Where once upon a time a simple jog around the neighbourhood in your Bermudas and a vest would have sufficed, nowadays if you’re not stepping out the house for exercise in all manner of wearable tech, then it doesn’t feel like you’re doing it right.
Indeed, in the world of health and fitness, wearable technology really has become a game-changer. From smartwatches to fitness trackers and everything in between, these devices offer real-time insights into our physical activity, providing data on steps, heart rate, calories burned and a whole host of other metrics. Whether you choose to totally ignore all that data, like so many of us do, or use it to your advantage, is often the difference between a satisfying fitness journey and one mired in inconsistency.
That’s because the best wearable tech allows the health driven folk among us to monitor their progress, stay motivated, and make informed decisions about their fitness stats along the way.
As technology continues to evolve, the role of these devices in personal fitness is expanding at a really impressive rate, transforming how we approach workouts and overall wellness. Fitness has never been so accessible or data-driven.
Firstly, What Are The Main Forms Of Fitness Wearable Currently Available?
Fitness wearables come in various forms, each designed to cater to different aspects of physical activity and health monitoring. The main types include:
Smartwatches: These multifunctional devices not only tell time but also track a wide range of fitness metrics, from steps and heart rate to sleep patterns and stress levels. Popular models include the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch.
Fitness Trackers: More streamlined than smartwatches, fitness trackers like the Fitbit Charge and Garmin Vivosmart focus primarily on health and fitness metrics, offering detailed insights into daily activity levels.
Heart Rate Monitors: Often worn around the chest, these devices provide precise heart rate data, making them ideal for athletes and those engaged in high-intensity workouts.
Smart Clothing: Embedded with sensors, smart clothing such as shirts, shorts, and even socks can monitor muscle activity, heart rate, and other vital signs, providing a comprehensive overview of physical performance.
GPS Watches: Specifically designed for outdoor activities like running, cycling, and hiking, these watches offer accurate tracking of distance, pace, and route, helping users navigate and improve their performance.
Smart Rings: Compact and stylish, smart rings like the Oura Ring track sleep, activity, and readiness, providing a holistic view of health in a discreet form factor.
Smart Glasses: Devices like the Vuzix Blade offer augmented reality features, allowing users to access fitness data and navigation without looking at their wrist, enhancing the workout experience.
And, What Are The Most Common Features?
Fitness wearables are packed with features that cater to a wide range of fitness needs. Some of the most common features include:
Heart Rate Monitoring: Provides real-time data on heart rate, helping users stay within their target zones for optimal performance and health benefits.
Calorie Tracking: Estimates the number of calories burned during various activities, aiding in weight management and fitness planning.
Sleep Tracking: Monitors sleep patterns and sleep quality, offering insights into how well users are resting and recovering.
GPS Tracking: Records routes, distance, and pace for outdoor activities, helping users track their progress and set new goals.
Notifications and Alerts: Syncs with smartphones to deliver notifications for calls, messages, and reminders, ensuring users stay connected even during workouts.
Morden fitness wearables are no longer limited to tracking basic metrics; they now offer advanced metrics that were once only accessible to elite athletes in sports performance labs.
Devices equipped with functions such as VO2 Max measurement help users understand their cardiovascular endurance, while stress monitoring has also become a key feature, providing insights into how external factors impact physical performance.
On top of that, some wearables now include SpO2 sensors to measure blood oxygen levels, giving users a more comprehensive view of their respiratory health. For those wanting a closer look at their heart health, services like ECG at Home make it easy to get checked without needing a referral. It’s a simple way to back up your fitness tracker data with something more clinical.
These advanced tools allow the everyday fitness enthusiast to tap into professional-level data, leveraging this to enhance their training thanks to a deeper understanding of their body’s responses and needs.
Fitness Wearables As Lifestyle Statement
Fitness wearables have evolved from mere tracking tools to stylish lifestyle statements, blending technology with personal flair. No longer just for monitoring steps and heart rates, these devices now offer extensive customisation options, allowing users to express their individuality while staying fit.
Interchangeable watch straps are a popular feature, with options ranging from sleek leather to durable silicone and sophisticated metal. This versatility means your fitness tracker can transition seamlessly from a workout to a formal event, making it an essential accessory for any occasion.
Customisable watch faces and widgets further enhance personalisation, offering designs from minimalist to vibrant displays. This ensures your wearable is not just a fitness tool but a true reflection of your personality.
The fusion of fashion and functionality has made fitness wearables a staple in both the gym and everyday life. Collaborations with renowned designers have led to limited-edition models featuring premium materials and unique designs, turning fitness trackers into coveted fashion items.
In essence, fitness wearables are now essential lifestyle accessories, offering both style and substance. Whether at the gym, in a meeting, or on a night out, your wearable tech keeps you connected, motivated, and looking your best.
Further Integration With Apps & Virtual Coaching
Recently fitness wearables have become even more powerful with seamless integration into apps and virtual coaching platforms offered by the devices themselves and third party providers. By syncing up with popular fitness apps, these devices offer a deeper, more personalised experience for each user. This in turn assists in helping users track progress, set goals, and participate in virtual classes or challenges.
Virtual coaching adds another layer of engagement, providing real-time guidance based on live metrics from the wearable device. This state of the art interconnectedness keeps users motivated, accountable, and fully engaged in their fitness journey, offering an added layer of motivation that would previously not have been within reach.
Wearable Tech That Is Specialised In Specific Workouts
Fitness Watches are becoming essential tools for specialised workouts, offering tailored tracking for each user’s specific fitness regimes such as HIIT, yoga, and running.
During high-intensity interval training (HIIT), wearables monitor heart rate zones and calorie burn, helping users optimise their performance and recovery. In contrast, when tracking yoga, devices monitor flexibility, balance, and even breathing patterns, enhancing mindfulness and posture alignment.
For runners, fitness tech can provide real-time data on pace, distance, and cadence, allowing athletes to fine-tune their technique and improve endurance levels. This specialisation ensures that modern day smartwatch users are now able to get the very most out of their chosen workouts.
Recovery Tracking & Injury Prevention
Modern fitness wearables have evolved beyond simply tracking workouts to become crucial tools for recovery and injury prevention. These devices now monitor recovery metrics such as heart rate variability (HRV), which indicates how well your body is adapting to training stress and when you might need additional rest.
Many wearables provide recovery scores and readiness assessments, analysing sleep quality, resting heart rate trends, and overall activity levels to recommend whether you should push hard or take it easy on any given day. Some advanced models even detect unusual movement patterns or muscle imbalances that could lead to injury, alerting users to potential issues before they become problematic.
Temperature monitoring has also emerged as a valuable feature, with devices tracking skin temperature variations that can indicate early signs of illness or overtraining. This proactive approach to health monitoring helps fitness enthusiasts maintain consistency in their routines whilst minimising the risk of burnout or injury-related setbacks.
By prioritising recovery alongside performance, these smart devices ensure users can sustain their fitness journeys long-term, making progress without compromising their overall health and wellbeing.
Wearable Tech & Social Fitness
In addition to this, wearable tech has now also taken on a new social dimension, connecting users with broader fitness communities and fostering healthy competition within them.
Many smartwatches now include features that allow users to join challenges, share workout data, and compare progress with their friends or other members of online fitness groups. This social engagement boosts motivation, encouraging people to stay consistent with their fitness routines. Fitness apps and wearables also create leader boards and reward systems, turning exercise into a fun, competitive activity.
By building a sense of community, wearable tech makes fitness more engaging and rewarding for users everywhere.
Improved sensors are expected to provide even more precise health data, offering deeper insights into physical performance and overall well-being. Integration with other health technologies, such as telemedicine platforms and AI-powered diagnostics, will create a seamless ecosystem where wearables play a key role in managing both fitness and long-term health.
However, there are challenges that we need to consider, including the cost of high-end devices and concerns around data privacy. As wearables evolve, balancing the advantages with these concerns will be key to their long-term success and user adoption in the fitness industry.
If you’re a night owl, a restless sleeper or you suffer from occasional or chronic insomnia, waking up in the morning is probably one of the toughest parts of your day. And let’s face it; no one wants to set the tone like that, time and time again. It’s just not good for the soul.
You’re probably cranky and grumpy, not really in the mood to deal with the day ahead. Unfortunately, such a morning can hardly be a prelude to a successful and productive day – we’re sure we don’t need to tell you twice that you need to feel energised and pepped up to make the most out of your day.
For those of you who are struggling to drag yourself out of bed each morning, and are looking for simple hacks for waking up better each and every day, here’s how to feel more energised in the morning.
Forget About The Snooze Button
Even though nothing seems more valuable than those 10 minutes of extra zzz’s in the morning that you add to your lie-in when you hit the snooze button, science suggests that it will only make it harder for you to wake up in the long run.
Set your alarm clock for the exact time you need to be up and stick to it. As most of us hit the button impulsively, place your cell phone or your alarm clock away from your bed, so that you have to stand up when it goes off. When you’re up on your feet, it will be easier for you to keep on moving. Ride that wave of forward momentum, and all that!
Sipping hot coffee the moment we open our eyes is a ritual we usually associate with waking up. However, to begin your day feeling refreshed and energised, pour yourself a big glass of water instead. And glug that guy merrily.
After a long rest, your body will appreciate the hydration. Water will increase the speed which new cells are produced and promote a healthy flow of oxygen, keeping you alert.
For the extra benefit, add a little bit of lemon to your water. This way you will introduce some precious nutrients like vitamin C, calcium, and potassium, and you will have a natural detox, as lemon-infused water will help you flush away toxins and aid your digestive system.
Let The Daylight In
No wonder you can’t wake up energised in the morning if you’re sleeping in a cave-like environment, with no hope of seeing any sunshine or feeling nature’s refreshing breeze. It’s called rise and shine for a reason, guys.
Yep, getting some sun on your face as you wake up sends signals to your body that it’s time to get going. If you want to wake up quickly and feel fresh, you need to tune into your circadian rhythm and allow natural light to wake you. There’s something rather poignant about doing so, don’t you think?
Our internal circadian clocks are deeply affected by the light. Just as you should seek out sunlight in the morning, you need to avoid exposure to bright light before your bedtime, too, as it may harm your sleep by suppressing the production of melatonin.
Prep The Night Before
If you’re constantly rushing around in a morning panic trying to find your keys, your favourite shirt, or that important document you need for work, you’re setting yourself up for a stressful start. The solution? A bit of evening organisation can work wonders for your morning energy levels.
Before you hit the hay, lay out your clothes for the next day, prep your breakfast (overnight oats, anyone?), and pack your work bag. Put your contact lenses in the bathroom cabinet for easy access, charge your devices, and have your travel mug ready by the coffee machine. This way, you can move through your morning routine on autopilot whilst your brain slowly comes online.
Not only will this save you precious time in the morning, but it’ll also reduce decision fatigue when you’re at your groggiest. Plus, knowing everything’s sorted will help you sleep better, as you won’t be mentally running through your to-do list at 3am. It’s a win-win situation that your future self will definitely thank you for.
The best way to beat the morning blues is by doing what seems totally unappealing when you first open your eyes on a new day – exercise! But don’t dismiss the idea straight off the bat, in favour of more time in the bed; any morning workout will boost your endorphins and energy and put you in a better mood for the rest of the day.
If you’re too foggy to hit the gym or go for a run, find an activity that you like and make room for it in your morning schedule. Even some basic stretches will do the job and energise you; a few yoga poses or simple sequences such as the Sun Salutation or Five Tibetans will kick your day off just right.
Play That Funky Music
Playing some upbeat music is a great way to lift you up in the morning and help you get ready for the day ahead. Music and singing are known to improve the functionality of your brain, while also reducing cortisol levels and boosting your creativity.
Once you’re in the habit of listening to music in the morning, waking up will become a pleasure. Instead of usual dings on your cell phone, set your alarm tone to your favourite tune, and start your day singing. Perhaps warn your partner first, though?
Have A Proper Breakfast
We know, we know – you’ve heard it a million times before. But there’s a reason breakfast is called the most important meal of the day, and it’s not just something your mum made up to get you to eat your porridge.
After fasting all night, your body needs fuel to kickstart your metabolism and give you the energy to tackle whatever the day throws at you. Skip it, and you’ll likely find yourself flagging by mid-morning, reaching for sugary snacks that’ll only lead to an energy crash later.
You don’t need to whip up a full English every morning (though if you’ve got the time, sometimes, then why not?). Even something simple like Greek yoghurt with berries and a drizzle of honey, or wholemeal toast with avocado and a poached egg, will do the trick. The key is to include some protein and complex carbs to keep you satisfied and energised. And please, step away from the sugary cereals – they might taste like childhood, but they won’t do your energy levels any favours.
Well, duh. It may seem obvious, but you can’t expect to jump out of bed readily if you haven’t slept a decent amount of time.
Not getting enough sleep for a night will make you feel tired and fuzzy in the morning. But if sleep deprivation lasts a bit longer, it will drain your mental abilities and put your physical health in hazard. Aim for getting 7 to 9 hours of undisturbed shut-eye each night and develop a steady bedtime routine.
You can thank us tomorrow morning for these tips. Although, perhaps don’t reach for your phone to message us as soon as you wake. Instead, drink in the new day and give us a shout a little later!
Ideal for those looking to bring their domestic situation into the 21st century.
We’d all love a household which runs like clockwork, with succulents never thirsty, dishes never dirty, and a washing machine which actually rids stains on thirty.
While so many home improvements have the potential to increase your property’s value and give your home a competitive advantage in the property market, in 2025, it’s the high-tech upgrades which represent the very smartest investments.
Having the latest tech or energy-savvy instalments is sure to impress buyers and can help to secure a quicker sale. That, or they’ll simply make your home a well-drilled, precision-run place to be. And we all want that, right?
From state-of-the-art security system to multi-room sound systems, smart thermostats and solar panels, here are 7 modern and smart upgrades to improve your home, IDEAL for those looking to bring their domestic situation into the 21st century.
Deck It Out With Tech
The automation of the home is one of the biggest technological developments of the past few years and progress only looks set to grow further as that technology advances and becomes more affordable.
Often referred to as ‘smart’ homes, such tech allows easy home automation and lifestyle management, making things feel very futuristic indeed. Your home’s smart devices can dim your lights, monitor your security systems, and play your music, to name but a few of the great features available at your fingertips.
Here are some smart tech upgrades you should consider:
Smart thermostats to control home temperatures automatically and responsively. We’ve written another article on reasons you should switch to a smart thermostat here, by the way.
Smart refrigerators that monitor the freshness of your food.
Smart washing machines and dishwashers which you can operate remotely via your phone.
A smart smoke alarm that’s synced with other devices around the home.
Install Home Security Features
Statistics show that there were more than 250,000 burglaries in the UK in the year 2023-24. A home burglary can result in significant financial losses and put you and your family at risk of harm. What’s more, having your home broken into represents a massive invasion of your privacy, and many people suffer from emotional trauma following a break-in.
With that in mind, home security should be a top priority for every homeowner. Luckily, protecting your home and valuables has also been given the smart, modern tech treatment in recent years:
Invest in a high-end home alarm system. Research shows that a home alarm is one of the most effective deterrents to would-be burglars. Having a top-range home alarm system may also lower the cost of your home insurance.
Make sure that you have security features, e.g., burglar alarms, professionally maintained to ensure that they are functioning correctly.
Install CCTV security cameras on your property. You can also have a doorbell camera installed so that you can monitor who enters and exits your home.
Have quality locks installed on your doors and windows, preferably using fingerprint scanning or biometric smart lock technology for enabling secure, unique access.
Add motion-sensor lights to the exterior of your property. These are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and can deter potential criminals from targeting your home.
Install a smart parcel box on the exterior of your property. This will keep your parcels and packages safe and are a great option if you have frequent home deliveries, e.g., you regularly order items off Amazon. Don’t we all, hey?
Consider cloud based security cameras that allow homeowners to monitor live footage remotely, receive alerts, and store high-definition video securely in the cloud. This not only reduces physical clutter but also ensures footage is safe even if the device is damaged or stolen.
Broken Plan Living
Open plan living has been an on-trend, popular feature in modern home design for so long now that we wonder if we can even call it ‘on-trend’. From spending more time in the kitchen to hosting dinner parties, this kind of style promotes a live-work-dine space that helps you make the most of your home.
Us Brits have been embracing multi-functional rooms for a while now. However, just like having a selection of small and cramped rooms, open-plan living has its downsides and isn’t for everyone. Now that we’re spending more time at home than ever before, specific areas for dining, cooking and relaxing are becoming increasingly popular, and a new, ultra-modern concept has emerged which draws a clear dividing line between ‘home’ and ‘work’ in an open plan space. It’s called ‘broken-plan living’,
Broken-plan living has emerged as domestic design compromise due to the potential pitfalls that could be realised from pursuing an open-plan living project while everyone is working and studying (as well as, of course, living) from home. The idea is to retain all the things you love about open-plan – particularly the light and openness – while at the same time zoning the space to allow for more privacy should you need it.
