The National Restaurant Awards has crowned the top 100 restaurants in the UK, and not only are 50+ based in London, the winner is too.

This year’s overall winner is Bouchon Racine, a French bistro based in Farringdon. Its menu comes from chef Henry Harris, and this spot was number five last year.

Bouchon Racine opened in 2022, and lives above the Three Compasses pub. It’s right by Farringdon station.

While the restaurant was added to the Michelin Guide in 2023, it is yet to be awarded a coveted Michelin star. But this latest gong won’t make it any easier to get a reservation at the place. It also only takes reservations 30 days in advance.

The menu changes daily, but the sample menu and an old interview with chef Harris offer an idea of what to expect.

“Indulgent and comforting, butter is without a doubt my favourite ingredient,” Harris told Food and Travel.

“It enriches dishes, protects other ingredients and lengthens flavour. When we opened Bouchon Racine I thought, I’m really going to cut back on it. That lasted about a week.”

Dishes listed on the sample menu include grilled veal chop (with butter), orzo with wild mushrooms and herbs, and confit de canard with braised mogettes.

Bouchon Racine kicks The Ritz off the top spot. That oh-so-famous, two-Michelin-star Mayfair restaurant now shares the number two spot with Somerset's Osip.

Other London restaurants in the National Restaurant Awards top 10 include Dorian, The Ledbury, Mountain, Trinity and Legado.

There were other notable awards handed out on the night too. Shoreditch’s Legado won the Opening of the Year award, while the infamous-to-some The Devonshire won Gastropub of the Year.

Planque was also the “highest climber” of the year, reaching number 11 on the top 100 list, after charting at the 91th position in 2025, 96th in 2024.

Here’s the full 100-strong roll-call from the 2026 Restaurant of the Year awards:

1. Bouchon Racine
2. Osip/The Ritz
3. Dorian
4. The Ledbury
5. Moor Hall
6. Ynyshir
7. Mountain
8. Trinity
9. Woven by Adam Smith
10. Legado
11. Planque
12. Dongnae
13. JÖRO
14. AngloThai
15. Impala
16. Opheem
17. Row on 5
18. The Devonshire
19. Humble Chicken
20. Camille
21. Kiln
22. Restaurant 22
23. Forest Side
24. Ikoyi
25. Timberyard
26. Restaurant Mýse
27. BiBi
28. Grace & Savour
29. Skof
30. Wildflowers
31. A Wong
32. Wilson's
33. Lyla
34. L'Enclume
35. The Kinneuchar Inn
36. The Dover
37. Erst
38. Restaurant Pine
39. Higher Ground
40. Henrock
41. One Club Row
42. Solstice
43. Perilla
44. The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant
45. Vraic
46. Da Terra
47. The Angel at Hetton
48. Kitchen Table
49. The Kitchin
50. Brat
51. Dogstar
52. Kol
53. Sabor
54. Tollington’s
55. Simpson's in The Strand
56. Miga
57. Lilibet’s
58. The Sportsman
59. Frog by Adam Handling
60. Maré by Rafael Cagali
61. The French House
62. The Cottage in the Wood
63. Brawn
64. Kudu
65. The Palmerston
66. Bonheur by Matt Abé
67. Winsome
68. Briar
69. Osteria Vibrato
70. Dalla
71. The Black Swan Oldstead
72. 40 Maltby Street
73. OMA
74. Updown Farmhouse
75. The Cocochine
76. Paul Ainsworth at No 6
77. Chishuru
78. The Star Inn
79. Restaurant St Barts
80. Restaurant Interlude
81. The Kerfield Arms
82. Restaurant Sat Bains
83. Bavette
84. The Seahorse
85. The Quality Chop House
86. Chez Bruce
87. Core by Clare Smyth
88. The Fat Badger
89. Fallow
90. The Muddlers Club
91. Shwen Shwen
92. Trivet
93. Inver
94. Ambassadors Clubhouse
95. Teal by Sally Abé
96. St. JOHN
97. Luca
98. Upstairs by Tom Sheppard
99. Motorino
100. Tiella by Dara Klein

• Cult creamy faves Hackney Gelato have teamed up with this London bar for boozy milkshake style cocktails

London has incredible restaurants: secret underground vaults, former US embassies, converted sex shops – the city truly has it all. Usually you put ‘the countries most historic landmarks’ and ‘places to eat’ in firmly separate categories, but this June there’s a decadent and delicious glitch in that matrix with one of the capital’s most commemorated and architecturally stunning buildings opening its doors for dinner.

Westminster Abbey has earned its title as one of the most renowned and distinguished London landmarks, having hosted 16 royal weddings (including Prince George and Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark), 39 coronation ceremonies (including William the Conqueror in 1066). She serves as a resting place for over 3,000 people, including Sir Isaac Newton, Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling, Stephen Hawking and many more. Now, the eminent spot is officially set to open its grandiose doors for the public for a very different kind of celebration – if you can get your hands on a ticket that is.

For one night only, the Abbey is hosting a special dinner, not in honour of any famous anniversary or landmark celebration, but in honour of English Wine Week. The week itself will be running from 20th June until 28th June, taking place underground the actual labyrinth of the Abbey in its Cellarium. The Cellarium was created in the early medieval period, serving as an old-time canteen (in layman’s terms) for the Benedictine monks. Nowadays you’d probably recognise it more as the Abbey’s main Cafe and Terrace.

The special evening takeover is all about Balfour Wine; the night begins with an exclusive drinks reception, followed by a three-course meal with poured English wines from Balfour. A host will guide you through each meal, explaining the tastes and craft behind each course, whilst walking guests through the development of English wine.

Tickets are open to everyone, retailing at £77.25, available now via Design my Night – although we’d be shocked if they didn’t get snapped up quickly. How many people can name-drop that they’ve been wined and dined at Westminster Abbey??

• Natural wines, old school vinyl, and Eastern European influences: Inside Notting Hill’s newest wine bar

There is literally no shortage of good places to eat in London. Even thinking about it brings to mind that scene in Gilmore Girls where Lorelai compares her to-do list to the entire population of China, because if they walked past the line would never end because of the rate of population. It’s sort of like that with London eateries – there are more hotspots than you have time and money to get to. And that’s before you work out which spots are worth the hype or not.

Luckily, the Michelin Guide updates every month, shortlisting some of the best spots in the City, from delicious delis to mouth-watering Middle Eastern and everything in between. To get into the guide, restaurants have to prove they have quality ingredients, a mastery of cooking techniques, flavours, and that these three things must be done consistently. Whilst it’s not an official Michelin star, a feature in the Guide is a mark to show it's well on its way to getting one. Getting into the guide means a restaurant will have hosted one of the numerous anonymous Michelin inspectors who dine undercover on different days and dishes. This month, there are three new additions to the list.

First up is Rucola, a restaurant in one of London’s bougiest private members' clubs. Sitting on the rooftop of The Conduit, the eatery’s menu focuses on northern Italian cuisine, with fresh handmade pasta and pizzas, as well as fresh Mediterranean-style starters if you want something lighter. Michelin praised its menu, saying it was ‘straight-forward yet mighty appealing.’ Although it's in The Conduit, the restaurant is open to all diners, so you don't need to add the price of a membership onto your dinner bill.

Cometa also made the list, a new addition from Fitzrovia, which is all about seafood. It’s a contemporary seafood restaurant with a Mexican twist, celebrating the best of British waters through a modern Mexican lens. The space sits inside Carousel on Charlotte Street, which used to host a guest chef who changed weekly, but it was transformed in early 2026 to house Cometa. It has a fairly simple menu with plates like Maldon Oysters, scallops and guacachile tiradito, and according to the Michelin experts, a “lap-smacking crab chilpachole.”

The last London entry on the list is Khao Bird, which, after a year in residency near Borough Market, opened up a permanent restaurant in the former Soho adult cinema. Michelin said the “typically energetic spot felt right on-trend with the times”, with the cooking matching the area and atmosphere. Its menu is largely focused on Northern Thai barbecue, with seriously well-flavoured plates like the “moreish” Prawns KJ and the Khao Soi with barbecued chicken thighs. Unlike a lot of London spots, Khao Bird isn’t “too hard on the wallet”, proving that just because something is Michelin-rated doesn’t mean you’ll need to take out a mortgage to enjoy it.

You can find the full list of restaurants that made the Guide in 2026 at the Michelin Guide website.

• Two London museums have been announced as finalists for the Museum of the Year prize

Keep up, mate: Tavern, taking over the former Nest site on Old Street, is the new British bistro from the team behind Michelin-starred Restaurant St Barts, and has already become one of those places where everyone seems to know someone who’s been.

“You have to try the onion thing,” people whisper in pubs. “You know what, I actually do like sweetbreads now,” says your newly-converted pal.

Thankfully, unlike a lot of trendy East London openings, Tavern actually earns the hype — a chic blend of classic British dishes with a contemporary (trendy, even) feel, it’s Shoreditch’s soon to be worst-kept secret.

WHERE IS IT?

You’ll find Tavern on Old Street, sitting right on the divide between the tech-bro energy of Silicon Roundabout and Shoreditch’s permanently scruffy creative cool. Old Street station is a short walk away, and it’s an easy trot from Shoreditch High Street overground, too.

Inside, it strikes a smart balance between polished and unfussy. There are paper tablecloths ready to be ripped away between sittings, dishes arrive whenever they’re ready, and the open kitchen dominates the room like a theatre-in-the-round performance — you can watch chefs plate up while nursing a cocktail two feet away, so no sneezing.

The room itself is handsome without trying too hard — candlelit, with whitewashed walls, there are fur throws over the mis-matched wooden seating and what appear to be agricultural tools on the shelves, giving a homely feel to warm the room. The vibe is supposed to invoke that of a local pub — but it’s a darn sight smarter than any pub I’ve ever rolled out of.

WHAT’S SPECIAL?

If you’re a fan of great eats, Tavern’s pedigree precedes it. Tavern is the latest project from the team behind Nest and Restaurant St Barts, pivoting away from Nest’s tasting-menu format into something looser and more nostalgic.

Executive chef Brendan Appleby — whose CV includes Silo, Lyle’s and Inver, as well as most recently Restaurant St Barts — oversees a menu rooted in British produce and bistro-style comfort cooking, with a sustainably-sourced promise, filtered through modern London restaurant sensibilities.

That means rich sauces, open-fire cooking, excellent seafood and deeply savoury snacks designed to make ordering conservatively nigh-on impossible.

The food lands somewhere between elevated pub dining and contemporary British fine dining, without tipping too far into either category. One minute you’re eating cod roe with pig skin crackling like the fanciest pub snack imaginable, the next you’re hitting the ewe’s curd to show off how refined your palate has become in your post-Pot Noodle renaissance days.

WHAT’S NEW?

Tavern itself is just a few weeks old. The restaurant only opened this spring, replacing Nest after nearly a decade of acclaim.

But the bigger story is the tonal shift. Where Nest leaned serious and tasting-menu-heavy, Tavern is intentionally more relaxed. The cooking still has Michelin-level technique humming underneath it all, but the experience is designed to feel jolly rather than ceremonial.

There’s also a big focus on nostalgic British flavours — cocktails riffing on classics, rich meat and rarely-used cuts, buttery puddings, excellent seafood — all served in a room that buzzes from the second you walk in.

WHO SHOULD YOU BRING?

Bring friends who like food enough to discuss sauces, but not those that think sweetbread means, well, ‘sweet bread’.

This is a brilliant group-dinner spot because the room has genuine energy. It’s loud enough to feel exciting, but not so noisy you have to communicate entirely through eyebrow movements. The service style also encourages sharing and grazing, with dishes arriving steadily rather than in rigid courses.

It would work well for a date too — particularly if your ideal romance involves arguments over who tucked away the most crackling.

I’d leave the kids at home, unless your child enjoys offal and natural wine.

WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR?

Whatever you like, so long as it fits into that nebulous wear-it-like-you-mean-it Shoreditch slither of fashion’s Venn diagram. Nobody’s wearing ties, but equally this isn’t a tracksuit-and-backwards-cap situation.

WHAT WILL YOU PAY?

This is comfortably in special occasion territory, though it won’t bankrupt you.

A couple of cocktails, wine, snacks, mains and dessert will realistically land somewhere around £80-£120 per person depending on how enthusiastically you attack the menu. That sounds steep — and it is — but the quality backs it up.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DRINK?

The sweet negroni was excellent — softer and more rounded than the bitter, aggressive versions currently fashionable across East London. The beef-fat Old Fashioned, meanwhile, was undeniably good, even if the promised savoury depth never entirely materialised beyond “competently made Old Fashioned”.

There’s also a strong natural and low-intervention wine list, with staff happy to guide you through it without making you feel like an idiot. The orange wine we drank worked beautifully with the richer dishes and salty snacks.

The showstopper we’ve heard is the pickleback martini, spiced with chili and served with a slice of salami — though a previous pickleback hangover experience made us a little too shy to knock one back on this occasion.

MUST-TRY DISHES?

The Chunion Puffs are non-negotiable.

Order them immediately. They’re little cheese-and-onion pastry bombs somewhere between a gougère, a pie and a deeply irresponsible pub snack. They’re sure to be the signature calling card of Tavern.

The cod roe with pig skin crackling was another standout — salty, crisp, deeply moreish and perfectly calibrated for drinking alongside cocktails. There’s none of the greasiness usually associated with crackling, and the giant strips are great fun when they turn up on your table.

For mains, the turbot and cockles was superb: delicately cooked fish under a crisp crumb, sitting in laverbread, a boiled seaweed concoction that moved between earthy lentils, sweet peas and complemented the bright bursts of vinegar from the cockles.

The Lowfield farm hogget and ewe’s curd delivered exactly what you’d hope for — rich, deeply savoury meat with properly concentrated flavour. Even the chips — listed simply as “Some chips” — earned their place, soft on the inside and with a nice bite on the outside, performing vital sauce-mopping duties.

For dessert, don’t skip the mini brown butter cakes. Intensely buttery with a salty, shortbread-like base and creamy topping, they perfectly capture the homely vibe that Tavern serves up.

GET ON THE GUESTLIST?

Unlike many fashionable East London restaurants, Tavern understands something crucial: people don’t just want to be impressed anymore. They want to enjoy themselves. This is a generous and warm restaurant, not afraid to challenge you with its menu — but rewarding for those that want to see British cuisine taken to new heights.

Grab a tankard, munch at the pig skin crackling, kick back and enjoy. With quality like this, it’s not like any ‘tavern’ I’ve eaten at before, and your locals (not to mention the rest of East London’s top tier restaurants), will need to up their game in response.

Tavern can be found at 374-378 Old Street, London, EC1V 9LT, and is open Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm–2pm for lunch, and 5pm-9pm for dinner. Reservations are essential, and are booked through OpenTable.

• MATER1A, Notting Hill: London’s best tasting menu is an exhilarating tour of Japan for your taste buds

A new casual sushi spot is coming to central London this Summer: Saltwater.

It’s the latest project from Elliot Milne, the founder of Milk Beach. That’s a fab Soho restaurant whose “modern Australian” menu brings in elements of South-East Asian cuisine. Saltwater will have more of a Japanese bent, but it’s still largely inspired by Australia.

“London needs better takeaway sushi,” is the Saltwater pitch, based on the kind of takeaway sushi you can find in Sydney and L.A..

You’ll be able to pick up handrolls, nigiri and donburi, making this a potentially ideal lunch-time candidate for today’s Soho workers.

Saltwater will be based at 3-4 Berwick Street, and while we don’t have an exact opening date just yet, the “Summer 2026” window means we won’t have too long to wait.

Handrolls on the menu will include bluefin tuna with avocado and fermented chilli, and chicken schnitzel with avo and spicy mayo.

For hot bowls, your donburi options include aubergine with maple black glaze for the veggies, teriyaki chicken schnitzel and sesame miso chicken.

Miso-glazed salmon and hamachi with jalapeño and ponzu are on the nigiri list.

Saltwater’s menu has been designed by Tokyo-trained sushi chef Shaulan Steenson and executive chef Tom Cajone.

“We want to bring restaurant-quality sushi into a more accessible format, giving guests the freedom to choose from a wide range of freshly made handrolls, nigiri and hot rice bowls. We are extremely happy to have found a site with Shaftesbury Capital on Berwick Street, right in the heart of Soho’s food scene and just a few blocks away from Milk Beach,” says founder Elliot Milne.

It has been a busy year for Milne, who is also behind the Bar Blondie wine bar, which will live in the previous site of the original Milk Beach location in Queens Park — and is also set to open in Summer 2026.

Meanwhile, the current Milk Beach location is at Ilona Rose House, accessed via Greek Street in the heart of Soho.

• Barack Obama's favourite US tacos are coming to London this summer

• The 10 must-see sets at Harry Styles’ Meltdown festival

It’s very easy, if not outright lazy, to lean into superlatives when recommending something. The internet is awash with ‘best’ this and ‘greatest’ that. But to put to bed any question about Notting Hill’s MATER1A, I’m going to cut straight to the chase.

MATER1A has the best, greatest tasting menu in London, without a doubt.

Michelin maestro Victor Garvey’s new 16-seat restaurant, based entirely around a tasting menu grounded in Japanese food culture but sprinkled with learnings from his international culinary experiences, serves the sort of ‘event’ meal that you’ll be telling your foodie friends about for years, and whispering about on your deathbed. You’ll want it flashing before your eyes as those pearly gates beckon.

It’s not cheap, and seasoned diners will get the most from it — but it’s not performative or stuffy either. MATER1A is my favourite meal of the year so far — here’s why you should be checking it out too.

WHERE IS IT?

You’ll find MATER1A on Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill. It’s easy to miss despite its highstreet location — you don’t expect to find a restaurant of this calibre squeezed between a Cafe Nero and a hardware shop, and we initially walked straight past on our visit.

Nearest tubes are Bayswater and Notting Hill Gate, both an easy walk, though arriving by black cab might be more fitting for the experience.

Inside, the space is tiny — just 16 covers ensures the definition of ‘intimate dining’ — but it’s comfortable rather than intimidating. Handcrafted wood, curved seating, warm lighting and soft shadows, the dining room feels somewhere between a Tokyo listening bar and a relaxation pod.

The entrance corridor doubles as a kind of edible exhibition space, showcasing the ingredients used that evening before they appear on the plate. It’s theatrical without feeling cheesy — an insightful tease as to what awaits you inside.

WHAT’S SPECIAL?

The headline is chef Victor Garvey, whose Michelin-starred SOLA already cemented him as one of London’s more technically gifted chefs. But MATER1A is clearly the passion project: smaller, weirder, more intimate and heavily shaped by the two years Garvey spent cooking in Japan.

The restaurant name comes from “materia prima” — raw material, not the magic-infused orbs of the also-Japanese Final Fantasy series that many a nerdy friend has asked me about while I’ve waxed lyrical about the place. That philosophy runs through everything here. Ingredients are treated with near-spiritual reverence, while the dishes are served with technique and precision.

There’s also a refreshing refusal to play by conventional fine-dining rules. One minute you’re eating tuna with umami pavlova, the next you’re being offered a second bowl of unbelievable broth like a 1970s mum who can’t refuse another mug of bovril to her lad on the terraces.

And then there’s the music. A live DJ scores the evening in real time, shifting the room’s energy as the meal unfolds. That small detail stops the restaurant becoming overly reverential, with playful tunes cutting through the gastronomic drama. In fact, the DJ read our taste so well that we had to corner him to ask if our Spotify playlists had been pre-profiled before we arrived, so on-the-nose were his picks. It turned what could have been a conspicuous dining room (there’s more staff than diners) into something more akin to a dinner party.

WHAT’S NEW?

The entire thing! MATER1A only opened a few weeks back, and already feels like one of London’s defining luxury restaurants.

WHO SHOULD YOU BRING?

There’s room for everyone at MATER1A, but those of the culinarily well-versed kind will get the biggest kick out of it. That’s not to say it’s a challenging menu, or one that can’t be appreciated by all. But foodies will marvel at what’s been put together here.

