Why we need to stop thinking about living longer and focus on living better
Whatever age you reach it’s quality of life that matters most. Here’s how to set yourself up for an old age you can enjoy
Read more about how managing your blood glucose levels can help your health, how to eat well through the menopause and a health writer’s top tips. Good health used to be simple: we just needed to eat our greens, get some sleep and make sure we stretched our legs each day. But according to a new breed of longevity influencer this traditional formula is hopelessly simplistic. In fact, a scroll through Instagram or #HealthTok could leave you thinking that if you’re not lying on an expensive red light mat, cold plunging each morning and injecting peptides, you’re missing the chance of enjoying a long, healthy life. American entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, 47, is taking it to the extreme, pursuing the goal of immortality with invasive and bizarre-sounding treatments such as infusing the blood of his 17-year-old son. But the backlash to these 'longevity bros' has begun, with experts pointing out that obsessing over ageing is likely to reduce your quality of life and a more balanced approach would be aiming to live better rather than just longer. Here’s how you can do that, starting today. Focus on your healthspan rather than your lifespan Instead of aiming for a long lifespan, focusing on healthspan, the period of life spent in good health, is more helpful. Menopause nutritionist Karen Newby (karennewby.com) says: “According to the Office of National Statistics, life expectancy for men is 78.8 years old, and for women it’s 82.8. “However, their ‘healthy life expectancy’ is much lower at 61.5 years for men and 61.9 for women. That means that between how long you feel healthy versus your lifespan is 17 years for men and over 20 years for women.” Anti-ageing certified GP Dr James Hubbard says: “Prior to improved sanitation and vaccination, life expectancy was in the 40s. Today we’re making progress into the 80s and in the future we could live to 110 or 120. “But when we talk about longevity, you’re not trying to live forever, you’re trying to reduce the chronic illness at the end of your life. We have to match healthspan with lifespan before we try to extend our years.” The basics are more powerful than you think Many people simply want a pill or hack that can do all the hard work but experts stress that there is no shortcut to a long life of good health. “In twin studies, 80% of ageing-related changes are due to lifestyle not genetics, so a lot of it is in your control,” says Dr Hubbard. “So think about planning for 10 years’ time. If you’re trying to prevent diabetes, heart disease, stroke, dementia, obesity and some cancers, they’re related directly to your level of activity, diet and obesity. “You have to look after the nuts and bolts, which means a healthy balanced diet of whole foods, very little processed food, drinking little or no alcohol, not smoking, exercising for at least two and a half hours a week, and aiming for a healthy BMI, blood pressure and blood sugar.” Measure your health and biological age first Before you get started on your longevity journey, some tests can help you get a better picture of your health. “The starting point is making sure there’s no underlying illness and you should know the basic values of your HbA1C (your average blood sugar), cholesterol, home blood pressure, kidney function and BMI, which are all part of standard GP care,” says Dr Hubbard. “Waist circumference is helpful as well: if it’s more than 100cm for a man or 90cm for a woman, your chance of cardiovascular risk is 37% higher. Get screened for breast, bowel and prostate cancer too. “There’s no point in talking about longevity until you’ve done a thorough review.” You could also buy a test that calculates your biological age by analysing chemical tags on your DNA – Dr Hubbard suggests taking the test and retaking again to see how much you’ve slowed your rate of ageing. Dr Nicolas Berger, senior lecturer in sport and exercise at Teesside University, says: “A Garmin or Apple watch uses your weight, VO2 max (the maximum volume of oxygen that the body can utilise per minute during intense exercise), resting heart rate, percentage body fat and vigorous activity history to assess your ‘fitness age’.” Exercise is non-negotiable “In a basic sense the body is designed to move,” says Dr Berger. “Everything functions better with regular exercise – joints, muscles and cells.” Regular physical activity can help improve heart health, control blood pressure, increase insulin sensitivity, alleviate stress, lower the risk of diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease, not to mention strengthen bones. And according to a recent study, it’s not just the regularity of exercise but the variety that is associated with a lower risk of premature mortality. Participants with the highest variety of exercise had a 19% lower risk of premature death than those who had the least variety. “Running, cycling and swimming are great but combine them with strength training,” says Dr Berger. “Also incorporate movement into your routine, such as walking to the shops and carrying your shopping back. “Ultimately people should find something they like, whether it’s Zumba, dancing, climbing or walking with friends. The key is to plan it into your life.” Create your own longevity larder Cooking your own meals and following a high-nutrient diet won’t just make you feel more virtuous, it could prevent a raft of chronic diseases. A 2018 study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that an estimated 80-90% of cardiovascular risk is preventable through diet and lifestyle shifts. And according to a Finnish study, lifestyle interventions in people age 60-77 can improve brain health, prevent cognitive decline and lower cardiovascular risk, “What you put on your plate has a massive effect on how you age,” says Karen, author of The Post Menopause Method: A Nutritional Guide to Ageing Well. She’s created a list of foods that she terms “the longevity larder”, including extra-virgin olive oil, green leafy veg, brightly coloured vegetables and fruit, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and kale, berries and cherries, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, ginger, turmeric, green tea, pulses, oily fish, cacao, mushrooms, wholegrains and ferments such as sauerkraut. “Menopause is an inflammatory event, so your diet needs to be anti-inflammatory,” she says. Shift your mindset around cooking each day Planning and preparing meals for you and your family can seem time-consuming but Karen is encouraging. “Most women have demanding jobs, they’re often doing school runs and looking after elderly parents too, and tech means that we spend more time scrolling than we do cooking. “Think of your time this way: 15 minutes is 1% of our 24 hours, enough time to make a bircher muesli or scrambled eggs. Lunch is half an hour – that’s just 2% of your day. And 45 minutes is 3% of your day and that’s all you need to cook a nutrient-rich dinner.” Don’t just focus on food and fitness – friends and friction are also key One aspect of longevity that many influencers miss is the importance of friends, family and a social life. “Loneliness and low mood are positively correlated with dementia, so the social side is very important. Things like inter-generational living are great – anything that reduces isolation,” says Dr Hubbard. Dr Berger adds: “Everyone’s connected now but they’re lonely because they’re not doing anything together. People feel down because they’re not going out or talking to other people. “The mental side is really important. You also have to have something you’re looking forward to or working towards. We all need some stress – you can’t be happy 24/7 and we feel a sense of reward after overcoming something, whether that’s physical or mental.” The final verdict Ultimately, the length of our lives is the greatest unknown we face and, no matter how hard we try, reaching a ripe old age might not be on the cards as the most important influence on your longevity is your genes. “If you have a predisposition to disease or dying young, you can minimise that but you can’t erase it,” says Dr Berger. But living a long life really means living a good life, filled with moreish meals, body-boosting movement, refreshing sleep, fresh air and spending time with friends, family and community. “The best longevity medicine is free,” says Dr Hubbard. “Find a sense of purpose and find things you enjoy and that are good for you – and keep doing them.” M0re wellbeing guides Vagus nervous? The expert lowdown on vagus nerve stimulation and how to make it work for you "I tried forest bathing to see if it can really help my anxiety" 22 ways to find your sunshine this winter 25 healthy winter recipes Expert explains: how to have a better night's sleep 10 ways to boost energy when tired Expert explains: what is the dopamine diet Expert explains: how ayurveda can help digestion
The best weekend food markets in London for spring refuelling
Fill your totes at one of London's charming weekend markets, from the UK's only all-organic farmers' market to modern street food havens
There's no better time than spring to visit London's clutch of treasured food markets, allured by the scent of fresh bread, the chatter of traders and a rainbow of farm-fresh produce. These markets are bastions of quality produce and community spirit, making them the perfect spot for a quick lunch or hunting down a prime foodie gift. Read on to discover olive's pick of the capital’s finest weekend food markets — from organic farmers' markets to sizzling street food offerings — perfect for a food-fuelled weekend activity. For spring travel inspiration, check out the unmissable destinations to see spring in full bloom and the UK hotels with beautiful gardens to book. We also have our top picks of where to go in April and the best European gourmet escapes to catch spring produce at its peak. Best weekend markets in London Growing Communities, Stoke Newington The UK's only all-organic farmers' market, Stoke Newington’s market is a leafy local gem and a true champion of sustainable food. It's committed to working with small-scale organic and biodynamic farmers and growers from the areas closest to London, with most located in Kent, Essex, Cambridgeshire and East Anglia. Every Saturday the churchyard is transformed into a buzzy patchwork of stalls showcasing a rainbow of seasonal, farm-fresh produce, from peppery Asian greens to vibrant squashes. You can also secure organic cheese, small-batch preserves and handmade chocolate. Grab a locally roasted coffee and settle on the church steps for a spot of people watching. growingcommunities.org Address: St Paul's Church, Stoke Newington, London N16 7UE Opening times: Saturday (10am-2.30pm) Nearest station: Rectory Road Brockley Market Hailed for its exceptional produce and all-round good vibe, Brockley's 'car park of dreams' is a south London institution. Fresh and glossy local produce shares space with interesting small-scale goodies, from wild garlic plants to fermented cashew dips. Lots of the foodie finds available are hyper-local, including raw Brockley Bee's honey and Brown of Brockley's locally roasted coffee and pastries. There's also a string of top-grade street food stalls, including olive favourite Chubby Dumpling. The perfect spot for a leisurely mooch and a chat with the producers. brockleymarket.com Address: Lewisham College Car Park, Lewisham Way, London SE4 1UT Opening times: Saturday (10am-2pm) Nearest station: St Johns Broadway Market, Hackney Broadway Market is somewhat of a foodie institution. More than 100 traders line the Victorian street on the weekend, their stalls teeming with artisan breads, farmhouse cheese and vibrant fruit and veg. For lunch, nothing is off the cards, with street food delights ranging from organic sourdough pizza to Japanese street food. Live musicians and street performers add to the festival atmosphere. The street's surrounding cafés and independent shops invite you to linger long after your tote bag is full. broadwaymarket.co.uk Address: Broadway Market, London E8 4PH Opening times: Every Saturday (9am-5pm) and Sunday (10am-4pm) Nearest stations: London Fields, Bethnal Green Primrose Hill Farmers' Market City dwellers come for their weekly fix of newly picked produce at this social enterprise market. Set up and run by independent traders for the benefit of the wider community it's a known spot for chats with traders who are passionate about their products. Set in the playground of a local school you can expect a core group of staple vendors, including fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal breads, organic meats and dairy products, alongside a rotating variety of semi-regular traders selling speciality wares, from nut butters to low-intervention wine. primrosehillfoodmarket.co.uk Address: Elsworthy Rd, St Paul's CE, London NW3 3DS Opening times: Saturday 9.30-2.30pm Nearest station: Chalk Farm <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2026/03/GettyImages-1175564419-20dd660.jpg" width="5432" height="3865" alt="A vendor works at the East Sussex's Brambletye Fruit Farm's food stall at The Spread farmers' market in Primrose Hill, north west London. (Photo by Isabel INFANTES / AFP) (Photo by ISABEL INFANTES/AFP via Getty Images)" title="BRITAIN-EU-BREXIT-POLITICS-AGRICULTURE" /> Barnes Farmers' Market Barnes on a Saturday is the place to go for a chilled mooch and fabulous produce. For over 20 years this friendly market has showcased a rotation of fine wares from passionate producers, from award-winning and free-range organic meats to luxury cheeses and fresh pasta. British produce remains at the forefront: fill your basket with free range-meats from Somerset, fresh fish from Dorset and fruit and veg from Kent. barnesfarmersmarket.co.uk Address: Essex House Surgery, Station Rd, London SW13 0LW Opening times: Saturday (8:30am-2pm) Nearest station: Barnes Bridge Victoria Park Market, Tower Hamlets Head east with an empty stomach to experience the best selection of food east London has to offer. Nestled on the pedestrianised Nightwalk, Victoria Park Market is a Sunday fixture for Londoners seeking quality produce in a leafy setting. Over 60 independent traders gather here, offering a mixture of street food (suckling pig, Guadeloupean street food) and quality produce (organic butchers, homemade cakes, freshly baked bread). Expect a relaxed community feel, with locals and visitors alike enjoying their spoils on the grass or on a stroll around the park. victoriaparkmarket.com Address: Bonner Gate and Gore Rd, London E2 9JW Opening times: Every Sunday (10am-4pm) Nearest stations: Hackney Wick, Cambridge Heath Netil Market, London Fields Start your weekend at this open-air market – an array of shipping containers and custom-built huts which circle a central market, selling everything from antiques and artisan chocolate to soy candles. Located near London Fields and Broadway Market, weave your way through the stalls and you're sure to find something which catches your eye, whether that's a bottle of natural wine or scoops of ube ice cream. It's very own Netil Radio provides an eclectic backdrop for traders. eatworkart.com/netil-market Address: 13-23 Westgate Street, London E8 3RL Opening times: Saturday (9am-10pm), Sunday (9am-6pm) Nearest station: London Fields Maltby Street Market, Bermondsey This weekend treasure trove is a smaller, less hectic alternative to Borough Market, located a mile away. Hidden beneath 19th-century railway arches, the flag-lined, compact strip is filled with 30+ traders selling everything from melting raclette and bavette steak to handmade dumplings. The atmosphere is electric — grab a bánh mì heo and find a spot to perch or head to cosy cavern Malt Maltby for UK craft beer, wine and cocktails. maltbystmarket.squarespace.com Address: Arch 46, Ropewalk, Maltby Street, London SE1 3PA Opening times: Saturday (10am-5pm), Sunday (11am-4pm) Nearest station: Bermondsey Station
8 quail's egg recipes for elegant starters and snacks
Take your dishes to the next level with our quail's egg recipes, from black pudding scotch egg sliders to turmeric pickled eggs
Looking for the best quail's egg recipes? Want the best scotch egg or dinner party canapé? See our recipe ideas below to make the most of this unique ingredient. For more inspiration see our best ever egg recipes, our easy dinner party starters and more vegetable starter dishes.
