The birthplace of both air traffic control and Stormzy, and with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield’s long-awaited North End Quarter redevelopment now moving through the planning stages, Croydon certainly has a lot going for it.
No wonder it’s begun welcoming – for better or for worse – venture capitalists, tech experts, software developers and a whole host of startups, earning it the title of ‘South London’s Silicon Valley’.
And with investment, opportunity and plenty of hungry creatives, the options for a good feed in the area are growing. If you’re looking for advice on where to eat here, then we’ve pulled together this list of the best restaurants in Croydon. Up for some dinner? Let’s go…
Good Life Jerk Centre
Ideal for well-seasoned Jamaican food that tastes like someone’s mum made it…
On South End, Good Life Jerk Centre is the kind of unassuming spot you could easily walk past – but doing so would be a mistake. This Jamaican kitchen has built a devoted following among Croydon’s Caribbean food fans, and once you’ve tasted the jerk chicken, you’ll understand why.
Yep, the jerk is the main event (hence the name), with chicken and pork both marinated until imbued with that distinctive smoky, spicy heat. The pork, in particular, draws consistent praise – tender, well-seasoned, and about as far from an afterthought as you can get. Curry goat is another winner, slow-cooked until falling apart, while the pepper steak offers something a little different – a little rasping – for those who fancy it.
The sides deserve attention too. The rice and peas is cooked just right, the mac and cheese is creamy and comforting in that specifically Caribbean way, and the festival dumplings strike that balance between sweet and savoury that makes them so moreish. There’s a small dine-in area if you want to eat on site, though most opt for takeaway – either way, portions are generous and prices fair.
It’s not fancy, it’s not trying to be anything other than what it is: honest Jamaican cooking done with care. For that reason alone, Good Life Jerk Centre deserves a spot on your ‘best Croydon restaurants’ radar.
This slick Indian restaurant is named after the ivy gourd – or tendil as it is known in India – a nutritious vegetable that is a staple in many Asian cuisines. The tendli plant is a tropical vine that can spread quickly over trees, shrubs, fences, and other supports. Its fruit, which is green when raw and turns bright red when ripe, is commonly used in Indian cooking, and this reverence for even the most humble ingredients is reflected in the intricate cooking of chef Manonj Karvanar.
At Tindli, chef Karnavar brings his three decades of experience in prestigious 5-star hotels like the Marriott, Renaissance, Fairmont, Savoy, Mandarin Oriental, and Claridges London to create a menu that reflects the rich diversity of Indian cuisine. The dishes are crafted using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with the tendli even featuring in some of them.
The highlight here is the celebratory, delicately spiced chatti biryani, which arrives at the table in the claypot it’s been cooked in, the lifting of its lid revealing a heady waft of ground coriander seeds, cumin and cardamom. A side of the house raita is all you need for one of Croydon’s most satisfying meals.
There’s something about the buzz in Croydon tapas joint Galicia that feels at odds with the restaurant’s slightly uninspiring surroundings on the high street. Inside, you can depend on lively chatter and comforting small plates, the restaurant’s extended marble counter and azujelo mosaic tiling bringing a little vivacity to a rainy Tuesday night just south of London.
Now approaching its third decade of trading, Galicia is owned by Fernando Alexandre, who has been here since the start, first as a waiter and then as owner. Go for a round of traditional tapas such as the chicken croquettes, patatas bravas and marinated anchovies before ordering a couple of larger dishes; the restaurant excels at fish cookery, and the seafood paella is something of a speciality here. Ditto the grilled octopus done in the Galician style, which feels apropos even if we are in Croydon. And get this; the wine list features several Spanish bottles under £30, which is becoming increasingly unheard of in this part of the UK.
This opulently furnished restaurant is testament to the diverse food scene in Croydon, with a wide-ranging, country-spanning menu of Turkish (and beyond) classics.
Kick things off with a few tasters off the mezze menu, with Atesh’s babaganoush a particularly fine version, its aubergine cooked until collapsing and super smoky, and properly humming with tahini and garlic. That pairs beautifully with the kasap kofte – miniature lamb meatballs – and the exemplary borek filled with feta and spinach.
The falafel makes an excellent starter choice too – crispy golden oblongs, perfectly seasoned standing proudly upright in a bed of creamy hummus – delicious
You could stop there, of course, but to do so would be to miss out on Atesh’s signature grilled shish dishes, which are pulled off the charcoal only when blistered, burnished and bloody delicious. At this juncture it would be rude not to have a raki or two, here served in the Turkish style, mixed with water until cloudy. Hmm; we might order another you know…
One of Britain’s oldest street markets (dating back to 1276, no less) and perhaps Croydon’s most dynamic food destination, Surrey Street Market pulses with an energy that feels distinctly communal. A £1.1 million refurbishment levelled the pavements and upgraded the lighting, and this historic thoroughfare has evolved from its traditional greengrocer roots into something approaching a world food market, though you can still find plenty of fruit and veg traders calling out their daily deals.
The real draw here though is the food. A revolving cast of street food vendors pack the market Monday through Saturday (6am-6pm) and with reduced hours on Sundays, serving everything from aromatic Thai curries to Ethiopian wat, empanadas to properly delicious jerk chicken.
By Adrian Wallett
In terms of bricks and mortar operations along the street, don’t miss Real Flavour Caribbean Takeaway, which does some of the best curry goat this side of the Thames, or Cockneys on nearby Frith Road – one of London’s last authentic pie and mash shops, where the chilli vinegar flows freely and the double pie and mash (washed down with a sarsaparilla, naturally) offers a taste of old London that’s becoming increasingly hard to find. For lunch on the go, the banh mi at Viet 2 Go are worth seeking out.
The market comes alive on Sundays too (10:30am-5pm), when a new programme of events brings street theatre, live music and seasonal celebrations to this already vibrant stretch. For a true taste of Croydon’s culinary diversity – and perhaps the town’s beating heart – Surrey Street Market is hard to beat.
When Olushola and Eniola Medupin opened their first Nigerian restaurant in Lewisham back in 2013, few could have predicted it would spawn an empire stretching from London to Dubai. But that’s exactly what happened, and their Croydon outpost might just be our favourite of all (note: we haven’t actually tried them all. That would be mental).
The restaurant’s name – a portmanteau of sorts, of its founders’ names – has become synonymous with faithfully rendered Nigerian cuisine in London, and it’s easy to see why. The kitchen here deals in bold, confident flavours, with dishes that feel both true to their roots and accessible to the uninitiated.
The jollof rice here is a masterclass in West African cookery, each grain distinctly separate and humming with gentle spice, while the pepper soup arrives properly warming and aromatic, thanks to spices sourced directly from Nigeria. But it’s the suya that keeps us coming back; these skewers of grilled meat come alive with yaji (a complex spice mix), offering street food given restaurant status without losing any of its soul.
The space itself strikes a neat balance between casual and special occasion, with lively decor nodding to Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. Come Friday nights, the resident DJ transforms the intimate space into something approaching a party, though the food remains the star of the show. Just.
And with private dining for up to 15 people available, Enish has quickly established itself as a go-to for celebrations in this corner of Croydon.
Ideal for fish and chips done by people who really care…
If you’re out on the suburban fringes of Croydon – and you should be – McDermott’s has been serving what many consider some of the finest fish and chips in London since 1987.
This family-run institution, helmed by father and son duo Tony and Sean McDermott, has earned its reputation through decades of quiet obsession with getting everything right. The formula here is simple but uncompromising: fish delivered fresh from Billingsgate each morning (or frozen at sea off the coast of Iceland), hand-cut chips from carefully selected seasonal potatoes, and a kitchen that fillets and skins everything in-house. They only ever cook to order, which means nothing sits around going soggy – a small detail that makes all the difference.
The restaurant itself seats over 80, making it a sit-down affair rather than your typical paper-wrapped-on-the-bus situation, and it’s fully licensed too (woohoo! beers!). Go for the cod or haddock – both are exceptional – and don’t skip the homemade mushy peas and tartare sauce. With prices that remain reasonable for the quality on offer, this is fish and chips elevated without ever losing sight of what makes the dish great in the first place.
Some of the staff have been here since the doors first opened, which tells you something about the kind of place this is. Worth the trek to Forestdale? Absolutely.
We end in South Croydon, and at Chennai Dosa, one of our favourite places to eat in Croydon, make no mistake. Though several more branches have opened up across the south in recent years, this is the inaugural slinger of the good stuff, with the restaurant now close to two decades on this part of Brighton Road that’s been affectionately dubbed ‘Curry Mile’.
We’re not here for curry though. Instead, it’s all about the dosa, which arrive crisp and perfumed, with sambal and chutney for dipping. For us, the ghee roast dosa is where it’s add, the fat adding a sense of indulgence that makes this order feel like a real treat. For further dosa exploration, the slightly thicker oothappam comes already topped with piquant and spicy condiments.
The network of streets off Green Park station might well be Britain’s most prestigious dining quarter. Indeed, come up for air from the underground here and the two Michelin-starred Ritz is staring you in the face – setting the tone for the quality (and cost) of dining in this exclusive corner of London.
The convergence of St James’s old money and Mayfair’s new oligarchs has created a restaurant scene where Michelin stars cluster like fairy lights on a Chelsea townhouse. Within a few minutes’ walk of the station, you’ll find more heavy hitters, tasting menus and celebrity chefs than most European capitals manage across their entire metropolitan areas.
For better or for worse? We’re still not sure. Because heavy is the head that wears the, ahem, crown. Hungry hedge fund managers, expense-account ambassadors and tedious socialites might find that Green Park’s embarrassment of gastronomic riches creates its own problems. Step off the Piccadilly Line and you’re immediately confronted with choices that require either extreme financial commitment or reservations booked further in advance than most people’s holiday plans allow for.
That’s not to say there aren’t fantastic places to eat within a comfortable stroll of Green Park Station; it’s just that most of them require either serious money or the kind of chutzpah that has you strolling into somewhere that’s clearly fully booked and asking for a table anyway.
Anyway, we’ve got ourselves in a tangle with that introduction. Here are the best restaurants near Green Park, London.
The Ritz Restaurant, Piccadilly
Ideal for celebrating life’s biggest moments with theatrics and flair...
John Williams MBE spent more than two decades perfecting classical French cooking in one of London’s most theatrical dining rooms before the Michelin inspectors finally awarded the two stars that everyone else knew this kitchen deserved. That February 2025 promotion felt both overdue and entirely justified, recognising a kitchen that obsessively sources British ingredients, then applies techniques so refined perhaps even Escoffier himself would doff his toque.
Despite the belated accolades, the dining room itself remains gloriously, unapologetically Ritz. Chandeliers you could swing from, marble columns as thick as tree trunks, and that ceiling, still painted with clouds that make you feel like you’re dining in heaven’s anteroom. Friday and Saturday evenings bring live music that costs an extra £57 per person, which sounds insane until you’re three glasses deep in Chassagne-Montrachet, your foot starts tapping, your head starts spinning, and you feel decidedly frivolous about being pissed in such a grand room.
There is dancing.
Theatrical presentation and masterful tableside service define the Ritz Restaurant experience. The restaurant’s approach to Arts de la Table is second to none. Their guéridon service style brings dishes such as the celebrated crêpes suzette directly to guests’ tables, where the dramatic flambé creates dancing blue flames that captivate diners. Or, indeed, singes eyebrows off the curious and foolhardy…
Indeed, if you ask us, you’ve not truly experienced the Ritz if you haven’t savoured their crêpes suzette, which has graced the menu for more than a century. Another spectacular display of culinary theatre is the Poulet de Bresse en Vessie Demi-deuil – an extraordinary dish where a Bresse chicken, stuffed with foie gras and truffles, is sealed within a pig’s bladder and poached to perfection, then dramatically unveiled tableside to reveal the supremely moist, aromatic fowl within.
You’ll pay for the privilege of even being in the same room as such illustrious dishes. The five-course tasting runs £199, the seven-course £221, and both feature trolley service so flamboyant you half expect applause. Some more ruddy-faced customers do, in fact, clap. It’s all in service of Cornish beef aged longer than most parliamentary careers, Lake District lamb with actual postcodes for provenance, and vegetables treated like visiting dignitaries. As in, erm, carved up into pretty shapes. That doesn’t quite make sense, we realise…
There’s a more affordable set lunch menu where three courses will set you back £92 – potato vichyssoise with smoked bacon and comté for starters, Yorkshire duck with cassis and smoked walnut for mains. ‘Affordable’ being relative, of course, when lunch alone costs more than the rest of your week’s meals combined. The real financial reckoning comes when you start ordering wine – the cheapest glass of white begins at £18, red at £19. At this point, the meal shifts from expensive lunch to minor life decision. But you are here to indulge, after all…
Jackets and ties are mandatory for gents, which in 2025 feels either charmingly traditional or wildly anachronistic depending on your mood. On our visit, it all felt like good, clean fun.
Ideal for experiencing Indian fine dining at its absolute pinnacle…
Already near-impossible to get a reservation back in the heady days of 2024, the waiting list has entered geological time following Gymkhana’s promotion to two Michelin stars, the first Indian restaurant in Britain to achieve this distinction.
Whilst we wouldn’t claim to understand just why the little red book doles out the stars, we can’t argue with Gymkhana’s accolades or reputation. This is quite simply superb food, a place where Sid Ahuja’s basement kitchen takes tandoor cooking and chatpata spicing into territory that makes traditionalists nervous and progressives ecstatic, with results that justify that waiting list.
The star of the show, the biryani, alone validates the hype. It arrives under a handsome pastry lid – a Gymkhana signature move that traps all that residual steam inside, letting the complex flavours get properly acquainted with each other before you break through.
We love to come here during game season. The restaurant is well-known for pairing Britain’s revered grouse and venison with contemporary and classic Indian dishes, and our favourite biryani rendition is the wild venison – the aged basmati with incredible depth of flavour, spices ground fresh every service… It’s immense. Sadly, it’s not on the keenly priced set lunch menu, which regardless represents London’s best-value double-starred meal by a significant margin, priced as it is at £65. You will find the funky kid goat methi keema on that menu though, and it’s the best we’ve ever tasted.
There have been murmurings of discontent in recent months about the restaurant’s minimum spend of £100, but it doesn’t apply to lunch, so it’s still possible to dine here without breaking the bank into too many pieces.
Whichever way you play it, finish up in the 42 cocktail lounge above the restaurant, which stays open until 2am on weekends, perfect for drowning your sorrows after they tell you the next available table is in April 2026.
Ideal for watching Green Park’s squirrels while decimating your credit limit…
Back in 2018, Ollie Dabbous (not him alone, christ; Hedonism Wines are the backers here) built this three-storey temple to modern European cooking directly opposite Green Park, then filled it with enough blonde wood to rebuild Noah’s ark and windows so vast you need sunglasses on sunny days. The effect is visually stunning. Though he has now moved on to pastures new, on the plate that bright, vital vibe continues…
Eating here means that much like the restaurant’s magnificent sculptural staircase, your finances will spiral downward with each course – though at least the descent is deliciously pleasing. Aside from the prices, it’s an outwardly inclusive affair, with breakfast, lunch and dinner served from 7am to 10pm daily (with slightly shorter hours at the weekend). That’s not to say they spread themselves too thin; the full arsenal of creativity is still firing, with their Michelin star still intact after Dabbous’ departure.
There is a mind-boggling array of different menu options that would be too tedious to list, so let’s discuss what must be one of the only Michelin-starred breakfasts in the capital (yes, we know menus aren’t actually anointed with a star). At Hide, your scrambled eggs on toast will set you back a measly £36 (truffle is involved), your Benedict will feature lobster and caviar, and your croissant will be filled with scorched banana and pecan. Of course, the champagne flows freely from morning onwards.
At the other end of the spectrum, Hide offers a tasting menu for both lunch and dinner service that shows off their most creative side. Priced at £165 a head with several optional add-ons, it’s a pleasingly frippery-free celebration of Europe’s finest seasonal bounty. Think dishes like delicate steamed Cornish turbot with its pearlescent flesh barely yielding to the fork, earthy cauliflower paired with golden girolles in a glossy vin jaune butter sauce, or perfectly charred Anjou pigeon, its skin barbequed and burnished, accompanied by smokey beetroot, Kalibos cabbage, and a rich, velvety Madeira jus. Thirsty? For a cool extra £1295, you can enjoy the ‘Hedonistic’ premium wine pairing.
Sketch (The Lecture Room & Library), Conduit Street
Ideal for when reality feels insufficiently surreal…
Pierre Gagnaire’s London outpost occupies a Conduit Street townhouse that feels less like a restaurant and more like what happens when unlimited budgets meet unmedicated imaginations. The famous egg-pod toilets get all the Instagram attention, but the three-starred Lecture Room & Library remains one of Europe’s most over-blown dining experiences, executing Gagnaire’s hallucinogenic French cuisine with millimetre precision.
The £225 tasting menu reads prosaically enough; ‘Violet artichoke, bergamot, pistachio oil’ doesn’t tell you what you’re about to eat so much as hint at the general direction of the flavour explosion. Each dish comes as multiple components that you’re instructed to eat in specific orders, like edible choreography that only makes sense after the third glass of Avenue Foch.
The room itself, redesigned by India Mahdavi and Yinka Shonibare in 2022, wraps you in dusty pink mohair and African textiles that seem synergistic for eating foam made from lobster souls. And then, you come out blinking into the light, still hungry and a little confused, and wonder if it was all worth it…
Jeremy King’s return to the London restaurant scene after his acrimonious Corbin & King departure reads like a Hollywood script. He swooped on the old Le Caprice site, recruited Jesus Adorno (the GM every other GM secretly wants to be), and created Arlington, which is essentially Le Caprice reborn but legally distinct enough to avoid lawsuits. Within weeks of opening in March 2024, the reservation book looked like a Tatler party guest list. It remains so.
Arlington offers classic brasserie fare with prices that reflect its prestigious location near Green Park. Steak tartare is mixed tableside with proper ceremony (at £35 for a portion, you’d hope there was the requisite fanfare). Most mains hover around the £25-35 mark, which feels almost reasonable until you remember you’re paying Mayfair prices for what is essentially good pub food in expensive clothes.
The chargrilled rib-eye with sauce béarnaise and allumettes (that’s fancy for French Fries) will relieve you of £45, though given the neighbourhood, that barely raises an eyebrow. It’s comfort food for people whose idea of comfort involves linen tablecloths, cosy pink corduroy and the warming glow of a ruddy face. Make sure you order a side of Russel’s Caesar, named after Russel Norman’s favourite dish back at Le Caprice. It’s served just as he liked it; “crisp, generous and without fuss”.
The move here is to kick things off with a coastal martini, one of the capital’s finest cocktails. It’s appropriate for a room where everything happens at a refined pace and with a reassuringly timeless glamour. David Bailey photographs, venetian blinds, those particular shades of cream and brown, Tom Holland and Zendaya in corner banquettes, Cabinet ministers pretending they’re not checking their phones, fashion editors picking at salads while eyeing the profiteroles. It’s theatrical without being too tacky, which is harder than it looks.
Ideal for a Michelin-starred Indian that verges on the institutional…
Sameer Taneja’s (less said about the previous head honcho, the better) Berkeley Square operation has held its Michelin star since 2007, which in restaurant years makes it practically part of the furniture. Yet the cooking remains remarkably current, taking Indian techniques and applying them to impeccable British ingredients with results that don’t succumb to the much-malgined ‘fusion’ billing. It all goes down in a recently renovated space that spreads across multiple opulently-appointed rooms, working equally well for corporate lunches or special occasions.
The menu reads like a subcontinental greatest hits reimagined by someone with access to Harrods Food Hall and no budget constraints. Orkney scallops dressed in Kerala spices. Kentish lamb given the slow-cook treatment usually reserved for railway station goat curry but here rendered silk-shirt appropriate. A chocolate samosa with cardamom ice cream that is as good as it sounds. You might find one or all of those dishes on the business lunch menu, which at £49 for three courses (with a tight wine pairing for £28) represents fine value in this neck of the woods.
The finest thing we’ve eaten here, though, was a simple, delicate dish of chicken dumplings served in a fragrant spiced coconut broth, given real indulgence by bobbing lobes of caramelised foie gras. Man, it was good, and we’re always sad when it leaves the menu. Bring it back, guys!
