There are so many contenders for the best brunch in the city! We've narrowed it down to our favourite morning feasts, including the best places for pancakes, avocado on toast, Bloody Marys and more.
Looking for the best brunch in London, or best breakfast in London? You've come to the right place! We've eaten morning feasts at restaurants and cafes all over London to find the best brunches and breakfasts in the capital. Read on for Bloody Marys, pancakes, eggs benedict, avocado on toast and coffee-fuelled fun. For a more intimate restaurant experience, find out the best private dining rooms in the UK and if you want to pull out all the stops, find out the UK's best showstopping restaurants to impress, best London restaurants with a view and the best dining experiences in London. Now find out the best food and drink festivals to visit. The best brunch in London at a glance Best in North London: Esters, Stoke Newington Best in East London: Ottolenghi, Spitalfields Best in South London: Kiss The Hippo, Richmond Best in West London: Dovetale, Mayfair Best for pancakes: Where The Pancakes Are, Fitzrovia Best American-inspired brunch: Sunday in Brooklyn, Notting Hill Best Middle Eastern-inspired brunch: Honey & Co. Daily, Bloomsbury Best Indian-inspired brunch: Dishoom, across London Best Eastern Mediterranean-inspired brunch: Brother Marcus, various locations Best for bold flavours and striking architecture: Friends of Ours, Kensington Best brunches in London We take 'brunch' to mean a really lazy breakfast-cum-lunch meal that you can spend hours enjoying. It's something indulgent (think pancakes, waffles and eggs royale), usually enjoyed at the weekend (who doesn't love a Sunday brunch?), and booze is very often present... your brunch should go on until after midday, after all! Head to one of our below recommended London brunch spots with family or friends. Friends of Ours, Kensington Best for: Bold flavours and striking architecture Tucked beside the Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park, Friends of Ours has settled into its new permanent home, and it’s fast becoming our go-to for a weekend refuel. After a brisk walk or a dose of art, you’ll spot the airy, open-plan café drawing you in with the scent of freshly baked pastries. The counter groans with treats – all the classics but also Aussie-inspired bakes like lamingtons that’ll tempt even the most restrained sweet tooth. If you’re after something heartier, order the smoked haddock kedgeree. The rice is beautifully fluffy, crowned with a perfectly poached egg, and the whole thing strikes a sweet spot between buttery richness and fresh flavour. Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying a bread dish, created in partnership with Dusty Knuckle. The croque madamemonsieur is a masterclass in comfort: braised chuck and flank steak layered in sourdough, slathered with chilli jam and a silky miso béchamel, then topped with a fried egg and shaved manchego. It’s the sort of dish that makes you wish brunch lasted all day. friendsofourscafe.com Honey & Co. Daily, Bloomsbury Best for: Middle Eastern brunch Tucked away on Store Street, a quiet Bloomsbury pocket steeped in intellectual heritage and artistic spirit, Honey & Co Daily feels like a hidden gem. Sunlight pours through tall windows, illuminating pale woods, fresh bakes and a space designed for slow mornings. There’s a thoughtful separation between the casual deli space and dining area, yet both hum with the scent of fresh bread, za’atar and honey. The menu is rooted in bold Middle Eastern flavours, balanced with finesse. The labneh with roasted aubergine and plum sauce is a riot of contrasts: cool, sour yogurt against warm, smoky aubergine, with pomegranate molasses adding sweetness. It’s served with pillowy soft seeded bread, perfect for scooping. The cheese and chive bureka is crisp, buttery and deeply savoury, its pickles sharp and sweet. Potato, feta and thyme fritters arrive golden and crisp, flecked with herbs and dotted with chunks of feta. A fried egg, perfectly seasoned, tops the plate: salt beef is optional but not essential. Drinks are just as well considered. The orange blossom iced tea is sweet and floral, refreshing if you enjoy perfumed notes. Mint tea, served in handmade ceramics, adds to the sense of ritual. Dessert is non-negotiable. The honey and feta cheesecake – cold, rich and layered over crisp kadaif pastry – balances sweetness with the gentle salinity of feta and a crunch of richly roasted salted almonds. A quiet corner just steps from the bustle of Tottenham Court Road, Honey & Co Daily is the ideal place to stay and linger. honeyandco.co.uk Margot Green, Clapham Best for: relaxed Australian vibes The Daisy Green restaurants have been a staple of London’s brunch scene since first opening in 2012, with branches now across the city from Victoria to Regent Street. Margot Green, set back from the corner of Clapham Common, is one of its latest openings – a big buzzy site that is reliably full on a Sunday morning. Whether you sit outside during summer or cosy up in a booth indoors on cooler mornings, the sunny peach and pink décor and friendly staff keep the Australian-inspired vibes going. The menu has your favourite brunch classics covered, from a banana bread sandwich and pancakes to smashed avocado on toast and a fancy bacon roll. The Dirty Daisy has it all going on – crispy tater tots, cheese, pink pickled onions, beans and creamy avocado. It’s a delicious mess and perfect hangover cure. Sweetcorn fritters are a popular choice with the crowd, topped with marinated feta, eggs and crisp corn ribs. Poached eggs were standout on all dishes – perfectly cooked with striking deep orange yolks and a promise that if the egg isn’t cooked to your liking it can be remade. Wash it all down with a fresh orange juice and, if you’ve still got room, split a lamington for dessert. daisygreenfood.com/location-margot Aram, Somerset House Best for: Eastern Mediterranean flavours Tucked inside one of London’s most loved cultural hubs, Aram looks out over Somerset House’s River Terrace, offering a calm pause from the gallery’s buzz. Step through the door and a pastry counter greets you, piled high with Mediterranean-inspired bakes like za’atar croissants and halva brownies that are hard to resist. If you’re after something more substantial and a moment off your feet, wander through to the dining rooms where tall sash windows pour in natural light. The breakfast hash is the dish to order. It plays with the classic, swapping heavy fry-up elements for baby potatoes and blistered cherry tomatoes, so it feels fresh rather than stodgy. The smoked brisket and fried egg pair perfectly, finished with a drizzle of chilli oil to tie everything together. The za’atar croissant is another standout. It looks like a bit of a structural gamble at first but the pastry holds its own as you break into layers of tomato, pomegranate-glazed halloumi and a runny fried egg. A brilliant choice if you’re after something vegetarian and satisfying. To drink, a pomegranate fizz feels bright and celebratory, served in a wine glass for a touch of theatre without the booze. If you’re in the mood for something stronger, the za’atar paloma or a sumac-spiked bloody mary will set you up nicely before diving back into the exhibitions. arambyimad.co.uk Yauatcha, City and Soho Best for: dumplings This yum cha brunch is available at both Yauatcha City and Soho. Kick off with a negroni-style cocktail (or non-alcoholic alternative) before your first steamed dumplings pork and prawn shui mai; har gau and seafood black truffle dumpling. A vibrant edamame baked puff and a venison version are next. Gone in a jiffy? No problem – they will be replenished at your request – but save space for baos (pork and veggie) before choosing a generous main course of stir-fried beef; scallop and prawn or sea bass curry with rice. A little stack of soufflé pancakes with cream and honeycomb is a cute end. £45 per person. Upgrade to English fizz or wine for £54 or £40. taogroup.com/venues/yauatcha/ Dovetale, Mayfair Best for: customised frozen margs Its famous knickerbocker glory station – choose your own ice-cream, sprinkles and syrups – has proved such a hit that Mayfair restaurant Dovetale has extended this winning formula to its frozen margarita offering on weekend brunch. Choose from three Casamigos tequilas; add strawberry, apricot or cherry sorbet; season with lime, ugly berry or tajin salt and top with mint, popping candy or coconut flakes. Soak up the cocktails with superior snacks like Marmite onion rings, choose mains like buttermilk chicken waffles and hot sauce; a Thai-inspired crab omelette with slaw and nam jim or a Wagyu cheeseburger. 1hotels.com/mayfair/taste/dovetale Portobello 177, Portobello Road Best for: all-day brunching Served from 8am-3pm from Tuesday to Sunday this is a collaboration with Kiwi sandwich master ‘World Famous’ on (world-famous) Portobello Road. But there’s more to the well-written menu than just its excellent chicken sandwich (with dill mayo and gravy) and the classic salt beef reuben. Braised lamb sausage roll with pickle; smashed pea with smoked beets and its signature merguez, eggs any style, seasonal green and house hash speak to the kitchen’s skills and imagination. Upstairs from cocktail bar Trailer Happiness, the space is diner by day, atmospheric small-plates by night. portobello177.com Mount St. Restaurant, Mayfair Best for: breakfast with a view Sit among works by Picasso, Warhol and Matisse for breakfast at Mount St Restaurant, a light-flooded dining room located above the landmark Mayfair pub, The Audley. Art decorates the entire space, with mosaic-marbled floors creating a one-of-a-kind setting to awaken the senses. Think opulent updates on classic London dishes, such as white truffle-flecked scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, omelettes topped with Oscietra caviar or porridge pepped up with a dram of whiskey. Sausages, chutneys and honey are sourced from Durslade Farm Shop, while beef and lamb come from its farm in Somerset. For drinks, choose from a selection of vibrant juices or a top-quality coffee made behind the glossy white bar. Ask politely for a postprandial tour of the dazzling private rooms located on each floor, including a luxe Venetian-inspired dining room and cosy games room turret. mountstrestaurant.com Brother Marcus, various locations Best for: brunch with an Eastern Mediterranean twist For the perfect slow Sunday morning brunch, look no further than Brother Marcus. Founded by hospitality duo and lifelong friends Tas Gaitanos and Alex Large in 2016, the restaurant is named after Alex’s little brother. Specialising in all-day dining and brunch, Brother Marcus has been serving the vibrant flavours of Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Lebanon and the wider Eastern Mediterranean to hungry Londoners for nearly a decade. The brunch menu caters to all tastes, offering everything from classic eggs benedict to the more adventurous kefir fried chicken atop crispy potato rostis, fried eggs and zingy kasundi jam. Nursing a weekend hangover? The selection of refreshing juices and smoothies is sure to revive you. Alternatively, embrace a hair of the dog approach with the two for £20 brunch cocktail deal. The bloody mary is bold and fiery, guaranteed to shake off the remnants of the previous night’s indulgence. brothermarcus.co.uk Ottolenghi, Spitalfields Best for: a Middle Eastern spin on staples Ottolenghi Spitalfields is the largest outpost of the Ottolenghi empire, with a dining room serving breakfast through dinner, cocktail bar and modern deli for takeaways. Furnishings are kept to a minimum, with wooden furniture, flowers and draped curtains providing a relaxed setting to while away the hours. Clear your head with a pear, apple juice and basil mocktail, or continue weekend revelries with a classic mimosa. You can expect loosely Middle Eastern twists on classics, from shakshuka with braised eggs, to scrambled eggs and smoked salmon with grilled focaccia – all the flavours synonymous with Yotam. Welsh rarebit on sourdough with a fried egg and salad is cheesy and unctuous, while vegan scrambled tofu with grated tomato and confit garlic is a smoky spin on scrambled eggs. Finish with a trip to the counter of cakes – highlights include spiced date cake with orange icing and pecan brittle and a flourless orange and almond cake with chocolate ganache. Choose from a selection of pastries, from almond croissants to cinnamon brioche pretzels – best served with a frothy cappuccino. ottolenghi.co.uk/spitalfields Sunday in Brooklyn, Notting Hill Best for: American-inspired cult favourites London’s Notting Hill is the ideal setting for this vibrant corner spot that balances being American without feeling themed. The menu covers all the brunch bases, service is friendly and professional and the room has an outside-in feel with a central foliage chandelier and wooden furniture. Pancakes are plate-sized, drenched in a chocolate praline sauce. Steak is slices of charred hanger steak (onglet) with scrambled eggs, toast and home fries, which also appear on the sausage dish but are confusingly called something else. Burgers are stacked high, available as cauliflower or chicken versions but we went for the classic which had the flavour you only get from good provenance. Fun cocktails are well mixed – we tried the signature pineapple and rum Honey Bear on Holiday that comes in the iconic bear-shaped honey bottles and the more morning friendly Champagne Problems (bubbly and strawberries). All this plus a list of extras so you can customise, great coffee and freshly squeezed juices had us feeling there wasn’t much more we could ask of brunch. sundayinbk.co.uk Where The Pancakes Are, Fitzrovia Best for: pancake fans Brunch-obsessed Londoners will already know about this all-day breakfast hotspot in London Bridge. Now, their second restaurant has opened in Fitzrovia, serving the popular buckwheat and buttermilk pancakes. Designed largely using recycled materials, the casual interior is light and relaxed, with a marble bar made from reclaimed dining tables and – impressively – black tiles made from recycled desert-soldier uniforms.nnYou can’t go wrong with the classics on the menu; thick and fluffy American pancakes with maple syrup and bacon, or the classic English breakfast with homemade baked beans. But, if you’re after something different, opt for the pulled beef pastrami with crunchy kale slaw, creamy thousand island sauce and sauerkraut, or the Montgomery cheddar and goat’s cheese Dutch baby (a bit like a giant Yorkshire pudding), complemented by thyme and radiccio. The Fitzrovia site also has Korean miso pancakes and polenta chips with bacon mayo from 5pm. The zesty hummingbird pancakes with cinnamon-poached pineapple and coconut, which can be made vegan, are great if you want something sweet. If you’re not recovering from the night before, we'd recommend ordering a breakfast-inspired cocktail, like a maple old fashioned or espresso tequila martini. It is the weekend, after all. wherethepancakesare.com Eggslut, Notting Hill Best for: egg buns Founded in California in 2011, with the aim of brining gourmet eggs to the breakfast table, Eggslut opened its first UK branch on Notting Hill’s Portobello Road in August 2019. The décor is stark (think grey walls, a metal counter and high wooden stools) with pops of yolk yellow in the neon signs. Choose from six options, all of which come with Bread Ahead brioche buns and Clarence Court Burford Brown eggs. Our pick is the Fairfax, where buttery, softly scrambled eggs mixed with sweet caramelised onions, chives, sriracha mayo and a generous slice of melting cheese for an indulgent (and hearty) start to your day. eggslut.com Milk Beach, Queen's Park Best for: a classic neighbourhood brunch Stray off the main high street of Queen’s Park down a pretty little mews to find this neighbourhood café and wine bar. There’s a communal wooden table to slouch round, with surrounding smaller marble-topped tables for smaller groups, and, on sunny days, white stable doors open out onto the cobbled pavement. The café’s co-owners source specialty coffee from around the world to roast on-site each week, and decent brunch options do the coffee justice – bread and pastries come from Little Bread Pedlar in Bermondsey (save room for a flaky pain au chocolat). Order the sourdough soldiers, their crevices flooded with puddles of butter, ready to duck into a jam jar of coddled eggs, cream, sweet potato purée and chives. milkbeach.com Crispin, Shoreditch Best for: early risers In a quirky, purpose-built zinc and glass pavilion, designed to look like an origami-folded bird, light pours into the back onto the cool polished concrete bars, and terrazzo-topped ash bar. There’s Assembly coffee from Brixton during the day, and at night Fernando Berry of Otros Vinos has helped curate a rotating wine list focussing on natural and low-intervention wines. Breakfast starts at 7.30am and covers the classics, alongside trendy new contenders. There’s an organic bacon sandwich with house ketchup; bright-yolked, boiled Burford Brown eggs with Dusty Knuckle Bakery soldiers; and Secret Smokehouse (made in London Fields) on sourdough (check out our guide to sourdough here) with soft cheese, lemon and dill. Be sure to order the super-crunchy, smoked ham toastie – oozing with melted cheddar, topped with a crispy fried egg and showered in finely grated, nutty Berkswell cheese. crispinlondon.com Kiss The Hippo, Richmond Best for: coffee geeks Kiss The Hippo, so named to mark the coffee shop’s environmental ethos (all cutlery, straws and cup lids are fully compostable), brings a bright and airy hangout to Richmond’s George Street. Up front, a gigantic coffee station caters to the trendiest of coffee geeks, with niche brews including Ugandan Nitro Cold Brew coffee and Japanese-style iced filter coffee, dripped through a Kalita over ice cubes to bring out delicate elderflower and bergamot notes. Pastries and brunch dishes are prepared by the chef consultant from London’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Try tiny Sicilian apricot and mango tartlets with a delicate vanilla scent, or super light cinnamon rolls with cinnamon paste swirled through and white chocolate glaze slathered on top. kissthehippo.com Here are more of our favourite coffee shops in the UK... Friends of Ours, Hoxton Best for: a friendly vibe In the middle of Old Street and Hoxton stations in trendy east London, Friends of Ours is far more than a playground for bearded hipsters. Instead, it draws those seeking bright brunches and speciality coffee from across the capital. Park yourself outside on the long wooden tables if the weather is nice or relax inside on teal blue chairs that contrast dark wood tables and floors. A large counter gives the epic coffee machine pride of place, along with a display of cakes (made in-house) and pastries from Dusty Knuckle. Kedgeree is given a sophisticated twist courtesy of hake (from local fishmongers Sutton & Sons) that had been smoked in-house with black tea, subtly spiced black rice and an egg yolk cured in soy sauce. friendsofourscafe.com Dishoom, across London Best for: an Indian brunch With multiple sites across the capital, Dishoom brings the flavour and flair of traditional Irani cafés to London. There’s an elegant yet relaxed vibe, with unique touches in each restaurant (think rusty weighing scales and ornate tiled flooring). Reinterpreted Bombay dishes are the focus, from fluffy coconut appam pancakes topped with a dollop of shrikhand (a sweet Indian dish made of strained yogurt, sugar and cardamom) to comforting chilli cheese toast. Flaky naans (baked in a tandoor oven) filled with cream cheese, chilli tomato jam and crispy smoked bacon are a must, but, if you’re feeling peckish, order the ramped-up version with a frilly fried egg and peppery pork sausage. dishoom.com Söderberg, Soho Best for: a Swedish brunch Relax in the cool, calm interiors (think blonde wood, retro sofas and muted tones) of this Scandi café and enjoy a Swedish-style breakfast or brunch. Breakfast trays make ideal grazing material with a little bit of everything – a dinky glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, a jar of crunchy granola with thick yogurt, Lescure butter for spreading over Swedish crisp bread and seeded sourdough, slices of serrano ham and a fruit salad of fresh figs, blackberries and sweet, tangy kumquats. There’s a vegan option that swaps yogurt for coconut yogurt and butter for olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Squidgy buns are laced with cardamom and cinnamon and perfect for taking away. soderberg.uk Ozone, Shoreditch Best for: Antipodean-inspired dishes Exposed brick walls, florescent strip lights and weathered floorboards give a minimalist vibe to this Shoreditch coffee roastery and eatery just off Old Street’s Silicon roundabout. Upstairs, staff in dark-denim aprons prepare fruity single-origin espressos at the brew bar, while an open kitchen has chefs whipping up Antipodean dishes such as wagyu mince on focaccia; and smoked carrot, chard and house ricotta-stuffed omelettes. A spongy kaffir lime pancake comes with Crouch End honey, rhubarb, dark chocolate shavings and a dollop of labneh, while crispy bubble and squeak cakes make a hearty change from muffins for the eggs hollandaise. ozonecoffee.co.uk Koya, Soho and City Best for: a Japanese brunch Stop by either of Koya’s Soho or City sites for an alternative savoury brunch. Choose a window table simply laid with chopsticks and napkins, or take a seat on one of the high bar stools to watch chefs at work. The menu, split into udon noodle and rice dishes (with the option for small side plates) combines Japanese dishes and twists on English classics. Keep it simple with Kizami – a bowl of noodles topped with fried tofu and spring onions – or mix things up with a feast of kippers, poached egg, butter rice and miso soup. koya.co.uk The Wolseley, Mayfair and City Best for: a traditional brunch As you walk into the Wolseley from the bustling London streets, you immediately feel as if you're somewhere luxurious. The high ceilings and marble decor give the place a touch of old-school glamour, yet it still feels warm and cosy. Perfect for spending a few hours catching up with friends or dining alone and reading the papers, if that's what you prefer! The menu is classic: omelettes with jambon and gruyère, crispy bacon baps, pancakes with berries and crème fraîche and a full English with all the trimmings. It's the sort of grub that powers you up for the day ahead. We had the rich, buttery and deeply spiced kedgeree with a runny poached egg, and eggs benedict, which came with a pleasingly lemony sauce. Of course, we had to have a round of virgin bloody marys for a fresh, spicy and pickle-forward hit. We also squeezed in a slice of cinnamon-spiced apple streusel, encased in thin, crisp pastry, with a cloud of whipped cream. thewolseleycity.com Esters, Stoke Newington Best for: French toast For the best brunch in Stokey, head to this neighbourhood café just off Church Street. White walls, grey slate, angular tables and pops of orange give this small space a sleek HAY-inspired Scandi vibe, while families spend the morning sipping on flat whites and friends get a post-run refuel. Don’t expect to find avocado on toast here, rather crispy pork belly with punchy wakame salsa verde, wafter-thin slithers of fennel, fried egg, sweet tomatoes (grown just down the road at Stoke Newington’s Growing Communities vegetable patch) and chunks of bread to mop up the rich aïoli. For those with a sweet tooth, order the french toast, where toppings change based on the seasons. estersn16.com Check out more London restaurant guides: Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Discover our favourite places to eat in this high-end pocket of central London, from glamorous dining rooms to great-value mezze joints
Looking for Fitzrovia restaurants? Check out our ideas for eating and drink in London's Fitzrovia, from Charlotte Street to Wells Street and beyond. Next, discover the best restaurants in Marylebone, best restaurants in Kings Cross, best restaurants in Soho and the hottest new London restaurant openings. Best places to eat and drink in Fitzrovia Koba, Rathbone Street – for Korean charcoal barbecue Koba, Linda Lee’s Korean BBQ restaurant on Rathbone Street, has quietly reinvented itself after 20 years of pioneering Seoul-style DIY cooking. The beloved tabletop grills remain downstairs, ready for those who like to sizzle their own. But while below is party time, above it’s date night – a calm, softly lit space of wood, stone and warm light. The shift gives the chefs room to show off their skills, sending out a parade of dishes that play with contrast: heat and sweetness, crunch and silk. We dived into the £45 tasting menu after a shot of fragrant Korean wine, swapping a dish to suit our cravings. Kim mari, deep-fried seaweed rolls stuffed with prawn, are the snacks you’d happily trade your favourite crisps for, while mandu, pork-filled dumplings, are plump pillows of succulence. Then came dakgangjeong, fried chicken coated in a glossy honey-soy glaze, with chewy rice cakes catching the sauce. Both arrived with a flurry of banchan: tiny dishes of kimchi, omelette and pickled roots that turned the table into a colourful mosaic. We were firmly in bliss territory. From the barbecue section, daeji bulgogi, wafer-thin slices of spicy pork, delivered heat and smoke, followed by fat shell-on king prawns (saewoo gui), which we peeled and piled into lettuce leaves with crunchy kimchi and sauce. For theatre, our server stirred a pot of sticky dubu sotbab (tofu and vegetable rice) before piling it into bowls. Dessert was simple and refreshing: vanilla ice cream topped with dried persimmon, a milky nod to tradition. Olive tip: grab a seat at the bar for a yuzu martini before dining – the perfect way to ease into Koba’s new rhythm. kobalondon.com Luso, Charlotte Street — for authentic Portuguese plates Walking into Luso on Charlotte Street brings a sense of continuity and reset all at once. Formerly Lisboeta, it’s been rebadged and refreshed, but the cooking still sits firmly in Portugal. The room is long and narrow, a bright corridor of tables, with the open kitchen humming at the far end giving the whole place buzz and energy. We went straight for the small plates. Rustic sourdough arrived warm and ready for scoops of requeijão cream cheese – cool, milky, faintly tangy – and drapes of silky ibérico ham. A glass of Quinta do Montalto Cluricaun white from Lisbon slotted in neatly with the seafood. First, sweet clams at à bulhão pato, all garlic, coriander and briny liquor, then wild Iberian garlic prawns, plump and glossy with oil, the kind of dish that has you chasing the last of the sauce with bread. Mains kept things simple and sharp. Grilled wild sea bream came with corn migas – a comforting, savoury base that soaks up the fish juices without stealing the show. But the dish that really stuck was the leitão Segovian suckling pig jowl: a proper contrast of textures, brittle skin snapping cleanly before giving way to soft, fatty meat. Dessert was the chocolate mousse with olive oil and salt – dark, smooth and lifted by that savoury flicker at the end. Olive tip: There are three floors – the top works well for office get-togethers, downstairs suits intimate private dining but, for maximum atmosphere, try to nab the ground floor table nearest the pass to see the kitchen in full flow. luso.restaurant The Ninth, Charlotte Street – for contemporary French cuisine Jun Tanaka’s Michelin-starred Charlotte Street fixture has used its 10-year milestone to gently reset the dial. Long-time head chef Filippo Alessandri has been promoted to executive chef and is now shaping the menu’s next chapter, while keeping faith with the restaurant’s identity – robust French foundations with a Mediterranean tilt, celebrating produce of the season. On our visit, dainty crab and seaweed tartlets arrived like compact bites of the seaside – sweet crab, a saline lift and buttery pastry. Tongue and salt beef cheek on crispbread followed, rich and sticky in the best way, while a venison ragu with kale brought dark, winey comfort offset by the greens’ gentle bitterness. Mains were indulgent yet light. Ibérico pork pluma came pink and tender, bathed in an umami jus that clung to every slice. Grilled mackerel with rainbow chard, mussels and kale was the counterpoint: oily fish, clean smoke and a shellfish-laced savouriness. Then the inevitable return to the pudding that’s been on the menu since 2015. The pain perdu is made from brioche baked past the point of comfort, chilled overnight, soaked in custard, cubed, deep-fried, then brûléed to order. The result is a crackling caramel shell giving way to a molten, custardy centre – the kind of dessert that makes the rest of dinner feel like a prelude. Olive tip: Order Agria potatoes as if they’re roasties – they deserve their own fan club: thin-sliced, confited, pressed in butter, set overnight, cubed and fried until shatter-crisp yet somehow weightless. theninthlondon.com Elsa, Charlotte Street – for all-day grazing inspired by Alsace Alsatian-inspired food gets a glow-up in this cute new all-day space on Fitzrovia’s foodie hub, Charlotte Street. Share snacks like deep-fried munster (a mild, soft cheese) or pork and apricot terrine while lingering over a glass of low-intervention wine for lunch or early evening, or book for dinner where the highly seasonal menu might include white asparagus with brown butter; braised sausage with mustard and sauerkraut; rhubarb and custard crêpe. A small, well-curated drinks list features lighter versions of classics like melon negroni and the best Alsatian riesling and pinot gris. elsabistro.co.uk The George, Cleveland Street – for elevated pub classics Tucked just behind Oxford Circus on the edge of Fitzrovia, the George serves the same menu upstairs and down though it’s a very different vibe in each space. Downstairs a dark wood classic London pub, buzzing with drinkers spilling out onto the pavement. Upstairs is much quieter with plush, soft green velvet seating and a calmer feel. The menu is a mixture of elevated pub classics with some modern touches. The black pudding scotch egg is perfectly done with a nicely runny-ish yolk – and comes with an addictive Oxford sauce (brown sugar, vinegar and mustard, according to our server). The highly recommended fish and chips doesn’t disappoint – a shatteringly crisp batter piled with extra shards on top, perfectly golden fat chips and an extra order of curry sauce. It also comes in two sizes which is great for smaller appetites, although the small portion is still very generous. Desserts are comfortingly retro (banana split, sticky toffee pudding) or, if you’re too full, there’s an ‘Afters’ drinks section choose from, including a sticky toffee old fashioned or the famous George Irish coffee (the twist is the addition of a Guinness reduction which gives a deep malty edge). The beer selection is also well thought out and varied, with taps from Verdant, Northern Monk and Harbour Brewing. thegeorge.london 64 Goodge Street, Goodge Street – for classic French cooking There’s a quiet confidence to 64 Goodge Street. The vibe is grown-up but not stuffy – a polished wood armoire doubling as a cloakroom and frosted windows signal a more refined dining experience but the service is the right side of relaxed and well-paced. The menu is a Francophile’s dream: French classics are lightened and updated, a smoked eel vol-au-vent sets the tone with its rich, silky filling and shatteringly crisp shell, while a navarin of lamb wraps tender braised shoulder in a cabbage leaf, steeped in an elegant broth with spring vegetables. Mains are equally impressive – a brilliantly butchered saddle of rabbit with mustard sauce is robust but precise, and turbot Véronique, poached and served with grapes and beurre blanc, shows serious technical finesse. The wine list is tight but clever, with a focus on French bottles, and desserts are worth saving room for. We tried the best Paris-Brest we’ve ever eaten – crisp and light, filled with a praline crème diplomat that’s dangerously good. For cooking this accomplished, the pricing is almost baffling – three courses for under £60 makes this one of the best-value restaurants in central London. 64goodgestreet.co.uk The Newman Arms, Rathbone Street – for fancy pub grub This historic pub (it dates from 1730) has had a recent glow-up and a new menu, and the result is a warm, friendly spot that still feels like a proper pub at heart. Downstairs the bar has a fun, buzzy atmosphere but make your way up the winding wooden staircase and you’ll find a cosy dining room (or pie room as it’s billed) with a smarter look – think white linen tablecloths, wood panelling and plush velvet furnishings. The pies here are a bit fancier than your regular pub grub. A rich fish pie comes garnished with a large langoustine (clutching a tiny bottle of Tabasco in his claw) and a generous dollop of salmon roe. From the starters don’t miss the lamb scrumpets – slow-cooked lamb belly, breaded and fried to a perfect crispy morsel which is served with creamy tartare sauce. If you can fit dessert there’s only one and it’s a winner: a generous chunk of dark chocolate torte – rich and very shareable. The cocktail list is short and classic – try the twist on a black velvet made with Murphy’s stout and crémant, and served in an old-fashioned pewter tankard. thenewmanarms.co.uk Portland, Great Portland Street – for Michelin-starred dining Now in its 10th year, Portland stands as a beacon of understated excellence. Since it opened, this unpretentious gem has redefined fine dining by focussing on the confident cooking of exceptional ingredients and warm hospitality rather than starched linen. The current menu, curated by executive chef Chris Bassett and head chef Angelica Hope, is a celebration of British seasonality with dishes like roast monkfish paired with Exmoor caviar sauce, and a showstopping Highland beef wellington. The celebratory, great-value £55 four-course tasting menu encapsulates a decade of creativity, from crispy chicken skin with liver parfait to a sublime milk chocolate ganache. Portland’s modest charm extends to its thoughtful wine list, showcasing hidden gems alongside grand cru classics. With a loyal, savvy following and an ever-evolving food ethos, Portland remains a must-visit for those who appreciate elegance without airs. portlandrestaurant.co.uk Bar Kinky – for an intimate bar Hidden underneath modern Georgian restaurant Kinkally, Bar Kinky lives up to its name with sultry interiors and a bold, left-field approach to ingredients and flavours. The small 17-seater bar occupies a sleek, vault-like space with stainless steel walls, sensual red lighting and a techno music soundtrack. The focal point is the marble central island bar around which customers sit – the vibe is somehow intimate yet hectic, with bartenders offering attentive and speedy service. Cocktails look deceptively pared back but have plenty going on behind the scenes, from inventive ingredients to playful garnishes. Bossy is a delicious margarita/gimlet hybrid, with El Rayo Plata tequila, orange, hazelnut and cacao delivering layered flavours and delicate zestiness with soft chocolate notes, plus savouriness from a Georgian seasoning in lieu of a salt rim. Chocolate also plays its part in the smoky and seductively smooth Snatch, alongside truffle, vermouth and Ojo De Dios Mezcal; while Bureau, Bar Kinky’s take on a French 75, is a fruity, fizzy crushable delight with East London Gin, sparkling wine and a frozen pomegranate ball that keeps the drink chilled and subtly changes the flavour as it melts. kinkally.co.uk Akoko, Berners Street — for West African dishes Executive chef Ayo Adeyemi’s tasting menu is rooted in tradition but sharply executed with great imaginative flair. Dishes may include tatale (Ghanaian plantain pancakes) with cashew cream and caviar, or moi-moi (a steamed pudding of puréed black-eyed beans with onions, peppers and stock) served with the Afro-Brazilian seafood and coconut milk sauce, vatapá. akoko.co.uk Rovi, Wells Street – for veg-centric dishes Part of the Ottolenghi canon, Rovi’s a restaurant with vegetables, fermentation and fire at its heart. As is the trend, there are small and large plates available at lunch and dinner with veg punching way above their weight. Corn ribs have already become an Instagram star, taking inspiration from a Momofuku dish – the corn quartered, deep-fried, glazed in apricot sauce, baked then dusted with chipotle sauce. It’s as ridiculously good as it sounds – sweet, sticky, smoky and spicy. Hot tomatoes (roasted yellow and red cherry tomatoes) with cold yogurt, herbs and bags of dark urfa chilli displays a simple but masterful grasp of what feels good in the mouth. There’s plenty more that’s great on the menu – including crumpet lobster toast (think posh prawn toast) with kumquat and chilli sauce – but you won’t go far wrong sticking with the veg. ottolenghi.co.uk/pages/locations/rovi Chishuru, Great Titchfield Street After a summer as a pop-up in 2020, Chishuru now has a permanent home in Fitzrovia with Nigerian-born chef Adejoké Bakare at the helm. She's recently become the first Black woman in the UK – and only second in the world – to be awarded a Michelin star. The set menu dinner includes dishes such as deep-fried quail, cured mackerel and grilled celeriac cake. chishuru.com Roka, Charlotte Street – for elegant Japanese robatayaki The original Charlotte Street branch of this elegant Japanese restaurant is centred around an open kitchen, home to a large, coal-fired robata grill. Sit at the striking wraparound counter, or on a table beneath jewel-like jars of homemade ferments, to taste a succession of contemporary robatayaki dishes. We suggest selecting something from each of the menu’s sections (with a sparkling yuzu and cherry-laced sakura cocktail in hand while choosing). Snacks, salads and tempura include chunky beef and ginger gyozas, crisp prawn and shisho leaf tempura and silky aubergine salad topped with fluttering, umami-rich katsuobushi flakes. Roka's signature tokusen sushi comes next – yellowtail tartare laced with chilli, served in a pot over ice with a wooden spoon to scoop onto puffed rice crackers. From the robata grill, yuzu miso-coated black cod served in a dried hoba (magnolia) leaf is so delicate it melts at a slight touch, while a heartier rack of baby back pork ribs has a tingling edge courtesy of sansho pepper. To mark its 20th anniversary, the restaurant has curated a £20 set menu, signature dishes and special events to celebrate. rokarestaurant.com Honey and Smoke, Great Portland Street – for Middle Eastern mezze Honey and Smoke, the younger sister to nearby Honey and Co. brings the flavours and flair of Jerusalem grill houses to Fitzrovia. There’s a cool yet casual vibe, with rough plaster walls, teal-blue tiles, pops of primary colour and shelves lined with tubs of tahini. Upstairs there’s a slick five-seater bar, while downstairs, the open kitchen is the focus. Go with a group to make the most of the seasonal sharing menu; velvety smooth hummus with diddy triangles of fluffy pitta, feta fritters filled with a sweet pea centre and charred asparagus-adorned labneh. After a mezze feast, tuck into grilled meats, fish and veggies. Slow-cooked lamb falls effortlessly from the bone with a side of gently-roasted plums and dried rose petals. Saffron-marinated chicken thighs have a kick of heat, while scorched orange segments burst with smoky sweetness. Accompany with buttery, almond-flecked basmati rice. Honey and Co.’s signature cheesecake has made its way over to the dessert menu, the crunchy kadaif noodle base topped with a dollop of whipped feta, a drizzle of honey and fresh mint. A regularly changing wine list matches the season, with a few bottles from the Middle East making an appearance, from a light Palestinian cremisan to herby maia red from Israel. If you want a booze-free option, the refreshing orange blossom iced tea has a gentle sweetness. honeyandco.co.uk Pahli Hill, Mortimer Street – for regional Indian dishes Named after one of Mumbai’s oldest neighbourhoods, Pahli Hill’s menu reflects its diverse culinary heritage, offering regional dishes from all over India. Colourful original Indian artwork and fabrics, booth-seating and a view into the open kitchen give the restaurant a contemporary feel, while its Bandra Bhai basement bar delights in its dimly lit, smuggler’s-den vibe. With a tequila-based saffron cocktail in hand, graze on papadi chat, a dip of contrasting flavours and textures, including pumpkin, spiced yogurt, wheat crackers and sev (crispy gram flour noodles), tamarind chutney and vibrant pops of pomegranate. Bangalore-born chef Avinash Shashidhara’s experience in high-end UK restaurants is clear in this menu, which utilises top-quality British ingredients. Mangalore buns – two warm, bready pockets – are served with a generous pile of spiced Scottish crab. Highlights from the tandoor include chicken tikka with cucumber noodles, mint and horseradish. The pumpkin kofta is light and fragrant, and for a veggie feast, it's perfect served with a long ‘paper dosa’ or flaky flatbread and chutneys. pahlihillbandrabhai.com Punch Room at The London EDITION – for cocktails Hidden in the depths of the glamorous London EDITION hotel, this bar is a cocoon of wood panelling and blue-grey velvet banquettes where creatives gather for hushed conversations over iconic punch-style cocktails. An electric fire casts a cosy ambience across the lounge area and there’s a steady stream of shaking and stirring at the free-standing bar in the corner. The menu plays with light, and drinks are split into three sections – opaque, translucent and transparent. From the latter, completely clear drinks include the silky, mezcal-based Halo of Smoke with a kick from cayenne pepper, fragrant Bergamot liqueur Italicus and a fresh, grassy lift from coriander, basil and parsley oil dropped in. Fireball Punch has a tropical edge while negroni fans should order the unique Mother of Pearl, with Campari playing its part in a bittersweet pink foam that sits atop a clear Sakura cherry vermouth infused liquid. An eclectic choice of bar food ranges from the likes of toasted brioche rolls filled with tempura prawns, marie rose and trout caviar to crisp chicken tenders lifted with jalapeño and even mini versions of Berner Tavern comfort food, such as mac and cheese with braised beef blade. editionhotels.com Clipstone, Clipstone Street – for date night Clipstone is on a corner of Clipstone Street in Fitzrovia and is the sister to nearby (and Michelin-starred) Portland, a modern-European dining room set up by restaurateurs Will Lander and Daniel Morgenthau with chef Merlin Labron-Johnson. Both restaurants pride themselves on high-quality cooking, wine and service, but Clipstone is more casual – here, you can have freshly made sourdough flatbreads from a pizza oven, left-over from the Italian restaurant that was here before it. There are larger plates including homemade ravioli of hay-baked carrot and ricotta with brown butter and hazelnuts and a tempting array of desserts – lemon sheep’s milk ice cream, for example, and the ultimate Paris-Brest (a Parisian bistro classic). Drinks-wise, there are several wines on tap and, for something soft, homemade sodas (including yuzu-ade) and watermelon iced tea. It’s all set in a warm, elegantly designed space – expect reclaimed stone, natural linens and outdoor seating. clipstonerestaurant.co.uk Circolo Popolare, Rathbone Place – for a group dinner This extravagant Italian trattoria (the second London outpost from Big Mamma group) is ideal for a fun group dinner – it’s buzzy, loud and seemingly the place to be (booking is essential, unless you want to brave the walk-in queue that snakes round the block). The interiors set the tone – lights twist into foliage hanging from the ceilings, walls are jam-packed with colourful memorabilia (photo frames, ceramic plates, candelabras) and shelves groan with every liquor imaginable – there are tens of thousands of bottles. Kick things off with the Big Mamma cocktail, a refreshing vodka, lime and ginger ale concoction served in a mermaid-painted glass, or one of the restaurant’s takes on Italian aperitifs and spritzes – we loved the Spritz Veneziano with herbaceous Plymouth thyme gin, prosecco, blood orange bitters and a gobstopper-sized olive for good measure. There are also sharing cocktails served in giant strawberry ceramics and champagne buckets. The food is centred around produce from Sicily – share a huge burrata with pesto or deep-fried courgette flowers to start. Mains are ideal for groups, too, with carbonara served in a pecorino wheel and silk handkerchief pasta covered in Tuscan pork ragu and aubergines, both meant for two. Tongue-in-cheek-named pizzas include I Wanna Nduja (San Marzano tomato and smoked mozzarella with subtle heat from ’nduja, spicy sausage and chilli), Elizabeth Regina topped with Sicilian herbs, prosciutto and ricotta cream, and vegetarian Emrata Burrata with creamy burrata heart, almonds, capers and olives. For dessert there’s a hefty 5.9-inch-high slice of lemon meringue pie, or creamy, boozy tiramisu spooned straight from the dish.bigmammagroup.com Kiss the Hippo – for coffee The second branch of this sleek coffee shop (see our brunch guide for info on the original spot in Richmond) offers breakfast and brunch classics alongside top-notch coffee. Expect plenty of niche brews, from Ugandan nitro cold brew and a fresh, bright option from Yemen to their classic George Street blend with notes of blackberry, caramel and chocolate. Dishes include vegan options such as avocado on toast with toasted seeds and chilli flakes, and scrambled tofu with red pepper and herbs on toast. An indulgent eggs benedict is served in an Insta-worthy croissant bun, while mushrooms on toast is slathered in black olive tapenade and shaved Italian cheese.kissthehippo.com Al Dente, Goodge Street – for pasta This neighbourhood glass-fronted pasta spot is a casual affair, with simple black and white walls, a reggaeton soundtrack and a fridge packed with colourful San Pellegrino cans. In front of the small open kitchen, creations from the on-site pasta lab are laid out in all shapes and sizes to take away, from twirly fusilli to ribbed tubes of maccheroni and filled tortelli. After a starter of fresh tomato cubes on toasted focaccia doused in Sicilian olive oil, tuck into an array of handmade pasta dishes. Spaghettoni coated in a silky, yolk-yellow sauce jewelled with salty guanciale (complete with melty fat) and pecorino cheese makes a top-notch carbonara, while large tubes of paccheri soak up a sweet tomato sauce of finely minced beef and vegetables. Vegetarian options include the peppery punch of cacio e pepe tossed through chewy worms of tonnarelli (thicker spaghetti), and ravioli parcels filled with pumpkin and ricotta adorned with crispy sage. Simple desserts are well executed, with ricotta-filled housemade cannoli, and thick folds of mascarpone layered with boozy sponge in a Kilner jar tiramisu. The wine list showcases producers from across Italy – floral Umbrian San Giovanni, rich Puglian primitivo, and soft, smooth chianti from Tuscany. <pastificioaldente.com Flesh & Buns, Berners Street – for Nikkei cuisine Nikkei cuisine and on-demand pisco sours define the vibe at Flesh & Buns’s newest site. While Flesh & Buns’s trademark bao buns still make an appearance, the menu focusses on nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese fusion) cuisine – from tiger prawn toban with aji amarillo (a Peruvian chilli), ponzu butter and shiso, to fish and seafood tiraditos (a cross between Peruvian ceviche and Japanese sashimi). There’s also new dishes created using Ross’s new wood smoker – including chilli miso brisket and bath chap with butternut squash kimchi. Portions are generous. Korean-fried chicken wings come slathered in a fiery, tangy sauce while smoked pork ribs are two huge, succulent bronzed slabs glazed in aji amarillo honey. A ceviche of sea bass with cherry tomato, pickled kumquat and rocoto tiger’s milk (the citrussy curing marinade in a ceviche) is delicate and spicy all at once. fleshandbuns.com/restaurants/oxford-circus/ Words by Ellie Edwards, Alex Crossley, Charlotte Morgan, Laura Rowe, Jordan Kelly-Linden, Hannah Guinness, Nicki Smith Photographs by Patricia Niven and BAO Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Chelsea Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Best restaurants in Camden: where to eat and drink
