Page 11 – Ideal Magazine

The Best Restaurants In Brighton: The IDEAL 22

Joseph Gann

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May 7, 2025

The Best Restaurants In Brighton: The IDEAL 22

Ideal if you’re looking for best spots to eat and drink in London-on-Sea…

The south coast city of Brighton is many different things to many different people. A place for Pride, pebble skimming, thrift shopping, heavy partying, eccentricity, environmentalism, and a traditional British seaside holiday, all rolled into one, you can be anyone you want to be in this so-called London By Sea.

When it comes to the best restaurants in Brighton and Hove, they are thrilling places full of eclectic tastes, with just about every cuisine, price point and sense of occasion catered for. That said, with cafes and restaurants on just about every corner, separating the good from the great can be tough.

Well, we’ve done the hard work, traversed the lanes and the beaches, and gained several (and lost hundreds of) pounds in the process, to bring you this; our IDEAL 22 rundown of the best restaurants in Brighton.

Bincho Yakitori, Preston Street

Ideal for some of the best yakitori this side of Okinawa…

A bright and lively Brighton road leading down to a pebble beach isn’t exactly the first place you’d expect to find a properly dark and grungy, backstreet Japanese izakaya. But then, this city never ceases to surprise you.

So, here we are; perched at a bar, sipping warm sake, and taking down plate after plate of grilled skewers. Whether the latter is Bincho’s moreish crispy chicken skins, the restaurant’s delectable cubes of pork belly, their chicken hearts, or a simple half cob of sweetcorn, you can be assured that everything off the yakitori section of the menu will have been kissed by coals.

In fact, the restaurant’s name comes from the type of coals used here and in izakayas all over Japan, binchō-tan, which is famed for its ability to burn long and bright, keep temperatures consistent, and not give off any unwanted smoke or odours.

Should you be keen to get stuck into some bits not off the grill, mind, then the specials board can always be relied upon for some treats; the tempura fried sea bream with a dollop of pert seaweed mayo is particularly good.

And once you’re done, the good news is that just opposite Bincho you’ll find one of Brighton’s best cocktail bars, Gung Ho. Kanpai!

Address: 63 Preston St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 2HE

Website: binchoyakitori.com

Voya, North Road

The most hyped ticket in town right now is without doubt Voya, which sits on a corner of the always happening Brighton artery North Road, not far from the station, in the spot that used to be Oseta Cafe.

That hype, we should say, is not without good reason…

An always dutifully-soundtracked bar that just so happens to serve really, really great, globetrotting food, Voya comes from a trio of well-known local faces, Liam Cotter, JD and Elina Sellings, who are driven by a desire to create a neighbourhood spot that celebrates spontaneous live music and DJ sets, classic cocktails and classy drinks, and street food snacks, all with equal enthusiasm.

Mission accomplished, we think. The vinyl, natural wines and the food menu all rotate regularly, and a sense of singular, idiosyncratic style is already firmly established. It’s just such a lovely space to settle into, the kind you forget to take any photos in because you’re having such a good time, and with an infectious energy almost physically that knocks you back as you sashay through the door like a pissed uncle entering the wedding dancefloor to Summer of ‘69.

Just us, then? Though those decks overlooking the dining room are certainly a welcome feature, we’re here for the food first and foremost. Each month the menu evolves, incorporating seasonal ingredients while maintaining a consistent thread of quality and innovation. Signature dishes like the sweetcorn ribs in fermented habanero butter and the saucy mushroom birria are (hopefully) menu mainstays, but there’s a restless energy to the place which means they might not stick around forever. Not to worry, February’s lamb sheesh with winter tomatoes and pistachio is the best thing we’ve eaten here yet. We’ve got our eye on the saffron arancini next.

The cocktail program at Voya is equally impressive, with top-quality drinks crafted by expert mixologist Cotter. If the paradox of choice isn’t your thing, you’ll be pleased to hear the cocktail list is a compact affair of just four or five carefully composed numbers. A recent Tokyo Collins, featuring gin, sake and a quartet of bittersweet fruits, was complex and invigorating. The second was even more invigorating. The third was…can’t actually recall. We’ve heard great things about the Rum Bread, too, a rich, warming affair given intrigue via miso. Next time, next time…

VOYA is open two long weekends (three nights a time) every month, from 5pm to 11pm, with last food orders at 10:30pm. Owing to its huge popularity, booking ahead is pretty much essential, although some space is left for walk-ins. Your best bet without a reservation is to wander in as late to those last orders as you’d feel comfortable doing so.

Address: 34 North Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1YB

Instagram: @voya_brighton

64 Degrees, Meeting House Lane

Ideal for fantastic fine-dining without the frippery…

Arguably the city’s most acclaimed restaurant and more than worthy of addition on our rundown of the IDEAL 22 best restaurants in Brighton, 64 Degrees treads the line between fine-dining and frivolous, between refined and rakish perfectly, which feels fitting for the city it calls home.

The restaurant is from chef Michael Bremner, who you may recognise from the BBC’s Great British Menu, on which he achieved great success in 2016. To say that this brought more custom would be flippant though, as it was consistently rammed to the rafters before his two stints on prime time television, and remains just as much so after.

Fitting in just 20 covers and offering a tasting menu-only format, there’s both a precision and a playfulness to the cooking here, whether that’s in the savoury ‘ice cream’ cones sometimes given as an amuse bouche, the miso butter poached cod from a recent tasting menu – a snip at £70 a head – or in the restaurant’s fabulous desserts.

Finish everything off with a 64 Degrees signature, a rum bear gummy, then totter off into The Lanes feeling very well-fed and watered.

Address: 53 Meeting House Ln, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1HB

Website: 64degrees.co.uk

Read: The best restaurants in The Lanes

The Chilli Pickle, Meeting House Lane

Ideal for inventive takes on the food of the Indian sub-continent…

Not your average neighbourhood curry house, that’s for certain, The Chilli Pickle certainly raises the bar when it comes to British interpretations of street food from the Indian sub-continent.

The cooking here is precise and assertive, with the manipulating of sharp notes (from, amongst others, that namesake pickle) bringing real freshness and vivacity. This is perhaps most apparent in the superb gol gapa from the starters and small plates section, which is lifted to dizzy heights by both tamarind and coriander chutneys.

If you eat meat, you’d be a fool not to order the Nepali Chicken Wings; a cumin and salt rub gives the dish texture, Szechuan pepper creates a lingering, intriguing backnote, and the accompanying chilli sambal is nuanced and complex.

The menu here changes regularly, but if it’s on, a recent addition of beef keema is another must-order; the roasted bone marrow that arrives alongside (scoop, mix and groan) makes it impossibly hard to resist. The tandoori butter chicken, admittedly a safe bet, is, here, pleasingly nimble, with a good dose of lemon juice lightening things up.

We love this place, and judging by the queues, Brighton does too, as do the restaurant inspectors at Michelin, who awarded The Chilli Pickle a Bib Gourmand for several years on the bounce. More importantly, The Chilli Pickle has been part of our IDEAL 22 restaurants for just as long.

Please note that Christmas Eve 2024 saw the restaurant’s final service – cue Nick Cave voice – on Jubilee Street. As of the start of 2025, The Chilli Pickle returned to its original home on Meeting House Lane. The menu remains broadly the same, with many of the old favourites making the journey to the new restaurant intact.

Address: 6-8 Meeting House Ln, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1HB

Website: thechillipickle.com

Amari, Baker Street

Ideal for Spanish-inspired tapas with Michelin-recognised pedigree…

When former Michelin-starred chef Ian Swainson, once of The Samling and Amarillo (RIP), joined forces with Ali and Mo Razavi (the team behind Halisco and Anakuma) to open this intimate 20-cover Spanish restaurant in late 2024, Brighton’s food scene naturally took notice. So, it turns out, did the Big Red Guide. Just nine weeks after opening, Amari had already secured a coveted spot in the 2025 edition – a testament to the kitchen’s exacting standards and Swainson’s adaptability in hitting his stride quite so soon after landing here on Baker Street.

The menu here is a focused affair of Spanish-inspired small plates designed for sharing, executed with the technical precision you’d expect from Swainson’s fine dining background but delivered in a refreshingly unpretentious setting. This is what the team calls (to be honest, we’ve heard this one a little too often recently) “fun dining rather than fine dining” – a tired but still apt description for both food and vibe here.

The croquetas are a masterclass in the form – sublimely creamy with a delicate crisp shell – while the beetroot salad with Seville orange and sherry vinegar dressing showcases a deft balance of sweet, sharp and earthy notes. Don’t miss the Manchego stuffed manzanilla olives with quince purée, a kind of riff on a gilda that we’ll be stealing for our next dinner party. With that first round of dishes, you’ll want to order the house Botivo Spritz – a non-alcoholic aperitivo with elderflower, orange blossom and tonic (though you can add Cazcabel Reposado tequila if you fancy something stronger).

It’s not all tapas and sharing. Selfish diners who hate to see that roving fork approaching ‘their plate’ will find glory in dishes like the slow-braised Ibérico pork loin with truffled celeriac purée and Amontillado sherry sauce, or the red wine braised rib of beef with chickpeas. The fried Jerusalem artichoke hearts with lemon oil are perhaps are favourite thing on the menu, providing a vegetable-forward option that’s no less enjoyable, and a flatulence bordering on the troubling.

With Swainson’s partner Justyna Maria Ciurus, formerly of Hove’s renowned Little Fish Market (appearing a little later on this list, by the way), leading the front-of-house team, the service is pitch perfect, too. Book ahead – with just 20 covers and a rapidly growing reputation, Amari is set to be one of the city’s most sought-after tables for some time to come.

Address: 15 Baker St, Brighton BN1 4JN

Instagram: @amaribrighton

Alberta’s at The Windmill, Upper North Street

Ideal for Brighton’s best fried chicken and much more besides…

Scottish chef Ali Munro – formerly of Wild Flor, another of our IDEAL 22 – has been leading something of a quiet revolution with his Alberta’s brand since its lockdown inception. With the noble aim of changing the face of fast food in his adopted home of Brighton, Munro has gained something of a cult following for his stacked, sumptuous sandos and indulgent, globe-trotting menu of things deep-fried and ribald.

Yep, this is food designed to be enjoyed with beer, so when we heard that, following an acclaimed run of pop-ups across the city, Alberta’s was opening in our favourite neighbourhood backstreet boozer The Windmill last year, we were knocking down the door (and the pints) before the first popcorn chicken had even left the pass.

During the week, those glorious sandos take centre stage on that pass, with fillings generously piled into Alberta’s pillowy, rich Japanese milk subs. Our go-to on the current menu is the aubergine katsu, whose curry sauce accompaniment is that kind of glossy, viscous number that is just so satisfying. A cabbage slaw cuts through the noise.

At the weekend (well, on Sundays) it’s all about Alberta’s already iconic roast, with just about everyone ordering the Deep South inspired, deep-fried whole chicken. This beautiful bird arrives golden from frier, with a crisscross of Dijon mustard-spiked mayo spunked across its breasts. Alongside, a thick, glossy gravy, charred whole cobs of sweetcorn, and an umami-heavy cauliflower cheese. Phwoar. Serving two or three for £24 a person, do be aware that this guy needs to be pre-ordered by 5pm on the Thursday prior to the Sunday.

Oh, and the best bit? Absolutely nowhere on the menu does Alberta’s bill its food as ‘dirty’. There’s a trend we need doing away with – this is just delicious, indulgent food from a true master of his craft.

Address: 69 Upper N St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 3FL

Website: thewindmillbrighton.com

Read: The best Sunday roasts in Brighton

Easy Tiger, Upper North Street

Ideal for Desi Pub nirvana…

Another hugely popular backstreet boozer/chef residency that makes our list of the best restaurants in Brighton is Easy Tiger at the Hampton, a pub that’s, incidentally, a one minute walk from the Windmill. Yep, Brightonians are getting seriously spoiled here!

Easy Tiger is a riff on the Great British tradition of the desi pub, where curries and pints combine to beautiful effect. The restaurant is helmed by Chef Sabu Joseph, who brings his extensive experience and passion for authentic Indian cuisine to the table.

Originally from Kerala in southern India, Sabu has had a distinguished cooking career in both Brighton and London, doing time at Brighton’s two most acclaimed Indian restaurants The Chilli Pickle and The Curry Leaf Cafe (now sadly closed, RIP), as well as a stint at the five star Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in central London. Yep, that’s some serious pedigree, and it shows in Easy Tiger’s enticing, easygoing rundown of Indian streetfood classics, the perfect accompaniment to one of the locally brewed IPA beers on tap at the Hampton, a proper local boozer that has been tastefully updated while retaining its authentic charm.

Do not miss out on the Kerala Fried Chicken, a crispy boneless chicken thigh coated in garlic, ginger, spices and rice flour, before being hard fried ‘till crispy. Could there be a better combination in the world than a basket of these and a pint of Cloak and Dagger Hazy Pale? We certainly haven’t found it.

Address: 57 Upper N St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 3FH

Website: easytigerbrighton.com

Fatto a Mano, North Laines

Ideal for spot on Neapolitan pizzas…

Nine years after the inaugural Fatto a Mano opened on London Road, the team now boast two more pizzerias in Hove and the North Laines, and a further two in London, in Covent Garden and King’s Cross. With each branch (yep, we’ve visited them all) seemingly packed every day of the week, world domination seems the only next logical step.

Wood fired within the requisite 90 seconds at the requisite 450°C, Fatto a Mano’s pizzas are pillowy affairs. Give that canotto a prod and watch it bounce back up at you. That response promises a beautifully digestible dough, and so the pizzas here deliver it. Toppings are – on the most part – refined and reverential, with just a handful of the freshest ingredients treated sympathetically. The margherita buffalo is the finest realisation of this humble vision; a light, natural pizza that sings of simplicity.

We say ‘on the most part’ as there are a couple of more divisive pizzas in the lower reaches of Fatto’s menu. The lasagna pizza, it should be said, has split the Brighton crowd since its addition to the menu late last year. Some have cried heresy. Others have stuffed it into their faces with abandon. We fall very much in the latter camp, with the smattering of ragu well judged in its restraint, leading to a pizza that’s nowhere near as heavy as it sounds.

The name translates as ‘handmade’ in Italian, and that’s certainly the vibe here; everything is made from scratch and with love, and it shows. Even if pizza isn’t your thing, Fatto has some excellent starters and sides to keep the picky eaters satisfied; their nduja arancini, in particular, truly hit the spot.

Though all three Brighton and Hove branches are excellent, we’ve chosen the North Laines outpost for our IDEAL 22, as it’s close to the station, and super convivial. Of course, the London Road and Hove versions are ace, too.

Address: 25 Gloucester Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4AQ

Website: fattoamanopizza.com

Little Fish Market, Upper Market Street

Ideal for upmarket eats on Upper Market street…

Consistently named as Brighton’s best restaurant in local and national lists, though actually in Hove, chef and owner Duncan Ray has created a glorious homage to everything seafood in this small but sophisticated 20 cover restaurant. Be warned; it’s purely a dinner affair, Tuesday to Saturday, and you’ll need to book well in advance to secure a coveted seat, but the effort is well worth it.

That’s because it’s only the finest, freshest fish, sourced as locally as possible and cooked with the respect it deserves. It’s a no choice tasting at around the £85 mark, but the price tag is fair; this is a set-menu, several hour affair offering a tour of some of Britain’s very finest seafood. And if you’d like to sample the cooking here at a more approachable price tag, then the LFM has recently announced a three course lunch menu, priced at an eminently reasonable £35 a head. A proud owner of 3 AA rosettes, a Michelin star still eludes them, much to the chagrin of regulars.

And though the restaurant specialises in fish, do keep your eye out for the occasional ‘Little Meat Market’ events, where chef Ray cooks a menu of – you guessed it – meat dishes with his usual elegance and precision.

Address: 10 Upper Market St, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 1AS

Website: thelittlefishmarket.co.uk

Read: Where to eat the best seafood in Brighton and Hove

Wild Flor, Church Road

Ideal for confident, classic French cookery in the heart of Hove…

Wild Flor is one of the most acclaimed (relatively) recent additions to Brighton and Hove’s thriving culinary scene. Settling into an evening with their confident, classic French cookery and superb wine list is one of Brighton’s biggest treats; you’ll always leave squiffy and extremely well-fed.

In a city somewhat in thrall to ‘casual’ dining, it’s so refreshing to settle into a more serious spot, which has recently changed to a straightforward a la carte offering, with starters keenly priced in the early teens, and mains not topping £30.

On our last visit, we were particularly enamoured with a dish of rabbit loin, wrapped in wild garlic and gently pink, which was served with a medley of spring veg that still had plenty of bite, its mustard and hogweed dressing pulling everything together. Even better, golden sweetbreads that pulled off the tricky balancing act of being both crisp and tender within, sat beautifully with a pool of glossy chicken jus and the first of the season’s asparagus (yes, it was a while ago!). I don’t know about you, but spring has only truly arrived when the toilet smells of sulphur.

For the pescetarians around the table, gorgeously pert salt cod agnolotti with a sharp, lemon-spiked emulsion and sourdough pangrattato hit the high notes, too.

Wild Flor are also currently offering an winter set menu which is laughably good value at £22 for two or £25 for three courses. Treat yourself to the trio, as it would be criminal to miss out on the restaurant’s pastry work, the section cooking with a breezy conviction and generosity more in tune with a Paris patisserie or the bouchons of Lyon than a Hove thoroughfare. Emblematic of this sensibility and keeping with the seasonality of Wild Flor’s cooking, a spiced pear served with hazelnuts and a stout custard sounds absurdly good as that Brighton chill begins to blow.

Address: 42 Church Rd, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 2FN

Website: wildflor.com

Cin Cin, Western Road

Ideal for the best pasta in the city…

Though you can’t walk for more than the length of a fettuccine in London without stumbling into a pasta bar, in Brighton & Hove you’ll be much harder pressed to find a place slinging freshly rolled strands of the good stuff.

In fact, to our mind, Cin Cin are the premier pasta purveyors here, and a more than capable match for any of London’s top pasta restaurants (in 2021, Cin Cin decided to test this theory, and their Fitzrovia branch opened to immediate national acclaim).

Though the restaurant’s original location in Brighton’s North Laines (and the London outpost) has now closed, the newer, the larger branch on Western Road, just seconds before you reach Church Road, is just as delicious.

Here, a horseshoe counter and a handful of barstools overlook Cin Cin’s open kitchen, where seasonal small plates, fresh pasta dishes, and a couple of grilled bits are lovingly prepared in full view of the diners. This is dinner and a show, Hove style, and if your dinner starts with an order of the restaurant’s ever-changing, always-popular arancino (brown crab on our last visit), followed by a pasta dish from the special’s blackboard, you’re sure to be calling for an encore.

Fortunately, Cin Cin’s desserts are respondent to the seasons and always stellar – whether it’s a festive panettone bread and butter pudding with marmalade ice cream or a summery Amalfi lemon tart, there’s no chance you’re leaving disappointed. The restaurant retained their Bib Gourmand award at the 2025 Michelin ceremony, a testament to their continued class and consistency.

Address: 60 Western Rd, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 1JD

Website: cincin.co.uk

Read: The best Italian restaurants in Brighton

Plateau, Bartholomews

Ideal for natural wine, good times, and small plates of poise and precision…

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Another belter with a blackboard, Plateau is all about pouring up the city’s best and most thoughtful selection of low-intervention wines. They just happen to serve some pretty special sharing plates made with seasonal ingredients from in and around Sussex of a largely French persuasion to complement their natty juice.

Their bread, pâté, rillettes, cheeses and pickles are particularly fine with a glass of the good stuff, but Plateau also have a light touch with fish, which is always welcome so close to the coast. On our last visit, a dish of hake, barbecued until the skin was pockmarked, came served austerely with leeks and hazelnuts; it was beautiful.

For something a little heartier but with a sense of playfulness in its soul, wild venison pierogi with fermented chilli is technically pitch-perfect, the dumplings having the much-sought after bounce, and the iron-rich venison’s flavour shining through. You also can’t go wrong with the unctuous beef tartare which is always on their ever changing seasonal menu for good reason.

All in all, Plateau is an effortlessly stylish and hip place to hang out, and with the recent addition of a few tables spilling out onto the street, is now even closer in style to a classic Parisian wine bar. Last year, it was added to the Good Food Guide, with inspectors reporting that ”for more than a decade, Plateau has been the place in Brighton for natural wines and inventive cocktails. While that still holds true, it’s now firmly established as one of the best places for creative small plates too.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Address: 1 Bartholomews, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1HG

Website: plateaubrighton.co.uk

Read: Where to eat French food in Brighton

Burnt Orange, Middle Street

Ideal for savouring the flavour of the grill in every bite…

Pitched as a ‘a grownup hangout for Brighton’, Burnt Orange is the third restaurant from local restaurateur Razak Helala, who also presides over the Coal Shed and the Salt Room (also on this list).

The restaurant has garnered many plaudits in its four years of trading, in the form of a glowing review from a national newspaper, a Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide, which they retained for the 2025 edition, and, more recently, the title of Brighton’s Best Restaurant at the BRAVO Awards just last month.

The Michelin Bib bit indicates ‘good value and good quality’, and in terms of Burnt Orange, these rather prosaic, automated descriptors do the restaurant a disservice. The quality of the output, led by a huge wood fired oven and grill, is fantastic, with the menu taking on a vaguely Middle Eastern bent. Charred flatbreads, grilled prawns with herb Zhug, fire-roasted chermoula monkfish, smoked lamb shoulder cigars…. If there’s a word that indicates the wood-fired grill has been used, it’s on this menu.

The restaurant used to do a fine weekend brunch, too, further extending their welcome to the people of the city. And as everyone knows, the way to a Brightonian’s heart is through brunch. Though the dedicated brunch menu has now gone, Burnt Orange opens at midday and some of the flat bread and dip combos are decidedly brunch-y, if you’re keen to pretend it isn’t lunch.

Oh, and they mix a darn good cocktail, too…

Address: 59 Middle St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1AL

Website: burnt-orange.co.uk

Read: The best cocktail bars in Brighton

Embers, Meeting House Lane

Ideal for a menu seasoned skilfully with smoke…

A restaurant in the Lanes that specialises in wood fire cooking with a vaguely Middle Eastern bent to proceedings (Zhoug? Check. Labneh? Check. Dukhah? Check) and some truly excellent cocktails? With Burnt Orange just around the corner and only a paragraph previous, Brighton’s culinary cognoscenti might be forgiven for wondering whether this was all strictly necessary when Embers opened in 2023.

But scratch the surface just a little and you’ll find a very different proposition here, and one that’s refreshingly unique from its peers in close proximity. The work of two well known faces on the Brighton culinary scene, ex-terre à terre head chef Dave Marrow and former chef-patron of Isaac At, Isaac Bartlett-Copeland, here everything is cooked in a specially designed mutli-rack grill which sits pretty in the centre of the dining room, bringing a touch of theatre to proceedings as its glowing embers crackle and flare up as fat and glaze drip invitingly.

It’s one fiery hell of a statement, the grill’s racks constantly being manipulated by a soot-covered chef, all controlled by a pulley mechanism in the style of Etxebarri. The huge stack of logs under the pass only serve to hammer the point home.

All of this would be a little performative if the food didn’t taste thoroughly seasoned by wood, smoke and fire, but at Embers, there’s a genuinely masterful control of the flame, and this is reflected in some truly stunning dishes, the best of which are big sharers, billed ‘centrepiece dishes’. An apt epiphet, as the smoked spatchcock chicken (there’s grilled brill or mushroom parfait, too) arrives splayed and smouldering, very much making the table its bed whilst the phones come out for a photoshoot. Tear off a leg – properly blistered and burnished from those embers – drag it through the throbbing, fluorescent honey and mustard mayo, and get all caveman about things.

Embers is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Website: embersbrighton.co.uk

Address: 42 Meeting House Ln, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1HB

Terre à terre, East Street

Ideal for the best vegetarian food in the city…

It feels patronising – perverse, even – to spend a paragraph or two introducing the idea of terre à terre, such is the stalwart status of the restaurant in this city. A Brighton institution serving the good stuff since the early 90s, terre à terre is arguably the premier dining spot for vegetarians in Brighton, if not the country, its menu eclectic and its vibe lively.

Though the restaurant name translates as ‘down to earth’, the only thing grounding the menu here is the vegetarian part; inspiration is drawn from all corners of the globe, with plenty of heft and punch to the dishes.

In fact, it sells terre à terre short to give it the ol’ ‘’you don’t even miss meat’’ line. You’ll eat very well here, however you define your dietary choices. Sure, the menu descriptors are pretty verbose, sometimes running into a paragraph of prose, but the flavours boast remarkable clarity and comfort.

We’ve written more about terre à terre in our roundup of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Brighton. Do check it out sometime.

Address: 71 East St, Brighton, Brighton and Hove

Website: terreaterre.co.uk

The Salt Room, Kings Road

Ideal for a taste of the sea in spirited, sophisticated surrounds…

The Salt Room’s website claims it as ‘Brighton’s best seafood restaurant’; a bold claim, indeed, but it’s not far off. Part of a group of four – The Coal Shed in Brighton and one of the same name in London, as well as the aforementioned Burnt Orange – this is a place which ticks all the boxes for great fish cookery; sustainable sourcing and simplicity. The menu resists the urge to globe-trot, and, this time, we think that’s welcome.

It’s a surprisingly cavernous space with a good buzz and young, enthusiastic staff. The restaurant is compartmentalised neatly and cleverly, with lots of different spaces and areas helping the buzz carry through the restaurant without being acoustically intrusive.

Anyway, we’re here to talk about fish, right? The grill is used liberally and it’s all the better for it; good news for the whole fish destined to be blistered and burnished on it. Saying that, perhaps the best thing on the menu is the fish tempura with a tartare sauce flecked with seaweed; as saline and savoury as it sounds. A shared surfboard comes brimming with grilled and steamed prawns, squid, scallops and more, and the aioli alongside, whilst a little loose, is seriously good.

Interestingly, The Salt Room are now doing BYOB Mondays, with corkage just £5. A fine excuse to indulge in some superb seafood cookery, we think!

Address: 106 Kings Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 2FU

Website: saltroom-restaurant.co.uk

Nanninella, Preston Street

Ideal for ridiculously good Neapolitan pizza and the warmest of welcomes…

Nanninella has been through many guises in its 5 years on Preston Street. From authentic Neapolitan pizzeria to takeaway-only operation, then a post-COVID pannini peddler all the way to its current iteration, back to where it all started in a full 360 as cyclical as a pizza, to being a traditional trattoria that focused primarily on pizza.

What’s remained true and consistent this whole time is the quality of the food at Nanninella (not to mention the reliably warm welcome from Sergio and family), with premium, imported Italian ingredients shining through in everything they do.

