Where the Indian Ocean laps against the western shores of Mauritius, Port Louis stands as a telling monument to the island’s mixed heritage. The capital, nestled between the jagged outline of Le Pouce mountain and its natural harbour, offers visitors a raw, honest blend of architecture from various periods, noisy markets, and cooking that defies simple categorisation.
This tight, taut town, named for King Louis XV of France, somehow balances island languor with the sharp-elbowed tempo of a functioning port. Office workers in suits dodge market porters with impossible loads balanced on heads, both weaving through colonial-era lanes barely wide enough for a small car. It’s the only proper city on the island, and it knows it.
First-timers might dismiss Port Louis as just the boring bit before the beaches. Look closer. French shuttered windows overlook Tamil temples. The smell of cardamom and cumin fights with Creole rougaille sauce wafting from food carts. Chinese pagoda roofs angle upward not far from mosque minarets. The whole jumbled history of Mauritius—French planters, British administrators, Indian labourers, Chinese merchants, Creole fishermen—stands written in brick and stone and corrugated iron.
With just 48 hours to explore this fascinating capital, careful planning becomes essential. Here’s how to make the most of your whirlwind visit to Mauritius’ dynamic heart.
Day 1: Colonial Heritage & Market Exploration
Morning: Harbour Beginnings
Start at the Caudan Waterfront around 8:30am, before the heat builds. Sugar traders once dominated this harbour area, shipping out the crop that built Mauritius from nothing. Now it’s all shops and restaurants, though they’ve kept enough old warehouse features to remind you what paid for it all.
Grab breakfast at Café LUX*. Office workers and early tourists crowd it for the coffee – they roast beans on-site in small batches. Order pain au chocolat if you’re nibbling, or the full egg and bacon roll if you need proper fuel. Sit on the terrace and watch fishing boats chug out while yachts rock gently at anchor. The Moka Range rises behind it all, still catching the morning light.
After eating, walk the waterfront to the Blue Penny Museum. It opens at 10am, early enough to dodge the tour groups. Don’t let its small size fool you – it houses stamps that make collectors hyperventilate, the 1847 Blue Penny and Red Penny, worth millions. The rest explores Mauritius’ past through maps and ship models, including items salvaged from Dutch and Portuguese wrecks that litter the reefs offshore. Stamp enthusiasts need restraining from pressing their noses to the glass, but even philately-phobics find something interesting here.
Midday: Market Immersion
Head next to the Central Market – it’s a brisk quarter-hour walk from Caudan. Locals call it the Bazaar. Dating to Victorian times, the market throws you directly into Mauritian daily life: vendors shout prices, tropical fruits pile in questionable pyramids, and the air hangs heavy with unfamiliar spices. You’ll want to arrive before noon to dodge the crowds.
The market is divided into distinct sections, each offering its own treasures. The vegetable hall showcases produce unique to the island, including gato piments (chilli cakes) and dholl puri (split pea flatbreads) being prepared at small food stalls. Meanwhile, the spice section dazzles with pyramids of turmeric, cardamom, and distinctly Mauritian curry powder blends.
For an authentic lunch experience, seek out one of the small food vendors upstairs from the main market. Here, Chez Mme. Parasram has been serving traditional Mauritian street food for over three decades. Her dholl puri wraps filled with rougaille (a spicy tomato sauce) and butter bean curry offer a perfect introduction to Mauritian fusion cuisine – delicious simplicity at its finest. Seating is limited to a few plastic chairs, but the views of market life unfolding below more than compensate for the modest surroundings.
As the afternoon heat intensifies, seek respite in the historic core of Port Louis. Begin at Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that marks the immigration depot where indentured labourers first arrived from India following the abolition of slavery. While only the foundations remain of this once-bustling processing centre, the site offers a poignant reminder of the island’s complex heritage and the challenging conditions faced by these labourers who fundamentally shaped Mauritius’ demographic and cultural landscape. The small museum contextualises their experiences with remarkable candour.
A ten-minute walk brings you to the Photography Museum, housed in a meticulously preserved building on Rue du Vieux Conseil. This hidden gem showcases the history of photography in Mauritius through vintage cameras and remarkable images dating back to the 1800s. The collection offers fascinating glimpses of Port Louis’ transformation from European-controlled port to modern capital.
Next, tackle Fort Adelaide – La Citadelle to locals. The British built this stone fortress on Petite Montagne in the 19th century. The climb takes 20 minutes and it’s properly steep, but the views justify the sweat: racecourse, harbour, mountains – all of Port Louis lies spread beneath you. Arrive around 3:45pm when shadows lengthen and the heat eases off. In summer, go earlier – the place shuts at 4pm. Budget an hour to poke around the battlements and ramparts before the 25-minute descent back to sea level.
As dusk falls, return to the Caudan Waterfront, now transformed by evening lights reflected in the harbour. Begin your evening with a cocktail at Barrel and Bay, a waterfront pub where the island’s European ties are reflected in the British-influenced decor. Their signature Phoenix beer, brewed locally since 1963, offers a refreshing end to a day of exploration.
For dinner, Le Courtyard offers sophisticated dining in a carefully restored French-era building just off Intendance Street. Hidden behind an unassuming facade, this restaurant reveals a charming courtyard where tables are arranged beneath the stars. Chef Nizam Peeroo crafts a menu that celebrates Mauritian produce with French technique – try the palm heart salad followed by their renowned rack of lamb with local honey and rosemary. The restaurant’s wine cellar houses an impressive selection of South African and French wines, giving you every excuse to stick around for a night cap. Cheers to that!
Day 2: Cultural Mosaic, Beach Excursion & Natural Splendour
Early Morning: Flic En Flac Beach Escape
Begin your second day with an early start – you’ll thank yourself later. Rise at 5:30am and grab a quick coffee from your hotel or a nearby café to jumpstart your system.
By 6am, you should be in a taxi heading west toward Flic en Flac beach. The 30-minute journey takes you through small villages and sugarcane fields as Mauritius slowly wakens. Aim to arrive just as the sun begins to illuminate the coastline.
Flic en Flac offers everything you imagine when dreaming of Mauritius – a pristine stretch of white sand extending for nearly 8 kilometers, fringed by casuarina trees and facing a sheltered lagoon of impossible blue. The name allegedly derives from the old Dutch “Fried Landt Flaak” (free, flat land), though locals insist it mimics the sound of waves lapping the shore.
The early hour rewards you with relative solitude – perhaps just a few joggers, fishermen preparing their boats, or dedicated swimmers taking advantage of the calm morning waters. This west-coast beach remains protected by an offshore coral reef, creating ideal conditions for a refreshing swim. The gentle morning light transforms the turquoise waters into a shifting palette of blues while providing views back toward the mountains around Port Louis.
Spend about two hours here, walking the soft sand, swimming in the crystal waters, or simply sitting beneath a palm tree watching the island come to life. For the more active, several beachside operators offer early morning snorkeling trips to the reef, where you’ll spot butterfly fish, parrotfish and perhaps even sea turtles gliding through coral gardens.
By 8:30am, arrange for your taxi to return you to Port Louis. You’ll have experienced one of Mauritius’ coastal treasures while still having a full day to explore the capital’s cultural riches. The contrast between tranquil seaside and bustling city provides perfect counterpoint to your Mauritian adventure.
Morning: Sacred Spaces
By 9:30am, you should be back in Port Louis and ready for breakfast. Le Fournil on Pope Hennessy Street opens at 6:30am, but their freshly baked goods remain delicious well into the morning. Their almond croissants provide the perfect energy boost after your beach excursion, and the coffee cuts through any remaining fatigue.
Port Louis houses a jumble of religious buildings that reveal the island’s mix of cultures better than any museum could. The St. Louis Cathedral sits just seven minutes from Le Fournil – a 1750s structure that looks decidedly plain outside but hides a wealth of French-Mauritian history inside. The stained glass and memorial plaques need half an hour to absorb properly.
The Jummah Mosque stands five minutes away. It’s an intriguing architectural mix – Indian elements jostle with Creole and Islamic features. The courtyard offers unexpected quiet amid the traffic noise. Don’t visit during prayer times or Friday mornings. If you arrive on a weekday, the caretaker might show you the archways inside. You’ll need 30-40 minutes, including removing shoes and observing proper mosque etiquette.
Walk ten minutes to Kwan Tee Pagoda in Chinatown next. It’s the oldest Chinese temple on the island. Dragons writhe across its roof ridges, and red-lacquered columns support ceilings that haven’t changed since the first Chinese immigrants arrived in the 1780s. Half an hour lets you soak up the details.
The Kaylasson Temple on Royal Street stands eight minutes from Chinatown. Its gopuram (gateway towers) overwhelm you with their detail – gods and goddesses crowd every square inch in riotous colour. This is Tamil culture stamped firmly onto Mauritian soil. If you happen upon a puja (prayer ceremony), linger and observe. Otherwise, 30 minutes covers it.
Midday: Literary Heritage
For lunch, head to First Restaurant in the central business district, a short walk from your morning temple tour. This unpretentious spot has been serving Mauritian Chinese cuisine for decades, attracting a steady stream of local office workers – always a good sign. Their mine frit (fried noodles with vegetables and your choice of protein) and beef chop suey showcase the Chinese culinary influence that’s become fundamental to Mauritian food culture. Prices remain refreshingly reasonable despite their prime location.
After lunch, browse the China Town shops along Royal Road where you’ll find everything from traditional Chinese medicines to imported teas. The small Chinese Heritage Museum on the same street provides context for the significant role the Chinese community has played in Mauritius since the 1780s. Its collection of photographs and artifacts tells the story of the early immigrants who established Port Louis’ vibrant Chinese quarter.
Afternoon: Natural Wonders
After lunch, call a taxi for the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens – everyone calls them Pamplemousses Gardens, mercifully. They lie 15-20 minutes north, though lunchtime traffic might stretch this to half an hour. These gardens date from 1770 and house plant collections that botanists consider world-class. They stay open until 5:30pm, so no need to rush.
The giant water lilies stop everyone in their tracks – big enough for a small child to sit on, though the gardeners would have fits. Ancient baobabs loom over paths like something from a fantasy film. But plant people come for the palm collection, which ranks among the best anywhere. Give yourself two solid hours to wander. Signs explain how these plants shaped Mauritius – spices that traders fought over, fruits that fed the population, hardwoods that built the colony. The avenue of royal palms features on half the postcards in Mauritius, and deserves to.
Hire one of the knowledgeable guides at the entrance (for a modest fee) to reveal hidden treasures like the spice garden, where nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves grow alongside the pepper plants that once made Mauritius a vital spice trading post.
Evening: Farewell Feast
Return to Port Louis as the day cools and prepare for a memorable final evening. Begin with sunset drinks at the Post Box Lounge bar in the 5-star Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel, where the terrace offers perfect harbour views. Their classic Ti’ Punch – white rum with fresh lime and a touch of sugar – provides a fitting toast to your brief but enriching Port Louis experience.
Leave at 7pm for Chez Tino in Baie du Tombeau – it’s a 15-minute taxi ride from town, but well worth the effort. Book ahead, especially in high season. The place looks unassuming, but locals have packed it for over 30 years. It sits almost on the lagoon where they catch your dinner.
The menu runs to camarons (freshwater prawns) grilled with garlic butter and ourite (octopus) curry cooked slowly in cast-iron pots. Their seafood platters cost more than you might expect in Mauritius, but they pile the plates with whatever came in that morning. The cooks blend Creole, Indian and Chinese techniques – much like Mauritius itself.
Around 9:30, grab a taxi to Banana Beach Club near Le Caudan for a last drink. Your feet sink into actual sand beneath your table while drums pound out sega rhythms – a distinctly Mauritian musical style that feels half-African, half-something-else-entirely. It makes an oddly appropriate soundtrack to your two days in this mongrel of a capital city.
Neighbourhood Know-How: Where To Stay In Port Louis
Choosing the right area matters more than any specific hotel in Port Louis. Each neighbourhood has its own rhythm and advantages, depending on what you want from your stay.
The Waterfront area offers the most convenient access to tourist facilities. This district sits right against the harbour, connected to Le Caudan shopping complex. Expect larger, business-oriented hotels with air conditioning that actually works, harbour views, and higher prices to match. You’re within walking distance of many major attractions and decent restaurants, but removed from everyday Mauritian life.
The old quarter around Sir William Newton Street and Rue Royale presents a completely different proposition. This compact, atmospheric district houses the city’s heritage buildings with their distinctive shuttered windows and faded elegance. Small guesthouses and boutique hotels occupy converted 19th-century buildings. The rooms typically run smaller, but compensate with character—worn wooden floors, ceiling fans, wrought-iron balconies. You’ll be immersed in local life here, walking distance to markets, but expect more street noise and fewer amenities.
Labourdonnais Avenue and surrounding streets constitute the business district. Several mid-range options cluster here, offering a compromise between modern comforts and local character. You’ll find reasonable rates and reliable, if unexciting, accommodation. The area quiets significantly after office hours, which means peaceful nights but fewer evening dining options within walking distance.
Those looking for residential calm might consider the northern suburbs of Tombeau Bay or Baie du Tombeau. Some villas in Mauritius are available in these quieter areas, offering family-sized accommodation with pools and gardens. You’ll need to taxi into the city centre (15-20 minutes), but gain extra space, sea breezes, and occasional beach access. The area around Baie du Tombeau merits particular attention for its seafood restaurants and distance from city noise.
For longer stays or those requiring more space, look to Moka or Pamplemousses just outside Port Louis. These areas offer larger properties including renovated plantation houses set in tropical gardens. The 15-30 minute commute into Port Louis is balanced by mountain views, substantially lower temperatures, and unspoiled surroundings.
Budget travellers should investigate Plaine Verte, where simple guesthouses cater primarily to visiting traders from Madagascar and Reunion. The accommodations won’t win design awards, but they’re clean, authentic, and drastically cheaper than tourist-oriented options. This predominantly Muslim area offers excellent halal food options and a glimpse into a side of Mauritius most visitors never see.
The Bottom Line
Two days in Port Louis leaves you with a city that refuses tidy description – not quite African, not really Asian, certainly not European, yet somehow smacking of all three. Most tourists rush through on their way to those postcard beaches, missing the narrow alleys and markets that tell the real story.
Forty-eight hours only lets you skim the surface, but it’s enough to grasp how wildly mixed this place is. You may well find yourself plotting a return – the March horse racing season perhaps, or Chinese New Year when firecrackers echo between old buildings, or Diwali when oil lamps line the Tamil quarter. The beaches might have brought you to Mauritius, but Port Louis gives you reasons to venture beyond the sand.
If your Mauritius journey continues beyond the capital, consider heading south to explore the sacred lake of Grand Bassin or the dramatic landscapes of Black River Gorges National Park – both offering perfect complements to your urban adventure in this remarkable island nation.
As the days grow longer and temperatures begin to rise, there’s no better time to take your exercise routine outdoors. The British springtime offers the perfect backdrop for fitness enthusiasts looking to combine the joy of movement with the rejuvenating effects of fresh air and sunshine.
These al fresco workout sessions will boost both your fitness levels and your mood, allowing for that sociable aspect of group exercise we all cherish. With that in mind, here are 5 fun group exercises you can enjoy outdoors this spring.
Cold Water Swimming
Whether off the Cornish coast or in one of London’s lidos, cold water swimming is becoming increasingly popular – and for good reason. Recent research has suggested that cold water swimming may be an effective treatment for depression.
According to a report by the BBC, “Outdoor exercise and the companionship of fellow swimmers can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.”
It’s also been suggested to boost your immune system, as regular cold water immersion increases your body’s levels of the antioxidant glutathione, which helps regulate other antioxidants and may reduce your risk of heart disease.
For beginners, start with just a few minutes in the water and gradually build up your tolerance. Essential kit includes a bright swimming cap, neoprene gloves and socks, and a changing robe. Many groups organise regular meetups at local swimming spots, making this a truly social activity.
Zumba
Zumba is perfect for people who don’t enjoy traditional exercise but relish being active and expressive within a group. It blends aerobic movement with dance elements including samba, hip-hop, salsa and mambo, allowing for as much self-expression as you can muster.
Outdoor Zumba sessions often take place in local parks, creating a festival-like atmosphere. The vibrant music and choreography transform exercise into a celebration, making it ideal for those who find traditional workouts monotonous.
To get the most out of outdoor Zumba, wear lightweight, breathable clothing that allows for free movement. Some true enthusiasts even invest in custom sports clothing for their group, complete with vibrant patterns that enhance the festive atmosphere of these dance workouts. The supportive community aspect makes it particularly welcoming for newcomers – no dance experience necessary, just a willingness to move and have fun.
HIIT
High-Intensity Interval Training is the ideal way to squeeze in 30 minutes of challenging exercise between a busy schedule. Group classes are often better as competing with your peers provides that extra motivation you sometimes need.
HIIT is adaptable to your skill level and fitness goals, requiring minimal equipment. You can join an outdoor class or design the routine yourself. The beauty of outdoor HIIT is its versatility – parks offer natural features that enhance your workout. Steps, benches, and open spaces provide perfect settings for burpees, box jumps, sprints, and bodyweight exercises.
A typical session might include 40 seconds of high-intensity work followed by 20 seconds of rest, repeated for 4-5 rounds. For maximum benefit, incorporate both cardio and strength elements. The “afterburn effect” means you’ll continue burning calories for hours after your workout. Do be aware that HIIT is high impact and can lead to injury if you push yourself too hard.
Yoga
If you’ve found yourself with a sore back or aching shoulders from desk work, outdoor yoga could be just the release you need. Taking your yoga practice outside is good for the soul – while indoor studios try to create a zen atmosphere, practicing in a natural setting can awaken your senses and help you connect with nature in a unique way.
Outdoor yoga brings elements to your practice that indoor sessions cannot provide. The gentle morning light filtering through trees can enhance mindfulness, while the sounds of nature create a natural meditation soundtrack. Popular styles include Hatha yoga for beginners, power yoga for those seeking more challenge, and yin yoga for deep stretching. Whether you’re a yoga beginner or more experienced, outdoor practice offers something special.
Invest in a good quality, thick yoga mat that provides cushioning against uneven terrain. Local parks and botanical gardens often host regular community yoga sessions, providing an opportunity to connect with like-minded practitioners. The combination of gentle movement, breathwork, and natural surroundings makes outdoor yoga a powerful stress reliever.
Trail Running
Offering the perfect blend of cardiovascular fitness, natural exploration, and community connection, unlike road running, trail running takes you off the beaten path into woodlands, across moorlands, and along coastal paths – providing constantly changing terrain that engages different muscle groups.
The UK boasts some spectacular hikes, from the Lake District to the South Downs Way, many of which double-up as incredible trail networks. Joining a local trail running group is ideal for beginners, offering safety in numbers and valuable knowledge about the best routes. Many groups organise weekend ‘recces’ of race routes or evening social runs that conclude at a local pub.
Trail running requires proper footwear with aggressive grip patterns for muddy British conditions. Many serious trail runners invest in custom sports clothing designed to wick moisture and provide comfort across changing conditions and temperatures. The technical nature of trail running – navigating roots, rocks, and varying gradients – improves balance while reducing the repetitive impact associated with road running.
For beginners, alternating between walking uphill sections and running flats and downhills is a perfectly acceptable approach that most trail running communities embrace.
The Bottom Line
We’re sure that you’re the same; you just can’t wait to enjoy the fresh air and vast expanses of nature once again. If you can combine this with a spot of exercise and socialising, then all the better. We hope the five suggestions above can help you do just that. Good luck!
Tired of waiting for your hair to grow? You’re not alone. In today’s fast-paced world where celebrities seem to switch from bobs to waist-length waves overnight, the secret to dramatic hair transformations isn’t miracle growth serums—it’s expertly crafted hair enhancements.
From clip-in extensions that add instant volume to sophisticated lace front wigs that create the illusion of hair growing directly from your scalp, the world of faux hair has evolved dramatically. Gone are the days of obvious, plastic-looking additions. Today’s options are virtually undetectable, offering everyone the opportunity to experiment with length, volume and style without commitment.
Whether you’re recovering from a regrettable haircut, dealing with thinning hair, or simply craving versatility, this guide will walk you through the most popular hair enhancement options, helping you find the perfect solution for your lifestyle and budget.
Clip-In Extensions: The Gateway Enhancement
For newcomers to the world of hair additions, clip-ins remain the most accessible option. These temporary wefts attach to your natural hair with small pressure clips, allowing for transformation that lasts from morning until bedtime.
Modern clip-in extensions come in various weights and lengths, from subtle pieces that add volume at the crown to full sets offering up to 20 inches of additional length. Application involves sectioning your natural hair horizontally and attaching the wefts close to the roots, with placement varying depending on your desired effect.
The advantage of clip-ins lies in their versatility—they can be removed before sleeping and reapplied the next day, making them perfect for special occasions or weekend experimentation. They’re also the most budget-friendly enhancement option, with prices typically ranging from £80 for synthetic versions to £300 for premium human hair.
For best results, limit wear to 8-10 hours at a time, as the weight can cause tension on the scalp when worn for extended periods. Proper application is crucial—visible clips are the most common giveaway of amateur installation.
Perhaps no hair enhancement has experienced such a dramatic surge in popularity as the humble ponytail extension. These ready-made pieces transform thin, short hair into a voluminous, swinging ponytail in under five minutes.
The modern fake ponytail typically features a small comb at the base that slides into your secured natural ponytail, with additional hair wrapping around to conceal the attachment point. Some include a velcro strip or drawstring mechanism for additional security.
Celebrities like Ariana Grande have been refreshingly forthcoming about their use of ponytail extensions to create their signature looks. Grande’s trademark high ponytail—which appears to be nearly twice the length of her natural hair—has spawned countless imitations and dedicated enhancement pieces.
Zendaya, despite her seemingly effortless style transformations, is another celebrity who frequently uses ponytail extensions to create dramatic red carpet moments. The actress and fashion icon has been spotted switching from her natural curls to sleek, waist-length ponytails overnight. Many of Zendaya’s most iconic looks combine her natural hair with expertly placed ponytail extensions, allowing her to protect her natural curls while still delivering headline-grabbing transformations.
Application involves securing your natural hair into a ponytail, inserting the comb of the hairpiece, then wrapping the concealing section around the base and securing with pins. More advanced designs feature heat-resistant fibre or human hair that can be styled to match your preferred texture.
Prices range from £25 for synthetic versions to over £200 for premium human hair alternatives, with the distinction in quality being particularly noticeable in movement and shine.
Lace Front Wigs: The Ultimate Transformation
Lace front wigs represent the most significant technological advancement in hair enhancement in recent decades. Unlike traditional wigs with visible hairlines, lace fronts feature individual hairs hand-tied to a sheer lace base, creating the illusion of hair growing directly from your scalp.
The construction involves thousands of hairs individually knotted to a transparent mesh made from Swiss or French lace. This lace section is applied to the hairline using specialised adhesives, while the remainder of the wig covers the rest of the head.