Try vegan pizzas, sticky bakewell buns and molten cheese fondues in this fun north London borough
Looking for Camden restaurants? Here are some of our favourite restaurants in north London’s creative borough around Camden Market and Chalk Farm Road. Check out our ideas for eating and drinking in Camden Market and Kentish Town, or read about nearby King's Cross here. Best places to eat and drink in Camden Pick & Cheese – for cheese served on a conveyer belt Pick & Cheese has found a new home in the beating heart of Camden Market, where Matthew Carver has replicated his ingenious sushi-style cheese conveyor belt concept from Seven Dials. Formerly known as The Cheese Bar, this latest incarnation is a perfect quirky stop for one of London’s busiest tourist hubs – equal parts playful and serious cheese celebration. Plates trundle past laden with creative, sometimes eccentric, pairings: Cornish gouda paired with clotted cream fudge (it really works); Cropwell Bishop stilton with kimchi (creamy tang meets pickly tang); pecorino-style Spenwood with romesco, which tricks the senses into thinking it has tandoori vibes. And a favourite of the P&C team – whipped Rosary goat’s cheese doughnut, fresh and zesty, complemented by apricot and vanilla jam. It’s the kind of line-up that encourages you to be adventurous, grazing your way through Britain’s best cheesemakers while sipping natural wine or a crisp craft beer. Beyond the belt the menu also offers more substantial comforts: gooey five-cheese toasties, truffle-laden mac ’n’ cheese and seasonal small plates. Service is breezy and informal, perfectly suited to the market’s energy, yet the quality of the cheese is treated with the reverence it deserves. thecheesebar.com Epicurus – for a twist on an American diner Tucked in Camden Market’s The North Yard, Epicurus reinvents the American diner with bold Levantine flavours. Chef duo Shiri Kraus and Amir Batito craft a menu that’s rich, playful and perfect for sharing. Start with corn wedges in an oozing raclette, a refreshing slaw with yogurt dressing, orange and nigella seeds, or crispy onion rings with a spiced aioli. The Epicurus Single Decker is a standout burger – dry-aged smash patty, bone marrow aïoli, taleggio, rocket and sweet harissa bacon jam. For something different, the Sloppy Yossef blends sloppy beef in burik pastry with Tel Aviv style sloppy joe and smoky cheese – messy, indulgent and best ripped apart by hand. Then there’s the Dakdakim pancakes, an unexpected mixture of chicken shawarma laced pancakes topped with spiced quince and harissa bacon jam: sweet, savoury and utterly moreish. Drinks are just as fun – shakes for the diner experience or cocktails with a twist. The Fez Fizz, served in a teapot, infuses Moroccan gin with tea for a fragrant, refreshing hit. Epicurus isn’t just a place for a meal, it’s a flavour-packed adventure that shakes up tradition in all the right ways. epicuruscamden.co.uk Dhakaah – for Bangladeshi street food The newest addition to Camden Market’s polished Hawley Wharf, Dhakaah offers Bangladeshi street food with a mission to bring more of the country’s culture to the UK. Set up on the second floor of the food court, it’s a casual space ideal for a speedy meal and drinks before heading out into the bustling high street. The menu is a mixture of snacks, small plates and a few larger dishes, alongside drinks that put a South Asian spin on cocktail favourites. Start with the crunchy potato-filled fuchka (similar to pani puri) and spiced peyaju (dhal fritters) while sipping on a Bangladeshi lemon G&T, or a dirty martini flavoured with the Indian olive-like fruit jolpai. For alcohol-free options, there’s classic creamy lassi and borhani, a yogurt-based drink spiked with a little green chilli, coriander and mint. Bigger plates include a spicy beef kathi curry in a flaky parota and free-range chicken with caramelised onion, nuts and masala flavours, plus there’s ice cream-adjacent kulfi if you fancy something sweet afterwards. dhakaah.com Camden Market – for street food Open since 1974, Camden Market combines creative sellers with street-food traders and independent shops, open every day from 10am-late. There are more than 75 food and drink options, so whether you want fluffy Dutch pancakes, fresh sea bass ceviche or bowls of pho, you’ll be catered for. Only Jerkin’ dishes up chicken nuggets in ginger beer batter along with signature jerk gravy, or, if you’re after something fresher, head to Lords of Poké for bowls of fluffy rice topped with zingy pickled veg. It’s not just food on the go – you can stock up on sweet snacks to take away, from blocks of halva from SesamMe, to salted caramel truffles at Lili’s Chocolates. camdenmarket.com Purezza – for vegan pizza The UK’s first 100% vegan pizzeria, Purezza specialises in plant-based pizzas that respect the Neapolitan heritage. Where possible, this means using alternative versions of animal products, such as a plant-based mozzarella, which took more than two years to develop – this organic cheese (that’s dairy-free, low in fat and allergen-free) is made with brown rice milk and is unique to Purezza. In 2018, the restaurant secured investment to begin producing the cheese from a factory for retail. The original Brighton restaurant opened in 2015 and was followed three years later by a Camden branch and plans for more later this year. In 2018, Purezza won National Pizza of the Year for its Parmigiana Party pizza, despite being the only plant-based entrant. purezza.co.uk Luminary Bakery – for cakes Founded by Alice Williams, Luminary Bakery is a social enterprise bakery which provides opportunities for disadvantaged women to learn new skills to find employment in the food industry. Their second branch (the first in Stoke Newington) opened on Chalk Farm Road late 2019 serving fresh bread, beautiful cakes and light lunches. Pop in for fluffy scones, honeycomb blondies and vegan peanut butter cookies. The must-try? A squidgy bakewell bun. luminarybakery.com Poppies Fish and Chips – for fish and chips With a 1940s vibe and retro memorabilia in each shop, Poppies Fish and Chips is the place to go for old-school classics in a fun environment. Super-fresh fish is delivered each morning via Billingsgate Fish Market, with an in-house fishmonger, Salih, preparing the daily catch. Tuck into hand-peeled prawn cocktails and calamari rings, and, for mains, choose between lemon sole, plaice, mackerel or classic cod and haddock, all served with a side of chips. Still hungry? Stock up on extra sides, be it homemade mushy peas, bread and butter or pickled onions. poppiesfishandchips.co.uk The Fields Beneath– for coffee and vegan breakfast The Fields Beneath in Kentish Town has three aims – to make great coffee and great food, and to make veganism normal. The colourful spot mixes exposed brickwork with mosaic tiles and blackboards with the menu written in vibrant chalk. For breakfast tuck into glossy baps filled with tofu, mushroom bacon and smoky tomato sauce, or cinnamon waffles with nut butter if you fancy something sweet. All day the counter is covered in tempting baked goods (a few of which are gluten-free, too), from peanut butter bars and chewy cookies to slices of quinoa and berry cake. thefieldsbeneath.com Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington Best restaurants in Chelsea
25 small towns across the UK that every foodie should visit
From Welsh market towns with creative culinary gatherings to Yorkshire boroughs that are home to artisan roasters and gin distilleries, these are 10 of the best foodie towns across the UK for a staycation
Looking for UK staycations? Want to know the best towns for foodies? Check out our guide for the must-visit UK towns that every foodie should visit. Filled with must-try restaurants, bakeries and bars, there is something for everyone in 0ur gourmet picks – from an island getaway in Jersey to picturesque Bruton in Somerset's green rolling hills. For more travel inspiration, find out the best unique UK holiday cottages for foodies and check out our best gastropubs with rooms. Feeling active? See our picks of 10 unique walking holidays for foodies. If you're planning a summer holiday, check out our UK summer travel ideas. Totnes, Devon The market town of Totnes in Devon has some of the most progressive organic restaurants in the country. The Bull Inn is driving the charge with its ecological and social impact pledges, including commitments to “field grown, not flown”, mindful meat, seasonality and supplier-led organic food. Its inventive menu includes such dishes as roasted courgettes, whipped tahini, preserved lemon, pumpkin seed picada and basque cheesecake with plums. Eversfield organic farm shop & café has a menu of all-day brunch classics such as toasted banana bread with seasonal compote and Turkish eggs with warm chilli butter. The Totnes Sunday food market is the biggest in Devon offering up fine produce from local producers. For a taste of fine-dining, head to Gather which showcases locally sourced and wild foraged ingredients from Devon’s fields, shoreline, rivers and hedgerows. Where to stay: not just a restaurant, you can also stay at The Bull Inn. There are nine chic, minimally-designed rooms to choose from plus a four-bed self catering apartment (with it's own private terrace) that is ideal for larger groups. Doubles from £165, check availability at booking.com Alnwick, Northumberland The market town of Alnwick, famous for its historic castle, is quietly becoming something of a culinary hotspot. New fine-dining restaurant Sonnet serves up a tasting menu inspired by ingredients from small local farmers, producers of rare-breed meats and British fine food makers. Alnwick Brewery Co & Taproom has been producing traditional brown ales and IPAs since the 1860s, and is a lively hangout that regularly hosts food trucks from local establishments like Caribbean Ren’s Kitchen. The Bistro at The Cookie Jar is a relaxing restaurant serving up local produce in dishes such as tempura cod cheeks with spicy pea purée and chorizo crisps, and homemade ice creams and sorbets. And Jasper’s Bistro, in nearby Amble, is an intimate seafood restaurant with just six tables, specialising in locally landed lobster, crab and langoustines, with an excellent wine list. Check out our full guide to the best restaurants in Northumberland for more. Falmouth, Cornwall Falmouth in Cornwall is famous for its scenic natural harbour and stunning views, and is now also something of a culinary hotspot. Perched on the rocks overlooking Swanpool beach is new seafood restaurant Beach House Falmouth, which is centred around a menu of fresh, local and sustainably sourced seafood. It serves delicious dishes like whole grilled Falmouth Bay crab with garlic butter, shell-on wild prawns with ’nduja, and fried oysters with aïoli. Harbour House, just over the bay in Flushing, is a waterside pub with a focus on seasonal dishes and local drinks. Its menu includes Fowey scallops from the grill, beef short rib cottage pie, and kedgeree scotch eggs with curry mayonnaise. Located between Mylor and Flushing, Food Barn is a weekly market with more than 20 stalls that champion local, sustainable food from traders like Allet Dairy, Penny’s Pies, Loveday distillery and Ruby June’s Indian Kitchen. Sabzi’s Deli serves up Cornish and British produce cooked into Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, like local roasted Savoys with sumac, butter beans and fresh herb chutney, and spiced roasted carrots with whipped tahini. Settle, Yorkshire Dales This historic market town and the villages of surrounding Ribblesdale and Malhamdale are cultivating quite the food scene. In Settle, foodies are buzzing about the hip, crisply executed small plates at chef Iain Graham’s The Nettle restaurant. Elsewhere, refresh at High Street Coffee, micropub Millers @ Bar 13 or the Talbot Arms freehouse. For food shopping visit butcher and expert pie maker, Drake & Macefield, homewares store (and cute café) Car and Kitchen, Tuesday’s town market and Settle Artisan Market (second Sunday, monthly). Heading into the surrounding countryside, Lay of the Land is a small garden centre whose café, led by chef Jimmie Lay, is much-loved by discerning locals. As is Town End Farm Shop, a crucial outlet for regional artisan foods, including owner Chris Wildman’s charcuterie. Just a few miles from Settle, Austwick is home to the well-regarded hotel restaurant The Traddock and nationally significant food hub The Courtyard Dairy. The dairy retails up to 50 carefully matured cheeses from small farmhouse producers, houses a cheese museum and hosts events and cheese-making courses. It also shares its Crows Nest Barn location with pizzeria Rind, natural wine shop Buon Vino and artisan bakery Ambry. Folkestone, Kent The coastal town of Folkestone in Kent offers a unique blend of creativity, seaside charm, and hidden foodie hotspots which are lesser known than some of its trendy seaside neighbours such as Margate and Rye. The Folkestone Harbour Arm is home to an outdoor array of shipping containers which have been converted into independent food businesses, offering everything from fresh oysters and champagne to global street food, all set against the backdrop of stunning sea views. Highlights include poffertjes (mini Dutch pancakes), and inventive cocktails. For a relaxed family meal, head to Rocksalt, where local produce takes centre stage in dishes like Romney Marsh lamb and Folkestone-caught mackerel. Folkestone's Creative Quarter, brims with live music, tapas, cafés and Kentish beers and wine. In the evening, discover strong and perfectly-formed cocktails at The Potting Shed which will transfer you back-in-time to the vibrant 1920s. Where to stay: Shoreline Holiday rentals are the ideal base for exploring Folkestone. Each property is thoughtfully styled, offering luxurious yet cozy interiors, well-equipped kitchens, and private balconies with sweeping views of the English Channel. Perfect for families and couples alike, there’s two and four-bedroom beach houses on offer, all within walking distance of beaches, galleries, and restaurants. Jersey, Channel Islands A short hop from the UK (or France), Jersey, famous for its prized potatoes, oysters and rich custard-yellow cream – is having a gourmet revival. Restaurant pêtchi, from island-raised chef and Great British Menu finalist Joe Baker, is leading the charge. Its menu celebrates the abundance of the island’s local seafood with dishes such as Chancre crab and seaweed tarts, and a signature wood-roasted lobster rice. JEJE, housed in St Helier’s historic fish market, specialises in fresh sushi and Korean-inspired dishes made using the daily catch. Over on St Ouen’s Bay is SANDS, whose menu is inspired by Australasian and Californian coastal cuisine, with homemade tacos and sodas like its apricot/cardamom and lychee/vetiver. And for a nightcap head to The Porter’s Store, a stylish speakeasy with live music and cocktail masterclasses on offer. Reigate, Surrey Reigate has had an influx of foodie establishments in recent years, making it well worth a visit. Lebnani – from chef Jad Youssef – is leading the charge. Its menu is inspired by the food of Beirut with traditional meze and charcoal grills designed for sharing, using the finest spices, herbs and grains from Lebanon, combined with local ingredients. Chalk Hills Bakery makes artisan breads that use traditional long-fermenting methods, each kneaded by hand, including sourdough with potato, rosemary and nigella seeds. The Chapel is an independent café specialising in perfectly brewed coffee, open sandwiches and sausage brioche rolls using meat from local family butcher Robert & Edwards. And New Gurkha Kitchen serves up authentic Nepalese cuisine, like Gurkha aloo (potatoes with turmeric and cumin), Kathmandu chicken and Nepalese-style chow – stir-fried noodles with spices. Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire Famous for its spirited community ethos which has attracted writers and artists for decades, Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire is now a hotbed for culinary creatives. At its heart is Kitchen 91, a micro-bakery and dining room in a converted weaver’s warehouse specialising in Italian cuisine with sustainability at its core. Independent cooperative Valley Organics sells ethically sourced ingredients from local producers, and Goo Cheese has a range of more than 100 British and continental cheeses with an emphasis on lesser known cheesemakers. Stylish contemporary restaurant Coin is the best spot for dinner, serving small plates such as Crown Prince squash, rocket, Loch Arthur yogurt and smoked almonds alongside an extensive list of natural wines. For a night cap, lively bottle shop Drink (open until 10pm) has a range of regional craft ales, fruit sours and cloudy gose beers from across the county. Bruton, Somerset Picturesque Bruton is nestled among Somerset's green rolling hills and has become a something of magnet for unconventional chefs and arty culinary creatives in recent years, turning the once quiet market town into a foodie hot spot. At the Chapel – a Grade II listed restaurant-gallery-hotel hybrid – takes pride of place in the centre of Bruton high street, serving a Mediterranean menu that heroes West Country produce and a wine store filled with organic, biodynamic vintages. Durslade Farm Shop showcases artisan makers and growers of Somerset in the chic Hauser & Wirth Gallery. The Newt country estate hosts seasonal gastronomic events such as foraging masterclasses and artisan cyder tasting in its orchard. And Michelin-starred restaurant Osip, fronted by chef Merlin Labron-Johnson, has removed all menus entirely – asking diners to put their faith in the hands of its masterful chefs. Where to stay: Number One Bruton is a revamped Georgian townhouse that offers 12 bedrooms and a sense of playfulness behind the polish. In the Georgian townhouse itself, designers Frank & Faber have decorated the bedrooms with a tasteful riot of pattern on pattern, plus period fireplaces and gilt mirrors. For a more modern feel, a trio of cottages behind the main house (overlooking the courtyard garden) have simple white bathrooms, quarry-tiled floors and neutral colour schemes, reflecting their former status as workshops. Breakfast, taken in Osip (see above), is totally unique in terms of its offerings. Try vanilla-spiked rice pudding topped with homemade granola and a spoonful of toffee-ish milk jam; still-warm boiled egg cradled in a little nest of hay; pheasant terrine and chutney on freshly baked sourdough; or a sliver of jammy pear and quince tart. Check rates and availability at numberonebruton.com Lyme Regis, Dorset Affectionately known as the pearl of Dorset, thanks to its beautiful bay, the areas surrounding Lyme Regis are also rich in culinary delights. The Seaside Boarding House, overlooking Lyme Bay, champions local Dorset produce and has a guest series with a host of exciting chefs including Jeremy Lee, Rick Toogood and Abby Lee. The Parlour at Bredy Farm offers Italian small plates like Tuscan fish stew with Dorset clams and courgettes alla poverella. And Rachels in West Bay is a beach side hut with fresh local seafood platters, moules and chowder, plus it gets our vote for the best fish and chips in the area. Stockbridge, Scotland Perched on the Water of Leith river and blessed with eye-catching architecture, this hip, upmarket inner suburb is a very pleasant 25-minute walk from central Edinburgh. Beyond its period charms (check cobbled Insta fave, Circus Lane), it is also a tasty place to eat. Acclaimed fine dining restaurants eòrna and Avery, which previously operated in San Francisco, rub shoulders with ambitious gastropub, the Scran & Scallie, cool basement small plates joint, Skua, and the Last Word Saloon, sister bar to legendary cocktail spot, Bramble. Wine geeks will love pace-setting wine bar, Smith & Gertrude (do not miss its grilled Montgomery cheddar sandwich) and the shopping opportunities at treasure trove, Raeburn Fine Wines, Vino and newcomer, Communique Wines. To accompany those wines, food shop at Stockbridge Market (Sundays) or cheesemongers IJ Mellis or George Mewes. Before the steep climb back into Edinburgh, refuel on next-level croissants at revered bakery, Lannan, or take a moment in craft beer haven, Stockbridge Tap, or Edinburgh Cider Co’s The Cider House. Aldeburgh, Suffolk Aldeburgh, a small seaside town in Suffolk, is famous for its annual food and drink festival, and something of a hot gastronomic ticket. The Lighthouse serves simple home-cooked fare with a neighbourhood vibe – including its very own Lighthouse 77 gin, which includes botanicals such as heather and liquorice. Sea Spice is a beautiful restaurant that combines local Suffolk produce with flavourful Indian cooking. The beach is lined with shacks selling boxes of prawns and smoked fish from local artisans including Butley Oysterage. And, like all great coastal towns, there’s the iconic Aldeburgh Fish & Chips made the traditional Suffolk way – fried in beef dripping! Be it colour palettes and decorative touches inspired by the Suffolk countryside or a guest pantry where you can pour yourself a complimentary cocktail, every detail of six-bedroom The Suffolk has been carefully considered. Enjoy the rooftop sea-view terrace, then head down to the restaurant, where chef Tom Payne makes impressive use of Suffolk produce, such as Gressingham duck or Dingley Dell pork. From Butley Creek oysters to lemon sole in Pernod garlic butter, seafood is prominent. Check rates and availability at the-suffolk.co.uk Malton, Yorkshire There’s so much going on in Yorkshire’s food capital of Malton right now. Those serious about their food won’t be disappointed. Over a four year period, 26 food and drink businesses have set up shop here. Many cluster around Talbot Yard – a former stables – which now houses an artisan roaster, Roost, the Bluebird Bakery, the Groovy Moo gelateria, macaron-maker Florian Poirot, the Rare Bird Gin Distillery and a butcher, Food 2 Remember. Other dates for the diary include the Malton Harvest Food Festival in October, and the monthly food markets. These events bring together the wider area’s exceptional producers’ including Malton Cider, cheese from Botton Creamery, chutneys from Sloemotion and lots more. Where to stay: Talbot Inn (owned – like much of Malton – by aristocrat Tom Naylor-Leyland and his glamorous wife and Vogue-contributor Alice) has relaxed décor, in a glamorous, playful sort of way. Ex-Lucky Onion stalwarts, Georgie and Sam Pearman, spruced up the 26-bedroomed Talbot, bringing a modern style to the imposing 17th-century coaching inn, resulting in oak-floored rooms where modern art and antique finds rub alongside ancestral portraits. Eating is when and where you want. Already savoured the views of the watermeadows from the plant-draped Garden Room? Curl up by the log fires in the Snug, or slouch into a leather armchair beneath the wall-mounted wild boar in the navy-walled Upper Bar. Wherever you sit, jeaned and Converse-sneakered waiting staff miraculously appear. Doubles at Talbot Inn from £96 per night, check availability at booking.com Studland, Dorset The village of Studland, on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, is gathering a reputation as a beach destination with discerning culinary clout. Shell Bay Restaurant & Bistro – on the tip of the Jurassic Coast – is a scenic sunset-watching spot that specialises in open-fire cooking. Its exciting menu champions local lobster, bass and Poole Bay oysters, with dishes including fire-roasted miso and yuzu cod and pepper soft-shell crab with smoked pineapple chilli sauce. The Pig on the Beach has a walled kitchen garden and is committed to home-grown produce with its 25-mile menu, serving veg picked that morning and transformed into dishes such as marinated beetroot with spiced hazelnut crumb and blood orange. Across the water from Studland in Poole is Thirteen from head chef Alex Naik, whose tasting menus combine locally sourced and foraged ingredients – courses might include the likes of mushroom tom kha soup with seaweed noodles, velvet shank and oysters, and thyme panna cotta with orange jelly, ginger gel and clementine powder. And Bankes Arms is a pub by the sea that’s also home to the award-winning Isle of Purbeck Brewery – serving up the likes of Studland Bay Wrecked, Solar Power, Fossil Fuel and Purbeck IPA. Moreton-in-Marsh, Cotswolds In the Evenlode Valley, within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the market town of Moreton-in-Marsh makes an ideal base for a ‘foodie’ trip. A short hop from popular villages and towns such as Daylesford (famous for its organic farm, shop and restaurant), Chipping Norton and Stow-on-the-Wold, it benefits from good public transport links including direct trains to London. The main street is lined with handsome stone buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, many of them shops, tea rooms, pubs and places to eat. There are plenty of places to stay the night, including the White Hart Royal, a former manor house where King Charles I took refuge during the Civil War. The main public building is the Redesdale Hall which holds antiques and craft fairs, and there’s a weekly Tuesday street market. When it comes to eating out, Henne is highly regarded by the locals with its inventive and sustainably driven menu using hyper-local produce. If it’s artisan bread and patisserie you’re after, Otis & Belle bakery is exceptional and The Cotswold Cheese Company sells countless local cheeses. A short drive out of town is the Michelin-starred Royal Oak at Whatcote. Tisbury, Wiltshire In Wiltshire’s pretty Nadder Valley, Tisbury is more village than town yet still packs a punch when it comes to eating and drinking. On its edge the Grade I thatched Tithe Barn has been converted into Messum’s, a contemporary art gallery where the Mess Restaurant offers much more sophisticated fare than your standard museum café. In the morning Genius Coffea, on the High Street, is the first port of call. For sustenance to go with it, continue on to Tisbury Deli where the shelves prop up goodies from croissants to pork pies. Pick up a bottle to go with your supplies from <The Beckford Bottle Shop, where you can try-before-you-buy and get expert advice from staff. Pythouse Kitchen Garden should be on everyone’s radar too; not only for the first-rate restaurant but because the company’s glamping village, tucked away in the orchard, is the perfect place to stay. Where to stay: Pubs in the area are plentiful but few focus on food; the exception is The Beckford Arms where you’ll need to book to get ahead of the locals who come for a Beckford Bloody Mary and stay on for Sunday lunch. Doubles from £91 per night, check availability at mrandmrssmith.com North Berwick, Scotland There’s a food revolution underway in the seaside town of North Berwick, just half an hour from Edinburgh by train along the East Lothian coast. Millennials priced out of the city have de-camped to the coast bringing with them a demand for flat whites and sourdough – which they get at Steampunk Coffee Roasters and the <Bostock Bakery. The croissants at the latter are so good that NOMA’s René Redzepi sent his pastry chef from Copenhagen to learn from Bostock’s Ross Baxter. For seafood, try Lobster Shack – a seasonal operation on the harbour that cooks its catch from the neighbouring Firth of Forth Lobster Hatchery between Easter and October; the lobster and crab bisque is exceptional and the Shack is licensed so you can order a glass of crisp white to go with it. A blustery and beautiful walk out of town brings you to shipping container turned coffee shop DRIFT, perched on an outcrop above Canty Bay; sit in and order the bacon and egg sandwich with herby aioli. Where to stay: Stay just out of town, in Gullane, at The Bonnie Badger, Tom and Michaela Kitchin’s restaurant with rooms. Doubles from £236 per night, check availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com Deal, Kent Kent’s coastal towns are smartening up, luring in a hip London crowd who steer south on fast trains. Whilst foodies still love Whitstable, Deal is the buzzy new kid on the block. Find everything from Kent’s favourite chippie, Middle Street Fish Bar to date-night-dining at Victuals & Co. where the Raid the Larder menu on Sunday evenings is particularly good value. The Deal Dining Club is an institution and its Friday and Saturday night set-menu feasts always sell out; typical events include a Taste of Kent, with a menu boasting Canterbury cheese puffs, Kentish brown shrimp, local pigeon, home-smoked haddock and rhubarb crème brulee. It’s BYOB so pick up a bottle beforehand at Le Pinardier, a French wine bar and shop with an array of predominantly natural wines. Where to stay: Cross the road to The Rose where the seasonal cocktails are invented by local forager and chef, Lucia Stuart, who also runs excursions such as a Berry Bonanza Wilderness Picnic via The Wild Kitchen. As well as a bar, restaurant and pretty courtyard garden, The Rose has eight artfully-designed bedrooms. It’s worth staying for breakfast – the sourdough toast with pear and ginger jam is scrumptious. Doubles from £167 per night, check availability at booking.com Orford, Suffolk The Suffolk town of Orford may have kick-started its foodie reputation with the opening of the renowned Pump Street Bakery (a visit to its Suffolk-pink premises for breakfast pastries is a must) but the business has done a pivot into artisan chocolate-making so save space to try one of their artisan bars too. Proximity to the shingly coastline means the town is also home to two excellent seafood spots, fixtures since the 1950s – Butley Oysterage, a smart restaurant serving up plump oysters and griddled prawns dripping in garlic butter, and the sister shop, Pinney’s, where you can buy smoked fish, potted crab and angels on horseback to take away. If you’re visiting in September, Orford also makes a great base for exploring Aldeburgh Food Festival – confusingly not in Aldeburgh town but, rather, at nearby Snape Maltings, the Victorian red-brick malt kilns turned world-famous concert halls that sit amongst the reedbeds on Suffolk’s river Alde. It’s a great setting to learn, among other things, how to make bread courtesy of Marriage’s Bakery Room. Where to stay: Orford’s pub, the The Crown and Castle, promises smart bedrooms overlooking Orford’s 12th century castle, or there’s the Wash House Studio B&B – stay in a sweet shepherd’s hut or the converted wash house next to the coastguards cottages and wake up to find a breakfast hamper covered with a gingham cloth on your doorstep in the morning. Doubles at The Crown and Castle from £122, check availability at booking.com Abergavenny, Wales Abergavenny Food Festival takes place each September and is one of the most creative and dynamic culinary gatherings in the UK, also one of the longest running. Regulars come for talks by Diana Henry and Bee Wilson, Dinner Party masterclasses with Rosie Birkett and Elly Pear, vegan BBQing tips from Matt Pritchard, debates on sustainable farming, a children’s cookery school and outdoor feasts based around wild cooking. Beyond the festival, you’ll find a quiet market town packed with independent shops like The Angel Bakery, which serves seasonal fruit pastries and perfect artisanal baguettes. Pair one of the latter with a ploughman’s hamper from The Marches Deli (it includes three Welsh cheeses, local chutney, Cradocs crackers and Welsh ale). The top table in town for breakfast and lunch is at The Kitchen at The Chapel where soda bread is baked each morning and might be served with pumpkin, butter bean and olive oil soup and a local craft cider, while the Michelin-starred Walnut Tree Inn is just outside town. Where to stay: Stay at Old Lands in one of three pretty holiday cottages set within converted stables and barns on an old family estate. There’s a walled garden and an on-site micro farm shop and guests can book children into Forest School, go on a nature walk or take a rowing boat out to an island on the estate’s lake. Check rates and availability at old-lands.co.uk Clitheroe, Lancashire The Lancashire market town of Clitheroe, in the Forest of Bowland, is the hub of Lancashire’s Ribble Valley. You’ll find a heaving cheese counter at Holmes Mill, Clitheroe’s monumental new food hall, and regional produce galore at Booths. Dip into independent food shops, such as Cowman’s Famous Sausage Shop, which sells over 70 varieties. Then go for a walk on Pendle Hill, followed by lunch at the Assheton Arms in Downham. Where to stay: Stay over at Freemasons At Wiswell, just south of town. As well as a chef’s table experience the dining pub has added bedrooms; enjoy Herdwick lamb with aubergine and miso purée, and a superlative vanilla slice, then stumble into bed. Or head half an hour out of town to remote Dale House, a 400-year-old farm. One of its owners used to work as a chef for the Roux brothers so expect standout breakfasts and sumptuous (zero-mile) dinners, such as venison haunch steak with blackberries followed by homemade eccles cakes. Doubles from £160 per night, check availability at freemasonsatwiswell.com Porthleven, Cornwall Almost as far southwest as you can get in England, Porthleven is a pretty Cornish port that greets you with waving sailing flags and colourful buoys bobbing in the water (and a medley of carefully curated food stalls if you time a trip to tie in with the annual Porthleven Food Festival each spring). It may be a tiny town, but the food scene is growing at pace here – think Padstow thirty years ago. Current highlights include Origin, a coffee roasters that started here but now has shops in Shoreditch, Edinburgh, the British Library and Southwark too. Next door is Kota Kai which serves Thai tapas and forms a more relaxed little sister to Kota restaurant, up the road. Run by half-Maori, half Chinese Malay chef, Jude Kereama, Kota (meaning ‘shellfish’ in Maori) serves Cornish seafood with Asian and Kiwi influences; think pan-fried hake, crab ravioli, Cornish mussels and tiger prawns in a vegetable dashi broth or Porthilly oyster tempura with wasabi tartare. Try the tasting menu and then stumble upstairs to bed. Where to stay: Kota has two bedrooms above it so you don’t need to leave town. Alternatively rent a picture-perfect thatched cottage on the nearby Trelowarren Estate, also home to the excellent New Yard restaurant. Bridport, Dorset It’s over fifteen years since Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall turned the spotlight on field-to-fork dining in Dorset, with the River Cottage, and West Dorset is now a firmly foodie pocket of the UK. Exciting things are happening in the market town of Bridport. A vibey Asian street food joint might be the last thing you’d expect to stumble on up a small-town alley, but Dorshi is exactly that. The name (“Dorset-sushi”) stems from the founders’ days spent doing a roaring trade out of a food truck. Now in a bricks-and-mortar restaurant the menu is all about dumplings, buns, zingy salads and noodle bowls. Likewise the Soulshine Café is on-the-button with superfood spirulina smoothies, oat milk lattes and a vegan full English on the menu – meat-eaters needn’t worry you’ll find sausage sarnies here too. For a sweet treat visit Baboo Gelato where the ice cream is award-winning – try the plum sorbet. Just outside the town visit Washingpool Farm, home to one of the region’s best farm shops (it stocks its own veggies as well as other local produce, like North Perrott apple juice and Dorset Cereals. Where to stay: Stay further up the sands at the Seaside Boarding House, a hip hotel with unrivalled views over Lyme Bay, elegant modern cooking and a grown-up line in cocktails. Ashburton, Devon Dartmouth and Salcome might get all the attention in Devon’s southernly corner, but look inland for fewer crowds and great food spots. Ashburton, on the edge of Dartmoor, is home to the famed Ashburton Cookery School where over 40 classes are offered from a five-day patisserie week to a three-hour Indian cook-to-go and a recently introduced range of Christmas classes, from festive breadmaking to party canapés and chocolate advent calendar workshops. If you’d rather leave the hard work to the experts, the award-winning Ashburton Deli is the place to go, stocked with the best produce from across the West. Ten minutes’ out of town, meanwhile, brings you to Riverford, the organic farming champions – visit their home turf for lunch or supper at The Riverford Field Kitchen where the set veggie menu is about as close to farm-to-fork as can be. Where to stay: Stay at the Live and Let Live pub where there’s excellent provenance-orientated food and three bright and airy bedrooms. Kendal, Lake District But for its eponymous mint cake, Kendal is not known for its food. It is overlooked entirely by many visitors who, alighting at Oxenholme station or racing past from the M6, head straight for the Lakes’ better-known hot spots. This is a mistake. The food and drink scene in this handsome market town is on a flavour-packed roll at casual dining spots such as Comida, Marra 46, Pappy’s Texas BBQ, Baba Ganoush and exciting small plates restaurant, Ramble, run by wine-maker, Northern Wine. It is home to two mega breweries, Lakes Brew Co, which hosts street food traders at its monthly brew-tap, and Fell (check its bar and new arts venue, Glisky). Kendal also boasts award-winning butcher, Roast Mutton, a carefully curated, twice-monthly farmers’ and artisan-makers’ market (second/last Fridays), and, just outside town, one of Britain’s best bakeries, Lovingly Artisan – a neighbour to, among other food businesses, Plumgarths farm shop. Is Kendal Cumbria’s tastiest town? Quite possibly. Where to stay: 20-minutes drive from Kendal, Gilpin Hotel & Country House in Windermere offres luxurious bedrooms with lakeside views, and an on-site Michelin-starred restaurant that puts an Asian twist on Cumbrian dining. Doubles from £335 per night, check availability at booking.com or expedia.co.uk Words by Daisy Allsup Photographs by Clare Hargreaves, Weekend Journals, Rhiannon Batten, Helen Cathcart, Keiko Oikawa More travel guides Best country house hotels in the UK Best health and wellness retreats Best hotels in London Best UK boutique hotels Best hotels in the Cotswolds Best Cornwall hotels Best hotels in the Lake District Best London hotel bars to visit Best romantic hotels in the UK European hidden gems: hotels off the beaten track Best Paris hotels Best Spanish hotels Best Italian hotels Best restaurants with rooms in the UK Best Amsterdam hotels