The pizzas are gold-standard; blistered, burnished and traditional, just as it should be. The vibe inside, all brightly coloured tiles and a view into the hot glow of the pizza oven, frames a hospitable, enjoyable place to spend time. What’s more, the staff are lovely. Our favourite pizza here – and in the whole of Brighton, in fact – is the provola e pepe, which uses smoked mozzarella and freshly ground black pepper to great effect. Any pizza featuring their fresh burrata is equally wonderful. Put quite simply, Nanninella is our favourite pizza restaurant in Brighton.

Address: 26 Preston St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 2HN

Website: nanninellapizzeria.co.uk

Petit Pois, The Lanes

Ideal for a Gallic gastronomic getaway in Brighton…

Unashamedly Gallic, Petit Pois is arguably the number one purveyor of traditional French fare in the city, and one of Brighton’s best restaurants, period.

Expect, then, to be wowed by snails swimming in a pungent pool of garlic and parsley butter, followed by the famous fisherman’s stew bouillabaisse, here replete with fish, shellfish and even sea lettuce from surrounding Sussex waters.

Whilst seafood certainly feels like the right thing to do considering Petit Pois is just a pebble’s skim away from Brighton beach, our favourite dish here comes from the ‘Légumes’ section of the menu, in the form of baked Crottin du Perigord. This mini-wheel of goat’s cheese is baked until gooey and served with a salad of beetroot and candied walnuts high on the sweet notes as a perfect counterpoint to the potent cheese. It’s a smartly judged, confident salad in keeping with the poise of the restaurant as a whole.

With a popular Sunday lunch menu and an extensive wine list, no wonder Petit Pois is one of Brighton’s best-loved neighbourhood French restaurants.

Address: 70 Ship St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1AE

Website: petitpoisbrighton.co.uk

Palmito, Western Road

Ideal for spice driven, continent spanning food…

To say that the opening of Palmito felt brave would be something of an understatement. Not content with setting up shop in the tough economic climate of mid-2022, the restaurant opted to do so in a space that estate agents would charitably call ‘cosy’, on a nondescript stretch of Brighton and Hove’s Western Road. They also elected to serve a menu not much tried and tested in this part of town; a kind of fusion between the coastal cuisines of India and Ecuador.

To say the risk paid off would be something of an understatement. That shoebox dining room is packed out from the moment the doors swing open at 5pm on Tuesday until Saturday’s last orders at 11pm.

Perhaps it should come as no surprise that Palmito has been a roaring success, the chef-owners here have both spent time at revered Brighton restaurants the Chilli Pickle (also on this list, of course) and Easy Tiger, and there’s a similar breezy charm to proceedings here, with the shellfish dishes particularly good.

For such a small restaurant, Palmito is already making big waves on the Brighton shore; the restaurant has already earned a glowing national review in The Times, and an entry in the most recent additions of both the Good Food and Michelin guides.

Interestingly, chef Kanthi, one of the main brains behind Palmito, has recently opened The Spice Circuit Kitchen in Hove, a small chef’s table that features homegrown recipes from South India and Sri Lanka. We can’t wait to check it out!

Address: 16 Western Rd, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 1AE

Website: palmito.co.uk

Tutto, Marlborough Place

Ideal for expertly cooked Italian food from everyone’s favourite Brighton restaurant group…

Tutto, the modern Italian restaurant that’s part of Brighton’s all conquering Black Rock restaurant group (Burnt Orange and the Salt Room from this list are also in that roster) felt like a sho-in for success from the start.

But things didn’t quite go according to plan, with building delays and issues with the overall vision of the restaurant leading to an opening that was more fits-and-starts than firing-on-all-cylinders.

Fortunately for the pasta-loving throngs of Brighton and Hove, things have picked up considerably since those early jitters, with Tutto now cooking a freshly configured menu with confidence and precision. Unsurprisingly for a place in such close proximity to the sea, the restaurant has a wicked way with fish, the woodfired gamberi rossi with paprika the kind of dish that feels so right in late summer, ditto the grilled sardines with fried bread and salsa verde.

The theme continues into the pasta courses; a bowl of pert agnolotti filled with a keenly diced mix of lobster, crab and scallop, served swimming in a rusty bisque, is spectacularly good.

Finish with Tutto’s chocolate and hazelnut torte, served with maraschino cherries and vanilla ice cream, which has become something of a signature dish here, and, in our view, is the ideal end to this – or any – meal.

Address: 20 – 22 Marlborough Pl, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1UB

Website: tutto-restaurant.co.uk

Taquitos Casa Azul, Brighton Open Market, Marshall’s Row

Ideal for Brighton’s best tacos…

For great independent vibes in a city some fear is losing its soul to chains, a visit to Brighton’s Open Market, tucked away off London Road, is a must.

While you’re here, it’s pretty much obligatory to duck into Taquitos Casa Azul, a family-run joint led by local hero Gabriel Gutierrez, and tuck into some truly superlative tacos, freshly pressed and adorned with delicately spiced, deliciously spicy shredded pork cochinita or chicken tinga. Pull up a pew at their sole table outside the shopfront and get stuck in.

Oh, and before you settle that bill, do not miss out on Gutierrez’s Salsa Chipotle which is sold on the shelves directly to the left of the till. Heady with hibiscus and dried apricot – you’ll be hooked. We add it to everything now; incredible stuff, indeed.

Address: Open Market, 21 Marshalls Row, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4JU

Website: casazul.co.uk

☎ 01273019302

Bonsai Plant Kitchen, Baker Street

We end Brighton’s IDEAL 22 restaurants at Bonsai Plant Kitchen, the work of Dom Sheriff and Amy Bennett, who met while working at Brighton vegetarian institution Food for Friends. With Amy’s background as a head pastry chef and Dom’s experience as head chef, the pair decided to combine their culinary talents and passion for vegan cuisine to create Bonsai Plant Kitchen, an imaginative plant-based restaurant whose menu is broadly South East Asian inspired and always super exciting to eat.

Rave reviews and accolades have followed, including a recent glowing write-up in the Guardian, and an award of The Best Vegan Food in the city at the BRAVOs, Brighton’s premier restaurant awards.

A huge part of the draw here is the cooking-over-coals philosophy that drives things forward, with several of the dishes cooked on a Binchotan grill. Accordingly, there’s a suave smokiness running through proceedings, whether that’s in the sweet potato skewers doused in miso butter, lime juice and wisps of parmesan, or the barbecued napa cabbage that arrives properly, comprehensively blackened. All of this would be overkill in the wrong hands, but here, those campfire flavours are perfectly poised. The restaurant’s excellent selection of pickles help things along and lighten the mood nicely.

The cocktails are fantastic here too, with all syrups and infusions created in house, a veritable celebration of ingredients preserved at their peak. We love it.

Address: 44-45 Baker St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4JN

Website: bonsaiplantkitchen.co.uk

And with that, we’re done exploring Brighton and Hove’s best restaurants. It might be time for a sit down after all that! Or, maybe an ice cream, seeing as we’re by the sea. Here’s a guide to the best ice cream in Brighton and Hove. Mine’s a blueberry and ricotta!

Transform Your Home With These Stunning Staircase Ideas

Editorial Team

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May 6, 2025

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Transform Your Home With These Stunning Staircase Ideas

We tend to hurry up and down them without a second thought, yet staircases occupy prime real estate in our homes. Far from being just functional transitions between floors, they’re untapped canvases of design potential.

Most homeowners pour their decorating budget into kitchens and bathrooms, completely overlooking the staircase. This represents a missed opportunity—this architectural element is often the first thing visitors see when they step through the front door. The staircase essentially functions as the spine of your home, connecting spaces and creating that crucial first impression that sets the tone for the entire property. By neglecting this central feature, homeowners miss the chance to make a powerful design statement that can elevate their entire interior scheme.

Whether you’re renovating a Victorian terrace or putting your stamp on a new-build, reimagining your staircase can utterly transform your interior. With thoughtful design, these everyday structures become jaw-dropping focal points that set the tone for your entire home. The magic lies in their versatility—they can whisper understated elegance or boldly announce your design confidence, depending on your personal style and the character of your property.

Embrace The Elegance Of Glass

Nothing dates a hallway faster than chunky wooden banisters and dated spindles. Enter glass balustrades—the contemporary solution that instantly refreshes tired staircases while allowing light to flow freely throughout your space.

Glass balustrades can make even the most modest hallway feel twice the size. This transformative effect comes from the way glass eliminates visual barriers, creating an uninterrupted line of sight that enhances spatial perception. The material’s transparency also allows decorative elements beyond the staircase to remain visible, effectively turning your entire hallway into a cohesive design statement rather than compartmentalising the space.

Paired with rich oak or walnut treads, glass creates that perfect balance between clean modernity and timeless warmth. The reflective quality amplifies natural light too, brightening gloomy entranceways and creating a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you cross the threshold. For the truly adventurous, structural glass treads supported by minimalist fixings create a genuinely breathtaking feature—though perhaps not for the faint-hearted!

Make A Statement With Spiral Designs

When square footage comes at a premium (and when doesn’t it these days?), spiral staircases offer both clever space-saving and undeniable drama. Their sweeping curves create a sculptural element that draws the eye upward, whilst occupying minimal floor space.

The think we love most about spiral staircase? They function essentially as a piece of functional art that completely transforms the energy of a room. The sculptural quality introduces an element of movement and visual intrigue that static architecture often lacks.

From classic wrought iron to sleek contemporary steel-and-wood combinations, spiral staircases work brilliantly in both period properties and modern homes. The helix shape introduces movement and dynamism to static spaces—essentially a kinetic sculpture at the heart of your home. They’ve long been the darling of Instagram for good reason; spiral staircases inevitably become conversation starters, architectural talking points that leave lasting impressions whilst serving your daily needs with panache.

Floating Treads For Minimalist Charm

Nothing says architectural confidence quite like stairs that appear to float in mid-air. These cantilevered marvels seem to defy gravity, with treads projecting from the wall without visible support—a show-stopping feature for lovers of clean, minimalist aesthetics.

Visitors invariably ask how floating treads manage to stay up. The magic happens inside the wall with serious reinforcement and precision installation that enables this gravity-defying effect. Each tread typically anchors to a concealed steel structure embedded within the supporting wall, requiring meticulous engineering calculations to ensure stability and safety. This invisible structural support system is what allows the treads to project outward with such dramatic visual lightness, creating the illusion that they’re suspended in mid-air.

The beauty of floating treads lies in their chameleon-like versatility. From blonde engineered oak that brightens contemporary spaces to brooding wenge or concrete for industrial-inspired interiors, the material options are endless. Leave the space beneath completely open to enhance that coveted sense of space and light, or use it cleverly for streamlined storage that maintains the minimalist vibe.

Under-Stair Storage Solutions

That awkward space beneath your staircase represents some of the most underutilised square footage in British homes. Rather than relegating it to the dumping ground for wellies and winter coats, consider its glorious potential.

Under-stair spaces have been successfully transformed into everything from home offices to wine cellars. The key is seeing possibilities rather than problems in these unique spaces. This triangular footprint, often dismissed as awkward, actually offers a perfectly shaped niche for specialised functions that might otherwise compete for valuable floor area elsewhere in the home. With thoughtful planning, what was once dead space becomes one of the most efficient and characterful features of the property.

Sleek drawers that blend seamlessly with your staircase design offer discreet storage without the visual clutter. Alternatively, a built-in reading nook with comfortable cushions and clever shelving creates a cosy retreat that makes use of every inch. For busy households, consider dedicated zones—pull-out wine racks for evening entertainers, specialised shoe storage for footwear enthusiasts, or even a secret den for little ones that would make Harry Potter green with envy. The key to success? Bespoke joinery that looks intentional rather than afterthought, creating storage that appears perfectly integrated with your staircase design.

Bold Colour Choices

Today’s most striking staircases throw caution to the wind with glorious colour. A deep navy blue or forest green painted along the staircase wall creates a sophisticated backdrop for white-painted spindles—instantly elevating a tired hallway.

Staircases can handle much bolder colour choices than most people realise. As transitional spaces, they present the perfect opportunity to be braver with your palette choices. Unlike rooms where you spend extended periods, staircases are experienced in motion, allowing for more dramatic visual impact without becoming overwhelming or tiresome. This transient quality makes them ideal testing grounds for vibrant hues or striking colour combinations that might feel too intense in living spaces where you linger longer.

For truly dramatic impact, consider richly coloured carpet in jewel tones like emerald or sapphire. Far from the beige berbers of yesteryear, today’s colourful carpet options introduce personality while providing sound insulation and comfort underfoot. Herringbone patterns or subtle geometrics disguise everyday wear and tear—particularly important in high-traffic areas like staircases.

Alternatively, mosaic tiles on risers offer unlimited creative potential that can utterly transform your entrance hall. From subtle Victorian-style patterns that honour period properties to bold Mediterranean-inspired designs in vibrant colour combinations, these intricate mosaics turn your staircase into a genuine work of art. Heritage colours like terracotta and cobalt create timeless appeal, while contemporary shades such as teal and burnt orange make an unmistakably modern statement.

Mix & Match Materials

Gone are the days when staircases needed to be constructed entirely from a single material. Today’s most striking designs boldly combine elements for textural interest that feels distinctly bespoke.

The most compelling contemporary designs focus on unexpected combinations. Industrial steel against warm timber, or concrete steps with brass detailing—these juxtapositions create visual tension that’s incredibly sophisticated and distinctive. The intentional contrast between seemingly opposing materials challenges conventional design expectations, resulting in a custom appearance that mass-produced staircases simply cannot replicate. These material dialogues tell a more complex design story, revealing a thoughtful approach that elevates your staircase beyond the merely functional into something truly bespoke.

The contrast between differing textures—smooth against rough, matte against glossy—adds depth and character that can’t be achieved with monotonous materials. Think weathered wood treads paired with powder-coated metal balustrades, or sleek marble steps offset by a tactile rope handrail.

When planning these material marriages, consider how they’ll age. Some materials, like brass and copper, develop a beautiful patina that tells the story of daily use, while others maintain their pristine appearance with minimal maintenance. Remember, you’ll interact with your staircase multiple times daily—the cool touch of metal beneath your palm or the warmth of wood underfoot becomes part of your home’s sensory experience.

Lighting That Leads The Way

A poorly lit staircase isn’t just unwelcoming—it’s potentially hazardous. Yet with clever illumination, this practical concern becomes an opportunity for atmospheric design that transforms your staircase from merely functional to genuinely magical.

Staircase lights should never be relegated to an afterthought but instead integrated into the initial design conversations. Thoughtful lighting completely transforms how the space is experienced on a daily basis. Depending on the style of your home, consider an elaborate chandelier or an unusual feature light.

Recessed LED strips tucked beneath treads create that coveted floating effect while providing practical illumination for nighttime navigation. Wall-mounted fixtures can highlight architectural details or artwork displayed along staircase walls, while dramatic pendant lights suspended through the centre of a spiral staircase define the vertical space spectacularly.

Smart lighting takes convenience to another level—motion-activated systems illuminate your path when needed and switch off when the staircase is unoccupied, combining safety with energy efficiency. Pay attention to how your artificial lighting will interact with natural light throughout the day; those momentary patterns of sunshine sweeping across your staircase create an ever-changing visual experience that can be enhanced or diminished by your lighting choices.

The Natural Touch

Our increasing disconnection from nature has sparked a counter-trend in British interiors—bringing the outside in wherever possible, including staircases.

There’s something inherently and instantly calming about incorporating natural materials in the home. This approach represents biophilic design principles at their most practical and accessible. The tactile qualities of natural materials—the subtle grain variations in timber, the organic imperfections in stone—provide a sensory richness that manufactured alternatives simply cannot replicate. These elements forge a subtle but meaningful connection to the natural world, offering a daily reminder of nature’s presence even within the most urban of environments.

Choose sustainable timber for your staircase renovation; native species like oak and ash offer tremendous durability alongside beautiful grain patterns that improve with age. FSC-certified exotic woods can provide striking visual impact for handrails or feature treads without environmental guilt.

Plants deserve consideration in your staircase design too—particularly in urban homes starved of greenery. A carefully positioned monstera or kentia palm beneath a floating staircase creates breathing space, while trailing ivy or string-of-pearls cascading from a first-floor landing transforms an ordinary staircase into a living feature. The natural light so often present in hallways and stairwells creates ideal growing conditions for many houseplants, establishing a symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature.

The Minimalist Power Of Concrete Stairs

Concrete has transcended its utilitarian origins to become one of the most sought-after materials in contemporary interior design. When applied to staircases, concrete offers an unparalleled combination of sculptural beauty and architectural strength that few other materials can match.

For those concerned about concrete’s cool industrial associations, fear not—the material pairs surprisingly well with softer elements. A concrete staircase flanked by white walls creates a perfect canvas for the play of natural light.

Indeed, the beauty of concrete lies in its chameleon-like versatility. In its most minimalist form, as seen in high-end architectural projects, a monolithic concrete staircase with smoothly curved treads creates a seamless flow between levels. The material’s natural pale palette complements bright, white walls perfectly, creating an almost gallery-like atmosphere that allows other design elements to shine. The soft, rounded edges of curved concrete stairs introduce an unexpected organic quality to what might otherwise be a stark, angular space.

While polished concrete finishes create a sleek, contemporary look, more rustic treatment methods like hand-troweling produce subtly textured surfaces with greater character and depth. Concrete can also be tinted during mixing to achieve various tones from warm beige to sophisticated charcoal, allowing for seamless integration with your home’s colour palette.

The Bottom Line

Whether you opt for a dramatic overhaul or subtle cosmetic updates, your staircase holds tremendous potential to elevate your home’s interior. Far more than just steps between floors, a thoughtfully designed staircase becomes a design statement that sets the tone for your entire property. When properties come to market, a beautiful staircase often emerges as a major selling point for prospective buyers. It represents an investment that pays dividends both aesthetically and financially.

So next time you’re dashing up those stairs without a second glance, pause and consider the possibilities. That everyday structure you take for granted might just be your home’s next design triumph waiting to happen.

9 Of The Best Places To Stop On Iceland’s Route 1 Ring Road

Editorial Team

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May 6, 2025

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9 Of The Best Places To Stop On Iceland’s Route 1 Ring Road

Mention the words ‘ring road’ to a Brit, and the image of a very specific type of soul-destroying suburban drudgery will likely come to mind.

But Iceland’s Route 1 Ring Road is a very different beast entirely. Encircling the majority of the island nations’ near 1300 mile perimeter, to traverse its scenic stretches is to reveal vista after vista of otherworldly landscapes that are as far removed from Sheffield’s Outer A6102 as night is from day.

The ring road’s entirety can be driven in around 16 hours, but to do so would be to miss the point of Iceland’s Route 1; the sites along the way are what make the drive one of the most iconic stretches of road in the world.

Instead, it’s advised that you take a week or two to tackle Route 1, in summer and winter respectively, owing to the more treacherous terrain of the colder months (Route 1 is the only road in Iceland that’s consistently cleared of snow).

However you’re tackling it and whatever pace you’re going at, there are several places along the way you mustn’t miss. These are those; together with Zero Car Rental, here are 9 of the best places to stop on Iceland’s Route 1 Ring Road.

Getting There

Because of the nature of Iceland’s somewhat inhospitable terrain, particularly in the island’s central regions, there are no public railways in the country. Conversely, there are a surprising number of airports, with upwards of 15 airports running commercial airlines and scheduled passenger services. The main international airport and your destination when flying from the UK will be Keflavik Airport, a half hour’s drive south of the capital Reykjavik.

Interestingly, whilst you can fly from Reykjavik to Akureyri airport in just 45 minutes, it will take you five hours to make the same journey by car.

Hence why we’re driving the perimeter of the country, where the roads are well maintained, less perilous and (generally) free from snow.

Most visitors planning to drive Route 1 choose to hire a 4×4 at Keflavik Airport; nearly all of the car rentals in Iceland operate here. From Keflavik Airport, it’s just a 15 minute drive to Blue Lagoon, the first stop on our road trip of Iceland’s Route 1…

The Blue Lagoon

In Iceland’s southwest, on the country’s Reykjanes Peninsula, is The Blue Lagoon, a geothermal hot spring and one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions.

The lagoon, surrounded by lava fields, is a stretch of milky blue water which maintains a constant and perfect bathing temperature of 102°F (39°C) all year round. Locals and tourists alike come to bathe in these relaxing waters.

And come in their numbers they do. In fact, it’s been named as one of the top 25 Wonders of the World by National Geographic and, accordingly, you shouldn’t expect a serene swim in privacy; celebrities such as Beyoncé, Bjork, and even our very own Rick Stein have even been spotted taking a dip here.

That said, the Blue Lagoon represents a wonderful way to get refreshed and reinvigorated post-flight and before you start your road trip proper.

Now, about escaping those crowds…

The Waterfalls Of Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss

Head 160km’s drive southeast of the Blue Lagoon and you’ll find yourself at two of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Though visible from the main road, it’s worth taking the time to get out of your car (there’s a parking lot here, though you do have to pay) and enjoy the waterfall up close and personal; the former is one of the only waterfalls in Iceland with a path leading behind the cascading water. Make sure you pack your raincoat!

Should you be visiting in winter, do note that the paths get incredibly slippery, and spike shoes may be required. That said, visitors in the darker months, when there are just four hours of daylight, will be rewarded with the spectacle of the waterfalls illuminated by gorgeous floodlights, creating a mystical and magical visual treat.

While you’re here, make sure you visit the smaller Gljufrabui waterfall, considered a hidden gem by some.

Read: 9 of the best places to visit in Iceland’s Golden Circle

Jokulsarlon Glacial River Lagoon

A further three hour’s drive heading east, passing Iceland’s southernmost village Vik before heading north along the coast, and you’ll arrive at Jokulsarlon. Translating as ‘glacial river lagoon’ the prosaic description doesn’t quite do this incredible place justice.

This gorgeous coastline is so atmospheric, in fact, that it has been used as the set of world famous productions and films including Tomb Raider and Die Another Day. The Jokulsarlon itself was formed by Europe’s second largest ice cap, Vatnajokull, which sees blocks of ice break away from the glacier and float into the lagoon before melting or drifting out to sea.

Interestingly for animal lovers, it’s not just people that come to see the lake but wildlife too, with seals and birds drawn to the waters in droves. The lagoon and glacier are both part of the Vatnajokull National Park, which is well worth exploring if you’ve got the time.

Read: 5 IDEAL tips for a camping trip in Iceland

The East Fjords

Us, though? We don’t have the time, so we’re heading north to Iceland’s sprawling East Fjords, which begin just an hour’s drive from Jokulsarlon, just after the town of Hofn. Shaped by the glaciers of the ice age, the East Fjords are defined by snow-capped mountains, fishing villages, puffins aplenty and, of course, the fjords themselves, those narrow strips of sea that cut into Iceland’s east coast between its cliffs and mountains.

The road here is spectacular, with vast, barren expanses offering myth and mystique and the drive bringing moments of high drama amongst the rugged surrounds. In the East Fjords, it’s all about the journey, not the destination; simply follow Route 1 for 250km’s scenic driving from Hofn to the town of Egilsstadir, which signifies the end of the ring road’s dalliance with the East Fjords.

If you’ve got the time, consider a short diversion from Route 1, taking Route 93 northeast for 30km to the picturesque town of Seydisfjordur. Or, drive an hour north from Egilsstadir along Route 94 and check out Borgarfjordur Eystri, a remote village that’s famous for its resident puffins and the accepted end of the East Fjords.

Dettifoss Waterfall

We know what you’re thinking; you’ve had your fill of waterfalls by now. But the waterfall at Dettifoss, another two hour’s drive northwest as the ring road turns inland, simply has to be seen to be believed.

After the Rhine Falls in Switzerland, Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, and you’ll hear its waters crashing from miles away. Located just north of Route 1, the roads (862 and 864) that serve the waterfall are usually only traversable in summer. In the winter, you may have to give this spectacular waterfall a miss, as the roads become undrivable. If you are able to get up close and personal, however, Dettifoss, translating as the ‘collapsing waterfall’, is a must-see.

Whale Watching In Husavik

Dettifoss is part of a popular collection of attractions in North Iceland collectively known as the Diamond Circle. Another must-visit within the region is Husavik, a town on Iceland’s north coast that’s so famous for its whale watching that it’s often referred to as ‘the whale capital of the world’.

You’ll have to deviate from Route 1 by a couple of hours here, taking the 864 for Dettifoss and then the 85 onwards to Husavik, but you’ll be rewarded with a near-guarantee of whale pod sightings. Though minke and humpback whales are most commonly sighted, blue whales have also been spotted here several times in recent years. The town also houses a whale museum, should you not be fortunate enough to see any in the flesh!

Read: 8 of the best places in the world to spot whales

The Myvatn Nature Baths

As you continue your journey along Route 1’s northern stretch, approximately an hour’s drive east from Husavik, you’ll discover one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets: the Myvatn Nature Baths. Often referred to as the “Blue Lagoon of the North,” these geothermal baths offer a similarly ethereal experience to their more famous counterpart, but with significantly smaller crowds.

Set against the otherworldly backdrop of Lake Myvatn’s volcanic landscape, these mineral-rich waters maintain a pleasant temperature between 36°C and 40°C year-round. The silica and minerals in the water create the same milky blue appearance that has made the Blue Lagoon so iconic, yet here you can enjoy a more tranquil, authentic Icelandic bathing experience.

The surrounding area is equally worth exploring, with peculiar lava formations, bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles dotting the landscape. Bird enthusiasts will be particularly delighted, as Lake Myvatn hosts one of the most diverse collections of waterfowl in Europe.

For those who’ve begun to feel the strain of many hours behind the wheel, the Myvatn Nature Baths provide the perfect opportunity to unwind, soothe tired muscles, and rejuvenate before completing the final leg of your Route 1 adventure. Unlike its southern sibling, pre-booking isn’t always essential, particularly during off-peak seasons—though it’s still advised during summer months.

Take A Volcanic Crater Hike In Grabrok

Phew, we feel like we’ve strayed too far from Route 1 there, even if we did catch a glimpse of the largest mammal in the world and had a wonderfully pleasant warm bath. So, from Husavik and Myvatn, rejoin the ring road and head south in a symbolic descent that will have you feeling like you’re heading home as the capital Reykjavik draws closer.

But before we pull up in Iceland’s major city for a final feast, there’s time to stop in Grabrok, four hour’s south of Husavik and the last major stop on Route 1 before you hit Reykjavik.

A protected natural monument, Grabrok is a crater formed by a volcanic eruption some 3000 years ago, and sits just off Route 1’s western leg. Here there are footpaths that take in views of the crater, as well as longer hiking trails if time is on your side. After which, we’re heading home…

End Your Adventure With A Feast In Reykjavik

Iceland’s capital Reykjavik has a thriving foodie scene that belies its relative small size and remote location, with cutting edge ‘New Nordic’ restaurants rubbing shoulders with more old fashioned Icelandic delicacies like Hakarl – that’s fermented shark – or Svio (half a sheep’s head). Whether you choose to go traditional and explore the history of Icelandic cuisine at Matur og Drykkur, or you’re keen on the sound of innovative, Michelin starred fare at Dill, you’ll be spoilt for choice for fine dining in Reykjavik.