Many don’t realize is that Keira Knightley has been a longtime fan of wigs and has been weaing them since 2011 and is “the greatest thing to have happened” to her hair. She revealed how her hair became damaged from frequent dyeing for various roles, leading her to rely on wigs to maintain the appearance of thick, healthy hair while allowing her natural locks to recover. Her subtle use of extensions during red carpet appearances demonstrates how undetectable wigs be when properly matched and installed.
Katy Perry is perhaps one of the most prolific yet under-recognized wig users in Hollywood. While her constant hair color changes from blue to pink to black might suggest frequent dyeing, Perry has confirmed in multiple interviews that she maintains an extensive collection of high-quality lace front wigs. This allows her to preserve her natural hair’s health while still delivering the dramatic color and style changes that have become her signature. Her stylist has revealed that for major appearances, Perry often has custom lace fronts created to perfectly match her vision, with each wig requiring up to 40 hours of handcrafting to achieve the most natural-looking result.
The versatility of lace fronts has made them particularly popular for dramatic transformations without damaging natural hair. The ability to part the hair anywhere within the lace section creates a realistic appearance that previous generations of wigs simply couldn’t achieve.
Beyond cosmetic appeal, lace fronts have become vital solutions for those experiencing hair loss from conditions like alopecia or as a side effect of medical treatments. The natural appearance provides not only aesthetic benefits but often significant psychological comfort.
Quality lace front wigs require substantial investment, with prices typically starting at £200 for synthetic options and extending well into the thousands for premium human hair versions.
Halo Extensions: The Best Hair Extensions For Balayage
If you’re looking for a non-damaging, instant solution that works perfectly with balayage and dimensional color, halo extensions deserve special attention. Unlike traditional clip-ins or tape-ins, halo extensions consist of a single weft of hair attached to an invisible wire that sits on your head like a crown or “halo.”
The unique design places the extension underneath your natural hair, with a thin, transparent wire that rests around the crown of your head. Your own hair is then pulled over the top to conceal the wire, creating a seamless blend that requires no clips, tapes, or adhesives making direct contact with your scalp.
What makes halo extensions particularly ideal for balayage is their single-piece construction. The uninterrupted weft maintains the natural flow of color graduation that defines balayage, allowing the carefully painted highlights to transition naturally from darker roots to lighter ends. With traditional extensions that use multiple pieces, maintaining the continuity of balayage’s subtle color transitions can be challenging.
Celebrities like Blake Lively, known for her signature honey-blonde balayage, have reportedly incorporated halo extensions for added volume and length while maintaining the dimensional color that made her hair famous. The technique allows her to preserve the natural color flow while adding significant volume for red carpet appearances. Halo-shaped extensions are also favoured by the Kardashians.
Application is remarkably straightforward: section your natural hair at the crown, place the wire over the top of your head like a headband, pull your natural hair over to conceal the wire, and blend with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. The entire process takes less than five minutes once you’ve mastered it, making it one of the quickest enhancement options available.
Prices typically range from £80-£250 depending on length, thickness, and hair quality, with human hair options offering the best match for balayage’s dimensional color. Since halo extensions experience less friction than clip-ins (as they don’t attach directly to your natural hair), they often maintain their quality longer with proper care.
Semi-Permanent Options: Tape-Ins & Micro-Links
For those seeking longer-term solutions, tape-in extensions and micro-link methods offer weeks or months of wear without daily application.
Tape-in extensions sandwich small sections of natural hair between two adhesive-backed extension wefts, creating a flat bond that lies close to the scalp. The flatness makes them particularly suitable for finer hair types, as they’re less likely to create visible bumps.
Micro-link (also called nano-ring) extensions attach small bundles of extension hair to tiny sections of natural hair using almost imperceptible metal rings. This method involves no heat or adhesives, making it ideal for those with sensitive scalps or concerns about chemical exposure.
Zendaya has been known to alternate between various extension methods depending on the demands of her shooting schedule and red carpet appearances. Her hairstylist has shared that for long-term projects requiring consistent looks, micro-link extensions provide the versatility needed for daily styling while maintaining the health of her natural hair. This semi-permanent approach allows her to seamlessly transition between her natural curls and straight styles without the daily application time required for temporary options.
Both options require professional application and regular maintenance appointments every 6-8 weeks to adjust as your natural hair grows. Initial investment ranges from £150-£500 for tape-ins and £300-£800 for micro-links, with maintenance sessions costing approximately half the initial application price.
Human Hair vs Synthetic: Making The Choice
The most fundamental decision when selecting hair enhancements is between human and synthetic hair.
Human hair offers unparalleled natural appearance and versatility, allowing for heat styling and colour customisation. Premium ‘Remy’ hair (where cuticles remain aligned in the same direction) prevents tangling and preserves natural shine but comes with a significantly higher price tag and greater maintenance requirements.
Modern synthetic options have improved dramatically, with advanced fibres designed to mimic the weight and movement of human hair. The primary advantages include lower cost, reduced maintenance, and the ability to maintain a preset style even in humid conditions. Limitations include a shorter lifespan (typically 2-6 months versus 1-2 years for human hair) and limited styling options.
Investment in premium human hair extensions can ultimately prove more economical than constantly replacing lower-quality options that failed to blend seamlessly with your natural texture after prolonged use
Maintenance Essentials
Regardless of which enhancement you choose, proper care extends longevity:
Use sulphate-free, extension-specific shampoos that clean without stripping moisture
Brush with extension-specific tools featuring looped bristles that prevent pulling
For overnight care, braid extensions loosely or secure in a low ponytail to prevent tangling
Use heat protection products before styling, with human hair tolerating up to 180°C and heat-resistant synthetics limited to 120°C.
The Natural-Looking Result
The distinction between obvious enhancements and those that appear as natural growth often lies in application technique:
Ensure strategic placement that reflects natural growth patterns, avoiding placing extensions too close to the hairline
Match or complement your natural texture for seamless blending
Look for options with graduated density that thins towards the ends, mimicking natural hair
Zendaya’s approach to wigs and extensions exemplifies these principles perfectly. Her hairstylist has shared that before any major appearance, they carefully color-match and texture-blend all hair pieces to ensure seamless integration with her natural hair. For her more dramatic transformations, they focus on creating dimension through subtle highlighting and texturizing rather than solid blocks of color. This attention to detail explains why even her most dramatic hair changes—from short crops to waist-length styles—appear remarkably natural and have many wondering if they’re witnessing actual hair growth rather than expert enhancement.
Whether you’re seeking a temporary transformation for a special occasion or a longer-term solution, today’s enhancement options offer unprecedented realism. With proper selection and care, the only giveaway to your instant length might be how quickly you achieved it—leaving everyone else wondering about your secret to overnight growth.
London’s lanes are lined with linguine. The city’s streets strewn with spaghetti, its paths paved with penne. Indeed, the capital is clinging to its pasta so fervently, that you’re as likely to find traces of double zero flour on its pub toilet cisterns as you are lines of 00.
But with saturation comes an over-starching of the waters, and the proliferation of pasta joints in London has made things a little cloudy – when you’ve got one on every corner, how do you discern which place is genuinely doing a decent pumpkin agnolotti with sage butter?
Yep, there’s a lot of places out there who have taken ‘al dente’ to mean raw and dressed to mean drowning, that’s for sure. In Soho, this feels particularly pertinent, where winnowing the durum wheat from the husk and hares feels tougher than pulling off a proper mantecare in a crepe pan.
That’s not to say that there aren’t some fantastic Italian restaurants in this corner of the West End; you just have to look a little harder. Fear not; we’ve taken on the unenviable task of eating pasta all across Soho, piercing new holes in our belts and overworking our Italian terminology in the process, to bring you these; the best places for pasta in Soho, London.
Bocca Di Lupo, Archer Street
Ideal for regionally focused Italian cooking from a Soho heavy hitter…
In a city where the idea of what an Italian restaurant should look like has fast homogenised into either; 1. A place with around 8 pasta dishes, one of which must be a riff on cacio e pepe containing a decadent ingredient, and 2. An Italian/American ‘red sauce’ joint, Bocca di Luppo is refreshing in its maximalist menu, a country-spanning lap of honour that’s not overly in thrall to only pasta, and all the better for it.
Since opening in late 2008, the restaurant has quietly, skilfully become one of London’s most cherished institutions, a place of sophistication, grace and good taste, but also one that’s not afraid of serving up fifth quarter cuts and a rowdy, raucous time when it needs to.
At the helm, Jacob Kenedy, a Cambridge alumnus with a rich and varied background ranging from biology to glassblowing, brings his formidable presence and natural culinary gift to the pastaiola and menu, with dishes labelled according to Italy’s 20 regions.
In the pasta section of that menu, the Alpine-adjacent nettle pappardelle with wild venison ragu, from Trentino, is a knockout. Available in both small and sharing sizes (for £13 and £26), its verdancy and earthy interplay come together in a seriously soulful bowlful. For something a little lighter on the stomach and wallet (and vegetarian, to boot), the Puglian orecchiette with cime di rapa is an exemplary rendition of a stone cold classic.
You can read our full write-up of Bocca di Luppo here.
Ideal for a harmonious marriage of British produce and Italian culinary tradition, in perhaps the buzziest dining room in town…
Since 2017, this proudly pasta-obsessed restaurant on Soho’s Ganton Street has been dishing out fresh, handcrafted bowls of the good stuff. The work of skilled, sound chef Stevie Parle, Pastaio pays respect to Italian culinary tradition whilst singing with the flavours of seasonal British produce, and it’s a match made in heaven, with premium ingredients like Dorset crab and foraged wild mushrooms treated with respect and a deft, light touch. Call it ‘Britalian’, if you like.
There’s a utilitarian feel to the room, with communal dining tables arranged in three long rows, and steam rising from the rolling boil of several deep wells of cloudy pasta water in the open kitchen that overlooks the diners. A striking mural by Rob Lowe adds a wall of bright, stain-glass style colour to the industrial chic decor. A team of busy, dexterous pastai and attentive, supremely charming wait staff keep the plates coming.
All of this creates a commotion of clatter and chatter that feels so right for a busy night in the heart of Soho, the floor to ceiling doors slung wide open and out onto the street to reel people in.
It works – there’s always a queue here, the punters lining up for a bowl of radiatore (squat and ridged like a radiator, hence the name) with a tomato sauce that’s been simmered until rust coloured and separating at its edges. Though your Nonna might chastise you for adding it, the dish is served with parmesan. The umami levels are strong on this one. Yours for just £12.
On a more recent visit, we enjoyed a bolognese of beef and porcini, cooked low and slow for maximum flavour (8 hours, if you’re asking). Another deeply rich dish, bold and intense, this one clinged to its bouncy tangle of tagliatelle just right.
For something unashamedly indulgent, try the sharing lobster pasta. Sourced from Cornwall and rolling out across the dining room in a near constant flow, it’s quite the showstopper and clearly very popular. It’s on the list for next time.
It isn’t all punch-you-in-the-face flavour though. The delicate tortellini, filled with mortadella and ricotta, bob pleasingly in their brodo, here a soothing, shimmering chicken broth that’s just the right side of aureate. It’s seasoned gently, allowing the stuffed pasta to shine. Be warned; this dish sells out fast.
The crowds aren’t only here for the pasta, mind; the wine list at Pastaio is a curated selection of great-value vintages, featuring lesser-known Italian growers, with every bottle also available by the glass. That’s inclusivity, guys!
Bookend your meal with a tidy puck of aubergine caponata with the excellent house focaccia, and a comically generous wedge of baked ricotta cheesecake, here adorned with poached rhubarb, and totter off into the night ready to take on the Carnaby Street crowds.
Ideal for bowls of pasta that any Genovesi Nonni would be proud of…
Rationing and an ongoing world war be damned; Lina Stores has been sourcing, selling and serving authentic Italian ingredients since 1944, when Lina (surname unknown) from Genoa opened up shop here. Or so the story goes…
In 2018, Lina Stores opened its first restaurant on Greek Street, just a few minutes’ walk away from the original deli on Brewer. Rendered in now instantly-recognisable pastel-green and white stripes, it’s fast become a fan favourite for those looking for a freshly made bowl of pasta in Soho (and now King’s Cross, Marylebone, Clapham and the City, with another soon to open in Kensington).
Anyway, we’re not here for a backstory that’s been recycled so thoroughly across the internet that it’s become true – we’re here for fresh pasta, which the original branch of Lina Stores does very well indeed.
Lina is a great place for vegetarians. There’s a version of that ubiquitous pumpkin and sage ravioli, here given bite and intrigue from toasted Piemonte hazelnuts, as well as a silky, slippery egg yolk taglioni with black truffle. As spring approaches, we’re looking forward to a seasonal transition into the more verdant ravioli dishes that the restaurant does so well.
For the carnivores, the lamb sausage ragu is a farmyardy number with an assertive kick of chilli and further pastoral vibes from wafts of pecorino. The latter calls – no, demands – a glass of something pink, and the restaurant’s Chiaretto del Garda from Lombardy duly delivers, its whispers of carbonation seeing off the gamier elements of the dish in style.
Ideal for trattoria-generous bowls of pasta with a side of vermouth…
Though Mele e Pere is stepping confidently into its second decade on Brewer Street, it honestly feels like it’s been around even longer, its neon sign and spotlit vermouth collection illuminating Soho until late 7 nights a week.
The effect is somehow even more radiant within, with a warm welcome and boisterous atmosphere drowning you out before you’ve even asked for a table. Though the name translates as ‘apples and pears’, the only fruit you’ll find on the menu is the lemon you’ll be squeezing over your calamari fritti, which is a generous, properly salty affair full of tentacles and scraps, just as it should be.
Head Chef Andrea Mantovani, who previously honed his skills at the late, great Arbutus, certainly knows what he’s doing, with the pasta plates trattoria-generous rather than London-small-plates-stingy. A glorious, squiggly mafaldine is positively heaving under the weight of its San Marzano sauce and bulbous, faintly obscene ball of burrata. Even more indulgent is the pappardelle with duck ragu, which comes with wisps of black truffle freshly grated tableside. It’s ace.
Not to be missed is the extensive wine list, celebrating independent and biodynamic Italian producers and, of course, Mele e Pele’s vermouth collection, the largest in the city. Pull up a stool (you should probably book one, actually) at the gorgeous copper bar and order a vermouth flight, which is a curated selection of 3 for £26. It’s a fine way to begin a meal.
Ideal for perching at the counter with the silkiest of silk handkerchiefs…
Founded in 2018 by Will Ellner and his business partner David Ramsay (no relation to…), Bacone has already established itself as one of London’s better pasta purveyors.
The name ‘Bancone’, translating to ‘bar’ or ‘counter’ in Italian, is a nod to the restaurant’s layout, featuring three bars that offer patrons a front-row seat to the open kitchen’s pasta-making spectacle. It’s a place where the clatter of pots and pans harmonises with the chatter of diners, lending itself to a dine-happily-but-dine-quickly mood that’s no doubt pretty positive for the restaurant’s bottom line.
Perhaps that explains the bargain £7 signature negronis, available in white, classic or orange blossom, the latter of the trio perky and fragrant.
Anyway, back to the pasta. Here it’s handmade and handsome each and every day, and that sprightly essence is best realised in the restaurant’s more restrained dishes. A case in point is the signature, a comforting bowl of silk handkerchiefs with walnut butter and a confit egg yolk. Ditto the bucatini cacio e pepe, which is served as god intended; piquant from the pecorino, plush and pokey. And not an erroneous, unnecessary addition in sight.
A ruddy faced, positively porky number of n’duja & fennel ragù, all piled over frilly but strapping mafalde, is an intense, lively affair. A damn good side of grilled artichoke, sitting on a roughly hewn bed of romesco, is all you need to complete the spread.
Yep, if you’re looking for a quality bowl of fresh pasta in Soho, you can bank on this one.
Ideal for refined, luxurious pasta from one of the UK’s most celebrated chefs…
Not(to) quite Soho, we accept, but we simply had to mention chef Phil Howard’s latest opening.
He’s always had a wicked way with pasta, back in the Square days, currently in the E-Street (glory) days, and back in the COVID dark days, when Howard started a bespoke, high-end pasta delivery service. So popular was the stuff arriving through the letterbox that Notto is now two bricks and mortar joints, one just off Piccadilly and another in Covent Garden, and we’re very much here for it. For them? It? Who cares…
Though the company line here is all about “seasonal, satisfying” rustic simplicity, let’s be honest; the dishes here fall on the cheffier side of things, with a certain sense of refinement and luxury found in Notto’s pasta plates.
It’s there in the spaghettini with a langoustine bisque that’s been cooked until almost tasting of copper, and bolstered by the low, unmistakable thrum of brown crab meat. It’s a rich and heady accompaniment to the speckles of white crab meat that cling to the pasta strands. Drafts of lemon zest and thinly sliced chive lift and lighten.
It’s also there in Howard’s take on vitello tonnato; tissue-paper thin slices of actual veal, just blushing, are blanketed with the classic, distinctive tuna and anchovy dressing, this version’s feeling gently aerated and lighter for it. On top, the fattest caper berries we’ve ever seen bring their usual acidic foil, but also a welcome bitterness from the weirdly prominent seeds. It’s an excellent version, and a reminder of Phil Howard’s deft touch.
You’ll pay for the privilege, with the aforementioned spaghettini clocking in at £25, and the vitello tonnato £10.50. Not that we’re complaining; both are gorgeous.
Ideal for Italian-American pasta dishes in one of London’s vibiest new dining rooms…
Another restaurant that skirts the peripheries of Soho, admittedly, with a decidedly more Mayfair feel (and pin drop) to proceedings, but well worthy of inclusion on this list nonetheless, is recently opened The Dover on Dover Street.
Indeed, London’s pasta doesn’t always have to be all elegantly dressed, two-ingredient affairs. Here, you’ll get the kind of red sauce meatball dishes you can imagine Tony Soprano prodding at with his fork as Carmela asks how everyone’s day’s been.
Ours has been splendid, we reply, as we admire the Dover’s painstakingly put together dining room, all wood panelling and auburn velvet. Whilst we’re not sure how this guy will feel in summer, it’s one of the finest seats to sink into on a cold, rainy night in Soho. We think we might order another Gibson, you know…
The first signs of spring are finally upon us; daffodils are starting to pop up in gardens across the country, the days are gradually growing longer, and we’re beginning to shed those heavy winter coats in favour of something a bit lighter. After months of navigating through darkness, ice, and snow, many drivers breathe a sigh of relief when spring arrives.
However, let’s not be lulled into a false sense of security. Spring brings its own set of challenges for motorists, from sudden downpours and flooding to the glare of that long-absent sun now sitting low on the horizon during morning and evening commutes.
As the seasons transition, the unpredictable British weather can catch out even the most experienced drivers. The rapid shifts between warm sunshine and heavy rainfall create road conditions that demand different skills than the steady cold of winter. What’s more, our vehicles emerge from winter’s grip often carrying hidden damage that could manifest at the most inopportune moments if left unchecked.
Getting Your Vehicle Spring-Ready After The Winter Months
Winter driving puts enormous strain on our vehicles in ways that aren’t always immediately apparent. The constant exposure to salt, grit, and freezing temperatures takes a toll on everything from your car’s exterior to its most vital components. Now that the worst of winter has passed, it’s the perfect time to give your faithful transport some well-deserved attention.
Book a post-winter check – Winter driving takes its toll on vehicles. Consider having your car looked over by a mechanic to check the brakes, suspension, and fluid levels. Winter’s salt and grit can cause corrosion issues that might only become apparent now.
Check your tyres – After winter’s harsh conditions, examine your tyres for damage and check the pressure. Remember, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but having at least 3mm provides better grip on wet spring roads. Proper tyre maintenance also improves fuel efficiency – something we can all appreciate.
Your windscreen will become increasingly important as spring’s brightness alternates with its downpours. The clarity of your view should never be compromised, especially when contending with the dramatic light changes that characterize British spring days.
Replace your wiper blades – Winter ice and cold can damage wiper blades. If they’re leaving streaks or not clearing water effectively, it’s time for a replacement to ensure clear visibility during spring showers.
Clean your windscreen thoroughly – Winter grime and salt residue can build up and cause glare when the sun is low. Clean both the inside and outside of all windows to improve visibility.
Top up your screen wash – Spring brings pollen, insects, and mud splashes. Ensure your screen wash is topped up with a suitable solution that can handle these seasonal nuisances without smearing.
Though daylight hours are mercifully increasing, spring showers can darken skies in minutes, making functioning lights as important as ever. Check that all lights are working properly and clear away any winter grime that might diminish their effectiveness. This isn’t just about seeing the road ahead; it’s equally about ensuring other road users can see you during those sudden spring downpours.
Adjusting Your Driving For Spring Conditions
The changing seasons demand a shift in driving habits as much as they do in our wardrobes. Spring’s unique combination of conditions requires specific adaptations to keep you safe on the road.
Be aware of glare – The spring sun sits lower in the sky during commuting hours and can be blindingly bright, especially when reflected off wet roads. Keep sunglasses handy and your windscreen clean to minimise glare.
The improving weather also brings a marked increase in pedestrians and cyclists sharing the road space. Children playing outdoors after school, weekend cyclists enjoying newly dry routes, and walkers exploring paths all contribute to busier roads, particularly in residential areas and near parks.
Watch for increased pedestrians and cyclists – Better weather brings more people outdoors. Be particularly vigilant in residential areas and near parks, especially during weekends and school holidays.
Spring rain presents its own particular hazard. When the first rainfall after a dry spell hits roads that have collected winter’s oil and grime, the resulting surface can be extraordinarily slippery. This effect is most dangerous during the first thirty minutes of rainfall when these substances rise to the surface but haven’t yet washed away. Poor visibility and slick roads are among the most common causes of car accidents during spring showers, making it essential to adjust your driving accordingly.
Adjust for aquaplaning risks – Spring rain on roads that have collected winter’s oil and grime can be extraordinarily slippery. Reduce your speed during and after rainfall, particularly in the first 30 minutes when the road surface is at its most treacherous.
The changing patterns of light and temperature in spring can subtly affect our energy levels and alertness. Many people experience disrupted sleep patterns as daylight hours extend and temperatures fluctuate.
Be mindful of fatigue – The change in daylight hours and temperatures can affect sleep patterns and energy levels. If you feel drowsy while driving, take a break – fatigue significantly impairs driving ability.
Take it steady on unfamiliar routes – Many of us venture further afield as the weather improves. If you’re driving on unfamiliar roads, allow extra time and attention, particularly on rural routes that may have developed potholes over winter.
Prepare For Spring’s Specific Challenges
Spring in Britain brings a particular kind of meteorological unpredictability that demands specific preparation. The morning might begin with glorious sunshine, transform to heavy rain by lunchtime, and settle into a pleasant evening – all while you’re out and about in your vehicle.
Pack for changeable weather – Keep a light waterproof jacket and sunglasses in your car. Spring weather can shift from brilliant sunshine to heavy downpours in minutes.
Carry seasonal essentials – A basic emergency kit should still include a torch, first aid supplies, water, and a mobile phone charger. Add antihistamines if you suffer from seasonal allergies that might affect your driving.
Flooding becomes a particular concern during spring when ground already saturated by winter rainfall struggles to absorb additional water from spring storms. Being aware of local areas prone to flooding and planning alternative routes can save you from the stress and potential danger of navigating unexpectedly deep water.
