Where To Eat Italian Food In Bristol: The Best Italian Restaurants In Bristol

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January 10, 2025

Where To Eat Italian Food In Bristol: The Best Italian Restaurants In Bristol

Ideal for a taste of Bel Paese in the south west of England…

To say that Bristol’s dining scene is dominated by the cuisine of Mediterranean Europe would be something of an understatement. Indeed, if you’re craving tapas, gyros, the food of Provence or of Portugal in what is regularly named the UK’s culinary capital, then you’re going to be spoiled for choice.

But it’s in the city’s Italian food that things truly excel, with River Cafe alumni, Neapolitan nonnas and Bristol food royalty all turning their hand to Italian restaurants here. The results are both varied and spectacular, but just like walking down the supermarket pasta aisle and being overawed by the sheer volume of brands on offer, so the paradox of choice can grip you when seeking the very finest Italian food in Bristol.

We’re here to help with that. We’ve undertaken the unenviable task of eating across the city, all with the noble aim of separating the durum wheat from the chaff, the Tipo from the refined white, and the fior di latte from the imitation stuff, to give you these; the best Italian restaurants in Bristol.

Pasta Ripiena

Ideal for getting stuffed on stuffed pasta…

Bristol is so replete with semi-casual modern Italian eateries serving all manner of tagliatelle, cavatelli, rigatoni and the rest that you can sometimes feel a little 00’d out. So, before we’ve had our fill of pasta, let’s have some filled pasta. At Pasta Ripiena, this is the speciality, the headliner, the be all and end all, and practice has certainly made perfect.

Here, the filled pasta is dialled up to eleven, the cute as a button tortellini filled with piquant ricotta and mint, and garnished with lamb ragu of all things (as well as a much-needed chimichurri to cut through), is a case in point – all massive, highly seasoned bounce and vigour.

Even bolder and brasher, the hat-shaped, salt cod-filled cappelletti served with clams brings all manner of briny oceanic notes, here gently tempered with fresh clips of sweet datterini tomatoes – delicious.

Part of the Bianchis restaurant group that boasts a second entry on our list (as well as, until recently, the much-loved Pasta Loco), the set lunch menu here is a steal, at just £25 for three courses. With bottles of house wine clocking in at just £22, this has got to be one of the best value meals in the city. Just do your best to ignore a piteous William Sitwell weeping in the corner…

Address: 33 St Stephen’s St, Bristol BS1 1JX

Website: pastaripiena.co.uk

Sonny Stores

Ideal for restless, superlative Britalian food from a River Cafe alumnus…

Sonny Stores, a family-run restaurant in Bristol founded by husband and wife team Pegs Quinn (previously of the River Cafe) and Mary Glynn, was conceived as a lockdown delivery-only pizza service called The Lockdown Pizza Company. And what great pizzas they were…

Fortunately, as the drawbridge was lowered on lockdown across the UK, Quinn and Glynn didn’t stop cooking. Instead, their ambitious gaze widened and Sonny Stores, a ‘Britalian’ restaurant with a restless soul, was born.

Though the building itself may be intimate, it houses a genuinely superlative dining experience, with dishes crafted by a talented team led by Quinn. The clam acqua pazza, a Neopolitan dish of clams swimming in a chilli and white wine heavy broth that translates as ‘crazy water’, is a menu mainstay and for good reason; it’s a salty, spicy delight. Best of all, it arrives already soaking into a slice of toasted sourdough beneath it, all for the ultimate scarpetta.

On a recent visit, from the larger plates, a whole-grilled dover sole arrived with broad beans and artichokes done in the sott’olio style – semi preserved in good quality olive oil but still possessing plenty of bite and vitality. A dressing of anchovies chopped through with rosemary sees everything off in style. From the pastas, pappardelle with a pork in milk sauce is texturally on the money in so many ways.

Circling round to Sonny Store’s origins (because time is a flat one, of course), the restaurant hasn’t totally abandoned the whole pizza thing; and if there’s a signature pizzetta on the menu, you’ll be foolish not to order one. Whilst incredible just as they are, they also make the perfect dredging vehicle for all those olive oil slicked braising juices. Heaven…

The beginning of 2025 brought an exciting announcement from team Sonny Stores; they are bringing back takeaway pizza! The restaurant is ‘officially’ opening what they call their ‘Hatch’, with milk buns, pizza and ice cream all available here. We can’t wait.

Address: 47 Raleigh Rd, Southville, Bristol BS3 1QS

Website: sonnystores.com

Read: Where is the best pizza in Bristol?

Taste Of Napoli

Ideal for humble Neapolitan street food dishes…

From the brassy to the gently bashful, Taste of Napoli is a family-run cafe that sits in prime position in the city centre’s Arcade shopping development directly opposite Primark, ready to refuel shoppers with their excellent focaccia sandwiches, pizza slices and range of Neapolitan deep-fried street food snacks.

Pull up a seat in the snug surrounds or simply order to-go. Either way, don’t miss out on the selection of authentic range of fritti. The crocchè – mash potato, cubes of ham, and mozzarella, bread crumbed and deep-fried – is a deeply satisfying thing.

Also excellent are the slabs of Roman-style pizza that adorn the counter. For just a fiver a square, they also represent excellent value. Our favourite? The bufalina with fresh cherry tomatoes and plenty of rocket; a restorative, digestible piece of work that’s excellent as an early lunch accompanied by a stiff, steadying shot of espresso. They also do a range of vegan slices which are darn delicious.

And then, onwards, to brave the queues in Primark in search of a lime green Simpsons sweatshirt. Alternatively, you could take your lunch in nearby Castle Park, which is a lovely spot for a sit down.

Open from 10am to 6pm daily, except on Tuesdays, when Taste of Napoli is closed..

Interestingly, it was announced in October of last year that a sister restaurant to Taste of Napoli was in the works, with a sign in the window of 48 Park Street promising “pizza, arancini, focaccia, coffee, panini, calzoni, lasagne, cannoli, tiramisu, wine and more”, according to the good guys over at Bristol 24/7. We can’t wait for the doors to swing open on this one!

Address: 32 The Horsefair, Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3HZ

Website: tasteofnapoli.co.uk

Bianchis

Ideal for trying to Bristol’s ultimate trattoria experience…

We’re returning next to the warm, floury embrace of the Bianchis Group from several paragraphs previous, and to the Mothership at, you guessed it, Bianchis.

Sitting in the heart of bohemian Montpelier and named after the patriarch of the family Aldo Bianchi, this is a family affair, make no mistake, with grandsons Joe, Ben and Dom now steering the ship.

It’s a ship forged on Aldo and Nonna Ellen’s family recipes, and that sense of heritage is felt all over the menu, whether you’re getting stuck in to a plate of rigatoni with a sumptuous sauce of chicken alla Romana, sweet with slow-cooked red peppers and rich with the bird’s braising juices, or a dish of grilled parmesan polenta dressed with sun-dried tomato pesto.

It’s felt in the dining room, too, a bright and buzzy space cacophonous with chatter and cheer that’s anchored by dark wood furnishings and a rare modern day appearance from white paper tablecloths. It’s a touch that feels deliberate; bringing that trattoria vibe to the ‘burbs of Bristol succinctly.

Experience that dining room at its breeziest for Friday or Saturday lunch with a £34, four course set lunch menu, and feel like everything’s alright with the world.

If a hankering for pizza inexplicably hits after that feast of largely Northern Italian classics, then just a mile down the road Pizza Bianchi is smashing things out of the park, too.

Address: 1-3 York Rd, Montpelier, Bristol BS6 5QB

Website: bianchisrestaurant.co.uk

Little Hollows Pasta

Ideal for daily-rolled fresh pasta in Redland…

If you’re singing from the same hymn book as IDEAL, then can we safely assume that you never get tired of pasta? Join us, then, for another round of the good stuff, over in Redland, at Little Hollows Pasta.

Here, the pasta is made fresh every morning before being hung invitingly in the window to dry, enticing those strolling along Chandos Road to circling back on themselves once those strands and coils are submerged in their boiling, salty-as-the-sea baths.

The menu, much like the restaurant itself, is a tight, compact affair, with pasta across the entirety of the mains. A handful of smaller, largely vegetable-led plates provide the lead-in, with the charred baby broccoli dressed in a caperberry tapenade particularly intoxicating on a previous visit.

But really, we’re here for the pasta – we’re always here for the pasta – and the freshly made stuff here is arguably the best in Bristol. From the ridiculously reasonable lunch menu (3 courses for just £26), we recently found the classic Roman dish of bucatini Amatriciana as good as we’ve had anywhere, including the Eternal City. High praise indeed, but deserved; the use of Tropea onions in the sauce bringing a suave sweetness that countered the reliably salty-sweet guanciale just beautifully. It’s a plateful that will live long in the memory. At least until we get to the next restaurant on our list, that is…

Address: 26 Chandos Rd, Redland, Bristol BS6 6PF

Website: littlehollowspasta.co.uk

Marmo

Ideal for straightforward but sumptuous Italian wine bar vibes…

Next to Marmo, a restaurant that Observer food critic Jay Rayner called “an absolute corker”. He was right; this vibey, oh-so Bristol modern Italian joint – part wine bar, part osteria – certainly hits the spot.

Behind the stoves and on the floor respectively are husband and wife team Cosmo and Lily Sterck, who met at Bristol University. They have serious stock in this type of paired back, produce-led place, Cosmo having worked at the superlative Brawn and Lily having run front of house at now Michelin-starred London restaurant Luca.

They’ve brought this pedigree to the high-ceilinged, airy but austere dining room of the former Guardian Assurance Building, where biodynamic wine is poured generously by the glass and stark, unvarnished plates of two or three ingredients belie the superb cooking that’s gone on to get them there.

To nibble on (or wolf down, if you’re us) alongside your house Negroni, the gnoccho fritto with salame rosa is pretty much obligatory. These simultaneously crisp yet pillowy pockets of lard enriched dough are deep fried in more lard before being draped with peppery, fatty slices of cured pork. They are as addictive as they sound and, judging by the tables around us when we dropped by last month, impossible to take off the menu. A plate of Cantabrian anchovies sits alongside those gnoccho just right.

Equally as naughty feeling, a tablet of slow braised and pressed pig’s head that’s been breadcrumbed and deep-fried is paired masterfully with plumb caponata, those sweet and sour notes cutting through the of the porcine chops adeptly. To temper all those fatty notes further, a glass of cloudy, funky Abruzzese skin contact, a blend of Trebbiano and Pergolone, brings an untamed vibe to the table.

Bring yourself back down to earth with Marmo’s deep and brooding chocolate mousse, a few licks of sea salt across its surface an inspired touch, and totter out onto the heaving Baldwin Street feeling satiated and besotted.

Address: 31 Baldwin St, Bristol BS1 1RG

Website: marmo.restaurant

Read: 6 of the best restaurants close to Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Bristol

Don Giovanni’s

Ideal for old school Italian vibes close to Temple Meads station…

Whilst the majority of our round-up of Bristol’s best Italian restaurants is admittedly skewed to the slicker, more operations in town, there’s still much to be said for the decidedly, deliberately old school kind of Italian restaurants that feel like something of a dying breed in the UK.

At Don Giovanni’s, that sense of the gently dated is embraced full throttle, whether it’s in the candles gently melting wax over their wine bottle holders, the blue and white checked table cloths and neon, cursive signage, or the swoops and swooshes of reduced balsamic vinegar that adorn plenty of the dishes here.

The restaurant excels most when it the dishes are at their most rustic, the ‘housewife’s’ canneloni casalina and the Sicilian polpette arguably the highlights here, the latter a family recipe. Complete your meal with a carafe of the eminently drinkable, highly reasonable house red and a tiramisu, and luxuriate in a little Adriano Celentano as you round off your meal. Heaven.

Address: Victoria House, Temple Gate, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6PW

Website: dongiovannisbristol.co.uk

Read: The best seafood restaurants in Bristol

Sandy Park Deli

Ideal for simple lunchtime sarnies…

Tucked out of the way in the suburbs of Brislington, Sandy Park Deli is pretty much the dictionary definition of ‘hidden gem’. This family run deli which specialises in Italian imported meats and cheeses sits at the heart of the community, known as well here for supporting other local businesses by stocking their artisan products as it is for the deli’s formidable espresso, with premium coffee shipped in from Sicily on the regular.

The focaccia sandwiches are ace, too, straightforward but perfectly poised as only the Italians can pull off. The salami, taleggio and honey number has become something of a mainstay in the IDEAL office, and long may it continue!

Address: 10 Sandy Park Rd, Brislington, Bristol BS4 3PE

Website: deliatsandypark.co.uk

COR

Ideal for Mediterranean tapas with plenty of Italian flourishes…

Whilst not strictly ‘Italian’ (hey, where is in this little corner of south west England?), we had to mention the COR before we departed in a carb coma. That’s because this lively Mediterranean tapas bar from the team who brought us Spanish seafood joint Gambas is one of our favourite places to eat in Bristol, and there’s often a pasta dish or two on their continent-hopping menu.

Address: 81 North St, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 1ES

Website: correstaurant.com

But first, a well-earned, much-needed lie down for days…

The Best Cocktail Bars In Brighton

Editorial Team

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January 10, 2025

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Whether it’s because there’s something in the water, in the fresh sea air, or simply in the DNA of the city, vibrant cocktails full of fun and frivolity just feel so in step with Brighton’s unique and hedonistic soul.

It should come as no surprise, then, that there are plenty of fantastic places to grab a cocktail in this so-called London-On-Sea, whether you’re looking for something seasonal and sustainable, avant-garde and conceptual, or traditional and perfectly, precisely mixed.

Or, a mixture of all three, of course…

With all that in mind and in pursuit of the very best, we’ve drunk our way around the city (it’s a hard life), to bring you these; the best cocktail bars in Brighton.

Gung Ho

Ideal for seasonal & experimental cocktails under neon lights…

Setting ourselves up for a great weekend in town, we start our bar crawl of the best cocktails in Brighton (drinking responsibly with every step, we should add) at Gung Ho, housed on the city’s boisterous Preston Street.

Affectionately dubbed ‘Restaurant Street’ by residents, and on a strip that boasts our favourite pizzeria in Brighton, as well as another addition to this list (Tlaloc) and the acclaimed izakaya joint Bincho Yakitori, Gung Ho still manages to stand out as a wildly inventive, hugely amiable place to enjoy a cocktail or two.

This is largely down to the bar’s proposition. Here, sustainability and seasonality is at the heart of everything the mixologists do, whether you’re choosing from the ‘Revised Disco Drinks’, ‘Seasonal Cocktails’, or ‘Apothecary’ section of the menu.

The latter, incidentally, is a crisp selection of <1% ABV creations that aims to exploit the nootropic effects of various organic, natural ingredients. Expect to see lion’s mane, ginger, passiflora and more on the menu, alongside Everleaf’s premium, botanical, non-alcoholic spirits. So thoughtful, and so delicious, we’d add.

That said, when we’re taking a stool in Gung Ho’s compact street level space, we can’t resist something a little stronger. Our go-to order is the signature Basil Grande, featuring the French herbal liqueur Chartreuse in foam form, alongside black pepper, two types of Amaro, and the cocktail bar’s ‘hacked lime juice’; basically, locally foraged sea buckthorn, in the name of reducing air miles and imports.

We just love the ethos and the inventiveness here; no wonder Gung Ho has previously placed 33rd on the annual Top 50 Cocktail Bars in the UK list, Brighton’s highest ever entry. Other awards include South England Prestige Awards Cocktail Bar of the Year and BRAVO Best Cocktails.

Address: 36 Preston St, Brighton BN1 2HP

Website: gunghobar.com

Plotting Parlour

Ideal for a salubrious and sophisticated cocktail evening…

We’re heading east next, to the peripheries of hip, happening Kemptown and to The Plotting Parlour, another of Brighton’s very best cocktail bars.

Just a pebble’s throw away from Brighton Pier, if you’re keen to beat a hasty retreat from the beachfront in search of something all the more salubrious, then this sophisticated cocktail bar may well be just the ticket.

A warm welcome awaits (though booking in advance is highly recommended) in this lowlit and leisurely bar, with the suave table service adding to the impression that you’re somewhere very exclusive indeed. The premium prices reflect this, making the Plotting Parlour ideally suited for an evening spent slowly sipping rather than merrily chugging.

You’ll certainly want to savour the cocktails here, which, whilst perhaps not as quirky as Gung Ho’s, are delivered with precision and a fair amount of signature aplomb, with Mexican and South American ingredients and inflections introducing something of a narrative to the menu.

As certified suckers for anything containing good quality mezcal, we can’t resist the agrestal-tasting Pollen cocktail here, replete with the aforementioned Mexican spirit, alongside wild honey, bee pollen and lavender, which is as alluring as it sounds.

Surviving all of Plotting Parlour’s seasonal menu changes, you may also like the Tumi, their longest serving signature cocktail. Made with mezcal, pisco, orgeat, bitters and a chocolate ganache rim, it’s a firm favourite among regulars.

If you’re up for something a little more assertive, the Ginger and Chilli Margarita from the Parlour’s ‘Classic’ section of the menu is as puckering and poised as you like. Though, after a couple, you certainly won’t be…

Address: 6 Steine St, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1TE

Website: theplottingparlour-brighton.co.uk

Golden Pineapple

Ideal for a wide ranging yet thoughtful cocktail menu in an intimate setting…

Next, we’re heading eastwards again, to Brighton’s famous lanes, where the tropical theme continues at Golden Pineapple.