This zoning occurs via modern dividing features, such as a two-tiered kitchen island, semi-permanent partitions, half walls and sliding doors. Lovely stuff, indeed.
Switch To Sustainable Energy
Creating more renewable energy is a priority for many of us. And here’s the thing; you don’t have to wait to go green and enjoy sustainable energy; you can do it right now by producing your own energy.
While solar panelling might seem like super-advanced, high-profile tech, it is becoming increasingly accessible and anyone can install panels on their property.
While initial costs are high, solar panels not only reduce your environmental impact, but can also save you hundreds on your utility bills. With a lifespan of 25 years or more, they’ll help you save the planet and save on bills, too. Or, you could simply consider switching to a renewable energy supplier. Yes, it will probably cost more than those burning fossil fuels for your electricity and gas, but the reductions in your carbon footprint will be considerable.
Automated Window Dressings
Take effortless control of natural light and privacy with smart blinds or curtains. These systems can be programmed to open and close at specific times of day – imagine waking gently to natural sunlight, or your blinds automatically closing as dusk falls, even when you’re not home. Controlled via an app, remote, or even voice commands, automated window dressings not only add a touch of sophisticated convenience but can also enhance energy efficiency by helping to regulate indoor temperatures.
In summer, they can close during the hottest part of the day to keep your home cooler, and in winter, they can provide an extra layer of insulation. This smart addition can also boost your home’s security by giving the impression someone is always in.
Intelligent Air Quality Management
In an age where wellness within the home is paramount, a smart air quality monitoring and purification system is a truly 21st-century upgrade. These devices continuously analyse the indoor air for pollutants such as dust, pollen, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and other allergens. When poor air quality is detected, smart purifiers automatically adjust their settings to filter and cleanse the air, ensuring your home environment remains fresh and healthy.
Many systems can be linked to your smartphone, providing real-time data and allowing remote control, so you can ensure you’re always returning to a breath of fresh air. This is particularly beneficial for households with allergy sufferers, pets, or those situated in urban areas.
Sign Of The Times
The definition of modern means relating to, or characteristic of, the present or the immediate past. The start of this decade saw incredible disruption to our daily lives and with repeated lockdowns, it meant people spent more time in their own four walls than ever before.
Suddenly we’re all conversant in Zoom, the best antibacterial wipes on the market and how to microwave our letters to sanitise them, and frankly, even though the world is very much ‘open for business’ again, there’s still much to be said for the sanctuary of domesticity.
Familiarity and comfort has been found, however, in the home. The role that design has to play in being an instigator of physical, physiological and psychological wellbeing has become more clear than ever. As such, the design and layout of your home can transform your outlook, cultivating calmness and comfort when done right.
Whether this comforting domestic space is achieved via modern touches or age-old, tried and tested techniques is up to you, but what is clear is that our relationships with our homes have never been more important. Perhaps the biggest upgrade you can make right now is to make your home more tranquil and serene.
The coffee table might just be the hardest-working piece of furniture in your home. It’s where morning cuppas rest, feet find comfort after long days, and countless memories unfold over board games and conversations. Yet choosing the right one can feel overwhelming when faced with endless options.
But here’s the thing about coffee tables—they’re not just about looks or even function. The right coffee table can completely transform how you use your living room. Too high, and you’ll never put your feet up. Too precious, and you’ll hover with coasters, turning relaxation into anxiety. Too small, and you’ll forever be reaching for somewhere to put your cup. Getting it right means understanding not just your room’s style, but how you actually live in it.
Fear not—we’ve matched the perfect coffee table to every living room personality, ensuring your choice will be both practical and stylish.
For The Compact City Flat: Glass & Acrylic Accents
Picture a living room where you can touch opposite walls without fully extending your arms, where the sofa doubles as a room divider, and where every square metre counts. In these bijou spaces, glass-topped coffee tables with different legs create an illusion of spaciousness, allowing light to flow freely through your room. Acrylic options take this concept even further—they’re practically invisible, making your compact living room feel twice its actual size.
Top pick: A round glass table with a lower shelf for storage. The circular shape eliminates sharp corners in tight spaces, whilst the shelf provides essential storage without visual bulk.
For The Open-Plan Space: Nest Of Coffee Tables
In those vast kitchen-dining-living areas where you can’t quite tell where one room ends and another begins, flexibility becomes essential. You might need coffee table space by the sofa for Sunday papers, then want to clear the area completely for yoga or when the grandchildren visit. A nest of coffee tables offers the perfect solution—multiple tables that tuck together when you need floor space and spread out when entertaining.
In the 18th century, Thomas Sheraton, a renowned English furniture designer, created the first known nesting tables with the intention of blending both form and function, and this intention still largely rings true today.
Top pick: A set of three tables in graduating sizes with mixed materials—perhaps wood tops with metal frames—that can be arranged and rearranged as your mood dictates.
For The Busy Family Living Room: Ottoman Coffee Tables
You know the scene: toys scattered across the carpet, children’s artwork proudly displayed on every wall, and a sofa that’s seen better days but holds too many memories to replace. This is the living room where life happens—where homework gets done whilst dinner cooks, where movie nights mean five people sharing three cushions. Ottoman coffee tables offer the ultimate in versatility—sturdy enough for family game nights, soft enough for tiny feet, and many feature hidden storage for toys, blankets, and remote controls.
Top pick: A large, upholstered ottoman with a removable tray top. It transforms from footrest to serving station in seconds, and the washable fabric cover handles inevitable spills with grace.
For The Pared-Back Scandinavian Space: Simple Wood Tables
Whilst not quite ‘sad beige’, we’re thinking white walls, a grey linen sofa, perhaps one carefully chosen piece of art, and absolutely nothing on surfaces except maybe a single ceramic vase. These are the living rooms where every item has earned its place through both beauty and function. Look for coffee tables in light woods like ash or birch, with simple geometric shapes and perhaps a single drawer for tucking away life’s necessities. The key is finding pieces that feel intentional rather than sparse.
Top pick: A rectangular table with tapered legs and a single drawer. Choose one with subtle grain patterns that add warmth without overwhelming your carefully curated space.
For The Treasure-Filled Eclectic Space: Vintage Finds & Statement Pieces
Walk into this living room and your eyes don’t know where to land first—the Victorian taxidermy? The collection of mid-century ceramics? The kilim rug layered over sisal? If your living room tells a story through collected treasures and bold choices, your coffee table should join the narrative. Hunt for unique vintage pieces—perhaps a restored trunk, a repurposed industrial cart, or a mid-century marvel with unusual details.
Top pick: A vintage campaign chest or a reclaimed wood table with metal accents. These pieces bring history and character whilst providing practical surface space.
For The Traditional Drawing Room: Classic Wood Statements
If you’re lucky enough to live in a period property here in the UK, then you’ll no doubt be familiar with the concept of a drawing room. Often featuring cornicing, a working fireplace, and windows dressed in proper curtains (not blinds), these are elegant rooms where everything feels carefully chosen. The sofa and armchairs likely match, bought as a suite, and there’s probably a drinks cabinet somewhere.
In these traditionally styled spaces, a substantial wooden coffee table anchors the room with appropriate formality. Look for rich woods like mahogany or walnut, with turned legs and perhaps carved details that echo other furniture pieces in your room.
Top pick: A rectangular table with a lower shelf and drawer storage, featuring classic details like turned legs or subtle inlay work. The investment in quality craftsmanship pays dividends in longevity.
For The Sleek Modern Living Room: Sculptural Designs
These are the living rooms you see in architecture magazines—concrete floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, a modular sofa in charcoal, and lighting that looks more like installation art than lamps.
When your living room features clean architectural lines and a monochrome palette, your coffee table can provide the visual interest. Think beyond function to pieces that challenge expectations—asymmetrical bases, mixed materials like marble and brass, or tables that seem to defy gravity.
Top pick: A table with a marble or stone top supported by an unexpected base—perhaps intersecting metal planes or a sculptural wooden form that draws the eye from every angle.
For The Laid-Back Bohemian Living Room: Natural & Textured Tables
This is the living room with a Moroccan rug thrown over another rug, plants in macramé hangers trailing from the ceiling, and cushions—so many cushions—scattered on the floor for impromptu gathering spots.
The walls might feature tapestries or collections of woven baskets, and there’s probably incense burning somewhere. For these relaxed, layered spaces, coffee tables in natural materials work brilliantly—think carved wood with visible grain, woven rattan, or even a large wooden drum that doubles as storage.
Top pick: A low, carved wooden table from India or Morocco, or a round woven rattan piece with a glass top. These tables can handle the books, crystals, and tea cups that accumulate in bohemian spaces whilst adding to the room’s organic, collected-over-time feeling.
The Bottom Line
Whatever your living room’s personality, remember that the best coffee table is one that serves your lifestyle whilst complementing your aesthetic. Consider your daily routines: Do you eat meals whilst watching television? Do children use the space for homework? Do you entertain frequently?
Measure carefully—the ideal coffee table sits 14-18 inches from your sofa, allowing comfortable reach whilst maintaining clear pathways. In terms of height, aim for a table that’s level with or slightly lower than your sofa cushions.
Most importantly, choose a piece that makes you smile each time you enter the room. After all, your coffee table will witness countless moments of your life—it deserves to be something you truly love.
Predictions of drizzle be damned; the second May bank holiday weekend calls for one thing and one thing only in the UK, and that’s the first proper barbecue of the party season.
This year, the annual lighting of coals and burning of burgers feels particularly special. After what seems like an eternity of unpredictable weather and cancelled garden parties, the nation is ready to tap-tap those grill tongs and embrace the great British tradition of often inept outdoor cooking, come rain or shine.
From unintentionally perfectly charred corn on the cob to those slightly-too-crispy-on-the-outside sausages we all secretly love, there’s something wonderfully nostalgic – or, you know, chaotic – about gathering round the barbecue with friends and family.
Whether your BBQ enthusiast is a weekend warrior who fires up the grill at the first hint of sunshine, or a serious pitmaster who debates the merits of lump charcoal versus briquettes, finding the perfect gift to fuel their passion can be a delightful challenge. The world of outdoor cooking has evolved far beyond basic burgers and bangers, with today’s grillers experimenting with everything from Korean-style marinades to reverse-seared ribeyes.
Should you have a loved one in your life who is particularly enthusiastic about all things smoke, fire, fat and flavour, and you’re looking for a small gift to display your affection as grill season warms up, then you’ve come to the right place; here are 7 IDEAL gifts for the BBQ lover in your life.
A Grill Basket Or Fish Clamp
As any well-seasoned griller will tell you, there’s an art to producing a barbie full of flavour and finesse, as opposed to one with cremated sausages and raw chicken sharing a plate. One of the best ways for those holding the tongs to grill with measured precision is with a grill basket; ideal for getting those grill marks and smoky finish on fish, meat and veggies without turning them into ash in the process.
Particularly useful are fish clamps, which allow you more control of turning the fish over on the barbeque, and prevents it from sticking. This also allows you to grill at a lower heat without fear of leaving half the fish on the grill when you turn it.
You can find sturdy, capable grill baskets and fish clamps on Amazon for between £10 and £20.
A great barbeque is about so much more than the food. There’s the vibe to consider, too, and that’s influenced hugely by the drinks on offer. Though grilling and chilling are natural companions and making a fuss over the liquid refreshments seems to go against the ethos of a laid back barbeque session, we think that if you get your drinks pairing on point, you can elevate the occasion that much higher.
For your BBQ obsessed loved one, there are several wine and food pairing books which place a focus on barbeque currently available in all good book stores. Some of our favourites include:
Fire & Wine: 75 Smoke-Infused Recipes from the Grill with Perfect Wine Pairings by Mary Cressler – a marvellous, grill-specific cookbook.
Natural Wine for the People by Alice Feiring – we think the biodynamic stuff goes particularly well with that essence of the grill.
The Food & Wine Guide to Perfect Pairings by the editors of Food & Wine – plenty of the recipes here focus on grilled food.
What is a great barbecue without a selection of hot sauces? Sure, the worst only call for a fire extinguisher, but the best? They transform grilled meats, with acidity cutting through the fat, chill heat bringing out the smoky notes, and the complexity of the finest hot sauces adding depth and intrigue to the spread, lifting the veggie dishes up, too.
For grilled meats, we particularly love:
Encona Hot Pepper Sauce – An elite hot sauce brand if ever there was one.
Chin Su– The thinking man’s Sriracha, Vietnamese chilli sauce Chin Su is bright, sharp, garlicky and with a credible kick. Smothered on banh mi in Vietnam, you’ll also find chin su accompanying all manner of grilled seafood in the country’s beach resorts.
Cholula Chipotle Hot Sauce – Ubiquitous, sure, but it does a job nonetheless. Smoky, spicy, fruity…we could enjoy Cholula chipotle hot sauce on pretty much anything, desserts included. This one is 100% vegetarian and vegan, but loses none of its swagger for being plant based.
A Restaurant Voucher To A Top London Grill Restaurant
Perhaps your grill loving companion prefers to eat barbecued food, rather than cooking it. As a generous gift, have you considered giving them a restaurant voucher to a top London grill restaurant?
In recent years, the grill scene in the capital has exploded, with foodies tired of plates which have been put together using tweezers. It seems that right now, diners are craving something more elemental. As a result, the popularity of food cooked over flames has risen exponentially.
Some of our favourite places to eat top ingredients kissed by fire, coal, wood and smoke are:
Brat – Chef Tomos Parry’s ode to his native Wales and the fish-over-flames cooking of the Basque country has resulted in one of the standout London restaurant openings of the last decade. Bring a couple of friends, and order the whole turbot.
Berber & Q – With two acclaimed restaurants, the Grill House and the Shawarma Bar, these guys specialise in the grilled foods of the Middle East and North Africa, with bold, zesty flavours taking centre stage. Incidentally, the Berber & Q Cookbook would make an excellent gift!
Cue Point – Billed as British Afghan fusion, the restaurant also does nationwide delivery of their meal kits, should attending the bricks and mortar London restaurant not be possible.
SMOKESTAK – Check out our review of the restaurant here
A Luxury BBQ Hamper For Couples
The couple who grills together, stays together, and a bespoke BBQ hamper makes for an utterly indulgent gift. Think beyond your standard supermarket offerings and seek out artisanal producers who specialise in premium barbecue fare.
Look for exclusive luxury hampers for couples gifts that feature dry-aged steaks from heritage breeds, handmade sausages infused with exotic spices, and perhaps some beautifully marbled wagyu burgers. The finest examples might include house-made rubs and marinades, charcoal-smoked sea salt, and a selection of wood chips for smoking. Many top-tier hampers also feature accompaniments like sourdough burger buns, fermented pickles, and small-batch BBQ sauces.
Perfect for couples who take their al fresco dining seriously, some even arrive in reusable wicker baskets that can be repurposed for summer picnics.
A Selection Of Premium Smoking Woods
The true BBQ aficionado knows that the choice of wood can make or break a grilled dish. A curated selection of smoking woods makes for a thoughtful gift that shows you understand the nuances of their craft.
Consider assembling a collection featuring apple wood for poultry, hickory for pork, oak for beef, and perhaps some more adventurous options like cherry wood for duck or alder for fish. Many specialist suppliers now offer sampler packs with wood chunks from sustainable sources, complete with tasting notes and pairing suggestions.
For around £30-50, you can put together a respectable selection that will have them experimenting with flavour profiles all summer long. Include a guide to wood and food pairings, and you’ve got yourself a gift that keeps on giving.
Sometimes the best gifts aren’t things at all, but experiences that create lasting memories. A professional BBQ masterclass offers the grill enthusiast in your life the chance to refine their techniques whilst picking up new skills from the experts.
Look for classes that cover everything from low-and-slow smoking techniques to high-heat searing, with plenty of hands-on practice. The best courses include topics like making your own rubs, understanding different cuts of meat, and mastering temperature control. Many also conclude with a feast where participants enjoy the fruits of their labour.
In London, venues like the London Barbecue School and Weber Grill Academy offer brilliant half-day and full-day courses ranging from £125 to £350 per person. Some even offer couples’ classes, making it a perfect date activity for BBQ-loving pairs. The knowledge gained will elevate their grilling game for years to come.
Summer holidays are on the horizon, and as we Brits prepare for our annual escape to sunnier climes, our empty homes become tempting targets for opportunistic intruders.
With break-ins typically increasing during the holiday season, ensuring your property remains secure while you’re away should be as essential to your pre-holiday checklist as remembering your passport.
The excitement of planning your getaway can easily overshadow the importance of home security, but returning to find unwelcome visitors have helped themselves to your belongings is guaranteed to shatter that post-holiday glow. Fortunately, with some thoughtful preparation and a few clever tricks, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a target.
Whether you’re heading to the Mediterranean for a fortnight or escaping to the countryside for a long weekend, these practical tips will help keep your home and possessions safe while you’re enjoying that well-deserved break.
Give The Impression That Someone’s Home
The old ‘leave a light on for a fortnight’ tip doesn’t work so well when the sun remains steadfastly up late into the evening, but there are still measures you can take to imply someone is home even when you’re on holiday.