For a more in depth look at Icelandic food, check out our guide to some of Iceland’s signature dishes and where to try them in the capital. And with that, we wish you a fantastic journey. Bon Voyage! Or, should we say, Eigðu góða ferð!

Staying In Lisbon’s Príncipe Real: What To Eat, Drink, See & Do

Editorial Team

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May 6, 2025

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Staying In Lisbon’s Príncipe Real: What To Eat, Drink, See & Do

With its elegant 19th-century mansions and leafy squares, Príncipe Real offers a more sophisticated alternative to Lisbon’s tourist-heavy Bairro Alto. Named after Queen Maria II’s firstborn son, this hilltop neighbourhood balances bourgeois respectability with bohemian flair. Up there with the gods, it’s a match made in heaven.

The area has transformed over the past decade from a quiet residential district to one of Lisbon’s most coveted postcodes, yet it has managed this evolution without sacrificing a keen sense of local pride and tradition. Unlike the riverside Chiado or the nightlife-focused Bairro Alto, Príncipe Real seems to exude a more relaxed confidence—a place where Lisboetas and visitors mingle in gardens, concept stores, and innovative restaurants without the feeling that you’re merely moving through a tourist circuit.

What makes Príncipe Real particularly special is its dual personality—by day, it’s a haven for design enthusiasts and slow-paced café culture; by night, it hosts some of the city’s most interesting dining experiences and laid-back nightlife options. The neighbourhood sits at the perfect sweet spot between accessibility and discovery—central enough to reach Lisbon’s major sights easily, yet removed enough to feel like you’ve uncovered something beyond the well-trodden path.

Where To Eat

A Cevicheria on Rua Dom Pedro V serves remarkable Peruvian-Portuguese fusion dishes that draw both residents and visitors. Look for the giant octopus sculpture hanging from the ceiling—you can’t miss it. Be prepared to wait; they don’t take bookings but will text when your table’s ready.

For those who find a hankering for Italian cuisine at some point while they’re on holiday (it’s only natural), ZeroZero on Rua da Escola Politécnica slings agreeable Neapolitan-adjacent pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven. Their garden seating makes for a pleasant retreat on warm evenings, and their wine list showcases small Italian producers alongside Portuguese options.

Sweet tooth? Pastelaria Bénard has been perfecting pastries since 1868. Their pastel de nata might not be as famous as Belém’s, but paired with a bica (Portuguese espresso) on their vintage-tiled terrace, it’s hard to beat.

For modern Portuguese cuisine that respects tradition while embracing innovation, book well in advance for Tapisco. This popular restaurant on Rua Dom Pedro V is run by chef Kiko Martins (the same talent behind A Cevicheria) and brilliantly combines Portuguese petiscos (small plates) with Spanish tapas in a space defined by its striking red bar counter. The prawn croquettes and pork cheeks are particularly memorable.

Read: The best restaurants in Lisbon

Drinking Spots

The neighbourhood’s most unique watering hole must be Pavilhão Chinês on Rua Dom Pedro V, a former 19th-century grocery store transformed into a cabinet of curiosities. Navigate five rooms crammed with military memorabilia, toy soldiers and vintage advertisements while sipping meticulously crafted cocktails. It’s like drinking in an eccentric collector’s private museum.

Head to Quiosque Príncipe Real when the day winds down. Locals call it ‘O Oliveira’ and it’s the perfect spot to catch Lisbon’s golden hour. You won’t find it in many guidebooks, which keeps it authentic. Grab a drink, order a small bite, and watch local life unfold – this place is nothing fancy, just genuine Lisbon charm.

For daytime refreshment, Copenhagen Coffee Lab brings Scandinavian minimalism and serious brewing techniques to Rua Nova da Piedade. Their courtyard catches the afternoon sun perfectly.

For a truly local experience, Gin Lovers & Less occupies the grand ballroom of the Embaixada palace on Praça do Príncipe Real. With over 80 different gins and a regularly updated cocktail menu that showcases seasonal ingredients, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after exploring the shopping galleries in the same building. During summer months, their garden bar becomes one of the neighbourhood’s most enchanting evening spots.

Lost In Esplanada Bar on top of a residential building on Rua Dom Pedro V offers panoramic views across the city from its rooftop terrace. It’s particularly magical at sunset, when the warm light washes over the terracotta rooftops stretching toward the Tagus River.

What To See

The neighbourhood’s centrepiece is Jardim do Príncipe Real, a garden square shaded by an enormous 150-year-old cedar tree. On Saturdays, the garden hosts an organic farmers’ market where local producers sell everything from honey to handmade cheeses.

Just steps away lies the Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden), a tranquil 10-acre oasis established in 1878. Its tropical glasshouses and dragon trees provide welcome respite from the city’s hills.

Architecture buffs should wander the surrounding streets to admire the district’s pastel-coloured mansions with their wrought-iron balconies and azulejo tilework. The pink Embaixada on Praça do Príncipe Real houses independent Portuguese designers and brands within a restored 19th-century Arabian-inspired palace.

The Reservatório da Patriarcal (Patriarchal Reservoir) beneath Príncipe Real garden offers an unexpected perspective on Lisbon’s history. This underground cathedral-like space supported by 31 pillars once stored water for the surrounding area and now hosts occasional art installations and concerts. The acoustics are remarkable, and the cool underground temperature provides perfect relief on hot summer days.

For a different kind of cultural exploration, visit the São Roque Church at the edge of Príncipe Real. Though unassuming from the outside, the interior is considered one of the most beautiful in Lisbon, featuring exquisite baroque chapels and intricate gilded woodwork that showcases the wealth of Portuguese imperial days.

Just north east of Príncipe Real, art enthusiasts should visit Galeria FOCO on Rua Antero de Quental 55A, a contemporary art space showcasing both Portuguese and international artists in a minimalist setting that allows the works to speak for themselves. Back in the district proper, Galeria São Mamede on Rua Escola Politécnica exhibits established Portuguese contemporary artists in a more traditional gallery environment. Both spaces offer a glimpse into Lisbon’s vibrant art scene beyond the major museums.

Things To Do

Príncipe Real excels in one-off shops that reward unhurried browsing. The aforementioned Embaixada Shopping Gallery houses multiple independent Portuguese designers and craftspeople under one ornate roof. The neo-Arabian palace building itself is worth visiting, with its grand staircase and stained glass, but the carefully curated shops selling Portuguese-made clothing, jewellery, and homewares make it a necessary stop for those seeking unique souvenirs.

For quintessential Portuguese products, it’s worth taking a ten-minute walk south of Príncipe Real to Conserveira de Lisboa Combro on Largo Dr. António de Sousa Macedo 5. This iconic store specialises in Portugal’s finest tinned fish—a culinary tradition elevated to an art form (you’ll want to frame these tins and hang them up!). Their beautifully packaged sardines, mackerel, and tuna make perfect gifts, while their selection of Portuguese olive oils, preserves, and specialty foods showcases the country’s gastronomic heritage. The knowledgeable staff are happy to explain the differences between various preserves and regions.

As evening approaches, catch a performance at Teatro do Bairro, a small theatre at the edge of Príncipe Real that stages contemporary Portuguese plays and occasional English-subtitled productions.

For a hands-on cultural experience, check the schedule at Cozinha Popular da Mouraria just a short walk from Príncipe Real. This cooking school offers workshops where visitors can learn to prepare traditional Portuguese dishes alongside locals. It’s a convivial way to gain deeper insight into Portuguese food culture while creating a meal you’ll enjoy together at the communal table.

Read: Where to eat the best seafood in Lisbon

Getting Around

Príncipe Real sits atop one of Lisbon’s seven hills, which means spectacular views but challenging climbs. The area itself is compact enough to explore on foot, though sensible shoes are essential on the cobbled streets.

Tram 24 connects to the downtown Baixa district, while the Rato metro station sits at the neighbourhood’s northern edge. For the authentic Lisbon experience, flag down a tuk-tuk for the steep ascent from Bairro Alto—your legs will thank you.

Cycling enthusiasts might be intimidated by Lisbon’s topography, but electric bike rentals have revolutionised this experience. Lisbon Bike Rentals offers e-bikes that make even the steepest inclines manageable, and there’s something deeply satisfying about breezing uphill past struggling pedestrians. The lack of dedicated cycle lanes in much of the city means you’ll need to share roads with cars, but traffic tends to move slowly enough around Príncipe Real to make this less daunting than it might sound.

For those preferring rideshares, both Uber and Bolt operate extensively throughout Lisbon. The narrow streets of Príncipe Real can sometimes make pickup points tricky, so it’s worth walking to main roads like Rua da Escola Politécnica or Rua Dom Pedro V when summoning a car. Alternatively, traditional taxis are readily available and often quicker to navigate the labyrinthine shortcuts through the neighbourhood’s backstreets.

Where To Stay

Let’s be blunt here; Airbnbs are pretty compact in Lisbon, and hotels often prohibitively expensive. Fortunately, for those seeking an immersive local experience, Príncipe Real boasts some of the best accommodation in Lisbon in terms of its rental offerings. The neighbourhood excels in stylishly renovated flats within traditional buildings, where each apartment retains distinctive architectural elements—whether original hardwood floors, decorative ceilings, or azulejo tile panels—while providing modern amenities.

The benefit here is access to your own kitchen, perfect for experimenting with finds from the farmers’ market. The neighbourhood’s rental properties consistently outshine those in other districts thanks to their blend of period features and tasteful contemporary design.

The Bottom Line

Unlike Lisbon’s more tourist-heavy quarters, staying in Príncipe Real means living amongst locals who’ve witnessed their neighbourhood transform whilst preserving its distinctive character. You might arrive as a visitor, but you’ll leave feeling like a temporary resident—surely the greatest achievement of any city break.

Indeed, while other parts of Lisbon may boast more famous attractions or wilder nightlife, few neighbourhoods offer such a perfect microcosm of contemporary Portuguese culture in such a digestible, walkable form. It’s the ideal base for those who prefer to experience a city through immersion rather than checklists.

9 Things To Do In Milan’s Brera District: The IDEAL Guide

Editorial Team

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May 6, 2025

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9 Things To Do In Milan’s Brera District: The IDEAL Guide

The enchanting Brera district, sitting pretty in the heart of Milan, is an absolute must-visit for any traveller to Italy’s fashion capital. Taking its name from the Lombard word ‘braida’ meaning ‘green space’, this sophisticated quarter lives up to its etymology with colourful residential buildings sporting balconies overflowing with lush greenery and vibrant flowers. Often called Milan’s artistic soul, Brera offers a delightful blend of cultural heritage and contemporary chic.

The district boasts a rich bohemian history dating back to the late 18th century when Empress Maria Theresa of Austria established the Academy of Fine Arts here in 1776. Throughout the 19th century, the area became a haven for artists, writers and intellectuals who flocked to its affordable studios and atmospheric cafés, infusing the neighbourhood with a creative spirit that persists to this day. This artistic legacy is now celebrated through the prominent Brera Design District project, Italy’s most influential hub for design promotion.

While today’s Brera has evolved to embrace a more upmarket atmosphere, it still maintains its artistic essence beneath the polished façade. The charming cobblestone streets, framed by elegant architecture and those characteristic verdant balconies, provide the perfect backdrop for a truly memorable Italian getaway. Just a short journey from Milan’s iconic Duomo, this compact cultural hub represents the perfect place to spend a leisurely day or two. So, here are 9 IDEAL things to do in Milan’s captivating Brera district.

How To Get There & Where To Stay

The charming Brera district is conveniently accessible from either Lanza or Moscova metro stops. However, to truly absorb the neighbourhood’s distinctive character, walking is highly recommended. For the most rewarding approach, begin at Piazza Scala (near Duomo or Montenapoleone stations) and stroll along Via Verdi, which elegantly transitions into Via Brera, unveiling the district’s treasures at a pace that allows you to appreciate every architectural detail and hidden corner.

Staying for a weekend? Offering an intimate boutique retreat with just four exquisitely appointed rooms, Locanda Pandenus is a good choice. It’s a place that perfectly captures the artistic essence that defines Milan’s dynamic Brera neighbourhood. Each room showcases impeccable art deco styling – think 1930s glamour meets modern Milanese flair. The inn sits above a lively bistro which is open daily from 8am to 11.45pm, creating a seamless connection between your accommodation and the creative heartbeat of Milan’s most artistic quarter.

Looking to settle in Milan’s stylish Brera district for a while and planning to rent a luxury flat in Brera (this is Milan after all)? The carefully curated Nativo collection presents a portfolio of upscale apartment residences with both long and short term rentals, ranging from one to twelve months. Whether you need a sophisticated home base for just a few weeks or plan to immerse yourself in Milanese living for up to a year, this flexibility transforms the typically rigid rental market into something that actually works around your schedule, not the other way around.

Read: Where to stay in Milan if you’re travelling on a budget

Meander Down Via Fiori Chiari

Start your exploration of the neighborhood by meandering down Via Fiori Chiari which embodies the essence of Brera’s distinctive character. This picturesque street, whose name translates to ‘Street of Light Flowers’, features a captivating blend of independent boutiques, art galleries, and inviting cafés (more on all of those later) housed within beautifully preserved historic buildings.

By day, the street buzzes with shoppers exploring unique fashion finds and artisanal treasures. As evening falls, the atmosphere transforms as locals and visitors alike fill the outdoor seating areas of restaurants and wine bars.

For a truly special experience, visit on the third Sunday of the month when the street hosts Brera’s famed antique market Mercatino di Brera. Dozens of vendors display an eclectic mix of vintage items, from jewellery and furniture to rare books and curiosities – perfect for sourcing a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Visit The Basilica Of San Simpliciano

Often overshadowed by Milan’s magnificent Duomo, the Basilica of San Simpliciano offers a more intimate glimpse into the city’s rich religious heritage. Dating back to the 4th century, this ancient church is one of Milan’s oldest and most historically significant religious sites, associated with the venerated St Ambrose.

The basilica’s unassuming exterior gives little hint to the treasures within – most notably the remarkable 15th-century frescoes adorning the apse. The peaceful interior, with its soaring columns and soft lighting, provides a contemplative space away from the district’s livelier spots. Architectural enthusiasts will appreciate the church’s unique blend of Romanesque and early Christian elements, whilst history buffs will value its significance in Milan’s religious development.

Explore The Galleries

A trip to Brera wouldn’t be complete without immersing yourself in its remarkable art scene, starting with the district’s namesake gallery, the Pinacoteca di Brera, the city’s main public gallery. Housing Italy’s second-largest collection of fine art, this magnificent gallery showcases masterpieces from Italian and European artists spanning centuries. Marvel at works by Mantegna, Caravaggio, Raphael and Titian, amongst countless other treasures. For art enthusiasts, the collection’s crown jewel is perhaps Mantegna’s ‘Lamentation over the Dead Christ’, with its remarkable perspective and emotional depth.

Brea — Photo by Sebastiano Piazzi on Unsplash

Yet Brera’s artistic offerings extend far beyond this prestigious institution. The district is peppered with galleries catering to diverse artistic tastes. Massimo De Carlo represents a pinnacle of contemporary art in Milan, showcasing cutting-edge works by international artists in a beautifully restored historic building. The gallery’s thought-provoking exhibitions rotate regularly, ensuring something fresh awaits each visit.

For those intrigued by modern Italian art with a distinctly unconventional flair, Antonio Colombo Arte Contemporanea presents works that often incorporate elements of pop culture, comics, and street art. The gallery’s carefully curated exhibitions challenge traditional boundaries whilst remaining accessible to art lovers of all levels.

Sculpture enthusiasts should not miss Gipsoteca Fumagalli & Dossi, a hidden gem housing an impressive collection of plaster casts and original sculptural works. The hushed atmosphere and dramatic lighting create an almost sacred space for contemplating three-dimensional artistry in various forms.

Studio Zecchillo offers a more intimate gallery experience, specialising in works on paper including etchings, lithographs, and drawings by both established and emerging artists. The knowledgeable staff are particularly welcoming to visitors curious about printmaking techniques and processes.

Complete your artistic tour at Casa Degli Artisti, a recently revitalised creative hub that serves as both exhibition space and working studios. This cultural centre fosters artistic development through residency programmes and public events, offering visitors a glimpse into the creative process itself rather than merely displaying finished works.

Wander Through The Orto Botanico

After immersing yourself in artistic masterpieces, take a refreshing pause at the enchanting Orto Botanico di Brera. This secret garden, established in 1775 by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, offers a tranquil sanctuary away from Milan’s bustling streets. Tucked behind Palazzo Brera, this botanical haven features carefully cultivated beds of medicinal herbs, rare plants and seasonal blooms.

The garden’s symmetrical design, enhanced by elegant sculptures and the historic architecture of the surrounding palace, creates a peaceful atmosphere perfect for contemplation. It’s a delightful spot to catch your breath whilst enjoying nature’s artistry. Better still, entry is complimentary, making it one of Brera’s most charming hidden gems.

The garden is open all year round and it’s free to enter.

Indulge In Aperitivo Culture

The Italian tradition of aperitivo was born in the bustling city of Milan in the 19th century. As such, no visit to Milan would be complete without experiencing this beloved ritual, and Brera offers some of the city’s finest establishments for this quintessentially Italian tradition.

Of course, there’s Bar Brea which is in the very heart of the district. Score a table outside and you’ll find that it’s one of the best spots for people watching in the entire city.

Bar Jamaica stands as a living piece of Brera’s bohemian history. Once the preferred watering hole of artists and intellectuals, this historic establishment maintains its authentic charm whilst serving perfectly crafted cocktails and an impressive selection of spirits. The walls adorned with photographs of its famous patrons tell the story of Brera’s artistic legacy, making it as much a cultural experience as a drinking venue.

Wine enthusiasts should not miss N’Ombra de Vin, housed in a 16th-century monastery cellar, offering an extraordinary selection of Italian and international wines alongside superb charcuterie and cheese. Their aperitivo spread is particularly generous, featuring high-quality ingredients that perfectly complement their extensive wine list. The atmospheric stone-walled interior creates an enchanting backdrop for early evening refreshments.

For those with a passion for natural wines, Associazione Salumi e Vini Naturali presents a carefully curated selection of organic and biodynamic offerings in a convivial atmosphere that encourages conversation with fellow oenophiles. Their knowledgeable staff can guide you through unfamiliar varietals and producers, making this an educational as well as pleasurable experience.

The traditional aperitivo hours run between 6 and 9 pm. Order a classic Aperol Spritz or Negroni, then help yourself to the spread of cheeses, cured meats, olives, and various small dishes. The tradition perfectly embodies the Italian approach to dining — unhurried, social, and focused on quality ingredients. It’s also an excellent opportunity to people-watch and absorb Brera’s sophisticated ambiance.

Discover Independent Boutiques

Whilst Milan is globally renowned for its high-fashion credentials, Brera offers a more distinctive shopping experience through its wealth of independent boutiques and concept stores. Fashion enthusiasts will delight in discovering unique pieces from emerging designers alongside carefully curated vintage collections that reflect Italy’s impeccable style heritage.

For those seeking truly special souvenirs, Pettinaroli is an absolute must-visit. Founded in 1881 and still run by the same family, this charming cartoleria stocks exquisite handmade stationery, leather-bound journals, vintage maps, and bespoke printed materials. Its wooden shelves and glass cabinets house treasures that combine artisanal craftsmanship with practical elegance – the perfect memento of your time in Milan’s most artistic district.

Another Brera gem is Il Segno Del Tempo tucked away on Via Fiori Chiari. Step inside and you’re transported into what feels like a collector’s fever dream. It’s full of antiques selected by founders Piero Luigi Carboni and Pierangelo Marengo. What began as their personal gallery of beloved discoveries has evolved into a gorgeous shop full of remarkable pieces.

Il Cirmolo offers a nostalgic journey through 20th century design and ephemera, featuring an eclectic collection of treasures ranging from vintage enamel signs from the mid-1900s to illuminated letters and signage from the latter half of the century.

Beyond these standouts, Brera houses specialist shops selling everything from handcrafted jewellery and artisanal homewares to rare books and locally produced gourmet foods. The district’s shopping experience feels worlds away from the glitzy international brands dominating Milan’s Quadrilatero della Moda. Instead, Brera offers thoughtfully selected merchandise with personal service – often from the shop owners themselves. For design aficionados, the annual Brera Design Week transforms the district into a showcase of innovative Italian craftsmanship and contemporary design.

Eat, Eat, Eat

Brera’s culinary scene beautifully reflects its artistic soul, with establishments ranging from historic trattorias to Michelin-recommended dining destinations. There are many neighbourhood stalwarts serving regional specialities like risotto alla Milanese (saffron risotto), ossobuco (braised veal shanks), and cotoletta alla Milanese (breaded veal cutlet), but it’s worth being picky.

Trattoria Torre di Pisa, a beloved local institution since 1952, offers time-honoured Milanese recipes in an unpretentious setting adorned with vintage photographs. Meanwhile, Al Matarel serves exceptional regional dishes with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients – their risotto is particularly noteworthy.

For a taste of classic Lombardy fare, Rosso Brera presents beautifully plated dishes with the warmth and authenticity of a typical Milanese trattoria. The vitello tonnato is particularly good here.

Those seeking more refined culinary experiences should book well in advance for Michelin recommended Locanda Perbellini, where Chef Giancarlo Perbellini’s innovative approach to traditional cuisine has earned critical acclaim. Equally impressive is Daniel Canzian, where the eponymous chef creates sophisticated interpretations of regional classics with meticulous attention to detail and presentation.

Complete your meal in true Milanese fashion with a digestivo – perhaps a local amaro or grappa – whilst watching the sophisticated Brera nightlife unfold around you.

If you indulged a little too much in the aperitivo culture earlier, stop at Crema Alta Gelateria on Via Fiori Chiari for some gelato. This spot has been awarded with 3 Gambero Rosso cones, the highest recognition dedicated to the art of Italian ice cream making. Can’t decide what flavour to have? A scoop of their saffron, lemon and almond gelato always goes down well.

Browse The Mercato Di Via San Marco

For a glimpse into the Brera of yesteryear, make time for the bustling mercato along Via San Marco. While much of the district has embraced an upscale transformation, this weekly outdoor market retains the unpretentious charm and lively atmosphere that characterised Brera during its bohemian heyday.

Every Monday and Thursday, local vendors set up their colourful stalls along this historic street, creating a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds and aromas. Unlike the curated boutiques elsewhere in the district, the mercato offers an eclectic mix of affordable treasures – from seasonal produce and artisanal cheeses to vintage clothing, handcrafted jewellery and household goods. The market’s diverse offerings attract a wonderfully mixed crowd, with stylish Milanese professionals rubbing shoulders with elderly neighbourhood residents who have shopped here for decades.

Arrive early to enjoy the market at its liveliest and to secure the freshest produce. Take your time wandering between stalls, practise your Italian with the friendly vendors, and perhaps pick up ingredients for an impromptu picnic in one of Brera’s charming squares. The mercato provides not just shopping opportunities but a genuine cultural experience that connects visitors to the district’s more accessible, community-oriented roots – a refreshing counterpoint to the refined galleries and upmarket boutiques that now dominate the area.

Savour Café Culture

No Italian experience would be complete without partaking in the nation’s beloved café culture, and Brera offers some of Milan’s most charming establishments to enjoy a perfectly crafted coffee. Beyond mere refreshment, these cafés represent the district’s artistic soul and provide perfect vantage points for observing local life.

Caffè Fernanda, situated within the Pinacoteca di Brera, offers a uniquely artistic coffee break amidst your cultural explorations. Named after Fernanda Wittgens, the gallery’s first female director, this elegantly designed café features a striking blue velvet banquette beneath Francesco Hayez’s famous painting ‘The Kiss’. More than just a place to rest tired feet, the café itself is an extension of the gallery experience, with carefully considered design elements that complement the artistic surroundings. The coffee is exceptional, and the pastries – particularly the pistachio croissants – are worthy of their artistic setting.

For a café experience that embodies Brera’s creative spirit, Fioraio Bianchi is up there with the best. What began as a florist’s shop has transformed into a café-restaurant. It still has maintained its botanical roots with plants adorning the space, creating a whimsical atmosphere that captivates visitors. The mint-green furniture and delicate floral arrangements provide a perfect backdrop for enjoying their superb coffee and homemade pastries.

The Bottom Line

This charming district offers visitors a perfect distillation of Milan’s finest qualities – artistic legacy, culinary excellence, design innovation and effortless style – all concentrated within a few walkable streets.

Unlike Milan’s more commercial districts, Brera rewards the unhurried visitor. Take time to notice the details – the plant-filled balconies overhead, the artisan at work in a small studio, the elderly locals playing cards in a quiet piazza. These authentic moments, as much as the district’s more famous attractions, are what transform a tourist visit into a genuine Milanese experience.

8 Quirky & Unique Ways to Personalise Your Engagement Ring

Editorial Team

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May 6, 2025

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8 Quirky & Unique Ways to Personalise Your Engagement Ring

Ideal for those looking to express their commitment in a truly unique way…

So, you’ve found the love of your life, and you’re ready to get married? Congratulations! Now comes the hard part; choosing an engagement ring.

Buying an engagement ring can be a daunting task and, let’s face it, although the easiest choice, a classic diamond engagement ring isn’t for everyone. Honestly; it’s just a little obvious. Yep, we hate to break the news but that solitaire setting with a centre stone and a simple band has been done to death – or should that be divorce?

If you’re looking for a way to make this special moment even more memorable, unique, personal and thoughtful, why not personalise your engagement ring instead of getting a style straight out of the Argos catalogue?

With this in mind, here are 8 quirky and unique ways to make that piece of jewellery as one-of-a-kind as your love story. So get that ring size ready because we’re about to dive into a world of creativity and customisation…

Birthstones Galore

News just in; many marrying millennials are giving the finger to diamond rings and opting for previously under-appreciated and undervalued gemstone rings instead. This, of course, makes total sense; why spend many months worth of your salary on a ring, just because it has a diamond in it?

When it comes to choosing a gemstone, what better way to symbolise your union than by incorporating both you and your partner’s birthstones into the engagement ring? This creative twist adds a splash of colour and personal significance to the ring.

Consider having both stones set side by side; we adore the toi et moi style (French for “you and me”), which features two stones instead of one, both in different settings. Or perhaps you’d prefer for a main stone surrounded by smaller accent stones representing your partner’s birth month? It’s up to you!

While gemstones may not be as glittery or as glamorous as a diamond ring, choosing a birthstone ring is way more personal. Moreover, it’s much better than showing everyone how big your diamond ring is – an egotistical move if ever there was one.

Read: 5 Ideal Reasons To Choose A Coloured Stone Engagement Ring

Engrave Your Love

Engraving is a timeless way to add a personal message to your engagement ring. Whether it’s a simple “I love you”, the date you met, or a cheeky inside joke, engraving can be a beautiful reminder of your unique bond.

