Guides to London

London's LGBTQ+ nightlife is famed around the world, but there's more to the city than Soho clubs, with lots of different inclusive spaces, sights, and services available to queer individuals. From restaurants and bars flying the rainbow flag to gender-neutral hair salons and libraries delving into...

For some of us, a great night out just isn't complete without music. From smooth jazz in the background to raucous live bands that get everyone going, music can really be the icing on the cake for your evening. Fortunately London has a huge variety of bars that have live music on regularly. Whatever...

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...

So you fancy a drink, but you're on a budget – what do you do? With Wetherspoons rapidly closing down pubs all over the city, the opportunities for a cheap and cosy pint are becoming more scarce. All is not lost if you want the fun of a trip to the pub without a serious price tag; when it comes to c...

Wander between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus and you might spot an unexpected sight – red lanterns blowing in the wind, street signs in English and Chinese, a colourful and imposing Qing dynasty-style gate, and an abundance of Asian restaurants and stores. If you can see all that, you've ma...

Seven Dials Market in Covent Garden is one of London's best-known food halls, with the converted warehouse drawing in locals and tourists alike with its varied food options, lively communal tables, and buzzy atmosphere. Part of the KERB project that aims to help develop and platform emerging street-...

Ah, brunch, that wondrous meal that makes it okay to order a cocktail with your breakfast. It's become a staple of the capital's culinary scene as well as its social affairs, with restaurants all over the place throwing eggs, avocado toast and bacon around willy-nilly. With so many to choose from, w...

In Soho, the main action is on the streets, but there are still opportunities for taking in the hustle and bustle of this famous London neighbourhood from high above. Though rooftop space is at a premium in Soho, several bars have set up perches above street level, offering striking views of the cit...

Covent Garden is one of London's busiest areas and sometimes it's nice to take a step back from it – or above it, for that matter. Perched above the bustling streets, Covent Garden's rooftop bars offer an in-demand combination of scenic views, stylish settings, and expertly crafted drinks. Whether y...

With diversity in all regards an intrinsic and proud part of London life, it's no wonder the capital's LGBTQ+ nightlife is some of the very best in the world. From pioneering queer clubs to niche spaces, drag shows to pop extravaganzas, the city has a multitude of safe spaces that champion inclusivi...

Sometimes your bog standard bar just doesn’t cut the mustard, and you’ve left yearning for something a little more fun, outlandish or cool. Like a bar decked out in your nan’s old furniture or a drinking den in an old abandoned tube station turned air raid shelter (or something along those lines). L...

Covent Garden is one of the best-known, buzziest areas of London, but that doesn't mean it keeps going around the clock – many of its bars and pubs shut up shop for the day quite early. It's now impossible to get a drink here late at night, however, as proven by our guide to the best late-night bars...

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...

Sunday roast is a time-honoured British tradition, with friends and families meeting up to enjoy a plate heaving with roast meat, vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, and gravy. It's no different in Central London, where crowds of hungry punters flock to pubs and restaurants to enjoy a proper Sunday lunc...

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...

Shopping can be a fun way to spend a day and when you visit a department store you can get everything you need under one roof. Even though online shopping is growing in popularity, there are still a number of fantastic department stores in London that are ideal for some retail therapy or just a litt...

Who doesn’t love pizza? With so many different styles and toppings available, there’s a pizza out there for everyone – it’s a versatile and universally-loved comforting favourite. Whether you like authentic Neapolitan recipes, New York-style slices, unique toppings, or veganised versions, true pizza...

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...

Kensington is known as a bit of a fancy area – it's even home to a royal residence, Kensington Palace. There's loads going on and that includes lots of cool places to enjoy a drink in stylish surroundings, with plenty of upmarket destinations. There's tons of choice, ranging from fun cocktail bars a...

London doesn't exactly have a shortage of great restaurants, but that doesn't stop new ones from popping up every week. If you're hungry in Central London and want to know which recent openings are actually worth your time (and money), you're in the right place. We've rounded up the most exciting sp...

London is one of the major global destinations when it comes to cigar smoking, offering enthusiasts a wide range of cigar shops that cater to every taste and preference. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or just beginning your journey into the world of cigars, the city provides an array of cigar...

This year, London is again gearing up for a fantastic celebration of queer culture and identity throughout June. Pride Month is an annual event that brings together people of all backgrounds to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community. It's a time for people to show their solidarity, to have fun...

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...

When you're in a stunning city like London, a fantastic meal can only be enhanced when you have wonderful views too. If you want sweeping views of the city or peaceful waterside surroundings, the capital has inspiring restaurants where you can indulge in fine dining, sushi, pizza, or Chinese cuisine...