Plan for flooding – Be aware of local areas prone to flooding and alternative routes. Check weather forecasts before long journeys during particularly wet periods.
The Bottom Line
While spring doesn’t typically see the extreme conditions that winter brings, its changeable nature demands attention and preparation. By taking these simple precautions, you can enjoy the freedom and pleasure that spring driving offers while keeping yourself and others safe on the road.
So as you look forward to those bank holiday getaways and longer evening drives, remember that a little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring those journeys remain pleasant memories rather than regrettable incidents. Spring offers some of the most pleasant driving of the year – let’s make sure we’re all around to enjoy it safely.
While Oxford has long excelled at churning out prime ministers and literary giants, until recently its gastronomic output rarely matched its academic credentials. The city that gave us Lewis Carroll, Oscar Wilde, and countless political leaders once offered little more than lacklustre pub fare and overpriced cream teas to fuel the next generation of brilliance.
No longer. Like a chemistry experiment gone deliciously right, Oxford’s dining scene has exploded with flavour and ambition. The dusty, formal halls and tourist-baiting tearooms now share the stage with globally-minded independents, each contributing a chapter or two to the city’s evolving story.
What’s most enjoyable about eating in Oxford isn’t just the quality; it’s the diversity—from Thai food that would make Bangkok natives homesick and Himalayan soul food that lifts and soothes, all the way to pubs where traditional British fare receives the scholarly attention it deserves. The once-predictable Oxford dining experience has been thoroughly rewritten, with new cuisines and concepts continually matriculating into the scene.
Interestingly (and we genuinely think this is a positive), there are no Michelin stars in the city; somewhat surprising for a place of such wealth and class, sure, but also indicative of a more humble approach to feeding people that leads to some truly nourishing dining experiences.
Forget topping the university rankings; these establishments are earning first-class honours in the art of hospitality. Whether you’ve got a student loan to stretch, fellowship funds to spend, or you’re simply visiting to soak up the surroundings, these restaurants deserve a place on your Oxford syllabus. Here are the best restaurants in Oxford.
Arbequina, Cowley Road
Ideal for tapas done properly from a former chemist’s shop…
Housed in a converted chemist’s shop (and yes, that charming vintage sign still adorns the exterior), this celebrated tapas joint has become a cornerstone of Oxford’s dining scene. Step inside to discover a simple, industrial-chic interior with functional furniture and a glistening stainless steel counter perfect for those who fancy a more interactive experience.
The concise menu is approachable and faithful to Spanish traditions with dishes that would make even the most discerning Madrileños nod sagely in approval. Salt cod croquetas with aioli arrive crunchy on the outside and oozing within, while the thick cut tortilla is a gold-standard version of a classic (onions? Check. Runny? Of course!) — a must-order that justifies the restaurant’s reputation.
It’s all on point, to be fair, and you’ll invariably find yourself tempted to order larger plates of grilled fish or blushing Iberico pork and succumb to that second bottle of vino. Go on; you deserve it. The natural wine selection brings things into 2025, and complements the food perfectly, with a focus on interesting, characterful bottles that reward exploration.
Whilst the first-floor dining room accommodates larger groups beautifully, for the full experience aim for those counter seats, where you can watch the skilled kitchen team work their magic just inches away. Sociable and enveloping, Arbequina is one of Oxford’s best restaurants.
Ideal for riverside romance and seasonal British cuisine…
No setting in Oxford rivals the tranquility of this converted Victorian boathouse perched on the banks of the River Cherwell, offering that rare combination of breathtaking location and seriously accomplished stuff on the plate.
As punts drift lazily by, diners savour a menu that celebrates modern British gastronomy with European influences, all without the unnecessary bells and whistles that would feel so superfluous in such tight surrounds.
Instead, chef Paul Bell puts seasonal ingredient centre stage, into satisfying plates like caramelised turbot with purple sprouting broccoli, spring onions and Jersey Royals, or blushing pink lamb rump with smoky aubergine and heritage carrots, both dishes absolutely singing of early spring.
The award-winning wine list stands among Oxford’s finest, offering plenty of opportunity to splash out for a special occasion or discover something new and interesting by the glass (starting at just £5.50). There’s also a short list of premium plonk sold by the half bottle, for those looking to savour something fine without falling in the water straight after settling the bill.
On warm days, the outdoor terrace becomes unbeatable—dappled sunlight playing through the trees as you sip a crisp white wine and watch students wrestle with their punting poles, but winter brings its own charms, as you dine inside the cosy boathouse with its exposed brick walls and white linen-draped tables. The three-course set menu (two courses for £31, three for £38.75) offers good value for food of this calibre. Come for a milestone celebration, a romantic date, or simply when you want to remind yourself how beautiful Oxford can be.
Ideal for next-level pub food that’ll ruin ordinary gastropubs for you forever…
A laid-back, unpretentious pub in perennially ‘up-and-coming’ Iffley, The Magdalen Arms especially appeals on Oxford’s seemingly endless wet afternoons. Deep red walls impart a cocooning charm, while stripped floorboards and mismatched furniture bring that relaxed country pub vibe, all without a hint of pretension.
For those with knowledge of London’s gastropub scene, it’ll come as no surprise that the food at the Magdalen Arms hits the mark; it’s a sister pub to London’s acclaimed Anchor and Hope and Canton Arms, both of which are basically the perfect example of the form.
The menu celebrates big, hearty flavours with a sophistication that doesn’t try to ‘refine’ or ‘elevate’, but rather, simply, to feed. Expect starters such as Cornish mussels marinière, and showstopping sharing dishes like whole shoulder of lamb or Hereford steak and ale suet crust pie with buttered greens, both of which could happily feed a small tutorial group. Or, one very hungry diner who’s just spent some time at the rasta bar over on Cowley Road.
There’s no showiness here, just good, heartwarming dishes executed with the precision and care they deserve. The wine list offers plenty of choices around the £30 mark, and the bar staff mix a mean mojito. Couples play Jenga as they scoop up cep soufflé and parmesan cream, families dig into generously portioned sharing mains, while others linger over creamy salt cod brandade.
The Magdalen Arms represents everything a modern British gastropub should be—unpretentious, welcoming, and serving food that makes you want to come back again and again. When sunshine breaks through the clouds, ask for a table on the leafy garden terrace. Oh, and perhaps unsurprisingly, they do one of Oxford’s best Sunday roasts, too.
Ideal for Himalayan soul food that’ll warm you from the inside out…
And, from the outside in, if you were to rub it all over yourself… Anyway, this compact but perfectly proportioned place just a minute’s stroll from the Magdalen Arms, has quickly earned a legion of devoted local fans—and with good reason. Transforming from a popular market and festival stall to a simple restaurant with exposed brick walls, wooden floors and long communal tables, Taste Tibet delivers exactly what its name promises: the genuine flavours of the Tibetan plateau.
The small but carefully considered menu works brilliantly for vegans and vegetarians, but the carnivores in the crowd won’t be left wanting either. Expect fragrant, intricately spiced curries and stews, warming dals, and their legendary momos (Tibetan dumplings) served with a fiery chilli sauce that will have you reaching for your water glass before coming back for more.
Behind the scenes operates a zero-waste operation and a thriving community-giving project, making your meal not just delicious but ethically sound too. Their beautiful cookbook is worth picking up if you want to recreate some of these flavours at home, but trust us—nothing beats the real thing.
Ideal for home-style Japanese that’s worth the wait…
You’ll have to queue to get into this tiny Japanese restaurant, but the wait rewards you with some of the most faithfully rendered Japanese food you’ll find outside of Tokyo. Taking understandable pride in only serving genuine home-style Japanese dishes, this family-run operation has been an Oxford institution for over 20 years, and is overtly positioned as an antidote to the pan-Asian ‘formulaic’ chains that permeate Oxford and beyond. We love it.
After such a bold mission statement, it would be unnerving to find a sprawling, corporate space. Safe to say, Edamame is compact and cosy, with shared tables fostering a convivial mood. Begin with namesake edamame beans. The perfect beer snack, steamed and lightly seasoned with sea salt, you’ll likely get through several bowls of these (not to worry, at £4 a pop) whilst the tiny kitchen gets to work on your mains.
What makes Edamame special is their commitment to quality through a clever rotating menu system: lunch (Wednesday through Sunday), dinner (exclusively Friday and Saturday evenings), and a dedicated sushi night (Thursday only). This approach ensures maximum freshness, with small daily deliveries of fish and meat that sometimes sell out—a small price to pay for freshness and an air of exclusivity.
The dinner menu reveals the soul of Japanese home cooking—crispy-yet-tender chicken karaage marinated in soy and ginger; buttery, melt-in-your-mouth salmon batayaki with delicate Japanese seasonings; and the silky-crisp contrast of agedashidofu, where deep-fried tofu sits in a pool of sweetened soy, crowned with fresh mooli radish and spring onions. Each dish feels like something you’d be served at your grandparent’s place in Tokyo, rather than in a restaurant. In the best possible way of course…
Lunchtime brings hearty, comforting bowls like the yasai tofu itame—a vegetable and tofu stir-fry that satisfies without heaviness, perfect for fueling an afternoon of Oxford exploration.
The no-reservations policy means you might have to wait, but the warm welcome from owners Peter and Mieko makes it all worthwhile. Their attention to detail extends even to drinks, with selections like Ramune soda in its distinctive bottle and warm house sake served in traditional tokkuri flasks (£6 for small, £11 for larger) completing this wonderfully authentic Japanese dining experience.
Ideal for Mediterranean dining in a stunning Victorian glasshouse…
This splendid Victorian conservatory, with its soaring glass ceiling and abundant greenery, creates a dining setting like no other in Oxford. First housing the flowers, fruit and vegetables of the Gee family, who were the leading nurserymen in the area, Gee’s has been one of the city’s best-known restaurants for close to 30 years.
Inside, regardless of season, the vibe evokes a summer garden party—the glass conservatory, mismatched furniture and hanging lamps providing a light and airy backdrop to Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The secret garden out back and tree-lined outdoor terrace offer additional enchanting spots for summer dining.
In keeping with modern cooking sensibilities, the menu at Gee’s takes its cues from the ‘seas and soils of Italy and Spain’. Served all day, the smaller plates section of the menu is ideal for a light lunch as you bask in the natural light. Start with a tomato and brown shrimp pizzette, Serrano ham croquettes and perhaps a curling tentacle of grilled octopus with smokey, spicy mojo rojo. If you’ve still got room, the market fish, grilled whole over coal, is always a winner.
Visit between 12pm and 6pm on weekdays for their express lunch menu, which at £29.95 for three courses is a steal. On warm evenings, the glasshouse seems to glow from within, creating a magical environment that’s perfect for a celebration or romantic dinner. There’s just something so nourishing about Gee’s – you somehow leave feeling lighter than when you came – and long may it continue that way.
Ideal for sophisticated French cuisine in understated elegance…
Just a 10-minute drive north of Oxford’s city centre in leafy Summertown, Pompette (French for ‘tipsy’) is one of Oxford’s select few restaurants recognised in the Michelin Guide, and for good reason. This independent restaurant and wine bar from husband and wife team Pascal and Laura Wiedemann has quickly established itself as one of Oxford’s gastronomic highlights since opening.
Inside, deep blue walls contrast with exposed brick and marble-topped tables, creating an atmosphere of relaxed refinement. The front terrace, overlooking the street, offers perfect aperitif sipping on warmer days, especially during their dedicated “Apéro Hour” (Tuesday-Saturday, 5-6pm).
Chef Pascal Wiedemann brings serious culinary credentials to the table. After starting out with Henry Harris at Racine, he opened the brilliant Terroirs with Ed Wilson and later became executive chef, eventually launching Six Portland Road before establishing Pompette. His modern European menu shows clear French roots but isn’t afraid to incorporate Mediterranean and North African influences where they enhance a dish.
Start with traditional fish soup with rouille, Gruyère and croutons, or perhaps the game terrine with cornichons and sourdough. Mains might include a perfectly pink duck breast with rainbow chard and pickled walnut, or a rich bouillabaisse teeming with local seafood. The prix fixe menu (£26 for two courses, £32 for three) offers exceptional value for cooking of this standard.
Their weekday simplifies things, showcasing French classics at their finest: ‘Moules Frites’ Tuesdays come with a glass of picpoul for £23; Wednesday’s ‘Poulet Frites’ presents a half roast chicken with tarragon jus, frites and a carafe of wine to share (£45 for two); while Thursday’s ‘Steak Frites Night’ delivers a mighty onglet with jus de viande, watercress, frites and a glass of house red for £25. Sometimes, it’s reassuring to have all the decisions taken away, we think.
The wine list, as you might expect from somewhere called Pompette, is exceptional, with plenty of interesting options by the glass and a particular fondness for outstanding Alsatian wines, a nod to Pascal’s heritage.
The Coconut Tree, St Clements
Ideal for Sri Lankan street food with fiery flavours and warm hospitality…
Sitting on a busy street corner at the foot of South Park, The Coconut Tree might not look like much from the outside, but step inside and the aroma of sambol, spices and kotthu will instantly transport you to a market stall in Colombo.
Though now an eight-strong chain with venues in Cheltenham, Birmingham and beyond, they’ve admirably refused to dial down their spice levels or standardise their seasoning.
Roughly hewn wooden tables, plain enamel dishes and kitchen rolls standing in for napkins combine to give it a wonderfully relaxed feel, all in the name of food that’s designed for sharing—arrive in a group and order as many dishes as you can to experience the full breadth of Sri Lankan cuisine.
Don’t miss the hoppers, bowl-shaped pancakes made from coconut milk and filled with sambol, coconut and an optional fried egg. The kotthu—chopped roti with spices, vegetables and your choice of meat, fish or cheese—is another highlight, delivering a perfect balance of texture and flavor. The coconut sambal served with chilli is the perfect side dish, its cool creaminess offsetting the heat of the curries.
Founded in 2016 by five Sri Lankan friends who turned a Cheltenham pub into a restaurant on a shoestring budget, The Coconut Tree has maintained its commitment to authentic flavors throughout its expansion. Many recipes come directly from the founders’ mothers and grandmothers, though diners seeking the full heat experience should specifically request dishes “Sri Lankan-style.”
Cocktails here are pert and bright — imaginative Sri Lankan-influenced concoctions served in quirky vessels (including hollowed-out pineapples and porcelain elephants) that enhance the casual, fun environment. Don’t miss their arrack-based drinks, featuring the traditional Sri Lankan spirit distilled from coconut flower sap. With over half the menu suitable for vegans, and dishes starting from just £3.50, this is accessible, exciting dining at its best.
Ideal for extraordinary Thai food that evolves with the times…
You can’t talk about food in Oxford without mentioning Oli’s Thai, which until March 2022 was home to some of the finest Thai food in the country. While the original restaurant may be three years on from its last proper service, the good news is that the legendary Thai food lives on at Elle’s Deli, which now occupies the same intimate space on Magdalen Road.
Run by the same talented team behind Arbequina (yes, that stunning tapas bar we mentioned earlier), Elle’s Deli continues the legacy of those remarkable Thai flavours. The confit duck Penang curry—genuinely one of the finest Thai dishes you’ll find outside of Thailand—still makes appearances, the meat so tender it barely requires chewing, the complexity of spicing as good as it ever was at Oli’s.
These days, the format is more casual, with the reduced menu of just four or five dishes available Tuesday (11:30am-3pm & 6pm-8:30pm) and Thursday through Saturday (11:30am-3pm) for both eat-in and takeaway. The menu remains refreshingly concise, ensuring every dish is seasoned judiciously.
The deli aspect itself shouldn’t be overlooked—it sells high quality produce from Britain, Europe and Asia, making it worth a visit even when you’re not dining in. Each morning brings a weekly changing selection of excellent baked goods, from sliced buns to Welsh cakes and custard tarts.
For the full Oli’s Thai experience, keep an eye on their Instagram for announcements of special ‘Oli’s Thai Nights’ at Elle’s Deli, where bookings can be made in person at the deli. They also host walk-in ‘Bao Buns & Noodle Soup Nights’ that are not to be missed. The format may have changed, but the exceptional quality and those incredible flavours remain—this is, without doubt, still some of Oxford’s finest Thai food.
Ideal for authentic French bistro cooking in an atmospheric old pub…
This characterful pub, hidden away down an unassuming residential street in Jericho, was built in 1869 for workers from the nearby Oxford University Press. From the outside, it looks like a traditional neighbourhood boozer—and the front bar, with tankards on shelves and beer mats adorning the walls, does nothing to dispel this impression.
But venture further inside and you’ll discover one of Oxford’s most delightful surprises: a French bistro serving hearty cuisine that would reluctantly impress even the most discerning Parisians. Make your way through the bar (noting the train set on the ceiling—a quirky touch) to the tightly-packed back room where diners huddle around tables enjoying classics like coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon and snails in herb butter.
The menu changes at times, but maintains its commitment to traditional French techniques and flavours. Their food philosophy is refreshingly straightforward—prioritising quality over quantity with a core menu of bistro classics complemented by daily specials. You’ll find excellent set menus (starting at £21.50 for two courses) alongside celebrated burgers, crepes, and steaks. Portions arrive generous, prices stay reasonable, and the mood remains convivial—exactly what you want from a neighbourhood bistro.
True to its roots as a proper pub, The Old Bookbinders excels on the drinks front too. Six hand-pumps serve a rotating selection of ales (including both house favourites and guest options), alongside a thoughtfully chosen wine list focusing on affordable French bottles.
Open Wednesday and Tuesday from 4-11pm and Thursday through Saturday from 12-11pm (closed Sunday and Monday), The Old Bookbinders’ down-to-earth modesty makes its charm all the more apparent—this isn’t a place that shouts about its excellence, but rather lets the quality of the food speak for itself. Booking is essential for dinner, as the secret is very much out among Oxford’s food lovers.
As Easter Sunday approaches on April 20th, many of us are planning festive gatherings with family and friends. With Easter falling later than usual this year, we’re afforded the luxury of extra preparation time to perfect our dinner party menus and make everything that bit more special. A beautifully presented Easter dinner brings together tradition and seasonality, offering a chance to showcase spring’s finest ingredients.
Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, these seven spectacular dishes will ensure your Easter feast is memorable for all the right reasons.
Smoked Salmon Blinis With Dill Crème Fraîche
Begin your Easter celebration with these elegant canapés that set the tone for the sophisticated meal to follow. Light, fluffy mini blinis topped with smoked salmon and a dollop of dill-infused crème fraîche offer the perfect bite-sized introduction to your feast.
Add a sprinkle of lemon zest and a few tiny capers for an extra dimension that will have your guests reaching for seconds.
Chef’s Tip: Prepare the blinis and crème fraîche mixture the day before, then assemble just before guests arrive to prevent them becoming soggy. A quick blast with a kitchen blowtorch will give the salmon an appealing caramelised edge.
Pea & Mint Soup With Crispy Pancetta
This vibrant green starter captures the essence of spring with its fresh, bright flavours. The sweetness of peas (frozen work wonderfully well) don’t need much in the way of adulterating, while crispy pancetta adds a satisfying savoury crunch that elevates this simple soup to dinner party status.
Serve in warmed bowls with a swirl of crème fraîche and a scatter of pea shoots for an elegant opening to your meal. This soup can be made the day before and gently reheated, allowing the flavours to develop and saving you precious time on the day. The verdant colour makes a stunning visual impression, setting the stage for the courses to follow.
Chef’s Tip: For an even silkier texture, pass the soup through a fine-mesh sieve after blending. To make a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious, replace the pancetta with roasted, spiced pumpkin seeds and use vegetable stock instead of chicken.
Spring Vegetable Tart
Celebrate the vibrant produce of early spring with a showstopping tart filled with asparagus, broad beans, and spring onions. A crisp puff pastry base cradles a filling of cream cheese, and fresh herbs, allowing the seasonal vegetables to shine.
The beauty of this tart lies not only in its gorgeous appearance but also in its versatility. It works beautifully as a vegetarian main course or as an elegant side dish to accompany your lamb. The combination of the buttery pastry with the creamy filling and the fresh snap of spring vegetables creates a bright, crisp textural experience that embodies the hopefulness season.
Chef’s Tip: Bake your pastry separately until it’s completely cooked and golden before adding the filling to ensure you avoid the dreaded soggy bottom. For perfect presentation, brush your vegetables with olive oil before the final bake to give them a beautiful glaze.
The centrepiece of any Easter table, this herb-crusted rack of lamb delivers both impressive presentation and divine flavour. The secret lies in the aromatic herb crust – a mixture of fresh rosemary, mint, parsley, and breadcrumbs bound with a touch of Dijon mustard. Roast until perfectly pink in the centre for a showstopping main that celebrates the season.
This classic dish allows high-quality meat to take centre stage, enhanced but not overwhelmed by its herb coating. Present the whole rack at the table for drama before carving it into individual cutlets.
Chef’s Tip: Allow the meat to rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to ensure those precious juices redistribute throughout the meat. For the perfect crust, brush the lamb with Dijon mustard, then chill it for 30 minutes before applying the herb mixture and roasting—this helps the crust adhere better to the meat.
This comforting side dish celebrates the season, layered with tender young leeks in a creamy sauce infused with bay. A crunchy topping of breadcrumbs and mature cheddar adds textural contrast to the velvety layers beneath.
This dish can be prepared in advance and popped into the oven as guests arrive, filling your home with an enticing aroma and freeing you up to enjoy their company. Consider making serving simpler by creating individual gratins for your guests.
Chef’s Tip: For extra flavour beyond the bay leaf, infuse your cream with a sprig of thyme or even a clove-studded onion for 20 minutes before straining and using in the gratin.
Honey & Orange Glazed Carrots
These aren’t just any carrots – they’re a celebration of spring’s sweetness. Choose heritage varieties in purple, yellow and orange for visual impact and a medley of slightly different flavours. Roast them until just tender, then glaze with a reduction of orange juice, honey, and a touch of star anise.
The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by the honey and orange glaze, creating a side dish with complex flavours that perfectly complements the richness of traditional Easter meats.
Chef’s Tip: Keep the carrots whole with just a bit of the green top attached for dramatic presentation. For the most intense flavour, use blood oranges when in season for their deeper, more complex notes, and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to cut through the sweetness. Finish with a scatter of fresh thyme leaves for a fragrant flourish.
Layer sliced hot cross buns in a baking dish, interspersed with dried fruit and orange zest, if you wish, and a vanilla-infused custard. Bake until golden and puffed, with a crisp top hiding the soft, custardy layers beneath.
This pudding cleverly repurposes the spiced Easter buns into something even more indulgent, creating a dessert that honours tradition while offering something new. The spices in the buns—cinnamon, nutmeg, and mixed spice—infuse the custard as it bakes, creating a warming, aromatic finish to your meal that pairs perfectly with the seasonal theme.
Chef’s Tip: Allow the buns to dry out slightly before making the pudding—this helps them absorb more of the custard without becoming soggy. For an extra touch of luxury, add a splash of Grand Marnier or Cointreau to the custard mixture and serve with a bitter orange marmalade sauce.
