Sprawled across 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, Stockholm is a metropolis where sleek Scandinavian design harmonises with centuries-old cobblestone streets. Sweden’s capital city combines cutting-edge culture with regal history, offering visitors a uniquely balanced Nordic experience.
While its reputation for minimalist aesthetics and meatballs precedes it, even a cursory visit to Stockholm reveals a city of unexpected contrasts – where pristine waterways flow between ochre-coloured buildings and where tradition and innovation coexist in seamless splendour.
With just 48 hours to discover this archipelago city, strategic planning is pretty much essential. From island-hopping adventures to fika breaks that will have you embracing the Swedish art of living well, here’s how to make the most of your whirlwind Swedish sojourn in Stockholm.
Day 1: Old Town & Royal Heritage
Morning: Gamla Stan Breakfast
Begin your Stockholm adventure in Gamla Stan, the city’s old town and medieval heart. As morning light gilds the narrow alleyways and ochre-hued buildings, find your way to Grillska Huset, a charming café housed in a 17th-century building on Stortorget square. Open from 10am, here you can indulge in freshly baked kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) and strong Swedish coffee – a proper introduction to the celebrated Swedish fika tradition. Their cardamom buns, with a perfect balance of spice and sweetness, have earned local (and, soon to be, your) devotion.
While tourists are still waking up, take advantage of the quiet morning to wander the winding cobblestone streets. Squeeze down Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, the city’s narrowest alley at just 90 centimetres wide, before emerging into the grandeur of Stortorget, the oldest square in Stockholm. Ringed by merchants’ houses painted in sunset shades of terracotta, saffron and rust, this historical centre offers your first glimpse into Stockholm’s bygone era.
If you’re still hungry, rent a bike and ride 15 minutes (and back again) to the former prison on Långholmen. The island’s jail building is now a hotel which serves one of the most popular and traditional weekend brunches in Stockholm.
Midday: The Royal Palace
Continue your morning with a visit to the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet), one of Europe’s largest palaces with over 600 rooms spread across seven floors. While the royal family no longer resides here, the palace remains the setting for most official ceremonies. Time your visit to catch the daily changing of the guard, a ceremonial spectacle complete with military band and precision marching.
Inside the palace, tour the Royal Apartments with their rococo splendour and the Treasury, home to the Swedish crown jewels. History enthusiasts should venture down to the Tre Kronor Museum, which tells the story of the medieval castle that preceded the palace before burning down in 1697.
For lunch, take a pleasant 15 minute stroll north to Restaurang Prinsen, a classic Swedish brasserie that’s been serving traditional fare since 1897. Try the house speciality, köttbullar – Swedish meatballs served with creamy mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and a rich gravy. The restaurant’s dark wood interiors, brass fixtures, and vintage photographs create an atmosphere that feels quintessentially Stockholm.
Image via @PrinsensthlmImage via @Prinsensthlm
Afternoon: The Vasa Museum
After lunch, take a short walk or a quick tram ride to the Vasa Museum on Djurgården island, home to the world’s only almost fully intact 17th-century warship. The Vasa sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and lay preserved in the cold Baltic Sea until its recovery in 1961. Now meticulously restored, this maritime time capsule offers a mesmerising glimpse into naval history.
The multi-storey museum allows visitors to view the ship from various angles, while exhibitions detail everything from the sailors’ lives to the preservation techniques used to save the wooden vessel. Plan for about 1.5 hours here to fully appreciate this remarkable attraction.
For families or those with extra time, Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum, is just a 10-minute walk away. This living history exhibit showcases five centuries of Swedish life through reconstructed buildings and farmsteads from across the country. However, as Skansen deserves at least 2-3 hours to properly explore, you might choose to save it for a return visit rather than rush through both attractions.
Don’t forget to indulge in a spot of fika in the mid-afternoon slot, too. It’s worth seeking out a semla, which is a cardamom-spiced bun filled with almond paste and whipped cream. Traditionally, they are eaten on Shrove Tuesday; however, you can now find them year-round in coffee shops all over Stockholm. Approximately a twenty-minute walk from the museum is Tössebageriet, which still sells them only from New Year to Easter—a bakery that has been open for over 100 years and is known for its innovative takes on semla, including the Eclair Semla, which has a choux pastry base, and the Semla Wrap, in which the dough is flattened and wrapped around the fillings to make it easier to eat
Evening: Exploring Södermalm
As evening approaches, cross over to Södermalm, Stockholm’s bohemian southern island and one of the city’s trendiest districts. Once a working-class area, Söder has transformed into the city’s creative pivot filled with vintage boutiques, independent galleries, and hip cafés while retaining its authentic character.
Begin your evening here with a sunset stroll along Monteliusvägen, a walking path that offers panoramic views across the water to Gamla Stan and Riddarholmen. The golden evening light illuminating the city’s spires creates postcard-perfect vistas.
For dinner, book a table at Pelikan, a Stockholm institution that has been serving traditional Swedish husmanskost (home cooking) since the late 19th century. The cavernous beer hall, with its high ceilings and long wooden tables, specialises in hearty classics like Janssons frestelse (potato gratin with anchovies) and pytt i panna (Swedish hash). Pair your meal with a glass of aquavit or a local craft beer from one of Stockholm’s burgeoning microbreweries.
Images via @pelikan.se@pelikan.se
Cap your night with a cocktail at Himlen, a sleek restaurant and bar perched 104 metres above sea level on Södermalm’s highest point. Their Nordic-inspired cocktails here incorporate local ingredients like cloudberries and birch sap, while floor-to-ceiling windows offer spectacular night views of the illuminated city below.
Day 2: Modern Stockholm & The Archipelago
Morning: Breakfast and Photography
Begin your second day with breakfast at Pom & Flora in the fashionable SoFo (South of Folkungagatan) district. This bright, minimalist café epitomises contemporary Scandinavian design while serving up hearty breakfasts featuring house-made granola, açaí bowls, and perfectly poached eggs on sourdough. Their filter coffee, meticulously brewed from locally roasted beans, provides the caffeine kick needed for a full day of exploration.
From here, make your way to the Fotografiska, Stockholm’s internationally acclaimed photography museum housed in a converted customs house on Södermalm’s waterfront. The striking brick building hosts world-class exhibitions ranging from documentary photojournalism to conceptual art, all united by exceptional photographic vision. The top-floor café offers not only superb organic fare but also some of the best views in Stockholm.
Midday: Swedish Design and Shopping
Dedicate your late morning to exploring Stockholm’s design heritage (no, we’re not about to suggest a visit to IKEA), starting with a visit to Svenskt Tenn on Strandvägen. Founded in 1924, this iconic design house showcases the colourful textiles and furniture of Josef Frank alongside contemporary Swedish designers. Even if you’re not shopping, the store functions as a living museum of Swedish interior design.
Continue to Nordiska Galleriet for high-end Scandinavian furniture or wander the boutiques of Biblioteksgatan for fashion from Swedish brands like Acne Studios, Filippa K, and J.Lindeberg. For more accessible design finds, head to DesignTorget, which curates practical yet beautiful items from up-and-coming designers.
For lunch, stop at the food hall in Östermalms Saluhall, recently renovated but dating back to 1888. Beneath the soaring ceilings of this architectural gem, sample Swedish specialities from various vendors. Try Lisa Elmqvist for the freshest seafood, including gravlax (cured salmon) and shrimp sandwiches, or sample charcuterie from Willy Ohlsson’s Charkuteri & Catering.
No visit to Stockholm is complete without experiencing the city from its defining element: water. Built across 14 islands, Stockholm offers numerous ways to explore its waterways.
For a practical and budget-friendly option, use SL (Stockholm’s Public Transport) boats, which are included in the regular transport network. Line 80 runs between Nybroplan and Frihamnen, perfect for sightseeing. Hop off at Allmänna gränd to explore Djurgården’s attractions including the ABBA Museum and Skansen.
For those preferring a structured experience, the 1-hour Under the Bridges tour or 2-hour Royal Canal Tour depart from Strömkajen near the Grand Hôtel. The longer option ventures closer to the gateway of the archipelago with its 30,000 islands and islets. For a truly memorable experience, bespoke tour operators in Scandinavia can arrange private boat tours with knowledgeable local captains who’ll navigate you to hidden gems in the archipelago that most visitors never discover.
Alternatively, Line 89 offers a delightful cruise on Lake Mälaren from Klara Mälarstrand towards the island of Ekerö – a quintessentially Swedish afternoon experience.
After your water adventure, head to the Moderna Museet on Skeppsholmen island. This world-class museum houses works by Picasso, Matisse, and Dali alongside Swedish artists like Hilma af Klint. Allow about 1.5 hours if you’re selective about which exhibitions to explore.
Evening: Fine Dining and Cocktails
For your final evening in Stockholm, treat yourself to the new Nordic cuisine that has revolutionised the global food scene. Reserve well in advance for a table at Ekstedt, where chef Niklas Ekstedt cooks exclusively with fire – no electricity or gas – creating smoky, primal dishes with refined execution. The tasting menu might include ember-baked leeks with vendace roe or juniper-smoked reindeer with beetroot and spruce flower, each dish showcasing traditional, live-fire techniques applied to seasonal ingredients. The tasting menu here is around £200.
For a more moderate splurge, consider Lilla Ego in Vasastan, a neighbourhood bistro that’s Michelin-listed but affordable. Founded by chefs Daniel Räms and Tom Sjöstedt, it serves innovative Swedish cuisine in a relaxed setting. Their ever-changing menu celebrates seasonal Nordic ingredients with creative twists – try their butter-fried pike-perch or the hay-smoked beef tartare if available.
End your weekend in Stockholm with a nightcap at Pharmarium, located on the spot where Stockholm’s first pharmacy opened in 1575. Their experimental cocktails incorporate historical herbs and spices once used for medicinal purposes, creating unique flavour profiles you won’t find elsewhere. Try the Artemisia, featuring absinthe, elderflower, and cucumber, all served with theatrical flair. We won’t ruin the surprise!
Neighbourhood Know-How: Where To Stay In Stockholm
Each island in Stockholm and district offers a different facet of the city’s personality. For first-time visitors, Gamla Stan provides unparalleled historical atmosphere and central convenience, with cobblestone streets leading directly to major sights. Norrmalm, the modern city centre, offers practical advantages with proximity to Central Station and the main shopping district, while those seeking Stockholm’s creative pulse will appreciate Södermalm with its independent boutiques and vibrant café culture.
Östermalm, the city’s most exclusive district, is ideal for luxury seekers and design enthusiasts, while for families, the leafy island of Djurgården provides space to breathe plus easy access to child-friendly attractions like Skansen and Junibacken.
The Bottom Line
Stockholm manages to be simultaneously grand and intimate, innovative and traditional, urban and close to nature. In just 48 hours, you can sample its royal heritage, design excellence, culinary creativity, and natural, sustainable beauty – all while experiencing the balanced lifestyle that Swedes have perfected.
As your whirlwind tour concludes, you’ll understand why Stockholmers proudly call their home ‘Beauty on Water’. The city’s elegant architecture reflected in clear waters, its seasonal cuisine celebrating Nordic ingredients, and its design ethos valuing both function and beauty exemplify the Swedish approach to life – thoughtful, harmonious, and quietly spectacular.
While 48 hours merely scratches Stockholm’s surface, this taste of Swedish culture and lifestyle will undoubtedly leave you planning your return to explore more islands, discover more museums, and indulge in more fika breaks in this captivating Nordic capital.
As the first hints of spring begin to emerge across the UK, with daffodils nodding in the breeze and cherry blossoms preparing their annual display, many of us find our thoughts drifting towards summer holiday plans. March is actually the perfect time to plot your summer adventures, allowing ample opportunity to book the best accommodations before the rush.
Next year, we’re embracing the freedom of the open road in the unsurpassed majesty of the Emerald Isle. Home to serene landscapes, towering cliffs, ancient castles, and quaint villages, Ireland offers scenic drives that will leave you awe-struck. Here are 9 of the most unforgettable road trips in Ireland that you cannot afford to miss in 2025.
The Wild Atlantic Way
One of the UK and Ireland’s most iconic road trips, covering an impressive 2,500 kilometres from Malin Head in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork, this trip will take approximately two weeks if driven non-stop. However, it is best savoured over a month. Experience the rugged beauty of Ireland’s west coast, with highlights including the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Skellig Islands in County Kerry, and the buzzing Galway city nightlife.
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Wild Atlantic Way offers unparalleled opportunities to spot dolphins, whales, and seabirds along its extensive coastline. Consider taking a boat trip from Dingle to meet the local dolphin population or visit the Cliffs of Moher during nesting season when thousands of puffins, guillemots, and razorbills create a spectacular natural display.
The journey also takes you through the lunar-like landscape of the Burren, the mystical boglands of Connemara, and the towering sea stacks at Downpatrick Head. Be sure to sample the local seafood chowder in the fishing villages dotting the route—each establishment claims to have the most authentic recipe, passed down through generations of fishing families.
The West Cork Coastal Journey
As you can expect the above drive as many as 1,600 miles, then for a shorter version of the above, why not drive the West Cork portion of the Wild Atlantic Way?
Starting in the bustling town of Kinsale, known as Ireland’s Gourmet Capital for its exceptional local cuisine, particularly its seafood, you embark on a journey encompassing picture-perfect landscapes, rich history, and warm local charm. The winding road takes you past rugged coastlines, through rolling green hills, and colourful villages.
You’ll pass through the bustling market town of Skibbereen, the idyllic Glandore village, and onto the maritime haven of Baltimore. Venturing further, the route opens up to the Mizen Head, Ireland’s most southwesterly point, boasting dramatic cliffs and captivating ocean views.
The Ring Of Kerry
This 179-kilometre scenic loop in southwest Ireland can be completed in a day, but to truly enjoy its beauty, consider a two-day trip. Immerse yourself in the Killarney National Park, visit the picturesque town of Kenmare, and behold the sweeping views from the Ladies View.
If you’re keen to broaden the scope of your road trip for at least a little longer, then driving the Dingle Peninsula is the natural extension to the Ring of Kerry. The peninsula is stunning and far less crowded. You can visit the town of Dingle, see Fungi the Dolphin, and drive the Slea Head Drive which offers dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Inishowen 100
The Inishowen 100 covers a 160-kilometre circular route around County Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula, and is a recognised driving trail marked with distinctive blue signposts numbered 1-100. Beginning in Bridgend, the route hugs the peninsula’s coastline, offering breathtaking views across Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle. Stop at Malin Head, Ireland’s northernmost point, where rugged cliffs meet the Atlantic and, on clear nights, the Northern Lights can often be seen dancing across the sky.
The Five Finger Strand presents one of Europe’s largest sand dune systems, whilst the historic Doagh Famine Village provides sobering insights into Irish history. The route passes through charming fishing villages like Moville and Greencastle, where fresh seafood taverns offer perfect rest stops. Look out for Grianán of Aileach, an ancient stone fort dating back to 1700 BC that offers panoramic views across three counties.
The 190-kilometre Boyne Valley Drive through Ireland’s Ancient East takes you through Counties Meath and Louth, showcasing some of Ireland’s most significant historical treasures. Ideally explored over one to two days, begin in Drogheda before discovering the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne, featuring the Neolithic passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth.
The route continues to the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland, and the impressive Trim Castle, Ireland’s largest Norman fortress. While self-driving offers flexibility, many visitors find that guided group tours of Ireland bring a different kind of beauty to the experience, with expert insights into these ancient monuments and the sociable aspect both welcome additions to an already stunning drive.
Complete your journey by sampling the delights of the Boyne Valley Food Trail, featuring artisanal produce that celebrates the region’s rich agricultural heritage. This drive perfectly balances Ireland’s stunning landscapes with its fascinating historical narrative.
The Sky Road, Clifden
An exquisite 16-kilometre circular drive in Connemara, County Galway, can be covered in a leisurely hour with stops. The highlights of this trip involve the magnificent Clifden Castle, the turquoise waters of Streamstown Bay, and the unparalleled views from the Sky Road’s highest point.
The Sky Road is renowned for the ever-changing light that transforms the landscape throughout the day. Morning brings a soft glow to the heather-covered hills, while sunset turns the Atlantic into a canvas of gold and crimson. Watch for the old railway viaducts from the defunct Galway to Clifden line, now silent monuments to Victorian engineering. The nearby Derrigimlagh Bog is worth exploring to see where Alcock and Brown crash-landed after completing the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919, and the ruins of the Marconi wireless station that sent some of the world’s first transatlantic radio signals.
The Causeway Coastal Route
Taking you on 313 kilometres of splendour from Belfast to Londonderry, this trail should take you around three to four days. You’ll encounter highlights like the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, the ancient Dunluce Castle, and the adventurous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
Concluding the scenic Causeway Coastal Route is Londonderry is a treat in itself, as the city is rich in history and culture. Visit the 17th century City Walls and the Guildhall within, showcasing Derry’s past. Stroll across the symbolic Peace Bridge to Ebrington Square, known for its art and events. Discover regional history at the Museum of Free Derry and maritime narratives at the Tower Museum.
Via Canva
The Burren Loop
The 160-kilometre Burren Loop can be comfortably completed in a day. Witness the unique karst landscape of the Burren, explore the Poulnabrone Dolmen – an ancient portal tomb, and relish the mouthwatering local Burren Smokehouse salmon.
The Burren’s otherworldly landscape supports Arctic, Alpine, and Mediterranean plants growing side by side—a botanical phenomenon unique in Europe. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers that contrast against the grey stone, with orchids being particularly abundant. Visit Ailwee Cave to discover underground stalactites and waterfalls, or explore ancient stone forts like Caherconnell, where archaeological digs continue to uncover medieval artefacts. The coastal section offers breathtaking views across Galway Bay to the Aran Islands, best witnessed from Black Head lighthouse.
Copper Coast Drive
A 50-kilometre stretch from Dungarvan to Tramore, the Copper Coast Drive is a shorter affair, and takes just an hour, excluding stops. This UNESCO Global Geopark boasts stunning views of the open sea, towering cliffs, deep valleys, and endless panoramas.
Named for the 19th-century copper mines that once flourished here, this UNESCO Global Geopark reveals 460 million years of geological history through its dramatic coastal formations. Visit Bunmahon’s Copper Coast Geopark Centre housed in a restored church. Secluded coves offer perfect swimming spots, with Kilfarrasy Beach’s sea arches and Ballyvooney Cove’s colourful rock strata being particularly photogenic.
The route passes several megalithic tombs and standing stones, while coastal villages showcase classic Irish architecture with brightly painted cottages and traditional pubs offering fresh seafood and impromptu music sessions.
The Bottom Line
So pack your map, ready your camera, and hit these incredible routes for an unforgettable journey through Ireland’s landscape. Savour the dramatic vistas, cultural richness, and exhilarating twists and turns of these phenomenal road trips. Happy driving in 2025!
Some say that Santorini, the captivating Greek island and jewel of the Aegean Sea, is the most visually arresting place on earth. Regularly topping ‘most Instagrammed location’ lists, it’s a destination focused firmly on aesthetics, from spectacular sunsets to those iconic whitewashed buildings and blue-domed houses. Yep, you know the ones…
But to enjoy Santorini purely through the eyes and the lens would be to miss out on the other sensual pleasures that the Greek island known as Thera has to offer. Nope, we’re not talking about that sensual pleasure, but rather, the incredible food of Santorini, much of which is native to the island and only grown here.
To help unearth the hidden gastronomic gems and foods found off the beaten plate, here are 10 of the best local dishes and delicacies to try in Santorini.
Tomatokeftedes
A kind of fritter using a variety of cherry tomato exclusive to Santorini, you’ll find tomatokeftedes all over Santorini as part of a meze spread, as a standalone appetiser or even as a vegetarian main.
To make tomatokeftedes, these sweet and slightly acidic tomatoes are crushed then mixed with spring onions and fresh, finely chopped herbs, usually parsley and mint. Flour is then mixed in incrementally until a batter-like consistency is achieved. Then, the fritter mix is deep fried, and is traditionally served with some strained Greek yoghurt.
While you’re here, it would be remiss not to visit Santorini’s Tomato Industrial Museum, on the island’s south coast, to learn more about this famous crop.
Roza’s taverna, in the village of Vourvoulos in the north of the island, is said to do a fine version, using tomatoes grown by Roza herself.
A subtly sour cheese made from sheep or goat’s milk, chlorotiri is only made by skilled local producers and this exclusivity makes it pretty hard to find on the island. If you are lucky enough to come across chlorotiri (look for oval shaped, flat slices, often sprinkled with dried thyme or oregano) you’ll savour its creamy yet refreshing quality.
Chlorotiri is often served alongside those Santorini tomatoes we mentioned earlier as part of a reviving salad, perfect for the typically hot days experienced during the island’s summer months.
If you’re in need of a cheese fix and you can’t find the elusive chlorotiri, then saganaki – a slab of haloumi or feta that’s been soaked in milk, dusted with flour and then fried – is ubiquitous on Greek taverna menus and is no less delicious.
Not to be outdone by those marvellous tomatoes and piquant cheese, fava is perhaps Santorini’s most famous dish. Not actually fava beans (broad beans to those in the UK) at all, here, yellow split peas are crushed with garlic and onion before plenty of fine Greek extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice is added to create a silky, sexy, hummus-like dip.
The result is a golden-hued bowl of deliciousness (note: not green) that is often topped with finely chopped onion and a few locally grown capers, another speciality of the island, incidentally. So good is the local fava, in fact, that it’s a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product.
As with any self respecting island, seafood is hugely popular in Santorini, the fresher, the better, and ideally cooked with minimal fuss and maximum respect for the ingredient.
Exemplifying this ethos is the way that Santorini’s top chefs serve locally caught sea urchin, known as axinos. Here, the barbed shell is cut open using scissors, a little extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice is drizzled over the bright orange flesh (actually the sea urchin’s ovaries), and a hunk of bread is used to scoop it all out before it’s enjoyed raw, as fresh as you like and oh-so delicious. Other times, it’s extracted from the shell and served in a bowl, but with the same dressing applied (usually, if nature’s very own bowl has been damaged).
For an expertly sourced, expertly prepared version, consider a meal at fine dining Santorini institution Selene, which regularly has axinos on the menu.
An aubergine dip with a similar flavour profile and mouthfeel to baba ganoush, but minus the tahini, melitzanosalata makes use of another product that is local to Santorini; white aubergines. Free from that hint of bitterness that their purple cousines possess, for melitzanosalata, the white variety is grilled hard in its skins over charcoal or in the oven until the exterior is blackened and the inner flesh is yielding and smoky.
Then, the flesh is mixed with Santorini’s usual culinary suspects; local extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and seasoning. To finish, finely chopped parsley and fresh whole olives top the melitzanosalata. Enjoy!
In Pyros, locals rave about the quality of the melitzanosalata at Kantouni Restaurant. Their fava is excellent, too.
These traditional Santorinian sweet treats showcase the resourcefulness of island cuisine, making delicious confections from simple ingredients. Kopania are small, round sweets made primarily from barley rusks that have been ground into a fine powder, then mixed with raisins that have been soaked in local Vinsanto wine.
The mixture is enriched with crushed almonds, cinnamon, and cloves before being shaped into small balls and generously coated with sesame seeds. The result is a nutritious, not-too-sweet delicacy with a complex flavour profile that perfectly balances nuttiness, spice, and subtle wine notes. Traditionally served alongside Greek coffee or as a quick energy boost for farmers working the volcanic fields, kopania represents Santorini’s ability to create something special from the limited resources available on the island.
Kapari Toursi
Capers grow wild across Santorini’s volcanic landscape, thriving in the dry, mineral-rich soil. What makes the island’s capers special is their intensely aromatic flavor—more pronounced than capers from other regions. Kapari toursi is the traditional preservation method that transforms these foraged flower buds into a year-round delicacy.
The unopened buds are carefully handpicked, then preserved in a solution of sea salt and Santorinian vinegar. After fermenting for several weeks, the capers develop their distinctive tangy, briny finish. Served as part of a meze spread or used to elevate various dishes like a Greek salad with goats cheese, these pickled capers add a characteristic burst of flavour that encapsulates Santorini’s terroir. You’ll find them garnishing numerous dishes across the island, from salads to fish preparations, adding both visual appeal and a punch of authentic local flavour.
This traditional Cycladic fish dish holds a special place in Santorini’s coastal cuisine. Brantada features salt cod that has been soaked, then coated in a rich garlic sauce emulsion before being lightly fried to perfection. The sauce, made from an abundance of garlic, vinegar, and the island’s fruity olive oil, creates a distinctive, sauve flavour that’s both bold and refined.
The preparation method is believed to have originated as a preservation technique among fishing communities across the Cyclades, including Santorini. Today, it’s considered something of a delicacy, often served with skordalia (garlic mashed potatoes) and a generous drizzle of olive oil. The contrast between the crisp exterior and tender, flaky fish within makes brantada a must-try for seafood enthusiasts visiting the island.
Whilst grilled octopus is famous across all the Greek islands, we simply couldn’t leave it out of a comprehensive guide to Santorini’s gastronomic treasures.