Here, half the space is reserved for walk-ins; if you struggled to get a table at the Plotting Parlour or the tiny Gung Ho is full to bursting, this fantastic cocktail bar is more than simply a worthwhile substitute.

Once again, mezcal and tequila (we see a theme developing here) are a major focus of the menu, with the Golden Pineapple boasting 70 different bottles of the good stuff – the biggest selection of agave spirits in the city.

If you book ahead, you can even enjoy the bar’s bespoke Agave menu… Don’t have anything planned for afterwards is all we’re saying!

If drinks made from the delicious blue succulent aren’t your thing, fear not; Golden Pineapple offers plenty of creative cocktails harnessing the power of other spirits. We particularly love their Summer Days cocktail, featuring Japanese whiskey, lemongrass, quince and soda, which is so refreshing after a long day spent on the pebbles!

Address: 14 Ship St, Brighton BN1 1AD

Website: goldenpineapple.party

L’Atelier Du Vin Seven Dials

Ideal for a speakeasy vibe…

A different proposition awaits over at L’Atelier Du Vin in Seven Dials (their second outpost, following one in the North Laines), which models itself on a prohibition bar, with all the dim lights, meandering jazz, and artificially smoky atmosphere that suggests.

That’s not to say that the speakeasy vibe here feels insincere or affected. Instead, the atmosphere is louche yet sophisticated, with the bar’s enormous collection of wines and spirits (800 wines, 350 spirits and 200 champagnes at last count) doing all the talking, making L’Atelier a very serious proposition indeed.

Due to the Francophile leanings of the place, the wines are most heavily stacked in the Burgundy region’s favour, with cocktails from France and Italy taking precedence over the more creative concoctions found at some of the other entries on our list.

There’s also excellent cheese and charcuterie to be grazed on here, making a visit to L’Atelier Du Vin an arguably more grown-up evening, but no less fun for it.

Address: 87 Dyke Rd, Brighton BN1 3JE

Website: latelierduvin.co.uk

Cut Your Wolf Loose

Ideal for trying all the whisk(e)ys…

Pulling the drinks choices into even sharper focus, if whisky’s your thing then there really is only one bar in the city you should head, and that’s to Cut Your Wolf Loose on Trafalgar Street, a short stroll (or, rather, stumble) from Brighton Station.

Here, a 250 year-old shop has been transformed into something of a pilgrimage for whisky aficionados, with premium, single-cask bottles lining every available wall of this tightly knotted space, and the knowledgeable owner on hand to take palate preferences and offer drams, bottles, and even vials, for you to sample.

Having opened in the midst of COVID, the bar is now firmly finding its feet, and is a wonderfully informative, festive place to spend a couple of hours or more.

Address: 23 Trafalgar St, Brighton BN1 4EQ

Website: cutyourwolfloose.com

Burnt Orange

Ideal for dining and imbibing on ‘well made drinks’…

We end our list with a duo of restaurants that more than deserve mention for their fantastic cocktails, the first of which is Burnt Orange.

Open from midday until late every day, the restaurant pitches itself as a ‘’a new grownup hangout for Brighton’’, with people encouraged to drop in as much for a cocktail and a snack throughout the day, or a digestif and a sweet treat late in the evening, as they are a full blown meal. It’s that kinda place, with the drinks a real highlight.

Order a Pandora’s Box (featuring mezcal, chilli agave, and cranberry) or two, a little wood-fired flatbread and broad bean hummus, and settle in!

Address: 59 Middle St, Brighton BN1 1AL

Website: burnt-orange.co.uk

Read: The best restaurants in The Lanes, Brighton

Fourth & Church

Ideal for the best martini in town…

Fire up the Uber for this one, because we’re heading to Hove to end our cocktail crawl of the city, and to Fourth and Church, a relatively new addition to the Brighton restaurant scene, and one that shakes – or stirs, whatever your preference – a mean martini, make no mistake.

We can see that you’re thirsty, so rather than keep you here, we’ll redirect you to our always humble opinions on the best restaurants in Hove, in which Fourth and Church features. We’ll see you on Church Road for a martini?

Address: 84 Church Rd, Hove BN3 2EB

Website: fourthandchurch.co.uk

The Best Restaurants Near Oxford Circus

Joseph Gann

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January 10, 2025

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Ideal if you’re wondering where to chow down in Central…

Oxford Street, the brash, bustling heart of London’s shopping scene, attracts tens of millions of visitors each year with its impressive array of over 300 shops (299 of which are American candy purveyors) and a whole host of iconic landmarks to boot.

As Europe’s busiest shopping destination, it boasts a daily footfall of around half a million people, outgunning other popular European streets such as Madrid’s Gran Via and Paris’ Champs-Elysées.

Served by four tube stops (the busiest of which is Oxford Circus), 270 buses an hour, and that famously high volume of shoppers – some hungry, many hangry, and more still simply needing a place to rest their weary feet a while – it’s no surprise that diners of all tastes and temerities are catered to here.

And whilst that luxury of options is certainly welcome for many, for others, the paradox of choice can grip as tightly as a parent’s hand as their child steps aimlessly into the path of a big red bus. Fear not, we’re here to guide you, away from the trains and traffic, and into the best restaurants near Oxford Circus, London.

Chishuru, Great Titchfield Street

Ideal for modern West African dining from one of the city’s most celebrated new chefs…

From fish-and-chip cart in Nigeria, to cooking competition winner in Brixton, to a shiny Michelin star in a shiny new establishment just off Oxford Street, it’s been quite the journey for self-taught chef Adejoké Bakare, chef-patron of the modern West African restaurant Chishuru.

The UK’s first black female chef to be awarded a Michelin star, it’s a story of tenacity, sure, but it’s also one of unstoppable, undeniably delicious cooking, a kind of ‘refined’ (for want of a better term) take on West African food that’s anchored in generosity and perfectly judged spicing. You’ll find both in a starter of fermented rice cake, pleasingly spongy and reminiscent of lo bak go, with thick slices of heirloom tomato and a sharp, close-to-fierce chilli and clementine sauce. Gorgeous stuff.

You’ll find it, too, in the crisp yet tender bean fritters, the centre a tacky textural delight. Served with a fermented rhubarb dressing that arrives lurid pink and tastes even more vivid than its colour promises, it’s superb.

Best of all from the current menu, a guinea fowl thigh, its skin blistered and burnished from the grill, is served dusted with smoky yaji spice and an incredible caramelised onion and lemon puree, its layers of heat and pungency coming at you in undulating waves, the sweetness of the onion soothing things just enough to keep you coming back for more.

Right now, that menu (it’s a set, no-choice affair with a vegetarian alternative) will set you back £45 at lunch and, for a longer version, £95 in the evening. An adjacent wine flight is available for £56, and is definitely worth going for, the complexity of Bakare’s cooking deserves thoughtful drinks pairing.

Only open weekdays, do make sure you book in advance, as Chishuru is quite rightly packed Monday through Friday. Yep, this is, for us, the best place to eat near Oxford Circus. Nab a table while you still can.

Website: chishuru.com

Address: 3 Great Titchfield St., London W1W 8AX

Fonda, Heddon Street

Ideal for refined Mexican ‘home cooking’ with a British accent…

Santiago Lastra, the chef behind Michelin-starred KOL, is becoming an increasingly ubiquitous presence, not only at Michelin awards ceremonies and World’s 50 Best galas, but also on the pages of Vogue and Esquire, his chiselled good looks and easy charm making him something of a crossover star even before he won his at KOL.

So, when it was announced in September 2024 that a London follow-up to KOL was on the horizon, and that it was going to be in Mayfair, assumptions (fears?) of something bank balance-busting and fancy af were only natural.

In actuality, Fonda is a slightly more ‘relaxed’ second act, bringing the warmth and conviviality of Mexico’s family-run mom-and-pop spots found across Mexico to a pink-washed corner of Mayfair. The restaurant takes its name from these humble establishments though admittedly, this interpretation is rather more polished than its inspiration might suggest.

The L-shaped dining room, awash in dusky pinks and terracottas, is gorgeous, sure, but also has the textures of a finger nail scratching across a chalkboard, somehow. That said, the woven chairs, handcrafted Mexican art pieces, and a giant agave-crafted monkey presiding over proceedings, certainly bring character. At its heart sits the comal – a traditional clay griddle that serves as both literal and metaphorical hearth of the operation. It’s where to exceptional house tortillas are on forever rotation.

Lastra’s commitment to British ingredients (there’s still no avocado or lime in sight) carries through from KOL, though here it feels more playful than prescriptive. Take the Sikil Pak, a clever take on guacamole that swaps out avocado for a silky mousse of toasted pumpkin seeds and pine oil. Or the Baja fish taco, where Cornish cod gets an umami boost from a touch of Marmite in the batter before being paired with a bright pistachio and mint sauce that almost makes you forget all about missing citrus. The Costra – a dish of aged ribeye topped with melted Swaledale cheese on a flour tortilla – exemplifies Lastra’s approach: Mexican soul, British ingredients, precise technique.

Perhaps the mission statement goes out the window a bit with the drinks list, leaning heavily into agave spirits, with a dedicated Paloma section that includes clever riffs like a rhubarb and gooseberry version made with Ocho Blanco tequila. There’s also a strong selection of natural wines that pair well with the food’s complex spicing. It’s all very delicious, if not just a touch subdued.

With mains hovering around £25-30 and small plates between £7-14, Fonda is certainly more accessible than its elder sibling KOL, though still firmly in special occasion territory for most. But then again, with cooking this accomplished and surroundings this convivial, special occasions are exactly what Fonda was built for.

Website: fondalondon.com

Address: 12 Heddon St, London W1B 4BZ

The Wigmore, Langham Place

Ideal for elevated pub grub fare in classy, retro-inspired surrounds…

Sitting just a five minute stroll from Oxford Circus and ideal for taking a load off after a long morning’s shopping, The Wigmore is a luxurious gastropub that’s perfect for both perfectly poured pints and plates of poise and precision. Or both; here, the two aren’t mutually exclusive, but can be, if you simply fancy a swift half before moving on to your third UNIQLO of the day…

Billing itself as a modern British Tavern that’s full of surprises, the menu features reimagined pub fare curated by Michel Roux Jr., holder or 2 Michelins stars at Mayfair’s Le Gavroche.

Diners can expect British boozer classics with a little French flair thrown in for good measure, exemplified by the buttered then fried Wigmore Sourdough Toastie, which features three cheeses – Montgomery cheddar, Ogleshield and Raclette – and a lingering pungency from mustard and sliced onion. Arriving blistered and burnished in all the right places, it is, according to Observer food writer Jay Rayner, ‘’the best cheese toastie in town’’.

Housed in a historic banking hall, The Wigmore is part of the luxury Langham hotel, with a sense of prestige and pedigree palpable in the simple, leather-and-wood clad dining room. That’s not to say it’s forgotten its pub roots; there’s also outdoor seating and a pub quiz held every Monday evening.

Anyway, that sense of pedigree continues onto the plate. Aside from that toastie, there’s a superb cheeseburger, given the French gastronome treatment with a completely unnecessary but totally irresistible slice of pressed, grilled ox tongue.

A scotch-egg which comes spiced with masala and encased in fine vermicelli pasta instead of breadcrumbs (and touching down on the table looking like a porcupine, quite honestly) is another classic pub dish delivered with a Wigmore spin. It’s bloody delicious.

The indulgent takes on snacks continues. Toasted crumpets – here topped with a generous tangle of white crab meat held together with a brown crab mayo – arrive sitting in a pool of positively pelagic butter. Though your GP might not approve, by Christ we do.

Pair it with a pint or two (sorry doc) of the Wigmore’s signature house Saison, and you’re in for a real treat. No wonder the Wigmore and bar manager Andre Ferreira took home the prestigious Cateys Award for Best Pub and Bar last year.

Just don’t expect to return to the shopping with the same enthusiasm you had before lunch…

Address: 15 Langham Pl, London W1B 3DE, United Kingdom

Website: the-wigmore.co.uk

Sabor, Heddon Street

Ideal for Andalusian-inspired tapas…

It seems like you can’t escape Nieves Barragan, the former head chef of Barrafina, right now, whether it’s because of her appearances as a judge on Masterchef or because Sabor, her Michelin-starred, Andalusian-inspired tapas bar on Heddon Street, is regularly being named as people’s favourite London restaurant on the ‘gram.

Ubiquity has certainly not dampened the quality at Sabor, whichever level you choose to pull up a stool. On the ground floor, you’ll find a horseshoe-shaped counter where regional Spanish classics with a focus on fresh fish are served with finesse. Do not miss the txistorra tortilla, an unctuous, oozing spanish omelet filled and topped with paprika-spiked Basque sausage.

On the first floor, El Asador, things are really taken up a notch, with a selection of larger sharing dishes cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven from Castile. Whilst the brooding seafood rice is certainly a crowdpleaser, the headlining act here is without doubt the Segovian sucking pig, available in quarter, half or whole portions.

Though the full beast will set you (and hopefully some friends!) back £320, it’s an incredible piece of work, all hyaline skin shattering when you breathe on it and fatty, tender flesh beneath. The wait staff arrive to portion it with a plate, just to emphasise its succulence. It’s a lovely, silly slice of theatre. Do your own cutting through with a dry, citrusy rioja blanco – the Solar de Randez does the job perfectly – and you’ve got yourself one of London’s finest lunches.

Indeed, just a five minute stroll from Oxford Circus, we’d go as far as to say Sabor is our favourite restaurant close to Oxford Street.

Address: 35-37 Heddon St, London W1B 4BR

Website: saborrestaurants.co.uk

BAO, Lexington Street

Ideal for bouncy bao buns and other Taiwanese treats…

As if it needed any introduction except to say you can reach the restaurant from Oxford Street in just five minutes, the Lexington Street outpost of beloved Taiwanese restaurant BAO was founded by Erchen Chang, Shing Tat Chung, and Wai Ting Chung in 2015, a trio whose background in art and design has translated to the instantly recognisable aesthetics here (see the famous ‘Lonely Man’ logo’) and the uber-Instagrammable signature dish.

That’s not to say it’s all style over substance at BAO. Quite the opposite, in fact; the headlining ‘Classic’ bao bun, which features a slice of tender braised pork belly, peanut powder, coriander and fermented mustard greens, is as good as New York chef David Chang’s iconic version at Momofuku Noodle Bar. If not, whisper it, even more satisfying…

The lamb shoulder bao, which can only be found exclusively at this BAO branch, is another one not to be missed. Inside those headlining pillowy buns, slow cooked lamb is perfectly paired with a coriander sauce, garlic mayonnaise and soy pickled chilli. It’s a dreamy combination.

That said, you’d be foolish to remain safely ensconced in the pillowy embrace of the bao bun for the entirety of your meal. As any seasoned BAO aficionado knows, it’s in the Xiao Chi section of the menu that the real kicks are found, whether you’re elbows deep in the hard fried Taiwanese chicken with a truly piquant little hot sauce, or you’re making friends with a slab of peppery pig’s blood cake, topped with a soy-cured egg yolk that envelops and enraptures.

Finish with a fried Horlicks ice cream sandwich, and be on your merry way.

BAO Lexington Street has held a prestigious Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide since 2016. Oh, and if you’re keen to cook some of their classic dishes yourself, then the BAO cookbook was released earlier this year.

Address: 53 Lexington St, Carnaby, London W1F 9AS, United Kingdom

Website: baolondon.com

Read: 6 of the best private dining rooms for large groups in London

Zahter, Foubert’s Place

Ideal for Istanbulite cuisine and terrific Turkish hospitality…

Located just off Carnaby Street, Zahter is a culinary gem led by the talented chef Esra Muslu that aims to reinterpret traditional Turkish cuisine.

With previous at Ottolenghi Spitalfields as well as a spell serving as executive chef at Istanbul’s Soho House, Muslu has made a name for herself in the culinary world for her forward-thinking Turkish cooking that explores hyper-seasonal, homestyle cooking far removed from the kebabs and flatbreads most associated with the country’s cuisine.

Esra opened Zahter in October 2021 after a successful Carousel residency in March 2018, earning rave reviews from critics and a full dining room ever since. It’s a mezze-focused affair, with hot and cold mezze making up the vast majority of the single page menu, the four protein-focused ‘platters’ feeling like almost an afterthought among the fresh vibrancy of the smaller plates.

Accordingly, Zahter is one of the best places for vegetarians to dine well in all of Central London, whether they’re getting stuck into Enginar Dolması – a whole artichoke flower presented as if in bloom and accompanied by spiced rice – or the insanely moreish Odun Ateşinde Patates – potatoes that are close to collapsing from the heat of the wood-fired grill, dressed in punchy gremolata.

The restaurant also boasts an impressive cocktail list, with our go-to order the Zahter’s Night, a visually pleasing drink inspired by Istanbul’s sunsets. This unique concoction features butterfly pea tea, gin, elderflower cordial and fresh lemon juice, creating a mesmerising kaleidoscopic effect when mixed.

In fact, the whole experience is an intoxicating one, particularly if you’re perched at the bar that sweeps elegantly around the wood-fired oven, swivelling in your stool trying to avoid getting too much smoke in your eyes as natural light streams in from all sides, watching the cooks at work. On a bright and breezy day in London, there’s no place we’d rather be…

Address: 30 – 32 Foubert’s Pl, Carnaby, London W1F 7PS, United Kingdom

Website: zahter.co.uk

Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, Kingly Court

Ideal for delightful Damascene dishes that are perfect for sharing…

Next up, we’re ducking into Kingly Court and heading up several flights of stairs to Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, not only one of the best restaurants close to Oxford Circus, but one of our favourite places to eat in London, full stop.