Indeed, an engraved message can add that extra sentimental meaning to your engagement ring, capturing your personal connection as a couple. Plus, every time your partner looks at their ring, they’ll be reminded of that special message, making it all the more meaningful. Find a pre-made piece and have it engraved or get a bespoke piece engraved. The choice is yours.

A Ring That Reflects Your Proposal Or Something Personal

Looking for a unique way to commemorate your proposal? Why not design a ring that reflects the date itself? If you’re proposing in autumn, how about a ring with leaves or other autumnal motifs? Alternatively you could choose a gemstone that marks the month you had your first date .

You could incorporate the place your proposing into the rings design. If you’re planning a beach proposal or beach wedding, consider incorporating shells into the motif of the band. Or perhaps you’re proposing in a garden? Then you might be interested to hear that the imperfections in emeralds are called ‘jardin’ – French for ‘garden’.

Or, what about something even more personal? A couple familiar to this writer who got engaged recently chose a ring with a salt and pepper diamond because they love to cook together. How sweet is that? Oh, and who says engagement rings have to have diamonds or gemstones? If you and your partner love nature, why not consider an engagement ring made of wood – wood rings are said to represent continuous growth and strength, both of which a successful marriage needs.

The possibilities are endless, and the result is a ring that tells the story of your love.

Re-Purpose Heirloom Jewellery

Want to infuse tradition into a modern celebration of love? Then why not repurpose an heirloom piece? Using heirloom jewellery to create a one-of-a-kind engagement ring isn’t only sentimental, but it’s eco-friendly, too.

By re-purposing an existing piece, you’re giving new life to a family treasure while also adding your own unique twist. You can use the original stones in a new setting or melt down the metal to create a brand-new design. Either way, you’ll have a beautiful, meaningful ring with a rich history.

Read: 5 IDEAL tips for repurposing family heirloom jewellery

The Magic Of Three

If you’re looking for a ring with more pizzazz than a solitaire but still want something with meaningful symbolism, then a three stone engagement ring (also known as a trilogy ring) might be right up your street. These stunning pieces feature, you guessed it, three stones set alongside each other, typically with a larger centre stone flanked by two smaller ones.

What makes trilogy rings so special is their beautiful symbolism. The three stones are often said to represent your past, present, and future together—a rather lovely sentiment, don’t you think? Others interpret the trilogy as symbolising friendship, love, and fidelity, which, let’s be honest, are the cornerstones of any successful marriage.

The beauty of three stone rings is their versatility. You can mix and match different gemstones to create something truly unique. Perhaps the centre stone could be a diamond (if you must), with your and your partner’s birthstones on either side? Or how about three gradually-sized stones in the same gem for a more cohesive look? The combinations are endless.

A Secret Message Or Symbol

For those who prefer a more subtle form of personalisation, consider incorporating a secret message or symbol into the ring’s design. This could be anything from a hidden engraving on the inside of the band to a small gemstone set in a discreet spot. This way, your partner will always carry a reminder of your love, but it’ll something intimate to just the two of you.

Mix & Match Metals

Who says you have to stick to just one type of metal for your engagement ring? Mixing and matching different metals can create a truly unique and eye-catching design. For example, you could opt for a rose gold band with a platinum setting or combine yellow gold with white gold accents. This modern approach allows you to play with colour and texture, creating a ring that reflects your partner’s individual style.

Read: Reasons to design a bespoke engagement ring

Go Custom All the Way

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not design your own custom engagement ring from scratch? Collaborate with a skilled jeweller to create a one-of-a-kind piece that incorporates all the elements that are meaningful to you and your partner. This might include specific gemstones, metal choices, or even a completely unconventional shape. The sky’s the limit when it comes to custom designs, so let your imagination run wild!

The Bottom Line

Personalising your engagement ring is a fantastic way to make this already special piece of jewellery even more meaningful. By incorporating elements like birthstones, engravings, or custom designs, you can create a ring that tells the story of your love and sets the stage for a lifetime of happiness together.

So go ahead, break away from tradition, and let your creativity shine as you embark on this exciting journey towards marital bliss!

Now that you’ve got your engagement ring sorted, on to the next step; here are 6 alternatives to traditional wedding rings that might just float your boat.

15 Food Station Ideas for Your Wedding Day

Editorial Team

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May 5, 2025

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15 Food Station Ideas for Your Wedding Day

Gone are the days when the only option for wedding catering was a formal, three-course sit-down meal. Today, food stations are no longer an optional extra, but a must have. Indeed, food stations can transform the dining experience of your wedding from the predictable to the memorable. But for connoisseurs of all things culinary, choosing the right food stations for your wedding can be a wonderful opportunity to show off not only your exquisite taste in food, but also your way with presentation and even your personality as a couple.

Before diving into the delicious possibilities, take a moment to consider several practical factors that will influence your food station selections. First and foremost, draw inspiration from your wedding location—a coastal wedding might call for seafood stations, while a vineyard celebration could incorporate local wine and cheese pairings. The season and weather conditions are equally crucial; outdoor summer weddings demand refreshing, heat-stable options like chilled seafood or ice cream stations, while autumn or winter celebrations benefit from warming comfort foods like pie stations or hot chocolate bars.

Consider your venue’s facilities and restrictions—some historic venues have limited kitchen capabilities or restrictions on open flames, which may impact certain food station concepts. Equally important is your guest demographic; consider age ranges, cultural backgrounds, and known dietary requirements when planning. A wedding with many young families might benefit from child-friendly stations alongside more sophisticated adult offerings. Finally, contemplate the flow of your event—strategically position stations to avoid bottlenecks, and consider how they’ll integrate with other elements of your celebration. Selecting food stations that align with these considerations ensures not just delicious cuisine, but a seamless, enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

If you’re contemplating which delectable offerings to include on your special day, read on; here are 15 IDEAL food station ideas for your wedding that will leave your guests talking for years to come.

The Grazing Table Charcuterie & Cheese Station

A lavish spread of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, crusty breads, and accompaniments is a surefire crowd-pleaser. This station works beautifully as a welcome option during drinks reception, encouraging guests to mingle whilst savouring delectable morsels.

For true foodie credentials, consider including a selection of both local and international offerings. Think prosciutto di Parma, Serrano ham, nduja and chorizo alongside a carefully curated cheese board featuring soft, blue, and hard varieties. Rather than simply throwing things onto a board, take time with the aesthetics – create height with slate platforms, use fresh herbs as garnish, and add pops of colour with seasonal fruits.

Accompany your selection with artisan breads, crackers of varying textures, and small bowls of accompaniments – honey drizzled with truffle oil, homemade chutneys, cornichons, and marinated olives. Labels indicating the provenance of each cheese and meat add an educational element that food enthusiasts will appreciate.

For an extra touch of luxury, consider including a station attendant who can shave aged Parmesan or carve wafer-thin slices of Ibérico ham to order, adding theatre and ensuring your guests receive the perfect portion.

Interactive Pizza Station

For a touch of theatre and irresistible aroma, a pizza station with fresh dough being stretched and topped before your guests’ eyes is a winner. The visual spectacle of stretching dough and the satisfying sight of bubbling cheese adds a convivial, casual element to even the most formal of weddings.

Set up a portable stone oven (many catering companies now offer these) and have a pizzaiolo crafting small, individual-sized pizzas to order. Offer guests a choice of bases – classic, wholemeal, or even gluten-free – and an array of toppings from the traditional to the more adventurous.

Consider creating signature pizzas that reflect your story as a couple – perhaps a topping combination from your first date restaurant, or flavours inspired by a memorable holiday destination. Provide small cards explaining these personal touches, turning a simple pizza into a talking point.

To elevate this station further, serve each pizza on a wooden paddle with a pairing suggestion of Italian wine or craft beer. For a truly impressive display, consider flaming pizzas drizzled with grappa or limoncello – a spectacular finish that adds both flavour and flair.

Help Yourself Canapé Stand

Elevate the traditional passed canapés by creating a station where guests can browse and select their own miniature masterpieces. This approach allows for more variety and gives guests the freedom to choose based on their personal preferences. It also means that your guests won’t congregate in one area, waiting for the canapés to be served. Moreover, more canapés means people will likely get less drunk.

Present a selection of hot and cold options on varying heights of platters – perhaps tiered cake stands for sweet items and slate boards for savoury. Include shot glasses of seasonal soup, delicate tartlets, skewers of marinated seafood or meat, and bite-sized versions of classic dishes.

The key to a successful canapé station is meticulous presentation. Each item should be a perfectly formed, one-bite morsel, garnished beautifully and arranged with precision. Consider a colour theme that complements your wedding décor, or organise the display to create an ombré effect – a visual treat before the first bite is taken.

For a luxurious touch, include some premium offerings – perhaps a spoonful of Oscietra caviar on a blini with crème fraîche, or a sliver of wagyu beef with truffle shavings. These special morsels add an element of indulgence without the cost of serving such ingredients as a main course.

A Nostalgic Sweet Station

Channel childhood nostalgia with a candy bar offering an array of sweets, chocolates, and confections. This option doubles as both dessert and favour, giving guests something sweet to take home as a reminder of your special day.

Fill glass jars of various shapes and sizes with colourful treats, chosen to complement your wedding colour scheme. Include a mix of retro classics – rhubarb and custards, sherbet lemons, cola bottles – and more sophisticated offerings like artisan nougat, hand-made truffles, or French macarons. For the best price, visit an online shop like Zippy Sweets, otherwise you’ll find yourself forking out a lot of money on the high street.

Provide small bags or boxes for guests to fill, perhaps customised with your names and wedding date. Add scoops, tongs, and other serving implements to keep things hygienic, and consider having an attendant for younger guests to ensure they don’t overindulge before the dancing begins.

Enhance the visual impact with levels and lighting – place some containers on cake stands or vintage books, and use fairy lights or small spot lights to make the sweets glitter enticingly. Add decorative elements that tie in with your overall wedding theme – fresh flowers, organza ribbons, or sparkly accents can all elevate a simple sweet table to a stunning focal point.

For a sophisticated twist on this playful concept, consider including some boozy options for the adults – perhaps champagne truffles, gin and tonic gummies, or rum-soaked chocolates – alongside the traditional favourites.

Gourmet Burger Bar

Nothing says crowd-pleasing quite like a gourmet burger station. This versatile option can be dressed up or down depending on your wedding style, making it suitable for everything from festival-themed celebrations to elegant evening receptions.

Offer a selection of patties—beef, chicken, fish, and vegetarian/vegan options—alongside an array of artisanal breads and accompaniments. From classic cheese and pickle to more exotic toppings like truffle mayo or kimchi, the possibilities are endless.

For maximum impact, have chefs cooking patties to order on a visible grill, filling the air with tempting aromas. Provide guests with a ‘burger passport’ where they can tick their choices of patty, bun, cheese, sauce, and toppings, ensuring each creation is precisely to their liking.

Elevate the humble burger by offering unexpected gourmet additions – perhaps a foie gras topping option, a spoonful of lobster salad, or shavings of summer truffle. Serve alongside triple-cooked chips in miniature fryer baskets, or sweet potato fries with smoked sea salt for an indulgent accompaniment.

Complete the experience with a selection of craft beers or a flight of cocktails designed to complement the flavours of the burgers. A blackberry and thyme gin fizz or a smoky bourbon-based drink can transform this casual food into a sophisticated gastronomic experience.

Vibrant Taco Station

Transport your guests to the sun-drenched streets of Mexico with a vibrant taco station that delivers both theatrical preparation and personalised flavour combinations. This versatile option works brilliantly for both daytime receptions and evening festivities, offering substantial fare that doesn’t feel overly formal.

Create an authentic experience with a focal point of handmade corn tortillas being pressed and cooked to order on a traditional comal (griddle). The aroma alone will draw guests to this station, while the visual spectacle of seeing the fresh tortillas bubble and brown creates an engaging atmosphere. For larger gatherings, pre-pressed tortillas can be finished on the griddle to maintain the experience without causing delays.

Offer a thoughtfully curated selection of fillings that caters to various preferences. For meat options, consider slow-cooked pulled pork carnitas with crackling edges, tender adobo-marinated chicken, or chargrilled flank steak with a kiss of smoke. Vegetarian and vegan guests will appreciate roasted sweet potato with chipotle, crispy cauliflower with cumin and lime, or traditional rajas (poblano pepper strips with cream). Seafood enthusiasts might enjoy chilli-lime shrimp or grilled white fish with pineapple salsa.

The magic of a taco station lies in the accompaniments. Arrange colourful bowls containing finely diced white onion, fresh coriander, pickled red onions, various salsas ranging from mild pico de gallo to fiery habanero, crumbled queso fresco, lime wedges, sliced avocado or freshly made guacamole, and Mexican crema. The vibrant colours create a feast for the eyes before the first bite is taken.

Enhance the atmosphere with thoughtful styling – perhaps terracotta serving dishes, colourful Mexican blankets as table runners, paper bunting in bright colours, and atmospheric lighting from hurricane lamps or LED-powered paper luminaries. For an extra authentic touch, serve accompanying beverages in traditional Mexican glassware – perhaps horchata (a refreshing rice drink) for non-drinkers and perfectly balanced margaritas for those imbibing.

Staff your station with knowledgeable servers who can guide guests on traditional combinations or suggest pairings based on personal preference. This interactive element transforms a simple meal into a culinary journey and creates natural conversation starters as guests compare their creations.

For an extra flourish, consider adding freshly fried tortilla chips with a selection of dips – guacamole, salsa roja, and queso fundido – as a complementary grazing option alongside the main taco offerings. This thoughtful addition ensures guests can nibble continuously even as they wait for their personally crafted tacos to be prepared.

Luxurious Oyster Bar

Few food stations speak of opulence and indulgence quite like a freshly shucked oyster bar. This sophisticated offering brings a touch of coastal elegance to your wedding celebration, creating a memorable gastronomic experience for seafood enthusiasts.

Position your oyster bar in a prominent location, perhaps atop a table draped in crisp white linen and adorned with crushed ice, seaweed, and maritime decorations – think weathered rope, tiny glass buoys, or delicate shells. The visual presentation should evoke the fresh, briny essence of the sea.

Variety is crucial when selecting your oysters. Consider offering a thoughtfully curated selection from different regions – perhaps briny Atlantic varieties, creamy Pacific options, and some local favourites if available. Each type brings distinct flavour profiles that allow guests to embark on a tasting journey. Small cards describing each variety’s origin and tasting notes add an educational element that sparks conversation.

An expert shucker in smart attire, deftly opening each oyster to order, brings theatrical flair to the proceedings. Not only does this ensure optimal freshness, but the mesmerising skill of a professional oyster shucker becomes a performance in itself. Guests can watch as shells are expertly prised open, revealing their glistening treasures within.

Accompany your oysters with an array of carefully considered garnishes – mignonette sauce with shallots and champagne vinegar, classic cocktail sauce, freshly grated horseradish, lemon wedges, and perhaps some more adventurous options like a passion fruit granita or cucumber relish. Tiny pipettes filled with smoky whisky or vodka allow guests to add a splash directly onto their oyster for an elevated tasting experience.

Complete the presentation with elegant silver trays of complementary nibbles – brown bread with seaweed butter, small shots of chilled cucumber soup, or delicate blinis with caviar. Champagne is the classic pairing, of course, but consider also offering a crisp, mineral-forward white wine or even a dry stout to complement the briny flavours.

For guests less familiar with oysters, having your shucker offer guidance on tasting techniques – the importance of appreciating the liquor, the gentle chew to release flavours, the ideal sipping order from mild to strong – transforms this into more than mere consumption; it becomes a gastronomic education.

An oyster bar creates a moment of refined luxury within your wedding celebration – a talking point that will have guests reminiscing long after the day has passed.

Miang Kham Station

Introduce your guests to one of Thailand’s most elegant finger foods with a Miang Kham station. This traditional Thai delicacy, which translates to “one bite wrap,” offers a perfect blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours all contained in a single, beautiful bite.

Set up the station with fresh betel or cha-plu leaves (though collard greens or spinach leaves can substitute) arranged in concentric circles. Surrounding these, place small bowls containing the classic components: roasted peanuts, toasted coconut, small lime wedges (with rind), finely diced ginger, red chillies, tiny dried shrimp, and shallots. At the centre, position a bowl of the star attraction – the special palm sugar-based sauce infused with galangal, shrimp paste, and fish sauce that brings the whole creation together.

The interactive element is what makes this station so special. Guests create their own wraps, placing small amounts of each ingredient onto a leaf before folding it into a small parcel and dipping it into the sauce. The result is an explosion of complementary flavours and textures in a single bite – crunchy, chewy, soft, spicy, sweet, sour, and umami all at once.

For authenticity, decorate the station with orchids and banana leaves, and have attendants in traditional Thai dress explain the cultural significance of this dish, often served at celebrations. Wooden platters and ceramic bowls enhance the presentation and lend an air of rustic elegance.

To elevate the experience further, consider offering a complementary Thai-inspired cocktail – perhaps a lemongrass and ginger martini or a cucumber and basil cooler – that will refresh the palate between bites. This station provides not only a delicious snack but also a cultural conversation starter that will have guests comparing their personal flavour combinations throughout the evening.

Pani Puri Station

For something a little different, a Pani Puri station brings the vibrant street food of India to your wedding. These hollow, crisp balls filled with spiced potato, chickpeas, onions, and tangy tamarind water create an explosion of flavour in each bite.

The interactive nature of this station adds a memorable element to your celebration – guests crack the top of the puri, fill it with their choice of stuffing, then pour over spiced water before popping the entire creation into their mouth in one go. The resulting burst of flavours provides not just sustenance but entertainment.

Have a server demonstrate the technique and then assist guests in creating their own perfect pani puri. Offer different levels of spice in the water, from mild to fiery, ensuring everyone can enjoy this experience regardless of their heat tolerance.

Enhance the authenticity with vibrant decoration – marigold garlands, brass serving vessels, and traditional Indian music playing softly in the background. Provide refreshing mint and cucumber water on the side to cool palates between bites.

For guests less familiar with Indian cuisine, include small cards explaining the cultural significance of this popular street food and the traditional way to enjoy it – a thoughtful touch that adds an educational dimension to the culinary experience.

Decadent Dessert Station

Sweet tooths will be delighted by a dedicated dessert station offering a variety of treats beyond the traditional wedding cake. The dessert course provides an opportunity for real visual impact – think towers of profiteroles, cascading chocolate fountains, and jewel-like tarts glistening under soft lighting.

Consider a selection of miniature classics—crème brûlée, chocolate mousse pots, lemon tarts—alongside more contemporary options like cookie dough or brownie bites. The key is variety in both flavour and texture – something creamy, something crunchy, something fruity, and something chocolate (because there’s always someone who only wants chocolate).

Presentation elevates this station from good to extraordinary. Use antique cake stands, marble slabs, or even illuminated ice blocks as serving platforms. Incorporate edible flowers, gold leaf, or spun sugar for decoration, turning simple desserts into works of art.

For an interactive element, include a ‘finishing station’ where guests can add their own toppings to ice creams or custards – perhaps warm salted caramel sauce poured from silver jugs, clouds of Persian fairy floss (pashmak), or a selection of praline crumbs and brittle.

Don’t forget to consider dietary requirements – ensuring there are vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options means everyone can indulge in a sweet ending to the meal.

A Homely Sweet Pie Stand

Celebrate British tradition with a table laden with sweet pies in various sizes. This homely, comforting option brings a touch of nostalgia to proceedings and works particularly well for autumn or winter weddings when guests crave something warming.

From individual tartlets to large pies for sharing, offer classics like apple and blackberry, lemon meringue, or banoffee alongside more unusual flavours like rhubarb and ginger or dark chocolate and salted caramel. The key to an impressive display is variety in both size and appearance – some with lattice tops, others with crumble, some glazed to a high shine, others dusted with icing sugar.

Serve with dollops of clotted cream, custard, or ice cream for a truly indulgent experience. For an interactive element, consider offering warm sauces in small copper pans – perhaps a vanilla-flecked crème anglaise or a rich chocolate sauce – that guests can pour over their chosen slice.

Stack your pies on vintage cake stands of varying heights, interspersed with candles in antique holders and seasonal decorations – autumn leaves, spring blossoms, or winter berries depending on your wedding date. A handwritten chalk board listing the various flavours adds a charming, personal touch.

For a final flourish, consider offering small boxes so guests can take a slice home – the perfect midnight snack after a night of celebration.

Artisanal Ice Cream Stand

Nothing delights guests at a summer wedding quite like an artisanal ice cream station. When the temperature rises and dancing feet need cooling down, this refreshing treat provides the perfect sweet interlude to re-energize your celebration.

Set up vintage ice cream carts or create a mock parlour complete with striped awnings and elegant glass dishes. Offer a selection of both classic and innovative flavours – perhaps vanilla bean, strawberry and cream, and chocolate alongside more adventurous options like lavender and honey, salted caramel, or gin and tonic sorbet.

For true luxury, consider including gelato made on-site with liquid nitrogen, creating a spectacular smoking display as each batch is freshly prepared. The rapid freezing creates exceptionally smooth ice cream with intense flavour, and the theatrical element becomes a talking point.

Enhance the experience with a ‘build your own sundae’ section where guests can add their choice of toppings – fresh berries, crushed cookies, toasted nuts, honeycomb pieces, and a selection of sauces from warm chocolate to zingy fruit coulis. Provide waffle cones, sugar cones, and cups to accommodate all preferences.

For an adult twist, offer liqueur pairings or booze-infused flavours – perhaps a champagne sorbet, rum and raisin, or amaretto ice cream. These sophisticated options elevate a childhood treat into an indulgent grown-up experience perfectly suited to your special day.

Instagrammable Doughnut Wall

For a wedding food station that’s as photogenic as it is delicious, consider the ever-popular doughnut wall. This vertical display of sweet treats has become a modern wedding classic for good reason – it combines visual impact with crowd-pleasing indulgence.

Create your doughnut wall using a large wooden board or frame, painted to match your wedding colour scheme. Insert small wooden pegs or decorative hooks in a symmetrical pattern, spacing them appropriately to hold each doughnut without crowding. Position the wall in a well-lit area where it can serve as both refreshment station and photo opportunity for your guests.

The true artistry lies in your selection of doughnuts. Consider commissioning a variety of artisanal offerings in different flavours, sizes, and decorative finishes that complement your wedding palette. Classic ring doughnuts work particularly well for hanging, but don’t feel limited – filled varieties can be displayed on complementary platters at the base of the wall for additional variety.

For a luxury touch, work with a specialist baker to create bespoke flavours that tell your story as a couple – perhaps incorporating your favourite desserts, cocktails, or significant locations into the doughnut designs. Imagine a Pimm’s-infused summer doughnut, a tiramisu-inspired creation, or a citrus offering named after your honeymoon destination.

Elevate the display with thoughtful details – fresh flowers or greenery woven between the doughnuts, subtle fairy lighting, or personalised tags describing each flavour. A hand-lettered sign with a clever phrase like “Donut Ever Let Go” or “Love Is Sweet” adds charm and creates another photo opportunity.

Consider timing this station strategically – perhaps unveiling it after the wedding breakfast as dancing begins, when guests are ready for a sweet energy boost. Alternatively, box up doughnuts as favours for departing guests, providing a delightful reminder of your celebration for the journey home.

For an interactive element, include a selection of dipping sauces – perhaps white and dark chocolate, salted caramel, or fruit coulis – alongside edible toppings like crushed nuts, freeze-dried berries, or gold leaf, allowing guests to customise their chosen doughnut for a bespoke treat.

Refreshing Drinks Station

For a non-alcoholic option that’s far from boring, create a station dedicated to sophisticated soft drinks and mocktails. In the midst of wedding celebrations, a thoughtfully designed refreshment stand offers guests a chance to rehydrate and relax between dance floor sessions.

Include a selection of fresh fruit-infused waters in elegant dispensers—think cucumber and mint, lemon and raspberry, or orange and rosemary—alongside premium sodas and cordials. For a more substantial offering, include mocktails designed to be as visually appealing and complex in flavour as their alcoholic counterparts – perhaps a virgin mojito with muddled lime and mint, or a strawberry and basil smash.

Presentation elevates this station from functional to festive. Use quality glassware, fresh garnishes, and perhaps even edible flowers to add a touch of luxury. Clear signage with descriptions of each drink will help guests navigate the options, and having dedicated staff to assist with any questions ensures a smooth operation.

Consider seasonal adaptations – cooling cucumber and melon in summer, warming spiced apple in winter – and don’t forget practical touches like eco-friendly straws and plenty of napkins. Position this station centrally, perhaps near the dance floor, to ensure guests stay hydrated throughout the celebrations.

DIY Cocktail Bar: Aperol Spritz Station

For those who do indulge, a DIY Aperol Spritz station brings a touch of Italian aperitivo culture to your celebration. The vibrant orange hue of this popular drink adds a splash of colour to proceedings, and the simple preparation makes it ideal for a self-serve station.

Provide bottles of Aperol, prosecco, and soda water, along with slices of orange for garnish. Include clear instructions for the perfect ratio (typically 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda water), and perhaps offer variations like a white spritz (using white wine instead of prosecco) or a rosé version for those who prefer something different.

Elegant wine glasses are a must, and ice buckets should be regularly replenished to ensure drinks remain perfectly chilled. Consider including some Italian-inspired snacks alongside—olives, breadsticks, or small pieces of focaccia—to complement the bitter-sweet flavour of the Aperol.

For a truly impressive display, create a backdrop reminiscent of an Italian riviera – perhaps a wall of artificial greenery interspersed with citrus fruits, or vintage Italian travel posters. Position this station to catch the evening light if possible, as the sunset glow through the orange liquid creates a magical effect.

Add a touch of luxury with personalised stirrers or cocktail napkins bearing your names and wedding date – a small detail that shows thought and care in every aspect of your celebration.

The Bottom Line

When planning your wedding food stations, remember that they should reflect your personality as a couple and the atmosphere you wish to create. Whether you opt for sophisticated elegance or playful nostalgia, the key is attention to detail and quality ingredients.

Consider the flow of your wedding day when deciding which stations to include – lighter options during the welcome drinks, more substantial fare for the main meal period, and perhaps something sweet or comforting for later in the evening when dancing has worked up an appetite.

Work closely with your caterers to ensure each station is not just delicious but visually stunning and practically manageable. Remember that the best food stations combine delectable offerings with interactive elements and beautiful presentation, creating a multi-sensory experience that guests will remember long after the last dance.

May your wedding be as delicious as it is memorable, and may your food stations be the talking point of many gatherings to come. Congratulations!

The Essential Guide To Planning Your Umrah: Expert Tips For British Muslims

Editorial Team

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May 5, 2025

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The Essential Guide To Planning Your Umrah: Expert Tips For British Muslims

British Muslims are finding that Umrah, one of Islam’s most sacred pilgrimages, is becoming increasingly expensive. In 2024, over 16.9 million people performed Umrah, setting a record for religious tourism. With more than 14,000 Google searches per month from Brits looking for Umrah solutions, there’s clearly a significant interest in making this spiritual journey more accessible and affordable.