Here on the island, local tavernas and seaside restaurants serve this Aegean classic with love. Santorini’s xtapodi is traditionally prepared by first tenderising the octopus (often by beating it against coastal rocks – a sight you might witness if you’re up early enough to catch the local fishermen at work). After this rather dramatic introduction to island life, the octopus is hung to dry in the Mediterranean sun before being chargrilled over open flames.
The result is nothing short of magnificent – smoky, caramelised tentacles with a perfect balance of chewiness and tenderness, simply dressed with the island’s prized olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and a scattering of dried oregano. Accompanied by a glass of crisp Assyrtiko wine (more on that in a moment), this is the quintessential Santorini sunset experience.
For an exceptional octopus dish with unparalleled views, head to Ammoudi Fish Tavern in Oia’s port, where the day’s catch is displayed prominently before being expertly prepared mere metres from the Aegean waters.
Santorini is sometimes referred to as the Wine Island, and it’s easy to see why. Due to the island’s dry and volcanic landscape and mineral-rich soil, there are indigenous grape varieties only found on these shores. This, of course, lends itself to some rare local wines.
If this is going to be your first time visiting Santorini, we’d recommend first sampling the famous Assyrtiko dry white wine of the region, which contains distinctive volcanic mineral notes and the intoxicating aroma of citrus fruit. From this entry level, expand whichever way your taste buds take you, though you shouldn’t miss the island’s famous, naturally sweet dessert wine, Visanto, which is just perfect when paired with a freshly baked baklava.
To truly appreciate the island’s unique viticulture, explore luxury Santorini tours that offer intimate experiences at the island’s premier wineries. The best tours combine wine tasting with breathtaking caldera sunset views, taking you to prestigious estates like Argyros, where you can sample world-class Assyrtiko in an elegant setting surrounded by vineyards.
Continue to family-owned cellars like Gavalas Winery in Megalochori village for a taste of tradition, before concluding at the architecturally stunning Venetsanos Winery, perfectly positioned for dramatic sunset views over the volcanic landscape while enjoying exceptional local vintages.
Hungry for more Greek eats, sweet treats, and, erm, drinks neat? Then join us in Mykonos next. You might want to pack an extra stomach…
In 2025, coffee tables continue to evolve beyond their practical origins to become thoughtfully considered elements in our living spaces. As our homes increasingly reflect broader lifestyle values, these once-humble pieces now balance aesthetics, functionality and even, at times, cultural awareness.
The latest trends show how our furniture choices are influenced by changing attitudes toward sustainability, craftsmanship and our relationship with technology. From natural materials to clever designs, today’s coffee tables offer insights into how our domestic priorities are shifting in subtle but meaningful ways.
With all that in mind, here are some of 2025’s key coffee table trends. Care to brew up an espresso before we begin? No? Shame…
Live-Edge Wood: Natural Authenticity
The popularity of live-edge and natural wood has remained strong into 2025, reflecting a continued appreciation for organic elements in our homes. These pieces—tree cross-sections on metal frames or driftwood-inspired bases—add warmth and character to living spaces while connecting interiors with the natural world.
This trend aligns with a broader interest in materials that showcase their origins and natural beauty. The unique grain patterns and organic edges make each piece one-of-a-kind, appealing to those looking to move away from mass-produced furniture. These tables pair particularly well with contemporary sofas in neutral tones, creating a pleasing contrast between clean lines and natural forms.
What makes these pieces relevant today is their authenticity—the cracks, knots, and irregular edges that might once have been considered imperfections are now valued for their character and uniqueness.
Architectural Stacking & Modular Sophistication
The architectural stacking trend showcases the growing appreciation for visible craftsmanship and thoughtful design. These tables, featuring precisely cut wooden blocks arranged in staggered formations, highlight the skills involved in their creation.
This style reflects a shift toward furniture that demonstrates quality construction and design intention. The negative spaces between wooden blocks create interesting visual effects and a sense of lightness despite the solid materials used.
These pieces appeal to those who appreciate the technical aspects of furniture making and want their homes to showcase well-crafted items that will last. The transparency of how these tables are constructed offers a refreshing clarity in their design approach.
Mixed Materials
The combination of contrasting materials—glass with wood, rattan with marble, metal with stone—continues to be a popular approach in coffee table design. These pairings create visual interest by bringing together different textures and qualities in a single piece.
This trend allows for versatile designs that can complement various interior styles. The transparency of glass tops lightens the visual impact of substantial bases, while natural materials add warmth to more sleek components.
What makes this approach particularly appealing in 2025 is its adaptability. These tables can bridge different design elements within a room, helping to create cohesive spaces that incorporate both traditional and contemporary features.
The Earthy Minimalism Of Stone & Marble
In response to the maximalist tendencies of previous years, 2025 has embraced the cool sophistication of stone and marble surfaces. Clean-lined concrete coffee tables bring industrial chic into residential spaces. The material’s natural variations and patina develop over time, creating a piece that evolves with its environment.
These stone-inspired surfaces offer durability and a sense of permanence while their neutral tones provide a versatile foundation for changing décor elements throughout the seasons. Marble tops on wooden legs offer the perfect blend of luxury and warmth, creating a focal point that complements both traditional and modern interiors.
Statement Fireside Tables
The relationship between coffee tables and fireplaces has taken on new significance, highlighting how tables now work in concert with architectural elements. The careful positioning of coffee tables relative to seating arrangements and fireplaces demonstrates how today’s homeowners prioritise both aesthetics and practical gathering spaces.
Tables are sized proportionally to surrounding furniture, creating balanced compositions that facilitate conversation and comfort. In homes with fireplaces, low-profile concrete or wood tables create a harmonious flow while maintaining the hearth as the room’s anchor.
As we seek more comfort and flow in our homes, angular corners are giving way to gentle curves. Rounded coffee tables exemplify this shift toward softer silhouettes.
Marble-topped round tables provide elegant focal points without the hazard of sharp corners, making them ideal for homes with children or spaces with high traffic flow. Similarly, organically shaped glass tables seem to float above herringbone floors, adding visual interest without visual heaviness.
Natural Materials & Sustainability
The focus on sustainable materials continues to influence coffee table design in 2025. Reclaimed wood, locally sourced stone, and renewable materials feature prominently as consumers become more environmentally conscious in their purchasing decisions.
These material choices reflect growing awareness of furniture’s environmental impact. The careful integration of these sustainable elements into stylish designs demonstrates that eco-friendly options no longer require compromising on aesthetics.
The pairing of these materials with complementary colour schemes—wood tones against green walls or natural textures with neutral backgrounds—creates harmonious spaces that feel thoughtfully curated rather than randomly assembled.
A newer trend emerging in 2025 is the thoughtful integration of technology into coffee tables. These designs include features like wireless charging surfaces, subtle lighting elements, or temperature control, all incorporated without compromising the table’s appearance.
Unlike earlier attempts at tech furniture, today’s versions prioritize elegant design first, with functionality discreetly embedded. Matte surfaces with hidden charging capabilities or wood tops with integrated ambient lighting offer convenience without drawing attention to the technology.
What distinguishes this trend is its restraint—technology serves as an enhancement rather than the defining feature. These tables acknowledge our need for connectivity while maintaining the comfort and aesthetic appeal of our living spaces.
The Bottom Line
The diversity of coffee table styles available in 2025 reflects how our living spaces continue to transform to meet changing needs and preferences. While these pieces may seem like simple furniture choices, they do indicate broader shifts in how we approach our homes—with greater attention to quality, sustainability, and thoughtful design.
The increased investment in well-made coffee tables suggests a move toward more considered purchasing decisions, where longevity and quality take precedence over temporary solutions. As our homes continue to serve multiple functions—from work spaces to entertainment areas—the furniture we choose needs to be both practical and pleasing.
Today’s coffee tables offer more than just a surface for drinks and magazines; they provide an opportunity to express personal style while creating functional, comfortable living spaces that reflect our values and priorities.
There’s no thoroughfare in the world’s most visited city™ quite as intoxicating as Yaowarat Road. Nope, you’re not high off exhaust fumes, of which admittedly there are many. It’s not spliff smoke that’s got you giddy either, billowing out from a side soi’s so-called dispensary. There’s something more intangible in the air here – a sense of possibility, a kinetic energy and, above all else, the allure of a damn good meal.
But just as the promise of something special can so often evaporate before it’s had time to crystallise, so the experience of eating on Bangkok’s Yaowarat Road and the wider Chinatown area can be fraught with missed opportunities, closed shophouses, underseasoned plates and overwrought metaphors.
Underneath a neon sky thick and hazy – incense, woks and petrol all accounted for – you do have to work (or, at least, walk) for a truly brilliant meal in Yaorawat. Strangely for a district with so many famed options for your supper, there are an equal number of duds ready to trip you up. That’s if a stray stool, extended selfie stick, or the fact that it’s a Monday don’t get there first.
Time, then, to take your eyes up off your phone and look where you’re going – it’s busy out there.
Anyway, enough breaking of the fourth wall and, instead, let’s make a proper impact on our appetites. Here are the best places to eat in Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yaowarat).
Chop Chop Cook Shop
It might feel like we’re raising the white flag before we’ve even got going by beginning indoors, in a proper restaurant, but there’s a good reason our list starts here. It’s because Chop Chop Cook Shop opens from midday right on through ’till late, making it one of the few places in the neighbourhood you can kick back with a beer and a bite during that strange Bangkok barren spell between around 2 and 5pm.
The striking space was designed in collaboration with designer Apirak Leenharattanarak. It could easily have gone full theme-park with its nods to the building’s goldsmith showroom history, but instead, it’s tastefully done, a marriage of mid-century American diner aesthetics – terrazzo floors and pastel-hued booths – with red neon Chinese characters and decorative dragon motifs that reference its position at the symbolic dragon’s back of Yaowarat Road.
It’s a stylish space that doesn’t swerve jarringly into pastiche, with the constant clatter of woks and the sweet, heady hum of smoked meat grounding you firmly in Bangkok rather than on some designer’s mood board.
So, slip inside and settle into one of those window booths, allowing you to gaze out over the Yaorawat Road traffic without being too immersed in it. The perfect setting, we think, for chef David Thompson’s homage to Thailand’s historic and much-misunderstood ‘cookshop’ cuisine – a culinary time capsule from the 1920s to 1970s that had nearly vanished into the mists of time that tees up Teochew, Chinese, Thai, and Western influences. It all feels decidedly old school, a little kitsch, but delivered with the requisite sleight of hand that lightens and lifts the load.
Of course you’ll want to order rounds of the roast meat – the barbecued pork and the roast duck both available over noodles or as standalone items – but don’t let a myopic vision on the main event distract you from the excellent starters; the drunken clams and spring rolls are particularly good, the bak kwa (a kind of sweet, sticky pork jerky) even better.
For dessert, the deceptively simple ginger milk curd is a refreshing conclusion, making you question how something so basic can taste so complex. Wash it all down with a Singha or two, and launch back into Chinatown refreshed and replenished.
Buried deep down one of Yaowarat’s alleyways where you may well lose GPS signal but certainly not your sense of place, Lim Lao Ngow has turned fishball-making into something far greater than the sum of its parts.
The crowds here aren’t gathered in pursuit of mediocrity – these springy, perfectly seasoned spheres of fish bob around in a broth so clear you could check your reflection in it. The textural contrast between the tacky fishballs (the factory bounce is spot on) and noodles with just the right amount of chew is as good as it gets in the city. And that’s saying something.
If your reflection doesn’t need checking, order this one ‘haeng’ (dry) for a different eating experience – more salad-y and, arguably, even more satisfying. Whether wet or dry, do remember to season judiciously to your taste using the tabletop condiments – the baseline here is fairly bland (intentionally so), letting the quality of the fish balls do all the talking.
Their chicken satay skewers – gnarly and burnished – aren’t an afterthought. Though they don’t quite feel at place alongside a fishball soup, these supporting actors could easily star in their own show.
When a place has been ladling the same soup (not actually the same soup, but you know what we mean) for half a century and been bestowed a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand in the process, you know they’ve cracked the code.
Now in the hands of the founder’s son (no pressure there, mate), Guay Jub Ouan Pochana’s rolled noodle soup is just so cleansing, its backbone of pork stock light and silky, its pepperiness assertive but well-judged.
There’s perfect chewy resistance to the noodles here; noodles that are, admittedly, damn hard to lift with your chopsticks without sending soup splashing up all over the place. Still, it’s worth the work. And , indeed, the wash.
The slivers of pork offal are handled with such care you’ll forget you’re eating parts that usually make tourists squirm. Not feeling adventurous? The basic pork version still delivers.
No wonder Guay Jub Ouan Pochana is considered one of Chinatown’s best places to eat.
In the gladiatorial arena of Yaowarat’s eye-catching seafood joints – where tanks of live creatures put on their most seductive swimwear display for passing tourists – T&K Seafood reigns supreme.
The sidewalk seating drops you centre-stage in Chinatown’s nightly theatre, with front-row seats to flames leaping from woks and the symphony of motorbike exhaust at cutlery level, seasoning your plate of clams stir-fried in chilli jam with a miasma distinctly Bangkoian.
Order a couple of outsized Singhas, get a pitcher of ice, and suddenly that plastic stool feels like the best seat in Bangkok – especially when you inevitably strike up a conversation with a neighbouring table and everything afterwards gets a little hazy.
You can read more of our thoughts on T&K seafood here, by the way.
Hidden deep in Chinatown’s labyrinthine backstreets, where even Google Maps throws up its hands in surrender, Tai Heng operates from what is essentially someone’s converted garage – a space where two randomly placed marble tables anchor this family-run joint.
Tai Heng has somehow mastered two completely different dishes that rarely share menu space: khao man gai and Thai sukiyaki – a dual specialisation that we still don’t quite understand. What we do know is that both dishes are gold-standard versions, and certainly rub along nicely on the same table.
Their khao man gai features chicken poached to that slightly pink tenderness that’s just so good over rice that’s been properly pampered with chicken fat. The sukiyaki is where the magic happens, though – order it ‘haeng’ (dry) and witness a homogenous tangle of glass noodles with just enough char to flirt with burning but never commit, seafood and egg forming a sticky, unified whole that sings with wok hei.
The distinctive shocking-pink dipping sauce – sharp, rich and weirdly energetic – provides the perfect counterpoint. The peaceful backstreet location offers something nearly extinct in Yaowarat – actual serenity – making it the ideal refueling stop before plunging back into Chinatown’s beautiful chaos.
Interestingly, in the three or four times we’ve been to Tai Heng, we’ve been the only ones dining here. Which makes us wonder if it is, in fact, just a family home, and they’re simply too polite to turn us away.
Affectionately dubbed the ‘musical chairs curry shop’ for its constant rotation of diners on red plastic stools, at Jek Pui the entire culinary orchestra plays out streetside, with massive pots of curry lined up invitingly, their surfaces hypnotically dappled with beads of separated coconut cream, just as it should be.
Everything’s served at that perfect Bangkok room temperature – not hot enough to burn when you inevitably spill some on your lap, but warm enough to show the curry’s nuance and depth to its full potential. Their yellow curry with pork is the undisputed headliner and the must-order here – rich, salty and sweet, it’s fabulous.
The pro move? Add some crispy fried Chinese sausage on top for textural contrast and a good whack of MSG. Yes, you’re perched on a plastic stool that’s threatening to buckle under the weight of your enthusiasm, and also yes, you’ll need to surrender your seat while still chewing on your last bite, but with curry this transcendent, comfort comes in the bowl, not on the bottom.
This proud street-side operation – with its prominently displayed Michelin badges from 2018 and 2019 (they are still listed in 2025’s addition, by the way) – has turned the humble act of frying dough into something of a public performance.
The stall’s centrepiece, a giant bronze wok of bubbling oil that could confidently double as a satellite dish, sits boldly on the pavement itself, forcing pedestrians to navigate a careful path behind the operation as if participating in some delicious, highly dangerous obstacle course.
Under the watchful eye of dexterous cooks in branded aprons, the pa tong go emerges with a crisp shell that shatters at suggestion of a first bite, revealing an interior so fluffy it defies the laws of dough physics, which is a subject we’d go back to university for, come to think of it.
Somehow these deep-fried delights emerge suspiciously grease-free, as if they’ve negotiated some deal with the oil. The accompanying pandan custard elevates what would already be an exceptional snack into something truly magnificent; so moreish that you’ll be burning your mouth right off as you dive back in for seconds too soon.
Join the inevitable cluster of waiting customers who’ve been drawn in by both the Michelin recognition and the hypnotic sight of perfectly executed frying tekkers happening right on Bangkok’s bustling streets.
In the cutthroat battlefield of rolled noodle vendors (we’re wondering if they roll up their defeated competitors in a big sheet of rice noodle, a la a thousand gangster film tropes), Nai Ekk holds its own against Ouan Pochana from a few yards west and a few paragraphs previous with a broth so peppery it should come with a warning label. Or, at least, a few tissues to deal with the resultant sneezing.
Their not-so-secret weapon? Perfectly prepared pig’s offal that lands on just the right side of firm and bitter (you won’t find blushing pink offal much in Thailand – which, come to think of it, is the right way to be).
The crispy pork belly brings much needed textural contrast to the slippery, sticky noodles and offal-y bits. Whilst we’d hesitate to ever suggest crackling and fat brought relief, it kind of does here.
The dining room (yep, this one is to be enjoyed with a roof overhead) is pure shophouse chic – all tiles and stainless steel that haven’t changed since your grandparents’ first date (those are some cool grandparents) – but nobody’s here for the interior design awards. It’s that soup, swimming with rasping complexity, that keeps the regulars waiting for their turn on those wobbly metal stools.
You’ll also find roast pork and braise goose over rice here, if you’re looking to eat beyond the restaurant’s eponymous dish.
Part of a gorgeously restored shophouse on Chinatown’s increasingly groovy Soi Nana (the good Nana, not the hellscape one), Ba Hao has perfected the art of making boozing feel culturally enriching.
The ground floor opens out into studied vintage Chinese aesthetics – red neon that bathes everyone in flattering light, antique tiles that have seen things, and wooden furniture that creaks with stories.
But let’s cut to the chase – while the Chinese-inspired cocktails might lure you in, the food makes Ba Hao worthy of a place on our roundup of Yaorawat’s best restaurants. Seeing as this is drinking food, it’s in the ‘small bites’ section of the menu that you’ll be most rewarded. Freshly fried spring onion pancakes, sesame shrimp toast with a pleasing recoil, and deep fried spinach and prawn wantons all hit the spot with a cold one.
Whatever you do, don’t sleep on the Sichuan nuts – they’re totally addictive with one of the bar’s signature baijiu-based concoctions that make this notoriously brutal spirit feel nuanced and complex. Cheers!
Standing proudly in the heart of Chinatown, Potong is Chef Pichaya ‘Pam’ Soontornyanakij’s love letter to her family heritage. Set within a beautifully renovated 120-year-old Sino-Portuguese shophouse that once housed her family’s Chinese medicine business, the restaurant blends history with culinary innovation. The five-story building has been meticulously restored over two and a half years, with each floor offering a distinct experience – from the ground-floor Potong Sino Bar to the atmospheric Opium Bar on the upper levels.
Chef Pam’s progressive Thai-Chinese tasting menu showcases her exceptional talent, earning her accolades including a Michelin star, a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, and the title of Asia’s Best Female Chef 2024. The 20-course culinary journey balances tradition with modernity, with highlights including the extraordinary 14-day aged duck (complete with brain served in its skull), innovative Pad Thai interpretation, and dishes that honour the five elements of cooking: salt, acid, spice, texture, and Maillard reaction. Each plate tells a story, drawing on Pam’s family recipes while incorporating modern techniques learned during her time at Jean-Georges in New York.
While the tasting menu (priced around ฿6300 – around £145 – per person) places it firmly in special occasion territory, the unique combination of heritage, innovation, and Chef Pam’s personal connection to the space makes Potong one of Bangkok’s most compelling dining destinations and certainly one of the best restaurants in Yaorawat. Reservations are essential and should be made months in advance.
You can check out our full review of Potong here, by the way.
Just off Yaowarat Road, this century-old institution has made Teochew-style suckling pig its speciality. The preparation is quite the sight — whole piglets on spits are brought from kitchen to street, where a chef rotates them over charcoal drums, continuously basting with an oil-soaked cloth. Even if you’re ‘just browsing’, the show will stop you in your tracks. And, the aroma of caramelising pig fat will have you following the scent into the restaurant like a cartoon character smelling a freshly-baked apple pie on a windowsill.
When the pig achieves that perfect golden crackling, it’s carried back inside to appreciative nods from the dining room. A skilled chef then carefully removes the crisp skin, portions it into bite-sized pieces, and arranges it back atop the pig. The dish is then delivered to your table with suitable ceremony.
The pig is served in two distinct stages — first the crackling skin with pancakes, cucumber, spring onions and hoisin sauce (rather like Peking duck), then the meat returns transformed into a garlicky stir-fry. You’ll need a group of about six to properly enjoy a whole pig, which makes it ideal for a communal dinner. The fluorescent lighting might not create the most intimate atmosphere, but it emphasises that this is faithful culinary tradition rather than something designed purely for social media.
Nai Mong Hoi Thod has spent the last three decades perfecting a single dish with such devotion that it’s garnered a Michelin Bib Gourmand and the title of “best oyster omelette in the universe” (according to legendary chef David Thompson, who’s not one for casual hyperbole).
This unassuming shophouse is non-descript from the outside—the universal sign that something brilliant awaits inside. The cooking station is a spectacle of controlled chaos—a hulking charcoal-fired battlestation with a makeshift fan system that sends sparks dancing around the unfazed chef like fireflies at dusk.
You face two delicious dilemmas: crispy (‘awlua’) or soft (‘awsuan’) style, and mussels or oysters. The crispy version shatters gloriously under your fork, while the soft version stretches with a gooey, cheese-like elasticity from the sticky rice flour batter. Both sit atop a bed of crunchy bean sprouts, making a futile attempt to soak up the magnificent oils. While the oyster version features plump specimens lounging like royalty on their golden thrones, the mussels bed down more directly into the mixture. Decisions, decisions.
Regardless of how you play it, accompanying chili-vinegar sauce cuts through the richness with electric sharpness, creating a perfect marriage of flavours. Yes, it’s perhaps pricier than your average street food joint (blame the shiny Michelin recognition), but you’re still paying less for a fully formed meal here than you are for a single oyster at one of Sukhumvit’s wine bars.
Planted defiantly in the heart of Yaowarat’s rushing river of humanity, Krua Porn Lamai’s take on rad na is one of the best in town. What began as a humble two-table operation 25 years ago has blossomed into a street-side empire that now commands around 20 tables sprawling across most of Plaeng Nam Road – a testament to Bangkok’s meritocratic food scene where quality trumps all else, and where customers vote defiantly with their feet.
Wide rice noodles get stir-fried with Chinese broccoli and your protein of choice before being dramatically doused in a rich ‘lava gravy’ that creates enough steam to mist up the glasses of onlookers. Their signature addition of a crispy fried egg on top might make traditionalists clutch their pearls, but when that perfect runny yolk breaks and mingles with the gooey gravy, creating a creamy coating that transforms each mouthful, you’ll wonder why everyone doesn’t do it.
The sizzling hot skillets ensure your last bite is as hot as your first – a rare achievement in thw world of outdoor dining. Yes, eating here means sharing pavement space with Bangkok’s notorious traffic, but the vehicles navigate carefully around the tables in an unspoken agreement that food this good deserves respect and right of way.
For the best experience, arrive early or prepare to wait – locals pack this place nightly until its 2 AM closing time, making it perfect for a late-night feast after exploring Chinatown.
Walking into Hua Seng Hong is like stepping into the Chinatown dining experience that exists in collective nostalgia — complete with chattering aunties who won’t hesitate to tell you you’re ordering wrong or that you’ve put on weight even though it’s the first time you’ve met.
You can’t miss the place — just look for the massive red storefront with its cartoonish chef logo proudly hoisting a steaming dish, flanked by glass cases displaying an array of plumply appointed dim sum baskets and seafood, and a row of woks powered by jet burner. Those woks flame skywards with theatrical abandon and singe off eyebrows all over the shop, and dim sum trolleys navigate between tables with the confidence of a Bangkok TukTuk driver sashaying through the Asoke intersection.
The menu divides neatly into two specialties: daytime dim sum and evening seafood. For lunch, their extensive dim sum selection draws crowds, sure, but it’s the evening seafood menu that truly establishes Hua Seng Hong as a Chinatown institution.
The steamed sea bass in soy sauce is a standout — the fish arrives glistening, fragrant with sesame oil and topped with perfectly julienned ginger and spring onions. Crab features prominently on the menu in various preparations: try the crab meat in yellow curry for something rich and aromatic, or the crab fried rice where each grain is individually coated in egg and studded with sweet crabmeat.
Don’t miss their sour seafood soup (potak talay) — a sophisticated relative of tom yum that arrives bubbling dramatically over a flame. The broth balances sour, spicy and umami notes as only Thailand can do with quite such precise dexterity, all without overpowering the essence of the seafood.
