By Montana Jade Hall
Whether you’re about to dash off to a theatrical performance on West End or spend a luxurious long lunch indulging in delicious dishes, there are many eateries that’ll cater to the occasion and simultaneously whet your appetite.
Googling, “best British restaurants” or “cutest cafes in London” will bring up a host of options which can be overwhelming. With an insightful guide like this to steer you in your desired direction whether its price, ethics, or atmosphere, you’ll find a few choices to satisfy your soul and taste buds!
This is your opportunity to slip into your sexy and stylish new dress for drinks with friends, or dine–and wine–while the city’s night scene comes to life. Maybe it begins with Mexican or an array of Italian cuisine that ends tipsily at a wine bar or iconic British pub. Following on from a glittering night out, ease into a Sunday slow-living inspired brunch. From the classic English breakfast and coffee or granola and mimosas to chia pots and green juice, your plate is abundant.
Authentic Dining: Wahaca – South Bank ($$)
As you wander down the lamp-lit south bank alongside the Thames, this sustainably geared, Mexican street-food restaurant is housed in a colourful collection of eight bold shipping containers.
Their classic Mexican dishes are guaranteed to get your mouth watering–you can be sure it’s not only the chilli.
With a wide and inclusive menu that ranges from guacamole and tortilla starters to quesadillas, grills, and enchiladas, there is something for everyone. Over and above the recycled shipping boxes, their franchise has an earth-friendly ethos that ranges from the straw ban to ethically sourced ingredients and vegan and gluten-free alternatives.
Other Options:
Bao, Fitzrovia (£), Bill’s, Covent Garden (££), Padella, Borough Market (££), Homeslice Pizza, Neal’s Yard (££)
Vegan/ Vegetarian: Wild Food Cafe – Islington (££)
Birthed from the same origin, just like children, the Islington and Covent Garden branches both have their own expression. This newborn’s enveloping design has quirky notes of turquoise, blue, and pink mingled with a modern touch of marble and brass.
It’s difficult to spotlight a single meal on the menu, especially when blueberry dreams and cherry ecstasy smoothies feature midst their cold-pressed juices and rainbow cheesecake. For heartier options, their wood-fired oven and quinoa-crusts hold ambrosial promise.
Other Options:
Oliveira, Sheen (££), Titbits, Mayfair (££-£££), Farmacy, Notting Hill (££-£££)
Redemption Bar, Notting Hill (££)
Wine Bars: The Remedy – Fitzrovia (££)
Watch your wine wishes come true with steady sips of a well-selected glass of lip-staining red or a twist on the brisk ice-melting chardonnay. A place for the passionate wine drinker, this cosy hideaway indulges more than the adventurous palate.
They also cater to the hangover-conscious with healthier, chemical-free options that coincide with their name; after all, maybe the cure does lie in an incredible glass of wine. You won’t be remiss for choice as they constantly update their wine list of reds and whites, as well as oranges, which have more skin contact resulting in amber hues and bolder tastes.
Other Options:
Salon, Brixton (££), Sager + Wilde, Hackney (££), Noble Rot, Bloomsbury (££-£££), The 10 Cases, Covent Garden (££-£££)
Pub Choice: Sherlock Holmes – Charing Cross ($$)
Whisk yourself away for the afternoon and wander into Victorian London, situated atop the aptly named pub, Sherlock Holmes. The pub itself is lined with golden, printed wallpaper and antique decor. However, the minute you step upstairs, you’re pulled into the exciting lives of Sherlock and Watson.
It is rich in texture, colour, and a dramatic flair that flows throughout like a draught on-tap. Among the other options such as burgers, sausage rolls, and baked sweet potatoes, some of the pub favourites and ales on the menu are named after our leading characters.
Other Options:
Fox and Hound, Battersea (££), The Drapers Arms, Ealing (££), The Culpeper, Spitalfields (££), The Mayflower, Rotherhithe (££)
Cute Cafes: Fork Deli Patisserie – Bloomsburg (£)
In the fashionable heart of Bloomsbury, lies the Instagrammable rustic-chic cafe with seasonal breakfast, brunch and lunch options–not forgetting its signboard outside which draws you in laughing at the quirky coffee-related sayings.
This cute cafe is a true brunch-goers dream with their selection of pastries, gluten-free options, invitingly warm atmosphere, and steaming cups of coffee. Their weekend brunch menu boasts granola compotes, bagels, fried egg variations, and French toast, all of which fall under the umbrella hashtag, “treat yourself”.
Other Options:
Aida, Shoreditch (££), Boys ‘n’ Berry, Fulham (£), Monmouth, Covent Garden (££), Dominique Ansel Bakery, Belgravia (££)
So the next time you’re in London, tailor your foodie experiences to your personal preference. You can sip mimosas and slice through an English Breakfast while deciding where next to splurge or swirl your spoon within a decorative smoothie bowl as you plot your route to sight-seeing hotspots. It’s worth packing in your camera–you won’t want to forget these palate and atmospheric delights!
THE LIFESTYLE COLLECTIVE 