The story of the restaurant has been well documented; restaurateur Imad Alarnab’s three successful restaurants in Syria’s capital Damascus ended up a victim of the cruel war being fought there, seeing Alarnab flee the country in search of a new life. He found it in London, where his Syrian Kitchen has been thriving, garnering praise from national critics and a coveted Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide.

It’s easy to see why; Imad’s Syrian Kitchen is a hugely likeable place, with the big man working the room with grace and warmth, and the hearty, generous (it’s very easy to over order) flavours of his homeland finding their way onto every plate here.

As Imad told Vice in a 2017 interview; “In Syria, we don’t do plates. We don’t ask, ‘What do you want to eat?’ We just serve lots of food and you can eat whatever you like, whenever you like. It’s like family”.

So come here with your nearest and dearest and order everything. Tear off a chunk of the restaurant’s house pita, drag it through the roughly-hewn hummus that’s been dusted generously in sumac, get stuck into the complex, no-one-bite-is-the-same fattoush, and prepare to feel very well-looked after, indeed.

Address: 2.14 Top Floor, Kingly Court, Carnaby St, London W1B 5PW, United Kingdom

Website: imadssyriankitchen.co.uk

Casa do Frango, Heddon Street

Ideal for authentic Portuguese piri-piri chicken in an elegant setting…

Following the runaway success of their London Bridge original, Casa do Frango’s Piccadilly outpost brings their celebrated Algarvian cooking to the heart of the West End. The bare-brick, light-filled dining room, adorned with traditional Portuguese tiles and verdant greenery, sets the perfect stage for what is, quite simply, some of the finest Portuguese cooking in central London.

While the restaurant’s name translates to ‘house of chicken’, reducing Casa do Frango to just its perfectly charred, subtly spiced piri-piri chicken (half chicken £14) would be doing it a disservice. Yes, that chicken is superb – grilled over wood charcoal and brushed with their secret piri-piri blend – but there’s so much more to discover here.

The menu reads like a love letter to Portuguese cuisine – start with the bacalhau fritters, their crisp exterior giving way to a creamy salt cod filling that’s perfectly complemented by a bright lemon aioli. The African-influenced corn ribs with roasted piri-piri sauce are another must-order, providing a masterclass in texture and heat.

For the lunch crowd, they offer an excellent value weekday special at £14, featuring either their signature piri-piri chicken or a charred cauliflower alternative, both served with hispi slaw and crisp though, admittedly, slightly anaemic fries. It’s one of the better lunch deals in the area, especially given the quality – and at just £2 for their excellent house-made pastel de nata, – those most beloved of Portuguese custard tarts – you’d be mad not to add a dessert. Go on; have a second.

The wine list is a careful curation of Portuguese varieties, starting at just £5.50 a glass for the Terra Franca from Bairrada, ranging through to some serious bottles from the likes of Howard’s Folly (a Vinho Verde which is excellent, as it should be for £49 a bottle). Their cocktail menu puts creative spins on classics – their Piri-Piri Margarita, spiked with chili, is a particular triumph.

For those seeking a more intimate experience, two private dining rooms – Sol and Mar – offer a familial setting for groups, while the hidden Green Room bar downstairs channels vintage Portuguese charm. On warmer days, the street-side terrace provides one of central London’s most pleasant spots for al fresco dining. You know what? A third pastel de nata might be in order…

Address: 31-33 Heddon St, London W1B 4BN

Website: casadofrango.co.uk

Dehesa, Ganton Street

Ideal for Spanish-Italian small plates and exceptional wines in Soho’s beating heart…

Taking its name from the Spanish word for ‘woodland pasture’ (where black-footed Iberian pigs roam free), Dehesa brings together the best of Spanish and Italian aperitivo culture in a warm, convivial setting just off Carnaby Street. Part of the Salt Yard Group – the same talented team behind Opera Tavern in Covent Garden and Ember Yard in Soho – this charcuterie and tapas bar has earned its stripes (and a Michelin Bib Gourmand, which it then inexplicably lost) by doing the simple things exceptionally well.

The jamón ibérico and manchego croquetas (£9) have achieved near-legendary status – crisp shells giving way to an impossibly creamy filling that somehow captures the essence of both cheeseboard and charcuterie plate in a single, umami-laden bite. They’re the kind of thing you’ll find yourself ordering a second round of before you’ve even finished the first (and then regretting that follow-up, as they’re deceptively filling).

Head Chef Marcin Ciesielski’s menu changes with the seasons, but certain dishes have become permanent fixtures due to popular demand. The courgette flower stuffed with goat’s cheese and drizzled with blossom honey (£8.50) is one such creation – a perfect balance of sharp and sweet whose tempura batter exemplifies the kitchen’s lightness of touch. The Puglian burrata with heritage tomato is another standout, while the pil pil tiger prawns with roasted garlic and red chilli oil demonstrate the team’s ability to let superior ingredients shine without unnecessary flourishes. You get the picture here at Dehesa, and they’re painting it beautiful in broad brushstrokes using only the finest paint. Christ that’s a laboured metaphor…

It’s all designed to pair very well with wine, that’s for certain, and the wine list at Dehesa delivers – it’s an oenophile’s playground that spans both Italy and Spain’s finest regions. Start with a crisp Valimnor Albariño (£14.50 by the glass) from Rias Baixas, or dive into their Italian offerings with a robust Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino (£155 a bottle) if you’re feeling flush. The staff, particularly their on-site sommelier, show genuine enthusiasm in helping you navigate the extensive list.

Grab a spot on their heated corner terrace – one of the largest in Soho – and work your way through the small plates, or descend to their bijou wine cellar for a more intimate experience. The latter, which seats up to 14, offers an exceptional setting for private dining and wine tastings.

Website: 25 Ganton St, Carnaby, London W1F 9BP

Address: saltyardgroup.co.uk

Read: The best restaurants near Soho’s Carnaby Street

Sketch, Conduit Street

Ideal for impressing out-of-towners and eating with your eyes…

If you’re visiting from out of town and looking for a unique dining experience close to Oxford Circus, look no further than Sketch. Housed in a Grade II listed townhouse designed by English Architect James Wyatt in 1779, Sketch boasts a rich history that includes serving as the headquarters of the Royal Institute of British Architects and Christian Dior’s London atelier.

This quirky and eclectic venue is home to multiple dining rooms, each with its own distinct theme, menu, and price points to match.

The Lecture Room & Library, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, offers an exquisite French-inspired tasting menu curated (though not often actually cooked, we might suspect) by chef Pierre Gagnaire.

The restaurant’s interior has been transformed over the years through collaborations with leading designers and artists such as India Mahdavi, Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance, Martin Creed, David Shrigley, and Yinka Shonibare. Head here, to a dining room rendered in sickly sweet pastel shades, only if your deep pockets haven’t been diminished by a bout of shopping on Oxford Street; the tasting menu-only format starts at £225.

Alternatively, the Glade serves a modern European menu amidst an enchanted forest setting, while the Gallery, with its pink velvet chairs and walls adorned with pop art flourishes, is perfect for afternoon tea or dinner. If that doesn’t sketch your itch, then the Parlour does all-day dining with a frivolous flourish that simply needs to be seen to be believed.

Admittedly the food at Sketch (even the 3 star joint) isn’t the best you’ll find in London, and it’s arguably more of a style-over-substance kind of place. However, if you’re feeling frivolous and want a memorable meal and some quirky content for your Instagram feed, then it’s here you should head.

Wherever you choose to eat within the iconic building, be sure to also visit the iconic egg-shaped toilet pods for a unforgettable restroom experience!

Address: 9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG, United Kingdom

Website: sketch.london

Hoppers, St. Christopher’s Place

Ideal for a taste of Sri Lanka and creative cocktails served with a side order of energy…

Hoppers comes from London’s masters of playful, perfectly realised ‘theme’ restaurants, the Sethi family, and their JKS group. The list of places under their stewardship reads like your Instagram Explore highlights reel; there’s Bao, Gymkhana, Lyles, Trishna, Bubbledogs and Kitchen Table, Xu (RIP), Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar, Sabor and, of course, Hoppers. That is some role call; success and good taste is basically guaranteed.

Hoppers St. Christopher’s continues the rich run of form so popular at the inaugural Frith Street restaurant and doesn’t mess with the formula; Sri Lankan curries, dosas, the hopper itself and more – all of intoxicating, heady, just-off-centre spicing and playful delivery.

Check out our full review of Hoppers St. Christophers here.

Address: 77 Wigmore St, London W1U 1QE, United Kingdom

Website: stchristophersplace.com

Honest Burgers Oxford Circus, Market Place

Ideal for one of the best burgers in the whole of London…

Arguably the only thing that our next entry shares with Sketch is its proximity to Oxford Street, but if you’re looking for a straight-up quality burger served swiftly and with minimal fuss or fanfare, then Honest Burgers is as good now as when it burst on to the scene more than a decade ago.

The secret behind Honest Burgers’ success lies in the commitment of founders Tom Barton and Phillip Eeles (two university graduates who share a passion for high-quality British burgers) to carefully-sourced and house-processed ingredients.

Indeed, the beef here has been butchered in-house and is minced daily to ensure freshness, their signature patties made from chuck and rib cap, which are skimmed off a rib-eye steak in the pursuit of juicier burgers with a ‘good bite.’

You can taste those efforts to ensure quality in the signature Oxford Circus Burger, featuring that Honest beef, smoked British mozzarella, honey and British nduja mayo, shoestring fries, rocket, and pickles. It’s banging. To go alongside, the fennel battered onion rings served with a side of bacon gravy for dipping is something we never regret ordering.

The restaurant also offers a selection of craft beers from local breweries personal to each restaurant, staying true to Barton’s childhood growing up in a country pub. It’s that down-to-earth, unswerving dedication to locality that keeps Honest Burgers growing (it now boasts over 40 restaurants across the UK), with even this most central of Central London restaurants offering its own unique identity and flavour. We just love it.

Address: 4 Market Pl, London W1W 8AD, United Kingdom

Website: honestburgers.co.uk

Plaza Khao Gaeng, New Oxford Street

Ideal for spicy and complex Southern Thai food found in the Arcade Food Hall…

We end at Arcade Food Hall, close to Tottenham Court Road Station. Housed in the Centre Point building on New Oxford Street, and just a few second’s stroll from Tottenham Court Road station, Arcade Food Hall offers a veritable feast of global cuisines, with nine restaurant concepts currently operating here, and a fully-fledged Southern Thai joint on the mezzanine above the communal dining area.

That Southern Thai restaurant is Plaza Khao Gaeng, which, despite only being a year old, is already doing some of the most faithfully composed, fiery food from The Kingdom anywhere in the city. It’s one of our favourite Thai restaurants in London, and as good a place as any to bid you farewell.

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

Website: plazakhaogaeng.com

Since you’re in the area, here are the best restaurants near Tottenham Court Road Station. We’ll see you on the strip?

The Rise Of Smart Travel: How Does Lyft Work In The US?

Lifestyle Guides

Editorial Team

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January 9, 2025

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The Rise Of Smart Travel: How Does Lyft Work In The US?

Here’s the thing; for British travellers heading to the United States, navigating transport options can feel rather daunting. Whilst iconic yellow taxis still patrol Manhattan’s streets, the pink-mustached vehicles of Lyft have become an equally common sight across American cities. But how exactly does this popular ride-hailing service function for visitors?

The American transport landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Where once tourists relied heavily on traditional taxis, car rentals, or complex public transport systems, ride-hailing apps have revolutionised the way people traverse US cities. Among these, Lyft has emerged as a dominant force, particularly appealing to international visitors seeking hassle-free travel solutions.

Founded in 2012, Lyft has grown from a small San Francisco startup to a nationwide phenomenon, serving millions of passengers daily across all 50 states. For British tourists, the service offers a familiar yet distinctly American experience, bridging the gap between traditional taxi services and modern technology-driven transport solutions.

The appeal lies not just in its convenience, but in its ability to provide a consistent experience across vastly different American cities. Whether you’re exploring the sprawling suburbs of Los Angeles or navigating the dense streets of Boston, the same pink-branded app offers a reliable gateway to your destination. This uniformity proves particularly valuable for international visitors who might otherwise struggle with varying local transport customs and regulations.

Setting Up The App

At its core, Lyft operates through a straightforward mobile application available for both iOS and Android devices. Travellers can download the app before departing the UK, though you’ll need to add a payment method that works internationally. Most British credit cards are readily accepted, but it’s worth checking with your bank about foreign transaction fees. Some banks offer specific travel-focused cards that waive these charges, making them particularly suitable for frequent travellers.

Booking Your Ride

Once you’ve landed, booking a Lyft is remarkably straightforward. After opening the app, you’ll see a map of your current location. Simply input your destination, and the app displays various ride options. The standard Lyft service accommodates up to four passengers, whilst Lyft XL offers larger vehicles for groups up to six. For those seeking a touch more luxury, Lyft Lux provides high-end vehicles with professional drivers. The newest addition, Lyft Priority, guarantees faster pickup times for a slight premium – particularly useful during peak hours or in bustling city centres.

Understanding Pricing

Pricing works on a dynamic model, meaning fares fluctuate based on demand and availability. During peak times – think rush hour or after a major event – prices may surge. However, the app always displays the full fare before you confirm your booking, eliminating any unwelcome surprises. Unlike traditional taxis, there’s no need to calculate a tip separately; the app handles this automatically based on your preferences, though you can adjust the amount after your journey.

Safety Features

Safety features are robust and continuously evolving. Each ride is tracked in real-time, and you can share your journey details with friends or family through the app’s integrated sharing system. Drivers undergo comprehensive background checks and must maintain high ratings to continue operating. The app displays your driver’s photo, vehicle details, and licence plate number, ensuring you enter the correct car. A recent addition is the in-app emergency button, providing direct access to emergency services if needed.

Advanced Booking

One particularly useful feature for tourists is the ability to schedule rides in advance. Planning to catch an early flight from LAX? You can book your Lyft up to seven days ahead, providing peace of mind during your travels. The app even monitors flight times and adjusts pickup schedules accordingly – a godsend for international travellers dealing with delays or schedule changes.

Coverage & Accessibility

The service currently operates in virtually every major US city and many smaller towns, though coverage may vary in rural areas. It’s worth noting that some airports have specific pick-up zones for ride-hailing services, usually clearly marked with signs or indicated within the app. These designated areas are typically well-lit and monitored, adding an extra layer of security for late-night arrivals.

The American Experience

For British visitors accustomed to London’s black cabs or local taxi services, the most striking difference might be the casual nature of Lyft rides. Drivers often greet passengers by name and may initiate conversation. Some even offer bottled water or phone charging cables – though this isn’t guaranteed. Many drivers work flexible hours and have fascinating stories to share about their cities, often providing impromptu tourist recommendations.

Lyft Bikes

Beyond traditional car rides, Lyft offers a bicycle-sharing system in select US cities. These distinctive bikes can be unlocked directly through the same Lyft app you use for car journeys, making it simple to switch between transport modes. For tourists seeking to explore cities at their own pace or avoid traffic during peak hours, these bikes offer an eco-friendly and often more economical option. Simply locate a nearby bike using the app’s map, scan the QR code to unlock it, and pay by the minute. When you’re finished, lock the bike at any designated parking spot within the service area. It’s worth noting that whilst helmets aren’t provided, many seasoned travellers recommend bringing a collapsible one for safety.

Rating System

The app’s rating system works both ways – passengers rate drivers, but drivers also rate passengers. This mutual accountability helps maintain a respectful environment for everyone. Maintaining a high passenger rating can mean shorter wait times and a better overall experience, so it’s worth being punctual and courteous.

Safety & Insurance

Whilst Lyft isn’t the only ride-hailing option in the US, it has earned a reputation for reliable service and friendly drivers. The company’s commitment to passenger safety includes a comprehensive insurance policy that covers all rides. However, as with any form of transport, incidents can occur. Many travellers may not realise that you can find a specialised Lyft accident attorney to handle any complications that might arise during their journey, though such services are rarely needed thanks to the company’s strong safety record.

The Bottom Line

For travellers seeking convenient, cashless transport without the hassle of navigating public transport schedules or rental cars, Lyft offers an efficient solution to exploring American cities. The service continues to evolve, regularly adding new features and expanding its coverage area to better serve both domestic and international passengers.

7 Wonderful Ways To Capture Your Child’s Journey (Before They Grow Up Too Fast!)

Editorial Team

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January 9, 2025

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7 Wonderful Ways To Capture Your Child’s Journey (Before They Grow Up Too Fast!)

If there’s one universal truth about parenting, it’s that time flies at an alarmingly swift pace. One moment you’re cradling your newborn, and in what feels like a blink of an eye, they’re heading off to secondary school. Whilst we can’t slow down time (wouldn’t that be lovely?), we can capture these fleeting moments in creative and meaningful ways.

Gone are the days when documenting your child’s life meant simply filling up a dusty photo album that rarely sees the light of day. Today’s parents have a wealth of options at their fingertips to preserve those precious memories. If you’re keen to chronicle your little one’s journey in style, here are seven brilliant ways to capture their childhood years.