Try to do so in a way which doesn’t use excessive electricity – we have an environment to think of, after all. The most common way for a burglar to evaluate your home prior to attempting a break-in is through ground floor windows or glass panelled doors. Firstly, make sure they’re locked tightly and securely prior to going on holiday. After that, it’s all a matter of leaving your home looking a little ‘lived in’ while you’re away.
Though no one wants to return from holiday to an untidy house, a big giveaway that the home is unoccupied is that it’s been left spotless for days. Instead, consider leaving the remnants of breakfast out (the mugs and cereal bowls – not the half finished croissant) to suggest people are around. Perhaps enhance the impression of activity by leaving the newspaper opened on the kitchen table – though it might be wise to obscure any obvious signs that it’s last week’s news!
A totally modern, totally nifty trick is to remotely play the sound of a dog barking through your smart stereo from time to time, controlled from afar via your smartphone.
You can also avoid the visual impression that the house is unoccupied in other ways…
Avoid Doorstep Pileups
Once upon a time, holidaying homeowners were most concerned by a collection of full milk bottles on the doorstep revealing that they were out. Of course, this advice could easily be modernised by applying the same logic to Amazon deliveries, – a build-up of stuff on your doorstep indicates either an extremely lazy resident lives here, a decomposing body lies inside, or more likely, no one is present.
As such, don’t order items from Amazon to arrive while you’re away – several sitting on the doorstep or piled up in the postbox will be an immediate giveaway that you’re elsewhere. You should also give directions for packages arriving from the Royal Mail, ASOS et al, to be placed in a secure, hidden location for the same reason.
Don’t Share Your Location Publicly
We understand that you’re keen to share snaps of your staycation to all your followers, but unless you’re scrupulous about your privacy settings, some of your social media accounts will likely be accessible to every burglar and his dog.
As such, you should be cautious about revealing (or even tagging) your exact location in photos you publish online, as you’ll be alerting the world to the fact that your house is unoccupied if you do so. Just as you can harness the power of tech to keep your house safer, so would-be burglars can use it to their advantage, too. Remember that.
Install Smart CCTV
Once the preserve of mafia bosses on the run from the law, domestic CCTV has gone mainstream, and recently, it’s also turned rather intelligent.
Installing cameras inside and out which can be monitored through your smartphone acts as both a deterrent and a way to keep your home safer. The best smart CCTV systems will send you alerts when there’s been a potential intruder, which doesn’t sound like much of a holiday for you, but may bring peace of mind, nonetheless.
Some smart CCTV systems can be aligned with motion sensor activated lights, enabling lights to come on around the home whenever a person is captured approaching the house. Or, of course, you could row back on the paranoia. Everything will be ok.
Everybody Needs Good Neighbourhood Watch
Enlisting the help of friendly neighbours to keep their peepers on proceedings in your absence is a good way of achieving a certain serenity while you’re away, as they can keep you posted on goings on.
Within reason, of course; ‘house still not burgled’ isn’t a necessary daily update while you’re tanning by the pool. Their presence though, for instance in your garden doing a bit of watering, can act as a deterrent to would-be burglars, as well as a source of supervision. Remember to give your neighbour a spare set of keys just in case they need access to the house.
If you’d rather not hand out a spare, consider upgrading your home security system with a smart lock door. These clever locks allow you to unlock the door remotely, using your smartphone from the comfort of your sun lounger. You can grant temporary access to your neighbours with expiring codes or set access codes for specific days and times.
Manage Your Garden & External Areas
Your garden can provide either cover for potential burglars or act as an additional deterrent. Ensure hedges and shrubs near windows and doors are trimmed back to eliminate hiding spots. Store away ladders, garden tools, and heavy objects that could be used to break windows or force entry.
Consider installing motion-activated garden lighting and keep pathways visible from the street – burglars prefer to work unseen, so good visibility from neighbouring properties and the road can be a powerful deterrent. If you have a garden gate, ensure it has a secure lock and consider adding a visible bell or alarm to deter casual intruders.
Don’t Neglect Your Outbuildings
I don’t know about you, but ‘don’t neglect your outbuildings’ sounds strangely obscene. You know what? So did ‘manage your garden and external areas’. But even more obscene is the lack of security afforded to these often valuable parts of the home…
Great segue, we think. Indeed, while securing your main home is essential, don’t forget those vulnerable outbuildings dotted around your garden. Sheds, garden rooms, and garages often house valuable tools, bikes, and garden equipment that are just as appealing to thieves as your indoor possessions.
These structures typically have less robust security than your house, making them easy targets for opportunistic burglars. Ensure all outbuildings have proper locks and consider installing battery-powered alarms that trigger when doors are opened. Motion-sensitive security lighting around these areas can also be an effective deterrent.
With Keyed Alike Padlocks, one key opens all your locks. Whether it’s your side gate, garage, storage unit, or shed, you’ll only need a single key. This practical system not only simplifies your life by reducing key clutter but also increases the likelihood that you’ll actually secure everything properly before departing.
Remember that tools stored in unsecured outbuildings could potentially be used to gain access to your main property, so securing these spaces isn’t just about protecting their contents – it’s an essential part of your overall home security strategy.
Secure Your Windows & Doors
We end with perhaps the most pertinent point of all, just so it’s fresh in your mind: Windows and doors are the primary entry points for burglars, with many break-ins occurring through unsecured openings. Before departing, double-check that all windows have functioning locks and are properly secured. Consider installing additional window locks, particularly on ground floor windows which are most vulnerable to opportunistic thieves.
For doors, ensure deadbolts are engaged and consider installing a door brace for added security on your main entrance. If you have a conservatory or garden doors, these typically have weaker security features and may benefit from additional reinforcement. Remember that even small bathroom windows can provide access to determined intruders, so don’t overlook these when securing your property.
The Bottom Line
Holiday security doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. A combination of common sense, a few smart gadgets, and some help from trusted neighbours can make all the difference. Taking a few hours to secure your property before departure is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected. After all, the only surprise you want upon your return is how quickly your holiday tan starts to fade.
Most people have been brushing their teeth since they were old enough to stand on a step stool and reach the bathroom sink. It’s such a fundamental part of daily routine that many do it on autopilot – morning and night, without much thought to technique. Yet dental professionals across the UK continue to notice the same brushing mistakes cropping up time and time again. These seemingly minor slip-ups could be affecting dental health more than many realise.
Standing Not So Firm
Take the common misconception about toothbrush firmness. That firm-bristled toothbrush that seems like it would give teeth a proper clean? It might actually be doing more harm than good. Hard bristles can cause microscopic damage to both enamel and gums. The solution is to opt for soft, flexible bristles that can gently sweep away plaque while protecting dental health.
Pressure Drop
Pressure is another crucial factor to consider. Gripping the toothbrush like it’s a tool for scrubbing burnt lasagne off a casserole dish isn’t doing any favours. Plaque is surprisingly easy to remove; it’s thoroughness, not force, that gets the job done. A simple technique adjustment can help: holding the brush with just a thumb and two fingers naturally prevents applying too much pressure.
Take Your Two Minute Time
Time is another factor where improvement is often needed. Rushing through dental routines, especially on busy mornings, is a common habit. But cutting brush time from two minutes to one means potentially missing thousands of bacteria. Setting a timer or playing a favourite song while brushing can help ensure adequate cleaning time.
Three Months Is The Magic Number
The condition of the toothbrush itself is often overlooked. Even with perfect technique, a worn-out brush won’t do its job properly. The British Dental Association recommends replacing brushes every three months, or sooner if the bristles start looking frayed. A practical approach is to purchase replacement brushes in advance and mark the “start using” date on each one, taking the guesswork out of timing replacements.
Acid Trip
Counter-intuitively, it’s important to resist the urge to brush immediately after enjoying acidic foods or drinks. That glass of orange juice or evening wine temporarily softens tooth enamel, and brushing straight away can actually wear it down. The better approach is to rinse with water and wait half an hour before picking up the toothbrush. Sugar-free gum can help neutralise the acid while waiting.
Tooth Brushing Tekkers
As MaryleboneSmileClinic tell us so succinctly, “technique matters as much as timing.” Rather than keeping the brush parallel to the teeth (as most people do), positioning it at a 45-degree angle to the gumline makes a significant difference. It’s similar to sweeping under a rug – getting underneath that edge is essential for proper cleaning. This simple adjustment helps remove plaque from one of its favourite hiding spots: just beneath the gums.
Both Sides Now
When brushing does occur, it’s essential to give equal attention to all surfaces of the teeth – including the often-neglected tongue side. While it’s natural to focus on the visible surfaces, plaque doesn’t discriminate. Those hidden surfaces need just as much attention as the ones on display.
Rinse & Repeat? Think Again
One of the most counterproductive habits happens right after the brushing is done: immediately rinsing with water. While it feels natural to want a fresh, clean mouth, that post-brush rinse actually washes away the protective fluoride that’s just been applied to the teeth. Fluoride needs time to work its magic, forming a protective barrier against decay-causing bacteria.
Instead of rinsing straight away, simply spit out the excess toothpaste and leave it at that. For those who find the lingering taste uncomfortable, a small amount of fluoride mouthwash can be used as a final step – but even then, nothing should follow for at least 30 minutes. This small change in routine allows the fluoride to do what it does best: strengthen enamel and provide ongoing protection between brushing sessions.
The Bottom Line
These might seem like small adjustments to a daily routine, but their effects compound over time. Teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and a few mindful minutes each day is a small investment in long-term dental health. Different people have different dental needs, so consulting with a dental professional about personalised recommendations can help identify missed areas or necessary technique adjustments. Not ‘can’; it is, in fact, a must.
As every employer knows, a business is only as good as its team. And the more content, well rounded and educated that team is, the more productive they are too; what small business owner doesn’t want that?
Indeed, it seems there is no better way to encourage a sense of team unity and increased productivity than by being the most inspiring and responsible boss you can be. Here’s how; our 8 tips on becoming an employer that people want to work for.
Communication Is Key
No matter how big a company is, communication between an employer and employee should always be a priority. People need to feel included and being left in the dark when it comes to business creates dissatisfaction on a high level.
Keep your workforce up to date with company performance and goals. Let them know how important their role is, and that they’re not just a faceless cog in the machine. Value their opinion and their perspective, which is, needless to say, unique and should therefore be taken into consideration in order to improve the overall business strategy.
Practice assertive communication and try to have a personal approach with your employees. Showing you care about their wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of your firm creates a positive environment people will be happy to find themselves in.
Motivate & Manage
Leading a team is not an easy task, make no mistake. It’s imperative, then, that you learn how to effectively manage people; in doing so you’ll undoubtedly boost your business. Operational planning, finance, meetings, and travel arrangements are just some of the aspects of your business which require exceptional leadership skills.
Bonuses, perks and financial compensation are always welcome when it comes to motivation, but once your employees see that you are more than capable of running a solid, smooth operation, their loyalty will be earned.
Encourage Professional Development & Continuous Learning
In an ever-evolving business landscape, fostering an environment that prioritises professional development and continuous learning is paramount. As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that your team does not stagnate in their current roles but rather, has ample opportunity to enhance their skill set and knowledge base.
Offering structured training programmes, sponsoring relevant courses, and encouraging attendance at industry conferences can all contribute to an employee’s professional growth. Moreover, by implementing mentorship schemes within your organisation, you can facilitate the sharing of expertise and experience, further enriching your team’s capabilities.
Remember, when your employees grow, they don’t just bring new skills to your business; they bring renewed enthusiasm and a fresh perspective that can invigorate your entire operation. By investing in their development, you’re not only bolstering their individual career prospects but also fortifying the future of your company.
In essence, when you champion the professional advancement of your employees, you create a win-win scenario: your team members feel valued and empowered, and your business reaps the benefits of a highly skilled and motivated workforce.
Be Flexible, Grant Freedom & Allow For Privacy
Setting down rules is one thing, but refusing to adjust them to your employees’ needs is quite another, and won’t get you anywhere when it comes to improving the efficiency of your workers. For members of your team, having that balance between work and family life is essential to job satisfaction, and if you don’t show signs of flexibility, the workforce will follow suit.
Instead, be open to alternative arrangements – working from home, flexible hours or working part-time. Not only will you show that you value their struggle to obtain a good work-life balance, but you will also demonstrate that you trust them to do quality work on their own terms.
Privacy, too, plays a crucial role in the workplace. It’s essential to create spaces where employees can work undisturbed when they need to focus, as well as ensuring that their personal data is handled with the utmost confidentiality. This respect for their private lives and personal information fosters trust and shows that you value them as individuals, not just as workers.
To truly embrace this ethos, consider implementing ‘quiet zones’ in the office where employees can work without interruption. Encourage the use of privacy screens and noise-cancelling headphones to help create personal space in open-plan offices. Moreover, be transparent about data policies, DBS and personnel checks, and any performance monitoring, and be diligent in protecting sensitive information to reassure your team that their privacy is a priority.
By granting freedom and ensuring privacy, you’re not only accommodating your employees’ needs but also empowering them to manage their own time and workload more effectively. This level of autonomy can lead to a more engaged and responsible workforce, as employees feel trusted to deliver results without micromanagement.
Support Financial Wellbeing & Security
In today’s tempestuous economic climate, supporting your employees’ financial wellbeing goes beyond simply paying a competitive salary. Progressive employers recognise that financial stress can significantly impact productivity, mental health, and overall job satisfaction. By implementing comprehensive financial wellness programmes, you demonstrate a genuine commitment to your team’s long-term security and peace of mind.
Consider offering a range of financial benefits that help employees make the most of their earnings. Salary saving schemes, for instance, can help staff build emergency funds or save for specific goals through automatic payroll deductions, often with preferential rates or employer contributions. Additionally, providing access to financial advisors, pension planning workshops, or even simple budgeting tools can empower your workforce to make informed decisions about their financial future.
When employees feel financially secure and supported, they’re more likely to remain loyal to your organisation and focus their energy on contributing to its success. By taking a holistic approach to compensation that includes both immediate rewards and long-term financial planning support, you position yourself as an employer who truly cares about the complete wellbeing of your team – not just their performance during working hours.
Listen, Listen, Listen
Great employers are great listeners. Do we need to repeat that? Good. The best are aware of the fact that they don’t have the answers to everything, and that all suggestions and insights are welcome and worth considering. Empathy plays a key role here.
When you really listen to your employees’ complaints or suggestions, you’ll be able to offer satisfactory and well thought out feedback; beneficial for everybody, we think. Furthermore, the mere fact that you show an interest in the opinion of your colleagues sends a message that you truly care about them. They’ll show a similar attitude in return.
Create A Positive Company Culture
Company culture is, to boil it down, the company’s personality. It represents a combination of the work environment, mission, ethics, expectations, and goals. Creating a positive company culture will make people want to be a part of your business. They’ll be proud to represent it and proud to help create and promote its products and services. Once the employees feel a positive attitude, they’ll feed it back and that’s how the positive company culture is both created and maintained. A symbiotic relationship, for sure.
As well as creating a positive company culture, encouraging cultural diversity, awareness, and sensitivity is absolutely essential in the modern, progressive workplace. This can be achieved through training.
The aim of cultural awareness training is to help people start the journey towards cultural intelligence (CQ). Cultural intelligence is the ability to interact effectively with people from other cultures. It involves understanding the customs and values of other cultures and being able to adjust your own behaviours accordingly.
Always Allow Room For Growth
Employees need to feel that they’re making progress. Growth in a business environment is immensely important if you want your workers to feel like they matter. The work they do adds to their experience and qualifications, and rewarding their dedication will motivate them to be better, work harder, and thus add to the company’s health and employee wellbeing. Because let’s face it; moving up the career ladder is always a good incentive, making the employee feel valued and appreciated. And that’s what it’s all about, right?
Winding its way through the heart of Central Europe, the Danube River uniquely flows through or along the borders of ten countries (more than any other river in the world) including four capital cities: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade.
There’s something magical about spending a week-long journey or even longer on extended cruises, drifting along this legendary waterway and experiencing different countries and cultures.
And the best time to visit? Autumn. Once September rolls around, the summer hordes have packed up their selfie sticks, and the riverbanks burst into a painter’s dream of rusty reds, burnt oranges and honeyed golds.
Indeed, one would be hard-pressed to find anything that quite matches an autumn Danube cruise for that perfect balance of relaxation and cultural immersion. There’s something incredibly soothing about watching medieval towns glide by, their centuries-old architecture framed by trees dressed in their seasonal finery.
If you’re planning an autumn cruise along the Danube, then without further ado, here is our ideal guide on cruising down the Danube this autumn….
Why Visit In Autumn?
Many travellers find that Danube river cruises in September and October reveal a more authentic side of Central Europe. The slower pace allows deeper engagement with local customs, cuisine, and landscapes. Whether sipping wine from a vineyard terrace or listening to classical music echoing through a baroque palace, the atmosphere is uniquely serene.