The dining room — round tables with lazy Susans for family-style dining, lighting that errs on the side of clinical rather than ambient, and red and gold decorations that haven’t changed in decades – all remind you exactly where you are. For dessert, explore their Hong Kong-influenced sweet menu, from delicate crepe cakes to traditional Chinese dessert soups, the latter wonderfully refreshing in the choking heat of the city.
Just 20 metres from Wat Mangkon MRT outside Wat Mongkol Samakhom, where tourists are busy photographing the temple’s golden splendour, a humble stall represents three generations’ dedication to dumpling perfection.
The proprietor crafts what might be Bangkok’s tiniest, most perfect shumai – each no larger than a coin but packed with more flavour than items triple their size. A shower of crispy fried garlic and house-made chilli sauce finishes these bite-sized marvels that prove once and for all that size really doesn’t matter.
Each dumpling represents a century-old recipe preserved with the kind of reverence usually reserved for religious artefacts (appropriate location, then), making this not just a meal but an experience rooted in history.
The makeshift kitchen – essentially just a steaming vessel under the ornate entrance of a Chinese temple – is so vividly evocative it has you questioning if you’re dreaming. There are a couple of randomly placed schoolchairs, but these are always occupied by a patriarch or two, sipping tea and discussing serious matters we wish we understood. For us, leaning against the wall is just fine because inside our polystyrene tray we have our shumai. A toothpick is all you need to ferry these home.
Follow the bright yellow banner, the inevitable queue of people (and accordant line of luminous tuk tuks ready to scoop them up), and the stacks of distinctive bright yellow boxes with the owners’ portraits prominently displayed, to find Yaowarat’s famous stuffed buns.
Inside a bustling street-side stall, workers in red uniforms with white aprons and protective gloves meticulously prepare each cloudlike creation, toasting them to order on large metal griddles and filling them with your choice of custard, from old-school traditional egg to more modern Thai milk tea or sweet chilli.
The take-away yellow boxes have become almost as iconic as the buns themselves – a symbol of tradition that signals to those in the know that you’ve found the real deal among Chinatown’s many pretenders. Worth every minute of the wait, which, let’s be honest, gives you time to decide which flavour combinations you’ll try on your inevitable return visit tomorrow.
With a distinctive two-tier seating arrangement that’s catnip for Tik Tokers, randomly dispersed fake cherry blossom trees, and occasionally lurid dim sum sets, there’s a worry that, superficially, Lhong Tou Cafe is going to be all style, no substance. You’ll find those fears unfounded; Lhong Tou Cafe bridges old and new Chinatown both architecturally and culinarily to beautiful ends.
Their modern interpretations of dim sum classics deserve equal billing with the photogenic interior – egg lava buns that deliver on their slightly dusty molten promises (and destroy the inner lining of your mouth if you’re too hasty) and some seemingly sun-seeking prawn spring rolls that showcase how traditional techniques can be made Insta-pretty without losing their soul.
This is the rare place where the food lives up to the aesthetics, proving you can indeed judge a book by its cover sometimes.
In the midst of a neighbourhood famous for its dedication to the old school, not-to-be-fucked-with recipes, Yuan Yuan Man Man does things a little differently. This innovative spot serves vegan-friendly tofu ice cream so creamy it should be scientifically impossible – enough to convert even the most dedicated dairy disciples.
Their black sesame bua loy dumplings provide that perfect chewy resistance that makes you work just enough for your dessert, while crushed ginger cookies add warmth and spice that cuts through the subtle tofu base.
Images via @yuanyuanicecream
It’s the rare vegan dessert that doesn’t announce its plant-based credentials like it’s expecting a round of applause from numb hands – it simply delivers flavour and refreshment.
Next up we’re heading to bustling Plaeng Nam Road, where motorbikes part pedestrians like Moses with the Red Sea. Here, an unassuming shophouse has perfected the deceptively simple art of chicken rice, with meat poached to that precarious point of tenderness, where flavour reaches its zenith.
The rice – the true test of any khao man gai joint – is generously infused with chicken fat and aromatics, creating grains that demand to be eaten individually rather than shovelled in desperately. Sure, it might take you a whole afternoon to actually do that, but what an afternoon you’ll have.
Their house-made chilli sauce, sharp with ginger and garlic and humming with umami from fermented soy bean paste, ties everything together. It’s a dish that proves simplicity, when executed with religious precision, can outshine complexity every time.
In the confusingly named Soi Texas, Chinatown’s emerging food frontier where young chefs come to make their mark, Ba Hao Tian Mi represents the neighbourhood’s evolution in dessert form.
A sister of the aforementioned cocktail connoisseurs over on Soi Nana, their black sesame soy pudding with boba offers a modern interpretation of bubble tea that’s somehow even more satisfying than the original.
It’s tradition with just enough contemporary flair to avoid the museum-piece feeling of some older establishments, maintaining the comforting essence of Chinese dessert soups while acknowledging that taste evolves. The minimalist, design-forward space might seem at odds with Chinatown’s usual aesthetic chaos, but it represents the new wave of Yaowarat entrepreneurs – respectful of tradition while refusing to be handcuffed by it.
With our sweet tooth only growing with age, we’re off to another dessert shop next; Sweetime, which specialises in traditional Chinese desserts with subtle Thai twists. Their black sesame dumplings in ginger tea are the signature here – warming, nutty, and achieving that perfect balance of sweetness and simplicity that refreshes rather than overwhelms.
It’s the ideal pit stop between the neighbourhood’s more substantial offerings, a palate reset that somehow manages to feel both indulgent and restorative simultaneously. The no-frills setting with its handful of tables means you might end up sharing space with locals who’ve been coming here for decades – the ultimate endorsement in an area (and city) where loyalty is earned through consistency, not trends.
A Yaorawat institution serves satay so expertly grilled you’d think the chefs had thermometers built into their fingertips, at Jay Eng each skewer emerges with perfectly imperfect char marks, the meat still impossibly juicy inside – that mythical balance that home barbecuers spend lifetimes pursuing without success.
The peanut sauce is a revelation that makes every other version seem like watered-down pretenders, thick enough to cling to the meat but not so heavy it overwhelms. Their subtle location, practically hidden behind a lamppost and a couple of parked motorbikes, means many walk past without noticing – all the better for those in the know who don’t want to share this treasure with the masses. That said, there are a collection of colourfully-tiled tables inside if you’re keen to take a load off a while.
Come hungry, leave smelling like smoke, and don’t wear white unless you enjoy living dangerously.
A word of warning! Be aware that many of the restaurants on this list close intermittently for holidays, both personal and national. The majority also don’t start serving immediately after opening. Many also sell out well in advance of their listed closing time. Always have a back up (or two). Monday is ‘cleaning day’ in Bangkok’s Chinatown, and many of the street food places are closed.
Cherished not only for their rich, warm sound but also as tangible pieces of musical history, sure, but for many collectors, a growing vinyl collection presents a unique home décor challenge. Haphazardly stacked records not only create visual clutter but also risk damage to these precious items—warping, scratching, and dust accumulation can significantly diminish both their aesthetic appeal and sound quality.
Thoughtfully integrating your vinyl collection into your home’s interior design offers a dual benefit: it preserves your musical investments while transforming them into striking decorative elements that express your personality. When properly displayed, album covers become conversation-starting artwork, and the organisation of your collection can add structure and character to your living space.
Assessing Your Collection and Space
Before diving into display options, take stock of your vinyl collection’s size and the available space in your home. Consider the number of records you own and how quickly your collection is growing. Which albums feature particularly striking cover art that deserves to be showcased? What’s the current style of your interiors, and how can your vinyl collection complement it? Don’t forget the practical aspects of record access and playability, as well as climate considerations for vinyl preservation.
Storage Solutions That Showcase Your Collection
Dedicated Vinyl Shelving
Purpose-built vinyl shelving offers the ideal balance between protection and presentation. The best units provide the correct dimensions to support 12-inch records without overhang and include dividers that allow records to stand upright without leaning. Solid construction is essential to prevent bowing under the considerable weight of vinyl, and the design should complement your existing furniture.
For those with limited space or a desire for versatility, a high-quality LP vinyl storage case can be both practical and stylish. These cases often feature vintage-inspired detailing, leather handles and brass hardware that add character while keeping your collection portable. Place one beside a mid-century armchair to create an instant listening nook that can evolve with your space.
The classic Kallax shelving unit remains popular for good reason, but many independent furniture makers now create bespoke options in materials ranging from reclaimed timber to powder-coated steel, offering styles from minimalist Scandinavian to industrial chic.
Record Display Rails
For albums with particularly stunning cover art, display rails mounted on walls allow you to showcase them as the artwork they truly are. These simple shelves with a front lip let you rotate your displayed albums based on mood or season, creating a gallery wall effect without damaging the covers. They add visual interest to otherwise underutilised wall space.
Install rails at eye level in areas where you entertain guests to spark music conversations, or position them near your turntable for easy access to current favourites.
Custom Cabinetry
For serious collectors, commissioning custom cabinetry creates a statement piece that honours your passion. Consider cabinet designs with a mix of closed storage for protection and open display areas.
Pull-out drawers designed specifically for flipping through records make browsing a pleasure, while integrated spaces for turntable and audio equipment create a cohesive look. The most dedicated collectors might even explore climate-controlled options for valuable collections.
Creating a dedicated listening area elevates both your vinyl experience and home aesthetic. Position your record storage near your turntable for convenience and arrange comfortable seating oriented toward both the sound system and record display. Acoustic treatments that double as decorative elements can enhance both sound quality and visual appeal, while soft lighting that won’t harm vinyl can highlight your collection beautifully.
Beyond The Obvious Spaces
Vinyl needn’t be confined to living rooms or studies—consider unexpected placements throughout your home. Kitchen shelving can house albums that complement cooking and entertaining, while bedroom displays might feature calming or romantic selections. Hallway installations create gallery-like experiences for guests moving through your home, and dining room storage keeps dinner party soundtrack selections close at hand.
Caring For Your Collection While On Display
Even the most beautiful display solutions must prioritise vinyl preservation. Position collections away from direct sunlight, which can warp records and fade covers. Maintain consistent room temperature and humidity levels to prevent damage, and consider protective sleeves for valuable albums even while displayed. Implement a regular dusting routine with microfibre cloths, and keep displays away from heat sources including radiators.
Creating Themed Displays
Thoughtfully organised vinyl collections tell visual stories within your home. Group albums by genre, creating colour stories within each section, or arrange covers by colour for a striking rainbow effect. Chronological displays that track musical evolution can be both educational and visually compelling. Seasonal arrangements might feature beach-themed albums in summer and cosy jazz collections in winter.
Complementary Décor Elements
Enhance your vinyl display with carefully chosen accessories that tell your musical story. Vintage concert posters or music photography can create context for your collection, while period-appropriate furnishings might echo your favourite musical eras.
Quality headphones displayed on stylish stands suggest readiness for intimate listening sessions. Small collections of related memorabilia in curated vignettes add depth to your display, while plants with interesting shapes and textures can soften the geometric lines of records.
Balancing Accessibility & Aesthetics
The most successful vinyl displays strike a balance between beauty and function. Create systems that allow easy browsing without damaging sleeves, and consider how frequently you play certain records when planning their placement. Establish handling rituals that preserve your collection’s condition, and design displays that can evolve as your collection grows.
The Bottom Line
When thoughtfully incorporated into your interior design, a vinyl collection transcends mere storage to become a dynamic expression of your musical journey and personal style. Beyond their auditory pleasures, these circular treasures offer graphic design excellence, cultural significance, and personal memories that deserve to be celebrated visually in your home.
By implementing these display strategies, you transform potential clutter into curated décor statements, ensuring your records remain both protected and prominently featured. In doing so, your home gains a distinctive character that digital streaming services simply cannot replicate—a tangible connection to music history that visitors can see, touch, and experience alongside you.
Marylebone. Though we’ve read it hundreds of times, we’ve still got no idea how to pronounce the name of this well-heeled West End district. What we do know, however, is just where to eat in Le Bone. Or, should we call it Mary for short? How about Boney M? Who cares? We were always taught not to speak with our mouths full anyway…
From Michelin-starred Mexican to traditional British pub classics given a twist or two, there is something for everyone in this food lover’s paradise. With that in mind, here are the best restaurants in Marylebone, London.
St. John Marylebone, Marylebone Lane
Ideal for nose-to-tail dining and a bloody brilliant British culinary experience…
The newest addition to the burgeoning family has arrived, bringing with it a fresh and vibrant approach that is both unmistakably St. John and uniquely tailored to the sensibilities of its chic London neighbourhood It’s already one of Marylebone’s very best places to eat.
Its instantly recognisable, clinical bright white interiors tell anyone who’s previously dined at a Fergus Henderson restaurant that you’re going to get fed very well indeed, and St. John Marylebone delivers on that promise.
The menu here is tighter – daintier, even – than at both the mothership and Bread & Wine, but there’s still some famous flourishes to be found. Here, the iconic Welsh rarebit appears in croquette form and is a gorgeously funky piece of work. Those ”nose to tail” leanings are all present and correct, too, with a recent dish of gently pink lamb’s liver and horseradish a bracing, bruising but utterly memorable affair.
A little earlier in the year, a plate of lamb sweetbreads, wilted young lettuce leaves and the sprightly lift of tarragon have lived in the memory even longer.
With plenty of wine being poured with a flourish by the glass, these smaller plates just feel right as you take your place at a window stool, watch the passing foot traffic of Marybelone Lane and ponder just how far we’ve sunk. It’s obligatory to order a plate of madelines (£8 for a small one, but you know you want the larger batch for £16) for the road.
Make sure to check the daily menu to see what’s ripe, ready and in store; it goes online – posted as a snap of the restaurant’s blackboard – at 11.30am for lunch and 5.30pm for supper.
It’s by no means our first time at Hoppers. In fact it’s become a bit of a favourite. We know what to expect – the bustling vibe, the punchy aroma of spices and coconut, those lacy baskets (hoppers) just right for scooping up a deep, rich curry.
But the true test of a great restaurant is getting it right every time. No-one wants to be raving about a place to your mates only for them to be underwhelmed. So we’re pleased to say that Hoppers still absolutely delivers. Early evening it’s packed – after workers winding down over Arrack cocktails, locals breaking their Ramadan fast with the Buriani Banquet special. There’s an upbeat energy to it all, and the food comes in hot and fast.
We went for the set menu. Starters set the tone. Mutton rolls are crisp and deeply spiced – perfect dipped in the fiery ketchup. A seafood allergy means one of us has to swerve the hot butter squid but substitutes from the veggie menu are cheerfully offered. The chilli garlic broccoli is well worth the detour, leaving the allergy-free to polish off all the squid with lip smacking enthusiasm. And, of course, there’s the bone marrow varuval: two imposing leg bones from which marrow is spooned out onto flaky roti. It’s a signature dish, and rightly so.
As the night moves on, the feeling changes. The post-work crowd disperses, the noise softens and the spicing on the main courses becomes a little gentler. Chicken and lamb karis arrive with an array of chutneys and sambols, a soothing dhal and a cooling raita. The dosas are even better than the eponymous hoppers for mopping up every last slick of sauce. Do we have room for desserts? Hardly, but it seems a shame not to, so the traditional Sri Lankan custard pudding watalappam brings up the rear.
So are we coming back again? You betcha, and we’ll be telling all our friends.
Ideal for a poetic coming together of British ingredients and Thai cooking sensibilities…
AngloThai has spent six years as London’s most promising pop-up, which is about five years too many. Now, finally settled into The Gate’s old spot on Seymour Place and already with a shiny Michelin star above the door (metaphorically speaking – it’s actually to the side of the door), John and Desiree Chantarasak’s first permanent restaurant does something fresh, as you may have guessed from its rather prosaic name: it takes Thai cooking and strips it of everything that isn’t grown in Britain. The results are always interesting and quite often spectacularly delicious.
This means no rice (replaced brilliantly by pearled naked oats), holy basil from Suffolk rather than Bangkok, and Devon-caught monkfish in place of sea bass from the Andaman. It’s the same philosophy that earned KOL its Michelin star (the two share the same umbrella restaurant group, MJMK), though here the execution feels more personal – John’s half-Thai, half-British heritage informing every plate and Desiree’s pinpoint knowledge of sometimes esoteric grapes writing the winelist. Indeed, it’s so personal that we’re on first name terms with the owners after only two paragraphs…
The dining room sets the tone: white-panelled walls, tables made from Chamchuri wood shipped from Chiang Mai, and lighting that somehow makes every diner look like they’ve just come back from a fortnight in Samui. In the open kitchen, proper turbojet wok burners (a rare sight in London) whoosh, creating that coveted breath-of-the-wok essence in dishes like long aubergine with sweet basil and a soy-cured egg yolk – a plate that arrives looking demure but punches hard with smoke and umami.
A crab and caviar number is served on a coal-black coconut ash cracker made with the same brass mould used to create kanom dok jok (otherwise known as lotos blossom cookies) in the Kingdom. It could easily feel precious, but there’s proper cooking muscle behind the theatrics, justifying the £35 price tag with a heady salty-sweet interplay.
The lion’s mane mushroom with sunflower seed satay (£20) arrives as pretty-as-a-picture, but in the eating boasts that characteristic Thai balance of both nuance and intensity. It’s perhaps the highlight of the whole meal here.
The kitchen really hits its stride with the larger plates. Hebridean hogget (from Desiree’s family farm, no less) comes in a massaman curry that’s gentle with its spicing but shows proper depth. Though if you’re after heat, the jungle curry with monkfish delivers it in undulating waves rather than all at once. Both are brilliant; dishes from a kitchen with a finely tuned grasp of correct Thai seasoning, but with enough flair and flourish to reemphasise the restaurant’s mission, rather than be stifled by it.
The meal ends, as with basically any Thai fine dining joint, with a riff on mango sticky rice, only this one is centred on reduced carrot juice and sea buckthorn. File in the ‘trust us on this one’ compartment.
Desiree’s wine list leans heavily on biodynamism and Austria, including their own house wines made with Nibiru in Kamptal. It’s exactly what you want with this kind of food – teeing up that complex spicing rather than extinguishing it.
Yes, it’s expensive, and some bores might chunter on about how you can get a plate of noodles in the Thai capital for a hundredth of the price of the tasting menu (an actually pretty reasonable £75). But AngloThai isn’t trying to recreate Bangkok. It’s doing its own, idiosyncratic thing, and, after only five months of being opening, is clearly doing it very well, owing to the breakneck speed of that star. It’s well deserved, we think.
Ideal for refined Cantonese dining with a side of theatre…
The jewel in the Royal China crown sits rather demurely on Baker Street, its elegant dining room a canvas for some of London’s finest Cantonese cooking. Award-winning chef Billy Wong’s menu reads like a greatest hits of Chinese gastronomy, though it’s the dim sum offering that really sings.
Those familiar with the group’s other outposts might experience a touch of sticker shock here – steamer baskets hover around the £10 mark, with the prawn and bamboo shoot dumplings (har gau) at £10.80 and the Shanghai-style xiaolongbao with crab meat at £9.80. Still, the cooking justifies the prices. The dumplings arrive gossamer-thin and gloriously translucent, while the xiaolongbao, inevitably compared to those at Din Tai Fung down the road, more than hold their own, their delicate wrappers containing a generous splash of hot soup alongside minced pork and crab meat.
Evening brings dishes of serious ambition. Emperor king prawns (£33.80 each) can be prepared in myriad ways (we’re partial to the ‘crispy with garlic & chilli’ preparation) while more innovative plates like pan-fried dory fish with foie gras sauce showcase the kitchen’s creative, opulent side. A plate of Iberico pork with cordycep flower – that phallic-looking fungi – feels almost restrained in comparison. It’s equally good, though.
The generous dining room, recently refurbished, manages to feel special without being stuffy, its white tablecloths occasionally splattered with XO sauce as enthusiastic diners get stuck in. Service strikes that sweet spot between efficiency and warmth that characterises the best Chinese restaurants in the capital.
An early evening meal here, watching the sun set through those huge windows while dipping into a procession of perfectly executed classics, is one of Marylebone’s great pleasures. The kitchen runs a full service from noon until late (10:30pm most nights, extending to 11pm on weekends), though you’ll want to book ahead – this place fills up fast.
Ideal for Michelin-starred coastal Indian cuisine…
For those seeking a focused, flavour-forward dining experience, Trishna is a must-visit. This Michelin-starred restaurant specialises in coastal Indian cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh British seafood cooked with spice and verve, which sounds like all of the ingredients for a great meal in Marylebone, don’t you think?
Sitting rather ironically on Blandford Street, there’s nothing bland (sorry) about chef Sajeev Nair’s contemporary interpretation of the food of his homeland. Having grown up in Palakkad, Kerala, Nair understands the ins and outs of Indian coastal cuisine intimately, and the signature of funky, rich Dorset brown crab with butter, pepper, and garlic, all mashed and spoonable, has to be one of London’s most satisfying shellfish dishes.
Another Trishna crab classic is the nandu varuval – crispy soft shell crab, green chilli, a rocher of white crab meat, and a smooth tomato chutney all pull in the same direction to great effect. Just delicious.
The lunch and early evening menu, running from midday to 14:15pm and 5pm to 6:15pm, is a snip at £55 for four courses.
Sitting pretty in the somewhat secluded area of New Quebec Street, a welcome breather from the carnage and caper of Oxford Street, Marylebone High Street and Edgware Road, Boxcar Bar and Grill has a real neighbourhood gem feel to it. That is, if your neighbourhood gem happened to have beautifully marbled steaks and swinging lamb legs hanging out in a fridge out front…
This stylish eatery, part of the eclectic Portman Village, has steadily built a reputation for serving satisfying, ingredient-led dishes, thanks to its focus on premium, ethically sourced British produce.
Boxcar’s menu is a robust, flavoursome affair, with a particular emphasis on prime cuts grilled over a charcoal flame until they’ve got that all-important bark. Speaking of bark, actually, the dining room is rendered in all kinds of soothing wooden shades, with a little floating foliage thrown in for good measure. It’s the type of place where an evening feels almost cleansing, were it not for all the wine and steak you’d thrown back.
Not only does the restaurant now flaunt a redesigned al fresco area and an intimate chef’s table, but the atmosphere inside exudes a perfect blend of Manhattan speakeasy vibes intertwined with the informality and lush greenery reminiscent of a cosy British pub.
It’s a pleasant place to set about a tight, confident menu. The Herdwick lamb croquettes are a must order for that initial grazing session; a little funky from a long braised, fatty cut of lamb, in the best possible way. Dots of lovage emulsion bring a welcome jolt of aniseed that balances everything out just right, and lingers until your steak (Hereford rib eye, 225g at £31, for us anyway) hits the table.
What more can you say about a steak cooked well in a restaurant? It’s got barmarks. It’s blushing in the centre. It has a crust that’s speckled with chunky flakes of sea salt. It tastes nicely pastoral. It’s ace, but if you’re not quite such a carnivore, Boxcar has a quartet of lighter mains, the pan roasted cod with peas and broad beans (with their outer sleeves removed – rejoice!) the pick of the bunch.
The desserts, much like the rest of the menu, are executed with finesse, while the cocktails, particularly the Twice Smoked – a spirited mix of Calvados, Laphroaig 10, apple, and maple – provide the perfect nightcap.
That is, unless you were here for the laughably good value ‘quick lunch’, which is priced at just £19. We wouldn’t recommend a cocktail of that magnitude if you’ve got anything to do in the afternoon, or you, too, will feel twice smoked.
We’re not actually sure that even works as a line, but Boxcar Bar and Grill most certainly does.
Ideal for meticulously crafted Mediterranean plates at admittedly premium prices…
A modern Mediterranean bistro with open fire cooking in the heart of London… We could be describing the vast majority of recent restaurant openings in the city, to be honest…
…but Lita isn’t your everyday place, let’s be clear. Short for ‘abuelita’, which means ‘granny’ in Spanish, Lita isn’t really your grandma’s homecooking kind of place, either.
Unless your grandma is a young protege with time spent at Michelin-starred The Clove Club, its acclaimed sister restaurant Luca, and as head chef at Corrigan’s Mayfair, all before they turned 30.
This is damn convoluted, but we’re describing the career trajectory of Lita head chef Luke Ahearne, who boasts an impressive culinary pedigree. He’s continued that trajectory in some style. Though Lita has only been open a couple of months, it’s already garnered several fawning national reviews, with Jay Rayner ‘in heavenly raptures’ and Jimi Famurewa breathtaken. Christ, that’s a scene we don’t want to play out in our mind every again.
It’s easy to see why they loved it, though; the food here is genuinely magnificent, with an admirable attention to detail paid to the most seemingly simple of dishes. Two smoked basque sardines, meticulously pin boned before being – at least, visually – bonded back together, arrive over a gorgeously smooth ajo blanco and piquant cherries. It’s a case in point of the kind of cooking Lita has already mastered, boasting a depth of flavour that knocks you back.
Don’t let it disarm you too much; you’ll want to regain focus for the briny, brilliant Dorset clams with artichokes done in the Roman style. That is, braised until giving in a mix of white wine and olive oil. It’s excellent, and you’d hope so too for £28.