93 best ever lamb recipes for impressive roasts and easy dinners
Discover our best lamb recipes including lamb chops, roast leg of lamb, lamb shoulder, lamb meatballs and curry Perfect for Easter, Sunday lunches and more
Looking for roast lamb recipes? Want to make a lamb shank? Try our easy lamb recipes below, then check out our leftover lamb ideas. Lamb doesn’t have to be an expensive purchase. Buying lesser-used, cheaper cuts means you’ll get the most from your meat and even more flavour. Shoulder is a great alternative to leg, either whole or chopped up for a stew. The scrag, cut from the neck, is also a great cost-cutting option, best used in casseroles and soups. Serving lamb as part of a Sunday roast? We have plenty of ideas for roast lamb, including roast anchovy butter lamb with boulangere potatoes, rosemary and apricot-stuffed leg of lamb. We have tips for how to prepare lamb, which roasting tin to use and how to get juicy lamb. For more ways with this versatile meat, try our lamb mince recipes and lamb curry recipes. If you're looking for alternative roast recipes, check out our best ever roast recipes.
40 pork mince recipes for budget-friendly, flavour-packed meals
Use versatile pork mince in everything from crispy pork noodles to spiced burgers and meatballs. Our minced pork recipes make for easy midweek meals
Looking for recipes with pork mince? Want the best pork meatballs? Try our ideas below, then check out our healthy mince recipes, beef mince recipes and turkey mince recipes. Wondering what to make with pork mince? Whether you're craving hearty meatballs or looking for a picnic pie to feed the family, you'll find loads of inspiration on how to use up that minced pork right here. What are the advantages of cooking with pork mince? As well as being budget-friendly, it is typically lower in saturated fat and calories than beef and lamb mince, whilst still being full of flavour.
42 feta recipes to liven up your midweek dinners
Discover our feta cheese recipes - this tangy, creamy Greek cheese is delicious in everything from spanakopita to Greek salad and baked whole with figs
Looking for the best feta recipes? Looking for a vegetarian salad? Try our ideas below then check out our easy Greek recipes, too? What is feta cheese? Feta cheese is a brined cheese made from sheep's milk and originating from Greece. It's characteristically tangy, salty flavour and crumbly texture make it a staple in many Mediterranean-style dishes including salads and filo pastries as well as pasta and other warm dishes. It can be served cold cut up into squares in a salad or sprinkled over dishes as crumbs. It can also be baked or grilled whole and combined with sweet toppings like honey or sprinkled with herbs like oregano. How long does feta last? A pack of unopened, vacuum-sealed feta can last up to three months in the fridge. Once opened, it should be consumed within a week and kept in its original brine or another saltwater solution to maintain its moisture and freshness. Without brine, feta tends to dry out quickly and should be used within a few days. For longer term storage, feta can be frozen for up to six months, though this may alter its texture slightly, making it more crumbly.
Food and drink festivals you should visit in 2026
Discover the best of new chefs, flavours and products at some of the UK's best food and drink festivals.
Looking to get out and about with your foodie friends? With summer just around the corner, we've searched for the best food and drink festivals happening this year, perfect for a trip with friends, family or solo. For more foodie summer adventures check out our guides to the best UK glamping spots for foodies and English vineyard stays. Taste of London Taste is five days of foodie celebrations in the centre of London. With eight sessions across the five days, you’ll be able to sample food from the most talked about restaurants in London and try dishes from the food stars of the future. Look out for fuel-flamed theatrics at the fire pit stage, sample some tipples at the tasting theatre and, after having your fill of food, dance the evening away with DJs and a singalong around the piano. 17-21 June, Regents Park Tickets from £24, london.tastefestivals.com Vineyards of Hampshire Fizz Fest The Fizz Fest returns at The Grange, The Winery at Burges Field, celebrating Hampshire’s premier vineyards. This is a chance to taste new vintages and talk to the producers at the heart of their production. You’ll also be able to enjoy street food, music and get involved with masterclasses, as well as exploring the vineyard on a tour. 28 June, Alresford, Hampshire Tickets £35pp, vineyardsofhampshire.co.uk/our-events Good Food Show Summer and Gardeners' World Live A staple of the food festival calendar, the Good Food Show returns to the NEC along with BBC Gardeners' World Live for the ultimate foodie day out. Pick up summer recipe inspiration, tips and tricks from your favourite TV chefs and shop our artisan delights from a host of stalls. Tickets to the Good Food Show include access to BBC Gardeners' World Live. Wander through the exquisite show gardens, get expert advice from BBC Gardeners' World TV presenters and find inspiration for outdoor living. 18-21 June, NEC, Birmingham Tickets from £30.50 (adults), goodfoodshow.com/summer Pub in the Park Enjoy the beginnings of summer weather at Pub in the Park in Marlow, a celebration of food, drink and music. This year's programme will see the likes of Si King, Raymond Blanc OBE and James Martin take to the stage for chef demos and a wave of new restaurants offering up their best dishes to patrons. Experience fire-led cooking with Temper, have an immersive dining experience with Six By Nico and enjoy the ultimate comforts with Tommy's Pie Shop. As expected the festival also has an exceptional line up of music acts over the weekend. Dance the day and night away to the likes of Craig David, McFly and Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. 14th-17th May, Higginson Park, Marlow Standard tickets from £47, VIP packages available www.pubintheparkuk.com/ Hampton Court Palace Food Festival Spend the bank holiday week at the annual Hampton Court Palace Food Festival, with celebrations for all the family in Henry VIII's beautiful gardens. There will be more delicious street food to graze on than ever before, plus amazing pop-up bars serving tasty tipples, refreshing craft beers and exquisite wines. With over 150 fantastic brands and producers, you'll be able to get your hands on everything from mouth-watering cheeses and sausages to brownies and churros. Plus, your ticket will give you access to the palace made famous by Henry VIII, his wives and children. 29-31 August, Hampton Court Palace, Surrey Tickets from £29.00, HRP members go free. hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/whats-on/hampton-court-palace-food-festival Ballymaloe Food Festival The Ballymaloe Festival of Food returns for its third year from 15-17th May. The jam-packed three days celebrate Irish food, seasonal cooking and the producers behind it. There's a busy line up of workshops (from cooking with seaweed to chocolate truffle making), cookery demos, expert masterclasses and impressive pop-up dining events hosted at Ballymaloe House. Drinks enthusiasts are well covered too, with events including a martini masterclass or cheese and wine pairing session. 15-17 May, Ballymaloe Different ticket options available through their website, www.ballymaloefestivaloffood.com/ Cardiff Food & Drink Festival This is by far one of the most popular events of the summer for the city of Cardiff. This free festival will have a host of stallholders at The Producers Fair and Farmers Market offering a spectacular spread of produce. Over at the Street Food Piazza expect everything from curries and kebabs to tapas and tacos. For the creatives there'll also be the Crafters Market where you can find an eclectic mix of handmade arts and crafts. 3-5 July, Cardiff Bay Free entry, visitcardiff.com/food-drink A Taste of Winchester Following a successful 2025 event, A Taste of Winchester returns for a fortnight of delicious local food and drink. Restaurants, cafes, pubs, retailers and producers will come together to show off the best of the local food scene with special menus, events and tastings. The two week event also coincides with other major local events including Winchester Garden Festival, Beer & Cider Festival and Hat Fair. 22 June-5 July, Winchester Free entry, atasteofwinchester.co.uk Rock Oyster Festival Cornwall’s Rock Oyster festival is more than food. With a full weekend of chart-topping music, talks from authors and a wellbeing programme including surf lessons, yoga and massages, this is not an event to be missed. Across the three-day festival top chefs like Raymond Blanc, Nathan Outlaw and Matt Tebbutt will be taking to the food stage with demos and talks. You can also see headline music performances from Groove Armada, Scissor Sisters and Kool & The Gang for a jam-packed culinary and music experience. 23-26 July, Dinham House, North Cornwall Adult day tickets from £65. Full weekend with camping options, rockoysterfestival.co.uk New Forest Food Festival This is a new one to add to the summer calendar. The New Forest has always been rich in local produce, renowned chefs and restaurants, artisan food and crafts so why not package it up into a festival? There will be food from local producers, cooking demos from local chefs and an artisan and craft market where you can purchase products from the best makers and bakers of the New Forest. This part of the world is also great for a camping holiday, so the festival has teamed up with In Nature Camping to provide a small, family-friendly pop-up campsite just a short stroll away from the main festival. 15-16 August, Hinton Admiral, Hampshire Pre-booked adult tickets £8, kids under 16 free, newforestfoodfestival.co.uk Harrogate Food & Drink Festival Enjoy a weekend of family-friendly celebration of local talent through food, music and entertainment. Like previous years there will be two stops of this festival, one in June at The Stray and one in August at Ripley Castle. Savour international street food, quench your thirst with independent drink suppliers, shop at the Fine Artisan Markets and have fun with live music, comedy and magicians. In partnership with Mind in Harrogate, the festival will also be raising money to support the community’s mental health. 27-28 June, The Stray and 22-23 August, Ripley Castle Adult tickets from £7.95, harrogatefoodfestival.com Abergavenny Food Festival With 180+ exhibitors and caterers spread across six venues, the Abergavenny Food Festival brings a full weekend of entertainment for its visitors. A Stroller Ticket will get you access to all six market venues. You can also purchase Night Market tickets if you fancy a different evening out, and on the Saturday evening you can buy tickets to the Party in the Castle for an evening of music, dancing and fireworks. Taking place at the end of September, this is a great one to finish a foodie summer. 19-20 September, Abergavenny Daytime stroller tickets from £16, abergavennyfoodfestival.com Meatopia This live-fire cooking festival is back for another year of carefully curated menus and dishes featuring a perfect balance of meat, seafood and global cuisines. The menu of the day will have up to 30 dishes all cooked over fire and smoke. Chefs appearing will include Ben Tish of the Grazing Goat, BBQ expert Melissa Thompson and Khadim Mbamba of Little Baobab. Enjoy a host of live bands and musicians throughout the weekend to keep the vibes going and with seven bars you'll be able to find the perfect tipple or two to keep cool. 12-14 June, SWG3, Glasgow and 3-6 September, Tobacco Dock, London All tickets must be purchased in advance, ticketing options available through their website, meatopia.co.uk York Food Festival Take a trip to the beautiful city of York for this free-to-enter food festival. Discover the best of York’s culinary scene and pick up some delectable local treats from the market. There will be opportunities to take part in free cookery workshops to help you up your cooking game. A series of fringe events will also be held by local restaurants, hotels and retailers and can range from special menus, tastings and workshops. While the festival is free, there are some ticketed activities and donations are welcomed with all money going back into the festival. 18-27 September, York Free entry, donations welcomed. yorkfoodfestival.com Dartmouth Food Festival Set against the backdrop of the stunning river Dart, Dartmouth Food Festival is a celebration of food, drink and local culinary talent. Take part in wine seminars, cooking demos and drinks masterclasses. The Chefs Demonstration Theatre will feature some of the country's best loved chefs and local South West talent including Matt Tebbutt, Ben Tonks and Jane Baxter. 23-25 October, Dartmouth Free entry, dartmouthfoodfestival.com More travel inspiration... 12 small towns across the UK every foodie should visit The UK's best pubs with rooms UK boutique hotels for food lovers 10 exciting UK city breaks for food lovers Best restaurants with rooms UK spa hotels for food lovers Best romantic UK hotels Best seaside staycations Best country hotels