Anyway, the five minutes’ walk from Green Park makes it one of the most apt substitutes in the area for those turned away from Gymkhana because they’re not famous enough to snag a last minute table.
Ideal for experiencing Jason Atherton’s triumphant return…
When Jason Atherton announced Pollen Street Social would be closing, London’s fine-dining food world held its breath. Would the man who’d conquered Mayfair with City Social, Social Eating House, and countless others bounce back? The answer came on Savile Row in late 2024 with Roux Scholarship winner Spencer Metzger (poached from The Ritz) running a kitchen that earned its Michelin star faster than you can say “fourteen-course tasting menu.”
The space feels suitably Savile Row, that’s for sure; all subdued luxury and perfect proportions, and you could use those descriptors for the food too, it could be said. The cooking displays the technical precision that made Atherton’s reputation but with a maturity that suggests lessons learned. British ingredients treated with international techniques but never losing sight of what makes them special in the first place. Highland beef aged until it’s practically eligible for a pension. Cornish fish so fresh it practically swims onto the plate (that would be weird, actually).
Remaining firmly on the plate, thank fuck, a dish of Cornish turbot, gently steamed and brushed with brown kombu butter, was the best thing we’ve eaten in this corner of London all year. The fish alone would have justified that praise, but it was finished with an ethereal silky fish Albufera sauce, razor clams, and fresh lovage, to make it something truly remarkable.
The fourteen-course tasting menu (there’s no other option) takes you through what feels like Atherton’s entire career condensed into one meal, all with the incredible tekkers that Metzger showed on his record-breaking Great British Menu debut. At £250 for the tasting menu, it’s not cheap, but given the neighbourhood and the pedigree, it’s not surprising either.
The fact that many insiders were shocked Row on 5 didn’t debut with two Michelin stars speaks of the high regard the culinary cognoscenti hold this place in, but to be fair, they did ‘finally’ nab their second star just last month.
Ideal for dining like royalty without the corgi hair…
Gavin Rankin’s Bruton Place brasserie trades on discretion, which in Mayfair means it’s absolutely rammed with people you recognise from the papers. Bellamy’s Franco-Belgian menu hasn’t changed significantly in twenty years because when your regulars included the late Queen Elizabeth II, you don’t mess with success. No wonder it has previously been given the somewhat dubious crown of ‘London’s most civilised restaurant’ by Tatler.
Stéphane Pacoud’s kitchen produces classics with the consistency of a Swiss watch manufacturer. The £45 table d’hôte lunch offers tremendous value for Mayfair, though value here still means you’re paying weekly shop prices for one meal (yep, we realise we’re rather labouring on a theme now, but this is the last entry on the list, so allow it).
The iced lobster soufflé sounds like something from the 1980s but tastes timeless. And not icey at all, thank heavens. The smoked eel mousse sounds like something from the… Hang on, we’ve already said that. Anyway, there’s a dedicated oyster bar, too, with immaculately shucked Jerseys priced at £24 a dozen. Amazingly for the posture of the place and its location, you can have a proper blow-out here for around £100 a head, even pricing in a couple of fine martinis, here poured from a bottle of frozen spirit into a frozen glass misted, completed with a spritz of vermouth. It’s those finer details that really sets Bellamy’s apart.
The room, all green banquettes and lighting that casts intimate shadows yet allows the more elderly regulars to actually see the menus, feels fitting. Just five minutes from Green Park, Bellamy’s has no Michelin stars, and has absolutely no need for them, either. Sometimes a restaurant’s greatest achievement is knowing exactly what it is and doing that thing better than anyone else. Bellamy’s mastered that equation decades ago and sees no reason to change now.
Speaking of oysters, and now that there’s an ‘r’ back in the month, here’s our guide on where to eat the best oysters in London. And yes, we know the whole ‘r’ thing is somewhat cooked now…
Camberwell has never been the easiest place to get to. No tube station, buses that seem to take the scenic route, and a general sense of being just off the beaten track. But that’s part of its charm, and today this corner of south London has become one of the capital’s most exciting places to eat. Time Out recently named it one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, and once you’ve experienced the Camberwell Church Street dining scene (affectionately dubbed the ‘Camberwell Riviera’ by the same magazine), you’ll understand why.
The presence of Camberwell College of Arts means there’s a creative energy here that’s reflected in the food: bold, experimental yet (at its best, anyway) decidedly unpretentious. Even the Michelin Stars come without airs – when The Kerfield Arms on Grove Lane was awarded one in February 2026, the team promptly announced that nothing would change, not even the £12 lunch deal. It’s that kind of place.
From hand-pulled Xinjiang noodles to British gastropub classics, Kurdish kebabs to Ethiopian feasts, Camberwell’s restaurant landscape is refreshingly diverse. Here are the best restaurants in Camberwell.
Zeret Kitchen
Ideal for sharing enormous platters of Ethiopian food with friends…
Zeret Kitchen serves Ethiopian food the way it’s meant to be eaten: in large groups, from shared platters, using torn pieces of injera – floppy and featherweight – to scoop up various stews, relishes and sauces. The spongy sourdough flatbread has the right texture and that distinctive sour tang from fermentation, thin enough to be pliable but with enough structure to hold the food. The food here is beautifully traditional, bright, and distinct, and it’s all carried forward in handfuls of that wonderful injera.
The stews themselves are beautifully balanced. The misir wot, a red lentil dish with berbere spice, brings warmth without overwhelming heat. The doro wot features chicken that’s been simmered in a rich, complex sauce built with layers of flavour. Everyone’s hands get messy, everyone reaches across the table, and the shared format creates an instant sense of both occasion and connection.
Ideal Tip: Order the Zeret surprise – a sharing platter for two which features a good array of must-try dishes.
Ideal for reminding yourself why British gastropubs are having such a moment…
The Camberwell Arms is a gastropub in the best sense of the increasingly over-used term: serious cooking happens here, but the atmosphere stays relaxed and the pretension stays at zero. The menu shifts with the seasons, though certain dishes have become fixtures because locals won’t let them go.
The scotch bonnet pork fat on toast is both Insta and, you know, dining room-famous, delivering exactly what it promises: rich, porky, spicy, and completely satisfying on a thick slice of good bread. It makes you wonder why more places don’t serve food this direct and objectively delicious.
Everything here is cooked with care and confidence. Fish gets treated with respect (a recent barbecued whole brill with Bearnaise was a showstopper), meat gets cooked to the right temperature (the Sunday lunch beef and bone marrow sharing pie is as good as it gets), and vegetables actually taste of themselves, the ground, and their careful seasoning.
The room buzzes with conversation, the wine list offers plenty by the glass, and the beer’s kept well. Don’t overlook the cocktail menu here – on a previous visit, a horseradish gibson delivered a real kick, which was just what we needed on a particularly grim Sunday hangover, quite frankly. They do a mean martini too. What more could you want?
Book ahead, especially for weekends when the whole of London seems to descend. It’s one of the finest meals you’ll get in the whole of London, let alone just in Camberwell.
FM Mangal sits directly across from the Camberwell Arms and has built its reputation on quality Turkish cooking with a focus on the charcoal grill – just as it should be. Unsurprisingly, then, the grilled meats are excellent, as you’d expect from a mangal, but there’s one item that’s become even more legendary among regulars.
That is the FM special onion dip. Here, complimentary flatbread is painted with spices and MSG, and comes to the table warm with a bowl of charred onions swimming in pomegranate molasses. It’s an incredible combination of sweet, savoury, smoky and umami that sets the tone for everything that follows. If you only order one starter, make it this.
The lamb dishes showcase meat that’s been marinated and grilled with real skill. Everything has that charcoal char and the kind of dusty, gently rasping seasoning that makes you immediately reach for another bite. The Adana kebab – fatty minced lamb that’s been hit with what initially feels like too much salt but quickly becomes addictive – is our go-to here.
Service has that inimitable Turkish hospitality where you’re made to feel looked after from the moment you walk in. It gets busy on weekends, so advance booking is sensible.
Ideal for a Michelin Star that still comes with cask ale and a £12 lunch deal…
In February 2026, The Kerfield Arms became only the second pub in London to hold a Michelin Star, joining the Harwood Arms in a very small club. It had been open for less than nine months. The team’s response to the news was telling: nothing would change, not even the £12 midweek lunch special, which might just be the cheapest Michelin-starred meal in the country.
The pub occupies the old Crooked Well site on Grove Lane, a big corner building full of natural light, stripped back and painted a muted racing green. It’s the second venue from Adam Symonds and Rob Tecwyn, whose first pub, The Baring in Islington, sits at 17th in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs. Chef Jay Styler, previously head chef at The Baring, leads the kitchen here.
Taramasalata with fried pizza dough has become a signature, and rightly so. Beyond that, the menu moves with the seasons: tempura mackerel with hen of the woods and dashi one week, grilled octopus with chorizo, pink firs and mojo verde the next. Mains are generously proportioned and not absurdly priced, falling under £30 on all occasions – beef, Guinness and oyster pie with smoked mash; Rhug Estate venison with smoked beetroot and walnut ketchup; Cornish pollock with Jerusalem artichoke and warm tartare sauce. You get the picture.
On Sundays, roasts come with flamboyantly blossomed Yorkies, and a Highland sirloin for two at £78 anchors the table. Chips and garlic mayo are on every menu. There’s a rhubarb and custard doughnut for desserts at the moment.
The wine list is European-leaning and thoughtful, with glasses from around £6 and some genuinely interesting bottles beyond that. Keeping that inclusivity thing going all the way to the end of the entry, half the room is kept for drinkers and walk-ins – cask ales on the handpumps, a blackboard of specials – so you can come for a pint without a reservation. If you want to eat, book ahead.
Ideal for sandwiches during the day and something more interesting at night…
An absolute stalwart of TikTok, you’d think that Cafe Mondo only existed in reel form. But it’s here, it’s genuine, and it’s actually damn good.
The place shifts identity as the day progresses. During daylight hours, it’s all about the sandwich operation: quality ingredients between bread, coffee that’s been made with care, and a steady stream of locals popping in for lunch. The fish finger sandwich has rightly earned its reputation. It’s not trying to be clever or deconstructed; it’s just a very good version of exactly what it claims to be. Sadly, it was recently, unceremoniously culled from the menu, but we’ve got our fishfingers crossed for its return.
Come evening on Thursday to Saturday, the place becomes something more like a neighbourhood bar that happens to serve excellent food. The patty melt is outstanding: two thin beef patties, melted cheese, caramelised onions, all pressed between buttered, griddled bread until everything melds together. The MSG martini is exactly as described and unsurprisingly delicious. There are mini martinis for the indecisive, Murphy’s on tap, and Bailey’s slushies for those feeling bold or simply hot.
The whole operation has a relaxed confidence that comes from knowing what they’re doing, and it actually lives up to the hype, which is a mean feat in and of itself.
Ideal for experiencing fine Xinjiang cooking from one of London’s most cult restaurants…
When Silk Road closed briefly in 2023, Camberwell’s denizens were worried. That worry was assuaged in early 2024, when it finally reopened just down the road on the same ol’ Church Street, with a refreshed space but the same commitment to Xinjiang cuisine that’s made it a south London favourite for years.
The hand-pulled noodles are mesmerising to watch being made: the dough gets stretched, folded, stretched again, slapped against the work surface, then suddenly you’ve got dozens of strands ready for the pot. Once cooked, they have a bouncy, substantial texture that cheap machine-made noodles can’t touch. There’s something about that slapping sound that turns us into Pavlov’s dog, to be quite honest…
But the real signature dishes here are the dapanji (big plate chicken) and the lamb ribs. The dapanji features tender chicken pieces in a sauce rich with Sichuan peppercorns and dried chillies, served over thick belt noodles or potatoes. The lamb ribs come heavily spiced with cumin and chilli, fatty in the best way, and charred from the grill.
The lamb shish skewers off the charcoal grill are equally essential, well-seasoned and generous. Order a mix of dishes, get some noodles, maybe add some dumplings, and you’ve got a feast that’ll cost much less than you were braced for, helped, of course, by the fact it’s BYOB.
Ideal for Kurdish home cooking that feels warm and welcoming…
Pary Baban runs two Kurdish restaurants in Camberwell, with the Church Street Nandine site offering the full evening experience and one on Vestry Road that’s more coffee-focused. The cooking draws on Pary’s experiences travelling through Kurdistan after being displaced in the 1990s, and the food has the confidence that comes from deep knowledge of a cuisine.
The Kurdish dumplings are unlike any dumpling experience in the area. Kubba feature a crispy rice exterior wrapped around spiced mutton, whilst tirshak sit in a spinach, tomato and split chickpea broth, topped with fried leek and garlic aioli. Both demonstrate real technical skill and deliver comfort in different ways. We could eat the tirshak every day, ad infinitum and never get bored.
For larger plates, the chicken shish at £21 is generously portioned: charcoal-grilled, seven-spiced chicken skewers, served over flatbread with blackened vegetables alongside. It’s a whole meal, and is strikingly good value when you see the size.
Staff are helpful in explaining dishes; they tend to recommend you order either one kebab and one small plate per person, or go for two to three small plates. There are cocktails with Kurdish influences, some interesting wines from Lebanon, Turkey and beyond, and plenty for vegetarians and vegans to savour.
Theo’s Pizzeria is run by Theo Lewis, who previously honed his skills at Pizza East, the popular Shoreditch pizzeria whose cornicione game is unmatched in the capital.
The pizzas at Theo’s demonstrate exactly the kind of skill and attention you’d hope for, with all the classic Neapolitan markers: blistered, leopard-spotted crusts with a dinghy for a crust, high-quality toppings that don’t overwhelm, and that balance between chew and crispness that only comes from good dough handling and a very hot oven.
But here’s the move: come at lunchtime and order a panuozzo. These filled pizza dough sandwiches cost just £6.50 and are incredibly satisfying, basically giving you all the pleasure of pizza in a handheld format. They’re stuffed with quality Italian ingredients and grilled until everything’s molten and unified. There’s no better lunch in the immediate orbit of Theo’s, which is actually saying something when you consider just how stacked Camberwell’s restaurant scene is.
If you’re settling in for the evening, don’t sleep on the burrata and mortadella sharing plate, which comes with crescentine, those little fried dough pieces that seem designed only for scooping up creamy burrata. A couple of beers facilitated by charming Danny out front seal the deal.
Every neighbourhood deemed one of the world’s 39 coolest needs a reliable spot for inexpensive, ultra-gratifying food, and in Camberwell it’s Falafel & Shawarma. The operation is straightforward: falafel and shawarma, a little mezze and a few fruit juices, done well, without fuss.
The falafel has a pitch-perfect crust-to-interior ratio, staying crisp on the outside whilst remaining light and fluffy inside. It comes in flatbread with plenty of salad, pickles, and tahini. You can add extras like spicy potato or aubergine to bulk things up. Standard wraps start under a fiver, with larger options and mezze platters reaching the lofty heights of £7.50.
The shawarma is equally good; well-seasoned grilled chicken packed into a wrap with generous accompaniments. Nothing here is trying to reinvent the wheel – it’s just executing the fundamentals with clarity, consistency and a deft touch with the spices. Sometimes – quite often, in fact – it’s all you need.
If you want to sit and eat rather than grab and go, the mezze plate option gives you a spread of dips, falafel, salad, pickles and bread for not much more money. The space itself is basic, but that’s fine. Sometimes the best restaurants are the ones that know exactly what they are. Because who needs some gold-plate cutlery, brass plates and ornate glassware to enjoy a gold-standard falafel wrap and some mint lemonade, anyway?
Ideal for coffee, lunch, and then a pleasant time admiring the fresh produce…
Gladwell’s is technically a greengrocer, deli, butcher and bakery rather than a restaurant, but you can eat exceptionally well here so it deserves inclusion. The morning sees laptop workers and book readers settling in with excellent coffee and pastries. By lunchtime, the focaccia sandwiches and daily soups draw a different crowd.
The produce on display is genuinely beautiful. You find yourself genuinely admiring vegetables, thinking about seasonal cooking, and building elaborate fantasy dinner party menus that may never materialise. The focaccia sandwiches use those ingredients from the deli counter and are substantially filled. Soups change based on what’s in season and are consistently hearty and well-made. The big wooden tables create a communal dining area that has a lovely continental feel, and the flat whites are taken seriously. It all feels so right.
But the real pleasure of Gladwell’s is the browsing. The shelves hold interesting bottles, unusual ingredients, and the kind of deli staples that make you want to cook something ambitious. It’s a place that encourages you to think more carefully about what you’re eating and where it comes from.
Ideal for Xinjiang food as good as you’ll find anywhere in London…
Lao Dao opened in 2024, run by Tim who spent years working at Silk Road. He’s brought that same approach to Xinjiang cuisine but with his own perspective sprinkled over things for good measure. The restaurant has been getting steadily busier as word spreads, but it hasn’t yet reached the point where booking far in advance is mandatory.
The cooking is bold and intensely flavoured, showcasing the distinctive spice profiles of the region. Lamb ribs come coated in a spice mix that makes you immediately reach for cold beer, specifically Tsingtao, which is kept ice-cold and pairs brilliantly with the rich, spiced meat. The hand-made noodle dishes show the same expertise you’d expect from someone trained at Silk Road, with excellent texture and generous portions.
Nothing here is precious or over-refined. Regional cooking executed with skill and integrity, the kind of food that satisfies deeply without needing to be fancy about it. The place won’t stay under the radar forever, so get there whilst booking is still relatively easy.
There’s a particular quality to the Danube between March and June that the rest of the year can’t replicate. The light changes first, pale and watery in the mornings, stretching into long golden afternoons that play across the surface of the river like something borrowed from a Klimt painting. Then the banks follow: cherry blossoms appearing along the Budapest embankments, wildflower meadows filling in outside Bratislava, the Vienna Woods cycling through every available shade of green.
For anyone who has only experienced this stretch of the Danube in high summer, surrounded by tour groups and flattened by heat, the spring version feels like a different river entirely. Fed by Alpine snowmelt, the water runs higher and faster. The cities along its course are unhurried. Restaurant terraces reopen cautiously. And the cultural calendars, dormant since autumn, come back to life.
Budapest’s Slow Thaw
Budapest wears spring better than almost any European capital. The thermal baths take on a different character when the outside air still carries a bite but the water steams regardless. Széchenyi, the big one in City Park, is spectacular in the early morning when steam rises off the yellow neo-baroque pools and the place is still half empty. Rudas, the Ottoman-era bath at the foot of Gellért Hill, is smaller and darker, with a domed central pool that dates back to the sixteenth century and a rooftop terrace overlooking the Danube. Both are worth visiting, but in spring they feel less like tourist attractions and more like the neighbourhood amenity they were always intended to be.
The long green strip in the middle of the Danube, Margaret Island, fills with runners and picnickers weeks before the tourist season gets going. The ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter push further onto the pavements with each passing week, and the Great Market Hall begins stacking crates of new-season Hungarian strawberries, small and deeply fragrant, nothing like the pale imports that fill British supermarket shelves in January. The langós stalls on the upper floor do a roaring trade too, turning out fried dough loaded with sour cream and cheese that costs almost nothing and tastes unreasonably good.
What makes the city particularly rewarding at this time of year is the space it gives you. There are no queues for the Fisherman’s Bastion at sunrise. You can walk into Café Gerbeaud or New York Café without forward planning. The whole place operates at a pace that encourages lingering, which suits the season.
The Budapest Spring Festival, held every April across roughly three weeks, is Hungary’s biggest cultural event – classical concerts, opera, jazz and contemporary dance spread across 40-odd venues, from the grand halls of Müpa and the Liszt Academy to open-air squares and ruin pub courtyards. It has been running since 1981, and a good portion of the programme is free.
Bratislava still catches people off guard, and that remains one of its strongest cards. The compact Old Town is gorgeous, all pastel baroque facades and cobbled lanes that open without warning onto the river, and in spring it looks its best. The castle grounds sit high above the Danube and become a favourite local walking spot once the weather turns, with views stretching to the Austrian border on clear days. Below the castle, the recently restored riverside promenade runs along the southern bank, lined with cafés that begin setting out chairs at the first sign of sustained warmth.