Embrace The Magic Of Home Videos

Remember those grainy VHS tapes of your own childhood? Well, modern technology has given home videos quite the glow-up. These days, that sophisticated little device in your pocket — your smartphone — is all you need to capture life’s most magical moments.

Don’t just focus on the milestone moments (though those first steps are certainly worth recording!). Instead, capture the everyday magic: your toddler’s infectious giggle during bathtime, their serious face whilst ‘helping’ you bake, or those precious bedtime stories where they insist on reading to you.

Once you’ve amassed these precious snippets, transform them into something truly special using the best free video editor from Adobe to create mini-masterpieces that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Chronicle Their Journey Through Photography

Whilst everyone’s a photographer these days (thank you, smartphones!), there’s an art to capturing truly meaningful images of your child’s life. Yes, those perfectly posed holiday snaps are lovely, but don’t forget to document the beautiful chaos of everyday life: the messy face after eating chocolate, the concentration whilst building with blocks, or the pure joy of jumping in muddy puddles.

Get creative with your approach—perhaps take a photo in the same spot every month to create a growth timeline, or capture their hands and feet doing different activities throughout the years. And here’s a top tip: let your little one loose with the camera sometimes. You might be surprised by their unique perspective on the world!

Capture Their Voice In Time

There’s nothing quite like the sound of your child’s voice to transport you back in time. Those adorable mispronunciations, their first attempts at singing their favourite nursery rhymes, or their excited chatter about their day at nursery—these are sounds you’ll want to remember forever.

Make regular audio recordings of everyday moments: their made-up bedtime stories, their explanation of how they think the world works, or simply their contagious laughter during playtime. These audio treasures will become priceless time capsules of their developing personality and imagination.

Create Lasting Impressions With Hand & Footprint Art

There’s something utterly magical about preserving those tiny hands and feet in art form. It’s a tangible reminder of just how small they once were (and how quickly they grow!). But don’t just stick to the traditional paint prints on paper – why not get creative? Create a family tree where each family member’s handprint forms a branch, or start an annual tradition of making seasonal artwork using their prints.

Build An Art Gallery Of Memories

Let’s face it—your little one’s artistic endeavours could probably wallpaper your entire house by now. Whilst you can’t keep everything (unless you fancy moving to a bigger house!), you can create a curated collection of their creative journey.

Choose pieces that mark significant developments in their artistic skills, or ones that tell a particular story about their interests at the time. Date each masterpiece and jot down any funny comments they made about their creation. Consider creating a digital archive too—photograph their 3D creations before they succumb to the inevitable wear and tear of time.

Read: How to properly hang artwork to catch the attention of your guests

Keep A Living Journal

In this digital age, there’s something wonderfully nostalgic about putting pen to paper. Start a journal to document not just the big milestones, but the little moments that make your heart smile: their current favourite words, their unique view of the world, or those philosophical questions that catch you off guard (“Mummy, do fish get thirsty?”).

Make it a collaborative effort as they grow older—let them contribute their own thoughts, drawings, and stories. This living document will become a treasured keepsake that captures not just what they did, but who they were at each stage of their childhood.

Create A Time Capsule Together

There’s something rather magical about deliberately preserving a slice of time to rediscover years later. Get your little one involved in creating their own time capsule—let them choose special toys, drawings, photos, and perhaps even a letter to their future self.

The beauty of a time capsule is that it captures not just your child’s possessions, but a snapshot of their personality at that moment in time. Their choices of what to include often reveal as much about them as the items themselves. Set a date to open it together—perhaps on their 18th birthday or when they’re having children of their own.

Remember, documenting your child’s life isn’t about creating a perfect highlight reel—it’s about capturing the essence of who they are at each stage of their journey. These 7 simple methods will help you create a rich tapestry of memories that you’ll both treasure for years to come. After all, whilst we can’t stop time, we can certainly make it last a little longer through our memories.

7 Stylish Ways To Dress Your Windows This Winter

Home & Interiors

Editorial Team

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January 9, 2025

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7 Stylish Ways To Dress Your Windows This Winter

Winter is the ultimate time to bring texture and warmth to the home. Not only because of that inevitable drop in temperature, but also as indoor aesthetics, and the comfort they bring, start to take greater precedence during the shorter days and longer nights.

While we’re accustomed to introducing velvet cushion covers, thick, fluffy throws and flickering candles to create a warm winter ambience, we often ignore our curtains, keeping them the same all year round. But given the role windows play in adding privacy, conserving energy, regulating temperature, and bringing an extra element of visual intrigue, we think it’s folly to so often overlook them.

A twice-yearly approach to dressing your windows, then, is the answer. Indeed, one of the easiest and most effective ways to decorate your home for winter while keeping it warm is to finesse your windows. With this in mind, here are 7 stylish ways to dress your windows this winter.

More Swagger, Less Glare

If you’re squinting at the screen trying to read this, with the glare of the sun shining directly on your screen, then this point is for you. With winter comes shorter days and a lower sun, meaning its glare when you’re working is often increased. Indeed, even though winter is the darkest season, the light coming through the windows can become a bit of a nuisance. Excessive glare makes it hard to see computer screens – not great when we’re all working from home, desperately trying to avoid digital eye strain.

A stylish solution to this problem is to add a swag, valance or cornice to your window. Not only do they bring character and architectural interest to your window dressing, but they can also block the sun’s beams from entering through the top part of your window.

While curtains and blinds are good for reducing glare, they aren’t the only solutions – you still need to enjoy the view and what little sunlight we have, after all. Moreover, constantly messing with the blinds to prevent the glare all day can be a pain. The answer? Use a glare-reducing window film. While not exactly a glamorous response to the problem, they’re certainly a simple and cost effective solution. And there’s something stylish about thrift, right?

Layered With A Luscious Fabric

Just as layers play a defining role in our winter wardrobes, so layering your window dressings can also make a difference to how your home feels when it gets cold outside.

The first layer, closest to the windowpane, should be purely for practical purposes (just like a vest). So, a blind is most effective for blocking drafts on windy winter nights. Next, it’s time to choose an outer outfit for your window that will not only look good but also provide the requisite layering for keeping the cold out and the warm in.

Sumptuous, sensual velvet is ideal for the job. Not only does it drape beautifully, but it also lends a luxurious feel to the room. To drag the metaphor out way past its natural conclusion, we often associate velvet with evening wear and we, erm, also close our curtains in the evening. It just makes perfect sense, right?

We particularly love crushed velvet here, and Chenille curtains seem to drape particularly beautifully. Dressing your windows never felt so good.

When it comes to choosing your curtains in the most luxurious fabric available to you, make sure they are full length and heavyweight to keep the cold out. It’s a good idea to get bespoke curtains made if you have room in the budget; have the length of the ceiling to floor, as well as the proportion of the window, measured as bespoke curtains can ensure your curtains are long enough to graze the floor while at the same time being wide enough to be completely closed.

Match Cushions & Curtains

If you’re really looking to go the extra mile with that bespoke, tailormade aesthetic, then consider getting curtains made with matching cushions for a bold, brave look. Whether you choose pleat, eyelet or any other style of curtain is your choice. Just look for heavier drapes made from a closely woven material to help keep the blustery weather and icy temperatures at bay.

Remember that winter curtains should always be lined, or better yet, thermal, which is particularly useful during aa cost of living and energy crisis, when keeping usage down is encouraged.

When it comes to choosing the material and colours, be brave by adding a rich and sophisticated seasonal palate to your home. Deep tones like plum and midnight blue are great for winter and can create an opulent feel. Berry hues of burgundy and jewel tones of emerald green and ruby red can also bring that festive cheery touch, while earthier shades like forest green and burnt orange are equally appropriate, seasonally.

Floral patterns against a dark backdrop can look particularly striking, particularly when they’re reinforced by the synergised aesthetic of matching curtains and cushions.

All The Glitz & Glam

When it comes to winter, we all need a little sparkle in our life. Hey, that’s what all the tinsel’s for at Christmas, right? Enter trimmings, tassels and tiebacks, fringes and more, all in shiny, shimmering fabric. Let’s face it, though we’ve been extolling the virtues of investing in new curtains, accessorising your drapes is a far more budget friendly option, and can have just the same effect on the aesthetic of the room. The quickest, most affordable way to livening up a room which feels cold? It’s this.

Dramatic Double-Height Drama

For those blessed with double-height windows or particularly tall ceilings, winter is the perfect time to make a statement with floor-to-ceiling drapes. The vertical lines created by full-length curtains draw the eye upward, making your space feel even grander while providing excellent insulation during those chilly months. Opt for heavier fabrics like damask or thick linen in winter-appropriate tones – think charcoal, deep navy, or rich chocolate.

The key here is to ensure your curtains are professionally installed with proper hardware that can support their weight. When drawn, these magnificent drapes create an almost theatrical effect, transforming your windows into striking architectural features while keeping the winter chill firmly at bay.

A Winter Window Seat

Many of us have taken to gazing out of the window, wondering if this is all that post-pandemic life has to offer; yep, we are all Edward Hopper paintings now.

While you’re staring out there into the abyss, musing on how much the world has changed yet everything stays the same, you may as well make the most out of that strange, fleeting connection with the outside. As a rule of thumb, you usually want to avoid putting things in front of windows, however, creating a DIY window seat for winter (or any season) is the exception; you might be inside for a while, so you might as well get comfy!

Permanent features such as built-in benches under bay windows are ideal if you have the space, creating a natural gathering spot. If not, installing a small chair with the best view in the house offers a warm winter sunspot, where you can bask in any sunlight streaming through the windows.

Cosy up by pilling up the cushions and dressing them in the same fabric as your curtains, add a snuggly blanket and perhaps strategically place some candles close to hand and you’ve created a wonderful window space to cocoon yourself in. We’ll see you on the other side of the season!

Embrace Natural Textures

While velvet and heavy fabrics are winter classics, there’s something incredibly appealing about incorporating natural textures into your window dressing scheme during the colder months. Consider installing woven wood shades or bamboo blinds as a base layer, topped with wool or linen curtains in neutral tones.

This combination brings an organic, Scandinavian-inspired feel to your space while providing excellent insulation. The natural materials add warmth and character to your room, creating a cosy yet sophisticated atmosphere that feels particularly appropriate during winter. For added interest, look for curtains with subtle woven patterns or textural elements that catch the light differently throughout the shorter winter days. This approach works particularly well in modern homes where you want to maintain a minimalist aesthetic while still adding seasonal warmth.

Should you be considering updates and amendments to your home on a more practical level, then check out these 12 home maintenance tasks you should tackle this winter. You won’t regret it!

Compact, Flexible Furniture Ideas To Make The Most Of Small Spaces

Home & Interiors

Editorial Team

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January 8, 2025

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Compact, Flexible Furniture Ideas To Make The Most Of Small Spaces

We’ve always known that a lack of space and storage is the scourge of urban living, but this was exemplified strongly during the pandemic years. We had to ask more of our homes than ever before, needing them to become multifunctional spaces able to house an office, a school, a gym and more, all within those familiar four walls.

The nation proved nimble and dexterous in creating home offices, home gyms and mini-indoor gardens, make no mistake, but in turn, our actual living spaces became smaller and smaller. Many found themselves storing stuff in the most obscure of places, skirting around furniture just to get out of the living room door and constantly tripping over items they’d put in the hall to find a space for later.

With the rise of hybrid working and the continued evolution of how we use our homes, it’s time to get serious about storage. Luckily there’s plenty of retractable, foldable and multifunctional furnishings and storage solutions out there to consider. With that in mind, here are some compact, flexible furniture ideas to make the most of small spaces.

Hideaway Desks

The massive increase in home working during the pandemic has led to lasting changes in how we work, and many have found that wall mounted fold down tables are a brilliantly flexible solution when you don’t have many square metres to work with.

When working from home, we’ve spoken about the benefits of ceremoniously closing down your laptop, putting it in its case and keeping it out of sight until the next day to help draw a distinction between deadline meeting and downtime. Alongside saving space, folding wall mounted desks are ideal for this symbolic act, offering a practical workspace during the day that simply folds away once you’re done, seamlessly blending in with the rest of your decor until you need it again tomorrow.

Bespoke Fitted Furniture

We’ve extolled the virtues of fitted wardrobes before, which are especially handy if you’ve got awkward shaped rooms with slopes and angles, as they can be designed to fit in a nook, cranny or alcove and double up as storage.

Indeed, fitted wardrobes are, in essence, bespoke designs that can maximise every inch of space. Because fitted wardrobes are 100% customisable and can accommodate your specific storage needs via a clever combination of drawers, shelves and different sized compartments, they can fit snugly into even the smallest of spaces. Installing fitted wardrobes can help you organise your clothes and accessories efficiently, freeing up the floor and making your bedroom feel more open.

It’s not just fitted wardrobes that save space. Floor to ceiling bespoke shelving, and neat, vertical cupboards are both additional great ways to maximise space in a compact room. More streamlined than freestanding storage, built-in furniture designed specifically for its room helps to put every single centimetre of space to use.

Wall Mounted Dining Tables

The importance of flexible dining space has become increasingly apparent in recent years. If you want to be able to host all your friends around a dinner table but you’re living in a place which even the most generous of estate agents would term ‘cosy’, then consider a wall mounted design, ideal for when space is limited. You can get designs that double as mirrors, picture frames or even pool tables, which blend effortlessly into your living space when not in use.

If you’re not big on dinner parties, but want enough room for two, we’re also huge fans of the Izzy fold-down dining table from Made.com. This handy table acts as concealed storage and, come dinnertime, folds to seat two people. Intimate, romantic dinners await!

Double Duty Furniture

There are some really clever ways you can create space in your apartment involving practical but stylish furniture which boasts hidden storage potential.

We love the Tiny Home Bed featured in Dezeen recently, where “graduate Yesul Jang has designed a bed with storage capacity for millennials with limited space in urban dwellings. The furniture piece features a raised bed with a storage space under the mattress covered by a fabric curtain.”

Go further. A simple footstool or poof which allows for storage does a great job of fusing the functional with a foolproof storage option, too. In fact, the options are endless here, with Elle Decor detailing some fantastic storage benches, pointing out that this ‘double-duty furniture’ not only looks stylish but gives you great storage options, and we couldn’t agree more with them.

Modular Seating Systems

The concept of modular furniture has evolved dramatically in recent years, with innovative seating solutions leading the charge. Modern modular sofas and armchairs can be completely reconfigured based on your needs, transforming from a traditional three-seater sofa to individual chairs, or even forming an L-shaped arrangement for entertaining.

Many of these pieces come with hidden storage compartments beneath the seats, and some even convert into guest beds. The beauty lies in their adaptability—you can separate the pieces to create intimate seating areas when working alone, then reconnect them for social gatherings, making them perfect for those who need their living space to serve multiple purposes.

Vertical Garden Solutions

As urban dwellers increasingly seek to incorporate greenery into their homes, vertical garden systems have become a clever space-saving solution. These can range from wall-mounted herb gardens perfect for compact kitchens to modular plant shelving systems that double as room dividers.

The most innovative designs incorporate self-watering systems and even built-in LED grow lights, making them practical for spaces with limited natural light. Some systems cleverly combine plant storage with other functions—imagine a vertical garden that includes a fold-down desk, or one that incorporates a magnetic board for home office use. These solutions not only save precious floor space but also bring a touch of nature indoors without compromising on functionality.

Smart Room Dividers

A new essential for modern living is the ability to create distinct zones within a single space. Moveable room dividers that incorporate storage, such as wheeled bookcases or folding screens with integrated shelving, offer the perfect solution. These pieces can act as both practical storage solutions and flexible space separators, allowing you to instantly transform a home office into a living room, or create a cosy bedroom nook within a studio apartment. Some innovative designs even feature fold-out desks or display shelves, maximising their functionality in compact spaces.

Furniture retailers, it seems, are catching on to this increasing interest, realising that there is a huge rising demand for maximising space in properties. Accordingly, they are tailoring their offering to suit this. Long may it continue!

Looking for more space saving tips? Here’s how to create more space in a small apartment in 7 simple steps and while we’re on the subject, check our our article on design ideas for small bedrooms.

The Best Cocktail Bars In Bath: Where To Drink

Editorial Team

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January 8, 2025

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The Best Cocktail Bars In Bath: Where To Drink

There are all sorts of reasons to travel to Bath – its UNESCO World Heritage Status, the fine Georgian architecture, its ancient Roman Baths… But perhaps a less well broadcasted reason is its pubs and bars. In fact, Bath boasts one of the best nightlife scenes in the South West.

In a city where locals and students rub shoulders with hens and stags, all of them looking for a good night out, Bath’s bars are shaking and stirring cocktails to rival any found across the UK. Adding to the charm, you’ll find these bars in the most unassuming of places, mostly on a subterranean level under the city’s Georgian architecture.

So, whether you’re thirsty for a local gin and tonic, seeking a particularly skilful rum preparation, or are wondering just where to go for cocktails in Bath, here’s our roundup of the best cocktail bars in Bath

The Dark Horse

Ideal for a sophisticated, below-ground cocktail bar for discerning drinkers…

After a nightlife that subsisted on a string of substandard chains like Revolution and Slug and Lettuce for far too long, a decent bar was long overdue in Bath. Enter the year 2016 and entrepreneur Louis Lewis-Smith – a man on a mission to bring a world-class bar to Bath. Fast forward to today, and he’s achieved just that – a place that could stand up to any cocktail bar in London, New York or even Barcelona for that matter.