Best restaurants in Islington: where to eat and drink
Check out our favourite restaurants, cafes, bars and foodie spots in Islington, north London
Looking for Islington restaurants? Here are our favourite restaurants in north London’s leafy borough around Angel and Highbury and Islington stations. The best foodie spots include curries at Afghan Kitchen, gluten free pizza at Zia Lucia and laksa at Sambal Shiok. Check out our ideas for eating and drinking in Islington, from Upper Street to Holloway Road and beyond... For more London food guides, check out our review of the best restaurants in Notting Hill, best restaurants in Chelsea, best restaurants in Camden and best restaurants in Paddington. Best places to eat and drink in Islington Lupa, Highbury Park Inspired by the osterias of Rome – where co-owner Ed Templeton lived for a time – this neighbourhood corner spot champions comforting, simple dishes and a casual, friendly atmosphere. The bright, breezy room feels fresh but keeps lots of the original charm intact, notably the beautiful, almost floor to ceiling original windows. Chef Naz Hassan's concise menu means a table of four could happily order most of the menu. Start with a punchy martini, heady with Malfy gin and fig leaf liqueur, and a snack of courgette flower stuffed with burrata, deep-fried and served on an umami courgette purée uplifted with dashi. There are pasta greatest hits, too – order the cacio e pepe with handmade pici in a generous slick of peppery, cheesy sauce. Mains feature a thick slice of porchetta stuffed with apricot, gorgeously burnished with deep, crunchy crackling – try the creamy green vignarola veg as a perfect accompaniment. There are only two puddings but the tiramisu delivers – feather light and creamy with a proper kick of booze. Punters may book hoping to see a glimpse of co-owner Theo James (of White Lotus fame) but they’ll come back for the spot-on cooking. lupa.restaurant Little Bat, Islington Park Street Sister bar to Callooh Callay in Shoreditch, Little Bat is casual and fuss-free yet stylish, with refreshingly affordable cocktails. Dark, sultry and dimly lit, it’s a great choice for low-key birthday drinks with friends or perhaps one last drink on a night out. A refreshed cocktail list has plenty to enjoy. Flutter By is a light, pretty agave cocktail with Codigo Rosa tequila complemented by floral, fruity notes from strawberry aperitif and elderflower liqueur. Little Bat also nails the classics: we tried a warming, spicy boulevardier (the negroni’s winter cousin) with Fielden rye whisky, and there’s also a pithy roster of ‘Cold AF’ martinis. Our vesper did not disappoint, crystalline, boozy and icy cold. There’s also a revamped food menu courtesy of chef-consultant James Cochran – those looking for bar snacks can try the likes of toasted sourdough bread with whipped gravy butter, seriously addictive buttermilk fried chicken with jerk spiced hot honey glaze, and beer-battered Whitstable oysters. Or turn it into a proper dinner and add mains such as jerk spiced slow-braised shoulder of mangalitza pork or torched Cornish mackerel with hazelnut tahini, finished off with aged Berkswell basque cheesecake for dessert. littlebatbar.com The Brave, Essex Road Taking over the site from the former The Engle Field this year, The Brave bills itself as a pub bistro and, although it looks like a pub from the exterior and signage, it definitely leans more towards the bistro end of the scale with its light-filled, airy dining room and elevated menu. Stephen Bunch (ex-London Shell Co) has recently taken over as head chef bringing more of a seafood focus with him. From the gently spiced cuttlefish arancini with curry emulsion to a spankingly fresh cured stone bass with a zingy passion fruit, tequila and miso jalapeño dressing, and a main of perfectly cooked Brixham hake with artichokes and smoked haddock chowder, the fish dishes here really sing. For those who just fancy a pint and a bar snack there are some real gems – try the deep-fried beef nugget topped with Russian dressing, cheese and gherkins, or the incredible confit potato ‘chips’ (like those viral thousand-layer potatoes) served with a punchy black garlic mayo. There’s also a delicious Baron Bigod gougère, which is like eating a cheese cloud. Puddings are on the indulgent side – don’t miss the sea salt caramel tart served simply with ice cream, and perfect for sharing. thebravelondon.co.uk Topa, Holloway Road By day it’s a neighbourhood deli specialising in continental cheeses, charcuterie and fine wines. But by night, Wednesday to Saturday, Provisions transforms into Topa: a slice of San Sebastián, just seven minutes’ walk from Highbury & Islington station, where chef Simon Shand creates classic Basque dishes from the shop’s quality produce. A communal table runs the length of the cosy venue, encouraging sharing and chat. Or grab a barrel that serves as a table for a more intimate evening. The pintxos (snacks) to start are a must. The menu changes but, during our visit, stand-outs included nutty ossau-iraty cheese with roasted pickled onions, and morcilla blood sausage with apple – a surprising contrast of savoury and sweet. And gildas, the best we’ve experienced outside Spain: this trio of Guindilla pepper, anchovy and olive is a symphony of salt and heat, crunch and creaminess. From the plates, delve into fall-apart pork cheek stew served on silky polenta; and wild mushrooms with raw egg yolk and wafer thin guanciale, reminiscent of the best carbonara. Make sure you save room for dessert, especially deconstructed mont blanc – sweetened chestnut cream with orange segments. To drink, try txakoli, a spritzy Basque wine; or patxaran and tonic, a traditional aperitif with a hint of sloe berries. provisionslondon.co.uk/pages/topa Rake @ Compton Arms, Compton Ave With a history spanning more than 200 years (including famously being a haunt of George Orwell), Compton Arms in Islington has built a reputation for nurturing some of London’s most promising chef talents. Past kitchen residencies include Four Legs, who went on to open the acclaimed The Plimsoll and Tollingtons Fish Bar, and Schmaltz by Chris D’Sylva who opened Michelin-starred Dorian. Now hosting Rake, the talented duo of Jay Claus and Syrus Pickhaver (both previously of Acme Fire Cult), who are endeavouring to fill those big shoes with their bold take on modern British food. rakelondon.com Franks Canteen, Highbury Franks Canteen is a cosy gem of a restaurant and the intimate setting enhances its inviting atmosphere. The close-packed tables hum with lively conversation as diners deliberate over a menu designed for sharing. From tempting snacks to hearty plates like the celebrated beef cheek and monkfish wellington, it's a haven for culinary enthusiasts eager to explore a variety of flavours. Under the guidance of new head chef Eloise Dawes, the menu showcases inventive takes on classic European dishes, emphasising seasonal ingredients. Picture dishes like the chicken caesar terrine with fried anchovies, soft eggs, chive oil and Butterhead lettuce, or the grilled nectarines with stracciatella, chicory and rosemary-maple vinaigrette. Vegetarian and vegan diners will find plenty to savour. The grilled aubergine topped with vegan 'nduja, lemon dressing, yogurt and pecans is a standout option. Complementing the food, the restaurant boasts an extensive drinks selection and offers BYO nights on Wednesdays and Thursdays, ensuring something to suit every taste and occasion. frankscanteen.com Trullo, Highbury Older sister to Borough Market’s Padella, Trullo serves perfect pasta, antipasti and larger charcoal grill dishes in a romantic yet relaxed environment. Upstairs, wooden tables – simply laid with white paper tablecloths and flickering tea lights – are huddled together, while downstairs, dark booths are perfect for a longer, laid-back dinner. The menu changes twice daily, depending on seasonal produce, but if there’s two of you we’d recommend a couple of antipasti, a couple of plates of pasta and one larger oven dish. Rich beef shin ragu coats slippery ribbons of pappardelle, while sweet squash ravioli gets a richness from the olive oil. If it’s on the menu, order Padella’s iconic pici cacio e pepe for a cheesy hit. Meat and fish are simply cooked over coals, served with the likes of soft polenta and salsa verde or baby beetroot. As with the food, wines change regularly but there are always a few available by the glass. The natural Puglia Miro is bursting with ripe cherries, or sip on a punchy coffee negroni as a nightcap. trullorestaurant.com Saltine, Highbury Park With clean lines and a minimalist interior, Saltine is new to the Highbury Park neighbourhood. Opened by Mat Appleton and Jess Blackstone of Fink’s cafés fame, and with head chef Phil Wood (ex-Spring and St John) at the stove, Saltine has a frequently changing menu, founded on named produce and producers. Expect dishes to look exactly as they are described: veg such as carrots may come whole, skin and all, for example, salad leaves are torn into decent chunks, like in the pumpkin scapece, and chicken with Borlotti beans and spinach has a properly soupy sauce. Desserts include a slab of sticky toffee apple cake that everyone is talking about. saltine.co.uk Morchella, Rosebery Avenue Light, bright and roomy, this restaurant/wine bar is a new venture from the team behind Perilla. One of its USPs is the individual cutlery drawers in the tables, which house complete table settings – this creates uncluttered tables with more room for food. The menu is modern Mediterranean – salt cod comes in churro form rather than as fritters, on a plate of romesco sauce; panzanella is made with radicchio; and scallops are fluffy with cauliflower mushroom and dripping with buttery juices (you’ll need the pepper dulse focaccia for mopping them up). Spanakopita is reimagined as a neat, ultra-crisp, sausage roll like affair. And there are three desserts, one of which is the lush portokalopita made with crumbled filo pastry. morchelladining.co.uk The Tamil Prince, Hemingford Road Nestled among the leafy terraced streets of Islington, away from the bustle of central London, Tamil Prince is a gem: an airy, spacious new restaurant serving some of the finest Indian food in the capital. Created by ex-Roti King chef Prince Durairaj, it marries the classic British pub vibe (and excellent beers) with the food of Tamil Nadu from the chef’s childhood in South India. The menu is effortlessly navigable: six small plates; five large plates; four desserts. From the smalls, onion bhajis are a must, a billowy tangle of crunchy battered rings that melt in the mouth. Also choose pulled beef uttapam – a savoury dosa topped with unctuous meat – is a perfect sponge for mopping up fiery chilli coconut chutney. A small pot of glossy, smoky dhal makhani completes the set before going on to the main event, the grills. Go for the lamb chops – served as four, they are gorgeously tender, charred and crisp; nibble at the bone until its clean. Then the dish with the biggest jaw-drop factor – a platter of three gigantic tiger prawns, like small lobsters, plump with sweet briny meat. Mango lassi for dessert refreshes the palate. Tamil Prince has a range of Indian cocktails and bottled beers but, on a warm summer evening, try a pint of cold, light 3.8% ABV Harbour Daymer Extra Pale Ale. thetamilprince.com Caravel, Shepherdess Walk Caravel, meaning a small, light Spanish ship, is in a converted barge on Regent’s Canal near Angel in London. Restored by brothers Fin and Lorcan Spiteri, it features an open kitchen, bar and space for 40 diners. The menu celebrates slow cooking with braises and homemade pasta, as well as influences from their childhood, including prawn toast with chilli jam, pressed lamb shoulder with courgettes and tangy green herb sauce and almond tart topped with caramelised bananas. Plus, there are excellent cocktails (think blood orange margaritas, rhubarb negronis and hibiscus and ginger kombucha fizz) and a compact wine list. caravelrestaurant.com Vins Restaurant and Wine Bar, Grosvenor Avenue, Canonbury Small is beautiful at this cool north London restaurant. Run by a two-person team, owner Vinny Burke handles the front of house and serving duties while in the tiny kitchen Emils Fjodorovs knocks up inventive wine-friendly small plates (the pair previously collaborated at Spitalfield’s Jago). The interior is all dark wood, dim lighting and muted grey walls and although cosy, tables are well spaced so there’s no eavesdropping on your neighbour’s business. It’s a grown-up space (the website requests over 16s only) and the quirky background music is carefully chosen by Vinny to reflect the relaxed vibe. The menu is fun and eclectic. There are snacks that could be ordered with a glass of wine for a quick pit-stop as well as lots of small plates and a couple of bigger serves to linger over. From the smaller dishes, chicken liver parfait is silky-smooth, served with thick sourdough toast for spreading and tangy ribbons of pickled cucumber. Crisp golden croquettes have a surprisingly light filling of potato and spring onion and come with rich garlic aïoli. The crunchy fried taleggio sandwich is a must-order (though we recommend you get a plate of house-pickled veg on the side to offset this oozy cheese-fest). A larger dish of roast aubergines, Jerusalem artichokes, skordalia (a purée of potato, olive oil and garlic) and toasted walnuts was a heavenly mix of creamy, smoky, nutty and crunchy. Vinny’s other passion is natural wine and he curates a regularly changing list (mostly from France, Italy and Spain though there were some bottles from Slovakia on our visit). Vins is the kind of hidden gem that every neighbourhood should have – Canonbury residents are very lucky that it’s on their doorstop. vinsrestaurant.co.uk Prawn on The Lawn, Saint Paul's Road Like its Cornish sibling in Padstow, Prawn on the Lawn in Islington is a fishmonger and restaurant all rolled into one. Rick Toogood and his wife Katie launched the restaurant in 2013, and since then it has expanded from its early roots as a seafood bar to a 35-seat restaurant and separate private dining room. The couple moved to Padstow two years later to open a second site and now split their time between the two restaurants. Fish and shellfish arrive daily from fish markets and day boats in Devon and Cornwall, ensuring the freshest produce ends up on ever-changing menus. Dishes might include Porthilly mussels, clams and manzanilla; ray wing with olives, chilli and agridulce; or a whole Padstow lobster with lime and coriander butter. The restaurant also runs seasonal oyster happy hours daily from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, during which time freshly shucked Porthilly oysters are served as they are or deep-fried with garlic crème fraîche. prawnonthelawn.com The Baring, Islington N1 Chef Rob Tecwyn and manager Adam Symonds met while working at gastro pub The Bull and Last. The Baring, a newly refurbished (and renamed) pub, is their first venture together. The menu is strongly seasonal, using well-sourced ingredients presented simply with great big punches of flavour. It includes classic mains such as pork loin with greens and desserts like financier with seasonal fruits, as well as a Sunday roast. Dishes like quail shish and lamb rump with kofte are refined twists. Cocktails are seasonal, using the same flavourings as the desserts so nothing goes to waste. thebaring.co.uk Try The Baring’s recipe for financiers with poached plums and pumpkin gnudi. 1251, Upper Street Chef James Cochran’s north London restaurant sees quirky small plates served 11 to 11, alongside Brick Brewery beers, organic wines and fragrant, grown-up cocktails. Spread across two (funky, painted wooden) floors of this Victorian building, minutes from Angel and Highbury and Islington tube stations, the décor here is minimal but contemporary (think pink leather banquettes and modern art). We’re told to order a couple of ‘snacks’ each before moving onto at least one or more ‘plates’ proper – but regardless of how many we order across the menu, the idea is to share. Don’t leave without ordering the fried buttermilk rabbit – it’s the best dish on the menu. Gnarly, super-crunchy and yet juicy and tender – it gets even better thanks to some arty blobs of sweet apricot, fragrant tarragon and a snow shower of freshly grated horseradish. Smoked kipper and leek toastie, too, with sweet, crunchy brioche slices is perfectly balanced and so good that you’ll probably need to order a second. 1251.co.uk Click here to read our full review of 1251 Sambal Shiok, Holloway Road Mandy Yin has gone from street food stall to Malaysian pop up, and now has her own laksa bar in Highbury. The cosy room is paved with wooden floorboards, dark-blue walls are lined with Malaysian street scenes in gilt frames and bright artwork posters. Mandy and her team hustle away behind a counter in the open kitchen, assembling bowls of comforting laksa and sprinkling fresh herbs onto veggie salads. Simple Malaysian dishes are executed very well. A vegetarian salad of shredded carrot, thin slices of mooli and pickled cucumber is tossed in peanut sauce with tiny cubes of fried potato, and Malaysian fried chicken is some of the best we’ve tried – super-succulent chicken pieces are marinated in turmeric and fennel seeds with cumin and coriander then tossed in chickpea gram flour and fried until extra crunchy and golden. There are five laksas to choose from – tofu, chicken, prawn, and a special laksa encompassing all of the above, as well as a vegan special with charred aubergine and sautéed potatoes. Slosh around in the fragrant liquid to find succulent chicken pieces, huge plump prawns, spongy pieces of tofu and crunchy green beans. Slippery rice and springy egg noodles add to the various textures that are slurped up from the rich coconutty broth. Beef rendang is a melting concoction of tender beef in a deep and complex sauce, served with fluffy rice. sambalshiok.co.uk Zia Lucia, Holloway Road For the best selection of pizza bases, visit Zia Lucia on Holloway Road and choose between a traditional, wholemeal, vegetable charcoal or gluten-free base. The 48 hour fermented doughs are cooked in a wood-fired oven, each resulting in a different flavour and texture. We recommend the gluten-free base which has a crisp yet light texture. You can create your own pizza and choose from the large selection of toppings including spianata, broccoli, butternut squash and taleggio goat’s cheese. zialucia.com/islington Click here for our favourite pizza restaurants in London Afghan Kitchen, Islington Green Tucked away on leafy Islington Green, this north London institute is a must visit for hearty home cooking. Book ahead for a table in the evening (or join the lengthy queue) before taking a seat at communal tables in the compact dining room. White, laminated menus list the curries and sides, all of which can be shared. Succulent lamb and earthy spinach is one of the heartier dishes on the menu, while tender chunks of chicken bathe in a light, fragrant yogurt sauce, ready to be mopped up with crisp, fluffy flatbread, generously drizzled in oil. Vegetarians are equally well catered to, with smoky aubergine or roasted sweet potato, both served with yogurt. Service is fast-paced and breezy (and the restaurant is cash only), so head to the counter to settle up and order some sweet, sticky baklava to take away with you. instagram.com/afghankitchenldn Brother Marcus, Camden Passage Balham brunch institution Brother Marcus has opened its doors in north London with a relaxed all-day dining spot in Angel. Tucked down buzzing Camden Passage, grab a seat on the street for an al fresco breakfast, or, head inside and cosy up on tables for two under a lush living wall. Each of the classic brunch dishes has a twist, from Sugar Daddy, where cinnamon French toast comes in crumpet form, to Sister Special – bacon and poached eggs on toast served with a side of avocado and spinach drizzled with rocket oil. For egg lovers, order the Brother Special where rich, softly scrambled eggs are served on North London Celtic Bakers sourdough toast, topped with silky slithers of in-house beetroot-cured salmon and stems of al dente grilled asparagus. If you’re feeling really peckish, choose between small side plates of halloumi with orange and pistachio as well as grilled aubergine with chilli. The Step Sister is a must. Spicy sweet potato, courgette and feta fritters are served with avocado, spinach and kale with a subtly flavoured, creamy turmeric yogurt and a perfectly poached egg. Peruse the well-stocked cake counter before you leave as well, brimming with Portuguese custard tarts and slices of banana bread. brothermarcus.co.uk/locations/angel/ Click here for our favourite brunch spots in London Tootoomoo, Highbury East Tootoomoo wants to bring the punchy flavours of Asian street food to a restaurant setting – this time to a cosy and colourful site on St Pauls Road. Expect to find many classics of Asian cuisine here, from miso soup and potsticker dumplings to rendang curry. These jostle with less typical creations like shichimi squid with Japanese pepper and sweet chilli or duck and watermelon salad with cashew and hoisin. Dishes at Tootoomoo are simply presented but hugely enjoyable to eat. Our crispy smoked chicken with chilli salt and spicy mayonnaise was an umami dream (think grown-up chicken nuggets), while the playful popcorn shrimp with nori dust was addictively moreish, the saltiness of the shrimp pairing well with the subtle citrus tang of a yuzu-spiked mayonnaise. tootoomoo.co.uk/highbury Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Chelsea Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington Words by Ellie Edwards, Janine Ratcliffe, Alex Crossley, Laura Rowe and Mark Taylor Photographs: David Cotsworth, Safia Shakarchi (Tiella)
Check out our favourite restaurants, cafes, bars and foodie spots in this vibrant area of South London. Try spicy squid noodles, the ultimate jerk chicken, elderflower bellinis and more
Looking for Brixton restaurants? Here are our favourite restaurants in Brixton. Check out our ideas for eating and drinking in Brixton, from Brixton Village to Pop Brixton and beyond... For more like this, check out our picks of the best restaurants in Chelsea, best restaurants in London Bridge, best restaurants in Battersea or the best restaurants near Oxford Street and the best restaurants in Paddington. Best places to eat and drink in Brixton Maremma, Brixton Water Lane – for Italian neighbourhood vibes The small space of this Tuscan bistro has a distinctly neighbourhood vibe – vases of dried flowers sit on tables crammed in alongside stools at the pale sage counter overlooking the busy open kitchen and aperitif-bottle-lined bar.Large, almost life-size illustrations of wild boar and octopus on exposed brick walls reflect dishes on the menu – the former in a hefty cut of pepper-crusted cutlet and belly with balsamic figs and wispy Italian spinach, and also combined with Tuscan herbs and fennel seeds to make a ragu tossed through glistening folds of homemade pappardelle.The menu is dedicated to produce from the Maremma region of south-west Tuscany. Highlights of our visit were a starter of super-soft octopus neatly arranged in a bowl with crushed new potatoes, all doused in Tuscan olive oil and lemon juice. Another was the tortelli Maremmani – yolk-yellow pasta parcels stuffed with creamy ricotta, spinach and a hint of nutmeg, topped with crispy sage. Skate wing wasn’t on the menu on our visit, but we’ve heard from reliable sources it’s another standout. Wines all come from Maremma – the brancaleta sangiovese/malvasia nera blend provides an elegant, aromatic accompaniment to the boar dishes, while chardonnay from the same vineyard is intense enough to hold up to most options on the menu. The cocktail menu also showcases spirits from the region – Seven Hills gin, infused with juniper and herbs from Maremma, is used in the negroni and a rosemary old fashioned, while the Mi-To (Milano-Torino) cocktail mixes a new Maremma-born vermouth with Corsican grapefruit aperitif, Pampelle. maremmarestaurant.com Fish, Wings & Tings, Brixton Village – for Caribbean food The sunshine yellow and green exterior of this Brixton Village institution has been a popular fixture since Trinidadian chef Brian Danclair opened it in 2012. They specialise in vibrantly flavoured, locally sourced, Caribbean food, with a welcoming family spirit and community-led ethos. From the ‘small tings’ section of the menu, the pepper prawns with Granny Suzy sauce, reggae wings with pineapple-mango chutney, and split pea-callaloo fritters with tamarind are true winners. From the ‘big tings’, try the superb stew oxtail with rice and peas, or the fish roti with chickpeas, pumpkin and tamarind kuchela. And to drink, opt for the non-alcoholic homemade spice sorrel punch which is sharp, tangy and deliciously fragrant. fishwingsandtings.co.uk Kricket, Atlantic Road – for Indian small plates Contemporary and cool, Kricket specialises in Indian small plates using local vegetables and fish and meat sourced within the British Isles. Kricket is a collaboration of fresh seasonal British produce and traditional Indian flavours and spices all set out in an informal environment. Kricket first opened in a small shipping container in Pop Brixton, before opening up in Soho and a permanent site back in Brixton on Atlantic Road. Looking for London's best Indian restaurants? Check out our best Indian restaurants in London here. kricket.co.uk Buster's, Atlantic Road – for burgers A stone’s throw from Brixton station is potentially the best new burger in London. You’ll find it at Buster’s, effectively a hole in the wall joint, bar a few small tables, serving up delicious wagyu beef and fried chicken burgers. The London restaurant scene is full of spots trying to claim they do ‘simple things, executed perfectly’ but Buster’s is a spot that is actually nailing it. The wagyu cheeseburger is made up of tender meat, seasoned perfectly and cooked to a juicy medium. The green peppercorn dijonaise adds a welcome acidity, and the potato roll it is all sandwiched between is soft and bouncy. The chicken burger is equally excellent, crispy, juicy and served with plenty of pickles. The IPA cheese sauce is aerated and rich, perfect for dipping lots of hot, crispy fries in. We finished off the meal with a chocolate mousse, which was light but decadent. If you’re looking for a great burger south of the river, Buster’s is where it’s at. busterslondon.co.uk Bottle + Rye, Market Row — for a slice of European café culture This intimate wine bar and restaurant from Robin and Sarah Gill brings a slice of European café culture to Market Row in Brixton Village. The team behind Sorella, Bermondsey Larder, Darby’s and Rye by the Water took the classic Parisian bistro as their starting point for the interiors, dominated by an elegant marble, brass and walnut bar. Nab a seat here to watch the kitchen and bar team whip up cocktails and plate dishes. A menu of simple, deftly executed Gallic classics delivers. Succulent, well-seasoned pig’s head brawn terrine comes with cornichons, delicate rings of pickled onion and hunks of sourdough, and a luscious dollop of creamy smoked eel brandade is served with Pink Fir crisps for scooping. Veggie dishes also shine – especially summery pea and broad bean ragu and a salad of green beans and leeks with crunchy hazelnut praline. Don’t miss out on dessert – a beautifully made blackcurrant and fig leaf choux éclair on our visit. A mostly European list of minimal intervention wines includes plenty by the glass (try Judith Beck’s delicious Zweigelt and Blaufrankisch rosé) as well as natural ciders from the likes of Little Pomona, Brixton Brewery beers and a succinct cocktail list including a peach and jasmine americano. bottleandrye.com Aries Bakehouse – for pastries In the heart of Brixton sits the delightful Aries Bakehouse. Run by Jackie Mckinson, it’s the very definition of a community-based business. During lockdown, Aries Bakehouse switched to a pre-order bakery but its customers still rocked up and offered to help. Some delivered bread and coffee to those in isolation, while others assisted in the kitchen when the workload became immense. “Honestly, this doesn’t even feel like my bakery any more,” says Jackie. “It feels like a collective, with everyone taking part." aries-bakehouse.square.site Temaki, Market Row — for Japanese hand rolls Temaki, standing for, Te (hand), Maki (roll) has an intimate yet lively feel to it, hosting only 18 covers at a time indoors. The open kitchen brings a sense of connection between the diner and the skilled, humorous chef (Shaulan Steenson) who multitasks, eloquently chatting through the menu while crafting the Temaki. There’s a prevailing joyful atmosphere as the waiting staff are brimming with enthusiasm and knowledgeable about the menu and even more excited to explain about the drinks. We were recommended the Sumi clear Junmai sake which was light with a savoury finish, followed by a sansho peppercorn gin which was topped with filtered lime juice — a sweet yet tangy dream. On to the hand rolls, there are eight to choose from, made fresh to order, alongside meticulously plated small plates. We loved the yellowtail sashimi, which was fresh and tangi from the ponzu with chillies sourced locally from the markets in Brixton. A standout was akami tuna temaki with a nikiri soy filling — not to be missed. If you’re in south west London, or are in the market for a new, fun experience to dive into an interactive Japanese cuisine, Temaki is the place to visit. instagram/temakihandrollbar muan, Brixton Village – for vegan Thai street food After going viral on TikTok last year, and with a cosy spot in Brixton Village, you’ll definitely want to book ahead to guarantee a seat at vegan Thai street food spot muan. On a Thursday evening the inside five tables of two filled up quickly, although there is some additional space outside. The eclectic décor is kitsch and Thai-inspired, with bright plastic tablecloths, colourfully painted wooden doors and patterned crockery. The open kitchen area is almost the same size as the seating, and dishes come out quickly. The vegan meat alternatives are what set muan apart. Try the spicy papaya, vegan crackling and vegan fish sauce somtum salad, grilled vegan flank steak with spicy jaew sauce and crispy vegan cod with lemongrass, chilli and lime. Crispy dumplings filled with vegan mince are served with a choice of sweet tamarind sauce, tom yum or peanut satay. Sides are kept simple but considered with jasmine rice, sticky rice and roti – the same can be said for the natural wine selection. Beers bring together the local (Brixton Brewery) and Southeast Asian (Chang), while Thai-inspired cocktails must be tried – don’t skip the smoky watermelon with tequila and soya. Soft options include a jin jin spritz, a fruit and vegetable fermented enzymatic spritz. muan.co.uk Thunderbird Fried Chicken, Market Row – for fried chicken Matt Harris has been tinkering around with fried chicken for years, experimenting with hundreds of batches of wings. After manning his American street-food truck, BBQ Lab (in locations such as Dinerama), Matt now focusses solely on fried chicken at a permanent site in Brixton’s Market Row and across London. Exposed brick and pipework interiors are brightened up with electric blue paint, pops of orange and Thunderbird’s neon logo, which disguises a chicken wing as a lightning bolt. Matt’s Chipuffalo Wings won the top award at Wing Fest a few years ago, and they’re definitely still living up to the title – tender wings are cooked in a pressure fryer then quickly splashed in an open fryer to ensure the contrast between crunchy coating and succulent centre, before they’re slathered in a mildly spicy chipotle sauce with an extra dollop of thick blue cheese sauce on the side. The comforting Thunderbun chicken burger is spot on in all its parts – crunchy golden chicken with tender centre and a squidgy bun, complete with a homemade smoky burger sauce and juicy gherkins. Cajun fries come with secret smoky "Awesome sauce", or go all out with molten jalapeño cheese fries with charred pepper aïoli.Funky Brixton Brewery beers match Thunderbird’s décor, particularly the hoppy, light Low Voltage session IPA and crisp, citrussy Reliance pale ale, or there are milkshakes for the full diner-style experience. thunderbirdckn.co.uk The Laundry – for bistro vibes Housed in an imposing Edwardian building, in what used to be a commercial laundry, interiors come trendily spare and stripped back, with high ceilings, wooden floors, exposed-brick walls, pendant lighting, duck-egg-green banquette seating and bistro-style chairs and stools. The menu eschews the traditional starters/mains/desserts and instead comes divided into snacks (think sourdough with caramelised onion butter and oysters with home-made chorizo and lardo), vegetable, fish, meat and sweet plates. Dishes look pared back but do complex, clever things with flavour pairings. Highlights include ruby-red Hereford beef tartare with thwackingly meaty aromas, jewelled with a deep-golden egg yolk and dressed with prawn oil and bonito flakes that add subtle layers of umami. Aged Cotswold lamb comes accompanied only by softly cooked, rainbow-hued winter tomatoes. Delicate, subtly saline cured seabass is perked up with morsels of sweet-sharp pickled strawberry and anise tarragon. Desserts are straightforward and feature the likes of lemon tart, chocolate tort and panna cotta, but it’s worth waiting a few minutes for the kitchen’s warm chocolate-chip cookie, baked to order. With fudgy insides and melting chocolate, it’s a classic done perfectly. To drink, try the silky, creamy old fashioned with butter-washed whisky, and a delicate take on a French 75. The wine list – a mixture of old and new-world vintages – has plenty by the glass and is also available by the bottle to buy and take home. Wine nerds should ask about the restaurant's The Cleaner's Diary – a curated selection of special vintages. The Laundry also does a breakfast service, offering dishes such as hazelnut and coconut milk pancakes with roasted pumpkin ice cream, and chorizo, béchamel and fried egg sandwiches. thelaundrybrixton.com Written by Ellie Edwards, Alex Crossley and Hannah Guinness Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Best restaurants in Nottingham: where to eat and drink
Check out our guide to the best independent coffee shops, restaurants, bakeries and bars to eat and drink in Nottingham
