Destination

Things to see and do in London : Where to eat ?

London

10 addresses

Criterion Brasserie
224 Piccadilly London W1 • 20-7930-0488

Description:

SOHO. Criterion serves unpretentious French-British cuisine in a setting of unrivaled Byzantine opulence. Golden ceiling mosaics, Venetian glass lamps, and gilt-trimmed furnishings establish a luxurious backdrop for classic dishes like roast suckling pig with apple sauce and jus à  la marjoram, or fillet of beef Rossini. Dessert tarts are delicate, and toffee pudding with caramel ice cream offers a rich ending as well. TUBE: Piccadilly Circus

Criterion Brasserie detail

The Wolseley
160 Piccadilly London W1J 9EB • 020 7499 6996

Description:

The Wolseley's Viennese theme, classic interiors, consistent cooking and esteemed clientele make it an establishment, even though it's relatively new, compared with its neighbor The Ritz. Those in the know come here for breakfast: Omelette Arnold Bennett never fails to please (the eggs are sublime). Baked whole seabass with tomato and tarragon and wiener schnitzel from the rotisserie provide reliable meal options. A genuine occasion venue, this grande dame has unbeatable people-watching potential to boot. TUBE: Piccadilly Circus

The Wolseley detail

The Ivy
1 West St Covent Garden, London WC2H 9NQ • +44 20 7836 4751

Description:

SOHO. This London landmark is popular with pre-theater crowds, thanks to a location in the West End, a varied menu, and easy elegance. The Art Deco-inspired room features light wood and often fills up early. The array of modern dishes includes risotto nero, ribeye steak bearnaise, shepherd's pie, and Thai baked sea bass. The dessert menu includes puddings and iced berries with hot white chocolate sauce. Reservations are necessary months in advance to get a table among the starlets and power brokers. TUBE: Leicester Square

The Ivy detail

Rock & Sole Plaice
47 Endell St near Covent Garden, London WC2 • 20-7836-3785

Description:

COVENT GARDEN. In addition to its clever name and a great location near the Covent Garden tube, this restaurant boasts good, inexpensive food. Chips here are fantastic ­ large and crisp without being oily ­ and fish is fresh and thickly battered. The ambiance is basic, but proximity to the theater district has given the owners decorative inspiration, and theater posters liven things up admirably. Plenty of beers and a few unusual wines too. TUBE: Covent Garden

Rock & Sole Plaice detail

Yauatcha
15 Broadwick St London W1 • 020 7494 8888

Description:

Hailed as one of the capital's finest restaurants, and sister to the famous Hakkasan, Yauatcha was among the forerunners adding dim sum on the London menu. The selection is outstanding, from ocean-fresh hargau to plump seabass dumplings and a mesmeric silver cod. Choose carefully and an evening here could be close to affordable, too. The stylish, metropolitan interiors embrace giant fish tanks. Yauatcha also makes for an attractive afternoon tea destination, complete with its delectable pastries and cakes.

Yauatcha detail

Café at Sotheby's
34-35 New Bond St Sotheby's Auction House, London W1 • 20-7293-5077

Description:

MAYFAIR. Located on fashionable New Bond Street (the ritziest, most glamorous of addresses), this café sits in the lobby of the world-famous auction house. The place is an unexpected treat, offering simple lunch and breakfast options and an attitude-free staff. Mirrors and modern prints line the walls, and lunch selections include pasta with pancetta, gorgonzola and thyme, not to mention the famous, luxurious lobster club sandwich. Salads with tangy homemade dressings are popular, and desserts include an array of puddings, cakes, and chocolate treats. TUBE: Green Park or Bond Street

Café at Sotheby's detail

The Guinea Grill
30 Bruton Pl Berkeley Square, London W1X 7AA • 20-7499-1728

Description:

MAYFAIR. This upscale pub sits just down the street from The Ritz in one of London's wealthiest districts. The historic establishment dates to the mid-1700s, and its patrons frequently spill out onto the sidewalk, as businesspeople try to impress important clients. The menu offers a wide array of choices, including some of the best steaks in the area ­ the filet of beef with wild mushrooms and red wine sauce, horseradish mash and parsnip crisps is a hearty delight. Inside, polished brass and wood detailing contribute to the classy ambience. TUBE: Green Park