You’ll be fine to bring a date, definitely — ideally one you’re trying to impress rather than relax around, though the background music keeps the vibe playful rather than intense. The room is intimate and relatively low-volume despite the soundtrack, so conversation still flows easily.

It’s also excellent for serious food friends, milestone birthdays or expense-account dinners where someone says “we should do somewhere special” and actually means it.

WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR?

Smart. Not black-tie smart, but you’ll want to dress up — not so much to match the clientele, but as a mark of respect to the food. It turns up, and you should too. On a practical level, pop some shoes on and a nice shirt. The crowd leans creative luxury rather than City banker, but you’ll feel out of place if you’re not ready to meet the elevated nature of the cuisine halfway. But the MATER1A site itself stresses there’s no real dress code, and is likewise relaxed about table turn around times — you can simply relax and indulge.

WHAT WILL YOU PAY?

A lot, though not irrationally so for this level of ambition. You’re not going to walk away without at least denting £250 a head once drinks are counted. That said, compared to some London tasting-menu restaurants charging similar money for faceless luxury, MATER1A at least feels distinctive.

MUST-TRY DISHES?

As a tasting menu only set up, you’re going to get the full force of the MATER1A experience with every booking, and there’s not a duff dish among the pack. But there’s a few moments that are really breathtaking.

The Marinda Tomato, your opening dish, really sets the scene. Paired with a sakura miso, the agar agar Tokoroten noodles, using that same tomato base hits with a sharp, flavourful bang, totally slurp worthy.

‘May in 5 bites’ follows, an inventive and beautifully presented cornucopia of fish dishes representing the month, each a playful reconstruction of sushi favourites from otoro tuna to yellow tail.

It’s followed by Mr Tanaka’s Tuna — decadent chunks of deep red fish with leek and edamame in a gloriously syrupy base.

Skip forward a dish to the Oden — MATER1A’s tongue-in-check ‘surf and turf’, and arguably the star of the show. Suckling pork belly with daikon and quail egg, it’s served with a broth left to sit and warm in front of you for a few minutes, having brewed for 48 hours before being delicately poured over the meat.

But it’s eaten with anything but delicacy — you're actively encouraged to gulp down the slightly-sweet umami juices from a serving plate that includes a sippy spout on its side. Reader, I have no shame — I asked for seconds, and MATER1A was only happy to deliver.

The menu continues on in kind: a Joselito Ham served with truffle on a creamy duck liver; some of the finest A5 cuts of Kagoshima Wagyu I’ve ever tasted; a menagerie of strawberry desserts, each showing a different attribute of the berry, served from an urn that breaks away like a matryoshka doll, each layer hiding a fresh goodie.

It’s mind-bogglingly good, and the attentive staff are only too happy to talk you through the finer details of the epic construction.

As for drinks, that’s a guided experience too, paired confidently to “showcase small producers from Spain, France and the U.S,” and there are also non-alcoholic pairings for anyone pacing themselves.

GET ON THE GUESTLIST?

Absolutely, without hesitation. If you can afford the asking price, this is core-memory establishing stuff, an unforgettable trip into the inner workings of one of the best chefs working right now. It’s like jumping aboard that Wonka paddleboat, swapping the river of chocolate for a stream of soy.

Reservations are essential, unsurprisingly, and with only 16 seats the prime slots will disappear quickly. If you can swing a weekday lunch, you’ll probably have an easier time getting in. Right now, though, MATER1A feels like one of those rare London openings that genuinely earns the hype: ambitious without ego, theatrical without gimmicks, and memorable long after the final course lands.

MATER1A can be found at 115 Westbourne Grove, W2 4UP, with reservations handled through Open Table.

Hearing about a hotel and bar in trendy, upcycled Sea Containers and you’d probably guess we’re talking about somewhere in Bristol or Margate, maybe, even Cornwall at a push. London, however, probably doesn’t come to mind. The South Bank hotel with the best-in-the-world-ranked bar is getting a new face to helm its restaurant – and it’s none other than Gordon Ramsay.

Whilst the bar at Sea Containers – Lyaness – is one of the best rated bars not just in London but the world (just ask the Pinnacle Guide, which awarded it three pins), its restaurant has never quite managed to achieve the same status. Which probably explains why they’ve brought in a powerhouse of cheffing notoriety to launch his own spin on the space. Catchily named, the restaurant is called Gordon Ramsay at Sea Containers, and it’s set to open up later this Autumn.

The space itself will be an all-day restaurant, which will also have one of the most stunning riverside terraces in town. However, details are currently pretty low on the ground, with Ramsay keeping everything from the menu to the design under wraps for now.

The terrace itself, which overlooks the Thames, has had a couple of makeovers, most recently hosting a Grey Goose pop-up summer terrace, which is channelling the French Riviera. Currently, the Sea Containers restaurant serves up a strong menu hero-ing a lot of local produce, and in keeping with its theme, a lot of seafood. Dishes like Seabass Ceviche Tacos, Dover Sole, and Porthilly Mussels feature, with breakfast menus running too. Whilst Ramsay has explored plenty of different culinary traditions and experimented with fusion-style menus, we wouldn’t be surprised if he kept a focus on fresh seafood with his new menu.

The hotel itself, where the restaurant will be nestled, already boasts an award-winning range of drinks, wellness offerings, as well as the eclectic 12th Knot rooftop bar and terrace, and the Curzon Sea Container Cinema. Basically, it’s already a destination in its own right, and the addition of a Ramsay Restaurant will only elevate it further.

More details about the restaurant are expected to arrive later in the year, closer to the launch, including bookings, which won't open up for a while. You can keep au fait with any updates via Sea Containers London, or pop in to check out the existing terrace or Lyaness bar.

• London is getting a Biscuitorium inside one of the fanciest food halls

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or a curious omnivore – London has some incredible plant-based spots. You’ll find a huge diversity of cuisines from Chinese to Caribbean and much more besides. The capital’s best spots range from great value cheap eats, all the way up to fine dining and the city’s first fully vegan Michelin starred restaurant.

To bring you this list, we’ve teamed up with Clare Every, aka The Little London Vegan. If you haven’t seen her content on Instagram or Tik Tok, she’s a creator who shares her passion for vegan food and the incredible places that serve it in London and beyond. There aren’t many better people to assist us in serving up a selection of the best spots.

Forget the cliches about vegan food and delve into a world of great flavours and burgeoning culinary creativity. If you’re an omnivore dipping a toe into the waters of plant-based food, you certainly won’t miss the meat at these incredible restaurants.

The Little London Vegan selects

1. Muan Vegan,
52-53 Granville Arcade Coldharbour Lane. SW9 8PS

Clare says: "The food here is phenomenal, but this underrated spot doesn’t just serve authentic Thai street food – the decor makes you feel like you’re sitting on a street in Thailand too."

Shortlist says: Leaning into Thai café vibes, as Clare says, Muan Vegan is massively under appreciated. Classic Thai dishes get a vegan make-over, celebrating incredible veg and spices. They also serve up some of the best vegan ‘meat’ you’ll find. The prices are also very reasonable for the location.

2. Plates
320 Old St., EC1V 9DR

Clare says: "I mean, it’s the UK’s first vegan Michelin-starred restaurant… need I say more? It’s spectacular in every way."

Shortlist says: Leaning into seasonality, this up market restaurant serves up a mind-blowing eight course tasting menu. Plates shows just how far plant-based cuisine can be refined. This couldn’t be further from the tired cliches about vegan food! If you’re looking for a genuine gastronomic experience or wanting somewhere for a celebration, you can’t go wrong here.

3. Club Mexicana
Market Place Food Hall, 20-21 Leicester Square, Greater, London WC2H 7JX

Clare says: "One of the OG vegan spots in London and a firm favourite for a lot of people. I dream about their birria tacos regularly."

Shortlist says: Burritos, tacos, nachos and more – all served up featuring some seriously punchy flavours. There’s a lot to love about this Mexican street food joint. Other locations can be found in the BOXHALL CITY food court near Liverpool Street and Mayfair.

4. Mukbap
91 Worship St. EC2A 2BG

Clare says: "This tiny mother-and-son owned Korean restaurant can only seat about 10 people, so you may need to queue for a short time but it’s worth the wait."

Shortlist says: Korean culture and food is surging in popularity in the UK right now. As Clare points out, Mukbap is a family affair, serving up extraordinary bibimbap, mouth watering kimchi pancakes and much more besides.

5. Tendril Kitchen
5 Princes St. London W1B 2LF

Clare says: "This spot is all about showcasing the beauty and versatility of vegetables and it does it so well. I recommend the tasting menu, so you get a bit of everything!"

Shortlist says: Describing itself as ‘plant first’, Tendril’s menu is approximately 95% vegan, with the occasional dish using dairy products, which is always clearly marked on the menu. Eschewing meat substitutes. This spot will open the eyes of many to what can be achieved with vegetables.

6. Tangra
17 Frith St. W1D 4RG

Clare says: "This is one of London’s newer spots, but it has really filled a gap in the market. We desperately needed a cool vegan restaurant in central London with great food and cocktails, that both meat eaters and vegans will love. This Indo-Chinese restaurant is that spot!"

Shortlist says: Funky and fun, Tangra serves up punchy and flavourful food alongside some incredible cocktails. A fine addition to London’s vegan scene, that is perfect for a meal before heading to the theatre, catching some live jazz at Ronnie Scott’s on the other side of the street, or just hanging out and enjoying Soho.

7. Merkamo Ethiopian
42 Hanbury St, London E1 5JL

Clare says: "These guys started on a market stall in Spitalfields and due to popular demand, they've also got their own bricks and mortar venue now. Normally it’s a choice between tastebuds and health but here, you get both!"

Shortlist says :Nestled on a side street just off Brick Lane, this atmospheric restaurant serves up authentic vegan Ethiopian food that is big on flavour. It’s bound to leave you craving your next dose of injera bread!

8. Jam Delish
1 Tolpuddle Street N1 0XT

Clare says: "A fully vegan Caribbean spot is no easy feat, but these guys have nailed it. Their head chef, Nathan Collymore combines the skills he learned under Jamie Oliver with his favourite flavours from his Caribbean household."

Shortlist says: Originally operating as a pop-up in Soho before launching its permanent location in the foodie mecca of Islington – Jam Delish has become a firm favourite in the world of London vegan restaurants.

9. Gauthier Soho
21 Romilly Street, London W1D 5AF

Clare says: "A fine-dining experience that will blow your mind. Alexis Gauthier has owned this restaurant for many years and made the decision to make it plant-based when he himself went vegan. It gained him both criticism and respect for the move, but whatever your thoughts are on it, the food speaks for itself!"

Shortlist says: Alexis Gauthier made an incredibly bold move by transitioning his long-established eponymous restaurant to being entirely vegan. Five years on, the restaurant continues to thrive and like Plates demonstrates just how refined vegan food can be.

Shortlist's picks

10. Mildred’s
45 Lexington St, Carnaby, London W1F 9AN

Mildred’s is a London plant-based staple. Originally opening on Greek Street, before moving to its current location – it used to be vegetarian, before transitioning to a fully vegan menu. Now with six locations, serving up their signature mix of cuisines from curries to excellent burgers, Lexington Street remains their most atmospheric restaurant. The longevity of Mildred’s is a testament to the ability of this relaxed restaurant to change and adapt over time.

11. Bubala
15 Poland St, London,
W1F 8QE

Bubala first started life as a pop up in London markets. before opening its first site in Spitalfiels in 2019. Whilst it's not a fully vegan restaurant, everything on the menu is vegan unless stated otherwise, which means you have a smattering of vegetarian dishes across its varied menus. Meaning 'darling' in Yiddish, Bubala is a Middle Eastern inspired eatery with the most delicious, fresh, and vibrant food which will have everyone – veggies, vegans, and meat-devotees alike – all clamouring for seconds. If you're looking for a restaurant where you'll walk away with your mind blown and your stomach dangerously full, Bubala need to be on your list.

You can find Claire's map of Vegan Eats in London via her website.

• Covent Garden is getting a new pizza slice joint this summer

If there’s one thing London does well it’s restaurants – and Bill Nighy casually reading paperbacks in cafes, but mainly the restaurants. Between the Pan Asian, fusion, immersive, and a whole thesaurus of other adjectives which masquerade as dining spots, it can be hard to separate the good from the not so good.

One of the latest additions to Mayfair’s leafy and luxurious lanes is Fenix, a modern style Greek inspired restaurant that went in for beachy minimalism and ended up turning the dial all the way to over the top in the best – and chicest – way.

WHERE IS IT?

Fenix is slap bang on Picadilly St, opposite Green Park Station in Mayfair. It’s conveniently located if you’re in central, and easy to get to if you’re further out.

Fenix is a new restaurant that only opened up a couple of months ago so it’s a fairly new spot on the scene. It’s a fine dining, posh London spin on that kind of Greek Taverna grub that makes you temporarily think about relocating to said Greek island and becoming a full-time fisherman.

What's Special?

It’s a Mayfair restaurant so you know it’s going to be fairly special. The interiors are seriously swoon worthy, in a way that feels like a bougie Ibiza beach bar club decided to take a gap year and try out London life. Picture large lantern style rattan pendants, marbled walls and woven chairs which double as comfortable tables à deux.

And speaking of a mini relocation, the Executive Chef - Zisis - is a Greek native who relocated to the UK, and brings a modern approach to traditional Aegean ingredients and flavours, drawing inspiration from his time living and working in both Northern Greece and the Cyclades islands. No imposter food here.

What's new?

As mentioned, the whole place only opened up in March 2026 so the restaurant itself is still firmly the new kid on the block. It’s the second site for the team who launched Fenix Manchester in 2023.

Expect elemental cocktails all themed around Greek mythology, and a menu that will have you recalling hazy ouzo laced days and a distant rendition of Hold My Hand rattling around your brain as you bite into Greek-inspired dish after dish.

Who should you bring?

There are a lot of different people at Fenix, from groups of friends hanging out and catching up, to post work hang outs, as well as smaller tables of two which are perfect for couples. Despite the more upmarket tone, it has a surprisingly laid back atmosphere, so you’re not feeling self-consciously on display.

What should you wear?

See above re: laid back yet upmarket; most people were there after a Wednesday work day so something slightly more on the polished side of "put together" will serve you well. It’s not that you’ll be reprimanded or sniffed at for your scruffy jeans and baggy tee, it’s just that you might feel a little underdressed.

What will you pay?

We’re not going to go in for any euphemisms – straight up it ain’t cheap. It’s not Michelin level, shall-we-remortgage-the-house level, but you'll be paying around £20 for a Meze dish, and £35 for a main. Although, the portions very much lean toward the small side across the menus. Even if you’re getting some classic spreads, you’ll clock up a £30 bill pretty easily – all the spreads and dips come with an £8 price tag, including the hummus, which should give you an idea on how much you’ll be spending on a scale of Lidl to Fortnum & Masons.

A side salad will be between £15 to £19 which will serve two people fairly well. Cocktails wise, they’re all priced around £16 and £18, with a glass of wine being around the same. The meat and fish is the big draw for the restaurant, and you can choose between having a smaller solo portion or going for a sharer between two of you.

If you're going for something meaty or fishy off the grill, prices start at £30 for the seabass fillet, with the Lamb Shank setting you back £45, all the way up to the £70 / £80 territory for the Wagyu or Brill.

What should you drink?

In terms of what to go for, it’s the Greek wine you want to try. A criminally underrated country for wine production full stop, Fenix highlights a couple of the best bottles from small traditional vineyards. The Greek white is basically the drink equivalent of switching on aeroplane mode.

We’re not saying that the cocktails are disappointing, but we will say that we struggled to find one that impressed us and for the hefty price tag attached, you’re better off skipping them.

The alcohol free cocktails on the other hand are innovative, delicious, and some of the most thoughtfully crafted ones we’ve seen in London, so if you're looking for a tipple to mark the occasion but not your liver, these are definitely worth sampling.

Three must try dishes?

Blame the English weather and the sudden splurge of sunshine which has got us all in the mood for Pimms and Picky Bits but some of our favourites on the menu weren't the big hitting mains, but the spreads and sides. Call us Oliver Putnam from Only Murders In The Building.

The Aubergine & Feta dip is what I'd imagine Greece tastes like if you bit into it in some kind of Disney version. The aubergine is almost barbecued in flavour, chargrilled and smoky blended with creamy, salty feta which will leave you contemplating keeping sheep or goats.

The moussaka is probably the favourite dish at Fenix, although forget what you think you know about it. Rather than the Greek-lasagne-style one-pot-dish that you might expect, it's more of a deconstructed approach with a tangle of aubergine and braised beef, topped with a creamy slab of bechemel.

Okay, it's not technically a dish but the Greek wine is a must, whatever you take away from this review, TRY THE WINE. The Moschofilero white wine is stunning (£34 for a carafe), as is the Vilana-Vidiano (£25.50 for a carafe) if you want something a little lighter on the wallet.

The Malagouzia-Assyrtiko is a more aromatic white if you want something a little more intense. The Greek Rosé is definitely worth checking out too if you want something that screams summer. The Moschofilero Rosé ‘Theone’ is one of the more reasonable at £14 a glass, and will make you temporarily forget you're in a low-lit restaurant in London not watching a Greek sunset.

Get on the Guestlist?

Fenix is definitely still taking baby steps as it gets up and running, with service being fairly slow and not exactly what you’d expect for the price. If you’re a vegetarian you may want to give it a miss, but the meat-heavy menu will bring back joyous Mediterranean memories for those that tuck in as the open fire seafood is what shines here, along with the modern twist on a classic mousakka.

• The Great Indian, Archway, London: The Sunday roast meets an explosion of Indian spice

Sunday rolls in, Monday beckons, the 5-a-side league match has left the calves in pieces and all you can think about is what to have for lunch: Sunday roast, or a curry?

Sunday roast, or a curry…?

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why not both?”, you’re not alone. And you can rest easy —The Great Indian, an Indian-food focussed gastro pub, has answered the call. You’ll never look at a Yorkshire pudding the same way again.

WHERE IS IT?

Tucked away on a residential street in Archway, about a 15 minute walk from the Underground station, The Great Indian sits off the main drag. It’s more restaurant than boozer, but it still feels like a local, with the feeling that regulars fill its tables, er, regularly, and the in-the-know are happy to make the pilgrimage.

With two main dining areas, a glitzy bar and a botanical decor teeming with plants, it’s a welcoming, attractive space, too, a touch at odds with its classic pub exterior.

WHAT’S SPECIAL?

It’s not everyday you find Indian cuisine heading up the theme of a gastropub, let alone one with the kitchen pedigree The Great Indian has. Its menu has been created by award-winning, Michelin-bothering Surjan Singh — better known as Chef Jolly, and a bit of a social star in part thanks to his appearance on India’s MasterChef. The main menu has playful takes on Indian classics (Punjabi lamb curry with a cheese and jalapeno naan, anyone?) and is worth investigating in its own right. But we were checking out The Great Indian for a very specific purpose…

WHAT’S NEW?

Yep, you read the headline, so you know what you’re here for — The Great Indian is giving the humble Sunday roast a spicy makeover, fusing the meat, veg-and-a-yorkie staple with all the aromatic and fiery explosiveness of a curry.

WHO SHOULD YOU BRING?

The Great Indian feels like a family affair, or a gang-of-mates go-to, rather than a romantic hideaway. Come ready to be stuffed, and with someone who won’t sneer at the odd bead of sweat if you choose to take on one of the hotter dishes. Pets are welcome too, so long as you give notice to the restaurant.

WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR?

Surrounded by family and friends and in what’s ostensibly a well-decked-out pub, there’s no fancy dress code here.

WHAT WILL YOU PAY?

If you’re grabbing a few sides and starters to go with a main off the core menu, you’re looking at £30 to £40 a head. If you're in for one of the roasts, you’re looking at:

• Braised Rolled Lamb Shoulder: £29
• Tandoor Roasted Chicken: £27
• Pork Belly: £27
• Vegetable Pot Pie: £25

Each comes with pan-fried new potatoes with garlic, cumin and spring onion, roasted parsnips and English carrots with fennel, coriander and black pepper, buttered tenderstem broccoli with parmesan and toasted almond slivers, and an oven-baked Yorkshire pudding. More than enough to leave you fit to burst.