Best restaurants in Shropshire: where to eat and drink in this lush gastronomic county
A lush expanse of fertile farmland, rolling hills and historic market towns, Shropshire is both scenic and gastronomic gem, where good food abounds thanks to the energetic efforts of local farmers, artisan makers and chefs
Looking for the best places to eat in Shropshire? Expert Tony Naylor has shared his must-visit recommendations, from spruce country pubs in Hodnet to micro-seasonal restaurants. For more exciting restaurants and weekend ideas for food lovers, check out our best UK city breaks, best pubs with rooms and foodie day trips from London by train. Also discover more of the best restaurants in Cambridge, best restaurants in Cornwall and best restaurants in Bristol. Best places to eat and drink in Shropshire CSONS, Ludlow Strike it lucky and you may see salmon leaping Dinham Weir from CSONS’ riverside terrace. It is a remarkable sight, one of many in this green nook beneath Ludlow Castle. A café-restaurant and takeaway kiosk, CSONS itself offers vivid entertainment. Mains are colourful, globally inspired mixed plates. Various sides, salads and sauces orbit star ingredients, such as Ludlow lamb barbecoa or a Spanish adobo treatment of Shropshire pork. Two more CSONS are located in Shrewsbury and Hereford. csons.uk Mortimers, Ludlow One of the country’s most handsome dining rooms, this wood-panelled hideaway is the kind of restaurant where, once you step over the threshold, real life happily melts away, as pleasure takes precedence. It is a precious quality which chef-owner Wayne Smith ensures with his deftly executed, broadly modern British dishes of, say, salmon with baby beets and horseradish crème fraîche, or beef with confit onion mash, shallots and baby leeks. mortimersludlow.co.uk The Pheasant, Neenton This community-owned country pub has quite the foodie rep. Its sharing Sunday roast platters of local meats with all the trimmings are one highlight. Elsewhere, key staples (steak frites, beer-battered haddock) anchor fast-changing, seasonal menus closely inspired by Shropshire’s abundant larder. Inventive takes (lamb and spiced tomato lasagne, for example) nestle among classic dishes. The stewards of this success, chef Mark Harris and manager Sarah Cowley, also run Bouldon’s The Tally Ho Inn. pheasantatneenton.co.uk The Beefy Boys, Shrewsbury Particular about your patty? Then the name Beefy Boys may well be familiar. In the past decade this outfit has picked up multiple awards for its 21-day-aged Hereford beef burgers. Notably, the Boys’ burgers can be customised by choosing between four different patty options, including Cali-inspired mustard fried and hip Oklahoma-style smashed onion patties. thebeefyboys.com The Walrus, Shrewsbury Head upstairs for classy cocktails and snacks (dressed crab and sriracha mayo; bone marrow with homemade bread and pickles) or into the modish restaurant. There chefs Ben Hall and Carla Ernst create impressive modern British plates such as olive oil poached cod, cabbage, lemon gnocchi and brown shrimp with a parsley velouté, or Herefordshire beef with crispy potato, braised cheek and peppercorn cream sauce. the-walrus.co.uk Saxtons Deli, Church Stretton Nicknamed ‘Little Switzerland’, Church Stretton, a small valley town in the Shropshire Hills, is one of the region’s prettiest walking spots. But before you yomp up Long Mynd’s peaks or explore Carding Mill Valley, stock up at Saxtons Deli. Its sausage rolls, stellar quiches and sandwiches will amply reward your exercise. As will its glazed lemon tart or fidget pie, Saxtons’ update of Shropshire’s traditional deep-filled ham, apple and potato pie. saxtonsdeli.com Embers, Ironbridge Located in the Coalbrookdale woodlands, live-fire cooking expert Adam Purnell’s indoor-outdoor café-restaurant and cook school celebrates barbecue in all its forms, from low ’n’ slow smoking to firebowl feasts. Expect fire-cooked full breakfasts, lunch dishes of, for example, pulled pork hash or smoky mushroom birria tacos, and steak extravaganzas on Friday and Saturday nights. If visiting Telford, swing by spin-off Emburgers, and note the Embers Fire Festival (Ironbridge, May). emberscafe.co.uk Docket, Whitchurch Stuart and Fran Collins travelled the world in hospitality before opening smart, comfortable Docket. Stuart, who has worked under such rigorous legends as chefs Gary Rhodes, Gordon Ramsay and, during his time at Gidleigh Park, Michael Caines, draws on all that experience across a tasting menu of accomplished, contemporary dishes. These might range from panisse-style chickpea chips dressed with chicken salt, black garlic and edible flowers (from Docket’s kitchen garden) to a classical-leaning duck with morels and green asparagus. docketrestaurant.com Bobby's Tacos, Shrewsbury As a destination, Shrewsbury is steeped in history. But the Dough & Oil team are busy bringing its food scene bang up to date, both at D&O – home of A1 sourdough pizza – and at the similarly convivial Bobby’s Tacos. Bobby’s concise menu majors on fresh masa (corn dough) tacos topped with, for example, slow-cooked chilli lamb, pickled cabbage, jalapeños and pineapple and lime salsa. At weekends it also serves brunch burritos. bobbystacos.com Wild Shropshire, Whitchurch A Michelin Green Star holder for its sustainability initiatives, this micro-seasonal restaurant wants to make diners think. Guests are only given menus at the end of their meal, so chef James Sherwin’s modern, innovative cooking is judged on flavour alone. Fans adore the impact achieved in dishes such as crumpets, birch syrup and burnt cream, or sweetbread, parsley and koji. These draw heavily on produce from the restaurant’s one-acre farm and its fermentation lab. wildshropshire.net The Bear Inn, Hodnet Relaunched in 2021 after a thorough makeover, this 16th-century coaching inn is now a spruce country pub of real charisma. Its 12 bedrooms were individually styled by interiors ace, Octavia Dickinson, while chef Joe Andrews’ food is creating a similar wow factor. Expect dishes such as pork wellington with sage, apple, carrot and a cider jus, or ox cheek, mash, quince, roscoff onions and a corn crumb. The kitchen draws on vegetables grown in nearby Hodnet Hall’s 200-year-old walled garden. thebearinnhodnet.com Fraiche, near Oswestry Chef Marc Wilkinson likes to showcase his ambitious food in intimate, distinctive settings. The original Fraiche on Merseyside was a magical, Michelin-starred cocoon. Its Shropshire successor seats eight in a chic space that has been created at Marc’s home. He is chef, server and host at each memorable service. Expect tasting menu teasers such as turbot, smoked eel and grilled leek to manifest as visually stunning, highly imaginative dishes. BYO wine. restaurantfraiche.com Foodie neighbourhood spotlight Ludlow In the 00s, Ludlow was home, remarkably, to three Michelin starred restaurants. Those venues are no more but the town’s focus on local, seasonal shopping and eating remains strong. From ace sandwich shop, Vaughans, to fine dining at Mortimers, good food is at the heart of Ludlow life. Explore around Castle Street’s main square (home to the bimonthly Local to Ludlow Producers’ Market) and you will find some incredible indie shops. Highlight include The Mousetrap for artisan cheese; butcher DW Wall & Son; Harp Lane Deli (and its new next door eatery, No 3 Church Street); and seafood bar and fishmonger The Fish House. Just outside town, the polished Ludlow Farmshop similarly reflects the rich food culture of The Marches. That scene is celebrated every September at the Ludlow Food Festival, a regular since 1995. If visiting its beer focused spin-off, May’s Spring Festival, explore Ludlow Brewing Co’s tap bar, and cosy pubs such as The Unicorn, The Church Inn and The Blood Bay. The riverside The Charlton Arms is a good shout for Sunday lunch and dishes such as its sharing duck wellington with port jus. Elsewhere, visit enduringly good Indian eatery Golden Moments, or popular CSONS. More UK restaurant guides 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
Looking for the best spots to eat pizza in the capital? We've rounded up our top places, whether you’re after a New York-style slice or an artisanal sourdough base
Looking for the best pizza in London? Here's our guide to the best pizza places in London and the best takeaway pizza. Whether you want a sourdough pizza base or a traditional Neapolitan pizza, we’ve found the best pizza restaurants in London. From pizza in Brixton to pizza in North London, check out our favourite pizza places. If you fancy making your own pizza, check out our best ever pizza recipes here, or read the lowdown on pizza styles and where to find them. Check out more of our London food guides, including the best restaurants in Kings Cross, best restaurants in Chelsea, best restaurants in Brixton and best restaurants in Paddington. Also see our pick of the best Italian restaurants in London for more pizza and other regional dishes. Best for crispy 18-inch pizzas: Spring Street Pizza Tucked beneath the arches off Southwark Bridge Road, Spring Street Pizza is the latest project from Michelin-starred chef Tom Kemble. Drawing on over 15 years’ experience at the helm of acclaimed restaurants, Kemble brings a refined yet relaxed approach to this pizzeria, merging the bold character of New York pizza joints with a polished London aesthetic. Which pizza to order at Spring Street Pizza? Impressive 18-inch New York-style pizzas are available whole or as half-and-half, crafted with premium ingredients for maximum flavour. The dough is made in-house and undergoes a 48–72 hour fermentation, resulting in a crust that is light, crisp and perfect for dipping into house sauces such as green goddess and confit garlic aioli. The menu caters for traditionalists with classic marinara and margherita options, while those seeking something more adventurous might opt for the New Yorker, topped with San Marzano tomato, pepperoni from rebel charcuterie, Parmigiano Reggiano, hot honey and basil. What else is there to eat and drink? Try the fried breadcrumb mozzarella sticks finished with 22-month parmesan, or round off your meal with smooth vanilla soft-serve, sour cherry and pistachio. The drinks list is carefully chosen, including cocktails, wines and beers; notable choices are the mezcal margarita with a hint of chilli and a zesty Italian orange wine. Address: Arch 32, Southwark Quarter, Southwark St, London SE1 1TE Nearest tube station: London Bridge Opening times: Tuesday (5pm-10pm); Wednesday-Saturday (12pm-10pm); Sunday (12pm-9pm) Best for NYC-style