The Guinea Grill detail

Seven Stars
53-54 Carey St London WC2A 2JB • 20-7242-8521

Description:

ALDWYCH. Especially at meal time, employees from nearby court buildings populate this historic gastropub (built around 1600) ­ a tribute to the kitchen's traditional menu. Walls are adorned with all things legal, from old movie posters to framed caricatures and political cartoons. The cozy place also features a working fireplace and lots of dark-wood tables and chairs. N.B. Many patrons regard Seven Stars as London's finest pub, so a modicum of reverence is always appreciated when you visit. TUBE: Holborn or Chancery Lane

Seven Stars detail

Scott's
20 Mount St London W1 K2HE • 020 7495 7309

Description:

MAYFAIR. One of London's oldest restaurants received a stylish revamp ­ not so much breathing life into an ailing institution, as a whole new look and personality. The seafood menu is superior and the esteemed crowd difficult to match. The upscale maritime-themed interiors welcome guests at the ground floor tables or the buzzy, central Oyster Bar. The dishes are simple and superb. Standouts include seared scallops with celeriac and garlic, rock oysters with all the trimmings, or silver-tiered fruits de mer. TUBE: Bond Street

Scott's detail

Leon
12 Ludgate Circus London EC4 • 020 7489 1580

Description:

This eating-on-the-go concept had a healthy influence on the capital's culinary preferences. Dishes range from pea and mint soup served with organic basmati rice and open sesame slaw to roasted sweet potato falafel and homemade aioli Tuk Tuk salad. This branch is a vast affair with jolly idiosyncrasies ­ paint-pot seats, bookish decor and the headlights from Ludgate Circus illuminate the evening. Branches in Carnaby Street and Knightsbridge round out the hat trick. TUBE: Blackfriars

Leon detail

Best of the City

The Wolseley
160 Piccadilly London W1J 9EB • 020 7499 6996

Description:

The Wolseley's Viennese theme, classic interiors, consistent cooking and esteemed clientele make it an establishment, even though it's relatively new, compared with its neighbor The Ritz. Those in the know come here for breakfast: Omelette Arnold Bennett never fails to please (the eggs are sublime). Baked whole seabass with tomato and tarragon and wiener schnitzel from the rotisserie provide reliable meal options. A genuine occasion venue, this grande dame has unbeatable people-watching potential to boot. TUBE: Piccadilly Circus

The Wolseley detail

The Ivy
1 West St Covent Garden, London WC2H 9NQ • +44 20 7836 4751

Description:

SOHO. This London landmark is popular with pre-theater crowds, thanks to a location in the West End, a varied menu, and easy elegance. The Art Deco-inspired room features light wood and often fills up early. The array of modern dishes includes risotto nero, ribeye steak bearnaise, shepherd's pie, and Thai baked sea bass. The dessert menu includes puddings and iced berries with hot white chocolate sauce. Reservations are necessary months in advance to get a table among the starlets and power brokers. TUBE: Leicester Square

The Ivy detail

Yauatcha
15 Broadwick St London W1 • 020 7494 8888

Description:

Hailed as one of the capital's finest restaurants, and sister to the famous Hakkasan, Yauatcha was among the forerunners adding dim sum on the London menu. The selection is outstanding, from ocean-fresh hargau to plump seabass dumplings and a mesmeric silver cod. Choose carefully and an evening here could be close to affordable, too. The stylish, metropolitan interiors embrace giant fish tanks. Yauatcha also makes for an attractive afternoon tea destination, complete with its delectable pastries and cakes.