The food scene has sharpened considerably in recent years too. Slovak cooking has always had substance, hearty and Central European, built for cold weather, but a younger generation of chefs is doing interesting things with local ingredients. Spring is when the best of those ingredients arrive: wild garlic from the Small Carpathians, fresh trout, new potatoes. All of it pairs well with the crisp whites from the nearby Little Carpathian wine region, one of Central Europe’s most underappreciated. A handful of wine bars in the Old Town now pour flights from small local producers, and an afternoon spent working through them is an afternoon well spent.
In May, the Slovak Food Festival takes over the castle grounds – widely billed as the country’s biggest outdoor picnic, with producers and chefs from across Slovakia setting up among the ramparts. The views over the Danube make it worth the climb even if you arrive just for a glass of Veltlínske Zelené.
From Bratislava, the most natural next move is to cruise to Vienna, a journey of roughly ninety minutes downstream through some of the Danube’s prettiest stretches. The two capitals sit just sixty kilometres apart, closer than any other pair of national capitals in Europe, and seeing the landscape shift between them from the water adds something that trains and motorways simply can’t.
Vienna In Full Bloom
Vienna commits fully to spring. The Ringstrasse’s chestnut trees blossom in April, the Naschmarkt overflows with asparagus and wild garlic, and the parks, from the Prater to Schönbrunn’s gardens, are responsible for the kind of horticultural excess that makes the Habsburgs’ obsession with gardening feel entirely reasonable.
The asparagus in question is white asparagus – Spargel – grown in the Marchfeld plains east of the city, and its arrival between mid-April and mid-June is treated as a proper seasonal event. Restaurants put up dedicated menus; some hang banners in their windows. The classic preparation is deliberately simple: boiled and served with hollandaise and new potatoes. It is worth seeking out.
From mid-May, the Wiener Festwochen – the Vienna Festival – runs for five or six weeks, filling venues across the city with theatre, opera and dance from international companies. It has been going since 1951 and opens each year with a free outdoor concert at Rathausplatz, the square in front of the Rathaus.
Indeed, musically, this is when the programme gets especially dense. The Musikverein and Konzerthaus run packed schedules too, and open-air performances begin appearing in courtyards across the city. There’s an energy to Vienna in April and May that sits at odds with its reputation for stuffiness: people stay longer in the coffeehouses, the Heurigen wine taverns in the outer districts throw open their gardens, and evenings increasingly migrate outdoors.
The coffeehouse culture is worth a particular mention in spring, not because it changes exactly, but because the contrast sharpens. You can spend a morning at Café Central or Café Sperl, reading the papers over a Melange and a piece of Topfenstrudel, then walk out into warm sunshine and blossom. That shift from the dark, wood-panelled interiors into the bright street is a small thing, but it captures something essential about Vienna at this time of year: a city that holds onto its traditions while the season pushes everything gently forward.
Spring on the Danube runs broadly from late March through early June, with April and May the sweet spot. Temperatures tend to sit between 12°C and 22°C, warm enough for long days outside, cool enough to want a jacket for evening river walks. Flights into Budapest and Vienna are frequent and affordable from most UK airports. Wizz Air and Ryanair both serve Budapest from several regional airports, while Vienna has strong connections through BA, easyJet and Austrian Airlines. Bratislava is easily reached from either city by train, bus or boat, and its own airport receives a limited number of budget flights from the UK.
In terms of itinerary, a week gives you comfortable time to cover all three cities with breathing room. A long weekend works well if you pick one city and use the river to visit another as a day trip. Budapest and Vienna both function brilliantly as standalone spring breaks, but adding Bratislava between them, even for a single night, changes the texture of the trip considerably. It’s smaller, less polished and less predictable, and that is a large part of what makes it worth the stop.
The real case for spring is atmospheric rather than practical. The river feels different when the blossom is out and the snowmelt is still coming through. The cities feel different when the terraces have just reopened and the locals outnumber the visitors. There is a window, roughly six or eight weeks long, when this corridor of Central Europe is at its most rewarding, and it closes reliably every year around the middle of June.
The Bottom Line
The Danube between Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna is one of Europe’s great spring trips: culturally rich, logistically simple, and at a point in the calendar when the region looks and feels its best. Whether you spend a full week working downstream or grab a long weekend in one city with a day on the river, this is the time of year to do it.
All that said, autumn along the Danube comes pretty close. You know what they say about shoulder seasons, and all that…
The film, the carnival, the market not the mushroom, The Clash, Stella McCartney, Damon Albarn and Robbie Williams. Yep, Notting Hill is many things to many people, but a foodie destination it has not traditionally been.
All that has changed in recent years, with a slew of recent exciting openings and not one but two 3 Michelin-starred restaurants (fuck me, that’s an ugly bout of counting) drawing the plaudits and punters just west of centre, all searching for a good feed and a silly little snap of those rainbow coloured facades.
If you’ve landed in Notting Hill packing an appetite and a thick wallet, then you’re in luck; there are plenty of restaurants to see off that hunger in style. These are those; here are the best restaurants in Notting Hill.
Dove, Kensington Park Road
Ideal for comfort food with genuine substance and a burger worth booking ahead for…
When Jackson Boxer closed Orasay at the end of 2024, Notting Hill’s denizens went into what turned out to be a mercifully short period of mourning. Because, just seven days later he reopened as Dove with the same team and the same handsome room. The reason for the closure? Expensive seafood had become economically unviable. The solution? A menu of what he calls “the things I want to cook and eat right now”.
Same, Jackson. Same…
So, that’s deep fried taleggio and Wiltshire truffle lasagne (£7 for two), which are two carby cubes that crunch when you bite into them, releasing a molten, funky core of cheese and truffle. Or, a grilled bavette steak with smoked bone marrow and morels that’s a lesson in sauce-building first and foremost, those wobbly cubes of marrow studded throughout making you feel all giddy as you chase them around the plate.
What makes Dove work is Boxer’s refusal to overcomplicate things. This is a chef who capably runs Henri and Brunswick House, and ran that there Orasay, and he knows his way around a plate. But here, he’s stripped things back to focus even more than ever on what tastes great. The lemon and ricotta dumplings with lobster cream are a case in point – rich, indulgent, comforting, and completely devoid of unnecessary garnishes or faffing about. Their lime leaf oil makes sense in the context, lightening and brightening.
Then there’s the burger. Only ten are made each night, they’re not on the menu, and if you’re not there by 6pm, they’re gone. Made with 50-day dry-aged beef, gorgonzola and onions cooked in Champagne, it’s one of the most considered burgers in London. And also one of the best…
The wine list comes courtesy of Noble Rot. There’s a keg red Primitivo at £5.50 a glass that drinks beautifully with the richer dishes. At around £150 for two including drinks and service, Dove sits in that sweet spot where you’re paying for quality but not feeling fleeced.
Ideal for Thai food that doesn’t hold back on the heat or the funk…
The Electric Diner’s closure left that odd tunnel-like space on Portobello Road sitting empty. Speedboat Bar took it over, bringing the same energy that made their Soho original such a hit. The team had already proven they know how to do Bangkok-style Thai that actually tastes like Bangkok, so expectations were high.
Walking in, you’re hit by neon signs, a thumping soundtrack, and the smell of wok hei. The old Electric’s red leather booths have been kept, but everything else has been cranked up several notches, much like the stuff on the plate.
The seriously spicy chicken salad with green mango kerabu is the kind of dish that makes you reach for your beer after every bite, then go straight back in for more. You do end up a little light-headed, pissed from all the beer and tripping from all the chilli. You’ll find a different kind of heat in the crispy pork with black pepper curry, the pork shattering before you hit that silky but rasping sauce. And so it goes on; a new dish of whole sea bream in makrut lime sauce comes out bronzed and crisp-skinned, big enough to share and crying out to be flaked over freshly steamed rice.
The kitchen here doesn’t mess about with authenticity theatre or trying to educate you about regional Thai cuisine. They just cook the food properly, with the kind of jet-powered wok heat and deft technique that’s impossible to replicate at home. Those tom yam mama noodles – the signature, not only due to their photogenic nature – have the depth of flavour that only comes from a kitchen that knows how to build a proper broth, layering funk and heat and sour notes until you’re scraping the bowl clean playfully.
As with Soho, there are beer towers on the tables, and this isn’t the place for quiet conversation; it’s loud, fun, and the energy stays high throughout service. It’s good value, too. Most mains hover around £15-18, which in Notting Hill feels almost charitable.
What Speedboat Bar does well is refuse to tone things down. The food is unapologetically bold, with the kind of intensity you’d find in a good Bangkok shophouse. When the ol’ £690 Eva Air to Suvarnabhumi just feels too hard on the wallet, this is the next best thing.
Ideal for refined Palestinian cooking that tells a story…
Just a minute’s walk from Notting Hill Gate tube station to Uxbridge Street, and suddenly everything gets ever so residential, with a row of cute houses in shades of Trio’politan, The Uxbridge Arms as a decent local boozer, and one of the best neighbourhood restaurants you could hope for in Akub.
The hunter green frontage – a muted contrast to its pastel-hued neighbours – gives few hints about the riot of flavours found inside this modern Palestinian restaurant, the brainchild of Franco-Palestinian restaurateur Fadi Kattan, who also owns Fawda in Bethlehem.
Fadi’s mission is to bring the diverse, sophisticated culinary traditions of Palestine to London’s food scene, and, all in all, we think it’s mission complete. Because Akub, since opening in 2023, has received rave reviews in several national newspapers; ‘near-perfect’, ‘absolutely ravishing’ and ‘cumulative harmony’ have all been thrown at the place. More importantly, it’s full pretty much every day of the week, except Mondays, when it’s shut.
At the stoves is head chef Mathilde Papazian, who has spent considerable time in Bethlehem mastering the intricacies of traditional Palestinian cuisine. She brings a certain flair to dishes that celebrate the country’s rich culinary heritage and British seasonal produce. It’s a marriage made in heaven, all poised piquancy, heady spicing and loads and loads of imported Palestinian olive oil, which is some of the world’s best.
It’s all grounded by some excellent bread. Hitting the table warm, the zaatar manakeesh is made texturally intriguing by a shower of toasted sesame seeds. Perfect for sharing and tearing, and dragging through Akub’s trio of dips.
There’s a sense of dexterity and balance to the cooking here, apparent in dishes like a gorgeously rich short rib fatteh, the beef’s inherent unctuousness levelled out with garlic yoghurt and pomegranate. Or, the grilled Nabulsi cheese. Arriving with a uniform golden crust, its assertive briny notes are tempered by an allium-adjacent, off-bitter nigella seed oil.
Best of all, a slow cooked lamb neck – the humble cut elevated with fenugreek, cumin, and allspice, and served with red shatta (a Middle Eastern hot sauce made with red chillies and peppers) mayo. It looks faintly obscene, but boy does it taste good.
Alongside, there’s a selection of Palestinian and Jordanian wines, as well as imported Taybeh beer – an elite level local lager if ever there was one – and the obligatory arak, the world’s oldest spirit and one whose aniseed assertiveness is a wonderfully refreshing way to reset after the meal.
The intimate and stylish setting of Akub is adorned with nods to Palestinian culture, such as a beautiful Tatreez tapestry and an olive tree, symbolising the ‘right of return’ for the Palestinian people. Indeed, Akub not only serves as one of Notting Hill’s culinary highlights, but also as a place that honours the heritage and resilience of the Palestinian community.
Without doubt, this is our favourite restaurant in Notting Hill, and one more than ever deserving of patronage and support.
Ideal for vibrant Barbary Coast cooking in a room that’s pure jaw-dropping theatre…
Eight years after opening their tiny, counter-only original in Neal’s Yard, Zoë and Layo Paskin have brought The Barbary to Notting Hill in considerably grander style.
And what style it is – this Grade II-listed corner spot, designed by Archer Humphryes, is an absolute stunner. Flooded with natural light from wraparound windows, the 75-seat space features a crack-glazed volcanic stone bar, a distinctive woven wicker panelled ceiling, and Paavo Tynell straw pendants that cast a warm glow over proceedings (if the sun wasn’t already making fine work of that).
With its midnight blue horseshoe booths and burnt orange upholstery, the whole place has a rich, 1970s lounge vibe that strikes a fine balancing act between nostalgic and contemporary. As do the cocktails, it should be said, with the smoked pineapple paloma clearly made with skilled hands. Ditto the saffron negroni, a beautifully perfumed take on a classic.
This is a room you want to drink and dine in during the day, when the flowing, unstoppable light seasons the food with a golden-hour vitality. The cooking here continues The Barbary’s love affair with the vast culinary landscape from Southern Europe to Northern Africa, all tied together by the theatre of open-fire cooking.
The artichoke alla giudia arrives as a bronzed, crisp flower, each petal shattering to reveal tender heart beneath. Alongside, a spiced labneh isn’t strictly required, but it’s a welcome jolt of piquancy nonetheless. It’s a looker, and the kind of dish that has tables craning their necks when it passes by. The ‘Spicy Plate’ sounds somewhat prosaic, but is a colourful mix of different chillis, some pickled, some grilled and blistered, and with a mound of salsa verde in the middle for totally unnecessary, totally delicious dredging.
From the wood-fired oven comes their tropea onion and anchovy butter flatbread, the sweet alliums and salty fish creating that perfect sweet-saline balance that makes you immediately order another, the bread itself so light and digestible you don’t ruin the rest of your meal doing so. Anyway, next up is a stone bass tartare so dainty there’s no danger of getting full. In the cloying summer heat, it’s just the ticket.
After all that excitement, some of the larger plates threaten to underwhelm – packing a little less vivacity than those that preceded them – but are satisfying all the same. A bronzed thigh of chicken boasts smoky, bitter char from a judiciously applied coffee crust. Underneath, a pine nut puree (in this economy!) brings a suave balance to the dish.
This is the kind of place to bring someone you’re keen to impress. The room oozes style and combined with the vibrant cooking and the energy that comes from watching the chefs work their magic around that horseshoe counter, The Barbary Notting Hill proves that sometimes bigger really can be better.
Ideal for when only the finest haute cuisine in the country will do…
Considered by much of the country’s culinary cognoscenti to be England’s finest realisation of haute cuisine, The Ledbury continues to operate at a level few restaurants on the planet can match, let alone sustain.
In 2024, The Ledbury finally achieved a well-deserved third Michelin star – the highest accolade in the game – 14 years after it received its second. It only took a COVID-enforced, potentially permanent closure, an incredible comeback, a change of head chef and a fancy new mushroom cabinet to make that happen, but my does it feel warranted. That third star was retained in 2025 and 2026, cementing The Ledbury’s place among the global elite.
There’s been a palpable sense, across the last couple of years, that things have been taken up a notch, with already close to immaculate dishes revised and refined, perfected and polished until they are the most precise expression of time and space, of seasonality and technique, that you’ll likely find anywhere in the country.
This milestone not only underscores The Ledbury’s culinary excellence but also denotes it as one of the rare elite, one of a select few restaurants worldwide to hold the prestigious three star ranking. The accolades haven’t stopped there, either; The Ledbury was named the best restaurant in the UK at the National Restaurant Awards in both 2024 and 2025, reclaiming and then defending a title it first held back in 2012. Bravo.
A meal here centres around a tasting menu – a six-course option at £210 or an eight-course at £260 – that pitches each course as headlined by its hero ingredient in sometimes delicate, sometimes robust pairings, ensuring a dining experience that surprises and satisfies in equal measure. Under Chef Graham’s vigilant eye and the adept execution of head chef Tom Spenceley, dishes like line caught red mullet with Wye Valley asparagus, black Perigord truffle and sudachi, a type of Japanese citrus, are perfectly balanced and boasting an unmatchable clarity of flavour.
Graham’s acute understanding of animal husbandry is perhaps the defining feature of The Ledbury, with the restaurant’s game cookery second to none pretty much anywhere on the planet. His pairing of black olive and liquorice with a blushing loin of venison is an inspired, genius touch. To finish, just pray that the iconic brown sugar tart and stem ginger ice cream is on the menu.
Sure, this isn’t your normal neighbourhood restaurant – despite what Graham will claim – but for a special occasion, The Ledbury is arguably the best in the UK at this type of precision fine dining.
Ideal for when France and Italy collide in tasteful harmony…
At the intersection of Westbourne Park and Ledbury Road, Caractère stands at its own kind of crossroads – where tradition meets innovation, and where the grand culinary powers of France and Italy converge.
Testament to the experience of its owners, Emily Roux and Diego Ferrari, this contemporary restaurant harmoniously weaves together their respective experiences while boldly charting its own course forward, managing to celebrate the heritage and expertise of its backers while placing one eye – or, you know, both – firmly on the future.
Emily Roux, daughter of the renowned Michel Roux Jr., has carved her own path in the culinary world, choosing not to take over her father’s famed Le Gavroche but instead to create something uniquely hers with Caractère. Together with her husband Diego Ferrari, they have crafted a menu that aims to straddle comfort and innovation. It confidently succeeds in that aim.
Perhaps the showstopper here – and certainly embodying that approach – is the celeriac cacio e pepe, on the menu from day dot and never likely to leave it. Composed of long strands of celeriac (resembling tagliatelle) coated in a rich and velvety sauce of Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano Reggiano, topped with a few drops of 25 years of age balsamic vinegar and crushed black peppercorns, Emily’s grandfather, the late, great Albert Roux, was said to be besotted with the dish – which is perhaps the highest praise one could bestow here.
The name of the restaurant means ‘character’ in French, and there’s certainly plenty of that in the way the menu is uniquely structured around 5 personality traits – ‘Curious’, ‘Subtle’, ‘Delicate’, ‘Robust’ and ‘Greedy’ – each section showcasing different aspects of their French-Italian fusion cuisine. You can either build your own tasting menu, choosing one dish from each trait, for £145, or go a la carte, with a starter, main and dessert for £110.
That celeriac number is subtle, by the way, whilst of a more robust disposition, a dish of squab pigeon, roasted on the crown and its particularly plump breast a perfect pink, is served with Scottish girolles, halves of cherry and a silky smooth beetroot puree. Its leg is served on the side, foot still attached in an enticing come hither gesture. You know what? We don’t mind if we do…
In lesser hands, that rather idiosyncratic menu might be a little confusing, but the cooking at Caractère boasts such clarity of flavour that any worries are washed away as soon as you’re served.
Not that our anxiety was particularly high before the first course; the interior of Caractère exudes a casual yet sophisticated charm, with terracotta walls contrasting against white-washed ceiling beams to pleasingly soothing effect.
The dining room features plush velvet seating in deep green and charcoal tones. Glass globe chandeliers cast a warm glow throughout. A dramatic feature wall showcases a moody skyline, and the bar area displays an impressive array of glassware on illuminated shelving. It’s all very evocative, suggestive of a large bill on the horizon, but one you’ll be more than happy to foot.
The winelist is an absolute tour-de-force, too, a 26 page tome that exemplifies the restaurant’s Franco-Italian philosophy, exclusively featuring wines from these two nations. Under the careful curation of sommelier Marco Nardi, the collection emphasises sustainable and traditional winemaking practices, with particular attention to organic, biodynamic, and natural wines.
The list pays homage to tradition, sure, with plenty of Burgundys and Barolos, but there are welcome nods to innovation, too, most notably through its inclusion of PIWI varieties – fungus-resistant grapes representing sustainable viticulture’s future. For those seeking something beyond wine, Caractère offers a carefully curated selection of craft cocktails, with several creative variations on the classic Negroni paying tribute to Ferrari’s roots.
Let’s just say that the vision here is fully realised, and the locals of Notting Hill seem to agree; it’s constantly packed out. The restaurant earned a star in the Michelin Guide in 2025, retained it in the 2026 edition, and featured on Apple TV’s Knife Edge – a testament to Emily and Diego’s vision of sophisticated yet approachable dining. All of which has made snagging a table significantly more difficult, so do book well in advance for this one!