slices: Vincenzo's Shoreditch Vincenzo's in Shoreditch is the second location from Tom Vincent, who opened his first location in Bushey in 2022 and watched it become a cult favourite. You can now find his signature crispy, thin-crust whole pies and pizza by the slice in the capital, bringing New York’s late-night energy and providing Londoners with a new way to enjoy pizza: fresh, hot, generous slices to grab and go. It's made such a mark that it's already a buzzing London institution. Which pizza to order at Vincenzo's? Order by the slice or indulge in a 16-inch pie if you're hungry. NYC fold is served on grease-stained paper plates, with simple toppings alongside the likes of spicy vodka sauce, plus a fun take on a Greek-inspired spanakopita. NY slices are the emphasis, however our favourite has to be the focaccia, served by the square: it's tangy, chewy and loaded with premium toppings like burrata and pepperoni (drizzled in hot honey, no less). Super heavenly, though be warned: you may never look at pizza the same way again. What else is there to eat and drink? It's primarily a grab and go situation, with just a few stools to perch, so the only thing left to order are the quietly formidable dips: a hot and sweet roquito ranch (our favourite), truffle mayo, garlic and herb, and hot honey. There's also a range of soft drinks. Address: 122 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 6DG Nearest tube station: Shoreditch High Street Opening times: Wednesday-Sunday (12pm-10pm) Best for contemporary Neapolitan pizza: Renaissance Award-winning pizzaiolo Marco Fuso brings 20 years of expertise to this friendly south London pizzeria. Taking a contemporary Neapolitan approach, the team uses a slow-risen dough and employs a 48-hour fermentation process, alongside a focus on experimental Italian ingredients. Unlike traditional wood-fired ovens, Renaissance uses a high-tech Moretti Forni electric oven – pizza is cooked at around 370 degrees for a few minutes to produce a bite which is soft and light, with a crisp, blistered crust. Which pizza to order at Renaissance? Expect a lot of options with up to 20 pizzas on offer. We were drawn to the unique flavours of the zucca piccante (pumpkin sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, stilton, ‘nduja di Spilinga, parmesan and Italian sausage). Pumpkin and 'nduja made a winning flavour combination, striking a perfect balance of cream and heat. You can also expect classic favourites like salami, featuring rich San Marzano tomatoes and creamy fior di latte mozzarella. What else is there to eat and drink? Marco’s commitment to spotlighting premium produce is demonstrated in the Italian-led drinks menu. We enjoyed a light refreshing Amarcord lager and a herbal Cynar spritz, which acts as the perfect bridge between an Aperol and Campari. For dessert, skip the tiramisu and order the the pasticciotto leccese, a delicacy from Marco's hometown of Lecce: a little shortcrust pie filled with gooey pistachio cream and dusted with icing sugar, it should be a fixture at all pizzerias. Address: 1 Battersea Rise, London SW11 1HG Nearest train station: Clapham Junction Opening times: Tuesday-Thursday (5pm-10pm); Friday (5pm-11pm); Saturday (12pm-11pm); Sunday (12pm-9:30pm) Best for authentic Neapolitan pizza: Fatto a Mano Fatto a Mano pays homage to the classic Neapolitan pizza, where soft and pillowy is favoured over thin and crispy. Dough is made from scratch every day, proved for a minimum of 24 hours then topped by a pizzaioli who cooks each pizza in a wood-fired oven at 450 degrees for no more than 90 seconds (just as they do in Naples). You can enjoy a slice of Fatto’s wood-fired magic at its newest branch in Soho. Which pizza to order at Fatto a Mano? Pizzas are lightly digestible and beautiful swollen at the cornicione rims, topped with artisanal ingredients such as ventricina (spicy salami), Neal's Yard goat's cheese and friarielli (Neapolitan broccoli). We enjoyed the special, Bella Disgrazia (the beautiful disgrace), a creative spin on the controversial ham and pineapple that combined spicy roast pineapple, spicy salami, black pepper pancetta, mozzarella, parmesan and chives, drizzled in ‘nduja honey. What else is there to eat and drink? Those looking for a full-on feast are in luck with comforting Italian starters and sides in abundance. Highlights include hot, crisp and perfectly plump truffle and gorgonzola arancini, and the spicy beef and pork ragu lasagne fritta, paired with a pot of 'nduja honey. For drinks kickstart the evening with a classic aperitivo such as a negroni, then make your way through the impressive list of Italian wines or Brighton beers. A wedge of gelato cookie sandwich is compulsory to wrap up proceedings, a salty-sweet blend of honeycomb and salted caramel. Address: 95 Dean St, London W1D 3SX Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road Opening times: Mon-Thurs 12-10pm, Friday-Saturday 12-10:30pm, Sunday 12-9:30pm Best for 'Britalian' pizza: Connie's Find this smart and cosy pizzeria set under the arches of Queen’s Road Peckham, taking over the site formerly occupied by South African restaurant Little Kudu. It is the latest project from Andrea Asciuti, founder of acclaimed Neapolitan hot spot 081 Pizzeria. Named after his wife, the focus is on Britalian style pizzas, injecting London-style pizza (light, crispy, premium toppings) with Italian soul, all while using seasonal, local ingredients. Which pizza to order at Connie's? Andrea leaves his expertise in Neapolitan-style pizza behind for pies which are crisp and airy, with dough fermented for 36-48 hours and baked at 370C using American flour (you won't find floppy slices here). Expect up to eight different pizzas on the menu, from a classic margherita to a double pepperoni with hot honey, as well as 'nduja and British stracciatella. What else is there to eat and drink? There is a quartet of starters to choose from: cheesy dough balls, deep-fried mac ’n’ cheese, mozzarella sticks and meatballs. The mozzarella fingers easily make it into the cheese-pull hall of fame, while the mac 'n' cheese bites make crunchy morsels which taste even better liberally dunked into a pot of tangy blue cheese sauce. There is one dessert, presented in three forms: fiocco di neve mini brioche filled with either pistachio, Nutella or ricotta whipped cream. Address: 133 Queen’s Road, SE15 2ND. Nearest train station: Queen's Road Peckham Opening times: Monday-Wednesday (5-11pm); Thursday-Saturday (12-11pm); Sunday (12-10pm) Best for deep-dish Detroit pizza: Ria's Ria’s is a cosy, laid-back spot selling fantastic deep-dish Detroit-style pizza and natural wines. It's perfect for intimate dates and candle-lit catch-ups, full of charm and character. The latest Soho site is snug yet stylishly furnished, building on everything that made the Notting Hill original a hit, with exciting new slices and a low-lit wine cave. Which pizza to order at Ria's? Ria’s ferments its dough for up to 72 hours, which gives it a deeper flavour and a deliciously chewy crust. Deep-dish pizza is filling but the pies at Ria’s never feel too much. Our favourite flavours were the House Pie and the Soho Chilli Crisp. The first had a red sauce base and a devilishly delicious combination of ricotta, basil and lemon drizzle. The latter was laden with ’nduja, Lao Gan Ma crispy chilli oil, pickled shallots, spring onions and aged parmesan – tongue-tingling and tangy. What else is there to eat and drink? There is a great range of natural wine to sip alongside your slice at Ria’s: we enjoyed a glass of Orange de Rias for its tropical brightness, and a glass of Herrigoia – a crunchy, easy-going red with tart cherry notes. There's also a small but sharp cocktail list, bottled beer and a good range of soft drinks. If you’ve got room for dessert, treat yourself to a deep-fried Mars bar with soft serve vanilla ice cream. Sprinkled with a little bit of sea salt, it really is the ultimate treat. Address: 29 Foubert's Place, London W1F 7QF Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus Opening times: Monday-Sunday (12pm-10pm) Best for London-style pizza: Dough Hands Dough Hands has garnered a cult following due to its crisp dough and feather-light crust, made possible by baking its pizzas low and slow at 350 degrees. Led by pizzaiolo Hannah Drye, this trendy pizza joint is co-pioneering the emerging London pizza, a style which mashes up various influences including a New York inspired thin crust and light base. Dough Hands is currently doing a permanent kitchen residency at fun-loving south London pub The Old Nun's Head, as well as Hackney-based The Spurstowe Arms. Which pizza to order at Dough Hands? The menu features a handful of 12-inch pizzas. The Jode – arguably the most popular and delicious – sees spicy sausage and stracciatella drizzled with hot honey, finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil and parmesan. Veggies have a cause to celebrate thanks to the Shroomy 2.0, one of the freshest vegetarian offerings we’ve tried. Expect mushrooms roasted in soy sauce, topped with soft taleggio cheese, tarragon, garlic and grana padano. The soy provides a rich umami kick which isn’t typically seen atop mushroom pizzas. What else is there to eat and drink? Sides are kept simple, with just the garlic bread available, covered in a herby garlic butter. Dips includes everyone’s favourite garlic and herb, as well as Dough Hands’ signature hot honey and very own fermented hot sauce. Happy Endings ice cream sandwiches are also available at the bar. We washed down our pizzas with a cold beer – we opted for a pint of Lucky Saint lager and a Lazer Crush by Beavertown, a razor-sharp alcohol-free IPA. Address: The Old Nun's Head, 15 Nunhead Green, London SE15 3QQ Nearest train station: Nunhead Opening times: Tuesday-Friday (4:30-9:30pm) and Saturday (12-9:30pm) Best for inventive Napoli pizza: Napoli on the Road Hidden in the back streets of Richmond you'll find this little gem of a pizza restaurant. The space is intimate and perfect for a date night or special occasion. Which pizza to order at Napoli on the Road? The pizza here is second to none – no surprise really as chef and owner Michele Pascarella won Global Pizza Maker of the Year in 2023. Famed for his inventive take on pizza, the ever-changing seasonal menu features exciting flavour combinations like roasted pumpkin, rosemary and blue cheese, alongside the classics, like margherita. On visiting, we were blown away by the lighter than air, chewy base and quality toppings, as well as the friendly service which took us outside our pizza comfort zones. What else is there to eat and drink? Highlights include the shaved fennel salad with crumbled ricotta, olives and oregano, and the spicy pepperoni slice – both starters that worked perfectly with a negroni. We ended the night with a vast slice of tiramisu and a cloud of boozy crème diplomate and mille-feuille pastry. Full to the brim and happy, a walk along the river was just the ticket. Address: 12 Red Lion St, Richmond TW9 1RW Nearest train station: Richmond Opening times: Monday-Thursday (5pm-10pm); Friday-Sunday (12pm-10:15pm) Best for simple Neapolitan: Santa Maria Tucked away from the bustle of Paddington Station, Santa Maria brings a slice of Naples to west London with a laid-back, quirky vibe – think colourful wall art, cosy booths and a buzzy, casual energy. A new menu features bold creations alongside the signature Neapolitan pizzas. The menu is all about pizza, done properly – chewy, charred crusts and punchy toppings, with a few exciting twists. Which pizza to order at Santa Maria? The standout? San Ciro – a collaboration with Naples’ Bro Pizzeria and a fiery, rule-breaking combo of smoked mozzarella, pepperoni, spicy pineapple reduction, black lime dust and parmesan crisps. The menu cheekily warns “It’s not a pizza for Neapolitans” – a nod to the rebellious twist on tradition, and it’s absolutely worth trying while it