Ufuk Seçgin, a travel expert and cofounder and CMO of Halalbooking.com, has shared comprehensive insights on what to consider when planning your trip. Whether you’re a first-time pilgrim or looking to make your next Umrah more cost-effective, these expert recommendations will help you navigate the planning process with confidence.

Understanding The New eVisa System

Since the Saudi Arabian government introduced eVisas for British passport holders, this has transformed the Umrah planning process. This digital innovation has saved travellers thousands of pounds because pilgrims can now apply online within minutes, without relying on travel agents who often charge substantial fees for visa processing.

The eVisa has been a welcome addition for tourists and pilgrims alike, allowing multiple entries within a year and making it the perfect option for those considering an Umrah trip. This system is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil dependence and enhance the tourism sector.

To apply for an eVisa, British citizens need only visit the official Saudi visa portal, upload the required documents (including a passport-sized photo, passport details, and travel information), pay the processing fee, and typically receive approval within 24-48 hours. This streamlined process eliminates the need for embassy visits or postal applications, making the first step of your Umrah journey considerably smoother.

Strategic Timing: When To Book Your Umrah

It is always best to book your hotel and flights as early as possible—ideally 4-6 months before your intended travel date. Many pilgrims think that waiting until the last minute will help them snag a better deal, however, this misconception can lead to disappointment and significantly higher costs.

Booking early ensures you get the best possible deals on flights and accommodation while avoiding the risk of missing out on hotels in prime locations. Airlines typically release their lowest fares months in advance, with prices gradually increasing as the departure date approaches. Similarly, hotels near the Haram offer early booking discounts that disappear as occupancy rates rise.

The timing of your visit also matters significantly. While Umrah can be performed year-round (unlike Hajj, which occurs during specific dates), certain periods are considerably more crowded and expensive. Peak seasons include Ramadan, school holidays, and the months immediately before and after Hajj. If flexibility allows, consider travelling during quieter periods such as Muharram or the middle of Sha’ban, when both flights and accommodation are typically more affordable.

Read: 7 of the world’s most ancient sites

Location Matters: Choosing The Right Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation, proximity to the Haram is paramount. On location, it is important to be as close to the Haram as possible. At peak times, the traffic in and around the Haram can be extremely dense, adding potentially hours onto your journey time.

Booking a hotel near the Haram negates the danger of being stuck in traffic and contributes towards a stress-free experience. So when you’re looking for hotels in Madinah or Makkah, location should be your primary consideration. Halalbooking’s unique Umrah filters allow you to find hotels with Haram view rooms, which can enhance your spiritual experience by maintaining visual connection with the sacred sites.

While hotels closest to the Haram command premium prices, they offer significant advantages beyond convenience. They allow you to perform the five daily prayers at the mosque with ease, provide quick access for additional Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), and reduce the physical exertion of walking long distances in what can be challenging weather conditions.

For those on a tighter budget, consider hotels within a 10-15 minute walking distance, which offer a reasonable compromise between cost and convenience. Some visitors also opt for apartments rather than hotels, particularly for family groups, as these can provide more space and self-catering facilities at a lower cost per person.

Packing Essentials: What To Bring On Your Umrah Journey

When packing for Umrah, it can be difficult to know what to bring, but there are certainly some essentials you shouldn’t forget. For men, the Ihram garments—two simple, seamless white cloths—are the most critical items. These must be worn during the Umrah rituals and should be packed in your hand luggage in case checked baggage is delayed.

Other essentials include:

A light, portable prayer mat for use during travel
Comfortable, durable sandals or slip-on shoes that can be easily removed when entering mosques
A refillable water bottle for Zamzam water, which pilgrims typically collect and consume during their stay
Modest, lightweight clothing suitable for the local climate (which can be extremely hot)
Basic medications, including pain relievers, anti-diarrhoeal medicine, and any prescription medications
A small umbrella or sun hat for protection from the intense sun
Unscented toiletries and hygiene products (as scented products are prohibited while in a state of Ihram)

Make sure you download the Nusuk app, which has become an indispensable tool for pilgrims. This official application allows you to book an Umrah permit, view prayer times, navigate the holy sites, and access emergency services if needed. Some pilgrims also find it helpful to download offline maps of Makkah and Madinah, translation apps, and Quran applications for reference during their journey.

DIY Umrah vs. Package Tours

Whilst some find packages convenient, they can feel impersonal and restrict your freedom to travel when and where you want. If you plan your own DIY Umrah trip, you can make time to discover hidden gems, such as the Cave of Hira, Jannat al-Mu’alla (where many members of the Prophet’s (pbuh) family are buried), and the newly opened museums in Makkah and Madinah.

A DIY approach gives you the flexibility to:

Choose flight times that suit your schedule rather than being constrained by group bookings
Select accommodation based on your specific preferences and budget
Extend your stay or change locations without being tied to a fixed itinerary
Visit additional sites beyond those included in standard package tours
Dine at restaurants of your choosing rather than being limited to hotel buffets

The Bottom Line

Opting for a DIY Umrah experience in Saudi Arabia can save pilgrims hundreds of pounds, but it’s important to make sure everything is planned meticulously so you can travel without stress. The introduction of eVisas has made the process significantly more accessible for British Muslims, opening up opportunities for more frequent and affordable spiritual journeys.

By booking early, choosing accommodations strategically, packing appropriately, and leveraging local travel options, pilgrims can create a more personalised and cost-effective Umrah experience. The spiritual benefits of this sacred journey are immeasurable, and with careful planning, the logistical and financial aspects need not be overwhelming.

8 Tips To Help Keep Your Hair Healthy This Summer

Editorial Team

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May 5, 2025

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8 Tips To Help Keep Your Hair Healthy This Summer

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that you can spell ‘tresses’ from ‘stresses’. Hair, let’s face it, is a fragile thing, prone to damage from diet, heat, pollution and friction, both physical and emotional.

And as the summer months roll into view, with warm weather predicted for the next couple of weeks, it seems like these catalysts are more even keenly felt and, accordingly, more caution is required to maintain healthy locks and give your hair the chance to thrive.

With that in mind, here are 8 tips to help keep your hair healthy this summer.

Wash & Condition

Summer = sun (well, kinda). That relationship is undeniable, even in the UK where the weather is inclement and unpredictable.

Also irrefutable is the link between sun and sweat, and whilst you are able to observe sweat on your skin, under your armpits, on your brow, and even dripping down your back, it is much more difficult to see the beads of sweat that accumulate on your scalp. Without regular washing and conditioning (not too regular, mind), sweat can dry then irritate the scalp and clog your hair follicles, leading to dandruff and potentially damaging your hair.

There is no hard and fast rule for how often anyone should wash their hair. Different textures call for differing measures of care. Remember, as a general rule, that shampoo is for your scalp but conditioner is for your hair strands. Both need attention. Select products free from sulfates and parabens, both chemicals that are harsh and harmful for your hair. The more natural the ingredients, the better, where your hair is concerned.

On and off, incorporate hair masks and deep conditioning treatments into your routine. These infuse a more profoundly penetrating treatment to rebuild and repair the hair shafts and follicles, strengthening your hair in the process.

Use Heat Protectant Products

Using a hair dryer is the most time-efficient way to dry and style your hair, but before you go ahead and turn up the heat, you need to be prepared. How? It’s time to use a heat protector. But do they really work?

Some people go their whole lives without touching a heat protectant product, not realising the damage that heat styling has done to their hair. It might look fine, but over time and with frequent use of heat styling tools, your hair will become dry and brittle and prone to breakage if you’re not protecting it.

That’s where heat protectant spray comes in! Your hair styling tools use high temperatures (generally between 95 – 170°C) to help you serve some gorgeous looks. As soon as your hair is heated above 130°C, it can experience damage in the following ways: moisture in your hair evaporates from inside your hair, and if your hair is wet, the steam will blast through your hair structure. The keratin proteins will break down, which weakens your hair. The cuticle (the outer layer) of your hair cracks and frays, and the pigment in your hair changes colour, which can leave bleached hair looking brassy. Heat protectant spray provides a barrier against these problems.

Read: How to humidity proof your hair

Trim Regularly

Essential for maintaining healthy hair are regular trims, especially during the summer when hair can become more prone to split ends and breakage. Aim to trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to remove damaged ends and promote healthy growth. Trimming not only helps to keep your hair looking fresh and neat but also prevents split ends from travelling up the hair shaft, which can lead to more significant damage.

If you’re trying to grow your hair out, don’t skip trims altogether. Regular trims will actually help you achieve longer, healthier hair in the long run by preventing breakage and maintaining the overall health of your strands. Consult with your hairstylist to determine the best trimming schedule for your hair type and goals.

Choose The Right Hair Ties

We’ve all had the experience of hair snagging on hairbands. The unnatural positions of manoeuvring the hair tie loose might be comical to onlookers but it’s painfully frustrating to you, and can lead to strands being pulled from your head.

All of this occurs when you make poor choices in hairbands. The best hair ties are simply made with a durable yet flexible material, allowing hair to be bound securely and comfortably. You don’t have to worry about snagging or knotting, and ultimately, this means less tension and headaches.

Water-logged hair ties make it increasingly difficult to pry them loose. More reason to try a water-resistant option, then, since both the chlorine of swimming pools and the salt of the sea can cause excess damage. Who knew that so much thought went into the purchase of a hair tie?

Read: 8 curly hair care tips that you need to know for winter

Use More Moisturising Products

Keeping your skin and hair moisturised is essential anytime of year, but even more so during the summer months. The sun has a greater impact on your hair than you may be aware of; to offset the hours you spend in direct contact with its rays, prepare your hair sufficiently before going out.

If your hair isn’t packed with moisture, the cuticles will open up, letting in the air’s moisture and causing frizz. When you wash your hair, never skip conditioner. Twice a week, use only conditioner on your hair and no shampoo and once a week use a conditioning mask to ensure maximum moisture and gloss. Avoid shampoos and conditioners that contain sulphates (chemicals used as cleansing agents) as these can strip your hair of the natural oils needed to keep your locks healthy.

If you’re a DIY type of girl, homemade hair masks with coconut or banana are the best for controlling frizz.

Oils can be of great use, here. Different oils have varying health benefits. Peppermint will stimulate the scalp for better growth while castor oil has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Argan and jojoba oils are very light and naturally moisturising as they are able to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft.

Other oils boast UV protecting abilities. While not to be used on their own for the purpose of adding moisture, oils do aid in preventing the hair from drying out. The hair gurus tell you to start with a water-based product, liquid, or cream. Then, you top that off with an oil to seal in the moisture.

Read: The benefits of carrier oils for your skin and hair

Hide It Away

Sometimes the best measure of protection that can be taken is to physically shield hair from the sun. No matter how much you moisturise, the only way to ensure moisture is retained to a fuller capacity is to cover your hair. Bonnets, headwraps, scarves, and silk-lined caps are a few examples of protective coverings which can also look fashionable.

What about hats? Straw hats, fedoras, bowlers, and countless others are available for the fashion-forward, daring and risque. It has been said that shoes make the outfit but many would argue that a good hat acting as a statement piece will steal the show – and no one has to know it’s for protection rather than fashion.

Manage Stress Levels

Your mental wellbeing has a profound impact on your physical health, including the condition of your hair. During summer months, when temperatures rise and routines often change, stress levels can increase—and this can directly affect your hair’s growth cycle.

As Treatment Rooms, a hair transplant clinic in Oxford, report, prolonged periods of stress can trigger telogen effluvium—a temporary condition where hair shifts prematurely into its shedding phase. This typically manifests as increased hair fall approximately three months after a stressful period.

To protect your locks, incorporate stress-management techniques into your summer routine. Mindfulness meditation, yoga, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can all help regulate cortisol levels. Additionally, scalp massages not only feel wonderful in warm weather but also improve blood circulation to hair follicles whilst reducing tension.

Remember that healthy hair begins with a healthy mind and body. Taking time for self-care isn’t just good for your mental health—it’s essential for maintaining those lustrous summer tresses.

Vitamin D & Other Dietary Aspects

After all we’ve said, we should emphasise that the sun is actually beneficial to hair growth since Vitamin D helps in keratin production, stimulating growth and stimulating both old and new hair follicles. If you’re shielding from the sun to protect your skin and hair, then it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough Vitamin D from your diet. You can find a healthy dose of the good stuff in oily fish, red meat, egg yolks and fortified cereals. Supplements are also available.

Indeed, they say that ‘you are what you eat’ and this is never truer than when considering your hair. Nope, you won’t suddenly grow spaghetti strands in place of your locks, but rather, your diet can play a major role in your hair health. Aside from Vitamin D, it’s also important to get sufficient Vitamin C, found in broccoli, oranges and more, as well as protein and biotin, found in eggs, and omega-3, prevalent in oily fish like salmon and mackerel.

The Bottom Line

Maintaining healthy hair during the summer requires a bit of extra care and attention, but the results are well worth the effort. By following these tips—washing and conditioning appropriately, choosing the right hair ties, using moisturising products, protecting your hair from the sun, ensuring a balanced diet, using heat protectant products, avoiding over-styling, and trimming regularly—you can keep your locks looking vibrant and strong. Embrace these practices to enjoy beautiful, healthy hair all summer long.

The Best Mexican Restaurants In London

Vicky Clifford Sanghad

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May 5, 2025

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For a city of such great culinary diversity and choice, Mexico seems to be less enthusiastically represented in London than many of the world’s other great cuisines. Or so the recent culinary narrative in the Capital goes…

Fear not though, as this is more a journalistic trope than a reflection of London’s current dining darlings. Nope, there’s far more to this scene than sombreros and several shots of Tequila. Sure, there’s outlets of the chain Wahaca on every corner, offering approachable Mexican fare to hungry Londoners wanting convenience and efficiency. Entry level stuff, maybe, but a decent feed nonetheless.

Scratch the surface just a little more inquisitively though, and things get very interesting indeed. Invigorated by a string of quality taqueria openings in recent years, London’s Mexican restaurant scene has announced itself more assertively of late than a particularly raucous Mariachi band. So, read on for our roundup of the best places to great Mexican food in London.

Cavita, Marylebone

Ideal for fine Mexican dining from a chef with Pujol pedigree…

With an alumni of both Pujol and El Bulli on the stoves, and a dining room designed by Camila Rodrigues of the esteemed design team at COR London, what could possibly go wrong?

In a textured, tactile room that positively glows as you enter it – full of natural stone elements, exposed bricks rendered white and plenty of primavera wood trim – some of the most wholesome, utterly delicious Mexican food is being served.

It’s the first solo project from esteemed Mexican chef Adriana Cavita and she’s a chef who pulls no punches, with a tight menu divided into raw bits, appetisers, street food, sharing and side dishes.

From that raw bar, the aguachile’s base of chilled watermelon takes this always-revitalising dish into indispensable territory, a fine foil for some of the more protein-heavy headliners that follow.

The signature smoked beef shin quesabirria featuring slow-cooked beef shin and raclette cheese inside house-made corn tortillas, fried to golden perfection on the plancha, has got to be our favourite thing on the menu. Complete with a shell of caramelised cheese and served alongside a viscous veal consomme for dipping, it requires a certain amount of energy to take down, particularly with sharers still to come, but it’s a glorious tussle we’d happily take a round two for. With a dish this messy…hands is the only way to go!

When the sharing pulpo a las brasas does hit the table, heaped charred tentacles intertwining, reinforced by blistered, sweet spring onions and cactus slices, it’s an intimidating proposition. But once portioned and placed on the most delicate of house-pressed tortillas, it’s ethereal.

You might have guessed by now that we didn’t have room for dessert, but we’re told they’re excellent by friends that did. Think chocolate chipotle chile lava cake and wild cherry ice cream, for starters. Sorry, that makes no sense; for desserts.

Still, there’s always room for a digestiv of sorts, in the restaurant’s basement mezcalaria Mayahuel, to help move things along.

Website: cavitarestaurant.com

Address: 56-60 Wigmore St, London W1U 2RZ

And with that, we’re moving on, just down the road, and to KOL…

KOL, Marylebone

Ideal for tasting how British ingredients transform into Mexican masterpieces…

You could certainly make a case for Marylebone being London’s very own Little Mexico. Actually, you couldn’t, that’s nonsense, but the district does boast not one but two of arguably the best Mexican restaurants outside of El Tri.

Santiago Lastra, the head chef and co-owner of Kol, certainly has some pedigree, having, with chef Rene Redzepi, masterminded Noma’s critically acclaimed Mexican iteration back in 2017.

Here, his vision of celebrating the finest British ingredients using both traditional Mexican cooking techniques and a fair few modern flourishes is executed flawlessly. Or rather, it feels flawless now; in reality, the restaurant’s opening was a rocky one, with successive lockdowns preventing Kol from getting off the ground as smoothly as it deserved.

Rest assured, the restaurant has well and truly hit its stride, winning a Michelin star a year after opening and ranking #17 in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants List last year.

What does make sense is the concept here, with ingredients traditionally so closely intertwined with Mexican food culture here substituted out for their broadly British equivalents. So, that’s an innovative pistachio puree replacing avocado, sea buckthorn bringing the acidity for Kol’s now iconic langoustine tacos, and a dairy farmer in Kent producing Oaxacan-style cheese for the restaurant.

All this wouldn’t matter if the food wasn’t as downright delicious as its inspiration across the Atlantic, but the recent main event here, of lamb barbacoa, freshly made tortillas and a selection of intricately composed condiments, was as straightforwardly satisfying as you’ll find in any restaurant with designs on the top awards in the culinary world.

With a fascinating wine list that draws on some of the unsung heroes of Central and Eastern Europe, Kol is already one of London’s top tier dining experiences. We can’t wait to see where they go next.

At the tail end of last year, the more casual follow-up to KOL, Fonda, opened its doors. It’s already received several fawning reviews. We’ll check it out when the fuss dies down.

Website: kolrestaurant.com

Address: 9 Seymour St, London W1H 7BA

Sonora Taqueria, Stoke Newington High Street

Ideal for Sonoran-style flour tortillas in an intimate Stokey setting…

If you’re on the hunt for the best Mexican food in London (you are, that’s why you’re here), then look no further than Sonora Taquería in Stoke Newington. This cherished London gem (how long before we can call it an ‘institution’?), run by Michelle Salazar de la Rocha and Sam Napier, has quickly become a beloved spot for taco enthusiasts across the city. After closing their wildly popular food stall in London Fields in 2023, the duo has finally opened their first brick-and-mortar restaurant on Stoke Newington High Street.

Sonora Taquería’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and community support. After facing an absurd legal challenge from another London-based, British-run Mexican restaurant over the use of the word ‘taqueria’, Michelle and Sam emerged victorious, backed by over 130,000 supporters. This victory, coupled with a successful crowdfunding campaign, allowed them to transition from their Netil Market stall to a permanent location in Stokey, which is where we’re dining now (and, to be honest, most weeks).

The menu at Sonora Taquería is a celebration of Sonoran cuisine, featuring an outwardly straightforward menu of tacos and quesadilla, plus a couple of sides. The beef barbacoa is perhaps our go-to order, an impossibly rich affair that’s still got all those wibbly-wobbly bits left in. A little diced white onion sends it on its way. At £4.50, you’ll want to order several. For an additional 50p, you can add a grilled cheese crust, which quickly becomes all of the best parts of the days old cheddar in your Brevil machine. It’s glorious stuff.

Vegetarians are certainly not abandoned in all this predatory feasting, with the grilled cactus leaf taco a real highlight, whatever your dietary stripes. The tortillas (flour, in the Sonoran style) are made in-house and as fragrant as you like, with just the right amount of chew; the perfect vessel for the expertly judged fillings (toppings? Who knows?).

There’s even horchata, which, contrary to popular belief, can’t only be consumed in December. In fact, it’s blissful on London’s more humid days.

Inside, the setup is simple and unfussy, a little Echo Park with a few scattered chairs and stools. If you prefer to dine al fresco, you can take your tacos to nearby Abney Park for a picnic.

Opening hours at Sonora Taquería remain tight, from just midday until 4pm, Thursday to Sunday, but that exclusivity is part of the charm, we think.

Website: sonorataqueria.com

Address: 208 Stoke Newington High St, London N16 7HU

Homies On Donkeys, High Road Leytonstone

Ideal for tacos with 90s hip-hop beats in Leytonstone’s latest culinary pilgrimage spot…

Leytonstone is now London’s culinary mecca, a place of pilgrimage for those who pledge allegiance to TopJaw and those who worship at the altar of flavour equally. The reason? Two esteemed, hyped restaurants that both occupy the neighbourhood’s High Road; Singburi and Homies on Donkeys.

The latter, a freshly relocated taqueria and bar spearheaded by the dynamic, Tijuana-raised duo Sandra Bello and Chef Erik “Smokey” Bautista, has garnered rave reviews for its unapologetically bold flavours and hip-hop-heavy vibes.

Open from Tuesday to Saturday, is a sanctuary for lovers of Mexican street food, where graffiti-clad walls and 90s hip-hop beats create an atmosphere as lively as their food.

The vibe is, of course, an integral part of what makes Homies on Donkeys stand out. The taqueria is designed to evoke the spirit of a suburban skate park, with Biggie blasting and decor offering flashbacks of a recent, terrifying acid trip we endured.

The food here is just as energetic, with flavours dialled up to 11. Tacos come in twos, so bring a lover and get messy with the carnitas, which have enough pork fat running off them to render a black T-shirt translucent, a bit like that part off The Simpsons where Homer gets huge. These tacos, just like Homer in that episode, are bloody gorgeous. The bone marrow and braised chuck – the headliner, served with four corn tortillas – is equally indulgent.

Perhaps the best taco here is also the most simple; a mushroom barbacoa number with roast tomato salsa and sweet onions. It’s deep, sure, but with piquancy and bite, and a bouncy mouthfeel that is just so satisfying. At £8.50 for two, it’s also the cheapest taco on the menu.

Whichever way you do it, order the salsa tasting platter (£5) alongside, as there are acidic notes throughout that help lighten and enliven the procession of tacos. It’s essential.

Website: homiesondonkeys.com

Address: 686 High Rd Leytonstone, Bushwood, London E11 3AA

Mexa at Arcade Food Hall, Tottenham Court Road

Ideal for London’s best lamb birria…

When beloved London Fields taco joint Sonora Taqueria announced their closure in July of 2022, citing the need for a larger, permanent home, the city’s Mexican food aficionados were devastated. Sonora had quickly earned a reputation as being one of the few places in London where you could get a truly great taco without having to first endure a speech on nixtamalization and a wine flight.

The disappointment quickly abated when just three months later it was announced that, firstly, a permanent site had been found in Stoke Newington (now open, and on this list, too!), and secondly, the dynamic duo behind Sonora, Michelle Salazar de la Rocha and Sam Napier, would be popping up at Central London’s thriving Arcade Food Hall, with their new creation, Mexa.

To absolutely no one’s surprise, Mexa, a term of endearment in Mexico, has been a massive hit. What was originally intended to be a perfect 50:50 split between raw fish dishes and meat-laden tacos has very much given way to the latter, the menu now a carnivore’s dream, with the pork carnitas with properly piquant salsa verde a highlight.

The main event, though, is without doubt the lamb birria, served alongside a rich lamb consomme wearing its very best phytol perfume. You’ll definitely ruin your favourite T-shirt taking this one down, but it’ll be worth the trip to Primark afterwards.

Website: arcadefoodhall.com

Address: 103-105 New Oxford St, London WC1A 1DB

Instagram: @mexa_ldn

La Chingada, Surrey Quays

Ideal for tacos al pastor that send fat running down your arms…

In this unassuming taqeuria (are we allowed to write that word without getting sued?) on Rotherhithe New Rd, next door to a dental practice whose sign looks in good need of a whitening treatment, La Chingada has quietly been churning out some of London’s best Mexican food for several years now.

We say ”quietly” owing to its backwater Surrey Quays location, but the decor is anything but, its fluorescent pinks and light blues a visual barrage as you enter. Neither are the flavours muted here, with salsas that don’t so much pack a punch as give you a good hiding, and a chef who isn’t afraid of the transformative power of animal fat. Plenty and plenty of animal fat…

Feel the power in the exemplary tacos al pastor, piled high on corn flour tortillas that can barely take the weight, the pork’s achiote paste marinade mixing with its rendered fat and going fucking everywhere after a single puncturing bite. It might all be a bit too unctuous if the meat itself hadn’t caramelised and crisped on its slowly rotating spit, bringing the textural contrast your trigeminal nerves just long to lap up.

Keep lapping in true taqueria style on an imported Jarritos soda or two, and then go and get your teeth done next door. The perfect South East London evening, we think…

There is now a second La Chingada in Euston. Rejoice!

Website: lachingada.co.uk

Address: 12 Rotherhithe New Rd, London SE16 2AA

Read: The best restaurants near Peckham Rye Station

El Pastor, Borough Market

Ideal for short-rib tacos with bone marrow that still makes Instagram feeds swoon…

El Pastor is from the The Hart Brothers, who have pretty much perfected no reservations, counter-seating tapas bars with Barrafina. Fresh, vivacious food with all the hustle, bustle, chatter and cheer of their previous joints makes El Pastor one of our favorite taquerias in town.

With outposts now also in Soho and Kings Cross, there’s no denying El Pastor’s popularity with the masses, too, but with many fond memories formed, it’s to the inaugural joint in London Bridge that we always find ourselves returning.

The menu is primarily taco-led, although quesadillas and a few sides also make an appearance. The sharing short-rib, cooked until falling apart, served with a serious seasoning mix of sugar, salt and spices, has been on the menu since day-dot is a must try. It was one of those knockout dishes that appears on lists and Instagram feeds alongside eulogies for the rest of the year. You’d be crazy not to add bone marrow for an extra three quid – it made a near perfect dish even better.

Oh, and when it’s on the specials, order the pescado frito, which sees seabass fried with bite-sized filetitos. It’s a visual treat that tastes as good as it looks. And it looks bloody great.

The have a second branch in Soho on Brewer street.

Address: 6-7A Stoney St, London SE1 9AA, UK

Website: tacoselpastor.co.uk

Tacos Padre, Borough Market

Ideal for beef suadero tacos so unctuous they border on the erotic…

Tacos Padre, a stall inside Borough Market slinging out some truly superb tacos, is the second most recent opening on our list, but one which has felt right at home in this corner of London right from the off.

Chef Nick Fitzgerald has some serious credentials within the world of Mexican food; he’s previously worked at Mexico City’s Pujol, consistently named the best Mexican restaurant in the world, as well as London’s excellent Breddos Tacos.

At Padre, the tortillas are made fresh daily – a must if you’re to call yourself the ‘daddy’ – with tacos generously adorned with slow-braised, super-unctuous meaty fillings (or should that be ‘toppings’? Who knows).

Yep, it really is all about the meat here, with the beef suadero spun through with aged beef fat bringing so much mouthfeel it’s a vaguely erotic experience. The pork cochinita is similarly arousing.

