Guides to London

Covent Garden is one of the most popular areas of London, thanks to its extensive shopping opportunities, restaurants, bars, street performers, history and culture. It’s also home to a selection of the best pubs in the city, ranging from old-school British boozers to contemporary craft beer bolthole...

West Hampstead might be a residential area but that certainly doesn't mean that it's lacking in fantastic restaurants. If you live in the area or you're just visiting, there are lots of exciting places to go to if you get hungry. If you're craving Asian street eats, seafood, or classic British cooki...

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...

It's always good to spend quality time with your partner, whether the relationship is new or you've been joined at the hip for years. If you're bored of the same old dinner and drinks on date night and want to find fun new ways to enjoy your time together, London is packed full of great couples' act...

Buying children’s clothes isn’t always easy – they’ve got to make your kids feel comfortable, stand up to some wear and tear, fit growing bodies, and look decent too. It might sound like an impossible task but fortunately there are lots of kids’ clothing shops in London where you can find great opti...

Along with the rest of the UK, sandwiches in London are a staple, great for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. Whilst the supermarket meal deal might be your go-to lunch most of the time, some days you want something more from your sandwich. Whether you prefer to keep it simple and classic, treat yoursel...

London may be chock full of chain food and drink options, but if you look beyond the bustling high streets, you’ll find an independent community café scene that does a lot more than simply serve a great cup of coffee. From vegan social enterprise cafés to cafés donating a percentage of profits to a...

Increased awareness about exploitative manufacturing processes, harmful environmental impact and negligent business practices is spearheading a consumer shift away from fast fashion and towards ethical, sustainable products. A wide range of garments, accessories and footwear for both men and women c...

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...

Like any self-respecting London neighbourhood, Clapham is full of welcoming neighbourhood boozers, ranging from classic pubs to more quirky establishments. Whether you're after a fresh pint, a filling meal, chilling in a nice beer garden, or a lively, sociable night, you're sure to find the right pl...

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...

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...

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...

With its transport links to mainland Europe, it's no surprise that King's Cross has become a buzzy part of town. The area is now home to a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, pubs, and bars that make it a fun place to be, both for those who live in London and for people who are just visiting. If you...

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...

Chinese New Year follows the moon's cycle, which means it falls every year on a different day. In 2026, it starts on 17 February and runs for two weeks, with the first day being the most important. It's the Year of the Horse, symbolising victorious success and good fortune. Chinese New Year in Londo...

With all the creative types running around Shoreditch, coffee is undoubtedly the lifeblood of this trendy neighbourhood, and cafés are a vital sanctuary for refuelling, exchanging ideas, getting some work done, or taking a load off. Speciality coffee culture has firmly established itself as part of...

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...

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...

Buzzy Brixton is home to a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and pubs, so there’s lots to do in the area. If you fancy bunkering down in a cosy pub or exploring some of London’s most impressive beer gardens, there’s a pub in Brixton where you can do exactly that. We can help you pick the right pub...

Bowling is a fun event you can enjoy with a few pals or a large group. Whether you're a seasoned pro, a casual enthusiast, organising a teambuilding event, or looking for an entertaining night out with friends and family, the capital offers an array of bowling places waiting to be discovered. Our gu...

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...

Southwark might not have the name recognition of some of London's more famous boroughs, but foodies know it as one of the most exciting dining scenes in the capital. It's not just thanks to Borough Market, either, even though that famed tourist draw deserves its very own guide. You'll find the full...

Between Borough Market and the Bermondsey Beer Mile, pubs in Southwark often get overlooked when it comes to this busy borough's main draws. We're here to correct that, as there's more to Southwark's boozers than thirsty tourist traps or chain pubs catering to a rushed commuter crowd. Read our guide...

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...

Chelsea may be known for its bougie townhouses, high-end boutiques, and fashion-conscious residents, but it's after dark that the West London neighbourhood comes into its own. Behind discreet doors and along elegant streets, you'll find cocktail bars that balance timeless sophistication with modern...

It would be a crime to visit London and not try fish and chips at least once, but knowing where to try them is the real challenge. That's why we've created this guide to the best fish and chip shops around the city; from the legendary Poppies to the old-school Toffs, here's a list of the best fish a...

If you're looking for an exciting and energetic racket sport to try in London, then padel or paddle tennis should be at the top of your list. Having originated in Mexico, padel tennis has been gaining popularity worldwide, including in London. It's a fun and social game that's played on a smaller co...

If you want a Michelin-starred meal in London then you're certainly in luck. The city is home to more than 80 restaurants with at least one Michelin star and between them they serve up a broad array of cuisines. From French haute cuisine and modern British cooking to Asian food with the wow-factor,...

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...

The epicentre of entertainment in London, Leicester Square is one of the most famous plazas in London, catering to tourists, shoppers, film buffs, late-night crowds, and gamblers in equal measure. With a lively, bustling atmosphere at nearly all hours of the day, there's a lot of demand for food her...

With its great public transport connections, bustling office worker crowds, and creative buzz, Spitalfields is one of London's most exciting places to eat. Centuries of migration and trade have helped shape a diverse and dynamic food scene, ranging from veteran curry houses and cult favourites to sp...

Going out for dinner is great but the experience is even more fun if you add some live music into the mix. From refined accompaniments to riotous party atmospheres, London has plenty of great restaurants that let you listen to some top tunes whilst you eat. Whether you enjoy music from around the wo...

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...

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...

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...

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 to fine dining and palaces of luxury and affluence to vibrant street-level joints and casual spot...

Despite the Beer Orders of 1989, independent pubs in London still seem very much a dying breed, often being sold off or even shuttered due to rising economic costs. That said, there are still quite a few excellent London free houses standing their ground in order to offer the best of what a pub is s...

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...

Shuffleboard is a popular bar game that's been around for over 500 years, and it's made quite a comeback in the city's nightlife scene thanks to hitting the sweet spot between fun, competitive, and something to do when you've had a few. It's addictive as puck, and our guide will take you through the...

Hackney Wick is a buzzy neighbourhood in the heart of East London that has made a name for being a hub for all things creative. It also has an impressive café scene, featuring everything from classic greasy spoons to slightly gentrified but oh-so-nice coffee spots. In our editor-picked guide, we've...

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...

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...

Get stuck into hot pot with our editor-curated pick of London's best hot pot restaurants. While gathering around the simmering broth at the centre of the table, you'll get to pick all the ingredients to dip, dunk, and cook in the soup, sharing your meal in a communal, sociable way. Whether you crave...

Getting the whole family out for a meal and keeping everyone happy can certainly feel like a challenge for parents. Luckily London is home to a wide variety of family-friendly restaurants serving a range of different cuisines, including Italian food. From established chains to a family-run Italian r...

Whether you want to satisfy those post-drink kebab cravings or you’d rather snack on Michelin-starred meat, London has its fair share of excellent spots cooking up some of the tastiest grilled meat in the country. From slow-cooked, 24-hour marinated kebabs to vegan kebabs with all of the toppings, t...

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...

You can't visit London without sampling a classic roast dinner, the traditional British meal that is typically served on a Sunday and is basically a weekly ritual in homes across the country. From slow-cooked leg of lamb served with ample mint sauce and twice-cooked short rib beef with dripping roas...

From cosy joints and dimly-lit basement bars to forward-thinking cocktail spots, Shoreditch certainly isn’t short of excellent places to enjoy a drink or two. This guide to the best bars in Shoreditch covers all bases, from bars with sustainability at their core to rooftop terraces with fantastic ci...

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...