If you’ve already indulged in a few too many hot cross buns, then consider a the traditional centerpiece of a Polish Babka Wielkanocna. This celebratory yeast cake, deeply rooted in Eastern European Easter traditions, brings both symbolism and delicious indulgence to your holiday table.
The Babka Wielkanocna features a rich, brioche-like texture with a characteristic tall, cylindrical shape that represents the rising of Christ. Its slightly sweet, vanilla-scented crumb is often studded with raisins or candied orange peel, bringing subtle fruity notes to each slice. The crowning glory is a generous topping of sweet glaze or icing, decorated with chopped nuts, candied fruits, and sometimes edible flowers to represent spring’s renewal.
For an authentic presentation as shown in the image, wrap your babka with delicate tulle ribbon and position small spring flowers alongside the cake. Serve on your finest china with a golden candle nearby to create an atmosphere of celebration and reverence befitting this special holiday.
This iconic Easter cake not only serves as a delicious dessert but also honours centuries of tradition, making it the perfect conclusion to your Easter celebration.
Chef’s Tip: The secret to a perfect babka lies in patience—allow the dough plenty of time to rise, ideally in a warm spot in your kitchen. Traditional recipes often call for a splash of spirits like rum or brandy, which adds depth while ensuring the cake stays moist for several days. For the most impressive results, bake your babka in a traditional fluted tube pan, which creates beautiful ridges that catch the glaze and provide visual appeal when sliced at the table.
The Practicalities Of Hosting
Beyond the menu, successful Easter entertaining relies on thoughtful planning and preparation. Setting your table the night before saves precious time on the day, allowing you to focus on finishing touches rather than basic logistics. An eight seater dining table provides the perfect canvas for a spring-inspired tablescape – consider incorporating seasonal blooms like daffodils or tulips in low arrangements that won’t impede conversation, and adding personalised place settings with hand-written name cards or small chocolate eggs.
Timing is everything when hosting a multi-course meal. Create a detailed timeline working backwards from your desired serving time, allowing for resting periods for meat and any last-minute preparations. Many of the dishes above can be partially or fully prepared in advance, taking pressure off the cook and allowing you to enjoy your own gathering. Remember that the most memorable hosts are those who appear relaxed and present – something more easily achieved with careful advance planning.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re celebrating with a few close friends or hosting an extended family gathering, these seven dishes offer a perfect balance of tradition and fresh inspiration. Easter provides the ideal opportunity to embrace seasonal cooking while honouring time-honoured traditions. The combination of these carefully selected recipes will create a feast that delights all the senses – a true celebration of spring’s abundance and renewal.
Welcome to Soho, arguably the finest place to find yourself hungry in all of the UK. Boasting a diversity of cuisine, concept and price point pretty much unparalleled on these shores, this once (and still occasionally) risqué area of Central London is now home to some of the capital’s most cherished dining experiences.
But with such choice comes a well-worn paradox which sometimes leaves you catatonic in a Côte, spluttering something about their steak frites being ‘actually quite nice’.
Which it is. But anyway, if you’re looking for the creams of the crop, the jewels in the crown, the forces of the tour, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are our favourite restaurants in Soho; the IDEAL 22 places to eat in Soho.
Singapulah, Shaftesbury Avenue
Ideal for faithfully rendered Singaporean hawker flavours on the edge of Soho…
We start on the peripheries of Soho, where Singapulah proudly wears its mission statement on its sleeve – ‘Discover Singapore on Your Plate’.
And if you thought that all sounded a bit ‘tourist board-y’, then you won’t be surprised to learn that the restaurant is a collaboration between Enterprise Singapore (the government agency championing enterprise development) and the Singapore Tourism Board. The restaurant aims to showcase the city-state’s famed culinary culture, perhaps the most curious example of gastro-diplomacy we’ve encountered in Soho, but one that pulls off the assignment in some style.
You might approach Singapulah with the same trepidation as we did – the design of the menu looks a little corporate, and there were reports of teething problems with service. Lesson learned; you should never judge a book by it’s cover, nor a restaurant by the layout of its menu. Others hadn’t been so shallow, and by 6pm, there was a long queue forming round the corner down Wardour Street.
We’re also pleased to report that those teething problems were greatly exaggerated (that, or they’ve simply ironed out the kinks) as a recent meal here was tidily handled, with knowledgeable staff guiding us through the menu’s disparate elements with enthusiasm.
The space itself is airy and bright, with playful pastelled pendant lights hanging from the ceiling like layered kueh lapis. Terrazzo tabletops and patterned tile flooring add a distinctly retro-modern café feel of the kind cropping up all over South East Asia right now, while wooden dividers and booths create intimate dining zones; necessary in such a lively – and clearly popular – space. Shelves lined with bottled sauces and Singaporean products remind you that this is as much a showcase as it is a restaurant.
The clientele mirrors a true hawker centre in its range: Singaporean businessmen namedropping Goldman Sachs over laksa, curious day-trippers hesitantly approaching their first durian dessert, and groups of students drawn by the Instagram-friendly decor and relatively gentle prices of the small plates.
Just as Singapore thrives at the crossroads of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Indonesian and Peranakan traditions, the menu presents a complex — if initially overwhelming — culinary landscape. Our advice? Focus on the Malay and Indonesian-inspired offerings, where the kitchen demonstrates particular prowess. That said, you’d be missing out if you didn’t order some of their deep fried crab bao buns while you peruse the rest of the menu. So, do that.
For that order, the Singapore Loaded Rojak makes for an ideal starting point – a composed fruit salad featuring cucumber, green apple, green mango and pineapple chunks, tossed with tofu skin fritters and fermented shrimp and peanut paste. It’s sweet, salty, spicy and astringent all at once – a proper introduction to Singaporean flavour profiles and just the right idea to set the tone.
Alongside, you’ll want to open with the satay – here in Iberico pork (£14.50) or corn-fed chicken thigh (£12.95) – offering grilled skewers of gnarly, marinated meat served with ketupat rice cakes, fresh cucumber, pleasingly large and rough cut red onions and a rusty, dappled peanut sauce that whisks you straight to Lau Pa Sat.
We’re only just getting started: the Har Cheong Gai is a faithfully rendered version of a classic, with chicken mid-wings marinated in fermented shrimp paste and red beancurd, hard-fried until crisp and golden brown. Arriving looking fairly downbeat by modern standards (no luminous sauce cloyingly coating things, no ASMR-baiting crunch), these pungent, funky morsels deliver big on flavour.
For sharing mains, the Peranakan Assam Fish impresses in its rustic delivery. Sea bass and okra sit a sour-spicy soup performed with tamarind, lemongrass and makrut lime leaf; a perfectly balanced dish showcasing the complex, layered flavours that Peranakan cuisine is so celebrated for.
The Bone-In Beef Rib Rendang is worth asking about before you even sit down, as it’s a dish that the rest of your order should orbit around – fork-tender beef short ribs slow-cooked for six hours in a medley of aromatic herbs and spices that coax out serious depth of flavour. Both clock in at just above £20. End your meal with the durian ice cream (what else?) – a bold move for newcomers to Singaporean cuisine, but a necessary rite of passage.
Singapulah is a lively space, with a menu where dishes somewhat jostle for attention. But approach with focus and balance in mind and you’ll be rewarded with a dining experience that makes its mark, reminding us that while Singapore may be just a ‘little red dot’ on the world map, its cuisine demands attention. The country has a new London embassy, and it’s well worth the diplomatic visit.
Ideal for exciting regional Italian cuisine that changes with the seasons…
Our first pick in Soho’s IDEAL 22, and certainly one of our favourite restaurants in Soho if not all of London, Bocca Di Lupo is without doubt one of the city’s most fortifying restaurants to step into. Its long Carrara marble bar overlooking an open-plan kitchen is reliably abuzz with gentle chatter and the soundtrack of dish after dish of dexterous plating pretty much anytime you drop in (it’s open from midday to 11pm daily, without pause).
The food here is an ode to regional Italian cooking with a focus on sometimes obscure highlights from all twenty regions of Italy. Game and offal is an abiding presence here. The menu changes daily, showcasing a variety of Italian dishes with each item’s region of origin clearly labelled.
Recent highlights have included succulent, subtly-humming pork and foie gras sausages, as well as a unique sanguinaccio dolce – a chocolate pudding flavoured with pig’s blood. The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity extends to its wine list, which features carefully sourced selections from across Italy. What’s not to love?
Ideal for invigorating Filipino food done with flair…
Kingly Court is a weird old place. Frantically busy at ground floor level and with a weird passive aggressive energy (the outpost of Nightjar here…just don’t), its USP feels aimed at offering some solace from the manic Soho streets outside, but does the exact opposite; it stresses you out.
Give the plastic pints and lurid neon colour scheme a swerve and make for the top floor, and you’ll find some seriously good restaurants however, with Asma Khan’s Darjeeling Express and the brilliant Imad’s Syrian Kitchen both occupying the space. Best of all though, is the recent hit opening Donia, an exciting addition to a string of modern Filipino restaurants that have opened up across the capital in the last few years, and already the proud recipient of a Bib Gourmand award in this week’s Michelin Guide announcement.
Suddenly, Londoners are conversant in tugak and sisig, tinola and tapa, and we’re very much here for it. At Donia, from the team behind both Panadera Bakery and Mamasons ice cream parlour in Kentish Town, homegrown ingredients – yep, Flourish and Philip Warrens have no doubt had their wicked way here – are celebrated in a series of playful yet sophisticated dishes.
It’s a tight, keenly priced menu, with a gorgeous opening snack of chicken heart skewers clocking in at just £3.50 for five or six blushing bits of offal, glazed until burnished and sitting in a glossy pool of glaze. That is the way to start a meal.
Even better is the pretty-as-a-picture lamb caldereta. Traditionally a goat stew enriched and thickened with Pinoy liver spread (similar in texture and lowkey thrum to a country style French pâté), here the stew has made its home under a lacquered, mahogany-hued pastry dome that crackles as you cut into it. The accompanying sauce is rich and funky, but also aerated to lighten things up. It’s all pretty masterful, comfortingly familiar but with depth and intrigue. You’ll want to order a side of pandesal – Filipino milk loaf – to mop up the sauce. Its adjacent rocher of verdant, bracing chive butter is more than a bonus; it’s one of the highlights of the meal.
Of course, owing to the team’s pedigree in the pastry department, it would be rude not to end on a sweet note. The corn tart is a thing of beauty – sunflower yellow and with pastry that’s crisp but reassuring irregular, its filling straddles the sweet and the savoury in the best possible way. We’d have loved to try the much-hyped ube choux, winner of the Hot Dinners best dessert of the year, too, but by that stage, we were stuffed. Next time, next time…
One of Soho’s best restaurants first and foremost, Noble Rot is restaurant steeped in political intrigue, having once been the site of the legendary Hungarian restaurant Gay Hussar. A notorious haunt for left-wing politicians such as Clement Atlee, Gordon Brown, and Tony Blair, the dimly lit room here retains a few nooks, crannies and corners of intimacy, where deals could still be done and illicit affairs conducted.
At the helm of Noble Rot Soho’s kitchen is Head Chef Áron Stigmon alongside Executive Chef Stephen Harris of the Sportsman. Together, they have crafted a menu that pays homage to the French country cooking that Jackson is known for, while also incorporating subtle nods to the Hungarian culinary traditions of the Gay Hussar. Expect dishes like smoked eel Salade Lyonnaise, and a regularly changing goulash, on not just for posterity’s sake, but also for reasons of pleasure.
As a wine-focused restaurant, Noble Rot Soho boasts an extensive wine list that playfully dabbles in contemporary trends while remaining grounded in traditional winemaking regions and practices. Yep, you won’t find too many cloudy drops here.
Ideal for Scottish seafood served with Spanish panache…
There’s a glowing blue neon sign on Maresco’s back wall that reads, translated from Spanish, “Spain, Scotland and the sea.” It’s a simple mission statement that belies the gentle sophistication of what’s happening in this corner of Soho, where owner Stephen Lironi – a former record executive and member of new wave punk outfit Altered Images – has created something genuinely original.
The concept was sparked by a Guardian article Lironi read while producing records in the Hollywood Hills, detailing how Scotland’s finest seafood was being exported directly to Spain. Two decades later, after successful ventures in Crouch End (Bar Esteban) and Stoke Newington (Escocesa), he’s brought his vision central, intercepting those Scottish treasures before they cross the Bay of Biscay.
The restaurant’s name reveals this cultural marriage – ‘mar’ meaning sea, and ‘esco’, borrowed from ‘Escocia’, the Spanish word for Scotland – whilst the dining room strikes a perfect balance between fishmonger’s functionality and restaurant theatricality. High stools line the counters, offering front-row views of the open kitchen where head chef Pablo Rodriguez (formerly of Barcelona’s Michelin-starred Jean Luc Figueras) works his magic. The display of ice-packed seafood isn’t just for show – watch as live langoustines wave their pincers moments before being transformed into elegant but full-bodied plates that would feel at home in San Sebastian.
The menu changes daily based on what’s landed from the Scottish coast, but certain dishes have already achieved signature status (as in, there’s mild uproar when they’re not on the menu). Maresco’s take on txistorra reimagines the traditional Basque sausage with mackerel and monkfish, served on mini corn tortillas with spicy yoghurt. The bocadillo de calamar arrives as a noir masterpiece – squid ink-blackened bread stuffed with both grilled and fried squid, a clever textural play made bracing and sensual by generous (in every sense of the word) aioli. Their ‘Bomba Maresco’ offers another creative twist, replacing the traditional meat filling with Shetland mussels, served atop fennel sofrito, pureed and sweet. The bomba wears another round of that aioli like a jaunty little beret.
Two years on from opening, and the international clientele and constant buzz suggest that Maresco has already found its audience, but it’s the fundamentals that will ensure longevity – pristine ingredients treated with respect, backed by an excellent wine list that leans heavily on sherries and Spanish low-intervention wines. For a restaurant that essentially reimagines what could have been a simple tapas bar (of which, let’s face it, Soho – and this list – aren’t exactly short of), Maresco delivers something arguably more compelling.
If you’ve never enjoyed a stroll through Bangkok’s ever bustling Chinatown (aka Yaowarat), now’s your chance to do so without the hassle of flying to Thailand.
Speedboat Bar, a neon-lit gem in London’s Chinatown, is the brainchild of talented, Thai-food obsessed British chef Luke Farrell, who has been exploring the cuisine of the Kingdom for years while bouncing between Dorset, London and Thailand.
The restaurant takes its inspiration from the neon-fuelled party atmosphere of Bangkok’s Chinatown and the thrilling sport of speedboat racing along the canals (klongs) of the city. The menu leans on Thai drinking food, known as gap klaem, with the crispy chicken skins the first thing pretty much everyone orders here. Follow them with a collection of dishes reliably enjoyed on the streets of Yaowarat – clams stir fried in chill jam, and raw shrimp dressed in nahm jim seafood are particular highlights.
All of this is just foreplay before the main event. The Speedboat signature is a tribute to the iconic Jeh O Chula, a shophouse that sits on the outskirts of Bangkok’s Chinatown, and her legendary Tom Yam Mama Noodles – a once late-night special invented by her son which is ideal if you’ve had one too many Thai whisky sodas, and one of our IDEAL 22 street food places in Bangkok to boot.
Open until 1am on Friday and Saturdays and midnight most weeknights, you’ll certainly be having a few of them.
Ideal for gorging on croquettes, tortilla and other Michelin-starred Spanish small plates…
There are many reasons to head to Barrafina, not least because it’s arguably the best tapas restaurant in London, let alone Soho. But more than that, it’s for the vibe, which is exquisite whatever the weather, time of year, or other extraneous factors that would put lesser London restaurants off their stride…
Barrafina Soho, first opened on Frith Street before moving to Dean, has been around, and consistently packed, since 2007, and has held a Michelin star since 2014. Headed up by recently appointed Andalucia-born Antonio Gonzales Milla, the focus here is classic tapas dishes with an emphasis on seafood.
The restaurant boasts a no-booking policy and an unfussy, ingredients-led approach to dining. The chef’s expertise in Spanish coastal cuisine is found in every dish served at Barrafina, whether that’s in the deceptively simple pan con tomate, topped somewhat unconventionally with finely sliced chives, or on the imposing bomba, a classic croquette from the backstreets of Barcelona. The real joy, though, is found in the fresh fish hooked off the ice display opposite to order, kissed by the plancha within seconds and on your plate a few moments later.
With only 23 seats available around that cherished counter, the space is both intimate and bustling. You’ll never want to leave.
Ideal for haute cuisine that marries California’s abundance with Japanese precision…
Born in New York to a French-Spanish mother and American father, Victor Garvey’s culinary journey (you may have seen him on the latest season of Masterchef: The Professionals) has taken him through Barcelona, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Copenhagen. It’s this cosmopolitan background that informs SOLA, where California’s seasonal bounty meets exacting technique in one of Soho’s most accomplished dining rooms.
Following a major refurbishment in late 2023, the restaurant has expanded to include an intimate basement space and a chef’s table, but it’s the ground floor dining room that remains the jewel in the crown.
Here, amid perfectly spaced tables and thoughtful lighting, Garvey and his team deliver a tasting menu of remarkable precision. A sequence of elegant canapés sets the tone – a devilled egg arrives as a hollowed-out shell filled with smoked sturgeon mousse and sauce gribiche, further elevated with espelette pepper and toasted pumpkin seeds. Each course builds on the last, from vodka-cured wild salmon with fresh wasabi and red onion escabeche to the ‘Memories of Kyoto’ sashimi plate, where pristine fish meets roasted baby leeks, avocado sorbet and shimeji mushrooms dressed in kinako vinaigrette.
The highlight arrives midway – Scottish langoustines flambéed tableside, served alongside a bowl of profound dashi broth containing duck liver tortellini and an onsen quail egg. It’s this marriage of classical technique, premium produce and theatrical presentation that earned SOLA its Michelin star in 2021, as well as its current 39th place on the National Restaurant Awards list. At £159 for the tasting menu it’s firmly in special occasion territory, but Garvey’s cooking offers something genuinely distinct in London’s fine dining landscape – a cuisine untethered from geographical constraints yet precise in its execution.
Our latest addition to the IDEAL 22, if you’re looking for where to eat and drink in Soho, then this is the place. Sure, you’ll need to have scored a reservation actual months in advance. And yes, you run the risk of running into TopJaw hanging around outside clutching a microphone and an untouched Guinness. But the absurdly hyped Devonshire is worth those considerable hurdles to your patronage, with a dream team of consummate host Oisin Rogers, Flat Iron founder Charlie Carroll and decorated chef Ashley Palmer Watts all bringing their unique expertise to this supremely confident pub/restaurant/bar-and-grill.
Standing proud on a street corner where Piccadilly becomes Soho, The Devonshire sprawls over four floors, with the pub on the ground floor walk-ins only and the dining rooms above very much needing to be booked. Once you’ve secured a table in the Grill Room section of the restaurant, you’ll want to order from the grill section of the menu, which makes up almost half of everything that leaves the kitchen here, sourced from a string of bespoke suppliers via the Devonshire’s dedicated butchery room, which boasts space for 4000 steaks.
Go for the ribeye (around 300 grams for £36), which gets chucked on the handsome wood fired grill until a gorgeous bark has formed but it’s still blushing in the centre, of course. It’s wonderful, and only elevated further by a gold standard Béarnaise sauce (yours for £2.50). Because this is a place of excess, pair your steak with the ‘pile of langoustines’, which are, well, just that; halved and grilled, a generous shower of rock salt and plenty of seasoning from a smoking stack of beechwood seemingly all they need.
If you’re going to make a cursory nod to health and vitality, then be warned; all sides come with a good dose of fat; buttered carrots, creamed leeks, duck fat potatoes…you get the picture. A rich, thick pint of the black stuff feels appropriate right now, and this is one that won’t be documented on any tedious ‘pints’ accounts on Instagram, that’s for sure.
Despite it’s seemingly unstoppable wave of popularity, things are kept humble with a reassuringly priced set menu that will set you back £29 for three generous courses. Currently, it’s prawn and langoustine cocktail, skirt steak, chips and Béarnaise, and an indulgent sticky toffee pudding to end on. And it’s ended us, too; we’re stuffed…
Ideal for a nourishing Japanese breakfast and the best udon noodles in Soho…
Shuko Oda’s Koya is one of London’s most straightforwardly enjoyable, soul-nourishing restaurants, Japanese or otherwise. The menu here focuses on two types of udon atsu-atsu (hot noodles in a hot broth) and hiya-atsu (a hot broth with cold noodles on the side), with plenty of extra treats and toppings to liven up proceedings.
The iconic traditional Japanese breakfast and steaming bowls of udon noodles with tempura prawn are the headliners, but there’s so much more to enjoy here, from the perfectly poised house pickles all the way to braised pork belly with cider, gelatinous and giving in all the right places. It’s an absolute joy.
Ideal for timeless British food in the most illustrious of settings…
Jeremy Lee has been at the helm of Quo Vadis since 2012. With the voice of a thespian and the culinary generosity of the old French masters, he represents everything that is good and great with cooking on this isle.
The food at Quo Vadis is a lesson in simple British fare with a flourish of French technique; be it in a whole mackerel served prosaically/poetically with just a wedge of lemon, or a wing of skate dressed with brown butter, capers and parsley. Or, simply, a plate of pate and pickles.
Mainstays of the menu include one of Lee’s signature dishes; the iconic smoked eel and pink pickled onion sandwich, which you’ll find in many a listicle of must try dishes in London. Then there’s always a pie – golden, pastry bottom intact, filled generously – on the menu. Just delicious and oh-so satisfying.
For us, desserts are one of the main draws here. Though not always on the menu, the profiteroles here are simply irresistible and are something we dream of, much like Lee himself.
Ideal for basement level barbecue with a difference…
Temper Soho is a one-of-a-kind barbecue restaurant nestled beneath Broadwick Street in a vast basement space, its grungy, below street-level surrounds feeling synergistic with the live fire cooking and nose-to-tail ethos of the place.
The restaurant’s centrepiece is a giant fire pit, where chefs expertly cook whole animals sourced from English farms. If you’re expecting an American style barbeque joint with brisket and burnt ends, you’ll be sadly disappointed – that, or pleasantly surprised.
Instead, the menu at Temper Soho comes with a pronounced Mexican inflection, with quirks from other countries, like their fantastic gochujang butter served with beef fat cornbread, keeping things interesting.
Made for sharing, their whole beast board blessed with a whole host lesser-used cuts of beef including house-made sausages, smoked ox cheek, liver and ox heart anticucho skewers, is one of the best things an omnivore with a particular penchant for grilled food can enjoy in London.
Ideal for a taste of Iran in the heart of the city…
Berenjak, Soho’s first Iranian restaurant, is another JKS Restaurants creation, with skilled chef Kian Samyani, formerly of Gymkhana and Brigadiers, at the helm.
Inspired by Tehran’s hole-in-the-wall kabab houses, the menu features succulent charcoal grilled kababs and khoresht (stews), as well as superb mazeh-style small plates and, perhaps most famously, an incredible baklava ice cream sandwich.