Looking for Nottingham restaurants? Read our expert foodie guide to the best places to eat in Nottingham, including restaurants in Nottingham city centre. Nottingham’s independent food scene has blossomed over the past few years, with artisan coffee roasteries, tapas bars and sourdough bakeries opening. Check out our top places to eat and drink in Nottingham… For more exciting restaurants and weekend ideas for food lovers, check out our best UK city breaks. Discover our guides to the best restaurants in Birmingham, best restaurants in Liverpool, best restaurants in Newcastle and best restaurants in Sheffield. Best places to eat and drink in Nottingham Taquero – for buzzy Mexican Taquero sees the team behind legendary Nottingham restaurants, Iberico World Tapas (see below) and Bar Iberico, turning its attention to Mexico. Located in Hockley, the vibe is buzzy and and the vibrant food full of big, satisfying flavours. Start with plates of crispy pork chicharrón, tuna tostadas and ceviche, before diving into the tacos. These utilise proper corn tortillas filled with, for example, birria beef and cheese with a dipping consommé on-the-side, or barbacoa lamb with coriander salsa, pickled chillies and curtido-style celeriac, first lightly fermented then pickled. Be it craft beers from ace local brewery, Neon Raptor, mezcals, margaritas, horchata or Mexican-spiced hot chocolate, Taquero covers all drink bases ably, too. taquero.co.uk Everyday People – for Japanese Chef Pete Hewitt started out on the streets, as food truck Homeboys, which you can occasionally still spot slinging katsu fried chicken at street food meets, such as Bustler’s events in the East Midlands. Over time, however, Pete became obsessed with the patient intricacies of ramen, leaving him with shelves of Japanese cookbooks and Everyday People, his acclaimed ramen shop. A modish, canteen-style joint with counter-seating around its open-kitchen and a winning soul, funk and hip-hop soundtrack, Nottingham heads down here for rich, lip-smacking bowls of tonkotsu ramen with pork collar and belly, or lighter noodle broths such as the shio. The latter is based on a clear soup of chicken stock and niboshi dashi (made from small dried fish), and served with chicken breast, a chicken leg meatball, fried enoki and marinated bamboo, among other elements. Elsewhere, Everyday People’s diverting small plates include slow-roasted beets with a smoked tofu dressing, yeasted miso vinaigrette, candied walnuts and wasabi oil, and a crispy radish and potato cake dressed with kimchi, roast kimchi powder, sesame sauce, an egg yolk and grated pecorino. theeverydaypeople.co.uk Raymond’s – for modern sharing plates A hip enclave in central Nottingham, Hockley is alive with ambitious indies and fresh thinking, pushing the city’s food scene on and up. Opened in 2024, Raymond’s – a smartly designed space; loads of interesting wines by-the-glass; the food modern, creative sharing plates – embodies that energy. Its fish skin crackling, perhaps served with vadouvan mayo, is already legendary among Notts’ foodies. Similarly, Raymond’s plates of, for example, celeriac, brown butter hollandaise, pickled celery and hazelnut, or braised ox cheek, pomme purée and pickled red cabbage, have many clued-up locals smitten. Look out for special events in the new Upstairs at Raymond’s space. raymondsnottingham.co.uk Cod’s Scallops – for a gourmet chippie There aren’t many chippies that serve tempura soft shell crab on the regular, but chef John Molnar’s venues operate on a different level. After choosing your fish, from options as varied as MSC-certified cod and Brixham monkfish goujons, you may have it battered and fried or baked with garlic, lemon and herbs, and served with sides from the traditional (spot-on chips and mushies), to the refreshingly different, in potato salad or steamed samphire. The wider menu runs from cullen skink to homemade steak and ale pie. You can eat-in at all Cod’s Scallops locations. The Sherwood and West Bridgford branches are most convenient if visiting Nottingham city-centre. codsscallops.com Kushi-ya – for Japanese grilled dishes Tucked away down an unassuming alleyway, Kushi-ya rustle up Nottingham's most original Japanese grilled dishes. Stylish kimonos, bottles of sake and delicate teapots act as minimalist decoration, leaving the small plates and skewers to do the talking. Must-orders include on-trend chicken katsu sandos, edamame beans spiked with soy and chilli, and juicy chicken meatball skewers with a glossy egg yolk on the side. Unique desserts put a far-east twist on classics, with tiramisu pepped up with miso and black sugar parfait garnished with savoury sesame crisps. Sip on Japanese single-malt whiskies, or prosecco livened up with sweet plum wine. kushi-ya.co.uk Restaurant Sat Bains – for Michelin-starred dining Masterful technique, intense flavours and much-replicated style have top billing at Sat Bains’ eponymous (and two-Michelin-starred) Nottingham restaurant. The location might surprise those visiting for the first time – it sits in a quiet spot on the city outskirts, in the shadow of the A52 flyover – but inside the decor sticks to script. This is a destination restaurant of the highest order, more than “worth a detour” that Michelin decrees for two stars. It’s moody and serious with its dark woods, starched tablecloths and stone floors. The restaurant’s been open the best part of two decades and Sat and his team have developed a formula that works. There’s no à la carte – this is all about Sat’s interpretation of the perfect balance of salt, sweet, sour, bitter and umami – so buckle up and get set for seven or ten seasonal courses of Sat’s choosing. Each plate tells a story, tells of years of refinement, and has a complete sense of place. restaurantsatbains.com Alchemilla – for seasonal produce Hidden in the middle of Nottingham’s Derby Road is Alchemilla. An ambiguous door, covered in foliage, leads you under street level into a light and airy space with an open kitchen. The modern space has rustic charm – think exposed bricks, stone floors and lush living walls. Dark wooden mid-century-style tables and chairs are spaced comfortably apart from each other under brick arches while large ceiling windows provide warm natural light. The menu at Alchemilla changes almost daily, depending on the produce the kitchen can source. We recommend going for the seven-course tasting menu. We tried silky salmon topped with slithers of fresh, vinegary cucumber and salty oysters. Chef Alex Bond’s signature dish is a must – al dente roast cauliflower served with a sweet almond brittle was light and had a lovely balance of sweet and savoury flavours. We loved 'Hen of the woods, bread ‘n’ gravy, lardo'. This was a bowl of sweet, sticky bread soaked in a rich gravy and served with earthy pan-fried mushrooms, and silky ribbons of lardo which melted with the heat. On our visit the coffee dessert stood out. Quenelles of thick, creamy coffee mousse were joined by sweet-sharp raspberries and dots of pungent black garlic purée – it sounds odd but the bitter flavours complemented the sweet fruit making this dessert a must try. alchemillarestaurant.uk <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2017/10/Alchemilla.393.9874-887ccaf.jpg" width="5616" height="3744" alt="Dessert of raspberry, black garlic and coffee at Alchemilla, Nottingham. Pink raspberries are sat on a neutral coloured plate with dots of black garlic puree and quenelles of coffee mousse" title="Dessert of raspberry, black garlic and coffee at Alchemilla, Nottingham" /> Sexy Mamma Love Spaghetti – for Italian If the name of this Nottingham restaurant doesn’t intrigue you, the lack of an online presence will. Stumble across Sexy Mamma Love Spaghetti down a cobbled side street in Hockley and you’ll be met with a cosy Italian restaurant (think paper table cloths, flamboyant staff and an ever-changing menu). The counter is filled with Frangelico bottles and groundnut cakes (cooked by Mamma herself) while an Italian radio station plays loudly in the background. The daily changing menu is hand-written on a blackboard (if you can’t read it, pick up a pair of glasses hanging on the wall ready for close-up menu inspection). Expect simple yet hearty dishes, the beef ragu is a must – rich, juicy and tender. Finish with a serving of tiramisu – dense and creamy with a strong hit of coffee. @SexyMammaLovesSpaghetti Coco Tang – for Vietnamese Café, bakery and restaurant by day, cocktail bar by night, Coco Tang (on Bridlesmith Gate, near the Lace Market) is the place to go for home-roasted Vietnamese coffees made with condensed milk, bowls of pickled salads, rice noodles and soft-shell crab, and fragrant pork patties with fish sauce dip. There are cakes, too – choose a slice of Japanese roll decorated with hand-painted strawberries, or a crispy Hong Kong egg bubble waffle. It’s a colourful, vibrantly Vietnamese space. Reclaimed, pastel-hued tiles from 1950s Ho Chi Minh City line the floor, and walls are decorated with graffiti by artist Matetwo (his thought-provoking art looks at the lives of underprivileged children in Vietnam). Sip your cold brew from hand-thrown speckled cups that, though inspired by Malaysian pottery, are made using local Nottingham clay (all the crockery is available to buy in-store.) In the summer months, laze in a wicker chair on the roof garden, or seek shade under tropical trees. cocotang.co.uk Iberico World Tapas – for tapas If you want small tapas sharing plates with a fine-dining vibe, visit Iberico World Tapas in Nottingham’s Lace Market. Tucked underground next to the Galleries of Justice, the mosaic tiled restaurant feels intimate and airy at the same time. Start with punchy padron peppers coated generously in sea salt alongside creamy crisp ham croquettes. Share small plates of spicy miso salmon, stems of al dente chargrilled asparagus with nutty manchego and earthy truffle honey as well as salty chunks of chorizo with smoked aubergine and yogurt. Save room for crisp, light-as-air churros with a rich hot chocolate sauce for dessert before finishing off with a tipple of of Pedro Ximenez. ibericotapas.com Kayal – for Indian Something of a Nottingham institution, Kayal has been serving some of the best Indian food in Nottingham since 2005. Book ahead for a table in the evening and settle down for a Keralan feast of chilli paneer, masala dosas and seafood curries. The Kayal fish curry is a must. Tender chunks of flaky king fish swim in a sweet, slightly spiced coconut sauce which is best mopped up with pieces of rich, flaky paratha (cooked over the griddle). For a little taster of each dish, go for the Kayal ‘Sadya’ where bowls of curries, side dishes, bread and rice are bought to the table on a large platter. kayalrestaurant.com Baresca – for tapas Over the past couple of years, Baresca has become the go-to tapas bar in Nottingham, whether you fancy Catalan bread and eggs for breakfast or sharing bowls of mushroom risoni with friends over dinner. The décor feels fresh yet rustic, with patterned mosaic tiles on the floor and low-hanging bulbs highlighting chefs at work in the open kitchen. We recommend going for the menu of the day (flatbreads, two tapas and a side for £18.50). The crisp, stone-baked flatbreads are served with a sweet carrot and cumin dip. The mushroom risoni is a must-order – rich, creamy and earthy. It’s very filling so consider ordering one to share between two. Get a side of salty padrón peppers to nibble on the side before finishing with a plate of churros served with a rich, thick chocolate sauce. On a Friday and Saturday evenings, the cellar bar opens with DJs and Mowtown bands playing while you sip on goblets of gin garnished with orange and rosemary. barescatapas.co.uk/baresca More places to eat and drink in Nottingham Tough Mary’s Bakehouse – for sourdough and baked treats For some of the best baked goods in Nottingham, head to Tough Mary’s Bakehouse. You won’t miss it, with its sunshine yellow paintwork standing out against the otherwise grey Derby Road. Inside the sunny colour scheme continues – there are a couple of tables you can perch on while waiting for your order, or just stand and admire the well-stocked counter and watch loaves of sourdough rising behind it. Sourdough is the speciality here, but croissants, doughnuts, babka and cinnamon buns are also worth trying. The light, fluffy doughnuts are filled with everything from chocolate and cherry to peaches and cream, but only two can be fried at a time, so be prepared to queue at busy times. If you don't want to wait, head to Outpost coffee or Diallingin to grab a babka (Kate supplies lots of local Nottingham businesses throughout the week.) And the name? A combination of Kate’s middle name and the Etta James song, which was also the inspiration behind the paint colour. toughmarysbakehouse.co.uk Small Food Bakery – for small batch bakes Based in Nottingham’s creative Primary Studios space, Small Food Bakery focuses on small batch production of sourdough loaves and pastries. Pop by on a Friday or Saturday to pick up freshly baked croissants, rye sourdough crisp breads and an ever-changing selection of cakes and cinnamon buns. The bakery also works in conjunction with Nottingham Food Assembly. Between 5pm and 8pm on a Thursday, the bakery (next door to the collection point) puts on a supper for eating in or taking away. Each week the menu focuses on local, seasonal produce including rhubarb meringue pie and pancakes filled with Yorkshire Dama fresh ricotta. smallfoodbakery.com The Pudding Pantry – for afternoon tea Rounds of, for example, buttermilk fried chicken sliders, chicken and chorizo crostini with sriracha aïoli or, for the meat-free, barbecued jackfruit rolls, imbue the Pantry’s afternoon tea with a fashionable sense of fun. Its Sherwood and Beeston venues boast private rooms, popular for baby showers, where happy throngs savour red velvet macarons, roasted hazelnut florentines and passion fruit bellini cupcakes. thepuddingpantry.co.uk Outpost – for coffee For the best cup of coffee in Nottingham, get to Outpost early in the morning to grab a seat on the long wooden bench and chat to the baristas before the queues start growing (even then, Greg and the gang will chat to everyone who walks through the door). Plants fill the shelves while cacti and water glasses pepper the tables, and there's a rack of independent magazines to help yourself to. If it’s full inside, grab a blanket and snuggle up on the bench outside. Sustainable supply chains is a focus; all the coffee is bought direct from Brazil, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Colombia. Baristas go out to these countries to meet the farmers, visit washing stations and try the coffee directly. All the coffees are roasted by hand just down the road from the shop before being sent across the country to many other UK restaurants and cafes. outpostcoffeeroasters.co.uk Delilah Fine Foods – for an independent deli Delilah’s started off in 2005 as a small independent Nottingham deli stocking fine cheeses, charcuterie and olives sourced locally and from further afield. Many years on, it’s now in a much grander building but maintains the same ethos. Downstairs is a large deli area where fridges are filled with cheeses, whole counters are dedicated to charcuterie and freshly baked bread is on offer every day. You can also stock up on honeys, jams, chocolates and tricky-to-find ingredients such as edible rose petals. Don’t miss the bakery section towards the back, where you can pick up a selection of made-in-house cakes to take home with you. The chocolate and stout version uses local Amber Ales stout and is Delilah’s take on the classic chocolate and Guinness cake. Above this is an all-day cafe serving everything from avocado on toast with poached eggs and dukkah to antipasti platters topped with tapenade, grilled artichokes, hummus, mixed olives and sweet garlic. delilahfinefoods.co.uk Chocolate Utopia – for chocolate Since 2004, Helen and Chris Forster have been hand-making chocolates to sell in their cosy Nottingham shop. Pop in for a box of amaretto truffles and you won’t be disappointed. For a more leisurely approach, take a seat in the shop’s chocolate lounge and relax over one of their three hot chocolates. The house hot chocolate is a must, made with 60% dark melted chocolate and blended with steamed milk before being topped with cream, but the white version is popular among those with a sweeter tooth. What’s more, each drink order comes with a chocolate on the side, so browse the impressive selection at the counter before you sit down. chocolate-utopia.co.uk Junkyard – for beer Tucked down one of Nottingham’s cobbled alleys, the Junkyard comes alive at midday and stays that way until the early hours of the following morning. In a space decorated with simple wooden tables and stools, there are 15 beers on tap and over 20 bottles to pick from the fridge; choose between Gamma Ray (an American pale ale) or a Crananchan Killer (a raspberry, honey and oat fruit beer). The vibe is lively (the café-bar is as popular with couples as it is among groups of friends and families). If you want to get a seat in the evening get there early, or prepare to jostle for standing room around the bar. Don’t get so distracted by the beer that you miss the food menus, printed on brown paper. Burgers here are of a superior nature (beef patties with streaky bacon, house ketchup and proper cheese slices) and indulgent sides like black pudding scotch eggs and mac ‘n’ cheese balls are great to nibble on with a pint. junkbars.com School of Artisan Food – for cookery courses Based in Sherwood Forest just outside Nottingham, the School of Artisan Food is a vibrant hub for food and drink, offering everything from one-day make your own mozzarella workshops to advanced patisserie and Viennoiserie classes lasting a week. There are courses for all abilities, whether you’re a cider-making novice, or fancy signing up for the year-long advanced diploma. We loved the home dairy class where, guided by enthusiastic tutor Katy Fenwick, you get the chance to make yogurt, paneer, butter and Colwick cheese (a local speciality), in a working dairy. Throughout the day you'll learn about types of milk, the role that cultures play, the differences between hard and set cheeses, and the chance to sample a few. This course is aimed at those with an interest in dairy and you'll leave with the recipes and confidence to make them in your kitchen at home. It's also possible just to visit for a morning or afternoon. Wander around the historic Welbeck estate then pop into the farm shop. Welbeck's Holstein cows are milked every day and you can buy the creamy, unpasteurised milk from the dairy’s vending machine. If you’re looking for something cheesy, stock up on Stichelton - a raw milk blue cheese made by hand each day and sold when it’s around four months old. Don’t miss the Ottar chocolate counter at the back of the shop for rich caramel spreads, individual chocolates and giant marshmallow teacakes all made on site. The small batch producer takes weeks over its chocolate making process, from sorting and roasting the beans to grinding them, tempering them and, finally, wrapping the bars; flavours include coffee, cardamom and toasted almond. Earlier this year the team started the process of making their own honey by housing 250,000 worker bees on the estate (where they can feast on blackberry flowers and lime). Six months later you can now buy the fruits of the first harvest, which has a light and slightly fruity taste. schoolofartisanfood.org Words | Ellie Edwards, Mark Taylor, Laura Rowe, Tony Naylor More UK restaurant guides Best restaurants in Deal Best restaurants in Birmingham Best restaurants in St Albans Best restaurants in Bristol Best restaurants in Edinburgh Best restaurants in York Best restaurants in Whitstable Best restaurants in Oxford Best restaurants in Cambridge Best restaurants in Margate Best restaurants in Manchester Best restaurants in Glasgow Best restaurants in the Lake District Best restaurants in Brighton
Best restaurants in Newcastle: where to eat and drink
Looking for the best places to eat in Newcastle? Read our guide to the best local foodie areas from Jesmond to Ouseburn, Tynemouth to Monument
Looking for Newcastle restaurants? Here are our favourite restaurants near Newcastle Central Station in the northern city. The best foodie spots include independent cafés, indoor markets and craft breweries. Check out our ideas for eating and drinking in Newcastle, from Jesmond to Quayside and beyond… For more exciting restaurants and weekend ideas for food lovers, check out our best UK city breaks. Also discover the best restaurants in Bath, best restaurants in Manchester, best restaurants in York or the best restaurants in Edinburgh. Best places to eat and drink in Newcastle Long Friday – for eclectic sharing dishes “Simple, relaxed neighbourhood drinks and dining” is how Long Friday defines itself. It is a modest intro for a restaurant that regularly excels in that brief. The second venue from Cook House creator Anna Hedworth, this modish spot in suburban Jesmond serves an eclectic menu of sharing dishes in which flavour-packed ingredients (cured mackerel, Old Spot pork, sardines) are treated with a variety of stylistic influences and neat techniques to create small plates that resonate. Think: barbecued ox heart and green pepper salsa, cacio e pepe polenta with brown butter mushrooms and sage, or mussels in chorizo with fermented tomato sauce. Great cocktails, too. longfriday.co.uk Flint Pizza – for pizza The inner suburb of Heaton is having a foodie moment, as restaurants such as Nest, Rebel and forthcoming former pop-up Cantina rack-up plaudits. Flint is a mainstay of that scene. A simple space of exposed brick with an Italian-made Stefano Ferrara pizza oven prominent in its open kitchen, Flint specialises in Neapolitan-style pizzas, natural wine and a small selection of nifty small plates such as fermented red peppers and lardo or whipped ricotta with tomatoes, tropea onions and crispy chilli. Its 48-hour fermented pizza bases are intelligently and creatively dressed with, for example, fennel sausage, crème fraiche, cime di rapa, Aleppo pepper and parmesan, or oyster mushrooms, spring greens, Isle of Mull cheddar, fermented chilli and parmesan. flintpizza.co.uk Solstice – for intimate Michelin-starred dining Most people know chef Kenny Atkinson for his flagship House of Tides, which has held a Michelin star for a decade. Meanwhile, a short walk away, Kenny’s second venue Solstice – also a Michelin-starred restaurant – has emerged as his super high-end, cutting-edge outlet. Seating 14 people, Solstice is a luxurious cocoon where the chefs cook in an open-plan kitchen, serving guests a succession of surprise dishes over 10 to 15 courses. Working on that small scale, the kitchen can utilise fleetingly seasonal, highly limited supplies of exceptional ingredients in its complex, ornate dishes. A recent dish of, for example, creel-caught Scottish langoustine involved plancha-cooking the seafood, plating it on an Amalfi lemon, Sichuan pepper, allspice and Thai basil marmalade, then serving it with two sauces at table: a langoustine Thai curry sauce and a shio koji foam. Solstice is a magical treat for serious foodies. solsticencl.com The Broad Chare – for a foodie pub Chef and restaurateur Terry Laybourne is a Newcastle legend who, over four decades – at restaurants from smart brasserie 21, to the wine bar and dining room St Vincent – has pushed the North East forward. His Broad Chare pub, located just off the Quayside by the River Tyne in central Newcastle, is easy to love and difficult to leave. A warm nook of wood, leather and chalkboards, you can snack on top-notch scotch eggs, Lindisfarne oysters and toasties in the bar (excellent beer choice, too), or linger in the upper-level dining area. Typical dishes might include haggis on toast with a fried hen’s egg and HP, sharing steaks and suet pies, or local wild halibut, celeriac purée, mussels and leeks. thebroadchare.co.uk Arlo – for brunch A relaxed all-day restaurant in West Jesmond, Arlo focuses on seasonal, home-cooked food. Brunch is what they do best, so arrive early (or be prepared to queue) and grab a window seat to watch the world go by. Take your pick between toasted waffles with bacon and maple syrup, slices of seared steak with sourdough and poached eggs or focaccia filled with pesto, tomato, mushroom, bacon and sausages for a hearty way to start the day. Don’t leave before picking up a takeaway slice of citrus drizzle cake from the generously filled counter. arlojesmond.com Fat Hippo – for indulgent burgers If you’re looking for hearty comfort food in Newcastle, make a beeline for a branch of Fat Hippo and its indulgent burgers, either the branch in Jesmond, or the one in the city centre. You can easily spend the whole evening in the cosy Jesmond restaurant, where wooden tables are squished together, with an open fireplace on one wall, and an old church pew against another. It feels like you’re hunkering down in a friend’s living room, and if you live locally you’re almost sure to bump into someone you know. The place comes to life in the evenings, so it’s good to book ahead. The beef burgers are freshly ground and pressed daily, served in a toasted brioche bun. Chicken burgers are just as hearty. If you’ve got room to spare, we recommend you order a side of dirty fries – that’s a bowl of hand-cut chips with crispy bacon pieces and creamy Fat Hippo sauce. fathippo.co.uk Scream for Pizza – for unique pizzas Scream for Pizza is the brainchild of friends Victoria Featherby and Alex Walker, who met back in 2010 while working in the entertainment department of a cruise ship company. They found common ground in a shared love of pizza and in 2014, between contracts, they decided to head to Naples to do a seven-week course in pizza making at Enzo Coccia’s celebrated La Notizia restaurant. They returned to Newcastle-upon-Tyne and served their creations from a J7 Peugeot, a former French army ambulance turned pizza truck affectionately known as Goldie. In May 2019, they finally opened their first pizzeria in the Sandyford district, although Goldie still makes regular appearances around the city. Past Scream for Pizza bestsellers include the crab thermidor and a deconstructed fried tiramisu pizza. screamforpizza.com Kiln – for brunch There’s only a glass screen between Kiln’s café and the 1265 Degrees Northpottery studio, both owned by potter Richard Cullen. So not only can you watch Richard and fellow potter Jun Rhee throw pots as you eat homemade shakshuka, but if you like the one you’re lunching out of, you can buy it on the way out. The pottery started in 2014, first supplying chef Dave Coulson at local restaurant Peace & Loaf, who later commissioned its tableware for Great British Menu 2018. 1265’s signature speckled white and oatmeal blue stoneware soon got spotted – it now supplies top restaurants including Restaurant Story, Forest Side and House of Tides. But Richard and his partner Geffen Yoeli-Rimmer also wanted to make their pottery accessible. So they set up Kiln’s café, offering simple, budget food on beautiful tableware. “The ceramics are high-end. We wanted to bring that level of craft to an everyday audience,” says Geffen. kiln.cafe SIX – for rooftop views For one of the best views of the city, head to the Baltic art gallery’s sleek and stylish top floor restaurant. The best tables are those around the outside of the large room with uninterrupted panoramas through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Share seasonal small plates of Wye Valley asparagus with house lardo or tomato tartare with cured yolk before moving onto dishes such as wild garlic ricotta ravioli with fresh pea ragu, or cod poached in douglas fir with samphire. sixbaltic.com Peace and Loaf – for a tasting menu For a refined meal in Newcastle head to Peace and Loaf. Durham-born chef Dave Coulson trained under Michel Roux Jr. and is the antithesis of the food he serves – strong, tattooed hands plate up delicate dishes of clementine, saffron, sheep’s milk and vanilla. If you’re looking to splash out on a special occasion go for the tasting menu and settle in for 13 courses. Each of the dishes will intrigue you, for different reasons. The food might be more on the side of fine dining, but the atmosphere and service is as friendly and relaxed as anywhere else in the city. peaceandloaf.co.uk House of Tides – for city centre fine dining For fine-dining in Newcastle city centre, House of Tides is a must. Set on the quayside in a Grade I townhouse, this Michelin star restaurant focuses on seasonal and sustainable food. Located in a handsome 16th century quayside townhouse, Tides has, over recent years, subtly morphed into a more relaxed affair. For all its rigour and polish, it now offers a bar menu downstairs, an a la carte option in the main restaurant, and is serving Sunday lunch, too. Produce available from the North East is used as much as possible, and the wine list includes English sparkling from West Sussex. Sourdough bread with cultured butter is followed by king crab, radish, oyster and dill before a meatier plate of veal sweetbreads served with beef fat crumb, apricot and black garlic. houseoftides.co.uk Riley’s Fish Shack – for fresh seafood The North East coast might not be the most sought-after beach spot for sun-seekers, with its bracing temperatures and strong sea breezes, but that’s what makes Riley’s Fish Shack, in Tynemouth, such a find. Adam and Lucy Riley set up the shack in their hometown as a way to celebrate the local seafood that’s caught in the area, and if you want some of the best fish in the North East then it’s a must-visit. Queues can stretch for a couple of hours in peak times and, as with seafood, when the fish is gone, it’s gone. Fortunately, it’s worth the wait. Choose between mackerel wraps (cooked in a wood-fired oven for a smoky flavour), chargrilled squid served with crispy hot-plate garlic potatoes and pan-fried salted hake with caper butter. The menu changes depending on the fish supplied by local fishermen, but you can always rely on something fresh, seasonal and hearty to warm you up. If you can’t find a seat inside, wrap up warm, breathe in the sea air and enjoy a pint of ale from local Almasty Brewing Co. with your food on the sandy beach. rileysfishshack.com Dabbawal – for Indian food Serving Mumbai street food in a casual environment, Dabbawal is the place to go for Indian dishes. Visit the cosy city centre restaurant or bright and buzzy Jesmond site for masala dosa wraps, sweet potato chaat and okra fries. Try the malabar king prawn curry in a fragrant ginger, turmeric and coconut sauce with a slightly sweet pashwari naan on the side. For a small taste of everything, choose the thali menu which comes with poppadoms, grilled meats, curries, daal, rice and raita. Wash it down with a jug of smooth mango lassi and a warming cup of masala chai. dabbawal.com More places to eat and drink in Newcastle Harvest Canteen – for coffee One of the best places in Newcastle for a cup of coffee, Harvest Canteen in leafy Jesmond serves Ouseburn Coffee Company brews (OCC roasts beans just two miles down the road). White walls, communal wooden benches, baskets of oranges ready for juicing and shelves lined with crockery give it a laid-back vibe even during the Saturday morning bustle. ouseburncoffee.co.uk Grainger Market – for an independent market Newcastle’s Grainger Market opened in 1835 and is split into two sections – a butchers’ and a vegetable market. Nowadays, the still-traditional market is a hive of activity, with butchers, fishmongers, fruit and veg sellers and bakers. It’s easy to get confused, with the market’s 14 entrances and exits but once you’ve learnt your way around it’s a great place to stock up on fresh produce, at bargain prices. Geordie accents bellow around the building (“a pound of pears for a £1”) but don’t miss out on the street food stalls that are dotted around, too. ourgraingermarket.co.uk Charlotte’s Butchery – for meat For the best meat in Newcastle, head to Gosforth. After growing up in the city, Charlotte got a part time job in a butchers in York before training in butcher’s shops in Newcastle and Knightsbridge. Together with her brother, Jamie, and a Yorkshireman named Richard they run Charlotte’s butchery in her home town, selling chops, roasts, steaks, shanks, bangers and burgers. charlottesbutchery.com Wylam Brewery – for beer Exhibition Park is a vast green space in Newcastle with bandstands, lakes, cafes and an art deco Palace of Art. The latter, built in 1929 is now home to Wylam microbrewery. Opened in 2000, it stocks 24 core keg beers, four core cask beers and four heritage cask beers that are only available in the North East. The latter includes a red kite heritage red ale, a gold tankard with a hint of grapefruit and a spicy angel amber ale. The tap room is a cosy space for an ale or two, and there’s a bottle fridge if you fancy something chilled. Book a tour of the brewery on a Saturday to learn about the company’s history and the brewing process, before having a tipple or two. If you can’t make it to the brewery, they supply a lot of places across Newcastle including Tyneside café and cinema bar, so stop off for a pre-film pint. wylambrewery.co.uk Carruthers & Kent – for wine Located in the Gosforth district, Carruthers & Kent is wine bar, shop and deli all rolled into one, with a tasting room where owners Claire Carruthers and Mo O’Toole host events with visiting winemakers. Carruthers & Kent serves 16 wines by the glass and any bottle off the shelves can be enjoyed for just a £5 corkage fee. There are also wine flights, a range of additional fine wines, boards of cheese and charcuterie, and homemade pies and parfaits. carruthersandkent.com More UK restaurant guides Best restaurants in Dublin Best restaurants in Deal Best restaurants in Birmingham Best restaurants in St Albans Best restaurants in Bristol Best restaurants in Edinburgh Best restaurants in York Best restaurants in Whitstable Best restaurants in Oxford Best restaurants in Cambridge Best restaurants in Margate Best restaurants in Manchester Best restaurants in the Lake District Words | Ellie Edwards, Laura Rowe, Mark Taylor and Tony Naylor
From luxury beach hotels in Trancoso to stylish suites in Tuscany, these are the best honeymoons for foodies
Looking for the idyllic foodie honeymoons? Want to know the best romantic destinations for foodies? Read on for the best beach hotels, charming b&bs and idyllic bamboo huts to stay in across the world. Hotel Lutetia, Paris – for classic romance The perfect mini-moon destination, who cna resist the romance of Paris? Oozing Parisian style, Hotel Lutetia is an impossibly handsome Art Nouveau meets Art Deco building on the corner of St Germain’s Boulevard Raspail and Rue de Sèvres. Luxurious in-room touches – monogrammed pillowcases, lavish fruit plates, chocolate sculptures – speak to its reputation as one of the city’s finest addresses. Its food and wine credentials owe much to its connection with long-time previous owner champagne house Taittinger. The partnership lives on in its own Cuvée Lutetia, enjoyed in the frescoed Bar Josephine, or with an indulgent brunch of truffled scrambled eggs under the stained glass in salon Le Saint Germain. During Fashion Week Lutetia is home to the great, the good and the famous, its serene Akesha Spa being a major pull. Year round, Brasserie Lutetia provides unequalled people-watching opportunities on its perfectly placed outdoor terrace serving caviar, smoked oysters and lobster with black truffle. From €1445. Check rates and availability at hotellutetia.com or booking.com Boca de Agua, Bacalar, Mexico – for a luxury jungle retreat This luxury jungle retreat is set back from the Yucatán Peninsula’s Lagoon of Seven Colours, close to Mexico’s Belize border. Twenty-two treehouse suites, each with private plunge pools and hammocks strung across shaded decks, are nestled within the forest of mango, banana and kapok trees (believed to be sacred in Mayan culture), from which toucans, woodpeckers and spider monkeys provide a tropical soundtrack. Five-star luxuries are catered to – natural Laguna Cyprien toiletries to use in turquoise tiled outdoor rain showers, king-size beds and dark tropical wood cabinets made from recycled materials. The brutalist-style main building gives the air of an abandoned jungle kingdom, with vines creeping up concrete pillars, steps leading to a secluded pool and a man-made cenote. Chef Sergio cooks local specialities over fire in the open kitchen. Lunch options include flame-grilled steak tacos, plump prawn aguachile and black fish, mango and achiote ceviche – best paired with refreshing Mexican lagers, Cayaco, Victoria and Modelo. Come evening try charcoaled empanadas with chimichurri, a selection of steak cuts with tomato and fresh berry salad, and crisp seabass on a bed of sautéed Yucatan squash, garden herbs and red salsa. Mexican wines include floral orange from Valle de Parras, or drinks specialist Leandro can guide you through a mezcal tasting. The breakfast menu is split into Mexican and Yucatán specialities. In the latter, you can find huevos rancheros alongside cochinita pibil and lechón tacos, both made with smoky suckling pig cooked underground for 24 hours. Pad down the walkway through the mangroves to the uniquely turquoise waters of Bacalar Lagoon. Take a dip, hop on a kayak to spot the stromatolite fossils and relax on the deck with a mezcal margarita, guacamole and toasted tortilla chips. bocadeagua.com Doubles from £222, check rates and availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com Salt, Mauritius – for culturally curious couples Salt is something different from clichéd images of Mauritius: a forward-thinking hotel brand that aims to provide authentic experiences for “culturally curious” travellers. The idea is to introduce guests not just to places but to people. The design of the 59-room hotel, courtesy of French interiors guru Camille Walala, reflects the island’s vivid colours. Among its library of 300 carefully curated books, three-quarters are Mauritian. Food is at the resort’s heart (the philosophy explained by catchphrases such as “Farming it, not flying it”) and everything from supper with a Mauritian family to fishing trips with a local fisherman are on the menu. With an eye on environmental impact there are no mini-bars in the rooms and no single-use plastics. Each guest is given an aluminium bottle to refill at the water stations, and to take home. Doubles from £136 per night, check availability at booking.com, mrandmrssmith.com or tui.co.uk Click here for our full guide to Mauritius UXUA casa hotel and spa, Trancoso – for luxurious boho beach vibes Dotted around Trancoso, an idyllic, palm-fringed beach in the northeast of Brazil sit 11 luxury suites, all part of the UXUA casa hotel and spa. Many of the buildings the suites are set in date back over 500 years, and have been sensitively restored using reclaimed materials and local influences. Choose the mint green Gulab Mahal suite, with its exposed beams and two storeys, for light and space, or the Seu João for a cosy pad for two, with its lush gardens, rustic kitchen, outdoor shower and private pool. For more pampering, take time out at the hotel’s spa, indulging in hot stone massages, body scrubs, facials and reflexology (all done using products made with local ingredients such as coconut oil, cocoa and pink pepper seeds). Or stroll the eight-minute route from the hotel to UXUA’s private beach, where you’ll find a bar serving super-fresh ceviche, fish tacos and fresh coconut juice. Guests can also sign up for lessons in how to make moqueca, the traditional Bahian fish stew, with chef Bernardo Silva. The celebrated dish is made with whatever white fish has been caught that day, plus fat prawns, garlic, coconut cream, chilli, sweet peppers, parsley and coriander. Suites from £432 per night, check availability at booking.com, mrandmrssmith.com or expedia.co.uk Click here for our full guide to Trancoso Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman – for a private beachside escape Its ultra-private beachside setting and a willingness to tailor-make the guest experience makes Six Senses Zighy Bay classic honeymoon territory. Laid out in the style of an Omani village (or, rather, a luxurious reimagining of that) the resort’s 87 villas are all variations on a theme, blending stone, wood and woven palm matting to soothing effect. All have a chic, tropical vibe, with dark wood furniture and bright citrus-coloured cushions, but if you want to wake up with a sea view, opt for one of the more expensive sunrise-facing Beachfront Pool villas. On Friday evenings you can walk barefoot along the beach under a star-speckled sky for dinner at the Shua Shak, a breezy Bedouin-style restaurant with low tables and cushioned seating under a simple palm-leaf canopy. It’s the main course that everyone really comes for: mounds of flaky lamb that’s been marinated for 24 hours in olive oil, date syrup, bay leaves, onion, garlic, carrot, cinnamon, anise, cumin and rosemary, then wrapped in banana leaves and foil and cooked on coals in a pit under the sand for seven hours. It’s the perfect partner for the buttery pistachio, cashew and cardamom-laced saffron rice it’s served with – and one of the most romantic dining experiences in the Middle East. Villas from £809 per night, check availability at booking.com, mrandmrssmith.com or britishairways.com L’Albereta Relais & Châteaux, Lombardy – for rural Italian Nestled among the vineyards of Franciacorta, L’Albereta makes for a romantic escape with a slice of la dolce vita. The previously privately owned 19th century villa, adorned with a lovingly curated art and sculpture collection, is on the same estate as Bellavista winery. Franciacorta wines feature alongside others from the region on the restaurants' extensive wine lists. Elegant Leonefelice Vista Lago boasts a stunning view of Lake Iseo, serving elevated regional dishes including Franciacorta beef with rocket and baked cherry tomatoes. Seasonal specials include fried duck egg with caviar, cacio e pepe with Sicilian red prawns and kiwi sorbet with green apple, regional wine and citrus fruit soup. Stanza 54, a cosy lounge, offers lunches and lighter fare, while La Filiale, the informal pizza restaurant from award-winning pizzaiolo Franco Pepe, serves handmade dough with innovative toppings. Uniquely decorated rooms are large and bright with warm tones, marble bathrooms, elegant furnishings and artistic touches. For a relaxing honeymoon treat, upgrade to a room with a deep hydro-massage tub or choose a superior room complete with balcony overlooking the gardens. Make your stay even more memorable by booking a wine tasting and tour of the on-site winery or indulge in a treatment at the Chenot Espace wellness spa. Superior rooms from £348 per night, check availability at albereta.it or booking.com Fontelunga Hotel, Tuscany – for Italian sunsets For a truly unwinding honeymoon amid Tuscany’s romantic rolling hills, make your way to this stylish hotel. Set within an olive estate, the elegant villa at the heart of Fontelunga is home to eight glamorously understated bedrooms, a junior suite in a separate cottage for couples seeking more seclusion, plus two private self-catering villas. Each room is named after an Italian material and colours are reflected in the styling, from plush silver furnishing in Diamante to peachy notes in Tormalina. Spend your days lounging in the Jacuzzi, playing games of doubles on the tennis court or simply taking some time to stretch in the yoga gazebo. All of which will help you work up an appetite for the hotel’s cooking. Breakfast and lunches (homemade cakes and platters of pecorino cheese with local meats) are served on the terrace overlooking the Val di Chiana and – if you don’t want to venture out to the region’s acclaimed restaurants, trattorias and pizzerias – dinners can be ordered on request (you can also book a private chef to come and cook for you if you’re staying in one of the self-catering villas). The big attraction for foodies, however, are the twice-weekly dinner parties thrown for all guests. Family-style sharing dishes start with fried vegetables and mixed crostini before moving onto a three-course dinner which uses local food of the season. Doubles from £273, check availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com Tao, Philippines – for a foodie adventure A true desert island fantasy, with its powdery, palm tree-fringed beaches and rustic, back-to-nature styling, Tao means human in Filipino and this community-based hospitality initiative has people at its heart. Beginning as a homestay experience but developing into a more sophisticated social enterprise, the organisation works with local fisherman and farmers to offer trips and adventures for guests. While the project runs in various locations across the Philippines (mountain trips and boat-based adventures are also possible), it’s the beach retreats in Northern Palawan, that are perhaps most suited to honeymooners, not least Camp Ngeyngey on the protected island of Manguengey. A true escape (don’t expect room service or Wi-Fi), here you can wake up each morning in a bamboo hut before heading out on a private boat tour, going snorkelling or swimming off deserted beaches or enjoying a traditional massage. In the evenings, return to sip on rum cocktails and feast on fresh fish in the company of your fellow adventurers (you can only visit as part of a group, on specific dates, but don’t worry you’ll get plenty of time on your own). taophilippines.com La Mamounia, Marrakech – for a luxury riad La Mamounia can rightly claim to have invented luxury tourism in Morocco. In its 101-year history, this storied hotel has welcomed the great and the glam. Set in 16 acres of fragrant gardens, guests enjoy a huge outdoor pool, tennis courts, spa and hammam and a quirky games room. Dining is world class; feast on traditional Moroccan dishes at Le Marocain; choose between Asian and Italian restaurants overseen by culinary luminary Jean-Georges Vongerichten; the buffet breakfast served poolside is the stuff of legend; Bar Majorelle is the place to see and be seen in Marrakech, while the Le Churchill is an intimate, chic space designed in the style of a Pullman carriage. Bedrooms and suites are richly ornate, with colourful but calming Moroccan interiors and marble clad bathrooms. Out in the gardens are three-bedroom private riads for exclusivity and the services of a private butler. From £442 per night. Check rates and availability at mamounia.com, mrandmrssmith.com or expedia.co.uk Royal Champagne Hotel and Spa, France – for Michelin-starred dining Set in the hills above Champillon and Hautvillers, the Royal Champagne Hotel and Spa is the region’s first contemporary five-star hotel serving michelin star food across two restaurants. Overlooking the lush rolling hills, the spa is home to a yoga studio, eucalyptus-infused saunas along with two swimming pools, one indoor and one outdoor. Rooms start from £346 per night, but if you’re looking for a romantic dinner Le Royal offers fine-dining without having to stay the night. The four-course discovery menu is a chance to try a selection of the chef’s favourite dishes, so expect crab and caviar served with mango and citrus fruit marmalade, sole and blue lobster served with Champagne sauce (a nod to the region) and an indulgent chocolate dessert. For a more relaxed dining experience, book a table at Le Bellevue which serves classic French dishes of beef steak with frites and cappuccino puff pastry filled with coffee crémeux. Doubles from £800 per night, check availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com One&Only Palmilla, Mexico – for tropical rejuvenation Established as a luxury hideaway in the 1950s, this exquisitely-designed resort, with ocean-facing views and a classic-meets-minimalist Mexican feel, has more than maintained its reputation as a coveted place of rejuvenation and natural wonder. The rugged coastline of the Baja Peninsula allows for fishing, snorkelling, diving and whale watching. Deep relaxation is encouraged on the beach, among the palm-fringed gardens, azure pools and a world-class spa and wellness centre, honouring Majan rituals. A