MUST TRY DISHES?

Skipping the core menu with a vow to return, we settled on two of the roasts — the Braised Rolled Lamb Shoulder, and the Tandoor Roasted Chicken.

Juicy and hefty, the lamb shoulder, slow-cooked, is served up with a deep and dark mace and rose sauce that laughs at a traditional gravy. There was a rich fatty edge that was delicious (even if a little longer on the char would have suited us better), and honestly, enough meat to feed a small family.

But it was the Tandoor Roasted Chicken that left us smitten — beautifully cooked with a slight crisp finish, its tomato and fenugreek sauce (essentially a makhani butter chicken sauce) was the perfect pairing for the veg. Creamy with a slight sweetness to temper the heat, a dunk of a spud in that would put Bisto to bed for good.

All the sides were present and correct too — fluffy taters, tenderstem broccoli charred with a bite, sweet parsnips and carrots and an excellent, giant Yorkshire pudding. Those carb-heavy accompaniments are great for mopping up the delicious curry sauces too — you’ll be wishing every curry house offers a yorkie alongside its naan breads in the future.

A special shoutout goes to The Great Indian’s fluffy Smoked Poppadom (£5.50) snack starters too — crisp and airy, they’re paired with an absolutely gorgeous Tiranga chutney, crafted into three distinctly tasty layers: mint-lime, sesame yoghurt and tomato-date. Don’t miss them on any account.

If there’s somehow still room left, don’t skip on dessert, either. The Baked Berry Doi (£7.50), with its yoghurt, blueberry and biscuit crumb mix is a creamy delight that feels like a healthy breakfast turned naughty, while the Jamun Sunday (£7.50) with its Gulab Jamun, chantilly cream, vanilla ice cream and butterscotch finish is an affront to your calorie count, and a decadent salve to cool down with after the curry.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DRINK?

You can’t have a curry without a pint of Cobra, so that’s what we opted for on our visit, but The Great Indian does boast a slick wine list and a clever cocktail menu, too, with each £12.50 drink giving an Indian twist on a classic.

The Imli Margarita (Tequila, Homemade Tamarind and Chili Reduction) and Espresso Maharaja (Orange & Cardamon Infused Vodka, Chocolate Liquor & Espresso) both came recommended, as did the signature Great Indian (Curry Leaves, Kafir Lime Infused Vodka & Solassa Liquor).

GET ON THE GUESTLIST?

If you think you’ve seen all a Sunday roast can offer, think again and get booking The Great Indian. A hidden gem, it’s a roast with a difference, kicking the traditional week-ender in a new direction. Plus, if your crew just can’t face another spud, there’s that classic menu to dive into, too.

The Great Indian can be found at 139 Marlborough Rd, London N19 4NU, with bookings available via Sevenrooms.

• The best ramen restaurants in London

If you’re a normal person, you might celebrate a birthday or an anniversary with a Colin cake, a glass of champagne, and some sort of vague splurge which you chalk up to it being ‘a special occasion’ and ‘a present to yourself.’ If you’re a luxury fashion brand, you do things a little differently – more splurge, and more decadence.

Louis Vuitton might be taking things to a whole new level, celebrating 130 years of its legendary Monogram by creating a two month pop up. It’s no simple pop up either – forget your trestle table and mini freebies, the Atelier is taking over one of London’s most prestigious private member’s clubs, Morton’s, to create a Louis Vuitton Hotel.

The hotel isn’t a Raddison-esque affair, with white bed linen and more floors and rooms than you can remember. The hotel will have a pop up cocktail bar, a restaurant, a Keepall Lobby, a Speedy Room and a Gym, with each room being dedicated to a different essential in their classic range.

Cafe Alma is one of the opening rooms, located on the first floor overlooking Berkeley Square. As well as a lunch menu with decadent bites like lobster rolls, truffle fries, it will also be serving up Afternoon Tea, complete with sandwiches, petit fours, scones, and entremets. A two-course lunch menu will set you back £65 for a main, a side, and a desert. The Afternoon Tea will set you back around £95 or you could pop in for a ‘Monogram Moment’ which as far as we can tell is fashion-house-jargon for having a spontaneous glass of champagne. There’s The Sweet Moment which is a tea or a coffee with a monogrammed sweet treat for £26, or the Champagne Moment which is basically the same thing but with bubbly and a £48 price tag.

Guests will arrive through the Keepall Lobby which as the name suggests is a tribute to the brand’s travel companion bag. As well as being a display of the different styles and iterations of the bag, guests are encouraged to use the repair the in-house care and repair services – although presumably, this is for LV merch only, rather than getting a mothhole fixed on your old jumper.

Bar Noe is the other foodie spot hosted by the House, set to be more of a party vibe, with DJs and cocktails across Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

Heading further into the hotel and you’ll discover the other rooms carefully designed to show off some of the best of the timeless collection. The Neverfull Gym is an homage to the House’s iconic carry-all, transforming the building’s top floor into a styled space, with a whimsical weight rack installation which reflects the bag’s strength, lightness and versatility. The Speedy Room is a similarly styled space, this time spotlighting LV’s Speedy bag – the modern travel bag which has been used by everyone from movie stars to musicians, and even the odd yummy mummy on the Mayfair school run.

You can book a table for Cafe Alma across the pop up, either for their ‘signature luncheon’ or the afternoon tea. Tickets for the hotel pop up are already looking fairly sold out, but they do welcome walk ins (subject to availability) so if you are a fashion undergrad, or you’ve watched far too much Emily in Paris, it’s worth popping along to have a look through the Louis Vuitton archives and classics which have been meticulously reimagined for an immersive journey. Head to the Louis Vuitton website to find out more and book a slot.

• 8 London restaurants added to the Michelin Guide in latest update

A top Miami taco spot is opening up a restaurant in London later this year.

Coyo Taco has announced plans to open up its very first UK restaurant in Victoria this Summer. It will live on Orchard Place, which is close to St James’s Park tube station.

We’re yet to try Coyo Taco’s goods, but celebs who are claimed to be fans include Barack Obama, Will Smith, Diplo and David Beckham.

“We pride ourselves on making fresh Mexican food more dynamic, more inclusive and more mainstream,” says the UK arm of Coyo Taco. And while we don’t have the full menu yet, the US one gives us a good idea of what to expect.

The original Wynwood Coyo Taco serves, of course, tacos alongside salads, tortas, burritos and quesadillas, plus churros for dessert.

Taco options available stateside include carne asada, al pastor pork, grilled chicken, fish, beef birria, ribeye steak and shrimp. For the vegetarians there are roasted cauliflower, plantain and Impossible Carne Asada options.

Yep, that’s more than you’ll get at the little Tortilla outlets in Victoria Station.

It will be a late-night location too, and while we’re not sure the London Coyo Taco will stay open until 3am at weekends like the Wynwood one, it’s going to take on more of a “speakeasy” flavour at night. DJs will play on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Boozy drinks include mezcal and margaritas.

Coyo Taco has been around since the very end of 2014. It now has five outlets in Florida, with another on the way, and there are also restaurants in Colombia and Portugal.

Plans for this London taco spot were originally announced in September 2025, as the first venture of Kuvi Hospitality.

We’re not usually too bothered about the business back-end of London’s food scene, but this company is the brainchild of Shereen Richie, who oversaw the expansion of banging bakery Buns from Home from a covid era viral hit into a central London mainstay. She stepped down as Buns from Home CEO in January 2025.

This is just the beginning of Coyo Taco's UK expansion, with two more restaurants planned and an eyebrow-raising 50-plus in Kuvi Hospitality's longer-term aspirations. Bold AF.

• Chipotle has plans for more London restaurants

More burger options are coming to Spitalfields soon, thanks to Junk.

An advert for the upcoming Junk burger spot in Spitalfields Market has been spotted by the good folk at Hot-Dinners, advertising the restaurant as “coming soon.”

For the uninitiated, Junk is currently found in Soho and Marylebone in London, as well as at Monmartre in Paris, where it was established back in 2021.

Junk serves smashed burgers, where a regular patty’s worth of burger meat is battered within an inch of its life before being slapped onto the griddle, for a quick cook and crispy finish.

Standard Junk burgers come in four sizes, medium to XXL, and in Junk’s “less is more” philosophy that simply means slapping on more cheese and patties.

Plant-based Junk

That’s not your only option, though. Junk also serves a “plant based” burger for the vegetarians and currently offers a “special edition” burger with truffle sauce. Junk is also advertising a limited Miso Smash burger across its social channels, which enhances the burger basics with “cucumber tsukemono and miso sriracha mayo.” It's available until May 9th.

Plus, for the standard burger you can add — or leave out — pickles, fried onion and jalapeño slices. Your sides options are fries and Panko fried chicken. It also offers cookies for dessert.

Junk is yet to announce the new site on either its social channels or website, and we don’t have an exact date for its opening yet. But it can't be too far off.

It’s not going to be without competition in the local area, though. As well as the renowned Bleecker Burger in Old Spitalfields Market itself, within a stroll there’s Coqbul and trusty old Honest Burger on Widegate Street.

• 11 of the best places to have Afternoon Tea in London

A new food hall is opening up in Covent Garden in a month, and five of the seven restaurants coming to it have been revealed already.

Arcade’s food hall opens on May 15th at 6 Bedford Street, where a massive TGI Friday’s lived until 2022, just off The Strand.

It’s going to be a 12,500 square foot monster of a site, with seven options for food. Here are the ones we know of so far:

• Gracey’s — A US East Coast inspired pizzeria also found in St Albans, Battersea and Tottenham Court Road. It serves 12in and 16in pizzas, as well as burrata and gingerbread ice cream. 
• Hero — Indian street food. Expect thalis, masala tots and Indian-spiced burgers.
• Manna — Claims to offer “the ultimate smash burger experience,” where patties are squished ultra-thin to get a crispy browned crust.  
• Plaza Khao Gaeng — Thai restaurant serving curries, stir fries and salads. A highly regarded spot also found in Borough Yards.
• Solis — South American cuisine, and that means an altogether meatier menu, with items like grilled chicken and steak. 

Arcade’s Instagram also teased that we can expect “a Greek Cypriot taverna built on generational recipes” as well as Studio Coffee, a “listening space that shifts from day to night” from cafe to cocktail bar.

The five fully named eating options are likely to be familiar if you’ve visited Arcade’s other London food halls, as they are at, or have been at, its Tottenham Court Road and Battersea sites.

Arcade food halls are a solution to those friend group arguments where no-one can quite decide where to go to eat.

Despite being massive, this new Covent Garden Arcade site won’t nearly be the biggest of its spots. That accolade goes to the Battersea Power Station hall, which spans 24,000 square feet, while the Tottenham Court Road one is of similar scale to the Covent Garden space.

Reservations for Arcade Covent Garden are open now, through its Sevenrooms booking portal — available from May 15th.

• Cooper's Cut, London: New melt-in-mouth Wagyu-led steakhouse brings quiet luxury to Tower Bridge

In a city not short on steakhouses, Cooper’s Cut sets out to do things a little differently. It may be nestled in one of London's most exclusive hotels, but there’s no bluster here — just assured cooking of the finest beef cuts, thoughtful service, and an atmosphere that leans into understated luxury.

For the steak connoisseur who isn’t afraid to splash out on their culinary adventures, this new opening in the shadow of some of London's greatest landmarks is one that we can’t recommend highly enough. The fact we’re sitting here writing this and not back at its tables feels like a crime worthy of a stay in the neighbouring Tower.

WHERE IS IT?

A few minutes walk from Tower Hill station, and a stone’s throw from Tower Bridge and the Tower of London itself, Cooper’s Cut is found in the Four Seasons Hotel at 10 Trinity Square. It’s in the old Port of London Authority building, opulently decorated with mythical maritime statues, which was built in 1922 and turned into the Four Seasons Hotel in 2017. It’s architect? Sir Edwin Cooper — the renowned architect who gives Cooper’s Cut its name.

WHAT’S NEW?

Cooper’s Cut itself is just a few weeks old, opening in March of 2026, meaning we’ve visited once it has had a few weeks to bed in. A ‘modern steakhouse’, it’s headed up by executive chef Luke Armstrong (previously of Michelin-bothering The Ledbury London, L'Envol, and Mandarin Oriental). And it follows a strong pedigree of dining at the Tower Bridge Four Seasons — it’s replacing Anne-Sophie Pic’s two-Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic London restaurant in the hotel, which closed last year.

WHAT’S SPECIAL?

At Cooper’s Cut, it’s all about the steak — and being housed inside a 5-star luxury hotel, it’s not just any old cut you’ll be served up. This is melt-in-your mouth wagyu, expertly prepared, and served in a grand setting. The hotel also boasts a fabulous cocktail bar in its rotunda, giving you options to extend your night without travelling more than two minutes from your dining table, while over the hidden speakers alternative heroes like Bowie and Dexy’s play.

There’s a playfulness on show from the waiting team, too — staff are chatty and sprightly, happy to talk through their own experiences with the menu. Ahead of being presented with your steak, you're even given a colourful selection of knives to choose from, hailing from everywhere from Tokyo to Peckham. Staying true to our roots, we picked up the latter.

WHO SHOULD YOU BRING?

There’s space for everyone at Cooper’s Cut — during our meal, we saw families with young children, dates, business meetings, all co-existing. The restaurant space, with its high ceilings and mirrored pillars, somehow manages to cater to all moods — there are intimate booths for cosy couples, spacious tables for restless children, and an air of sophistication for those looking to impress clients.

WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR?

‘Smart casual’ is the age-old dress code on the Cooper’s Cut website, specifically and ‘kindly’ asking to keep the flip-flops and shorts for elsewhere. But it’s not a stuffy spot, as evidenced by the mix of patrons we saw on our visit. Put a bit of effort in, iron your shirt, and, if you’re wearing trainers, make sure they’re fresh and not too ostentatious — you’re among the casually moneyed.

WHAT WILL YOU PAY?

You’re going to put a decent dent in your wallet at Cooper’s Cut. Starters quickly go north of £20, and mains start at £32 all the way up to a £115 Angus Côte De Boeuf (800g). That’s before getting the scales out for an A5 Wagyu ribeye, priced at £44 per 100g. Both food and service are top notch though — you certainly get what you pay for.

We had the excellent 5-course Chef’s Menu, priced at £165 per person, before drinks — which is well curated and respectably priced to give you a good look at what Cooper’s Cut has to offer.

MUST TRY DISHES?

Let’s talk through that set menu, then.

Kicking off with some bite-sized radish cuts, the playful menu starts flexing from the off — straight into some caviar. Belted Galloway Beef Tartare with Smoke Scallop is topped with the little black pearls, a rich, almost floral opener. Heritage Beetroot with Dijon mustard, creme fraiche and merlot vinegar is a fun treat, its sauces dotted like a Neapolitan ice cream around the earthy veg. The amuse bouche trilogy closes with Chargrilled Scottish Langoustines with a saffron and citrus beurre blanc (a sweet and zingy butter sauce), a perfect compliment to the warm sweetness of the meat.

The main event of course is the steak — a decadent ‘Surf and Turf’ pairing of Hokkaido A4 Wagyu and Kristal Caviar with a meaty pomerol sauce. It’s a small serving, but you’ll savour every moment of the buttery bite, with its rich fatty flavour living on in the tastebuds of your mind for days to come.

Dessert rounds things off with a homely Granny Smith Apple Tarte Tatin, served with creme fraiche ice cream — pleasingly tart — while a side of warm almond covered bakewells accompany a coffee closer.

It is a glorious line-up — even with such an expert steak central to the meal, there’s not a single slouch among the accompanying dishes.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DRINK?

You’re wowed by the steak, but the drinks range at Cooper’s Cut doesn’t let the side down either.

Our meal opened with a couple glasses from the mischievous ‘Martini Moment’ cocktail menu (£21 a pop) — the lightly spicy CC Gimlet (No. 3 London Dry Gin, Curry Lezves, White Port, Vetiver Gris. Verjus), and the gentler, fruitier Caper + Passion (Beluga Noble Vodka, Chinola Passion Fruit, Fino Sherry, Whey), each ready to make converts of even a martini skeptic. Conjured by Head of Bars Michele Lombardi, they’re worth turning up for alone. And there’s of course an extensive wine list, expertly described by the serving team — we were recommended the delicious 2024 Clarendelle Bordeaux white.

GET ON THE GUESTLIST?

Cooper’s Cut might just be our favourite opening of the year so far. Its relaxed and sophisticated surroundings make for a welcoming atmosphere, its staff friendly, funny and knowledgeable, its space gorgeous, and its food exquisite. The wagyu is up there with the city’s best, and being able to slip away to the nextdoor rotunda bar to extend the night is a rare bonus few venues can match. It’s a high-class experience priced to suit, but for those special occasions, or simply to sate a craving for the finest beef in town, it’ll be hard to beat.

Cooper’s Cut can be found at 10 Trinity Square, London, EC3N 4AJ. It’s open seven days a week, with breakfast everyday from 7am to 10.30am, lunch Monday to Saturday noon to 2pm, and dinner Monday to Saturday 6pm to 9.30pm. Sundays sees a roast dinner menu run noon to 8pm. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are highly encouraged, through the Cooper’s Cut website and via Open Table.

One thing that pretty much unites all Brits is a love for the pub. Whether it’s your friendly local, or a riverside beer garden destination with stunning countryside views, pubs are the calling card of community and ultimately a bit of a favourite national pastime. However, for a growing number of people, the alcohol isn’t actually the main part of it, choosing alcohol-free options instead.

Sober Points is a brand new map that puts sober-friendly hospitality on the map. Driven by its community, Sober Points is a live map that keeps a fresh eye on the alcohol free scene across the UK, sharing the best restaurants and events that offer thoughtful and high-quality alcohol free options, so you’re not stuck sipping a lime and soda every time you hit the pub.

As it points out, choosing not to drink shouldn’t mean settling. There’s a wide range of places on the list, with innovative cocktail bars like The Alchemist in Battersea to Kentish Town’s Raven Records and Coffee. As well as chains like All Bar One, The Ivy, and Dishoom, you’ve also got more individual spots like Hawksmoor, The Mayfair Townhouse, and Cafe Murano.

Top cocktail bars like Dirty Bones in Soho have been added to the map, with users sharing a snippet of the kind of mocktails on offer and sharing some of their own favourites.

If you’re after a specific location, the map’s layout is super easy to navigate so you can find somewhere that works for whoever you’re meeting up with, without losing hours to going through your TikTok saved spots. It also allows users to review the venues in-app, so each guest can share real-time reactions to each spot, advising others about what’s on offer, and if it’s worthy of a place on the map. Rather than shifting through the numerous reviews on various other sites looking out for any that mention "alcohol free", the reviews uploaded on Sober Points will be specifically tailored to evaluating the options on offer.

It’s not just London that’s getting put on the map, with users uploading their favourite places across Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh and further afield, proving once and for all that alcohol free is a central part of the foodie scene, not just an afterthought.

In its own words, the creation of the map is a long time in the making, as "For far too long, socialising has revolved around alcohol, not people. But now, the conversation is shifting, and we're here for it. Whether it's skipping a round or living sober, we're better than sugary mocktails and carton-to-flute juice. We want bold, grown-up, alcohol-free drinks. We want variety in sobriety. We expect choice.”

The site has been co-founded by web designer Sara Shipley and creative director Safiyyah Abu-Hulayel (formerly of Apple).

You can find the map here.

• Old St Records are giving away free drinks this month to celebrate old school vinyl

London is no stranger to pubs, with approximately 3,535 watering holes across the city. And whilst a number of pubs we’ve lost is somewhere in the thousands, there are still a plethora of fantastic spots beloved by locals. You may think you’re an expert on pubs, but there are actually some legit experts over at Pub & Bar Magazine have rounded up the best of the bunch, with 8 brilliant boozers in the capital making the top spots.

Narrowing the 45,000 odd Public Houses across the UK into a shortlist is no mean feat but the professional people down at Pub & Bar Magazine selected the top 252 pubs with a mix of London spots across almost every borough making the coveted list.