Sitting below street level in Kingsmead Square, The Dark Horse is often the first recommendation from locals when asked about the best cocktail spot in Bath. This basement bar has earned its stripes and been shortlisted as one of the top 10 bars in Europe by Tales of The Cocktail, as well as making Imbibe Magazine’s top 3 in the UK.

It’s a low-lit, sultry cocktail den, lined with wood panels and all sorts of little nooks and crannies – delivering an unapologetically sexy mood. Aside from the vibe, it’s the innovative, seasonally changing cocktail menu that makes this bar stand out from its subterranean dwelling – think Somerset brandy, red grape and thyme syrup, or picpoul de pinet with peach bitters.

No matter how busy the bar is, the staff are unfailingly attentive, in the best sort of way. While the bar does accept walk-ins, it’s a good idea to book if you want to score a seat, especially at the weekend.

Address: 7A Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB

Website: The Dark Horse

Fidel Rum Bar

Ideal for rum enthusiasts…

It takes just three minutes to get from the Dark Horse to Fidel Rum Bar, but it’s a walk that may be richly rewarded by a darn good rum cocktail upon completion. We caveat with ‘may’ because the cocktails here very much depend on who’s making them – sometimes your rum punch might be more watery than punchy, but more often than not it will be very good. The bar is rum-led, of course, and you can do worse than sticking to one of their 140 types of rum straight up.

The declaratively named Fidel Rum Bar is all about celebrating the vibes and energy of Cuba, and what better way to do that than by raising a glass of rum to Castro? If only they allowed cigars to be smoked inside…

Don’t be put off if the downstairs looks packed on your approach; there’s plenty of upstairs seating, including some particularly natty pink banquettes.

Address: 3 Trim Bridge, Bath BA1 1HD

Instagram: fidelrumbar

The Hideout

Ideal for indulging in a dram…

This walk-in-only hideaway bar is hidden next to the historic Sally Lunn’s and like most historic places in Bath, comes with a story, too. Legend has it that the space was originally a hoard for thieves and highwaymen but, today, a very different type of crowd comes here.

Signature whisky cocktails and old-school hip-hop tunes is the offering here, the former of which are perfectly conceived and grown-up (see: strong) in composition. Though the inside is compact and only has a handful of tables, there’s an outdoor courtyard with heaters that comes alive in the warmer months.

The Hideout certainly doesn’t obscure the skills of its team. In fact, the bar is a marvellous showcase for Bath’s young bartending talent, who work the floor with tips and recommendations. Indeed, the service is super engaging here and it’s an impressive whisky bar, by even the standards of a self-proclaimed aficionado. Whether you’re after something classic or creative, these guys have got you covered.

The Hideout has made it onto the UK’s Top 50 Cocktail Bars list for a couple of years in a row, and this year ranks as the 25th best bar in the UK. We can’t help but think they should be even higher!

Address: 1 Lilliput Court, Bath BA1 1ND

Website: hideoutbath.co.uk

Walcot House

Ideal for a well made martini in sociable surrounds…

Be honest: when was the last time you enjoyed a properly made martini? If the answer’s “never” (or even if it’s “not for a few days”), then it’s time to head over to Walcot House where you can find two venues serving them; Bread & Jam and The Dilly Bar.

Alongside classic cocktails made very well, they also have a stellar seasonal cocktail list which changes according to what’s fresh and abundant at that time of year. With Somerset’s produce so well regarded, this side of the menu can result in some superb drinks. Refreshingly, there are a whole load of non-alcoholic drinks available too.

Nestled under Walcot House, a multi-purpose venue which was once a bakery, Bread & Jam sits in the vaults of that former bakery, with plenty of sofas, banquettes and chairs to settle into. Presiding over that seating, there’s a disco ball and a DJ spinning funky discos grooves. Be warned, this place get’s lively. If you fancy a quiet drink, then just go to the adjoining cocktail lounge upstairs, named the Dilly Bar, here things are a little more sedate – that’s more our scene.

Only open on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Address: Old Orchard St, Bath BA1 5BG

Website: Bread & Jam

The Bath Distillery Gin Bar

Ideal for those who appreciate a good G&T…

Quintessentially English, the gin and tonic is such a classic combination. There’s nothing better than when gin and tonic is poured over ice and served with a simple twist of lemon or lemon. However, at the Bath Distillery Gin Bar, there’s no reason to play it straight. With the cocktail menu here, these guys elevate the humble gin and tonic to dizzy new heights.

The Bath Gin sharing teapots may be a bit of a gimmick, sure – where they try to channel famous Bath resident Jane Austen’s regency vibes and also miss a trick by not calling them ‘g’n’tpots – but they are a lot of fun. They even created the character Virginia ‘Gin Austen’, just to get you in the mood.

In addition to the Bath Gin range, they serve 230 or so (yes, you read that right) other gins. That’s probably too many G&Ts for one sitting, but it’s always a reason to come back. Another reason to return; the bar is a great place to do a bit of souvenir shopping. The hopped rhubarb, especially, makes for a great gift.

Whether you’re in the mood for a classic G&T or something more avant-garde, this spot promises a memorable gin experience – depending on how many you have, that is…

Oh they have live music on Friday’s too.

Address: 2/3 Queen St, Bath BA1 1HE

Website: thebathgincompany.co.uk

Opium Bar

Ideal for time travellers and lovers of the eclectic…

A popular fixture on Bath’s drinking scene since forever and yet another subterranean bar that retains a slightly exclusive feel, Opium sits a flight of stairs below street level in one of the vaults near the famous Pulteney Bridge.

The moment you enter this dark, atmospheric vault, you forget what time of day it is, let alone what number cocktail you’re on. Billing itself as a vintage and curious cocktail bar, it’s a transportive space make no mistake, with a bohemian, shabby chic vibe, Georgian furniture, velvet chairs and a chaise lounge, renaissance paintings, and baroque mirrors on the wall.

As we sip on our cocktails, we imagine that these vaults could be the storage room of some Georgian gentry, who are currently decorating their house and we’re squatting in it, turning it into a salubrious drinking den while we’re here. Got a bit carried away there, perhaps…

Anyway, you can tell by the cocktail menu that this is an old school place – White Russian or Rusty Nail anyone? Both are delicious.

Opium stays open until 1am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Address: Spring Gardens Rd, Bathwick, Bath BA2 6PJ

Website: Opium Bar

SubThirteen

Ideal for an alfresco cocktail in summer…

Another oldie, but a goody, SubThirteen is one of Bath’s longest standing cocktail bars and remains a great place to drink, with reasonably priced cocktails and a great vibe. It’s named so because of the thirteen steps that you have to take to get down to the entrance – yes, this is another subterranean cocktail bar.

The chatter-fuelled spot attracts lots of hen dos with their cocktail workshops in the day, but luckily, come the evening, outrageous outfits are banned. For us, the reason to come here is the large, walled garden at the back. In the summer, it’s a lovely spot for a cocktail.

The Red Sofas at The Beckford Bottle Shop

Ideal for a finely made cocktail and some truly superb snacks…

If you read IDEAL regularly, then you’ll know that The Beckford Bottle Shop is one of our favourite places to eat in Bath. It’s no surprise, then, that a spot on their red sofas is one of our favourite places to get a drink. Here they offer their full wine list alongside snacks, boards and small plates. They also serve up some killer cocktails, which is why you’re here, after all.

The menu is crafted by resident cocktail connoisseur Paul, whose seasonal mixes champion the best of British – think concoctions like their Garden Fizz which sees English sparkling wine, quince and lemon gin combine.

Address: 5-8 Saville Row, Bath BA1 2QP

Website: .beckfordbottleshop.com

The Bottom Line

Next time you find yourself wandering the historic streets of Bath, remember that an exceptional cocktail experience awaits you around almost every corner. Cheers to discovering your new favorite drink in one of Bath’s finest cocktail bars!

The Ultimate Burns Night Dinner Party: A Modern Celebration Of Scottish Heritage

Editorial Team

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January 8, 2025

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The Ultimate Burns Night Dinner Party: A Modern Celebration Of Scottish Heritage

With Burns Night just around the corner on January 25th, it’s time to plan the perfect celebration of Scotland’s beloved bard.

Whether you’re Scottish by birth, heritage, or simply appreciation, hosting a Burns Night supper is a delightful way to embrace tradition while drawing a dry, dour January to a close a few days ahead of schedule. Or, at the very least, it’s a fine reason to learn a few new recipes…

Setting The Scene: Creating Your Highland Haven

Transform your dining room into a cosy Scottish sanctuary in advance of the celebrations and in lieu of the bitterly cold weather outside (we assume, we assume). Layer your table with rich textures – think deep navy linens topped with touches of tartan. Scatter tealights in glass votives to create that magical Highland twilight ambience. For added authenticity, drape tartan blankets or scarves over chair backs, adding both warmth and style to your setting.

Traditional thistles make stunning centrepieces, but don’t feel bound by convention – arrangements of white heather, blue delphiniums, and purple stock flowers can create equally dramatic impact while honouring Scotland’s natural beauty.

Welcome Bites: Scottish-Inspired Canapés

Every great party starts with exceptional canapés, and a Burns Night celebration calls for miniature morsels that honour Scotland’s exceptional larder. From the smoky delights of Scottish salmon to the sharp tang of aged cheddar, these small bites set the tone for the evening ahead while giving your guests something to enjoy with their first dram or cocktail.

For an elegant start, consider delicate blinis topped with Scotland’s renowned smoked salmon. A whisky-spiked crème fraîche adds a sophisticated touch that perfectly complements the rich, smoky fish, while a sprig of fresh dill brings colour and freshness. These can be assembled in advance and kept chilled until your guests arrive.

Showcase Scotland’s exceptional cheese-making tradition with warm tartlets filled with caramelised onions and aged Highland cheddar. The sweet onions provide the perfect counterpoint to the sharp cheese, while fresh thyme leaves could add an aromatic finish, if you’re feeling fancy. These are best served warm, filling your home with an inviting aroma as guests arrive.

For a playful nod to the main event, consider haggis bonbons – crispy, breadcrumbed bites served with a whisky-spiked mayonnaise for dipping. These crowd-pleasers offer a perfect preview of the traditional feast to come and pair beautifully with both whisky and gin-based cocktails.

The Main Event: Your Burns Night Menu

The Star of the Show: Perfect Haggis

The centrepiece of any Burns Night celebration, haggis holds a special place in Scottish culinary tradition. This magnificent creation, a savoury blend of meat, oatmeal, and spices, deserves its moment of glory. While traditionally served whole and ceremonially addressed with Burns’ famous “Address to a Haggis”, modern celebrations can be more relaxed.

The key is treating this beloved dish with the respect it commands while ensuring it’s cooked to perfection. The result should be rich, warming, and deeply satisfying – exactly the kind of sustenance needed for a Highland winter’s night.

Ingredients:

1 high-quality haggis (around 900g will serve 6-8 people)
Whisky for flambéing (optional but impressive)

Method:

Wrap your haggis in foil, leaving room for expansion
Place in a pot of simmering water
Cook for approximately 45 minutes per 500g
Once heated through, carefully unwrap and transfer to a serving platter
For drama, warm 2 tablespoons of whisky in a small pan, ignite, and pour over the haggis at the table

Neeps and Tatties with Whisky Cream

No haggis is complete without its traditional accompaniments: neeps and tatties. This humble pairing of swede (yellow turnip to our Scottish friends) and potatoes might sound simple, but when prepared with care and finished with a luxurious whisky cream sauce, it becomes something truly magnificent.

The secret here is focusing on texture – smooth but not totally pureed, and certainly not gluey, with just enough butter to make them rich without becoming heavy. The whisky cream sauce adds a sophisticated touch that elevates this classic side dish to new heights.

Ingredients:

1kg Maris Piper potatoes, peeled
1kg swede, peeled and diced
150ml double cream
50ml single malt whisky
100g butter
Salt and white pepper

Method:

Boil potatoes and swede separately until tender
Mash potatoes with half the butter and season well
Mash swede with remaining butter
Warm cream with whisky, reduce slightly
Serve haggis with mounds of neeps and tatties, drizzled with whisky cream

Contemporary Cocktails With Scottish Spirit

The Highland Bramble

While whisky might be Scotland’s most famous export, the country’s gin game is equally impressive. This elegant cocktail celebrates both Scotland’s exceptional gin distilleries and its abundance of wild berries. The addition of heather honey syrup adds a subtle floral sweetness that speaks of Highland meadows, while the blackberry liqueur provides a rich, fruity depth. It’s a sophisticated serve that manages to be both refreshing and warming – perfect for starting your Burns Night celebrations.

Ingredients:

50ml Scottish gin
25ml lemon juice
15ml heather honey syrup
15ml blackberry liqueur
Fresh blackberries and thistle for garnish

Method:

Shake gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup with ice
Strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice
Float blackberry liqueur on top
Garnish with fresh blackberries and thistle

The Burns’ Night Boulevardier

For those who prefer their drinks spirit-forward and complex, this whisky-based variation of the classic Negroni is sure to impress. By switching bourbon for Scottish single malt, we create a cocktail that’s both sophisticated and appropriate for the occasion.

The whisky’s natural warmth is beautifully complemented by the bitter Campari and sweet vermouth, creating a perfectly balanced drink that Burns himself would surely have appreciated. Choose a whisky with a hint of smoke for an extra layer of intrigue.

Ingredients:

45ml single malt whisky
30ml sweet vermouth
30ml Campari
Orange peel for garnish

Method:

Stir all ingredients with ice until well-chilled
Strain into a chilled coupe glass
Garnish with orange peel

Dessert: Cranachan

To round off your Burns Night feast, what could be more appropriate than Scotland’s most elegant dessert? Cranachan traditionally combines four of Scotland’s most beloved ingredients: cream, whisky, honey, and raspberries.

Our version adds the most gentle of fresh touches with the optional addition of dark chocolate shavings – a small twist that adds both visual drama and a pleasant bitter note to balance the sweetness.

The key to a perfect cranachan lies in the quality of your ingredients: seek out heather honey if you can find it, choose the finest Scottish raspberries, and don’t skimp on the whisky. Never, ever skimp on the whisky…

Ingredients:

300ml double cream
4 tablespoons heather honey
3 tablespoons single malt whisky
300g fresh raspberries
75g pinhead oatmeal, toasted
Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Method:

Toast oatmeal in a dry pan until fragrant
Whip cream until soft peaks form
Fold in honey and whisky
Layer cream mixture with raspberries and oatmeal in glasses
Top with chocolate shavings if desired

Entertainment Tips

No Burns Night is complete without poetry. Between courses, invite guests to recite their favourite Burns poems. “To a Mouse,” “A Red, Red Rose,” and of course, “Address to a Haggis” are classics, but don’t be afraid to include modern Scottish poetry too. Yep, we’ve kinda phoned it in at this stage… Must be the whisky.

The Morning After

Don’t forget to prepare a hearty Scottish breakfast for overnight guests. Think tattie scones, Stornoway black pudding, and perhaps a hair of the dog for those blessed hangovers in the form of a Bloody Mary made with peated whisky instead of vodka.

Remember, while tradition forms the backbone of Burns Night, there’s always room for personal touches and modern interpretations. The most important elements are good food, fine drinks, warm hospitality, and plenty of laughter—everything that Burns himself celebrated in his poetry.

Slàinte mhath!

The Best Places To Eat In Deptford, London

Editorial Team

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January 7, 2025

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The Best Places To Eat In Deptford, London

Pull into Deptford station, and you immediately get the sense that this is a fine place to be fed. You’ll get the smell of fresh fish from the string of fishmongers along the High Street, “second only to Billingsgate” in the words of one local blogger. You’ll see the smoke signals wafting from the jerk pans of Deptford Market Yard. You’ll sense the palpable hunger in your fellow passengers who are pitching up in Deptford today for the same reason you are; to eat.

Once a dockyard of significant importance during the reign of Henry VIII, Deptford has long been a place of comings and goings, its identity continuously shaped by the ebb and flow of people and cultures even before the opening of the Deptford Station on the London and Greenwich Railway in 1836, which heralded a new era of connectivity, making it the oldest railway station in London.

This development paved the way for waves of migration that have enriched the area with a kaleidoscope of cultures and cuisines. Today, Deptford’s food scene is a reflection of its ethnic diversity, with its various communities contributing to the local palate in myriad, delicious ways.

The opening of the overground train line in 2009 marked a new chapter in Deptford’s story. This vital link to the rest of London has not only made the area more accessible but has also played a pivotal role in its growth. Regenerated but fortunately perhaps not quite yet gentrified, this modern connectivity has fostered a burgeoning food scene where the area’s historic comings and goings mingle with contemporary gastronomy and budding entrepreneurism.

Not to be overshadowed by neighbour Peckham’s much hyped dining scene, Deptford has been making some serious statements recently, with the area pushing the envelope with a string of delicious restaurant openings. With all that in mind, here are the best places to eat in Deptford.

Jerk Yard

Ideal for jerk chicken in a convivial, communal space…

If you’re the kind of person who needs a bite where they alight, then you’ll be pleased to hear that just seconds from Deptford Station you’ll find Deptford Market Yard, its 14 arches occupied by independent traders selling plenty of delicious bits, and the adjacent yard a buzzing, sociable space to settle into.