Ideal for charcoal-grilled excellence with a side of scene…
Dorian has made a pretty massive name for itself on the London food scene since its opening in October 2022. Founded by Chris D’Sylva, who also owns the Notting Hill Fish Shop and the adjacent meat operation, Dorian was conceived with the aim of creating a bistro that embodies both high-quality technique and an unpretentious charm. It succeeded in both those aims.
In fact, that description sums up the dining experience at Dorian so astutely that we won’t bother expanding…
…only joking. This vision has been realised and recognised, with the restaurant earning a Michelin star in 2024 and retaining it ever since. It has become the place for chefs to have a celebratory meal; pretty much every famous face from the culinary world – both in London and further afield – has passed through, if our Instagram feed is to be believed. Which, it is; there’s photographic evidence of it happening.
Indeed, it’s a place that boasts the buzz of a neighbourhood brasserie, but also one that excels in celebrating a single, premium ingredient via the singular technique of charcoal grilling.
Now, grilling over flames has become so ubiquitous across London in recent years that the smoke in our eyes has rather blinded us to the fact that quite a lot of chefs in the city aren’t actually very good at it. We’ve had enough overcooked whole turbot and ice cold but acridly smoked steak to say that with some confidence.
Not so at Dorian, where head chef Max Coen – who has previous at London heavyweight Ikoyi and three-Michelin-starred Frantzén in Stockholm – is a master of the binchotan.
The menu, stylistically speaking, follows a form very much popularised by Brat, of an A4 longlist of brusque menu descriptors focusing on just one or two ingredients and a hefty price tag that should perhaps be diverted to a copywriter. See; caviar rosti (£35), green asparagus, nettle and yolk (£21), pork chop £44 all the way up to bone in rib-eye (£165, for 2 or 3 people to share).
That rib-eye (a cross breed of Holstein Dairy cow x Japanese Black Beef cow, reared in North Yorkshire), to be fair, is a masterful piece of work, 50mm thick and arriving with a pronounced crust, an inch layer of buttery yellow, grassy fat, and flesh that is wall-to-wall blushing pink (those chefs on the neighbouring table will be saying “cuisson” and “soigne” with irritating, increasing regularity). A T-bone big enough to wave around Flinstone-style is included for gnawing.
Though not nominally a steak restaurant, Dorian ranked 27th in the world in the World’s Best Steak Restaurants list for 2024 (fuck me; when will this end?), and it feels richly, warmly deserved. This is one fine steak worthy of a blowout.
Ignore the tagline on the restaurant’s website that Dorian is ‘a bistro for locals’ – this ain’t Royston Vasey, fellas – and grab a seat at the counter to get a view of the chefs (the ones working here) in action. The enormous wall of wine behind you is a reassuring, tempting presence. Be warned; the wines here start at £50 a bottle. As in, that’s the very cheapest you’ll find. There are some that clock in at over £6000. Perhaps Hugo off Succession is ordering some of these off the Waystar company dime (we keep seeing the affable Fisher Stevens in here, having a right old time).
Anyway, it’s a classy, monochrome room that you’re tempted to play human chess in if you’re not seated at that bar. Even the snacks arrive on some Toon Army striped greaseproof, a bite of creamy uni draped over a bang-in season Jersey Royal nailing that luxury/humble thing that’s everywhere right now.
Which is to say, although Dorian posits itself as idiosyncratic – those all caps on Insta do a lot of the hard work – you’ll find boujee London food trends in various guises are all over the menu here. It’s just that the team here has seemingly perfected them.
Ideal for proper Turkish grill without the faff (and wallet-crushing prices)…
Standing proud and prettily tiled on Ladbroke Grove, a mere kebab’s throw (don’t waste the damn thing doing that!) from the tube station, Fez Mangal has earned its stripes as one of London’s most straightforwardly delicious practitioners of the ancient art of the grill, long before the tatted folks on GBM came along and claimed to have invented cooking meat over fire.
he first clue that you’re in for something genuinely enjoyable comes from the strings of dried chillis hanging in the window – a touch of theatre, sure, but also a statement of intent. Also; almost impossible to resist using as a spicy hanging punch bag.
The second clue? A crushing aroma of charcoal smoke that’ll catch your throat quite shockingly if you breathe in wrong. Don’t let that – or the queues – put you off; the well-oiled machine that is Fez’s service means you’ll be seated before you can say ‘one portion of ezme salata, please’. Admittedly, that would be a fucking weird thing to say before you’d even sat down, but anyway…
The menu is refreshingly straightforward – none of that ‘carefully curated’ or those ‘refined takes’ here – but that doesn’t mean it lacks finesse. The adana kebab is a masterclass in spicing and fatty, bouncy texture, the minced lamb singing with garlic and chilli, whilst remaining distinctly pastoral-tasting. It’s a delicate balance that many get wrong; Fez gets it spot on.
The lamb beyti is another triumph, the meat wrapped in lavash bread and drowned (in a good way) in tomato sauce and yoghurt. It’s comfort food of the highest order, the kind of thing you crave at both 3pm and 3am. The chicken shish proves that the kitchen knows its way around a bird (ewww) as well as it does its lamb, the chunks of breast meat somehow remaining juicy despite their time over the coals. All are priced at £18.50, and are bloody massive.
But it’s not just about the meat. The supporting cast is equally impressive – proper Turkish bread, pillowy and charred in all the right places, red cabbage that’s actually had some thought put into it (how many times have you had the sad, flavourless variety?), and a garlic sauce that’ll have you breathing fire for days. Worth it, though, as long as you’re not snogging after.
Watch as the pides (Turkish flatbreads) emerge from the clay ovens, their toppings bubbling and edges perfectly charred, and order one of those, too.
Best of all? It’s BYO with no corkage charge. Well, not best of all, but in a city where a glass of house white can set you back a tenner, this is something to be celebrated. Bring a bottle of something nice – these kebabs deserve better than corner shop plonk – and settle in for one of the best value meals in West London.
Not so much a hidden gem anymore – those days are long gone – but rather an institution that reminds us that sometimes the best things in life are the simplest.
Ideal for hearty, honest cooking in a pub that remembers what pubs are for…
The Pelican is the ideal boozer in Notting Hill for those who love a big, hearty feed to go with their John Smith’s. Hey, who doesn’t?
Standing proud on All Saints Road, The Pelican has evolved from your typical local into a modern gastropub under the stewardship of restaurateurs James Gummer and Phil Winser, who took over in 2022, all without losing any of its charm.
This transformation included a revamp of the decor – it’s now all butcher shop tones, leather banquettes, the sound of heels on a sanded wood floor and a menu of meats by weight scrawled on a mirror with chalk – and the installation of Owen Kenworthy as head chef, the kind of solid chef grounded in both the French and British classics. Though Kenworthy has now moved on, his influence over a humble, hearty menu remains.
Menu descriptors are even terser than Dorian’s from a few paragraphs previous. The Pelican’s is basically a shopping list, let’s be honest. Whilst ‘tomatoes, capers’, ‘leek, egg’, ‘hake, parsley’ (would it kill them to chuck an adjective in there so we know how things have been prepared?) all sound a little austere – spiritless, even – there’s fortunately more going on when the plates hit the table. St John-inspired minimalism rather than stinginess, we’d say. A dish of crimson, thinly sliced ox heart with a tangle of celeriac remoulade certainly wouldn’t feel out of place on the stark white tables of Smithfield, with all the top quality that implies.
The Pelican has featured on the increasingly influential Top 50 Gastropubs list, a testament to its quality. The same team’s newest venture, Canteen, also in Notting Hill, picked up a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2026 for its flavour-forward Italian cooking – further proof that Gummer and Winser know what they’re doing. But the best part is that The Pelican remains a true pub at heart, welcoming patrons for drinks alone without any pretence or need for a feed. Cheers to that.
Ideal for homestyle Malaysian comfort far from home…
We’ve eaten a hell of a lot of grumpily described steaks in this article, and we’re sick of it, quite honestly. Thank the good, syncretistic lord for Med Salleh Kopitam, then, which brings sweet, spicy relief from our meat coma, and a good jolt of vitality in the process.
Visible from the exit of Bayswater underground, Med Salleh Kopitiam is run by Med Pang and Koi Lee, whose passion for authentic Malaysian food shines through in every complex, thoroughly spiced dish.
Much has been written about the restaurant’s absurd, impossibly sweet Devil’s tower of shaved ice, but it wasn’t on when we visited, so we’ll pontificate, instead, on the signature Med’s Grandma Hainanese Chicken Rice, which arrives presented prettily on branded greaseproof and in various shades of turmeric, with three sauces – all pleasingly pungent and powerful – for diners to mix and match to their tastes and tolerances.
The chicken itself (thigh) is poached to silky perfection, its fatty, flabby skin thankfully left on (much to the chagrin of Torode and Wallace – pricks). It’s the second best bit, dredged through those sauces, the highlight and headliner of course being the rice itself, satin-like in the mouth from a good dose of chicken fat and just wonderfully, insanely comforting. Lay me nude in a bath and cover me in the stuff, please. It’s how I’d like to go out. Yours for just £13.90.
Though the chicken rice is a meal in itself, the roti canai, beef rendang, and chicken satay have also been praised by others who have actually eaten them. For us, it’s all about the signature dish though. We can’t imagine ordering anything else here.
Just as is so brilliant in the hawker centres of Penang and Kuala Lumpur, Med Salleh Kopitiam has an extensive selection of interesting, invigorating fruit juices and homemade teas. The lime iced tea is particularly good.
One of Notting Hill’s best restaurants, SUMI is the informal, laid back sister restaurant to sushi master Endo Kazutoshi’s Endo at the Rotunda, which is a fifteen minute Uber ride (if you can bloody get one) west in White City.
Something we’ve found a lot in London in recent years; big, heavy hitting fine dining restaurants often phone it in when it comes to their more ‘casual’, bottom-line-fixated siblings. But at SUMI, it’s immediately clear that just as much care and attention has gone into the place as its kin up the road.
‘Sumi’ is chef Endo’s mother’s name, and this sense of reverence goes far beyond that nod to maternal affection. There’s love and respect in every morsel found on this clear, precise menu, primarily composed of nigiri, sashimi and temaki, the latter a technique developed by the family of Endo Kazutoshi.
There’s also comfort food of sorts here, done the Endo way in the form of A4 Wagyu sirloin grilled over coals (the chefs have several compact Konro grills lined up on the counter). It’s served with charred broccoli and a meat jus (‘SUMI meat sauce’) which has dextrously been lifted by the merest splash of rice vinegar. The effect is akin to the lightest yet most luxurious Sunday lunch you could dream of.
Comfort is a theme that runs through much of the operation at SUMI. The Beef Gohan, a Japanese rice dish that’s baked in a cast iron pots and designed to share, is a wonderfully homely thing. The graceful, studied hospitality only helps you relax into the place more deeply.
Don’t come to SUMI expecting the hushed tones of reverence that some sushi joints have. Instead, come for a nourishing, nurturing, familial vibe in keeping with the restaurant’s namesake.
Ideal for French rotisserie that’s a cut above your supermarket bird…
Something straightforward to finish our list of the best restaurants in Notting Hill with, where the decision making has largely been made once you’ve settled on the venue. Because Cocotte is all about one thing; chicken.
Specifically, free range, ‘farm to table’ rotisserie chicken, available in quarter, half or full bird portions, at £8, £12 and £22 respectively. The birds, sourced from the premium poultry producing region Pays de la Loire in Western France, are marinated overnight in a secret spice blend before being slowly grilled on the spit, the skin gradually blistering under the heat. Fabulous.
Throw in a few homemade sauces (the Cocotte’s gravy is basically a jug of umami), a couple of well thought out, healthy-feeling salads, and you’re good to go.
Come to think of it, ‘good to go’ is an apt phrase; although they have tables, Cocotte is perhaps best enjoyed as a takeaway; their boxes are ideal for a nourishing picnic lunch in nearby Powis Square park.
If you are staying in, consider coming for brunch. Cocotte’s chicken and waffles, which sees a sweet chili basted chicken thigh, a fried egg and a waffle croissant (or croffle), hits all the right notes.
The UK is home to around 13.5 million pet dogs, with 36% of all households owning at least one. That makes it one of the most dog-dense countries in Europe, yet the experience of owning one varies wildly depending on where you live. In one city you might have three parks within walking distance, a vet around the corner and a local pub that keeps biscuits behind the bar. In another, you could be driving 20 minutes to find somewhere your dog can run off-lead, paying well over the odds for a routine consultation and fielding dirty looks every time you try to bring them inside for a pint.
The gap has widened in recent years. The Competition and Markets Authority found that vet fees have risen at nearly twice the rate of inflation, with standard consultations now ranging from around £35 in Birmingham to upwards of £70 in parts of London. Rental markets in many cities remain hostile to dog owners. And while the culture around dogs in pubs and restaurants has shifted enormously over the past decade, some places have embraced it faster than others.
All of which means the city you choose, or already find yourself in, has a real impact on the quality of life you and your dog share. Here are five that get the balance right.
Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital has a structural advantage that most English cities cannot match. The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 grants walkers and their dogs the right to roam across most of the countryside, provided the dog is kept under proper control. In practice, this means the city’s boundaries blur into open hills, coastline and woodland without the “Private, Keep Out” signs that dog owners south of the border encounter so often.
Within the city itself, 49% of Edinburgh is green space, the highest proportion of any major UK city according to a study by First Mile. The 650-acre Holyrood Park, with its climb up Arthur’s Seat, feels more like the Highlands than a capital city. Inverleith Park and The Meadows cover the everyday walks, and the 13-mile Water of Leith Walkway connects much of it together, running from the edge of the Pentland Hills all the way down to Leith. Portobello Beach adds a coastal dimension for dogs who prefer saltwater to grass.
A 2025 study by Accor rated Edinburgh 8.9 out of 10 for dog-friendly dining, the highest of any UK city in their analysis. Gastropubs like The Scran & Scallie and The Palmerston treat dogs as standard. For those moments when sentimentality strikes, there’s always Greyfriars Bobby’s statue to remind you that Edinburgh has been a dog city for well over a century.
Liverpool
Liverpool might not be the first city that springs to mind for dog owners, but the numbers tell a convincing story. In the same Accor study, Liverpool ranked as the overall most dog-friendly city in the UK with a combined score of 7.11, taking top marks for quality of veterinary care at 8.1 out of 10. That vet provision matters more than people tend to realise, and Liverpool’s consultation fees sit comfortably at the affordable end of the national spectrum.
The city’s green spaces do serious work. Sefton Park, a Grade I listed 235-acre Victorian park, has lakes, woodland and a palm house that makes you forget you are in a city at all. Croxteth Country Park adds 500 acres of countryside on the city’s edge, while the Otterspool Promenade offers a flat riverside path that suits older dogs or anyone after a walk without the gradient.
For a coastal fix, Crosby Beach is a 15-minute drive north; dogs are welcome year-round with no seasonal restrictions, and the three-kilometre stretch of sand around Antony Gormley’s iron figures is one of the more memorable walks on Merseyside.
Liverpool’s pub culture has embraced dogs without reservation. Lark Lane, the strip of independent bars and restaurants running alongside Sefton Park, functions as a dog-walking pitstop with a drinks licence. Venues like Mowgli on Bold Street, Duke Street Market and The Bookbinder all welcome four-legged visitors. The cost of living makes a tangible difference here too.
According to estimates from Pets4Homes, a medium-sized dog in the UK now costs between £1,900 and £3,000 a year to keep, and being in a city where rent, food and vet bills sit below the national average provides genuine breathing room. Pet insurance premiums tend to be lower outside London and the South East as well, which is worth factoring into the monthly budget.
Brighton
If Edinburgh is the city where dogs have the freedom to roam, Brighton is the city where dogs have a social life. It has more dog meet-up groups per capita than anywhere else in the UK, with dedicated gatherings for pugs, terriers, sausage dogs and a catch-all group for everything in between. It would not be unusual for your cockapoo to have more weekend plans than you do.
The beach is the obvious draw. Miles of seafront let dogs run off-lead for most of the year, with the South Downs National Park rising directly behind the city for longer walks when pebbles lose their appeal. Preston Park, Stanmer Park and Queen’s Park cover the everyday routine, while Devil’s Dyke on the Downs offers one of the best viewpoints in southern England with a dog-friendly pub at the top.
Brighton’s food and drink scene treats dogs as default rather than exception. From the North Laines to Hove, you would struggle to find a pub without a water bowl by the door. The Farm Tavern in Hove has earned a reputation for serving complimentary roast dinners to visiting dogs, and Dishoom Permit Room on East Street welcomes them inside. The city’s progressive, community-minded character extends to its whole approach to animals, which is why Brighton consistently lands at or near the top of every dog-friendly city ranking published in the UK.
Bristol
Bristol combines the green credentials of a market town with the infrastructure of a proper city.
According to Visit Bristol, the city has over 400 parks and green spaces, an astonishing number for its size, anchored by the 850-acre Ashton Court Estate just across the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Leigh Woods, Brandon Hill, St George Park and the Blaise Castle Estate all offer varied terrain, from woodland scrambles to wide-open fields. The harbourside provides a flat, scenic loop that suits dogs of any age or energy level.
The independent pub and cafe scene has enthusiastically adopted a dogs-welcome policy. The Tobacco Factory in Southville, Mud Dock on the harbourside and The Grain Barge, a floating pub moored in the harbour, all treat dog owners as regulars rather than exceptions. Racks in Clifton keeps a selection of treats behind the bar for visiting hounds.
Vet provision is competitive, with prices sitting well below London and the South East. The city’s relatively compact layout helps on a daily basis; most Bristol dog owners can reach a significant green space within a ten-minute walk, which is the kind of everyday convenience that makes the biggest difference over the long run. The surrounding Somerset and Gloucestershire countryside is there for weekend adventures when the city parks start to feel too familiar.
Bath
Bath is a compact city, and for dog owners that works in its favour. You are never more than a few minutes from open countryside, and the hills surrounding the Georgian terraces provide some of the most scenic dog walks in the south of England.
The Skyline Walk, a six-mile National Trust route circling the city along the ridgeline, offers panoramic views over Bath and the Avon Valley without a stretch of pavement in sight. Alexandra Park, Bathwick Meadow and the towpath along the Kennet & Avon Canal cover the everyday walks, while Prior Park Landscape Garden welcomes dogs on leads past the Palladian Bridge and through its sweeping valley grounds.
The city’s pub scene has caught up with its dog-owning population. The Marlborough Tavern, The Hare & Hounds and The Hop Pole all welcome dogs, and several of Bath’s independent cafes keep water bowls and treats as standard. Victoria Park, which sweeps around the foot of the Royal Crescent, is an unlikely but excellent spot for an off-lead run with Georgian architecture as the backdrop.
Bath also benefits from proximity to wider walking country. The Cotswolds, Mendip Hills and the Somerset Levels are all within easy reach for day trips, and the Two Tunnels Greenway provides a traffic-free cycling and walking route that dogs love. On the practical side, the city has a decent spread of vet practices, and while it is not the cheapest place to live, it avoids the premiums of London, where vet consultations alone can run close to double what you would pay elsewhere.
The Bottom Line
Choosing where to live with a dog is not all about which city has the most Instagram-friendly park. The practical stuff, vet costs, rental policies on pets, access to off-lead space within walking distance of your front door, matters far more in the day-to-day reality of ownership than any ranking can fully capture.
Ah, the small bedroom – a place where dreams are made and space is scarce. As homes get smaller, many of us are searching for small bedroom ideas that make the most out of our compact space.
If you’re one of the many who struggle to find enough room in your pint-sized boudoir, fear not; there are plenty of ways to maximise space without compromising on style. Here are 12 ingenious space-saving solutions for small bedrooms.
Foot-of-the-Bed Storage: The Unsung Hero
Why let that valuable real estate at the foot of your bed go to waste? Utilise it by adding a stylish storage bench or trunk that doubles as seating. Not only does it provide extra space for blankets, shoes, or whatever else you can stuff in there, but it also gives your bedroom a polished, well-thought-out look. Plus, it’s the perfect spot to sit while contemplating what to wear!
Wall-Mounted Desks: A Study in Space Saving
In a small bedroom, every inch counts. That’s why wall-mounted desks are an excellent alternative to traditional desks that take up valuable floor space. Simply fold them up when not in use and voila! You’ve now got yourself a makeshift dance floor – or, you know, just more room to move around.