Though it’s a largely stand-and-lean affair at lunchtimes, with a reduced ‘taqueria’ style menu holding people upright, in the evening Tacos Padre spreads its wings a little, with tables set up outside the stall and a fuller spread on offer. Whichever time you choose to rock up, you will be fed very well here.

Address: The Borough Market Kitchen Padre, Winchester Walk, Jubilee, London SE1 9AG

Website: tacospadre.com

Breddos Tacos, Clerkenwell

Ideal for globally-influenced Mexican food that throws authenticity out the window…

Like many of the best (relatively) recent restaurant openings in London (think Som Saa, Bao….) Breddos started out small and temporary; a makeshift taco shack with residencies and pop-ups across the capital that soon turned into something much bigger.

Now there’s several of them – the original in Clerkenwell, one in Liverpool, and a couple in Oslo, Norway, all charming in their own way.

Design by IDEAL image via Breddos Tacos website

Though the owners have travelled through Mexico extensively and been influenced by the many roadside taquerias and traditional restaurants found along the way, authenticity isn’t exactly on the menu here, but it’s a meaningless descriptor at the best of times, so let’s instead just embrace the deliciousness, hey? Expect makrut lime, seaweed and caviar rubbing shoulders with the usual suspects on an eclectic line up of always tasty grub.

Address: 82 Goswell Road, London. Clerkwenwell

Website: breddostacos.com

Santo Remedio, London Bridge

Ideal for grasshopper-topped guacamole in London Bridge’s liveliest dining room…

There’s been plenty of discourse in recent months about the state of Mexican food in the UK, made all the more fervent by a poorly-pitched episode of Great British Bake Off ‘celebrating’ the country’s cuisine.

But to be dismissive of the standard of Mexican restaurants here would be to do a disservice to Santo Remedio, a boisterous, beautiful place to enjoy some of the best food in the vicinity of London Bridge Station.

Design by IDEAL image via Santo Remedio Instagram

The first thing that hits you when you walk through the door is the noise, in the best possible way, of course. This is a restaurant where big groups congregate, converse animatedly and put away quite a few margaritas; if you ever want to witness the restorative nature of a busy, buzzing restaurant, you should head here, make no mistake.

The food certainly isn’t an afterthought to the atmosphere. The signatures here – a grasshopper topped guacamole, with the insect bringing both crunch and a distinctive, floral citrus hit, and a tempura soft shell crab taco, which is a textural delight – are just that for a reason. But don’t miss the sharing seabass a la Talla (a traditional dish from Acapulco) either, which comes adorned in both red and green salsas, and is delicious as it is eye-catching.

Santo Remedio has another restaurant in Shoreditch and at the weekend, both venues offer a popular bottomless brunch, which sees margaritas, wine, beer and cava freely flowing for ninety minutes, All you have to do is order a dish or two off the menu. Go on then, you’ve twisted our arm…

Address: 35B, Arch, 85B Southwark Bridge Rd, London SE1 0NQ, United Kingdom

Website: santoremedio.co.uk

La Bodega Negra, Soho

Ideal for working through a ridiculously long tequila list while the night slips away…

Hailed as ‘one of London’s best nights out’, La Bodega Negra is a mix between underground speakeasy restaurant and tequila bar. And what a perfect combination that has turned out to be. The menu offers the usual suspects; tacos and tostados, but anything off the grill is particularly good.

While the food is excellent, it’s mostly the atmosphere we come here for. The tequila and mezcal list is ridiculously long, and a night attempting to get through it is a righteous, riotous night indeed.

Address: 16 Moor St, Soho, London W1D 5NH, UK

Website: labodeganegra.com

Mezcalito, Chelsea

Ideal for a Mexican fiesta overlooking Chelsea’s cactus gardens…

Step into Chelsea’s Mezcalito, with its sombreros swinging from the ceiling, Day of the Dead-adorned tumblers, and thrusting King’s Road clientele, and you might be forgiven for thinking that you were here for a good time, not for a delicious one.

But to make that assumption would be to underestimate the fine Mexican food being served here, which, at its best, is as vital as the Tulum-inspired terrace during a MIC Christmas party.

The sea bass ceviche is a case in point. Pitch perfect in its balance of salt and lime, the thin slices of fish are taut and dynamic, revealing that they’ve been dressed only minutes before serving, as it should be.

On the opposite end of the scale but equally telling of the busy work going in the kitchen, we’re told that the restaurant’s empanadas are all baked to order, and will take 20 minutes accordingly. They arrive pert and plump, with a chalky pastry that only the best empanadas possess, and a shredded chicken and chimichurri filling that’s generous to a fault, but quite delicious.

Best of all are the signature brisket barbacoa quesadillas, which hit the table as a stack of four positively heaving with spiced, shredded beef and the kind of oozing, hotter-than-the-sun cheese that should carry a health warning. Superb.

For a place overtly determined to have you stumbling back out into Chelsea in full song, the cocktails – named after reggaeton chart-toppers – are, unsurprisingly, a hit, too. The Titi me Pregunto, with its assertive mix of Codigo Blanco tequila, chilli and lime, was the pick of the bunch for us, but that might be because we’re a little bit in love with Bad Bunny.

For something more straightforward, choose from the restaurant’s selection of over 450 mezcals (one of the largest collections in Europe), or let them do it for you, with a three glass flight of the good stuff, starting at £25 per person.

Either way, enjoy those drinks looking out over the dense cactus selection in the neighbouring Chelsea Gardener plant centre, and you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away somewhere altogether more tropical.

Website: mezcalitochelsea.com

Address: 119 Sydney St, London SW3 6NR

We’re heading for Mexican in Bangkok next because, well, why not?

8 Central Heating Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore

Home & Interiors

Editorial Team

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May 2, 2025

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8 Central Heating Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore

As the daffodils begin to bloom and the days grow longer, the unmistakable signs of spring are upon us here in the UK. While the milder weather may tempt you to forget about your central heating system until the leaves start to fall again, spring is actually the perfect time to ensure everything is in working order.

After all, as the old adage goes, “Fix the roof while the sun is shining.” Here are seven central heating issues that you should address now to ensure a cosy home when the chill returns.

1. Unusual Noises From The Boiler

What’s that noise? Do you hear it? A rumbling, spluttering, deeply concerning crescendo coming from the basement? Better go investigate…

Broken. Boiler. Never have two words struck more fear into the careful, conscientious homeowner than these. Nightmare stories about spiralling costs, lengthy repair jobs and cold showers in the depths of winter linger long in the memory, and as such, any unusual sounds or activity from your boiler rings immediate alarm bells.

A boiler should operate with a quiet hum. If yours has started to make banging, whistling, or gurgling noises, it’s trying to tell you something isn’t right. Often, these sounds can indicate air in the system, low water pressure, or limescale build-up. Ignoring these noises can lead to more serious problems, such as a pump failure, which can be both inconvenient and costly to repair.

Simple Check: Listen to your boiler during operation. It should emit a steady, low hum. If you hear banging, whistling, or gurgling, take note of when these sounds occur and their frequency.

The Solution: Call a professional to investigate the cause of the noise. It could be something as simple as air in the system or as complex as a limescale build-up. A certified engineer can diagnose and rectify the issue, often with a system bleed or a chemical flush.

2. Thermostat Issues

Is your thermostat playing up? Perhaps it’s not responding or showing incorrect readings. As Just Service Group, who offer regulation-compliant boiler services in Wandsworth, tell us, a malfunctioning thermostat can lead to over or under-heating your home, resulting in discomfort and wasted energy. It’s essential to address this issue promptly, as it can also be a sign of electrical problems within your heating system.

Simple Check: Check if your thermostat responds when you adjust the settings. Also, compare its temperature reading with a separate room thermometer to see if they match.

The Solution: If the thermostat is unresponsive or inaccurate, it may need recalibrating, new batteries, or replacing. A heating engineer can provide a precise diagnosis and solution, ensuring your heating system responds correctly to your adjustments.

Read: How to improve the heating efficiency of your home

3. Leaking & Dripping

Leaks from your boiler or heating system should never be ignored. Not only can they lead to water damage in your home, but they can also be symptomatic of internal issues, such as corrosion or a faulty pressure valve. Small leaks can quickly become big problems, so it’s best to get them fixed while they’re manageable.

Simple Check: Regularly inspect around your boiler and radiators for any signs of water leakage. Even small, consistent drips should be taken seriously.

The Solution: Identify the source of the leak and have it repaired by a professional. Leaks can be a sign of wear and tear or a faulty component, which will need replacing to prevent further damage.

4. Pilot Light Problems

If your boiler’s pilot light is frequently going out or appears yellow instead of blue, it could be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak. This is a serious safety concern, as carbon monoxide is a deadly, odourless gas. Ensure you have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home and get a Gas Safe registered engineer to do a boiler emergency call out immediately.

Simple Check:

Observe the colour of your boiler’s pilot light. It should be a strong blue flame. If it’s yellow or orange, this could indicate incomplete combustion.

The Solution:

A discoloured pilot light requires immediate attention from a Gas Safe registered engineer, as it could be a sign of carbon monoxide. Do not attempt to fix this yourself.

5. Rising Energy Bills

Whilst of course we should caveat this one quite substantially as energy bills have been rising significantly in recent years through no fault of your boilers, if your energy bills are shooting up without a corresponding increase in usage, your central heating system may be losing efficiency. This can be due to a variety of issues, from outdated boilers to poor insulation. Investing in maintenance or upgrades now can save you money in the long run and reduce your carbon footprint.

Simple Check: Compare your current energy bills with those from the same period in previous years. Also, listen to your boiler – if it’s working harder than usual, it may be less efficient.

The Solution: Have a heating engineer conduct a full system inspection. They can recommend actions such as insulating pipes, upgrading your boiler, or installing a more efficient thermostat to help reduce your energy consumption. A smart meter may also help pinpoint the problem.

Read: How you could double your boiler’s lifespan

6. Cold Radiators Or Cold Spots

If you’ve noticed that your radiators aren’t heating up as they should, or there are cold spots even after bleeding them, there could be a build-up of sludge or debris in the system. This can prevent the efficient circulation of hot water. Power flushing the system can clear these blockages and restore your radiators to their full heating glory.

Simple Check: Feel your radiators when the heating is on. They should be evenly warm. If you find cold spots, especially at the bottom, this could indicate sludge build-up.

The Solution: Bleeding your radiators can remove trapped air, which may solve the problem. If cold spots persist, a professional power flush might be necessary to clear out the sludge and get your radiators back to optimal performance.

7. Boiler Pressure Problems

The pressure gauge on your boiler should generally be between 1 and 1.5 bar. If it’s too high or too low, it can affect the performance of your heating system. Low pressure can be caused by leaks or recently bled radiators, while high pressure might be due to overfilling or a fault in the pressure relief valve. Both scenarios warrant a professional inspection and possible maintenance.

Simple Check: Regularly check the pressure gauge on your boiler. It should read between 1 and 1.5 bar. If it’s outside this range, there’s an issue that needs addressing.

The Solution: For low pressure, try repressurising your system according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the pressure is too high or you’re unsure, call a professional. They can check for leaks or faults and adjust the pressure accordingly.

8. Faulty TRVs (Thermostatic Radiator Valves)

TRVs are essential components that regulate the heat output of individual radiators, allowing you to control the temperature in each room independently. Over time, these valves can become stuck, unresponsive, or develop faults that prevent them from functioning correctly. When TRVs fail, you may notice some rooms becoming uncomfortably hot whilst others remain chilly, leading to inefficient heating and unnecessary energy consumption.

Simple Check: Try rotating your TRVs to different settings and monitor if the radiator temperature changes accordingly. If the valve is stiff, doesn’t rotate smoothly, or the radiator temperature doesn’t respond to adjustments, your TRV may be faulty.

The Solution: In some cases, a stuck TRV can be fixed by fully opening and closing it several times to dislodge any debris. However, if the valve remains unresponsive, it’s best to have a heating engineer replace it. Modern TRVs offer improved efficiency and more precise temperature control, making them a worthwhile upgrade that can enhance your comfort and potentially reduce your heating bills.

The Bottom Line

While the allure of spring may draw your attention away from your central heating system, it’s the ideal season to address any issues. By taking action now, you can ensure that your system is efficient, safe, and ready to keep you warm when you need it most. Remember, maintaining your central heating is not just about comfort; it’s about safety and efficiency too. So, don’t put off those repairs; your future self will thank you when the autumn winds start to blow.

The Best Restaurants Near Farringdon

Joseph Gann

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May 1, 2025

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Without wishing to sound too dismissive of an industry that’s clearly on its valedictory meal, reviews of post-COVID restaurant openings in the UK have been remarkably concentrated in recent times, with critics alighting at Farringdon Station with impressively predictable regularity.

Bouchon Racine, Brutto, Morchella and Cloth have all graced the pages (‘touched the cloth’?) of virtually every national newspaper in recent times — a convergence that has only served to prove what London’s culinary cognoscenti already knew: that Farringdon is now the epicentre of the capital’s food scene.

As you emerge blinking from the bowels of the station, you might wonder why. Farringdon, on first inspection, isn’t up to much, more well known for its transport links and office blocks than its restaurants. But scratch the surface just a little and you’ll find a series of places that are casually, quietly, of the highest quality. Admittedly, they’re all singing from the same chalkboard, so to speak, but the tone remains harmonious.

Whether you’re after a leisurely business lunch, a pre-train pit stop, or a destination dinner worthy of advance booking (that’s if you can get a reservation at all), the patchwork of Farringdon, Clerkenwell and Smithfield is where it’s at for a good feed. With that in mind, here are the best restaurants near Farringdon.

Quality Wines, Farringdon Road

Ideal for small plates and stellar wines in an intimate setting…

What began as a wine shop attached to Quality Chop House (more of those guys in a bit) has evolved into one of Farringdon’s most cherished places to eat; an intimate restaurant with a weekly-changing blackboard menu that defies easy categorisation.

Sure, the wine merchant aspect still remains, but punters are now more likely to be pitching up for a taste of chef Nick Bramham’s absurdly satisfying cooking than they are a bespoke bottle to go. Indeed, from a tiny open kitchen, the chef defies the conventional restaurant approach to the most gratifying ends.

His Mediterranean-inspired plates, increasingly leaning Greek rather than French, Spanish or Italian – appear deceptively simple but reveal a profound understanding of flavour and produce – think white asparagus vinaigrette that sings with seasonal freshness, or braised pork belly with cime de rapa and salsa verde that’s so much more than the sum of its parts. Occasionally, a whole crispy pig’s head will appear on the menu, a result of that pork dish having, you know, a body beyond the belly. If so, order it.

There’s a quiet intelligence to the cooking that feels liberated from kitchen dogma, producing food that’s both deeply considered and utterly approachable. No unnecessary flourishes, no cheffy ego – just perfectly judged dishes. Their famous gildas are alone worth a visit, but it would be madness to stop there. For lunchtime value, the Express Lunch might feature veal and pork meatballs done in the Italian American style, red sauce piled on top of spaghetti, and accompanied by a glass of wine, beer or soft drink, all for £15. It might just be the best deal in central London. Or, come to think of it, the country. It’s served from midday through to 2:15.

Don’t sleep on the sandwiches, either. Bramham is a connoisseur of the well-judged sarnie, and at Quality Wines they appear seasonally and sell out fast, giving them a real air of exclusivity which is partly genius marketing, but partly borne of the necessity of a truly small kitchen space. His salame rosa and butter panino – a butter-fried milk bun sandwiching layer upon layer of of salame rosa and salted butter – makes an annual return every year and is on now. Get it while you can.

Another sandwich you’ll see sporadically here is the lobster roll, in which the steamed lobster meat is served pleasingly chunky, bound together by a piquant champagne mayonnaise and served in a milk roll. Only 20 are served a night, with that number diminishing fast as diners order a second after a single bite of their first. They’re that good.

The wine selection, curated by Marcos Spyrou and Emidio Russo, balances established producers with exciting newcomers, focusing on smaller, sustainable vineyards. Bottles line the walls from floor to ceiling, candles flicker and cast shadows on intimate corners, all creating an atmosphere that feels both special and casual simultaneously. Staff share their knowledge with genuine enthusiasm rather than snobbery, happy to guide you to something new or pour a taste if you’re unsure.

That theme continues if you’re perched at the counter looking over the open kitchen. We’ve come away from several meals here with photos and screenshots of the restaurant’s recipe folder (caponata, portokalopita, their pastis butter) provided by Bramham. Needless to say, we’ve never quite done them justice at home.

Despite its growing reputation among those in the know, Quality Wines maintains a disarming lack of pretension, feeling more like a friend’s living room than a hotspot restaurant. It’s one of Farringdon’s – and London’s – very best restaurants.

Website: qualitywinesfarringdon.com

Address: 88 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3EA

Read: Where to eat on the Elizabeth Line

St. John Smithfield, St John Street

Ideal for nose-to-tail British cuisine and the famous bone marrow salad…

The stark white dining room of St. John, housed in a former smokehouse near Smithfield Market, speaks volumes about its philosophy even if you didn’t know the history and ethos of this storied restaurant – here, it’s all about the food.

Since opening in 1994, Fergus Henderson and Trevor Gulliver’s iconic restaurant (for once, genuinely iconic) has championed nose-to-tail eating, turning forgotten cuts and overlooked ingredients into sophisticated British dishes that have been copied – if not in recipe but in soul – the world over.

Their emblematic bone marrow and parsley salad – a hunk of roasted marrow with sourdough toast, a parsley salad and, that’s about it – remains a pilgrimage-worthy dish, but from a crowd pleasing menu, it’s certainly not the only highlight. The daily-changing menu features everything from devilled kidneys to seasonal game, with each dish showcasing Henderson’s uncanny ability to coax extraordinary flavour from seemingly ordinary, often forgotten ingredients.

One of the best dishes we’ve had here in recent times was also, perhaps, the most simple; slices of pig tongue that had been brined then braised, served sliced thick with a spiced chutney of Bramley apple, the fruit chosen for its assertive tartness. A wise choice, indeed. Perhaps even better was the deep-fried tripe, arriving like little sheets of honeycomb that had been taken a touch too far, all bronzed and crunchy, bitter and funky. Apparently, they come from the only offal stall left at nearby Smithfield Market – long may that stall remain open.

Anyway, if you don’t end with the madeleines served warmed from the oven – allow for 15 minutes – then you should hang your head in shame as you exit. Or, were you just bowing gently as a sign of respect for a gastronomic institution?

Bone marrow and parsley salad by Michael Gallagher

Brown shrimp and white cabbage © Ewan Munro

The ox heart, beetroot and horseradish © Ewan Munro

The Eccles cake, with a mighty portion of lovely Lancashire cheese © Ewan Munro

Come back inside and have a drink before you go. The exclusively French wine list includes their own label wines by the glass (£8.75), poured by staff who know their stuff. Just prepare yourself for the notoriously challenging acoustics – this might be one of the loudest fine dining experiences in town, but that seems a small price to pay for what many consider the world’s most influential restaurant of the past three decades.

Yep, we said world.

Website: stjohnrestaurant.com

Address: 26 St John Street, London EC1M 4AY

Bouchon Racine, Cowcross Street

Ideal for unpretentious, hearty French cuisine that transports you to Lyon…

Chef Henry Harris knows a thing or two about gutsy, hearty, balls-to-the-rose-blush-wall French bistros, having earned his reputation at Knightsbridge’s Bibendum and later at his own acclaimed Racine in South Kensington.

After several years away from the London restaurant scene, his return with Bouchon Racine in 2022 was greeted with enthusiasm by those who had missed showing off their exquisite, unpretentious taste via his perfectly judged Gallic cooking.

To be fair, it showed up fully formed in Farringdon, perched above The Three Compasses pub, with Harris recreating a slice of Lyon with an air of authenticity that comes from decades of myopic dedication to French culinary traditions.

The daily-changing blackboard menu showcases Harris’s talents to the full in a boisterous room that encourages lingering and, frankly, more boozing – perhaps over cured ham from heritage breed black pigs, a perfectly executed grilled veal chop with roquefort butter, or rabbit in mustard sauce. Whichever way you play it, you’ll find a celebration of French bouchon classics without unnecessary ‘elevation’ or ‘refinement’, focusing instead on quality ingredients and precise technique.

Like many restaurants in the area sharing proximity to Smithfield, nose-to-tail is alive and well at Bouchon Racine. You’ll sometimes find suckling pig on the menu, or Rognonde veau sauce Madère – a simple dish of veal kidney, Madeira cream sauce and pomme puree. Don’t miss their country pork pâté either, a technically precise but simultaneously rugged piece of work. Ground pigs liver and belly are dotted with little cubes of fat, giving way to a gorgeous juicy texture and a rough mosaic pattern in each slice.

Wines here are exclusively French, thoughtfully selected to match the food, with plenty available by the glass for under a tenner. In a dining landscape increasingly dominated by restaurant groups and corporations, Bouchon Racine feels refreshingly independent – a passion project from a chef who understands that sometimes, the old ways are the best ways.

Website: bouchonracine.com

Address: 66 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6BP

Luca, St John Street

Ideal for sophisticated ‘Britalian’ cuisine in one of London’s most beautiful dining rooms…

Luca’s elegant green-fronted exterior on St John Street sets the tone for what awaits inside – a world of understated luxury with copper-topped bars, bottle-green banquettes and a stunning courtyard that transports you straight to the rarefied climes of Lombardy.

This Michelin-starred restaurant from the team behind The Clove Club (Daniel Willis, Johnny Smith, and chef Isaac McHale) has mastered what they – and, to be fair, lots of other folk, increasingly – call ‘Britalian’ cooking. That is, British produce prepared with Italian techniques. At Luca, under the day-to-day guidance of head chef Robert Chambers, the kitchen turns out consistently refined yet approachable dishes that have earned the restaurant its stellar reputation.

Their legendary Parmesan fries – crisp, salty morsels that have developed a cult following – are the perfect way to start your meal. Follow with another mainstay dish and menu stand-out; Roast orkney scallops with Jerusalem artichoke and ‘nduja, before getting into the exemplary, oh-so satisfying pasta. Both Cornish crab linguine and agnolotti with rich game ragu have hit the spot recently.

Whichever way you play it, you’ll find a menu that’s highly seasonal, shifting with the calendar to showcase the finest ingredients at their peak. Come autumn, the kitchen goes truffle crazy with a dedicated white truffle menu featuring creative dishes like steamed white alba truffle and honey sponge pudding with mascarpone custard. Late winter into spring brings delicate plates of cured brill with radishes, blood orange, wild garlic and cedro, and as spring fully arrives, you’ll find Hebridean lamb accompanied by spiky artichoke, bagna cauda, pine nuts and puntarelle. The latter dish is just around the corner, we hope.

The primarily Italian wine list offers interesting diversions for the adventurous, with staff eager to guide you through the selections (I guess they would be, when the cheapest bottle is £55, a 2022 Lugana Ca’ Lojera, no less). Luca’s not cheap, it’s fair to say. At £200 or so per person for the full experience, Luca is positively, prohibitively expensive, but the cooking’s unwavering commitment to quality somewhat justifies the price tag.

And if you can’t quite justify it, there is a cheaper set ‘bar express menu’, which sees two courses priced at £32, three at £38. Indeed, the different pockets of space within the restaurant offer a diversity of atmosphere – from that more casual bar area at the front to the intimate dining room at the back – making Luca suitable for numerous occasions, from important client dinners to romantic celebrations.

Website: luca.restaurant

Address: 88 St John Street, London EC1M 4EH

Sushi Tetsu, Jerusalem Passage

Ideal for an intimate omakase experience that rivals Tokyo’s finest…

Securing a seat at Sushi Tetsu requires military-grade planning and lightning-fast reflexes – bookings are released only at specific times and vanish within minutes, giving the Glasto T-dayers F5-related PTSD. Fuck that’s an ugly participle clause…

Anyway, this seven-seat sushi counter, deep down a tight Clerkenwell alley that feels so appropriate for the relative size of the operation, rewards the persistent with an omakase experience that rivals Tokyo’s finest. Or, that level just below Tokyo’s finest; ‘Tokyo’s second finest-tier’? Nah…

Chef Toru Takahashi crafts each piece moments before it reaches your plate, applying a precise amount of wasabi or soy to perfectly aged fish atop warm, seasoned rice. There’s no menu as such – just a progression of nigiri and sashimi, each more exquisite than the last, served directly across the counter by the chef himself.

The tiny space means you get to watch Takahashi-san’s masterful knife skills up close, as well as counting the eyelashes of your neighbouring diner (don’t do that, that’d be weird). His wife Harumi oversees the dining room with graceful efficiency, ensuring water glasses are never empty and sake cups are always full.

At around £190 for the full omakase and three hours of your time, this is special occasion territory (though not the kind of special occasion where you wear your best perfume, we should caution), but the craftsmanship, quality of ingredients and personal attention make it worth every penny. For sushi aficionados, there’s simply nowhere better in London.

Address: 12 Jerusalem Passage, London EC1V 4JP

Sessions Arts Club, Clerkenwell Green

Ideal for an otherworldly atmosphere and creative seasonal cooking…

Sessions Arts Club feels like stumbling upon a secret you can’t wait to share. That is, if the restaurant hadn’t been reviewed extensively just as COVID restrictions were lifting and people were absolutely delirious on the idea of escapism.

To be fair, it is a gorgeous dining room. Entering through a curtained doorway and ascending in a rickety brass lift, you emerge into a vast, soaring space with distressed walls, moody lighting and an undeniable sense of faded grandeur. No wonder it was so intoxicating as an antidote to months of being locked down.

Things have changed a little since then, with chef Florence Knight – the heart and soul of the operation – moving on and former sous chef Abigail Hill stepping up. A spare, seasonal sensibility remains, with uncomplicated but thoughtful plates taking influence from British, French and Italian traditions. Asparagus with a pool of re-emulsified brown butter might share a table with a butterflied red mullet and a sauce of its liver, each dish showing restraint and a deep understanding of flavour. Indeed, the kitchen has a natural affinity with seafood – the fish dishes are always worth exploring, though it’s a damn shame the squid, tomato and calamarata dish is no longer on the menu. Desserts, too, are fabulous.

A glass of champagne on the delightful rooftop terrace is the perfect prelude to dinner on warmer days. The wine list leans towards low-intervention bottles, while the cocktail menu offers creative mixes that complement the food beautifully. Ours is a melon martini, if you’re asking.

Despite its rapid ascent to ‘hot ticket’ status, Sessions Arts Club maintains an uncomplicated approach to hospitality – service is relaxed and graceful, and the overall vibe is one of effortless cool rather than studied trendiness. It’s not cheap, but the combination of breath-taking setting and accomplished cooking will give you a meal that lingers longer in the memory than the time it takes to pay off your credit card.