As autumn descends across Central Europe, the Danube takes on a spectacular new character. The medieval castles and rolling vineyards that dot its banks become framed by rich amber and crimson foliage, whilst morning mists add an almost ethereal quality to the water. As September turns to October, the summer heat gives way to crisp, comfortable temperatures.
The Wachau Valley in Austria , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, becomes particularly spectacular as its terraced vineyards turn rich shades of bronze and copper. The rising morning mist over the river creates an almost ethereal atmosphere, especially when viewed from your cabin balcony with a warm cup of tea in hand.
Perhaps most appealing is the significant reduction in tourist numbers. The summer holiday crowd has largely departed, meaning you’ll encounter fewer queues at major attractions and enjoy a more intimate experience of landmarks like Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace or Budapest’s Fisherman’s Bastion.
The stretch of the Danube connecting Budapest and Vienna provides the quintessential autumn cruise experience. These cities bookend a journey through dramatically changing landscapes where the river carves through hills that become increasingly theatrical with autumn foliage. It really feels like you’re travelling through a living watercolour painting.
The route passes through the heart of former Habsburg territories, with a rich imperial legacy evident in the grand architecture along the shores.
Hidden autumn-specific excursions often missed by summer travellers make this route particularly special. The forested hills outside Bratislava offer hiking opportunities through golden beech forests, while bicycle tours through Austria’s Wachau Valley let visitors experience the vineyard colours up close. These active options prove particularly pleasant in autumn’s moderate temperatures.
Budapest’s famous thermal baths take on new appeal as outdoor temperatures drop. The steaming waters of the neo-baroque Széchenyi Baths, where temperatures remain a constant 38°C regardless of season, create a dramatic contrast with the crisp autumn air. The experience of soaking while surrounded by trees displaying autumn colours adds a magical dimension impossible during summer months.
The autumn casts a spotlight on Slovakia’s pocket-sized capital. That warm, slanting autumn light does wonders for the Old Town’s pastel-coloured buildings, highlighting architectural details visitors might otherwise miss. Without summer’s crowds, one can actually stop to appreciate the human scale of the place, ducking down medieval alleyways that lead to hidden courtyard cafés where locals sip plum brandy to ward off the autumn chill.
Harvest & Autumn Festivals: A Calendar Of Celebration
Autumn along the Danube coincides with harvest season, triggering a cascade of celebrations that showcase the region’s agricultural heritage. Time your cruise to coincide with these festivals and you might just find yourself swept up in local celebrations that most tourists never glimpse.
The Wachau Valley Wine Festival, typically held in late September, transforms the charming town of Dürnstein into a celebration of viticulture. Local winemakers showcase their latest vintages, particularly the region’s renowned Grüner Veltliner and Riesling varieties.
Vienna puts on a show with its Harvest Festival (Erntedankfest) – think farmers in traditional leather lederhosen, women in dirndls with impossibly intricate embroidery, and agricultural displays that wouldn’t look out of place in a Bruegel painting. The whole affair typically winds up at Schönbrunn Palace, where folk bands play accordions and alphorns while food stalls serve seasonal specialities.
For something wonderfully bizarre, timing a cruise to coincide with Austria’s Kürbisfest (Pumpkin Festival) is worthwhile. Entire villages become open-air galleries of pumpkin art, everything from intricate carved lanterns to giant pumpkin boats that locals actually race down the river. The culinary creativity is just as impressive, with pumpkin appearing in everything from soup to schnapps.
Autumnal Flavours: What You’ll Be Eating
Forget the standard tourist fare, autumn transforms the Danube region into a gastronomic wonderland as the season’s bounty inspires both shipboard chefs and riverside restaurants to elevate their game. This is comfort food territory…
In Austria’s Wachau Valley, keep an eye out for Sturm, a partially fermented young wine that marks the start of harvest season. Don’t let its cloudy appearance fool you; this sweet, still fermenting beverage packs a sneaky punch and is available for just a few fleeting weeks. Locals pair it with Marillenknödel, plump dumplings filled with tart apricots and dusted with buttery breadcrumbs.
Moving through Vienna, autumn menus feature wild game like venison and wild boar, often served with seasonal accompaniments such as chanterelle mushrooms, pumpkin and cranberry sauce. The city’s famous cafés also embrace the season with warming drinks like Glühwein (mulled wine) and special pastries featuring autumn fruits and nuts.
Try Zum Alten Fassl for seasonal specialties like game dishes with chanterelles, or visit Café Central for their legendary chestnut purée with whipped cream while watching autumn leaves drift past centuries, old windows. Both are within walking distance of Vienna’s cruise port.
In Hungary, autumn brings hearty dishes perfectly suited to the cooling weather. Goulash, the country’s national dish, takes on a special quality when made with freshly harvested vegetables. For something sweet, rétes (Hungarian strudel) features fall fruits like apple, pear and plum, often spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. After your ship docks in Budapest, take a short taxi ride to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, then visit nearby Gundel Restaurant for their renowned game dishes or head to Kiosk for excellent goulash soup with views of the Danube and Elisabeth Bridge.
Slovak cuisine along the Danube embraces similar hearty themes with dishes like Bryndzové Halušky, potato dumplings with sheep cheese, becoming even more satisfying as temperatures drop. When your cruise stops in Bratislava, you can easily walk to Slovak Pub or Bratislava Flagship Restaurant in the Old Town area, just a short stroll from the river dock, for authentic Slovak cuisine in historic settings.
The Danube begins as a modest Black Forest spring before growing into Europe’s second, longest river. By the time it reaches the Black Sea, it’s touched ten countries, each offering distinctive autumn experiences. Here are the essential stops that truly shine during this golden season:
Vienna, Austria: Imperial Vienna practically preens in autumn. The Habsburgs’ grand parks, particularly Schönbrunn and the Prater, become carpets of gold and amber, perfect for contemplative strolls without summer’s crowds. The city’s cultural calendar kicks into high gear as opera houses and concert halls launch their new seasons. There’s something particularly fitting about hearing Strauss waltzes in Vienna when autumn rain taps gently on nineteenth-century windowpanes.
A visit to one of those legendary coffeehouses (the aforementioned Café Central or Demel, perhaps) where time seems to have stopped around 1900, is essential. The seasonal specials taste even better while watching autumn leaves skitter past centuries-old windows.
Budapest, Hungary: They call it the ‘Pearl of the Danube’ for good reason, but Budapest reveals different facets in autumn. The Buda Hills burst into colour, creating a stunning backdrop for the city’s architectural treasures. Taking the funicular up to the Castle District at sunset allows visitors to watch the autumn light play across the city as it shifts from golden to amber to deep rose. Be sure to visit Pest’s famous market for some fresh paprika to take home from the recent harvest.
Oh and as we mentioned earlier, Budapest’s thermal baths reach peak appeal when there’s a nip in the air -there’s something magical about soaking in the steaming waters of Széchenyi Baths surrounded by trees sporting autumn hues.
Wachau Valley, Austria: This UNESCO-listed region reaches its scenic pinnacle during harvest season. Beyond the spectacular riverside foliage, the valley buzzes with viticulture activity as vineyards harvest their grapes. Many wineries open their doors for special tastings, allowing visitors to sample new wines while learning about centuries-old traditions. The medieval town of Dürnstein with its ice-blue Baroque church looks even more enchanting framed by autumn-hued vineyards, while hilltop ruins offer panoramic views of the golden valley below.
Bratislava, Slovakia: Slovakia’s capital often gets the short end of the stick, with some cruises allowing only a few hours’ visit. That’s a mistake, especially in autumn when the city reveals its intimate charm. The diminutive Old Town comes alive with harvest celebrations.The hilltop castle offers spectacular views of the changing colours along the Danube’s banks. The city’s many outdoor cafés transition to cosy, centuries-old cellar restaurants where hearty Slovak cuisine perfectly complements the season. Local specialities like roast duck with red cabbage taste even better in autumn, particularly during St. Martin’s Day celebrations in November.
Passau, Germany: Known as the ‘City of Three Rivers‘, where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube converge, Passau offers atmospheric autumn experiences as morning mist often rises from the converging waters. The city’s baroque architecture takes on a warm glow in autumn light, and its position as a gateway to Bavaria means visitors can experience authentic German harvest traditions. St. Stephen’s Cathedral often hosts special concert series during autumn, allowing visitors to experience its famous organ in a less crowded setting.
Several premium cruise lines offer exceptional autumn Danube experiences, each with their own distinctive approach:
AmaWaterways offers their popular ‘Romantic Danube’ and ‘Melodies of the Danube’ wine-themed cruises that are particularly appealing in autumn. Their 7-night journey from Vilshofen to Budapest aboard the elegant AmaSonata includes exclusive vineyard tours during harvest season and onboard wine tastings with local experts.
Viking River Cruises runs an 8-day ‘Danube Waltz’ from Passau to Budapest, with autumn departures in September and October 2025 that perfectly align with harvest festivals. Their longships feature panoramic windows ideal for watching the autumn scenery drift by.
Uniworld offers their luxurious ‘Enchanting Danube’ cruise from Budapest to Passau aboard the S.S. Maria Theresa, with special autumn 2025 departures featuring harvest celebrations. Their all-inclusive approach covers premium wines and spirits, all meals, excursions, and even gratuities.
Tauck provides the immersive Musical Magic Along the Blue Danube’ themed cruise that’s particularly magical in autumn when the cultural season begins. Exclusive experiences include private palace concerts in Vienna and special access to museums.
Avalon Waterways offers ‘Active Discovery on the Danube’ cruises that are ideal for autumn, with opportunities for cycling through vineyards and hiking to panoramic viewpoints showcasing fall foliage. Their signature Panorama Suites feature wall-to-wall windows for optimal scenic viewing. Autumn 2025 sailings begin at approximately £2,300 per person.
Autumnal Excursions To Consider
Autumn-specific excursions add special seasonal dimensions to Danube river cruises, allowing passengers to explore beyond the standard tourist paths. When booking your cruise, consider if they offer any of the these excursions…
Vineyard tours and wine tastings take on special significance during harvest season. Many cruise lines offer exclusive visits to wineries in Austria’s Wachau Valley or Hungary’s Tokaj region, where passengers can witness the grape harvest in action. Some excursions even offer the opportunity to participate in picking grapes or stomping them the traditional way, a hands-on experience that connects travellers to centuries-old viticultural traditions.
Cycling excursions along the Danube’s extensive bike paths become particularly appealing in autumn’s moderate temperatures. The Wachau Valley between Melk and Krems offers especially scenic cycling routes through vineyards and charming villages, with stops at panoramic viewpoints to appreciate the autumn colours.
Culinary workshops focusing on autumn specialities allow passengers to bring home more than just photographs from their journey. These hands-on experiences might include learning to make Austrian apple strudel, Hungarian goulash, or German pretzels under the guidance of local chefs.
Photography walks guided by professional photographers help passengers capture the unique light and colours of autumn along the Danube. These excursions often take place during the golden hour near sunset, when riverside castles, historic bridges and church spires are bathed in warm autumn light.
The Bottom Line
A Danube cruise during these amber months offers the perfect balance – comfortable temperatures for exploration, spectacular seasonal landscapes, authentic cultural encounters, and culinary experiences at their peak of seasonal freshness. Whether you’re drawn by the terraced vineyards of the Wachau Valley, the imperial splendour of Vienna, or the thermal baths of Budapest, autumn adds a special quality to each destination.
Calling all campervanners; after a long winter of downtime and drudgery, of stagnant, stationary living, the road is once again calling your name!
We can’t wait.
For those who made an investment in the open road during lockdown, a few home truths may have quickly been realised. One such realisation is that, when you initially buy your campervan, it can look a little bare. Bleak, even.
Now that the summer holidays beckon, you might be looking to spruce up your vehicle so it’s as comfortable and welcoming as possible. With that in mind, here’s how to make your campervan more cosy.
Personal Decorations
Decorating the interior of your van can make it feel more welcoming, and when this is your transport and your hotel during life on the road, it’s essential that it does feel that way, don’t you think?
Surrounding yourself with photos and objects that you love can make you feel more grounded when you’re on the road. Moreover, with all sorts of familiar pictures and postcards lining the walls, it’ll quickly become a more homely place, so do just that; find your favourite photos of friends and family, pictures, wall hangings and paintings and arrange them in an eye-catching manner.
Lighting can make a significant difference to your campervan’s cosiness, too. In the mornings, you’ll want to make the most of all your windows by allowing natural light to pour in to the van. Accordingly, it’s a good idea to swap out those dusty old drapes for some simple, easy to activate blinds, to allow for maximum light coverage.
In the evenings, on the other hand, you’ll want a lighting setup that can make the van feel cosy. By fitting fairy lights to the walls and ceiling, you can enjoy a relaxing, romantic ambience in your van anytime of day or night.
Greenery
Why not try adding some plants to the campervan to offer some vitality and life? Because, let’s face it, a fair portion of campervan life is spent on concrete and tarmac, rather than out in nature and under the stars.
A little greenery goes a long way. You can introduce some by buying little pots and planting small green plants all around the interior. Alternatively, you could go for a more unique look by adding a few rare and strange-looking house plants to the inside of your campervan.
It’s a good idea to opt for hardy plants that won’t damage easily. The best campervan plants tend to be succulents as they can handle variable conditions. Moreover, some have medicinal purposes; consider aloe vera, which can also be used to treat sunburn.
There are also some edible cacti and succulents that you can adorn your van with, including Elephant Bush, Prickly Pear and Glasswort, the latter of which is sometimes called the poor man’s asparagus; useful if there aren’t any shops open near where you’ve parked up for the night, perhaps!
Hammock
A van hammock can be an excellent way to wind down and relax. Whether you want to set it up outside and doze in the sun or you’re keen to settle in during the evenings, a hammock is a versatile, comfortable option.
For indoor use, look for compact hammocks with simple hanging systems that won’t damage your van’s interior. Outside, consider models with integrated mosquito nets for summer evenings. Many hammocks fold down to the size of a small book, making them perfect for the space-conscious traveller who still wants that touch of outdoor luxury whilst on the road.
Throws, Blankets & Scattered Cushions
When you settle down in the evenings, you’ll want to be as comfy as possible. But ordinarily, your van might not be too suited to colder evenings. Consider purchasing some throws and blankets to up the ante on that cosy factor. These can help soften the texture of the interior and they’ll allow you to wrap up snugly when you’re settling in for the night.
Introducing patterned scatter cushions can really help change the whole dynamic of your van’s interior. They not only bring texture and warmth to your van, but they make any seating so much more comfortable. Experiment with a number of patterned and plain cushions together to create a cohesive look for best results.
Remember that you can change your cushion covers with the seasons. When the temperature drops, we love adding cushion covers in jewel-toned colours, the same hues as gorgeous gemstones, to our sofa; think sapphire blue, ruby red, amethyst purple, citrine yellow and emerald green. When it’s autumn, cushions in autumnal hues can bring the requisite warmth to your sofa.
Upholstery
In a similar way, the upholstery matters, too. By adding different colours and patterns, your van can quickly become more homely. You can achieve this by upholstering the seat cushions to something more comfortable.
The fabric of your cushion requires some serious thought, both for your own comfort and for practical reasons. Avoid fabric that can be easily stained or fabric that might cause irritation to those sitting on the sofa. Also, make sure the fabric can be easily washed.
Eating with plastic cutlery and plates can be useful as a one-off, but if you’re spending a long period travelling in the van, it’s best to have something more luxurious to hand to make your meals feel all the more special.
Try bringing your favourite plates and utensils from home to make meal time that bit more elegant. We’re huge fans of enamel plates for vans, as they’re pretty much impossible to break and look great, too. Today, alongside the standard white plates with a blue rim, you can vibrant Colorama plates which offer a contemporary twist on classic enamelware.
Storage Solutions
In a campervan, every centimetre counts. Clever storage solutions can transform a cramped space into an organised haven. Consider installing magnetic strips on walls to hold metal utensils and knives, freeing up valuable drawer space. Vacuum storage bags are brilliant for compressing bedding and seasonal clothing when not in use.
Look to the ceiling and walls as untapped storage areas – hanging nets or fabric pockets can store lightweight items like hats, scarves, and books. Many experienced vanlifers swear by the efficiency of stackable clear boxes that allow you to see contents without rummaging. Remember that multi-functional furniture, such as ottomans with storage inside or tables with fold-down leaves, will maximise your living space whilst providing places to stow your belongings.
Tech & Entertainment
Even the most dedicated nature lovers occasionally want some digital comforts. A reliable power setup is essential—consider investing in a leisure battery system and perhaps solar panels for sustainable, off-grid power. This will allow you to charge devices and run small appliances without draining your vehicle’s main battery.
For entertainment, a tablet loaded with films and books takes up minimal space whilst providing hours of rainy-day distraction. Bluetooth speakers can transform your van into a mobile disco when the mood strikes, whilst requiring very little storage space. If you’re planning longer trips, a simple wi-fi booster might be worth considering, extending the range of campsite wi-fi or your mobile hotspot to keep you connected when desired.