Yauatcha detail

Scott's
20 Mount St London W1 K2HE • 020 7495 7309

Description:

MAYFAIR. One of London's oldest restaurants received a stylish revamp ­ not so much breathing life into an ailing institution, as a whole new look and personality. The seafood menu is superior and the esteemed crowd difficult to match. The upscale maritime-themed interiors welcome guests at the ground floor tables or the buzzy, central Oyster Bar. The dishes are simple and superb. Standouts include seared scallops with celeriac and garlic, rock oysters with all the trimmings, or silver-tiered fruits de mer. TUBE: Bond Street

Scott's detail

Leon
12 Ludgate Circus London EC4 • 020 7489 1580

Description:

This eating-on-the-go concept had a healthy influence on the capital's culinary preferences. Dishes range from pea and mint soup served with organic basmati rice and open sesame slaw to roasted sweet potato falafel and homemade aioli Tuk Tuk salad. This branch is a vast affair with jolly idiosyncrasies ­ paint-pot seats, bookish decor and the headlights from Ludgate Circus illuminate the evening. Branches in Carnaby Street and Knightsbridge round out the hat trick. TUBE: Blackfriars

Leon detail

St John's
26 St. John St London EC1M 4AY • 20-7272-1587

Description:

SMITHFIELD. Set in what was once a smokehouse / townhouse, this intriguing restaurant has met with much praise. Its specialty is curious cuts of meat, especially those that modern diners eschew in favor of sanitized supermarket fare. St John's gives them new prestige, and is often credited with completely rethinking British food thanks to impeccable culinary attention and an original approach. Consider, for example, venison liver and lentils, chitterlings and dandelion greens, mutton and turnips, roast suckling pig, or pigeon and trotter pie. Before you judge, sample the kitchen's skill, and your tastes may just change for good. Other diners' already have. TUBE: Farringdon

St John's detail

Galvin Bistro de Luxe
66 Baker St London W1 • 020 7935 4007

Description:

Founded in 2005, this eatery brought the bistrots modernes philosophy to London, where it's now quite hip. Chef brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin, one of whom held a Michelin-star, crafted a menu both affordable and sublime. Many dishes run in a traditional Gallic vein, such as soft-boiled gull eggs with celery salt and mustard cress, grilled blue-fin tuna with piperade and roasted artichokes, and a sweet soufflé of Gariguette strawberries. A refined, though friendly, crowd and pleasant, understated ambience further add to the appeal. TUBE: Baker Street

Galvin Bistro de Luxe detail

Canteen
Belvedere Rd Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre Square, London SE1 • (0)845-686-1122

Description:

Hailed as one of the millennium's most enterprising restaurants, Canteen put British fare back on the map. Everything here is made from scratch, from the devilled kidneys to the Hollandaise sauce and tomato ketchup. Seating is ­ yep, you guessed it ­ canteen style. While this new branch sits beautifully on London's South Bank, the original Spitalfields outpost also does a sterling trade. Follow potted duck, piccalilli and toast with a succulent British pie and textbook roast. TUBE: Waterloo

Canteen detail

Cafe Spice Namaste
16 Prescot St London E1 8AZ • 020-7488-9242

Description:

CITY. Arched windows, high ceilings, and colorful, decorative painting set the scene for this well-received establishment. Chef Cyrus Todiwala entrances folks with his creative, carefully prepared fare. Homemade chutneys and fresh breads hint at the cuisine's earthy flavors, as evidenced in classic tikka masala, pork vindaloo, and fragrant curries. While chicken, lamb and vegetable-based dishes are common, more unusual options are available, including ostrich gizzard kebabs, venison and boar. An outdoor, heated patio is a delight in warm weather. TUBE: Tower Hill

Cafe Spice Namaste detail

Moro
34-36 Exmouth Mkt London EC1 R4QE • 20-7833-8336

Description:

CLERKENWELL. After perusing Exmouth Market's antique bookshops, sweetshops and boutiques, you may find yourself in need of nourishment. This sleek Moorish restaurant is just what the doctor ordered. The waitstaff, known for its professionalism and solid work ethic, gets high marks, as does the creative wine list. The menu, however, reigns supreme, thanks to well-prepared dishes such as wood-roasted skate with peas, clams and salsa verde, pulled from deepest southern Spain and the Mediterranean. Sidewalk seating is available during warmer months. TUBE: Farringdon or Angel