Floating Shelves: Defying Gravity
Who needs floor space when you’ve got walls? Floating shelves are a fantastic way to store books, knick-knacks, and other essentials without cluttering up your bedroom. Plus, they give the illusion of a larger room by, again, drawing the eye upwards (imagine these combined with tall cabinets – you’d never take your eyes off the ceiling!). Just be sure to secure them properly – nobody wants a midnight book avalanche.
A storage headboard is a clever way to add extra storage to your bedroom without sacrificing valuable floor space. Look for one with cubbies, shelves or drawers to keep all of your essentials within arm’s reach. We’re fans of bookcase headboards too; they not only look aesthetically pleasing, but you’re more likely to read before you go to sleep if a book is within arms reach. And if you didn’t know, reading a book before bed helps you sleep better.
Under-Bed Storage: The Hidden Treasure Trove
Why let dust bunnies have all the fun under your bed? Make the most of this often-overlooked space by investing in under-bed storage containers or a bed frame with built-in drawers. It’s the perfect hideaway for seasonal clothing, extra bedding, or that collection of vintage Beanie Babies you just can’t part with.
Corner spaces in bedrooms are notoriously difficult to utilise effectively. This is where bespoke bedroom furniture comes in, as opting for fitted bedrooms can help tie everything together. Unlike off-the-shelf options, custom-made corner wardrobes can be tailored to fit snugly into those awkward angles, making use of every centimetre.
Consider clever internal fittings such as pull-out shoe racks and built-in jewellery drawers when planning your space. Though fitted wardrobes represent a larger initial investment, they offer unparalleled space efficiency—perfect for anyone looking to maximise a small bedroom.
We all know when it comes to maximising space in your bedroom, custom-made fitted wardrobes can be a gamechanger, especially if your bedroom has awkward nooks and crannies.
However, if you can’t quite afford those much coveted custom fitted wardrobes for your home, there are plenty of other storage solutions available. Consider tall and thin cabinets that reach all the way to the ceiling and can fit neatly by the side of your window. Not only do they give you more storage space, but tall cabinets also draw the eye upward, making the room feel bigger.
Pendant & Sconce lighting: A Bright Idea
Wave goodbye to bulky bedside lamps and say hello to pendant lighting! By hanging chic pendant lights from the ceiling, you’ll free up precious nightstand space and create an airy, uncluttered vibe. Similarly mounting a sconce can free up space either side of the bed.
Ottoman Stools: The Multi-Tasking Marvels
Ottoman stools are the superheroes of the furniture world. Not only do they provide additional seating, but they also come with hidden storage compartments for all those miscellaneous items that seem to multiply overnight. With their sleek design and practicality, ottoman stools are the perfect addition to any small bedroom.
Mirror With Built-In Storage: Reflections Of Genius
A mirror is a must-have in any bedroom, but why settle for plain old looking glass when you can have one with built-in storage? These clever contraptions combine the best of both worlds, providing a spot to check your reflection and stash your belongings.
A wall mounted mirror with built in storage like this one from SONGMICS looks the part, too. It’s like having a Marie Kondo hiding behind your mirror, ready to store your stuff at a moment’s notice. Moreover, the mirror will reflect light and visually expand the space. What’s not to love?
Bring the outdoors in with vertical planters that take up minimal space while adding a touch of nature to your bedroom. Not only do they look fabulous, but they also create a calming atmosphere and can help you sleep better.
Indeed, as reported by Heathline, plants can “reduce sleep latency (the time it takes you to fall asleep)” and “improve sleep integrity by reducing the number of micro-awakening events (the number of times you come out of deep sleep during the night)”.
Moreover, it can reduce cortisol concentrations. Combined, these all add up too a more restful night’s sleep.
The bedroom is often the messiest room in the house. Yesterday’s clothes, multiple outfit changes in the morning, and getting ready in a rush means that mess often accumulates, especially when we find ourselves busy with other things. Consider a catch-all basket for your bedroom; a place where you can collect your clutter in a moment and make tidying easier later on.
The Bottom Line
So, there you have it – eleven space-saving solutions that will transform your small bedroom into a stylish, clutter-free sanctuary. With a little creativity and some clever furniture choices, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the Marie Kondo of compact living. Happy organising!
Until 1997, Bilbao was best known as an industrial port city; proud, Basque to its bones, but not somewhere that featured on many tourist itineraries. Then Frank Gehry built the Guggenheim on the banks of the Nervión River, and the city’s trajectory shifted overnight.
The so-called ‘Guggenheim Effect’ became shorthand in urban planning for what a single building can do to a city’s fortunes, and nearly three decades on, Bilbao has made good on that early promise. The museum district hums with investment, but walk ten minutes into the Casco Viejo and you’ll find pintxo bars that haven’t changed their recipes in decades, medieval lanes where every other doorway leads to a tiny bar, and a food culture that rivals anywhere in Europe for quality and value.
This is a city that speaks its mind in Euskera, one of Europe’s most ancient languages, serves wine by pouring it from great heights, and considers a proper lunch incomplete without at least three courses. Barcelona and Madrid battle tourist hordes; Bilbao offers a more intimate urban experience where you’re more likely to rub shoulders with locals at the morning market than fellow visitors.
The compact city centre means everything is walkable or a short metro ride away, and the Bay of Biscay’s beaches and the verdant Basque mountains both lie within 30 minutes. Two days provides enough time to gorge on pintxos, gawp at world-class art, and understand why Bilbaóns are so fiercely proud of their transformed city.
Day 1
Morning: Gehry, Gooseneck Barnacles & The Casco Viejo
Begin your Bilbao weekender at Café Iruña, a Moorish-inspired institution on Jardines de Albia that’s been caffeinating locals since 1903. Their café con leche arrives in elegant china; elderly gents debate politics over copies of El Correo at the next table. The ornate tiled interior, complete with carved wooden ceiling and stained glass, provides the perfect backdrop for planning your day. Order a pintxo de tortilla; their Spanish omelette, served at room temperature as tradition demands, sets the bar high for everything that follows. Note that Café Iruña opens at 9am on weekdays but 11am on weekends.
A 15-minute riverside stroll brings you to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Frank Gehry’s game-changing masterpiece that sparked the city’s renaissance. Arrive for the 10am opening to beat the crowds and catch morning light dancing off the titanium curves. The building itself is the star, but the collection holds its own with works by Koons, Kapoor, and Serra.
Don’t miss Richard Serra’s ‘The Matter of Time’; walking through these towering steel spirals feels like navigating a rust-coloured dreamscape, and the temptation to yell into the echoes and crevices is impossible to resist, even for adults. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays except in summer and on select holidays).
Afternoon: The Market & The Old Town
Exit the Guggenheim and walk 15-20 minutes along the river (or take the tram two stops) to reach the Mercado de la Ribera, Europe’s largest covered market by floor space. This art deco behemoth houses over 60 stalls where fishmongers hawk everything from percebes (gooseneck barnacles) to massive tuna heads. The upper floor has been converted into a gourmet food court where traditional meets contemporary; grab a txuleta (aged beef) sandwich from one stall and wash it down with txakoli (sparkling Basque wine) from another. Note that the market closes Monday and Saturday afternoons and all day Sunday.
Cross back over the river via the Campo Volantin footbridge (another Calatrava creation that locals love to hate) and plunge into the Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s atmospheric old town. These seven medieval streets, Las Siete Calles, have anchored the city since the 14th century. Start at Plaza Nueva, a neoclassical square ringed by pintxo bars, then lose yourself in the narrow lanes where every other doorway seems to lead to a tiny bar or ancient shop.
The Cathedral of Santiago deserves a quick visit for its Gothic cloister, but the real attraction is street life. Watch txikiteo in action: the Basque tradition of bar-hopping with small glasses of wine, never staying too long in one place.
Evening: Pintxo Crawl
As evening approaches, position yourself for Bilbao’s greatest ritual: the pintxo crawl. Most visitors stick to the Casco Viejo, but cross the river to the Diputación area in the Ensanche district and you’ll be richly rewarded. El Globo’s txangurro gratinado (spider crab gratin) is the essential Bilbao pintxo: brown crab meat and béchamel piled onto crusty bread and gratinéed until golden.
El txangurro gratinado (crab gratin pintxo)
Next door, La Viña del Ensanche has been run by the same family since 1927 and serves some of the city’s finest jamón ibérico, sliced on a vintage 1907 Berkel. For a full rundown of where to eat and how to navigate the ritual, our guide to the best pintxos in Bilbao covers the city’s four key neighbourhoods for txikiteo.
For a sit-down dinner (if you still have room), book ahead at Mina, chef Álvaro Garrido’s Michelin-starred restaurant which recently relocated from its original riverside spot to larger premises in the Indautxu neighbourhood. The tasting menu changes with the seasons but always showcases Basque ingredients with subtle Asian influences. The sake selection might seem incongruous until you taste how perfectly it pairs with local seafood.
End your night at Café Bar Bilbao back on Plaza Nueva, where the tiles haven’t changed since 1911 and the atmosphere gets increasingly animated as the night wears on.
Day 2
Morning: Art, Coffee & A View
Beat the crowds with a 9am visit to the Museo de Bellas Artes, Bilbao’s other world-class art museum that somehow flies under the tourist radar. The museum is currently partially open (with free admission) during the major Foster + Partners expansion project, Agravitas, with the full reopening scheduled for June 2026. What’s accessible is well worth the visit; the Basque art section proves particularly fascinating, revealing how isolated this culture remained from mainstream Spanish movements.
Exit through the lovely Doña Casilda Park and head to nearby Café Arrese in Abando district for a bit of Basque breakfast. This traditional pastelería has been perfecting its recipes since 1852; their butter croissants and Carolina pastries provide the perfect sugar rush for the day ahead.
From here, it’s a short walk north through the museum district to the Funicular de Artxanda, which departs from behind the Guggenheim. This three-minute ride whisks you 770 feet above the city to a park where the panorama encompasses everything from the Guggenheim’s titanium curves to the Bay of Biscay. The contrast between green mountains and urban sprawl helps explain why Bilbaóns seem so content; they’ve got the best of both worlds.
Afternoon: Beach, Bridge & Football
Descend and take the metro (the stations themselves are architectural gems designed by Norman Foster) to Getxo, a seaside suburb about 30 minutes north. The Puente Bizkaia transporter bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, still ferries cars and pedestrians across the river mouth in a hanging gondola. Take the lift to the top walkway for vertigo-inducing views, then stroll along the waterfront promenade to Ereaga beach. For lunch, Las Arenas beach offers several chiringuitos (beach bars) serving fresh seafood with sand between your toes.
Return to central Bilbao for a pilgrimage to San Mamés Stadium, home of Athletic Bilbao. Even non-football fans should appreciate this club’s unique philosophy: they only field players born or raised in the Basque Country, yet have never been relegated from Spain’s top division in over a century of competition, holding their own against the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona with a fraction of the budget.
If football doesn’t appeal, the nearby Azkuna Zentroa offers an alternative cultural fix. Philippe Starck transformed this former wine warehouse into a civic centre that defies categorisation. The 43 unique columns supporting the building each tell a different story, and inside you’ll find everything from a cinema to a rooftop swimming pool with a glass bottom.
Evening: Modern Basque Finale
For your farewell dinner, end your 48 hours where locals do, at a traditional asador (grill house) in the old town. Try Kasko for excellent grilled meats; order the chuletón (ribeye) for two, cooked over vine cuttings, and toast your weekend away in Bilbao with a glass (or two) of Rioja.
Beyond Bilbao: Extending Your Stay
If two days isn’t enough (and it won’t be), the Basque Country rewards a longer stay. San Sebastián is less than 90 minutes east by bus, with its own legendary pintxo scene concentrated along the old town’s narrow streets. Break the journey at the fishing village of Getaria, birthplace of Balenciaga and home to Elkano, one of the world’s great seafood restaurants, where whole turbot is grilled over charcoal just metres from the harbour.
Head south and you’re in the Rioja wine region within an hour, tasting Tempranillo among centuries-old bodegas. North, the French Basque coast from Biarritz to Saint-Jean-de-Luz offers a different character entirely: softer light, Art Deco seafronts and Basque culture with a Gallic accent. All of it is easily combined into a longer trip, whether self-driven or through small group tours of Spain that connect the region’s highlights without the logistical headaches.
Where To Stay In Bilbao
We stayed at the Meliá, which overlooks Doña Casilda Park. Designed by Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta as a tribute to Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida, the building is a bold slab of Bilbao red that fits right in among the Gehrys and Calatravas. Its location, a short walk from both the Guggenheim and the Casco Viejo, made it an ideal base for covering the city on foot. Rooms on the upper floors face the park and the mountains beyond, and the breakfast buffet leans heavily on local produce: Idiazábal cheese, Basque cider, cured meats from the region.
For a front-row seat to the Guggenheim, The Artist Grand Hotel of Art (formerly Gran Hotel Domine) sits directly opposite the museum in a building designed by Javier Mariscal, with Philippe Starck bathtubs and a rooftop terrace looking straight across at Gehry’s titanium curves. In the Casco Viejo, Hotel Tayko occupies a 1924 building with exposed brick and industrial-chic interiors; its restaurant is overseen by Michelin-starred chef Martín Berasategui, which alone justifies the booking.
Budget-conscious visitors should look at the Ensanche district, where mid-range options sit within easy walking distance of both the old town and the museum quarter.
The Bottom Line
Forty-eight hours in Bilbao reveals a city that’s mastered reinvention without forgetting its roots. From the Guggenheim’s titanium waves to the Casco Viejo’s medieval lanes, from cutting-edge cuisine to traditional txikiteo, the city offers a masterclass in how industrial heritage and contemporary culture can coexist and thrive. Don’t be surprised if you’re already planning your return before you’ve even reached the airport, which, in true Bilbao style, is conveniently located just twenty minutes from the city centre.
In Japan, the onsen is more than a bath. It is a ritual of stillness, built around mineral-rich thermal water, natural materials, and the deliberate removal of everything unnecessary. Whether found carved into a mountainside in Kyushu or tucked behind a wooden screen in a Kyoto ryokan, the onsen tradition centres on one idea: that bathing, done well, is a form of healing. Soaking in heated water improves blood circulation, eases muscle tension, and lowers cortisol levels. The effects on sleep and mental clarity are well documented.
A recent survey found that 67 percent of tourists visiting Japan are interested in experiencing an onsen, which speaks to how powerfully the concept resonates even for those encountering it for the first time.
The good news is that you do not need to book a flight to access those benefits. With thoughtful design choices and the right materials, it is entirely possible to bring the essence of an onsen into your home, whether you have a garden, a spare room, or simply a bathroom due an upgrade.
Start With The Principles, Not The Products
The temptation with any bathroom renovation is to lead with fixtures and fittings. But the onsen tradition works the other way around. It begins with philosophy.
The Japanese concept of ma refers to negative space, the emptiness between objects that gives a room its sense of calm. In an onsen-style bathroom, every element earns its place. There are no decorative towel racks, no cluttered shelves of half-used products, no visual noise. The room breathes.
Before choosing a single tile, think about what you want to feel when you enter the space. Warmth. Enclosure. Quiet. These sensations should guide every decision that follows, from layout to lighting to the temperature of the water itself.
Choose Your Space
An onsen-style bathing area works in more settings than you might expect. If you have a garden, a sheltered corner with good drainage and access to plumbing is ideal, particularly if it can be naturally screened from neighbours with bamboo fencing or a living wall of evergreen planting. For those in a flat or terraced house, converting an existing bathroom is the most practical route, and even a modest-sized room can feel genuinely transformative with the right approach.
Whichever route you take, consult a professional to optimise your heating systems early in the process. An onsen-style tub uses significantly more water than a standard bath, and you will need a boiler and pipework capable of delivering a steady supply of hot water at the right temperature.
Getting this infrastructure right from the outset saves time and money further down the line, and it is the kind of detail that separates a genuinely restorative bathing space from one that simply looks the part.
The Tub Is Everything
In a traditional onsen, bathers sit with water up to their shoulders. This deep immersion is central to the experience, and it is the single most important element to get right at home. Standard Western bathtubs are too shallow and too long for the purpose. What you want is a deep soaking tub, ideally one that allows you to sit upright with the water reaching your collarbone.
The gold standard is Hinoki wood, the Japanese cypress prized for its gentle, forest-like fragrance and natural resistance to moisture. Hinoki tubs are expensive and require careful maintenance, but the sensory experience they deliver is extraordinary. If budget or practicality is a concern, stone composite tubs and high-quality acrylic soaking tubs can achieve a similar depth and silhouette at a lower price point. A freestanding oval or circular shape works best, both for comfort and for the visual simplicity that defines the onsen aesthetic.
Natural Materials & Muted Tones
An onsen draws its beauty from the landscape around it. Indoors, you can echo this by choosing materials that feel connected to the natural world. Stone tiles in slate grey or warm sand tones create a grounding base. Pebble-style shower trays or accent strips of river stone add texture underfoot without cluttering the visual field. Wood, whether used for a bath surround, a low stool, or simple shelving, brings warmth and a faintly medicinal scent when it meets steam.
Avoid anything glossy, bright, or synthetic. The palette should be drawn from earth and water: grey, cream, moss green, charcoal, and the soft amber of untreated timber. If you are tiling walls, consider large-format tiles with minimal grouting to keep lines clean and surfaces calm.
Lighting & Atmosphere
Harsh overhead lighting will undo all your good work. In an onsen, light tends to be low, warm, and indirect. Recessed downlights on a dimmer switch are the simplest solution. Wall-mounted fixtures that cast light upward or downward, rather than into the eyes, help create a sense of enclosure and softness. If you have the budget, consider LED strips concealed beneath a floating vanity or behind a bath surround for a gentle glow that pools at floor level.
Candlelight is an obvious addition, and a good one. A few unscented candles on a stone tray beside the tub bring a flicker of movement to an otherwise still room. For outdoor onsens, low-level garden lighting and string lanterns can create a similar warmth without competing with the night sky.
The Washing Ritual
One detail that often gets overlooked in Western interpretations of the onsen is the washing station. In Japan, bathers wash thoroughly before entering the tub, as the bath itself is for soaking, not for cleaning. Recreating this at home means installing a hand-held shower head at a low height, ideally with a wooden stool and a small drainage area beside the tub.
This separation of washing and soaking is not just tradition for its own sake. It keeps your bathwater cleaner for longer, allows you to use the same water for a deeper, more meditative soak, and reinforces the idea that entering the tub is a distinct, intentional act.
Sensory Details That Matter
The difference between a nice bathroom and a space that genuinely changes how you feel often comes down to a handful of small, considered touches. A single living plant, such as a fern or a small bamboo, introduces organic life without demanding attention. A recirculating water feature, even a modest tabletop version, fills the room with the sound of flowing water, which has a measurable calming effect on the nervous system.
Scent matters too; Hinoki essential oil, yuzu, or cedarwood can be diffused gently or added to bathwater. Keep products to a minimum and store them out of sight. The visual absence of clutter is itself a form of relaxation.
Building An Outdoor Onsen
If you have the space and the budget, an outdoor onsen is the ultimate version of this project. Start by choosing a sheltered, private area with good drainage. Lay a timber deck or natural stone platform as the base, and position your soaking tub as the focal point. Surround it with planting that evokes a Japanese garden: ornamental grasses, ferns, moss-covered stones, and a Japanese maple if your climate allows it. Gravel or raked white sand between planted areas reinforces the Zen aesthetic.
Privacy is essential. Bamboo screens, slatted timber fencing, or a combination of both will shield the space from neighbouring views while allowing air and dappled light through. The goal is to feel enclosed by nature, not by walls.
The Bottom Line
Creating a Japanese onsen-style bath at home is less about expensive products and more about a shift in thinking. Strip the space back. Choose natural materials. Prioritise depth, warmth, and quiet.
Secure stillness. When you sit in a tub of hot water in a room with nothing to distract you, the effect on body and mind is immediate and cumulative. The onsen teaches us that the most restorative spaces are often the simplest, and that healing begins with the decision to slow down.