Despite some infamously popular pubs (read: The Devonshire) being firmly cemented in people’s minds and Friday night plans as the best pub, the wonderful watering holes are a mix of favourites like The Pelican in Notting Hill and Fitzrovia’s The George, there were a couple of surprises in the list.

Clinching a spot in the County Nominees list were:

• Liverpool Street Chop House & Tavern
• Roxy Ball Room, St Mary Axe
• The Star by Liverpool Street
• Lord Northbrook, Lee
• The George, Fitzrovia
• The Orange, Belgravia
• The Pelican, Notting Hill
• Walmer Castle, Notting Hill

The National Pub & Bar Awards showcases the UK’s finest pubs and bars on a national scale, each year crowning the best venues within 94 counties across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Spots across Oxfordshire and Surrey that made the list which coincidentally make the perfect cosy day trip includeL The Bull, Charlbury, The Mason’s Arms, Clanfield, The Prince of Burford, and for Surrey: Kingswood Arms, The Merry Harriers, and The Princess Royal.

• Natural wines, old school vinyl, and Eastern European influences: Inside Notting Hill’s newest wine bar

Say the words “wine bar” aloud in the middle of an affluent or trendy area of London, and I guarantee you some kind of trend-curated twenty-something will appear, like a Gen Z Beetlejuice. In spite - or perhaps because of - this, London has a brand new spot, combining both of the most beloved bars: a listening bar, and a wine bar.

Sova is the newest spot opening up just moments from Portobello Road, specialising in wines from Eastern and Central Europe. Throwing open its doors on 8th April, Sova – meaning owl in Slavic languages – focuses on low-intervention and skin-contact wines, showcasing bottles from lesser explored regions.

The music is equally looking to blend tradition, combining electronic and contemporary sounds on vinyl-led selections, with live DJ sets popping up across the week. The bar’s vinyl collection has been sourced and partially curated with help from the team at Rough Trade, an independent record store.

On the menu is a host of unfussy, sharing-style plates, all with a subtle Slavic influence in keeping with the bar’s core theme. Starters include slow-roasted peppers and Beef tartare, with mains offering up honey-roasted baby chicken, Crispy sea bass with fennel and grapefruit, and miso-glazed duck.

It would be a waste to be right next to Portobello Market without maxing out your credit card on fresh, local, and seasonal produce, so it’s not surprising that the chefs at Sova will be sourcing a lot of the ingredients from the local neighbourhood, with bread from the Notting Hill Bakery.

Slightly unsurprisingly, the wine list is where the bar shines, with the whole list curated by a consultant sommelier, creating a unique but crowd-pleasing selection of sparkling wines (including a Ukrainian-style Brut), orange wines, Serbian Pinot Grigios, Slovenian Malvasia, Hungarian Rieslings, and everything in between – meaning there are plenty of non-alcoholic options too.

Seating 40 guests, it's a Goldilocks of bars, still fairly intimate but not chef-tasting-table level, where you're making unexpected eye contact with the other six strangers you're seated with.

You can find Sova at 9 Blenheim Crescent, London W11 2EE, open Wednesday-Sunday.

• Old St Records are giving away free drinks this month to celebrate old school vinyl

London is no stranger to the Michelin scene with restaurants a-plenty boasting numerous stars and impressive prices. In the same way we have Love Island and Love Island Aftersun or Premier League and Match of the Day, the Michelin team have Michelin stars and the Michelin Guide. The latter is basically a bigger list of restaurants which are on their radar as exciting new spots which are serving up some seriously good grub.

Every month, Michelin updates its coveted guide, adding the best of the best and giving people a nod on which spots to watch. Now, the March additions have been announced. A grand total of 18 eateries from across the UK were added to the guide last month, with an impressive 10 of those being London jaunts. The added spots range from Roman comfort food to a South London Caribbean inspired spot.

One of the spots on the list is 2210 by Natty Can Cook down in Herne Hill which only opened a couple of months back in October 2025. It’s a Pan Caribbean joint, celebrating Caribbean culture in style which has already scooped up awards from Conde Nast Traveller, OpenTable, and TimeOut, serving up dishes like ackee and saltfish spring rolls, and confit pork belly.

Another addition was Lupa in Islington, a small Rome-inspired trattoria which you might recognise as being co-founded by actor Theo James. Despite its already starry status, Lupa clearly has as much substance as style and stardom. On the menu you can find Italian classics like their Pici Cacio e Pepe, Paccheri alla Carbonara, and a Porchetta dish.

All the London restaurants added to the Michelin Guide in March

• 2210 by NattyCanCook, Herne Hill
• Aces Foodcraft, Fitzrovia
• Alta, Soho
• Black Radish, Merton
• Lupa, Islington
• Poon’s, Strand
• Rake @ the Compton Arms, Canonbury
• Stem + Stem, City of London
• Tatar Bunar, Shoreditch
• Yaatra, Westminster

• Old St Records are giving away free drinks this month to celebrate old school vinyl

Some restaurants chase trends. Others sit back, do their thing, and quietly become a cornerstone of the city. J. Sheekey falls firmly into the second camp, and at 130 years old, it’s earned the right to be a bit reflective.

To mark the anniversary, the Covent Garden staple is rolling out a run of historic dishes pulled from across its long, very well-fed history. Not reimagined, not “inspired by”, simply replicated as they were. When you go 130 years back, it's less about nostalgia and more of a culinary history tour.

The menu brings back the plates that feel baked into London’s food DNA. Potted shrimp is the headline throwback, an old-school dish that dates back to Tudor preservation methods alongside smoked eel salad, which taps into the city’s long-standing relationship with its waterways. Although it sounds niche, eels used to play a big part in any Londoner's diet, so for the old school, it will be a welcome tribute.

There’s a bit more comfort in there, too. A Cornish fish stew nods to the restaurant’s ties with British fishing communities, while the lobster thermidor leans fully into that theatreland energy Sheekey’s built its name on. It's rich, classic, and just the right side of indulgent for a post-show dinner that turns into a long one.

Running the kitchen is Andy McLay, who’s been there over 20 years and clearly knows better than to mess with a formula that’s worked for more than a century. The approach here is simple: keep it tight, keep it familiar, and make sure it still hits.

Sheekey’s has never really been about chasing the next big thing. It’s more focused on consistency, atmosphere, and that slightly old-school London charm that’s constantly evolving. Over the years, it’s hosted everyone from Judi Dench to Kylie Minogue, all passing through for oysters, fish pie, or something a bit celebratory before or after a show.

There’s more planned across the year, including collaborations, events, and the usual anniversary lap, but the main draw is a chance to eat the dishes that built the place in the first place.

In a city obsessed with what’s new, Sheekey’s quietly reminding everyone why it’s lasted this long.

J. Sheekey can be found at 28-32 St Martin's Court, WC2N 4AL

• London is getting a new restaurant where absolutely nothing is wasted

Two fast food icons are joining forces for a special Brixton pop-up next month: Morley’s fried chicken and Malaysian street food flinger Roti King.

The result will be a pop-up in Brixton Village, called Bossman Mamak. Put this one in your diary as it will only be around for four days, from April 9th to April 12th — Thursday through to Sunday.

Bossman Mamak will serve just four dishes, and they of course combine Morley’s chicken with the more highly spiced flavours of Roti King. But there is also one option for the veggies and vegans:

• Wings & Nasi Lah: Nasi goreng served with sambal and a fried egg and a three-piece selection of chicken wings. 
• Boss, Ayam Dua!: A simple combo of a duo of wings and fries seasoned with Roti King spice mix, plus a peanut dipping sauce.
• Sedap Wrap: Roti King’s signature roti canai filled with chicken tenders and pickled veg achar salad.
• KL Dirty Fries: Spicy topped fries, with shiitake mushroom rendang, red chillies and spring onion. Your vegan option. 

Bossman Mamak will be found at Unit 12FF within Brixton Village, but we expect you may be able to tell where it is by the queues. You’ll also be able to pick up branded tote bags and caps — pricing TBC.

There is already a Morley’s in Brixton, but this will be Roti King’s Brixton debut — to the best of our knowledge, at least.

“Mamak stalls in Malaysia are where everything comes together - after work, after football, where the night ends or carries on,” says Sugen Gopal, Roti King founder, explaining the pop-up's naming.

“When I look at Morley’s in London, I see that same energy and sense of community, which makes this feel bigger than just a collaboration. It’s about two food cultures meeting and finding common ground, built on the same community and just told through different flavours.”

The first London Roti King restaurant was established in Euston in 2014, and it now has venues in Battersea, Waterloo and Spitalfields too — as well as Edinburgh and Brighton. You don’t want to miss its roti canai, so consider the Sedap Wrap if Bossman Mamak will be your first Roti King experience.

Morley’s barely needs an introduction at this point. It’s a South London institution, founded in Sydenham back in 1985. There are now almost 100 outlets across London and beyond.

• London is getting a new restaurant where absolutely nothing is wasted

Marylebone restaurant Jikoni is somewhat of an institution now, thanks to its exploration of global fusion cookery done to a stonkingly delicious standard. Now the team behind the 'no borders kitchen' – husband and wife duo Ravinder Bhogal and Nadeem Lalani Nanjuwany – is opening up a second spot at London’s brand new V&A East Museum next month.

The new museum is opening up in Stratford on April 18th, kicking off with exhibition The Music is Black: A British Story which will celebrate the past 125 years of Black music in the UK. Cafe Jikoni will launch on the same day with a new menu, showing off the best of both new spots.

The menu will have plenty on offer, featuring a range of new recipes that all encompass Bhogal’s global home-syle cooking. Making a strong contender for 'best museum restaurant' already, Cafe Jikoni's menu currently includes: a macaroni dhal, turmeric and ginger chicken pie, and butter beans aglio e olio with zhoug, tahini, and pangrattato breadcrumb topping. As well as these more substantial offerings, there will be lighter snacks like sausage rolls, crumpets, and the almost mandatory cakes and coffees for all the dads who duck out of the actual museum after roughly 10 minutes.

According to Bhogal, Café Jikoni will be a new expression of their existing kitchen, “a continuation of everything we believe in: food without borders, shaped by movement, memory and community. Flavours that reflect the richness of East London and beyond. Familiar, yet full of surprise. A home from home for all.” And if the sizzle reel is anything to go by, it’s worth heading to check out even if you have zero interest in the museum itself.

The museum and Jikoni outpost will be just minutes away from V&A East Storehouse which opened up in May 2025. The latest museum in the V&A family is all about celebrating creativity’s power to bring change, with two permanent free galleries which will explore global contemporary culture, as well as a rolling rotation of exhibitions. As part of its inaugural exhibition, the museum will be hosting a number of performances, talks, and special events.

• London’s Leicester Square is getting a new activity bar with axe throwing, shuffleboards, DJs and more

Bone Daddies is set to open up its second London Soho restaurant next month, taking over the space recently occupied by Japanese restaurant Shackfuyu.

The restaurant lived in that spot for 11 years, before closing up shop last week. But it won’t be empty for long as Bone Daddies set to open there on April 6th.

That is, of course, a very quick turnover from one restaurant to another, and it’s because there’s a little bit more to this story.

Shackfuyu was launched as a spin-off of Bone Daddies in 2015. It served sandos, bao, katsu curry and the site’s signature Kinako French toast, with matcha soft serve on the side.

Once the site has been turned back into the Bone Daddies, we’ll get more of its regular fare — headed up by a handful of Tonkotsu options. But the Kinako French toast will come to the menu too, as a little consolation prize for those who will miss Shackfuyu. Other Bone Daddies locations will get the dessert too.

The site is at 14A Old Compton Street, which is just a five-minute walk from the existing Soho Bond Daddies at 31 Peter Street. And a similar five-minute stroll from the Leicester Square one. We doubt this branch will struggle to sell its beloved noodle soups, mind.

Bone Daddies first opened in 2012, at the very Peter Street spot that will sit closest to the new Old Compton Street branch.

It's known for its 20-hour-prepared pork broth, which is the base of Bone Daddies's Tonkotsu dishes. But there are plant-based options for the vegetarians and vegans too.

The group hasn’t announced exactly why Shackfuyu has been wound down. But given the pressures restaurants are under these days, we wouldn’t be too surprised if it was determined the site would be easier to run at a profit under the Bone Daddies banner, and menu.

“Shackfuyu is taking a break, for now. We’ve loved every second of the Soho scene, but it’s time for a new chapter. Big things (and serious noodles) are coming,” the Shakfuyu Instagram account posted recently.

Other Bone Daddies London locations are found in Bermondsey, High St. Kensington, Bond Street, Old Street and Victoria, while spin-off Flesh & Buns continues to serve its well-regarded Bao buns in Covent Garden.

• London gets seven new restaurants added to the Michelin Guide

Look, I’m not even going to try and make the argument about London not being the foodie capital of the UK – it’s a losing battle, and rightly so with all the restaurants, bars, supper clubs etc that literally pack the capital. All I am saying is that there are a couple of things country bumpkins do well that London hasn’t quite nailed yet. The main one being the middle-of-a-forest, rustically-refurbished, actually-very-proper pubs that the likes of the New Forest, Cotswolds, and Devon (to name a few) do exceptionally well.

But, Fulham’s newest pub The Brook and Badger might just put this rivalry to rest.

At the ripe old age of 24, I’d love to say my Tuesday nights are a spontaneous and chaotic affair where after-work drinks spiral into a random rave at a converted laundromat-turned-warehouse-club in Hackney, complete with a drunken e-bike cycle home. But in reality, just the prospect of not going straight home from the office is about as wild as it gets. So, the invite to check out new opening The Brook and Badger from the same team as Brook House sounded like the perfect middle ground.

WHERE IS IT?

When we say it’s a local spot, that translates to ‘it’s a 20 minute walk from the nearest tube station'. This is sort of The Brook and Badger's secret weapon. Located on Munster Road, the nearest tube is Parson’s Green which is around a 20 minute walk away, although if you’re near Putney Bridge or Fulham Broadway stations, those are both around 20 minutes walk away too.

WHAT’S SPECIAL?

The main duo behind the spot is publican Eamonn Manson and pop art dealer Adrian Palengat – you may not know the names, but as soon as you walk in, you’ll recognise that these are people who know how to do pubs.

Rather than what usually comes to mind when you say ‘pub’, The Brook and Badger is like if a private member’s club did a pub. Not to sound like some middle-aged Antiques Roadshow-esque presenter, but everything is ridiculously high quality – the tables and chairs are propah thick oak, the glassware is thin, and the crockery is so nice you’ll be trying to inconspicuously lift it up to see if you can find the name of the maker on the bottom.

The main thing that’s special is the people. Our servers - Cecilia in particular – were incredibly friendly as well as efficient. Despite only having a couple of them serving all the tables, service is speedy with the manner of chatting to an old friend.

WHAT’S NEW?

It only opened up a couple of weeks ago so you’ll look ridiculously in-the-know and au fait about London’s dining scene should you name-drop it as a possible venue with friends.

WHO SHOULD YOU BRING?

It’s a locals spot through and through – and due to the area of said locals (*cough* affluent) it’s a mix of families and young professionals. It’s got a more sophisticated clientele than your usual boozer but it’s an everyone-welcome kind of spot.

Without any conferring, my date-for-the-night and I suggested it would be the perfect place to take your girlfriend’s parents or in-laws. Nothing showy but still luxurious.

WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR?

It’s a fairly casual place being a local pub, but it is Fulham so casual here means a navy blue quarter zip or a schoffel wouldn’t be too dressy. It’s a post-work pints sort of crowd, but work here is often the whitest of collars so expect a lot of jeans and shirts. Avoid the tracksuit and you'll be grand.

WHAT WILL YOU PAY?

It’s on the pricier side for a pub, but it’s reflected in the quality of the food and environment. You’ll be shelling out around £25-£30 for a main, with starters around a tenner on average.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DRINK?

The wine list is where they shine – alongside all the beers on tap you’d want in a pub. As well as a good selection of wines by the glass, they’ve got discovery options for both reds and whites if you’re up for trying something a little more adventurous.

Alongside showcasing some great English wines and sparkling options, there’s a strong mix of high-quality global wines – so even if you’re a luddite vis a vis wine, you can point at random and end up with a very decent bottle. We went for a 500ml carafe (because it WAS a school night after all), but if you’re going for a bottle you’re going to be paying between £30 up to £64, with some options upwards of £130 if you want to splash out on something special.

MUST TRY DISHES?

When it comes to The Brook and Badger, it's more about settling in for a good pint than it is tucking your napkin in for a six course meal. It offers strong takes on traditional dishes like gnocchi, and small plates like arancini, as well as knee-slapping pub classics, priced around £21 for veggie and fish options to £26-30 for the meatier chops. But in this case, you're ok to skip in favour of a hearty pint.

GET ON THE GUESTLIST?

If you’re a London local residing in the leafy, well-to-do West this is a lovely spot to know about. If you’re looking for a nice spot with a relaxed atmosphere but up-market vibe you’re going to love The Brook and Badger. I’d wager good money that within a month this place will be packed with after-work Guinness-drinkers, so consider this your official heads up.

You can book a table for The Brook and Badger via SevenRooms here

• Viral sandwich shop Mondo Sando sets April opening date for South London venue

If you’re into the London foodie TikTok scene, you may well have come across Mondo Sando. With the popularity of its decadent bites growing, and it already ranking among the best sandwiches in London, Mondo Sando's cult hit sandwiches are now set to hit Deptford next month.

Mondo Sando’s new spot will be called Mondo to Go, and will open up shop on April 10th.

As the name suggests, it’s not an eat-in affair. It will be part of Deptford Market Yard, with a good amount of outdoor seating but (very) limited indoor space.

• The 9 best sandwiches in London

Mondo Sando’s current locations are found at Grove House Tavern in Camberwell and Cafe Mondo in Peckham .

It serves burgers, but the real draw here are its intensely Instagrammable sandwiches, with cross-sections just begging to be photographed.

Among the menu’s favourites are the Mondo Frango, which sees peri-peri chicken, lettuce, matchstick fries and shredded lettuce jammed into a sesame sub roll.

And the Club Tropicana, a sliced turkey sandwich with pineapple hot sauce, provolone, white onion, coriander and avocado crema.

A meal deal menace

The full menu is well worth checking out, although it will make those with Sainsbury's meal deal lunch plans feel thoroughly depressed.

Mondo to Go will be a lunch-only venue, but you will be able to get sandwiches delivered if you can’t make it to the railway arch under which the place will sit. Other Mondo Sando venues use Uber Eats as delivery partner.

“Yes folks the next chapter in the Mondo Grimoire will be written in sunny Lewisham,” says Mondo Sando.

“We’ve got the keys to a cute little arch just by Deptford rail station… it will become a cute little sandwich shop in a few short weeks, we are going to call it MONDO TO GO because we cannot be consistent and enjoy answering questions very much.”

Mondo Sando began during the pandemic, and got its first long-term residency at the Grove House Tavern in Camberwell before opening up Cafe Mondo in 2024.

• London's oldest Indian restaurant turns 100 — but may be forced to close soon

London’s oldest Indian restaurant, Veeraswamy, turns 100 today. But under current plans it’s also set to close, potentially this year.

Veeraswamy opened in 1926 and has just hit its 100th anniversary. It sits at the bottom of Regent Street in Victory House, although you actually access the restaurant through an elevator entrance on Swallow Street.

It’s a London culinary institution, but could well be forced to shut up shop later this year, thanks to no less than the Crown Estate.

That’s Veeraswamy’s landlord. And the Crown Estate plans to refurbish the building, which is Grade II listed, and kick the restauranteurs out.

“Culinary heritage”

Veeraswamy’s tenancy actually ran out last Summer, but it has been permitted to continue operating after raising legal action at the non-renewal of its lease.

Under normal conditions, Veeraswamy wouldn’t have much of a claim here. But it has what’s known as a protected tenancy. The outcome of the appeal is expected to be announced later this year, but not before July 2026.

The Crown Estate’s argument is the refurbishment is too extensive for the restaurant to stay in place while the works are done. Veeraswamy argues “compromises are possible” and that such a long-standing restaurant should not be forced to close, as a place of “culinary heritage.”