Okay, the hulking Galician dairy cow in the room; Lita is expensive. Yes, we know it’s somewhat uncouth to mention prices quite so explicitly, but fuck me; there are snacks in the mid twenties, starters topping £30 and several mains over a hundred.
No pan con tomate in the world should cost £17, even one draped with Cantabrian anchovies, but this is admittedly a very good one. There are few bottles of wine available at Lita below £60. Desserts are stubbornly in the mid-teens.
Yep, this is most certainly a special occasion place, but what a place to sink into. The interior showcases a warm, earthy palette with reclaimed terracotta tiles, a timber-clad bar with a deep red, veined marble top, blood-orange banquettes, and restored antique tables, all reminiscent of a grand chateau kitchen that your nan might have helmed a half a century back. She’ll have balked at the prices here, sure, but she wouldn’t half have been proud to send out some of these dishes.
Ideal for refined French elegance bathed in natural light…
Orrery, named after a mechanical model of the solar system, is an elegant French restaurant located on the first floor of a converted stable block. The abundance of natural light hits you the moment you walk in, the restaurant’s huge arched windows and skylights letting in so much that sunglasses are genuinely needed on London’s brighter summer days. The reflective quality of the starched white table cloths only serve to pronounce this.
The refined menu, designed by Chef Igor Tymchyshyn, features classic French dishes with a modern twist. Though menu descriptions verge on the prosaic (Salmon, polenta, asparagus, veloute, or seabass and chive sabayaon, for instance), presentation is anything but, with artistic flourishes of dots and scrapes occasionally reminiscent of a Masterchef several seasons back. There’s no denying the clarity of flavour here, though.
Though you might tend to prefer a smoke at the end of your meal, the chicken parfait cigar here is the ideal way to start it. Close, instead, with a summery elderflower and strawberry pannacotta, adorned with a big puck of champagne jelly. Boom!
With its stunning rooftop terrace (start with Orrery’s signature Old Fashioned up here) and views of St. Marylebone Church, Orrery is perfect for a special occasion or a leisurely lunch, and stakes a fair claim to being one of Marylebones top restaurants.
Ideal for trying one of the world’s most celebrated, proudly Neapolitan pizzas…
Dubbed ‘The Best Pizza in the World’ and iconised in the film ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, L’antica is a superb, eminently affordable place for a swift, sprightly lunch or dinner.
Forget the unfortunate dispute that disrupted the opening of the first London site in Stoke Newington, the second branch in Baker Street is still proudly serving Neapolitan pizzas of the highest quality. If you’re looking for something that’s full of toppings, this isn’t the place. Here, less is more and the classics are done right.
One thing that perhaps isn’t traditional is their ‘Marita’ pizza a half’n’half (margherita and marinara) that’s one of their bestsellers. It does bloody work, though.
There are now outposts in Soho and Manchester, too, for those not keen to make the trek to Marylebone.
Ideal for schnitzel, spätzle and plenty of sweet treats…
Design by IDEAL image via Fischer’s Instagram
Another of our favourite restaurants in Marylebone, Fischer’s is a Viennese-inspired brasserie that transports diners to early 20th-century Austria. With its dark wood panelling, period artwork, and traditional uniforms worn by the staff, this cosy eatery exudes old-world charm. The menu features Austrian classics such as wiener schnitzel and spätzle, whilst the desserts and cakes are, unsurprisingly, the highlight.
Open all morning through night without a break in sight, Fischer’s is perhaps at its very best when dropping in for elevenses. An Austrian classic, the ‘Franz Joseph Kaiserschmarrn’, feels appropriate at this time; a chopped pancake with cherry compote satiates all kinds of cravings. For something more savoury but still within the realms of ‘brunch’, the Holstein Schnitzel with anchovy, capers and egg is ace, too.
When it comes to the sweet side of the menu, we’re huge fans of the ‘Coupe Liegeois’ made with vanilla and chocolate ice creams, whipped cream and bitter chocolate sauce. Alternatively, go for the rich, indulgent sacher torte with the obligatory mountain of whipped cream, here balanced out smoothly with the addition of layers of apricot jam. Either way, order an espresso to round things all off.
Or, come for a proper feast in the evening; the restaurant boasts a fine selection of Austrian wines and beers and plenty of hearty, meat-heavy dishes to go alongside.
Ideal for a light and invigorating Mexican spread in swanky surroundings…
Can’t get a reservation at Kol? Cavita is another beautifully designed Mexican restaurant whose ‘see and be seen’ backdrop fortunately never detracts from the excellent food on offer here. Be sure to try the divine pig’s head tamal and split the whole grilled octopus if you’re dining with a group, both full of textural intrigue and bursts of piquancy, the celebrated chef Adriana Cavita having a commendable lightness of touch and a wicked way with protein. It’s the perfect combination.
Ideal for pitch perfect fusion food, anchored in the Indian subcontinent…
Design by IDEAL image via Jikoni Instagram
Jikoni, simply meaning ‘kitchen’ in Swahili, is a cosy and colourful restaurant that celebrates the diverse culinary heritage of its owner, chef Ravinder Bhogal. The menu is inspired by her Indian, Kenyan, and British roots, resulting in a delightful fusion of flavours, and a mentality of ‘’cooking without borders’’.
Standout dishes include the iconic prawn toast scotch egg – as good as it sounds and then some – and a pressed, crisped shoulder of lamb with a house ras el hanout, served with flatbread. Oh, and the banana cake with miso butterscotch and Ovaltine kulfi is the one.
Jikoni’s Weekend Brunch, running from 11am to 3pm is a hoot; booking in advance for this one is very much recommended.
Idealfor handsome, honest British pub classics, enjoyed on a sunny terrace when the weather’s right…
Marylebone may not be especially known for its pubs, but The Grazing Goat is an exception. You know you’re in good hands when you see Coombeshead Farm bread and butter opening the festivities, and those hands also make a mean Scotch egg, its anchovy mayonnaise so salty it’s almost spicy, but in the best possible way. It’s giving devilled eggs, but with a difference.
Don’t stray from the snack section, where most of the best cooking is found; a plate of crispy lamb and black cabbage salsa – lightly fermented, sauerkraut-style – is the perfect accompaniment to another round of pints.
If you’ve come hungry, the pub does a mean pie, too. Currently, it’s an excellent chicken and bacon (well, guanciale) affair, the familiar gravy here substituted for a pungent Montgomery cheddar sauce. At £23, it’s a pretty premium pie, but it can comfortably feed two. The Sunday roast is also worth writing home about, but we’re writing online rather than to our folks, so for now we’ll leave it here…
With an outdoor terrace for sunny days, The Grazing Goat is perfect for post-work or pre-dinner drinks and bites when the weather warms up again. Mine’s a Doombar, please.
Ideal for a predictably idiosyncratic and delicious take on a Taiwanese dumpling house…
Another branch of BAO, another knockout restaurant that gets all the finer details just right. At this point, it’s tempting to ask; do these guys ever miss?
As has become the way with new BAO openings, there are points of difference and specialities here that set this outpost apart from the others across the city, from Battersea Power Station to Shoreditch and beyond. The Marylebone rendition of the all-conquering Taiwanese street food group, open ‘all day’ from 10am to midnight, focuses first and foremost on dumplings.
Unsurprisingly for a restaurant so dexterous with dough, they’re superb, with the mutton dumplings in chilli oil particularly pleasing, the body-odour hum of cumin anchoring everything in a pleasing mustiness. And if you don’t find that pleasing, we feel sorry for you…
…Also much trailed and most pleasing are the pan-fried beef dumplings, served as a set of five but arriving as a kind of homogenous single unit, its surface caramelised and its shredded beef interior hotter than the actual sun if you tuck in too soon. Allow them to cool a little and get stuck in, there are fewer things more texturally satisfying on the planet.
Of course, the eponymous headliners are all present and correct at BAO Mary, the classic version perhaps heavier on the peanut powder than normal, but as satisfying as ever nonetheless.
Ideal for Argentinian-influenced pizza that hits different…
From the team behind modern Argentinian grill Zoilo comes this intimate pizzeria that manages to feel both thoroughly modern and charmingly old school. Chef Diego Jacquet might be known for his Argentinian cooking at Zoilo, but Florencio represents a different passion – one born from his global travels and the Italian immigrant influences of his homeland, plus time spent in New York’s vibrant pizza scene.
The pizzas here start with a 48-hour fermented dough that yields a crust with proper integrity – chewy yet crisp, and robust enough to handle some weighty toppings. We didn’t know we needed Argentinian pizza in our life but the Pituca (at £16.90, it’s admittedly weighty on the wallet) changed our mind; earthy mushrooms and sharp parmesan sit atop a white base that allows both ingredients to really sing.
Meanwhile, the Stracciatella (£16.90), smattered with pools of creamy cheese over a fragrant marinara sauce, makes a strong case for simplicity. The Negroni (£9.90) here is a gold standard version, and is an excellent aperitivo obvs, while the wine list offers plenty of good options by the glass.
Evening sees the tiny space transformed by some seriously flattering lighting (your phone camera will definitely switch to night mode), making it an ideal spot for those seeking both sustenance and atmosphere. They operate Tuesday through Saturday, noon till 10pm – perfect for a leisurely lunch or dinner – but plan ahead for Sunday roast alternatives in the area as they’re closed Sundays and Mondays.
Try to snag a corner table and settle in until closing time, especially if you’re planning on getting the excellent banana split for dessert – a gloriously retro affair complete with chocolate chips and dulce de leche.
The wine list, curated by general manager Sebastien Guilleminault, focuses primarily on Italian and French bottles, though guests can also dip into Zoilo’s impressive Argentine cellar next door if they’re feeling curious. Either way, there’s plenty worth drinking, whether you’re after something by the glass or settling in for the full bottle experience. Either way, the hospitality is genuinely warm, and the pizzas are among the most interesting in the neighbourhood.
Ideal for New York-style pies that are worth the wait…
If the queue snaking (‘prowling’? Nah) down Paddington Street is anything to go by, Alley Cats has already established itself as one of Marylebone’s hottest tickets. This walk-in only spot channels pure NYC energy, from its exposed brick walls and chequered tablecloths to episodes of The Sopranos projected onto the wall.
The 14-inch pies here are properly thin and crispy – the kind you can fold into a perfect triangular pocket without the structure giving way. A classic marinara crowned with ice-cold – as it should be – stracciatella (£17) shows they can nail the basics with a keen eye on the finer details, while the vodka sauce option (also £17) offers a more indulgent, increasingly ubiquitous path. The latter, rich and creamy with just the right hit of booze and chilli heat, might have purists clutching their pearls, but it works gloriously well. If you’re feeling thirsty, canned Moth margaritas at £12 each make for a fitting, though bloody expensive, accompaniment.
Those crusts, chewy and characterful, deserve to be dipped in something – the scotch bonnet sauce provides a proper kick, while the ranch offers cooling relief. Actually, order both; you’ll want to alternate between them as you work your way around the circumference of your pie.
The room might be industrial in aesthetic, but there’s genuine warmth to the service, and the buzz of happy diners (when you can hear them over the general hubbub – it’s fucking loud in here) suggests this place is here for the long haul. Getting a table might require a bit of patience, but hey – good things come to those who wait. The good news is they’re open daily from noon to 11pm, so you can get your fix whether it’s a lazy weekend lunch or late-night slice you’re after.
The transformation of Bath’s restaurant scene, from one dominated by chains and tea rooms to one of the South’s culinary powerhouses, has been nothing short of astounding.
Just a decade ago, only those hungry punters craving a Cornish pasty, sausage roll or scone would have been truly satisfied, but recent years have seen a slew of independent, forward-thinking eateries opening in the city, and we’re very much here for it.
No, really, we’re very much here, strolling the honeyed streets in search of a good feed. If you’re in the city centre doing the same, then you’ve come to the right place, cause we’ve got a whole 22 recommendations here for you, some fancy some frugal, but all very much delicious. Here are the best places to eat in Bath; our IDEAL 22 restaurants in Bath.
Upstairs At Landrace, Walcot Street
Ideal for light yet generous plates of produce-led Britalian dishes…
Yep, we said that many of Bath’s best restaurants are relatively recent additions to the city, and this is certainly true for Upstairs at Landrace, which emerged during lockdown, found its feet fast, and, thankfully, appears to be sticking around for the long haul.
Housed above the excellent Landrace Bakery, which specialises in sourdough bread made using stoneground British grains, the kitchen up that winding staircase is led by former Brawn and Quality Chop House chef Rob Sachdev, who brings a similarly straightforward sensibility to the cooking here.
The menu comprises a handful of snacks and starters and a couple of larger plates, with the cheddar fritters from the former section already reaching something close to cult status. It’s easy to see why; pillowy, giving and nestled under blankets of finely grated local cheese, they are seriously, seriously addictive. One plate simply isn’t enough.
From the larger dishes, deceptively simple, perfectly-cooked portions of fish are paired with hyper-seasonal veg; on our last visit, and as a bright spring day lifted the mood in the city, a dish of monkfish, fennel and salsify felt apt. For something packing a touch more heft, rump steak or pork chops regularly appear on the ever-rotating rundown, the latter last week served as a whopping (and pleasingly pink) chop, complete with bone for gnawing. The new season broad beans, tender enough to be served still in their pods, reminded us that warmer times were just around the corner.
And with the announcement late last year that the restaurant (and bakery downstairs) were expanding next door and broadening the scope of their operations, the Landrace 2.0 (as it’s being referred to) now aims to place a firmer focus on whole-animal butchery, the beast broken down out the back and featuring several times in different forms on the menu. That Gothelney Farm Tamworth pork might appear not only as a chop, but also a hock and head terrine, a leg and shoulder ragu, and as a faggot of its livers. Waste not, want not!
Desserts are exemplary, with the skills of the now even more ambitious bakery below on full display. Should there be a tart on the menu – last week it was a blood orange and almond number – order it.
All in all, Upstairs at Landrace manages to be both light and breezy, and eminently satisfying. Right now, it’s our favourite restaurant in Bath, and long may that continue.
PS. You’re in for a real surprise when you visit the toilet!
Ideal for Marco Pierre White-approved fish and chips…
Though nominally a fish and chips restaurant, the Scallop Shell, on Bath’s Monmouth Place, is so much more than that. Opened seven years ago and already superchef Marco Pierre White’s favourite restaurant in the area, this place is always packed and it’s easy to see why; fish is sourced sustainably, cooked simply yet thoughtfully, the vibe is cheerful and the service smooth. That’s all you could ask for, right?
And though their fish’n’chip offerings are certainly delicious, there’s also a regularly updated menu of other, arguably more interesting, options; whole fish (a whopping sea bass for two on our last visit) blistered and burnished by the grill and bathed in anchovy butter, steamed mussels or clams depending on the catch, grilled scallops in their shell, all served swimming in garlic butter, smoked sardines on toast… You get the picture.
Also of note, during weekday lunches diners can enjoy the restaurant’s ‘Fisherman’s Lunch’, which sees a portion of fish and chips, homemade mushy peas, tartare sauce and nice big mug of Yorkshire tea priced at a keenly priced – really, really keenly priced – £12.50. Yes, just £12.50.
All in all, it’s a top, top place for seafood lovers and one we can’t stop returning to for our fix of fresh fish.
Ideal for regionally faithful Cantonese and Sichuan cooking, all so close to the station…
Bath doesn’t have a Chinatown, nominal or designated, owing to its size and sensibility, but there are several excellent, regionally faithful Chinese restaurants in the city, the high quality likely a result of the large number of Chinese students here.
Perhaps the best Chinese restaurant in the city, serving signature dishes from the Cantonese, Sichuan and Northern canon of Chinese cooking, is East meets West, its name thankfully just a reference to its location rather than a warning of the flashes of fusion within.
There are two menus here, an English menu and a Chinese version. These descriptors (theirs) don’t describe the language used, as both are presented in the Queen’s, but rather, the likely target demographic of each. Whilst the former has your usual Kung Pao, roast duck with plum sauce, and a range of chicken, cashew and pineapple preparations, it’s in the Chinese menu where things get interesting.
Here you’ll find a hefty rundown of properly spicy, numbing dishes from the Sichuan province, bubbling, rust dappled hotpots centered around tripe and stomach, and the odd preserved egg dish thrown in for good measure. This is exactly what you want on a wet and windy West Country night with winter in full swing.
The numbing dishes served cold are particularly good at East meets West, with a plate of hot and spicy ox tongue a revelation on our last visit. A cold poached chicken in simple spring onion broth – cloudy, piquant and complex – was superb too, as was the signature mapo tofu, which we saw the staff enjoying a huge bowl of out back. Always a good sign…
With Chilli Family Noodles (also on our list) visible out of the restaurant window, the whole thing would have been transportive were it not for the discarded Sainsbury’s bag blowing about folornly in the rain opposite.
Perhaps the best dish of all here, though, was actually one which could be found back on the English menu – slabs of soy braised pork belly that arrived in a sheen of molasses black sauce and quivered when nudged with a spoon. Sitting on top some much-needed pickled mustard greens as the perfect foil, it tasted amazing. None of these dishes top £15.
Pair it all with a Tsing Tao or two, priced at a decent £3.90 a bottle, let the buzz of a busy dining room wash over you, and luxuriate in some of the most effective escapism that a few notes can buy. That, or it’s a £600 flight to Chengdu Shuangliu International. You decide…
Henry’s, Saville Row *temporarily closed until early April*
Ideal for sophisticated city centre dining in soft focus…
There’s something incredibly charming about Henry’s on Saville Row. With quietly understated, gentle service and a dining room rendered in soothing satin soft blues and blondes, it’s a restaurant where there’s no danger of contending with a pulsating soundtrack when gathering for a gossip; a place where a leisurely, laid back dinner is actively encouraged rather than time-constrained to a mean 90 minutes.
At the stoves, chef Henry Scott crafts a menu that aims to be appropriate for any night of the week, and not just weekends and special occasions. The Spring Menu is divided into ‘snacks and starters’, larger mains listed as ‘roots, land and sea’, plus sides and desserts. From the first section (all under a tenner), the rosemary gnocchi and crispy chickpeas sound like just the ticket with a local cider, whilst from those larger plates, which are priced in the mid-twenties, we’re pleased to see there’s still a big seafood focus, as we’ve previously found this is where chef Scott (not quite on first name terms yet!) really shines. Our name is on the sea bass with orzo and crab cream, make no mistake.
Desserts sound equally gorgeous, with inventive, elegant pairings evident in the molten chocolate tart with basil custard, or fresh cinnamon doughnuts with salted caramel sauce. Cor, yeah (spoken in a Gregg Wallace voice). There is still an option for a tasting menu of source – for £80 you can order a ‘cook for me’ situation that features six of the chef’s favourite dishes from the current crop. I mean, we’d be worried if we were having to enter Henry’s kitchen and cook for ourselves – that would be a weird concept for a restaurant.
Anyway, the refined, sophisticated cooking here has earned Henry’s a place in the Michelin Guide. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
*Please note that Henry’s is closed until 4th April 2025, when the restaurant will relaunch with a broader, more all-day dining focus. We can’t wait!*
Ideal for grazing on seasonal small plates while you explore a world of wine…
Corkage is a wine bar first and foremost, with a fine selection of showstoppers, heavy hitters and a few more esoteric bottles for good measure, many of which are imported by the owners here Richard Knighting and Marty Grant.
It’s a welcoming, inclusive affair on this stretch of Chapel Row; you won’t be judged for not knowing your stemmy from your steely, that’s for sure. In fact, exploring is greatly encouraged, with 50ml tasting samples available to help you find your ideal glass or bottle. We love that arms open approach.
This wine bar, it should be said on a rundown of Bath’s best restaurants, also happens to serve excellent food. A selection of seasonal small-ish plates to graze on while you pontificate on your wine, the ham hock terrine – suspended in a grassy green jelly – with a generous smear of split pea fava dip is a hearty old thing for just £8.50. The close-to-collapsing, spoonable beef short rib with house focaccia, beef dripping roasties and shavings of parmesan is even better.
For those erring on the ‘nibbles’ side of things, Corkage’s crisp squares of fried polenta with sharp, creamy whipped goat’s curd for dragging through, are something of a menu mainstay. Out back, an agreeable alfresco terrace area is a lovely spot to soak up some sun, order a second round of that polenta and have another glass.
Ideal for an elegant, invigorating curry experience…
Though we’re sure that the Dishoom cookbook is out back, with certain pages turmeric stained and curry splattered, we’re also pretty sure that Bandook is Bath’s best Indian restaurant, its gently refined take on Bombay streetfood classics has been a really welcome introduction to the city since opening in 2019.
From the team behind the acclaimed Mint Room in the city, and the winner of ‘best restaurant’ at the Bath Life Awards earlier this year, Bandook is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, with its light and airy dining room chiming perfectly with the restaurant’s intentions to be a place for relaxed, all-day drinking and feasting.
Start with the signature pan puri, those photogenic, enlivening bites of puffed semolina shell filled with chickpeas, tamarind chutney and sharp, invigorating jal jeera water. The version here is exemplary, all crisp exterior giving way to soothing, spiced chickpeas and the energising lift of the chutneys. It’s the perfect way to start a meal.
On the other end of the spectrum, the umami-heavy keema pav is ace, too. It’s a heady affair, with the curried minced lamb possessing enough funk to surely be mutton, and its buttery, pillow bed of brioche bun the perfect foil.
Unsurprisingly, the curries are awesome too, tasting like a true labour of love in their depth and complexity, but with a pleasing lightness at the same time. We could happily bathe in their old style Delhi butter chicken, though we could only dream of coming up for air as smooth and silky. Weird image aside, it’s such a luxurious bowlful.
Though a frothy Kingfisher might feel tempting and appropriate, we love to pair this one with a refreshing Limca soda, which chimes succinctly with the effervescent feel of the whole Bandook package. Cheers to that!
Oh, and Bandook’s resident jazz band, The French Connection, play every Thursday from 7pm to keep you entertained while you eat with their live rendition of swing-jazz.
Okay, we accept that it’s not a restaurant, but if you’re looking for some of the best food in Bath, then we simply had to give a shout out to the sandwiches served at these esteemed butchers on Green Street.
You can get a sense of the quality here by perving on the various cuts of beef hanging in the window, all dry-aged, barked, and marbled to perfection. Inside, the presence of house cured guanciale in the fridge and freshly-baked focaccia on the shelf further points to the premium nature of the place.
So, to those sandwiches. You have a choice of three at Green Street Butchers; rotisserie chicken, roast beef or porchetta. The latter is particularly good (it turns out the butchers here are Italian, and it shows), with a thick, single slice of tender pork-stuffed pork and the most bubbly of cracking bedded between a bap, its accoutrements of tarragon salsa verde and celeriac remoulade bringing the whole thing to life. Incredible, and almost impossible not to order a second.
Of note, the team behind the butchers (and Walcot House, which we’ll come to in a moment) have recently opened a centrally located pasta bar. Called Solina, it’s the kind of place of which Bristol has too many, but Bath has none, until now. We look forward to checking it out soon.
Ideal for all-day dining and drinking in Bath’s creative quarter…
Just when you think you’ve got Walcot House figured out – is it a restaurant? A wine bar? A brunch spot? – you realise that’s precisely the point. This impressively versatile venue, set in the beating heart of Bath’s artisan quarter (bit of a grand term for a street with some graffiti and a flea market, admittedly), seamlessly transitions from refined dining room to sophisticated drinking den without missing a beat.
The transformation of this former bakehouse mirrors Bath’s own culinary evolution. Where once there were Jägerbombs, student nights and rugger folk downing pints, now sits one of the city’s most accomplished venues, spanning three distinctly different floors. The main restaurant, flooded with natural light through an industrial glass pitched roof, serves food you just want to eat. A brigade of passionate chefs works with produce from carefully selected local farmers, with meat coming from their own Green Street butchers just around the corner (and just above these paragraphs), where native breeds are dry-aged on the bone. Go peer through the window and gawk at some seriously handsome stuff.
A recent dinner brought paw-sized, hand-dived scallops with that beautifully caramelised crust but mi-cuit centre that would have Masterchef judges cooing. Its accompaniments were just the right side of interesting; pretty florets of heritage cauliflower, and a caper and raising purée that balanced sweet and saline notes with precision. What a great dish this was.
Perhaps even better was a main of local fallow deer, its loin served thickly sliced to reveal a perfectly blushing, wall-to-wall pink, the meat rich and deep but not mealy, clearly having benefited from that close relationship with their butchers and the proper hanging it deserved. A lovely little slab of celeriac dauphinoise – nutty, buttery, but surprisingly light – sealed the deal. So that’s that; the main dining room is most certainly a winner.
Downstairs, the intimate Bread & Jam bar crafts some of Bath’s most intriguing cocktails. Their seasonal list shows real invention – a winter Sérol Spritz blends No. 3 gin with nectarine and grapefruit sherbet, while their house negroni gains complexity from a measure of bitter-orange Pampelle. The bar menu – back at street level – matches this creativity and offers a fine focal point for a graze and a gossip: rich, almost sensual wild mushroom arancini arrive under a snowfall of pecorino, while the buttermilk fried chicken has enough nooks, crannies and crevices to be massively satisfying to crunch into.