With the Night Manager’s second season concluded and our old DVD of The Wire scratched and stuttering, we’ve recently been binge watching the affable and slightly unrealistic Netflix drama Sweet Magnolias.
In the episode If Thou Wilt, Remember, which brings the idea of funerals, death, and the celebration of life to the fore, one line that particularly stuck with us was; “You know, my, uh, papa used to say, “Live your eulogy“”.
Sure, we may do things to proactively prepare for our death. We contemplate life insurance, we write our will, and generally, euphemistically, we get our affairs in order. Some of us even plan our own funerals. But one thing that many of us don’t do is write our own eulogy, let alone live it.
Writing your own eulogy may sound a little morbid, but we shouldn’t shrink away from thinking about our legacy. According to The New York Times best seller Hero on a Mission – as reported by Inc – if you want to live a more meaningful life, then you should start by writing your own personal paean.
Many philosophers argue that by living a life of purpose and meaning, we can bring about feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Doing so helps us navigate our experiences with intention, connects us with others, offers a sense of fulfilment, and ultimately enriches our existence. However, in the grand theatre of life, we’re often more busy chasing promotions, not pondering posthumous praise and wondering about the impact we had on the planet.
Yet, imagine if we lived for our eulogies instead? Picture your best friend standing up at your memorial, recounting tales of your legendary kindness, your infectious laughter, or your uncanny ability to find the best parking spots when you invited your friends out for a day trip. Now that’s a legacy worth striving for!
Living your eulogy means prioritising the things that truly matter – love, relationships, the planet – whatever matters to you.
What Would Your Eulogy Say Right Now?
Ask yourself what your eulogy might read like. We can tell you one thing; no one wants theirs to read “broke the office record for most emails sent in a day” or “once binge-watched an entire HBO series in single sitting” (yep, it was The Wire).
A not-so-flattering legacy as the overzealous email sender or a champion couch potato really makes you think. Better to live the eulogy that you want to be remembered by…
An Epiphany Moment
People who have written their own obituaries often describe it as an epiphany moment. One woman who attended an obituary workshop in America – an incarnation of the “death positivity” movement which believes having open, honest conversations about death & dying is the cornerstone of a healthy society – told the Guardian that despite being only thirty, writing her own obituary had been an epiphany.
This is because, it made her feel that she hadn’t achieved enough in her life. “It was like, wow, I really need to get my shit together,” she says.
Indeed, for many, writing their own obituary or eulogy can be a wake up call – you could get run over by a bus tomorrow, after all.
Reasons To Live Your Eulogy
The concept of living your eulogy is tied closely to the idea of defining and pursuing a meaningful life. Some other reasons on why you should consider living your eulogy include…
Clarity of Purpose: Writing a eulogy is inherently introspective. It helps one identify and articulate what they value most in life, leading to a better understanding of one’s purpose and life goals. By determining the kind of person you want to be remembered as, you gain a clear understanding of your purpose and the values that align with that purpose.
Guided Decision Making & Evaluation of Actions: When faced with choices or challenges, thinking about how you want to be remembered can guide your decisions and actions. A self-written eulogy sets a benchmark for evaluating one’s actions. If an action does not contribute to the vision articulated in the eulogy, it might be reconsidered.
Focusing on the Big Picture & What Matters: Living your eulogy can help you disregard distractions and less important matters, and instead focus your energy on what truly matters to you. This exercise allows people to step back from the day-to-day tasks and focus on what truly matters in the long term, helping them make decisions that are aligned with these long-term goals and values.
Motivation and Determination: Remembering your end goals can serve as a source of motivation during difficult times.
Living Your Legacy: A self-written eulogy is an opportunity to consider the kind of legacy one wants to leave behind. This can be a powerful motivator for pursuing meaningful work and relationships. Living in way that aligns with your desired eulogy ensures that you leave behind a legacy that you are proud of.
Living Authentically: Writing one’s eulogy can create a roadmap for living a life that is true to one’s values and beliefs, leading to an authentic existence. Following your values and goals can bring a deep sense of fulfillment, as you would be living a life that is true to you.
Living Your Eulogy & The Gravestone Exercise
Living your eulogy is closely associated with Stephen R. Covey’s gravestone exercise. The gravestone exercise asks individuals to envision what they’d like their epitaph to convey after they’ve passed, rather than what they’d like their life insurance policy to contain.
The idea is to reflect on your own mortality by imagining what you would like your tombstone or gravestone to say about you after you’ve passed away. And it’s not just a thought exercise, either; a growing number of people are taking practical steps in this direction, working with forward-thinking firms like Exit Here London funeral directors to plan services that actually reflect who they were and how they lived. This helps to clarify what is most important to you in your lifespan and what kind of person you want to be remembered as.
People often find that this exercise brings clarity to their personal and professional goals, as it often highlights the discrepancy between their current path and the path that leads towards the legacy they want to leave behind. Doing the gravestone exercise can help you avoid being ‘dead serious’ about the wrong things in life.
Now, both these exercises are not to put you in an early existential crisis, but rather to give you much-needed perspective. Indeed, this introspective exercise is a reminder of life’s brevity, prompting one to live in accordance with their ultimate goals and values
Like the gravestone exercise, living your eulogy essentially means aligning your daily actions, decisions and relationships with the legacy you wish to leave behind, serving as a reminder to continuously strive towards becoming the version of ourselves we’d like to be remembered as.
It’s important to note that the idea isn’t to obsess over death, but rather to use the inevitability of death as a catalyst to live a meaningful and fulfilling life now, whether you’re embarking on an academic journey at university or settling down into a peaceful retirement.
As the saying goes, “The trouble is, you think you have time.” Understanding that our time is limited can inspire us to make the most of the present.
The Bottom Line
Writing your eulogy can provide you with a kind of ‘how to live’ guide, a personal constitution you can refer back to in times of doubt or crisis. It’s a way of checking in with yourself and making sure you are living the life they truly want to live.
So, go ahead and fast forward to your own funeral. It’s a bit macabre, yes, but it’s also a sober reminder to prioritise the living part your life.
If you still find the idea of writing your own eulogy a little morbid, consider framing your eulogy as creating a goal (or goals) and working backwards from it; reverse engineering your life, so to speak.
Once you’ve laid out how you want to be remembered, it’s a lot easier to be intentional about what you do with your life!
So, you’re moving to the City of Gold, also known as the Sand Paradise and sometimes called the Gulf Tiger? When you reel off those glamorous, intoxicating nicknames, upping sticks to Dubai sounds swell. Care to sneak us along in your suitcase?
But it’s not all massive buildings, swanky restaurants and several zeros added to your bank balance with each connection you make. Instead, you’ll find Dubai a city of dichotomy. Though there’s convenience and comfort to be found in spades here, it’s also a place capable of delivering a pretty massive culture shock to first-timers, with extreme weather and a new set of customs to get acclimatised to.
We’re here to help you settle in. Covering everything from how to rent a car in Dubai to the finest food in the city-state, here are 9 useful tips for expats moving to Dubai, IDEAL for those looking to settle in seamlessly.
Respect The Local Culture & Customs
Before you dive into the logistics of your move to Dubai, it’s crucial to understand and respect the emirate’s cultural and religious customs. As a Muslim country, the UAE observes Islamic traditions, and while Dubai is known for being one of the most progressive cities in the Middle East, certain social norms should be followed.
Dress codes are generally conservative, particularly in public spaces like malls, markets, and government buildings. While beachwear is perfectly acceptable at the beach or pool, it’s important to dress modestly elsewhere. For women, this means covering shoulders and knees, while men should avoid going shirtless outside of beach areas.
During Ramadan in Dubai, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited, even for non-Muslims. Many restaurants will be closed during the day, though some will offer discrete dining areas for non-fasting individuals. The holy month brings a unique atmosphere to the city, with shorter working hours and lively evening festivities that are worth experiencing.
Public displays of affection should be kept to a minimum. While UAE law was reformed in 2020 to decriminalise cohabitation for unmarried couples, discretion remains important, and shared cultural norms around modesty in public still very much apply. Additionally, be mindful that taking photographs of people without their permission is illegal, as is using offensive gestures or language in public.
Understanding these cultural nuances will not only help you avoid any inadvertent faux pas but will also enrich your experience of living in this fascinating city where tradition meets modernity.
Deciding On An Area To Live
Should you be heading to Dubai without a place secured, eager to see which neighbourhood feels right for you, then firstly, may we compliment you on your forward-thinking? We agree, it’s best to get a lay of the land first, before settling on somewhere to live, as each area offers something different, whether you’re a family seeking somewhere peaceful, or a young professional out on your own and wanting a more stimulating experience.
Whilst we wouldn’t want to state the obvious, Downtown Dubai has loads going on, with some seriously high-end shopping and dining options. It’s busy, bustling and full of energy, and where the most famous landmarks, such as the towering Burj Khalifa, are located.
As such, it’s perfectly suited to those young professionals we mentioned earlier. That said, it’s going to cost you, with a one bedroom apartment in Downtown Dubai coming in at around AED 10,000 to 15,000 per month (roughly £2,100 to £3,100). For families, you should also be aware that there are no schools downtown, though there are great transport links to several provided.
The most expensive areas in Dubai to own a property (and that’s saying something) are Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills and Dubai Marina. Speaking of which, should you be moving to Dubai as a young couple, and still want to be amongst the action but with a little more elbow room, Dubai Marina is where it’s at.
For something more affordable, Mirdif is still pretty centrally located, with several schools, a park, tennis courts and a shopping mall, and is popular with expats. Be warned that rush hour traffic in and out of Mirdif can be pretty frustrating, though connectivity should improve when the new Blue Line metro extension reaches the area (expected 2029). For expat families who are looking to spread out a little more, Arabian Ranches is the perfect choice.
Transport Smarts
Navigating your way around the City of Gold can be a thrilling experience, but it’s also essential to understand the various modes of transport available to you. Dubai boasts a well-structured and efficient transport system, making it easy for expats to get around.
Dubai Metro
The Dubai Metro is a state-of-the-art, driverless, fully automated rail system that is clean, fast, and efficient. It serves major tourist attractions, business hubs, and residential areas across two operational lines: the Red Line, which runs along Sheikh Zayed Road through the heart of the city (all the way out to Expo City Dubai), and the Green Line, which circles the Creek in Deira and Bur Dubai.
A third line, the Blue Line, is currently under construction and expected to open in 2029. The metro operates from 5am to midnight Monday to Thursday and Saturday, from 5am to 1am on Fridays, and from 8am to midnight on Sundays. Do note that operating hours are sometimes extended during public holidays and major celebrations.
Taxis
Taxis are abundant, metered, and reasonably priced in Dubai. They can be hailed down on the street, booked online, or through various taxi booking apps. Dubai taxis are regulated by the government, and all drivers are professional and courteous. Be aware that during peak hours, finding a taxi might be a bit challenging.
Buses
Dubai’s bus network is extensive, serving over 140 routes across the city. The buses are modern, air-conditioned, and equipped with facilities for people with disabilities. They’re a cost-effective way to travel, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
Trams
The Dubai Tram operates in the Marina and JBR area, providing connectivity to the Dubai Metro and the Palm Monorail. Trams run at intervals of roughly 8 to 10 minutes during peak hours, and it’s a convenient way to travel around these areas.
Car Rentals
If you prefer the freedom of driving, car rentals are widely available. However, keep in mind that traffic in Dubai can be heavy, especially during rush hours, and parking can be a challenge in busy areas. Also, remember that in the UAE, driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Should you choose to rent here, remember that the steering wheel will be on the left side of the car!
Bicycles
For short distances, consider renting a bicycle. Dubai has been increasingly promoting cycling, with dedicated cycling paths in specific areas of the city.
Abra (Water Taxi)
For a more traditional mode of transport, try the Abra, a type of water taxi found in Dubai. It’s a fun, inexpensive way to cross the Dubai Creek and offers a fantastic view of the city’s skyline.
Climate Cautious
The famous Dubai heat is certainly not to be underestimated. Temperatures routinely break the 40°C barrier in the sprawling summer months (from May to September) and don’t dip much below the mid twenties for the rest of the year. Indeed, don’t be surprised if the heat is pushing 50°C at times.
Although there’s some serious air-con going on indoors in Dubai, do be aware that this can lull you into a false sense of security. When you step outside or enter a vehicle, even for a second, you’ll feel that heat. If you’re heading out to enjoy the beach or one of Dubai’s famous water parks, do so early, before the midday sun bears down, stay hydrated and apply strong sunscreen, particularly between 10am and 4pm when the UV strength is considerably higher.
Work Smarts
Should you be travelling to Dubai with the intention of finding a job once you arrive, then be aware that any foreign national will need to secure an employment visa and Emirates ID, typically arranged through your sponsoring employer, in order to work legally.
Nearly all of those intending to work in Dubai will have already secured a job, and their company will have arranged the necessary work permit and residency visa on their behalf. That said, you can enter on a tourist visa and then look for work. The standard visa-on-arrival for UK passport holders grants a 30-day stay, though 60-day and 90-day visit visas are also available depending on your nationality and application route.
To assist your company with your work permit application, you’ll need a valid passport with at least six months until expiry, copies of your work contract, a medical fitness certificate, proof of qualifications and education, and the trade licence of the company you’re working for.
Starting A Business
Should you be arriving with the intention of setting up shop, Dubai has become considerably more welcoming for foreign entrepreneurs in recent years. Following major reforms to the UAE Commercial Companies Law in 2021, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted across the vast majority of mainland business sectors, meaning you no longer need a local sponsor holding a 51% stake as was previously required.
As Rosemont Partners expert corporate services recommend, a handful of strategic industries (banking, telecom, and a few others) still require local partnership, but for most expats, this is no longer a hurdle. Free zones remain another popular option, offering tax incentives and streamlined setup processes.
Dubai has a fully appointed housekeeping industry, with the majority of expat households hiring the services of a housekeeper, cleaner, cook, security guard and more for the duration of their time in the city. If you’re not familiar with this level of help, it may feel strange at first, but if you’re paying fair wages and treating your housekeeper with the maximum levels of respect, then the arrangement works well for all parties.
Where once your landlord would pass on a recommendation for housekeepers or provide one with the property, now expats tend to use apps to find home help around the home. The justmop.com app is the preferred platform for many.
Feed Me
Like all things in Dubai, restaurant prices here are sky-high. If you’ve money to burn on foie gras topped with gold leaf and caviar, then be our guest. Actually, don’t; you sound expensive to host.
If you’re up for something more authentic, head out of the malls and onto the road. Around Old Dubai you can find cheaper restaurants with loads of traditional, family style food on offer. While Dubai doesn’t have a street scene as such, if you head to Al Rigga Street, you’ll find amazing Arabic shawarma, manakeesh and sweet treats like luqaimat to titillate your taste buds.
For groceries, some of the most ubiquitous, reliable stores include Spinneys, Al Maya Supermarket and, believe it or not, Waitrose. However, for ease, many online supermarkets operate in Dubai, delivering groceries, toiletries and everything you need right to your front door. Many expats avail themselves of such a service to avoid the blistering heat endured walking between shops.
Though English is widely spoken in Dubai, and is the preferred tongue for doing business as well as being ever present in the tourism sector, if you’re to get under the skin of the city, it’s best to learn some Arabic.
In Dubai, the Emirati dialect of Arabic is spoken, but a more standard Arabic will be understood everywhere. To learn most efficiently, there are several language centres in Dubai, with the Headway Institute, The Arabic Language Centre, and the Iqraa Arabic Learning Centre being the three most highly regarded.
Exciting times await in the City Of Gold! We hope you settle in smoothly and without a hitch.
Montego Bay, affectionately known as MoBay, is not just the capital of Saint James Parish but also the bustling epicentre of Jamaica’s tourism industry. With its vibrant culture, balmy climate, and postcard-perfect beaches, it’s no wonder that this Caribbean gem is a magnet for holidaymakers from around the globe.
If you’re planning a holiday to this tropical paradise, here’s a curated list of the top things to do in arguably Jamaica’s most beloved tourist highlight, Montego Bay.
Sun, Sea & Serenity On Doctor’s Cave Beach
No trip to (or list about!) Montego Bay is complete without a day spent at Doctor’s Cave Beach. This world-renowned beach is famed for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and nearly 300 metres of immaculate white sand. The beach got its name from a physician who donated his beach property to form a swimming club; the cave was destroyed by a hurricane in 1932, but the club persists.
It’s the perfect spot for swimming, snorkelling, or simply soaking up the sun. The water is believed to have curative powers, so take a dip and perhaps leave feeling rejuvenated.
Take A Day Trip To 9 Mile Reggae Land
Deep in the mountains of Saint Ann Parish, the tiny village of Nine Mile is where reggae legend Bob Marley was born on 6 February 1945 and where he was laid to rest in 1981. The drive from Montego Bay takes around an hour and a half, winding through lush farming communities and rolling hills that offer some of the most stunning scenery on the island.
The site, known as 9 Mile Reggae Land, is still owned and operated by the Marley family. Rastafarian guides lead you through Marley’s childhood home, now a museum filled with photographs, memorabilia, and personal artefacts. You’ll see Mt Zion Rock, the meditation spot referenced in his song Talking Blues, before visiting the marble mausoleum where he is buried alongside his guitar. There’s also an on-site restaurant serving traditional Jamaican food and live reggae to round off the visit.
It’s a pilgrimage that any music fan will find moving, and a window into the rural Jamaica that shaped one of the 20th century’s most influential artists.
Rafting On The Martha Brae River
For a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle, consider a rafting trip on the Martha Brae River. Glide down this serene waterway on a 30-foot bamboo raft, steered by a skilled local raftsman. The journey is both peaceful and picturesque, with lush greenery lining the banks and the gentle sounds of nature providing a soothing soundtrack. It’s an idyllic way to spend a few hours, and you can even stop for a swim along the way.
Zip Lining Through The Canopy
For the adventure seekers, zip lining through the lush canopy of Montego Bay’s forests is a must. Several companies offer zip line tours that will have you soaring above the treetops, providing a unique perspective of the island’s stunning landscapes. It’s an exhilarating way to experience the natural beauty of Jamaica while getting an adrenaline rush.
Explore The Rose Hall Great House
Dive into Jamaica’s colonial history with a visit to the Rose Hall Great House. This restored plantation house dates back to the 18th century and is steeped in legend, notably that of the White Witch of Rose Hall, Annee Palmer.
Take a guided tour to learn about the estate’s past, the grandeur of its Georgian architecture, and the chilling tales of its former mistress. For the brave at heart, there are night tours available that focus on the ghostly lore associated with the house.
Sample The Local Cuisine
Jamaican cuisine is a delectable fusion of flavours influenced by various cultures, including African, Indian, and British. In Montego Bay, you’ll find an array of dining options to suit every palate. Be sure to try local specialities like jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish (the national dish), and bammy (a traditional cassava flatbread). For an authentic experience, visit the ‘Hip Strip’ on Gloucester Avenue, where eateries range from casual street food stands to upscale restaurants.
Indeed, Montego Bay’s dining scene is as diverse as its culture. Here’s a condensed list of top dining spots in the city:
The Pelican Grill: A staple for traditional Jamaican dishes, this family-owned spot on the ‘Hip Strip’ is perfect for a taste of local classics like ackee and saltfish.
Scotchies: The go-to place for authentic jerk chicken and pork, Scotchies offers a true taste of Jamaica with its smoky, spicy flavours and laid-back vibe.
Marguerites Seafood by the Sea: For an upscale dining experience, Marguerites serves fresh, locally-sourced seafood with a Caribbean twist, complemented by stunning ocean views.
The HouseBoat Grill: Dine on a moored boat in the Marine Park, enjoying a menu of international dishes with Jamaican flair in a unique setting.
Juici Patties: For a quick, budget-friendly bite, grab a traditional Jamaican patty – a flaky pastry filled with spiced meat or vegetables – from this popular fast-food chain.
Pier 1: Known for its seafood and Jamaican dishes, Pier 1 offers a casual dining experience with beautiful bay views, especially at sunset.
Sugar Mill: Located at the Half Moon resort, this fine dining restaurant offers a modern take on Jamaican cuisine set in a historic sugar plantation.