The name itself is inspired by the brightly coloured, toasted rice snacks enjoyed at Persian funfairs, setting the tone for a playful, nostalgic dining experience, as well as the dining room itself; all beautifully intricate Iranian tiles and rich leather banquette seating.
What truly sets Berenjak apart, however, is the sense of family, community and conviviality that permeates the entire dining experience. Samyani’s long-standing relationships with his team members, some of whom he has known for over a decade, ensure that the restaurant operates with a genuine warmth. And that’s not just coming from the charcoal grill!
Ideal for ravishing bowls of Filipino flavoured Japanese ramen…
A good few years ago there was a ramen revolution in London, thanks in part to Momofuku’s David Chang, whose Japanese-Korean fusion bowls are often credited with the rise of ramen across the pond.
Today, you can get a good bowl of ramen just about anywhere in the city, especially Soho. But through its unique fusion of Filipino and Japanese flavours and their unorthodox riffs on ramen, Ramo Ramen has given us a whole new reason to bite into a bowl of toothsome noodles and slurp away.
So, what to order here? With a 16-hour fish and tamarind broth, their heady and intoxicating Sinigang Ramen is a standout dish for us.
Whatever you take a punt on, Ramo Ramen has quickly become one of the most interesting Soho restaurants, and a fine purveyor of ramen to boot. Not only are they proving that ramen is so much more than a sum of its parts, but the chefs behind the restaurant are also helping change perceptions of Filipino food in the city. And we’re very much here for that.
Ideal for a 100% plant-based high-end fine dining experience in London…
This much loved and lauded vegan-only fine dining restaurant subverts the traditions of your classical French fine-dining experience, focusing instead on vegetables and plant-based cuisine
Unlike some British culinary institutions that tend to treat vegetables as an afterthought or distraction, at Gauthier they are everything – the main focus – paired with herbs and spices to create decadent combinations.
And in true indulgent, fine-dining style, the food here is delivered as a tasting menu. In fact, Gauthier Soho claims to be the first classical French fine-dining vegan restaurant in the world. It also claims to be the world’s first primary sustainable gastronomic restaurant – in other words, their carbon footprint is relatively low because of the ingredients they choose not to use. And that’s something we can all throw our support behind, don’t you think?
Some of the highest praise we can offer is that this isn’t simply one of the best places to eat vegan food in Soho, but simply one of the best places to eat in Soho, full stop.
The pasta scene in London has arguably never been better; from Peckham’s Artusi and London Bridge’s Padella all the way to Shoreditch’s Manteca, the best Italian restaurants in London offer an embarrassment of riches in the form of unleavened dough. Indeed,London is brimming with excellent Italian restaurants, some new and some old. Lina stores, a beloved Soho institution, falls into the latter camp.
Serving authentic Italian cuisine since 1944, Lina Stores was originally a delicatessen and over the years expanded its offerings to include fresh homemade pasta, sweets, cured meats, and cheeses, all imported straight from Italy. Today, it has six locations in London with the Greek Street branch being an extension of their original delicatessen nearby on Brewer Street. With its iconic ice-cream parlour pastel facade, it’s undeniably one of the best places for pasta in the city.
Our advice is to pull up a stool at their 12 seater bar in front of the open kitchen and prioritise the pasta. Their spaghetti with Amalfi lemon, fiery pink peppercorns and drifts of Grana Padano of is one of the most simple yet sensational pasta plates in the city.
For those keen to try as much of the menu as possible, Lina is on the more affordable end of the dining out in Central London price spectrum, with that amalfi lemon number clocking in at just £7.50 – assess your hunger and then order as many of these as you can rationalise!
Ideal for modern Jerusalem cuisine and a raucous, arak-soaked session…
The Palomar is a cornerstone of Soho’s vibrant dining scene, a place where shots of arak are taken down with almost as much vigour as you’ll find in the ever-present, za’atar spiked labneh, perfect for pulling through with the just grilled house pita.
Founded by siblings Zoë and Layo Paskin, it’s a thrilling whirl through modern Jerusalem cuisine, which draws inspiration from the rich cultures of Southern Spain, North Africa, and the Levant. While the bread and dip section of the mnu is a wonderful way to start (and punctuate a meal), it’s the stuff cooked over coals at The Palomar that really gets us going. Think impossibly succulent lamb rump given vivacity via a pert salsa verde, and oh-so crispy metugan bream served alongside Israeli kimchi and green harrisa – the latter tasting as striking as it looks.
Yep, this is a place where you’ll leave feeling full but flighty, satisfied but sprightly, and that’s a tough balancing act to pull off.
Ideal for superbly seasoned steak tartare and other French bistro favourites…
The French House holds a special place in our hearts for more than one reason. Firstly, it satisfies the need to have a quick pint before a dinner date, while also providing a moment to truly acknowledge and appreciate Soho’s history and just how great its pubs are. But more importantly, it’s also one of our favourite places to eat in the capital.
While it’s known as an iconic London pub by many, the French House also has a small, exquisite dining room upstairs serving immensely satisfying French fare. It’s our go to place whenever we have a hankering for nimbly seasoned steak tartare, or when a craving for steak frites suddenly strikes. Which, we’re shy to admit, is rather often…
The dining room at The French House has a storied past, having been opened by Fergus and Margot Henderson in 1992. Today it is headed up by the talented chef Neil Borthwick who has worked at prestigious establishments such as The Connaught (where he met his wife, chef and national treasure Angela Hartnett) and Merchants Tavern, which he co-founded with Hartnett. Borthwick’s culinary prowess is evident in the hearty, fuss-free French cuisine served at The French House, and long may it continue.
London is blessed with some superb Sichuan restaurants, but if you’re seeking faithful, fearsome, f’ing delicious renditions of the region’s staples, then Barshu (an apt name considering the ol’ Scoville Heat Units) in Soho will see you right. Unlike many similar spots in the city, the food here is not watered down for the Great British palate, and is all the better for it..
Whilst capsaicin-philes will find plenty on the menu at Bar Shu to tantalise and titillate, perhaps the straight up spiciest dish on the menu is the boiled sea bass with sizzling chilli oil (Shuizhu Yu). We recommend ordering some cooling dishes to help temper its rougher edges.
Elsewhere on the menu, we adore the dumplings doused in a smoky chilli oil and a vinegar sauce that’s so delicious you can slurp the liquid just by itself. We have. Or, head here for perhaps the finest bowl of dan dan noodles in the city. Yep, there’s a lot to love about the food here.
Ideal for Thai barbecue with a sense of both fun and theatre…
Kiln is quite the sensory spectacle, with bar seating overlooking flames, smouldering coals, clattering clay pots and burning woks. The vibe transports you right out of central London and to somewhere altogether hotter and more rustic.
And that’s before you’ve even had a bite here. When you do, you’ll find Thai plates that are downright delicious and frequently fiery.
With a focus on high quality ingredients, the menu changes seasonally. Our favourite time to visit is during game season, where the menu comes alive with jungle curries of wood pigeon or wild mallard and minced laab salads of raw venison.
A mainstay and must order on the menu is Kiln’s grilled cull yaw skewers sprinkled in cumin; so damn delicious and an unforgettable snack. Follow with the clay pot baked glass noodles (a standout dish that’s never been taken off the menu) and you’ve got yourself a gorgeous little meal.
Ideal for some of the most exciting bánh mì outside of Vietnam…
The bánh mì, a sandwich sold throughout the streets of Vietnam which beautifully melds French and Vietnamese ingredients, is one of the world’s greatest sandwiches. And some of the best Vietnamese sandwiches in London can be found at Keu where they are fresh, crisp and astonishingly delicious.
With thirteen fillings to choose from, Keu’s stellar bánh mì making operation sees hundreds of baguettes made each day. From classic fillings of pate and pickles to less traditional takes like slow braised mackerel in caramelised fish sauce, all the way to their kimchi-filled bánh mì that comes with honey glazed pork, there’s something for everyone here.
We end, exhausted and inebriated, at Ganton Street’s Dehesa. In fact, we might be full to finish this one. Why not check out our write-up of the restaurant here, rather than eating a single bite more today? The IDEAL 22 restaurants can have that effect on your waistline, we think.
And when our appetites both resume, we’ll see you over in Marylebone; whoever arrives first gets the Welsh rarebit croquettes in? Deal.
Ideal for planning the perfect vacation tripto the Sunshine State.
We’d all love to shove some T-shirts in a rucksack, sling it over our shoulder and slam the door behind us with nothing on the itinerary but an intention to explore the world. And sure, while there is definitely a certain charm and excitement in spontaneous trips, the reality is that in the modern world, planning and preparation are vital if you’re to enjoy a place to its full potential.
Nowhere is this truer than when you’re planning a trip to the US’ proud Sunshine State, Florida. Here, cultures coexist and collide, natural beauty rubs shoulders with heaving metropolis, and a single fork in the open road could lead you either to paradise or purgatory. Yep, in a place this large and diverse, precise, meticulous preparation is everything. To set you up for your journey, here are 5 beginner’s travel tips for Florida, USA, IDEAL for planning the perfect vacation trip to the Sunshine State.
Choosing Your Dates Wisely To Avoid The Crowds & Heat
Florida is the second most visited state in the US, and grosses a whopping $131 billion in tourism revenue in 2024. The theme parks and the beaches of Florida are the main draw for visitors, of which there were a record breaking 142 million last year. Though this is testament to the quality of holiday on offer in the Sunshine State, it’s also a warning about the crowds.
Yep, the key attractions in Florida get busy (biz-ZAY) with the winter and summer seasons most popular. The former, in particular, is peak tourist season, as skies remain blue but humidity is lower, while summer sees scorching temperatures but still plenty of crowds as the school holidays in the States run from June to the middle of August.
Therefore, some of the best times to visit Florida to avoid the crowds include Spring, though not during Spring Break (mid March), or Fall, when children have returned to school. Do be aware that Hurricane Season runs from June to November, with September the peak month. By November, frequency has lowered, making the eleventh month an ideal one to visit.
When planning your accommodation, take time to compare vacation rentals against traditional hotels, especially if traveling with family or staying for more than a few days. Florida offers an abundance of options from beachfront condos to private pool homes near the theme parks. Vacation rentals often provide more space, kitchen facilities, and a more authentic local experience, sometimes at a lower per-night cost than equivalent hotel rooms. This is particularly advantageous in popular areas like Anna Maria Island, the Keys, or Orlando’s resort corridors, where having your own space can be a welcome retreat from the tourist crowds.
Weather Wise
Hurricane season! Aaaarrrgghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Regular, raucous storms happen from June to November, but reach their crescendo between August and October, so it’s worth planning your trip accordingly.
So, if you’re planning to visit cities which sit on the coast during these three months, in particular, do exercise a good degree of caution. Hotels offer hurricane guarantees in the state, meaning if there’s to be a big weather event, you’ll get a refund should you choose to cancel your booking; check if your hotel provides this option prior to booking. If you are concerned about hurricanes, Orlando sits inland and is considered one of the safest places in the State in terms of weather events.
Should you have your heart set on the beach and want to avoid hurricanes and the crowds, we particularly love some of the smaller destinations snuggled into the Gulf of Mexico in Florida’s North West. The offseason in gorgeous Destin, which is famous for its stunning white beaches, for instance, runs from November to March, and remains hurricane-free and peaceful during this time. During this time; highs in the mid-twenties are common.
Just a short drive from Destin, you’ll find the charming community of Santa Rosa Beach, offering a more laid-back vibe with its pristine shoreline and artsy atmosphere. The area is part of South Walton’s scenic Highway 30A, known for its distinctive coastal dune lakes—a rare natural phenomenon found in only a few places worldwide.
Further west, Panama City Beach provides another excellent off-season option with its 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches. While this destination gets lively during peak seasons, visiting between November and March rewards travellers with peaceful beach experiences, comfortable temperatures, and significantly reduced hotel rates. The area’s natural attractions, including St. Andrews State Park and Shell Island, are particularly enjoyable during these quieter months when you can spot wildlife and collect seashells without the summer crowds.
Natural Florida
While Florida has an abundance of manmade attractions and bustling big city scenes, nothing quite beats the breathtaking natural beauty on offer in the Sunshine State. Indeed, to visit Florida and simply head to Disney World, the Kennedy Space Centre, Miami Beach and Universal Studios would be to overlook the gorgeous, untouched splendour of the place.
Instead, consider a road trip through Florida to truly appreciate its diverse scenery. Florida is home to the third largest barrier reef in the world. Known as the Great Florida Reef, it’s protected by two underwater parks, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Biscayne National Park – come here to snorkel, soak up the sun, admire the tropical vegetation, and forget all about the hustle and bustle back on terra firma.
What’s more, you can’t come to Florida without visiting the Everglades. This national park boasts alligators, dolphins, and manatees, amongst others. From Everglades City in the South, which provides a great base for aquatic exploration in Shark Valley’s bio-diverse plains, it’s little wonder that this is considered one of the best national parks in the States.
Do make sure you check out Big Cypress National Preserve, home to swamps and alligators aplenty. Perhaps even more striking is Corkscrew Swamp, which contains the largest group of old-growth Cypress trees on earth. Be warned; the Everglades is so expansive, they say you need at a week to see it all. Visit in the dry season (December to April) to avoid the pesky mosquitoes.
What To Eat
If you’re anything like us, the perfect vacation is often planned around food.
Florida certainly brings its own personality to America’s plate; Cuban, Caribbean and African; you can certainly get a better understanding of the cultural influences and history of Florida through its food.
The state is influenced by immigrants from all over the world, but especially the Caribbean, as such Florida is known for Floribbean cuisine – a term coined by chefs to explain their menus filled with Caribbean influences and cooking techniques.
There are even subdivisions within this, including Latin-Floribbean, Hispano-Floribbean, Afro-Floribbean and Indo-Floribbean, and you’ll find a unique style of cuisine showing off these diverse influences all over the state.
What’s more, traditional Seminole (a Native American people originally from Florida) cuisine is experiencing a revival, and in the city of Seminole, in particular, you’ll find versions of this food.
Regionally speaking, in the south of the state, Floribbean cuisine reigns supreme, while in the north it’s all about Latin flavours. And while the history and cooking in this part of the world is certainly complex, something not so complex is listing some of the most famous foods to try on your trip to Florida, so we’ll do just that:
Key lime Pie: Possibly Florida’s most famous creation – key lime pie is a dessert made of key lime juice, egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk, all topped with meringue. Key limes are more aromatic than regular limes, with a more tart and floral juice which makes this dessert so delicious and unique. The best place to sample it is in Key West, Florida’s southernmost point and just 90 miles from Cuba – where it was invented.
Cuban Sandwiches: Ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, mustard and pickles, heated between slices of Cuban bread – what’s not to love? It’s thought that the Cuban sandwich came from cafes catering to Cuban workers in Tampa, but now this beloved sarnie has spread in popularity all over the State. We can’t get enough of it!
Conch Fritters: A Caribbean classic! This monster mollusc is an oversized sea snail and to make conch fritters it’s diced up, then dredged in a savoury batter which uses a combination of peppery seasonings. These fried delights are standard in most seafood restaurants in Florida.
Florida Stone Crab: It’s all about the claws with these crustaceans. The bodies are relatively small so are hardly eaten, but their claws are considered a delicacy. Stone crab season in Florida is from mid-October through to Mid-may; catch it while you can!
Gator Bites: For the complete Florida experience, try deep-fried alligator served up like fried chicken. You’ll find it in the restaurants around the Everglades, in particular. Everglades Gator Grill reportedly does the best in the country.
Florida Orange juice: Freshly squeezed Florida orange juice is more than a must-try; you’d be contributing to the state just by drinking it. This is because oranges are a major part of Florida’s economy and the state is second only to Brazil in the global orange juice market.
Strawberry Shortcake: Florida is the winter strawberry capital of the world. Parkesdale Farm in Plant City is particularly famous for strawberries and folks travel across the country for a bowl of their world-famous strawberry cheesecake. You should do the same.
Getting Around: Transportation Tips
Florida is a vast state with attractions spread far and wide, making transportation planning essential for a smooth vacation. While major cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa offer public transportation options, these systems are primarily designed for residents rather than tourists.
Renting a car is almost essential if you want to explore beyond a single city center. This gives you the freedom to discover hidden gems at your own pace and visit multiple regions during your stay. When renting, consider fuel efficiency as distances between attractions can be surprisingly long—it’s over 230 miles from Miami to Orlando and another 85 miles to Tampa.
For those uncomfortable with driving, Florida’s train service, Brightline, connects Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and recently added Orlando to its high-speed rail network. This modern train offers a comfortable alternative for traveling between these major hubs.
If you’re planning to stay primarily in a resort area like Disney World or Miami Beach, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and can be more economical than maintaining a rental car that sits idle for days. Many hotels also offer shuttle services to popular attractions, so check with your accommodation before booking to potentially save on transportation costs.
Beach towns like Key West and some areas of St. Petersburg have embraced bike rentals and electric scooters as eco-friendly ways to explore compact districts—perfect for leisurely sightseeing when the weather is pleasant during those ideal off-peak months.
‘Gastropubs’. It’s not a term we’re particularly fond of deploying, so overused now that your local Spoons could quite rightly be referred to as one. But ‘pubs with food’ sounds weird too, so we’re sticking with it.
The term is useful, certainly, for calling to mind a certain type of place, one which serves great, protein-led food. It doesn’t lean too heavily on ‘small plates’, and is a place you’d feel as comfortable dropping in for a pint as you would a full blown meal. The ubiquity of gochujang and nahm jim for no discernible reason hopefully doesn’t trouble the menus at these places, either…
With that definition dispensed with and the pedants subdued, at least for now, let’s get into it. We’re hungry, thirsty and in need of refreshment in the capital city, and only the frothiest flagons and most precise cuisson will do. With that in mind, here are 11 of London’s very best gastropubs.
The Parakeet, Kentish Town
Ideal for superb fish dishes cooked over live fire…
Kentish Town finally has something approaching a destination restaurant, in the eyes of London’s hype machine, at least. Sure, that restaurant may be in the back of a pub, but that’s exactly why you’re here, right?
Just a second’s stroll from the overground station, you could wander in off Kentish Town road and be wowed by the mahogany panelling and gently glowing stained glass windows behind the bar while you wait for your pint to be poured, all without knowing about the heaving, kinetic dining room out back. Except, that is, for the unmistakable smell of smoke and fat that’s wafting over the pub.
Follow your nose and head inwards, into a tightly knit dining room that’s always rammed. The semi-open kitchen, dominated by its live-fire grill, remains the focal point of the room. And the menu, as it turns out.
It shouldn’t be a surprise the cooking is so elemental here; the kitchen is headed up by two chefs previously of Brat; head chef Ben Allen and sous Ed Jennings. Owing to that Brat connection, a whole fish is pretty much obligatory here, and the sea bream (£58 for two, to share), blistered and burnished from the grill and served head, fins and all, is the absolute highlight from a menu that reads as well as it eats.
Just as it is at Brat, Elkano et al, a dexterous waiter (here, the immitable, number one asset Federico) is on hand to dissect the bream with a spoon and sense of theatre and flourish, instructing us on which cuts should be especially savoured and in what order. Top tip; the skirts have that gorgeous gelatinous quality of a chicken wing and its cartilage. It’s served with a piperade of finely sliced red peppers. Viscous and sweet, it’s the ideal foil for the charred edges of that bream. It’s magic.
There’s also a stuffed whole poussin. Under flickering candlelight, it comes out looking almost as psychedelic as the restaurant’s artwork, the work of the talented Theophilus Tetteh (the art, not the poussin). Jimi Hendrix – with parakeet perched on shoulder – looked down with an expression approaching envy as we tore at the bird (the poussin, not the parakeet), its intoxicating stuffing of rice, ginger, confit garlic and all those intermingling meat juices somehow even better than the caramelised skin and tender flesh. It’s dotted with more confit garlic – take the back of your fork and squish it into the sauce, of course. Another winner of a dish, and suspicion grows that these guys know exactly what they’re doing.
There’s also a Sunday lunch menu featuring big hunks of premium meat cooked over fire, too, though the Parakeet does certainly feel like an evening kind of place. The intimacy of the dining room when the sun’s gone down, with the wood fire oven flickering like a nostalgic pub fireplace, is one of its big draws. Running from midday to 7pm, this one sounds so appealing in the late afternoon, in the depths of winter.
Regardless, pair it all with a pint or two of Hammerton N7, a perky IPA which is brewed just a mile down the road, and luxuriate in one of London’s finest gastropub experiences. Sure, you’ll leave thoroughly seasoned by smoke inside and out, that’s what you signed up for.
Here’s something both surprising and not in the least bit; London’s most decorated gastropub isn’t found in the heart of Westminster or on the peripheries Borough Market, but rather, in the back streets of Fulham.
Indeed, the Harwood Arms, the only Michelin-starred pub in London, has been doing its own thing in this sleepy West London residential area since 2008 (receiving its star a year later), its proud focus on animal husbandry, game cookery and insanely good scotch eggs drawing in the punters even if the journey goes over the acceptable hour mark on the ol’ CityMapper.
The culinary leadership at The Harwood Arms has seen some notable figures over its illustrious history, such as former head chef Sally Abé and, of course, Brett Graham, the Australian chef-owner of the three-Michelin-starred The Ledbury, who has been a director since the pub’s inception, his unique, instantly recognisable aesthetic all present and correct here, from the deer heads on the walls and the coat of arms on the menu, all the way to the weighty serrated knives delicately laid on the recently sanded blonde wood dining tables.
The current head chef is Josh Cutress, who has previously worked in top, top London restaurants The Square (now sadly closed) and the aforementioned Ledbury. He’s carrying the baton with the proper technique and precise touch that’s required here, and there’s no greater compliment than that.
The pub’s dedication to provenance is what truly sets the place apart, ensuring a consistently sky high quality, with much of the meat supplied by Graham himself. The rooftop garden provides fresh, home-grown produce like heritage tomatoes, radishes, and strawberries during the summer months, underscoring the pub’s commitment to sourcing and a sustainability that, for once in this damn city, isn’t just performative.
Unsurprisingly, at the height of game season the Harwood Arms becomes a tour de force of wild meat cookery. Recently, Graham has been raising his own British Iberian pigs, and a recent starter of Iberian pork pâté en croûte, studded with just in-season apricots and hazelnuts, was an absolute tour-de-force of classical technique and premium sourcing.
It’s a descriptor that could also be applied to a main of – you guessed it – Graham’s own fallow deer, here paired with a pale ale cream and grilled hen of the woods mushrooms, again just entering their prime. There’s a precise simplicity to the cooking in both dishes that allows these ingredients to sing, and it’s all just so satisfying. The weight of these knives certainly doesn’t harm that perception.
A short rib of red ruby beef with spinach and bone marrow is less successful, the meat not quite giving enough and, whilst not a burden to eat, certainly sidelined in the face of that deer dish.
Not to worry, you can end with the now-signature custard flan, which sat alongside a smooth, pleasingly bitter blood orange sorbet when we visited. Boasting the caramel notes of The Ledbury’s iconic brown sugar tart, it was a masterpiece, and reassuring that the pastry section here are as skilled as the sauciers.