Last year the restaurant kicked off a petition, which to date has attracted 20,489 signatories. Veeraswamy has also asked the king to step in and turn its fortunes around, but according to the BBC Buckingham Palace has said it’s a matter for the Crown Estate to sort out.

Who knows how this one will end, but for now at least you can still dine at Veeraswamy.

Dishes on the menu include classics like chicken Makhani and more exotic fare like roast duck vindaloo and lobster Malabar curry — at £68 a serving.

Or if you’re after a deal, Veeraswamy also offers pre-theatre and lunch deals. You’ll pay £40 for a two-course pre-theatre dinner, £45 for three-course, the limitation being you have to dine between 5:30pm and 6:15pm.

The weekend lunch menu costs £42 for a two-course sitting, £48 for a three-course feast.

Veeraswamy currently holds one Michelin star, which it was awarded a decade ago in 2016.

• London gets seven new restaurants added to the Michelin Guide

There are a few places in London that evoke that feeling of old-school glamour, when just visiting makes you feel like you’ve walked out of a Cluedo board, gown or black tie swishing behind you, and someone in the background yelling tally ho or calling you sport whilst Great Gatsby-esque music playing inexplicably around you. London’s Original Ivy is undeniably one of those spots where the mix of glittered history and echoes of luxury (read: expense) feel glamorously retro. Now, they are tapping into that star-studded history and celebrating one of London’s icons: Charlie Chaplin.

Celebrating the actor’s birthday, The Original Ivy on West Street is hosting a celebration all-thing Charlie Chaplin, with the entire restaurant transforming into an immersive dining experience. All guests attending will be treated to a carefully crafted menu as well as a whole host of entertainment Charlie himself would approve of.

Jazz musicians will be performing throughout the night with ‘Charlie Chaplin’ also making an appearance in his usual style. He’ll be entertaining the guests in his trademark mischievous manor, weaving stories alongside the festivities throughout the event.

Not just a spectacle for the eyes and ears, the menu will be a three-course curation that celebrates the restaurant’s culinary history with timeless classics paired with modern innovations. We’re talking apple tarts, trifles, madeleines on the sweet side, with a mix of British and French classics for the mains.

Doors will open at 7.15 with the event properly kicking off at 8pm. Tickets are currently £75 which includes the dinner, welcome drink, and a seat at the heart of the night’s entertainment – you can book online via their website.

• 2-Michelin-star Dinner by Heston in London to close — but there's still a chance to dine

Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal has announced London’s Dinner by Heston restaurant will close after more than 15 years of serving up Michelin-grade dishes.

There’s one piece of good news: you have until the end of January 2027 to try to get a booking there.

Blumenthal announced these plans in an interview with The Times, in which he explained the timing was in part down to the end of the site’s tenancy at the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge.

“There are some huge feelings there; sadness. It’s bittersweet, but it has run its natural course. We are effectively tenants in a building and our tenancy is finished,” Blumenthal told The Times.

“I’ve got a year to wrap my head around it.”

By the point at which Dinner by Heston closes, it will have been open for sixteen years. The restaurant opened in 2011.

You’ll see all sorts of eye-opening stats about the percentage of restaurant that fail in their first year, but Dinner by Heston is not one of those. And, scanning through its booking system, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a slot right now.

Blumenthal has also talked about plans to run a special eight-course tasting menu ahead of the closure, which you’ll no doubt be able to dine out on for ages.

So why is Dinner by Heston closing? The chef does talk about increasing pressures restaurants face, and it sounds like the tenancy’s end was ultimately a clean and relatively painless way to bow out.

“In these times most restaurants are suffering in one way or another,” says Blumenthal.

“It’s exacerbated by the fact that food prices are rising. We chose to partner with the Mandarin because of their level of service. But they’ve got budgets, and budgets don’t always meet up. Sometimes they do.”

SL 6 Ltd, the parent company of Blumenthal’s restaurant portfolio, which includes The Fat Duck, The Hinds Head and the Dinner by Heston locations in London and Dubai (opened in 2023), posted losses of £2 million in the 2024 tax year. The London restaurant closure is likely not solely down to the chef re-calibrating his life after a 2023 bipolar disorder diagnosis.

Dinner by Heston in London is a two-Michelin-star restaurant, and has held its second since 2014. Its current maxed-out offering is the Chef’s Table eight-course menu, at £255 a head. Sample dishes include things like Blumenthal’s iconic Meat Fruit — with a chicken liver parfait that looks like a mandarin — and Early Grey Tea Cured Salmon.

Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck remains Blumenthal’s most celebrated restaurant. It has held three Michelin stars since 2004.

• The 20 best first date restaurants in London

If there is one drink that screams sophistication, it’s the martini. The drink that launched a thousand cool city-women in sitcoms, James Bond’s tipple, and Stanley Tucci’s go-to, it’s a cocktail that takes ahem, some getting used to, but will give you that sense of je ne sais quoi for the rest of your life. If a power suit was a drink, it would be a martini. And whilst London serves up enough cracking cocktails to fuel a (rather tipsy) army, one spot is now officially home to the world’s coldest martini.

Bob Bob Ricard in Soho has had no shortage of iconic drink-based moments, being the home of the famed ‘press for champagne’ button. Now, they’re serving up the world’s coldest martini at a shocking -22*C.

Presumably by having some seriously strong freezers, the swanky Soho joint doesn’t use any ice, trickery, or dilution to achieve the alcoholic equivalent of Antarctica. The team takes the liquid as low as it can go without freezing, as it generally freezes around 25-27 degrees, so they take it to the max without causing icicles to form. Plus, to maintain the whole chilled vibe, the waiters serve the drink (tableside) in frozen martini glasses. You can choose either gin or vodka as your base as usual, but everything else is minimal – no fancy garnishes, twists, or tricks, as the quality of the liquid and the process speaks for itself.

If you’re someone who is serious about their martinis this will be music to your ears, and if you’re not that fussed about martinis, well, why did you click on this article? Kidding. If you’re trying to get into martinis which can be a part-time job in itself, then this might not be a bad one to try, as the colder alcohol is, the less overwhelming the strength and bitterness, meaning you can appreciate the flavour better.

• The 20 best first date restaurants in London

You can rely on Brits for many things: a commitment to tea in all weathers, maxxing out an all inclusive buffet at a resort in the Gran Canaria, and always having something to say about the day’s weather. Another thing in our arsenal is the ability to perfect a roast. London is more stuffed than a pig in a blanket with delicious pubs offering up Sunday supplements.

A new survey from property tycoons Barratt London has officially pulled together the top ten rated pubs across the capital to settle the Topjawian argument once and for all. To determine the top ten, Barratt London analysed data from Google Maps API, looking at reviews (which explicitly mentioned Sunday roasts) with a 4.0 rating or higher, taking both sentiment and quantity into account.

Topping the list was Wandsworth’s The Alma with a whopping 98.4 ‘Roast sentiment’ score. The Alma in Wandsworth is a long-standing local favourite with roasts starting at £22 for the standard beef, pork, and chicken offerings. As well as the trifecta of classics, the pub also dishes up a Wild Mushroom and Beetroot Wellington, a Smoked Sirloin, and Braised Lamb Shoulder, as well as a ‘trio-roast’ with beef, porchetta and chicken in case you’re struggling to decide.

Closely behind the winning spot were The Guildford Arms in Greenwich which scored 96.8, and was the only entry from that borough on the list. Islington cleaned up in terms of best borough for roasts, with four entries in the top ten, including The Pig and Butcher in third, The Drapers Arms (4th), Fox & Anchor (5th), and The Tamil Crown which snuck in at 10th place. Also making the list was The Hunter’s Moon in Kensington and Chelsea and The Princess of Shoreditch in Tower Hamlets.

Unsurprisingly, the boroughs joining Islington in the top spots for overall borough rankings were Greenwich, Newham, Kensington and Chelsea, and Lambeth.

The top ten pubs were:

1. The Alma, Wandsworth
2. The Guildford Arms, Greenwhich
3. The Pig and Butcher, Islington
4. The Drapers Arms, Islington
5. Fox & Anchor, Islington
6. The Hunter’s Moon, Kensington and Chelsea
7. The Princess of Shoreditch, Tower Hamlets
8. The Marlborough, Richmond Upon Thames
9. The Crown - Blackheath, Lewisham
10. The Tamil Crown, Islington

Basically, London has got you covered for wonderful roasts whether you’re heading to a mouth-wateringly marvellous listed spot or just your favourite local.

• Park Chinois, London: Grab grub and a club at Mayfair’s seductive subterranean Chinese restaurant

With the TikTok masses turning even the most modest doughnut stand into a must-visit destination, it’s not often you get an opportunity to be one step ahead of the curve when it comes to dining in London. But the newly-opened Kino in South Kensington is that rarest of restaurants, boasting some of the finest Japanese cuisine in West London that’s still just a whisper on the lips of your most clue’d up foodie friends.

Beautifully presented sushi, finely-chosen ingredients, delicate cocktails and a calming aura to its interior: Kino is a star — and one you’re going to be fighting tooth and nail to get a reservation at before long.

WHERE IS IT?

Kino sits a few minutes walk away from South Kensington tube station (Circle, District, Piccadilly — the transport gods are kind), just off the polished stretch of Draycott Avenue. It’s bougie land, prime territory for elegant townhouses, well-dressed locals, and the sort of dogs that look like they have trust funds.

Inside, it’s all warm timber, stone, soft curves and low lighting, designed by Studio APAA. It’s minimalist but warm — seating a roomy 70 diners — Tokyo zen with a hygge hug. Big windows keep it airy and bright during the day, and by night it’s softly lit and intimate, with a DJ playing classy ambient mixes of 00’s pop royalty. Just don’t leave your seat empty for too long — the playful staff like to have a bit of fun, and I found my date had replaced me with Kino’s would-be mascot, a giant stuffed panda!

WHAT’S SPECIAL?

Kino brings its modern Japanese cooking to life with a personal touch from head chef Pavel Baranovs, who brings more than 20 years of international experience and a recent deep dive into Japan to the table.

Precision and restraint are on the menu at Kino, mirroring the decor. Dishes are hearty and clean, presented without pomp. You’ll spot yuzu, miso, kimchi, and some very serious cuts of tuna throughout the menu.

And yes, there is Wagyu — Australian Wagyu sirloin, with a sumptuous marbling score of BMS 8–9, to be precise. Yes, it is £68. Yes, someone at your table will order it. And no, you can’t blame them, only envy them.

WHAT’S NEW?

The whole place! Kino opened this month (February 2026), so this is a shiny new addition to the West London dining scene.

As for where the rest of the year will take Kino, the menu so far leans heavily into seasonality, so expect subtle shifts as the months roll on. There’s also a serious drinks menu here, headed up by in-house sommelier Thomas Duvall-West — extensive sake, thoughtful wines, and Japanese-leaning cocktails. Licensed until 1am and hosting weekend DJ sets, the ambition is to eventually turn the upper floor into a Tokyo-style speakeasy, which feels perfectly suited to the vibe Kino already has.

WHO SHOULD YOU BRING?

This is prime date-night territory, with its low lighting, shareable dishes and fun but not-too-boisterous DJ selection. It’s also not a bad shout for a mix of friends and family, with the menu varied enough for the “don’t eat raw fish” brigade to find plenty to love, with lamb, beef and cod among the menu options. It’s grown up and relaxed, with the atmosphere encouraging you to linger and grab another cocktail rather than rushing through Kino’s delights.

WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR?

South Kensington has its fair share of well-dressed locals and “look at me please” out of towners, but Kino feels relatively relaxed. Sure, put an effort in, but this doesn’t have to be your red carpet best. Think — “who would turn my head on a stroll around the Tate? And what would they be wearing?” And then just copy that.

WHAT WILL YOU PAY?

A night at Kino can get pricey, but not without merit.

Small plates start at £6.50 but can jump to £19, and the most tempting nigiri at £15 for three pieces. Mains sit at £28 or £36 outside the veggie options, with the exception being the Wagyu sirloin at £68 if you’re feeling celebratory.

With a couple of cocktails or sake, sharing a good mix of small plates, sushi and one main, you’re probably looking at: £70 to £90 per person, maybe more depending on how enthusiastic you get. It’s all worth it though.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DRINK?

Kino has ambitions to turn its upstairs area into a dedicated cocktail space — and on the basis of what we tried, it should absolutely make good on that idea. The Sage cocktail — a £15 citrusy mix of Roku gin with the shochu-like umeshu liquor was fresh and fragrant, while the non-alcoholic No, Hugol (£11), with its light elderflower, lime and mint pairing showed they can have fun at the bar away from the booze, too.

There’s an extensive wine list on offer at Kino too, and the staff will happily help you pair your glass accordingly. We were recommended the Pouilly-Fume De Ladoucette ‘23 (£130 a bottle, dry, crisp, pear, grapefruit) as the white for our sushi dishes, and the Tuscan Brunello Di Montalcino ‘20 (£150 per bottle, plum, woody, spicey) as the perfect accompaniment to our lamb.

MUST-TRY DISHES

Here’s the big hitters, but don’t skip the Kino Tsukemono homemade pickles (£7) either — an excellent crunchy, tangy menagerie of fermented bites that make for great palate cleansers between the many, many tempting dishes you should be putting away:

• Hand-Dived Scallop (£18) – delicate, buttery, quietly luxurious with its truffle edge.
• Otoro Tuna Nigiri (£13 two pieces, £15 three pieces) — melt-in-your-mouth luxury. A highlight that shouldn’t be missed.
• Wagyu Tataki (£19) — paper-light cuts of umami-rich, succulent beef.
• Imperial Black Cod (£36) – sweet yuzu miso glaze, silky, excellent.
• Lumina Lamb Chops (£36) – Tender as the night, deeply earthy with a zingy tomato miso side. An ‘eat-with-your-fingers’ treat.
• Yuzu Cheesecake (£10) — Creamy yuzu, softly sweet with a citrus hint.

GET ON THE GUESTLIST?

Kino feels like it’s about to become one of those places you should casually name-drop before everyone else does. It’s an inviting space with gorgeous dishes and warm staff, and is surely going to be jam-packed before long. Absolutely make that reservation — it’s intimate at just 70 seats, so booking ahead is wise — especially on weekends or if you’re aiming for a later sitting with cocktails and DJs in the mix. You won’t be disappointed.

Reservations are available online via OpenTable, and you’ll find them on Instagram at @kino_london if you want a scroll first.

• The 20 best first date restaurants in London

The latest Gordon Ramsay restaurant, Bread Street Kitchen & Bar at 22 Bishopsgate, now has an opening date.

The restaurant-slash-bar is set to open on May 6th, and you can already book a table from Bread Street Kitchen & Bar’s website.

If you’ve watched Ramsay’s just-released Netflix series Being Gordon Ramsay, you’ll know the backstory behind this place.

Bread Street Kitchen & Bar is the final eatery featured in the show, and sits on the 59th floor of 22 Bishopsgate. And it's more than just a lunch and dinner spot.

It will open from 6:30am for breakfast, and until 3am Thursday to Saturday, with DJs playing late. On Sundays we’ll even get live music.

There’s even a sports bar attached, which will have a 24-hour license for events running into the small hours.

Menu highlights

A sample menu of the venue has been published online too. There are no prices, but it does feature a whopping 35 menu items, plus sides.

In other Bread Street Kitchen locations you’re looking at around £20-35 for mains, as a guide.

Highlights include a beef wellington for two, the “Gordon Ramsay Fish and Chips,” a Wagyu burger and the internet-bait Idiot Sandwich. It features braised short rib with cheese and tomato chutney, and is served with fries.

The 22 Bishopsgate venue joins a bunch of Bread Street Kitchen & Bar restaurants in London, including spots in the city area, Limehouse, Stratford, Battersea and St Paul’s.

It also joins Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High and Lucky Cat 22 at 22 Bishopsgate, which is just a short stroll from Liverpool Street station.

Want to see the story behind these openings? Being Gordon Ramsay is a glossy 6-part Netflix reality show that touches on the chef’s family life amid the pressures of opening multiple new restaurants.

It reached number 10 on the Netflix TV shows chart earlier this week, racking up 2.7 million watches across its first handful of days on stream.

• The UK’s top 50 Gastropubs have been announced – and 11 London spots made the list

If you’ve spent enough time in London planning fancy date nights or a ‘brew with a view’, you’ll know there are rooftop bars, and rooftop bars.

Not all are created equal — I’ve sat in some that have stunning views of the city skyline, the lights dancing along the banks of the Thames, a Mary Poppins floating by on an umbrella catching an updraft. And then there are some that consider a view of extractor fans and pigeon nests exotic.

Sabine, on the seventh floor of the Leonardo Royal by London’s St Paul’s Cathedral, is comfortably in the first camp. If you want to get up close and personal with one of London’s most iconic landmarks, this is the place to be.

Where Is It?

Perched above Carter Lane, right by St Paul’s Cathedral, Sabine is a stone's throw from the skyline’s most iconic silhouette. You’re a few minutes from St Paul’s station, surrounded by the City’s after-work crowd and historic streets — but once you’re upstairs, it feels like a little hideaway above the chaos.

It fits the area perfectly: polished but not overly pretentious, elevated (both literally and metaphorically) without being stuffy. The terrace is by far the star attraction, but the recently refurbished 360-degree bar and inside seating mean it’s a comfortable spot even when the weather makes the terrace a harder sell.

What’s Special?

Let’s start with the obvious: that view. St Paul’s, whether lit up at night or catching the sun in the day, is astonishingly close by. Christopher Wren himself probably didn’t get as good a view of its unmistakable dome as the patrons of Sabine do.

You’re here to see the sights then, but Sabine’s staff are no slouches when it comes to cocktail mixology either, with a tasty selection of small plates to accompany them.

What’s New?

As well as an interior glow-up, Sabine’s winter cocktail menu is well worth a session, conjured up by the in-house mixology team. They include the sweet Zephyr (Cinnamon-infused Eminente Ambar Claro rum, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, grape cordial and citrus, £19), and the Lyra (coconut and condensed-milk with Aba pisco, chocolate liqueur, chocolate bitters, fresh pineapple and fresh lime juice £18.50). Each has those seasonally-signature warming notes.

Who Should You Bring?

• Post-work colleagues: It’s the heart of the City, but it’s relaxed enough that you can loosen your tie and moan about the boss without the bigwigs popping in for a swift half.
• Out of towners: This is one of the best bar-side views in London, without falling into tourist trap territory.
• A date: This is prime real estate for a romantic liaison. With St Paul’s glowing in the background you might be overshadowed, but the memory of the night won’t be. Plus, you can actually have a conversation — there’s enough buzz to keep things exciting, but it’s a relaxed vibe rather than club-adjacent.

What Should You Wear?

The go-to smart-casual is your safe bet. Trainers, of the chic, intentional kind, are fine, and there will be a fair few ties given the location. But attached to a hotel, this is laid back, with clientele who have made an effort without being showy.

What Will You Pay?

Expect classic London rooftop pricing. Alcoholic cocktails sit in the high-teens, small plates and sharing dishes stack up depending on how “peckish” you claim to be. Ballpark it at around £50 – £70 per person for a couple of drinks and enough plates for a dinner.

What Should You Drink?

There’s a great cocktail menu on offer at Sabine, and you’ll get the classics deftly made if you want to go off menu. We happily knocked back the following:

• Aurelian (£19.50): Belvedere Pure vodka, Ancho Reyes chile ancho liqueur, passion fruit liqueur, lemongrass & mango tea cordial, citrus solution topped with Fever-Tree Aromatic Tonic
• Nadir (£19): Winter spices-infused Volcán de Mi Tierra Reposado tequila, Contreau Noir orange & cognac liqueur, apple cordial, pear & spice, citrus solution

• Noctis (£20): Tonka bean-infused Aber Falls Madeira Cask Welsh whisky, Muyu Chinotto Nero liqueur, Martini Riserva Speciale Rubino sweet vermouth, homemade fig liqueur and honey
• Boreal (£18.50): Butter fat-washed Whitley Neill Navy Strength gin, Briottet Manzana Verde liqueur, absinthe topped with Fever-Tree White Grape & Apricot soda

All were wonderfully balanced, but the Nadir was the highlight — essentially a tequila take on an Old Fashioned, with a spiciness fit for the season.