The wine list is as inclusive as the venue, reading like a careful study of both classic and emerging regions. Many are available by the glass thanks to deployment of a Coravin, and they’ve even collaborated with South African winemaker Pieter Walser of BlankBottle to create ‘Flavour Zone’, a characterful Mourvedre-Shiraz blend that captures the creative spirit of the place.
Mornings bring excellent coffee and house-baked pastries in the Dilly Bar, a space that transforms from daytime café to evening wine bar. Fuck me; you could get lost in here after a few. The breakfast menu shows the same attention to detail as dinner service, from a Full English featuring Green Street’s own sausages and bacon to wild mushrooms with truffle on sourdough. A keenly priced set lunch (£20 for two courses) offers one of Bath’s better-value fine dining experiences.
And that, we think, covers this all-things-to-all-people operation that manages to keep everyone satisfied – no mean feat in such a discerning city.
Though Bosco bills itself as a Café Napoletana, the vibe inside is, quite frankly, more New York hotel bar, with plenty of marble counter seating, dark leather stools (you might want to see a doctor about that), and low filament lighting casting shadows over the more intimate corners of the dining room. This is one of the city’s most romantic spots for an evening date, that’s for sure.
On the plate are some excellent (on their day) pizzas alongside deep fried snacks, bruschetta, Italian meats and cheeses, pasta and a couple of larger plates for good measure. Though the quality of the pizza here has been erratic on a couple of previous visits, the pasta dishes are particularly well realised, with the veal lasagna genuinely excellent, its structural integrity intact, as it should be, but its bechamel sauce positively piquant and oozing.
If you’re looking to graze while you drink in the dining room’s amorous vibe (as well as the excellent house negroni), then the cicchetti section of the menu is where you’ll feel most at home. We’ve been known to base a whole meal around their taleggio arancini, fried zucchini and bouncy but giving polpette in the past. Bolster the spread with a little coppa and gorgonzola dolce, imported from Lombardy, and you’ve got yourself the finest Italian feast in the city.
A Bath institution and a restaurant of much seniority compared to many of the others on our list, Nepalese restaurant Yak Yeti Yak is one of the city’s longest serving restaurants for a reason.
Head down the staircase to this inviting, stone-cobbled room and – immediately after you’re hit with the intoxicating aroma of incense and black cardamom – you’ll be met with a warm welcome like you’re one of the family. Generous portions of intricately spiced, instantly-likeable Nepalese dishes follow.
Though the vibe is certainly snug and intimate here, the cooking certainly isn’t what you’d call ‘homely’; there’s some real flair on display in the nimble but keenly seasoned momos, whilst the signature Yak Yeti Yak chicken – inspired by Katmandhu’s hole in the wall bars – is delicate and sophisticated in flavour.
Don’t miss the regal, saffron-infused Kesariko dhai – a yoghurt dish with origins in the kitchens of Himalayan royalty – which sends you on your merry way back up that flight of stairs and onto street level a very satisfied diner indeed.
The restaurant also runs the YYY Foundation, which does excellent work on long-term community projects in Nepal, including raising money for women’s hygiene products and contributing to the rebuilding of several primary schools. Do check it out.
Ideal slurping bowls of spicy, nourishing noodles…
You wouldn’t perhaps expect to find a bowl of seriously nourishing, Sichuan-pepper laden noodles in a tightly-packed dining room tacked onto the back of a public toilet…
Scrap that last sentence; that’s exactly where you might expect to find a bowl of seriously nourishing noodles were you in one of the worlds street food capitals such as Guangzhou or Bangkok, but Bath, let’s be honest, isn’t exactly known for rugged, rough and ready dining.
That’s what makes Chilli Family Noodles all the more special, and, in our view, one of the best restaurants in Bath. Here, and despite what at first appears to be an expansive menu, the choices are simple; choose between stewed beef, minced chicken, spare ribs or tofu, choose from flat, fat or thin noodles (or rice), and prepare for a mouth-numbing, lip-tingling bowl of pure heaven, and all for just £7, whichever way you choose to fill your bowl.
Though the restaurant name and menu quite rightly steer you in that direction, regulars to Chilli Family Noodles will know that the real highlights lie in the ‘something extra’ section of the menu, with the mouth-watering chicken (served cold) a real winner whether you’re looking for something refreshing in summer or nourishing in winter. It really ticks all the boxes.
And with a row of wok-burners out back, you know you’re in for that all-important ‘hei’ from the stir-fries, too. Mine’s a pak choi with extra garlic, if you’re getting them in.
Do be aware that the restaurant only takes cash, though you’ll be very well fed indeed for under £20 for two (there are several cash points just across the road).
For a similar vibe, we’re big fans of Noodle Bath (just off Kingsmead Square), too.
Ideal for a grown-up menu of the UK’s finest wild fish and game…
This relatively new addition to Bath’s burgeoning dining scene from Mike Robinson, co-owner of London’s only Michelin starred gastropub, the Harwood Arms, might already be the best restaurant in the historic Somerset city.
Having opened in the late summer of 2020, following the first national lockdown, the Elder has found its groove immediately, with a focus placed firmly on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and a menu that showcases the best game and wild fish of the region. Considering Bath’s position an hour from the coast and with good access to the UK’s largest fish market, Brixham in Devon, as well as its proximity to Quantock Hills, where wild deer roam, it feels like the menu writes itself here.
But that would be doing a disservice to the intricate, respectful cooking on show at the Elder; there’s some serious thought going into these dishes. The Dorset crab tart is a revelation, but even better is the Muntjac deer tartare on brown butter crumpet, which is a stunning piece of work. Leave room for the desserts, if you can; the seasonal fruit souffle (raspberry on previous our visit) is faultless.
And if that wasn’t enough, the restaurant has recently opened its very own oyster bar, with freshly shucked native oysters served on their gorgeous, south facing terrace. Well, it would be rude not to, right?
Last year, The Elder announced something of a revamp, menu wise. Both simplifying proceedings but also seemingly taking things up a notch, replacing the old a la carte offering with the introduction of a 7 course tasting menu, with a choice between meat and fish for the first starter and the main, as well as a dedicated vegetarian option. Priced at a generous £85 per person, the menu is designed around wild, seasonal, ever-changing, sustainable British ingredients. Let’s hope that crab tart finds its way back onto the menu soon!
Ideal for the best Vietnamese food in the South West of England…
Vietnamese cuisine isn’t particularly well represented in the city, but Noya’s Kitchen is doing its best to change that with fresh, zippy Vietnamese food served at a variety of special events, lunches and supper clubs.
We’re particularly here for Pho Wednesdays, when bowls of the famous noodle and broth dish are devotedly served. A must order are Noya’s crispy pork with ginger and water chestnut dumplings topped with a blob of homemade chilli cranberry jam. They are divine.
You know when you’ve eaten one too many beige, protein-defined meals? In a sometimes beige, often protein-defined city, Noya’s the place to head for some respite.
In the summer, see if you can get a seat out in the popular garden; sunny, pretty and decorated with colourful parasols, it’s the ideal place to be on a summer’s day. The staff know their bun cha from their bun bo hue and are as charming as they come. You’ll leave here feeling happy, content and with a spring in your step.
Ideal for fine wines and the perfect drinking food…
Beckford Bottle Shop has made serious waves during its six years on Saville Row, picking up a hugely coveted Bib Gourmand award from Michelin and some fawning reviews in the national press. We certainly concur with that validation; the formula is one so very hip in London right now, of a wine bar which just happens to serve some really enticing small plates. It’s less ubiquitous here, which makes this bottle shop all the more enjoyable.
Two recent visits brought with them plates of precise seasonality and a keen sense of place. On the first outing, highlights included some superb devilled livers on toast, as well as Bath chaps – slow braised pig cheeks, pressed, breadcrumbed and deep fried – with a rustic, rough apple puree, and a decadent, dark chocolate mousse finished with pumpkin seed.
Even better on a more recent visit, a buttery, invigorating anchovies on toast was lifted by gently pickled shallots, whilst the now obligatory order of courgette fritti was texturally satisfying, its exterior crisp, its centre tender and giving. The accompanying aioli managed to be both delicate and decadent; a fine balancing act, indeed.
Both dishes – salty and satisfying – felt like the perfect drinking food in elegant Bath, and the accompanying Melissaki orange wine (available by the carafe), its texture dense and acidity gentle, was the ideal foil for the food.
Seemingly warming to a theme, a plate of salt cod brandade on toast was gorgeous, too, the wine now slipping down a little too easily. From the meatier side of the menu, a few blushing pink, thick slices of venison loin sat on a sharp tomatillo puree, a menu outlier but one which worked brilliantly well. The Nebbiolo d’Alba matched it with aplomb.
To end, an affogato of burnt butter ice cream, the restaurant’s own rum caramel, and a strong, bitter espresso, was the perfect way finish everyone off. If the Beckford Bottle Shop is this good after just a handful of years on the Row, we’re very excited for the future here.
Ideal for a light-hearted atmosphere and gentle re-interpretations of classic British fare…
Part of the same acclaimed restaurant group as the Beckford Bottle Shop from just a few yards up the road, Beckford Canteen has only been open for just shy of two years, but it’s already become a fixture of (admittedly, increasingly predictable) national restaurant reviews and awards.
To be fair, it’s easy to see why Beckford Canteen is enjoying such precocious praise, of being one of the best restaurants in Bath already. First off, the dining room (set in a former Georgian greenhouse) is airy and easy-going, with plenty of window seating for watching the hustle and bustle of Bartlett Street go by. Service here, as with the bottle shop north up Saville Row, is flawless, cheery and mellow, a great encouragement to settle in for the afternoon.
The menu echoes this light-hearted atmosphere, with gentle re-interpretations of British classics like a sweet and verdant pea and mint soup, and the restaurant’s already iconic rarebit crumpet ticking all the right boxes. Better still is the pork jowl terrine, ensconsed in a translucent, giving jelly that tastes of the best ham hock stock.
On a recent visit, a panisse topped with wild garlic and trout roe was ordered three times – all you need to know – and the restaurant’s signature, impossibly crisp layered potatoes seemed to be on every table. If there is a whole fish, cooked on the bone and doused in brown butter with shrimp, then that is another must order on a menu full of them.
With every bottle on the tight but carefully composed wine list also available by the glass – the restaurant’s house Picpoul de Pinet, at £7.50, is crisp and refreshing – this is a meal that needn’t break the bank, too, the inclusivity of the ‘canteen’ moniker feeling wonderfully fitting.
And just today, the restaurant has announced via their Instagram a new lunchtime set menu. Running Wednesday through Friday, it will be keenly priced at £25 for two courses, or £30 for three.
The thoroughfare that takes in Kingsmead Square, Saw Close and Barton Street is perhaps Bath’s buzziest, full of hens and stags, seagulls and pigeons, waifs and strays, and three of the restaurants on our roundup of Bath’s best – The Oven, Chaiwalla, and our latest entry, the Persian mezze and charcoal kebab specialists at Baba’s Mezze.
Opened with little fanfare in October of last year, you might be tempted to call Baba’s Mezze something of a ‘hidden gem’, were it not for the inviting smell of charcoal, smoke and caramelising fat that wafts out of the always open door and onto Barton Street whenever you walk past.
If that nostalgic aroma isn’t even to beckon you in like a freshly baked apple pie on a cartoon windowsill, then instead be enamoured by a glimpse of the twinkling Souk-inspired lighting and the warmth of the Persian rugs – a kind of curated, thematic dining room, sure, but one that promises a great feed.
And so it delivers. Ignore the piratical, tea-stained treasure map of a menu. Instead, admire its brevity, a refreshingly short and confident affair with seven cold and seven hot mezze, and a handful of larger items ‘from ‘the firepit’. From the former section, the signature baba ganoush is superb; roughly hewn rather than pureed, and smoky as you like. The yoghurt-based mezze mast o khiar is an exemplary version, too, given its characteristic perfume from dried mint and rose powder. Drag the restaurant’s grilled, butter anointed flatbreads through both and luxuriate.
And then, onto the main event; the kebabs. For us, a koobideh kebab – that heady, fatty minced lamb number wrapped around thick metal skewers and gently grilled – is always irresistible, and Baba’s is a fine rendition; not charred and gnarly, but rather, tender and full of the flavour of lamb fat. Its liberal basting of saffron butter certainly hasn’t harmed its immaculate texture.
The wine list is an interesting affair too, with the majority of bottles hailing from Greece, Turkey and Lebanon. That said, the Georgian Tbilvino Saperavi (£38) was just the ticket with that lamb koobideh, its deep, dark ruby colour and a rich bouquet of dark berries and subtle spicing, alongside robust tannins and well-balanced acidity, complemented the overtly succulent nature of the lamb brilliantly.
It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that Baba’s Mezze has hit its stride so quickly. The owners here, Ben Shayegan and Ben Goodman (one Persian and one Greek), have extensive experience in Bath’s dining scene, with the Shayegan family owning several restaurants in the vicinity, including The Oven, Raphael and Amarone. The head chef here, Mehdi Paratesh, hails from Tehran and boasts 15 years of experience working the charcoal grill. We’re so glad they’ve brought that expertise to Barton Street.
The Chequers has long been one of Bath’s best pubs, standing on its humble, residential spot close to the Royal Crescent and the Circus for close to 250 years. A great place for pints since forever, it’s only recently started gaining very well-deserved traction for its food too.
Pull open the door and you’re immediately hit with that waft of a great pub welcome. Nope, not the smell of stale beer and flatulence but, rather, the din of chatter, chiming glasses and clinking cutlery. Stride up to the welcoming central bar that’s the beating heart of the dining room and order a stout if you’re so inclined, as the Chequers is still proudly a pub, but if you’re lucky enough to have nabbed a dinner reservation (booking ahead is highly recommended, particularly for their excellent Sunday Roast), you’ll be richly rewarded with a rundown of pub classics given the odd reinvention or twist.
A case in point is the current menu staple of crispy lamb, which here sees shoulder cooked down until giving and pull-able, and pressed into a terrine mould with plenty of ultra-gelatinous stock set around it. It’s then breaded and deep-fried, because everything tastes better than way. A bright, delicately spiced carrot and cumin puree mellows everything out. What a dish this is – yours for just £9.50.
You could order from the mains section of the menu, with dishes like Wiltshire venison loin, blackberries, cavolo nero and celeriac certainly singing of the seasons, but really, the highlight of a meal at the Chequers is stuff on the special’s blackboard just to the right of the bar, which lists a couple of big beefy bits (a tomahawk for two on our list visit), as well as dayboat fish, cooked simply and sympathetically, as produce this good always should be.
A late September visit brought with it a whole brill with sea vegetables and pickled shrimp, which was excellent, but even better was a skate wing so thick it looked more like a chop, that came anointed with a generous lashing of deep, brooding peppercorn sauce. A scattering of crispy sage leaves sealed the deal; this was a lovely dish. The accompanying triple-cooked chips will get pressed and mashed into that sauce if you know the move.
Yes, it’s that kind of place, of tradition and classical cooking with just a little innovation, which is often what you want from your gastropubs, don’t you think? Not that The Chequers would want to be called a ‘gastropub’, we’d wager. A pub will do just fine.
And yes, of course there’s a crackling fire to gather around in the depths of winter. We think we might stay here a while, actually…
With an enviable vantage point presiding over Bath and the Charlcombe Valley below, the Hare and Hounds isn’t just a pint with a view; they also serve fantastic food here.
Work up an appetite for it with a calf-stretching upwards climb to the pub (700 feet above sea level, if you’re asking) along Lansdown Road, your breathtaking walk rewarded with breathtaking vistas and a fine feast at the summit.
Get your name down for the famous Hare and Hounds lamb scotch egg while you’re ordering your first pint, as this one often sells out. After a bite, you’ll understand why. Do a bit of zero waste ordering and go for the lamb sweetbreads next, crisp and golden and served with a braise of warm lamb’s lettuce (no relation to the sheep you’ve been working your way through) and peas.
You could be properly weird and order the Sri Lankan lamb shank for mains, but the fish and chips are really, really good here, all lacy bronze beer batter and perfectly steamed Cornish hake within. Chunky chips, a chunky tartare sauce and a chunky (huh?) lemon wearing its best muslin cloth jacket seals the deal.
Now that summer isn’t far away, things are only going to get better here. Indeed, when the weather is kind, there’s no better place to dine al fresco than the Hare & Hound’s terrace, admiring the Somerset landscape and rewarding yourself with another cloudy cider for the road. You did earn this one, after all.
Ideal for pleasingly old school dining at a pleasingly old school price point…
Back down at street level, and the views are almost as gorgeous from Chez Dominique’s dining room, this time looking out over Pulteney Weir and its roaring waters (cue a conversation about whether you could survive being dropped into it, naturally).
Back in the room and eyes on the menu, and it’s not perhaps quite as Francophile as the restaurant’s name suggests, with gochujang mayonnaise, curried lentils, chimichurri and a whole host of other apparent interlopers making their way onto the table. That mayo forms part of a very agreeable starter, in fact, bringing vigour and succour to slices of ox tongue.
There’s something reassuringly old school about Chez Dominique. From the mahogany furniture and blue glassware all the way to the frivolous font on the menu, it’s the kind of place where you order your own starter, main and dessert without fear of being corrected with the old “let me explain how our menu works”. From the mains, a skillfully roasted chicken breast, crisp skinned and tender fleshed, comes with creamed leeks and a sauce poivrade, a gently acidic, black pepper-heavy sauce that’s thickened with a roux rather than cream. It coats that chicken just right.
With several very drinkable wines in the mid-twenties for a bottle (and just £13.50 for a carafe), and a lunch menu that’s just £29 for three courses, Chez Dominique is also one of Bath’s best value restaurants. A truly fabulous place to spend an evening.
Ideal for Bath’s finest vegetarian dining experience…
A chic vegetarian restaurant just a Bath stone’s throw from the Abbey, Oak posits itself as something of a collaborative experience, with a team of ‘grocers, growers and cooks’ behind the gorgeously inviting menu here.
Formerly known as Acorn and honestly even better as its iteration as Oak, the restaurant is one of the first plant-based (pedants; fuck off) joints in the country to be listed in the Michelin guide. It’s easy to see why. Delicate but generous seasonal dishes like smoked ricotta agnolotti with asparagus and wild garlic not only deliver on flavour and freshness, but also on price point; dishes hover around the tenner mark, with nothing going above £12.95. For food of this quality, it’s an absolute steal.
That sense of value is exemplified by Oak’s five course tasting menu, a veritable feast for just £49, with wine pairing an almost philanthropic £27. In 2024’s eating out climate, you’ll rarely find a bottle for that price, let alone a bespoke pairing situation. Salut!
Ideal for a truly authentic, elbow-to-elbow tapas bar in the heart of Bath…
When on the hunt for the best tapas in Bath, we’re big fans of Pintxo, just a few doors down from the Theatre Royal. But a more recent discovery and, for our money, even better, is Ole Tapas, a tiny, first floor tapas bar that’s impossible to find and almost as impossible to snag a stool in. Incidentally, it’s only just around the corner from Pintxo and on the same street as the Gin Bar (just sayin’), if you do need to wait for a perch.
Whilst we’re loathe to use the word ‘authentic’ about a tapas bar in a Roman city in England, Ole is about as authentic as it comes, all tight seating and knocking elbows with your neighbour, noisy chatter, noisier flamenco music, and some great small plates designed for picking over as the cañas are kept flowing.
Ole’s berenjenas con miel are a fine version indeed, these salty, sweet batons of deep fried aubergine dressed in just the right amount of cane honey reduction. They are just the thing with a few cold ones, as is the croquette of the day, on our visit the classic ham; runny, gooey and just a touch tacky, as it should be. The classics keep coming; plump, pert boquerones that aren’t dressed too sharply, patatas bravas blanketed in a wellmade, viscous salsa brava rather than a ketchup/mayo mash-up, and albondigas with the requisite bounce.
Another cañas slides over to your space on the counter, and you conclude that this is the best tapas you’ll find in Bath. The city’s residents seem to agree, but fortunately, you can book Ole Tapas. Doing so a week or two in advance is highly recommended.
This little corner of South West England isn’t too blessed with seriously good pizza options, so we’re ending our tour of our favourite restaurants in Bath in The Oven.
The oven in question, central to the restaurant not only in name but in its prime position in the dining room, is manned by pizzaioli Fabrizio Mancinetti, with the pizzas here loosely based on the Neapolitan canotto style.
Translating as ‘dinghy’ and defined by their imposing, inflated crusts, the dough at The Oven boasts the requisite heft to carry some generous toppings, whether that’s the Sicilian sausage, mushrooms and toasted walnuts, or the goat’s cheese, caramelised red onion, rocket and pine nuts. Yes, nuts on a pizza; trust us, it works. While this won’t be the best pizza of your life, it’s a good spot with quick, efficient service.
Ideal for one of the best falafel wraps in the UK…
It might seem hyperbolic to dub somewhere so small and unassuming as a Bath institution (or even, as it happens, a ‘restaurant’ as there are no seats) but this cheap and cheerful spot is more than deserving of that title.
The smell alone as you wander by this hole-in-the-wall, takeaway only operation in Kingsmead Square should tell you everything you need to know; inside, the cooks are doing incredible things in the most humble of spaces.
Spring has sprung, and while the weather is certainly taking its sweet time to get properly warmed up, blue skies and sunny afternoons are on the horizon, make no mistake!
Finally, we can start to consider turning off your home’s heating, flinging open the windows and letting fresh air flow into our homes. And with it, can you feel a fresh, optimistic outlook in the air?
It’s time to draw the heavy curtains, banish the Winter blinds, and let some sunshine in. If you’re looking to lighten things up in tune with the new season, then here are 7 ways to dress your windows this spring.
Bamboo Blinds & Lots Of Plants
With summer holidays prohibitively expensive (and summer, of course, still so far away!), we’re going for a tropical window dressing to bring home fond memories of holidays far flung.
If you want to introduce the essence of Bali and other tropical countries to your window, then start with plants. The serenity that the green, tropical foliage brings to your home can be soothing and rejuvenating in equal measure, especially in the relative drab of Britain.
While it’s hard to replicate lush tropical landscapes, filled with gorgeous green foliage and a vast array of brightly coloured flowers, rest assured that there are some vibrant indoor tropical plants that can flourish indoors here; Birds of Paradise, Orange Phalaenopsis Orchids, Ginger Lilies and Arum Lilies are just some of our favourites.
When it comes to window coverings, bamboo blinds are the only way to go. Moreover if you have a seriously sunny room, such blinds are ideal, giving you privacy while still letting in some of that much needed sunlight. Plus, they are one of the more affordable blind options out there.
Alternatively, you could go with some interior wooden shutters or dress your window with sheer voile curtains, just like the ones that blow in the breeze when you’re on holiday and create a whimsical feeling while doing so.
Spanish Shutters
Or, why not welcome Spain into your home this spring? Shutters are a mainstay of Spanish interior design and bring a warm, welcoming vibe even in reticent ol’ Blighty.
Actually, that reticence might chime with Spanish shutters, after all. According to El Pais via Lonely Planet, “the principal reason (shutters are so popular in Spain) is that while Spaniards are friendly and open, they are protective of their private lives and don’t wish their neighbours to haveaccess to what goes on in their homes”.
Should you be looking to fuse supreme privacy with a stylish touch this spring, Spanish shutters could be for you.
If you’re keen to consider your privacy further, then interior shutters could be a prudent move. These are great for anyone who lives in an area with views which are just too good to obscure. Internal shutters can easily be adjusted for privacy, light or shade, and are perfect for creating a minimalist look for the home.
Springtime Fabrics & Flowers
Alternatively, linen makes great, lightweight drapes and blinds for spring time, offering enough shade to keep the house cool on warmer days while also lapping up all that beautiful natural light during the day.
Or, consider Roman or cascade blinds, which are perfect for framing the window while also bringing in the sun, and can be decorated with floral prints. At night, they can be brought down to add privacy and keep the house feeling cosy.
Outside, if you have window sills, you can fill these with beautiful window sill planters of springtime flowers to add a light, fragrant and seasonal feel to the house.
New Windows
If your house isn’t particularly light, and you’d love to open the space up for the future, why not get new windows entirely? Casement windows are the perfect way to add a spacious feel to the home while also opening up the room for a lighter and brighter environment. If you’re short on space and light, consider introducing skylights.
For those looking to maintain or add period charm to a property, sash windows offer timeless elegance while providing excellent ventilation options. These traditional windows slide vertically, allowing you to control airflow precisely by opening them from the top, bottom, or both simultaneously. Modern sash window designs combine this classic aesthetic with improved insulation and security features.
Installing new windows isn’t as time-consuming or expensive as you might first think. Many window replacement projects can be completed within a day or two, causing minimal disruption to your household. With advances in manufacturing and installation techniques, the process has become more streamlined and affordable. Additionally, many window companies offer financing options to spread the cost over time, making this home improvement more accessible.
The benefits extend beyond aesthetics, too. New energy-efficient windows can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs throughout the year. Double or triple glazing provides better insulation, while low-emissivity (Low-E) glass coatings help keep heat in during winter and reflect solar heat during summer. This investment not only transforms the look and feel of your space but can also add considerable value to your property when it comes time to sell.
