Trendy & Tasty Experiences in the British Capital
Given the global influence, London’s diversity is reflective in its cuisine as much as anything else. It is the kind of city you can visit over and over and never eat the same thing twice. The options in London are truly endless.
Enjoyed by tourists and locals alike, this list covers a small, yet diverse, flavor of what London has to offer. These bars and restaurants are some of the most memorable for me, not only for the delicious food, but also for the overall experience. I specifically sought out trendy places that were unique and/or had great ambience. I did not include any hole-in-the-wall or local joints selling fish n’ chips — although these experiences are quintessentially British and absolutely worth checking out!
Restaurants
Hoppers (Sri Lankan)
Every time we asked locals for a recommendation, Hoppers inevitably came up. Dining here wasn’t part of our original plan, but given it came so highly recommended, we decided to make a stop.
The Soho location is quaint and if you don’t plan ahead, you’ll likely find yourself waiting, like we did. However, the wait is well worth it! Try the Kothu Roti and of course, it’s namesake, “The Hopper”. I did not take a single picture — that is all you need to know about how much we enjoyed the meal.
Cicolo Popolare (Pizza / Italian)
If you are on the hunt for the most Instagrammable restaurant in London — Cicolo Popolare is it. The endless rows of bottles on the walls combined with the greenery hanging from the ceiling create a stunning ambience. Everything on the menu we ordered was delicious, but the restaurant is best known for its Neapolitan pizza. It’s worth noting that Cicolo Popolare only releases a certain number of reservations per day and only for parties of less than six. Even if you can’t secure a reservation, you should still try showing up and getting a spot. We ended up waiting about an hour and would gladly do it again. Its parent company, Big Mamma, also owns multiple restaurants throughout Europe. If you happen to be traveling around the EU, be sure to check them out!
Savoy Hotel (Afternoon Tea)
Experiencing a classic high tea was at the top of my London bucket list and although many hotels and restaurants throughout the city offer it, the Savoy is known to be the best.
Served in the Thames Foyer, a glass-domed atrium, the experience was flawless from beginning to end. For almost three hours we stuffed ourselves silly with a bottomless assortment of tea sandwiches, scones, pastries and of course, perfectly poured tea (try the caramel tea)! You can also take your high tea up a notch with a cocktail!
Dishoom (Indian)
Indian food is as synonymous with England as The Queen. So, it should come as no surprise that the national dish is Chicken Tikka Masala! I personally find this amusing given the history between England and India; things have really come full circle! This also means you should absolutely hit up an Indian restaurant while in London. There are many options for great Indian food from casual to upscale, but Dishoom is something special.
Imagine popular Bombay favorites served with a modern twist. They even have cocktails played off of traditional Indian beverages! There are many locations throughout London (we went to Carnaby) and unless you make a reservation, be prepared to wait. Luckily, they serve hot chai and fresh snacks to those waiting in line. As the icing on the cake, Dishoom’s philosophy of bringing people together through food resonates with our [Beyond Borders Collective] mission.
The Breakfast Club (American / British)
This quirky breakfast place has eclectic decor – think mismatched chairs and random posters – and offers both American and British favorite breakfast foods all day long. It was fun to experience the British take on American breakfast!
Selfridges & Harrods (Food Hall / Department store)
It is likely that both Selfridges and Harrods are already on your London itinerary, given the institutions that they are. And while you’re likely to go to both to shop, you should also stay to eat. Both department stores have a wonderful food hall with a plethora of options for both dining in or carrying out.
During our visit we picked up a large assortment of baked goods at Harrods and enjoyed a late afternoon ramen bowl at Selfridges. It’s also worth noting that both stores sell plenty of foodstuff, which make for great gifts!
Cocktail Bars
If the Harry Potter franchise married a mixologist, The Alchemist would be its offspring. Equal parts fun and delicious, this trendy bar is known for drinks that could be mistaken for a science experiment. We stumbled upon this bar walking around the Covent Garden area, but there are many Alchemist locations all over London and the UK in general.
PS: McDonald’s is conveniently located next door, making it the perfect post-bar stop. PPS: I cannot make a trip to Europe without getting the McVeggie at least once. Whether it is nostalgia or something else I am, shall we say, obsessed.
Located in the posh neighborhood of Mayfair, Sketch is a well-known spot for high tea, dinner and cocktails. Depending on what you are going there for, there are multiple rooms, each with their own unique personality. We opted to go for post-dinner drinks in the Garden Room. The drinks were yummy and the decor was over-the-top decor and memorable. This may sound odd, but be sure to check out the bathroom! If you’ve been there, you know!
On South Bank, right alongside the River Thames, Lyaness is aptly named for its award-winning bartender extraordinaire, Ryan Chetiyawardana, a.k.a Mr. Lyan. If you have an appreciation for spirits and mixology, this spot is worth checking out.
Part of the luxurious Hotel Shangri-La, Gong Bar is on the 52nd floor of the Shard. If you want to get aerial views of the River Thames and the city skyline this is the highest you can get without going to the Shard observatory. There is no economic benefit to going here over the observatory deck as there is a 30 pound per person minimum spend. However, at least you can have a drink and enjoy a nice spot to sit for the same price.
A Local Pub
Any pub. Literally. Find a pub in whatever neighborhood you are in and have a pint. It is basically a right of passage. If the pub is overflowing and people are hanging outside, you most certainly found the right one.
Final Thoughts
Almost all of the restaurants (and some bars) listed have multiple locations throughout London and even Europe. Aside from the food halls, I highly recommend making a reservation for all of these places. Otherwise, you’re almost guaranteed a wait or worse, disappointment. These restaurants are also all vegetarian friendly! Happy eating and drinking!
Do you have a favorite restaurant or bar in London? We’d love to hear about it!
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