range of top-end dining options, from the freshest sashimi and sushi to seasonal Baja-inspired cuisine, completes the wow factor. From £1.3k. Check rates and availability at oneandonlyresorts.com, booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com Jardin Des Douars, Essaouira – for a Moroccan oasis Essaouira, on Morocco’s often-blustery west coast, pulls in kite surfers from across the world, along with free-thinking expats on the trail of Jimi Hendrix and tourists looking for a bargain in the souks of the town’s bustling medina. Set in the hills above the city, Jardin des Douars is an oasis of palms, plants and monkey puzzle trees. The French-owned hotel is a calm retreat of 25 rooms, spaced out between a main ksar building and various terracotta villas in Jardin des Douars’ tropical gardens. There’s a laid-back, mellow feel at this tranquil hideaway, with an air of French chicness weaving through traditional Moroccan features – secret courtyards hide fountains decorated with classic zellige tiles, palms brush against walls lined with African art, and Berber rugs warm up earthy tiled floors. French couples mooch along the cobbled paths and well-behaved kids chatter to polo shirt-clad staff. There are two pools; one caters for kids who want to splash, the other adults who want to enjoy a swim while soaking up the serene surroundings. The latter is only a few pads away from the hotel’s atmospheric spa, where a traditional hammam is heated with bark from the property’s argan trees (here are our favourite foodie spa hotels to check out). Behind heavy wooden doors are luxurious rooms that stick to a traditional Moroccan style – squishy beds are covered with colourful throws, French doors with intricate carvings open out onto private patios and antique furniture fills up atmospheric alcoves. There are even mini hammam kits in each bathroom to use in the turquoise-tiled power showers for extra luxury. Make sure you do a safari of the restaurant spaces during your stay at Jardin des Douars, as each provides a unique experience. Book a couple of plush armchairs in La Table des Douars’ intimate little room, off the main courtyard, for a hushed candlelit dinner reflected in the 30-or-so gilt-framed mirrors down one wall. For a more relaxed affair, sprawl out in the sunken, cushioned area of the hotel’s main restaurant Le Ksar, a palatial room decked out in burnt orange and red hues, boasting spectacular views of the gardens and the argan tree-filled valley below. The Moroccan Corner is your go-to restaurant for traditional tagines, stews and couscous. Jardin des Douars provides a shuttle service into Essaouira medina and we highly recommend making the 15-minute trip into this lively town. Meander through narrow streets, past hole-in-the-wall boutiques and carts flogging fresh bread, and barter for souvenirs in the souks before ducking in to one of Essaouira’s restaurants for tagines and hearty salads. Doubles from £152, check availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com The St Regis, Langkawi, Malaysia – for tropical luxury Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands off the northwestern coast of Malaysia. It’s a dream destination with an old-school island vibe. Beaches are picture-perfect - long white strips of powdery sand, deep greeny-blue water and bobbing speedboats tied up to jetties – and, beyond them, is unspoilt nature; waterfalls, jungle and mangrove forests. The St Regis resort sits in an idyllic cove on the southern tip of Puala Langkawi, the largest island in the archipelago. The beautifully rambling space is made up of 85 suites and four private over-water villas. The design of the hotel is deliberately eclectic, mixing European and Middle Eastern influences with local art, and the indoor and outdoor spaces flow between each other. The main body of the resort houses sea-view suites and the main restaurants and bars while an annexe houses pool suites (each has its own pool and a gate opening straight onto a private 600-metre white sand beach, merging into a natural salt lagoon that’s perfect for swimming). Every room comes with the St Regis 24-hour butler service, which includes complimentary packing and unpacking, ironing-on-demand and hot and cold drinks whenever thirst strikes. Breakfasts here are epic. Served in the resort’s airy L’Orangerie restaurant the buffet-style offering takes in every imaginable option. Think freshly pressed fruit and veg juices, sushi, a dim sum station, laksa, rendang, noodle soups, as well as more familiar western options such as an omelette station and a pile of perfect breakfast breads and pastries. Oh and an ice cream and sorbet bar, should you fancy a scoop of tangy mango sorbet to start the day. There’s also an a la carte menu with specialities like local lobster omelette, croissant French toast, wagyu steak and eggs and shakshuka. No one is going to go hungry here. For dinner, the star attraction is the beautiful Kayaputi restaturant. Accessed by a wooden walkway from the hotel entrance, the restaurant stands in the sea on stilts. Step out onto its terrace bar and you have a choice of low sofas or suspended hammocks to lounge on, enjoy a cocktail and watch another incredible sunset. Inside, the whitewashed, wood-slatted walls evoke a New England beach house kind of vibe but with beautifully plush furnishings (including white chairs with huge peacock plume decorations) there’s more than a hint of super-luxe. If idyllic beach-lounging isn’t enough the St Regis offers a bespoke Geo Forest Safari adventure. This thrilling afternoon-long trip takes the form of a speedboat ride down the local Kilim river to Jurassic Park-like mangrove swamps. En route wildlife - including native white-bellied eagles and extremely tame monkeys - comes close to the boats. Then the safari continues on foot through caves of stalagmite and stalactites before reaching a huge cave which houses hundreds of bats. It’s not for the faint-hearted but the connection to nature is an important part of island life and it’s a privilege to witness it first-hand. Suites from £259 per night, check availability at marriott.com, booking.com or expedia.co.uk Birkenhead House, South Africa – for whale watching All-inclusive means many things but at Birkenhead House, perched above the beach outside the coastal town of Hermanus (about a two-hour drive from Cape Town), it stretches as far as whale-watching; time your visit right and you can watch majestic southern right whales cavort in the Atlantic below while you tuck into breakfast, or a cocktail, on the hotel’s terrace. But then this isn’t all-inclusive as you know it. There are no wristbands, no all-you-can-eat buffets. Instead you’re free to pour yourself a drink from the bar, crack open a bottle of fizz when you feel like it and order from an à la carte menu. The hotel’s 11 rooms are beach house in style, luxurious but not in an over-the-top way. Many are sea-facing, (all have their own balconies) and room one has unparalleled ocean views, while room five has a ‘honeymoon plunge pool’. The breakfast buffet has been given great thought with fresh fruits and berries and little jars of natural yoghurt topped with home-made fruit purée or granola. The cheeses, charcuterie, pickles and chutney are top notch and there are plenty of hot choices, too. At dinner time, Birkenhead House chef Ziyaad Ozayr Brown sources everything from within 10-15 km of the nearby Klein River, including a glorious array of local artisanal charcuterie and cheeses from Klein River Farmstead. Being Cape Malay, a lot of his dishes have Malaysian and Indian influences, marrying a love of spices with a penchant for the sweet and coconutty, on a daily changing menu. Doubles from £539, check availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com The St Regis, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – for a tropical city break Malaysia’s capital is a heady mix. On one hand it’s high-rise and hi-tech, with mega shopping malls and glam rooftop cocktail bars. On the other it has vibrant markets, bustling street-food action and bumper-to-bumper cars. Between these two sides are pockets of lush green parkland - and a forest on the doorstep. And all of this operates in a state of constant sweltering heat and tropical humidity. KL is not short of luxury hotels and the St Regis is one of the swishest on offer. Arriving in the impressive lobby out of the soupy heat is like being dipped into a calm, cool breeze. Rooms range from deluxe standards to full-on suites but even at entry level you are guaranteed the St Regis butler service – that’s a 24-hour service for packing and unpacking, garment pressing and refreshment delivery. Space is a key element here; the slightly out-of-the-action location means all the rooms are all generously sized. Suites have huge bathrooms the highlight of which are the rainfall showers and stand-alone baths which sit in front of a room-length window with views over KL (don’t worry the view only goes one way!). As you’d expect in a hotel this swank the food choices are pretty breathtaking. The jewel in the crown is the bagging of 3 Michelin-starred Japanese chef Takashi Saito in his first ever venture out of Tokyo, Taka by Sushi Saito. His restaurant is a beautiful traditional wooden, high-ceilinged space where guests sit around a huge hinoki wood counter and sushi is prepared in front of them. Meals are served omakase-style so the diner entrusts the chef to serve whatever he wants to on the day. Saito, although based in Tokyo, is making quarterly visits to the St Regis to monitor the quality. Waiting lists are naturally quite long so it’s worth booking ahead when planning a trip. For guests who want to completely wind down and embrace some of the spectacular natural habitat of Malaysia first-hand, the St Regis has just developed the Shirin Yoku or forest therapy programme alongside the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia. This takes the form of a guided walk through the local regenerated tropical forest (about half an hour’s drive away), including a thrilling canopy walk suspended 30 metres above the ground. Guides work for the institute and know the forest intimately and, with over 1,500 plant species and 190 species of birds, it’s a real education in local nature. Doubles from £211, check availability at marriott.com or booking.com Words by Ellie Edwards, Rhiannon Batten, Tatty Good and Lucy Gillmore More travel guides Best Morocco food trips Best French food trips Best Spanish food trips Best Portuguese food trips Best European vineyards to visit and stay Best foodie city breaks by train Best Spanish hotels Best Italian hotels Best country house hotels in the UK Best Scottish hotels
Hunker down in a historic canal house, spend the night in a slick city centre hotel or sip homemade cocktails in a quirky guesthouse with our guide to Amsterdam’s best hotels
Looking for hotels in Amsterdam? Want to know where to stay in Amsterdam? Read on for the best hotels in the Netherlands’ capital, from unique canal bridge houses to escapes in the wetlands just outside the city centre. For more travel inspiration, discover our favourite foodie city breaks by train and the best European hidden gem hotels. Now discover the best romantic getaways for foodies. Best hotels in Amsterdam SWEETS Hotel, across the city From £143 per night, check availability at sweetshotel.amsterdam This one-of-a-kind hotel has cleverly transformed disused canal bridge operator cabins across the city into unique suites sleeping two. Despite being part of one hotel, the bedrooms are scattered across town with each space occupying its own prime location. Open your curtains to boats bobbing past the windows and bicycles whizzing along adjacent towpaths. Each cabin comes simply decorated with wooden shelving units and white linen, with pops of colour from the crockery, books and vases of flowers. These so-called bridge houses don’t have kitchens but they do come with mini fridges, teapots and coffee machines. Use a bespoke in-room tablet to pick a restaurant for dinner, with help from a complimentary local area guide. Accessible only by boat, Bridge House 206 Amstelschutsluis (which dates back to 1673) is an exception: it comes with a fully equipped kitchen, a fridge full of groceries and, if you fancy eating out, four boat crossings with the SWEETS hotel captain to dry land. You can order a typically Dutch breakfast box of boiled eggs, fruit, bread rolls and fresh orange juice to be delivered to your doorstep. Consult your complimentary area guide to track down the best foodie spots in each location, from cheesy croquettes at De Ysbreeker to freshly-baked stroopwafel at Albert Cuyp Market. From £143 per night, check availability at sweetshotel.amsterdam De Durgerdam, Durgerdam Doubles from £377, check availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com A 15-minute drive or boat ride from Amsterdam city centre, De Durgerdam is a collection of colourful clapboard houses strung along a dike in the rural wildlife-rich wetlands. At its centre a 17th-century inn has been meticulously restored into a stylish restaurant with rooms. Perch on a parasol-shaded bench out front for coffee and madeleines, while folk cycle past on a country escape, before sauntering down the jetty to swim off the pontoon. The destination restaurant, De Mark, is a collaboration between some of Amsterdam’s most applauded chefs. Dine waterside among the reeds or head inside for cosy, candlelit dinners with nods to the sea at every turn. The cocktail list twists classics with the likes of spiced honey sours while the nautical take on a caesar salad tosses North Sea crab with sea herbs and shavings of Dutch parmesan. A hot skillet of grilled tarragonbrined chicken is best paired with skin-on crispy chips to mop up the salted lemon jus, before a coupe of strawberries macerated in Dutch herbal liquor. Post-meal, retire to the reading room – a terracotta cocoon complete with antique honesty bar, alluring window seat and wood stove to keep things cosy in the colder months. The 14 rooms are sumptuously decorated in warm, earthy tones with velvet throws, frilly wall lamps and armchairs. There’s a commitment to sourcing everything from the Netherlands, from Zenology products to use in the walk-in showers to Dutch herbal teas, stroopwafels and fisherman’s jenever for sipping in the garden while watching the sun set over the wetlands. The three suites, built into the main building’s characterful eaves, even come with blue Kassl raincoats for walks to the neighbouring farm’s milk tap. Doubles from £377, check availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com The Hoxton, Herengracht From £286 per night, check availability at booking.com The central Amsterdam outpost of The Hoxton is housed in a historic canal house, with more than 100 bedrooms (of varying styles and sizes) to choose from. Choose from four room sizes, starting with Snug, Cosy and, the largest of the four, Roomy. Compact rooms still have queen-size beds and walk-in showers, while Roomy ones are home to squidgy sofas and are dog-friendly. If you fancy wine or beer in your room, head to the front desk where you can buy bottles at supermarket prices. Take the ferry over to Noord for an equally hip dinner at Hotel Goudfazant. In this waterfront restaurant (don’t be fooled by the name – it’s not a hotel) you can sit and eat on what look like school tables, laid with white tablecloths, served by a team of t-shirted waiting staff. One of the city’s most long-established warehouse restaurants, food and wine are good value for money, with an emphasis on French cooking and a seasonal menu. From £286 per night, check availability at booking.com Kimpton De Witt, Central Station From £204 per night, check availability at booking.com or ihg.com A slick hotel in the heart of the city centre, with over 200 bedrooms. A palette of grey gives a calm vibe to each space, with pops of brass and emerald green adding a glamorous touch. Along with a fully-stocked minibar (complete with local beer and wine), bedrooms come with yoga mats, rain showers and a gold-dipped porcelain parrot statue. The Penthouse De Witt comes with a spiral staircase and terrace, while the not-so-aptly named Little House is spread over three floors and has two bedrooms and a separate living area. Super Lyan, the all-day cocktail bar from master mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana, is the main draw for foodies. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, expect to find cocoa butter mixed with rum and raspberry whey with gin. If milkshakes float your boat, try the Millionaire Shake (soy milk, chocolate sorbet and pomegranate). For fine dining just a 12-minute stroll from the hotel, head to Daalder and try the chef’s tasting menu. The salted caramel ice-cream sandwich take on a stroopwafel is a must. From £204 per night, check availability at booking.com or ihg.com Zoku, Weesperstraat From £147 per night, check availability at booking.com Zoku offers modern apartments for working travellers, with a social kitchen. For a cosy bolthole, book the Bootstrap bedroom with its simple bunk beds, white wardrobes and pot plants. The Zoku room has a double bed with separate working area. If you’re staying for longer, book one of the Loft rooms; a double bed sits on a mezzanine level, while a wooden table and sofa take centre stage downstairs. There’s also a compact kitchen kitted out with a coffee machine, microwave and kettle. The Living Kitchen serves from breakfast through to dinner, at communal sharing tables. Simple, honest food is the focus, with no menus – just an iPad on the wall to order from. Expect toasted brioches with harissa-marinated cottage cheese, avocado and fried eggs, and help-yourself salads piled high with hearty roast veg, such as butternut squash and fennel. There’s always a soup, protein and flatbread on offer, and freshly squeezed juices to sip on. The breakfast buffet includes homemade granola, assorted pastries (including waffles and bagels), a selection of cold-cut meats, cheeses and the choice of an extra ‘health’ or egg dish. Opt for a black rice and coconut bowl served with blueberries, or scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and roast tomatoes. If you want something smaller, the continental option includes juice, a croissant and granola-topped Greek yogurt. From £147 per night, check availability at booking.com Pulitzer, The Nine Little Streets From £409 per night, check availability at booking.com A traditional, upmarket hotel in The Nine Little Streets neighbourhood, with a garden café and glamorous bar. The canal house bedrooms range from small, cosy spaces to huge suites. They’re all classic in style, with a simple colour scheme (grey walls, white linen and yellow velvet chairs), marble bathrooms and antique furniture, including writing desks and drinks trolleys. Family rooms are split-level, while suites have separate living areas. Extraordinary Suites are custom crafted and curated, with one having a private library, another adorned with modern art, and a third complete with LPs and a vintage record player. Take your pick from three foodie spots, all in-house. Pulitzer Garden is a tranquil garden coffee house, complete with greenhouse-style roof and plush velvet chairs; Jansz. is an elegant all-day dining restaurant; and Pulitzer’s Bar was voted best hotel bar in Amsterdam in 2019. Order diver scallops, salmon with black rice and a Dutch cheese platter at Jansz., before sipping after-dinner drinks at Pulitzer’s Bar. Cocktails are described only by character profiles, so order the Bohemian Evening if you want a fresh, herbal drink, or the Cubano Sato for something long, sweet and fruity. From £409 per night, check availability at booking.com Sir Adam, Amsterdam Noord From £148 per night, check availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com A funky boutique hotel with a celebrated burger restaurant at its heart. Rooms are industrial chic, with brick-style wallpaper, mahogany headboards and grey fur blankets. Every standard bedroom comes with floor-to-ceiling windows, record players, local artwork and a curated mini bar, while the Deluxe City View room looks out over the river. The Sir Suite has a cosy lounge area, freestanding bath and king-size bed. Burgers are the focus at THE BUTCHER Social Club, the in-house restaurant open from eight until late. There’s always a veggie option, but meat dominates the menu: try an Aberdeen Angus beef burger topped with lettuce, tomato, grilled onion and truffle glaze. Add edam cheese, bacon or eggs to your burger, along with BBQ sauce, truffle mayonnaise or baba ganoush. For breakfast, rise and shine with made-to-order porridge, Nutella brioche or Belgian waffles. Or go for one of the eggy options, including poached eggs with avocado on sourdough. Smoothies are recommended – try a Super Green, stuffed with broccoli, avocado, spinach and apple. From £148 per night, check availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com The Dylan, The Nine Little Streets From £409 per night, check availability at booking.com A boutique hotel with 40 individually-designed bedrooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant. All 40 bedrooms are in the same, 17th-century, building (which has served as everything from a theatre to a poorhouse during its chequered history). Its current incarnation was designed by Anouska Hempel, and the accommodation ranges from large elegant suites to cosily modern rooms up in the eaves. Each room style offers a different colour palette, from Serendipity’s warm grey shades to Loxura’s copper tones. A canal or garden view is guaranteed, as are Bose sound systems. The hotel’s Restaurant Vinkeles was awarded its first Michelin star in 2009. Today the menu is all about classic French cooking, with a contemporary twist. As part of the chef’s signature menu you can try Norwegian scallops with veal marrow, black truffle and celeriac, followed by mandarin sorbet with oatmeal, coriander and cheesecake. À la carte options are more pared back (turbot with artichoke and poultry jus, for example), and a separate all-day brasserie serves light bites (Caesar salad, steak tartare, shrimp croquettes) and homemade spirits infused with herbs. Breakfast is served in the brasserie, where there’s a choice of coconut porridge, homemade smoothies, blueberry pancakes or smoked salmon on toasted rye. If you fancy a savoury start, pick miso soup with ramen noodles and pickles. From £409 per night, check availability at booking.com Conscious Hotel, Westerpark From £118 per night, check availability at booking.com There are four Conscious Hotels in Amsterdam, but the Westerpark outpost is the first hotel in The Netherlands to be powered entirely by wind energy. There are 89 rooms, Roetz bikes to rent (made from discarded frames), and a vegan-friendly restaurant to try. There are seven types of room to choose from, but all are airy and uncluttered, with iron-frame furniture, light wooden panelling, navy blue feature walls, monochrome bathrooms and spacious Auping beds. The Conscious WOW room is the biggest: it comes with a crater-like freestanding bath, double sinks and a super-king size bed. There’s a park right next to the hotel for morning constitutionals, and a surprisingly beautiful, red brick, former gas works, dating back to the 19th century, on the other side. The main draw is the hotel’s Kantoor bar and restaurant, open all day until late. It’s not exclusively vegetarian, but organic ingredients are transformed into meat-free stars such as nettle risotto, tofu cheesecake with dried tangerine, and broccoli crumble. For dessert, don’t miss the vegan banana bread with banana crumble and cacao sorbet. Carnivores can enjoy lamb shank with adzuki cassoulet, huge seafood platters (oysters, razor clams, mussels, Dutch shrimps and lobster) while there's also a great children’s menu (young guests can pick everything from the “I don’t like that” fried fish with steamed vegetables to the “I don’t know” tomato soup). The signature cocktail menu is also worth perusing – try The Boss, made with vodka, kimchi purée and tomato juice. The 100% organic breakfast includes avocado, quinoa and watercress on rye, croissants with homemade compote, omelettes made with eggs “from the happiest chickens” and healthy granola. From £82 per night, check availability at booking.com More hotel guides Best country house hotels in the UK Best health and wellness retreats Best hotels in London Best UK boutique hotels Best hotels in the Cotswolds Best Cornwall hotels Best hotels in the Lake District Best London hotel bars to visit Best romantic hotels in the UK European hidden gems: hotels off the beaten track Best Paris hotels Best Spanish hotels Best Italian hotels Best restaurants with rooms in the UK Photographs by Mirjam Bleeker and Pim Ras
From cosy, characterful hotels with exotic gardens to minimalist spaces with historic open-air swimming pools, these are the must-stay foodie hotels in Paris
Looking for the best hotels in Paris? Want to know which city hotels to book? Our guide to Paris’s best boutique hotels… Feeling enamoured in the city of love? Now find out our best honeymoons for foodies. For more hotel inspiration, check out our best European hidden gem hotels or best Spanish hotels. Best places to stay in Paris Hotel Lutetia, Boulevard Raspail Oozing Parisian style, this is an impossibly handsome Art Nouveau meets Art Deco building on the corner of St Germain’s Boulevard Raspail and Rue de Sèvres. Luxurious in-room touches – monogrammed pillowcases, lavish fruit plates, chocolate sculptures – speak to its reputation as one of the city’s finest addresses. Its food and wine credentials owe much to its connection with long-time previous owner champagne house Taittinger. The partnership lives on in its own Cuvée Lutetia, enjoyed in the frescoed Bar Josephine, or with an indulgent brunch of truffled scrambled eggs under the stained glass in salon Le Saint Germain. During Fashion Week Lutetia is home to the great, the good and the famous, its serene Akesha Spa being a major pull. Year round, Brasserie Lutetia provides unequalled people-watching opportunities on its perfectly placed outdoor terrace serving caviar, smoked oysters and lobster with black truffle. From €1445. Check rates and availability at hotellutetia.com or booking.com Hotel Panache, Grands Boulevards From £108, check availability at booking.com, mrandmrssmith.com, expedia.co.uk or lastminute.com Hotel Panache in a nutshell A super-chic hotel with 40 bedrooms scattered across seven floors. Why foodies stay here Café Panache occupies the hotel’s ground floor. It serves bistro dishes with a modern twist, including beef tartare with potato sticks, pork belly noodle soup and, for dessert, cookies sandwiched together with ice cream. For lunch, feast on a club sandwich stuffed with fried chicken, cabbage and a Japanese omelette. What are the bedrooms like? Choose from seven sizes, the largest of which are top-floor suites. A consistent colour scheme of light grey, dusty pink and pale blue runs throughout, with filament light bulbs, wicker headboards and old-school telephones adding elegance. The classic single comes with an en-suite shower room, double bed and writing desk, while the family room can sleep up to four people, with a small living space and double sinks. Breakfast Eggs come any way you want, with chunks of cheese, wodges of sourdough and fresh figs on the side. If you want something lighter, order muesli topped with maple syrup. Where to eat and drink nearby Parisian institution, Le Bouillon Chartier, is a two-minute walk away. Join the queue early (it doesn’t take bookings) and prepare for exemplary snails, steak frites and rum babas. From £108, check availability at booking.com, mrandmrssmith.com, expedia.co.uk or lastminute.com Le Grand Mazarin, Le Marais Doubles from £515, check availability at booking.com or expedia.co.uk Le Grand Mazarin in a nutshell With twin inspirations of Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel (hence the purple-clad staff) and Alice in Wonderland, Le Grand Mazarin achieves an impressive feat of being full of eclectic colours and patterns, yet still remaining a chic and calm oasis in the heart of the bustling Le Marais district. The hotel has 61 rooms and suites, an indoor pool, restaurant, bar, courtyard dining and gym. Why foodies stay here Hotel bar and restaurant Boubalé (meaning ‘little darling’ in Yiddish) combines Eastern European and Mediterranean flavours. Make sure to look up at the colourful ceiling above you: it may look wooden, but every detail and flower was hand-painted. Share a giant chicken schnitzel and incredibly cheesy spinach risotto, then finish with the signature ‘benimousse’ – a large scoop of rich chocolate mousse topped with a generous drizzle of olive oil and scattering of sea salt. What are the bedrooms like? Originally three buildings (a chocolate shop, a bar and a hotel), the hotel renovation took five years with incredible levels of detail throughout – from the mural in the underground swimming pool to 1,300 hand-painted flowers in the courtyard patio (a hidden oasis just waiting for sunny lunches). There is an extraordinary level of detail to discover in every corner of the hotel, including nearly 500 artworks scattered throughout. Bedrooms are decorated with carefully sourced vintage objects, custom rugs and Murano light fittings. Rooms are bold and colourful yet always elegant. Think raspberry pink walls, tapestry canopies over beds and yellow tiles in the bathrooms. Extra touches such as Diptyque toiletries in the waterfall showers and curtains that close from a touch of a button by your bed add a luxurious feel. If you can drag yourself away from the comfy bed or super warm pool, don’t miss the gym with stone vaulted ceilings and chandeliers, surely the prettiest place to work out in the city. Breakfast Served in the colourful surroundings of Boubalé, the central breakfast buffet is laden with croissants, cakes, madeleines and brioche, with butter served in chic mini tins. Hot options, cheese and ham are available too, including an excellent omelette. Don’t miss the warm chocolate chip hazelnut cookies. Where to eat and drink nearby There’s plenty to choose from in the Marais district. A 10-15 minute walk from the hotel, past the Pompidou Centre, is Tekés. Enjoy sharing plates of vegetarian food from fluffy laffa bread and dips to curried gnocchi and unique egg-filled borek pastry. As part of the same group as Boubalé, you’ll find the showstopping benimousse on the menu here, too. Doubles from £515, check availability at booking.com or expedia.co.uk Hotel des Grands Boulevards, Grands Boulevards From £248, check availability at booking.com, mrandmrssmith.com or expedia.co.uk Hotel des Grands Boulevards in a nutshell A gorgeous 18th century grand dame of a building given a glam but sympathetic modern makeover. This 50-bedroom hotel also has an elegant restaurant and a rooftop terrace. Why foodies stay here The third hotel in the Experimental Cocktail Club stable makes sure its food packs a punch. The hotel’s in-house restaurant marries French and Italian country cooking, serving it in a bright airy space, designed around a landscaped courtyard, with a central cocktail bar for pre-dinner tipples. Start with Italian charcuterie and grilled focaccia, or haddock croquettes with romesco sauce, before filling up on plates of pasta (linguine with zucchini, quail with cherries, or monkfish with miso and chards). Desserts are all about fruit: try pistachio biscuits with cherry coulis, or roasted apricot and orange blossom ice cream. Rise to the rooftop for stellar cocktails at The Shed, a small makeshift-style bar hidden among the greenery. Try the Pink Paloma made with tequila, Aperol, grapefruit juice and lime, or order the non-alcoholic East Indian, a sweet concoction of masala chai, lemon juice, maple syrup and ginger beer. What are the bedrooms like? Under the nuanced touch of designer Dorothée Meilichzon there are nods to the hotel’s 18th-century heritage here, including canopy beds (handmade in Brittany) and marble surfaces. But crisp linen, plain-painted walls and a muted three-tone colour scheme add modernity to the mix. Choose between five bedroom sizes, including Petit Boulevard (which sleeps one or two and looks out over the courtyard) and Parisian Eaves, complete with exposed beams and a private terrace. All bedrooms have in-room climate control and a minibar stocked with pre-made cocktails. Breakfast The Parisian come with pastries, fresh juice and a hot drink. Order à la carte for homemade cakes, avocado toast or fresh fruit salads. Teas come from Pascal Hamour. Where to eat and drink nearby For old-school classics - including scallops with cauliflower purée, roast sucking pig with pear, and Grand Marnier soufflé – make your way to Le Pantruche, a 15-minute walk away. From £248, check availability at booking.com, mrandmrssmith.com or expedia.co.uk The Hoxton, Sentier From £238, check availability at booking.com The Hoxton in a nutshell An elegant 18-century building turned hip hideaway with more than 150 bedrooms and a cosy cocktail bar. Why foodies stay here Rivié offers all-day dining, serving French-inspired dishes with Asian influences. Try cold carrot soup with corn and coconut milk, or share small plates of nori tempura with red cabbage slaw and yuzu tartare. The bavette steak marinated in lemon ginger comes with a peanut sauce and fries or, for something lighter, try a bulgar and broccoli buddha bowl. Sip on natural wines and tuck into cheese plates at casual wine bar Planche, or try Moroccan-inspired drinks and nibbles at the colourful Jacques’ Bar. What are the bedrooms like? Choose from four sizes, starting with Shoebox (the clue’s in the name) then Cosy, Roomy and, the largest of the four, Biggy. Compact Shoebox rooms have parquet flooring, rainfall showers and a selection of books curated by locals, while Roomy promises super-king size beds and roll-top baths. All bedrooms come with a handy neighbourhood guide and light breakfast bag. Breakfast For the full works head to the restaurant and start your day with a banana split served with coconut yogurt, red fruits, peanut butter and bee pollen, or quinoa granola topped with Greek yogurt, orange and blueberries. Avocado fans will love the upgraded toast, which comes topped with smashed avocado, peas, edamame beans, poached eggs and coriander. Where to eat and drink nearby La Guinguette d’Angèle is the perfect spot for a casual lunch. Veggie and gluten-free standouts include lentils on pesto rice with smoked tofu, hummus toast with roast vegetables, and vegan hazelnut cake (you can eat-in or take-away). From £238, check availability at booking.com Hotel Henriette, Croulebarbe From £137, check availability at booking.com Hotel Henriette in a nutshell A family-friendly boutique hotel on the Rive Gauche with 32 individually designed bedrooms and a private courtyard. >Why foodies stay here Although there’s no restaurant at the hotel, the central courtyard is a great place to bring back a deli feast while affordable room prices mean more centimes to spend in the city’s restaurants. What are the bedrooms like? All of the bedrooms are decked out with vintage fabrics and flea market finds. Designed by a fashion editor turned hotelier, some boast statement yellow walls and rose gold side tables, while others have tropical wallpaper and pastel linens. Breakfast Breakfast runs to a full continental spread, from cakes and croissants to charcuterie. Where to eat and drink nearby Dip into a nearby Moroccan or contemporary French restaurant, or visit L’Auberge du Roi Gradlon, which specialises in Breton cuisine. The menu at the latter features haddock tart with Roscoff onions, galettes and, for dessert, a Breton speciality called Kouign-amann (swirls of caramelised, buttery parcels) served with salted caramel. From £137, check availability at booking.com L’Hotel, Saint-Germain-des-Pres From £365, check availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com L'Hotel in a nutshell An opulent and historic five-star hotel, with a charming cocktail bar. Why foodies stay here Le Restaurant held a Michelin star from 2007 to 2019 but, after a brief pause (and an extensive renovation), it will re-open in early 2020. Details are sketchy as yet but it plans to introduce a “new culinary concept” to Paris, alongside a fully refurbished bar, lounge and restaurant space. What are the bedrooms like? Spread over six floors, the luxurious bedrooms boast lavish furnishings, carefully selected artwork and one-hour private sessions at the hotel’s hammam pool. Mignon bedrooms look out over the Rue de Beaux Arts and come with leopard print wall coverings, chandeliers and ornate wooden headboards. Chic rooms are themed around famous historic characters (including Marco Polo and Mata Hari) and include separate sitting areas plus spacious tiled bathrooms. Oscar Wilde spent his final night at this hotel, and his namesake suite boasts a private leafy terrace. Breakfast Start the day with a continental buffet of pastries, juice and coffee, or made-to-order egg dishes. Detox juices and boozy breakfast mimosas are also available. Where to eat and drink nearby This arty neighbourhood (the famous literary pilgrimage site that is the Café de Flore is just a stone’s throw fro the hotel) is also one of the city’s most well-trodden areas, with the dining scene to match. For the ultimate indulgence head to the blue velvet-lined café run by luxury patisserie Ladurée just around the corner, for lunchtime classics (egg white, spinach and goats cheese omelettes or dainty chicken and mushroom vol au vents) plus exquisite pastries and macarons. From £365, check availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com Molitor, Boulogne-Billancourt From £325, check availability at booking.com Molitor in a nutshell A modern, minimalist hotel with a historic open-air swimming pool. Why foodies stay here The urban brasserie encircles an Art Deco central swimming pool, allowing guests the luxurious pleasure of dipping and dining at the same time. Seasonal, uncomplicated cooking is at its heart, so expect the likes of truffled macaroni with ham and comte, pork belly with apricots and hazelnuts, and raspberry elderflower cheesecake. An elegant bar serves cocktails featuring classic French alcohols, so settle down with a Moli-Taï (grapefruit juice with ginger ale and Rinquinquin) or signature Molitor History X, made from pear vodka, tonic water and Absenteroux vermouth. In the summer months, a rooftop kitchen serves falafels with hummus and tabbouleh, crab salads and cheerful, crowd-pleasing desserts – hot cookies with pecan and vanilla ice cream, for example, or chocolate mousse. What are the bedrooms like? Choose between classic, luxury, executive or suite. Calm classic rooms are decorated in shades of white, grey and beige, with Bose dock stations and views over the pool, while executive rooms come with king-size beds and separate baths. If you want extra luxury, the Grand Suite has a separate lounge area and views over the city. Breakfast A lavish affair that covers all tastes. Go savoury with a “big bun egg” (brioche sandwiches stuffed with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce, plus your choice of bacon, salmon or mushrooms), or choose homemade crêpes decorated with chocolate, honey, caramel or maple syrup. Where to eat and drink nearby For colourful, precision-cooked neighbourhood dining walk book a table at nearby Plantxa, Colombian chef Juan Arbelaez’ Paris bistro. The menu changes each week but typical dishes might include pork with peas and artichoke, cod with girolles and wasabi or a prettily presented red fruit pavlova. From £325, check availability at booking.com La Pigalle, Pigalle From £257, check availability at booking.com or expedia.co.uk >La Pigalle in a nutshell Contemporary design meets homely touches in the cool Pigalle neighbourhood. Why foodies stay here At the hotel’s restaurant, ingredients are sourced from local stores and suppliers to create a simple, seasonal menu. All-day dishes include burrata with sweet basil, smoked salmon toast with burnt lemon, or cheese served with nectarine chutney. Come dinner time, however, sharing plates are the focus: try sweet potato croquettes with spicy yogurt and haricot bean hummus, and green asparagus with citrus dressing. Head to the bar before 9pm for a Roches Rouges aperitif (cassis, Saint Raphaël, white wine and soda), or go for a house-bottled old fashioned cocktail, pepped up with walnut and maple. What are the bedrooms like? All 40 bedrooms mimic the style of Pigalle itself, with themes ranging from historic and decadent to modern, multicultural and musical. Comfortable rather than cluttered, rooms sport second-hand furniture and decorative music and books. Pigalle 17 comes with a separate bathroom, queen-size bed and in-room iPad (complete with personalised music selection), while the Pigalle 35 suite has a turntable, king-size bed and views over Sacré Coeur. Plus there are bunk beds available for families, or guests looking for a dormitory-style experience (neighbouring rooms can be accessed through a shared door). Breakfast Keep things classic with a croissant, or go for a zingy mango, avocado and ginger salad. Avocado toast comes with citrus and cream cheese, or you can order smoked salmon and comte cheese with buttered baguettes. Where to eat and drink nearby Opened by a Frenchman with a soft spot for Sydney, KB Café Shop (the KB stands for ‘kookaburra’) is a cheery, laptop-friendly space where the carrot cake is homemade and the beans are roasted on site. From £257, check availability at booking.com< or expedia.co.uk Hotel Providence, Strasbourg – Saint-Denis From £219, check availability at mrandmrssmith.com and expedia.co.uk Hotel Providence in a nutshell A 19th-century townhouse converted into a smart 18-bedroom hotel. Why foodies stay here The kitchen has three cooking styles: raw, marinated or cooked over wood-fire. Take a seat in the moody dining room (mahogany wood, leather armchairs and a roaring fire), or on the heated terrace, and start with dinky petits fours – everything from avocado and prawn toasts to tuna rillettes – before moving on to bigger plates. Linguine comes dressed simply with lemon, roasted pine nuts and fresh oregano, while bream ceviche zings with lime and pomegranate. For dessert, keep things classic with tarte tatin or crème brûlée. What are the bedrooms like? Split into five categories (mini, classic, superior, deluxe and suite), the 18 bedrooms are luxurious yet homely, with some sporting their own balconies. Each room comes with its own bespoke cocktail bar, too. Classic rooms are draped in azure-coloured velvet, while the deluxe boasts a separate lounge, upholstered walls and striking mustard-yellow curtains. Breakfast Go low-key with a hot drink, pastry and fresh fruit juice, or help yourself from a buffet of organic yogurts, fresh-from-the-oven madeleines, farmhouse cheeses and fruit salads. Where to eat and drink nearby The Little Red Door is set in the backstreets of Paris’ arty Enfants-Rouge district. Pull up a blue velvet barstool and be seduced by a charismatic, apron-clad team, or sink into a chair on the bar’s more private mezzanine level. From £219, check availability at mrandmrssmith.com and expedia.co.uk Mama Shelter Paris East, Porte de Bagnolet From £126, check availability at booking.com or expedia.co.uk Mama Shelter Paris East in a nutshell An affordable hotel, styled by Philippe Starck, that’s one of two sister establishments in Paris. Why foodies stay here The downstairs space is home to a buzzing bar and restaurant serving brunch, lunch and dinner. Sit at long wooden sharing tables and tuck into pizzas topped with fresh cream, onions and bacon, or tomato, burrata and oregano. Bar snacks include plates of charcuterie, vegetable gyozas and focaccia with dips. Or head to the colourful rooftop terrace and share small plates of hummus with lemon confit, sardines in olive oil and stracciatella with cherry tomatoes. What are the rooms like? Take you pick between small, medium, large, XL or XXL. Simple decoration runs throughout -grey walls, white linen, large mirrors and an occasional pop of yellow – while a scattering of more outré touches (masks as bedside lights, the eyes beaming, and pop art murals) are pure Starck). Small bedrooms manage to fit in a double bed, iMac and desk, while large rooms have extra space for lounging. If outdoor space is what you’re after, book XL Mama Terrace, which comes with outdoor space and a living room. Breakfast A brunch buffet includes starters, mains and desserts, so arrive hungry. Start with fresh fruit and cereals before moving on to baked eggs, mini croque monsieurs and smoked salmon. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, tuck into crêpes, almond tarts and Nutella waffles. Where to eat and drink nearby Book ahead for a table at Bistrot Paul Bert. The menu is scribbled on a blackboard and includes indulgent dishes such as scallops with creamed potatoes, veal with mushrooms and a towering Grand Marnier soufflé that easily serves two. From £126, check availability at booking.com or expedia.co.uk Hotel Amour, South Pigalle From £139, check availability at amour.hotelamourparis.fr Hotel Amour in a nutshell A characterful 24-bedroom hotel with a surprisingly exotic garden and a stellar brunch offering. Why foodies stay here The brunch is what draws gastro guests. It’s served in a classic bistro, complete with red leather benches and library, and includes croque monsieurs, macaroni gratin, scrambled eggs with bacon and, at weekends, fluffy pancakes. For dinner, try classics such as lentils with bacon and herb vinaigrette, potato dauphinoise, rump steak and chocolate mousse. The covered garden brings a taste of the tropics to Paris, with leafy palm trees shading tables for two. Sit outside in summer and sip martinis, or try one of the house cocktails. Passions Unleashed combines rum, fresh lime juice, passion fruit purée and roast pineapple syrup, while Empire of the Senses is a heady concoction of whisky, toasted sesame syrup, Japanese green tea and bay leaf. What are the rooms like? There are singles, doubles, superiors and duplexes. Single rooms can still sleep two in a queen-size bed, with views over the patio. Doubles come with a bathtub, while the duplex has a mezzanine level (for sleeping) and a separate living area below. Breakfast Go for the full breakfast, where chunky nut-heavy homemade granola comes with yogurt, and baskets of baguettes are served with pots of butter and jam. The freshly squeezed grapefruit juice is a must, and the tea selection includes darjeeling yanki, vanilla rooibos and Japanese hōjicha. Where to eat and drink nearby At Sébastien Gaudard, indulge in caramelised choux buns and rum babas. Or pick up a jar of crème de marrons (chestnut cream) or a packet of candied fruits to take home. From £139, check availability at amour.hotelamourparis.fr More travel guides Best European mountain escapes Best Morocco food trips Best French food trips Best Spanish food trips Best Portuguese food trips Best European vineyards to visit and stay Best foodie city breaks by train Best Spanish hotels Best Italian hotels Best country house hotels in the UK Best Scottish hotels