Moro detail

British

Criterion Brasserie
224 Piccadilly London W1 • 20-7930-0488

Description:

SOHO. Criterion serves unpretentious French-British cuisine in a setting of unrivaled Byzantine opulence. Golden ceiling mosaics, Venetian glass lamps, and gilt-trimmed furnishings establish a luxurious backdrop for classic dishes like roast suckling pig with apple sauce and jus à  la marjoram, or fillet of beef Rossini. Dessert tarts are delicate, and toffee pudding with caramel ice cream offers a rich ending as well. TUBE: Piccadilly Circus

Criterion Brasserie detail

Café at Sotheby's
34-35 New Bond St Sotheby's Auction House, London W1 • 20-7293-5077

Description:

MAYFAIR. Located on fashionable New Bond Street (the ritziest, most glamorous of addresses), this café sits in the lobby of the world-famous auction house. The place is an unexpected treat, offering simple lunch and breakfast options and an attitude-free staff. Mirrors and modern prints line the walls, and lunch selections include pasta with pancetta, gorgonzola and thyme, not to mention the famous, luxurious lobster club sandwich. Salads with tangy homemade dressings are popular, and desserts include an array of puddings, cakes, and chocolate treats. TUBE: Green Park or Bond Street

Café at Sotheby's detail

Bermondsey Kitchen
194 Bermondsey St London SE1 3TQ • 20-7407-5719

Description:

A great spot for weekend brunch, dinner or drinks, this restaurant's menu includes satisfying dishes such as celeriac and bacon soup and slow roast pork belly. Their tasty tapas, from marinated aged feta to the Spanish tortilla, are available all day.

Bermondsey Kitchen detail

Duke of Cambridge
30 St Peter's St London N1 • 20-7359-3066

Description:

ISLINGTON. Known for its antique-filled, Victorian ambiance and excellent food, this organic gastropub has what is perhaps London's most extensive menu. In fact, you'll find everything from light salads to club sandwiches to ribeye steaks in balsamic marinade. Fish and chips is the traditional way to go, but there are inventive dishes too, such as venison, chocolate and juniper berry stew. Another big draw is the conservatory. TUBE: Angel

Duke of Cambridge detail

Canteen
Belvedere Rd Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre Square, London SE1 • (0)845-686-1122

Description:

Hailed as one of the millennium's most enterprising restaurants, Canteen put British fare back on the map. Everything here is made from scratch, from the devilled kidneys to the Hollandaise sauce and tomato ketchup. Seating is ­ yep, you guessed it ­ canteen style. While this new branch sits beautifully on London's South Bank, the original Spitalfields outpost also does a sterling trade. Follow potted duck, piccalilli and toast with a succulent British pie and textbook roast. TUBE: Waterloo

Canteen detail

Clarke's
122 Kensington Church St London W8 • 20-7221-9225

Description:

KENSINGTON. If you find yourself indecisive, this restaurant is for you. With a twice-daily changing set menu, featuring just three options per course, dishes are created from the freshest ingredients available, according to the chef's whims. Recent choices included a pancetta, spring asparagus and wild garlic risotto with Parmesan shavings, followed up with a juicy chargrilled grass-fed Orkney Isle beef burger with caper mayonnaise and hand-cut chips. The setting is comfortably elegant and as English as it comes. 4-course dinner £49.50. TUBE: Notting Hill Gate

Clarke's detail

Costas Fish Restaurant
18 Hillgate St London W8 7SR • 20-7727-4310

Description:

KENSINGTON. At this popular Notting Hill chippie, Mediterranean-themed decor and an eclectic clientele in no way anticipate the classic British delicacies that await. Indeed, folks clamor in to savor crisp-fried cod, sole, and haddock daily, all served with Costas' famous chips. However, authentic Greek dishes like fried calamari, hummus, and homemade baklava also get strong nods. If it's too crowded inside, have no fear: take-away orders taste just as good in a shaded park or at a sidewalk table. TUBE: Notting Hill Gate