Must-Try Dishes?

Cocktails are king at Sabine, but the menu delivers on small plates classics — nothing showy, but hearty and very shareable. We enjoyed:

• Mac ‘n’ Cheese Croquettes (£15): Crispy, gooey, begrudgingly shared.
• Tiger Prawns (£17): Served with flatbread to mop up the tasty aji chilli verde.
• Italian Sausage Arancini (£15): With a side of pistachio pesto and a shower of Grana Padano, though bringing the meatiness forward would be great.
• Crispy Shiitake Mushroom Gyoza (£15): A surprise treat, with a “just right” bite to the wrap.

Get on the Guestlist?

We gave Sabine perhaps the hardest challenge you can muster for a rooftop bar — a drizzly night in February.

And though the rain may have beat us inside eventually, Sabine’s terrace proved it had what it takes to draw us back once that sun starts shining again. A space as at ease with a high-risk date as it is a seeing-the-sights gang of visiting mates, its cocktails are expertly served. An easy recommendation for anyone looking to see St Paul’s at its most breathtaking.

Sabine Rooftop Bar is located at Carter Lane, London EC4V 5AJ. For reservations email: sabinestpauls@sabinelondon.co.uk

• Park Chinois, London review: Grab grub and a club at Mayfair’s seductive subterranean Chinese restaurant

The Italian Awards has announced its finalists for 2026, and not only does London feature prominently in many categories, there’s even a separate award for London restaurants.

Thirteen restaurants feature in the Best Italian Restaurant in London category. Here’s the full roll-call:

• Alba London 
• Amore Limoncello Fulham
• Caldesi in Marylebone 
• Caloroso Pizza Hackney 
• Casa Felicia
• Cornicello Pizzeria
• Focacciamo
• Lamezia - Italian Restaurant 
• Little Italy (Soho)
• Marcus Kitchen & Bar 
• Mo Mangio 
• Shambles Restaurant & Winebar
• Eat At Sicily 

There are some great London spots in the other categories too. Among the Best Pizzeria finalists — a commendably geographically diverse lot — Crust Bros gets a nod.

You’ll find its cracking pizzas at Waterloo, Covent Garden and Earl’s Court.

In the Best Fine Dining category London spots commended include Mezzogiorno by Francesco Mazzei, Murano, Luca, Alba and Theo Randall at the Intercontinental. Perhaps unsurprisingly, London dominates that list, with only seven restaurants in the full list of finalists.

There’s even an award for the best tiramisu, in which you’ll find London spots Caloroso Pizza in the Docklands area and Haggerston’s Mo Mangio.

If you want to dig through the entire set of categories, the UK Italian Awards Facebook page is the best place to head. The awards’ website hasn’t been updated with the finalists at the time of writing.

Italian grub across the country

The Italian Awards has been around since 2012, devised in Glasgow with the aim of celebrating Italian businesses in the UK.

Last year’s Italian Awards 2025 focused on businesses in Scotland, as did years before that.

However, in 2023 there was a UK-wide awards, in which Liverpool’s Crust Pizza won the Outstanding achievement award. And Courtyard Italian Restaurante in Great Yarmouth won the Best Restaurant in the South gong.

The 2026 Italian Awards takes place on March 30th at London’s Marriott Grosvenor Square hotel, after which we’ll know the official winners. Tickets for the event cost £199 and include a drinks reception and 3-course dinner. But it's mainly intended for folks in the industry.

Next year in 2027, The Italian Awards wants to expand out to the US, with plans to “launch the first ever transatlantic Italian Awards competition in New York in 2027.”

• London gets seven new restaurants added to the Michelin Guide

The Chinese Lunar New Year has a way of making you want to do things properly. Not “grab a takeaway and call it festive” properly. If you’re going to lean into the Year of the Fire Horse in all its majesty, you may as well do it somewhere that understands theatrics.

Enter Park Chinois, and its Club Chinois hideaway.

This isn’t the quiet, incense-and-teapot kind of Chinese restaurant. This is velvet booths, golden glow lighting, and a House DJ spinning beats while you decide how many dumplings is one too many.

If you’re going to manifest abundance for the year ahead, you might as well start with crispy duck in Mayfair and a soundtrack that makes you feel like you’re having your dinner in the middle of a rave. Here’s why a night out at Park Chinois, and its Club Chinois dining space in particular, is like no other Chinese restaurant in London.

WHERE IS IT?

Right in the thick of Mayfair — just off Berkeley Square — which means it’s surrounded by sports cars, Rolexes and designer clobber. You know, the discreet kind of wealth. People who definitely own more than one blazer. Green Park tube is your nearest stop, and from there it’s a short little stroll.

Inside Park Chinois, it’s all 1930s Shanghai fantasy. Deep reds, gold accents, tassels, lacquer, plush banquettes — the sort of decor that makes you instinctively sit up straighter. It’s a Lynchian lounge — retro glamour but without the cosmic horror.

It’s a tale of two halves though — upstairs is the traditional, elegant dining room (Salon de Chine), downstairs is Club Chinois, where things get a lot louder and a touch rowdier. We dined at the latter.

WHAT’S SPECIAL?

Park Chinois is a supper club with serious Cantonese credentials. The menu leans into classic Cantonese technique but isn’t afraid of a little glamour. There’s truffle in the dim sum and rice. There’s theatrically carved duck. There are dishes that sound like (and are priced as if) they belong on a yacht in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour.

On the drinks side there are award winning cocktails and bottles of wine that would cost the Average Joe a couple of month’s wages. There’s the opportunity to be really decadent here if you're feeling flush.

But really, you come here because you want dinner plus entertainment. Though the upstairs dining space is serene, downstairs is opulent and OTT — gold trim and velvet curtains, with a soundsystem that’ll shake your champagne glass off the edge of the table. Club Chinois used to be known for its live entertainment while you dined, but that’s been traded for DJ decks and big beats. Which you’d prefer is up for debate — but I think I’ll take the tunes over the aerial acrobats of Park Chinois’s past.

WHAT’S NEW?

Right now it’s all about the new Lunar New Year menu. The à la carte menu has ten dishes specifically designed to ring in the Year of the Fire Horse, with plates priced between £20 and £68. Highlights include Fortune Glazed Wagyu Chae Sui (£68), Steamed Sea ​Bass Fillets with Cured Ham and Mushrooms (£48), and Stir-fried Kailan, Sakura Shrimp with Shrimp Cake sides (£33).

WHO SHOULD YOU BRING?

This is not your quiet catch-up-over-a-cup-of-tea spot.

Bring:

• A date you’re not wholly convinced will be bringing raconteur-grade chat to the table — the speakers will give you a perfect excuse to simply smile and nod along
• Old friends of which you’ve heard all their best stories many times over anyway
• Out-of-towners who want a taste of Mayfair glamour at its most flamboyant

It’s lively, sometimes loud, and definitely sociable. If you’re looking for deep emotional vulnerability and whispered conversation, maybe not. If you’re looking for “remember that mad night in Mayfair?” — absolutely.

WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR?

Make an effort. Not black-tie, but don’t roll in like you’ve just done a Tesco run.

Smart trainers? Probably fine. A hoodie? Maybe reconsider. The crowd tends to skew glam — heels, blazers, sharp shirts, the occasional full-tilt fashion moment. It’s Mayfair. People dress like they mean it.

When in doubt: slightly overdressed beats underdressed here.

WHAT WILL YOU PAY?

Let’s not pretend this is a budget dumpling stop.

For dinner with a couple of cocktails each, you’re realistically looking at £90–£120 per person, possibly more if you get excited (and you will). Add in premium wine or a few tempting cocktails and that number climbs steeply, fast.

Is it cheap? No. Is it a full night out rather than just a meal? Yes. You’re paying for the velvet as much as the bao.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DRINK?

The cocktails are genuinely good — not just pretty, but balanced and interesting. The bartenders know their stuff, and you can go off-menu and get a classic served to perfection.

The wine list is extensive and is unashamedly premium and showy — though there are £60-ish reds here, you can drop £6,750 on a 2012 Libournais Petrus if that lottery syndicate has finally come good. But staff are helpful rather than intimidating. You won’t be made to feel silly for not knowing your Burgundy from your Bordeaux.

And honestly? The cocktails are a great draw here. The Macallan Highball (Macallan 12 Years Double Cask, Aberfeldy 12 Years Single Malt, Briottet Passion Fruit Liqueur, Plum Bitter, Grapefruit Soda, £23) is a great tall, taking the edge off the whiskey with a slightly floral finish. But the star is the award winning Moulin Rouge (Belvedere Vodka, Rhubarb Liqueur, Lavender Honey, Raspberry Cordial, Lime Juice, £19). It picked up the inaugural Michelin Bar Award in 2023 and is every bit worth the accolade — a rich, smooth, taste-bud-awaking berry blast.

MUST-TRY DISHES?

THE WAGYU. We’ll get into the specifics in a second, but just imprint that in your mind — GET THE WAGYU.

• Sea Bass Tartare (£23): Light, citric and with a generous portion of delicately chopped, deeply satisfying sea bass.

• Chef’s Selection Dim Sum (£22): Har Gau, Lobster Shumai, a seasonal Truffle bite, Atlantic Sea Scallop & Mui Choi dumplings, in a wafer-light wrapping. You won’t want to share, so consider ordering double.
• Grilled Black Cod, Sacha Sauce (£54): A beautifully-presented cut, with a BBQ-sweet sauce.
• Chilean Wagyu Rib-Eye Beef, Black Pepper Sauce (£75): The standout of the night — melt-in-your mouth chunks of Chilean Wagyu, soft and tender with a lightly peppery finish that doesn’t overpower the richness of the meat.

• Potted Rice with Seasonal Black Truffle (£56): Rice for more than £50? Worth it — a huge bowl of sticky rice infused with huge amounts of truffle. The most decadent rice you’re likely to have.

GET ON THE GUESTLIST?

Make that reservation. Park Chinois works best when you treat it like an occasion — it’s a bold, sometimes brash, venue, and one that meets energy with energy. The Club Chinois space is in your face — if you’re looking for a sedate night out, you’ll want to look elsewhere, or at least head upstairs. But if you’re feeling like celebrating, want to shake off your meek-and-mild office persona and step into a more decadent slice of London, it’s the one. Excellent cocktails, very good food —go for the story, stay for the wagyu, and it’s guaranteed to be a memorable night.

Park Chinois is at 17 Berkeley St, London W1J 8EA. Make a reservation direct at parkchinois.com, or via OpenTable.

• The 20 best first date restaurants in London

Forza Wine is opening a new bar-slash-restaurant in London's Soho, and you can book a table already.

From February 28th, Forza Wine will open its doors, with tables available to snag through the bar’s Opentable page.

And according to Hot-Dinners, there’s a “soft launch” from February 26th, although we don’t know what it will take to get through the door if you decide to simply turn up.

Forza Wine Soho sits on Manette Street, near to the heart of the area, where Italian restaurant and bar Daroco used to live.

The menu for the Soho branch is yet to be published, but those of the existing Peckham and National Theatre sites offer plenty of guidance on what we can expect.

Alongside a healthy wine menu, there are cocktails — virgin and boozy — and food picks include braised pork cheek and Sea bass with puttanesca and pangrattato. For a real indulgent trip you can order “the whole menu” at Forza Wine too, which, as of Sunday 15th February, in Peckham, will cost you £150.

“Italian-ish”

The core tagline of Forza Wine is it offers “Italian-ish” snacks served alongside your drinks — plus charming views.

It announced this third Soho bar back in September 2025, which will include an open-air terrace that probably isn’t going to hit anything like its peak appeal in a wet and grey February. But come the summer months? It should be bliss.

The original Forza Wine opened in 2019, the Peckham site, after years of pop-ups — including apparently illegal ones initially. It offers rooftop views on Rye Lane.

Forza Wine’s National Theatre spot opened in 2023, bringing terrace views across the Thames for those lucky enough to get a good table.

Will Forza Wine Soho continue the trend of scenic surrounds for your Sauvignon? Judging by what we know of the site, the appeal this time may be all about the high-ceiling interior and a cosy terrace, what with Manette Street not being an obvious spot to provide views across London.

• London’s Margarita Mile is officially back for 2026 – and it’s bigger than ever

Stratford has had an identity crisis for quite some time.

Pre-Olympics, it was rough round the edges but full of life, much like Leyton and Roman Road close by. There were proper boozers, chaotic markets, pearly kings and queens, authentic (and affordable) street food. Post-2012, that soul was sanded down. It became too clean — literally and figuratively. It felt almost corporate. Like if All Bar One became a postcode.

For a while, Stratford’s main selling point was Westfield — a place you end up rather than actively choose. But in 2026, something’s shifted. Stratford now feels like it’s quietly growing into itself. Less Olympic hangover, more cultural hotspot-in-the-making. There’s serious scran, heavyweight arts institutions setting up shop alongside indie bakeries, coffee roasters and pubs with actual stories to tell.

It’s still odd. Still busy. Still occasionally annoying. But cool? Yeah, just maybe.

Here are eight places proving Stratford’s redemption arc is very much underway.

1. Cart & Horses

A pilgrimage site for heavy metal fans and one of Stratford’s last proper pubs.

The Cart & Horses is where Iron Maiden played their first-ever gig, and it wears that badge proudly and loudly. Expect memorabilia on the walls, heavy rock on the speakers, and a crowd that ranges from die-hard metalheads who have travelled from all over the world to visit, to locals who’ve been drinking here for decades.

It’s also surprisingly inventive, hosting everything from live gigs to beer-and-yoga sessions — which sounds cursed, but apparently works.

It’s also become an unofficial West Ham pub, thanks to it opening up at 10am on match days, as well as Steve Harris (Iron Maiden’s bassist) being a lifelong fan.

And if you play your cards right you just might bump into him, as he’s been known to pop in for a quick pint, as well as play with his other band, British Lion, in the basement.

2. STK Rooftop

If chicken and chips in a box isn’t cutting it after a night out, STK is where Stratford goes when it wants to feel a bit boujee.

Sitting atop the Hyatt Regency near Stratford International, this rooftop steakhouse does dramatic lighting, DJ-led dinners and unapologetically indulgent cuts of meat — all with panoramic views of the Olympic Park. It’s loud, glossy and borderline ridiculous in places… but that’s sort of the point.

And it’s not just the fabulous ribeye, tomahawk and porterhouse that steal the show. Small plates like the wagyu skewers and hand-dived scallops, alongside raw-bar options such as jalapeño-pickled shrimp and the spicy motoyaki tuna roll, make it ideal for those who want indulgence without the dreaded meat sweats.

Drinks-wise, this is where STK really leans in. You’ll find theatrical cocktails designed to be photographed before they’re consumed — think smoked old fashioneds, oversized martinis and champagne-forward spritzes that feel tailor-made for rooftop golden hour.

Come late evening, the DJ-led soundtrack ramps up, blurring the line between dinner and night out — which is exactly why it works in Stratford, where committing to “just drinks” or “just food” has always felt like the wrong choice.

3. V&A East Storehouse & Sadler’s Wells East

This is where Stratford really starts flexing its cultural muscles.

The V&A East Storehouse isn’t your traditional museum: it’s a vast, open-access archive housing hundreds of thousands of objects across fashion, design, performance and pop culture. Rather than hiding everything behind glass, the idea here is transparency, as visitors can see conservation work happening in real time, request objects to view up close, and get a sense of how a major museum actually functions.

And, most importantly, that iconic David Bowie Is exhibition, which debuted at the South Kensington V&A back in 2013 and broke attendance records worldwide, now lives here permanently. Original costumes, handwritten lyrics, stage designs… it’s got the works.

Next door, Sadler’s Wells East brings one of London’s most respected dance institutions into the Olympic Park, with a focus on contemporary work, experimentation and emerging choreographers. Expect everything from boundary-pushing new commissions to accessible productions designed to pull in people who might not normally consider themselves “dance people”.

Together, the two signal something important: Stratford isn’t just hosting culture anymore… it’s producing it.

4. WaNa Hong

Westfield might have Pop Mart, but if limited-edition Labubus don’t fit your Far East aesthetic, WaNa Hong definitely will.

This low-key Japanese grocery is a goldmine for anyone serious about their cooking (or just deeply curious about snacks). Expect shelves stacked with regional ramen varieties, proper dashi bases, specialist soy sauces, furikake blends, Japanese curry blocks, frozen gyoza, mochi ice creams and an alarming number of Kit Kat flavours you didn’t know existed (some shouldn’t, to be honest).

There’s also a strong focus on everyday Japanese staples rather than novelty imports, which gives it the feel of a genuine neighbourhood store rather than a gimmick.

5. Discover Children’s Story Centre

Sure, you could hand your kid a tablet in McDonald’s and buy yourself ten minutes of peace. Or you could take them somewhere that actually stimulates their brain — and tires them out.

Discover Children’s Story Centre is an immersive, brilliantly designed space built around storytelling, play and imagination. It’s colourful without being migraine-inducing and clever enough that adults don’t feel like they’re doing hard time.

Across the year, the centre runs a packed programme of events, from interactive theatre performances and illustration workshops to author-led storytelling sessions tied to major children’s book releases. There are also seasonal festivals and school-holiday takeovers that go well beyond the usual soft-play chaos.

The exhibitions rotate regularly, meaning repeat visits don’t feel like déjà vu, and there’s a strong emphasis on inclusivity and sensory-friendly sessions — a detail modern parents will quietly appreciate.

6. Charles Artisan Bread

Charles Artisan Bread is the kind of bakery that makes you reassess your relationship with supermarket loaves. Long-fermented sourdoughs, properly laminated pastries and seasonal specials, all of which are done with restraint and confidence rather than hype.

Regular standouts include their signature sourdough, pain au chocolat with serious crunch-to-butter ratios, and rotating specials like focaccia slabs and filled buns that sell out fast. Reviews consistently praise the depth of flavour and lack of gimmickry — this is bread-first baking, not Instagram fodder.

Go early, bring one of your 50 tote bags, and don’t expect anything to survive the walk home.

7. Marchon Stratford

This is the kind of place Stratford has been missing: somewhere that feels intentional, community-led and designed for people who want to train properly rather than try and fit in a gym session amongst the madness of busy commercial fitness spots.

Marchon’s offering centres around coached small-group sessions rather than free-for-all gym wandering. Classes typically focus on strength training, conditioning and hybrid formats that combine barbell work with functional movement. Think proper programming, progressive overload and actual attention to form, unlike a famous Aussie class in London that focuses on vibes over substance.

There’s also a strong emphasis on longevity and injury prevention, making it appealing to people who want to lift and still walk the next day.

8. Hermanos Coffee Roasters

Look, I love the sugary frappé nonsense Starbucks flogs, but I would quite like to live past 40 and still enjoy coffee.

Hermanos serves properly roasted beans sourced directly from producers in places like Colombia, Brazil and Ethiopia, with a focus on traceability and seasonal flavour profiles. The coffee is taken seriously, but not so seriously that ordering feels intimidating.

Menu highlights include consistently excellent flat whites, rotating single-origin filter options, and a small but thoughtful food offering consisting of quality pastries and toasted sandwiches.

It’s calm, unfussy and reliable (three qualities Stratford has historically struggled with).

• The 11 best craft beer bars and pubs in London

Pancake Day has traditionally meant one thing in Britain: a slightly chaotic attempt to flip something vaguely circular in a frying pan, followed by drowning it in lemon juice and sugar.

It’s simple, it’s nostalgic, it’s rarely that impressive but always comforting. Luckily, London exists, and never settles for just one version of anything, especially when food is involved.

Across the capital, Pancake Day has quietly evolved into a full-blown global tasting tour. From delicate French crêpes and towering American stacks to Japanese soufflé pancakes and savoury street-food staples from across Europe and Asia, the city is packed with spots serving wildly different takes on the humble batter-based classic.

If you’re looking to upgrade your Shrove Tuesday plans (or just fancy an excuse to eat carbs in multiple forms), these are the places bringing the world’s best pancakes straight to London.