From riverside cafés in east London to city panoramas from The Shard and leafy park cafés in Richmond, here's where to soak up the capital's most impressive views
Looking for the best restaurants with a view in London? Want the best riverside restaurants in west London? Read on for the best rooftop restaurants, alfresco dining spots and courtyard cafés. Click here for the best rooftop bars in London and our London street food guide. Jump to: Central London West London East London South London North London Best restaurants with a view in Central London Clap – for rooftop bar views This lively Knightsbridge restaurant is the place to be if you like entertainment in the form of DJs and people-watching with dinner. An international set, familiar with its branches in Beirut, Dubai and Riyadh, laps up the bustle of the open kitchen and sushi bar, which turns out modern Japanese dishes with luxurious touches, such as truffle edamame, a surprising shiitake and sesame salad, hamachi sashimi, otoro and wagyu nigiri, black cod miso and kimchi-spiked lamb rack. Desserts are big on drama, too – the natsu platter is stacked with exotic fruit, matcha cheesecake and mochi. A rooftop bar has views over the city and fascinating light fittings that are made for Instagram. claprestaurant.com abc Kitchens – for Hyde Park views Renowned New York chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has curated the concept and all-day menu at this glamorous all-suite hotel. Featuring dishes from three of his NYC restaurants, influences range from Mexico to Japan to Italy, with British ingredients playing a starring role. English peas are added to guacamole; tacos are filled with south coast battered john dory; toasts are topped with Dorset crab and wildflowers. Everything is designed to share and there are plenty of crowd pleasers like burgers; three-cheese and truffle pizza; lemony chicken and rice with a side of homemade hot sauce with crisp crackling for added crunch. There are moments of genius, too, with a hero dish of Orkney scallop tartare, served in the shell and spooned onto shiso leaves and translucent slices of kohlrabi. Puddings include a deconstructed salted caramel, peanut and popcorn sundae. Views over Hyde Park and Knightsbridge, sumptuous banquettes and joyful bursts of colour in Damien Hirst’s The Secret Gardens artworks complete the upmarket vibe. the-emory.co.uk/restaurants-bars/abc-kitchens/ Shangri-La at The Shard – for a special occasion with city views If The Shard had toes, they would tickle Borough Market, from where the splendidly high-rise hotel sources much of its produce. Initial impressions of main restaurant, TING (on level 35), are magnificent: the lift doors open onto a spectacular and uninterrupted panorama of London, dominated at first by St Paul’s Cathedral. Low tables and armchairs are sensibly arranged to soak up as much of the view as possible. The food lives up to the view: Dorset crab, cucumber, mango, passion fruit and tomato to start; organic lamb loin with sake, soy, Erengi mushroom, apple and shiso to follow. Sommelier Anne Lomas is unstuffy and approachable despite the glam surroundings. The ground floor’s Lang sells yuzu cheesecake to eat in or take away. Don’t leave without visiting Gong, the highest bar in London; and with a pool, too. TING at Shangri-La also does a fabulously exotic twist on afternoon tea. If you enjoy Asian food, and would prefer to gaze across a sparkling city rather than a Victorian dining room, then you can’t get much better. shangri-la.com/london/shangrila/ Best restaurants with a view in West London The River Café – for lunch by the river Since opening in 1987, The River Café has become one of London's most popular riverside restaurants to enjoy long lunches during the summer. Overlooking the Thames in Hammersmith, the Italian restaurant serves a daily changing menu featuring antipasti, primi, secondi and dolci. Share plates of crab spaghetti with fennel herb and lemon before digging into chargrilled leg of lamb with Italian spinach and braised chicory. Its signature chocolate nemesis is a must order, a generous slice of squidgy flourless chocolate cake-cum-chocolate mousse, served with a dollop of sour crème fraîche. All wine is Italian, so enjoy a glass of Sicilian Etna Bianco on the leafy terrace. rivercafe.co.uk Decimo – for hip Mexican with a view Hop in the red bubble lift that clings to the outside of The Standard Hotel up to chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias’s striking top floor restaurant. Cacti poke out from behind wooden features, Mexican textiles line sweeping curved banquettes, and a large open fireplace provides a focal point. Bag a burgundy-tiled table by the window for iconic London views while you sip zippy margaritas on the rocks or Sevilla mimosas and peruse the menu. Order a selection of Spanish and Mexican small plates, including salty anchovies slivers in a pool of confit garlic oil, panko-coated croquetas laced with iberico ham and manchego, and charcoaled sourdough to scoop up smoky red pepper tartare. At the Saturday brunch, try twists on classic egg dishes, such as huevos flamenco – iberico pork shoulder ribbons topped with two fried eggs. There are also tacos served on chunky bespoke marble platters and delicate skewers including pork in cumin and cinnamon or meltingly soft koji squid. Opt for the mezcal flight to taste a selection of handpicked regional Mexican agaves, from a toasty variety from the Pacific Coast to a Oaxacan mezcal distilled with coffee. All to the backdrop of live DJs and music. standardhotels.com Bingham Riverhouse – for relaxed luxury The Bingham is one of Richmond’s best kept secrets, set in a chic Georgian townhouse tucked away behind the Thames Towpath and home to an expansive high-ceilinged lounge with a huge roaring fireplace, impressive artworks and top-notch cocktails which are expertly mixed behind a glamorous bar. Chef Vanessa Marx has created a simple but sophisticated menu which lets the high-quality ingredients speak for themselves, highlights include wild mushroom on sourdough bruschetta with truffle and baked diver-caught scallops with sea vegetables, preserved lemon and garlic butter. binghamriverhouses.com Petersham Nurseries – for greenhouse vibes For keen gardeners and foodies alike, Richmond’s Petersham Nurseries Café is the place to relax. Set within a glasshouse and adorned with jasmine, antique mirrors and Indian blinds, the café serves seasonal Italian-inspired dishes following the slow food philosophy. Dig into roast chicken with king cabbage, pancetta and hazelnut before a dessert of coffee mousse with hazelnuts and crème fraîche. petershamnurseries.com Best restaurants with a view in East London Boundary – for rooftop drinks This rooftop bar is an east London institution, offering 360-degree views of London come rain or shine. In the cooler months, cosy up in the heated glass orangery adorned with strings of twinkling lights, while the outdoor terrace is perfect for sipping gin and tonics as the sun sets. Share boards of charcuterie, squidgy chunks of warm focaccia and bowls of olives, or keep things light with simple salads. boundary.london Los Mochis London City – for city views Executive chef Leonard Tanyag has brought the unique concept from the vibey Notting Hill original to a bigger audience high above Liverpool Street. Combining vibrant Mexican dishes and ingredients with the delicacy of Japanese cuisine, the comprehensive menu is designed to share and surprise. The tasting menu showcases the best: 10 dishes, from guacamole to enjoy with a mocktail through to a purple yam panna cotta. Highlights include teriyaki duck on crispy rice, sea bass ceviche with shiso-truffle soy; spicy yellowtail maki and the signature trailer park chicken taco (fried chicken, jalapeño BBQ sauce, habanero gochujang with toasted sesame and parsnip chips – genius). The clubby soundtrack, roof terrace, impressive agave selection and late-night snacks attract expense account groups as well as weekend thrill seekers. losmochis.co.uk/lc/london-city Pavilion Café – for park views For breakfast, brunch and lunch with a view, grab a spot at Pavilion Café in east London’s Victoria Park. With a decked terrace perched on the edge of the river, it's the ideal place to spend a few slow hours. Locally-grown produce is given a Sri Lankan twist, with string hoppers, dal, coconut sambol and beetroot curry served for breakfast. Stock up on loaves of bread while you’re there, or, head over to the bakeries on Broadway Market and Columbia Road for sourdough croissants and cinnamon buns. pavilionbakery.com Rochelle Canteen – for garden views Housed in a converted bike shed of a Shoreditch Victorian school, Rochelle Canteen is a must-visit for lunch in a lush garden under the dappled shade of vines and trees. Pop in for breakfast to enjoy bowls of granola with yogurt and poached fruits, and stay until lunch when the menu serves British classics. Expect chicken and leek pie, fish stew and steamed treacle sponge with custard. rochellecanteen.com Duck and Waffle – for city views Head to the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate for 24 hour views of London. Open seven days a week, this all-day dining spot takes British cuisine and gives it a playful twist, with waffles taking focus. Book one of the squidgy leather window booths for the best views, and tuck into waffles topped with caramelised banana, hazelnut chocolate spread, vanilla ice cream and peanut crunch, or, go for the signature savoury one with crispy duck let confit, fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup. If you're there late at night (we're talking 11.30pm till 5am), order snacks of bacon wrapped dates and smoked eel croquettes, washed down with Kir Royales. duckandwaffle.com Crate Brewery – for beer by the river For laid-back vibes and plenty of pizza and beer, Crate Brewery on the River Lea is the place to spend a long summer evening. Previously an old print factory, the industrial white-washed building is light and airy, with old crates acting as tables and chairs. With outdoor seating all the way around the building, grab a table and dig into Middle Eastern lamb pizzas washed down with pints of Summer Pale, or the limited edition Citra Sour. cratebrewery.com Best restaurants with a view in South London Gillray’s – for steak overlooking the London Eye Situated on the banks of the River Thames, Gillray’s steakhouse offers diners spectacular views of the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. There are more than 100 gins to choose from and a range of English steaks, burgers, fish dishes and old-school puddings – it’s a quintessentially British dining experience. gillrays.com Joia, Battersea Power Station – for a view over Battersea Power Station With a view that looks out over the transformed Battersea Power Station, Joia, with its floor-to-ceiling windows pouring light onto the warm pastel interiors, literally shines – which is apt, given that its name means ‘jewel’ in Portuguese. Perched at the top of Art’otel, Joia is London’s first offering from Michelin-starred Henrique Sá Pessoa, with the main restaurant, a vermouth and wine bar, and an additional rooftop bar spread over three floors. The menu, simply created using the best ingredients available, includes dishes such as bulhão pato mussels, suquet – a monkfish and red prawn stew – and hand-dived scallops with black aïoli sabayon. joiabattersea.co.uk OXO Tower – for afternoon tea with a view OXO Tower Wharf is one of London’s most famous landmarks, noted for its iconic branded windows and sky-high restaurants. It’s hard to find the entrance if you’ve never been before – head to the pavilion in the middle of the building, then catch the lift up to the 8th floor, for the restaurant. Enjoy stunning views on your way to your table, that stretch all the way from Waterloo Bridge to St Paul’s Cathedral. The atmosphere is considerably formal – think leather seats and slate tables with crisp ironed white tablecloths, and a slanting glass roof to make the most of those beautiful views. Afternoon tea menus are carefully explained and although the selection of sandwiches and cakes seems endless, portions here are dainty so it’s possible to try everything. oxotowerrestaurant.com Pear Tree Café – for a lakeside brunch This café run by Annabel Partridge and Will Burrett (previously of Petersham Nurseries) boasts picturesque views of Battersea Park boating lake. Open every day from dawn to dusk, there’s an extensive brunch menu ranging from buttermilk pancakes to soft scrambled eggs on sourdough with maple and paprika bacon. Come lunchtime, there are loaded burgers with chipotle jam, Lincolnshire Poacher cheese and roasted garlic aioli, washed down with mango lassis. peartreecafe.co.uk Tavolino – for river views Tavolino is a relaxed, modern Italian with a killer riverside view and a crowd-pleasing menu. The buzzy outdoor terrace is often packed (inside there is a two-floor space with the same sweeping views across Tower Bridge to The Tower itself). The menu follows the classic Italian model of antipasti, pasta, secondi and dolci. There is also a short pizza menu and daily chef specials. An antipasti of crab on bitter endive with ricotta is crunchy, creamy and sweet, with a generous amount of white crab and a nutty pistachio dressing. Burrata comes with a slick of basil oil and a chunky sweet-sour caponata of olives, courgette, celery and pine nuts to cut through the richness of the cheese. Fresh tagliatelle has a lovely al dente bounce and comes tossed with a spicy slow-cooked pork and ’nduja ragu – it’s a deeply comforting hug of a dish. Delicately cooked nuggets of saffron-glazed monkfish are served with tiny gnochetti in a brothy fennel-spiked sauce and little zingy pops of sea herbs. We finish with an amaretto panna cotta – rich and fudgy with little zesty segments of torched mandarin and a quirky ‘liquid dessert’ tiramisu – a heady cocktail of coffee liqueur, vodka, cream and chocolate. tavolino.co.uk Garden Museum Café – for museum garden views Filled with artwork, tools and artefacts, this south London museum is one for keen gardeners and foodies. After exploring the collections, head to the café (the best seats in the house go to the ones that look out through the bi-folding glass doors onto the tranquil paved garden). A daily-changing menu highlights seasonal produce, so expect poached brill with asparagus and bottarga butter, porchetta, bean and celery salad and courgettes, borlotti beams, rainbow chard and basil followed by apricot and almond tart or a plate of Saint Nectar (semi-soft cow's cheese). gardenmuseum.org.uk Hutong – for city views For some of the best Chinese food and striking skyline views, head to level 33 of The Shard and enjoy a feast of peking duck and shrimp dumplings at Hutong. Go in the evening to make the most of it as the city lights shine bright through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Given such a setting it would be easy for Hutong to rest on its laurels when it comes to the food, but it doesn't. The (pricy) menu draws mostly from subtle and savoury Shandong cuisine, but it’s the fiery Szechuanese-accented dishes – especially the seafood ones – that really impress. Chilled, milky cubes of tofu come topped with sweet shreds of white king crab meat, in a pool of darkly umami, garlicky sauce that offers a fiery foil for its delicate partners. Crispy fried ma la eel, coated in the lightest of batters and tossed with liberal amounts of chopped dried chillies and cumin, is superb, the luscious buttery flesh of the eel the perfect match for the well-balanced, smoky heat of the chillies, their heat tempered by numbing peppercorns. A side of aubergine tempura, crispy on the outside but creamily collapsing inside, comes draped in an almost jammy, spicy sauce – it’s worth ordering all on its own. hutong.co.uk Best restaurants with a view in North London Plaza Pastor – for views over Coal Drops Yard Coal Drops Yard – the latest King's Cross development – has a striking design, with shops, restaurants and bars tucked away in Victorian brick viaducts. Plaza Pastor, an alfresco Mexican restaurant, serves smoky rotisserie chicken and mezcal negronis on the paved terrace. Coming covered and heated, the terrace is perfect for hunkering down on in winter and digging into meaty mushroom tacos, while in the summer months, sip on a negroni rosita while Latin beats play on in the background. tacoselpastor.co.uk Towpath Café – for canal views Tucked away south of De Beauvoir on the Regent’s Canal is Towpath Café, a restaurant that literally celebrates the seasons (it's open spring and summer only). Grab one of the colourful metal chairs scattered on the path and spend your day sipping coffee while cyclists and runners whizz on beside you. A succinct menu scribbled on a blackboard lists classics such as grilled cheese sarnies and runny fried eggs on toast, or sharing plates of mozzarella with pickled radicchio and hummus with crispy lamb. towpathlondon.com Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Chelsea Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington Best restaurants in Battersea
This hedgerow liqueur is a classic winter tipple that's perfect for Christmas. Discover our favourite bottles, and follow our recipe tips for how to make it yourself
Looking for the best sloe gin to serve to guests this Christmas? Read on to find the best sloe gin to buy. For more seasonal inspiration, try our plum recipes, blackberry recipes and our other autumn recipes. What is sloe gin? Sloe gin is made up of sloe berries, caster sugar and gin. Want to make your own sloe gin? Sloes, white caster sugar and dry gin are all you need to make our classic sloe gin liqueur, perfect as a fruity sipper or a gift. what are sloe berries and where to buy them. Best sloe gin to buy at a glance Best smooth sloe gin: Sipsmith sloe gin, £23 Best balanced sloe gin: Hayman's sloe gin, £20.95 Best organic sloe gin: Gibson's organic sloe gin, £26.95 Best sloe gin liqueur: Two Birds sloe gin, £39 Best fragrant sloe gin: Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Sloe Gin, £37.99 Best sweet sloe gin: Pickering's sloe gin, £20.99 Best classic sloe gin: Warner's sloe gin, £24.99 Best sloe gin to have with cheese: Sacred organic sloe gin, £38.85 Best sloe gin to buy 2024 Sipsmith Sloe Gin Available from John Lewis (£25), Waitrose Cellar (£23), Amazon (£23), Majestic (£25) Best smooth sloe gin This sloe gin has a slightly spiced flavour with notes of almond. With a smooth mouthfeel, it reminded us of mulled wine. Available from: John Lewis (£25) Waitrose Cellar (£23) Amazon (£23) Majestic (£25) Hayman's Sloe Gin Available from Master of Malt (£20.95), Amazon (£20.95) Best balanced sloe gin Haymans have been making gins since 1863, and this sloe gin uses hand-picked sloe berries, steeped in their London dry gin. This winning sloe gin had a nice balance of sweet sloe berries and a gentle hit of alcohol. It had a rich, fruity flavour without being too sweet. Available from: Master of Malt (£20.95) Amazon (£20.95) Gibson's Organic Sloe Gin Available from Gibsons Organic (£24.95), Abel & Cole (£25.65) Best organic sloe gin A mixture of organic gin, sloe berries, sugar and blackcurrant liqueur, this had a mellow sloe flavour with citrussy notes. Available from: Gibsons Organic (£24.95) Abel & Cole (£25.65) Two Birds Sloe Gin Available from Amazon (£39), British Honey (£39) Best sloe gin liqueur Hedgerow sloes steeped in London dry gin makes for an accessible, easy-going sloe liqueur. You can still pick up piney juniper from the gin, as well as lively red fruit notes. Try adding a dash to sparkling wine. Available from: Amazon (£39) British Honey (£39) Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Sloe Gin Available from Amazon (£37.99), The Whisky Exchange (£45.50), Master of Malt (£45.49) Best fragrant sloe gin Monkey 47 has macerated Black Forest sloe berries into its acclaimed gin, and the result is gorgeous – a super-fragrant, complex nose, with earthy juniper, heady spice and rich dark fruit notes. One for those who prefer less syrupy sloe gins. Available from: Amazon (£37.99) The Whisky Exchange (£45.50) Master of Malt (£45.49) Pickering’s Sloe Gin Available from Master of Malt (£20.99) Best sweet sloe gin One for fans of sweeter sloe gins, this festive number has subtle spice, rich red fruit and distinctive cherry bakewell notes – sip this alongside a slice of stollen. Available from: Master of Malt (£20.99) Warner's Sloe Gin Available from Master of Malt (£31.74), Amazon (£24.99) Best classic sloe gin If you're looking for a classic sloe gin, this is a great value one to buy. It has a dry texture and rich flavours of cherry and spice. We also detected notes of coffee. Available from: Master of Malt (£31.74) Amazon (£24.99) Sacred sloe gin Available from Sacred (£38.85) Best sloe gin to have with cheese Like a cross between PX sherry and tawny port, this sloe gin is perfect for those with a sweet tooth. There are notes of liquorice and lingering spice, too. Try with a cheeseboard. Available from: Sacred (£38.85) Best sloe gin recipes Sloe gin Make the most of the sloe season with this classic and easy-to-make liqueur. Enjoy this fruity alcoholic drink over the festive season or give it away as a gift. Sloe gin fizz Use your own homemade sloe gin in this festive spin on a classic gin fizz. Sloe gin cheese Check out our impressive homemade sloe gin cheese. Fruit cheeses are set fruit pastes that are ideal partners for cheeseboards. Try this with a strong blue cheese such as stilton. Sloe gin and plum crumble Our sloe gin and plum crumble is a twist on a classic and much-loved British dessert. Pair with a scoop of good-quality vanilla ice cream to really take advantage of the cinnamon and mixed spice notes. Sloe gin cake Team sloe gin with plums and make an autumnal layer cake with wow factor. It's sure to impress your friends, and best of all it's an easy recipe too.
Lounge in a freestanding bath tub, take your pick from a pillow menu and tuck into Moroccan eggs with labneh at London’s best hotels
Looking for the best hotels in London? Want to know where to stay in central London? Our guide to London’s best boutique hotels… For more hotel inspiration, discover the best UK spa hotels for food lovers, the most romantic hotels in the UK and the best UK country house hotels. Check out some of our London food guides, including the best restaurants in Fitzrovia, best restaurants in Battersea and best restaurants in Chelsea. The Laslett, Notting Hill – for period luxury with modern design From £350 per night, check availability at booking.com Set across a row of Victorian townhouses off Notting Hill Gate, The Laslett is a boutique hotel with heart. It’s polished but unfussy, with clean period detail offset by sharp modern design. Food is served from the informal Henderson Bar & Kitchen. Named after Russ Henderson, one of the founders of the Notting Hill Carnival, it runs a short all-day menu: padrón peppers, gazpacho and prawn croquetas as small plates; chicken milanese, lobster roll or stone bass with fregola for larger options. Ingredients are sourced from London suppliers like HG Walter and Natoora. Desserts include basque cheesecake or warmed chocolate brownie, while the bar serves local beers and classic cocktails. A small terrace for observing the west London street bustle comes into its own in summer. The vibrant rooms make use of airy floor-to-ceiling windows and bold interior design. Penguin Classics, vintage record players with hand-picked vinyl, and antiques from local dealers lend eccentric local character. Breakfast includes full english alongside pancakes, smoothie bowls, granola and the hotel’s signature bagel. Rooms start from £350 a night. Rooms start from £350 per night. Check availability at living-rooms.co.uk or booking.com Beaverbrook Townhouse, Sloane Square – for colourful luxury From £580 per night, check availability at booking.com Sloane Square’s Beaverbrook Townhouse is the city output of the original Surrey hotel, and is just as opulent. Behind the neat, period facade is a riot of art deco splendour and heritage nods. Hotel rooms are all named after London theatres and take interior design to giddy heights, with plushness, pastels, geometrics, florals, terrazzo and more, all thrown together harmoniously – an eccentric British aesthetic that feels very old school London. Unique touches include an epic bathroom with a waterfall shower decked in iridescent emerald tiles, a retractable and rotating TV, and velvety soft furnishings. The hotel’s restaurant is a true hidden gem – The Fuji Grill offers a highly polished Japanese dining experience centred around ‘Tapasu’, a take on tapas-style design that blends classic technique with a communal, small plates spirit. There’s a flawless sushi selection, including signature temaki alongside dishes cooked on a bincho charcoal grill, like sake kombu hispi cabbage, caramel ponzu long aubergine and yuzu miso black cod. The drinks menu, served from the cosily lit Sir Frank’s Bar, is vast and includes inventive cocktails and non-alcoholic versions, plus speciality sake and plenty of Japanese whisky. Service is attentive, friendly and relaxed. Breakfast is also served in the Fuji Grill restaurant, meaning it’s an ambient affair. Dishes include granola with Beaverbrook estate honey, homemade yogurt and peach compote, truffled eggs, full English and spinach scramble. Where to eat and drink nearby Sloane Square is at the heart of central-west London action and is close to Belgravia, Chelsea and Kensington. You’ll find plenty of pubs with great food, including Ganymede, The Pig’s Ear and The Orange, plus special occasion restaurants like Cornus. Rooms start from £580 per night inclusive of breakfast and taxes for two guests in a Deluxe Room. Check availability at Beaverbook Townhouse or booking.com The Hoxton, Southwark – for a buzzy bar and Mediterranean vibe From £189, check availability at booking.com The Hoxton Southwark is a buzzy, 192-bedroom hotel that’s home to a low-key neighbourhood dining spot and a separate rooftop restaurant. Choose from five bedroom sizes with the smallest, Shoebox, offering a king-size bed and wall-to-wall windows, and the most spacious, Biggy, offering a super king-bed, a lounge area and a large bathroom. No matter what the size, you can expect mid-century furniture with vintage touches – pale-green panelled walls, red velvet headboards, dial-up telephones, cream Roberts radios and brass light switches to name a few. Those who want to wallow over a long soak will be disappointed (there are no baths) but spacious rainfall showers feel luxurious, with teal tiles and marble. Albie – the downstairs restaurant, bar and lounge – serves Italian and French-influenced plates, with on-trend terrazzo tables, wicker chairs and flickering tealights matching the Mediterranean design vibe. Take a seat at the marble bar, or sink into a velvet armchair, for a pre-dinner drink. The extensive cocktail menu features Hox classics, imaginatively named tipples with a twist, plus an impressive selection of no-alcohol brews, wines and spirits<. When it comes to food, the squidgy focaccia is a must-order, with a choice of French or Italian olive oil (we go for the former, and it’s got rich, grassy notes and a lusciously thick texture). Over half the menu is veggie; think goats cheese-stuffed courgette flower and burrata with slices of juicy white peach. Mains are on the lighter, so it’s worth opting for one of the heartier plates, such as creamy crab linguine, if you’re very hungry. Desserts steal the show; crème brûlée spiked with fragrant lavender and a tower of crisp, cocoa-dusted mille-feuille sandwiched with praline cream and hazelnuts – think posh Kinder Bueno. For more decadent dining, ride the lift up to Seabird, the hotel’s striking rooftop restaurant, to try something from London’s longest oyster list, or other fresh seafood dishes, against a backdrop of panoramic city views. In the morning, wake up to a light breakfast bag filled with fruit, a granola bar and a zesty juice shot (ginger, lemon, turmeric and apple on our visit), or head downstairs if you want something more substantial. Greenwich-based Paul Rhodes Bakery makes the hotel’s must-try pastries, from flaky pain au chocolat to almond swirls filled with lemony-marzipan, or order wedges of fluffy cinnamon-spiced brioche French toast. Where to eat and drink nearby The thoughtful in-room map and area guide gives guests a top 10 list of things to do south of the river. Among them a trip to the Bermondsey Beer Mile for craft breweries, Borough Market for top-notch food traders and The Blackfriar if you’re in search of a local boozer. Check out our guide to eating in London Bridge for more suggestions. From £189, check availability at booking.com Treehouse London – for a sustainable hotel with skyline views Doubles from £457, check availability at booking.com Treehouse London is a fun – and sustainable – central London hotel with skyline views and child-friendly touches. Treehouse Hotels was founded on the playfulness and sense of adventure that inspire children to want to build treehouses, so it's little surprise that bedrooms here come with handmade, child-friendly details (think sloth teddy bears on the beds and coloured anoraks hanging in wardrobes). Depending on your budget (and need for space) there will almost certainly be a bedroom that suits, from the Lookout Twin, with views of The Shard, to the Skyline King, which overlooks the London Eye. Each room comes with rain showers, digital newspapers and bedside USB outlets. Not to mention cosy window nooks where you can rest and read. Decor is pared-back, with grey walls, white linen and exposed lightbulbs for reading lights, while the hotel's sleek bathrooms bring a touch of nature to proceedings with pot plants and tree stems. There are three restaurants to choose between: Madera serving Mexican cuisine, Pizzeria Mozza (a UK outpost of the famous LA restaurant from Nancy Silverton) and The Nest for rooftop drinks. Madera (from the Los Angeles-based restaurant group) offers a modern, farm-to-table approach, with dishes (many of which are veggie or vegan) ranging from tequila tofu marinated in pesto to wild mushroom enchiladas and a street-food taco box with five house-made corn tortillas (beef or wild mushroom) served with salsa, lime, coriander and onion. Cocktails make the most of locally produced spirits (Chase gin) as well as more unusual flavours (activated charcoal agave and matcha agave) to create an intriguing drinks list. Return to Madera in the morning for a Mexican-inspired breakfast feast. Start with carne asda and eggs or go for something sweet with decadent Mexican fiesta waffles topped with ice cream, dulce de leche and chocolate. Where to eat and drink nearby Join the queue at Sabor for camarones fritos (tiny shrimp, deep-fried and served with a crispy, paprika-dusted fried egg), or tuck into top-notch carbonara, peppery cacio e pepe and homemade cannoli at Al Dente. Find more places to eat and drink near Oxford Street here. Doubles from £457, check availability at booking.com The Buxton, Shoreditch – for a Brick Lane boozer Doubles from £100, check availability at booking.com The Buxton is a former Brick Lane boozer turned polished pub-with-rooms, reimagined by the team behind Commercial Street’s The Culpeper. Bedrooms are on the small side, which is one reason for their affordable pricing. Clever design and attention to detail, however, ensures they don’t feel cramped. High ceilings and original features add space and character while whitewashed walls and smart navy accents lend a fresh and contemporary feel. The heart of the action occurs in the slickly refurbished Victorian pub, on the ground floor (there are bedrooms and a roof terrace above) which is now a reimagined bistro and wine bar. Tall, graceful arched windows introduce plenty of light, while a sweeping rosso levanto marble counter acts as a stylish focal point. Food has an emphasis on prime produce (including from The Culpeper Family Group’s own urban farm in Deptford) and seasonality, and will change weekly to use the best of what's available. Simple dishes combine British produce with French and Mediterranean influences, to build a carefully curated selection of small plates to share. Our spring visit included creamy shredded duck on toast, asparagus in a decadent brown butter sauce, and Denver steak with sticky, umami-rich glazed hen of the wood mushrooms. Don't miss the cheese croquettes to start: crisp on the inside and melting within. Head downstairs for breakfast after a night in the bar and you’ll find the space transformed, and surprisingly serene. Order the granola with house preserve or fill up with a hearty full English. Where to eat and drink nearby On bohemian Brick Lane, you’ll find no shortage of places to eat and drink; try the street’s many curry houses, 24-hour bagel shops (salt beef is a must) plus nearby restaurants such as Lahpet, Smokestak and Sichuan Folk. Good local bars include The Cocktail Trading Co. and Apples & Pears. Doubles from £100, check availability at booking.com The Pilgrm, Paddington – for a chic central stopover From £119 per night, check availability at booking.com A quirky, design-led, 73-bedroom hotel that’s brought a fine Victorian building in London’s Paddington back to life. Rooms are small so book the largest you can afford, and if you’re a light sleeper, ask for one away from the road. There are tiny (but very comfortable) bunk rooms, if you’re on a budget, or on a one-parent, one-child getaway. Decor is pared back and stylish, with slate-coloured walls contrasting with white sash windows and Egyptian linen-clad beds, and floors of reclaimed 200-year-old parquet giving a warm homely feel. Breakfast is the thing here, kicking off at 7am and continuing until 3pm in the vintage-chic first-floor lounge. There’s full-cooked Pilgrm (with house-baked beans) or a vegan version of smashed avocado, butternut squash hummus and a knock-out beetroot falafel. But the top seller is smashed avocado on toast with crumbled feta, which comes with the unexpected addition of a tomato and olive salsa. Where to eat and drink nearby Being in the heart of London, you’ve plenty of dinner choices nearby – from the cheap-and-cheerful Paramount Lebanese Kitchen, next door, to the Cleveland Arms around the corner, and Basque-styled Lurra and Donostia a short walk away. Read our guide to Paddington restaurants here From £119 per night, check availability at booking.com The Zetter Hotel, Clerkenwell – for panoramic city views From £256 per night, check availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com Victorian warehouse turned hip boutique hotel in Clerkenwell, The Zetter has 59 retro-styled rooms. Rooms have a sleek mid-century vibe, and an attention to detail that elevates the guest experience, from plush UK-made REN toiletries in the bathroom to a well-stocked honesty tray of food and drink, and a mini library of Penguin paperbacks. We suggest choosing one of the hotel’s seven rooftop bedrooms, each of which comes with a private terrace and panoramic views of the city. We stayed in one of the spacious and light-filled rooftop deluxe studios, which have funky geometric interiors, sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows and a freestanding rolltop bath on the terrace. Those into their drinks will also love the locally sourced minibar, which on our visit had bottles of East London Liquor Company rum, gin and vodka, Redchurch beer and JARR kombucha – all made in east London. Make yourself at home in the Lounge for cocktails and small plates – a cosy foodie bolthole to spend an evening. Where to eat and drink nearby It’s a 10-minute walk to Moro in Exmouth Market, for North African and Spanish-influenced tapas. From £256 per night, check availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com Four Seasons Park Lane, London – for a central London spa experience Doubles from £977, check availability at booking.com or expedia.co.uk Four Seasons Park Lane is a short walk from Hyde Park, the theatre district and a wealth of London attractions, but is situated on a serene street away from the hustle of the city. The hotel feels luxurious from the moment you’re ushered into the dramatic lobby, but the atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious. You’ll find sleek rooms with plush beds, decadent marbled bathrooms and plenty of added little luxuries from room sprays to a pillow menu, they take sleep very seriously here. Dining at the hotel’s Pavylon restaurant is an all-round immersive experience, request a counter seat and the theatre you’ll spectate will rival any of the West End shows. Headed up by multi Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, it took him less than a year to win a star for Pavyllon. Them menu focuses on French classics using the finest British ingredients, each dish is presented like a work of art but the balance of flavours is where the real power in his dishes is held. You can expect plates like monkfish tail seared with black pepper oil, succulent Lake District lamb cutlets and flambéed cherries with almond ice cream. Breakfast is served a la carte and includes British and French classics, the Parisian omelette with ham, Comté cheese sauce and parsley is perfection, you’ll find plenty of freshly squeezed juices, pastries and exceptionally good coffee on the menu too. Situated at the very top of the hotel (you’ll find dramatic city views from the changing rooms and gym), the sleek spa is home to a salt-wall sauna, eucalyptus steam room and huge vitality pool which is difficult to tear yourself away from. The treatment menu offers everything from personalised facials