If all of this sounds right up your residential street but you don’t fancy sitting down for a full three-courser, then simply drop in for a pint at the Harwood and order the famous venison scotch egg as a bar snack. You won’t regret it.
It should be said that the beer selection is a little uninspiring, after all that – just the usual Camden Hells and Beavertown in the lager department. The two cask ales are more interesting; the increasingly omnipresent but no less enjoyable Sandbrooks Wandle the pick of the two. There’s also a 15 page wine list with some serious bottles in its nether reaches. A handful of the more premium drops are also available by the half bottle, which is a nice touch, and there’s a page of wines by the glass with several under a tenner, meaning things needn’t get too expensive here.
Menus here are priced at £70 for a three-course meal and £55 for two courses, with a traditional roast available all day on Sundays.
Ideal for fun and finessed pub classics in retro-inspired surrounds…
What…more scotch eggs?!
Just a short hop from the retail whirlwind of Oxford Circus, The Wigmore offers a real sense of sanctuary for those done with shopping for the day. Or, for life. Whether dropping in for a carefully poured pint or settling in for a proper meal, visitors here will happily discover that quality drinking and serious eating needn’t be separate pursuits in this establishment.
Self-described as a modern British tavern “full of surprises,” The Wigmore has reimagined pub classics under the guidance of Michel Roux Jr. This French influence brings subtle flair to a kind of ‘global British’ menu, all to rather frivolous and decidedly enjoyable effect.
Housed in a historic banking hall as part of the luxury Langham hotel, this gastropub maintains a sense of calm prestige without forgetting its ‘pub’ billing. High-gloss hunter green walls, an ornate globe light chandelier, and leather-and-wood clad dining room creates a vibe that balances refinement with comfort. Sure, you won’t find sticky carpets or the lingering smell of stale beer here – but there’s still pub culture here. Despite the upmarket setting, there’s outdoor seating available and a pub quiz every Monday evening to maintain a veneer of authenticity. However many folk actually participate in that quiz, we’ve yet to find the answer to…
Anyway, let’s start with some bar snacks. The masala-spiced scotch egg (£7.50) exemplifies the kitchen’s creative take on classics. Rather than traditional breadcrumbs, the exterior features crispy vermicelli strands that stand proudly to attention, resembling, basically, the love child of a deep-fried baby hedgehog a sea urchin. That may sound rank, but it’s not. Spiced sausage meat encases a perfectly runny quail egg, all basking a punchy masala dahl relish that adds warmth and depth. It’s quite theatrical, bordering on high camp, and bloody delicious.
The masala-spiced scotch egg
Whitebait with homemade ‘XO’ sauce (£6.00) arrives crisp and glistening, the tiny fish retaining their structural integrity within their golden coating. The accompanying sauce delivers a potent punch of complexity – salty, sweet and deeply savoury all at once. Something dawns on us; these global flourishes aren’t just here to channel an on-trend menu idiosyncrasy that’s everywhere right now. Instead, they’re well-judged; the work of a nuanced hand in the kitchen, even if that hand doesn’t actually belong to Michel Roux Jr.
For mains, the cheeseburger with grilled ox tongue and crispy shallots has become something of a signature, and for good reason. A generously seasoned beef patty finds perfect company in a slice of grilled ox tongue that brings distinctive richness, while crispy shallots introduce a welcome textural element. Fat chips dusted with Bloody Mary salt (£6.50) are no mere afterthought – they’re worthy contenders for top billing themselves, and a nice callback to the whole ‘pub’ thing.
Aside from pints, a pub lives and dies by its pie, and the smoked ham hock and cheese number here is a triumph. The pastry achieves that perfect balance of golden, buttery and flaky, while inside generous chunks of smoky ham mingle with cheese that walks the fine line between indulgent and excessive. It’s rich, gooey and oozy. Served with silky garlic butter mash, it’s a thoughtful take on classic pie and mash, replacing the traditional parsley liquor with something far more luxurious. Both those mains sit around the £20 mark.
We’ve got to give a shoutout to the impressively manicured side salad – someone in the kitchen went to as much trouble of arranging it as a florist would with their prize roses. It left us wondering if lettuce wedding bouquets are a thing?
Unsurprisingly for an operation overseen by a Roux, desserts maintain the same high standards. A warm lemon meringue sponge with citrus cream (£9.50) delivers brightness and comfort in equal measure – a fitting conclusion to a meal that treads the line between nostalgic and novel.
Drinks-wise, this establishment offers its own signature house Saison, alongside an impressive selection of cask ales, craft beers, wines and creative cocktails, including some excellent non-alcoholic options. What’s not to love?
If you’re seeking a gastropub that perfectly encapsulates Chelsea’s particular blend of old-money glamour and contemporary polish, then the recently revamped Cadogan Arms is your spot. Though ‘revamped’ hardly does justice to the painstaking restoration that’s taken place here – the pub’s 2021 renovation saw JKS Restaurants (the group behind Gymkhana, Hoppers et al) take the reins of this storied King’s Road institution, with Dominic Jacobs – formerly of Sketch and the Running Horse Mayfair – heading up front of house operations, and 2 Michelin-starred James Knappett overseeing the menu. A dream team, make no mistake…
The results are – no surprises – nothing short of spectacular; the Victorian interior has been lovingly restored to its original grandeur, with a sequence of dramatic glass-backed arches illuminating bottles like church windows, crowned with stained glass panels depicting pastoral scenes. Crystal chandeliers cast a warming glow across the mahogany panelling, while ornate carved columns march down the bar, their capitals picked out in gold leaf. The whole effect manages to be both imposing and intimate – exactly what you want from a proper London pub.
That duality extends to the rest of the operation, too. The ground floor remains steadfastly a pub, albeit one where a bottle of Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne 2007 (£452) might sit next to your pint of Tribute (a ‘relatively’ affordable £6.80). Or better yet, try the pub’s own collaboration with Harbour Brewery, a crisp Cornish pilsner that’s singing right now. The upstairs Rose Room, though, with its ornate ceiling roses and statement lighting, is where the serious eating happens.
Head chef John Sparks brings considerable finesse to proceedings. His menu treads a careful line between gastropub classics and more ambitious fare, though everything that leaves the pass has that same precise, considered touch.
The black pudding scotch egg tells you everything you need to know about the kitchen’s approach – this pub menu stalwart is elevated through perfect execution and clever touches, the Cumberland sauce alongside bright and sharp, cutting through the richness of that still-runny yolk. Yours for a tenner. Or there’s the buttermilk fried chicken at £13.75, its coating shattering to reveal impossibly tender meat beneath, served with a punchy Bubbledogs hot sauce (a callback to Knappet’s first venture) and cooling blue cheese dip. These are the kind of bar snacks that make you cancel your dinner plans and scoff bloody loads of them.
The mains continue in this vein of elevated comfort. A recent venison pie came laden with button mushrooms and bacon, the rich filling topped with exemplary pastry (none of that puff pastry lid nonsense here) and served with silky mashed potatoes and buttered greens. The Cadogan cheeseburger is another masterclass in doing the simple things well – expertly seasoned meat, sharp pickles, a perfectly melted slice of American cheese and a generous dollop of remoulade sauce. You can add bacon or caramelised onions, but really, why mess with perfection?
Behind the bar, the brush strokes are equally broad. The wine list stretches from the accessible (a crisp Verdejo from Castilla y Leon at £8.50 a glass) to the extraordinary (a 2016 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru that’ll set you back half a grand). The cocktails, overseen by Jacobs himself, dance between classical and creative – the Sticky Toffee Old Fashioned, made with brown butter Buffalo Trace bourbon and PX sherry, is practically a liquid dessert.
Speaking of which, if you’ve somehow saved room (and you really should try), the sticky toffee pudding with Cornish clotted cream is everything you want it to be – sweet but not cloying, dense yet light, and generous enough to share (though you won’t want to). There’s also an ‘invisible trifle’ that catches the eye – a clever initiative where all proceeds go to Hospitality Action, supporting hospitality workers through difficult times.
Ideal for austere but delicious plates of British comfort food…
From west to east, we’re heading to Hackney next, and the borough’s most storied, hyped gastropub, The Marksman.
With a history dating back to the mid 19th century, it’s in 2015 that the Marksman entered its current phase of refinement, which introduced an upstairs dining room designed by the acclaimed London-based Italian designer Martino Gamper. Confit potatoes elbowed out the Walker’s, smoked Tamworth the scratchings, and here we are. Whether that’s a ominous sign of increasing gentrification or a welcome addition to the neighbourhood is up to you…
Still, The Marksman proudly identifies as a ‘proper London boozer’, offering a traditional pub experience with a hint (well, more than a hint actually) of refinement. The downstairs area remains a lively sanctuary for locals and stragglers from further afield, while the upstairs dining room offers a more subdued atmosphere where patrons can enjoy dishes that pay homage to London’s rich culinary history.
The quirky, brown-tiled façade of the pub stands out as a local landmark, still, and the wood-panelled bar retains the feel of a traditional venue, the local’s battered stools all lined up and ready to receive them. Green leather banquette seating and a rather higgedly-piggeldy selection of Bentwoods, as well as a smattering of lanterns emitting a comforting orange hue, make this a warming place to settle into.
The pub is now owned by chefs Tom Harris and Jon Rotheram, who previously honed their culinary skills at Fergus Henderson’s iconic London restaurant St. John, and those austere sensibilities are very much present and correct in the cooking here. Cruise in from midday at the weekend, and the gorgeous lunch dish (you can call it ‘brunch’ if you wish) of bacon chop, hash brown and fried egg is an absolute winner. Yours for £28, but you’d happily pay significantly more than that to dust off your Oslo-hangover, surely. A pint of Disco Pils (hmmm) from Dalston brewery 40FT will help with that.
The pies are, unsurprisingly, excellent too, with the chicken and girolle (£55 for a sharing size) a menu mainstay for good reason. On a recent(ish) visit their duck, bacon and prune pie was rich, deep and divine.
Even better, a pleasingly moody cottage pie, its edges caught just right and, beneath the bronze mash hood, a brooding, umami-rich braise of beef. This one was recently available as part of the pub’s Worker’s Lunch deal, which offers a main, like the aforementioned pie, and a pint (other drinks are available) for £15. Bargain.
On Sundays, those pies enter the mix alongside a selection of roasts, with two courses priced at £38 and 3 at £42. Whatever day of the week it is, end with the signature brown butter and honey tart, arguably The Marksman’s most well known dish, and a beautiful thing at that.
The Marksman was named Michelin Pub of the Year in 2017, a significant accolade as it marked the first time this award was given to a pub in the capital, where it’s praised for its simply cooked, seasonal British dishes that are well-balanced and flavourful. We couldn’t agree more, though Michelin might want to work on broadening their adjectives.
Heading south of the river next, and to a single drag that is arguably London’s most stacked in terms of food options; Camberwell Church Street.
Hear us out. It’s got Silk Road. It’s got Nandine. FM Mangal is here. Huong Vi Viet does its thing on this strip. There’s Theo’s Pizzeria. A new Forza Win has pitched up. And with all the thirsty chefs such a proliferation of great restaurants brings, so the street needs a boozer to serve them. The Camberwell Arms is that boozer and then some.
Originally a traditional public house situated around the corner on Kimpton Road with its roots traceable back to the early 20th century, the present-day Camberwell Arms has evolved somewhat, setting a benchmark in London’s gastropub scene. Always imitated, never bettered you could say…
Established in its current form in 2014, The Camberwell Arms has been helmed by a leadership trifecta of chef director Mike Davies, Frank Boxer, known in this neck of the woods for Frank’s Cafe in Peckham, and James Dye, who has most recently opened Bambi on the former Bright site in London Fields. That’s some serious hospitality pedigree, and as the Camberwell Arms enters its second decade, there’s a sense it’s never been stronger.
On the ground floor, guests are welcomed into an open-plan bar and dining room, with an aesthetic characterised by real wooden floorboards, deep Burgundy walls, and ornate gilded mirrors and chandeliers. The layout transitions smoothly from a traditional pub setting at the front – ideal for casual pints and light snacks – to a more formal (though thankfully not all that formal) dining area towards the back, adjacent to an open kitchen. Upstairs, an additional bar area deals with the inevitable overspill of such a perennially popular place. Enjoy a white tonic and port while you wait – the connoisseur’s choice for a summer aperitivo, surely?
Let’s sashay through the crowds and into the dining room, as we’ve got our eye on the sharing mangalitsa sausage, which is made inhouse and is something of a signature (yes, we’ve used that term several times, but it’s the best word for the job) here. Sure, the £36 billing for a sausage might at first have you baulking, but this is an obscenely sized piece of work, with just the right amount of bounce. When you slice through it with a serrated, it is the most satisfying texture, its high fat content glistening. Winking at you, even…
We’ve had it as a single plate, too, with comically large (a theme) butter beans and grape mustard, but right now the sharing size is on with aioli. Talk about a brat(wurst) summer.
Another carnivorous number, Farmer Tom’s grilled lamb with piattone beans, anchovy and crumbs is a knockout too, its meat juices rich and full of flavour.
The pub can do light, bright plates with just as much enthusiasm. A recent summertime zinger of raw bream, rosemary, chilli and lemon was a vital tasting thing, picking up the palate and dispensing with any brain fog before the sausage fest main event.
Though it’s a central(ish) London pub on a busy, choking thoroughfare, the Camberwell Arms have a wicked way with seafood, generally, it should be said. A recent hype dish of a buttered mussel and wild garlic crumpet was as good as it sounds.
That pleasing lightness of touch and careful seasonality is present in the simple but satisfying desserts. A lemon verbena panna cotta with marinated raspberries passed the old flick-it-to-check-the-wobble test, its grassy character a really interesting note to end a meal on, though not, perhaps, for everyone.
Speaking of interesting notes, the cocktails here are excellent, hardly a surprise when you consider the background of the owners. The New York sour, featuring bourbon, bitters, lemon and chilled red wine is particularly good. You know what? We might stick around for another…
…Phew, bit pissed and very full now, but we’re heading onwards to Finsbury Park, and into our fifth entry on our rundown of the very best gastropubs in London; The Plimsoll.
Built on the foundations of an older pub known as The Auld Triangle – a popular spot among locals and Arsenal fans, known for its quintessential Irish pub vibe and pints of Guinness poured under great scrutiny – the transformation into The Plimsoll began with a successful Kickstarter campaign led by chefs Jamie Allan and Ed McIlroy, who previously ran the beloved semi-permanent pop-up Four Legs at the Compton Arms a mile and a half down the road in Islington.
Back up here in Finsbury Park, and the duo are also heading up Tollington’s, their recently-opened Spanish-style fish bar in Finsbury Park that’s been so fawned over we never want to go there, the disappointment already tee’d up and ready to be delivered.
We’ll stay here instead, just around the corner in the curated chaos of The Plimsoll, enjoying a sometimes ragtag collection of dishes (both the food and the crockery) whose influence stretches far and wide. On your nan’s favourite willow patterned plate, a recent duo of grilled langoustines, splayed open and drenched in garlic butter, was just the ticket. On your favourite curry house’s gaudiest plate, the piri piri whole quail – again, splayed out – with rouille was even better.
Shout out, too, to the scallops with chilli butter and peas. There’s a tendency these days to value the ‘crust’ on a scallop above all else, with the pursuit for that golden layer sometimes taking precedence over actual flavour or a precise mi cuit. At The Plimsoll, the scallop is served so gently poached in its shell that it could pass for raw, its inherent sweetness coming to the fore, untroubled by the usual bruising, butter basted caramelisation. It’s such a good move, and indicative of a kitchen with a singular, idiosyncratic vision to do things their way.
Another visit saw comically large whelks with a pokey, dry chilli heavy dipping sauce. There are few more fun things than picking those whelks from their shells with a toothpick and dragging them through the sauce.
Pleasingly, ‘their way’ also translates to the dining room, or lack thereof. Unlike the other places on our list of the best gastropubs in London, there’s not a dedicated, more formal dining room as such here; more, a collection of circular tables with their orbiting stools, a couple of flickering candles and the clatter of the open kitchen bringing the ambience. And it’s Boddington’s and Estrella Galicia on the taps; perfect.
Anyway, onwards and into the main event. The Dexter Cheeseburger is everyone’s favourite dish here, kinda smashed, charred and gnarly, but also kinda rare and sloppy. It’s a burger that Evening Standard restaurant critic Jimi Fameawuara called one of the best he’d ever had when it was on at the Comptom Arms. It’s still as good here. Have it for dessert, like ordering a prego at the end of a Ramiro.
Ideal for grilled goodies and a damn fine Guinness…
If you’re looking for a gastropub in Soho, then The Devonshire is the place. Sure, you’ll need to have scored a reservation before you even know if you’ll be in the country for it (the pub opens booking slots every Thursday at 10:30am, three weeks in advance to deal with the substantial demand.) And yes, you’ll have to swerve braying toffs ‘splitting the G’ outside – the place sells around 15,000 pints of the stuff weekly. At £6.90, it’s not bad value, to be fair.
Anyway, this absurdly hyped pub is worth those considerable hurdles to your patronage, with a dream team of consummate host Oisin Rogers, Flat Iron founder Charlie Carroll and decorated chef Ashley Palmer Watts all bringing their unique expertise to this supremely confident place.
Once you’ve secured a table in the Grill Room section of the restaurant, you’ll want to order from the grill section of the menu, which makes up almost half of everything that leaves the kitchen here, sourced from a string of bespoke suppliers via the Devonshire’s dedicated butchery room, which boasts space for 4000 steaks. And sure, those steaks are as good as they should be, but even better is the beef cheek and Guinness suet pudding (£26) which is riotously delicious, eliciting a shudder of pleasure as you plunge that spoon in. Also from the grill, the now famous ‘pile of langoustines’ is gorgeous. Pair it with half a lobster for a myopic but elegant, casual meal.
Despite its seemingly unstoppable wave of popularity, things are kept humble with a reassuringly priced set menu that will set you back £29 for three generous courses. Right now, a prawn and langoustine cocktail, skirt steak, chips and Béarnaise, and an indulgent sticky toffee pudding to end on. And it’s ended us, too; we’re stuffed…
We’ve written more about the Devonshire’s Sunday roast, alongside some of the other best roasts in Soho, in our roundup here, by the way.
Ideal for Southern European cooking in Southern London…
Though we spoke of the Camberwell Arms as being in the exalted position of London gastropub benchmark setter, the Canton Arms is, arguably, even more influential.
Stockwell’s finest, part of the esteemed group that also runs the Anchor and Hope, the Clarence Tavern and the Magdalen Arms in Oxford, the Canton Arms is our favourite of the quartet, a genuinely ‘old school’ feeling boozer with a dimly lit, dark wood panelled dining room out back serving a sprawling menu of, it seems, whatever they fancy cooking.
There’s no ‘pub grub’ vibes here, but there is a certain sensibility to the cooking, with Provençal and Southern European influences running through the menu. So, that’s Imam Bayildi with a simple green salad, mutton chops with coco beans and anchoïade, and a beautifully golden tranche of skate wing, served with steamed potatoes and a sauce vierge. All three are excellent.
Dishes with a more pronounced Italian accent are a strong suit here, too. On a recent Sunday sharing menu, a roast monkfish done in the saltimbocca style (as in, wrapped in sage and Parma ham) was gloriously salty and tender. Sitting on long braised puy lentils that were close to collapse and wonderfully homogenous as a result, the whole thing was lifted up by dollops of a coarse, pungent salsa verde. This dish was the one.
The pub is also known for its unique selection of house-made liqueurs. From damson gin to vin d’orange, these drinks are a signature feature, with seasonal variations lining the shelves above the bar.
Sunday lunch here isn’t actually massively different to any other lunch or dinner of the week, which is quite refreshing when you don’t want a reheated roast dinner for £30. Instead, if you’re looking for a pub lunch with real zest and intrigue, the Canton Arms is certainly one of London’s best.
Ideal for porky pub grub taken to dizzy new heights…
Sitting pretty – real pretty – on the banks of the Thames, The Waterman’s Arms in Barnes is one of the latest additions to London’s gastropub scene, but it’s already making big waves along the river.
Originally built in 1853 as part of the Cubitt Town development and formerly known as the Newcastle Arms, this historical venue has seen a new lease of life since its relaunch in September 2023 by Joe Grossmann, the founder of Patty & Bun. It’s not just burgers and fries here, though; under the culinary leadership of Sam Andrews, previously head chef at the aforementioned Camberwell Arms and Soho’s Ducksoup, the gastropub offers a thoughtful blend of traditional pub-aligned dishes and the obligatory, ubiquitous sprinkling of Italian influences.
Not that we’re complaining about the ubiquity, when dishes like pork belly and pickled nectarine or pork collar and pig skin ragu hit the table.
Yep, they love all things porcine here, but that’s not all that’s available and on song. Since we’re by the water, why not start with oysters, here served with a piquant, invigorating fermented chilli dressing. Follow those briny boys with more, erm, briny boys; a simple, summery dish of mussels and tomato () hitting all the right notes for riverside dining. Even if you are inside, in a pub.
Before you turn into a bivalve, move onto the larger meat dishes, built (and priced) for sharing. The Hereford steak with smoked garlic butter is a highlight, with a pronounced crust and wall-to-wall blushing centre. It goes without saying that the pool of smokey, buttery meat juices beneath it needs a round of bread dragged through it. Scarpetta your heart out; the crusty sourdough here is built for such behaviour.
On the holy day, rather than a Sunday Roast with all the trimmings, it’s big sharing plates of meat at the Waterman’s. Friends wax lyrical about the spit roast chicken with onion broth (£44 for two). And like a curly pig’s tail that’s been pulled and has sprung back, we’re going full circle here and ending with the incredible porchetta, that’s been a Sunday lunch staple since day dot. Crisp crackling and a pleasingly pink centre take this one into the stratosphere.
Even if you’re not stuffing your face, the Waterman’s Arms is a lovely place for a pint. Spread over two floors with an outdoor dining space boasting waterfront views, the space downstairs serves a simple bar menu, while upstairs, an a la carte menu featuring seasonal dishes is available. Draught beers come from the award winning Forest Road Brewing Company in Lewisham. There’s also Estrella Galicia, increasingly becoming the tap of choice for London’s best gastropubs.
The restaurant’s wine list offers a diverse selection from around the world, featuring crisp whites like Vinho Verde from Portugal and complex reds such as Barolo ‘Albe’ from Piemonte. With options ranging from affordable to prestigious, there’s a perfect pairing for any dish and palate. A couple of bottles clock in at under £30 – it’s crazy we feel this is noteworthy, but that’s where we are.
We end, appropriately, at the Bull and Last over on Highgate Road, perched at the southeast corner of Hampstead Heath.
Established as a coaching inn in the 18th century, this cherished gastropub derives its unique name from being the last stop for northbound coaches out of London, where drivers would call out “The Bull – and last” as they approached. The gastropub’s historic charm is ever-present, underscored by a significant two-year refurbishment completed in 2020, which added six beautiful boutique bedrooms, perfect for collapsing into after a feast of North Essex Shorthorn prime rib, gremolata, béarnaise, green salad and properly good chips.