Website: sessionsartsclub.com

Address: 24 Clerkenwell Green, London EC1R 0NA

Quality Chop House, Farringdon Road

Ideal for quintessentially British cooking and those legendary confit potatoes…

The original Grade II-listed dining room of Quality Chop House, with its uncomfortable-looking wooden pews (not just ‘looking’, come to think of it), has been serving Londoners since 1869. The current iteration, under the stewardship of Will Lander and Daniel Morgenthau’s Woodhead Restaurant Group since 2012, brilliantly balances heritage with modernity, creating a restaurant that feels both timeless and contemporary. Head chef Shaun Searley has been at the stoves here for almost as long – an unusual longevity in the restaurant world that shows in the kitchen’s consistent excellence.

Let’s talk about the legendary confit potatoes first – thinly sliced layers, compressed, confit, then deep-fried to create something simultaneously crisp, tender and utterly addictive. These alone have achieved a kind of cut-through cult status among London’s food lovers – not only on TikTok and Insta, but also in the broadsheets – in a way few other dishes have.

Beyond the potatoes, expect – unsurprisingly – impeccably sourced meat from ‘butcher to chef to plate’ (they have their own in-house butcher), whether that’s an Aberdeen Angus bone-in ribeye or a Barnsley chop, the latter a perennially under-rated but prime cut of lamb and a go-to tip from the waiters.

The menu changes daily based on what’s been delivered that morning, reflecting a genuine commitment to seasonality rather than lip service to the concept. And, reassuringly, it’s not only about the meat here – these guys have a wicked way with fish, too. A recent dish of skate wing was served, rather unconventionally, with a chicken and tarragon peppercorn sauce that was wonderful. The weekday set lunch menu remains an absolute steal, with three courses clocking in at £29.

It’s in the snack section where things get inventive. The Brixham turbot head has steadily become a house favourite, and for good reason; the varying textures reveal themselves as you explore: supple flesh around the jaw gives way to substantial meat in the cheeks. That would be reward enough, but the liberal dousing of house-made Szechuan sauce – a thoughtful blend of reduced jus, fresh ginger, garlic, and aromatic Sichuan peppercorns – makes things truly compelling.

QCH exemplifies how traditional British dining can be given a gently contemporary touch without losing its soul – comforting, expertly executed dishes that know, first and foremost, that you’re here to be fed. You might want to bring your own blow-up cushion in your hand bag, though…

Website: thequalitychophouse.com

Address: 92-94 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3EA

Cloth, Cloth Fair

Ideal for creative small plates and an atmospheric historic setting…

Down an alleyway in a row of houses that survived the Great Fire of London sits Cloth, a wine-led restaurant that has quickly become a local favourite since opening in the spring of 2024. The space – previously Betjeman’s Wine Bar, named for the poet who lived upstairs – combines historical charm with contemporary comfort.

Wine specialists Joe Haynes and Benedict Butterworth have teamed up with former Lasdun head chef Tom Hurst to create a dining experience that feels laid back enough for a long, languid and liquid-y lunch with a pal, and intimate enough for a dinner with a lover. The acoustics suit both – raucous and hushed sound equally good here.

Seasonal small plates form the core of the menu – pig’s head croquettes with apricot ketchup, delicate cappelletti with ricotta and pecorino, or Cornish pollack with Tokyo turnips. The cooking demonstrates precision without preciousness, allowing the quality of ingredients to shine through. We think we might have said that about every place on this list so far, bar Sushi Tetsu – and who said London’s dining scene was homogenising into one, tedious Britalian wine bar?

Speaking of wine, the list at Cloth reflects the owners’ background, focusing on small producers with a whole separate menu dedicated to by-the-glass options. The 40 page list proper is impressively broad, with carefully chosen bottles from across Europe – from crisp Grüner Veltliners from Austria’s Wagram to aged Barbarescos from Piedmont, and everything in between. Their Champagne selection leans toward smaller grower-producers rather than big houses, while the lengthy Burgundy section reveals the owners’ particular passion.

Those looking to splurge can find rare treasures like 1991 DRC Romanée-St-Vivant, while more modest budgets are well-served with interesting options under £60 (yes, we realise that’s still a lot).

Website: clothrestaurant.com

Address: 44 Cloth Fair, London EC1A 7JQ

The Eagle, Farringdon Road

Ideal for the legendary steak sandwich and pioneering gastropub vibes…

When The Eagle opened in its current form in 1991, it changed the London food scene forever, pioneering the modern gastropub concept that aimed to ‘elevate’ pub dining while maintaining an authentic pub atmosphere. Three decades later, this high-ceilinged corner room with its open kitchen, mismatched furniture and relaxed vibe continues to demonstrate why the original is often the best.

It’s a humble steak sandwich that made The Eagle famous. And for good reason – flash-fried onglet steak soaks into a ciabatta roll with a little layer of lettuce, onions and hot sauce, and it’s perfectly executed time after time. The daily-changing menu, chalked on the blackboard above the bar, might include Spanish and Portuguese-influenced dishes alongside British classics, all prepared in the open kitchen in full view of the punters and pint-ers.

Napoli sausages also make a frequent appearance on the menu – whether served with with spiced tomato and lentils, or sprawled over butter beans. The kitchen has a tidy hand at grilling fish, too, often served whole and a simple salsa or salad; it’s got to be one of the most wholesome lunches you can find in the city.

Drinks keep things straightforward with good beers on tap and a concise wine list that complements the robust food. Don’t expect reservations – The Eagle operates a first-come, first-served policy that creates a democratic, egalitarian atmosphere where local office workers rub shoulders with visiting food tourists. Come early or be prepared to wait, especially at lunchtime when the queue can stretch out the door.

Website: theeaglefarringdon.co.uk

Address: 159 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3AL

Le Café Du Marché, Charterhouse Square

Ideal for live jazz and timeless French bistro classics…

A few staggers and stumbles down a cobbled mews off Charterhouse Square, Le Café du Marché has been transporting diners to southern France for over four decades. And then spitting them back out, disappointed to find they’re still in London, it should be added.

This fiercely independent, family-run restaurant defies the capital’s ever-shifting landscape with its unwavering commitment to tradition. The restaurant unfolds across two levels, where exposed brick walls and wooden beams frame white-clothed tables bathed in soft light. As evening descends, live jazz drifts through the space, seasoning everything with a sense of wistful escapism.

The kitchen celebrates provincial French cuisine with reverence rather than reinvention. Soupe de poissons arrives with all the expected accompaniments and absolutely no surprises, coq au vin delivers its deep, comforting complexity and nothing more, and the tarte tatin is just as burnished as it’s meant to be. Each dish speaks to the restaurant’s philosophy: respect the classics, source quality ingredients, and execute them with precision.

There is, of course, French wine, the house 2023 Cuvee Garrigue Languedoc available by the glass for £7 (or bottle for £36) eminently neckable. If your enthusiastic eating of that fish soup doesn’t run the white tablecloth, your increasingly brazen pouring of that house wine will. It’s that kind of convivial place.

Website: cafedumarche.co.uk

Address: 22 Charterhouse Square, Barbican, London EC1M 6DX

Morchella, Exmouth Market

Ideal for Mediterranean flair in a grand Victorian setting…

Admittedly, this one doesn’t quite qualify as one of the best restaurants really close to Farringdon, seeing as it’s a 10 minute walk away from the station, but Morchella is too good to miss off this list.

The sophomore venture from the team behind Newington Green’s acclaimed Perilla, this restaurant opened in early 2024 in an imposing former Victorian bank just off Exmouth Market and hit its stride-immediately. A year later it holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

Rather than pledging allegiance to a single Mediterranean nation, the kitchen draws inspiration from the entire sun-drenched coastline. Executive Chef Ben Marks and head chef Daniel Fletcher craft dishes like their celebrated salt cod churros with romesco, delicate spanakopita parcels and mussel pil pil – all must-orders here.

A recent dish of Greek salad with black olive dressing was the true showstopper, though, showcasing the inventiveness of a confident kitchen hitting its stride. Here, your usual Greek salad components are stuffed into a tomato which has been blanched and then blowtorched. A visually striking black olive dressing is then poured over, bringing theatre to the humble salad. Most importantly, it tasted bloody good.

The space impressively retains its architectural heritage, with soaring ceilings and original features now complemented by natural wood finishes and thoughtful design touches like hidden cutlery drawers in each table. A central horseshoe bar embraces the open kitchen, offering counter dining for those who enjoy watching chefs at work. Hey, when they’re this nifty, who doesn’t?

Wine enthusiasts will appreciate co-owner Matthew Emmerson’s exclusively European list, organised helpfully by flavour profile (‘coastal’, ‘classic’ or ‘funky’). A separate walk-in wine bar makes Morchella accessible even without a booking, serving the full snack menu alongside an impressive selection of bottles.

With a ‘chef’s choice’ menu of the restaurant’s signature dishes priced at just £60 per head, the restaurant is great value, particularly in this affluent part of town.

Website: morchelladining.co.uk

Address: 84-86 Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4QY

Trattoria Brutto, Cowcross Street

Ideal for Florentine flair and bargain Negronis…

Russell Norman’s final project before his untimely passing stands as perhaps his most complete expression of his deep understanding of what makes a restaurant tick. In the case of Brutto, that alchemy is the ability to create spaces that feel simultaneously brand new and timeless. Now lovingly stewarded by his widow Jules and son Ollie, Trattoria Brutto continues to channel both Norman’s and the Florentine spirit with faithful devotion.

The now-legendary £5 Negronis (a minor miracle in modern London) might initially draw you in, but it’s the immersive environment that compels you to stay. Red gingham tablecloths, sepia-toned photographs, and honey-coloured lighting conspire to transport you directly to Tuscany. The illusion is so complete that you half-expect to see Italian silver screen icons holding court in the corner.

The menu champions Tuscan rusticity with confident simplicity (and, like many of the team’s favourite trattorias, no fish). Coccoli — those pillowy, deep-fried dough clouds served with creamy cheese and paper-thin prosciutto— are just the right bedfellows for that Negroni, the penne alla vodka the version that all others should be judged by.

Next up, and because it’d be rude not to, the bistecca alla Fiorentina arrives with intimidating heft, a perfectly charred exterior that gives way to a perfectly pink (close to blue, quite honestly) interior that showcases the kitchen’s understanding that premium ingredients require restraint. There’s only a handful served each day, chalked off as service progresses, so it’s recommended you order the bistecca when you arrive if that’s the main reason you came. It’s got that pleasingly chewy texture that reveals the faintest of blue cheese notes, a note that’s washed away with another slug of Negroni. Yep, we’re drinking Negroni through this whole meal; the cheapest bottle of red here is £36.

For a taste of Brutto’s beef without the commitment to a whole T-bone, consider the rosbif con patate. On the menu since day one. here slices of beef loin are served rare and beautiful, accompanied by nothing more than some very, very good roast potatoes.

Securing a table requires similar planning and persistence—bookings disappear fortnightly with alarming speed—but the bar’s walk-in policy offers some hope for spontaneous diners. These counter seats might actually be the most coveted in the house, to be fair, offering prime views of the controlled chaos and gorgeous dining room at odds with the name of the restaurant (don’t bother searching on Google – it means ‘ugly’).

This isn’t an approximation of Italy; it’s a corner of Florence somehow transported to EC1. Or, a corner of 50100 transported to Farringdon. Or, a corner of Florence in Farringdon. Or, Farringdon’s own little corner of Florence. Hmm, not sure why we’re suddenly malfunctioning here…

Address: 35-37 Greenhill Rents, London EC1M 6BN

Website: msha.ke/brutto

The Winemakers Club, Farringdon Street

Ideal for underground wine discoveries in atmospheric Victorian arches…

…Christ, let’s close with a stiff drink. Descend beneath Holborn Viaduct and discover one of London’s most atmospheric vinous sanctuaries. The Winemakers Club inhabits a labyrinth of 150-year-old arches that feel more cinematic than commercial—raw brick vaults illuminated by flickering candlelight, with bottles commanding every available surface.

While many places attempt to be all things to all people, The Winemakers Club embraces a singular focus: exceptional wines at honest prices in surroundings that could not exist anywhere else in London. The carefully curated selection celebrates vignerons and regions that prioritise quality and integrity over marketing, with staff who share their knowledge with evangelical enthusiasm rather than sommelier pretension.

The food follows this philosophy of deliberate restraint—exceptional cheese and charcuterie boards showcase carefully selected artisanal producers. Provisions supplies the cheese, Cobble Lane Cured provides the charcuterie, and the bread comes from St. John’s Bakery, completing a thoughtful offering that complements rather than competes with the wine. When it’s on the menu don’t miss the raclette toastie, which achieves the perfect complementary balance to a glass of bracing minerality. The emphasis of course remains resolutely on what’s in your glass, allowing the meticulously selected bottles to command centre stage.

Visit during quieter moments and you’ll find no better spot in the area for a date, with the architectural quirks of the space creating natural alcoves for private exchange. When the arches fill with the energy of a busy evening, communal tables foster spontaneous connections between neighbouring wine enthusiasts. Just don’t let the covetous bastards take too big a bite of that toastie. We’ve been there, and the conclusion was unseemly.

Website: thewinemakersclub.co.uk

Address: 41a Farringdon St, City of London, London EC4A 4AN

Origin City, West Smithfield

There’s something satisfying about knowing precisely where your food has come from. Not in that vague ‘local and seasonal’ way that’s become standard restaurant PR speak, but actually being able to pinpoint a specific patch of Scottish soil and say, “That’s where my steak was raised.”

At Origin City, a recent addition to Farringdon’s increasingly impressive (and meaty) dining scene, they’ve taken this concept to its logical extreme by owning the bloody farms themselves.

This handsome establishment opposite Smithfield Rotunda Garden is a succinct expression of the Landsberg family’s obsession with provenance – their own heritage breeds (Black Aberdeen Angus, Tamworth pigs, and Texel lamb) are reared on their 600-acre organic farm on the shores of Loch Striven in Argyll, and a dedication to GMO-free, sustainable farming forms the bedrock of the restaurant’s pasture-to-plate philosophy. Talk about vertical integration.

One might be tempted to say all this hard husbandry work is a bit much when you’ve got one of the country’s most famous meat markets just a couple of minutes walk away, but the proof is in the white pudding, and the one at Origin City is excellent.

The dining room has been accused by some of lacking vibes, but on a recent warm Friday evening when we visited there was a good hum about the place. It’s all about Scottish ingredients cooked with French techniques, and there’s something of the Auld Aulliuance about the decor too, with tweed banquettes, burgundy chairs, and flourishes of gold and bronze hinting at a royale elegance. White tablecloths, as is the Smithfield way, feel unapologetic in an era where many have abandoned them.

The walls, some covered in handsome wool (one can only assume shawn from the family’s sheep), help improve acoustics – a thoughtful detail for comfortable conversation. Artwork depicting the family’s Provençal vineyard, Château De La Cômbe, adds a personal touch.

Executive Chef Graham Chatham, with 35 years of experience at esteemed restaurants like Rules and The Langham, has created a menu that celebrates nose-to-tail eating with serious flair. His mantra of ‘great taste, no waste’ is evident throughout the menu, where all meat is butchered in-house, and they make almost everything themselves, from charcuterie to sausages and beyond.

The Black Angus steak tartare with bitter leaves is impeccably prepared – hand chopped and enthusiastically seasoned, just as it should be – while the cold roast hogget with anchovy dressing comes across like a funkier, more farmyardy cousin of the classic Piedmotese vitello tonnato. It’s inspired.

Don’t miss the grilled Scottish langoustines with garlic and herb butter – a signature that alone justifies the journey (theirs and yours). They arrive halved and in a pleasingly chaotic pile, melted butter pooling at the sides and with an old-school half lemon wrapped in muslin, for those who can’t stand to see a pip hit the plate.

Mains are fully formed and gutsy, usually featuring a couple of different cuts from the same beast, one blushing pink and premium, the other turned into a sausage, braise or mini-pie. Sauces boast real clarity of flavour, and are protein-specific rather than something generic and overly reduced. It’s this kind of attention to detail that sets the restaurant apart.

The Sunday roast is a good shout if all your roasting trays need washing up and your mum’s version requires a train ride that you’re not willing to take hungover. The highlight is three gorgeous blushing slabs of Blank Angus topside, a Yorkie so flamboyant you’ll want to wear it as a hat, and a handful of spuds roasted in dripping until golden. True to form, there’s a tangle of sticky braised short rib buried under that Yorkie. It’s great value for just £25.

From the family’s own organic vineyard in Provence, Château De La Cômbe features prominently on the wine list and keeps prices relatively low, in this economy and city. Their ‘grape-to-glass’ approach means you’re getting proper French wines at prices that won’t make your credit card spontaneously combust, with bottles starting from £24 and rarely exceeding £58. Interestingly, all of the signature cocktails use Origin’s own vermouth, a byproduct of the wine from their vineyard.

The service staff performs a delicate dance between formality and friendliness. They’re knowledgeable enough to explain the precise Scottish hillside where your dinner grazed but won’t make you feel like an idiot for asking what hogget actually is. On Sundays, a charming complimentary non-alcoholic Bloody Mary cart sometimes makes the rounds, adding a special touch to the start of your meal but not perhaps dusting off that hangover as much as a boozy one would.

Having earned 2 AA Rosettes last year, Origin City has the makings of a London institution. It’s refreshing to find a restaurant that delivers on the farm-to-table promise without relying on the phrase as a marketing crutch.

Address: 12 W Smithfield, London EC1A 9JR

Website: orgincity.co.uk

Join us as we try to forget that weird ending by eating as much as we can in London’s West End. You have to wash your hair? But you’re bald…

8 Luxury Alternatives To Your Traditional Bathroom Fixtures

Home & Interiors

Editorial Team

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May 1, 2025

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8 Luxury Alternatives To Your Traditional Bathroom Fixtures

The domestic bathroom takes many forms. From tiny cubicles with carpets which simply shouldn’t be there to elaborate, modern ones you could imagine living in, no room in the house is so prone to divergence. Historically a purely functional space, bathrooms have evolved dramatically over the centuries—from the communal bathing cultures of ancient Rome to the Victorian era’s embrace of indoor plumbing as a hallmark of civilisation. Today, they represent far more than mere utility; they’ve become personal sanctuaries, private retreats where we begin and end our days.

The psychological impact of a well-designed bathroom shouldn’t be underestimated. Studies suggest we spend an average of 416 days of our lives in this intimate space—time that deserves to be experienced in surroundings that elevate rather than merely facilitate. The luxury bathroom movement isn’t merely about status or showing off; it’s about creating an environment that promotes wellbeing, relaxation, and a momentary escape from the outside world.

Though we’re not aiming for a toilet which doubles up as a throne or a bathtub you could take a swim in, there are ways to bring that added sense of sophistication and opulence to your bathroom without feeling like you’re overdoing it. The true art lies in balancing aesthetics with functionality, creating a space that feels indulgent yet remains eminently practical. Here’s how; our 8 luxury alternatives to your traditional bathroom fixtures, IDEAL for those looking to shift from functional to fancy.

Faucets

An eye for elegant yet ergonomic pieces is essential when designing a luxury bathroom. Even something as basic as faucets can channel this sense of sophistication. An impeccably designed tap, burnished, gleaming and standing to perfect attention, will tap into (sorry) that opulent vibe we’re coveting.

For the true connoisseur, consider options with innovative water-saving technology that doesn’t compromise on pressure or performance. Touchless faucets with motion sensors not only add a futuristic element but also enhance hygiene. Available in materials ranging from brushed gold to matte black or hammered copper, today’s luxury faucets serve as jewellery for your basin, making a statement while performing their essential function with whisper-quiet precision.

Water Closets

Sorry for the innuendo, but we thought ‘toilet’ was a bit brusque in such company. The focal point of the bathroom doesn’t have to look plain. Indeed, there are water closets on the market to make your bathroom look – and feel – grand, bringing aesthetic interest and ergonomic functionality to the room, coming replete with features you didn’t know the humble toilet could muster. You needn’t even get your hands dirty; the truly modern automatic water closet offers one-touch rear cleansing, adjustable water pressure and direction, and even a heated seat.

Showers

As Frank Ocean once celebrated, a great shower head feels amazing. Praise indeed. One of the defining features of luxury in the bathroom, then, is a shower which flows strong, hard and hot, making your bathroom an absolute delight. Luxury shower fittings now include smart controls, allowing you to set the temperature and force of your shower digitally and precisely, remembering your settings for next time.

Modern luxury extends beyond basic functionality to create truly immersive experiences. High-end rainfall and waterfall shower designs deliver a soothing, natural sensation, though many homeowners find they need to install a pump to improve water pressure for optimal performance. For the ultimate indulgence, consider a full-body shower system with multiple jets positioned strategically along the walls to massage and invigorate from all angles. Chromotherapy lighting systems that bathe you in mood-enhancing colored light can further transform your daily routine into a therapeutic retreat, proving that luxury isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about elevating everyday experiences.

Read: The future of bathroom design in 2025

Basins

In a luxury bathroom, a countertop basin with intricate – even ornamental – design can really lift the aesthetic value of the space. To make one a proper focal point, and a piece of art in the process, consider installing a ceramic, tiled version, seen across Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East, as well as East Asia. Just gorgeous.

The material revolution has brought extraordinary options beyond traditional porcelain. Natural stone basins carved from single blocks of marble, onyx, or granite showcase nature’s artistry with unique veining and color variations that cannot be replicated. For the avant-garde bathroom, glass basins—either transparent or with subtle tints—create an ethereal, floating appearance that seems to defy gravity, especially when paired with wall-mounted fixtures. The right basin doesn’t merely serve a function; it creates an experience every time you wash your hands.

Concealed Cisterns

One of the most important things to consider when it comes to luxury bathrooms is that less is more. Minimalism is in, and users are valuing spaciousness over superfluous features each and every time. The more space the bathroom has, the more luxurious it will feel, make no mistake. Plus, some of our drying routines are pretty flamboyant; the last thing we want is to be knocking things off shelves when we’re doing that between the leg, towel drying manoeuvre.

Concealed cisterns add that sense of extra space, and makes the room look bigger. Their concealed appearance does not take away from their functionality, either, making this a no brainer.

Bathtubs

No luxury bathroom is complete without a bathtub. Who doesn’t enjoy a soak after a long day? Luxury bathtubs come in many forms, and how you add that enhancement to your space depends on your definition of the word ‘luxury’. Visually, you can’t beat a freestanding bath, which naturally becomes the focal point of the space. But if it’s convenience you’re after, a more modern bathtub, with smart features, could be a better choice. A beautiful bathtub, as they, is in the eyes of the beholder.

Heated Flooring

There’s nothing quite like stepping onto a warm floor during those chilly morning routines. Heated bathroom flooring has transitioned from a rare indulgence to an increasingly popular luxury that combines comfort with practicality. Beyond the obvious sensory pleasure, heated floors distribute warmth evenly throughout the room, eliminating cold spots and reducing humidity and condensation.

The technology has advanced significantly too, with smart systems allowing zone control and programmable timers so your floor is perfectly warmed for your morning routine. Available in various materials including ceramic, stone, and even vinyl, heated floors can seamlessly integrate with any bathroom aesthetic while providing that unmistakable feeling of opulence that begins, quite literally, from the ground up.

Bathroom Accessories

Often ignored, but bathroom accessories play a crucial role in adding that extra touch of class to surroundings. When you’re designing a luxury bathroom, even the smallest parts matter so that the entire space looks cohesive. When all the pieces come together, that sense of immaculate is achieved. Focus on the finer details, and you’ll be richly rewarded.

It’s a place where you get to spend some quality time with yourself. Therefore, give your bathroom the attention it deserves today. When you’re done, invite us round to have a look; we promise we’ll flush.

The Ideal Weekend Away In Porthleven, Cornwall

Editorial Team

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April 30, 2025

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The Ideal Weekend Away In Porthleven, Cornwall

The town of Porthleven sits at a strategic point on Cornwall’s southern coastline, one of Britain’s most southerly working ports exposed to the full force of the Atlantic. While St Ives and Padstow draw larger crowds, this functioning fishing harbour maintains a distinctive dual identity – a place where the commercial fishing industry continues alongside a growing arts scene and food culture.

The harbour forms Porthleven’s centre – both geographically and culturally. The iconic clock tower of the Bickford-Smith Institute has become the town’s most recognisable landmark, having withstood countless winter storms that send spectacular waves crashing over the pier. These dramatic conditions have made Porthleven a renowned storm-watching location, with footage from particularly fierce weather often appearing in media coverage of Cornish winter storms.

A weekend in Porthleven provides enough time to experience both its working rhythms and natural surroundings. From dawn harbour walks to evening feasts of freshly landed seafood, you’ll find yourself settling into the town’s distinctive pace, where the most rewarding moments often arise from simply watching fishing boats return home across the afternoon light. If both the catch and that light land just right, you’ll never want to leave…

Day 1: Harbour Life & Coastal Adventures

Morning: First Light at the Harbour

Start with a circuit of the harbour walls, constructed during the 19th century. The granite pier provides an excellent vantage point for watching the day boats heading out through the narrow harbour mouth – one of the more challenging harbour entrances in Cornwall due to its exposure to southwesterly swells.

For breakfast, head to The Twisted Currant, a tea room set in a former fisherman’s cottage. There’s plenty to enjoy on their breakfast menu, including a Full English using locally sourced ingredients or a Cornish Thunder and Lightning, which is essentially a thick slice of toast lavished with clotted cream and syrup. Yum! The café’s window seats offer views of the morning routines of a working harbour – fishmongers sorting the morning’s catch while independent shopkeepers prepare for the day.

Head back out to walk off your brekkie. As you wander through the streets surrounding the harbour, you’ll notice some of Cornwall’s finest luxury holiday cottages nestled among traditional buildings. Many occupy former fishermen’s homes and net lofts, now tastefully renovated to offer high-end accommodation while preserving the town’s architectural character.

Read: 7 staycation ideas for an incredible holiday in Cornwall

Midday: The Loe Bar Walk

From the harbour, follow the South West Coast Path westward to Loe Bar, a natural shingle barrier that separates Loe Pool from the sea. This fascinating geographical feature formed centuries ago when storm debris blocked the mouth of the River Cober. Behind it sits Loe Pool, Cornwall’s largest natural freshwater lake. Local warning signs caution against swimming due to dangerous currents.

Continue around the lake through Penrose Estate, managed by the National Trust. The estate’s paths offer level walking across terrain that would otherwise be challenging. The woods contain impressive stands of beech trees and rhododendrons.

Return to Porthleven for lunch at Nauti But Ice, located right on the harbourside. This friendly café specialises in freshly prepared sandwiches – including locally caught crab ones, when in season, or excellent fish finger sarnies, anytime of year – making it an ideal spot to refuel after your coastal walk.

Their homemade ice cream, available in a variety of flavours (mine’s an orange and mascarpone!) , provides a sweet treat to enjoy while watching the harbor activities. For a simple, authentic taste of Porthleven’s seafood offerings, it’s hard to beat.