to immersive sound bath healing. Where to eat and drink nearby You're spoilt for choice with this location being a short walk from Oxford Street, Soho or Victoria in any direction. Visit Sketch for a memorable afternoon tea or enjoy quietly luxurious special occasion dining at Cornus in Eccleston Place. Doubles from £977, check availability at booking.com or expedia.co.uk The Coach, Clerkenwell – for a Sunday roast and sleepover Doubles from £120, check rates and availability at booking.com Chef-restaurateur Henry Harris has transformed this popular independent pub in Clerkenwell into a well-executed French restaurant-with-rooms. Hidden down a quiet street in the heart of Clerkenwell, The Coach has been refurbished with the addition of four small, boutique-style rooms. The lively pub is child-friendly and serves a variety of beers, lagers and wines from local breweries as well as a selection of cocktails. For our aperitif we opted for a strong, citrussy negroni followed by a full-bodied, fruity red Château Laussac Cuvée La Dame. Visit on a Sunday for the classic Sunday roast – succulent 48-day aged Hereford sirloin of beef with punchy horseradish came with crispy duck-fat potatoes, sweet baby carrots and plenty of crunchy greens. Finish with a super-light blood orange posset with delicate lemon shortbreads and a verrine made with sought-after Gariguette strawberries, silky smooth crème pâtissière and chantilly cream. Upstairs, plenty of light floods into the compact rooms through double sash windows, framed by funky grey and yellow blinds. Modern art features on whitewashed walls and boutique hotel luxuries add a welcoming touch (Roberts radio, chrome light shades and Bramley hand soap). The bathrooms evoke the design of an old-school coach, while little white tiles add a retro twenties stamp. The bright, art-filled breakfast room overlooks a small terrace alive with greenery. Choose from a small menu – try bowls full to the brim with crunchy coconut and pecan granola or indulge in the full Coach breakfast of thick-cut bacon, crispy fried eggs, buttery mogettes (beans) and sourdough from Bread Ahead bakery. Where to eat and drink nearby Exmouth Market is on your doorstep, where you’ll find an array of independent shops, bars and restaurants, including Pizza Pilgrims, Morito and Berber & Q. Doubles from £120, check rates and availability at booking.com Bingham Riverhouse - for riverside views and chic interiors Perched along the Thames, this boutique bolthole is a dream for food lovers seeking a tranquil retreat with a touch of history. Housed in a chic Georgian townhouse with a fascinating literary past, the hotel is home to a sun-dappled terrace overlooking the stunning gardens and River Thames – as well as luxurious drawing room with a roaring fire place, perfect for afternoon tea or an expertly mixed cocktail. Breakfast is served in a cozy library lined with rows of vintage Penguin paperbacks, and includes a generous buffet as well as a menu with all of the classics. Beyond the hotel’s indulgent offerings, its location provides easy access to some of London’s most scenic attractions. A short stroll brings you to the vast greenery of Richmond Park, where wild deer roam freely, while the riverside towpath is ideal for leisurely walks or a sunset jog. After a day exploring local markets and gastropubs, unwind in one of the 14 beautifully designed rooms, each named after a poem by Michael Field. Expect mid-century elegance with thoughtful touches like Hebridean wool throws and artisan crystals. Opt for a river-facing room to enjoy stunning Thames views, along with a statement Catchpole & Rye copper bathtub—perfect for a post-dinner soak. Where to eat and drink nearby You are just a short walk along the river away from Petersham Nurseries cafe and restaurant. Rooms from £190 per night, check availability at binghamriverhouse.com or <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100565798-11795693?sid=olivemagazine-226739&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fgb%2Fthe-bingham.en-us.html%3Faid%3D811995%26label%3Daffnetcj-11795693_pub-5306979_site-100565798_pname-Immediate%2520Media_clkid-olivemagazine-147252_cjevent-28ed6645bb9211ee812000d80a18b8f8%26sid%3D1445e016f12e209a9562b523f90d2e21%26dist%3D0%26keep_landing%3D1%26sb_price_type%3Dtotal%26type%3Dtotal%26utm_campaign%3Dgb%26utm_medium%3Dbannerindex%26utm_source%3Daffnetcj%26utm_term%3Dindex-11795693%26" target="_blank" rel="noopener sponsored">booking.com The Beaumont Hotel, Mayfair – for old school opulence Doubles from £648, check availability at thebeaumont.com or booking.com Old school opulence and faultless hospitality are the name of the game at The Beaumont. The polished walnut panelling, shiny marble floors and gilded edges set the scene as you walk into the Art Deco-style lobby. Suites are just as plush, with luxurious touches and 5-star attention to detail: Beaumont-stamped chocolate, sweets and snack jars all waited in our room, while sustainable toiletries were by heritage London perfumer D.R Harris. Rooms and suites are stylish, ultra-comfy and peaceful, cocooned from the busy Central London streets below. There’s even a room designed by artist Antony Gormley. The hotel’s Colony Grill is an elevated take on an NYC steakhouse, serving classics done with serious panache. Everything on the menu is that little bit extra: the tame-sounding shrimp cocktail arrives as grand whole prawns fanning from a stemmed bowl; the steak is salt-aged in-house and served with whipped bearnaise; you can build-your-own sundae using a fun tick sheet (we added a chestnut and rosemary ice cream to ours). Breakfast is served in The Colony Grill and is just as chic as dinner. We ate smoked salmon, scrambled egg and brioche with house-pressed pomegranate juice, but the made-to-order menu is huge and includes signature hashes, cold breakfasts, pancakes, French toast and eggs served every which way you can imagine. The Viennoiserie table included almond croissants, cinnamon rolls and pain au chocolat, all made in the Beaumont bakery. Service is impeccable. The peaceful basement spa at the Beaumont has a really fun USP – its range of hammam treatments. We experienced the Signature Hammam which involved an invigorating exfoliation using black olive savon noir scrub and an enriching rose & geranium clay. You can follow up with a massage treatment, or enjoy the facilities which include two steam rooms and one of London’s only cold water plunge pools. Where to eat and drink nearby If you can bring yourself to leave the Beaumont cocoon, the hustle and bustle of Mayfair and Oxford Street await. Tamarind Terrace offers all-weather Indian dining (don't miss the lamb chops with pistachio crust), or try Akira Back for playful riffs on Japanese cuisine. Doubles from £648, check availability at thebeaumont.com or booking.com The Boundary, Shoreditch – for a foodie weekend in Shoreditch Doubles from £173 per night, check availability at booking.com A trendy hotel, Boundary has 17 individually-designed bedrooms, a rooftop bar and an all-day bar and brasserie. Each bedroom is truly unique, taking inspiration from a particular designer or design movement. Take your pick from Mies van der Rohe, Charles & Ray Eames, Andrée Putman or Eileen Gray. Most share a restful, simple colour palette and a restrained but very carefully curated collection of furniture. The Sir David Tang Suite is an exception with its Chinese silk wallpaper and tassled green silk lampshades. Regardless of which room you stay in, a mid-afternoon delivery of freshly baked brownie is guaranteed. Dodge busy Shoreditch streets at the sky-high rooftop bar, where the view of London is uninterrupted and the cocktails are excellent. Try the Serendipity – a concoction of Monkey Shoulder whisky, Drambuie, mango purée, lime and chilli – and share plates of garlic tiger prawns and grilled lobster. Breakfast has a grown-up vibe but an on-trend menu, stretching to cold-pressed juices and ‘healthy’ cooked breakfasts. Baked goods are where it’s at, though, with a choice of cinnamon – or pistachio and white chocolate – swirls, croissants and Danish pastries. Where to eat and drink nearby BRAT, just a minutes’ walk away, is a Spanish-inspired spot that serves grilled sharing platters. Click here for more places to eat in Shoreditch. Doubles from £173 per night, check availability at booking.com Pan Pacific London, London – for an oasis of calm Doubles from £395 including spa access, check availability at panpacificlondon.com or booking.com Pan Pacific might be moments away from the bustling streets of Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market, but inside it’s an oasis of calm. The hotel’s ethos is to bring a slice of the Singapore experience to London, and you’ll find that influence in everything from the Kopi Tiam afternoon tea to the vibrant hotel bar Ginger Lily, where the attentive staff will mix you up a signature Singaporean classic or a contemporary creation, depending on your own unique tastes. Breakfast is served in Straits Kitchen and you'll find an opulent buffet with a choice of Asian and English classics, from freshly made omelette to beautifully fragrant Won Ton noodle soups. All rooms feature king size beds, expansive marble bathrooms and luxury bathroom products, but the views across the city are what make this hotel standout, you can admire the glittering lights and striking contrast of old and new architecture from the comfort of your very own bed, it might be hard to leave. A night at Pan Pacific includes full use of the wellbeing floor. Start your morning with a luxurious swim in the balmy and impressively large infinity pool, floor to ceiling windows offer you far-reaching views over Bishopsgate Plaza as you practice your front crawl. There are plenty of sun loungers to recline on in the light-flooded relaxation area and a mindfulness studio where you’ll find yoga classes, meditation, pilates and gong therapy. The bougie experience continues in the changing rooms with Diptyque products and a smart sauna and steam room for the ultimate heat experience. There are a range of treatments on offer from a rhythmical bamboo massage to a lymphatic drainage massage. Where to eat and drink nearby Walk to Spitalfields Market for your choice of street food, or book a table at Kolamba East for modern Sri Lankan sharing dishes – the prawn string hopper biryani is worth a visit alone. Doubles from £395 including spa access, check availability at panpacificlondon.com or booking.com Kettner’s Townhouse, Soho – for the Champagne lifestyle Check rates and availability at sohohouse.com or mrandmrssmith.com Playing on its 1920s heyday, this Georgian building (brought up-to-date by the Soho House Group) is home to an all-day French brasserie, Champagne bar and 33 glamorous hotel rooms. Rooms vary dramatically in size. Compact Tiny rooms are fitted with Tudor-style beds and slick en-suites, while Cosy rooms are a bit larger with pretty green velvet scalloped headboards. If you want to wallow in a freestanding bath tub and super king-size bed, book one of the Medium or Big rooms (they have double sinks and walk-in rainforest showers, too). All rooms, no matter what size, cater to every whim, making for a luxurious stay. An almost overwhelming array of Cowshed bath and shower products await in the rainforest showers (cleansing toner and lip balm, as well as the usual staples). The all-day menu served in the brasserie sticks to classic French comfort food (steak tartare, roast chicken and Toulouse sausage). Try perfectly pink fillet of Lake District beef with fluffy chips and a creamy pepper sauce; or head to the Champagne bar for its take on a French 75, The Romilly, made from exotic Star of Bombay gin, mango cordial and sparkling Ruinart. The Kettner’s Fizz – refreshing clementine and grapefruit juice laced with Grand Marnier and Runiart rosé – is also a good shout. For breakfast, opt for a glass of fizz and a decadent lobster royale with hollandaise and Exmoor caviar in the Champagne bar, or keep it classic in the brasserie: blueberry muffins, or citrusy pink grapefruit served with thick sheep’s milk yogurt and a sprinkling of bee pollen and micro mint. Soho House has zingy breakfast drinks sorted, with its own pre-bottled house press juices. Where to eat and drink nearby Head to Yasmin on Warwick Street for rooftop dining with Middle Eastern flavour. Inspired by a stint in Istanbul, the menu majors on superior dips, flatbreads and zingy salads and grills. Read more about where to eat in Soho here. Check rates and availability at sohohouse.com or mrandmrssmith.com The Hoxton, High Holborn – for a hip hangout Doubles from £179 per night, check availability at booking.com The Hoxton is a cool, open-house hotel with 174 bedrooms, designed by local illustrators. Choose between four sizes, starting with Shoebox (the clue’s in the name), then Snug, Cosy and, the largest of the four, Roomy. Compact shoebox rooms still have queen-size beds and walk-in showers, while roomy ones are home to king-size beds and squidgy leather armchairs. With the exception of Shoebox, all are dog-friendly. If you fancy wine or beer in your room, head to the front desk where you can buy bottles at supermarket prices. A light breakfast bag can be delivered to your door, but for something more substantial head to Rondo for ’nduja scrambled eggs, or a Full English, served with Tamworth sausage & bacon, Fenton eggs, black pudding & beans. There are cold-pressed green juices to wake you up, or a selection of 100% vegan coffees, including matcha and raw cacao lattes. Where to eat and drink nearby A pie at the Holborn Dining Room is a must, whether it be filled with chicken, girolle and tarragon, or mutton curry. Try the contemporary afternoon tea at Rosewood’s Mirror Room, too. Doubles from £179 per night, check availability at booking.com Ham Yard Hotel, Soho – for a hidden design gem From £606 per night, check availability at booking.com An urban village, Ham Yard Hotel is home to 91 individually designed bedrooms and suites, 24 apartments, 13 independent stores and a restaurant. Kit Kemp designed the quintessentially British interiors, so that means colourful, patterned textiles and original artwork. Superior rooms have queen-size beds and a separate sitting area with writing desk, while the two-bedroom terrace suite on the hotel’s top floor has a kitchen. All bedrooms have views of the leafy terrace or city skyline. With its super central Soho location, there’s no shortage of restaurant, bars and cafés to explore in the area. But the hotel itself has its own restaurant and serves a selection of afternoon teas, including a ‘healthy’ reduced sugar option. A roof garden is home to raised herb and vegetable beds, so expect to see purple sage and orange marigold featuring on the menu. Two bee hives also live on the roof, the honey from which is used in cocktails. At breakfast, Antipodean-style eats and smoothies feature alongside lighter bites, including coconut chia seed pots with mango. Porridge is prepared with your choice of milk, water or cream, and is topped with berries, banana, mango, sugar, seeds or maple syrup. Where to eat and drink nearby Pop across the road to KILN for regional Thai dishes. Try aged lamb skewers, delicately fragrant with cumin and Szechuan pepper; or clay-pot baked glass noodles with Tamworth pork belly and brown crabmeat. Here are more places to eat and drink in Soho. From £606 per night, check availability at booking.com The Culpeper, Spitalfields – for campfires on the roof Doubles from £160 per night, check availability at booking.com The Culpeper is an east London pub with five bedrooms, a restaurant and rooftop garden. The ground floor pub takes classics up a notch: deep-fried black pudding balls, crispy ox tongue with tarragon mayo, and chicken liver on toast. The wine list is completely natural, local beers feature strongly, and all the cocktails are based on herbs that grow on the roof. The rooftop has a changing residency each summer, but in the past Piculpeper has set up camp with fire pits serving grilled broccoli, ash-roast potatoes and slow-roast camembert. On the first floor, a restaurant offers three starters, three mains and three desserts that change weekly. It also makes use of what’s grown in and around The Culpeper, including nettles, sprouting kale, baby gem lettuce and swiss chard on its menu. On the second floor, five bedrooms are in keeping with the rest of the pub, so expect plastered walls, bare brickwork, original fireplaces and simple-yet-colourful textiles. Where to eat and drink nearby Som Saa is less than a minute away, so head there for sticky Burmese-style curry, whole deep-fried sea bass and palm sugar ice cream. Doubles from £160 per night, check availability at booking.com The Orange, Belgravia – for a cosy pub with rooms Rooms start at £260 a night, check availability at booking.com or cubitthouse.co.uk If you want to stay in the beating heart of London, you won’t get much more central than buzzy Belgravia, and this refurbished pub is a chic base. The 19th century local is part of the Cubitts House group, who have given this glorious period building a whole new charm. The uber-stylish interiors have flashes of orange throughout, and the contemporary Italian-inspired menu is curated by Ben Tish. The Orange has just four rooms, giving it an extra-personal feel. They are decked in natural materials and finished with botanical flourishes. Downstairs in the bar, guests can soak up the buzz and order dinner off The Orange’s seasonal, à la carte menu. You’ll find a list of delicious-sounding pizzas with inventive toppings, like red prawns, rose harissa & crispy garlic. There’s a strong list of hearty, seasonal salads, which included braised kale and fried aubergine. Starters included panisse with bottarga. There are large plates too, including rib-eye with roasted onions & comte and roast chicken with grapes and rosemary. Guests enjoy breakfast as part of their stay, and while we loved the house granola with new season rhubarb, where The Orange really plays an ace is with their breakfast wood-fired flatbreads. Choose from toppings like fennel sausage & roasted tomatoes, stracciatella, mushroom & truffle cheese sauce. We already rated The Orange, but we have extra respect for anywhere that serves pizza before 10am. Where to eat and drink nearby For more dinner options, try Wildflowers. A stylish restaurant and wine bar, Mediterranean-inspired dishes are cooked over coal in an open kitchen, cocktails are imaginative twists on classics (try a melon negroni or almost-dirty martini) and its understated design encourages you to relax and linger over your food. Rooms start at £260 a night, check availability at booking.com or cubitthouse.co.uk Vintry and Mercer, City of London – for luxury in the City From £284 per night, check availability at booking.com One of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Vintry and Mercer is a 92-bedroom luxury hotel with a roof terrace restaurant, speakeasy-style bar and an all-day kitchen serving Asian plates. Rooms comes with elaborate velvet headboards and dramatically tiled bathrooms. The 'standard' room is anything but, with a queen-size bed, walk-in shower and heated floor, while the deluxe comes with a king-size bed, turndown service and wet room. Every bedroom nods to its city location, be it through needle-and-thread wallpaper that references the mercers who used to import fine silks just a stone’s throw from where the hotel now stands, or antique-style maps that depict old trade routes. Foodies stay here both for the delightful roof terrace restaurant, which focuses on farm-to-plate food cooked over charcoal; and DND (Do Not Disturb), a fun bar that pairs barrel-aged cocktails with sliders. There’s also Vintry Izakaya, which serves tapas-style dishes including tempura shiitake and tomato miso steamed buns. Along with the usual spirits, there’s also a selection of sakes and Asian-influences cocktails. Try the Takhiriti, made with Don Q rum, lemongrass syrup, kaffir lime and Thai basil. Where to eat and drink nearby Wander up to Brigadiers for an Indian feast of BBQ butter chicken wings, sikandari kid goat shoulder and on-tap cocktails. Read our full review here. From £284 per night, check availability at booking.com Green Rooms, Wood Green – for great-value rooms From £82 per night, check availability at booking.com A no-frills affordable hotel, Green Rooms has stylishly simple bedrooms. There are 22 bedrooms (everything from three-quarter to king-size beds, some with shared bathrooms, others en-suite), two en-suite studio apartments and two dormitories (one sleeps 12, one sleeps 16 people) make for an eclectic mix of accommodation. It’s a back-to-basics vibe, but with added style. Mattresses are good quality, furnishings are sparse but pretty (a few rooms have chairs and textiles by fashion brand Folk, but most have simple white bed linen and vintage wooden furniture), and frills extend only to a few coat hangers, a travel kettle, a small range of London Tea Company teas and Climpson and Sons coffee. Where to eat and drink nearby In Turkish-influenced Wood Green, you don’t have to go more than 30 paces to find grilled halloumi and spinach omelettes. Try Antepliler for pides, spiced lentil koftes and pistachio kanafeh. From £82 per night, check availability at booking.com Great Northern Hotel, King’s Cross – for swanky fine dining From £215 per night, check availability at booking.com A luxury, boutique hotel just 25 metres from King’s Cross station, comfort and class is the focus at Great Northern Hotel, with each bedroom sporting sash windows and high ceilings. Couchette is the cosiest, with queen-size beds tucked into leather-clad banquettes, while the Edwardian bedrooms on the top floor have walnut wood panelling and vintage-style bathrooms. Victorian is the largest, with views of King’s Cross and a roll top bath. On the first floor, RAILS Restaurant and Little Bar offers a smart take on British and French classics. Where to eat and drink nearby There’s no shortage of options in Coal Drops Yard, including wine bars and funky sandwich joints. Try smoky rotisserie chicken and mezcal negronis at alfresco Mexican restaurant, Plaza Pastor. See our picks of the best restaurants in Kings Cross here. From £215 per night, check availability at booking.com The London Edition, West End – for striking interiors From £420 per night, check availability at booking.com A slick hotel in the heart of Fitzrovia with 173 bedrooms and a sophisticated restaurant, Berners Tavern. The in-house restaurant is under the direction of Michelin-starred chef, Jason Atherton. A striking dining room (ornate ceilings, plush leather booths and antique artwork in lavish gold frames) sets a grand tone, while the trendy-yet-accessible food is the kind you could eat every day: pork pie and aged beef tartare, BBQ pork chops, and mac ‘n’ cheese. Try a roast at the weekend, including beef wellington and Dingley Dell pork belly. There are two bars to choose from: The Lobby comes kitted out with a snooker table and tufted sofas, while The Punch Room is an intimate space inspired by 19th-century private clubs. The signature gin-infused EDITION house punch is a must. Stylish and simple rooms are inspired by luxury yachts with oak floors, walnut wooden panels and tufted armchairs. There are four bedroom sizes (guest, superior, deluxe and loft) as well as two suites, the loft and the penthouse. All bedrooms come with the same features (king-size beds, rainforest showers, iPod docking stations and custom made Le Labo bathroom products). Suites come with a large living area, while the penthouse has a dining area, pantry, walk-in wardrobe and three outdoor terraces with city views. At breakfast, hearty classics are the order of the day, be it a slow-cooked smoked ham hock croque monsieur with aged cheddar, or oak smoked Scottish salmon with scrambled eggs. If you’re after something lighter, dairy-free mango smoothies and ginger, turmeric and orange shots are also on offer. Where to eat and drink nearby Book a table at Rovi, Ottolenghi’s restaurant with vegetables, fermentation and fire at its heart. Read all the best restaurants in Fitzrovia here. From £420 per night, check availability at booking.com The Athenaeum, Mayfair – for a luxurious Mayfair stay From £366 per night, check availability at booking.com The Athenaeum is a luxury yet family-friendly Mayfair hotel with bedrooms, suites, apartments and townhouses. Spacious bedrooms include Hypnos mattresses, London-inspired artwork and your choice of pillow. Marble bathrooms come with heated towel rails and non-steam mirrors. Serviced apartments are ideal for those with children, with separate front doors leading onto a double bedroom (with extra bunk or sofa beds for little ones), living area and fully fitted kitchenette. If you want to stay in the main hotel, interconnecting bedrooms are also available. Choose between a continental buffet for breakfast (yogurt, fruit, charcuterie, cheese and baked goods) or opt for a full English, omelettes or smoked salmon. There’s a separate menu for children, including waffles with fruit compote or boiled eggs with toast soldiers. Where to eat and drink nearby Mayfair has plenty of excellent dining choices to offer: from contemporary steak and sushi at Nijū to pub classics at The Guinea Grill or elegant Italian at Angela Hartnett's Murano. For more dining in the area, check out our favourite places to eat in Mayfair here. From £366 per night, check availability at booking.com The Bull and The Hide, Bishopsgate – for cosy pub vibes From £155 per night, check availability at booking.com A pub with 10 boutique bedrooms in the heart of the city. Rooms are neat and simply decorated. Each is named after the pub’s colourful past, from the Oxford (the 17th Earl of Oxford lived on the site in the 16th century) to the Devonshire suite, which echoes the name of a grand house that stood on the site in 1625. If you want a room with a view, book the Hush Heath suite for its own private balcony. All come equipped with Miller Harris toiletries, goose down pillows and a 24-hour pantry, where you can help yourself to tea, coffee, cookies and sweets. The Bull pub downstairs (part of the Hush Heath Estate) serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, bar snacks and dinner. Classics include scotch eggs with curried mayo, half-pint shrimps and whitebait with tartare sauce. Flatbreads are also a focus, so try the pulled pork, BBQ sauce and jalapeño one. The sparkling wines come from the Hush Heath Estate in Kent, and the crisp sparkling apple is recommended. The Bull breakfast is a simple affair. Choose a full English, American pancakes with bacon, avocado on toast or granola. Where to eat and drink nearby If you're not eating in the pub, head to Duck & Waffle for views over the city or Spitalfields Market for plenty of street food options, from freshly pulled noodles to the gooiest cheese toasties. From £155 per night, check availability at booking.com Claridge’s, Mayfair – for classic elegance From £930 per night, check availability at booking.com The iconic Claridge's is a glamorous art deco Mayfair hotel with restaurants, bars and a reading room. Bedrooms and suites are either traditional or art deco, but both come with Bose speakers, fresh flowers and mini bars stocked with British produce. En-suite marble bathrooms include Cowshed products (made exclusively for Claridge’s), and the Claridge’s King room comes with floor-to-ceiling mirrors and views of the peaceful inner court. The Mayfair Suite has a separate sitting room with original fireplace, and the Brook Penthouse, a two-bedroom apartment with living room, dining area, private bar and a terrace with views of the Houses of Parliament, is luxury at its finest. For foodies, the Foyer and Reading Room serve an all-day dining menu, from roast rack of Kent lamb to its signature lobster wellington. Afternoon tea has been a ritual here for almost 150 years, and this luxurious redoubt for the rich and royal (no flip-flops, no intrusive photography) has turned it into an art form. Eat English cucumber and dill cream sandwiches, fluffy raisin scones with Cornish clotted cream, and caramelised hazelnut Paris-Brest. Breakfast is a lavish affair. There’s English, European, Japanese, vegan and Middle Eastern options, to name a few. Try pork gyoza, prawn dim sum, chicken congee, Chinese pickles and century duck egg for a Chinese feast, or keep it healthy with chia seed pudding and carrot juice. The Claridge’s bakery makes daily Danish pastries, croissants, muffins and brioche, and pancakes are served with berries and Valrhona chocolate. Where to eat and drink nearby Wander down Regent Street for a Spanish feast at Sabor. Eat crisp, golden prawn croquettes and mussels ‘a la Bilbaina’. Read more about Sabor here From £930 per night, check availability at booking.com The Ritz, Piccadilly – for old-school luxury Doubles from £900 per night, check availability at booking.com The Ritz offers old-school luxury in the heart of Piccadilly, with a restaurant to match. Opulent yet traditional, there’s a twee feel to the bedrooms with plenty of floral patterns and pastel furnishings. Living areas come with antique furniture, and en-suite bathrooms are adorned with marble. Deluxe suites come with up to five bedrooms and spacious sitting rooms, but, if it’s views you’re after, book the Green Park Suite, which looks out over its namesake. Afternoon tea is the main draw, taken in the elegant Palm Court. Indulge in Scottish smoked salmon on springy sourdough bread, warm scones and delicate blackcurrant macarons. Choose from an 18-strong tea menu that has been curated and exclusively blended by The Ritz’s tea sommelier, Giandomenico Scanu. The Michelin-starred restaurant cooks seasonal British produce. Try Dover sole with new season leeks, cauliflower and caviar, or native lobster with heritage carrot and lemon verbena. Don’t leave without trying the crêpes suzette, prepared, cooked and served at your table with real flair. For breakfast, whether you fancy sirloin steak with fried eggs or an omelette with caviar, The Ritz has you covered. A continental breakfast keeps things light with fruit, homemade yogurt, cheese, ham and cereal, while three punchy juices are sure to wake you up. Our favourite is the Ruby Ritz: carrot, beetroot, fennel, ginger and lime. Where to eat and drink nearby World-famous for its seafood and shellfish, Bentley’s is the place to go for oysters. Click here for more places to eat in Mayfair. Doubles from £900 per night, check availability at booking.com Shangri-La At The Shard, London Bridge – for striking views Doubles from £553, check availability at booking.com Shangri-La At The Shard is a central London hotel with 202 bedrooms, striking views and an infinity sky pool. The hotel includes a restaurant, afternoon tea lounge and two bars. On level 35, TING serves a modern British menu with Asian influences, making the most of produce from neighbouring Borough Market. The five-course tasting menu offers the likes of duck liver ballotine with forced rhubarb and green tea, and Eton mess with cardamom. Climb 12 levels higher for GONG bar (the highest hotel bar in Europe) and its quirky cocktails. The cognac and sherry-based Over the Rainbow comes in a decorative hot air balloon, while the Scan Me whisky sour is delivered in a sleek black glass. Every bedroom and suite comes with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame London’s skyline; the iconic City View room, for example, looks out over Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. A pillow menu is available, along with binoculars (to get a closer look at the landmarks), feather duvets, L'Occitane bath products and a Chinese tea set. The suites offer a separate living and working space, with views spanning across Surrey and Sussex, and the Shangri-La suite is the grandest of them all – dressing room, kitchenette, cocktail-making services, an iPad and local area guide included. At breakfast, choose between an English, Middle Eastern or Asian breakfast, the latter of which comes with congee, dim sum and wok fried noodles. Or try something from the wellness menu: bircher muesli and green smoothies packed with kiwi, spinach, ginger, mint and apple juice. Where to eat and drink nearby Pop to the market for plates of pici cacio e pepe and beef shin ragu at Padella. Click here for our London Bridge restaurant guide. Doubles from £553, check availability at booking.com Sea Containers London, Southbank – for a room above the best bar in the world Check rates and availability at booking.com Sea Containers is a modern hotel on the river with bedrooms designed by Tom Dixon and a cocktail bar from master mixologist, Mr Lyan. Choose between bedrooms, suites and apartments. Tones of grey and pops of pink are the signature colours, with chrome furnishings lending a sleek feel. Queen-size beds come as standard in the boutique rooms, and marble bathrooms are stocked with natural Malin + Goetz products. Wall-to-wall windows in the Riverview Deluxe room offer views of the city, while the Riverview Suite includes a separate living area and extra bathroom. The world’s number one bar, Dandelyan used to have its home at Sea Containers, but Mr Lyan closed that down and re-opened it as Lyaness. The sweeping green marble bar occupies the ground floor of the hotel, with soft-grey sofas and electric-blue banquettes. Try the tiki-inspired Double Painkiller, with bright tropical notes and a subtle smokiness. An all-day restaurant serves plates designed to share, from whole seabass with lemon to shaved mushrooms with manchego and brown butter. If you’re there over the weekend, try the eggy sammy from the brunch menu for breakfast – a brioche bun stacked with fried egg, crispy bacon, jack cheese and avocado – or go for a spicy chorizo flatbread with olives and wild rocket. In the week, expect a full English, fruit and yogurt, or avocado on toast. Where to eat and drink nearby Skylon is an 11-minute walk away on the first floor of the Royal Festival Hall. It’s all about seasonal modern British food and great views of the Thames. Check rates and availability at booking.com The Standard, King's Cross Doubles from £199, check availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com There’s nothing standard about The Standard. Minutes from St Pancras International, London’s rail-based gateway to Europe, the cool kids behind America’s Standard Hotel group opened their first UK outpost, converting a 1970s concrete block into a hip eating and drinking destination, with more than 200 groovy retro-kitsch bedrooms on site. It may be the priciest room (with the exception of the suites), but book a King’s Terrace room and you’ll be rewarded with a large terrace complete with an outdoor bath that overlooks the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel and its terracotta-coloured clock tower. There are no ‘standard’ rooms at The Standard – the most basic options still boast bathrobes, bespoke Davines toiletries and Bang & Olufsen speakers. The building’s geometric shape adds character to outer-ring rooms (internal Cosy Cores don’t have windows, but they do have shower rooms strung with ferns), with squishy sofas in retro colours tucked beneath aquarium-like curved windows. Wallace Sewell, TFL’s fabric designers, have created the bedspreads and carpets, with the nostalgic red, purple and blue palette reminding guests how in-the-thick-of-it they are. Retro-chic design continues in the bathrooms, where pale pink and black tiles cover monsoon shower walls, and mint green taps add a pop of colour. Foodies are well catered for with a selection of options. On the ground floor, Isla’s vibrant space, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto a plant-filled terrace, is home to light British plates with a generous plant-based section. There's also Sweeties cocktail bar, Decimo for Mexican-Spanish cuisine with dramatic skyline views, or the Double Standard Bar serving American-inspired brunch or burgers and hot dogs in the evening. Make the most of humongous beds and order breakfast delivered to your room. Avocado on toast pepped-up with chimichurri, perhaps, or a batch of brown butter madeleines with Square Mile coffee. Where to eat and drink nearby The Standard is a one-minute walk (if that) from St Pancras International, so it’s well-placed if you want to kick off a trip to Amsterdam, Paris or the south of France in style. Doubles from £199, check availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com More hotel guides Best country house hotels in the UK Best health and wellness retreats Best UK boutique hotels Best hotels in the Cotswolds Best Cornwall hotels Best hotels in the Lake District Best London hotel bars to visit Best romantic hotels in the UK European hidden gems: hotels off the beaten track Best Paris hotels Best Spanish hotels Best Italian hotels Best restaurants with rooms in the UK Best Amsterdam hotels
The best picnic accessories guide: blankets, picnicware and more
Whether you’re feasting on frittatas in the park or snacking on sarnies in your garden, having the right picnic kit is essential. Check out our round-up of must-have picnic accessories, from stylish hampers to reusable plates
Want to know where to buy an outdoor picnic blanket? Looking for the best picnic plates? Read on for our guide to al fresco dining accessories to perfect your picnic style this summer. We've got you covered whether you're venturing far afield or just planning to eat in the garden, from lightweight plates and colourful cutlery sets to the perfect picnic basket to carry your lunch in. Plus, we've thought of little extras for a luxury picnic experience, such as ice stones to keep drinks cool or sustainable beeswax wrap to package up sarnies. Once you’ve got your essentials sorted, check out our best picnic recipes for all the outdoor eating ideas you need. Don’t forget drinks! Read our guide to the best canned cocktails to try and add a few to your next hamper. Best picnic accessories at a glance Best picnic glasses: M&S set of four summer resort picnic tumblers, £10.50 Best cool bag: Hydro Flask Carry Out Soft Cooler, £74.41 Best cutlery set: ProCook Camden 16-piece cutlery set, £29 Best serving platter: M&S summer resort shell picnic platter, £7 Best picnic plates: Lakeland melamine flower shaped plate, £2.49 Best picnic blanket: Jonny's Sister personalised circular pink picnic blanket, £38 Best picnic basket: Wayfair lidded picnic basket with check lining, £55.99 Best flask: Partner in Wine insulated wine bottle, £25 Best picnic accessories to buy 2024 M&S set of four summer resort picnic tumblers Available from M&S (£10.50) Best picnic glasses Whether it's for your water or to share a pitcher of cocktails, glasses are crucial for your picnic. Glass can be heavy to carry around, plus dangerous if it breaks or cracks, while disposable cups mean a lot of waste. These tumblers from M&S are reusable plastic and feature a seaweed design which is great for picnics on the beach. Available from: M&S (£10.50) Hydro Flask Carry Out Soft Cooler Available from Amazon (£74.41) Best cool bag This stylish and lightweight cool bag is the perfect way to keep your picnic food cold on a warm day. The height means you can store small water bottles upright rather than having to lay them flat which helps to avoid spillages. It has 24 hour cooling so all you need is a couple of ice packs to make sure your food and drinks stay cold for your whole picnic. Available from: Amazon (£74.41) ProCook Camden 16-piece cutlery set Available from ProCook (£29) Best cutlery set This cutlery set has a retro look which would be the perfect addition to your picnic. The colourful handles are available in green, cream, grey or ivory and are durable enough to withstand any travelling to and from your picnic location. Plus it's dishwasher safe which saves on cleaning up once you get back home. Available from: ProCook (£29) M&S summer resort shell picnic platter Available from M&S (£7) Best serving platter A serving platter is a brilliant addition to your picnic essentials, whether it's to showcase a homemade dish or to arrange a selection of store-bought treats. This platter from M&S is made from melamine which is durable yet lightweight so can be carried around easily. It features a summery shell design with a colourful blue pattern. Available from: M&S (£7) Lakeland melamine flower shaped plate Available from Lakeland (£2.49) Best picnic plates Reusable picnic plates are far better than paper when it comes to reducing the waste from your picnics as you can take them home with you, clean them and use them over again. We really like these yellow floral plates from Lakeland which are bright and eye-catching and would fit in with lots of hosting themes for the summertime. Available from: Lakeland (£2.49) Jonny's Sister personalised circular pink picnic blanket Available from Not on the High Street (£38) Best picnic blanket Add a pop of colour to your picnic with this unique round blanket. Combining wide pink and white stripes with a touch of boho chic in the fringed edging, this soft cotton blanket is large enough to accommodate a crowd. It can also be personalised to make a great summer gift – think wedding presents and housewarmings. Also available in blue. Available from: Not on the High Street (£38) Wayfair lidded picnic basket with check lining Available from Wayfair (£55.99) Best picnic basket Add a more retro feel to your picnic with a classic wicker basket. Decorated with a pretty red gingham trim, this basket is perfect for a simple afternoon in the countryside when you have a slightly smaller load to carry or you’re not straying far from the car. Available from: Wayfair (£55.99) Partner in Wine insulated wine bottle Available from Laithwaites (£25) Best flask Planning a leisurely lunch in the sunshine? Don't worry about lukewarm wine – Partner in Wine, founded in 2020, is here to ensure it stays perfectly chilled all afternoon. The insulated bottle holds an entire 750ml bottle of wine and is more practical than frozen wine chillers or melting ice packs – it'll also keep contents cool for up to 24 hours. If you don't need a whole bottle, go for the roomy double-walled tumbler with clever leakproof opening. Available from: Laithwaites (£25) Related reviews Best pizza ovens Best gas BBQs Best charcoal BBQs Gozney vs Ooni Best ice cream makers Best waterproof picnic blankets Best foodie books for summer Best summer beers to try Best ginger beer taste test Easy picnic dessert recipes