Yes indeed, the food here is of the crowd pleasing variety, both in scope and size, with 8 snacks, 8 starters and 8 mains to choose from, plus sides and the sweet stuff. It’s certainly the kind of place where even the most fickle members of the squad will be satisfied. On Sundays, things are no less interesting, with a broad, generous menu of crowdpleasers – roast lamb, fish and chips, an aubergine parmigiana wellington (?!) for those trying to forget the incoming scaries.
And if you’re dropping in midweek, then the Bull and Last’s ‘mid service’ menu is one of this affluent area of London’s most indulgent and best kept secrets. Available Monday to Friday between 3pm and 5:45pm, the pigs and prunes in blankets are the stuff of legend, sure, but the absurdly stacked roast beef sandwich with truffle mayo (£20) is the true move. Served with pickles, fries and aioli, it’s just the kind of thing you want to wrap your hands around after a walk on the heath. A house Margarita washes things down lustily. A second has you enquiring if they’ve got any space for dinner…
The Bull and Last is regularly featured in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list (currently placed 31st in the country), and is also recognised in the Michelin Guide for good measure. There’s even recently been a beautifully presented cookbook, featuring 70 recipes and local stories, offering a sense of time and place and plenty of context to this historic place.
As 2025 begins to blossom and bloom in earnest, the world of fashion continues to evolve in tandem, with sustainability taking centre stage. The jewellery industry, often criticised for its environmental and ethical impacts, is undergoing a significant transformation. This year, sustainable jewellery trends are not just about aesthetics, but also about making a positive impact on the planet and its people.
Lab-Grown Diamonds: Ideal For A Sustainable Sparkle
Lab-grown diamonds have been gaining traction over the past few years, and 2025 sees them firmly established as a mainstream choice. These diamonds are chemically and physically identical to their mined counterparts but come without the environmental degradation and ethical concerns associated with traditional mining.
As the ethical jewellery experts at After Diamonds report, brands are now offering a wide range of designs featuring lab-grown diamonds, from classic solitaires to intricate, contemporary pieces, ideal for an ethical engagement ring or stunning anniversary gift. The allure of these gems lies not only in their beauty but also in their sustainable origins.
Recycled Metals: Ideal For Giving Old Gold New Life
Recycling is not just for paper and plastic; it’s a significant trend in the jewellery industry too. Recycled gold, silver, and platinum are being used to create stunning pieces that carry a lower environmental footprint. By repurposing existing metals, jewellers reduce the need for new mining, which is often associated with habitat destruction and pollution. This year, expect to see more collections proudly showcasing their recycled origins, often with unique designs that tell a story of transformation and renewal.
Artisanal Craftsmanship: Ideal For Supporting Local Economies
The resurgence of artisanal craftsmanship is one of the most heartening trends of 2025. Small-scale, independent jewellers are receiving renewed appreciation for their handcrafted pieces, traditional techniques, and personalised service. This shift away from mass production not only results in unique, high-quality jewellery but also supports local economies and preserves cultural heritage. Many artisanal jewellers are combining traditional methods with modern sustainable materials, creating pieces that honour the past while looking to the future. Consumers are increasingly seeking out these makers, valuing the personal connection and story behind each handcrafted item.
Fair Trade Gemstones: Ideal For Ethical Elegance
Fair trade gemstones are becoming a hallmark of sustainable jewellery. These gems are sourced from mines that adhere to strict ethical standards, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental protection. In 2025, jewellers are increasingly transparent about their supply chains, allowing consumers to make informed choices. Look out for pieces featuring fair trade sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, each with a traceable journey from mine to market.
Vintage & Upcycled Jewellery: Ideal For Timeless Treasures
Vintage and upcycled jewellery is making a strong comeback, driven by a desire for unique, one-of-a-kind pieces and a commitment to sustainability. By choosing vintage, consumers are not only embracing timeless style but also reducing the demand for new resources. Upcycled jewellery, on the other hand, involves reimagining and redesigning old pieces into modern masterpieces. This trend celebrates creativity and sustainability, proving that old can indeed be gold.
Eco-Friendly Packaging: Ideal For The Complete Package
Sustainability in jewellery extends beyond the pieces themselves to the packaging they come in. In 2025, expect to see a rise in eco-friendly packaging solutions. Brands are moving away from plastic and opting for biodegradable, recycled, or reusable materials. Minimalist designs, often using natural fibres and organic inks, are becoming the norm. This shift not only reduces waste but also enhances the overall unboxing experience, aligning with the values of eco-conscious consumers.
Blockchain Technology: Ideal For Transparency & Trust
Blockchain technology is revolutionising the jewellery industry by providing unprecedented transparency. This digital ledger system allows consumers to trace the journey of their jewellery from raw material to finished product. In 2025, more brands are adopting blockchain to ensure the authenticity and ethical sourcing of their pieces. This technology empowers consumers to make informed decisions and fosters trust in the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
Minimalist Designs: Ideal For When Less Is Indeed More
The minimalist trend continues to thrive, with a focus on quality over quantity. Sustainable jewellery in 2025 often features clean lines, simple shapes, and timeless elegance. These pieces are designed to be versatile, complementing a wide range of outfits and occasions. The minimalist approach not only reduces material usage but also encourages mindful consumption, promoting the idea that less truly is more.
Water Conservation Techniques: Ideal For Preserving Our Most Precious Resource
A lesser-known but increasingly important aspect of sustainable jewellery production is water conservation. Traditional mining and manufacturing processes often consume vast amounts of water and can lead to contamination of local water sources. In 2025, forward-thinking jewellers are implementing innovative water conservation techniques and closed-loop water systems in their production processes.
Some brands are even highlighting their water footprint alongside their carbon footprint, allowing consumers to make more holistic environmental choices. Look for certifications that specifically address water usage as a sign of a truly comprehensive sustainability commitment.
Biodegradable Jewellery: Ideal For Nature’s Touch
An emerging trend in 2025 is biodegradable jewellery, crafted from natural materials like wood, seeds, and plant-based resins. These pieces are designed to decompose at the end of their lifecycle, leaving no harmful residues behind. Biodegradable jewellery offers a unique aesthetic, often inspired by nature, and provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials.
Jewellery Rental Services: Ideal For The Conscious Fashionista
An exciting development in the sustainable jewellery landscape is the emergence of jewellery rental services. Similar to clothing rental platforms that have gained popularity in recent years, these services allow consumers to borrow high-quality, designer pieces for special occasions or limited periods. This circular economy model reduces the need for owning multiple pieces while still providing access to luxury and variety. Many rental services are now featuring collections specifically curated for sustainability, offering lab-grown diamonds, recycled metals, and other eco-friendly options. For the fashion-forward consumer who values novelty but is mindful of environmental impact, jewellery rental represents an ideal compromise.
The Bottom Line
The sustainable jewellery trends of 2025 reflect a growing awareness and commitment to ethical and environmental responsibility. From lab-grown diamonds to fair trade gemstones, recycled metals to biodegradable pieces, the industry is embracing innovation and transparency.
As consumers, we have the power to support these positive changes by choosing jewellery that aligns with our values. This year, let your accessories not only enhance your style but also contribute to a more sustainable and ethical world.
Spring soon come. After what feels like a lifetime of cold, dark days, long nights, and evenings spent hunkered down beneath a vast swathe of blanket, winter is, at long last, on its way out.
The year’s most welcome seasonal shift is almost here, ready to grace us with an explosion of new life and optimism, all brought on by warmer weather and sunnier days – and it couldn’t have come soon enough.
If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, then the weeks before spring’s arrival proper represent the perfect time to get your outdoor space warm weather ready. With that in mind, here are 7 ideas for turning your garden into a luxury oasis in time for spring.
For Soothing Sounds: Consider A Water Feature
Whether it’s a small fountain or a large pond, the sound of running water will add a touch of tranquillity to your garden. From a small tabletop fountain to a pond that runs into a stream, the sound of running water will transform your outdoor space not only visually but sonically, too.
With so many designs and placements to choose from, from the tasteful to the tacky, it’s prudent to opt for a water feature that accentuates your garden’s overall style and complements the space, rather than has a jarring effect. We particularly like those which are subtle on the eye and channel the soothing sounds of a trickle (as long as we’re not desperate for the loo, that is).
For A Pleasing Aroma: Plant Fragrant Flowers
Choose blooms that smell good so you can enjoy their scent while relaxing in your garden, and planting fragrant flowers is one of the most satisfying parts of gardening. Nothing makes a warm day feel more luxurious than taking a moment to smell some beautiful bloom, don’t you think?
Whether you’re choosing tuberose, lilies, jasmine or honeysuckle, each flower comes with its own special scent that will fill your garden with delightful aromas. Oh, and you might just attract some buzzing friends to your garden in the process!
For versatile shade coverage tailored to your surroundings, consider a retractable awning, which helps you optimise your shade coverage options, while also having the freedom to retract the awning if you do fancy a bit of sun.
Interestingly, awnings have gone through some pretty modern innovations recently, which makes them a great investment, boasting wind sensors that retract when the wind reaches a set level, and those that can adjust the strength of shade they cast using smart fabrics.
Wow!
Awnings can also add an extra layer of privacy to your garden space, should you have neighbours on the nosier side of the spectrum. Speaking of which…
For Extra Privacy: Use The Power Of Nature
It’s not only the sun you want to protect yourself from in the ultimate garden chill-out area, particularly if your outdoor space is in an urban setting and prone to prying eyes peering down into your garden.
Consider a few simple steps to more privacy in your garden space, which will be a welcome move from the perspective of both parties. Though it’s impossible to totally shroud your garden in secrecy (and let’s face it; that would look like you were up to no good), you can certainly protect your privacy and improve the natural feel of your chillout space with consciously positioned, tall shrubbery and free standing plants. This is far preferable to erecting clumsy fences we think, as there’s aesthetic beauty added to the mix, too.
The expert’s pick in this case is Umbrella Bamboo (Fargesia Murielae), which typically grows to a height of four metres and just needs a few strong canes for support. The dense shrubbery easily provides seclusion and shade and takes minimal maintenance; all that is needed is a cut every June or July and some sparing watering when the plant reemerges. Another wise choice is Magnolia Grandiflora, which, when permitted to grow, becomes a screening tree with its glossy, generous leaves.
Not only will they provide the desired shelter, but they also have the added bonus of being aesthetically pleasing. If you have the extra space and want to spruce up your outdoor area, consider adding hedges or fences as a way to embrace privacy – without walls!
For Expert Zoning & Even More Privacy: Hedges
Speaking of hedges, they’re not just perfectly suited for matters of privacy; hedges also offer great opportunities for truly expert zoning in larger gardens. Indeed, creating distinct zones in your garden not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also boosts privacy. Hedges are a classic and effective way to achieve this, offering a natural and attractive barrier that can be tailored to suit any garden style. In the UK, where privacy and the use of space are paramount, selecting the right type of hedge is crucial.
Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is a popular choice for formal hedges and topiary. Its dense, evergreen foliage provides year-round privacy and can be shaped to create crisp, clean lines in the garden. For more rapid growth, consider the Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), which, with its large, glossy leaves, can quickly form a dense screen and is tolerant of most soil types.
Yew (Taxus baccata) is another traditional British hedge, valued for its thick foliage and classic appearance. It’s particularly suited for creating high hedges that offer substantial privacy. Yew is also known for its durability and can be cut back hard if necessary.
For those who prefer a flowering hedge, the English Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a wonderful option. It provides a stunning display of white blossoms in spring, followed by red berries that attract wildlife. It’s a hardy native species that forms a dense and thorny barrier, ideal for increasing security as well as privacy.
Beech (Fagus sylvatica) hedges are also a favourite in the UK. The green beech retains its leaves throughout the winter, which turn a beautiful copper hue, while the purple beech adds a splash of colour with its deep purple leaves that also transition to copper in the autumn.
For a hedge that grows quickly and offers a more informal look, the Leyland Cypress (x Cuprocyparis leylandii) is a fast-growing conifer that can provide a high screen in a relatively short period. However, it’s important to manage its growth as it can become too large if not regularly maintained.
When planning your hedge, consider the height you desire for privacy and how much maintenance you are willing to undertake. Some hedges require more frequent trimming with specialised, powerful hedge trimmers to maintain their shape, while others can be left to grow more naturally.
For A Seamless Transition From Day To Night: Install Outdoor Lighting
It’s easy to overlook outdoor lighting when designing a garden worthy of relaxing in – after all, gardens are very much synonymous with the daytime – but if you’re keen to ensure a smooth transition from day to night, then it’s essential that your garden is properly illuminated.
From small spotlights highlighting certain plants to twinkling fairy lights designed to look a little whimsical, all the way to large-scale walk lights illuminating the entire yard, there are a wide variety of options for whatever lighting your night-time garden dreams might require.
Not only will these lights create an inviting atmosphere perfect for garden parties, romantic al fresco evenings, and stargazing, but they can also act as a deterrent against intruders.
For The Avoidance Of Visual Distraction: Get Rid Of Weeds
An overgrown garden will never look luxurious, so make sure to keep on top of the weeding. Pulling the weeds and keeping them out of the garden can be tedious, but it’s a step that shouldn’t be overlooked.
An overgrown garden is likely to suffer from poor drainage, and if left unchecked, could lead to an unhealthy plant population. Starting from the edge of the garden and working inward will help maximise efficiency and minimise the difficulty in getting rid of those pesky weeds. For areas with tougher weeds or along borders, a quality weed eater can make the job much faster and more efficient. Remember – take pride in your garden, however big or small, and keep things healthy by keeping up with the weeding.
Remember – take pride in your garden, however big or small, and keep things healthy by keeping up with the weeding.
Comfortable chairs and tables are a must for any garden designed for chilling. When considering the perfect luxury garden furniture, prioritise items that are both stylish and comfortable.
However tempting it is to simply add as many seats as possible to accommodate family and friends, we recommend that you take a more considered approach. Instead, focus on creating a few different seating areas that serve to draw the focus to different areas of the garden, channelling the ‘chill out zones’ of Ibiza, perhaps.
Remember that although cushioned sofas may be great to sink into, you’ll have to take them in each night – curse the Great British weather!
The Bottom Line
Creating your own luxury garden does not have to be an intimidating task. Even if you don’t have a massive budget or a lifetime of experience, it’s still possible to turn your outdoor space into something special.
From the purely aesthetic elements like water features all the way to the mundane tasks of weeding and pruning, a relaxing garden fit for spring is well within reach. Now, when might we expect an invite?
Mex this can on Monday, took her for a taco on Tuesday, we were making mole on Wednesday, and on Thursday and Friday and Saturday, we chilaquiles on Sunday…
Hmm, perhaps one of our more overly ambitious opening segments, but the point remains; in Brighton, there’s enough fantastic Mexican food to see you through the whole week if you were so inclined.
From hole-in-the-wall taco slingers to modern restaurants cooking Mexican food with British ingredients, the city has got you covered.
Yep, if you’re wondering where to eat Mexican food in Brighton, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve scooped the guac, sipped the mezcal and snapped the tostada to find these; the best Mexican restaurants in Brighton.
Taquitos Casa Azul
Ideal a warm Mexican welcome and a traditional taco experience…
Brighton’s Open Market, tucked away off London Road and close to popular Brighton park and meeting point The Level, is one of the city’s most underrated spaces. In this humble market, you’ll find purveyors of fresh local produce and a handful of excellent street food operations, patisseries and cafes.
Whilst we adore the delicate tarts and vibrantly coloured macarons from Real Patissiere, and can’t resist a Bangladeshi snack or two when passing the Spice of Life, our favourite spot here is most definitely Taquitos Casa Azul, a family-run, all Mexican joint serving the most authentic tacos in town.
A visit here is a must if you’re in the area, for their simple, stripped back menu. There’s no Tex Mex, ‘fully loaded’ stuff here, just four types of meat taco – a chicken tinga, a chicken mole, a shredded beef chile colorado and a shredded pork cochinita – and a vegetarian equivalent of each. The corn tortillas are made daily, of course, and the whole thing is just delicious. Pull up a pew at their sole table outside the shopfront and get stuck in.
What’s more, head honcho Gabriel Gutierrez is a fabulous host, offering a warm welcome and a sampling of Casa Azul’s selection of homemade salsas and hot sauces (available to buy by the jar) as you wait to pay the bill. He knows what he’s doing; once you’ve tried the Salsa Chipotle – heady with hibiscus and dried apricot – you’ll be hooked. We add it to everything now; it’s incredible.
Ideal for crowd pleasing plates close to the station…
In the North Laine’s quirky tangle of narrow streets and independent shops you’ll find La Choza. Really, you’ll find it; the restaurant is rendered in vital shades of pink and yellow that you just can’t miss, with a clutch of tables outside continuing the eye-catching theme via garish floral tablecloths.
That’s not to say the food is brash or distasteful, here. Quite the opposite, in fact; since 2012 La Choza has been producing some of the finest Mexican food in Brighton, with the restaurant gaining national critical acclaim in the form of a glowing review from Tom Parker Bowles in which he wrote that ‘’in this tiny Brighton backstreet, there’s true Mexican magic‘’. You’ll have to find that review yourself; we can’t bring ourselves to link to it.
Where Casa Azul keeps the menu options narrow, La Choza is perhaps a more crowd pleasing offering due to the menu’s DIY format.
That menu is split into three sections – choose your base, choose your filling, choose your salsa – allowing for a fine-tuned feast. We just love the XXtra Hot Naga Salsa, which is mellowed by the addition of mango and will brighten up your order whichever direction you choose to take things.
The restaurant is a no reservations affair; just rock up and enjoy.
Ideal Tip: If you’re in the mood for churros after a lunchtime Mexican feast in Brighton, head to Churchill Square where you’ll find a food van serving up freshly made churros until the early evening.
El Bolillo *now sadly closed*
Ideal for refined Mexican flavours with a fine dining twist…
On Hove’s bustling Church Road, El Bolillo (Mexican slang for ‘white boy’) occupies the former Los Amigos site with ambitious plans to take Mexican cuisine in a decidedly different direction to those brothers and their Tex-Mex leanings. While El Bolillo bills itself as as “not just a taqueria”, tacos are indeed the main feature of the menu, all give a fine dining touch and with a premium price tag to match. At £10-16 for a single taco, you’ll need deep pockets for the full experience. The tasting menu (£75, or £55 for a shortened version) feels like the right move, then.
Chef Greg Clarke brings his experience from Michelin-starred kitchens Midsummer House and The Ledbury to create technically precise tacos that are big on flavour and with enough intrigue in their combinations to keep you ordering more. The highlight of a recent meal here was a pork cheek with eel and meco XO sauce number, served on a hand-pressed masa tortilla. Visually striking, it delivered on flavour too, with an intricate balance that revealed Clarke’s deft touch.
The restaurant’s brutalist-inspired interior features lime-washed walls and earthy ceramics, with just 31 seats (including 10 at the bar) plus a private dining room for 12. Their cocktail menu shows a playful side – try the Cardi B Negroni with Campari, vermouth, gin, hibiscus, and cardamom (hence the name, we assume?) – that again showcases that keen grasp of balance and poise. El Bolillo might make your wallet significantly lighter, but it’s certainly bringing something new to Hove’s dining scene, and we can’t wait to watch it evolve.
Ideal for no frills Mexican drinking snacks and some excellent margaritas…
Finally, we’re heading to Halisco, on Brighton’s beloved ‘restaurant street’, Preston Street. Here, the menu is a little more expansive, with a selection of around salads and ceviche, small plates with a decent vegan focus, and six or so tacos you can really get stuck into. This place is just perfect for parties, we think, with the superb (and superbly strong) house margaritas certainly not harming that sense of conviviality.
Though the restaurant dining room is what an estate agent might charitably call ‘cosy’, there’s a few outdoor seats and benches too, and a raucous vibe that regularly spills out onto the street, too.
It feels like Halisco is getting more ambitious, and with it, national (and even international) recognition is following. Firstly, the restaurant was named by Time Out as one of Brighton’s best in June of last year. And, more recently, it was featured on Adam Richman (of Man v. Food fame) Eats Football. He bloody loved the place!
After what feels like a lifetime of cold days, long nights and evenings spent hunkered down beneath a vast swathe of blanket, winter is, at long last, on its way out.
Spring is rolling in to grace us with an explosion of new life and optimism, all brought on by warmer weather and sunnier days – and it couldn’t have come soon enough!
With the warm weather comes the opportunity to rediscover our garden spaces, and often, the discovery that they’re looking a little tired after the cold season. But for the four in five 18–34-year-olds seeing gardening as a ‘cool’ pastime, the prospect of tidying up a garden space in time for spring might even be a positive one!
Thankfully, even for those with little interest in horticultural affairs, there are many simple ways in which we can spruce up our gardens for spring, ready to entertain guests once more. The following accounts for just five.
Low Maintenance Green Things
While gardening may be a cool pastime in spring, busy summer schedules often make the activity a bit of a chore. Come summer, your garden should be a space for relaxing and entertaining; as such you’ll want a low maintenance garden during its ‘high season’, so you don’t have to waste endless chilling time on the garden chores of watering, weeding and de-heading.
Enter lush leafy plants that are oh-so low maintenance; think evergreens, ferns and tall grasses, which make your garden feel natural and lush without looking unkempt. Consider, too, introducing self-watering planters to your garden setup. These clever containers feature a reservoir at the base that slowly feeds moisture to your plants, meaning you can go for extended periods without having to water them manually. Perfect for forgetful gardeners or busy professionals, these planters work brilliantly with drought-tolerant plants like lavender, rosemary and succulents. Not only do they reduce your maintenance time, but they also ensure more consistent growth as your plants receive exactly what they need without the feast-or-famine cycle of traditional watering.
Shrinking the size of your lawn is an option, too. While this may not be a simple suggestion, it will simplify your garden chores, lessening the load of mowing, raking and the like. Do the bees a favour and turn part of your lawn into a small scale wildflower meadow. Alternatively, add some decking or paving…
Introducing decking to your garden space is a brilliant way to create a dedicated area for entertaining or simply relaxing with a cuppa. While it requires more effort than hanging a garden ornament, it needn’t become an overwhelming project.
When choosing materials, pressure-treated timber will withstand the British weather nicely, but composite decking offers even better durability without the need for regular maintenance. Made from a mixture of wood fibres and recycled plastic, it resists fading, staining and won’t splinter like traditional timber—worth considering despite the higher price tag.
Many garden centres offer decking kits with pre-cut boards, making it an achievable weekend project for the moderately handy homeowner. For larger installations where ground preparation and drainage need consideration, local landscape gardeners can typically complete the job within a couple of days.
Once installed, a thorough sweep and occasional wash will keep your decking looking fresh throughout the seasons. Add some weather-resistant cushions and perhaps a parasol, and you’ll have created an inviting outdoor living space that serves you well through spring and beyond.
A Splash of Spring Colour
You can make a huge impact on the feel of your garden by simply introducing a little visual vibrancy to proceedings. One major way to add colour is to repaint your garden fences and exterior-facing walls.
It should be noted that painting straight on to the surface makes for a mediocre result, owing to the possibility of flaking paint or debris being stuck to the surface. Instead, you can use a cordless angle grinder to safely remove old, flaking paint from your walls without damaging the material beneath, before re-priming and re-painting in a seasonally-appropriate colour.