lasts. What else is there to eat and drink? Skip starters and go straight for the pizza but leave room for the Pan di Stelle dessert – a rich mascarpone and Nutella chocolate mousse crowned with Italy’s iconic biscuit. Vegan options are well represented, including a silky vegan salted caramel ice cream that shines in an affogato. Drinks-wise, expect Italian beers and spritzes, and relaxed, no-fuss service. Address: 3 Norfolk Place, Tyburnia, London W2 1QJ Nearest train station: Paddington Opening times: Sunday to Thursday (11:30am-10pm); Friday-Saturday (11:30am-10:30pm) Best for deep pan pizza: Little Earthquakes This original concept from chef Neil Rankin and From the Ashes BBQ has taken up residency in Dalston boozer The Railway Tavern, serving up pies nostalgically inspired by deep pan pizza brand Chicago Town, using Italian and British ingredients supplied by local businesses around Newington Green, with sourdough bases made using Wildfarmed regenerative flour. Which pizza to order at Little Earthquakes? The pizzas may only be six inches in size but they deliver plenty of bang for their buck – decadent deep dish affairs with crunchy caramelised crusts, topped with mozzarella and snowy drifts of pecorino. Fillings are hearty and deliver maximum flavour. We tried the richly meaty and umami salami ragu using fennel salami, and the taleggio and guanciale, inspired by a classic carbonara, is lusciously cheesy and porky, the saltiness balanced by a touch of honey. What else is there to eat and drink? While the pizzas are the main focus you can also order the likes of plant-based meatballs (from Neil’s own Symplicity brand), cheesy focaccia, caponata parmigiana and a wonderfully OTT pizza focaccia sandwich with a hefty wedge of mortadella. Refresh yourself with traditional cask ales and craft beers from the pub bar. Address: The Railway Tavern, 2 St Jude Street, London N16 8JT Nearest train station: Dalston Kingsland Opening times: Tuesday to Friday (6-9pm); Saturdays (3-9pm) Best for thin-crust pizza: Alley Cats Pizza Alley Cats pays homage to New York’s iconic pizza scene, with hunger-busting, thin and crispy 14" pizzas. London’s latest pizza outpost off Marylebone High Street is a small yet buzzy space, with gingham tablecloths, dimly lit lamps and a projector playing The Sopranos transporting diners to 90s NYC. Be prepared to queue, as it’s walk-in-only. Which pizza to order at Alley Cats? If you prefer a thin-crust over a sloppy Neapolitan, you’ve come to the right place. The impressive 14" size is achieved through baking the pizzas in the traditional thin and crispy style, which are presented on silver stands by the side of your table. The menu is compact, with seven pizzas on offer. It includes the Smoked Pepperoni (tomato, aged mozzarella, habanero and honey) and our personal favourite, the white-based Wild Mushroom, with three types of wild shrooms and topped with taleggio, aged mozzarella, red onion jam and fried sage. Up the ante by adding dips – we tried a spicy ranch and herb-flecked aïoli. What else is there to eat and drink? Don’t skip the starters for fear of over-ordering: the beefy meatballs are a must-try, slathered in slow-cooked tomato sauce and showered in aged parmesan. Cheesy garlic knots are hot, doughy morsels with a dunkable pot of tomato sauce. The dessert menu is short but complimentary: tiramisu and soft scoop ice-cream. The latter can be customised with your choice of toffee sauce, roasted hazelnuts or peanuts. Address: 22 Paddington St, London W1U 5QY Nearest tube station: Baker Street Opening times: Monday-Sunday (12pm-11pm) Best for crunchy sourdough pizzas: Berberè Pizza Find this Italian pizza empire slinging light and crunchy sourdough pizzas in its newest Tottenham Court Road location, joining Clapham and Kentish Town branches. Originating from Bologna – with locations across Italy – Berberè prepares its sourdough on site every day with organic type one flour, proofed for 24 hours. The result is unique: a subtly sour, nutty taste, with a slightly crunchy exterior and soft, melty interior – no chewy crusts served here! Which pizza to order at Berberè? Expect a menu balancing the classics, including margheritas and marinaras, with trendy toppings and fresh British produce, such as Yorkshire pork sausage. The Instagram-friendly burrata & 'nduja is a picture-perfect blend of vibrant basil, ruby-red dried tomatoes and creamy white mozzarella. Veggies needn’t miss out thanks to the Norma – baked aubergines, basil and walnut pesto, organic tomato, fior di latte mozzarella from Naples and smoked aged ricotta. Definitely one of the best aubergine pizzas on the scene right now. What else is there to eat and drink? You must try Berberè’s signature montanarine: a large, deep-fried dough ball with toppings including ‘nduja, aged smoked ricotta and prosciutto. Crust dippers are crucial – we love the cheeky trio of garlic butter, spicy ‘nduja and honey, and basil and walnut pesto. To drink, you can’t go wrong with a Crodino spritz – a non-alcoholic aperitivo lengthened with orange and soda. Or try a traditional Italian aperitif – negroni sbagliato, anyone? For dessert, tiramisu is made every day in the kitchen or save space for two pieces of Sicilian cannoli: fresh, sweet ricotta in a crispy shell. Address: 2 St Giles Square, London WC2H 8LH Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road Opening times: Sunday-Thursday (11:30am-10pm) Friday-Saturday (11:30am-11pm) Best in Covent Garden: Doughnation Find this lively pizzeria in the heart of Covent Garden, boasting its own summer garden terrace with top-tier views across the piazza. Which pizza to order at Doughnation? Choose from a short menu of artisan-crafted pizzas on hand-stretched dough, where you’ll find well-known toppings as well as fun flavour combinations. A must-order for veggies, the truffled mushroom ragout sees a truffle-base sauce combined with creamy mozzarella, topped with crunchy hazelnuts and mushrooms for extra earthiness. Or try the cosy and comforting potato pizza, layering sliced potatoes with fontina cheese and thyme salt. ‘Nduja sausage will appeal to meat-eaters, featuring pockets of ‘nduja sausage, shaved pecorino romano and rocket. What else is there to eat and drink? Elsewhere on the menu you’ll find dishes which stray from a traditional pizzeria, like the baked sweetcorn ribs with basil pesto, chilli and bocconcini cheese. For dessert, a warm skillet cookie, served with a dollop of chocolate ice cream and a white chocolate sauce, makes for an indulgent finish. Address: 3 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8PS Nearest tube station: Covent Garden Opening times: Monday-Sunday (8am-11pm) Best in Soho: Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza Rudy’s outpost in Soho (they have pizzerias scattered across the north of England, including Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and Leeds) makes a worthy addition to the scene. Which pizza to order at Rudy's? Pizza toppings are crowd-pleasing, from parmigiana with roasted aubergine to spicy calabrese with ‘nduja sausage and cinghiale with wild boar salami. Our lavishly topped capricciosa with creamy fior de latte, prosciutto, mushrooms, Kalamata olives and artichoke hearts ticked all the boxes, but it was the base that really impressed — well-flavoured and pillowy while still being satisfyingly chewy. All of Rudy’s pizzas — baked daily using 24-hour fermented dough — are made by trained and accredited pizzaiolos. What else is there to eat and drink? Start with an aperitivo of Campari and soda, which arrives premixed in a dinky little bottle alongside a bowl of salted crisps for snacking, before moving onto generous sharing platters loaded with deli treats and house-baked bread. Address: 80 Wardour Street, London, W1F 0TF Nearest tube station: Piccadilly Circus Opening times: Friday-Saturday (12-10:30pm), Sunday-Thursday (12-9:30pm) Best for personalised Neapolitan pizza (plus fans of crusts): Crust Bros If crusts are a big deal to you, it’s worth paying a visit to this Waterloo-based pizzeria. The clue is in the name – crusts are a big deal here, as well as the freedom to customise your pizza however you please (regardless of your eccentric topping combination). Which pizza to order at Crust Bros? Personalise is the name of the game here. Choose from either a Neapolitan or gluten-free base, pick your sauce (red, white, pesto, vegan), protein (‘nduja, anchovies, parma ham etc.), cheese (burrata, gorgonzola, vegan mozzarella etc.) and veg (peppers, onions, aubergines, chilli etc). If this seems complicated, choose from its list of pre-designed pizzas – Straight Outta Hell is a devilish combo of mozzarella, chicken, chillies, pepperoni and ’nduja. You could even add burrata for extra indulgence. What else is there to eat and drink? Double up on carbs with a side of cheesy flatbread topped with caramelised onions. Crust dippers will be more than happy with its offering, and we'd recommend ordering the trio of truffle, garlic and spicy mayos. To drink, Birra Moretti is on draft, while cocktails cover the classics, from Aperol spritz and margarita to espresso martini. Address: 113 Waterloo Road, Lambeth London, SE1 8UL Nearest tube station: Waterloo Opening times: Mon-Thurs 12-11pm, Fri-Sat 12-11pm, Sunday 12-10pm Best artisanal pizza in Hackney Wick: Unlock Enjoy Neapolitan pizza by the canal at this trendy pizzeria-cum-exhibition space in Hackney Wick. Artist collaborations decorate the walls, while pizzaiolos sling pies from the wood-fired oven in the open kitchen. Which pizza to order at unlock? The menu is split into ‘classic’ and ‘gourmet’, and we encourage diners to opt for the more adventurous options. Toppings feature ingredients which you wouldn’t typically find on pizza, from kiwi purée to panko tempura prawns and sweet and sour pork neck. The base, however, is true to Neapolitan form, with a soft, chewy dough and blistered crust. We tried the prawn and pistachio from the gourmet section, and the nutty pistachio pesto and creamy stracciatella was a strong match for the crispy tempura prawns. What else is there to eat and drink? Starters are sophisticated and honour Italian produce: think smoked straciatella with Vesuvio apple vinegar and quinoa crumbles. To drink, choose from a short list of Italian wine, beer on tap and traditional Italian cocktails. Address: 1 Monkwood Way, London E32EG Nearest tube station: Hackney Wick Opening times: Tuesday-Thursday (1pm-10pm), Friday-Sunday (12-11:30pm) Best vegetarian and vegan pizza in London: Flat Earth Pizza Flat Earth Pizza has moved into its first bricks and mortar location, an intimate space with bottle green and rattan furnishings. This sustainable pizza joint puts veg at the forefront and dismantles the idea of pizza as ‘junk food’: the dough is neither refined or processed, while ingredients are sourced locally. Which pizza to order at Flat Earth Pizza? Experimental pizza lies at the heart of Flat Earth, and the offerings do not disappoint. The ‘Hackey hot’ – an oval-shaped pizza with sweet pickled beetroot, a mixture of three Somerset cheeses, jalapeños, fermented hot salsa and tomato passata – has sweet warmth, while the ‘Kimchi Fiorentina’ with kimchi, tomato passata, beetroot crumb and egg, is a Korean twist on a veggie classic (vegans have the option of a plant-based mozzarella pie). What else is there to eat and drink? Start with a selection of well-designed vegan small plates to share, such as pickled beetroot and turmeric-spiced white cabbage, roasted red onions with caramelised shallots, chives and soubise and hummus with sweet house pickles and springy house focaccia. Drink natural orange wine on tap during summery evenings, or try the foraged fig leaf and sweet woodruff martini. Finish with a gooey vegan sea salt brownie with salted caramel ice cream. Address: 286-290 Cambridge Heath Rd, London E2 9DA Nearest tube station: Cambridge Heath Opening times: Tuesday (5-10pm), Wednesday-Thursday (11am-10pm), Friday (11am-10:30pm), Saturday (10am-10:3opm), Sunday (10am-4pm) Best pizza and beer in East London: Ace Pizza at Pembury Tavern This historic Hackney boozer is the home of Ace Pizza, a fun-loving pizza brand famed for its slow risen, picture-perfect Neapolitan pizzas which are stone baked for longer to achieve a crispier crust. Pembury Tavern is also under the stewardship of The Five Points Brewing Company, a local and independent brewery with modern brewing at the heart of its work. Which pizza to order at Ace? If you like your pizzas heavily topped, doughy and with lashings of sauce, try the chicken shawarma, a fun spin on the classic kebab where house-made shawarma is layered with red onions, spicy marinara, garlic and herb sauce, Guindilla peppers, mozzarella, and fresh parsley. Pickled pink onion is the magic ingredient though, providing a gloriously tangy flavour to cut through the creamy garlic sauce. What else is there to eat and drink? Pizzas span meat, veggie and vegan with the menu divided into red, white and green bases. Vegans can indulge in ‘Ooh Mami’, the creamy truffle bechamel providing the perfect base for a smattering of portobello mushrooms, cashew ricotta, caramelised onions, oregano oil, porcini salt and fresh parsley. Crust dippers include the enticing truffle aioli and a lip-smacking, fittingly named ‘crack sauce’. And, as the pub is a Five Points Brewery pub, plenty of beer is available to pair with your pizza, including a Five Points favourite the JUPA, a juicy and fruity pale ale with bold, citrus flavours. Address: 90 Amhurst Rd, London E8 1JH Nearest tube station: Hackney Downs Opening times: Monday-Wednesday (4-11pm) Thursday-Friday (4-12am) Saturday (12-12am) Sunday (12-11pm) Best Neapolitan pizza in London: Vicoli di Napoli Pizzeria For the ultimate Neapolitan pizza in London, head to Stoke Newington (and be prepared to queue) for a seat in Vicoli di Napoli Pizzeria, as recommended in the book ‘Eat, Pray, Love’. This Neapolitan family first began making pizza back in 1870, and the business is still going strong five generations later with sites in Naples, Tokyo and, London. Which pizza to order at Pizzeria da Michele? Go for the classic marinara or the margarita (with the option for double mozzarella). Each of the ingredients used is of the highest quality, from the thin, pillowy soft base to the sweet tomatoes and fresh peppery basil. Address: 125 Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke Newington, London, N16 0UH Nearest overground station: Stoke Newington Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday (12 –11pm), Sunday (12 – 10.30pm) Best for progressive Italian: Lamezia Maria Dell’aquilla took over the reins of her parents’ restaurant in April and describes her new menus as “progressive Italian” in view of its combination of the original Calabrian dishes and her own inspired addition of nutrition-inspired elements, such as hemp and turmeric bases as well as vegan, gluten-free dough and dairy-free cheese. Which pizza to order at Lamezia? Hemp pizza is not the first ground-breaking dish to come out of Lamezia: Maria’s father, Franco, created his signature ’nduja pizza 10 years ago and it’s still the bestseller. Address: 165 Holloway Road, London, N7 8LX| Nearest station: Holloway Road Opening times: Tuesday – Thursday (12 – 10pm), Friday – Saturday (12 – 12am), Sunday (12 – 10pm) Best for vegan pizza: Purezza 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. Last year, 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. Address: 43 Parkway, London, Nw1 7PN Nearest station: Camden Town Opening times: Sunday – Thursday (12 – 10pm), Friday – Saturday (12 – 11pm) Best for seasonal toppings: Manifesto Former Natoora director, Vittorio Maschio, has opened his first London pizzeria with a focus on carefully sourced and seasonal toppings. Flour comes from Molino Pasini, a family-run mill in North Italy, while fior di latte is brought over from Puglia. The biga-style dough (meaning it proves for 48-hours, creating a ciabatta-like texture) with a semolina-coated crust creates a super light, crisp base which holds its shape well when topped with sweet tomatoes. There's a laid-back vibe and minimalist design to the place with a few wooden tables inside, help-yourself counter service and a pile of boxes ready to be filled for takeaway. Which pizza to order at Manifesto? The stripped back menu offers six pizzas, two beers (from Hackney Wick's Crate Brewery), four wines and two Sicilian soft drinks. Keep it simple with the tomato and co. pizza topped with wild cantabrian anchovies and taggiasche olives, or order the pig and field option piled with peppery pedrazzoli ham and mushrooms if you want something more filling. There are no starters or desserts, but pizzas are reasonable in size. If you're still peckish, go back and order seconds. Address: 148 Northcote Road, London, SW11 6RD Nearest station: Clapham Junction Opening times: Monday – Saturday (11 – 11pm), Sunday (11 – 10.30pm) Best sourdough pizza in London: Theo’s Head to Theo’s in Camberwell for the best sourdough pizza in London. Its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are the best in South London. Which pizza to order at Theo's? The Scotch Bonnet nduja is the menu must-order, as the spiced sausage is made across the road by the team at the Camberwell Arms pub. What else is there to eat and drink? Save room for a serving of Theo's outrageously good tiramisu, and order a negroni bianco or espresso martini to finish. If you don’t fancy sitting in, Theo’s do delivery, so it’s up there with the best takeaway pizza in London, too. Address: 2 Grove Ln, Camberwell, London, SE5 8SY Nearest overground station: Denmark Hill Opening times: Monday (12 – 10pm), Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday (12 – 10:30pm), Friday – Saturday (12 – 11pm) Best pizza slice in London: Voodoo Ray’s For the best slice of pizza in London, head to Voodoo Ray’s for a New York style slice. With four locations across East, North and South London, this joint bakes 22-inch pizzas topped with everything from wild mushroom, squash and red onion; salt beef, sauerkraut and emmental and a vegan option, piled high with artichoke hearts and green olives. Which pizza to order at Voodoo Ray's? If you fancy a pizza pie for brunch, Voodoo Ray's serve 10” pizzas on the weekend topped with classic eggs and bacon or a veggie spinach and ricotta version. What else is there to eat and drink? With a selection of craft beers (think Beavertown, Red Hook and Kona) and frozen margaritas on offer, Voodoo Ray's is the place to go for a late-night munch. Address: 95 Kingsland High St, London, E8 2PB Nearest overground station: Dalston Kingsland Opening times: Monday – Wednesday (5 – 12am), Thursday (5 – 1am), Friday – Saturday (12 – 3am), Sunday (12 – 12am) Best pizza joint atmosphere in London: Yard Sale What started as a weekly supper club in owner Johnnie’s back yard has grown to three restaurants (with another opening in March 2018) offering the best pizza in North London. Grab a leather booth seat close to the kitchens for the comfiest spot in house and order a 12 or 18-inch pizza topped with slow cooked tomato sauce and fior di latte mozzarella. The blistered base is crisp yet doughy which gets slightly sloppy when you reach the centre (so napkins are necessary). Which pizza to order at Yard Sale? There’s no holding back when it comes to toppings, be it the ‘TSB’, a mixture of Tender stem broccoli, manchego, pine nuts, garlic and olive oil; ‘Cour Bimey’ topped with courgette ribbon, pancetta and black pepper, or, one for the cheese lovers, ‘Cheesus Walks’, a white base piled high with basil pesto, mozzarella, gorgonzola, ricotta and parmesan. What else is there to eat and drink? If you’ve got room for more, order a garlic pizza bread with cheese and Marmite for the ultimate punchy umami experience. There’s a great choice of beers from Beavertown and the Five Points Brewing Company. Address: 54 Blackstock Road, Finsbury Park, London, N4 2DW Nearest tube station: Finsbury Park Opening times: Monday – Thursday (5 – 11pm), Friday (4 – 11pm), Saturday (12 – 11pm), Sunday (12 – 10pm) Best unusual pizza toppings in London: Homeslice Homeslice is one of the best pizza restaurants in London with sites in Shoreditch, Fitzrovia, City and Covent Garden. Whether you want to eat in or takeaway, you can order just a slice or a 20-inch pizza. Which pizza to order at Homeslice? Go all out and split your pizza 50/50 with two different flavours, ideal for sharing. Choose between a classic margherita; a salty salami, rocket and parmesan or a slice topped with kimchi, porcini cream and basil. Address: 13 Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9DP Nearest tube station: Covent Garden Opening times: Monday – Sunday (12 – 11pm) Best all-round pizza meal in London: Made of Dough For the best pizza in Brixton and Peckham, visit Made of Dough. The moreish, chewy dough has a 60-hour fermentation process before being cooked in a wood-fired oven, and the mozzarella is fresh from Campania. Which pizza to order at Made of Dough? If you fancy something extra cheesy, order the truffle pizza that comes with fior di latte, white alba truffle oil and an entire ball of Burratina. What else is there to eat and drink? Make sure to order a side of the scotch bonnet romesco sauce to add a spicy kick to the crust, and wash your pizza down with one of the negronis or a fruity pompelmo G&T. Address: 182 Bellenden Road, Peckham, London, SE15 4BW Nearest overground station: Peckham Rye Opening times: Monday – Saturday (12 – 10pm), Sunday (12 – 9pm) Best for pizza garlic bread: Sodo Pizza With six sites across London London, Sodo pizza is the place to go for a light, crispy, tangy base. Which pizza to order at Sodo Pizza? Head to the Walthamstow restaurant on the weekend for a brunch of pizza topped with eggs and sausage and, if it’s warm enough, grab one of the outside tables and order a Bloody Mary or two. What else is there to eat and drink? While the pizzas are great, we love the sourdough garlic bread topped with sweet, crisp rosemary and drizzled with an earthy olive oil. Address: Hatherley Mews, Walthamstow, London, E17 4QP Nearest tube station: Walthamstow Opening times: Tuesday – Friday (12 – 10pm), Saturday – Sunday (10 – 10pm) Fancy something sweet now? Click here for our chocolate chip cookie pizza recipe Photographs: Steven Joyce (Doughnation)
10 foraging dos and don’ts for safe and edible treasures
Brush up on your knowledge of urban foraging before you venture this spring with expert Barney Desmazery's practical checklist