Netherlands

My Old Dutch – Dutch pancakes

If Dutch pancakes are doing it for you but you want something larger than poffertjes, My Old Dutch is the place to go. Inspired by traditional Dutch pannenkoeken, these pancakes are bigger and thinner than American stacks but heartier than French crêpes, essentially perfect for anyone who struggles to commit to one pancake style.

At the Holborn (and other London) locations, My Old Dutch serves them loaded with all kinds of toppings, from classic sweet options like banana and syrup to savoury combos featuring cheese, bacon and mushrooms. It’s a great shout if you want a communal pancake experience with plenty of variety, and a reminder that Dutch pancakes aren’t just cute mini bites, they can be proper plates of comfort food too.

Seven Heaven - Dutch poffertjes

If you fancy switching up your Pancake Day routine, Seven Heaven in Camden Market is serving up Dutch poffertjes, the small but mighty pancake-style treat straight from the Netherlands.

These fluffy, bite-sized pancakes are made with yeast, giving them a lighter, pillowy texture than your typical crepe. Traditionally served with butter and icing sugar, Seven Heaven ups the ante with toppings like fruit, chocolate sauce and other sweet treats. It’s a perfect grab-and-go option while wandering Camden, and a solid reminder that sometimes the best pancakes come in miniature form.

Japan

Fuwafuwa – Japanese pancakes

For pancake fans who think fluff is never enough, Fuwafuwa is the cathedral of soft. Inspired by the Japanese fuwafuwa style (the name means fluffy), this London spot turns batter into dreamy, cloud‑like stacks with a gravity-defying wobble. These pancakes are thicker and airier than what you're probably used to, with a texture closer to a soufflé.

Served with toppings like cream, berries, sauces and seasonal twists, Fuwafuwa’s creations are instantly eye‑catching, the kind of pancakes that’ll make you pause mid‑scroll and actually look up from your phone. They’re brilliant for anyone celebrating Pancake Day with a sweet, Instagram‑ready brunch that tastes as good as it looks.

CA Japanese Pancakes – Japanese soufflé pancakes

If you’re after pancakes that feel more like dessert theatre, CA Japanese Pancakes delivers the cloud-like soufflé stacks that have taken over brunch culture worldwide. With locations in Victoria and Chiswick, the café specialises in ultra-fluffy Japanese pancakes that are both gluten and dairy-free without skimping on indulgence.

Originating in Japan, soufflé pancakes are whipped to create their signature wobble and towering height, giving them a light, almost melt-in-the-mouth texture. At CA, they’re served with carefully styled toppings and seasonal flavours that lean fully into the treat-yourself energy, making them a strong contender if Pancake Day calls for something a bit more dramatic than your usual stack.

Australia

Granger & Co. – Ricotta hotcakes

If you’re chasing a Pancake Day option that’s become a brunch icon, Granger and Co. Notting Hill (alongside its sister spots, including Granger & Co. King’s Cross, Granger & Co. Chelsea, and Granger & Co. Marylebone) is famous for its legendary ricotta hotcakes.

Originating from Bill Granger himself, the ricotta hotcakes are thicker and creamier than standard pancakes, thanks to the addition of ricotta cheese in the batter.

These have become something of a cult order, earning their place on this list as arguably the most unique entry. You can find them served with banana and honeycomb butter for a rich, sweet hit that’s earned serious acclaim across London’s brunch scene.

France

La Crêperie de Hampstead – French crêpes

A more local take on the classic Breton favourite, La Crêperie de Hampstead, serves up French crêpes that hit all the right notes for Pancake Day. Thin, buttery and wonderfully versatile, these crêpes stay true to the French tradition, whether swirled with simple lemon and sugar or piled with richer fillings.

Nestled in one of London’s more charming neighbourhoods, this spot brings a cosy, old‑world vibe to a timeless pancake style, making it perfect for anyone who loves their batter thin and customisable. Undeniably French, just how crêpes should be.

Crêpe Affaire – French crêpes

Classic, paper‑thin French crêpes are an obvious go‑to for Pancake Day, and Crêpe Affaire is one of London’s best places to enjoy them done properly. Inspired by the traditional street food of Brittany in north‑west France, their crêpes are delicate, soft and endlessly customisable, from simple lemon and sugar to indulgent chocolate, caramel and fruit combos.

With multiple spots across the city, Crêpe Affaire brings that quintessential Gallic pancake vibe to London, quick, tasty and perfect whether you want something sweet after a wander or a savoury fill‑up any time of day. These maybe aren't one of the more bespoke options on the menu, but for a chain, you can't go wrong.

Eastern Europe

Reuben’s – Potato latkes

For a savoury twist on Pancake Day that’s rooted in comfort and tradition, Reuben’s brings Eastern European potato latkes to the London dining scene. These golden, crisp‑edged beauties are a classic staple in Jewish and broader Eastern European cuisine.

They’re a far cry from the usual sweet stack, delivering hearty texture and umami‑friendly flavours that make them a brilliant brunch or lunch option if your pancake ambitions extend beyond sugar and syrup. Comfort food in London form, and proof that pancakes don’t always have to be sweet to steal the show.

USA

Sunday in Brooklyn – American pancakes

If you’re in the mood for something that feels unapologetically indulgent, Sunday in Brooklyn serves up classic American‑style pancakes that are big, fluffy and loaded with toppings. These aren’t your delicate crepes or mini poffertjes above, we’re talking tall, pillowy stacks that look (and taste) like the lovechild of brunch dreams and a Sunday morning sugar rush.

Their signature version comes with hazelnut maple praline and brown butter, offering a rich, nutty sweetness that perfectly complements those soft, cakey layers. It’s an excellent choice if Pancake Day for you means going all‑in on size and flavour.

Farm Girl – Buttermilk pancakes

If your Pancake Day plans include a dose of pastel‑soaked brunch culture, Farm Girl brings its own take on fluffy, café‑style pancakes that channel vibes from the American style tradition but add a cutesy, modern twist. Light, beautifully cooked stacks served with seasonal fruit, yoghurt, a drizzle of maple or Apple and Pear offering a more refined take on the diner classic, and perfect for anyone who wants their pancakes to feel like an event rather than just breakfast.

Farm Girl’s Paddington café has become a go‑to for anyone who loves pancakes with a slightly healthier edge and standout presentation, making it a great choice if you’re after something that looks as good as it tastes.

The Breakfast Club – American brunch pancakes

If you want your Pancake Day stacked high and served with all‑the‑brunch vibes, The Breakfast Club has you covered. Inspired by classic American diner culture, this London favourite serves big, fluffy pancakes layered with toppings like berries, banana, chocolate, maple syrup and lashings of cream, the kind of plate that feels like a celebratory cheat meal rather than merely breakfast.

It’s the sort of spot where going all in on syrup‑soaked goodness is practically encouraged, and perfect for anyone who treats Pancake Day as an excuse to indulge in comfort.

China

Lin Lin Crêpes – Jianbing

For a savoury, street‑food twist on Pancake Day, Lin Lin Crêpes in Chinatown serves up authentic Chinese jianbing, thin, crepe-like pancakes packed with egg, crisp wonton, fresh herbs and sauces. Unlike the sweet stacks and soufflés elsewhere, jianbing is all about layers of texture and umami, making it a perfect grab-and-go lunch or snack while exploring Chinatown.

Our first choice for Chinese-style pancakes was Pleasant Lady, but it’s currently closed indefinitely (fingers crossed it reopens soon). For now, Lin Lin is your go-to for that authentic, chewy‑crispy, sauce-slathered street‑food experience in London.

• A local's guide to Taylor Swift's Croydon

A great first date isn’t about the food — but the wrong restaurant can sink it before the starters arrive.

The venue you choose sets the mood, eases nerves and shapes how easily conversation flows.

As relationship coach Giovanna Smith explains to Shortlist, “The restaurant sets the emotional tone of the date… when the space feels right, people relax, drop their guard and become more emotionally available.”

• London's 8 most romantic hotels

The expert adds that we should look for comfort and a relaxed buzz — so you and your date can settle in, and not get stuck in your heads: “Choose a place where both people can relax, when the nervous system is at ease, people show up as their best, most authentic selves.”

Thankfully, there is no shortage of excellent first date restaurants in London. From buzzy, breezy food markets to candlelit wine bars and playful dates you’ll remember forever, these Shortlist-approved London restaurants will take the pressure off your next first date, so you can focus on being your best self. You’ve got this — starting with the restaurant reservation…

1. Pick & Cheese, Camden

Playful and buzzy, simply grab a stool, take your pick of local cheese plates from the conveyor belt as they roll past and, if in doubt, let the novelty break the ice for you. Ideal for first dates with built-in chat and zero awkward silences. Plus, to keep the date going, you have all the bars of Camden on your doorstep.

2. Noodle and Beer, Chinatown

Not only is Chinatown’s Noodle & Beer delightfully intimate, serving up spicy Chongqing plates like its signature tableside-prepared braised beef rib with thick blanket noodles, but delve downstairs to its basement and you’re in for something really special: a red-velvet-draped sexy speakeasy ready for you and your date to continue the night until the wee hours, as this perfect date spot is open until 4am on Friday and Saturday nights.

3. Mercato Metropolitano, Mayfair & Elephant and Castle

Eat your way around the world without committing to one cuisine at this buzzing food market — perfect for first dates where you’re not acquainted with your partner’s tastes just yet. Grab street food, share bites, and sip handcrafted cocktails or local brews, ideal for a day-date. Mayfair’s converted church, with its altar bar and stained glass, is stunning, while Elephant & Castle’s adjoining hidden Temple of Art and Music venue boasts blues jams, live bands and even the odd karaoke sesh.

4. Blues Kitchen, Locations across London

You can always count on a good time at the Blues Kitchen. Delicious American Southern comfort food keeps things casual, the stained glass settings are romantic — and when you’re not ready to call time on the date yet, you can enjoy DJs and live rhythm and blues music late into the night.

5. Nessa, Soho

Nessa has quickly become one of our favourite West End spots. Stylish and cosy, Nessa’s insanely tasty cheese croquettes and the stunning sirloin steak, straight from the restaurant’s open kitchen, are always a hit. Nostalgic desserts like the Jammy Dodger Trifle will end your date on a sweet note. Plus, Nessa’s stylish central horseshoe bar and artisanal cocktails make the perfect spot for a post-date nightcap — don’t leave without trying the Boho Negroni.

6. La Vita e Bella, Angel

With its rustic brickwork and intimate setting, Italian hole-in-the-wall La Vita e Bella is as charming as you’ll be on your first date. Even better, set against Angel’s vibrant Upper Street, you’ll be spoilt for choice for buzzy bars to hop into for an after dinner drink, like the always-lively Fox on the Green for a bev and a boogie, The Bottle Cocktail Shop & Bar for a craft cocktail, or Slim Jim’s Liquor Store, where the live music and proper rock dive bar vibes are some of the best in the city. Simply judge the vibe during dinner then pick your Upper Street bar spot accordingly.

7. Signature Brew Brewery, Walthamstow

Keep things cool and casual — but with seriously good eats — at Signature Brew. As the UK’s largest truly independent brewery, the Blackhorse Road brewery is the perfect place to sample their many lagers and IPAs brewed right next to the bar itself, while enjoying tasty sharing boards and mezzes from Armenian kitchen, Sireli. Set to a banging soundtrack of live Djs and bands, it’s also a perfect spot to keep the date going into the small hours.

8. Temper, The City

To heat things up, open fire steakhouse spot Temper is a showstopper. Premium British cuts are grilled over a stunning open fire, with tasty mezcal cocktails to match. An immersive dinner that will give you lots to talk about and fire up all the senses.

9. Cicoria, Covent Garden

A hidden gem, on the fifth floor of Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House you’ll find Cicoria, which dishes up high-end Italian cooking made for sharing. Finish upstairs at Bar Cicoria for rooftop drinks —the perfect place for one last cocktail, with stunning views over the Covent Garden piazza.

10. Los Mochis, Notting Hill

Tokyo meets Tulum at Los Mochis, Notting Hill’s vibrant Mexican-Japanese fusion spot. Playful vibes, a close-knit candlelit setting and sharing plates make this a perfect West London date spot — especially as you can enjoy a rare Mezcal or two in the Agaveria lounge afterwards.

11. Pasta Evangelists Pasta Making Academy, Locations across London

This might be one of the most fun first date dinner options in all of London. Book into a Pasta Evangelists pasta-making class, and you’ll get to make your very own pasta together with authentic Italian ingredients and chefs, and at an affordable price ideal for testing the waters on a first date. You’ll also enjoy aperitivo to start, and unlimited prosecco throughout the experience. Choice to recreate The Lady and The Tramp’s spaghetti scene: optional.

12. The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead

Set on the edge of Hampstead Heath, The Spaniards Inn is perfect for relaxed, romantic first dates. Order wine, share a proper roast, then head out for a post-dinner wander across the Heath. No wonder it counts Harry Styles, Taylor Swift and Rowan Atkinson among its fans.

13. Crust Bros, Covent Garden

Crust Bros’ pizza is up there with some of the best in London, and you can be sure your date will find something they love as the restaurant specialises in create-your-own-pizzas. Plus, it’s smack in the middle of Covent Garden, so you’ll be in prime position to continue the night after. For extra ‘I-know-a-place’ Brownie points, stop by the Buffalo Trace Distillery London round the corner for a guided whiskey tasting of award-winning Kentucky bourbon, or pop in to Stereo for underground live jazz.

14. Amazing Grace, London Bridge

Set inside a converted Grade II-listed church, Amazing Grace is perfect for first dates that don’t want to end early. Expect crowd pleasing food, signature cocktails and a rotating line up of live bands, DJs and karaoke. Come for the 4-6pm happy hour Tuesday to Friday, stay for the atmosphere… and see where the night takes you.

15. Barge East, Hackney Wick

How about a bite on a boat? This 125-year-old Dutch barge moored on the canal in Hackney Wick, is a floating bar and restaurant serving seasonal, ingredient-led cooking on the water with beautiful views of London’s skyline.

16. Bar Levan, Peckham

As if created by the first date Gods themselves, Levan is low-lit, cosy-cool, natural wine bar with Parisian bistro vibes — ideal for getting to know your date better over small plates and a soundtrack of vintage vinyls.

17. Humble Grape, Locations across London

For a choice of hundreds of artisanal wines and paired dishes to match, any one of Humble Grape’s wine bars across the capital makes an ideal first date spot — especially with special menus like their Saturday lunch offer of £20 Steak and Malbec, and a decadent Sunday Roast on offer. Great wine and great bites, guaranteed.

18. Novikov, Mayfair

If money’s no object, look no further than Novikov. Ultra glam and ultra decadent, the iconic Mayfair’s Asian and Italian menus are guaranteed to impress, with impeccable food, glossy surroundings and instant wow factor. A high-stakes first date spot for sure — but one that will never miss the mark.

19. Burger & Lobster, Locations across London

Equal parts buzzy and romantic, Burger & Lobster is an ideal spot for a lively date night, with the choice of plates from the land or sea making for a menu that should make any date happy. Impressive cocktails make this a surefire date win.

20. Bar Douro, London Bridge

Candlelit, cosy and charming, consider Bar Douro your spontaneous escape to Lisbon under the arches of London Bridge. Think shared plates, incredible Portuguese wines and the perfect setting for keeping conversation going by ordering just one more glass… all night long.

• The 11 best craft beer bars and pubs in London

It feels like barely a week passes without some sort of restaurant-related Michelin news, whether it’s a scrumptious spot being added to the Michelin Guide, or the coveted Bib Gourmands list giving us the low-down on the best bars and restaurants which are worth a save on your London long-list.

Michelin Monday officially dawned, and with it, a barrage of shiny newly-starred spots. As well as around 100 restaurants that retained their stars, London snapped up nine new one-star restaurants and two new two-star restaurants. Humo in Mayfair was the only dining spot to lose a star this year, although there were no new three-starred restaurants this year either.

Row on 5, Saville Row

The brainchild (or foodchild) of Spencer Metzger and Jason Atherton, this restaurant has gone from one star to two stars in just one year, which if you are au fait with anything Michelin, you’ll know is a very rare accolade.

Bonheur by Matt Abe, Mayfair

This was Matt Abe’s debut restaurant, after leaving the triple-Michelin-starred land of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay after decades of tasty grub. And not to add any extra pressure, but the address of the restaurant also had a bit of a legendary status, having been the location of La Gavorche – the first UK restaurant to earn three Michelin stars, run by Michel Roux Jr.

Legado, Shoreditch

This restaurant is the work of Nieves Barragan, and her second offering, with Sabor being its sister. And, much like how siblings can often end up following similar paths, Legado has joined Sabor with a coveted Michelin star.

Tom Brown at the Capital, Knightsbridge

This is a bit of a triumphant comeback for Brown, whose first project, the Michelin-rated Cornerstone, was shut down earlier last year, owing to rising costs. Nestled in The Capital Hotel, the restaurant dishes up everything from breakfast to dinner.

Ambassadors Clubhouse, Mayfair

Drawing inspiration from the founders’ grandfather and his residence in Dalhousie, the Ambassadors Clubhouse is a Punjabi restaurant from JKS groups - the same team behind Gymkhana. Stylish, built for sharing, and good value.

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High, the City

You may already be familiar with Lucky Cat at 22 Bishopsgate, the Asian inspired restaurant with some of the most jaw-dropping views in London, thanks to it being the highest restaurant in Europe. Restaurant Gordon Ramsey High is its secret 12-seater chef’s table attached to it – offering the same stunning views across the city’s skyline, all served up whilst you’re literally rubbing elbows with the chefs.

We were lucky enough to try it out – here’s what we thought…

Labombe by Trivet, Park Lane

Providing somewhat of a simpler approach than its sister Trivet, Labombe is a restaurant and wine bar on Old Park Lane which blends simplicity with bold flavour, thanks to their rotating menu which changes fortnightly.

The Kerfield Arms, Camberwell

A humble gastropub which serves up some of the best modern British dishes, The Kerfield Arms is known for its European twist on the classics.

Corenucopia by Clare Smyth, Pimlico

Another star for famed chef Clare Smyth. Over on her second outpost, Corenucopia, Smyth said her aim was for a more relieved vibe, with the restaurant styled as her own take on a bistro – although still very upmarket.

Somssi by Jihun Kim, Knightsbridge

Another dining spot that leans on the smaller side, Somssi has just 14 seats and serves up some of London’s best Korean food. Housed in Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, it serves up a Korean-inspired tasting menu for a handful of enthusiastic diners.

Michael Caines at The Stafford

Probably the only London Michelin restaurant on the list, potentially confused with acting royalty, Michael Caines’ residency at one of London’s most iconic hotels has snapped up a star a mere five months after opening. Really, it should also be named as a Michael-in-starred spot.