The Best Vehicles For Campervan Conversions
Selecting the right base vehicle is perhaps the most crucial decision you’ll make on your campervan journey. The Ford Transit Custom MS-RT stands out as an excellent choice, offering a perfect balance of style and substance. Its sporty aesthetic doesn’t compromise on practicality, with generous interior dimensions that provide ample space for creative conversions. The MS-RT’s upgraded suspension also delivers a more comfortable ride than standard vans—a blessing on those long touring holidays.
The Volkswagen Transporter remains the classic choice, with its legendary reliability and strong resale values making it a sound investment. For those with a larger budget, the Mercedes Sprinter offers luxury touches and more headroom, ideal for standing-height conversions. The Vauxhall Vivaro and Renault Trafic share a platform and represent excellent value options with good payload capacities.
For the more adventurous, 4×4 options like the Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 or converted Land Rover Defenders offer genuine off-road capabilities, though at a premium price. Budget-conscious converters might consider slightly older Mazda Bongo or Toyota Hiace models, which can often be found at reasonable prices with good reliability records.
Whatever vehicle you choose, ensure you research payload capacities carefully – many novice converters are surprised by how quickly the weight adds up with furniture, water tanks, and all the comforts of home.
The Bottom Line
Making your van cosier can be a fun and rewarding project. By changing the lighting, decorations, and upholstery you might quickly find it becomes a second home.
Remember that personalising your campervan isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that supports your wellbeing whilst travelling. A thoughtfully designed interior can improve your mood, help you sleep better, and make even the rainiest days spent inside feel like a pleasure rather than a chore. Invest the time now, and you’ll reap the rewards throughout all your future adventures.
Stand in a Florentine piazza at dusk, and you might notice something subtle yet profound: the cadence of conversation, the particular way a vendor wraps a package, the almost imperceptible nod between longtime residents passing in the street. These aren’t simply ‘Italian’ moments but distinctly Tuscan ones – cultural expressions that would be recognised as regionally distinctive even in Venice or Rome.
Indeed, Tuscany exists as its own cultural universe within Italy’s rich tapestry of regional identities. Its distinctive character was forged through centuries as a political, artistic and linguistic powerhouse – a place that didn’t just participate in Italian culture but fundamentally shaped it, while jealously guarding its own particular ways of being.
The cypress-lined hills and Renaissance masterpieces that dominate postcards tell only a fraction of the story. The true Tuscany reveals itself in the untranslatable phrases uttered in market squares, the particular rhythm of village festivals that follow ancient agricultural patterns, and the social codes governing everything from bread-making to neighbourhood allegiances.
This isn’t about reinforcing simplistic divisions but illuminating how remarkably diverse Italian regional cultures remain even in our globalised era.
The Contrada System: Siena’s Distinctive Social Structure
In Siena, the city remains organised into 17 contrade (neighbourhoods) that function as fundamental social units. Each has its own museum, fountain, church, colours, animal symbol, and celebrations. These divisions shape daily life in ways immediately recognisable to Italians but often invisible to visitors.
The contrade originated in the Middle Ages as military companies, evolving into the civic organisations they are today. Each maintains its own cultural heritage preservation committee, youth group, and social calendar. Membership is typically determined by birth location rather than current residence, creating complex social geographies.
During the Palio horse race, these neighbourhood identities reach their most visible expression, but contrada culture operates year-round. Many Sienese identify with their contrada as a primary social allegiance, with complex diplomatic relationships existing between allied and rival districts. The twice-yearly baptismal ceremony at each contrada’s fountain for neighbourhood children represents a social commitment that complements religious practice.
This neighbourhood system differs significantly from other Italian cities’ administrative divisions, existing as cultural entities rather than merely governmental units. The degree of voluntary participation and emotional investment in these neighbourhood identities represents something distinct within Italian urban culture.
Florentine Communication: Directness As Cultural Value
Florence maintains a communication style characterised by concision and directness. Where Venetians might employ diplomatic circumlocution and Romans a certain expressiveness, Florentines typically value clarity over courtesy in a way immediately recognisable to Italians from other regions.
This communication approach manifests in everyday interactions. At Florentine markets, vendors often use abbreviated speech patterns and expect quick, decisive selections from customers. The abbreviated greeting Dica (literally ‘Speak’) used by Florentine shopkeepers represents this efficiency-focused approach, contrasting with more elaborate welcoming rituals in other regions.
Florentine speech typically contains fewer diminutives and terms of endearment than found in central and southern Italian regions. Whilst an Italian tutor might teach students to soften requests with pleasantries and subjunctives, Florentines often dispense with such niceties in favour of clarity. This linguistic pattern reflects historical values developed during Florence’s commercial golden age, when precision in business communication was essential to the banking and textile industries that built the city’s wealth.
This direct communication style extends to feedback and criticism. Where critique might be softened with compliments in other regions, Florentine artistic and academic traditions often embrace forthright assessment. This approach can sometimes create cross-cultural misunderstandings with visitors and Italians from other regions, but represents a distinctive cultural value rather than rudeness.
The True Tuscan Linguistic Heritage
While standard Italian derives from Tuscan literary traditions, contemporary spoken Tuscan contains distinctive features beyond the famous gorgia toscana (the softening of certain consonants). Tuscan speech employs specific grammatical constructions and vocabulary not found in standard Italian.
Particularly distinctive is the Tuscan use of personal pronouns. The insertion of te before verbs (as in Te tu vieni qua – ‘You come here’) creates a doubling effect considered grammatically incorrect in standard Italian but central to Tuscan speech patterns. Similarly, the construction A me mi piace doubles the indirect object in a way specifically associated with Tuscan dialect.
The lexicon includes terms like desinare (to have lunch) instead of the standard pranzare, and punto used to mean ‘not at all’ rather than simply ‘point.’ The adjective ganzo (cool/great) remains distinctly Tuscan, immediately identifying speakers to other Italians.
These linguistic particularities extend to pronunciation, with Tuscan speakers often dropping the final vowel from certain words (saying venir instead of venire). In rural areas particularly, vocabulary relating to agricultural practices often preserves terms from medieval Tuscan that have disappeared from standard Italian.
Distinctive Tuscan Culinary Traditions
Tuscan cuisine developed distinct characteristics shaped by the region’s agricultural history. Most emblematic is pane sciocco (unsalted bread), which originated during medieval salt tax disputes. This bread became the foundation for unique preparations like panzanella (bread salad), ribollita (vegetable and bread soup reheated multiple times), and pappa al pomodoro (tomato bread soup).
The prominence of bread-based dishes reflects historical resource conservation in a region that experienced periodic scarcity. Similarly, the Tuscan approach to meat utilises traditionally less-valued cuts. Dishes like lampredotto (made from the fourth stomach of the cow) in Florence represent a waste-minimising philosophy different from the meat preparations of northern Italian regions.
Tuscan olive oil usage differs from other regions in its prominence as a finishing element rather than primarily a cooking medium. The peppery finish of many Tuscan oils determines how they’re incorporated into dishes, often drizzled over food after cooking rather than fully integrated during preparation.
Wine integration into daily life follows distinctive patterns as well. The consumption of vin santo with cantucci (almond biscuits) after meals represents a specifically Tuscan ritual, different from digestive traditions in other regions. In rural areas, the tradition of merenda (afternoon snack) often features specific combinations of bread, oil, and preserved meats unique to Tuscan agricultural cycles.
Rural Tuscan Festival Culture
Tuscany’s countryside maintains celebrations closely tied to agricultural cycles, many dating to pre-Christian times. While seasonal festivals exist throughout Italy, Tuscan rural celebrations often emphasise hyperlocal specialties from remarkably small geographic areas.
Village sagre (food festivals) frequently honor ingredients specific to microclimates within Tuscany itself. The Sagra della Cipolla di Certaldo celebrates red onions grown exclusively in that area, while the Sagra del Zafferano in San Gimignano honors locally produced saffron with culinary traditions specific to that town.
Particularly unique to rural Tuscany are battiture (threshing festivals) marking harvest completion. In villages like Sorano and Sovana, these celebrations maintain elements of agricultural rituals largely disappeared elsewhere. The meals associated with these festivals often follow traditional serving hierarchies based on age and social position, providing insight into rural social structures.
The wine-focused traditions of Tuscany include distinctive competitions like Montepulciano’s Bravio delle Botti, where teams race 80kg wine barrels uphill through medieval streets. This combination of oenological celebration with physical competition represents a distinctive Tuscan approach to wine culture.
The Temporal Rhythm Of Tuscan Life
Tuscany maintains a distinctive relationship with time that differs from both northern Italian efficiency and southern Italian flexibility. The concept of tempo giusto (right timing) reflects an approach where activities receive their appropriate temporal space without arbitrary acceleration or delay.
This manifests in business practices where meetings typically start punctually but aren’t rushed to conclusion. Discussions receive the time they merit rather than adhering to predetermined schedules. This selective time management differs from both Milan’s business efficiency and Sicily’s more elastic approach to appointments.
In small towns, this temporal approach creates social rhythms where certain activities belong to specific times and places. The organisation of the day follows patterns where, for instance, the early morning square belongs to elderly residents discussing current events, while evening brings multi-generational social mixing. These temporal zoning practices create unwritten schedules understood by community members.
The Tuscan approach to modernity reflects this selective relationship with time. Technological adoption tends to occur based on practical value assessment rather than novelty. A workshop might use advanced manufacturing techniques while maintaining traditional management structures, representing a philosophical choice about maintaining quality and community connections.
This distinctive Tuscan relationship with time and progress creates a cultural environment that selectively incorporates change while maintaining certain rhythms and practices. Understanding this approach helps visitors appreciate the region’s distinct cultural identity within Italy’s rich diversity.
If ever a city existed in a liminal space between meals, it’s Chiang Mai. The ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom feels like it’s perpetually gearing up for its next feast, with never ending plumes of smoke rising from charcoal grills, steam billowing from bubbling curry pots, and the rhythmic pounding of clay pestle and mortars providing the city’s distinctive soundtrack. A soundtrack that’s only punctuated by a busy chorus of discussion about what’s for dinner, we might add…
Indeed, whilst the region’s proud, ornate temples, mountain vistas, walls and moats might initially draw visitors to Northern Thailand’s spiritual centre, it’s the food that keeps them coming back.
A distinct cuisine influenced by neighbouring Burma, Laos and the Yunnan Province of China, but with its own inimitable character, Lanna food – as the food of the north is known – is generally milder than that of central and southern Thailand, with an earthy, herbal profile taking precedence over the familiar sweet, spicy and sour vibes that folk usually associate with the Kingdom. Pork fat brings a sauve richness where cracked coconut cream might sizzle down south. Sticky rice reigns supreme.
Not that Chiang Mai has a myopic vision, food wise. A large expat population and status as Thailand’s digital nomad capital means you’ll find excellent international restaurants too, as well as cafes and bars that wouldn’t look out of place in London or New York. Still, we write that without including a single one on our list, such is the quality of the local food here.
So, once again, we find ourselves in the privileged position of eating our way around one of the world’s great food cities, all in the name of research. An arduous task, make no mistake, but one we accepted with open arms, and soon after, open mouths. Here are the very best places to eat in Chiang Mai; our IDEAL 22.
SP Chicken, Si Phum (Old City)
Ideal for some of the finest grilled chicken you’ll ever eat…
Let’s start with something simple but sublime. SP Chicken has been doing one thing exceptionally well for decades now; Issan-style grilled chicken cooked over charcoal. And boy, do they do it well.
The chickens here are brined, marinated, stuffed with lemongrass and garlic, and cooked on vertical spits with the heat source coming from the side rather than below. This unique method prevents any oil from dripping onto the coals and causing flare-ups that might burn the birds. The result? Impossibly juicy meat and perfectly, consistently crisp skin, every single time.
You have the option of a half or a whole bird. Though the idea of a half seems plenty, you’ll find yourself licking the plate and your fingers and considering ordering a second half.
You might as well commit to the whole thing first time around. Order yours with som tam (papaya salad) and sticky rice – the holy trinity of Isaan cooking, add a couple of Singha beers, position yourself near the grill where the cook is happy to swap stories and cooking tips, and stay the afternoon there. Heaven.
Prices remain steadfastly local here too, with a full spread for two rarely exceeding 400 baht (around £9). The whole chicken is 190 baht (£4.30), if you want to behave like a beast, tearing at drumsticks with your teeth.
Ideal for northern Thai food that’s worth seeking out…
It’s a pig’s ear to find and a pig’s ear to find open. Funnily enough, you can find pig’s ear on the menu here. That’s if you’re lucky enough to catch one of the sweet spots where their doors are flung wide and the sisters in-charge are at the stove. But man, it’s worth the effort (and occasional disappointment at being turned away).
Author’s own
Because this bare bones, humble eatery serves up some of the finest northern Thai specialties in the city. Their gaeng hung lay (a Burmese-influenced curry of braised pork belly) is sensational, their laab toasty, rasping and redolent of a complex dried spice mix, and bitter as it should be. The northern Thai sausage, sai ua, is fragrant with lemongrass and makrut lime leaf, with a pleasingly caramelised casing – a nice point of a difference in a city with so much sai ua that the sausage fest gags write themself.
Ideal for what might just be the finest bowl of curry noodles in the world…
About half an hour’s drive north of the city centre lies what many consider to be the best khao soi in Chiang Mai and by default, then, the world. This iconic northern Thai dish combines egg noodles in a rich coconut curry broth, crowned with crispy fried noodles and served with pickled greens, shallots, and chilli oil – a cherished creation born from the intersection of Chinese Muslim, Burmese and Thai culinary traditions. The journey might seem excessive for a bowl of noodles, but trust us; this one’s worth it.
Here, the third (and reportedly last) generation owner still makes the egg noodles by hand daily, preserving a family recipe that spans more than four decades. The beef version is the move here; the meat tender and giving, the coconut curry broth deep and complex with properly developed spicing, and those noodles – both soft and crispy – providing the perfect vehicle for it all.
If you’re feeling curious, try their pad sen khao soi, where those same hand-made noodles are stir-fried rather than swimming in broth. It’s a unique twist on the city’s signature dish that you won’t find in many other places. Rent a motorbike and make a day of it; San Sai is a gorgeous retreat from Chiang Mai proper.
Ideal for innovative cooking that respects its roots…
Hidden above a gelato shop in Chiang Mai’s hip Nimmanhaemin neighbourhood, this 16-seat restaurant serves some of the most exciting food in Chiang Mai. Chef Phanuphol Bulsuwan, who learned his craft at his grandmother’s side rather than culinary school, creates ambitious 10-course tasting menus that change constantly based on what’s available from local farmers and foragers.
The chef’s innovative approach to fermentation – he makes his own fish sauce, soy sauce and pickles, and brews beer and sake for the restaurant, too – and his deep knowledge of local ingredients results in food that pushes boundaries while remaining distinctly Thai.
The dining room might be minimalist, but the flavours on the 2700 baht (£60 ish) tasting menu are anything but. Highlights include a refined take on the pork and tomato relish nahm prik ong (the ol’ Thai bolognese), which here is served ‘two ways’ and topped with crisp shards of chicken skin, and chef Bulsuwan’s buffalo salad, a riff on the sun-dried buffalo dishes of the Tai Khuen people.
The menu changes regularly and is Thai-seasonal in its approach, observing the rainy and dry seasons, the former celebrating the abundance that the wetter weather brings; the latter embracing ingredients that are refreshing and light. There’s a keen sense of time and place here – of tradition and modernity that reflects the wider city as an entity.
Many think that Blackitch will be the restaurant that wins Chiang Mai its first Michelin star – we have to say, we agree with them. It’s the best ‘fine dining’ restaurant in Thailand’s second city by some margin.
Ideal for northern Thai classics in lively surrounds…
Set in a charming wooden house on Nimmanhaemin Soi 13, Tong Tem Toh is perpetually packed with a mix of Thai university students, Chinese tourists and in-the-know farang. They’re all here for the same thing – agreeable northern Thai food in a convivial courtyard, all big wooden tables and noisy din that makes the whole sharing thing all the more enjoyable.
It is a massive menu, so let the restaurant dictate things a little. Their northern Thai appetiser platter is the perfect introduction to the cuisine, loaded with sai ua, nahm prik ong, nahm prik noom (roasted green chilli relish), pork crackling and steamed vegetables. Lovely stuff. The grilled meats coming off the barbecue set up outside are excellent too, particularly the fatty, charred pork neck. It’s impossible to resist the smoke wafting about as you queue for, genuinely, hours for a table.
That said, the highlight at Tong Tem Toh is the jin som. Here, pork mince, skin and fat are mixed together with a cracked egg, pounded garlic and salt, wrapped in a banana leaf and left to ferment in the sun for a few days. The parcel is then chucked on the grill to order, and served with roasted peanuts, thumbs of ginger and Thai bird’s eye chillis. It’s lip smackingly good, and a damn fine version at triple T; rich, sour and just a little bit funky. Chase it down with a few Singha over ice – you’ve earned it after all that waiting around.
A meal here rarely costs more than 300 baht per person, which makes the queue out front a bit more bearable. Our advice? Get there early, get your name down and your number memorised, and go for a beer or two opposite.