Whether you want some investment china or a versatile stand for everyday use, we’ve found 11 of the best cake stands to jazz up your afternoon teas
Show off your baking with a chic cake stand. Whether you're looking for the best tiered cake stands to make a statement, or want to buy a cake stand with a dome, we've rounded up the best single-, double- and three-tiered cake stands to buy. Looking for some cake and patisserie recipes to fill up your stands? Here is our list of 48 cake recipes, featuring the classic Victoria cake stand, this lemon cake and a stunning but simple prosecco cake. For more dainty bakes that you would like to display, you can browse our best choux pastry recipes and mille feuille recipes, or if you want to challenge yourself, find out how to make the French classic, macarons. Read on for the best crockery for serving your afternoon tea and the perfect cake ideas for each. For more inspiration, read our guide to the best stand mixers and cookie cutters. If you're short of time for something impressive to display, check out our review of the best online cake delivery services, including Cutter & Squidge and Lola's Cupcakes. Best cake stands at a glance Best cute cake stand: Vaisselle Baby Cakes Lilac cake stand, £90 Best arty cake stand: Wini Spatter ceramic cake stand, £39.50 Best scallop-edged cake stand: Ricky cake stand, £38 Best whimsical cake stand: Cabbage cake stand, £59 Best cake stand for afternoon tea: Fortnum's St James Two Tier cake stand, £155 Best unique cake stand: Anna Gong folding stainless steel cake stand, £210 Best contemporary cake stand: Van Gogh bamboo slat cake stand, £35.99 Best three-tiered cake stand: Sara Miller Chelsea collection cake stand, £60 Best cake stands to buy in 2024 Vaisselle baby cakes lilac cake stand Available from Fenwick (£90) Best cute cake stand This unique, hand-painted cake stand has a fun look that would be perfect for whole cakes and showstopping desserts. The size is ideal for 4-inch or 6-inch cakes and the ruffle edge adds an extra decorative element. Plus, the colour is very on-trend. Available from: Fenwick (£90) Wini splatter ceramic cake stand Available from Oliver Bonas (£39.50) Best arty cake stand We really like this cake stand from Oliver Bonas. It has a modern design with a flat plate sitting on a single pillar, but interest is added to the silhouette by the paint splatter design which is done by hand in Portugal, making every cake stand unique. Available from: Oliver Bonas (£39.50) Ricky cake stand Available from Anthropologie (£38) Best scallop-edged cake stand We're seeing scallop edges everywhere in interiors from tablecloths to plates, so this cake stand is bang on trend. Ideal for a large cake or dessert, this stand is hand painted in contrasting mint and navy blue. Available from: Anthropologie (£38) Cabbage cake stand Available from John Lewis (£59) Best whimsical cake stand Buy this intricate earthenware cake stand if you want to add some fun to your afternoon tea, then slowly build up the full collection (there are bowls, plates and trays, too). The flat edge makes it easy to remove slices of showstopper bakes – try a generous bundt or towering layer cake. Available from: John Lewis (£59) Fortnum's St James two tier cake stand Available from Fortnum & Mason (£155) Best cake stand for afternoon tea Fortnum & Mason is world-famous for its afternoon tea, and if you're looking to recreate it in your own home, this cake stand is perfect. The classic, elegant two-tiered design would work brilliantly for multiple treats like cakes, scones or finger sandwiches. The stand is made from fine bone china and finished with Fortnum's signature eau de Nil for a timeless effect. Available from: Fortnum & Mason (£155) Anna Gong folding stainless steel cake stand Available from John Lewis (£210) Best unique cake stand This folding luxury option is a totally unique double-tiered cake stand with a modern stainless-steel design by Alessi, perfect if you're not a fan of the vintage or old-fashioned look. The folding design also makes it easy to store when not in use. As well as a modern afternoon tea, we think this would work particularly well for small treats to go with tea and coffee after dinner – think homemade toffees or chocolate truffles. Available from: John Lewis (£210) Van Gogh bamboo slat cake stand Available from Amazon (£35.99) Best contemporary cake stand A great alternative cake stand for a contemporary afternoon tea. Serve savoury snacks on one layer and sweets (try homemade macarons) on the other. With a handy foldable frame, it’s a bargain buy for those who are short on space. Available from: Amazon (£35.99) Sara Miller Chelsea collection cake stand Available from John Lewis (£60) Best three-tiered cake stand Go bold with this unique bird print, three-tiered cake stand with touches of 22-carat gold. A full afternoon tea set is available in the pretty pattern, including matching cake plates, a teapot and cups. Continue the quirky theme by loading up with alternative afternoon tea treats – try indulgent doughnuts, striking cookies or airy meringues served with whipped cream. Available from: John Lewis (£60) More reviews Best springform cake tins Best loaf tins Best bundt tins Best stand mixers Best baking gifts Best baking turntable Best measuring spoons Best kitchen scales Best dough scrapers Best ice cream makers The best mixing bowls Best cookie cutters Best spatulas
Your must-buy kitchen accessories for the summer
Give your kitchen a summer makeover with these accessories that will bring the sunshine into your home
A new set of table linen or even a plant pot can add a bright and fresh touch for the warmer season. So, whether you're throwing a barbecue or entertaining guests this summer, read our guide for the best accessories to kit your kitchen out with… And if you haven't quite sorted out your summer menu, check out our best summer recipes. If you're after something a bit lighter, take a look at our summer salad recipes and healthy summer recipes. For more kitchenware inspo, read our 10 expert tips for designing your kitchen. We've also chosen the best summer cookbooks to buy for fresh recipe inspiration. As the seasons change, look ahead with our best autumn home decor ideas for a kitchen makeover. Take a look inside beautiful kitchens for some interiors inspiration – see inside chef Jason Atherton's kitchen or food writer Ed Smith's bold orange design. Best summer kitchen accessories La Redoute Olympe Sunny cotton napkins Available from La Redoute (£14/set of 2) The prettiest addition to a summer tablescape, these cheery cotton napkins will bring the sunshine, whatever the weather. Daylesford Organic Wildflower Collection Available from Daylesford Organic (from £5) We've fallen head over heels for the new Wildflower Collection from Daylesford Organic. Made by artisans in India and with English meadow-inspired illustrations by Hugo Guinness, the collection comes in shades of blue and white and is comprised of everything from tablecloths and napkins to platters, bowls, serving mats and glassware. KS Creative Pottery Available from KS creative pottery (from £12), Whistles (from £30) This Sicilian-inspired tableware by potter Kate Sellers is meticulously designed, and hand-finished in her Staffordshire studio. With designs that feature pastel candy stripes and playful faces, it’s sure to add a touch of Italian sunshine and humour to any summer tablescape. Summerill & Bishop Herb Garden linen Available from Summerhill & Bishop (£295) copy" alt="Herb Garden Linen Tablecloth from £295_Summerill & Bishop_1[1] copy" classes=""] copy" alt="Herb Garden Linen Tablecloth from £295_Summerill & Bishop_1[1] copy" classes=""] copy" alt="Herb Garden Linen Tablecloth from £295_Summerill & Bishop_1[1] copy" classes=""] copy" alt="Herb Garden Linen Tablecloth from £295_Summerill & Bishop_1[1] copy" classes=""] copy" alt="Herb Garden Linen Tablecloth from £295_Summerill & Bishop_1[1] copy" classes=""] copy" alt="Herb Garden Linen Tablecloth from £295_Summerill & Bishop_1[1] copy" classes=""] copy" alt="Herb Garden Linen Tablecloth from £295_Summerill & Bishop_1[1] copy" classes=""] Bring the essence of an aromatic herb garden to the table with this botanical tablecloth and napkins in 100% French linen by Summerill & Bishop. It’s a visual feast of herbs including chives, rosemary, thyme, parsley, verbena, mint and lavender which creates a striking backdrop to any outdoor picnic. M&S Ikat picnic side plates Available from M&S (£10.50) Brighten up your picnic kit with these colourful melamine plates from M&S, great for dining al fresco without having to worry about anything getting broken. Sous Chef abstract enamel colander Available from Sous Chef (£49.99) Jazz up your kitchen with this cheerful colander that will add an instant splash of colour. Draining pasta never looked so stylish. Anthropologie floral vase Available from Anthropologie (£18) Display your summer blooms in this elegant, hand-painted vase – we love the pretty pink and orange tones. Wade Ceramics Gluggle jug Available from Amazon(£44.50), Graham and Green (£45) Impress your guests and liven up your dinner party with this quirky ceramic jug that gurgles as you pour. It's available in a range of colours, from sunshine yellow to pastel pink. Oliver Bonas shell salt and pepper shakers Available from Oliver Bonas (£19.50) Channel the memories of a seaside summer holiday with this quirky salt and pepper shaker set. They'll make a great talking point at the dinner table when entertaining. Bordallo Pinheiro strawberry serving dish Available from John Lewis & Partners (£29) Make a seasonal statement with this bold strawberry platter. Pile it high with berries or use it to serve up nibbles with pre-dinner drinks. Lékué ice cube tray Available from Lakeland (£19.99) A practical purchase that will keep you stocked with ice all summer long, this is our pick if you need a new ice cube tray. The clever system makes 33 honeycomb-shaped ice cubes at once, which can then be tipped into the storage box below while you freeze another batch in the lid. Say goodbye to warm drinks! Sous Chef octopus terracotta bottle Available from Sous Chef (£43) This funky terracotta bottle – filled with fruity oil made with olives from Italy’s Apulia region – will make a great focal point for the dining table or add a pop of colour to your kitchen shelves. Le Creuset Signature cast iron shallow casserole Available from Amazon (£213.75), Le Creuset (£249) Rustle up midweek risottos in this shallow casserole dish in a smouldering volcanic shade of orange. It’s pretty enough to take straight from the oven or hob to the table. For more ideas, visit our Le Creuset deals round-up. More home and interiors guides Kitchen Haven: Michelin-starred chef Aktar Islam 10 expert tips for designing your kitchen Kitchen Haven: Kate Watson-Smyth 15 foodies share their best hack for easy entertaining Gurdeep Loyal's best homeware brands to discover Your must-buy kitchen accessories for the summer Best cutlery sets Best cookware brands for pan sets, casserole dishes and more 20 best marble kitchen accessories 11 best spice rack ideas Best Ninja air fryers to buy Gozney vs Ooni: which pizza oven to buy Best BBQ gifts Best cocktail accessories The best picnic guide accessories Best foodie books for the summer Best summer beers to try
Whether you want a delicate Japanese-inspired pot, or like to keep things classic with floral stoneware, we’ve found 10 of the best teapots in which to brew your morning cuppa
Looking for the best glass teapot? Want to buy a teapot with an infuser? Read on for the best teapots in which to brew your morning brew, whether you want something bold and colourful or traditional and classic. In need of more tea inspiration? Check out our round-up of the best gifts for tea lovers, the best herbal teas or treat yourself to an afternoon tea delivery for the full experience at home. Browse our best tea Advent calendars for a festive treat for tea-lovers. We've also got plenty of tea recipes to try, from the perfect refreshing iced tea to a decadent toasted tea and marmalade bread and butter pudding. Best teapot to buy at a glance Best classic teapot: Royal Copenhagen blomst Tree Peony porcelain teapot, £190 Best glass teapot: Hay brew contrast- handle glass tea pot, £65 Best bone china teapot: Feldspar dimpled-texture bone china teapot, £150 Best budget teapot: John Lewis Anyday Teapot, £10 Best personalised teapot: Emma Bridgewater hearts teapot, from £71 Best stoneware teapot: Le Creuset stoneware teapot, £58 Best modern teapot and cups set: ZENS Japanese tea pot set, £55.99 Best enamel teapot: Falcon enamel teapot, £18.87 Best teapot for loose leaf teas: Pimlico glass teapot, £30 Best colourful teapot: Forlife stump teapot, £31.41 Best teapots to buy 2024 Royal Copenhagen blomst Tree Peony porcelain teapot Available from Selfridges (£190) Best classic teapot Adorned with a hand painted Tree Peony, this teapot is designed to mimic the shape of an elegant basket. The teapot has a 1 litre capacity and an in-built metal strainer so it can be used with loose leaf tea. The fixed bail handle makes it comfortable to hold and is graceful and discreet. Available from: Selfridges (£190) Hay brew contrast- handle glass tea pot Available from Selfridges (£65) Best glass teapot This is not your grandma's teapot. From popular Copenhagen-based homeware brand Hay, this teapot is stripped back yet elegant. The combination of a modern shape and cheerful colour combination has a youthful effect. Available from: Selfridges (£65) Feldspar dimpled-texture bone china teapot Available from Selfridges (£150), Fortnum & Mason (£220) Best bone china teapot This bone china teapot is handmade in the UK and has a capacity of 500ml which is enough for two people. The white teapot has blue detailing on the handle, lid and spout and the teapot cuts an elegant shape with an elongated spout. Available from: Selfridges (£150) Fortnum & Mason (£220) John Lewis Anyday fine china teapot Latest Deals Best budget teapot If you prefer not to splash a lot of cash on a teapot, you can’t go wrong with this simple John Lewis offering. For just £10, this classic china teapot has a generous 1.1 litre capacity and is dishwasher safe. An easy, bargain option you don’t have to worry about breaking. Latest Prices Emma Bridgewater personalised pink hearts teapot Available from Emma Bridgewater (from £71) Best personalised teapot If you’re giving a teapot as a gift, add a special touch with a personalised phrase painted onto it. This pink heart design is sweet and romantic, but you can also choose vibrant blue stars, polka dots or smart green leaf prints to personalise. Available from: Emma Bridgewater (from £71) Le Creuset stoneware grand teapot Latest Deals Best stoneware teapot Made from stain-, chip- and crack-resistant stoneware, this durable cream teapot comes with a handy anti-drip spout and a large handle for easy pouring. For more ideas, visit our Le Creuset Black Friday deals round-up. Latest Deals ZENS ceramic infuser tea pot set Latest Prices Best modern teapot and cups set A sleek white frosted ceramic pot that’s smooth to the touch, with a curved wooden handle and handy removable strainer. The four delicate pebble-shaped cups on the side along with rattan coasters make it a perfect set to give as a gift. Falcon teapot Latest Prices Best enamel teapot This enamel teapot has a sweet retro feel to it. Take your pick of colours, from simple neutrals to bright red or samphire green. Despite looking diminutive, it has a generous 1 litre capacity. Latest Prices Pimlico Glass Teapot Available from Whittard (£30) Best teapot for loose leaf teas Expertly crafted, this petite Pimlico Teapot is made out of heat-resistant borosilicate glass and comes with a removable stainless-steel infuser and a spring filter, perfect for larger leaf teas. Available from: Whittard (£30) Forlife stump teapot Latest Deals Best colourful teapot With a stainless-steel filter, this vibrant cafeteria-style teapot is another great option if you love loose-leaf tea. It will make a statement on your kitchen counter and there's a huge range of cheery colours to choose from, from this zesty mandarin to bright red or lilac. Latest Deals Related reviews Best gifts for tea lovers Best afternoon tea delivery Best coffee gifts Best coffee mugs Best coffee subscriptions Best coffee gadgets and accessories Best coffee pod holders Best espresso cups Best cutlery sets Best greens powders to buy Best spice rack ideas
From squidgy cinnamon buns in Stockholm, to farm-to-table food in West Sweden, Scandinavia is a foodie hub for cool cafes and seasonal food
Looking for the best food holidays to take in Scandinavia? Check out our guide to the best Scandi and Nordic food trips, from a gander around Denmark’s capital city, Copenhagen, to wood-fired cooking in style in Stockholm, Sweden. Gothenburg, Sweden West Sweden's coastal city is a foodie hot spot, particularly in the spring and summer when the city's courtyards and terraces come to life. Try cinnamon buns and coffee at Da Matteo, flash-fried herring at quirky food truck Strommingsluckan and bags of plump prawns by the river outside the charming ‘fish church’ seafood market. Head out on the ferry to the archipelago for a taste of Styrsö’s car-free island life and cinnamon buns at charming Café Obergska before a brisk dip off one of the sandy beaches. Check out more local favourites in Gothenburg here Where to stay in Gothenburg: stay at über trendy Hotel Flora, a boutique hotel in the centre of Gothenburg combining an airy workspace, buzzy bar and rooms kitted out with huge beds, monsoon showers and Swedish teas and coffee stations. In summer, the shaded terrace on the hotel’s first floor is a pleasant, secluded spot to enjoy some quiet al fresco time (at night it’s lit by flickering lanterns). Come morning, the breakfast counter is laden with cold meat cuts, tubes of Kalles caviar to spread on thin wheels of Leksands crisp bread, and freshly baked croissants from Johnséns in the city’s Haga district. Doubles from £171, check availability at expedia.co.uk or booking.com. Aarhus, Denmark The 2017 capital of culture, Denmark’s second city, Aarhus, is the perfect spot for a cosy winter getaway. No trip to Scandinavia is complete without a pastry, so start the day at Langenæs Bageriet for a cinnamon horn and chocolate Danish. Wash that down with a coffee (roasted in house) from La Cabra, or join a class and learn how to brew at home. If you want to step away from the traditional Nordic cuisine, book a table at Nordisk Spisehus where you can expect dishes like blackberries with marzipan and honey. Read all about the best places to eat in Aarhus, here Where to stay in Aarhus: Hotel Oasia have simple Scandi design in light-filled rooms with gingham beds and wooden floors. The central location is close to the train station and shopping districts. Don't miss the breakfast buffet before a day of exploring. Doubles from £121, check availability at booking.com, expedia.co.uk or bestwestern.com Copenhagen, Denmark The Danish capital is packed with high-end restaurants, but we’ve found the coolest (and most affordable) places to eat and drink in this vibrant city. Meyers Bageri is a must visit for snegls – a take on a cinnamon bun, which is more buttery and topped with thick chocolate. For a weekday brunch, head to the aptly named Granola for a breakfast plate of golden pancakes, muesli, chopped fruit, yogurt, almond cake and whipped chocolate spread. And don’t leave before paying a visit to Lidkoeb – a stylish yet cosy cocktail bar with its own whisky den. Check out our guide to affordable restaurants in Copenhagen here. Where to stay in Copenhagen: for a primer on mid-century Danish design that’s almost as good as a trip to Copenhagen’s Design Museum, book a room at stylish Hotel Alexandra. The hotel owner has curated pieces built in Denmark in the 1950s and ‘60s, so the bedrooms’ wooden floorboards and large windows form the perfect backdrop to a collection of rattan headboards, graphic turquoise armchairs and wooden writing desks. The stylish lobby area doubles up as an all-day hangout, with an honesty bar, complimentary wine hour and a record player ready to play the hotel’s selection of vinyl. In the morning, head down to connected bistro Godtfolk and create your own breakfast wheels from the continental buffet laid out in the conservatory – dill gravalax, Danish sausages, holey cheeses and slices of seeded, malty rye. The hotel is perfectly situated for exploring all of Copenhagen’s foodie neighbourhoods in one weekend, with Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District 15 minutes’ walk West, Torvehallerne food market a brisk 10-minute walk through Ørsteds Park, and Tivoli and the train station less than 500m away. Doubles from £125, check availability at booking.com or expedia.co.uk Helsinki, Finland Head to Finland’s seaside capital for your fix of vegan and veggie-friendly cafes and restaurants. Begin your day with a trip to Andante – a flower and coffee shop. Expect matcha lattes and raw cakes (think blackcurrant and lingonberry cupcakes). If you’re there in the summer, visit design shop LOKAL for stylish Scandi homewear and a scoop of blackcurrant leaf ice cream. If you want classic Scandinavian dishes, visit Vinkkeli for fuss free seasonal dishes like white chocolate panna cotta with redcurrants. Read all about the best places to eat in Helsinki, here Where to stay in Helsinki: Art-Deco themed boutique Hotel Lilla Roberts makes a statement from the moment you enter the stylish lobby. Relax in the quiet courtyard or make the most of the free hotel bikes to epxlore the city. The hotel bar, Bar Lille E, is a destination in itself for those in the know on Helsinki’s hip cocktail route. The spot-lit wooden bar (which sits next to a crackling fire) makes a stylish backdrop to a menu of Nordic-inspired cocktails. Each cocktail comes with a little extra, be that a tiny cheese triangle and small cup of black coffee on the side, a little juniper salmon smorrebrod or a tiny bed of grass to enhance the freshly mown smell. Doubles from £130, check availability at booking.com or expedia.co.uk Trondheim, Norway The Norwegian city of Trondheim is renowned for its striking location in the central Nordic fjords, a buzzy cycling culture which boasts the world’s first bike lift, and its unique gastronomy. Michelin-starred Heidi Bjerkan is one of the city’s culinary pioneers. Her contemporary restaurant Credo transforms the very best of the region’s produce into dishes such as scallops, blackcurrant leaf oil, apricots and ginger, or brioche bread with fermented plum jam, sea urchin, finger lime and lardo. Meanwhile, stylish, nature-focussed wine bar Spontan Vinbar specialises in small plates, including monkfish with cloudberries, and local cheeses with rye bread and apple purée. But the cosiest spot in town has to be Sellanraa Bok & Bar, a café-bookshop that serves up local coffee roasts, fresh-baked cinnamon canelés and chocolate tortes with salted caramel. Where to stay in Trondheim: the Brittania Hotel is the definition of elegance. Every inch of the hotel has been designed to be luxurious, dripping in marble or gold. The beds have special mattress made for enhancing sleep, the breakfast buffet has endless pastries along with local produce like cured meats and cheeses, the bar serves cocktails made with foraged ingredients and the staff are incredibly welcoming. The hotel's own Michelin-starred restaurant makes an extra memorable holiday experience for dinner. Doubles from £249, check availability at booking.com, expedia.co.uk or lastminute.com Gotaleden walking trail, West Sweden Hop on the train from Gothenburg to Jonsered, a tiny riverside hamlet home to popular Poppels Bryggeri, where you can taste a range of Swedish beers matched with the likes of torched shrimp, ricotta and chanterelle ravioli, and Swedish roe scooped up with crisps. Round the corner is Brödfabriken, where you can chill out with classic cinnamon bun and coffee fika under a blanket by the river. From here, follow the Gotaleden walking trail, treading through forests blanketed with tiny flowers, winding along rivers and clambering over rocks around Lake Aspen. Reward yourself in Lerum at psychologist-turned-fromager Hans’s Garage Fromage. Hans takes great pride and joy in travelling to remote parts of Sweden to source speciality cheeses to sell in his converted garage shop. Try the likes of clotted cream-like Vallattinge, award-winning Hagbard hard cheese from nearby Halmstad and Mellanbocken, a five-year-aged goat’s cheese from the far north of Sweden. Where to stay in West Sweden: take a short train ride to spend the night at Nääs Fabriker, an old cotton factory built in 1890, now home to a stylish hotel with onsite restaurants, shops, bakery and brewery. Wrap up in your robe and pad to the al fresco lakeside spa to sink into the jacuzzi, dip in the lake and warm up in the sauna. Book a table in the plant-adorned conservatory room in the main restaurant for dishes such as grilled scallop with fried chorizo crumble, venison tenderloin with Swedish mushrooms and blackberries, and lingonberry and malt hop sorbet. Doubles from £93, check availability at expedia.co.uk or booking.com North Jutland, Denmark Say Denmark, think Copenhagen. But travel further north and you’ll be rewarded with pristine coastal views, beautiful architecture and cleverly cooked seafood. In Jutland, the most northerly part of Denmark, begin in the region’s biggest city, Aalborg, and then head north towards Skagen, Lønstrup and the Grenen sandbar, where the North Sea and Kattegat Sea collide in a tumult of frothy waves. Here, white beaches lie undisturbed, the sea is as clear as it is cold and the houses are clean, white and unfussy. Dress like the Danes, who never go anywhere without a big woolly scarf. A must-visit restaurant is Villa Vest in Lønstrup, 50 minutes north of Aalborg by car. Impossibly romantic, it looks as if it’s floating on the sea and makes the most of its happy situation with panoramic windows. Watch the sun set while enjoying beautiful plates of grilled oyster brioche, turbot with hollandaise and pine powder, and white chocolate mousse with sharp rhubarb sorbet – food worthy of a Michelin star, although the chefs here are only interested in making ‘ordinary people’ happy. Read the full review of our hygge trip to North Jutland Where to stay in Jutland: the accommodation in Jutland tends to be understated, but also genuinely characterful and even inspiring at times. Brøndums Hotel in Skagen, for example, might have shared bathrooms (private bathroom options are also available in the annex) and no TV to speak of, but the sumptuous 1840s building – adorned with oil canvases painted by those bohemian artists who flocked to Skagen in the 1920s – is breathtaking, and our room, though small, felt as if it was once lived in by a romantic poet. Plus we loved the Edwardian basins and radiators. Doubles from £119, check availability at booking.com Stockholm, Sweden Sweden’s capital is a must visit for cinnamon buns, rye bread and glasses of glögg. Start the day at Il Caffé for squishy cardamom buns and a cup of filter coffee. If you want lunch café-style, head to Katarina and order the reuben sandwich on rye bread. For Michelin-starred food, Ekstedt is a must visit. Wood-fired ovens create new Nordic dishes like birch-grilled pork and wood-fired almond cake. Read more about where to eat in Stockholm, here Where to stay in Stockholm: design-led Hotel Skeppsholmen is set in lush grounds by the water on Skeppsholmen island, connected to the city by a small bridge, making it a peaceful bolthole after a day of eating, drinking and site seeing. Peruse the breakfast buffet selection that includes likes of cured salmon, holey cheese and cinnamon buns from Dalarö Bageri out in the archipelago. Enjoy on the awning-covered terrace and look over delicate pink flowers in planters to the water, also an idyllic spot for lunch. Doubles from £256, check availability at booking.com, marriott.com or expedia.co.uk Stockholm archipelago Take the ferry from Stockholm harbour or hire a boat with friends to sail past granite islands home to quintessential Swedish red fishing huts and mansions. Begin at waterfront Finnhams Café on Ingmarso island with freshwater bass, dill flecked Skagen toast and hand-picked chanterelles. Hike the Båtuffarleden trail winding through forests, taking dips in the water and rowing a wooden boat between granite rock stations. Stable-turned-bakery, Ingmarso Bageri, emerges from the forest like a mirage for a well-deserved fika of heavenly cinnamon buns, chocolate espresso balls and apple cream-filled pastries beneath pretty parasols. Complete your visit with a Get out Kayak tour to discover nature only accessible by kayak, then warm up in the dinky sauna and hot tub while looking out over the archipelago. Where to stay on the archipelago: Stay overnight in the baker’s cottage at Ingmarso Bageri, or sail on to Harö Natur, where your bed for the night is a unique choice between a floating greenhouse, boujie boathouse or glass-fronted treehouse. In the summer months, two Italians take residence to man the pizza ovens, or you can opt for the evening tasting menu; a succession of contemporary Swedish dishes that might include roe with dill oil and horseradish cream, smoked char with celeriac and cucumber celery jus and woodfire oven lobster with jalapaño cream. Check rates and availability for Harö Natur at 59north18east.com/reservation Östersund, Sweden Situated in the middle of Sweden, Östersund is a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy and boasts one of the highest numbers of small-scale food artisans and organic farmers in the country. Innovative bistro Republiken Bar & Kök (republiken.net) serves everything from moose carpaccio to cellar-matured goat’s cheese from local farmers. Nästgårds Farm Restaurant (open in summer) and its sister BUA (nastgard.se) create menus with sustainability at their heart, with dishes such as halibut with coriander seeds, rose pepper, green tomato and fried sourdough. The menu at Hamngatan 12 (hamngatan12.se) fights against food waste by using surplus produce and with upcycled dishes including its potato and leek soup topped with crispy pork belly. But for something iconic to the region, Wedemarks Café (wedemarks.se) is where the smörgåstårta was invented, a savoury layered ‘sandwich cake’ of rye bread, shrimps, salmon and pickled vegetables. Tallinn, Estonia Estonia is the first Baltic country to get its own Michelin guide, and here you can enjoy excellent-value tasting menus in diverse locations, from Tallinn’s trendy UNESCO city centre to birch-lined beaches and lakeside houses. Tallinn'ss two star-receiving restaurants both lie on the water outside of the city centre. In a contemporary building with views over Tallin Bay and the Gulf of Finland, chefs at NOA Chef’s Hall use open fire to cook Norwegian scallops, Canadian lobster and locally foraged herbs in a contemporary seven-course tasting menu. In the harbour, 180° by Matthias Diether boasts a large, U-shaped open kitchen, where creative, modern tasting menus are prepared. For reasonably priced dining experiences, take a tour of the Bib Gourmand winners, including Tallinn’s buzzy all-day brasserie Härg, Mediterranean-style dishes at Mantel ja Korsten in a pretty clapboard house on the edge of Kadriorg park, and modern harbour-front bistro Lore Bistroo. Fjaerland Fjordstove, Norway Bedrooms are slightly on the spartan (and, in some cases, small) side at this friendly, family-run hotel in Norway but staying here is all about the fjord and the food. Owner Bård fishes for trout and mackerel straight from the balcony overlooking the spectacular Sognefjord and locally-caught halibut and monkfish (fished at depths of up to 500m) are regularly on the menu (and sometimes cooked over the large outdoor fire pit). Hardcore fish fans can enjoy mackerel in tomato sauce and sour herring for breakfast, as well as waffles and brunost “brown cheese”, a sort of caramelised cheese that’s beloved of Norwegians but an acquired taste for most of the rest of us. Deer, honey, vegetables and dairy are sourced locally and herbs come from the hotel’s own garden. Doubles from £198, check availability at booking.com Hrifunes Guesthouse, Iceland A cosy guesthouse in the remote southeastern corner of Iceland, Hrifunes’ isolated location means the wi-fi's a bit dodgy but who cares when the views (including the northern lights, if you’re lucky) and food are this good? The two-course dinners are jolly affairs, served at a long communal table with other guests from all over the world. There are no options – you get whatever the owner Hadda feels like cooking – but it’s always delicious and as wild, local and seasonal as possible. Hadda and her husband, Haukur, are both licensed hunters so you could be served wild goose or puffin, or sea trout from a local farm, Icelandic lamb from the neighbours or berries, mushrooms or herbs foraged nearby. The freshly-baked bread at breakfast is also well worth getting out of the very comfy beds for. Doubles from £129, check availability at booking.com Helenekilde Badehotel, Denmark In Tilsvideleje, on the 'Danish riviera', Helenekilde has been a classic bathing hotel since 1904 but was bought and done up – extremely stylishly – in 2009 and is now a hip yet hyggelig seaside retreat favoured by Copenhagen’s cool crew (here's where they eat and drink when in the city). Swim in the sea, play petanque, have a massage, practice yoga in the outdoor pavilion or borrow one of the hotel’s bikes to go exploring, Danish style. Food is simple, seasonal, modern Nordic, with fish provided by the local fisherman Johnny and wines from nearby Ørby Vingaard, where owners Søren and Birthe handpick the grapes themselves. Try one of Ørby’s whites with a starter of oysters with buttermilk, horseradish and cucumber, or one of their dessert wines to go with a classic Danish dessert of red porridge with double cream and strawberry sorbet. Doubles from £271, check availability at booking.com or expedia.co.uk Sund Nergården, Sweden Just an hour south of Stockholm but tucked away in the rolling Sörmland countryside, this Swedish b&b is a real find. Niklas and Johan, the charming and talented couple who run it, have decorated the rooms in quirky, shabby chic style (think old doors as headboards) and, in the summer months, you can stay in one of two dreamy glamping set-ups overlooking Lake Sillen, complete with outdoor showers and hammocks. Organic and biodynamic produce is sourced from local farms and suppliers and Johan is a skilled sommelier, so let him choose you a natural wine to go with plates of moose salami, pickled spruce shoots or pikeperch fresh from the lake. Start the morning with a dip (warm up in the sauna on its floating pontoon on chilly days) before tucking into a breakfast buffet that includes homemade almond and apricot bread, pickled herring and rosehip soup. Doubles from £350 per night, check availability at sundnergarden.se The Norrmans, Denmark Swedish interiors stylist Anna Norrman and her chef husband Lars made the leap across the Øresund to open The Norrmans, a stylish boutique b&b in Stevns, an hour south of Copenhagen. Breakfast comes on a tray, which you can take up to your lime-plastered, earthy-hued room, or out into the glorious garden. You can also order a picnic lunch to take as you explore the surrounding area. Dinner is a communal affair, consisting of whatever Lars fancies rustling up – it could be wood-fired pizzas, a French-inspired feast or a barbecue in good weather. Either way, it’s all served with plenty of good wine and interesting company. Doubles from £173 per night, check availability at booking.com or expedia.co.uk Words by Tatty Good, Gurdeep Loyal, Alex Crossley, Kathryn Good More travel guides Best Morocco food trips Best French food trips Best Spanish food trips Best Portuguese food trips Best European vineyards to visit and stay Best European city breaks Best foodie city breaks by train
Swap clingfilm for beeswax wraps and coffee cups for reusable flasks with our guide to the best sustainable kitchen products
Switch up your plastic products, harsh chemicals and single-use items for sustainable and eco-friendly staples. With items such as plastic straws being banned and plastic bags coming at a cost - both for the consumer and the planet - we have compiled our list of alternative kitchenware to inspire a more climate-friendly way of storing, cooking and cleaning up your food. Kitchenware is used constantly, so making sustainable choices in the kitchen matters more. Materials such as glass and stainless steel are not only more eco-conscious but more hygienic. Our selection highlights practical and easy-to-use items that can be used over and over again, from eco-friendly clingfilm to cutlery to take on the go with you. Save time and money in the long term with single purchases that are durable and often portable. For a more in-depth guide to greener kitchen practices, tune into olive magazine's podcast Green Kitchen Series with episodes on how to shop more sustainably, conscious cooking and how to have a more sustainable kitchen practice. For sustainable drinking, take a look at the best sustainable spirits to try. For more interiors inspiration, browse our 10 expert tips for designing your kitchen and picks of 20 best marble kitchen accessories. We've also picked the best summer kitchen accessories to buy for a colourful design revamp. Reusable bamboo cutlery set Available from olive shop (£8) An eco-friendly alternative to disposable plastic, this set will do double-duty for packed lunches and spring picnics. It even includes chopsticks and a drinking straw. Available from: olive shop (£8) Kalinko Zomi highballs Available from Kalinko (£52, set of four) Handblown in Yangon, Myanmar, these colourful recycled glasses are perfect for long cocktails such as a tom collins or mojito. Available from: Kalinko (£52) Nkuku Mila champagne glasses Available from Nkuku (£50, set of four) Serve fizz in these pretty etched emerald-hued coupes, made from recycled glass. Available from: Nkuku (£50) Multicoloured Reusable Glass Straws Available from Oliver Bonas (£10) Swap single-use plastic straws for these funky glass alternatives to make your drinks more eco-friendly. Each pack comes with a cotton brush for easy cleaning. Available from: Oliver Bonas (£10) Chilly’s Reusable Water Bottle Available from John Lewis (£22) Whether you’re on a train, plane or simply going for a stroll, packing a reusable water bottle will save you picking up a plastic one. These Chilly’s bottles come in funky prints and finishes (think giraffe and chrome rose gold), plus double-walled vacuum insulation keeps the temperature consistent – hot for 12 hours and cold for 24. A leak-proof, screw-top lid means you can carry it in your bag without risking a spillage. Check out our round-up of the best reusable water bottles to buy here. Available from: John Lewis (£22) Cotton food wraps Available from Waxwrap (£16) There’s no need for clingfilm once you invest in these food wraps. Handmade from organic cotton infused with beeswax, jojoba oil and pine resin, these malleable wraps act as a seal around food to keep it fresh. The pack comes with three rolls of different sizes and we love the colourful patterns – much cheerier than clingfilm. Use to keep anything from blocks of cheese to sandwiches or bowls of leftovers protected. Available from: Waxwrap (£16) Try more reusable wraps here Kilner Round Clip Top Jars Available from Amazon (£11.50, 3 litre) Started shopping at refill stores? Take your Kilner jar along to stock up on seeds, nuts and breakfast cereals. These glass jars store up to two litres, making them ideal for dried goods or, thanks to that rubber sealing ring and clip-top lid, perfect if you want to start making your own kombucha. Available from: Amazon (£11.50, 3 litre) Black+Blum Stainless Steel Lunch Box Available from Planet Organic (£31.95) Pack your dinner leftovers and sourdough sarnies into this stainless steel lunchbox with a compartment divider. A silicone seal prevents leaks, while the sleek strap keeps everything in place. Available from: Planet Organic (£31.95) Lékué Reusable Food Bags Available from Nisbets (£29.98, set of 3) Lékué’s reusable food bags are crafted from 100% platinum long-lasting silicone. They're airtight, which not only ensures no accidental leakage or smells, but means you can assuredly store liquid foods such as gravy. Microwavable, freeze-able and dishwasher proof, these innovative food bags are easy to use and easy to clean. Available from: Nisbets (£29.98, set of 3) KeepCup Cork Brew Reusable Glass Coffee Cup Available from John Lewis (£26) This simple, functional cup is made from durable tempered soda lime glass, with a protective recycled cork band. Even with piping-hot coffee inside it’s easy to hold and retains heat well, making it ideal for your morning cuppa. Available from: John Lewis (£26) Compostable sponges Available from Ecovibe (£3.99, pack of 2) Ecovibe’s compostable sponges are made from wood fibre without any microplastics. Made in the UK, they have a low carbon footprint and work well on everyday spills and bathroom surfaces, absorbing up to 10 times their own weight in water. Available from: Ecovibe (£3.99, pack of 2) Magic Reusable Non-Stick Baking Tray Liner Sheet Available from Lakeland (£12.99) Superior to the average baking paper and even other silicone sheets, this non-stick liner cuts easily to fit your moulds and trays. Save money by reusing these tray liners countless of times. They can be wiped clean or even slotted into the dishwasher. Available from: Lakeland (£12.99) E-cloth General Purpose Cloth Available from John Lewis (£14.99, pack of 4) This general purpose cloth needs only water, not chemicals, to clean thanks to its tiny fibres that catch dust and dirt. Colour-coded, you can avoid any mix up and keep cloths for different areas of the house. Available from: John Lewis (£14.99, pack of 4) Silicone Cupcake Cases Available from Lakeland (£5.99) Flexible and non-stick, these reusable silicone cupcake cases are oven safe up to 220C and can be put in the dishwasher. Available from: Lakeland (£5.99) Find more sustainable reviews and inspiration below: Best sustainable gifts for foodies Best eco-friendly and compostable coffee pods Best sustainable restaurants in the UK Best vegan gifts Best oat milk taste test Best vegan mayonnaise taste test Mindful chef review