Restaurants retaining their stars

Three stars

• The Ledbury, Notting Hill
• Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, Mayfair
• Core by Clare Smyth, Notting Hill.
• Sketch Lecture Room & Library, Mayfair
• Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Chelsea
• Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Park Lane

Two stars

• Humble Chicken, Soho
• The Ritz, Piccadilly
• Gymkhana, Mayfair
• Brooklands, Knightsbridge
• Trivet, Southwark
• Alex Dilling at the Cafe Royal, Piccadilly
• Ikoyi, The Strand
• The Clove Club, Shoreditch
• A. Wong, Pimlico
• Da Terra, Hackney
• Restaurant Story, London Bridge
• Kitchen Table, Bloomsbury
• Dinner by Heston, Knightsbridge

One star

• 64 Goodge Street, Fitzrovia
• AngloThai, Marylebone
• Caractére, Notting Hill
• Cornus, Belgravia
• Lita, Marylebone
• Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO, Westminster
• OMA, Borough
• Chishuru, Fitzrovia
• Plates, Shoreditch
• Mountain, Soho
• 1890 at The Savoy, The Strand
• Pavyllon, Mayfair
• Dorian, Notting Hill
• Akoko, Fitzrovia
• Sushi Kanesaka, Mayfair
• Aulis, Soho
• Ormer, Mayfair
• Luca, Clerkenwell
• Cycene, Shoreditch
• Taku, Mayfair
• St Barts, Smithfield
• Sollip, Southwark
• Kol, Marylebone
• The Frog by Adam Handling, Covent Garden
• Wild Honey St James, St James
• Jamavar, Mayfair
• Evelyn’s Table, Soho
• Sola, Soho
• Benares, Mayfair
• Casa Fofo, Hackney
• Muse y Tom Aikens, Belgravia
• Behind, London Fields
• Umu, Mayfair
• The Dysart Petersham, Richmond
• Endo at the Rotunda, White City
• Brat, Shoreditch
• Sabor, Mayfair
• Hide, Piccadilly
• The Ninth, Fitzrovia
• Pied a Terre, Fitzrovia
• The Harwood Arms, Fulham
• The River Cafe, Hammersmith
• La Trompette, Chiswick
• St. John, Clerkenwell
• Angler, The City
• Elystan Street, Chelsea
• Kitchen W8, Kensington
• Trinity, Clapham
• Galvin La Chapelle, Spitalfields
• Chez Bruce, Wandsworth
• Amaya, Belgravia
• Petrus, Belgravia
• Murano, Mayfair
• Veeraswamy, Mayfair
• Portland, Marylebone
• Trishna, Marylebone
• The Dining Room at The Goring, Westminster
• Quilon, Westminster

• Jazz Cafe Festival announces headliner act (and it's not actually jazz)

A Michelin star is what restaurants really want from the Michelin guide but there are also its just-announced Bibs awards, which have gone to 13 more London restaurants in 2026.

The Bib Gourmand awards are a bit like Michelin stars for the kind of restaurants we ordinary plebs are more likely to end up at.

“These are the restaurants where generosity is the order of the day, providing tremendous value for money without skimping on flavour,” says Michelin, and 37 of them have been added in the latest round. 13 of those are found in London.

Let’s dig in, and see how cheap those menus really are:

• Akara (Borough Yards) - West African restaurant whose main plates are mostly around £20, aside from the £11 Roasted Aubergine shown on the current sample menu. 
• Cadet (Islington) - Today’s menu includes Winter tomato with black olives, capers and Monk’s beard for £14 and a duck liver mousse for £9. But you might need more than one to fill up in this wine bar. 
• Cafe Spice Namaste (Royal Albert Dock) - Curry with rice mains typically land at £16-24 in this restaurant, which serves Indian food with a European twist. 
• Calling (Stoke Newington) - Korean restaurant offering several mains from £12-16, though pork and beef dishes are £26 at the time of writing. 
• Canteen (Notting Hill) - Walk-in only Italian with an ever-changing menu. But pizzas cost around £17, pastas up to around £30. And meat mains are more. 
• Gina (Chingford) - A meaty menu where most mains cost upwards of £30 but you can always get triple-cooked chips for £6 instead. 
• Goodbye Horses (Islington) - Wine bar serving plates in the £12-20 range. 
• Kruk (Peckham) - Thai spot. Curries cost £12-18.50. Pair with £4 Jasmine rice. Salads around the £10 mark. 
• Lai Rai (Peckham) - Korean serving “big plates” from around £15 to £24. Small plates also available if you’re not too hungry. 
• Oren (Dalston) - Two courses £26 Tues to Thurs. Or A la carte you’ll pay up to around £20 for mains. 
• Singburi (Shoreditch) - Thai place, serving mains up to around £20. 
• Ssam Ssam (Wimbledon) - Korean BBQ serving meats from around £15, bibimbap around the same. And non-BBQ meals with sides for around £20. 
• Tamila (Clapham) - South Indian restaurant. Menu spotlight curries are £16, dosas from £12. 

Almost 3500 restaurants and wine bars have been given a Bib Gourmand gong across the UK to date, and more than 350 of them are in London.

If you want to rifle through the lot, you can do so over at the Michelin website.

• The UK’s top 50 Gastropubs have been announced – and 11 London spots made the list

There are almost an overwhelming number of ways to spend Valentine's, let alone once you start venturing into Galentine’s and Palentine’s territory. Dinners, cocktail-making courses, Pinterest-coded highly themed evenings in, crying into a Jellycat in front of a 90s rom com – all good options. One that tops them all? A three-course meal under one of London’s most exquisite and historical buildings: Old Royal Naval College’s Painted Hall.

Following 4 consecutive sell-out years, Greenwich’s Old Royal Naval College is opening its doors once again for the ultimate event – a Valentine’s Dinner in its Painted Hall. Bringing a scrumptious spectacle under a Baroque masterpiece, on 14th February, Old Royal Naval College is hosting a champagne-filled three-course dinner with live music, swoon-worthy scenes, and a stunning setting.

It’s not the cheapest of evenings, with individual tickets priced at £125 (pp), but after the price of a certain pop star’s Wembley tickets that went on sale this week, it feels like a positive steal. It kicks off at 7pm and will wrap up around 10.30pm, leaving you time to head on to another bar to round off the night, or just head straight home.

On the menu are some delicious-sounding dishes, including: Stonebass ceviche, lamb rump, potato pavé, dark chocolate tart, and a whole host of other French-sounding things which no one is 100 per cent sure is an ingredient or a cooking method. Either way, it’s a fairly sure bet you’ll be sensationally stuffed.

If it doesn’t sound quite fancy enough, you can opt for the VIP Champagne Package, which means, in addition to your welcome glass of champagne, you’ll get a bottle to share between you across the meal.

Designed by  Sir James Thornhill and painted between 1707 and 1726,  the Painted Hall features more than 3,700 square metres of Baroque walls and ceilings. These surfaces are covered in striking images depicting 200 figures, including kings, queens and mythological creatures.

Usually, you can only explore the Painted Hall as part of a visit between the hours of 11am and 4pm so this is a preeeeetty special experience. So if you’ve completely forgotten to organise something for Valentine’s and want to make it look like you have in fact been planning something very, very special for a very long time, then this may just be the answer to your prayers. After all, dinner at a UNESCO World Heritage Site is going to take some beating.

• Marble Arch is getting a brand new 550-seat theatre – and it’s opening this summer

If there’s one thing the UK does well it’s got to be pubs. Whilst there are any number of experimental cocktail bars, dining experiences, fusion restaurants and more, sometimes a classic British pub hits the spot.

London has some great pubs – we should know, we spend half our time trotting across the capital to sink a schooner with your favourite actors, comedians, and influencers. The question is whether London’s lovely watering holes can compete with the cosy country pubs of the rest of the UK. Well, according to Estrella Damm’s yearly Top 50 Gastropub competition, yes they really can. London pubs cleared up a respectable 11 number of places in the top fifty, with one central institution crowned the winner.

Soho’s somewhat infamous Devonshire clinched the top spot, knocking off The Unruly Pig in Suffolk which has held the title the two previous years. Not far behind it was The Red Lion and Sun in Highgate.

It was a bit of a drop after that, with the next London spot landing fourteen places lower down the list. The Baring in Islington was awarded 17th place, followed by Marksman Public House, The Hero of Maida, and The Kerfield Arms, which were ranked 23, 24, and 25 respectively.

The Watermans Arms in Barnes came in at spot 33, with beloved Islington local The Tamil Crown close behind it at number 35.

The Bull & Last came in at 39, The Knave of Clubs in Shoreditch at 43, and The French House in Soho just made the list at number 47.

The top ten in the UK were:

1. The Devonshire, Soho
2. The Unruly Pig, Suffolk
3. The Red Lion and Sun, Highgate
4. The Woolpack Inn, Gloucestershire
5. The Star Inn, York
6. The Angel at Hetton, Yorkshire
7. Parkers Arms, Lancashire
8. The Rat Inn, Northumberland
9. The Rum Fox, Lancashire
10. The Cornish Arms, Devon

Not one to gatekeep excellent pubs, Estrella Damm also named and ranked the top 51-100 – aka. The (other) shortlist which didn’t quite make the cut. A further 11 London pubs make the cut for the top 100. These were: The Camberwell Arms (60), The Parakeet, Kentish Town (61), Anchor & Hope (64), The Pelican (65), The Drapers Arms (67), The Fat Badger (75), The Eagle, Farringdon (77), The Clarence Tavern, Stoke Newington (78), The Lady Mildmay (83), The Blue Stoops (88), and Parlour (91).

Basically, what we’ve learnt is that the UK is chock-full of cracking haunts, and luckily you don’t have to head out of London to get some of the best of the crop.

• Dating in London without going broke: actually-fun ideas under £25

Notting Hill has no shortage of gorgeous spots, foodie or not, but its latest building transformation might just be the best yet. We never thought a side effect of the increase in online banking would be a stunning new restaurant but that’s what’s happened thanks to KINZ, a new Lebanese restaurant that’s taken over an old bank.

Following in the footsteps of Marylebone’s Aki in a Grade II converted bank, Kinz is a new spot that has transformed an old Lloyd’s bank dating back to the 1930s into a seriously impressive-looking restaurant. The whole space is giving open-plan, villa-style relaxed design with white stone walls, an exposed staircase, and triple height ceilings.

Kinz will be putting the classics in the spotlight as well as contemporary takes on an all-day menu. Breakfast will feature a Full Lebanese, lunch will have plenty of mezze including favourites like baba ghanousha and tabbouleh. They’ll also have some heartier offerings like lamb kafta, cutlet, fattet aubergine and more, plus all the pitta you can imagine.

Founded by brothers Jad and Karim Lahoud, and Rasha Khouri Bruzzo, it combines the influence of their chef parents and the strong Lebanese community they grew up with in London.

The old building itself was built by architect Sir Edward Maufe who’s work you’ll recognise if not his name itself, as he was the brains behind some of London’s quirkiest buildings, including Heal’s in Tottenham Court Road.

In the restaurant, they’ll also have a deli at the front of the store, where Lebanese delicacies as well as pre-prepared frozen dishes will be available. The restaurant will then unfold across the triple height room, with diners split across the mezzanine and the sprawling ground floor. The old vault will be upcycled and refashioned as a wine room which will have snug dining spaces and tasting tables.

It’s set to open up on 15th April so there’s not long to wait. It will be open over at 50 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3JD, and updates will be shared across their website and Instagram.

• Serpentine Gallery Pavilion re-design plans revealed — a touch of Mexican flair in Kensington Gardens

Many of London’s fanciest restaurants seem to end up in one particular spot, Mayfair, and that’s where beloved sushi handroll place Temaki is heading next.

Temaki opened up in Brixton in 2021, making waves as “London’s first handroll bar.” But its Brixton location closed down last year, with a tease that another opening wouldn’t be too far away.

“We’re taking a short break for summer, and will be reopening in a brand new location in Central London,” the team said.

The restaurant’s Instagram has now posted a teaser, writing “Mayfair, we’re coming” with the new spot’s opening pencilled in for February 2026.

This upcoming location is a little larger than the original, which lived in Brixton Village on Market Row. Space for 18 diners, and a few more on outdoors seating, expands into 28 tabled spots and space for 16 more at the bar.

While we don’t have the finalised Mayfair menu just yet, the original offered small plates, Temaki rolls and multiple set menus for those who prefer an easy life. There were saki flights, a handful of wines and cocktail options.

We expect to see something pretty similar once Temaki reopens next month, although we are promised an expanded menu that includes wagyu sliders and sandos.

Temaki’s Mayfair restaurant will be found at 11 Maddox Street, a short walk from Oxford Circus station, and will be split over two floors.

“We loved our time in Brixton, and with our new creative team we are so excited to build on that success in central London, on Mayfair’s Maddox Street,” says Temaki founder A.M. Dupee.

“We’ve been working on some fun new dishes and will of course serve our signature handrolls – I can’t wait to open the doors!”

The exact date for Temaki Mayfair’s opening is yet to be revealed.

• 28 London restaurants crowned among the best 1000 in the world

If we’re all being honest, one of the best parts of going to any exhibition is the tearooms at the end of it it’s the pot of gold(en shortbread) at the end of the cultural rainbow. Mestizo in Chelsea see your tearoom, and have raised us all an immersive Live Art and dining experience.

Supported by UN Women, Mestizo is hosting Frida Kahlo: Women Experiences from 22nd January to April 10th. Popping up in Mestizo’s downstairs space, the experience invites guests to step inside Kahlo’s emotional and creative world through interactive installations, evocative projections, never-before-seen photographs, and personal letters.

This isn’t your bog standard exhibition though, as guests can sign up for a five-course Mexican tasting menu, insiored by the very menu served at Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera’s wedding, with a paired mezcal and tequila tasting. Sounds like a celebration to me.

The whole exhibition reveals lesser-known chapters of her life, whilst also celebrating her legacy as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, and a feminist icon.

Tickets are now on sale for both the exhibition and the added tasting experience via Fever. General admission tickets for just the exhibition are £15, with the added wedding menu and mezcal tasting at a set price of £60. Whilst £60 feels more on the spenny side, you are getting a full five-course authentic menu and spirits pairing for £45 which sounds much better.

If you’re an art enthusiast, looking for something unique to do, or just a lover of Mexican food, this is a good one to have on your radar.

• From Gen Z comedians to Yes Prime Minister’s closing chapter: These are the 10 best shows heading to London theatres in 2026

When you think of a top culinary destination, places like Italy, France, and Japan probably all spring to mind. The UK’s good ol’ London probably doesn’t. However thanks to TripAdvisor, we have a new, data-backed winner – and it's none other than Old Blighty.

The review site looked back over its 12-month backlog of data to crown the winners of the 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Destinations. Looking across 60 countries and 270 destinations, TripAdvisor looked at all categories from Trending Destinations, to Culture & History, and Solo Travel Destinations, crowning a winner for each. And across all of them, London came out on top for scran.

To be fair, the London dining scene is fairly top notch, and has undergone a serious glow up from the days of pie and mash and fish and chips being your two options. It now boasts everything from multiple Michelin starred spots with a two month waitlist, to the best hole-in-the-wall dumpling spots and under-the-radar local favourites. Whether you’re after a wine bar, street food, a market, or an afternoon tea, London will have a stunningly delicious spot.

Hot on the heels of London were Dubai, Rome, and Hong Kong, which came in second, third, and fourth spot respectively, for the Best of the Best Foodie Destinations.

The full top 10 were:

1. London, UK
2. Dubai, UAE
3. Rome, Italy
4. Hong Kong
5. Paris, France
6. Majorca, Spain
7. Doha, Qatar
8. Crete, Greece
9. Bangkok, Thailand
10. Marrakech, Morocco

As well as ranking in the number one spot for food, London also scored pretty highly across some of TripAdvisor’s other categories, clocking in at number 2 for Best Destination in the World (pipped by Bali – a very worthy winner), and for the Best Culture Destination in the World. Plus, it managed to scoop up third place for Best Solo Destination in the world. Hopefully this will cheer up the miserable commuters, reminding then that London is actually a pretty epic place to live.

• Beloved London spot amie wine studio is opening a brand new spot, Weezie’s

Anyone who has skulled the depths of Hinge and is essentially an encyclopedia of first dates in London will be familiar with the gorgeous amie wine studio tucked away in Eccleston Yards in Belgravia. A certified cool-kid endlessly summery spot, the team behind amie wine studio (and amie wine itself) is opening a brand new spot – and it’s not far away at all.

In fact, Weezie’s, the new all-day-thin-crust pizza spot is opening next door to amie wine studio. Clearly they love the chilled vibes of Eccelston Yards as much as everyone else.

Weezie’s will serve up thin-crust pizzas made with regeneratively farmed flour, alongside small plates, signature sauces (including a southern buttermilk ranch), and drinks by the glass - from amie wines and Guinness to Harbour beers – plus a succinct cocktail list, including Negronis, spicy margaritas, and an old fashioned made from Kentucky straight bourbon. Sumant Sinai known for London foodie favourites like Circus Pizza is on board as Head Chef, and the whole place is set to open in April 2026.

Together with its sister space amie wine studio, the two will form a neighbourhood hub where food, drink, and conversation naturally bring people together. Begin with a glass of amie at amie wine studio before moving over to Weezie's for pizzas, cold pints, and small plates made for sharing. It's walk-ins only (except for tables of 6 or more), with takeaway pizzas available, so you don't need to worry about pre-booking, just rock up and grab one of the spots either in the cosy indoors in the communal terrace that stretches across the main space of the yard.

Inside, the space balances a lively bar at the front with relaxed dining at the back. Basically, if your Instagram fyp is full of gorgeous reclaimed vintage furniture, maximalist interiors, people splitting the G, food videos, and a smattering of beer-gardens and outdoor spaces, this place will be your new favourite. If you ever have disagreements with your other half or friends about whether to go for a wine bar and picky bits or a good pizza and a pint, this might be the place to settle all arguments as you can literally have the best of both worlds.

• Stripping off, keeping a straight face and riding the Tube in your pants: One of London’s strangest traditions returns this January

A famed pizza chef will open a new pizzeria in Peckham this month. And it could end up being the best slice south of the river.

Connie's Pizza is set to open January 26th, and it’s one to watch as its head chef is Andrea Ascuiti, whose 081 Pizzeria made it into the Top 50 Pizza Europa list in 2024.

Connie’s is named after the chef’s wife, and the concept is to blend traditional Italian Neapolitan pizza techniques with British ingredients.

“London-style pizza, made by Italians,” is the pitch. And, yes, the term “Bri-talian” has been splashed across Connie’s Pizza’s social media posts and website too.

Menu highlights

Connie’s Pizza will offer six signature pizzas, including a Vodka Sauce one. This, of course, has a vodka tomato sauce base with aged mozzarella, fior de latte, fresh basil, Grana Padano and a drizzle of olive oil.

We’re yet to see the full menu, but other toppings will include aubergine, chicken, pork, mushrooms and — a little more eye-opening — leeks. And the mozzarella will be made in the UK, with the nduja sausage sourced locally too.

Sides will include mozzarella sticks, meatballs and Mac ’n’ cheese, while there’s just one dessert option at launch, ricotta-filled brioche with whipped cream.

In Neapolitan style, Connie’s Pizza will use high hydration dough fermented for 36-48 hours, to produce a light and crispy base.

“Connie’s exists because too many pizzas are being cooked without care, without understanding fermentation, baking, or balance. Crispy is not a shortcut – it’s a responsibility,” says Ascuiti.

The restaurant will live in the arches under Queen’s Road Peckham station, on the site previously inhabited by Smokey Kudu, which now has a restaurant in Marylebone.

It has room for 53 diners, and is already taking bookings. Don’t want to wait until January 26th? Ascuiti’s Pizzeria 081 has locations in Peckham and Shoreditch, both open daily.

• East London spot wins National Pizza Awards best pizza of the year

If you’re anything like us, to help navigate the maze of London restaurants and TikTok induced queues that swarm the city, we turn to friends and Topjaw to find our next obsession. One of the spots cropping up regularly from Hollywood Royalty to local comedians and even Michelin chefs is Tamila, and its sister sites The Tamil Prince and Tamil Crown. It's the south Indian mini chain that transforms any London borough into a foodie haven.

In its biggest branch to date, Tamila will be landing on Poland Street in Soho in February 2026, marking the third outpost of the restaurants with its existing sites in Clapham and King’s Cross.

The menu will feature a range of dishes from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, with a mix of traditional dishes like Thanjavur chicken curry, dosas, dhals, as well as more experimental offerings. They also serve up some seriously good vegetarian dishes like the paneer butter masala, and if I’m being honest the main root of my obsession with them is the Gunpowder Margarita which rivals anything you’ll find in a top London cocktail bar.

Speaking about the new opening, co-founder Prince Durairaj has said: ‘Soho has always felt like a playground for some of London’s most exciting and much-loved restaurants, so opening here has been a real dream of mine. It’s such a special and energetic part of the city for hospitality, and I feel incredibly grateful to be bringing Tamila into the mix and rubbing shoulders with places I’ve admired for years.’

Bringing their iconic flavours to the West End, Tamila is making a strong entry for the most exciting restaurant of 2026, just 6 days in. It will be opening in February on 19-20 Poland Street, W1F 8QF.

• London is getting its first-ever Michelin-starred breakfast tasting menu – and it comes with a £70 price tag