These spots range from casual to fine dining, ensuring that every meal in Montego Bay is as memorable as the city’s sunsets.
Trudy Ann Palmer from Getty Images via Canva
Take A Catamaran Cruise
Set sail on a catamaran cruise to experience the beauty of Montego Bay from the water. These cruises often include stops for snorkelling in the coral reefs and sometimes even a sunset option for a romantic evening on the sea. With the wind in your sails and the sun setting on the horizon, it’s the perfect way to end a day in paradise.
Visit The Montego Bay Marine Park
Nature lovers will appreciate the Montego Bay Marine Park, Jamaica’s first national marine park. It encompasses protected swimming areas, snorkelling trails, and sections of the island’s stunning coral reefs. The park is dedicated to preserving the local marine life, so it’s a great place to learn about conservation efforts while enjoying the natural beauty of the underwater world.
Shopping At The Local Markets
Montego Bay is a regular port of call for Caribbean cruises, and the local markets are often the first stop for visitors looking to take a piece of Jamaica home.
The Harbour Street Craft & Cultural Village is a bustling marketplace where you can find handcrafted items, artwork, and more. It’s not only a chance to pick up unique mementos but also to interact with local artisans and learn about the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Dive Into Dunn’s River Falls
While not located in Montego Bay itself, Dunn’s River Falls is one of Jamaica’s most famous natural attractions and well worth the day trip. Situated in Ocho Rios, a scenic drive from Montego Bay, these terraced waterfalls cascade 180 feet down into the sea. Join hands with fellow travellers in a human chain as you ascend the natural stone staircase, guided by experienced locals. The refreshing pools along the way provide perfect spots to take a dip and enjoy the lush, tropical surroundings.
After the sun sets, the Hip Strip comes alive with the pulsating sounds of reggae music. Margaritaville Montego Bay is a nightlife hotspot where you can experience the vibrant party scene that Jamaica is famous for. With its lively atmosphere, themed parties, and beachfront location, it’s the ideal place to dance the night away to some authentic Jamaican beats.
Visit The Ahhh…Ras Natango Gallery & Garden
Escape to the tranquillity of the Ahhh…Ras Natango Gallery and Garden, nestled in the hills overlooking Montego Bay. This family-run attraction is part art gallery, part botanical garden, and offers a peaceful retreat from the more tourist-heavy areas. The gallery showcases the work of local artists, while the gardens are a haven for endemic plants and birds. It’s a cultural and ecological treasure that provides a unique view of Jamaica’s artistic and natural beauty.
Go Horseback Riding On The Beach
For a truly magical experience, horseback riding along the shores of Montego Bay is a must-do. Several local stables offer guided tours that take you from scenic trails to the beach and even into the shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea. It’s suitable for riders of all levels, and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of the tropical breeze and the gentle rhythm of a horse’s gait as you explore the coastline.
Experience The Luminous Lagoon
Just east of Montego Bay, near the town of Falmouth, lies the Luminous Lagoon, a natural wonder that is one of the few places in the world where you can witness bioluminescence.
After sunset, take a boat tour on the lagoon and marvel as the water glows with a blue light, caused by microorganisms that emit a phosphorescent glow when disturbed. Swimming in the lagoon is a surreal experience, as every movement creates an eerie, beautiful light show in the water.
Tee Off At White Witch Golf Course
Golf enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to play a round at the White Witch Golf Course, named after the infamous character from the Rose Hall Great House. The course is renowned for its challenging layout and stunning, panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. With 18 holes spread across 200 acres of beautiful greenery, it’s a golfer’s paradise that combines sport with spectacular natural scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, a day on the greens here is sure to be a highlight of your Montego Bay adventure.
The Bottom Line
Montego Bay is a destination that promises a blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural enrichment. Whether you’re basking on the sun-drenched beaches, exploring historic sites, or indulging in the local fare, MoBay offers an array of experiences that cater to all types of travellers. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and prepare for an unforgettable Jamaican holiday
If you’re planning an African safari in the not-too-distant future then we’re sure you’ve balked at the prices and been warned of the potential for heaving crowds, both. Indeed, the most popular African safari locations, such as Botswana and South Africa, certainly have a reputation for being on the steeper side.
But it’s neighbouring Namibia where we’re focusing today, which is reasonable, less populated, and generally a superb choice for an affordable African safari holiday. Right now, the Pound is strong against both the Namibian Dollar and South African Rand, which are used simultaneously and interchangeably in the country, and this makes the country a relatively cheap option for travel.
Namibia’s dry season and consequently, the best time to visit, is from roughly May to October, and it’s during this time you’ll see the most wildlife, with the sky clear and visibility high. Temperatures during this time are also more manageable; in fact, it gets pretty chilly at night! Rainy season is a different wildebeest, and sees huge bird migration and plenty of newborns. For visitors, from November to April, the heat and humidity can get unbearable.
Most travellers from London fly to South Africa’s Johannesburg and transit to Windhoek, Namibia’s capital. Alternatively, you can change at Frankfurt; Namibia used to be a German colony and connections between the two countries remain.
Anyway, enough of the need-to-know spiel, you’re here to talk about safari destinations. With that in mind and without further ado, here are 7 must see places on your tour of Namibia, Southwest Africa.
Namib-Naukluft Park
We had to start here, as the vast majority of Namibia safari holidays do, in Africa’s largest game park and the fourth largest of its kind in the world.
If it’s diversity of landscape you’re after, then in Namib-Naukluft you’ll find some of the most varied, sprawling and magnificent scenery in the world. Indeed, the park boasts a desert, mountain range, lagoon and sand dunes, and is the premier destination in the country for geographic intrigue. A particular highlight is the red dunes of Sossusvlei; rolling, mysterious and spectacular.
Because the terrain is primarily arid and unforgiving, Namib-Naukluft isn’t the best place for wildlife spotting in Namibia. Though plenty of lizards, such as gecko, sidewinder snakes and chameleons, live here, they’re tough to spot. You’ll have more luck spying puku antelope and springbok, but the real appeal of Namib-Naukluft is that dramatic scenery.
Namib-Naukluft Park’s Sesriem entry point (which is close to Sossusvlei) is a four hour drive west from Namibia’s capital, Windhoek. Most tour packages will provide airport pick up, at Hosea Kutako International Airport, in a 4×4, and with required road and entry permits already in place.
Etosha National Park
You said you were in Namibia to see animals, right? Etosha National Park, in the north of the country, is your place. Regarded as one the continent’s great national parks for sheer diversity of wildlife, it takes its name from the Etosha salt pan, an 80 mile dry lakebed and focal point of the park.
The park is home to the key mammal groups safaris are famous for. Expect to see (if you’re lucky, of course; this is the wild, after all) lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs, zebras and so much more throughout the year, primarily in the dry season between May and October.
For big cats, in particular, Kalkheuwel and Chudop are popular spots. For the largest collection of animals in one place, including elephants and zebras, you’ll want to arrange your visit to focus on watering holes, where mammals, birds and reptiles congregate. The Okondeka, Ombika, Nebrowni and Moringa watering holes are highlights.
Perhaps the biggest draw of all is the endangered black rhinoceros, found around the watering holes of Etosha National Park and considered to be the best place in the world to spot them. Because the park is vast, be sure to arrange an excursion with one of the several Namibia tour packages on offer catering to the area, whose expertise gives you a much greater chance of seeing four of the big five who call the national park home.
The drive from Windhoek to Etosha National Park takes around six hours heading north, but views of Namibia are spectacular on the way.
Skeleton Coast National Park
For those seeking a truly unique and hauntingly beautiful experience, Skeleton Coast National Park is an unmissable destination. Located in the north-western part of Namibia, this park stretches along the Atlantic Ocean and is renowned for its eerie shipwrecks, dense fog, and desolate landscapes. The name itself evokes a sense of mystery and adventure, derived from the numerous shipwrecks that litter the coast, remnants of vessels that met their fate in the treacherous waters.
The park is divided into two sections: the southern part, which is accessible to the public, and the northern part, which requires a special permit or guided tour. The southern section offers stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, vast sand dunes, and the chance to see Cape fur seals at Cape Cross Seal Reserve, one of the largest colonies in the world.
In the northern section, the landscape becomes even more dramatic and remote. Here, you can explore the Hoarusib and Hoanib rivers, which are home to desert-adapted elephants, lions, and other wildlife. The Skeleton Coast is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with species such as flamingos, pelicans, and cormorants frequently spotted along the shoreline.
A visit to Skeleton Coast National Park is not just about the wildlife; it’s about experiencing one of the most surreal and starkly beautiful places on Earth. The combination of the roaring Atlantic waves, the endless desert, and the ghostly shipwrecks creates an atmosphere that is both haunting and captivating.
To reach Skeleton Coast National Park, most visitors fly into Windhoek and then take a charter flight to one of the airstrips within the park. Alternatively, a self-drive adventure is possible, but be prepared for challenging terrain and ensure you have a well-equipped 4×4 vehicle.
The Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip)
If it’s untapped and unexplored you’re after, in Namibia’s north eastern pocket is the Caprivi Strip, a sprawling, desolate place, in the best possible way.
Bordered by Botswana, Angola and Zambia, the strip is rich in resources and wildlife equally. 300 miles long but just 20 miles wide, the Caprivi Strip boasts several unfenced safari camps and has only recently gained popularity as a tourist destination. As such, it’s gorgeously untroubled by modern infrastructure and development. Expect to encounter hippos, elephants and lions in groups, enjoying the abundant water.
Largely, visitors are here on a self-drive basis, rather than being chauffeured by a tour, and a visit to the Caprivi Strip represents an adventure, for sure. But that’s what you’re here for right?
The Caprivi Strip is an 11 hour drive northeast from Windhoek, and many travellers choose to break up their trip with a stay in or near Etosha National Park, which is halfway between the two. Alternatively, you – or your tour operator – could organise a chartered flight from Windhoek to Rundu, which is the gateway to Namibia’s North East, and should set you back around £300. The onward drive to the Caprivi Strip takes around four hours.
Damaraland
The extremities of Damaraland, in Namibia’s North West, are what will first strike you; barren, scorched desert which sprawls further than the eye can see, the country’s highest mountain Brandberg, and harsh, harsh heat.
Don’t let such inhospitable, ultra-rugged terrain put you off; there’s plenty of wildlife to spot on safari excursions here, with desert elephants and black rhinos the must-see duo. You’ll also have the chance to encounter mountain zebras and giraffes.
The Desert Rhino Camp is the best way to spot the magnificent, endangered black rhinos (and you’ll be contributing to their conservation) but it comes at a cost; more than £500 per person, per night. For something more affordable (although you’re admittedly less guaranteed to engage with the rhinos) many visitors head for the Palmwag area, which has camping and offers excursions to nearby water to spot the mammals.
Another huge draw of Damaraland is the San Bushmen rock art at Twyfelfontein, one of the oldest and most substantial collections of its kind in the world. Just fascinating.
Most visitors book a seat on a charter flight from Windhoek to Damaraland, with Scenic Air or Wilderness Air, which should set you back around £300.
Waterberg Plateau
Most visitors to Namibia make a beeline for Etosha and skip straight past one of the country’s most rewarding stops. That’s a mistake. The Waterberg Plateau, a colossal sandstone tabletop rising 200 metres above the surrounding plains, sits about three and a half hours north of Windhoek and works brilliantly as a stopover en route to Etosha or the Caprivi Strip.
The plateau’s sheer cliff faces made it a natural fortress, and the Namibian government took full advantage; since 1972, endangered species have been relocated here for protection, turning the park into a conservation stronghold. Both black and white rhino roam the top, alongside buffalo, roan and sable antelope, giraffe and wild dog. It’s also home to the highest concentration of leopard in Namibia, though you’ll need serious luck and a guided game drive (self-driving on the plateau isn’t permitted) to spot one.
Birders will find plenty to get excited about, with more than 200 species recorded here, including Verreaux’s eagles and the only breeding colony of Cape vultures in the country. Nine unguided hiking trails wind along the plateau’s base, while ranger-led walks take you up top for views across the Kalahari. The AfriCat Foundation at nearby Okonjima rehabilitates cheetahs and leopards and offers safari activities that double as conservation education.
Waterberg Plateau is around a three and a half hour drive from Windhoek, or roughly four hours south of Etosha. Charter flights to a nearby airstrip are also available if you’d rather skip the road.
Fish River Canyon
Head south, far south, and you’ll reach the kind of landscape that genuinely stops you in your tracks. Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa and the second largest in the world, stretching 160 kilometres long, 27 kilometres wide and plunging to depths of 550 metres. It sits within the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park in Namibia’s remote south, and it looks like it belongs on another planet.
For serious hikers, the multi-day Fish River Canyon Trail is the main event. The 85 kilometre route takes four to five days, descending into the canyon floor and following the winding riverbed south to the Ai-Ais Hot Springs, where thermal pools offer what might be the most earned soak of your life. It’s regarded as one of Africa’s toughest long-distance walks; a medical certificate is required, permits are limited to around 30 hikers per day, and the trail is closed from October to April due to extreme heat.
If five days of desert hiking isn’t your thing, the viewpoints along the canyon rim are worth the trip alone. The main viewpoint near Hobas offers staggering panoramas, particularly at sunrise and sunset, when the rock faces glow amber and copper. Shorter guided walks and nature drives from nearby lodges give you a taste of the canyon without the blisters. Wildlife is sparse but hardy; klipspringers, baboons, kudu and the occasional mountain zebra inhabit the area. This isn’t a safari destination in the traditional sense; it’s about raw, stark, humbling geography at its most dramatic.
Fish River Canyon is around an eight hour drive south from Windhoek, making it a commitment. Most visitors fold it into a wider southern Namibia loop taking in Keetmanshoop and the Quiver Tree Forest.
If you still haven’t satisfied your safari curiosity, then on the other side of the continent sits Tanzania, another superb spot for wildlife spotting, and our pick for 2024’s best safari destination, and still just as an intriguing a prospect in 2026. We’ll see you on the savannah?
Firstly, let’s address the Thai elephant in the room with a cheery ‘’sawadee krap’’ and an acknowledgement; Bangkok could give you the meal of your life on just about any street corner or down any soi, all for the cost of a Snickers bar back home.
But in such a sophisticated city – and cuisine – chock-full of decadence and deliciousness, it would be rude not to consider the fine dining side of things from time to time, with a whole host of world class restaurants here offering a truly Thai take on haute cuisine that’s elegant yet playful, precise but intuitive.
With 19 Thai restaurants in the city earning starred status in the latest Bangkok Michelin Guide, the options for eating out at the finer end of the spectrum can be overwhelming.
Well, we’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to, ascending the Scoville Scale and feeling the breath of the wok on our necks, to bring you these; the best Thai fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants in Bangkok.
Samrub Samrub Thai
Ideal for meticulously researched, creatively composed modern Thai dining…
Is this intimate, counter-only, impossible to book restaurant/private kitchen the best Thai restaurant/private kitchen in the world? Whatever you want to call it and whichever superlatives you wish to throw at Samrub Samrub Thai, it is seriously good and worthy of all of them.
The master at the stoves of this compact, counter-dining affair is chef Prin Polsuk, who has some serious pedigree in the world of Thai fine dining, having been the head chef at Nahm in London when it won its Michelin star, the first Thai restaurant in the world to have been bestowed with the honour.
He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of his country’s cuisine, and at Samrub, he seems to have his heart set on expanding it even further, with the dishes here sourced from a veritable vault of historic scripts, tomes and chapters.
The results, whether in the buttery, tender-as-you-like grilled beef dressed in delicate Satay-like sauce or intricately stuffed sweetcorn, filled with minced chicken and baby corn then reconstructed, are nothing short of spectacular. Oh, and you’re allowed to ask for seconds!
That generous sentiment exemplifies the family-style nature of this brilliant restaurant, with Polsuk’s wife Mint running the front of house operations and chef Prin working the counter, doling out shots of homemade banana liquor and soliloquies on the history of some of the dishes he’s just set in front of you. Often, their young son will join diners too, crawling across the counter and generally charming everyone in his wake!
In short, Samrub may well be the world’s best Thai restaurant…
Ideal for trying Thailand’s hottest, most difficult to secure reservation…
Or, is it? And speaking of impossible to book, chef Supaksorn Jongsiri’s love letter to the farmers, fishermen and producers of Southern Thailand is reportedly the most coveted reservation in the Kingdom, and it’s easy to see why.
Though it’s only been open for seven years, this place has been the talk of the town – no, country – for nearly as long. Proudly sourcing ‘99.9%’ of their ingredients from the south, and supporting countless farmers and fishermen in the process, as well as cooking most of the food in clay pots, you’d be forgiven for thinking this traditional ethos wouldn’t translate into a 22 course tasting menu of fine dining.
You’d be wrong; this, quite simply, is some of the finest Thai food out there, period. You’ll have to run over hot coals to get a table, but if you’re lucky enough to do so, it’s worth burning your feet for. And mouth; the food is spicy, and all the better for it. Than hai im, na khrap!
Ideal for familiar Thai dishes delivered in surprising, highly innovative ways…
Even before chef Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam became the world’s first Thai female chef to be awarded two Michelin Stars, she was a famous face across the country, having emerged victorious on the inaugural season of Top Chef Thailand.
It’s an immense credit to the chef’s skills and vision that those two massive accolades don’t even prepare you for the culinary journey at her pioneering restaurant Baan Tepa. Close to the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bang Kapi, you get a sense of anticipation building as you enter the restaurant, which is housed in an elegant villa that’s owned by Chef Tam’s grandmother, Lady Suwaree Debhakam. The space still retains many of its original features, along with its warming, welcoming spirit. Out back, there’s a large garden which feeds the kitchen’s inventive dishes with its living library of organic flowers, herbs and spices.
Yep, there’s a sense that this meal will nourish the soul as well as invigorate the senses, and so it turns out; despite plenty of ‘cheffy’ flourishes and ultra-modern tekkers, there’s a familial, grounding narrative running through the 9 (and then some) course tasting menu.
Expect on-the-surface familiar dishes that come with a surprise or two, such as the ‘Fishtake’ – a play on the beloved Thai fish cake, here featuring giant Trevally fish and Shiitake mushrooms (we won’t spoil the surprise), or the whimsically named ‘Crab Crab Crab!’, which showcase the chef’s talent for blending familiar ingredients in creative ways. Again, we won’t spoil the surprise.
Later on, the highlight ‘Anatomy of a River Prawn’ dish shows off an enormous specimen sourced from Ayutthaya, blessed with a massive pool of its smoked head juices, and served with arguably the best nahm jim seafood we’ve ever tasted. It’s this anchoring of ultra-modern technique with recognisable, faithfully delivered elements that makes Baan Tepa so captivating. Those two Michelin stars, we think, are richly deserved.
Ideal for a taste of one of the world’s most influential Thai restaurants…
Aussie chef and Thai food oracle David Thompson’s Nahm earned a Michelin star, a first for Thai cooking, when in its previous incarnation in London, and the Bangkok version rightly followed suit in Michelin’s inaugural Bangkok guide at the end of 2017.
Though Nahm London closed due to the lack of quality fresh Thai ingredients in the capital, and the compromise that forced on the cooking, there’s no danger of the produce being found wanting at the Bangkok rendition.
Here, the premium ingredients used shine through, whether that’s the wagyu beef used in the enthusiastically seasoned stir fry, the peppery wild ginger deployed across the menu, or the freshly pressed coconut cream that defines this luxurious style of Thai cooking.
Though David Thompson has since moved on (more of that in a moment), the iconic restaurant remains in very capable hands, with revered chef Pim Techamuanvivit now in the (very) hot seat, keeping the flavours bold, robust and refined, but giving the dishes her own spin, recalling childhood memories of special meals and the joy of sharing with family.
Should you be keen to sample the complexity of the Nahm kitchen but for a fraction of the price of the normal dining experience here, then the khanom jin lunch deal is a steal.
For 1’200 baht – equivalent to 25 quid-ish – you get canapes loaded with wild prawn and white crab meat and delivered in the most graceful style, followed by coil of khanom jin (lightly fermented rice noodles) and an accompanying sauce, dressing or curry, the latter of which features blue swimmer crab, and is something of a signature here. Finish with desserts that utilise that just-pressed coconut cream, and you’ve got yourself a truly indulgent meal for under £30.