With spring's arrival, nature’s larder begins to bloom with edible plant treasures, which often grow wild in the churchyards, parks and towpaths that wind through our cities. Urban foraging offers the chance to connect with wild food, discover new flavours and enjoy the outdoors. However, it’s vital to approach foraging with care, respect and responsibility. By following these dos and don’ts, you can enjoy your finds while protecting yourself and ensuring your foraging is safe, legal and sustainable. Discover more re-energising activities in our 30 easy ways to bring the joy this spring campaign, including expert health tips, morning rituals and seasonal dinners. For recipe inspiration, check out our best wild garlic recipes, mushroom recipes or elderflower recipes. Foraging dos Do your research before you start Before heading out, research what you can and cannot forage thoroughly. Use trusted books or reputable websites to help you identify what is available and, even then, never eat anything you’re not totally sure of. Do go foraging with someone experienced If you’re new to foraging, head out with someone who knows what they’re picking or sign up for a tutored day out. Their experience can help you avoid dangerous mistakes and teach you how to forage responsibly. Do seek permission from landowners Always ensure you have the landowner’s permission before foraging, especially in parks or areas that are not public land. Don’t assume all public spaces are fair game. Respect private property and local regulations. Do only pick what you need Take a modest amount and leave plenty behind for nature and other foragers. Nature depends on these plants more than we do, so leave the plants to regenerate. Do use the right equipment Take a sturdy pair of scissors and a reusable bag for collecting. For certain plants, such as nettles or brambles, wear gardening gloves to protect yourself from stings and scratches. Do leave roots intact Snip leaves and stems but never uproot. Always leave the roots so the plants can regrow. Do double-check your harvest Even if you’re confident in your identification, inspect your collection carefully before using it and remove anything you’re unsure about. With wild garlic, for example, you need to make sure that you haven’t accidentally also picked up other plants with it too, such as toxic dog mercury or cuckoo-pint. If you were to blitz them into a wild garlic pesto, it could make you really ill. Do be aware of plant lookalikes Some edible plants closely resemble toxic species, especially before they flower. Always check for key identifiers to avoid dangerous mistakes. The three-cornered leek, for example, smells mildly of garlic if you snap it open, but looks very similar to a bluebell that hasn't flowered yet, however a bluebell is, in fact, poisonous. The deadly plant hemlock looks very similar to edible plants like cow parsley which both grow in abundance near each other, so really be careful. Avoid built-up areas Plants that grow where there is heavy traffic, are low down where dogs have access to relieving themselves, or are on industrial waste areas, are probably best avoided. Do be mindful of toxic sap Another potential risk to be aware of is the toxic sap from a plant dripping onto an edible part of that same plant. Do enjoy the experience Foraging is as much about the pleasure of finding and identifying wild food as it is about eating it. Take photos or simply savour the moment if you don’t plan on cooking your finds. Foraging don’ts Don’t eat anything you’re unsure about Never eat a foraged plant unless you are absolutely certain of its identity and safety. If in doubt, leave it out. Many wild plants are poisonous and can cause serious harm. Never take risks with identification. Don’t dig up wild plants Digging up wild plants is illegal even if the desired part of the plant is the root, like with pig nuts or alexanders, as this would prevent them from coming back the following year. Don’t pick protected species Some plants, like primrose, are illegal to pick due to their declining numbers. Learn which species are protected and avoid disturbing them. Don’t strip one area bare Avoid foraging completely from the same spot and stripping one patch. Spread your picking across different patches to help plants continue to thrive and to maintain the ecosystem. Don’t ignore the ecosystem Every plant has a role in its environment. Nettles might be seen as a pest, but bees need them for pollination. If it's not an invasive plant, it's there for a reason and it serves a purpose in our ecosystem. Don’t treat foraging as a free-for-all Foraging is not about gathering as much as possible. It’s about connecting with nature, learning and enjoying the process in a sustainable way.
Spring show-off dishes for the long weekend
Impress your guests with these four spring dishes, from an easy one-pot to a boozy lemon dessert
Long weekends are made for lingering lunches, laidback dinners and dishes worth gathering around. These spring showstoppers brings bold flavours to the table while keeping things low-effort and shareable – think an easy one-pot, punchy roast and build-your-own raclette spread. And, because no celebration is complete without something sweet, there’s a boozy lemon dessert to round things off in style. Discover more recipes for entertaining this season, consider a few unexpected ideas for hosting guests, or replicate private chef Nisha Parmar's vibrant sharing menu for a simple yet impressive three-course dinner at home. Slow-cooked spiced lamb with orzo This effortless one-pot is cooked with fragrant spices of cinnamon and allspice, which don't overpower, but provide gentle warmth. Fresh herbs, feta and lemon lift the finished dish. Bring the platter to the table for maximum wow-factor. Cowboy butter-roasted chicken A punchy butter instantly boosts the flavour of roast chicken. Spatchcocking the bird means it roasts evenly and fast – and, it's much easier to carve for guests. Serve with skinny fries and a vinegary salad to cut through the richness, and don't forget to spoon over all the buttery roasting juices. Raclette party This is a great way to serve a mix-and-match spread for friends. Traditionally, you'd serve raclette simply with boiled potatoes, charcuterie and pickles, but we've added a few extra flourishes to make your guests feel you've worked extra hard! You can buy various raclette sets, but you can also use small heatproof frying pans or dishes. Boozy lemon meringue trifle This zingy spring trifle is made with mostly ready-made ingredients, then finished with marshmallowy Italian meringue. Using hot sugar syrup means the meringue is 'cooked' and becomes much more stable. We think it's worth the extra effort, but if you want a simpler finish, you could pile up some shop-bought meringues and whipped cream instead.
West Hampstead restaurants: a local shares her favourite spots
Discover where to eat and drink in West Hampstead, from a local Parisian restaurant to a retro 1970s cocktail bar
Looking for the best places to eat in West Hampstead and the surrounding area? Local resident and expert Bettina Campolucci Bordi shared her must-visit recommendations, from a neighbourhood deli stocking St John baked goods to a weekly farmer's market. For more London food recommendations, check out our reviews of the best restaurants in Notting Hill, best restaurants in Marylebone and best restaurants in Paddington. West Hampstead is one of those neighbourhoods that just works – it’s got great food, brilliant independent shops, proper community vibes and you’re close enough to Hampstead Heath to escape London without actually leaving it. People chat, shopkeepers remember you and everything you need is within walking distance, which, for me, is the dream. Food is always how I connect to a place, and West Hampstead delivers. We’re lucky to be surrounded by small, independently run spots where the owners genuinely care about what they’re doing and, over time, many of them have become part of our everyday routine. What I love most about West Hampstead is how well connected it is with the tube, London Overground and Thameslink trains but also how it feels – it’s the people, independents, easy access to green space. It feels like this is a neighbourhood built around community which, when you live in a big city like London, can be hard to come by. Tannin & Oak A true local gem. This is our go-to wine bar and the kind of place that you end up staying longer at than planned. The owners and sommeliers really know their stuff but there’s zero intimidation – just great wine and conversation, and a very friendly crowd. It’s perfect after a long day and also brilliant if you’re on your own because everyone is so welcoming. It also does a generous champagne pour when you feel like celebrating! tanninandoak.com French Society A relatively new opening that we were very excited about, and it hasn’t disappointed. French-inspired dishes that are comforting, generous and delicious without being fussy. It’s already become one of those places we suggest when we don’t want to overthink dinner but still want to eat really well – and it’s close to home. frenchsociety.co.uk Hampstead Food & Drinks This Bulgarian shop is special to me. I buy my feta, brilliant yogurts and all sorts of treats here that instantly transport me back to childhood summers spent in Bulgaria. My mum is half Bulgarian and stepping inside always brings back those memories. Food has a funny way of doing that. hampsteadfood.co.uk Bobby Fitzpatrick Pure 1970s fun – great playlist, retro interiors and cocktails that don’t take themselves too seriously. A perfect spot when you want a great atmosphere and buzzing cocktails. bobbyf.co.uk Grocery Post I call this our posh corner shop and it’s dangerously close to our house. Part deli, part coffee shop, it stocks St John baked goods and Happy Endings ice cream sandwiches (The Gay One is my favourite). It’s the kind of place you pop into quickly and end up leaving with far more than planned. grocerypost.com West Hampstead Farmer's Market Saturday mornings usually involve a wander around the farmers’ market. It’s where we pick up seasonal produce and stop by The Source Bulk Foods for all our dry goods as well as refills of dishwashing liquid, multi-cleaner, loose coffee and, inevitably, chocolate-covered almonds. It makes food shopping feel intentional rather than rushed. It takes me a good couple of hours, as I always stop for chats and catch-ups with the different stall holders, which I love. lfm.org.uk/markets/westhampstead Intermission Coffee Some of the best coffee in the area and it gives back to the community too, which makes it even better. A proper local favourite and a great place to start the day, usually before having a wander around the Saturday market. intermission.coffee Al Arez A new Lebanese spot that’s become a family favourite – generous portions, brilliant pickles and loads of small plates that make it perfect for a proper pick-and-mix meal. We order a bit of everything and pile it into the middle. It also does seriously good-quality kebabs and other more substantial main dishes. alarez.co.uk Kiyoto Sushi Bar Really good sushi that’s quick, super tasty and hits the spot. It’s the takeaway we’ll order if I’ve had a particularly busy week and the last thing I feel like doing is cooking. kiyotosushi.co.uk/ location/west-hampstead Discover more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington Best restaurants in Camden
Discover our favourite London hotel bars, from contemporary drinking dens to venues that exude old-school glamour