Another way to add a splash of colour to your garden could be to simply replace your flower pots and planters. These pots and planters can serve to add serious character to garden and patio spaces, especially if mismatched. Go for a mismatched look or choose colours that fit with the colours of your garden to create a unique colour palette throughout.
Don’t forget the power of seasonal bulbs to transform your garden’s colour palette. While many gardeners plant their spring bulbs in autumn, you can still find pre-grown potted tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths at garden centres that can be placed strategically around your garden for instant impact. For summer-long colour, consider investing in some dahlia tubers or lily bulbs, which can be planted in spring for dramatic blooms later in the season. These showstoppers require minimal effort yet deliver maximum visual punch, perfect for gardeners seeking impressive results without the corresponding workload.
Ornaments & Sculptures
Speaking of character, a great way to imbue your garden with it is to accessorise out there. Think wind chimes and ornamental rain catchers, garden gnomes and avant-garde sculpture.
A cursory search through your local garden centre may reveal garden ornaments to suit your taste, with many perfectly suited to being hidden in flower beds or hung from your trees and shrubs.
Some garden accessories have the added benefit of bringing new wildlife into your garden. A bird feeder pole, a birdbath or a sculpture, for example, can be chic ways to increase the bird population in your garden, and give you more visual intrigue to enjoy from your patio or window.
Water features, even modest ones, can elevate your garden from pleasant to enchanting without requiring extensive installation or maintenance. A small solar-powered fountain can be placed directly into an existing container, creating a soothing soundtrack of trickling water that masks urban noise and attracts more wildlife to your garden. For something even simpler, consider a decorative rain chain in place of a traditional downpipe, transforming mundane rainfall into a mesmerising visual display. These functional art pieces work particularly well in smaller gardens where space is at a premium but aesthetic impact is still desired.
In The Zone
Lastly, curating different zones in your garden that serve distinct purposes can completely transform your whole garden
You could do this in any number of ways. Some choose to create a bistro porch area by their back door, while others zone by introducing a paved patio seating space with outdoor sofas and a chimenea for late evening warmth. We’re especially fans of pergolas for designating a space for some quiet reading. Creating a proper space for gatherings means you all get to enjoy your spruced-up garden in comfort and style.
Consider vertical zoning as well, by incorporating different heights into your garden design. A raised planter bed can serve as both a practical growing space and a subtle boundary marker between zones. Similarly, a well-placed archway covered in climbing plants creates a sense of transition between different garden areas while drawing the eye upward. This approach to zoning works particularly well in smaller gardens where horizontal space might be limited but the vertical dimension remains largely untapped. The added height also creates visual interest throughout the seasons, especially when adorned with climbing plants that flower at different times of the year.
Arguably South London’s most famous borough – and one which gave us Giggs, Only Fools & Horses, Isla Bevan, Rio Ferdinand, John Boyega and so many more – on any given day Peckham’s streets are a hive of activity; a cornucopia of cultures and cuisines, as African-Caribbean grills and bakeries mix with minimalist coffee houses and ‘Modern European’ bistros to give the high street an unmistakably eclectic vibe.
It’s a vibe that’s been seeing seismic change recently, for better or for worse. Amidst this backdrop of change, Peckham’s restaurant scene has burgeoned, offering a diverse array of dining options that cater to both new and old residents, with the area’s more established food purveyors adapting to shifting times with admirable nimbleness.
For many, the culinary landscape of Peckham thrives when managing to reflect the area’s multicultural heritage and evolving identity, and today we’re stepping out of the borough’s busiest train station, Peckham Rye, in search of something to eat.
Join us as we explore the restaurants, both new and old, that make Peckham’s dining scene truly one-of-a-kind. Here’s where to eat near Peckham Rye Station, featuring some of the best restaurants in Peckham.
Levan
Just a minute’s walk from Peckham Rye Station, Levan, a contemporary European bistro, takes its name from the legendary DJ Larry Levan, and pays homage to the spirit of inclusivity and creativity that he embodied.
Chef Philip Limpl, formerly head chef of Kona in Copenhagen, leads the kitchen team in crafting seasonal sharing plates that showcase the best of modern European cooking, inspired by Paris’ ‘bistronomy’ movement, which aims to fuse fine dining with a more casual atmosphere and eclectic wine lists.
Start with the now iconic Comté fries with saffron aioli; a decadent twist on the classic French chip blanketed under whispers of delicate grated cheese, showcasing Limpl’s ability to elevate humble ingredients to new heights. Follow that with a couple of sharing plates; the bavette steak (cooked blushing) with heritage tomatoes and scotch bonnet that’s currently on the weekly changing Chef’s Menu is a knockout. And anytime there’s pork chop on that menu – arriving a pleasing pink – don’t miss out on it!
That said, it’s the restaurant’s fantastic wine list that takes centre stage, with a firm focus falling on low-intervention, bio-dynamic wines from small producers across Europe, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and quality.
Accordingly, one of the most notable achievements for Levan has been winning the Special Jury Prize in The Buyer’s 2022 Star Wine List of the Year UK. This prestigious award highlights the restaurant’s dedication to championing wines from the Jura region in France (the owners here nearly called the restaurant ‘Jura’ in its honour), an area often underrepresented and challenging to source.
Levan’s wine list features an impressive range of producers and styles from this region, showcasing a refreshing, unique, and distinctive personality that sets it apart from other neighbourhood restaurants in Peckham.
If you’re stepping off the train seeking the sweet, spicy smell of jerk chicken on the grill, then don’t look for smoke signals as soon as you alight. Instead, head north out of Peckham Rye Station and up Rye Lane, making for JB’s Soulfood, arguably the best known jerk in the area (except, perhaps, Gregg Wallace).
Serving the good folk of Peckham High Street since 2014, Bill and Jennifer, the much-loved dynamic duo behind the South London institution, have transformed a compact unit into a bustling hub of authentic Caribbean cuisine and community. Bill, a former welder, convinced Jennifer to bring her culinary skills to the forefront, and together they created a soul food haven.
Though you can squeeze in around one of the restaurant’s clutch of sparsely appointed wooden tables, owing to its size JB’s is better suited to takeaway, and that’s fine by us; there’s nothing better than pitching up on the pavement outside and getting acquainted with the signature drum-smoked jerk chicken, which is also one of the area’s best value meals, clocking in at under a fiver when served over rice. A plastic cup of JB’s Guinness punch will send you merrily on your way…
… But not before you pick up a side of silky macaroni cheese and, because you’re here, you’re hungry and it’s delicious, some heavily, headily-spiced curry goat.
Lunchtime deals and student specials run every lunchtime from Monday to Friday.
Address: 27A Peckham High St, London SE15 5EB, United Kingdom
Right next to Peckham Rye station at 11a Station Way (in the former Coal Rooms space), Hausu brings together food and music in a way that captures the creative energy of SE15.
Founded by siblings Tom and Holly Joseph, alongside their mate Chris, Hausu takes its name from a trippy Japanese horror film from the ’70s. Fortunately, it’s not all shocking psychedelic shades and murderous household appliances. Instead, the space offers a relaxed, mid-century feel with green banquettes, herringbone floors, and warm lighting that gives the panelled walls a soft glow. Set and setting, indeed…
Holly Joseph, who previously worked at The Camberwell Arms and The Waterman Arms (both on our rundown of London’s best gastropubs, incidentally), runs the kitchen here. Her menu is a globetrotting affair, with dishes like scallop and prawn toast – a dish with truly gorgeous mouthfeel, coming covered in black sesame seeds and served with a quite spicy dipping sauce. To truly get a measure of the place, don’t miss the humble, restorative ‘Dad’s Broth’ (£4.50) either, a chicken soup packed with herbaceous flavours that offers a glimpse into the Joseph family’s food heritage.
For something on decidedly the other side of the substantial scale, try the sirloin steak (£47 for 450g). It comes with a beef sauce and a pert condiment made from confit lemon zest, salted red chillies, and crispy garlic. Be warned – these steaks are big boys, served on the bone, and can take a while to hit the table. Best order an extra starter while you wait.
Music is central to Hausu’s identity. Chris selects tracks that play through a vintage sound system, creating a soundtrack that envelopes but doesn’t overwhelm the dining experience. On Fridays, local DJs take over, and the team believes strongly that music and food together create something special.
A place this vibey needs carefully made drinks, and the Gibson Martini (£11) is a knockout (quite literally after three or four), combining Absolut Vodka, Dolin Blanc, and juice from Hausu’s house pickles.
Open Tuesday through Thursday from 5-11pm, Friday 5pm-1am and Saturday 12pm-1am (closed Sunday and Monday), Hausu works for both quick drinks and proper meals. Its location practically inside the station makes it perfect for a pre-train cocktail or a night out in Peckham.
Christ we loved Larry’s, the New York-inspired bistro that used to sling the finest meatball subs known to man from this spot, the same one that Bar Levan now occupies.
So, like a stepkid who needed convincing about their mum’s new partner, we went into Bar Levan more than a little apprehensive, having already decided we missed Larry’s chilled out vibes and latke too much to welcome its replacement into our lives.
We were wrong. Opened in the Autumn of 2023 by Mark Gurney and Matt Bushnell as a replacement for Larry’s, the minds behind neighbouring Levan from a few paragraphs earlier have brought another slice of Parisian chic to Peckham with Bar Levan. Inspired by the vibrant natural wine bars of Paris, such as Septime La Cave and Aux Deux Amis, Bar Levan offers an intimate vibe seemingly at odds with the bustle of the Blenheim Grove thoroughfare beyond its doors.
Just a stone’s throw from Peckham Rye Overground, Bar Levan is a 42-cover space that features high-top table, as well as street-level seating for those warmer days. The bar’s vintage sound system and rare vinyl collection, curated by owner Mark Gurney (something of the nominative determinism here, being a house DJ?), provide a dulcet backdrop to your dining and drinking experience. Every Friday, local DJs spin tunes, and once a month, the bar hosts the cult music and wine tasting event, Strictly Bangers.
Bar Levan’s wine list, curated by Gurney, is a treasure trove for natural wine enthusiasts. The ever-evolving selection features an extensive range of natural wines from across Europe, including lesser-known regions like Slovakia, The Czech Republic, and Hungary, alongside more familiar territories such as Austria, Italy, and France. Wines are available by the glass, carafe, or bottle, with unique ‘one-offs’ making regular appearances. Lovely, inclusive stuff.
The menu features playful sharing plates rooted in informal European bistro classics, blending retro and refined cooking styles. Start with small bites like miso devilled egg with nori and togarashi, or a more prosaic but no less delicious Ortiz anchovies in olive oil. Pair both with an even more straightforward baguette and butter, the latter properly salty and all the better for it.
Move on to Bar Levan’s excellent Croque Monsieur with pickles, a stacked, indulgent affair that continues Larry’s legacy of doing truly killer sandwiches. Even better are ‘mussels on crisps’, which are just that. Need we say more?
Bar Levan is open from Tuesday to Friday, 5pm to 12am, and on Saturdays from 12pm to 12am. The bar takes reservations but also welcomes walk-ins.
A joyful weekend spent eating through Eater London’s recommendations on where to eat in Peckham (for pleasure, not business) ended in the conclusion that the beef suya at Tiwa ’n’ Tiwa is one of the most moreish plates of food in all of the city. It’s also one of the spiciest.
As Jonathan Nunn (editor of the superb food newsletter Vittles) writes, the easiest way to find Tiwa ‘n’ Tiwa is to head to the huge, glass fronted Burger King on Peckham High Street, turn around, and ‘’look for the smoke’’.
Follow your nose, and you’ll find barbecued beef suya that’s been rolled in the effervescent Nigerian suya spice blend yaji, usually made from several different strains of dried chilli alongside onion, garlic and ginger powders, white and black pepper and several other heady ground spices.
The chilli-hit here is of the rasping variety, teasing and taunting the back of the palate rather than the tip of the tongue, as fresh chilli seems to. Its analeptic quality invigorates, and despite the hot fluster it puts us in, it’s impossible not to order another plate.
Address: 34A Peckham High St, London SE15 5DP, United Kingdom
Artusi
Artusi, named after the famous Italian gastronome Pellegrino Artusi, is the Italian neighbourhood restaurant every borough dreams of; it’s no frills in every sense of the word, and all the better for it.
A chalkboard menu details the ever-changing offerings of the day; always expect two or three freshly made pasta dishes (on one of our many, many visits a wild garlic spaghetti with a ricotta salata was bloody lovely), a strong vegetable showing and a couple of meat and fish dishes. The cod, pancetta and braised coco beans currently on the menu is a salty delight.
Though simplicity and respect for ingredients lies at the heart of the operation, everything is executed with confidence and care – what we would expect from a former Clove Club chef, Jack Beer.
Whisper it, but the Sunday set menu deal, from 12pm to 8pm, is probably the best of its kind in the city – you can enjoy 3 courses for just 25 quid. Yes, 25. For more of a blowout, the £40 per person sharing menu for eight or more people, housed in the airy lower floor right next to the kitchen, is another great deal.
Images via Artusi’s Instagram
The restaurant boasts an all-Italian wine list, with a focus on small producers and natural wines, as is the way in a modern London neighbourhood restaurant. The 2020 Ciello Baglio Antico Catarratto – an orange wine bursting with vivacity and freshness – is a steal at £8 a glass.
Whilst Artusi isn’t quite so close to Peckham Rye Station as the other entries on our list, sitting a ten minute walk away on Bellenden Road, it’s certainly worth stretching your legs for.
For those craving pasta even closer to Peckham Rye Station, Oi Spaghetti has got you covered (in red sauce). This intimate eatery specialises in homemade pasta dishes, prepared lovingly with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques – yep, there’s no automated pasta rolling machine here.
Chef Francesco, the brains behind this compact space, hails from Italy and brings with him a passion for sharing the authentic flavours of his homeland with London diners, all from a space that is perhaps best described as a hut on an industrial estate.
It’s a tight menu in keeping with its surroundings, with just four or five pasta dishes on at any one time, plus a starter or two and a single dessert, tiramisu, with only nine portions available daily.
Of those pastas, we’re particularly enamoured with the ‘Red One’; essentially a puttanesca, with plenty of kick and piquancy from Kalamata olives, capers and red chilli both fresh and dried. It arrives adorned with a graceful covering of DOP parmesan and drizzle of Toscanian olive oil, and satisfies just about every food craving you could be suffering from in a single bite.
Finish with an order of that famous Italian sweet pick-me-up (if it’s not sold out), and head back to Peckham Rye Station satiated and satisfied.
A word of warning; book your table in advance as this cosy eatery is actually teeny tiny shed that only has a handful of tables.
Address: Copeland Industrial Park, 133 Copeland Rd, London SE15 3SN, United Kingdom
Inside the recently renovated Rye Lane Indoor Market at 48 Rye Lane sits Guacamoles. Hmm, perhaps sits isn’t quite the right phrase – it stands proud. Look for orange dahlias painted on white beams, Mexican flags, and a sombrero perched on top of a small blackboard menu and you’ll know you’ve arrived.
This colourful taco spot is run by Manolo de la Torre – known as ‘Taco Manny’ to some – and his wife Gabriella. What started as a pop-up in late 2023 has quickly become a beloved fixture in Peckham, serving really damn good tacos at surprisingly reasonable prices.
Manny’s background adds depth to his cooking. Originally from Veracruz on Mexico’s east coast, he comes from a family of food vendors – his grandfather built a business selling burritos to factory workers. After coming to the UK and noticing the lack of affordable Mexican options, Manny decided to fill that gap. “This is fast food; it shouldn’t be expensive,” he says. “With one kilogram of masa, I can make 90 tortillas”, he told FT Globetrotter.
Mission statement dispensed with, unsurprisingly the menu centres on corn tortillas made fresh daily by hand. The birria tacos feature slow-cooked beef with a complex spice blend that gives them remarkable depth. Even more impressive is the lengua (beef tongue) taco, where the meat becomes wonderfully tender after slow-braising.
The al pastor uses pork belly that’s been braised and fried rather than the traditional spit-roasting method. The mix of achiote, orange, and vinegar creates a flavor that’s complex and satisfying. Every order includes freshly made guacamole and three different salsas, plus lime wedges.
Save room for Manny’s tres leches cake – a light sponge soaked in evaporated milk following a family recipe passed down through generations. It’s delicate yet indulgent. The Jamaica Aguas Frescas (hibiscus tea) makes a perfect accompaniment – sweet and refreshing with a pleasant tartness.
While you can take your food to go, it’s worth eating in the market’s food court. The area directly in front of Guacamoles has colorful papel picado decorations and a lively atmosphere that enhances the experience.
Budget-conscious visitors should come on Tuesdays when tacos are just £3 each. As for Manny’s claim that these are “the best tacos in London” – well, they’re certainly contenders.
M. Manze, a renowned pie and mash shop, has been serving Londoners with its delicious traditional British meals since 1902. The history of this iconic establishment is deeply rooted in the culinary culture of London, particularly in the eastern docklands area where it first gained popularity during the Victorian era. Pie and mash, originally a working-class food, was designed to be easily transportable and protected from the dirt and grime of historic London by its pastry crust.
The legacy of M. Manze began with Michele Manze, an Italian immigrant who opened his first pie and mash shop on Southwark’s Union Street in 1844. His business was inspired by the travelling piemen who sold their pies throughout London. Over the years, the Manze family expanded their business, opening several shops across the city. Today, the fourth generation of the Manze family, Emma Harrington, her father Rick Poole, and her husband Tom Harrington, continue to run the family-owned business.
Image via Manzes Facebook
Located at 105 Peckham High Street just a 5 minute walk north of the station, M. Manze’s Peckham shop is the second oldest surviving branch after the Tower Bridge shop. It first opened its doors in 1927 and has since become a beloved institution in the community. However, the shop faced a significant challenge in 1985 when it was burnt down during the riots in the area.
A long legal battle ensued, and unfortunately, Lionel Manze, Michele’s son who took over the business after his father’s death in 1932, did not live long enough to see the outcome. Despite these hardships, M. Manze persevered and continues to thrive in Peckham.
The signature dish of M. Manze is, of course, their famous pie and mash. The pie consists of a minced-beef filling, which historically contained leftover scraps of meat and vegetables, baked in a pastry crust. It is served with mashed potatoes and a thin green parsley sauce called liquor, which, despite its name, contains no alcohol. This hearty meal has been a staple of London’s culinary scene for generations and remains a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
M. Manze is not only known for its delicious pie and mash but also for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff at the Peckham shop are friendly and greet customers with a smile, making it a go-to place for those seeking a taste of traditional London grub. In addition to their signature dish, M. Manze also offers other handcrafted traditional English dishes, such as stewed eels, which are available for delivery throughout the UK.
Ganapati is a South Indian gem tucked away just off Bellenden Road, offering a taste of Kerala cuisine as imagined by head chef and owner Claire Fisher, who has spent years perfecting her recipes, resulting in dishes that transport diners straight to the sun-soaked shores of Southern India.
Open since 2004, long before Peckham shapeshifted into its current form, the restaurant’s inception can be traced back to Claire Fisher’s life-changing trip to India in 1992. Enamoured by the rich flavours and vibrant culture, Claire embarked on a journey to master the art of South Indian cooking, which eventually led her to Holly Grove, and Ganapati.
The Thali here, a traditional Indian platter with a selection of curry, rice, raita, mung bean salad, pickles and poppadoms, offers a true taste of Kerala’s diverse culinary landscape, and is just fantastic. It’s a bargain, too, at £12.50 for the full spread, and is one of the best budget lunches in the immediate area. Come get it while it’s hot!
Address: 38 Holly Grove, London SE15 5DF, United Kingdom
National newspaper recognition has not dented the idiosyncrasies of this great ‘pan-Balkan’ Peckham institution, where head chef and owner John Gionleka, originally from Albania, brings his wealth of experience and passion for regional cuisine to create dishes that are both comforting and innovative..
With its celebration of the South Eastern Mediterranean, it’s no surprise that fish is done superbly here, with a grilled octopus, white taramasalata (none of that neon-pink stuff here), and caper dressing a standout dish on our last visit, showcasing the chef’s skill in combining bold flavours and textures. It’s intriguing, exciting and both familiar and thrilling, which is pretty much all you want from a meal out.
The wine list here is a celebration of sometimes lesser-known grape varieties from the Balkans and Eastern Europe, and features unique and diverse options, ranging from the Simcic Opoka Ribolla, an orange wine from Slovenia, to Greek reds and other regional favourites. Spirit enthusiasts can indulge in a Peckham Negroni with Otto’s vermouth from Athens, which is excellent. Throw in a glass or two, and you’ve got yourself one of the best meals in Peckham.
Address: 119 Consort Rd, London SE15 3RU, United Kingdom
Located on Peckham’s premier foodie strip Bellenden Road, the Begging Bowl uses Thai street food to form gorgeous small plates of zest and fire. The building is beautiful and airy, adding to the buzz this place generates even on a weeknight.
Chef-owner Jane Alty has trained in some of the best kitchens in London. Originally from New Zealand, Jane has lived in London for two decades, working alongside the city’s best chefs in top-name restaurants such as Bibendum, Galvin at Windows, Racine and, most influentially, the Michelin-starred Bangkok restaurant Nahm.
On the menu, dishes boast real clarity and punch, with excellent sourcing evident in the precision of flavour. Don’t miss out on deep fried whole sea bass, served under a tangle of shredded green mango and doused in a perky tamarind dressing. The jasmine rice, so fragrant and nourishing, is limitless. A real treat, and one of London’s best Thai restaurants, for sure.
Address: 168 Bellenden Rd, London SE15 4BW, United Kingdom
Mr. Bao has been delighting South Londoners with its famous fluffy buns and other Taiwanese staples since 2016.
Frank Yeung, the owner of Mr. Bao, is no stranger to Peckham’s restaurant scene, as he co-owns Miss Tapas on Choumert Road and has previously run a small chain of Mexican restaurants called Poncho 8 with his friend Nick Birkett, who is co-owner here. The duo fell in love with baos during their trips to New York and Asia, which inspired them to bring these instagrammable bites back to Peckham. We’re so glad they did.
The star of the show at Mr. Bao is undoubtedly one of its signature dishes, the Bao Diddley, a fried chicken bao given a real kick of flavour by kimchi and wasabi mayo. The tapioca flour used here is the masterstroke, making their chicken extra crispy, the fermented bean curd nestled within the buns packing an umami punch. It’s pretty much the definition of ‘crowd-pleaser’. For the vegetarians in the gang, the teriyaki shiitake mushroom bao is just as satisfying.
If you have a penchant for dessert, then their squidgy, sweet, salty and savoury miso cookie sandwich will make you smile – think two freshly baked chocolate chip cookies sandwiched together with miso caramel and marshmallow fluff. We’re grinning just thinking about it.
The restaurant also boasts an enjoyable selection of drinks, including their house Daddy Bao Yuzu Pale Ale, Mr. Bao Plum Wine Negroni, and a keen roll call of sake. Aahhhh.
And with that, we’re in need of a well-earned lie down…
Address: 293-295 Rye Ln, London SE15 4UA, United Kingdom