Under those arches, Jerk Yard does a range of takeaway boxes and wraps for under a tenner, mainly centred around their properly smoky, damn delicious chicken legs, all blistered and burnished from the grill and finished with a viscous, piquant jerk sauce. Get it over rice and peas, as a wrap, or in a sandwich. A side of sweet fried plantain soothes those spicier notes.

Though there are only a couple of tables belonging to Jerk Yard out front, there are plenty of communal benches in this lively, thriving space.

Jerk Yard is open daily from 11am to 10pm.

Website: jerkyard.uk

Address: Arch 10, 4 Deptford Market Yard, London SE8 4BX

Taca Tacos

Ideal for trying one of the best lamb birria of your life…

Also tucked away in the arches, you can’t miss Taca Tacos, its yellow and purple neon sign illuminating the Market Yard and drawing the punters in. They’re all here for one thing; the signature beef birria.

Here, a quesataco (a folded, grilled taco with melted cheese) is filled with slow-cooked, gently spiced beef, its caramelised edges calling to mind those gorgeous, bubbling parts that your cheese toastie leaves behind in the Breville. Served alongside for dipping is an intensely salty, gelatinous beef broth, spiked with chilli and lime. What a dish this is.

With long communal tables outfront available on a walk-in only basis, you might have to wait a little during peak times, but the food comes out fast, so why not pitch up at one of the adjacent bars and luxuriate in the whole Deptford Market Yard experience?

Tacas Tacos is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, open in the evenings on Wednesdays and Thursdays, open for lunch and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays, and open for lunch only on Sundays.

Website: tacatacos.co.uk

Address: Deptford Market Yard, London SE8 4BX

Kekaki Izakaya

Ideal for an alfresco izakaya experience…

It might feel perverse to be enjoying a finely tuned, expertly executed izakaya meal whilst basking in the sunshine and glow of Deptford Market Yard’s alfresco conviviality, but Kekaki is not ordinary izakaya.

The restaurant, run by the talented chef Ping, a Vietnam War refugee who has since set up shop in Deptford, offers a light, bright and breezy Japanese culinary concept far removed from the grungy backstreet dive bars of Tokyo traditionally associated with the izakaya dining experience.

And what a joy it is to be catching some rays in anticipation of a procession of gnarly, blistered bits and deep fried delights. Onwards, then, and into some teeth-shatteringly crisp chicken karaage. And how about a plate of yaki sakana alongside – here, bream that’s just the right side of bitterness from the binchotan, and blessed only with a few flakes of sea salt? Don’t mind if we do. Plenty of yakitori skewers and some ethereally light seasonal vegetable tempura are pretty much obligatory too, regardless of whether you decide to bill them as side dishes or the main event.

None of this gets in the least bit cloying. Indeed, there’s plenty of flair on display on the rectangle plates here, with chef Ping’s stints at globally renowned Nobu and the much-maligned Sexy Fish in Miami and London respectively coming through. He brings a few touches of each to Deptford, whether it’s in the Nobu-inspired jalapeno spiked kewpie mayo that appears dotted across several dishes, or the tight, taut tuna maki rolls that are something of a signature on Berkeley Square.

It’s light, glorious stuff that feels just right in the summer sun. A chilled glass of sake or a refreshing highball seals the deal.

Instagram: @kekaki.eats

Website: Arch 9, Deptford Market Yard, London SE8 4BX

Sharkbait & Swim

Ideal for a Far East Asian take on Deptford’s historic love of fish…

Deptford has a historic, storied association with fish, stemming from its maritime history, notably the Royal Dockyard established by Henry VIII in the 16th century, which was central to shipbuilding and naval provisioning, including fish supplies. Its location near the River Thames has long facilitated fishing and the distribution of seafood to London markets.

Celebrating the area’s love of the finned and shelled stuff (weird way to describe fish, we know), another gem in Deptford Market Yard is Sharkbait & Swim. The menu here is divided into oysters, sharing plates and ‘from the barbecue’, with much of the catch here given a decidedly Far Eastern flavour.

It’s there in the Sichuan mala vinaigrette and nahm jim jaew that’s served with the oysters. It rears up again in the ‘Bangkok shallot sauce’ that dresses a whole crispy bream, which is, inexplicably but deliciously, served over chips.

It’s even there in the sardines with mango and coconut cream. Descriptively, it skirts worryingly close to that most adored of Thai desserts, mango sticky rice, but in practice this one ends up being a soothing, gently spiced curry sauce that works as a fine counterpoint to some particularly oily sardines.

It’s an invigorating, inventive experience, and one that feels in keeping with the ebb and flow of life here in Deptford. As for the chef here’s uplifting backstory, do check out Appear Here’s video on Sharkbait and Swim and chef Steve McClarty.

Website: sharkbaitandswim.com

Address: Arch 11, 4 Deptford Market Yard, London SE8 4BX

Cafe Mama Pho

Ideal for an elegant, silky bowl of pho…

Cafe Mama Pho is a beacon of warmth on a dreary London day. Or, it’s a revitalising place to rehydrate on a bowl of electrolyte-filled soup on a particularly balmy day in the capital. Choose your poison…

…not that we’re saying the pho here is virulent. Anything but; the chicken pho here, in particular, is a vital, restorative bowl that will transport you right to the ngõs of Hanoi, minus the soundtrack of incessant motorbike beeping. All gentle aniseed notes and a graceful silkiness from the poached, skin-on chicken thighs, it’s one of our favourite bowls of pho in London. The pho tai (a version using raw slices of beef that cook gently in the broth) is excellent too. So much so, in fact, that we’ve written all about it here.

Website: cafemamapho.co.uk

Address: 24 Evelyn St, London SE8 5DG

Eat Vietnam Bar-B-Grill

Ideal for a flavour of crowdpleasing Vietnamese classics…

Deptford is arguably the epicentre of some of the most downright delicious Vietnamese food in the country, with historic migration from Vietnam to this corner of south east London beginning in the early 1980s and continuing to this day.

Perhaps our favourite Vietnamese restaurant in Deptford is Eat Vietnam, a family run joint with a keen sense of community, a killer menu of crowdpleasers, and a thriving, throbbing atmosphere every night of the week (11:30am to 3pm, and 5pm to 11pm, every day).

Whilst the beef pho here is some of the best we’ve had in the city, the national dish certainly isn’t the only showstopper on this extensive, country-spanning menu. Perhaps even better is the bun bo hue – a spicy rice noodle soup from Vietnam’s imperial city and former capital. Inside that gorgeous chilli-spiked broth, you’ll find various pork and beef bones and bits bobbing about. Raise one to your mouth as elegantly as possible and have a gnaw. As with all the best versions of this cracking dish, the unmistakable thrum of shrimp paste is ever present. It’s fortifying stuff.

For something lighter, Eat Vietnam does a fine selection of banh mi, too. And if you need any further reason to visit, the restaurant donates 10% of its tips to charities in Vietnam.

Website: eat-vietnam.co.uk

Address: 234 Evelyn St, London SE8 5BZ

Manze’s Deptford to permanently close on January 25th 2025

Ideal for a final taste of one of London’s most esteemed pie and mash purveyors…

Steeped in over a century of history, Manze’s Deptford is a pie and mash institution that finds itself in a period of transition.

M. Manze was founded by Michele Manze, who arrived in Britain from the picturesque village of Ravello on the Amalfi coast of southern Italy in 1878. The Manze family initially traded as ice merchants before venturing into the world of pie and mash. The Tower Bridge Road shop, opened in 1891, was the first to bear the Manze name, marking the beginning of a legacy that would see the family open 14 eel & pie houses across London.

The Deptford branch of M. Manze, managed by Michele’s grandson George Mascall, is a testament to the family’s enduring commitment to quality and tradition. Despite the changing times, this pie and mash shop hasn’t evolved or innovated. Instead, it does its thing with the same care and attention as it always has – that is, pies, creamy mashed potatoes, and the signature green liquor, made using the water from stewed eels and spiked with vinegar. It’s a taste of history.

Sadly, the tides of time are catching up with some of these historic establishments. The Deptford branch of M. Manze is set to close its doors for good on January 25th of this year, as owner George Mascall announces his retirement after more than a century of operation. This imminent closure makes every visit to Manze’s all the more poignant, and we’re certainly planning several more of the restaurant’s famous pies in the next few weeks, before the dreaded date.

Website: manzepieandmash.com

Address: 204 Deptford High St, London SE8 3PR

Chaconia

Ideal for vegetarians seeking spice…

Another gem on Deptford High Street, Chaconia is just the ticket if you’re looking for freshly slapped Trini roti, richly spiced curry goat, and a warm welcome from the owner and chef. It’s a no-frills spot that delivers big on flavour and hospitality.

It’s also a superb place for vegetarians to eat really well in Deptford, with the roti flakey and moreish, and the spinach and pumpkin chana gorgeously spiced. Do not miss out on a side order of the bracing kuchela, a spicy pickle-cum-relish that is a fantastic foil to the heady, rich dry-spicing on that chana.

Again, whilst primarily a takeaway operation, there are three four-tops in the barebones restaurant if you fancy a sitdown.

Website: chaconia.net

Address: 26 Deptford High St, London SE8 4AF

Buster Mantis

Ideal for Jamaican dining, drinking and dancing…

Buster Mantis is one of Deptford’s most famous hospitality spaces, a bar, restaurant and nightclub that gets busy late with those looking to dine and dance, equally.

Named after Sir Alexander Bustamante, Jamaica’s first prime minister, Buster Mantis is more than just a restaurant; it’s a creative space that reflects McGowan’s own experiences growing up in Mandeville, Jamaica.

Ackee and saltfish, boneless jerk chicken thigh, and fried plantain are among the classic Jamaican staples available, while dishes like red kidney bean and thyme hummus or jerk jackfruit roti wrap cater to those seeking a modern twist on traditional flavours. On that note, the ‘Jamaican Sunday Roast’ here is a real treat. McGowan’s mother, Janet, is credited with the creation of each dish, ensuring that the food served is not only delicious but also steeped in genuine Jamaican culinary tradition.

Buster Mantis is not just about the food; it’s also a place where the drinks menu tells a story. Cocktails inspired by life in Mandeville, such as the Bishop Gibson and the Cecil Charlton, offer patrons a taste of McGowan’s Jamaican childhood in boozy form.

In an ever-evolving Deptford, Buster Mantis bridges the gap between old and new Deptford, attracting a diverse range of customers in love with the place’s faithful approach to Jamaican cuisine and culture.

Website: bustermantis.com

Address: 3-4 Resolution Way, London SE8 4NT

Marcella

Ideal for simple, elegant Italian cooking at an affordable pricepoint…

We end our tour of the best places to eat in Deptford at Marcella, an elegant Italian restaurant on the high street whose approach is all about quality seasonal ingredients cooked with a simple, respectful touch.

Named after the matriarch of modern Italian cuisine, Marcella Hazan, the restaurant is the second act from the guys behind the beloved Artusi in Peckham. Here, the proposition is the same, from the clinical, canteen-like dining room all the way to the laughably good value Sunday set menu, which is just £29 for three courses.

That sense of sparsity extends to the ever changing menu, where you’ll find just three starters, a couple of pasta dishes, three mains, and a couple of desserts. That’s not to say that the plates aren’t generous. On a recent visit, a starter of blushing mutton chop and winter tomato salad was a knockout, as was a pumpkin ravioli with sage butter (available in small or large for £9 or £17, respectively). In early summer, there are few plates better in London than Marcella’s spaghetti alle vongole. Not long now!

For many, that would be a more than satisfying spread, but the bigger plates (only available in the evenings) are hard to resist here. Arriving fully formed and roundly conceived, rather than a single protein in need of several supplementary sides, these are hearty, well-balanced mains. A case in point was a recent plate of cod loin, baked until pearlescent and flaking, and served with a nutty Jerusalem artichoke puree and strident salsa verde. Each component brought the best out of its plate-fellow, which made finishing this one much easier than it should have been after the two pasta courses that preceded it!

Bottles from the all-Italian winelist start at £29, though there are several available by the glass too.

Marcella is closed on Mondays.

Website: marcella.london

Address: 165A Deptford High St, London SE8 3NU

Good Vibez Jerk Centre sadly, as of September 2024, permanently closed

Ideal for some of the finest curried goat we’ve ever eaten…

The name says it all at Good Vibez Jerk Centre. This Caribbean gem on Deptford High Street is beloved by locals for its homely, flavour-packed dishes and, well, good vibes.

Look out for the instantly recognisable Prince-purple frontage (there’s a joke about this being ‘the artist formerly known as Star Jerk Hut’ in there somewhere), and you know you’re in for a good time. The eponymous jerk here is an exemplary version; chargrilled in an oil drum, as it should be, this guy arrives thoroughly blackened, with enough burnt ends to keep the purists happy. The flecks of fresh chilli throughout the house jerk sauce promise an endorphin-baiting time.

That said, the signature dish at Good Vibez has got to be the curried goat (at least, when we’ve been here, it’s the dish everyone is ordering). A dark, brooding number whose appearance belies the intricate spicing lying beneath the service, with the background hum of allspice and roasted geera interspersed with the more bracing notes of scotch bonnet and a splash of vinegar. It’s complex and invigorating, and we can’t get enough of the stuff.

Though most folk here are taking away, there are a couple of tables and some counter seating if you fancy eating in.

*Sadly, as of September 2024, it was rather unceremoniously announced via Uber Eats that the Good Vibez were over and the restaurant was closed. There are, however, rumours of a new location opening in the area, so we’ll keep this entry in here for now.*

Instagram: goodvibezjerk

Address: 219 Deptford High St, London SE8 3NT

The Bottom Line

Deptford’s dining scene is a testament to London’s and the area’s culinary diversity, offering something for every palate. Whether you’re craving a hearty British classic or a true taste of Jamaica, these spots are sure to satisfy your hunger and leave you planning your next visit.

Restaurant Review: Potong, Bangkok

Joseph Gann

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January 7, 2025

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Ideal for a thoughtful, forward-thinking reflection of Bangkok’s Chinatown…

If a restaurant’s impact is defined by its sense of time and place, then Potong, in the heart not only of Bangkok’s Chinatown but also the chef and owner’s old family home, feels like a beautifully poignant collision.

Here, the restaurant, family and building’s history adorns every wall, percolates in every fermentation jar, and ultimately graces every plate of chef Pichaya ‘Pam’ Soontornyanakij’s extraordinary tasting menu. All 20 of them.

If you can’t feel the history of the building simply by sitting a while within it, then the team at Potong won’t exactly let you forget it; dining here is an immersive experience, with all the information cards, QR code-accessible soliloquies, and sommelier speeches that takes to get the message across in the most subtle of ways.

That message has been heard loud and clear by the tastemakers. Potong was recently awarded a star (with a second surely on the way), as well as charting 35th in the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list and named 88th in the world just last month.

Translating as ‘simple’, the vibe at Potong is anything but, with every detail meticulously constructed, all in the pursuit of the overall, enduring narrative. Indeed, all of this would feel frivolous if that narrative wasn’t built on a sense of authenticity, but at Potong, there’s some serious heritage to be found in these walls.

The 120-year-old Sino-Portuguese shophouse where the restaurant sits was, before Potong opened in late 2021, home to the family business, producing traditional Chinese herbal medicine including their flagship product ‘Potong’, which was aimed at helping menstrual cramps.

It’s hard to articulate quite how impressive the building is. The first floor, which once served as a storefront for the family’s dispensary, has been transformed into the elegant Potong Sino Bar. The upper floors feature beautifully preserved architectural elements, such as hand-painted wooden walls and an intricately designed shrine, all contributing to that enveloping dining experience that blends history with modernity, both in the room and on the plate.

The Opium Bar, which spans the fourth and fifth floor of the building, was in days gone by an area used to smoke opium, and once contained a huge Chinese daybed placed. Today, it is a drinking den, and, like the restaurant itself, is held in high acclaim, being featured in Asia’s 50 Best Bars. In the restaurant’s own words, the bar is ”ideal for an aperitif before a meal, after-dark experiences, or late-night soirees”. Cheers to that.

Each floor of this illustrious building is accessible via a tight, gravity-defying lift that needs to be ridden to be believed, the journey through the building’s history delivering you to the top floor for the beginning of an arguably even more rousing ride; the first snack of the tasting menu.

Every exit is an entrance to new experiences, indeed.

That snack comes in the form of the restaurant’s house charcuterie, a gossamer thin slice or three of cured pork that sits somewhere between chorizo and, of course, lap cheong; it’s sweet, spicy and blowtorched to order, the pork giving its fat to the airy radish cake it has made its bed on.

Next, it’s down a staircase you wouldn’t want to be too squiffy tackling (fortunately, it was just the one) and into an ornate but intimate dining room for the show proper. What follows is a menu that’s as carefully and cleanly composed as we’ve ever had the pleasure of submitting to, an intoxicating, healing procession of dishes that have echoes of the shop’s medicinal history and esteemed position close to Yarowat Road, as well as chef Pam’s Chinese-Thai heritage.

To unstitch the entire tasting menu would do a disservice to both future diners and the elements of authentic surprise that the chef weaves throughout the evening, but narrative threads of sentimentality and sustainability abound. The former – flavours of the chef’s childhood – are reinforced by a touching postcard from the chef to her grandparents; the latter most vividly told in the remarkable ‘a tree of palm’ dish. That was perhaps the highlight of the evening for us, a representation of every part of the palm tree in 5 phases, beautifully poised and, from a technical standpoint, faultless. Watch out for the finale lollipop – it’s got one hell of a kick.