Costas Fish Restaurant detail

Cow
89 Westbourne Park Rd London W2 5QH • 20-7221-0021

Description:

BAYSWATER. This notable pub offers inviting atmosphere, a variety of lagers and ales, and a popular special of Guinness and oysters. Although evenings are often more crowded than afternoons, anytime is a good time to drop by - just don't expect to get a table! If you want more personal attention, choose the intimate dining room in back; if you want to enjoy a few pints among friendly locals, grab a stool at the bar. TUBE: Royal Oak

Cow detail

Anglesea Arms
35 Wingate Rd London W6 • 20-8749-1291

Description:

HAMMERSMITH. This gastropub is well-known for its fish, which comes fried, roasted or poached. The relaxed, old-fashioned setting allows for optimal enjoyment of the extensive menu, especially if you aren't in a hurry ­ service is famously relaxed. In addition to classics such as fish and chips, oysters and prawns, the place serves more complex dishes like foie gras, pigeon and prune terrine or calf's liver à  la veneziana. The list of puddings is inviting, and outdoor seating is available in the summer. TUBE: Ravenscourt Park

Anglesea Arms detail

Fish and Chips

Rock & Sole Plaice
47 Endell St near Covent Garden, London WC2 • 20-7836-3785

Description:

COVENT GARDEN. In addition to its clever name and a great location near the Covent Garden tube, this restaurant boasts good, inexpensive food. Chips here are fantastic ­ large and crisp without being oily ­ and fish is fresh and thickly battered. The ambiance is basic, but proximity to the theater district has given the owners decorative inspiration, and theater posters liven things up admirably. Plenty of beers and a few unusual wines too. TUBE: Covent Garden

Rock & Sole Plaice detail

Golden Hind
73 Marylebone Ln London W1U 2PN • 20-7486-3644

Description:

MARYLEBONE. With a decor that suits its name (just take a look at the buttercup-hued walls, decorated with dozens of autographed celebrity photos), this Marylebone eatery has been a neighborhood fave since it first opened during WWI. Traditional British "delicacies" like fried haddock, cod, and mushy peas headline the menu and share space with tasty Greek specialties and even fresh mussels. A word to the wise: many locals consider Golden Hind's fish and chips to be the best in London. TUBE: Bond Street

Golden Hind detail

The Fish Shop on St John Street
360-362 St. John St London EC1 • 20-7837-1199

Description:

CITY. Scouring London can be a draining proposition, so why not fuel yourself with a traditional British meal of deep-fried cod, haddock, skate or plaice and some sinful, hand-cut chips? If that sounds good, steer yourself to this highly recommended eatery, where fresh seafood is always on the menu and the setting is far more upscale than your run-of-the-mill chippie. If fish and chips doesn't tickle your fancy, consider duck confit, grilled wild halibut with béarnaise sauce, or poached smoked haddock with mashed potatoes. Terrific wine list. TUBE: Angel

The Fish Shop on St John Street detail

Duke of Cambridge
30 St Peter's St London N1 • 20-7359-3066

Description:

ISLINGTON. Known for its antique-filled, Victorian ambiance and excellent food, this organic gastropub has what is perhaps London's most extensive menu. In fact, you'll find everything from light salads to club sandwiches to ribeye steaks in balsamic marinade. Fish and chips is the traditional way to go, but there are inventive dishes too, such as venison, chocolate and juniper berry stew. Another big draw is the conservatory. TUBE: Angel

Duke of Cambridge detail

Geale's
2 Farmer St London W8 • 20-7727-7528

Description:

KENSINGTON. One of London's most famous fish and chips restaurants, Geale's has been around since 1939. In that time, it has built a solid reputation for what it does best: fish soup, crisp-battered fresh fish, and mushy peas (a local favorite). Additional menu items include prawn cocktail and lobster, ensuring that even finicky palates will find something to their liking. Even so, fish and chips continue to be the mainstay, and the popular sunken chocolate cake also has plans to stick around. The tidy Notting Hill room spot is cheerfully decorated. TUBE: Notting Hill Gate