Eco-Friendly Window Treatments
Sustainability is increasingly important in home design, and your windows offer a perfect opportunity to make environmentally conscious choices. Consider wooden blinds sourced from sustainable forests, which provide natural texture and warmth while being renewable resources. Hemp and organic cotton curtains are excellent eco-friendly fabric options that come in various weights and styles.
For energy efficiency, cellular (honeycomb) shades are worth considering – their unique design traps air in distinct pockets, creating excellent insulation that keeps rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter, potentially reducing your energy consumption. Cork blinds offer another sustainable option with natural insulating properties and a distinctive textural element.
Upcycled options can add character while reducing waste; vintage scarves or fabrics can be repurposed into unique curtain panels, while reclaimed shutters can be restored for a rustic touch. Many manufacturers now also offer window treatments made from recycled materials, including polyester from plastic bottles transformed into sophisticated blinds and shades.
A Window Seat
If you’re lucky enough to have a bay window, then build in some seating to it. If not, installing a small chair with the best view in the house offers a spring sunspot, where you can bask in any sunlight streaming through the windows and enjoy the fresh breeze, too. Bridging the gap between the inside and out by having somewhere to chill directly next to the window can be the perfect way to feel ‘at one’ with the outdoors when the actual temperatures outside demand you stay inside!
These sunny nooks can serve multiple purposes beyond simply providing a place to relax. With careful design, window seats can incorporate valuable storage space underneath—perfect for stashing extra blankets, books, or seasonal items. Make your window seat inviting with plush cushions and throw pillows in spring-inspired colours or patterns that complement your room’s décor. For an extra touch of comfort, add a small side table for your morning coffee or evening tea, creating the ideal reading corner or meditation space.
Smart Window Solutions
Bring your window treatments into the digital age with smart technology that offers convenience, energy efficiency, and enhanced home security. Motorised blinds and curtains can be programmed to open and close at specific times, helping to regulate your home’s temperature naturally by capturing warmth when needed and blocking heat during the hottest parts of the day.
Many smart systems can be controlled via smartphone apps or integrated with home assistants like Alexa or Google Home, allowing you to adjust your window coverings with simple voice commands or remotely when you’re away from home. Some advanced systems even include sensors that automatically adjust your blinds based on the room’s temperature or sunlight levels.
For those concerned about privacy, smart window films offer an innovative solution – these can transition from transparent to opaque with the touch of a button, eliminating the need for additional curtains or blinds in some settings. They’re particularly useful for bathroom windows or street-facing rooms where you want to balance natural light with privacy.
While the initial investment may be higher than traditional window treatments, smart solutions can pay dividends in energy savings and added convenience, making them an increasingly popular choice for modern homes.
The Bottom Line
There are plenty of ways to update your home for the spring, but by starting with the windows, you can bring in as much of the season into the house as possible. And whilst we realise it’s a long way off, if you love to play the long game then check out our article on ways to dress your windows in winter for more interior design inspiration!
The picturesque market town of Berkhamsted, nestled in the Chiltern Hills, boasts a surprisingly diverse and accomplished food scene for a place of its size. From Turkish small plates to pub classics cooked to exacting standards, the town and its surroundings offer a range of dining options broad enough to satisfy even the most discerning food enthusiast.
Berkhamsted’s excellent restaurants bolster the area’s appeal as a popular commuter town. With its historic high street and canal-side setting, combined with excellent train links to London Euston, it’s easy to see why ‘Berko’ (as it’s known by locals) is described as a ‘commuter’s dream’. But what truly gives Berkhamsted its character is the thriving food scene, one which has locals and visitors alike spoiled for choice. To help you with find a truly great meal here, here’s our pick of the best restaurants in Berkhamsted.
Tabure
Ideal for Turkish small plates and a reliably lively atmosphere…
If we had a pound for every Berkhamsted local who’s told us “you have to try Tabure,” we’d have enough cash to order their entire menu. And, perhaps enough to buy a house in the area, too.
Indeed, the first recommendation any Berkhamstedians will offer is invariably Tabure, beloved the town’s culinary cognoscenti for its Turkish sharing plates and reliably lively vibe.
Founded by husband and wife team Hulya and Mark, Tabure embodies the couple’s passion for great food. The menu reflects Hulya’s childhood in Turkey, drawing inspiration from various regional cuisines. Sourcing is impeccable—all meat is organic or free-range from Welsh farms, while only the freshest sustainable fish is delivered daily.
Kick off your meal with a medley of house dips served with freshly grilled pitta for dipping. The babaganus comes with a cave-depth of smokiness while the creamy labneh with aromatic confit garlic and a liberal amount of za’atar is just gorgeous. From the larger plates, don’t miss the Sultan’s Risotto made with bulgur wheat, or the merguez spiced lamb sausages. Keenly spiced and just the right side of fatty, they’ve got to be one of the tastiest sausages in town.
The drinks menu features lesser-known Turkish wines—the indigenous Kalecik Karasi grape, sharing the lightness of a Pinot Noir, is particularly worth trying. Be sure to pay attention to the cocktails on offer too, which feature classics with a Tabure twist— Sumac Margarita, anyone?
On weekends, Tabure serves their take on a Sunday roast but really, we’re here for the small plates, not something more hulking. Don’t be put off by the ‘small’ part here; these are substantial and satisfying enough not to have you stopping for chips on the way home. With its open kitchen and consistent quality, it’s easy to see why Tabure remains a local favourite.
There are two types of Greek restaurants: the innovative ones trying to ‘elevate’ traditional dishes into something they’re now, and the ones that know those dishes are already perfect. The Olive Tree falls firmly in the second camp, and we just love it.
Now entering its second decade of operating on Berkhamsted High Street, this independently owned Greek taverna has become part of the town’s fabric – known by everyone and the scene of many a birthday, anniversary and just about any other excuse for a celebration.
The food here isn’t revelatory or innovative, it’s much better than that, focusing on executing classic dishes with authenticity. The recipes come from Yiayia (Panagiota), the family matriarch who provides the culinary inspiration.
The meze-style dining encourages guests to share multiple dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Order the filo feta wrap—blocks of creamy feta wrapped in crispy phyllo and finished with a drizzle of raw honey and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. Char-grilled skewers of Chicken Souvlakia come exceedingly tender and succulent.
The striking cobalt blue exterior instantly transports you to a seaside taverna in Santorini, complete with traditional white trim and those cascading bougainvillea flowers that seem to thrive despite the English climate. The attention to authentic Greek architectural details extends inside, where whitewashed walls, blue accents, and Mediterranean touches create an immersive experience that feels wonderfully out of place on a British high street. Indeed, the bright, airy space is so convincingly Mediterranean that people may genuinely mistake photos of your visit here as holiday pics. When the sun hits just right, you could close your eyes and believe you were in Greece.
Always buzzy, particularly on weekends, and staffed by genuinely friendly people, this beloved Greek taverna delivers consistently good food in a warm, lively setting that keeps locals coming back.
Ideal for a sophisticated gastropub that focuses heavily on food, but where you can still get a pint…
Just outside Berkhamsted, in chocolate-box cute Aldbury, you’ll find The Trooper Pub. Set in the Ashridge estate and recently renovated, this boozer is now a country-style gastro pub that combines its heritage charm with contemporary flair. Actually, we’re not totally confident we can call this one ‘pub grub’ as the menu strays from your usual country pub playbook.
At the stoves is head Chef Jermaine Harriott, whose impressive CV includes stints at London’s prestigious Michelin-starred Pollen Street Social. Harriott’s cooking focuses on locally sourced seasonal produce, paying tribute to traditional British cooking with just the right amount of modern affectation. Scotch eggs come with smoked haddock and curry mayo, venison loin is served with the much revered crapaudine variety of beetroot, as well as pickled Shimeji mushroom, and butterflied mackerel, blistered and burnished on the grill, is topped with a pretty arrangement of micro-herbs and pink pickled shallot.
Sunday roasts have earned particular acclaim and a long line of traffic leaving Berkhamsted on the Sabbath Day, with the highlight a Scotsgrove farm dry-aged beef sirloin with braised ox cheek. For something more laid back, the venue is actually split between the formal dining pub and ‘The Trooper Barn’, where you can get breakfast and lunch options, or simply coffee and cake.They have a gorgeous beer garden too – ideal for pints and a plate of chips in the summer.
Ideal for a baked goodies in the stunning setting of Ashridge House…
Sitting pretty in the courtyard of the magnificent courtyard of Ashridge House, The Bakehouse opened in 2020 and has quickly established itself as a beloved community hub. This artisanal café boasts a picturesque setting, with the majestic architecture of Ashridge House providing a breathtaking backdrop.
They’ve got that farm-to-table thing going on, celebrating seasonal ingredients with herbs and veg grown in their own garden. Breakfast features all the classics but done properly and executed with flair, while lunch expands to include dishes such as the croque monsieur or buttermilk chicken burger with house spice mix. The in-house pastry team supplies warm scones and fresh cakes daily.
The Bakehouse has become a magnet for various groups—walkers emerging from the scenic Ashridge Estate, cyclists in need of refreshment, families enjoying a day out, or friends gathering for a leisurely weekend brunch. The café’s dog-friendly policy ensures that four-legged companions are welcome too.
Ideal for a theatrical fine dining experience where you can watch chefs craft your meal before your eyes…
A quick drive from Berkhamsted in neighbouring Tring, Crockers has established itself as one of the area’s most prestigious culinary destinations since 2018. Awarded 3 AA rosettes and featured in the Michelin Guide, this stylish establishment offers contemporary fine dining in a refreshingly unpretentious atmosphere.
Set across three floors of a historic townhouse, Crockers provides multiple dining experiences – there’s the main dining room, the cellar bar and The Chef’s Table. The latter is undoubtedly the crown jewel – a theatrical culinary performance where 16 guests sit at a U-shaped counter surrounding an open kitchen. Here, Head Chef Scott Barnard (a finalist on MasterChef) and his team prepare each exquisite plate before your eyes.
The copper-walled dining space creates a striking backdrop for the seasonally-driven tasting menus, which change daily to showcase the freshest available ingredients. What sets Crockers apart is its commitment to delivering fine dining without pomposity, as the Michelin inspectors note—food that is “beautifully cooked and presented, but also free of the pomp that’s often associated with fine dining.”
Ideal for a hyper-seasonal dining experience in a secluded countryside pub with impeccable sourcing credentials...
Hidden in a secluded wooded valley on the edge of the Ashridge Estate, The Alford Arms is the definition of a destination pub worth seeking out. This Victorian gem in the tiny hamlet of Frithsden has been under the stewardship of David and Becky Salisbury since 1999, who have earned it the title of Hertfordshire Dining Pub of the Year many, many times.
Head Chef Jamie Celnik crafts fortnightly-changing menus showcasing the very best of seasonal, local produce—and here, ‘local’ really does mean local. Their impressive sourcing credentials list suppliers within precise distances: cheese from 28.17 miles away, lamb and beef from 7.07 miles, honey from 3.15 miles, and even wild garlic foraged from the surrounding woodlands.
The menu bridges classic British pub fare with internationally-inspired dishes. Signature starters include bubble and squeak with oak-smoked bacon, a dish that’s been on the menu since day one. Despite its rural location, seafood makes an impressive showing, carefully sourced from the West Country.
When it comes to drinks, they’ve got at least three cask beers at any time, often from nearby Chiltern or Tring Breweries, and a wine list that’s exclusively European (chosen to reduce food miles).
Dog owners will be pleased to know that four-legged companions are welcome in the bar and on the heated terrace, making it perfect after a ramble through the Ashridge Estatealfred
Ideal for indulging in world-class pastries and award-winning sourdough…
If you’re the kind of person who gets emotional about laminated dough, Nena is your happy place. A Sunday morning visit to Nena bakery has become something of a ritual for many Berkhamsted residents. The difficult decision lies not in whether to visit, but in which of their pastries to select—all are exceptional and when paired with one of their quality coffees, it’s the perfect weekend indulgence.
You won’t find a single baked good at Nena which isn’t technically brilliant. Their rotating menu features constant innovations and seasonal specials, but if you see the croissant-cookie hybrid, grab it immediately—it’s like a buttery, flaky and a triumph. Oh, and their brioche-maritozzi hybrid, filled with passion fruit cream, is dangerously decadent and downright delicious.
This sort of community touchpoint (and an excuse for a seriously indulgent, sugar-fuelled morning) often features in the area guides produced by visiting vloggers, local Berkhamsted estate agencies and the local Hemel Today newspaper, too.
Ideal for brunching on hyper-healthy, energising options that are as Instagram-worthy as they are nutritious…
Located on Lower Kings Road, Jester is a good-natured spot offering a refreshing alternative to traditional breakfast fare. It’s healthy brunch incarnate and where Berkhamsted residents go when they want to convince themselves that a smoothie bowl is as satisfying as a Full English, and it’s easy to see why they’ve been convinced…
The smoothie bowls form the cornerstone of their offering and are vibrant creations that look like edible modern art. The Açai Bowl delivers a tropical sensation and comes with enough superfoods to make you feel immortal while the Protein Bowl has enough nutritious ingredients to satisfy people who say things like ‘leg day’ unironically. Guilty!
Beyond smoothie bowls that probably extend your lifespan, Jester serves satisfying plates of open toast topped with healthy toppings. Think beetroot hummus toast and feta cheese with a sprinkle of chia seeds. Even their avocado toast gets dressed up with pumpkin seeds, chilli flakes, and cherry tomatoes, plus a drizzle of olive oil. They are the kind of plates that ask to be photographed and then eaten. Or, perhaps, hung on the wall. There are also yoghurt bowls, wholesome porridge options and fruit salads available, too.
The space is calm and contemporary—all clean lines and natural light—making it ideal for weekend brunching when you want to be smug about your healthy choices while secretly planning which pastry you’ll get from Nena after.
Ideal for a journey-worthy dining adventure with exceptional wine pairings…
Approximately twenty minutes’ drive from Berkhamsted, in Amersham, Bisto Twelve Twenty offers a dining experience that draws the crowds. This intimate restaurant has carved out a niche with its distinctive approach to fusion cuisine, and we’re very much here for it.
Founded by Chef Mark Durman and Sous Chef Iz, this intimate spot does sharing plates that actually work as sharing plates—not too big, not too small, just right for fighting over who gets the last bite. The menu changes constantly, showcasing whatever seasonal ingredients they’ve managed to get excited about that week. You might find tagliatelle beef ragù with wild mushrooms one day, and smoked beef brisket with Jersey Royal potato salad and kimchi the next.
What truly sets Bistro Twelve Twenty apart is its exceptional wine programme, curated by Sommelier Kiera. The list eschews predictability, featuring bottles from renowned and lesser-known regions alike. The staff will be happy to steer you in the right direction, according to your preference rather than the restaurant’s bottom line.
Here. the ethos is “to give fine dining quality in an intimate and relaxed environment” – sophisticated cuisine and exceptional wines served without pretension. We think it’s mission complete.
Ideal for a special occasion Michelin-starred experience in a historic setting…
Housed in a charming 16th-century converted cottage on Old Amersham’s beautiful high street, The Artichoke finally received its well-deserved Michelin star in 2019, after 17 years of operation. This bijou restaurant, owned and led by Chef Patron Laurie Gear and his wife Jacqueline, offers a truly refined dining experience.
The interior strikes a perfect balance between the building’s Grade II listed heritage and contemporary style. Recent refurbishments have introduced a sophisticated colour scheme inspired by the restaurant’s namesake, while an etched-resin screen can be drawn to reveal the kitchen and the culinary magic going on behind.
Chef Laurie Gear, drawing on experience from stages at The Fat Duck and Noma (hey, who hasn’t?), creates accomplished modern British dishes with an unwavering commitment to seasonality and local sourcing. His menus change regularly to reflect the freshest available ingredients, with lamb reared locally, venison from the Woburn Estate, and seafood delivered daily from Brixham.
The wine program is predictably excellent, heavy on French and Italian bottles plus selections from Rothschild vineyards. They’ve got bottles from everywhere from Uruguay to Croatia, with wine pairings that actually enhance the food rather than just giving you something to wash it down with.
Having overcome significant challenges, including an 18-month closure following a fire in 2008, The Artichoke has emerged stronger than ever. Now celebrating over 22 years in business, they’ve collected enough accolades to need a separate trophy room—a Michelin star, three AA rosettes, and AA Restaurant of the Year for England. Bravo!
London’s Silicon Roundabout might be a little less glamorous than a whole valley made of the shiny semiconductor stuff. Perhaps it’s not as renowned for its tech startups and digital agencies as its name would suggest, either.
In fact, it could be argued that the real innovation around these parts takes place on the plate, with the streets orbiting Old Street Station arguably making up one of London’s most interesting food neighbourhoods. Here you’ll find everything from Michelin-starred tasting menus to grab-and-go bánh mì, all within a short walk of that infamous epicentre – less spaghetti junction and more a tangle of agreeable options for supper, you could posit, thinking you sounded clever. Or, that Chat GPT had entered your body…
So, whether you’re a tech worker seeking your next client lunch spot or you’re simply really lost in this perplexing corner of East London, here are our picks for the best restaurants near Old Street.
We still can’t help you navigate that bloody roundabout, though…
Nest, Old Street
Ideal for thoughtful tasting menus that celebrate British seasons…
Having taken flight from its Hackney home to an impressive Victorian building next to Shoreditch Town Hall in 2023, Nest has brought its innovative approach to seasonal British cooking to a grander stage. And with the move, it’s certainly become one of the best places to eat near Old Street Station.
The restaurant, from the same team behind Michelin-starred St. Barts in Farringdon, is run by three friends (chef Johnnie Crowe, wine expert Luke Wasserman, and general manager Toby Neill), who divide their year into distinct ‘seasons’, each celebrating a single landscape and its produce.
The current Sea & Coastline menu (running until March) showcases the bounty of Britain’s icy winter waters – think fresh Maldon oysters, hand-dived Scottish scallops, and Cornish squid – accompanied by foraged coastal herbs and seaweeds.
Come spring (come on spring, it’s time), they’ll shift focus to Rivers & Valleys, celebrating fresh river fish and wild garlic, before moving to the Highlands for a summer of celebrating Herdwick sheep and foraged herbs. The year finishes with their Game & Forest menu, rich with charcoal-cooked venison and earthy mushrooms. For a diner with Grapheme-colour synaesthesia (this diner), there’s a keen clarity of character to all of this that’s really satisfying to think about.
The dining room is built around a striking horseshoe counter, with a cocktail bar at one end flowing into an open kitchen at the other, all framing an intimate candlelit dining space and distinctive encaustic tile floor. Your menu arrives sealed in a wax-stamped envelope – you can either peek inside or let each course arrive as a surprise. The tasting menu (£90, with a shorter £70 option available midweek) represents good value for cooking of this calibre, while the matching wine flight (£65) cleverly changes with each season to reflect the menu’s geography – think coastal vineyards and briny drops during Sea & Coastline season, and Loire Valley wines when river fish takes centre stage.
Don’t miss the Nest Cellar, a snug walk-in bar beneath the restaurant serving low-intervention wines, seasonal cocktails, and clever bar snacks. It’s the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink or a more casual evening of nibbles and natural wine.
You’ll find Nest ready to welcome you Tuesday through Saturday, with dinner service every evening and lunch available on Saturdays.
Ideal for special occasion British cooking without the starch…
Housed in the imposingly handsome grade II-listed Shoreditch Town Hall (seconds along from Nest, incidentally), The Clove Club has been at the forefront of defining a new kind of modern British cooking since 2013.
What began as a supper club in a London flat – where former Manchester DJs Daniel Willis and Johnny Smith collaborated with chef Isaac McHale on ambitious menus of mackerel with nasturtium, pheasant, and goat’s milk and beetroot desserts – has evolved into one of London’s heaviest hitters, now boasting two Michelin stars and a consistent spot among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
McHale’s cooking shows both technical know-how and a deep understanding of British ingredients and seasonality, with dishes that are precise yet never precious. The menu delivers time and time again on pleasingly light, inventive flavour combinations – think hot smoked Wiltshire trout with almond milk and horseradish, raw Orkney scallops with hazelnut and clementine, or Aynhoe Park venison with celeriac and cacao nibs.
While the full tasting menu (£225) is of course the main event, there’s also a more accessible entry point via Clove Club’s three-course lunch menu (£95, Wednesday to Friday), which offers the same meticulous cooking in a more concise format. That lunch menu comes with a similarly concise, keenly priced wine flight, at £55.
The broader wine list aims to showcase exciting contemporary producers alongside classical vintages, with an extensive list that runs from grower Champagnes to rare Burgundies and emerging English winemakers.
Don’t let the accolades and price tag have you assuming it’s all hushed tones and bowties in here – while the food is undeniably ambitious, the atmosphere remains refreshingly relaxed, with whitewashed walls, faintly distressed wooden floors, and a buzzing open kitchen providing plenty of theatre. The Guardian even called it “a notoriously informal approach to fine dining”, which is a bit much, quite frankly. Anyway, that dining room is open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch and Monday through Saturday for dinner.
For those seeking something more casual from the McHale team, keep an eye on Bar Valette, the Clove Club’s newest venture on Kingsland Road that’s just opened. Expect a more relaxed take on Spanish and French coastal cooking, with excellent seafood, game, and an extensive sherry selection – though McHale is quick to point out they’re “not going for a star here, just good times.”
Ideal for perfect pasta at prices that won’t make your eyes water…
The second outpost of London’s beloved pasta institution might not command the same queues as its Borough Market original, but that’s precisely why we love it. Indeed, Tim Siadatan and Jordan Frieda’s original ambition, of serving fresh, hand-rolled pasta at accessible prices, has translated just as well into this larger Shoreditch space, a place where the quality remains consistently high and the prices stay remarkably reasonable.
In a corner of an industrial-chic building (is there any other type of building here?) just off the bustle of Great Eastern Street, you’ll find a space that’s casual and considered. The steel counters and exposed brick walls nod to the area’s warehouse heritage, while the open kitchen provides all the theatre of watching your pasta being prepared fresh, ideal for when your date is a bore. Come summer, the outdoor courtyard becomes one of East London’s most pleasant spots for a plate of pasta in the sunshine.
The best part? These exemplary pasta dishes clock in at around £12.50 a bowl, making it one of the area’s best-value quick meals. The Padella pici cacio e pepe is genuinely iconic (a word so often overused, but here perhaps acceptable) but don’t overlook the tagliarini with slow-cooked tomato sauce for something arguably even more satisfying, the rust-tinged olive oil pooling at the sides of the bowl and crying out for a dredge-through with the house focaccia. The drinks list, created by cocktail maestros Mr Lyan Studio, is equally decent value – their house negronis and martinis both pitched at just £8. And that’s where we stop, because what sick fuck orders dessert in Padella?
The restaurant is open daily from noon until 10pm (9pm Sundays), with a break between lunch and dinner service. Download their virtual queueing app to grab a spot, then pop over to nearby Callooh Calley for a cocktail while you wait.
Ideal for contemporary riffs on Peruvian cuisine and rooftop cocktails…
This acclaimed Brooklyn import brings James Beard-nominated chef Erik Ramirez’s take on Peruvian cuisine to a striking rooftop setting within The Hoxton Shoreditch. Though finding the entrance requires some insider knowledge – look for the yellow door on Willow Street rather than entering through the hotel – the journey up to the seventh floor rewards looking like a befuddled fool with sweeping views across the East London skyline.
The space has a neat sense of seamless transition between indoor and out, its soaring glass ceiling flooding the room with natural light. Enormous fiddle leaf figs and tropical plants create natural partitions throughout, whilst scalloped pendant lights hang like paper moons above terracotta floors. The main conservatory flows seamlessly onto a geometric-tiled terrace that becomes one of Shoreditch’s most coveted spots during warmer months.
Ramirez’s menu draws inspiration from Peru’s diverse culinary heritage while incorporating influences from his time at Eleven Madison Park. Signature dishes include an energetic scallop ceviche with yuzu kosho, dragonfruit and nori crisps, and a much-written-about interpretation of lomo saltado —a hearty sharing plate that cleverly combines stir-fried beef with spring onion pancakes, rice, and triple-cooked chips. It’s heartily priced too, at £56.
All that said, it’s in one of the most humble dishes that the most straightforward pleasure is found. The charred cabbage anticucho has followed them across the Atlantic, remaining one of their most requested dishes with its clever combination of saikyo miso and quinoa furikake. It’s just £5.
The bar programme, crafted by award-winning mixologist Natasha Bermudez, shares co-headliner status with the food here, and quite rightly; the drinks here are uniformly, reliably top-draw. Their ‘Chupetini’ (£15/£7) breathes new life into the classic martini with Japanese gin and an ‘umami bomb’(a concentrated blend of miso, kombu and shiitake), while the ‘Llama Del Rey’ showcases Peru’s national spirit with a combination of pisco, rum, red wine, and chicha morada. Decent name, too. During ‘Sour Hour’ (Monday to Friday, 4-6pm), signature pisco sours are available for just £8.50, and a smaller, snack-focused menu is available.