Ideal for a bowl of curry noodles from the OG (original grandma)…
Just off Sri Phum Road, near the North Gate of the old city, you’ll find this beloved institution known simply as Grandma’s Khao Soi. Opening at 10am and closing when they run out (usually around 2pm), this modest open-air eatery serves what many consider the best bowl of khao soi within the old city walls.
The coconut curry broth here is perfectly balanced – not too rich, not too sweet – with a deep rouge colour that speaks to its proper blooming of spices. While the chicken version is excellent, we’re particularly fond of the lesser-sighted pork version (owing to the dish’s potential Muslim origins, pork is rarely used in khao soi), which comes with tender chunks of belly that have been stewing in that incredible curry all morning. For those not confident with their chopsticks and fearful of ruining their T-shirt with a splashback of turmeric-tainted broth, the chicken slices version is your order.
Whichever way you play it, those ubiquitous condiments – pickled mustard greens, shallots, lime – are an essential counterpoint to the rich broth/soup/curry…whatever you want to call it. At just 60 baht a bowl, this is one of the city’s greatest bargains.
Ideal for authentic northern Thai food in a traditional Lanna setting…
Since 2011, this restaurant – whose name means ‘happy home’ – has been living up to its moniker by serving some of the most jolly satisfying northern Thai food in the city. Set in a traditional Lanna house with a leafy garden, it’s a tranquil spot to sample hard-to-find traditional dishes. Of a genre that’s fairly widespread in the city, Huen Muan Jai is our favourite rendition.
Former TV chef Charan Thipeung’s menu includes all the northern classics: sai ua, nahm prik ong, and an excellent gaeng hang lay, alongside some lesser known dishes (outside the north, at least) like tam khanoon (pounded jackfruit salad) and gaeng pla chon (a hot and sour soup with snakehead fish). We’re really sorry about all those brackets, by the way.
For newcomers and old timers, too, the northern Thai appetiser sampler is the perfect introduction to the region’s flavours. A word of warning; with the semi alfresco vibe to the dining room at Huen Muan Jai and the various water features scattered about the place, the mozzies can be pretty insistent here. Come doused in repellent accordingly.
Ideal for seriously good seafood in a landlocked city…
You might not expect to find excellent seafood in a landlocked mountain city, but Maadae proves that distance from the coast is no barrier to quality. The kitchen here sources their catch directly from small-scale fishermen in Chumphon province, ensuring the freshest possible produce makes its way up north and onto the grills of this cracking restaurant.
The menu changes daily depending on what’s been caught, but you can expect Thai seafood classics like thick rounds of braised squid in a moody black pepper and garlic sauce, or chunks of white fish mixed with a fragrant, coarse curry paste before being wrapped in banana leaf and grilled. The main event, though, is the selection of whole fish and huge river prawns, sold by weight and grilled over coals. Usually, they’re served with jungle herbs and an assertive nahm jim seafood, the ideal foil by the bitter notes of charred skin and gorgeous, giving flesh within.
The dining room, with its blend of industrial chic and traditional Thai elements, provides the perfect backdrop for such considered, respectful cooking. There’s even a short selection of natural wine, with a bottle of Wabi Sabi Orange Moon from the Niederösterreich region of Austria clocking in at 1400 baht (£32) and offering a restrained funk and plenty of acidity.
Whilst Maadae isn’t a blowout meal (certainly not by Bangkok standards), it’s one of the more premium places on our list of the best places to eat in Chiang Mai. Expect to pay 2000 baht (£45) for two, before drinks. It’s very much worth it for the kind of spread or spanking fresh seafood you won’t find too often in Thailand’s second city.
Ideal for experiencing the best raw laab in Northern Thailand…
A tiny shack a twenty minute drive out of Chiang Mai Old City, tucked away in the San Sai district, might not be the first place you’d think of for a culinary pilgrimage…
…Scrap that; it’s exactly the kind of place you’d think of. It’s worth the journey, the language barrier and the rest, as Laab Ton Koi serves what many locals consider to be the best laab in Chiang Mai. Opening at 11am sharp, this humble eatery typically sells out within three hours, the meat minced fresh each day and only going so far, so arriving early is essential.
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The star dish here is their laab kwai dip (raw buffalo) – a perfectly minced creation that’s generously but not excessively seasoned with a blend of spices including makwen peppercorns and cumin, then mixed with fresh green cow bile for an authentic northern Thai flavour profile. The result is a wonderfully complex dish that combines herbs both astringent and floral, bitter bile, and beautifully textured meat.
Since you’ve made the effort to get here, you shouldn’t dine on laab (and sticky rice) alone. Don’t miss their gaeng om moo (pork intestine soup) – a herb-rich broth that serves as the perfect accompaniment to the laab. The restaurant also offers sa sa-doong, a barely-blanched meat dish whose name literally translates to ‘jolted raw slices’.
At just 40 baht per dish, this is one of the best value-for-money experiences you’ll find in Chiang Mai. Just remember – this isn’t tourist-oriented dining, so expect a local experience with minimal English spoken. Time to brush up on your Thai.
Ideal for contemporary Chinese dining in a traditional Lanna setting…
We’re back in Nimmanhaemin, somewhat in awe of Yangzi Jiang’s regal, refined take on Chinese-Catonese cuisine, helmed by a chef with Hong Kong roots. When you’re just a little tired of another bowl of khao soi, Yangzi Jiang is just the ticket, its stellar dim sum selection during lunch hours a welcome diversion from the city’s usual charms. The signature steamed scallop dumplings with black truffles are a standout, and one of Chiang Mai’s most decadent dishes.
Set in a contemporary Lanna house (there’s a theme developing here), the restaurant has an elegant, hushed atmosphere that perfectly complements its refined cuisine. While the dim sum is the main draw, their Peking duck has earned a reputation as one of the most memorable versions in the city, arriving with breasts delicately portioned and bordered with a clock’s worth of numeral bronzed, glass-like skin. This is supreme cooking, with age-old techniques precisely delivered.
Their lunch menu is particularly popular among Chinese tourists and well-heeled locals, so reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours. This is one of the pricier options in the Nimman area, but the quality of ingredients and execution justifies the cost; an excellent choice for those looking to diversify their Chiang Mai dining experience beyond Thai cuisine.
Ideal for atmospheric northern Thai dining in the heart of the old city…
Set in an atmospheric old teak house near the centre of the old city, Huen Phen feels frozen in time in the best possible way. The dining room is adorned with antiques and vintage photos, while chunky wooden tables and the occasional touch of opulence nod to the city’s royal heritage.
The food is just as traditional as the setting, and Huen Phen – though not the gold-standard purveyors of the good stuff – is a great place to try savoury, herbal Northern Thai classics like gaeng hang lay, various preparations of Northern-style laab, and nahm prik noom served with fresh and steamed vegetables and pork crackling.
The brick-a-brack, organised chaos of the dining room(s) adds to the charm here – your dining companions on any given visit might include several golden, looming phaya naga, a deer with comically large antlers, or a wooden fertility statue, tumescent and distracting. Yep, this is a vibes-first kind of place, and it’s all the better for it.
Prices are keen too, with most main dishes coming in under 100 baht. Just be prepared to wait for a table during peak lunch hours. Once you nab one, settle in, order a few cold beers (or even a little Sang Som with soda) and luxuriate in the generosity of Lanna cuisine and culture.
Ideal for possibly the best beef noodle soup in northern Thailand…
For over three decades, this humble shophouse has been serving what many consider to be the finest Chinese-style beef noodles in Chiang Mai. We’re certainly inclined to agree with the many here; this is a light but luxurious bowl of the good stuff that manages to be satisfying but not too sweet, and not overly reliant on MSG for backbone. It’s a rare find in a bowl of noodles in Thailand these days…
The broth is the star – deeply flavoured with Chinese herbs and pristine in its clarity. Tiny globules of beef fat pool at the edges of the bowl, indicating just the right level of skimming has happened here.
The beef bits – balls with good factory bounce, offal, slices – have just the right amount of chew. As in, a fair bit of chew. There’s an obligatory lettuce leaf bobbing about, as there should be.
And if you’re not in the mood for noodles (bit of a weird choice to pitch up here if you’re not), they also do an excellent beef yellow curry served over rice. Don’t leave without trying their homemade coconut ice cream for dessert – the perfect way to reset after that steaming bowl of soup.
Ideal for an authentic local market experience away from the tourist trail…
About a kilometre north of the old city, Siri Wattana (also known as Thanin Market) offers one of Chiang Mai’s most genuine market experiences. This is where locals come to do their daily shopping and grab a quick, delicious meal, and it’s somewhere you should do the same.
The market is divided into distinct sections – fresh produce, meats, prepared foods – but it’s the khao gaeng (rice and curry) section that draws us back time and time again. Here, dozens of silver trays hold different curries, stir-fries and soups, all priced at local-friendly rates (expect to pay no more than 40-50 baht per dish).
The best strategy here is to point at whatever looks good (you could, of course, learn some Thai). Don’t miss the hor mok pla, a fish curry steamed in banana leaves and topped with coconut cream. There are also excellent takeaway options of sai ua, served with smoked green chilli relish, and deep fried fermented pork ribs. The som tam pla raa here is great, too, found at the right of the prepared foods section of the market.
If your appetite still isn’t satiated, there’s also excellent one-bowl wonders prepared to order in the canteen-like space as you enter – the pad grapao that’s served to the left of the market as you enter is an excellent version of a classic. If you can’t find it, just listen out for the clatter of the one-woman-wok operation.
Ideal for conscientious eating that doesn’t compromise on flavour…
This socially conscious cafe in the Nimman (we’re shortening now) area isn’t just about serving great food – though it certainly does that. Run by Thai Freedom House, a non-profit organisation supporting Shan refugees, Free Bird Cafe puts its profits towards educational projects and community support.
The menu features traditional Shan recipes, many plant-based by design, alongside a broader selection of international dishes.
Stick with the Shan stuff; it’s superb. Their lahpet thoke (Burmese tea leaf salad) is a standout – crunchy, tangy and utterly addictive – whilst the red lentil soup could cure the very worst whiskey soda hangover. For breakfast, try the Burmese tofu scramble with pennywort and turmeric, alongside a roasted barley and chicory drink, which boasts coffee-adjacent notes but none of the caffeine.
Ideal for refined Thai dining in characterful surrounds…
Hidden down a quiet soi in the old city, Baan Landai serves up creative, Kingdom-spanning cuisine in a setting that manages to be both chic and homely. Chef Landai weaves together regional flavours without things ever becoming jarring, creating dishes that respect heritage while adding enough contemporary touches to keep things interesting in a city arguably more in thrall to traditional recipes than innovation.
Don’t worry; there’s no green curry foams or exploding spheres of coconut milk here. Rather, artfully presented (there are a lot of circular banana leaves), precisely seasoned plates from across the Thai culinary canon reign supreme. The crab fried rice is perhaps the signature here, featuring those massive, inviting chunks that only Thailand seems to truly indulge in. A fiesty af nahm jim seafood is obligatory as accoutrement.
Whatever you order, save room for dessert – their modern take on mango sticky rice is worth loosening your belt for.
Something of an old town institution, The House by Ginger has been in operation for over two decades, and remains one of Chiang Mai’s most consistently excellent fine dining-leaning restaurants. The quirky, stylish dining room – full of colour and energy – sets the scene for a menu that skilfully blends northern Thai classics with a few more contemporary flourishes (Thai tacos, Thai calamari…you get the picture).
It’s an approach that has earned the restaurant Michelin recognition for the past four years (since the guide came to Thailand’s second city). Premium ingredients are a focus here – think New Zealand beef in their massaman curry, or organic vegetables and herbs picked daily from their own Ginger Farm and put to good use in stir fries and salads. The Chiang Mai platter, keenly priced at 690 baht offers the ideal introduction to northern flavours, while their creative cocktail and kombucha list provides plenty of reasons to linger. Ours is a Ginger Sling, if you’re heading to the bar.
Set in a beautifully restored 1880s teak mansion that served as the city’s first ever general store, Kiti Panit offers a glimpse into Chiang Mai’s glamorous past while serving some of its finest contemporary Thai cuisine. The original woodwork, flooring and furniture have all been lovingly preserved, creating an atmosphere of understated grandeur that’s impossible to resist.
The kitchen gently reimagines traditional Lanna cuisine with a few opulent twists – their khao soi comes with stewed beef shank that’s been cooked to melting tenderness, while the yam pakchi gai yang sees a bronzed, burnished chicken bread bedding down with a tangle of coriander varieties tossed into a salad that is replete with a shards of crispy chicken skin. Words that any hungry diner wants to read, let’s be honest.
Whilst we don’t think mango sticky rice’s original form can be improved upon, the grilled caramelised mango with pandan flavored sticky rice is certainly an interesting take on a classic, the mango itself bar-marked invitingly and kissed with smoke. You know what? We think there’s room in the world for both tradition and innovation, when it comes to dessert.
Ideal for late-night feasting after a few Chang beers…
Made famous by Anthony Bourdain’s visit but beloved by locals long before that, Midnight Sticky Rice is the perfect spot for post-revelry sustenance. It’s an order-by-pointing affair, but rest assured that everything will be spicy, fried and utterly delicious.
midnight sticky rice
The menu changes nightly depending on what’s fresh and available, but you can usually count on finding excellent som tam, grilled meats, and of course, plenty of sticky rice to soak it all up. Just follow the crowds and the aroma of grilling meat, and prepare for plenty of toasting with your increasingly jolly neighbours.
No visit to Chiang Mai would be complete without a pilgrimage to the famous ‘Cowboy Hat Lady’ at Chang Phueak Gate. Her khao kha moo (braised pork leg over rice) has achieved legendary status, and rightly so – the meat is so tender you could practically shake it off the bone.
From 5pm onwards, you’ll find her distinctive cowboy hat bobbing behind mountains of perfectly braised pork, served over rice with a medium-boiled egg, pickled mustard greens, raw garlic and a searingly hot chilli sauce. At around 50-60 baht a plate, this is one of the city’s greatest culinary bargains.
Despite her celebrity status (she’s been featured on countless food shows), there’s no hint of tourist pricing here, and the quality remains as high as ever. The queue can be long, but it moves quickly – just look for the stall with the cowboy hat-wearing vendor and join the throng.
This beloved Isaan institution might just serve the best som tam in Chiang Mai. The restaurant’s (the country’s) signature salad comes in countless variations – you can customise everything down to the specific ingredients and spice level – but whatever you choose, expect fresh, fiery flavours that don’t hold back.
The grilled meats here are equally excellent. Order the gai yang (grilled chicken) or kor moo yang (grilled pork neck) to accompany your som tam, and don’t forget to get sticky rice to help temper the heat. Head up to the huge communal dipping sauce station and help yourself to complete the deal.
Though prices are slightly higher than a street stall, a feast for two still won’t set you back more than 250 baht, in a huge, expansive space that’s just crying out for a big party and plenty of beers poured over ice.
Ideal for northern Thai food in tranquil surrounds…
Set in a converted home with a distinctive triangular roof in the university district, Han Teung offers a peaceful retreat from Chiang Mai’s bustle. The small portions here are actually a blessing in disguise – they allow you to sample a wider range of northern Thai specialities than you might otherwise be able to manage.
Don’t miss the sai ua, fragrant with lemongrass and kaffir lime, or their excellent chilli soups. The pork dishes are particularly good (as is always the way up north), and everything comes with an assertive kick of spice.
If it’s the season (beginning in earnest in mid-February and ending when things cool down in late June-ish), round things off with an order of so-called ‘Northern caviar’; weaver ant larvae, served pleasingly unadorned and boasting an agreeable sour tang owing to their diet of mango leaves.
With dishes rarely exceeding 100 baht, Han Teung is excellent value too.
We end at Ton Payom, a bustling morning market northwest of the old city where locals head for their morning fix of khanom jeen nahm ngiaw (spicy noodle soup) for a pleasingly mellow, refreshing breakfast bowl. The atmosphere is kinetic, especially around 7am when office workers and students stop by for breakfast.
By simon_photos from Getty Images via Canva
Look out for the stall selling sai oua that’s still sizzling from the grill, and don’t miss the khao ram fuen – a jellied rice noodle dish served with tamarind sauce that’s particularly refreshing on a hot morning. You know what? We think we might just stay here a while…
Whether you’re seeking fiery northern curries, perfectly grilled meats, or innovative takes on traditional dishes, Chiang Mai’s food scene has something for everyone. Just remember to pack loose-fitting clothes – you’re going to need them.
The city is a fast paced place to perch; the contrast to the countryside clear and concise. The differences are stark. You don’t even greet your friends in London streets as you pass, but when rural, strangers become soulmates over small chat. Urban boozing is all barging shoulders and elbowing for room, but the country pub is a place of respite and calm. Then there’s the air; oh, the air. The capital’s stays on your skin and in your lungs for longer than is alright. How we long for the fresh stuff.
While you may not be able to simply up sticks the moment you crave the joys of the countryside, you can still bring the pastures new to you, by giving your house a rural makeover in a few simple steps. So, here are 5 IDEAL decor ideas for a country chic look.