Ideal for sampling the latest fine dining venture from the ‘Godfather of Thai food’…
No writer worth their Red Boat fish sauce could faithfully pen a paean to fine dining in The Kingdom without mentioning chef David Thompson. And whilst we realise you’re already acquainted with him from the brief mention above, at Aksorn, the acclaimed Aussie oracle on all things Thai food seems to have found his most succinct expression yet on what makes the cuisine so profoundly delicious.
Here (fittingly housed in an old bookstore) the chef combs through historic recipe books – mainly from a defining period in Thai culinary history between 1940 and 1970 when the cuisine was going through seismic changes of modernisation and cross-cultural influence – to source inspiration for Aksorn’s dishes, with some menu items unheard of outside of this very special kitchen on Charoen Krung Road.
All that said, it’s often the most simple dishes that land the knockout blow. On a previous visit, stir fried sugar snap peas were sweet and smoky, managing to straddle a freshness and umami-heft brilliantly. They wore their stir fry sauce as you might the lightest linen jacket – so good.
And as with any David Thompson restaurant, a procession of superb desserts pick up star billing. The man sure does have a sweet tooth; not that we’re complaining when the coconut cream is this luxurious, the jasmine candle’s perfume just the right amount of pervasive, and the sweet/salty balance familiar to any Thai sweet lover so intricately poised.
With a regularly changing menu reflecting a different era, recipe book or chef, we can’t wait to see where Aksorn goes next.
For properly old school, refined and regal Thai fine dining, with all the bells, whistles, pomp and ceremony of the Royal courts of The Kingdom as a backdrop to your evening, you can’t do much better than Methavalai Sorndaeng, a Phra Nakhon institution still going strong after six decades.
It’s a real special occasion sort of place for Thai folk of a certain age, and you’ll see old married couples, suited, booted and moonlight-silver haired, enjoying timeless preparations of dishes like rich red curry of duck and pineapple, or intricate tartlets of diced potato, carrot and sweetcorn, that still somehow manages to come up tasting decidedly Thai.
The gold embroidered furniture and crooner louchely leaning on a grand old piano to serenade the dining room only serve to emphasise the vibe here. Resign yourself to its charms; it’s irresistible.
For all these opulent associations with royalty and glamour, Methavalai Sorndaeng is an eminently affordable Michelin-starred experience, with larger dishes rarely pushing past the 500 THB mark (around £12) and many considerably cheaper. With very drinkable wine served simply – just choose between red or white, and always by the glass – the value for money here is striking.
Oh go on then, we’ll stay for just one more song…
*Sadly, Methavalai Sorndaeng lost its star in the 2024 Thailand Michelin Guide, and didn’t regain it in the 2025 version. In fact, they’ve been unceremoniously culled from the red book entirely on latest inspection. Oh well; they’re always stars in our eyes.*
Ideal for a truly exceptional Thai tasting menu experience…
Thai food aficionados were devastated when, at the height of the COVID crisis, Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava and Dylan Jones announced they were closing Bo.lan after more than a decade of defining contemporary Thai restaurant food, citing the financial toll of the pandemic as a major driver in their decision.
But in the greatest comeback since Lee Zii Jia’s remarkable win at the Thailand Open in 2022, Bo.lan is back, bookable and – whisper it – better than ever. And there’s more excellent news; in the latest Bangkok Michelin Guide (announced in late November 2025), Bo.lan has won back its Michelin star, marking a triumphant return to starred status after nearly four years.
For a fixed price of 4’800 THB, guests can once again enjoy the zero-waste, zero-compromise cooking of these two very talented chefs, running Thursday through Monday.
The setting remains delightfully unchanged – a warming timberclad converted home (the swimming pool on the way to the loos always feels tempting after a few Nonthaburi meads) set back from the unrelenting intensity of Sukhumvit Road, adorned with traditional Thai decorations that set the perfect scene for what’s to come.
A recent visit, some seven years on from our last meal there, found the kitchen on song and in perfect harmony. Bo.lan is still one of the best culinary-focused evenings you can have in the Thai capital. Wholesome, nourishing, at times even educational without being annoying, the cooking is homely but precise, refined without being ‘elevated’, and always, always delicious,
Highlights from the most recent Kingdom-spanning menu included a Southern style curry of Tankun chicken, clams and cashews, all murky depth and assertive complexity, and a funky black Khorat beef stir-fried in shrimp paste relish. Even the rice options show a deep respect for the primary product, with both organic Gaba rice from Sri Saket and jasmine rice 105 from Yasothorn the star around which the six or seven sharing dishes orbit.
Their signature drinks programme also maintains a distinctly local character, featuring house-infused ya dong (traditional Thai herbal liquor) and Thai cremant rubbing shoulders with more Old World selections.
There’s a well-orchestrated but pleasingly casual sense of flow to the evening, too, transitioning you through the restaurant’s different spaces just when you might be feeling restless. Things start in a separate lounge with a welcome drink, and petit fours (free flowing, generous and endless) are served back in that lounge at the end of the meal.
It’s a meal bookended by booziness, too: It starts with honey mead made in Thailand and ends with a complementary shot of the ya dong, proffered as you make your way for the door, leaving a taste of something special lingering long after Bangkok’s signature humidity has once again begun to stick to your shirt.
With opening hours still tight, some forward planning is required to land a table. If you’re not able to get a seat, then all is not lost; Bo.lan’s more casual sister restaurant Err is just around the corner, close to Thong Lor BTS station. All the Err signatures are here; expect whole crispy chicken skin, the finest grilled naem this side of Nakhon Phanom, and cute as you like pickled garlic cloves. Yes!
Ideal for a progressive menu of Thai-Chinese fare from one of Asia’s hottest chefs…
At this restaurant, family and building legacy hangs proudly in the air. It can be tasted in the fermentation jars and felt on every plate of Chef Pichaya ‘Pam’ Soontornyanakij’s incredible tasting menu of innovative Thai-Chinese cuisine, of which there are a whopping 20 dishes. Instead of keeping you here, check out our full restaurant review of Potong. Be prepared to have your appetite teased and tempted!
It’s been a busy couple of years for chef Pam, who was named World’s Best Female Chef 2025 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, the first Thai woman to receive the honour, capping a period that has also seen Potong climb to No.13 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Her second restaurant, Khao San Sek, is now fully up and running just a five minute walk from Potong, offering a more approachable, build-your-own format built around Thailand’s five essential ingredients: fish sauce, palm sugar, chilli, rice and coconut. It’s already earned a place on the Michelin Guide Thailand 2026 as a MICHELIN Selected restaurant. A third venture, Ra-u, a Thai grill house at Siam Paragon, is also in the works.
Now, after all that fine dining here are our picks of the best street food in Bangkokfor those keen to get in touch with the other side of Bangkok fine dining.
With over 75 million passengers passing through London Victoria annually, and the station’s main thoroughfare essentially one massive pasty passage, it’s no wonder hungry travellers are constantly bemoaning the lack of dining options within the station complex. Do they really need five Upper Crusts and several Caffè Nero stalls?
An exaggeration perhaps, but to eat well here, it’s best to step out and into the Westminster wilderness for a proper feed. Here are our favourite restaurants, eateries and food halls close by; our round-up of the best places to eat near London Victoria.
A. Wong
Ideal for innovative and thoughtful contemporary Chinese food..
Now with two shiny Michelin stars above the door, A.Wong has come a long way since its opening in 2013. This ‘upmarket Chinese eatery’ (their words) is actually refreshingly welcoming, inclusive and reasonably priced, considering the level of cooking going on here.
The star of the show at lunch is arguably the dim sum menu, where Wong’s technical mastery and creative flair truly shine. Each piece is individually priced and crafted to order, elevating these small bites far beyond their traditional origins. The Shanghai steamed dumplings come with a precise pipette of ginger-infused vinegar, while the ‘Memories of Peking duck’ with foie gras and plum sauce offers a luxurious twist on a classic. Perhaps most impressive is the ‘Three treasure dumpling’ featuring king crab, smoked tofu, and a fragrant lemongrass broth – a dish that exemplifies Wong’s ability to honour tradition while pushing boundaries.
Images via awong.co.uk
For dinner, the restaurant transforms into an altogether more ambitious affair, offering only the ‘Collections of China’ tasting menu – a three-hour culinary voyage through China’s 14 international borders. This £220 experience promises to introduce diners to over 100 ingredients across some 30 dishes, from zhou dynasty cured scallop to Yunnan sweet potato with tamarind and shrimp caramel.
The level of detail is staggering; take the chrysanthemum tofu, where bean curd is precision-cut to resemble a delicate flower, floating in a fragrant broth and finished with coriander purée. It’s this kind of technical mastery combined with deep respect for regional Chinese cuisines that has earned Wong his second Michelin star – and a reputation as one of London’s most exciting chefs.
Wong, who took the helm from his parents in 2012, brings both academic rigour (he’s as much anthropologist as chef) and technical brilliance to ancient recipes and regional specialties. His cooking demonstrates that attention to detail doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour – every dish, whether it’s a simple dim sum or an elaborate tasting menu creation, balances tradition with innovation.
Open Tuesday evenings and Wednesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner (closed Sunday-Monday). While the evening tasting menu is certainly a splurge, the lunch dim sum offers an accessible entry point to Wong’s remarkable cuisine. Advance booking is essential, particularly for dinner service.
Those not ready to commit to the full tasting menu experience now have another option. Forbidden City, the basement bar beneath A Wong, reopened in February 2026 as a standalone destination with its own cocktail list and food menu. Dishes include a dim sum basket, a cherrywood-smoked Peking Duck wrap and Cantonese wonton noodle soup, alongside cocktails tied to the kitchen upstairs (the Peking Duck Old Fashioned, washed with fat from the roasting process, is exactly as good as it sounds).
One Night in Hong Kong, a £55 set offering a soy chicken and Oscietra caviar wrap, wonton noodle soup, crispy wonton and a cocktail, makes the two-star kitchen more accessible than ever. No dress code, no obligation to commit to a full evening.
Ideal for Mediterranean cooking that makes a virtue of simplicity…
In a former timber yard off Pimlico Road, and only a year and a half into life here, chef Aaron Potter (previously of Trinity and Elystan Street) and his Wildflowers have already bedded in and, erm, blossomed. The dining room here – all cream linens, exposed brick and candlelight, with an open kitchen that actually adds to the atmosphere rather than the noise levels – is a wonderful place to sink into, striking a neat balance between neighbourhood warmth and West London polish that’s surprisingly hard to pull off in this rather superficial side of town.
The cooking at Wildflowers is broadly, nominally Mediterranean but never gets bogged down in attempts at regional authenticity – we are in Pimlico, not Positano, after all. Instead, Potter seems more interested in getting the most from his ingredients, particularly how they respond to the the charcoal grill. A plate of grilled mackerel on sardine-laden bruschetta shows his knack for allowing good fish to speak for itself, while the cuttlefish fideuà – a sort of pasta paella – is the refined side of deeply comforting, ticking both those boxes with the most effortless of gestures.
Image via wildflowersrestaurant.co.uk
Do start with the gnocco fritto, little fried pasta parcels filled with gorgonzola and topped with speck and honey. They’re pure indulgence but without any unnecessary fuss or frippery, which rather captures the spirit of the place. The upstairs wine bar is worth visiting in its own right. Try the Nearly Dirty Martini, where olive oil-washed gin meets house brine and nocellara olives, or simply settle in with something from their thoughtful wine list.
Address: Newson’s Yard, 57 Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8NE
Ideal for arguably the best Malaysian food south of the river…
Food courts seem to be proliferating in London faster than the city can handle them, with several blockbuster openings occuring in recent years. Though revered restaurant group JKS’ Arcade Food Hall on Tottenham Court Road has received the vast majority of media attention we’re just as enamoured with London’s Victoria’s Market Hall which has several stellar eateries all under one roof, Market Hall represents one of the best places to eat near London Victoria.
The fact it’s only a two minute stroll from the station certainly does no harm, but in reality, the selection of food options is the main draw; Baoziin’s superb dim sum, Pasta Evangelists’ cult ‘carbonara of dreams’, and Fanny’s flame-grilled kebabs have all found a home here.
But it’s at Gopal’s Corner where the finest food is found. The sibling to beloved London restaurant Roti King, here the proposition is similar; Tamil street food featuring freshly slapped roti canai, served in bundles to accompany nourishing curries unafraid of a little oil and salt.
But equally as satisfying are simple but umami-heavy noodle stir-fries, and banana leaf platters laden with curries, crisp papadam, and chutneys positively undulating with the funk of shrimp paste and assertiveness of chilli. Just superb.
Address: Market Halls, 191 Victoria St, London SW1E 5NE
Ideal for the ultimate All-American burger experience…
Many of London’s culinary cognoscenti concur that Bleecker is the city’s best burger, and, though our opinion is more humble, we might just be with them.
An All-American burger which started life in London’s Spitalfields, Bleecker now has locations across the capital, including Bloomberg, Westfield, London Bridge, Seven Dials Market, Baker Street and Soho, with the Victoria outpost among its most convenient.
It’s easy to see why Bleecker is going from strength to strength. The burger menu is a concise, no-frills affair, with just six options on the menu, five of which deploy 45 aged, grass fed beef from ‘the chef’s butcher’ Aubrey Allen, with the sixth – the ‘symplicity’ burger – a vegetarian offering using chef Neil Rankin’s much hyped fermented vegetable ‘meat’.
Basically, if you’re a carnivore, it’s cheeseburgers, single or double, with or without bacon. The paradox of choice is unlikely to fell you here.
The results are spectacular, tasting both ‘dirty’ (not a term we usually like to deploy) and possessing depth through those superior pattys. All in all, it’s a knockout, and the best burger you’ll find in this part of London, at the very least.
Ideal for a taste of Portugal and possibly the best peri-peri chicken in London…
Though London Victoria’s Nova development is, by most folk’s estimations, the devil’s work, it does house a couple of enjoyable options for dinner. The best has got to be the Victoria iteration of popular peri-peri chicken join Casa do Frango.
The restaurant’s name, which translates to ‘chicken house’, prosaically encapsulates its culinary focus. Casa do Frango Victoria brings the spirit of Southern Portugal to London, serving traditional Algarvian cuisine with a special emphasis on their signature dish – Frango Piri-Piri.
This dish, chicken grilled over wood-charcoal and brushed with an age-old Piri-Piri blend, has a satisfyingly smoky finish and blistered skin, which is what you’re here for, surely?
A word for the supporting cast and sides, which are a fine match to the headlining chuck – the rice with crispy chicken skin, chorizo, and plantain, is especially good.
Ideal for Sichuan hot pot & a genuine sense of occasion…
There’s something pleasing about a restaurant that makes you work for it. Dragon Inn Club sits on an unremarkable stretch of Upper Tachbrook Street with little to announce itself from the outside, but step in and you’re somewhere else entirely. Dark wood, bamboo, moody red lighting and a layout that unfolds across multiple levels, each with its own character and purpose.
The hot pot is the reason most people come, broths ranging from the signature numbing Sichuan spicy to a gentler chicken and spring onion, and the communal, cook-it-yourself format making for an evening rather than just a meal.
Image via @dragoninn_club
But the ground floor open kitchen turns out dim sum worth visiting for in its own right, and the corn-fed chicken in Sichuan chilli oil delivers that distinctive málà hit that lingers long after you’ve left. For something more intimate, the eight two-seater Private Caves along the Silk Passage are as theatrical as they sound.
Open noon until 10:30pm Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays.
If you’re looking for a three course affair – the menu, in a revolutionary move, is laid out in sections of starters, mains, and desserts – of unpretentious yet utterly flawless French-ish grub, then Lorne will see you right.
It’s a reassuring space to spend time in; with a neighbourhood restaurant atmosphere, service on point – warm, gracious and knowledgeable – and the food generous and soulful. It’s not the cheapest, but you get what you pay for.
A piece of fallow deer was beautifully cooked, with edge to edge pinkness and a good crust coming in at just the right level of bitter, paired with pomme puree and boudin noir. Yep, this is unapologetically traditional in its pairings, but sometimes, that’s exactly what you need, right?
The proposition at Olivomare, an elegant establishment sitting somewhere between London Victoria and Belgravia, is a simple one; Sardinian seafood dishes, cooked with care and precision. The restaurant more than lives up to that enticing billing, with a menu that is deceptively simple in its descriptions but premium in its delivery.
With an adjoining deli championing artisan producers from Sardinia, premium ingredients take centre stage here, with fish spanking, squeaky fresh, and both local and imported vegetables shown equal reverence.
The trofie with clams and grated bottarga is a must order, given piquancy via liberal additions of chilli, both fresh and dried, and some serious salinity with the addition of reduced clam stock and that fantastic cured grey mullet roe, playing the role of parmesan adeptly.
With whole fish coming off the charcoal grill, whether marinated or salt-crusted, and making up the bulk of the main courses, there’s plenty to luxuriate in here, making Olivomare the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch in Victoria.
Ideal for lively fine dining and modern British fare…
Okay, we accept that you might have to hotfoot it 10 minutes north east into Westminster to get to The Pem, but with the eating options around London Victoria not exactly resplendent, you may well be glad that you did.
This luxurious and lively fine dining restaurant, located within the elegant Conrad London St. James Hotel, now operates under head chef Daniel Winser, whose menus continue the restaurant’s founding commitment to high-quality, seasonal British produce. Think hand-dived Orkney scallops, roast venison loin and glazed veal sweetbread, dishes that are contemporary in technique and bold in flavour, shifting with the seasons.
The Pem’s name pays homage to suffragette Emily Wilding Davison, affectionately known as Pem by her family, and that spirit of bold thinking remains very much embedded in the restaurant’s identity. The interior exudes an art deco charm, adorned in striking pinks and deep reds, with plush seats and banquettes. It’s the perfect place to settle into.
The Pem was recognised in the 2025 National Restaurant Awards and appears in the SquareMeal Top 100 London restaurants, testament to a kitchen that continues to deliver at the highest level regardless of who’s manning the pass. The ‘Taste of The Pem’ six-course tasting menu is the most complete way to experience what Winser’s kitchen is about, though the set lunch offers an accessible and very good-value entry point.
Sure, the vast, vast majority of both Turkish and Cypriot restaurants are found in London’s north, but down in depths of Pimlico, an outlier exists doing some truly exceptional Turkish Cypriot fare. That outlier is Cyprus Mangal, just a short stroll from London Victoria, and a damn fine place to spend an evening of eating.
It’s also an eminently reasonable restaurant to feast big; a generous portion of lamb beyti (minced lamb, charcoal grilled), a freshly baked basket of Turkish bread and chopped-to-order tabbouleh won’t set you back much more than £20, which in this part of town, is, quite simply, excellent value.
Open daily from midday ’till midnight, it’s also an inclusive late night spot in an area of London that often feels pretty inhospitable. Bravo, indeed.
Address: 45 Warwick Way, Lillington and Longmoore Gardens, London SW1V 1QS
Is it Belgravia? Is it Victoria? Let’s not get bogged down in the minutiae of geographic semantics here, La Poule Au Pot has been a Westminster institution for almost 60 years, and continues to deliver largely Lyonnaise ‘bouchon’ classics to this day.
Indeed, La Poule Au Pot wouldn’t look out of place on Paris’ Rue des Martyrs or in the middle of Lyon’s Presqu’Île. This charming, old school restaurant is all about Burgundy bistro fare; expect snails with garlic butter, frogs legs, grilled calves liver, terrine of foie gras with Sauternes jelly, rabbit with mustard sauce…you get the picture, and it’s a very pretty one to paint.
With nooks and crannies, trinkets and even, whisper it, tablecloths, this is a spot best enjoyed as the nights draw in and the evening temperature drops. Because when the candles are flickering, the carafes of drinkable are red breathing on the table, and the food is at its most hearty and comforting, there’s fewer better places to spend an evening in London.
Speaking of Belgravia, if you’re moving on there to continue your food tour of London, then check out our guide on where to eat in Belgravia. You may even recognise our previous entry in there!