Afternoon: Art and Maritime History

In recent years, Porthleven has developed a growing arts community, with several galleries showcasing work from local and regional artists. The Customs House Gallery, occupying a historic building on the harbourfront, is particularly worth visiting. It represents numerous Cornish artists and offers changing exhibitions throughout the year. Many of these creative spaces occupy former fish cellars and net lofts that have been repurposed, creating an interesting juxtaposition of maritime heritage and contemporary art. Specialising in ceramics, the Albatross Art Gallery is great, too.

The town’s maritime heritage is preserved in its small museum, which provides insights into Porthleven’s relationship with the sea. Exhibits cover the area’s shipwreck history and the development of the harbour, with photographs and artefacts that tell the story of this coastal community.

Evening: Sunset & Seafood

By early evening, head to the western arm of the harbour for sunset. The low sun illuminates the Bickford-Smith Institute’s clock tower, creating one of Cornwall’s most photogenic scenes.

For dinner, Porthleven offers several excellent options. The Ship Inn is one of the older pubs in town and serves generous pub grub including a fish pie that, of course, uses locally caught seafood. Several local ales are typically available on tap, including selections from Cornish breweries.

For more refined dining, Kota offers a sophisticated menu that showcases the coastal bounty. Chef Jude Kereama, who has appeared on television cooking programmes, combines Cornish ingredients with influences from his Maori heritage. The restaurant has received recognition from the Michelin Guide and represents the higher end of Porthleven’s dining scene.

Day 2: Rural Hinterland & Hidden Treasures

Morning: Harbourside Market

On Sunday mornings (as well as Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am-5pm), Porthleven Harbour Market transforms the former shipyard area into an agreeable shopping experience. This highly-rated market combines a Food Hall with Makers & Traders stalls and an Art Space. The Shipyard section is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am-5pm, offering more opportunities to browse local wares. Here you’ll find everything from freshly caught fish to artisan crafts, providing a showcase of local talent and produce.

The historic shipyard itself reflects Porthleven’s maritime heritage. While commercial shipbuilding has largely ceased, traditional boat maintenance still takes place, with skilled craftspeople working to keep wooden vessels seaworthy using long-established techniques.

Midday: Exploring Local Heritage

A short drive inland brings you to Breage Parish Church, known for its medieval wall paintings that were covered over during the Reformation and later rediscovered. These rare survivals provide fascinating insights into pre-Reformation religious practices in Cornwall.

Nearby, Tregonning Hill offers a moderate climb with rewarding views. The hill has historical significance as the site where china clay was discovered in Cornwall, an event that would influence British ceramic production. The summit features the remains of an Iron Age hill fort, while the surrounding landscape bears the marks of Cornwall’s mining heritage.

Return to Porthleven for lunch at one of the harbour’s contemporary cafés. Origin Coffee Roasters occupies a converted warehouse space and offers quality coffee alongside a decent cafe menu that favours simple, fresh flavours. The cheese toasties are particularly good.\

Afternoon: Gardens and Coastal Views

Visit the eastern side of the harbour where Porthleven’s annual Food Festival takes place from 2nd to 4th May – just next week, incidentally. If you’re reading this in time, it’s worth planning a visit to coincide with this popular event that showcases the best of Cornish food and drink producers alongside chef demonstrations and live music. This area also hosts the local sailing club, which has a long history in Cornish maritime sports.

For those interested in horticulture, the nearby National Trust property Trengwainton Garden is just a half hour drive away, and makes for a pleasant afternoon excursion. The garden benefits from Cornwall’s mild climate, allowing for a diverse collection of plants including some that rarely thrive elsewhere in Britain. The walled kitchen garden is particularly notable, with its unusual dimensions and historic planting scheme.

Evening: Final Feast

For your final evening, consider The Square, a charming harbourside bistro that showcases Cornish produce at its best. In summer, secure a table on the terrace to enjoy the harbour views; in winter, the interior provides a sheltered spot to watch waves crash against the harbour wall. The menu celebrates local seafood and seasonal ingredients with dishes like taglioni with Newlyn crab and mussels, whole barbecued mackerel with taramasalata, and poached sole with crushed peas and warm tartar sauce.

Don’t miss their hand-rolled pasta dishes or the rare breed Cornish Black pork selections; no finer, fattier pig you’ll taste. The establishment also runs the adjacent deli and ice cream shop, making it a versatile option whatever time of day you visit.

End your weekend at The Harbour Inn, a whitewashed pub that has become one of Porthleven’s most photographed features. Their spirits collection includes offerings from Cornwall’s growing craft distillery scene. From the harbourside tables, you can watch the evening fishing fleet return, continuing the traditions that have shaped this community for generations.

The Bottom Line

Porthleven offers a distinctly different Cornish coastal experience – a town where commercial fishing boats still operate alongside tourism, where many properties remain permanent residences rather than holiday lets, and where the working harbour continues to define the town’s character and rhythm.

Extend your stay by exploring the Lizard Peninsula to the south – the most southerly point of mainland Britain. The nearby Helford River, with its wooded creeks and quiet waters, provides a contrast to Porthleven’s more exposed position. Frenchman’s Creek, made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s novel, is particularly worth visiting for its literary connections and natural beauty.

Both destinations lie within easy reach of Porthleven, making the harbour town an ideal base for exploring this less-developed corner of Cornwall.

For somewhere significantly more ‘on the map’, as it were, we’re off to Newquay next, for a spot of surfing. Care to join us?

Top Tips For Visiting The America’s Southern States: The Ideal Guide

Editorial Team

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April 30, 2025

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Top Tips For Visiting The America’s Southern States: The Ideal Guide

The American South has always beckoned with its soulful music, mouthwatering cuisine and legendary hospitality. But with recent headlines announcing that airlines are slashing flight prices to the US, there’s never been a better time to plan your Southern adventure. After all, why should the people and businesses suffer because of their president?

Sprawling from Virginia to Texas, connected by ribbons of tarmac that wind through misty mountains and sun-dappled bayous, the South isn’t just one thing – it’s a jigsaw of distinct regions, each with its own quirks and charms. We’ve been lucky enough to criss-cross this part of America several times, and these are the things we wish we knew before our first visit.

Visa: Mind Your P’s & Q’s

Let’s start with the practicalities. Recent reports in The Guardian highlight a concerning trend: tourists with minor visa infractions have found themselves detained or even deported by overzealous border officials. This isn’t meant to scare you off, but rather to emphasise the importance of getting your paperwork sorted well in advance.

Whatever you do don’t take chances with your paperwork. If you’re eligible for the ESTA visa waiver program, double-check that your application has been approved before booking flights. And remember – an ESTA isn’t guaranteed entry; it’s just permission to board your flight.

Be sure to print out your ESTA approval and any hotel bookings. Have your return flight details to hand. The final decision rests with immigration officers at your port of entry, so ensure your travel intentions are crystal clear and all documentation is spotless. Border officials can be surprisingly picky, and you don’t want your holiday ruined before it’s even started.

When To Visit

Timing your Southern sojourn requires balancing weather, crowds, and regional events. Each season offers distinct advantages and challenges:

Spring (March-May): Perhaps the most magical time to visit. The South bursts into bloom with dogwoods, azaleas, and magnolias creating picture-perfect scenes. Temperatures hover comfortably between 18-26°C in most areas. Charleston’s Historic Garden Week, Savannah’s Garden & Homes Tour, and the New Orleans Jazz Fest make this season particularly vibrant. However, spring breaks (usually in March) can crowd popular coastal destinations.

Summer (June-August): There’s no sugarcoating it – summer is hot and humid. Temperatures routinely exceed 32°C with humidity that makes it feel like walking through soup. Coastal areas offer sea breezes but also peak prices and crowds. The upside? Swimming holes, lakes, and beaches provide welcome relief, and summer brings vibrant farmers’ markets bursting with peaches, tomatoes, and watermelons. Air conditioning is universal in accommodations, though outdoor sightseeing is best limited to morning and evening hours.

Autumn (September-November): September remains warm but less humid, while October brings spectacular fall foliage to the Appalachians (the colour progresses from north to south, with peak viewing typically mid-October in the Smokies). November offers crisp days and generally reduced tourist numbers. College football dominates weekend culture, so either plan around games or embrace the spectacle. Harvest festivals abound, showcasing everything from apples in North Carolina to pecans in Georgia.

Winter (December-February): The South’s secret season. While you’ll need layers and might encounter the occasional frost, truly frigid days are rare except in the mountains. Temperatures typically range from 7-15°C – perfectly manageable for sightseeing. Tourist attractions are blissfully uncrowded, hotel rates drop significantly, and you’ll get more authentic interactions with locals. The exception is Christmas week and New Orleans during Mardi Gras (usually February), when prices spike. Winter also reveals architectural details and views obscured by summer foliage.

Our recommendation? Late April to mid-May or mid-September to late October offer the most pleasant combination of moderate temperatures, reasonable crowds, and seasonal beauty. Be aware that in some states, Hurricane season officially runs June through November, with peak activity in August and September. If travelling to coastal areas during these months, consider travel insurance that covers weather disruptions and keep an eye on local forecasts.

Rent A Car: Freedom On Four Wheels

While the Greyhound bus network does criss-cross the region, and Amtrak trains lumber through on limited routes, the unvarnished truth is that to truly experience the American South, you’ll need your own wheels.

There’s something profoundly liberating about cruising down a two-lane blacktop with the windows down, perhaps with Lynyrd Skynyrd or Allman Brothers on the stereo (when in Rome, after all). Without your own car, you’ll miss those impromptu detours to roadside boiled peanut stands, curious small-town museums, or sunset views from deserted overlooks.

Most major rental agencies have competitive rates, especially if booked well in advance, and automatic transmission is standard – so no need to worry about grappling with a manual gearbox on the ‘wrong’ side of the road.

Just remember: distances in America are deceptively vast on the map. That seemingly short hop from Nashville to Memphis? It’s about three and a half hours – roughly the distance from London to Manchester.

Ideal Tip: Don’t rely on streaming services – mobile signal can be patchy in rural areas. Instead, scan for local radio stations. WNCW in North Carolina plays an incredible mix of Americana, bluegrass and folk that will perfectly soundtrack your drive.

Let Someone Else Do The Driving

We know, we’ve just sung the praises of getting your own car. But if the thought of navigating unfamiliar highways makes your palms sweat, or you simply prefer to focus on the scenery rather than road signs, an escorted coach tour offers a compelling alternative.

Modern coach tours strike a fine balance between structure and free time, with knowledgeable guides who can illuminate the complex history and culture of the region in ways no guidebook can match. Moreover, guides will know every back road and local haunt which you might not find yourself. Tour operators like American Sky offer thoughtfully crafted itineraries that hit the sweet spot between must-see landmarks and hidden gems.

You do sacrifice some freedom, and the accommodation tends toward chain hotels rather than characterful B&Bs. But for a first-time visitor, sinking into a comfortable seat as your coach glides from the stately elegance of Charleston to the haunting beauty of Savannah’s moss-draped squares, before continuing to the jazz-infused streets of New Orleans – all without once having to worry about parking, navigation, or who’s turn it is to drive sounds pretty appealing, right?

Don’t Miss The Wild Side: Beyond The Cities

When people think of the American South, their minds often leap to music venues and food scenes. Yep, the cities get all the attention, but the Southern wilderness is just as remarkable. Indeed, long before Memphis had the blues or New Orleans jazz, these lands were shaped by immense natural forces, creating landscapes of breathtaking diversity and beauty.

For hiking enthusiasts, the fog-shrouded peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that straddle the Tennessee-North Carolina border are a must. Offering more than 800 miles of hiking trails through ancient forests where black bears still roam, a trek though these mountains can be quite the adventure. If you visit in autumn (or “fall” as the locals call it), the colours are spectacular. Be warned, this is America’s most visited national park, so advance planning is essential – especially if you’re hoping to secure accommodation within the park boundaries or tackle popular trails like the route to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in Tennessee.

The coastal areas are worth exploring too. Georgia’s barrier islands combine pristine beaches with salt marshes and maritime forests. The Outer Banks in North Carolina feel wonderfully wild and remote. This chain of narrow islands form a fragile barrier between the mainland and the Atlantic, their windswept beaches and dunes home to wild horses thought to be descendants of Spanish shipwreck survivors. Meanwhile, the vast wetlands of the in Georgia and the primeval bayous of Louisiana offer glimpses into ecosystems that have remained largely unchanged for millennia.

When exploring the wild side of the the Southern states, pack sturdy walking shoes, plenty of water, and – crucially – insect repellent (more on that later). Oh and if you’re visiting in summer, the South has countless natural swimming spots that offer relief from summer heat. Locals often know the best ones – ask about nearby swimming holes, springs, or “blue holes” as they’re sometimes called in Tennessee and Kentucky.

Small Town Stops: The Heart Of Dixie

Between the marquee destinations lie the small towns that form the true backbone of the South. Indeed, some say the small towns are where you’ll find the real culture.

Take Starkville, Mississippi, which has recently claimed the crown as the South’s most visit-worthy small town according to USA Today. Home to Mississippi State University, it blends collegiate energy with deep-rooted Southern traditions. By the way, if you’re in any university town on a game day (usually Saturdays in autumn), expect traffic jams, packed restaurants, and locals dressed head-to-toe in team colours. College football isn’t just a sport but a regional religion.

Or consider Beaufort, South Carolina, where antebellum homes line sleepy streets that have served as backdrops for films like “Forrest Gump” and “The Big Chill.” Here, you can take a leisurely horse-drawn carriage tour before dining on fresh-caught shrimp and grits as the sun sets over the Intracoastal Waterway.

Even smaller hamlets reward the curious traveller. In Clarksdale, Mississippi – population around 15,000 – you’ll find the crossroads where Robert Johnson allegedly sold his soul to the devil in exchange for guitar prowess, as well as authentic juke joints where the blues still wails into the wee hours.

Indeed, it’s often worth bypassing the interstates when you can and take the slower routes through places that aren’t in the guidebooks.

Follow The Backbeat: Music Musts

The South’s contribution to global music culture cannot be overstated. This is the fertile crescent from which sprang the blues, jazz, country, rock ‘n’ roll, and countless hybrid genres. Music isn’t just entertainment here – it’s the lifeblood of communities, a living, breathing art form that continues to evolve while honoring its roots.

Nashville naturally tops many musical pilgrims’ itineraries. The neon-lit stretch of Broadway downtown throbs with honky-tonks, where bands play for tips from morning until the small hours. But venture beyond this tourist magnet to places like the Bluebird Cafe, where Station Inn, where bluegrass virtuosos pick and grin to appreciative audiences.

Memphis offers a different but equally essential musical odyssey. Beale Street may now be somewhat commercialised, but it remains a vibrant entertainment district where blues clubs stand shoulder to shoulder with soul food restaurants. And yes, Graceland is unabashedly kitschy in parts, but even the most committed music snob must acknowledge the powerful simplicity of the Meditation Garden where Elvis and his family members are buried. New Orleans, meanwhile, presents yet another musical tradition – one deeply rooted in the city’s unique cultural gumbo. From the traditional jazz at Preservation Hall to the brass bands that might spontaneously parade down French Quarter streets.

Music is everywhere in the South, not just in the obvious places. Yes, you should visit Nashville and Memphis but even smaller cities have great music scenes. In Athens, Georgia (home to bands like R.E.M. and the B-52s), you can watch up-and-coming groups at the Georgia Theatre.

The Slow South: Embrace The Pace

Perhaps the most significant adjustment for visitors is adapting to the South’s unhurried rhythm. This isn’t a place that responds well to tight itineraries or rushed interactions. The seemingly simple act of ordering coffee might evolve into a ten-minute conversation about where you’re from, who your people are, and whether you’ve been enjoying your visit.

This languid approach to time can initially frustrate efficiency-minded travellers, but surrendering to it brings unexpected rewards. When a shopkeeper in Savannah tells you they’ll be with you “directly,” understand that this could mean anything from thirty seconds to fifteen minutes. When your server in a Charleston restaurant asks, “How y’all doing today?” they genuinely want to know.

The Southern drawl itself – which varies considerably from Virginia’s genteel tones to the more pronounced twang of Texas – seems designed for taking one’s time. Consonants soften, vowels stretch, and even the most mundane exchange becomes somehow more melodious when delivered at this measured pace.

Allow extra time for everything, resist the urge to check your watch, and remember that in the South, being in a conspicuous hurry is considered mildly impolite at best and downright rude at worst.

Celebration Central: Plan Your Trip Around A Festival

If you can, time your visit to coincide with one of the South’s many festivals. They range from the internationally famous to the delightfully obscure. Southern festivals are an exuberant expressions of local culture, often with deep historical roots. Timing your visit to coincide with one of these celebrations can provide an unfiltered window into regional traditions.

New Orleans‘ Mardi Gras is the colossus of Southern festivals, a weeks-long extravaganza culminating in Fat Tuesday’s riotous parades. But beyond this internationally renowned carnival lie countless smaller, equally authentic celebrations. Charleston’s Spoleto Festival, for example, transforms the city into a performing arts mecca each May and June, with world-class opera, dance, and theatre performances in historic venues throughout the peninsula.

For culinary enthusiasts, the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience offers a sophisticated sampling of the city’s gastronomic prowess, while Memphis in May includes the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, where pitmasters compete for supremacy in the art of slow-smoked perfection. Our favourite is the New Orleans Po-Boy Festival (October), where dozens of restaurants compete to create the most inventive versions of this iconic sandwich. We tried everything from classic fried shrimp to duck confit with cherry glaze.

Research seasonal events before finalising your itinerary – you might discover that your travel dates coincide with a uniquely Southern celebration you’d never otherwise experience. Oh and book accommodation well in advance for major festivals – ideally six months or more o else you might end up in a dodgy motel on the outskirts of town.

Bug Alert: The Persistent Companions

No one warns you about the insects so let’s be blunt: the American South has bugs. Lots of them. The warm, humid climate creates ideal conditions for a startling variety of insects and depending on when and where you visit, they can range from mildly annoying to genuinely problematic.

Mosquitoes are the most notorious, particularly in coastal and wetland areas during summer months. But they’re joined by an impressive supporting cast: no-see-ums (tiny biting midges), fire ants (whose painful stings belie their small size), and yes, cockroaches – including the alarming palmetto bugs that have the disconcerting ability to take flight.

Don’t let this deter you from outdoor experiences, but do come prepared. Pack insect repellent containing DEET for serious protection, or opt for more natural alternatives like oil of lemon eucalyptus if you prefer. Light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing offers some defence, as does avoiding outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

In accommodations, resist the temptation to leave food out, even briefly – particularly in humid coastal regions where the local insect population views unattended snacks as an invitation to party.

That all said, don’t let the bugs put you off enjoying the outdoors – just be prepared. And take comfort in the fact that locals deal with these conditions year-round and still manage to have a thriving outdoor culture.

Explore The South’s Story

You can’t properly understand the South without engaging with its history. The region’s extraordinary cultural contributions – in music, literature, food – emerged alongside (and often in response to) profound injustice and struggle.

Indeed, the American South’s history is as complex as it is consequential, encompassing soaring triumphs and profound tragedies. A thoughtful exploration of the region requires engaging with this multifaceted past, acknowledging both the beauty of the South’s cultural contributions and the deep scars left by slavery and segregation.

In recent years, many Southern cities have made concerted efforts to present more inclusive historical narratives. The Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery Alabama, confront the history of racial injustice with unflinching honesty.The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, built around the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, tells the story of the movement through powerful exhibits while the Whitney Plantation near New Orleans stands as the only plantation museum that focuses primarily on the experiences of enslaved people.

These aren’t always comfortable visits, but they’re essential for understanding the forces that shaped the modern South. Many of these sites have embraced timed entry systems, so check websites before visiting and book tickets in advance where possible.

Bring Elastic Trousers

Yes, you will probably put on weight visiting America’s Southern States. Consider it a souvenir.

Southern cuisine defies simple categorisation – it’s a constellation of distinctive regional cooking styles united by a reverence for tradition and a certain generous spirit. What outsiders often lump together as “Southern food” encompasses everything from the seafood-centric Lowcountry cuisine of coastal South Carolina to the Cajun and Creole traditions of Louisiana to the smoke-infused barbecue variants found throughout the region.

Each area has its specialties. The vinegar-based pork barbecue of eastern North Carolina is completely different from the tomato-sauced ribs of Memphis or the beef-centric approach of Texas. New Orleans alone has multiple distinct food traditions, from elegant Creole cuisine to the humble but perfect po’ boy sandwiches.

What these diverse cuisines share is a tendency toward generous portions and unabashed celebration of flavour. Vegetables – often simmered with smoked meat for seasoning – deserve special attention. Don’t miss classics like collard greens, fried green tomatoes, or okra (whether pickled, fried, or stewed).

Breakfasts merit particular mention – from fluffy buttermilk biscuits slathered with sausage gravy to chicken and waffles drizzled with maple syrup and hot sauce. These morning meals can sustain you well past lunchtime, which might help offset the surprisingly reasonable prices you’ll find in many Southern eateries outside major tourist areas.

With value in mind look for restaurants advertising as “meat-and-three” – these local institutions let you select one meat and three vegetable sides for a fixed price. It’s usually better value and more authentic than tourist-oriented eateries.

Oh and one more tip, when ordering iced tea, specify “unsweet” if you don’t want it pre-sweetened. Southern sweet tea is syrupy by British standards – imagine a cold cup of tea with 4-5 spoonfuls of sugar.

Cultural Considerations: It’s Politically Conservative

The South’s conservatism comes as as shock to some people. Biblical references crop up in everyday conversation. Churches anchor social life in smaller communities. Political views that would place someone on the fringes in Britain represent the mainstream in many Southern counties.

The American South has long been the nation’s most politically and socially conservative region, a fact that shapes everything from local laws to everyday interactions. While major cities like Atlanta, New Orleans, and Austin often lean progressive, step beyond these urban islands and you’ll find communities where religious faith is central to identity and traditional values hold sway.

This affects visitors in practical ways. This affects visitors in practical ways. Alcohol sales remain restricted in many areas – some counties prohibit it entirely, while others limit sales on Sundays. Plan accordingly if you’re hoping to purchase wine or spirits for an evening in. Shopping hours may be reduced on Sundays too. Public transport is often minimal, partly reflecting political opposition to government services.

You’ll quickly find that conversations about politics rarely end well. Indeed, political discussions can be fraught territory, particularly given the increasingly polarised nature of American discourse. If these topics arise, listening respectfully will serve you better than engaging in debate, however tempting that might be.

Budgeting: Hidden Costs & Saving Strategies

American pricing customs can catch visitors off guard. Three financial quirks consistently catch out British visitors. First,the price you see on menus or shop tags isn’t the price you’ll actually pay, thanks to sales taxes that vary by state and even by county or city. Budget roughly an extra 10% on purchases.

Secondly, there’s the matter of tipping, which isn’t a discretionary bonus for exceptional service but an expected component of service workers’ compensation. Yep, tipping isn’t optional – it’s how service workers make ends meet. The standard in restaurants is 20% of the pre-tax total. Bartenders, taxi drivers, hotel housekeeping, and tour guides all expect tips as well. Failing to tip adequately is a serious social faux pas that can result in confrontations in extreme cases.

Third, if you’re planning to drive around America’s South yourself, be aware that card payments sometimes work differently. Paying at petrol stations often requires entering your postcode – use 00000 if prompted, or ask the attendant to authorise the pump.

Happily, there are ways to stretch your pounds. Americans consider cheap gas a birthright so it’s cheaper than here in the UK. Accommodation costs drop dramatically outside major tourist centres – consider basing yourself in satellite towns and making day trips into more expensive cities. Many museums offer free admission on specific days of the month, while state and national parks typically charge modest entrance fees for access to world-class natural beauty.

Food can be remarkably economical if you know where to look. Meat-and-three restaurants – casual establishments where you select one meat and three vegetable sides from a daily-changing menu – offer terrific value and authentic flavours. The aforementioned portion sizes work in your favour too; many restaurants will happily provide a takeaway box for leftovers substantial enough to serve as the next day’s lunch.

The Bottom Line

The South rewards travellers who arrive with open minds and flexible expectations. Its contradictions and complexities resist easy categorisation – which is probably why so many visitors find themselves returning repeatedly, discovering new layers with each visit.

This is a region where history feels palpably present, where strangers might still address you as “ma’am” or “sir” without irony, and where the phrase “y’all come back now” is offered as a genuine invitation rather than a mere pleasantry.

Come with an appetite – for food, for music, for stories, for the unexpected detour that leads to the perfect sunset view. The South moves at its own pace, but for those willing to adjust their watches to run on “Southern time,” the rewards are immeasurable.

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Bincho Yakitori, Preston Street

Voya, North Road

64 Degrees, Meeting House Lane

The Chilli Pickle, Meeting House Lane

Amari, Baker Street

Alberta’s at The Windmill, Upper North Street

Easy Tiger, Upper North Street

Fatto a Mano, North Laines

Little Fish Market, Upper Market Street

Wild Flor, Church Road

Cin Cin, Western Road

Plateau, Bartholomews

Burnt Orange, Middle Street

Embers, Meeting House Lane

Terre à terre, East Street

The Salt Room, Kings Road

Nanninella, Preston Street

Petit Pois, The Lanes

Palmito, Western Road

Tutto, Marlborough Place

Taquitos Casa Azul, Brighton Open Market, Marshall’s Row

Bonsai Plant Kitchen, Baker Street

Embrace The Elegance Of Glass

Make A Statement With Spiral Designs

Floating Treads For Minimalist Charm

Under-Stair Storage Solutions

Bold Colour Choices

Mix & Match Materials

Lighting That Leads The Way

The Natural Touch

The Minimalist Power Of Concrete Stairs

The Bottom Line

Getting There

The Blue Lagoon

The Waterfalls Of Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss

Jokulsarlon Glacial River Lagoon

The East Fjords

Dettifoss Waterfall

Whale Watching In Husavik

The Myvatn Nature Baths

Take A Volcanic Crater Hike In Grabrok

End Your Adventure With A Feast In Reykjavik

Where To Eat

Drinking Spots

What To See

Things To Do

Getting Around

Where To Stay

The Bottom Line

How To Get There & Where To Stay

Meander Down Via Fiori Chiari

Visit The Basilica Of San Simpliciano

Explore The Galleries

Wander Through The Orto Botanico

Indulge In Aperitivo Culture

Discover Independent Boutiques

Eat, Eat, Eat

Browse The Mercato Di Via San Marco

Savour Café Culture

The Bottom Line

Birthstones Galore

Engrave Your Love

A Ring That Reflects Your Proposal Or Something Personal

Re-Purpose Heirloom Jewellery

The Magic Of Three

A Secret Message Or Symbol

Mix & Match Metals

Go Custom All the Way

The Bottom Line

The Grazing Table Charcuterie & Cheese Station

Interactive Pizza Station

Help Yourself Canapé Stand

A Nostalgic Sweet Station

Gourmet Burger Bar

Vibrant Taco Station

Luxurious Oyster Bar

Miang Kham Station

Pani Puri Station