Carefully Cobbled Together
There’s mix and match, and then there’s mixed and matched with care. While pulling together anything from the charity shop that carries a single digit price tag may serendipitously result in a style in synergy, frankly, it’s a long shot. Having a loosely knit style in mind – such as matching lines, features or motifs – can offer a guideline for your thrifty foraging. Deliberately rustic is great, but a little focus keeps things looking carefully cobbled together.
Consider introducing a ‘through line’ in your eclectic collection—perhaps brass hardware throughout, or a consistent colour palette that ties disparate pieces together. The charm of country homes lies in their storied furnishings; each piece seemingly with its own heritage. Hunt charity shops and car boot sales for wooden side tables with character, mismatched dining chairs that share a similar silhouette, or vintage frames that can be repurposed. Remember, authenticity is paramount—genuine patina trumps manufactured distressing every time.
Texture
What sets houses with designs on being rural apart from their urban cousins is the deployment of texture. Carpets rule the roost in country chic homes, bringing a comfort and colour that one associates with being away from the hectic city. Throws and extra cushions can enliven dull sofas, and outlandishly textured bedspreads feel right at home in the rural. If you want to, too, then add multiple competing and contrasting textures.
Beyond carpets and throws, consider introducing natural materials like rattan, jute, and unfinished wood to create a tactile paradise. Layer textures vertically as well as horizontally – rough-hewn wooden shelves against smooth plaster walls, or heavy linen curtains framing windows with delicate roman blinds. In the bathroom, woven baskets and wooden bath mats introduce warmth and tactility where typically there’s only cold tile. A sheepskin draped over a bedroom chair creates an inviting nook for morning tea that feels quintessentially pastoral.
Wooden Light & Shade
Light and shade is a stylistic guideline that can be applied to most interior design, but we’d like to double down on this perennial favourite when discussing country chic.
More precisely, we’re talking wood. If you’re fortunate enough to have beams, then darken or lighten them with a little varnish to contrast with the surrounding hues. A thick and sturdy kitchen table as a centrepiece for all the home’s comings and goings should also fit this theme – light against darker background shades or vice versa.
Items which are sturdy and satisfying to touch make a worthy focal point for any farmhouse kitchen. We’re thinking a place to eat, drink and socialise here, and we think you’re picturing the same thing, too. You know the type – long, rectangular and wooden, with enough room to accommodate seating a large family; just perfect.
Embrace the natural imperfections in wood for a truly rustic aesthetic. Consider salvaged timber for shelving or mantlepieces, complete with knots, cracks and patina. The kitchen table needn’t be perfectly symmetrical – a live-edge dining table tells a story that mass-produced furniture simply cannot. For a contemporary twist on country chic, mix wooden elements of different epochs – Victorian spindle-back chairs alongside a mid-century sideboard creates delightful tension. If you’re fortunate enough to have original floorboards, consider having them sanded back and finished with a matte oil rather than high-gloss varnish for an authentic farmhouse feel.
There’s something inherently honest about exposed brickwork that resonates deeply with country aesthetics. If you’re fortunate enough to have original brick walls, consider carefully removing the plaster to reveal the characterful masonry beneath. For those without this luxury, brick slips offer a brilliant alternative. These thin sections of real brick can be applied to ordinary walls, creating the illusion of solid brickwork without structural implications.
When working with brick slips, opt for reclaimed options where possible—the weathered patina and varied colouration of aged bricks brings authentic character impossible to replicate in new materials. Consider whitewashing rather than leaving them raw; this softens the industrial edge whilst maintaining textural interest. A limewash treatment allows the natural variations in the brick to show through, creating a depth that flat paint simply cannot achieve.
For a thoroughly modern take on country living, contrast exposed brick with contemporary elements—a sleek kitchen against a brick wall creates delightful tension between old and new. Remember that less is often more; a single feature wall of exposed brick can have more impact than covering every available surface.
Agricultural Abundance
The quintessential country home blurs the boundary between indoors and garden. Embrace this with generous displays of both fresh and dried botanicals throughout your home. Dried lavender bunches and onions hanging from kitchen beams and loosely arranged wildflowers in stoneware jugs all evoke rural charm without trying too hard.
Consider creating a dedicated indoor herb garden on a sunny kitchen windowsill- not only practical for cooking but infusing the space with glorious scent and life. Traditional orangeries and conservatories were designed to bring plants inside year-round; channel this heritage by grouping potted plants in unexpected corners.
For the ultimate country flourish, forage seasonally – bringing in branches of spring blossom, summer meadow flowers, autumn leaves, and winter berries. These ephemeral displays connect your home to the natural rhythms outside in a way artificial decorations never could. Vintage botanical prints and pressed flowers in frames extend the theme to your walls, whilst floral fabrics (used judiciously) can add warmth without veering into chintzy territory.
A Warm Statement Piece
Whilst we’re on the subject of centrepieces, the heating and cooking in your house should not be viewed purely from a functional perspective. While certainly an investment – both in money and prime kitchen real estate – an aga brings a real sense of the rural living. It also provides heat; a triple win, then.
Heat and a statement piece also marry together happily in the form of wood burning stoves; a wonderful focal point for those craving the countryside. Having a nicely appointed pile of firewood in the living room can really hammer the point home. Just remember to have a carbon monoxide detector installed.
Beyond the Aga and wood-burning stove, consider how other heating elements might become focal points. A striking radiator in cast iron or brass can add period charm whilst keeping you toasty. Traditional heated towel rails in bathrooms bring both function and flair. For those without the space or budget for an Aga, a vintage bread bin or ceramic canisters in heritage colours can evoke country kitchen charm. Don’t overlook the power of a traditional Welsh dresser – not only practical for displaying your favourite crockery but a magnificent statement piece that instantly transports one to rural living.
The Force Of Floor
Flooring in country houses is a very different beast to the functional, wipe clean variety so often found in the homes of Britain’s bigger cities. Channel your inner bohemian with a patterned tile, juxtaposed with a simple, blonde wood in an adjacent room. Consider concrete to harden up those soft edges; a proud, cool material for a floor which works best when softened up by the room’s other country style furnishings like kitchen rugs.
Consider reclaimed terracotta tiles for an instantly aged, authentic feel underfoot. In bedrooms, painted floorboards with a few strategically placed rugs offer a perfect balance of practicality and comfort. For those seeking authentic character, encaustic tiles in hallways and bathrooms provide a heritage feel that improves with age and wear. Remember that in country homes, floors needn’t match throughout—different rooms can showcase different materials, creating natural transitions between spaces. In utility spaces, traditional quarry tiles in deep red or forest green offer both durability and timeless appeal. Whatever you go for, view the floor as a canvas, not merely something to step on.
And with that, we’re stepping on, too. We can’t wait to be invited round to see what you’ve done with the place!
To some, London’s West End is the pulsating heart of the UK’s theatre scene, a hub of kinetic energy that receives 200 million annual visitors. Indeed, 24% of all visitors to London will attend a show here. To the other 76%, it can sometimes be a part of London that feels curiously busy but also barren, a wasteland of subpar steakhouses and American candy stores…
Either way, when alighting hungry in this most bustling of Central London locations, you needn’t settle on a flabby fillet or contribute to money washing with a round of Milk Duds. There are plenty of great places to eat in the West End, both budget and blowout, that will satisfy just about every visitor.
We’ve already written extensively about the best places to eat in Soho, so we’ll most park those recommendations and instead focus on the more central parts of the West End, where the magic (sometimes) happens.
With that in mind, and in no particular order, here are the best restaurants in London’s West End.
J. Sheeky
Ideal for spanking fresh seafood in a prestigious setting with over a century of history…
Serving up spanking, squeaky fresh seafood for over a century, J. Sheekey is one of the most prestigious purveyors of the good stuff in the city. It’s also one of the best restaurants close in the West End.
Established in 1896, J. Sheekey owes its inception to a unique historical event. The then Prime Minister, Lord Salisbury, granted permission to a local stallholder named Josef Sheekey to serve oysters in St Martin’s Court. The only condition was that he catered for Salisbury’s post-theatre supper parties. Thus, the beloved Sheekey’s was born.
Today, J. Sheekey continues to uphold its reputation as one of the best restaurants near Leicester Square. Though there is a vegetarian and vegan menu and a couple of cursory meat dishes on the a la carte, Sheekey’s is still all about the seafood, offering the freshest fish, shellfish and oysters in London.
The restaurant’s central crustacean bar is a highlight, and the walls adorned with framed photographs of famous faces add to its timeless charm. And though those celebrity endorsements and general sense of prestige do certainly lend themselves to a hefty bill, the J. Sheekey set menu is great value for Central London – here, it’s three courses for £39, running Sunday to Friday, midday to 4pm.
Ideal for Eastern Mediterranean cuisine served with swagger in a stunning Grade II listed building…
There’s a certain swagger about Claro that only comes with serious capital, the Eastern Mediterranean restaurant standing proud in a handsome Grade II listed building on Waterloo Place in the kind of power stance that The Saj would be proud of.
You feel it as you first put your hands on the high, heavy doors. In fact, you hear it the moment you manage to pry those doors open; the low thud-thud-thud of an Ibiza Chill playlist pitched just a little louder than is necessary, and the reassuring click-clack of expensive stone beneath your heels.
Stride on in; you deserve to be here. Big smiles and handshakes greet you as the room opens up, revealing striking checkerboard flagstone floors below and soaring ceilings above. Thoughtfully preserved wrought iron details nod to the building’s heritage, whilst expensively appointed lighting casts a flattering glow over the marble-topped tables and plush velvet banquettes. Disarmed and dare we say a little dazed, you’re hoping those banquettes will take you in for the evening and cradle you, because suddenly it feels like you might be required to do some networking, for some reason. It’s quite the entrance.
This place once housed both a bank and was part of the legendary Athenaeum Club, where Victorian luminaries like Charles Darwin and Charles Dickens gathered, but the refit is thoroughly modern, banishing the ghosts of the past to the bins out back.
Bringing you back to the here and now, the large, airy open kitchen serves as the beating heart of Claro, the chefs going about their work all jovial and jolly, collaborative in their cooking and plating, which lightens the mood and banishes any fears that this meal might be hard work. The menu is all about seasonal British produce delivered with distinctive Eastern Mediterranean flair, and we’re pleased to report that it does indeed deliver.
Start with the Masterpiece Martini, which is nothing short of spectacular (as you’d hope, for £16). Here, rosemary infused Ketel One Vodka, Tio Pepe sherry and clarified tomato bring a savoury twist on a classic that’s genuinely lip-smacking and utterly moreish. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a round of snacks; the Frena bread, which sighs almost as satisfyingly as you do when pierced. Served with both matbucha and a labneh and harissa number, it’s a punchy introduction to proceedings.
The chilli tasting plate – four different expressions of the ingredient that showcase its versatility beyond mere heat – and the Claro market salad with feta cheese and za’atar spice that tastes like sunshine on a plate, follow, both singing with freshness and the former a heat that starts up warm and round and then builds to something where you can feel your hair follicles starting to perspire.
The cured sardine bruschetta with pickled chilli and sour cream is next, balancing acidity and richness with remarkable precision, and a lamb cigar is pastoral enough to linger just a little funkily until the mains hit the table.
A monkfish shawarma is perhaps the only dud of the evening, a little over-marinated and ungenerous, its dusty turmeric finish calling to mind a Vietnamese cha ca or Coronation Chicken more than a shawarma, strangely. The dish’s tangle of fresh herbs, picked, we’re told, from the restaurant’s rooftop garden, is absolutely remarkable though, invigorating and complex, peppery, astringent and assertive, it’s what all other ‘herb salads’ want to be when they grow up. The waiter tells us no one ever eats it, which is a real shame.
The grilled butterflied seabass with vegetable skewer and charred tomato salsa brings things right back on form, the fish cooked to that perfect point where it’s just firm but still yielding, the skin blistered and burnished from the grill. The skewer is populated by red peppers and fennel, the latter having caramelised beautifully and bringing a suave energy to the plate. A truly great dish.
Everything’s been so light and invigorating that we surrender to our sweet tooth, finding maximum pleasure in the Paris Brest with sour cream chantilly, raspberry coulis and berries – a featherlight concoction that manages to be indulgent without being too heavy. For something more substantial, the chocolate and sesame fondant with chocolate fudge, sesame anglaise and sesame ice cream delivers a sophisticated interplay of sweet and nutty notes, and finishes us off, quite frankly, in every sense of the word.
To go alongside those sweet treats, the Eiswein from Schloss Gobelsburg in Austria’s Burgenland region (£30 a glass) is sublime. Yes, it’s steep, but this 2022 vintage offers a honeyed nectar that forms the perfect full stop to a meal of commendable vision and clarity.
Ideal for an intimate Michelin-starred chef’s table experience hidden beneath a Soho pub…
Though the immediate surrounds of Leicester Square are visibly dominated by the stark white lights of a dozen chain restaurants, tightly nestled beneath street level is one of Soho’s most exciting independent dining destinations; Evelyn’s Table.
This Michelin-starred chef’s table experience is a genuine hidden gem. Tucked away in the basement of The Blue Posts pub on the edge of London’s Chinatown, Evelyn’s table has been through several iterations in its six year life. It was first opened in 2017 by the team behind popular hotspots The Palomar and The Barbary. After a brief closure, it reopened in 2020 with a brand new team, featuring Luke Selby as head chef, with his two brothers Nat and Theo also on the stoves, which, incidentally, are on full display to the 12-person counter seater restaurant.
The intimate, family affair vibes quickly earned plaudits, with the team picking up a Michelin star in 2022. Though the Selby brothers have now moved on, Evelyn’s Table continues to fire on all cylinders, with chef Seamus Sam (formerly of Muse by Tom Aitkens) now heading up the kitchen.
There’s a real elegance to the dishes on show on the 5-dishes plus, £135-a-head tasting menu here, with Sam’s precise, Scandinavian and Japanese inspired technique bringing out the best in hand-dived Orkney scallops, venison at the height of its season and winter’s finest black truffle. It’s a very special place, indeed, and one of the best fine dining experiences in all of the West End.
Ideal for Istanbul-inspired cuisine six floors above the West End…
Six floors above the West End’s braying streets, Yasmin offers a sophisticated escape complete with panoramic views of the city. Talk about dinner and a show, hey? This Istanbul-inspired restaurant and bar, housed in the elegant 1 Warwick building member’s club, shares its home with sister restaurant Nessa on the ground floor. but aims to take things up several notches (erm, floors?) in terms of delivery.
The two restaurants share an executive chef too, Tom Cenci, and we amused ourselves over our Grand Bazaar (Yasmin’s Turkish twist on an Old Fashioned), imagining the chef darting between venues, running up the stairs spilling salted pistachios all over the place, and generally cursing the chaos of it all.
Hmmm, maybe we should get out more.
In reality, Yasmin is a supremely soothing spot to sink into, all sage green walls and warm wooden accents, highlighted by a spectacular marble-topped bar lined orbited by velvet stools seating gently boisterous custom. Trailing plants cascade from the ceiling, while banquette seating and rattan chairs create distinct zones for dining and lounging, in true member’s club style. Confusingly, you don’t actually need to be a card-carrying member to dine here, though for the gym and lounges below, you do.
The terrace, furnished with plush seating and draped with cosy throws, provides a sheltered spot for alfresco dining among the rooftops, though you’d be mad to be out there now, with temperatures hovering around zero. One for summer, perhaps…
Anyway, back in the warm, and Cenci has crafted a menu that pays homage to Turkish traditions whilst adding just the right amount of venue-appropriate sheen to proceedings. The sharing plates showcase bold flavours via Instagram-ready presentation – standouts include the whipped sheep’s cheese with hot honey and Isot Biber, piped and pretty, and the Muhammara aubergine, which arrives splayed out into three, panko’d and golden, its centre that lovely side of fudgy that aubergine gets through slow cooking. Alongside, a walnut and red pepper dip boasts chives sliced so finely we’re surprised @ratemychives hasn’t come calling. The flatbreads, made daily and grilled to order, are gold-standard, and show that the kitchen cares about the basics, which is always a good sign.
…All of this feels ready for the warmer months, when the wrap-around terrace seats 64 and offers atmospheric dining under the stars. We can’t wait.
Shoryu is owned by noodz-entrepreneur (and CEO of the Japan Centre) Tak Tokumine, a native of Fukuoka city who is dedicated to promoting his hometown’s cherished local speciality, ramen, across the globe.
We’re so glad that he’s made it his noble mission, as the restaurant’s signature dish – shoryu ganso tonkotsu, a rich and meaty ramen that boasts a 12-hour simmered broth, homemade Cotswold flour hosomen noodles, succulent char siu barbecue pork, Burford Brown nitamago egg, and an army’s arsenal-worth of vegetable toppings, from pickles to freshly shredded stuff – is as good as it gets.