The wine list focuses on small, independent growers, with a particular emphasis on South American producers and low-intervention wines though, honestly, this is a rare occasion where we stick to the cocktails for the whole evening, heartburn be damned (pack some Gaviscon).
Open Monday through Sunday for lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch services recently added. The kitchen serves until 11pm most nights, extending to midnight Thursday through Saturday, making it an excellent option for post-work dining.
Ideal for intimate French-British dining and wine exploration…
Behind a modest shopfront on Luke Street, this 45-cover restaurant from HAM Restaurants brings a slice of Gallic charm to Shoreditch. The whitewashed dining room, with its flickering candlelight and crisp tablecloths, sets the stage for what is one of East London’s most intimate evenings.
The kitchen, led by Alexandre Laforce Reynolds, sends out dishes that, quite simply, make you want to return. Their house sausage, a signature since opening, arrives glistening and properly emulsified, accompanied by a brown sauce made in-house that transforms this bar snack to order-several status. A starter of snails doing their best to weigh down pillowy flatbread is scattered with crispy chicken skin and swimming in tarragon butter – a dish which gets more appealing with each apposition.
The wine list at Bistro Freddie has been lovingly curated by Alex Price (who has now moved on to Plates, another restaurant in this list). Rather than defaulting to MOR choices, Price has assembled a cellar that tells stories through bottles – from flinty, reductive Chenins of the Loire Valley to the herbal, saline whites of Corsica. The by-the-glass selection rotates frequently, but might include anything from a bright Vin Exploré Côtes de Gascoigne to a more serious Domaine Thierry Fournier Champagne. Even the entry-level wines, starting at £9 a glass, have been chosen with obvious care and consideration. Or, more simply put, this is a bloody nice place to get a bit pissed.
Main courses display the kitchen’s talent for updating classics without losing their soul. Their skate wing arrives golden and imperious over a subtly spiced curry sauce, while dishes like bavette with peppercorn sauce remind you why French bistro cooking is having a big moment in London right now, beyond just the decent mark-ups. The menu changes regularly, but their pies – designed for sharing – have become a signature, with combinations like chicken, girolles and liver demonstrating Reynolds’ knack for balancing luxury with comfort.
This is a restaurant that understands the art of hospitality. The staff, dressed in those crisp white worker jackets that match the tablecloths (or, are the staff wearing tablecloths and the tablecloths actually made from jackets?), move through the space with practiced ease, as comfortable discussing the nuances of a Corsican Vermentino as they are recommending the perfect pie to share.
Open Monday through Saturday for lunch (12-3pm) and dinner (6-11pm), Bistro Freddie’s combination of accomplished cooking, serious wines, and warm hospitality has made it a local favourite. You’ll often see chefs from the neighbourhood dining in here, which is always a good sign.
Ideal for modern Irish hospitality with serious culinary credentials…
Named after a famous Dublin street seller’s daughter and brought to life by three Irish hospitality veterans with triple digit years of restaurant experience to their name, Daffodil Mulligan pulses with life just south of Old Street roundabout. The latest venture from the inimitable Richard Corrigan might be more casual than his other restaurants, but there’s nothing laid-back about the cooking.
The long, sunlit dining room, with its olive-green banquettes and polished concrete floors, fills with the aromatic smoke from the wood oven and grill that dominates the open kitchen. It’s always such a reassuring smell when you enter a restaurant, unless the kitchen’s caught on fire, of course. A ten-seat oyster bar adds a touch of convivial glamour, and downstairs, Gibney’s bar (an offshoot of the legendary Malahide pub) keeps the craic flowing with live music.
Head chef Stu Hesketh’s menu gives carefully sourced ingredients a confident once over. Peter Hannan’s acclaimed beef appears as a tartare anointed with oyster cream, while a sugar-pit bacon rib arrives glazed with gochujang, the fat caramelised, caught, dark and sticky.
Even seemingly simple dishes like salt-chilli chicken with mustard pickles or ember-baked bread with aioli arrive with the kind of obvious finesse that make you pause mid-conversation to appreciate them…
…What were we saying again?
Ah yes. This is cooking that laughs in the face of subtlety – every dish seems determined to show you a good time and slap you about the chops with flavour. And unsurprisingly for a Corrigan joint, there’s a keen focus on drinking here, with their signature Black Velvet (Guinness topped with Piper-Heidsieck blanc-de-blanc) setting the tone perfectly down in Gibney’s basement bar.
Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner (closing slightly later on weekends), Corrigan and his partners Tony Gibney and John Nugent have created something that manages to be both a destination restaurant and a proper local – the kind of place where you might pop in for a quick drink and find yourself staying for dinner, all before slurring some nonsense in a neighbouring diner’s ear and getting ushered out. Like its namesake flower, it brings a welcome burst of colour and life to Old Street.
Ideal for intimate Italian dining and counter culture…
At Jon Lawson’s Popolo, the best seats in the house hover over a stainless steel counter where chefs work with a quiet intensity, turning out dishes that make you forget you’re perched on a bar stool and that your back really fucking hurts. The ground floor revolves around this open kitchen, while upstairs offers a more traditional dining room, though ‘traditional’ here means bare brick walls and simple café tables rather than white tablecloths.
The menu changes frequently but maintains a steady philosophy – Italian cooking with a contemporary edge and occasional Moorish inflections. Fresh pasta, made daily in-house, might appear as delicate agnolotti stuffed with pork cheek and glossed with porcini butter, or taglierini tangled with hand-picked Dorset crab and bottarga. A dish of n’duja-spiked burrata with crispy olives and chickpeas is a welcome update on a dish that has gone so far beyond saturation point in London that it feels like we’ve all been subsumed by the stuff, suffocating to death, our final cries for help choked by stracciatella di bufala.
The wine list, like the room, is compact but thoughtfully assembled, ranging from skin-contact whites to robust Italian reds. The service is genuinely great in here, knowledgeable and welcoming, happy to explain the menu’s more esoteric ingredients or simply leave you to enjoy your risotto stained purple with Nebbiolo and studded with radicchio and gorgonzola piccante. They might even whisper tactfully in your ear that you’ve spilt the damn stuff all down yourself.
Open Tuesday through Saturday evenings only, this is food that demands to be shared, discussed, and lingered over, ideally with a good bottle of something interesting and the gentle rhythm of the kitchen as your soundtrack.
Ideal for London’s finest bánh mì and a fix of Vietnamese coffee…
This bright, minimalist spot might be small, but it serves some of the best bánh mì you’ll find in London, and in a city whose bánh mì game has never felt more thriving, that’s some compliment.
As an offshoot of Vietnamese stalwart Cay Tre (which has a branch next door), the banh mi here ranges from traditional combinations of pâté and pickles – el clasico, no doubt – to more baguette-pushing numbers like mackerel braised in caramelised fish sauce or honey-glazed pork with kimchi. All are excellent.
Images via @KeuShoreditch
The Cantonese roast duck bánh mì takes the familiar hoisin duck wrap far beyond standard M&S sad lunch fare, while their signature Hoi An deluxe showcases a house-made sauce that blends pork gravy, five spice, butter and fermented chilies into something truly remarkable.
Beyond the sandwiches, you’ll find excellent rice bowls topped with grilled meats and fragrant, Southern-style coconut curries. Don’t skip their Vietnamese coffee – strong, sweet, and properly made with a phin filter, it’s the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Ideal for innovative plant-based fine dining that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with London’s best restaurants…
Kirk Haworth’s intimate 25-cover restaurant has recently just become the UK’s first plant-based establishment to earn a Michelin star – and just a few months after opening, no less – and it’s easy to see why. The dining room, with its tactile, earthy atmosphere designed in collaboration with east London’s Design & That studio, sets the scene perfectly – think natural pigments, handcrafted details, and a striking counter that wraps around the open kitchen.
Haworth’s cooking draws on nearly two decades of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens worldwide (including The French Laundry and Restaurant Sat Bains), expertise that he’s brilliantly adapted to plant-based cuisine following his own journey with Lyme disease in 2016. The result is technically accomplished cooking that just happens to be vegan – dishes like barbecued maitake mushroom with black bean mole and kimchi showcase his ability to build layers of flavour and texture without relying on animal products.
Images via plates-london.com
The seven-course tasting menu (£75) changes with the seasons, though certain standouts, like their house-laminated sourdough with whipped cashew butter, have become signatures. Their raw cacao gateau with sour cherry and coconut blossom ice cream provides a fittingly sophisticated finale. The wine list shows similar thoughtfulness, focusing on low-intervention producers and biodynamic estates.
Come summer, an additional 14 seats on the outdoor terrace provide a rare peaceful spot just off the fr-energy of Old Street. While securing a table requires planning ahead (they’re currently booked well into 2025), this is quite simply London’s best plant-based restaurant, though the chef would prefer Plates not to be judged solely on those terms. Quite right, too.
For creative industry professionals, location is a strategic decision that directly impacts career trajectory, industry connections, and work-life integration. Beyond the superficial allure of cultural amenities, what truly matters is access to specialised networks, funding ecosystems, and sector-specific infrastructure that can accelerate professional development.
The UK’s creative economy is increasingly distributed across regional hubs, each developing distinctive specialisations and competitive advantages. This analysis examines the tangible professional benefits of each location: industry concentration, workspace economics, talent pipelines, and practical considerations that influence day-to-day productivity and career advancement in the creative sectors.
London: Beyond The Obvious Centres
While London’s creative dominance is well-documented, savvy professionals should look beyond oversaturated areas to emerging industry clusters where genuine opportunity exists. Rather than rehashing East London clichés, consider these strategic locations:
White City has transformed into a media technology powerhouse, with the expansion of the former BBC Television Centre creating a purpose-built ecosystem for content creators. The arrival of Soho House’s White City House has established crucial informal networking infrastructure, while Imperial College’s innovation hub provides direct access to cutting-edge research partnerships. Studios like Troubadour Theatres offer flexible production spaces at significantly better rates than central alternatives.
Ealing Film Studios and the surrounding area have quietly developed into a specialised post-production cluster. Companies like Lipsync and Molinare offer world-class facilities without Soho premiums, while the University of West London’s creative tech programmes ensure a steady pipeline of technical talent. Workspace providers in the area offer flexible contracts specifically designed for freelance production professionals with irregular income patterns.
For UX and digital product designers, the South Bank’s concentration of agencies (from ustwo to Method) provides critical mass for career development, with professionals routinely moving between studios to advance their portfolios. The area’s transport connectivity – and its proximity to Waterloo, in particular – enables easy client access while maintaining separation from tourist zones.
Crucially, London’s industry advantage lies not in vague ‘creative vibes’ but in quantifiable professional resources: the UK’s highest concentration of venture capital investments in creative tech, the greatest density of industry commissioning executives, and the most developed freelance support infrastructure including specialist accountants, legal services, and insurance brokers who understand creative business models.
Manchester: Strategic Industry Specialism
Manchester’s designation as the ‘creative capital of the UK’ reflects not merely cultural cachet but concrete industry advantages. The city has developed clearly defined specialisms that offer genuine career advancement opportunities:
Digital advertising and marketing technology has become Manchester’s standout sector, with a significant concentration of specialist agencies now headquartered in the region. This density creates unprecedented mobility for professionals, with agencies like Dept, Social Chain, and Push establishing Manchester as a genuine alternative to London for client service innovation. The 2023 relocation of WPP’s significant operations to Enterprise City has catalysed a talent migration from the capital.
MediaCityUK represents one of the UK’s most successful examples of purpose-built creative infrastructure, housing not just BBC departments but an ecosystem of smaller production companies that compete for regional commissioning. For broadcast professionals, the operational advantage is clear: production budgets stretch considerably further than equivalent London projects according to Screen Manchester.
The city’s workspace economics are particularly advantageous for growing businesses: Grade A creative office space costs substantially less than comparable London locations, while technical infrastructure benefits from Manchester’s position as one of the UK’s major data centre hubs. For individual creatives, a variety of apartments to rent in Manchester offer flexible arrangements including designated homeworking spaces and communal facilities designed for networking.
Most valuable is Manchester’s self-contained career ecosystem – professionals can progress from entry-level to leadership positions without leaving the region, supported by specialist recruitment firms like The Candidate and industry networks such as Creative Pro Manchester that connect thousands of practitioners. The city’s thriving creative businesses now generate substantial economic value annually, creating critical mass for sustainable career development.
Bristol: Technical Creative Specialisation
Bristol has strategically developed the UK’s most cohesive technical creative ecosystem, with a growing digital sector focused on high-value production rather than service work. The city’s advantage lies in specific industrial specialisations:
Animation and visual effects form Bristol’s core strength, with the expansion of the Bottle Yard Studios creating substantial production space specifically for animation and VFX work. The cluster of specialist studios (including world-leaders like Aardman) creates a talent density that enables career progression without relocating. The Bristol Animation Forum connects hundreds of professionals, facilitating project collaboration and skills development through monthly technical workshops.
Natural history production represents another distinctive specialisation, with Bristol producing a significant portion of global wildlife content. The BBC’s Natural History Unit commissions substantial production annually, supporting a network of specialist freelancers from underwater camera operators to wildlife sound recordists. Crucially, the recently established Bristol Natural History Consortium provides professional training and equipment access for emerging talent.
The Harbourside Innovation Quarter houses the Pervasive Media Studio, where residents work at the intersection of technology and creativity. Unlike generic co-working spaces, this facility provides specialised technical resources including motion capture facilities, haptic development kits, and AR/VR testing environments – practical assets that translate directly to commercial advantage.
For professionals in these sectors, Bristol offers tangible career benefits: competitive day rates combined with housing costs substantially lower than the capital. The city’s technical education pipeline includes specialist degree programmes across UWE and the University of Bristol, creating reliable access to emerging talent for growing businesses.
Glasgow’s creative economy distinguishes itself through the integration of design with engineering and manufacturing capabilities – a unique combination that creates specialist career opportunities:
Clydeside represents a growing concentration of product design consultancies specialising in industrial design, medical device development, and consumer electronics. Unlike purely aesthetic design centres, Glasgow’s studios directly connect to Scotland’s manufacturing capabilities, enabling end-to-end product development. Recent Scottish Enterprise investment has established a substantial prototyping centre providing advanced 3D printing, CNC machining, and materials testing facilities available to independent designers on flexible terms.
Architectural visualisation has emerged as a Glasgow specialisation, with studios like Wireframe Immersive pioneering VR applications for the built environment. The city’s architectural practices commission significant visualisation work annually, creating a sustainable market for specialists in this field. The Glasgow School of Art’s SimVis programme provides comprehensive technical training in this discipline.
Gaming and interactive media benefit from Glasgow’s unique combination of creative and technical education, with the city producing both art-focused and programming-capable graduates. The Tontine innovation centre specifically targets creative technology companies, offering subsidised growth space and development support that has helped studios scale to substantial operations.
The concrete advantage for creative professionals is Glasgow’s combination of technical opportunity with exceptional affordability – creative sector salaries remain competitive while housing costs are significantly lower than other major UK cities, creating superior disposable income. For business founders, Scottish Enterprise’s By Design grant programme provides specialist funding for design-led ventures, a financial resource unavailable elsewhere in the UK.
Leeds: Content Production Infrastructure
Leeds has transformed into the North’s most comprehensive content production centre, with strategic advantages that extend well beyond Channel 4’s headquarters relocation in 2020:
The Leeds Innovation Arc has developed into a significant concentration of convergence media specialists, with numerous companies now operating within this purpose-developed zone. Sky’s recent establishment of a northern production hub adds a second major commissioner alongside Channel 4, creating substantial regional production opportunities. Crucially, Leeds offers production infrastructure at scale – Leeds Studios’ sound stages provide capacity for simultaneous major productions, while the investment in cutting-edge virtual production facilities offers technical capabilities previously available only in London.
Financial technology creative services represent a distinctive Leeds specialisation, with the city’s status as a major UK financial centre driving demand for specialised design and content production. The FinTech North network connects creative professionals with financial services clients, while Leeds Digital Festival (the UK’s largest tech event outside London) facilitates business development across these sectors.
Leeds’ value proposition is clear: office space in the Creative Quarter costs significantly less than London equivalents, while average day rates for specialist production roles remain competitive according to Screen Yorkshire. For creative entrepreneurs, the Combined Authority’s Creative Sector Growth Programme provides matched funding for business expansion – practical support that enhances the city’s appeal.
Brighton: Digital Arts & Creative Education Excellence
Brighton has established itself as the South Coast’s premier creative hub, with the University of Brighton’s School of Art and Media serving as an anchor institution driving innovation across multiple disciplines:
Digital arts and emerging technologies form Brighton’s distinctive strength, with the University of Brighton’s Centre for Digital Media Cultures fostering groundbreaking research in interactive installations, immersive environments, and experimental digital practices. The recently expanded Media Centre provides state-of-the-art facilities including professional-grade audio recording studios, motion capture systems, and a dedicated XR lab that supports commercial collaborations between students and industry partners.
Sustainable design and circular economy innovation represents Brighton’s unique contribution to the creative industries. The university’s pioneering Sustainable Design MA programme—one of the first of its kind in the UK—has established a regional concentration of design practitioners specialising in environmentally conscious production. This specialisation is supported by the Brighton Design Research Group, which secures substantial research funding for projects that connect creative practice with environmental sustainability.
The Brighton Digital Catapult Centreoperates in partnership with the university to accelerate commercial applications of emerging technologies. Unlike conventional incubators, this facility provides specialised technical resources including 5G testbeds, immersive technology demonstration spaces, and low-power IoT networks that enable creative businesses to develop market-ready products with reduced R&D costs.
For creative professionals, Brighton offers a compelling combination of industry concentration with exceptional quality of life—the North Laine Creative Quarter houses over 300 independent creative businesses within a walkable district, creating natural networking opportunities. The city’s proximity to London (under an hour by train) enables access to capital city clients while maintaining significantly lower operational costs.
Most valuable is the university’s integration with the creative ecosystem through initiatives like the Creative Industries Federation, which connects academics, students, and industry professionals. The annual Brighton Digital Festival and the Brighton Photo Biennial provide platforms for emerging talent, while the university’s Enterprise Pathway programme helps creative graduates transition to professional practice through targeted business support.
For students and professionals seeking specialised training, the School of Art and Media offers distinctive programmes in emerging fields like Creative AI, XR Production, and Design Futures, creating a talent pipeline that directly addresses industry skills gaps. These programmes feature embedded placements with regional creative businesses and content co-created with industry partners, ensuring graduates possess immediately applicable professional capabilities.
Bournemouth: Creative Media & Innovation
Bournemouth has developed into a specialised hub for creative media production, with distinctive advantages that make it a compelling destination for certain creative sectors:
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) functions as the centrepiece of the region’s creative ecosystem. Unlike conventional academic institutions, AUB’s industry-integrated approach places significant emphasis on commercial applications and entrepreneurship. The university’s dedicated Innovation Studio provides incubation space and development support specifically for creative businesses emerging from its programmes. Particularly notable is AUB’s close relationship with the visual effects industry, with specialised courses developed in partnership with major studios. The university’s annual creative degree shows have become significant industry recruitment events, drawing talent scouts from across the UK.
Film and visual effects production represents Bournemouth’s standout specialisation, with the area now home to a growing concentration of post-production facilities. The presence of industry leaders such as Outpost VFX has created a critical mass of specialist talent, while the BFX Festival has become an important industry showcase. This cluster benefits from direct access to AUB’s technical graduates, creating a sustainable talent pipeline that supports business growth.
Digital innovation in tourism experiences has emerged as a distinctive Bournemouth strength, with numerous studios developing augmented reality, location-based media, and interactive installations for the visitor economy. This specialisation benefits from the city’s dual identity as both a creative hub and a major tourism destination, with continuous opportunities to deploy and test new concepts. The recently established Smart Place Innovation Hub specifically supports businesses developing digitally enhanced experiences for public spaces.
The region offers tangible professional advantages: operating costs for creative businesses are substantially lower than in traditional production centres, while the area’s exceptional natural environment supports superior work-life integration. For creative employers, BCP Council’s Creative Industries Growth Programme provides targeted support including rate relief for studio spaces and recruitment subsidies for graduate employment – practical incentives that enhance the area’s appeal for business development.
The Bottom Line
For industry professionals or creative students making location decisions, these regional hubs offer distinct advantages beyond lifestyle considerations. The choice should be driven by sector alignment, career stage, and specific professional requirements. Rather than vague cultural appeal, evaluate each location’s relevant industry concentration, technical infrastructure, commissioning opportunities, and growth support mechanisms.
Most importantly, look beyond marketing narratives to the practical realities: workspace economics, production facilities, funding access, and the presence of specialist services that directly impact professional success. The UK’s creative sector has evolved beyond a London-centric model into a network of specialised regional centres, each offering concrete advantages for those who match their career objectives to the appropriate ecosystem.
Where the Indian Ocean laps against the western shores of Mauritius, Port Louis stands as a telling monument to the island’s mixed heritage. The capital, nestled between the jagged outline of Le Pouce mountain and its natural harbour, offers visitors a raw, honest blend of architecture from various periods, noisy markets, and cooking that defies simple categorisation.
This tight, taut town, named for King Louis XV of France, somehow balances island languor with the sharp-elbowed tempo of a functioning port. Office workers in suits dodge market porters with impossible loads balanced on heads, both weaving through colonial-era lanes barely wide enough for a small car. It’s the only proper city on the island, and it knows it.
First-timers might dismiss Port Louis as just the boring bit before the beaches. Look closer. French shuttered windows overlook Tamil temples. The smell of cardamom and cumin fights with Creole rougaille sauce wafting from food carts. Chinese pagoda roofs angle upward not far from mosque minarets. The whole jumbled history of Mauritius—French planters, British administrators, Indian labourers, Chinese merchants, Creole fishermen—stands written in brick and stone and corrugated iron.
With just 48 hours to explore this fascinating capital, careful planning becomes essential. Here’s how to make the most of your whirlwind visit to Mauritius’ dynamic heart.
Day 1: Colonial Heritage & Market Exploration
Morning: Harbour Beginnings
Start at the Caudan Waterfront around 8:30am, before the heat builds. Sugar traders once dominated this harbour area, shipping out the crop that built Mauritius from nothing. Now it’s all shops and restaurants, though they’ve kept enough old warehouse features to remind you what paid for it all.
Grab breakfast at Café LUX*. Office workers and early tourists crowd it for the coffee – they roast beans on-site in small batches. Order pain au chocolat if you’re nibbling, or the full egg and bacon roll if you need proper fuel. Sit on the terrace and watch fishing boats chug out while yachts rock gently at anchor. The Moka Range rises behind it all, still catching the morning light.
After eating, walk the waterfront to the Blue Penny Museum. It opens at 10am, early enough to dodge the tour groups. Don’t let its small size fool you – it houses stamps that make collectors hyperventilate, the 1847 Blue Penny and Red Penny, worth millions. The rest explores Mauritius’ past through maps and ship models, including items salvaged from Dutch and Portuguese wrecks that litter the reefs offshore. Stamp enthusiasts need restraining from pressing their noses to the glass, but even philately-phobics find something interesting here.
Midday: Market Immersion
Head next to the Central Market – it’s a brisk quarter-hour walk from Caudan. Locals call it the Bazaar. Dating to Victorian times, the market throws you directly into Mauritian daily life: vendors shout prices, tropical fruits pile in questionable pyramids, and the air hangs heavy with unfamiliar spices. You’ll want to arrive before noon to dodge the crowds.
The market is divided into distinct sections, each offering its own treasures. The vegetable hall showcases produce unique to the island, including gato piments (chilli cakes) and dholl puri (split pea flatbreads) being prepared at small food stalls. Meanwhile, the spice section dazzles with pyramids of turmeric, cardamom, and distinctly Mauritian curry powder blends.
For an authentic lunch experience, seek out one of the small food vendors upstairs from the main market. Here, Chez Mme. Parasram has been serving traditional Mauritian street food for over three decades. Her dholl puri wraps filled with rougaille (a spicy tomato sauce) and butter bean curry offer a perfect introduction to Mauritian fusion cuisine – delicious simplicity at its finest. Seating is limited to a few plastic chairs, but the views of market life unfolding below more than compensate for the modest surroundings.
As the afternoon heat intensifies, seek respite in the historic core of Port Louis. Begin at Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that marks the immigration depot where indentured labourers first arrived from India following the abolition of slavery. While only the foundations remain of this once-bustling processing centre, the site offers a poignant reminder of the island’s complex heritage and the challenging conditions faced by these labourers who fundamentally shaped Mauritius’ demographic and cultural landscape. The small museum contextualises their experiences with remarkable candour.
A ten-minute walk brings you to the Photography Museum, housed in a meticulously preserved building on Rue du Vieux Conseil. This hidden gem showcases the history of photography in Mauritius through vintage cameras and remarkable images dating back to the 1800s. The collection offers fascinating glimpses of Port Louis’ transformation from European-controlled port to modern capital.
Next, tackle Fort Adelaide – La Citadelle to locals. The British built this stone fortress on Petite Montagne in the 19th century. The climb takes 20 minutes and it’s properly steep, but the views justify the sweat: racecourse, harbour, mountains – all of Port Louis lies spread beneath you. Arrive around 3:45pm when shadows lengthen and the heat eases off. In summer, go earlier – the place shuts at 4pm. Budget an hour to poke around the battlements and ramparts before the 25-minute descent back to sea level.