A remarkable rillette dish hammers home Potong’s sustainability chops – the skeleton of a white pomfret from a previous dish arrives hard fried until crisp, any small strings and nuggets of flesh having been stripped off and turned into a luxurious pate that’s seasoned with gapi (fermented shrimp paste). You’re encouraged to take that skeleton and dredge it through the rillette; it’s gorgeous.

Sure, there’s a sense of the cadaver being dissected here, but it’s a powerful message of using every part of the fish. That particular white pomfret didn’t die in vain; its main fillet is served rolled into a ballotine of sorts, its edges seared to a crust over charcoal, its middle a perfect mi cuit. It arrives gently placed in an indulgent coconut cream and tamarind sauce with all the sweet, sharp interplay of a Thai red curry, just minus that familiar capsaicin hit. Hey, you can’t win them all…

Indeed, the Thai flourishes are more pronounced here than perhaps expected – one of the most striking dishes of the night was a pert, shucked oyster sitting atop an even perter nahm jim seafood, here the ubiquitous Thai sauce re-imagined as a black oil slick with aniseed notes reminiscent of black garlic. It was magic.

There’s plenty of modern European technique on display too, with chef Pam’s time spent at 3 Michelin-starred Jean Georges in New York showing its hand not only in that superb rillettes, but also in a perfectly proved brioche that’s been enriched with crab head meat, a mud crab roe emulsion served on the side for spreading. And spread we did.

Anyway, enough of the spoilers. You know it’s been a carefully considered, meticulously crafted procession of dishes when you’re still looking forward to the ‘main’ course, rather than dreading how full you’re increasingly feeling, and when the 14-day dry aged duck complete with a whole host of condiments hits the table, it’s impossible not to find that second wind.

Though the crisp, lacquered duck breast is the obvious centrepiece, it’s the supporting cast that truly ties the spread together. The one-two punch of a skewer of duck heart and liver sitting alongside duck brain that’s been steamed and served back in its skull is particularly good.

Yep, there’s that no waste ethos again, underlined in bold highlighter for all to see. For the more squeamish members of the squad, a ragu of duck leg served suspended in duck egg custard, chawanmushi-style, feels more conventionally crowd-pleasing. It’s all very delicious.

Tasting menus have fallen out of fashion somewhat in recent years, with diners growing tired of chefs wanting to show all of their skillset, ideas and inventions in one foul swoop. The tasting menu at Potong is a masterclass of how one should be – you leave feeling fed, sure, but also luminescent and inspired.

It’s an experience that feels light and free, the wait staff orchestrating a subtle dance via hidden earpieces, signing and hushed exchanges, the intricate, innovative, and, ultimately, highly evocative dishes never sacrificed in favour of the elaborate storytelling.

Finally, then, to dessert, and it’s a refrain that’s likely to linger long in the memory, the final celebratory flavours of Bangkok’s Chinatown – of chrysanthemum, lapsang souchong and Chinese dates – providing a refreshing, cleansing conclusion to a superlative meal.

Not before a fortune cookie to finish, however, and one that offered that italicised aphorism from several paragraphs previously. Every exit is an entrance to new experiences. And as we stepped back out into the belly of a particularly buzzing Chinatown, the night ahead and inviting us in, it felt a prescient statement indeed.

A 2025 Update: As the new year cranks into gear, chef Pam has unveiled her latest culinary venture, Khao San Sek. After an immersive journey across Thailand sourcing the finest ingredients, the Asia’s Best Female Chef 2024 and POTONG mastermind has created a concept that honours five cherished elements of Thai cuisine: rice, chilli, coconut, fish sauce, and palm sugar. The restaurant’s name itself plays on the reverence of Thai rice while symbolising transformation, promising diners a fresh perspective on traditional flavors delivered with Chef Pam’s characteristic precision. We’re looking forward to trying this one.

Website: restaurantpotong.com

Address: 422 Vanich Road, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100

Opening hours: Potong is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday

9 Energy Saving Tips That Will Add Value To Your Home

Editorial Team

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January 7, 2025

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9 Energy Saving Tips That Will Add Value To Your Home

If you are thinking of selling up and moving on, then you’re probably already familiar with a few value adding estate agent tricks. You’ve got that bread baking in the oven, you’ve enhanced your kerb appeal, and you’ve taken down the family portraits.

We’re sure you’ll also know that renovations can be a reliable way to maximise your resale value and make your property stand out on the local housing market. However, while focusing on the cosmetic appeal will, of course, tip the scales in your favour, a more pressing priority for many buyers is how energy efficient a potential property is.

With gas and electricity prices soaring this year and predicted to continue into 2025, an energy efficient home has never been more valuable.

Indeed, making your home more energy-efficient can be a surefire way to increase your property value and attract eco-conscious buyers, and can boost your house price by 20%. Because green upgrades will reduce your home’s carbon footprint and slash your average energy bills, this makes sustainable homes highly sought-after on the property market.

Conscious, conscientious buyers don’t want to pay top dollar for a home that doesn’t manage to keep its environmental impact to a minimum. Moreover, homes that are less energy efficient are more expensive to run. So, if you’re looking to bolster the asking price of your home, read on for these 9 energy saving tips that will add value to your home.

Review Your Home’s EPC

First things first, get hold of your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) and review it. There’s no point in making changes that won’t help your home. Your existing EPC will offer guidance on how to improve the energy efficiency of your home, as well as showing you just how much it costs you to heat and light the property, as well as the level of CO2 your place emits.

You can find yours and also assess other property in the area’s energy input on the government’s EPC Register website.

Upgrade Your Furnace Or Boiler

It’s an upgrade which strikes fear into the hearts of homeowners; the days spent showerless and the financial burden of a new furnance or boiler competing for the title of ‘most unwelcome domestic event’. But deploying foresight and installing a new boiler before the red light of death brings your current one to an abrupt end is a smart move for your home’s energy output.

An old furnace (more common in the US) or boiler (more common in the UK) can be a major source of energy loss in your home. Older boilers, because of both design and degradation, are far less efficient than newer models, with the former operating at around 60% efficiency while the latter is 90% energy efficient. By replacing yours with a new, high-efficiency model, you can decrease your energy usage and potentially save hundreds of pounds each year on your heating bill.

In today’s market, energy efficiency is a major selling point, and a new furnace can be a big selling point for potential buyers. If you’re considering replacing your old furnace, heater installation experts recommend consulting professionals to help you choose the right size and mode.

Read: Why regular boiler maintenance is essential for reducing your home’s carbon footprint

Installing a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat gives you the ability to automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on your schedule. This can help save money on your energy bill, as you won’t have to heat your home when no one is home. This upgrade is relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making it a cost-effective option for adding value to your home.

When installing a programmable thermostat, be sure to choose one that is compatible with your furnace. The latest furnaces have built-in programmable thermostats, but older models will require a separate unit. Any home buyer will appreciate the money-saving potential and convenience of a programmable thermostat, especially when it offers extra features like:

Multi-zoning – The ability to set different temperatures in different areas of your home

Wi-Fi connectivity – The ability to control your thermostat from your smartphone or other mobile devices

Home automation integration – The ability to connect your thermostat to other smart home devices, such as lights and security systems.

Ross Helen via Canva — ©[ROSSHELEN] VIA CANVA.COM

Install Insulation

Making changes to your insulation situation to conserve the heat in your home in colder periods will, in turn, maximise your home’s energy efficiency potential and its value. Cavity wall insulation can save you up £160 a year while living in your property. But don’t just stop there, lagging jackets, which insulate your pipes, also improve the efficiency of your hot water tank. And here, every little helps.

We lose somewhere around 35% of our home’s heat through uninsulated or poorly insulated walls. That’s a huge number by anyone’s standards. Another chunk is lost through the roof if it’s not properly insulated, and another portion flies through windows that aren’t double-glazed. Which brings us to our next point…

Go Solar

‘Solar’ has been the watchword and one of the most omnipresent energy saving tips for some time now, evoking a modern, green image in the minds of potential buyers.

Installing solar panels not only reduces the environmental impact of your home; over time, they may well also lower the cost of energy use, too. With a suggested lengthy lifespan (at least 25 years) saving on bills and the planet certainly makes installation an appealing option to new buyers.

When considering your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate), your certificate will likely be promoted from a D to a band B through the installation of panels, which would likely amount to around £16,000 for your place’s value. Those lower bills we previously mentioned also make financial sense.

Replace Old Windows

Replacing old windows with double or triple glazed options can be another easy way to reduce cold drafts and minimise heat loss. Indeed, double glazing can increase the value of your home by 10%.

Moreover, the warmth that double glazing adds to your home means your heating bills will be dramatically reduced – you can save around £110 a year – another bonus for potential buyers who are analysing the value of your property via its energy efficiency, , with recent data showing increased interest in everything from new homes in Hampshire to renovated townhouses in Manchester.

Do remember; always be scrupulous with your search and request a few quotes before settling on a supplier.

Add LED Lighting Throughout

Making the switch to LED bulbs throughout your home is a relatively low-cost upgrade that can have a significant impact on both energy consumption and buyer appeal. LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer. While the initial investment might be higher than regular bulbs, the long-term savings are substantial – potentially up to £40 per year on electricity bills. Modern LED options also come in a variety of color temperatures, allowing for customizable ambiance that appeals to prospective buyers.

Install A Smart Energy Monitor

A smart energy monitor is a modern addition that can significantly boost your home’s appeal to tech-savvy buyers. These devices provide real-time feedback on energy usage throughout your home, allowing residents to identify energy-hungry appliances and adjust their habits accordingly.

Many smart monitors can break down energy usage by appliance and time of day, offering valuable insights into consumption patterns. This level of transparency and control over energy usage is increasingly attractive to buyers who are conscious about their environmental impact and monthly utility costs.

Upgrade Your Appliances To Energy-Efficient Models

While this requires a larger upfront investment, replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models can substantially increase your home’s value and appeal. Focus on major appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers, looking for those with high energy efficiency ratings. Modern energy-efficient appliances can use 10-50% less energy than older models, resulting in significant yearly savings. When marketing your home, these newer appliances serve as tangible proof of the property’s energy-efficient credentials, making them a valuable selling point for environmentally conscious buyers.

From Wix To Woo: An Honest Look At E-Commerce Platforms

Editorial Team

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January 6, 2025

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From Wix To Woo: An Honest Look At E-Commerce Platforms

Here’s a painful truth: Most online stores fail within two years. A key reason? Picking the wrong technical foundation and getting locked into a platform that either costs too much or can’t scale with the business. Here’s an unvarnished look at what today’s major e-commerce platforms offer, based on merchant experiences.

WooCommerce: Best For WordPress Veterans

WooCommerce claims a massive share of the e-commerce market by transforming WordPress sites into full-featured stores. While the core plugin costs nothing, it sits at the higher end of our pricing scale once you factor in essential premium extensions, development costs, and hosting requirements.

The platform appeals particularly to content-first businesses who already use WordPress and need granular control over their store’s functionality. Most WooCommerce merchants end up investing heavily in development, but gain the ability to modify every aspect of their store without ongoing platform fees.

The platform stands out in several areas:

Plugin Ecosystem: Access to tens of thousands of WordPress plugins lets merchants implement almost any functionality. Premium extensions for subscriptions and bookings multiply your capabilities but come with annual license fees.
SEO Advantage: Deep integration with leading SEO tools provides granular control over product schema markup, sitemaps, and meta tags. This WordPress compatibility gives WooCommerce stores a natural edge in organic search visibility.
Cost Structure: Initial development costs run into four figures for professional implementation, but ongoing expenses remain modest. Most specialised hosting providers offer WooCommerce-optimised plans at mid-range prices.

BigCommerce: Built For High-Volume Sales

BigCommerce positions itself in the mid-to-upper pricing tier, with costs scaling based on sales volume rather than features. This transparent pricing model means you get enterprise-level capabilities from the start, unlike competitors who charge extra for basic functionality.

The platform excels at handling complex product catalogs and high transaction volumes without requiring significant technical expertise. For growing businesses graduating from basic platforms, BigCommerce offers a sweet spot between functionality and manageable monthly costs.

Notable strengths include:

Multichannel Integration: Native connections to major marketplaces and social platforms enable inventory and order syncing across Amazon, eBay, Instagram, and more. The unified dashboard streamlines management across all sales channels.
B2B Features: The B2B Edition includes customer-specific pricing, quote management, and company accounts. While premium features carry additional monthly costs, they deliver substantial value for B2B operations.
Performance: Built-in performance optimisation and reliable uptime support high-volume stores processing thousands of transactions daily.

Adobe Commerce: For Complex Business Rules & Custom Features

Commanding the highest price point among our reviewed platforms, Adobe Commerce (formerly Magneto) targets enterprise-level businesses with complex requirements. The platform’s steep learning curve and substantial hosting needs contribute to its position as the most expensive option.

However, for businesses processing millions in annual revenue, Adobe Commerce’s ability to handle intricate business logic, multiple storefronts, and complex B2B scenarios can justify its premium pricing. The platform particularly shines in environments where custom development budgets exceed six figures annually.

Key capabilities include:

Multi-Store Management: Control multiple brands, markets, or B2B/B2C operations from one backend. Support for complex organisational structures with separate catalogs, pricing, and customer segments comes standard.
Enterprise Security: Built-in PCI compliance, two-factor authentication, and regular security patches protect your operation. A dedicated security team monitors potential vulnerabilities.
B2B Tools: Native support for company accounts, custom catalogs, and quote management makes Adobe Commerce particularly strong for B2B commerce.

Wix: Quick Setup, Limited Scaling

Wix enters the e-commerce space at the lower end of the pricing spectrum, making it an attractive starting point for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs. The platform’s e-commerce plans cost notably less than specialised e-commerce solutions, though this affordability comes with transaction fees on lower-tier plans.

Despite its budget-friendly positioning, Wix has evolved beyond basic store creation to offer sophisticated marketing tools and automation features that rival more expensive platforms. The platform particularly appeals to visual-minded entrepreneurs who prioritise design control over advanced selling features.

Standout features include:

AI Design Tools: Wix ADI generates complete store layouts based on your business type, cutting setup time significantly.
Business Suite: Built-in tools handle appointments, memberships, and email marketing. The mobile app lets merchants manage operations on the go.
App Market: While not as extensive as WooCommerce, Wix offers hundreds of vetted applications. Most premium apps have moderate monthly fees.

Squarespace: Design-First, Commerce Second

Occupying a unique middle ground in pricing, Squarespace more than basic website builders but less than dedicated e-commerce platforms. The platform has carved out a niche serving creative professionals who need both portfolio and selling capabilities. While its commerce features lack the depth of specialised platforms, Squarespace compensates with superior design tools and integrated marketing features. This hybrid approach makes it particularly cost-effective for service-based businesses that sell products as a secondary revenue stream.

Distinguished by:

Design Tools: Mobile-optimised templates with sophisticated typography and spacing. Advanced image handling ensures products look compelling across all devices.
Marketing Integration: Built-in email marketing, social media tools, and SEO features work in harmony. The analytics dashboard tracks performance across channels.
Content Features: Strong blogging and portfolio tools support content-driven commerce through lookbooks, galleries, and editorial features.

The Bottom Line

The key is approaching platform selection with a clear understanding of your technical capabilities and growth plans. Rather than seeking the ‘best’ platform, focus on finding the one that matches your specific operational needs and budget constraints.

The true expense of an e-commerce platform runs deeper than monthly fees. WooCommerce offers a free core plugin, but expect four-figure investments in development and customisation. Magento requires significant upfront investment but can prove cost-effective at scale by eliminating per-transaction fees that plague smaller platforms. Even simpler solutions like BigCommerce start with modest monthly subscriptions but often demand investment in additional apps and integrations to match competitor features.

Complex e-commerce operations often warrant specialist support, particularly for multi-channel selling or B2B requirements. Liaising with an eCommerce marketing agency in London can prevent costly mistakes when configuring inventory syncing, automated pricing rules, or ERP integration. Success hinges on understanding your technical capabilities and growth trajectory before committing to a platform.

Focus on finding the solution that aligns with your operational requirements and budget constraints rather than chasing the latest features.

5 Lifestyle Changes Which Will Make Sustaining Dry January Easier

Editorial Team

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January 6, 2025

0

5 Lifestyle Changes Which Will Make Sustaining Dry January Easier

Ideal for a life without all those hangovers…

Clearer complexion? Heavier wallet? Energy levels through the roof? Concentration retur……

Hey, you! Yes, you. Back in the room. For many who have been doing (enduring) Dry January, the positives of a spell spent away from booze have been welcome, surprising, and at times, a little concerning; the new outlook and fresh feeling has led us to wonder just how bad we’ve been feeling the rest of the year.

The science seems to agree. According to the guys at Alcohol Change, the benefits begin even in this first week; you’ll likely be sleeping more soundly and as a result, energy levels will be up. The second week sees a certain sense of a ‘fog lifting’, and in the third, things get real; you might notice weight shifting and exercise having a greater impact. What’s more, you may well sense a sharpness at work which you hadn’t felt for a while. Finally, in the fourth week, even your risk of certain diseases will have fallen. Need we go on?

Actually, we will go on. Because why stop there, at one week? There are many more goals to meet and gains to be made by continuing this Dry January thing onwards through February and into the rest of 2025.