The kotteri hakata tonkotsu, a heavy, fatty, meaty noodle broth, is another popular choice among patrons and, to us, is one of London’s finest hangover cures. The fact that it pairs so beautifully with a super frothy Kirin Nama draft certainly does no harm in dusting off last night’s excesses.
Finally, you don’t have to be vegan or vegetarian to be enamoured with their plant-based spicy goma tan tan. It comes with an umami rich tonyu soy milk, sesame and miso broth, and is topped with soya mince marinated in garlic and chiu chow chilli oil, crunchy beansprouts, pak choi, and extra chilli oil for a decent kick. Woof.
Ideal for traditional Vietnamese pho and bao burgers stamped with lotus flowers…
A Shaftesbury Avenue stalwart that sits equidistant between Chinatown and Soho, one of the best restaurants in the West End is Pho & Bun, which offers a taste of Vietnam in the heart of London, all via the mind of chef Andy Le.
The star of the show at Pho & Bun is undoubtedly their traditional Vietnamese pho, a dish that, at its best, can be both transformative and transportative – quite the blessing after negotiating Leicester Square in the pissing rain.
The pho is light and nourishing, boasting a clear, flavoursome broth that carries the pleasant richness of beef bones. It’s served following traditional Vietnamese etiquette, which dictates that it should be eaten using only chopsticks and a simple metal spoon (not that absurdly sized ladle from a certain highstreet pho slinger).
In addition to the glorious national dish, the restaurant also serves a range of bun dishes, the slimmer, gently fermented noodle that is almost as popular on the streets of Hanoi, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City and beyond as pho. Go for the spicy, funky bun bo Hue, umami rich from shrimp paste and given succour and savour by bone marrow. If that doesn’t lift you out of your sense of Central London-spawned malaised, then you probably can’t be saved.
Finally, a firm favourite on the menu at Pho & Bun is are their signature steamed bao burgers stamped with a lotus flower, Vietnam’s national flower which symbolises purity. ‘Authentic’ these bao/burger hybrids ain’t; authentically delicious they most certainly are. Indeed, they are quite simply addictive and something you’ll come to crave long after trying.
Ideal for fresh pasta that stands apart in a city of uninspiring Italian joints…
Bancone Covent Garden, founded in 2018 by Will Ellner and his business partner David Ramsay (no relation to…), is one of the best fresh pasta joints in this part of town. In fact, in a city where that particular type of restaurant has become increasingly ubiquitous and uninspiring, Bacone stands out as being, well, actually good at pasta.
Here, it’s handmade every day, and that springy, sprightly essence is perhaps best realised in the least adorned pastas, like the insanely comforting silk handkerchiefs with walnut butter and a confit egg yolk, or the spaghetti alla chittara (a slightly squared off version of your usual strands hailing from the Abruzzo region) which is dressed in nothing more than a little chilli, garlic and parsley. It’s fucking fabulous. For something a little more fulsome and equally as comforting, Bancone’s tortellini in brodo never misses the mark.
The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, welcoming walk-ins with open arms. However, they do not guarantee specific tables or times, adding to the spontaneous/frustrating nature of the dining experience. If you do need to wait a while, then there’s plenty of streetside entertainment and shopping options in Covent Garden to keep you occupied.
Bancone Covent Garden has been recognised in the so-called Little Red Book for its light, fresh food, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2023. There are now two more outposts, in Soho’s Golden Square and Borough Yards, just off Borough Market.
Ideal for grand Parisian dining at obscenely reasonable prices…
Sometimes, the question of where to eat in the West End that won’t break the bank is answered with a single word; Zedel.
Brasserie Zedel, located in the heart of Piccadilly, is a grand Parisian brasserie that brings with it authentic Art Deco interiors and obscenely reasonable, humble French fare.
Hidden beneath the laid back Parisian-style ZL Café, providing a sense of discovery and exclusivity to its patrons, the establishment has a rich history, originally serving as the basement of the Regent Palace Hotel, and in the 1980s and 90s, it was known as the Atlantic Bar and Grill. The art deco and beaux arts fittings have been meticulously refurbished, with details recreated according to archived original drawings, preserving the historical charm of the place.
The restaurant serves traditional French food at exceptional value, with an expansive, inclusive space to match, making it a hugely popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
The menu is almost as expansive as the space, but most are here for the prix-fixe option which, at £19.75 for three thoroughly generous courses, has got to be the best value meal in Central London. Currently on, a leek and potato vichyssoise soup, a brasserie-ever-present steak haché with fries and peppercorn sauce, and a chocolate and caramel tart, is a trio of satisfying dishes that simply shouldn’t be giving you change from a 20 pound note. Throw in a large glass of house red for £7 and you really are laughing here.
Ideal for innovative Indian small plates that marry British ingredients with subcontinental flavours…
Kricket was founded in 2015 by university friends Will Bowlby and Rik Campbell, with the duo starting their culinary journey in a basic 20-seater shipping container at Pop Brixton. Today, Kricket has expanded to three permanent locations in Brixton, Soho, and White City, with plans to grow further in London and internationally.
The Soho branch is particularly convenient for those visiting the West End, as it’s just a 200 metre walk away from Leicester Square.
Almost ten years ago, Kricket’s proposition felt kinda unique; a combination of British ingredients with the flavours, aromas and cooking tekkers of India. Now, it’s an idea that permeates the menu of just about every non-European restaurant that is – or could be – on the JKS roster, but back then it felt quite novel.
The restaurant features a theatre kitchen, counter seating, and long sharing tables, making it an ideal spot for group dining in Central London. Bowlby, who once cooked European food for the locals in Mumbai, returned to the UK to cook Indian food for Londoners, and his innovative approach to Indian cuisine, combined with Rik Campbell’s business acumen, has made Kricket a major hit.
We’re addicted to their crispy and salty samphire pakoras, which are topped with a sticky date and tamarind chutney and served with a heady chilli garlic mayonnaise for dunking. Perhaps even better is the cuttlefish and Goan sausage ragu, boasting serious depth and funk, with both dishes exemplifying the kind of East-meets-West stylings that have lent such success to Kricket.
Do not miss out, either, on the predictably dubbed but undeniably delicious KFC (Keralan fried chicken), whose curry leaf mayonnaise and deep fried curry leaf garnish really does take things up several notches. This is beer food, make no mistake, and the Harbour Brewing Co’s Session IPA is always on the taps. Well, it would be rude not to, don’t you think?
Ideal for authentic Taiwanese-style fried chicken with customisable powders in the heart of Chinatown…
Good Friend Chicken is not your typical fried chicken joint. This Chinatown chicken shop prides itself on serving Taiwanese-style fried chicken, with their commitment to authenticity evident in every aspect of its operation. In fact, Good Friend even shipped their oven all the way from Taiwan to ensure the food is prepared as it would be in the night markets of Taipei.
Their menu, though concise, is packed with golden, crispy delights. The chicken breast is skillfully sliced thin and marinated masterfully before being tossed in three different flours to create an unforgettable crispness. Their popcorn chicken, another must-try item on the menu, disappears so fast that it’s wise to order several bags.
But it’s the options for customisation that keeps the customers being reeled in. Once served, you have the option to douse your chicken with any one (or all) of seven different powders, adding the risk of flavour overload, admittedly, but also a real sense of jeopardy that makes every bite all the more exciting. The plum powder, in particular, comes highly recommended.
…Actually, we did think they could top those lofty standards, owing to the relentless boundary pushing of the restless duo, perfectionism seemingly already reached but also just another insanely complex emulsion away.
At the new 180 Strand-housed Ikoyi, the space is larger and more sumptuous, all clean curves and tasteful mustard tones, the vibe gently refined; a little slicker, perhaps. Prices have increased in tandem. The tasting menu now is one of the most enthusiastically priced in London, at £350.
But what a procession of plates it is, of around 14 on our visit, with premium ingredients gracing just about every bite. Yep, that spice-based cuisine built around British hyper-seasonality remains. The iconic jollof rice with crab or lobster custard is still here, but leading up to the big, smoky reveal, luxury and innovation abounds; an aged lobster with one of Chan’s famously vital sauces, this one an agrodolce of sorts, was particularly special. Another course of lobster claw, sweetbreads and pine nut was as opulent and awe-inspiring as it sounds.
Yep, this is a restaurant firing on all cylinders, but we wouldn’t be at all surprised if Ikoyi somehow managed to find another gear; the sense of focus on improvement here feels totally implacable. In the best possible way of course…
Ideal for convivial counter-dining with exceptional Spanish tapas and seafood specials…
Images via Barrafina
Speaking of counter-dining, perhaps London’s most beloved bar seating set-up is found at the various outposts of acclaimed tapas group Barrafina.
Those in the West End and looking for the best dining options in Covent Garden will be pleased to hear that this famous corner of London boasts not one but two Barrafinas. We’re particularly enamoured with the Drury Lane iteration, which is compact, cosy and convivial, and leans a little more into the seafood side of the Spanish repertoire, often to glorious effect.
The specials are usually dictated by what’s fresh from the sea, so keep an keen eye for the miniature, roaming chalkboard for details of what’s good today; on our last visit, an enthusiastically brined piece of hake with punchy aioli and red peppers so caramelised they were collapsing was as good as it sounds.
Ideal for proper Sichuan Chinese cuisine that promises plenty of brow-mopping…
Though the Real Beijing Food House feels like a Chinatown institution, with dusty carpets, dimly lit booths and properly brilliant, spice-centric regional Chinese dishes, the broadly Sichuan (confusingly, when you consider the name) restaurant hasn’t actually been standing proudly on this Gerard Street spot for as long as you’d think. Previously found on Charing Cross Road, Food House moved more into the heart of Chinatown during the area’s recent redevelopment, and has quickly become the must-eat restaurant here and without doubt one of the best places to eat close in the West End. It recently further entered the wider public consciousness after being positively reviewed in the Observer last year.
It was a review that was very much deserved, the restaurant’s chilli oil slicked noodle dishes and whole fish dishes – again, dappled with rust coloured droplets that promise plenty of brow mopping – delivering big on flavour and a sense of satisfaction felt deep in your stomach.
For a quick, efficient lunch, the chilli oil (there it is again) lamb noodles is the type of one-bowl-wonder that knocks your socks off and leaves you regretting every single Sainos meal deal that came before it.
Ideal for honest Italian food cooked with respect and just a touch of refinement…
The younger, more affordable sibling of Angela Hartnett’s brilliant fine dining restaurant Murano, Café Murano offers fresh pasta, seasonal vegetables prepared with precision, immaculate shellfish, and the odd hearty af ragu, just as you’d expect from a chef this devoted to the food of Italy.
True to the soul of the place, the pedigree of the produce is the main draw, with the restaurant’s plates arriving with little frippery or adornment. Instead, Cafe Murano strives for simple, honest food, cooked with respect and just a little refinement. It more than delivers, which is a surprisingly rare find in this part of the West End.
Ideal for rainy afternoons whiled away eating and drinking through a variety of street food stalls…
Brought to Covent Garden by KERB, a group known for nurturing London’s street food scene, Seven Dials is one of the most exciting eating destinations in London.
In the 19th Century, Seven Dials Market, then Thomas Neal’s Warehouse, was used to store cucumbers and bananas. Now transformed into a foodcourt, to honour the past of the structure the market has been divided into two areas: Banana Warehouse and Cucumber Alley.
Banana Warehouse is billed as ‘The Belly of the Beast’ and has plenty of seating and communal tables. Here, you’ll find a number of street food kitchens and counter-top cafes serving an impressive lineup of street food from around the world. There is also a downstairs bar creating creative cocktail concoctions made with spirits from the East London Liquor Co. Banana Warehouse is the ideal place to come and while away a rainy afternoon in central London, eating and drinking your way through to the night.
If you need a pitstop while shopping your way through Covent Garden and are feeling peckish, Cucumber Alley is the place to go. Inside are seven independent food traders, seven days a week selling some of the best snacks and desserts in the Big Smoke.
On our last visit, we had a slice or two from Bad Boy Pizza Society and a gorgeous batata hara from the Syrian street food joint Arnabeet. Lovely stuff.
Ideal for a enormous 20-inch pizzas and inventive toppings…
Not one for the pizza purists, this, but definitely a place for a sharin’, tearin’ good time, the pizzas here are huge 20-inch numbers, perfect for some group fun. Indeed, the name Homeslice in bro parlance means friend, and the buddying up concept lends itself to conviviality and good cheer.
Some of the topping combos are inventive, some downright weird; cauliflower cheese and harissa anyone? But, when they get things right, it’s brilliant.
The Petersham *as of February 2025, now sadly closed*
Ideal for a soothing, produce-driven Italian meal in refined, quasi-spiritual surroundings…
*Sadly, it was announced earlier this year that the Covent Garden outpost of Petersham Nurseries would close with immediate effect.*
Sitting slap bang in the middle of Covent Garden, The Petersham promises to soothe and replenish with its organic, produce-driven Italian menu and refined, quasi-spiritual surrounds.
Run by the Boglione Family, the restaurant’s ethos is deeply rooted in the slow food movement, celebrating traditional methods of growing quality ingredients. It sources its organic and sustainably-grown produce from Haye Farm in Devon, ensuring the highest quality inputs for its dishes.
Rather than just another strapline, that commitment to sustainability is the real deal; the sister restaurant, Petersham Nurseries Café in Richmond, is one of only three in London to hold a Michelin Green Star. The other two, if you’re asking? Mayfair’s Apricity, and the trailblazing Silo over in Hackney Wick.
The menu at The Petersham is a testament to the beauty of seasonal food, featuring dishes that highlight the peak of British produce, complemented by speciality ingredients sourced from Italy. So, that’s summer vegetables from the farm (courgette, squash, fennel and kohlrabi) served crudités style with the classic Piedmontese sauce bagna càuda, followed by a wild mushroom risotto that’s a little sharp and funky via taleggio. Heaven.
The Petersham also offers a variety of dining experiences to suit different occasions. Its pre-theatre menu, served between 5pm and 6pm every Monday to Friday, is perfect for those seeking a sophisticated meal before a show. For a more leisurely experience, the restaurant’s Afternoon Tea, available from Thursday to Sunday, offers a delightful twist on the classic British tradition.
The restaurant’s interior is a reflection of the Boglione family’s passion for contemporary art and understated grandeur. The walls are adorned with artworks from Francesco Boglione’s personal collection, adding a touch of artistic flair to the dining experience. With sweeping windows, Genoese chandeliers, and a private terrace, it provides an opulent setting for any occasion, from intimate gatherings to large weddings. The Petersham is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience, which feels mightily appropriate for visiting this most theatrical part of London.
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.
Ideal for Argentine fire and flair in a former concert hall…
Fire-cooking aficionados, prepare to be smitten. Sucre brings Argentine-inspired flame-focused cooking to Soho in what might be the area’s most jaw-dropping dining room. Housed in a 310-year-old building that once served as the London College of Music’s concert hall,the restaurant marries spectacular design with impressive cooking.The acoustics aren’t half bad, either…
We’re not sure what hit us first; the smell of wood smoke coming off the parrilla, seasoning the dining room with something suave and intoxicating, or the chandeliers fashioned from over 1,000 cut glass decanters shimmering above the dining room.Let us have both.
These statement pieces and scents, coupled with soaring ceilings inherited from the venue’s concert hall days, create a grand entrance, make no mistake. Now all we need is our theme song playing as we saunter in, and the welcome would be complete. You know what? We wouldn’t be surprised if that service was actually offered to some patrons; Sucre is perennially popular with celeb diners, or so we’re told.
Chef Fernando Trocca, who established the original Sucre in Buenos Aires back in 2001 (the original has been featured on the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list), has created a menu that subtly challenges preconceptions about Argentine cuisine.Yes, there’s brilliant, blushing, beautifully barked beef, but Trocca’s approach – what he calls ‘Fire Dining’ – is more nuanced, drawing on his Spanish-Italian heritageand the traditional Latin American technique of cooking with embers rather than direct flame.
The result? Dishes with depth, complexity and that addictive cloak of smokiness that only proper fire-cooking can deliver.Begin with a cheddar and onion empanada with pleasingly chalky pastry or the excellent (though slightly obscene looking) bread course, before moving on to a raw plate or two. The sea bream ceviche is pretty as a picture (if you can take your eyes off the handsome dining room for more than a moment), with dots of charred blood orange and jalapeño delivering that perfect citrusy punch, but the beef tartare, showered in parmesan and dotted with parmesan cream, is perhaps even punchier.
It would be rude not to order some bits off the grill (it would be insanity not to, in a place like this), and the king prawn skewers and grilled whole tale of monkfish compete for attention on a table getting increasingly crowded with delicious bits. A steak feels almost perfunctory at this stage, but delivers on that all-important contrast between caramelised crust and blushing pink centre.
Desserts maintain the South American connection, but play a little faster and looser with the brief, and the dulce de leche fondant steals the show, packing in more oozing centre than it appears physically possible to possess. Pair it all with Sucre’s excellent, aesthetically on-point cocktails – they do particularly brilliant things with tequila and mezcal – and totter out of that handsome dining room a little unsteadier, but so much more satisfied than when you arrived.
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.