Geale's detail

Costas Fish Restaurant
18 Hillgate St London W8 7SR • 20-7727-4310

Description:

KENSINGTON. At this popular Notting Hill chippie, Mediterranean-themed decor and an eclectic clientele in no way anticipate the classic British delicacies that await. Indeed, folks clamor in to savor crisp-fried cod, sole, and haddock daily, all served with Costas' famous chips. However, authentic Greek dishes like fried calamari, hummus, and homemade baklava also get strong nods. If it's too crowded inside, have no fear: take-away orders taste just as good in a shaded park or at a sidewalk table. TUBE: Notting Hill Gate

Costas Fish Restaurant detail

Nautilus Fish
27-29 Fortune Green Rd London NW6 • 20-7435 2532

Description:

HAMPSTEAD. Billed as one of the best places in West Hampstead to grab a quick bite, Nautilus offers patrons ­ some of whom can recall the place's earliest days in the '40s ­ a cozy setting and fish and chips so tasty they never want to go home. In addition to fabulous fried haddock and fresh seafood, the accomplished kitchen serves satisfying Mediterranean dishes to folks who want something besides seafood. TUBE: Kilburn

Nautilus Fish detail

Anglesea Arms
35 Wingate Rd London W6 • 20-8749-1291

Description:

HAMMERSMITH. This gastropub is well-known for its fish, which comes fried, roasted or poached. The relaxed, old-fashioned setting allows for optimal enjoyment of the extensive menu, especially if you aren't in a hurry ­ service is famously relaxed. In addition to classics such as fish and chips, oysters and prawns, the place serves more complex dishes like foie gras, pigeon and prune terrine or calf's liver à  la veneziana. The list of puddings is inviting, and outdoor seating is available in the summer. TUBE: Ravenscourt Park

Anglesea Arms detail

Pub

The Guinea Grill
30 Bruton Pl Berkeley Square, London W1X 7AA • 20-7499-1728

Description:

MAYFAIR. This upscale pub sits just down the street from The Ritz in one of London's wealthiest districts. The historic establishment dates to the mid-1700s, and its patrons frequently spill out onto the sidewalk, as businesspeople try to impress important clients. The menu offers a wide array of choices, including some of the best steaks in the area ­ the filet of beef with wild mushrooms and red wine sauce, horseradish mash and parsnip crisps is a hearty delight. Inside, polished brass and wood detailing contribute to the classy ambience. TUBE: Green Park

The Guinea Grill detail

Seven Stars
53-54 Carey St London WC2A 2JB • 20-7242-8521

Description:

ALDWYCH. Especially at meal time, employees from nearby court buildings populate this historic gastropub (built around 1600) ­ a tribute to the kitchen's traditional menu. Walls are adorned with all things legal, from old movie posters to framed caricatures and political cartoons. The cozy place also features a working fireplace and lots of dark-wood tables and chairs. N.B. Many patrons regard Seven Stars as London's finest pub, so a modicum of reverence is always appreciated when you visit. TUBE: Holborn or Chancery Lane

Seven Stars detail

Grenadier
18 Wilton Row Belgrave Square, London SW1X 7NR • 20-7235-3074

Description:

BELGRAVIA. Tucked away in a choice area near the classy Lynchburg Hotel, this smart pub provides a great place for business travelers to entertain. The menu includes tasty treats like Angels on Horseback (bacon-wrapped oysters), their signature Beef Wellington, and traditional fish and chips, while the bar supplies a wide selection of liquors and draught beers, along with a house Bloody Mary crafted with a secret ingredient. Dark woods and red walls boasting a weapon motif distinguish the interior. Navigate your way carefully, because the pub can be hard to locate. Reservations strongly recommended. TUBE: Hyde Park Corner

Grenadier detail

Royal Oak
44 Tabard St London SE1 4JU • 20-7357-7173

Description:

