Guides to London

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...

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...

London has a reputation for being an expensive city where it's hard to find somewhere to eat without having to remortgage your house. That's where this page comes in handy; a list of the best cheap eats for lunch in the city, all around £15 or less, aimed to keep hungry Londoners full and simultaneo...

Notting Hill Carnival is the largest street festival in Europe, and it's a celebration of Caribbean culture, music, and food. The carnival takes place in Notting Hill on Sunday and Monday over the August Bank Holiday, with a traditional steelband competition taking place the day before. It's a party...

In London you can find all kinds of pubs, from reliable chains and down-to-earth local boozers to some that are absolute stunners. Across the city you'll find stylish contemporary venues as well as elaborate pubs that have stood the test of time. If you want somewhere a little more picturesque than...

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...

Amongst London's many claims to fame, the capital is considered to be the birthplace of the modern gastropub. Combining elevated cuisine with cosy pub ambience for a more accessible fine dining experience, the gastropub quickly took root and launched a whole new scene. These days, more or less any p...

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...

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...

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...

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...

When someone mentions London, you probably think of a concrete jungle with glistening skyscrapers. But it’s so much more than that; the city has countless pockets of green spaces, parks and gardens that are perfect for rest, relaxation and reflection amidst the busy city. From rooftop gardens smack-...

Situated in one of London's most affluent neighbourhoods, Kensington restaurants regularly cater to an upmarket clientele. As a result, the neighbourhood features some of the best and most prestigious dining establishments found in the city, as well as an array of under-the-radar eateries that more...

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? But a classic full English is more like a way of life for us Brits. The so-called full Monty dates back to the 1300s, when it was deemed a luxury enjoyed by only the wealthiest folk, and is one of the oldest traditional dishes in Engli...

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, London is the place to be. Ranging from trendsetting sugary treats on the go to painstakingly crafted dessert marvels, the capital is where you’ll find some of world’s greatest pâtissiers plying their craft and coming up with creative puddings to delight the eye as well...

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...

London is famous for its skyline, with striking landmarks as far as the eye can see. If you're looking to make the most of the view, you can head up to one of the Central London rooftop bars and take in the sights while sipping on an expertly mixed cocktail or a glass of fine wine. Walking the stree...

When the sun finally breaks through the clouds, Londoners' minds turn to one thing and one thing only – where to find the nearest outdoor spot to mooch away a sunny afternoon or two. Pavements bustle, park lawns disappear under picnic blankets, and the hunt for a perfect terrace becomes the capital'...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Soho has long been a hotspot for fab nightlife in London. From glam bars, clubs, and theatres to cosy local pubs, there are plenty of places for a night out. You can check out one of the many pubs in Soho if you’re looking for a relaxed spot for a drink in the afternoon or a great place to go in the...

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's live music scene is one of the best in the world. From the Amy Winehouse days in Camden to Jimi Hendrix's former stomping ground in Mayfair, the city has always been a hub for some of the most incredible musical talent to exist. Many pubs have played a part in this and continue to provide a...

The fast-paced lifestyle in the City of London means lunch is rarely just lunch, adding networking and business aspects to the midday meal. Regardless, whether you're looking to wow your clients, grab a quick bite between meetings in central London, or stretch your lunchbreak as far as possible, our...

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...

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...

Brunch is a real crowd-pleaser; it can be a relaxing way to ease into your weekend or a boozy opportunity for an all-out party. If you're spending time in Camden at the weekend and want to join the brunch fun, there are lots of options to help you begin your day in the area. From vegan food to Ameri...

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...

With so many hungry diners in the city, booking a table for a meal is often the norm, especially in these post-pandemic times. But what if you want to be spontaneous or hunger strikes when you weren't expecting it? Thankfully London has plenty of restaurants that either don't take reservations at al...

Bustling Covent Garden is a wonderful spot for people-watching in London. What could be a better way of soaking up the atmosphere than holing up in a comfortable café that serves delicious food and drinks? When you're searching for a coffee shop or café Covent Garden is an ideal place to be. Find a...

Shoreditch, the lively, creative East London area, is a great choice for breakfast – there are loads of cool little hangouts, cosy coffee shops, and elegant restaurants making sure you get your day off to a good start. Whether you're looking for a proper full English, some nice eggs, a healthier alt...

Central London area Marylebone is a popular place to open a new restaurant, with its mix of high-end clientele, premium hotels, and easily accessible location well-suited to established chefs and big-name restaurant groups. There's usually always a buzzy new opening on the way, and if you're looking...

Hi-fi listening bars are all the rage in London these days. Inspired by the jazz kissa bars of Japan, these relaxed, stylish listening lounges offer serious audiophiles and casual listeners alike the opportunity to enjoy a lovingly curated vinyl collection served via a state-of-the-art sound system....

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...

It’s always great to go drinking somewhere that has the aesthetic and music you love. If you prefer things a little on the darker or heavier side, you’ll have a great time at some of London’s alternative bars and pubs. Camden Town has long been a hotspot for these places but there are venues across...

From cosy candlelit wine bars and hip Hackney hangouts to bars stocking hard-to-find wines from around the world, London certainly isn’t short on places to enjoy an excellent bottle of wine in an equally pleasing setting. Whether you want somewhere quiet where you can catch up with an old pal after...

Afternoon tea is an English tradition so it only makes sense that everyone should be able to enjoy it. If you're a vegan foodie, there are venues across London offering plant-based afternoon teas that are every bit as tempting as the traditional version. Get ready to indulge in tasty savouries and e...

In 2022, London was voted the most expensive city in the UK for a night out. Yikes. But lucky for us, it also has its fair share of happy hours to keep you thrifty. So, if you're done with spending your monthly wage on overly expensive cocktails and want to get frugal, you're in the right place. Fro...

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...

If there's a glamorous new opening coming up in London, it's a pretty safe bet it's going to be in Mayfair. This Central London neighbourhood is known for its refined tastes and high-end clientele, making it an attractive proposition for acclaimed chefs looking to launch a new flagship or establishe...

Fitzrovia is one of central London's most deliciously underrated neighbourhoods, all work and offices by day, and buzzy little wine bars and low-lit bistros by night. This pocket of W1 has it all, from natural wine bars and chef residencies to fancy fine dining, Michelin stars and family-run gems. S...

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...

Soho has long been the beating heart of London's famed live music scene, with history, creativity, and culture colliding on its bustling street. The iconic district, known for its rich musical heritage, has hosted legendary artists and continues to thrive as a hotspot for live performances. From int...

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...

It may measure one measly square mile, but Soho still packs a punch when it comes to gastronomy. It's long been a top spot for wining and dining in London, from cosy speakeasies and revolutionary restaurants to buzzy backstreet bars. But it doesn’t stop there; this eclectic neighbourhood also houses...

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...

Notting Hill is a relatively small part of London with a big sense of style, so it comes as no surprise that there isn't an abundance of chippies here – no matter how tasty, greasy fish and chips clash somewhat with the fashionable area's sensibilities. That said, there are still places in Notting H...

Lunch in Notting Hill sounds like something out of a romcom, but there's no need to go all Hollywood. Our guide to the best lunch spots in Notting Hill covers everything you need to know, whether you're looking to grab a quick lunch on the go or wanting to sit down over a slow, sociable meal. Read o...