Ah, Shoreditch! London's buzzy hub for artists, trendsetters, and other creative types is a great place to make some bread – both figuratively and literally. Shoreditch bakeries rank among the top bakeries in the capital, offering everything from rustic sourdough loaves and decadent pastries to pict...

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...

With its central location and mix of locals, tourists, and office workers, Soho is one of the most bustling and interesting parts of London. This also means that there are plenty of places where you can get a delicious lunch. From a sophisticated sit-down meal to a quick sandwich on your lunch break...

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...

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...

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...

London's diversity means that it's not too tough to find restaurants that serve halal food. With over one million Muslims living in London, there's certainly a market for it. From Asian street eats to global fine dining, there are a huge range of halal-friendly eateries to discover across the capita...

Camden Town is a lively and diverse part of London where there's plenty to see, do and eat. There are many affordable options if you're hungry, whether you're heading to Camden for a night out or need a break after a day of exploring the markets. Camden Market is a top local destination for cheap ea...

With its hordes of tourists looking to spend their holiday money and upmarket boutiques on every street, Covent Garden isn't usually considered at the top of the list when it comes to cheap restaurants. However, there are still plenty of cheap eats to be found in this part of London if you know wher...

The first meal of the day is something we Brits take very seriously, and there are many places you can fuel up for the day in London. When it comes to choosing the ideal hotel for your London stay, considering where serves a top-notch breakfast might be one of your priorities, and you're in luck, as...

In the digital age, watches have transcended mere timekeeping to become symbols of tradition, craftsmanship, and personal style in an increasingly virtual world. The full range of the world's watch brands can be found in watch shops London-wide, from official luxury watch dealers to timeless vintage...

Camden Town is a world-famous part of London, constantly changing but always with plenty to discover. You’ll find markets, quirky shops, eclectic pubs and a canal, plus a great selection of eateries. Whether you’re willing to fight the crowds on Camden High Street to find a delicious meal or you’re...

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...

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...

Located smack in the middle of London, Soho is a vibrant area that has lots to offer for locals and visitors to the city. If you want a great restaurant meal, this place has no shortage of options, with exciting new venues opening regularly. If you're keen to stay up-to-date with new restaurants ope...

London Fields is arguably one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in London, home to the bustling Broadway Market. The area thrums with trendy restaurants, bars, cafés and independent shops, with Broadway Market home to many and transforming into a lively market on the weekend, attracting both locals an...

Soho is one of the hubs of the London restaurant scene, and Kingly Court is at the heart of it all. Across multiple floors surrounding a central courtyard, you can find an array of restaurants covering cuisines from across the world and helmed by some of the top culinary talent around. Truth be told...

The roar of a packed crowd, a perfectly poured pint, and big screen giving off stadium vibes – watching sports live in a bar can be a real winner. It has to be the right sports bar, though, not some dingy little dive with a grainy 15" telly jammed into a corner somewhere. Central London has no short...

In the 60s, 70s and 80s, the Bengali community in London started to grow and with that came a boom in curry restaurants on bustling Brick Lane. Nicknamed London's Curry Mile, Brick Lane is synonymous with excellent spots to enjoy some of the best curries in the capital, which you've no doubt figured...

Whether you’re searching for the best beer garden in the area or looking for a place to enjoy a post-carnival pint, this guide to the best bars in Notting Hill has got you covered. From tiki-inspired bars and Victorian pubs to quirky cocktail bars, Notting Hill has an eclectic selection of drinking...

The City of Westminster might be best known for the eponymous cathedral and the parliament building, but there are plenty of fine eateries to be found in this affluent area. After all, the public servants, power brokers and wandering tourists need to recharge somewhere. You’ll find Michelin-starred...

A delicious meal can only be enhanced by wonderful views and London offers lots of places where you can eat in a scenic spot. Whether you prefer to see parks, the Thames, or the bustling cityscape, the capital has an eatery with a view to match, and many of these venues serve breakfast. We've listed...

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...

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...

England is the home of afternoon tea so where better to enjoy this treat than London? There are a huge variety of afternoon teas available throughout the city, ranging from classic experiences to boozy afternoons and creative twists on the traditional tea. Not sure how to find the perfect afternoon...

With its riverside location, leafy Richmond Park, and upmarket lifestyle, Richmond seems tailor-made for chilling and socialising in cafés – and it certainly doesn't disappoint in that regard. Whether you're looking to hang out over a drawn-out brunch or need a caffeine jolt to pick you up, Richmond...