SOUTHWARK. While regulars laud this Tabard Street pub for its pints of tasty Harveys, folks with eats in mind also find much to like. The cozy, Victorian-styled Royal Oak features dual bar areas, which ensure that drinks are easy to come by. They also make the pub a favorite after-work destination for folks coming in from nearby office buildings. Made-from-scratch fare offers plenty of worthy alternatives, including hearty pies, traditional roasts, and baskets of fish and chips. TUBE: Borough

Royal Oak detail

Sutton Arms
6 Carthusian St London EC1M 6EB • 20-7253-0723

Description:

CITY. The Sutton, as regulars know it, is a classic London pub, complete with creaky wood floors, dark wood accents, and a cozy bar. The place is known as a pint-lover's haven, but it also gets strong praise for its surprisingly inventive fare. The daily menu includes roast chicken with fennel, roast pork loin with applesauce, and guinea fowl with roasted shallots. Desserts (including puddings) are also impeccable, so save room. An upstairs dining area offers quieter, more traditional environs than the bar. TUBE: Barbican

Sutton Arms detail

The Queens
49 Regents Park Rd London NW1 • 20-7586-0408

Description:

PRIMROSE HILL. This popular neighborhood pub is nestled near Regent's Park on the city's north side. If you're unfamiliar with the area, keep an eye out for the pub's distinctive, mustard-yellow exterior. Inside, a welcoming ambience pervades, and the pub's centerpiece is a long, narrow bar where bartenders are eager to take your order. A wide variety of food is available, including cider-battered filet served with hand-cut chips and pea purée, aged ribeye steak with chips or roast flat mushroom with shallot and stilton butter. TUBE: Chalk Farm

The Queens detail

The Westbourne
101 Westbourne Park Villas London W2 5ED • 20-7221-1332

Description:

BAYSWATER. Take a break from typical city pubs, and venture off the beaten path to this local favorite and, probably, London's first gastropub. A shaded outdoor seating area invites folks to relax, and the spacious interior is similar to that of many pubs, attested to by well-loved wooden tables and a large wooden bar. The Westbourne is is a great place to hang out with friends over a few pints of lager or ale. And should hunger pangs hit, a wide variety of pub food is available, including oysters, salmon, seabass and halibut. TUBE: Royal Oak

The Westbourne detail

Cow
89 Westbourne Park Rd London W2 5QH • 20-7221-0021

Description:

BAYSWATER. This notable pub offers inviting atmosphere, a variety of lagers and ales, and a popular special of Guinness and oysters. Although evenings are often more crowded than afternoons, anytime is a good time to drop by - just don't expect to get a table! If you want more personal attention, choose the intimate dining room in back; if you want to enjoy a few pints among friendly locals, grab a stool at the bar. TUBE: Royal Oak

Cow detail

Lots Road Pub & Dining Room
114 Lots Rd London SW10 0RJ • 20-7352-6645

Description:

CHELSEA. When folks toiling in SW10 are eager for home-cooked cuisine, they find much to applaud at this cozy gatropub near Chelsea Harbour. Unexpectedly, the pub setting runs headlong into haute cuisine, but the results are sublime. Each dish uses only the freshest ingredients, and the items that issue forth include the Lots Road Burger and a mind-blowing ribeye steak sandwich. Follow your favorite dish with the pub's signature Sticky Toffee Pudding, and you've a meal worth remembering. Dinner reservations are suggested. TUBE: Fulham Broadway

Lots Road Pub & Dining Room detail

Trafalgar Tavern
6 Park Row London SE10 9NW • 20-8858-2909

Description:

GREENWICH. This popular, Regency-style establishment dates back to 1837. Through the years, such famous individuals as Charles Dickens and William Thackeray have visited the tavern to enjoy whitebait dinners, which are still a popular menu item. The interior features two levels: The spacious first floor boasts typical pub decor, while the upstairs Nelson Room is a ballroom with ornate chandeliers and a magnificent river view. Today, this room hosts a wide variety of functions and events. Live jazz music is often provided, and outdoor seating is available when weather permits. TUBE: Greenwich, via Docklands Light Railway

Trafalgar Tavern detail