Whether you’re planning on giving up drinking completely or this period of abstinence has convinced you to change your relationship with alcohol into a more gentle, mindful approach, then there are some small changes you can enact to your everyday to make the transition smoother and easier to maintain. With that in mind, here are 5 lifestyle changes which will make sustaining Dry January easier, IDEAL for a life without all those hangovers.

Live Within A Strict Routine

For so many, it seems like the temptation to drink strikes most directly when we’re feeling listless and uninspired. A gloomy day outside with little on the agenda often leads to us filling up a glass just to fill in some hours. Many former drinkers who gave up successfully suggest that it’s essential to have a strict, scrupulous routine, particularly in those first few months, to prevent the mind from wandering into the bottle shop.

Even something as simple as getting up and going to sleep at the same time every day instills a sense of discipline and builds resilience. Having breakfast, exercising at a consistent, scheduled time, working within set, rigid hours and always having an activity lined up for the evening can all contribute to you keeping focused on your goals and, let’s face it, distracted from your vices.

But Take Things Gradually

If you didn’t ‘do’ Dry January, then don’t view the month as a failure in your goal to cut down. Every day is a new opportunity to get healthier, then focus with your eyes facing forward, rather than regretting what’s passed.

What’s more, many have pledged to cut back, rather than cut out, and that’s commendable, too.

It’s important to set goals which are manageable, so each day can be treated as a potential success. Simple steps can help make cutting down easier. Many swear by ‘dinner drinking’; that is, to only allow yourself a drink during dinner, allowing for a leisurely, sociable relationship with alcohol to develop.

Others buy in a spirit measuring cup, to make sure their g’n’ts at home don’t turn out to be quadruple strength. Some simply keep only the drink they want for the evening in the house. Whatever works for you is, of course, the best way forward.

As the team at the OAD Clinic, who offer addiction treatment in London caution, if you have a more serious alcohol problem and are physically dependent, then it’s essential that you don’t cut out drinking wholesale, in one go. They explain that, if you do so, you could be risking your health, and may be prone to withdrawal symptoms, which include chills, aches, irritability, nausea, headaches, mood swings and more.

If you’re in this position, it’s best to seek professional help rather than doing things alone. The NHS have a page dedicated to Alcohol Support, including help with finding alcohol addiction services in your area. Do check it out.

Don’t Just Cut Out, Feed In

Abstinence and asceticism is all well and good, but if you’re not feeding back in, and nourishing your body and soul, then you’re less likely to be successful in giving up or cutting back on alcohol.

This thing is best realised in a wholesome, holistic way. By adopting a healthy, balanced diet (with a few treats thrown in, of course!) and exercising regularly, you’re going to feel the benefits of less alcohol consumption are magnified.

You’ll likely be feeling dehydrated from excessive alcohol, so drink water religiously – experts recommend 4 litres a day – to redress the balance. Endeavour to enjoy a diet rich in fruit and vegetables (ideally, 7 a day), as well as beans, pulses, eggs and oily fish.

It’s recommended that you base your meals around a starchy carbohydrate, such as pasta, rice or potatoes, preferably in its whole grain form, as this promotes a slow release of energy and, fascinatingly, is essential for serotonin production. For many who have become reliant on alcohol to lift their mood, getting the brain’s happy chemicals back in balance is essential.

Drink Less But Drink Better

Cutting down on alcohol needn’t mean the total denial of pleasure in your life. Many have found joy in simply drinking less, but ensuring the alcohol they’re drinking is of a higher quality. This mindful approach to drinking makes sustaining a healthier relationship with booze much easier to maintain, and that’s what you want from this thing, right?

Alternatively, there are some fantastic low or no ABV beers, mocktails, non-alcoholic spirits and wines, and ‘occasion’ drinks designed to take the place of booze in social settings. These can be a wonderful way to still see friends and enjoy a celebratory tipple, minus hangovers and the rest. Our favourites include Rochester Ginger Drink, Seedlip Spice ’94 and Hip Pop kombucha drinks, the latter of which are considered by many to be a superfood (yep, we know it’s a drink).

Read: 7 tasty non-alcoholic drinks to serve at your next party

Make The Most Of The Extra Hours & Money

Alcohol consumption is an expensive, time consuming habit, especially for heavy drinkers. We’ve all spent a day on the sofa, groaning and lamenting, but when those wasted days become a regular thing, it’s a problem.

Let’s dial down into the digits; it’s estimated that the average household spend on alcohol is just under £1000 a year. But problem drinkers spend way more. If you were to consistently have three or four drinks a day, then that spend could be tripled. Just think about the things you can do with the money. A holiday, or two, a new wardrobe, a weekly treat at a fancy restaurant, gifts for family…the list goes on.

We’re all entitled to the odd duvet day. Each and every one of us deserves a little downtime, low, lazy and lounging with a takeaway and a Netflix doc on the box. But booze amplifies the frequency and force of these days, and can make us a far less productive, creative unit as a result.

So, cherish those extra hours and get productive. Or, use the extra money to treat yourself! You deserve it. Once you have time and money on your hands – you know, the stuff you used to blow on booze – then you’ll find a sense of freedom you were previously lacking everywhere you look. Embrace it!

Rather than witter on, we’ll point you in the direction of these great tips on how to drink less wine but enjoy drinking more. Good luck, and mine’s a tonic water!

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are physically dependent on alcohol, stopping suddenly can be dangerous or life-threatening. Please consult your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your alcohol consumption. If you are experiencing alcohol dependence, contact your doctor or local addiction services for professional support and guidance.*

Where To Eat On Northcote Road, Clapham Junction

Editorial Team

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January 6, 2025

0

Where To Eat On Northcote Road, Clapham Junction

Ideal for delicious Battersea bites…

We think it’s safe to say that Northcote Road occupies something of a unique position, both in geographical terms and in the minds of the average Londonder.

Sprawling from Battersea to Balham but certainly not Clapham, it’s a buzzy, populated street that’s pedestrianised and almost continental on the weekend, with action, activity and al fresco dining all taking place along the strip.

Yet, it also feels strangely superficial; every other shop could be a JoJo Maman Bébé, and for a road of such obvious affluence, at first glance the dining options are a little predictable; all mid-level chains and Gail’s bakeries.

But scratch the surface just a little harder, and amongst those ever-presents are a handful of fantastic food purveyors, producers and restaurants doing some truly great grub. If you’re wondering where to eat on Northcote Road, Clapham Junction, then here are the best restaurants.

Porchetta & Grill

Ideal for a porchetta sandwich that will transport you to the Italian countryside in one bite…

Yep, we realise just 7 or so words ago we said ‘restaurants’, but the first place to eat on our list isn’t actually one of those. Instead, it’s a compact, black trailer, parked outside Joe & Juice and serving some of the best porchetta in the city.

Here, the proposition is simple; unctuous Umbrian porchetta with crisp crackling, served either in a semolina dusted ciabatta or over polenta and vegetables. Rustic Roman sausages, heady with fennel seed and white pepper can also be supplemented; now that’s a sarnie worth heading south of the river for. Come to think of it, we’d swim the river for one of these.

With the main ingredient expertly prepared by Giovanni Morinello, an Italian butcher with 30 years of experience, you’ll be in very safe hands here.

Just back from the Northcote Road and a five minute walk from Porchetta and Grill, you’ll find the edge of sprawling Wandsworth Common; the perfect place to tuck in to your sandwich in peace. You can thank us later!

Website: Porchettaandgrill – Home (facebook.com)

Address: 40-28 Northcote Rd, London SW11 1NZ

Osteria Antica Bologna

Ideal for a warm and welcoming Italian restaurant…

From here on in you’ll start to notice a theme, that the majority of the best places to eat on Northcote Road are Italian. And that’s no bad thing when you’ve got a neighbourhood resident as good as Osteria Antica Bologna, a warm and welcoming Italian which has been in the same spot for over two decades and does all of the simple, rustic things just right. It’s a place where Italian’s come to feel Italian in London.

So, that’s freshly made pasta, ragus that taste like they’ve been bubbling since the restaurant opened, risotto that’s genuinely cooked to order (please allow for 20 minutes) and, if you’re feeling particularly ravenous, a Bistecca alla Fiorentina, that famous chargrilled T-bone steak beloved of the food aficionados of Tuscany.

With affordable wine by the glass and a convivial atmosphere every night of the week (except Mondays, when it’s closed), it’s no wonder that Osteria Antica Bologna is such a hit with the locals.

Website: Osteria.co.uk

Address: 23 Northcote Rd, London SW11 1NG

Made In Italy 3.0

Ideal for Neapolitan pizzas with a broad range of toppings and comforting bowls of pasta…

Nope, this isn’t a restaurant that exists solely in the metaverse (tech heads, stand up), but rather, the best wood fired Neapolitan pizza you’ll find on Northcote Road.

The second branch (yep, still confused by the name) of the popular King’s road pizzeria, Made In Italy 3.0 does a fine selection of pizzas at the more traditional end of the spectrum, with all the usual boxes ticked concerning San Marzano tomatoes, Caputo Tipo double zero flour, fierce cooking temperatures, and an origin story that starts in Southern Italy, the home of proper pizza puritans.

The thing that makes Made In Italy unique is their cheese factory, housed in Battersea and producing handmade mozzarella and burrata every day. Run by a third generation Italian cheesemaker, this ensures an incomparable freshness in the final product and results on the street.

Alongside more traditional toppings like margherita and diavola, you’ll find some more fascinating offerings like ‘Crokke’ which is billed as a cheeky pizza featuring crocche, the famous Neapolitan street food and another entitled ‘Carbonara Pizza Porn’ – and nope, we don’t know why the word ‘porn’ appears like this on the menu sporadically either, but we’ll let that one slide…

This Italian restaurant in Clapham also caters for those non-pizza fanatics in the group (yes, there are such people). On our last visit we had a bowl of gnocchi pomodoro – a simple yet incredibly satisfying no-frills dish if ever there was one. We could eat it every day.

Website: madeinitalygroup.co.uk

Address: 59 Northcote Rd, London SW11 1NP

Read: 6 of the best takeaway and delivery Neapolitan pizzas in South London

Rosa’s Thai Cafe

Ideal for classic Thai curries and regional specialties…

So far, it might feel like Northcote Road is London’s very own Little Italy (though, officially, this is an area in the south west corner of Clerkenwell), and sure, the dominance of Italian restaurants here is stark. But there’s also capable Thai food being cooked on Northcote Road that’s well worth your time if you’re not in the mood for more pizza.

Rosa’s Thai has outposts all over London – yep, we did say Northcote Road is dominated by chains – with the restaurant gaining popularity for its affordable, properly punchy Thai dishes with origins from across The Kingdom. The Clapham branch has found a home on Northcote Road, and it provides welcome respite from the dough-based offerings that define the rest of the strip.

Go for the stir-fry dishes, as Rosa has real woks and burners out back and that all-important ‘hei’ can be sensed on the plate and palate. The chilli and basil stir fry is a very satisfying one plate wonder, akin to Bangkok’s beloved pad gra pao, but using Thai basil instead of the holy stuff. Regardless, it does the job.

As their website boasts, over 1.6 million Pad Thais have been served by the restaurant group. We’re a little embarrassed to admit just how many of that number were us.

Website: rosasthaicafe.com

Address: 54 Northcote Rd, London SW11 1PA

Buona Sera

The ideal neighbourhood Italian restaurant…

After that brief, spicy respite, we’re going for another Italian, this time at Buona Sera which has been serving the good people of Clapham for over a quarter of a decade.

Meaning ‘good evening’, this is actually a spot best enjoyed in the late afternoon sun, as the restaurant has plenty of outdoor seating (even on a weekday) and a sunny disposition to match it.

These guys have been in the same spot for thirty years, and have finely honed their simple yet satisfying offering. With a sprawling menu of capable pasta plates, as well as some simple starters perfect for picking as you watch the world go by, Buona (autocorrect attempted to change that to ‘buoyant’, which would be rather fitting) Sera is a lovely place to while away a few hours.

Website: buonasera.co.uk

Address: 22-26 Northcote Rd, London SW11 1NX, United Kingdom

Breadstall

Ideal for massive quarter slices of sourdough pizza with sturdy puffed crusts…

Breadstall is a mobile unit that sits just a few strides down the street from Porchetta & Grill, but the proposition here is slightly different; nominally it’s a pizza joint, but there are other edible treats to be found here, too.

In fact, though the quarters slices of sourdough pizza with a sturdy puffed crust that makes them ideal for taking away are Breadstall’s biggest seller, taking pride of place at the forefront of their display of the day’s wares, we’re here for the freshly baked focaccia and ciabatta, which are generously filled and tasty as you like (ours is a fried chicken, rocket and mayo, thanks for asking).

That’s not to say the pizzas aren’t fantastic, and with Breadstall delivering, Londoners can now get a slice of this little corner of South London straight to their door.

Website: breadstall.com

Address: 56 Northcote Rd, London SW11 1PA

Seafare Fish Bar

Ideal for fish and chips…

For a no fuss, no frills fish and chips restaurant, Seafare Fish Bar is one of Northcote Road’s true gems. Though the bulk of the business is the takeaway trade, Seafare has a cute patio outfront which is ideal for basking in the sun if the weather’s right.

Back inside and into the vats of bubbling rapeseed oil (which the restaurant recycles into biofuel), all the fish here is sourced daily from Billingsgate Market, with a choice of cod, haddock, plaice, rock, squid and scampi pleasing the pesci crowd, with a light, delicate batter.

Sides are reassuringly traditional, with the wally a real whopper and the gravy thick and proper. Chips tread that most welcome line between crisp and soggy that all chippy connoisseurs are well versed in, and the mushy peas actually taste of peas rather than vinegar.

And that’s all you can ask for from your local chippy, right?

Website: seafarefishbar.com

Address: 89 Northcote Rd, London SW11 6PL

Tamila

Ideal for South Indian feasting that’s a different proposition to your old-school curry house …

Residing in the former Ve Kitchen site, Tamila brings something genuinely different to Northcote Road’s dining landscape. From the team behind Islington hits The Tamil Prince and The Tamil Crown, this is their first outpost south of the river, and it’s a more casual affair than its gastropub siblings up north.

Perhaps with a slice of the Dishoom morning market in their crosshairs, there’s a keen focus on South Indian breakfast and brunch here – the masala dosa arrives as a crisp, golden scroll accompanied by coconut chutney and sambar that puts most of the road’s brunch offerings to shame. The medhu vadai (savory lentil ‘doughnuts’) are worth crossing postcodes for, striking that perfect balance between crisp exterior and fluffy middle.

Come evening, the kitchen shows its real muscle. The Thanjavur chicken curry is worth ordering for the sauce alone – complex, aromatic, and crying out to be mopped up with their exceptional rotis, while the Chettinad lamb curry brings that lovely, undulating chilli heat without sacrificing on nuance or deliciousness.

The drinks list is equally considered, featuring Indian-spiced takes on classic cocktails alongside their own Tamila lager, which is a drinkable, pleasant enough drop. The success of this Northcote Road venture has already prompted a second site opening in King’s Cross this month, but there’s a already buzz about this original that suggests it’ll become a neighbourhood fixture for years to come. We’re certainly not complaining.

Website: tamila.uk

Address: 39 Northcote Rd, London SW11 1NJ

Slice Street Bakery

Ideal for slices, sandwiches and sausage rolls...

Okay, we accept this is neither a restaurant nor quite on Northcote Road (the A205 separates the two), but we’re not going to let a little pedantry get in the way of what is arguably London’s greatest sausage roll.

Yep, at Slice Street Bakery on St. John’s Road, you’ll find one of the most generously proportioned, beautifully seasoned, properly fatty portions of minced pork based nirvana that we’ve ever had the pleasure of sinking our teeth into, all gorgeous mouthfeel and salty deliciousness. And whilst £4 might seem like a hefty price tag, this is a real piece of work, weighing as much as a newborn baby and, in many ways, even cuter.

Slice Street also do excellent sandwiches – the fried chicken with a kind of buffalo sauce dressing is particularly lovely – and Roman pizza slices for those looking for a lunch spread to make any colleagues or family members jealous. Great stuff, indeed.

Address: Eckstein Rd, London SW11 1QE

Oddonno’s Gelati

We had to finish with something sweet and Italian, in keeping with the road’s preferred cuisine. At the award winning Oddonno’s Gelati, the gelato is at its best when it celebrates a singular ingredient, ramping up the characteristic flavour of that ingredient to dizzy new heights.

In fact, Oddonno’s pistachio gelato is regularly acknowledged as one of the best single scoops in the city, with Time Out London saying back in 2010 that ‘’the pistachio is some of the best you’ll ever taste’’. That same pistachio also received two gold stars at the 2009 Great Taste Awards. After several balmy evenings spent strolling the strip in the company of the fabulous flavour, we have to agree.

Website: Oddono’s Gelati Italiani Instagram

Address: 69 Northcote Rd, London SW11 1NP

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Embrace The Magic Of Home Videos

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Capture Their Voice In Time

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Setting The Scene: Creating Your Highland Haven

Welcome Bites: Scottish-Inspired Canapés

The Main Event: Your Burns Night Menu

The Star of the Show: Perfect Haggis

Neeps and Tatties with Whisky Cream

Contemporary Cocktails With Scottish Spirit

The Highland Bramble

The Burns’ Night Boulevardier

Manze’s Deptford to permanently close on January 25th 2025

Good Vibez Jerk Centre sadly, as of September 2024, permanently closed