As dusk falls, return to the Caudan Waterfront, now transformed by evening lights reflected in the harbour. Begin your evening with a cocktail at Barrel and Bay, a waterfront pub where the island’s European ties are reflected in the British-influenced decor. Their signature Phoenix beer, brewed locally since 1963, offers a refreshing end to a day of exploration.
For dinner, Le Courtyard offers sophisticated dining in a carefully restored French-era building just off Intendance Street. Hidden behind an unassuming facade, this restaurant reveals a charming courtyard where tables are arranged beneath the stars. Chef Nizam Peeroo crafts a menu that celebrates Mauritian produce with French technique – try the palm heart salad followed by their renowned rack of lamb with local honey and rosemary. The restaurant’s wine cellar houses an impressive selection of South African and French wines, giving you every excuse to stick around for a night cap. Cheers to that!
Day 2: Cultural Mosaic, Beach Excursion & Natural Splendour
Early Morning: Flic En Flac Beach Escape
Begin your second day with an early start – you’ll thank yourself later. Rise at 5:30am and grab a quick coffee from your hotel or a nearby café to jumpstart your system.
By 6am, you should be in a taxi heading west toward Flic en Flac beach. The 30-minute journey takes you through small villages and sugarcane fields as Mauritius slowly wakens. Aim to arrive just as the sun begins to illuminate the coastline.
Flic en Flac offers everything you imagine when dreaming of Mauritius – a pristine stretch of white sand extending for nearly 8 kilometers, fringed by casuarina trees and facing a sheltered lagoon of impossible blue. The name allegedly derives from the old Dutch “Fried Landt Flaak” (free, flat land), though locals insist it mimics the sound of waves lapping the shore.
The early hour rewards you with relative solitude – perhaps just a few joggers, fishermen preparing their boats, or dedicated swimmers taking advantage of the calm morning waters. This west-coast beach remains protected by an offshore coral reef, creating ideal conditions for a refreshing swim. The gentle morning light transforms the turquoise waters into a shifting palette of blues while providing views back toward the mountains around Port Louis.
Spend about two hours here, walking the soft sand, swimming in the crystal waters, or simply sitting beneath a palm tree watching the island come to life. For the more active, several beachside operators offer early morning snorkeling trips to the reef, where you’ll spot butterfly fish, parrotfish and perhaps even sea turtles gliding through coral gardens.
By 8:30am, arrange for your taxi to return you to Port Louis. You’ll have experienced one of Mauritius’ coastal treasures while still having a full day to explore the capital’s cultural riches. The contrast between tranquil seaside and bustling city provides perfect counterpoint to your Mauritian adventure.
Morning: Sacred Spaces
By 9:30am, you should be back in Port Louis and ready for breakfast. Le Fournil on Pope Hennessy Street opens at 6:30am, but their freshly baked goods remain delicious well into the morning. Their almond croissants provide the perfect energy boost after your beach excursion, and the coffee cuts through any remaining fatigue.
Port Louis houses a jumble of religious buildings that reveal the island’s mix of cultures better than any museum could. The St. Louis Cathedral sits just seven minutes from Le Fournil – a 1750s structure that looks decidedly plain outside but hides a wealth of French-Mauritian history inside. The stained glass and memorial plaques need half an hour to absorb properly.
The Jummah Mosque stands five minutes away. It’s an intriguing architectural mix – Indian elements jostle with Creole and Islamic features. The courtyard offers unexpected quiet amid the traffic noise. Don’t visit during prayer times or Friday mornings. If you arrive on a weekday, the caretaker might show you the archways inside. You’ll need 30-40 minutes, including removing shoes and observing proper mosque etiquette.
Walk ten minutes to Kwan Tee Pagoda in Chinatown next. It’s the oldest Chinese temple on the island. Dragons writhe across its roof ridges, and red-lacquered columns support ceilings that haven’t changed since the first Chinese immigrants arrived in the 1780s. Half an hour lets you soak up the details.
The Kaylasson Temple on Royal Street stands eight minutes from Chinatown. Its gopuram (gateway towers) overwhelm you with their detail – gods and goddesses crowd every square inch in riotous colour. This is Tamil culture stamped firmly onto Mauritian soil. If you happen upon a puja (prayer ceremony), linger and observe. Otherwise, 30 minutes covers it.
Midday: Literary Heritage
For lunch, head to First Restaurant in the central business district, a short walk from your morning temple tour. This unpretentious spot has been serving Mauritian Chinese cuisine for decades, attracting a steady stream of local office workers – always a good sign. Their mine frit (fried noodles with vegetables and your choice of protein) and beef chop suey showcase the Chinese culinary influence that’s become fundamental to Mauritian food culture. Prices remain refreshingly reasonable despite their prime location.
After lunch, browse the China Town shops along Royal Road where you’ll find everything from traditional Chinese medicines to imported teas. The small Chinese Heritage Museum on the same street provides context for the significant role the Chinese community has played in Mauritius since the 1780s. Its collection of photographs and artifacts tells the story of the early immigrants who established Port Louis’ vibrant Chinese quarter.
Afternoon: Natural Wonders
After lunch, call a taxi for the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens – everyone calls them Pamplemousses Gardens, mercifully. They lie 15-20 minutes north, though lunchtime traffic might stretch this to half an hour. These gardens date from 1770 and house plant collections that botanists consider world-class. They stay open until 5:30pm, so no need to rush.
The giant water lilies stop everyone in their tracks – big enough for a small child to sit on, though the gardeners would have fits. Ancient baobabs loom over paths like something from a fantasy film. But plant people come for the palm collection, which ranks among the best anywhere. Give yourself two solid hours to wander. Signs explain how these plants shaped Mauritius – spices that traders fought over, fruits that fed the population, hardwoods that built the colony. The avenue of royal palms features on half the postcards in Mauritius, and deserves to.
Hire one of the knowledgeable guides at the entrance (for a modest fee) to reveal hidden treasures like the spice garden, where nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves grow alongside the pepper plants that once made Mauritius a vital spice trading post.
Evening: Farewell Feast
Return to Port Louis as the day cools and prepare for a memorable final evening. Begin with sunset drinks at the Post Box Lounge bar in the 5-star Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel, where the terrace offers perfect harbour views. Their classic Ti’ Punch – white rum with fresh lime and a touch of sugar – provides a fitting toast to your brief but enriching Port Louis experience.
Leave at 7pm for Chez Tino in Baie du Tombeau – it’s a 15-minute taxi ride from town, but well worth the effort. Book ahead, especially in high season. The place looks unassuming, but locals have packed it for over 30 years. It sits almost on the lagoon where they catch your dinner.
The menu runs to camarons (freshwater prawns) grilled with garlic butter and ourite (octopus) curry cooked slowly in cast-iron pots. Their seafood platters cost more than you might expect in Mauritius, but they pile the plates with whatever came in that morning. The cooks blend Creole, Indian and Chinese techniques – much like Mauritius itself.
Around 9:30, grab a taxi to Banana Beach Club near Le Caudan for a last drink. Your feet sink into actual sand beneath your table while drums pound out sega rhythms – a distinctly Mauritian musical style that feels half-African, half-something-else-entirely. It makes an oddly appropriate soundtrack to your two days in this mongrel of a capital city.
Neighbourhood Know-How: Where To Stay In Port Louis
Choosing the right area matters more than any specific hotel in Port Louis. Each neighbourhood has its own rhythm and advantages, depending on what you want from your stay.
The Waterfront area offers the most convenient access to tourist facilities. This district sits right against the harbour, connected to Le Caudan shopping complex. Expect larger, business-oriented hotels with air conditioning that actually works, harbour views, and higher prices to match. You’re within walking distance of many major attractions and decent restaurants, but removed from everyday Mauritian life.
The old quarter around Sir William Newton Street and Rue Royale presents a completely different proposition. This compact, atmospheric district houses the city’s heritage buildings with their distinctive shuttered windows and faded elegance. Small guesthouses and boutique hotels occupy converted 19th-century buildings. The rooms typically run smaller, but compensate with character—worn wooden floors, ceiling fans, wrought-iron balconies. You’ll be immersed in local life here, walking distance to markets, but expect more street noise and fewer amenities.
Labourdonnais Avenue and surrounding streets constitute the business district. Several mid-range options cluster here, offering a compromise between modern comforts and local character. You’ll find reasonable rates and reliable, if unexciting, accommodation. The area quiets significantly after office hours, which means peaceful nights but fewer evening dining options within walking distance.
Those looking for residential calm might consider the northern suburbs of Tombeau Bay or Baie du Tombeau. Some villas in Mauritius are available in these quieter areas, offering family-sized accommodation with pools and gardens. You’ll need to taxi into the city centre (15-20 minutes), but gain extra space, sea breezes, and occasional beach access. The area around Baie du Tombeau merits particular attention for its seafood restaurants and distance from city noise.
For longer stays or those requiring more space, look to Moka or Pamplemousses just outside Port Louis. These areas offer larger properties including renovated plantation houses set in tropical gardens. The 15-30 minute commute into Port Louis is balanced by mountain views, substantially lower temperatures, and unspoiled surroundings.
Budget travellers should investigate Plaine Verte, where simple guesthouses cater primarily to visiting traders from Madagascar and Reunion. The accommodations won’t win design awards, but they’re clean, authentic, and drastically cheaper than tourist-oriented options. This predominantly Muslim area offers excellent halal food options and a glimpse into a side of Mauritius most visitors never see.
The Bottom Line
Two days in Port Louis leaves you with a city that refuses tidy description – not quite African, not really Asian, certainly not European, yet somehow smacking of all three. Most tourists rush through on their way to those postcard beaches, missing the narrow alleys and markets that tell the real story.
Forty-eight hours only lets you skim the surface, but it’s enough to grasp how wildly mixed this place is. You may well find yourself plotting a return – the March horse racing season perhaps, or Chinese New Year when firecrackers echo between old buildings, or Diwali when oil lamps line the Tamil quarter. The beaches might have brought you to Mauritius, but Port Louis gives you reasons to venture beyond the sand.
If your Mauritius journey continues beyond the capital, consider heading south to explore the sacred lake of Grand Bassin or the dramatic landscapes of Black River Gorges National Park – both offering perfect complements to your urban adventure in this remarkable island nation.
As the days grow longer and temperatures begin to rise, there’s no better time to take your exercise routine outdoors. The British springtime offers the perfect backdrop for fitness enthusiasts looking to combine the joy of movement with the rejuvenating effects of fresh air and sunshine.
These al fresco workout sessions will boost both your fitness levels and your mood, allowing for that sociable aspect of group exercise we all cherish. With that in mind, here are 5 fun group exercises you can enjoy outdoors this spring.
Cold Water Swimming
Whether off the Cornish coast or in one of London’s lidos, cold water swimming is becoming increasingly popular – and for good reason. Recent research has suggested that cold water swimming may be an effective treatment for depression.
According to a report by the BBC, “Outdoor exercise and the companionship of fellow swimmers can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.”
It’s also been suggested to boost your immune system, as regular cold water immersion increases your body’s levels of the antioxidant glutathione, which helps regulate other antioxidants and may reduce your risk of heart disease.
For beginners, start with just a few minutes in the water and gradually build up your tolerance. Essential kit includes a bright swimming cap, neoprene gloves and socks, and a changing robe. Many groups organise regular meetups at local swimming spots, making this a truly social activity.
Zumba
Zumba is perfect for people who don’t enjoy traditional exercise but relish being active and expressive within a group. It blends aerobic movement with dance elements including samba, hip-hop, salsa and mambo, allowing for as much self-expression as you can muster.
Outdoor Zumba sessions often take place in local parks, creating a festival-like atmosphere. The vibrant music and choreography transform exercise into a celebration, making it ideal for those who find traditional workouts monotonous.
To get the most out of outdoor Zumba, wear lightweight, breathable clothing that allows for free movement. Some true enthusiasts even invest in custom sports clothing for their group, complete with vibrant patterns that enhance the festive atmosphere of these dance workouts. The supportive community aspect makes it particularly welcoming for newcomers – no dance experience necessary, just a willingness to move and have fun.
HIIT
High-Intensity Interval Training is the ideal way to squeeze in 30 minutes of challenging exercise between a busy schedule. Group classes are often better as competing with your peers provides that extra motivation you sometimes need.
HIIT is adaptable to your skill level and fitness goals, requiring minimal equipment. You can join an outdoor class or design the routine yourself. The beauty of outdoor HIIT is its versatility – parks offer natural features that enhance your workout. Steps, benches, and open spaces provide perfect settings for burpees, box jumps, sprints, and bodyweight exercises.
A typical session might include 40 seconds of high-intensity work followed by 20 seconds of rest, repeated for 4-5 rounds. For maximum benefit, incorporate both cardio and strength elements. The “afterburn effect” means you’ll continue burning calories for hours after your workout. Do be aware that HIIT is high impact and can lead to injury if you push yourself too hard.
Yoga
If you’ve found yourself with a sore back or aching shoulders from desk work, outdoor yoga could be just the release you need. Taking your yoga practice outside is good for the soul – while indoor studios try to create a zen atmosphere, practicing in a natural setting can awaken your senses and help you connect with nature in a unique way.
Outdoor yoga brings elements to your practice that indoor sessions cannot provide. The gentle morning light filtering through trees can enhance mindfulness, while the sounds of nature create a natural meditation soundtrack. Popular styles include Hatha yoga for beginners, power yoga for those seeking more challenge, and yin yoga for deep stretching. Whether you’re a yoga beginner or more experienced, outdoor practice offers something special.
Invest in a good quality, thick yoga mat that provides cushioning against uneven terrain. Local parks and botanical gardens often host regular community yoga sessions, providing an opportunity to connect with like-minded practitioners. The combination of gentle movement, breathwork, and natural surroundings makes outdoor yoga a powerful stress reliever.
Trail Running
Offering the perfect blend of cardiovascular fitness, natural exploration, and community connection, unlike road running, trail running takes you off the beaten path into woodlands, across moorlands, and along coastal paths – providing constantly changing terrain that engages different muscle groups.
The UK boasts some spectacular hikes, from the Lake District to the South Downs Way, many of which double-up as incredible trail networks. Joining a local trail running group is ideal for beginners, offering safety in numbers and valuable knowledge about the best routes. Many groups organise weekend ‘recces’ of race routes or evening social runs that conclude at a local pub.
Trail running requires proper footwear with aggressive grip patterns for muddy British conditions. Many serious trail runners invest in custom sports clothing designed to wick moisture and provide comfort across changing conditions and temperatures. The technical nature of trail running – navigating roots, rocks, and varying gradients – improves balance while reducing the repetitive impact associated with road running.
For beginners, alternating between walking uphill sections and running flats and downhills is a perfectly acceptable approach that most trail running communities embrace.
The Bottom Line
We’re sure that you’re the same; you just can’t wait to enjoy the fresh air and vast expanses of nature once again. If you can combine this with a spot of exercise and socialising, then all the better. We hope the five suggestions above can help you do just that. Good luck!
Tired of waiting for your hair to grow? You’re not alone. In today’s fast-paced world where celebrities seem to switch from bobs to waist-length waves overnight, the secret to dramatic hair transformations isn’t miracle growth serums—it’s expertly crafted hair enhancements.
From clip-in extensions that add instant volume to sophisticated lace front wigs that create the illusion of hair growing directly from your scalp, the world of faux hair has evolved dramatically. Gone are the days of obvious, plastic-looking additions. Today’s options are virtually undetectable, offering everyone the opportunity to experiment with length, volume and style without commitment.
Whether you’re recovering from a regrettable haircut, dealing with thinning hair, or simply craving versatility, this guide will walk you through the most popular hair enhancement options, helping you find the perfect solution for your lifestyle and budget.
Clip-In Extensions: The Gateway Enhancement
For newcomers to the world of hair additions, clip-ins remain the most accessible option. These temporary wefts attach to your natural hair with small pressure clips, allowing for transformation that lasts from morning until bedtime.
Modern clip-in extensions come in various weights and lengths, from subtle pieces that add volume at the crown to full sets offering up to 20 inches of additional length. Application involves sectioning your natural hair horizontally and attaching the wefts close to the roots, with placement varying depending on your desired effect.
The advantage of clip-ins lies in their versatility—they can be removed before sleeping and reapplied the next day, making them perfect for special occasions or weekend experimentation. They’re also the most budget-friendly enhancement option, with prices typically ranging from £80 for synthetic versions to £300 for premium human hair.
For best results, limit wear to 8-10 hours at a time, as the weight can cause tension on the scalp when worn for extended periods. Proper application is crucial—visible clips are the most common giveaway of amateur installation.
Perhaps no hair enhancement has experienced such a dramatic surge in popularity as the humble ponytail extension. These ready-made pieces transform thin, short hair into a voluminous, swinging ponytail in under five minutes.
The modern fake ponytail typically features a small comb at the base that slides into your secured natural ponytail, with additional hair wrapping around to conceal the attachment point. Some include a velcro strip or drawstring mechanism for additional security.
Celebrities like Ariana Grande have been refreshingly forthcoming about their use of ponytail extensions to create their signature looks. Grande’s trademark high ponytail—which appears to be nearly twice the length of her natural hair—has spawned countless imitations and dedicated enhancement pieces.
Zendaya, despite her seemingly effortless style transformations, is another celebrity who frequently uses ponytail extensions to create dramatic red carpet moments. The actress and fashion icon has been spotted switching from her natural curls to sleek, waist-length ponytails overnight. Many of Zendaya’s most iconic looks combine her natural hair with expertly placed ponytail extensions, allowing her to protect her natural curls while still delivering headline-grabbing transformations.
Application involves securing your natural hair into a ponytail, inserting the comb of the hairpiece, then wrapping the concealing section around the base and securing with pins. More advanced designs feature heat-resistant fibre or human hair that can be styled to match your preferred texture.
Prices range from £25 for synthetic versions to over £200 for premium human hair alternatives, with the distinction in quality being particularly noticeable in movement and shine.
Lace Front Wigs: The Ultimate Transformation
Lace front wigs represent the most significant technological advancement in hair enhancement in recent decades. Unlike traditional wigs with visible hairlines, lace fronts feature individual hairs hand-tied to a sheer lace base, creating the illusion of hair growing directly from your scalp.
The construction involves thousands of hairs individually knotted to a transparent mesh made from Swiss or French lace. This lace section is applied to the hairline using specialised adhesives, while the remainder of the wig covers the rest of the head.
Many don’t realize is that Keira Knightley has been a longtime fan of wigs and has been weaing them since 2011 and is “the greatest thing to have happened” to her hair. She revealed how her hair became damaged from frequent dyeing for various roles, leading her to rely on wigs to maintain the appearance of thick, healthy hair while allowing her natural locks to recover. Her subtle use of extensions during red carpet appearances demonstrates how undetectable wigs be when properly matched and installed.
Katy Perry is perhaps one of the most prolific yet under-recognized wig users in Hollywood. While her constant hair color changes from blue to pink to black might suggest frequent dyeing, Perry has confirmed in multiple interviews that she maintains an extensive collection of high-quality lace front wigs. This allows her to preserve her natural hair’s health while still delivering the dramatic color and style changes that have become her signature. Her stylist has revealed that for major appearances, Perry often has custom lace fronts created to perfectly match her vision, with each wig requiring up to 40 hours of handcrafting to achieve the most natural-looking result.
The versatility of lace fronts has made them particularly popular for dramatic transformations without damaging natural hair. The ability to part the hair anywhere within the lace section creates a realistic appearance that previous generations of wigs simply couldn’t achieve.
Beyond cosmetic appeal, lace fronts have become vital solutions for those experiencing hair loss from conditions like alopecia or as a side effect of medical treatments. The natural appearance provides not only aesthetic benefits but often significant psychological comfort.
Quality lace front wigs require substantial investment, with prices typically starting at £200 for synthetic options and extending well into the thousands for premium human hair versions.
Halo Extensions: The Best Hair Extensions For Balayage
If you’re looking for a non-damaging, instant solution that works perfectly with balayage and dimensional color, halo extensions deserve special attention. Unlike traditional clip-ins or tape-ins, halo extensions consist of a single weft of hair attached to an invisible wire that sits on your head like a crown or “halo.”
The unique design places the extension underneath your natural hair, with a thin, transparent wire that rests around the crown of your head. Your own hair is then pulled over the top to conceal the wire, creating a seamless blend that requires no clips, tapes, or adhesives making direct contact with your scalp.
What makes halo extensions particularly ideal for balayage is their single-piece construction. The uninterrupted weft maintains the natural flow of color graduation that defines balayage, allowing the carefully painted highlights to transition naturally from darker roots to lighter ends. With traditional extensions that use multiple pieces, maintaining the continuity of balayage’s subtle color transitions can be challenging.
Celebrities like Blake Lively, known for her signature honey-blonde balayage, have reportedly incorporated halo extensions for added volume and length while maintaining the dimensional color that made her hair famous. The technique allows her to preserve the natural color flow while adding significant volume for red carpet appearances. Halo-shaped extensions are also favoured by the Kardashians.
Application is remarkably straightforward: section your natural hair at the crown, place the wire over the top of your head like a headband, pull your natural hair over to conceal the wire, and blend with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. The entire process takes less than five minutes once you’ve mastered it, making it one of the quickest enhancement options available.
Prices typically range from £80-£250 depending on length, thickness, and hair quality, with human hair options offering the best match for balayage’s dimensional color. Since halo extensions experience less friction than clip-ins (as they don’t attach directly to your natural hair), they often maintain their quality longer with proper care.
Semi-Permanent Options: Tape-Ins & Micro-Links
For those seeking longer-term solutions, tape-in extensions and micro-link methods offer weeks or months of wear without daily application.
Tape-in extensions sandwich small sections of natural hair between two adhesive-backed extension wefts, creating a flat bond that lies close to the scalp. The flatness makes them particularly suitable for finer hair types, as they’re less likely to create visible bumps.
Micro-link (also called nano-ring) extensions attach small bundles of extension hair to tiny sections of natural hair using almost imperceptible metal rings. This method involves no heat or adhesives, making it ideal for those with sensitive scalps or concerns about chemical exposure.
Zendaya has been known to alternate between various extension methods depending on the demands of her shooting schedule and red carpet appearances. Her hairstylist has shared that for long-term projects requiring consistent looks, micro-link extensions provide the versatility needed for daily styling while maintaining the health of her natural hair. This semi-permanent approach allows her to seamlessly transition between her natural curls and straight styles without the daily application time required for temporary options.
Both options require professional application and regular maintenance appointments every 6-8 weeks to adjust as your natural hair grows. Initial investment ranges from £150-£500 for tape-ins and £300-£800 for micro-links, with maintenance sessions costing approximately half the initial application price.
Human Hair vs Synthetic: Making The Choice
The most fundamental decision when selecting hair enhancements is between human and synthetic hair.
Human hair offers unparalleled natural appearance and versatility, allowing for heat styling and colour customisation. Premium ‘Remy’ hair (where cuticles remain aligned in the same direction) prevents tangling and preserves natural shine but comes with a significantly higher price tag and greater maintenance requirements.
Modern synthetic options have improved dramatically, with advanced fibres designed to mimic the weight and movement of human hair. The primary advantages include lower cost, reduced maintenance, and the ability to maintain a preset style even in humid conditions. Limitations include a shorter lifespan (typically 2-6 months versus 1-2 years for human hair) and limited styling options.
Investment in premium human hair extensions can ultimately prove more economical than constantly replacing lower-quality options that failed to blend seamlessly with your natural texture after prolonged use
Maintenance Essentials
Regardless of which enhancement you choose, proper care extends longevity:
Use sulphate-free, extension-specific shampoos that clean without stripping moisture
Brush with extension-specific tools featuring looped bristles that prevent pulling
For overnight care, braid extensions loosely or secure in a low ponytail to prevent tangling
Use heat protection products before styling, with human hair tolerating up to 180°C and heat-resistant synthetics limited to 120°C.
The Natural-Looking Result
The distinction between obvious enhancements and those that appear as natural growth often lies in application technique:
Ensure strategic placement that reflects natural growth patterns, avoiding placing extensions too close to the hairline
Match or complement your natural texture for seamless blending
Look for options with graduated density that thins towards the ends, mimicking natural hair
Zendaya’s approach to wigs and extensions exemplifies these principles perfectly. Her hairstylist has shared that before any major appearance, they carefully color-match and texture-blend all hair pieces to ensure seamless integration with her natural hair. For her more dramatic transformations, they focus on creating dimension through subtle highlighting and texturizing rather than solid blocks of color. This attention to detail explains why even her most dramatic hair changes—from short crops to waist-length styles—appear remarkably natural and have many wondering if they’re witnessing actual hair growth rather than expert enhancement.
Whether you’re seeking a temporary transformation for a special occasion or a longer-term solution, today’s enhancement options offer unprecedented realism. With proper selection and care, the only giveaway to your instant length might be how quickly you achieved it—leaving everyone else wondering about your secret to overnight growth.
