level joints and casual spo...

You'd be right to assume that with a postcode as prestigious as W1, the dining options are as fancy as they come. But it isn't all centred around Mayfair glitz and glam, and if you know where to look, there are restaurants for every palette. From chilled-out pizzerias and elaborate izakaya set menus...

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...

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...

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...

It's important to start the day right, especially if you're coming off a big night in Soho or planning a full day of wandering around this busy Central London area. There are lots of options for a filling breakfast in Soho, from affordable greasy spoons and restaurants specialising in breakfast fare...

Turkish food is a big part of London's food culture, and almost every neighbourhood will have its own restaurant or takeaway joint, especially if you're somewhere like Green Lanes, where they come by the dozen times ten. Grilled charcoal-cooked kebabs, crispy lahmacun, creamy cacik and freshly-baked...

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...

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...

When it comes to event catering, it can be challenging to find a company that can meet your needs and deliver high-quality, delicious food that your guests will enjoy. That's why we've put together a guide to the best catering companies in London, highlighting those that have established themselves...

Always busy and bustling, Soho is full of tasty options for grabbing a bite to eat when you're out and about. In fact, its sizeable footfall and fame mean that a lot of the hottest, most viral street-food sensations in the country aim to set up shop right here, resulting in a variety of hyped street...

London, one of the world's greatest cities, attracts celebrities from all corners of the globe, from movie stars and superstar musicians to fashion models, famous entrepreneurs, and other wealthy, powerful people. Our guide to celebrity hotspots in London will take you on an exclusive journey throug...

London doesn't get many truly hot days, but when it does, they're a doozy. The heat and the humidity have a tendency to blend into a stifling blanket pressing down on the city, and the masses of people, abundance of concrete, and heavy traffic can make things even more unbearable. There are still lo...

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and there's no danger of having to skip it if you're in Marylebone. This Central London area is home to a number of established breakfast restaurants and cafés, serving a variety of tasty breakfast favourites from around the world. Whether you're looki...

Yoga isn't the only solution if you're looking for a great workout that also benefits your mental health. Muay Thai and kickboxing classes are another active option that's healthy for your body and mind, as well as improving things like endurance and coordination. If you're keen to try out kickboxin...

If you’re travelling to London on a budget, then you should definitely consider staying in a hostel to save some extra pennies for the more exciting stuff (like dining at a Soho hot spot, for example). There are so many amazing, budget-friendly options to choose from all over the city, from female-o...

If you're spending the day in Marylebone or need a tasty break during your shopping trip or work day, this quaint neighbourhood has plenty of lunch spots to enjoy. With a huge range of delicious options, from casual cafés to chic restaurants, choosing where to wine and dine in Marylebone can be over...

From the far-flung corners of Chiswick all the way up to Crouch End, London is full of quirky playgrounds where kids can unleash their energy in a safe and inviting space. Whether they want to play kings and queens atop a wooden hillside fortress or they'd rather capture enemies in a purpose-built p...

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...

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,...

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's a wide variety of Asian supe...

Shoreditch, one of London's most creative and vibrant communities, has the party scene to match its lively reputation. The parties here go long and hard, with wild dancing, loud tunes and flowing drinks on every corner. Read our guide to the best nightclubs in Shoreditch and find your next favourite...

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...

Discover the magic of Battersea with our comprehensive guide on how to spend a day in this South London gem. From scenic parks and picturesque waterways to British pubs, top-notch dining, and exciting cultural spots, Battersea has something for everyone and plenty of things to do. Join us as we navi...

There are plenty of ways to fill your belly when you're visiting Borough Market. Load up on all the free samples, grab some street food from one of the market vendors, or head into one of the restaurants for a sit-down meal to feast on some of the best food in the city. As you'd expect from London's...

Sometimes you head home after one drink, other times you … don't. Thankfully, living in a city the size of London means there's always some place you can drag yourself to after your local turns on the lights. London's late-night bar scene is as diverse as the city itself, offering everything from li...

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...

Fish and chips is an iconic British dish, the golden, crispy batter and perfectly cooked chips a staple of UK cuisine, and one of the best places to enjoy it is a proper pub. You should always have a good pub that serves fish and chips in your back pocket for hunger emergencies, with the authentic p...

Who doesn’t love Italian food? Whether you’re a fan of comforting pizza and pasta, fresh and flavoursome antipasti, or some of the lesser-known Italian dishes, London is full of classic and inventive Italian restaurants that give you an authentic taste of the flavours of the country. If you’re not s...

A few drinks with friends is always a great laugh but sometimes you want to inject even more fun into your evening. Visiting a bar with activities in London lets you enjoy yourself, get competitive, and maybe even try something new. From axe throwing to video games and escape rooms, there’s loads go...

With the recent redevelopment of Battersea Power Station – which even included a swanky new tube station to make it more accessible than ever – the site has rapidly become a hotspot for dining and drinking in London. If you're keen to check out what's available, you might not know which of the excit...

London Bridge is synonymous with being an excellent place to grab a bite to eat, primarily thanks to Borough Market’s legendary old-school stalls that have been serving Londoners for more than 1,000 years. But, as amazing as this historic market is, the area is also chock-full of fantastic pubs and...

It’s always exciting when you’re heading out to see a show, but a great meal makes the occasion even more memorable. Fortunately there are lots of restaurants offering fantastic pre-theatre menus in London that mean you can enjoy a delicious dinner and get to your seats on time. No more long waits f...

It may be predominantly known for its vintage markets, high-end boutique shops, and its starring role in the Hugh Grant hit “Notting Hill”, but it's also got a well-deserved reputation within the foodie world. You'll find lovely independent local restaurants sitting side by side with fancy Michelin-...

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...

It's probably no surprise that London isn't exactly synonymous with being beachy, but that doesn't mean that London hasn't got its fair share of places to stock up on good quality swimwear ahead of the warmer months. If you're looking for a place to get your next swimsuit, bikini, or swimming trunks...

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...

With its mix of bricks-and-mortar restaurants, permanent stalls, and food trucks, Spitalfields Market offers unbeatable variety within a relatively compact area, complemented by all sorts of traders that make it a top destination for everything from shopping sprees to quick lunches or hanging out wi...

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...

Everyone adores the smell of freshly-baked bread or cakes wafting from a bakery. If you love nothing more than tucking into a fresh sourdough, flakey croissant, or sweet cake, you’re spoilt for choice in London. All over the city there are some great places baking staple foods and indulgent treats....

Shoreditch has long been London's hangout for the cool, creative types, and its gay bars are no exception. The area thrums with excellent LGBTQ+ nightlife spots, from cocktail bars to late-night dance floors, this area is home to some of the city's best queer nightlife. Swing by one of the venues fo...

From plagues and great fires to world wars and global pandemics, the city has had its fair share of tumultuous times, but if there's one thing it has perfected, it's pulling the perfect pint. The city has a healthy smattering of quaint old boozers that are perfect for sinking a few pints in a vintag...

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...

With London having its very own Chinatown, it’s no surprise that the Chinese cuisine on offer in the city goes far beyond the usual takeout. Whether you’re looking for platters of steaming dim sum, regional specialties, refined dining, family-run joints, the famed Peking duck or any other culinary d...

Mayfair: the land of Michelin stars and expensive Monopoly, where luxury dining, high-end shopping, and the rich and the famous fill the streets. It's one of the finest London postcodes, brimming with excellent restaurants and cafés to enjoy your first meal of the day. Whether you're looking for cla...