Looking for the best London hotel bars? I've been olive's drinks writer for the past eight years, and trust me when I say that London has some of the best hotel bars in the world. With cutting-edge mixology, iconic cocktails and opulent environments, many have become destinations in their own right. And with that in mind, I've curated a list of the best ones to visit right now, from sleek Mayfair outfits to funky Shoreditch drinking dens. You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to seeking out a classy drink or two. Don't forget to check this guide for updates, as I'll be refreshing it with new openings and must-visit favourites. Now, find out the best dining experiences in London, best restaurants in London with a view and the best food and drink festivals to visit. We also have our round-up of the best London pubs for food lovers. If you like your cocktail served with stellar sound systems, discover our favourite listening bars in London. The best London hotel bars to visit Gambit Bar at the Newman Hotel, Fitzrovia Located underneath The Newman hotel, down the staircase and through a grand mirrored hallway, is suave subterranean venue Gambit. The plush interior is inspired by the abstract geometric forms of Percy Wyndham Lewis's vorticist movement – evident in an elegantly coffered ceiling and swirling burr veneer front running the length of the copper-topped bar. Cosy green booths and high-top seats line the room, creating a warm, relaxed feel. Head of food and drink Eder Neto has created a refined menu. Signature cocktails showcase high-quality ingredients with an understated touch – such as the earthy Angels and Demons, made with butter-infused tequila, Campari and blood orange; and the tropical, subtly creamy Excitement and Fate, with white rum, pineapple and shiso. Classic drinks are of course available too and our sazerac was boozy and carefully made, as it should be. Bar snacks include superb castelvetrano olives, light goat's cheese gougères and nutty västerbotten cheese croquettes with a delicately curried remoulade. A special mention must go to the fact that all signature cocktails are available in alcohol-free versions that maintain the character and complexity of the originals. It's a lovely touch and one that we'd love to see adopted at more bars that are serious about cocktails. gambitbar.com Vesper Bar at The Dorchester, Mayfair The vesper martini first appeared in James Bond’s debut, Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale, a potent mix of gin, vodka and Lillet Blanc. The drink – and Fleming’s frequent patronage of the hotel – provided inspiration for when The Dorchester revamped its own longstanding bar into a destination venue. Vesper Bar is a thirties-inspired golden, glimmering confection, with polished wood and shimmering surfaces, plump blue armchairs, racing green bar stools and a beautiful 1930s palladium leaf ceiling. It’s plush, luxe and comfortable, with seamless service. The latest menu, Eterna, explores the golden ratio, a mathematical ratio seen throughout nature and art, and expressed in the menu through different flavour profiles – from savoury to herbaceous, floral and smoky. The Venus Observed, with coconut pisco, Seatrus gin, Italicus, tomato and caperberry, is a savoury delight, while Thunderball’s combination of Enemigo blanco tequila, pineapple and sage sauvignon blanc is a smoky, spicy winner. The Green Knight deploys diverse ingredients including vodka, mastiha, feta, gentian and watermelon in a balanced, gluggable drink, full of herbaceous character. It would be remiss to miss out on drinking an actual vesper, made with Stolichnaya vodka, the hotel’s own old tom gin, forbidden fruit liqueur and dry sherry. It’s icy, boozy perfection. dorchestercollection.com <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2025/06/TheDorchester-VesperBar-Hero-DorchesterCollection-1-3e2476c.jpg" width="11648" height="8736" alt="Vesper Bar interiors, a thirties-inspired golden, glimmering bar, with polished wood, plump blue armchairs, racing green bar stools and a 1930s palladium leaf ceiling" title="TheDorchester-VesperBar-Hero-DorchesterCollection (1)" /> Velvet at Corinthia London, Embankment Hidden away in the grandly opulent surrounds of the Corinthia hotel, Velvet is as lush and lavishly swagged as the name suggests. Hidden behind velvet curtains, with soft lighting and plumply upholstered sofas and chairs in rich jewel shades, it’s an intimate, plush showcase for cocktails courtesy of award-winning drinks maestro, Salvatore Calabrese. The bar’s current menu, The Quote Book, is inspired by the words of the great and good, and has plenty to discover. Start with the bright and silky Calypso – a lovely way to use whisky in a long cocktail with Hibiki Harmony, umeshu sake, Amaro Lucano and an almond butter fat wash adding mellow nuttiness. V=SC² is a forward-thinking spin on a martini, featuring Tuscan Ginepraio gin, a bell pepper distillation and a trio of cabbage, saffron and basil oils, plus Muyu Jasmine liqueur. It’s a complex, aromatic affair with interplaying vegetal and floral notes. If more martinis are your thing, then the cocktail menu comes with a pleasingly lengthy list. Try a Salvatore classic, Spicy Fifty, with Stolichnaya Vanilla, elderflower, chilli and lime juice, full of spicy, floral and citrus flavours. Elsewhere, there’s a lengthy roster of champagnes on offer and luxe bar snacks including caviar and blinis, buttermilk-fried Norfolk chicken and Devon crab bao bun sliders. Classy live music can accompany your libations from Tuesday to Saturday until late. corinthia.com Side Hustle at The Nomad London, Covent Garden What was once the former Bow Street police station now feels like a slice of Manhattan real estate, with Side Hustle’s grand marble-topped bar and dark wood, and leather-lined booths with brass rails. This is very much in keeping with the NoMad hotel itself, a New York import, but when it comes to the drinks and food this lively bar and restaurant takes its cue from much farther south, with a cocktail menu centred around Latin American flavours and agave spirits. There’s a delightful menu of seasonal margaritas – a rhubarb expression with yuzu and Aperol is tangy and full bodied, while a bergamot and chilli creation has lovely floral notes with tingle of heat. Other classics include a zingy paloma but it’s also worth exploring the roster of house cocktails that explore the variety of agave spirits. We dived into the agave martinis, highlights of which include a dirty tequila-based variation with savoury depth from fino sherry, and a spicy martini using corn-infused mezcal and Thai bird’s-eye chilli for a cocktail with a proper poky punch. Bar snacks are not to be missed, including an on-point guacamole, prawn croquettes, charred Padrón peppers with umami salsa macha, plus delicious tacos including baja fish, chicken tinga and pork carnitas. hilton.com Connaught Bar at The Connaught Hotel, Mayfair Low-lit, slinky, plush luxury is the name of the game at this acclaimed hotel bar, whose tastefully decadent surrounds – metallic accents, mirrors, a mutedly rich palate and plenty of seating to sink into – is matched by impeccable, meticulously attentive service and even more impressive cocktails. So impressive, in fact, that it was voted World's Best Bar in 2021. If you only order one drink let it be the martini – made at a trolley by your table with theatrical, expert aplomb (watching them pour the martini in a high, silvery stream into your glass is a sight to behold). Tanqueray No Ten is the recommended serve, along with a blend of vermouths and your choice of homemade bitters (ranging from tonka bean and lavender to cardamom, on our visit). The end result is spot on, silky textured and very generous in size – don’t drink one on an empty stomach. the-connaught.co.uk Punch Room at The London EDITION, Fitzrovia 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 Seed Library at One Hundred Shoreditch, Shoreditch Ryan Chetiyawardana’s latest venture is a slinky drinking den in the basement of the One Hundred Shoreditch hotel. Whereas his flagship bar – Lyaness at Sea Containers in Southbank – showcases a high-concept approach to mixology, Seed Library is deliberately more casual and low key. Walk-ins are encouraged and the space, with its sultry lighting, wood-panelled walls, red velvet chairs and warm palette, feels retro and slightly louche, yet very welcoming. Expect elevated riffs on cocktail classics with a touch of whimsy. The vibrant Breakfast Bellini with Patrón tequila, century beans, breakfast fruit and champagne is served with a fried egg sweet balanced on top of the glass. Asteriod Garden is a celestial spin on the English Garden, lifted with shochu and pink meteor wine, while apple blossom and tundra tea bring refreshment. A Coriander Seed Gimlet is gorgeously executed – clean and citrusy with a backbone of gentle, warming spice. Bar snacks include the likes of nocerella olives, spiced nuts and chilli rice crackers - everything you want from a nibble: savoury, salty and crunchy. Analogue lovers can find East London's Diggers Dozen spinning vinyl at the weekend. seedlibraryshoreditch.com Le Magritte at The Beaumont, Mayfair The bar of Mayfair’s opulent art-deco hotel, The Beaumont, is enveloped in old school American elegance. Jazz legends rotate on the soundtrack as well as featuring in black and white photographs on wood-panelled walls. Intimate seating areas are arranged around mirrored tables topped with lamps casting their soft glow. Or hop up at the bar to be dazzled by the mirror-backed array of bottles. There’s a line-up of bitter aperitif classics such as manhattans, negronis and boulevardiers, or choose something unique in the zesty Empire of Light laced with smoky mezcal. The Six Elements makes for a delicate, grown-up, non-alcoholic option. Superb bar snacks include dinky Hereford sliders, crisp, bechamel-filled french toast squares topped with bacon jam and the famous prawn cocktail in which six giant plump prawns perch on the rim of a large sundae glass with a pot of Marie rose sauce on ice. thebeaumont.com/dining/le-magritte The American Bar at The Savoy, Mayfair Voted the World’s Best Bar on multiple occasions, thanks to spot-on cocktails and lashings of Art Deco glamour, The American Bar’s iconic status has long been established. Despite its reputation, it’s not a bar that’s out to intimidate – while the sleek, 1920s-style cream fittings are smart, and the helpful, white-jacketed waiters impress, the vibe is quietly tasteful, low-slung leather chairs are comfortable, the tinkle of jazz piano and the sound of cocktail shakers your only soundtrack for the evening. The latest cocktail menu, Re:Invented, is self-explanatory, offering smart and assured spins on classic drinks. The Hanky Panky Highball, with gin, white rum, sweet vermouth, Cynar and tonic, is freshly tart and herbaceous, while To the Moon & Back, with Bowmore 15-year-old whisky, oloroso sherry, chilli, green apple and soda is full-bodied and smoky yet long and refreshing – a next-level whisky soda. Those willing to try something different should make a beeline for the Savoy Bells, a complex marriage of blanco tequila with white port and a red wine float that is bright with herbaceous agave flavour, silky with a sweetly fruity edge. thesavoylondon.com The Donovan, Mayfair Mayfair isn’t lacking in swish hotel bars, but The Donovan Bar is plushly discreet, ideal if you’re after a cocktail in a low-key, luxurious setting. Tucked away in Brown’s Hotel, wood-panelled and decked out in soothing greys with green velvet armchairs, nab a seat at the sleek, glass-topped bar to watch your drinks get whipped up in front of you. The bar is named after 60s photographer Terence Donovan, whose black-and-white photography adorns the space. The cocktails are inspired by iconic figures connected to Brown’s, from Oscar Wilde to Oliver Reed, and are co-created by powerhouse bartender Salvatore Calabrese (whose own signature drinks, like the vanilla- and chilli-spiked Spicy Fifty, are also on the list). Not Shaken, Not Stirred is the delicious love child of a martini and an espresso martini – Ciroc vodka redistilled with Lucano coffee cordial, plus coffee caviar. It’s clear and crystalline with a warming, spicy undertone. Another hit, Read Between the Lines, gives an old fashioned some buttery, saline oomph with salted-butter-washed Dewar’s whisky. Lighter cocktails include the Honey Bear, refreshing and tart with Campari and rhubarb cordial, plus Normandy cider, adding fruity funkiness. Non-alcs also impress – try the spritz-like Virgin Falls, crisp yet creamy and spicy. roccofortehotels.com Lyaness, Sea Containers Hotel, Southwark Drinks maestro Ryan Chetiyawardana’s flagship bar is lauded for its innovative mixology, and also happens to be one of the nicest places to enjoy a cocktail on the South Bank. On the ground floor of the Sea Containers hotel, it combines a light, bright palette of sky blue walls, electric blue banquettes, opulent gold accents and a sleek emerald green marble bar (leftover from the site’s previous iteration, the award-winning Dandelyan) with glorious views of the Thames. Lyaness is a fresh, modern take on what a hotel bar should be, with yearly changing cocktail menus a product of meticulous research and freewheeling creativity. The latest, Collaboration Menu, is themed around cooperation and the coming together of ideas. If that all sounds rather serious then, rest assured, the drinks themselves are fun and full of flavour. The menu makes use of 12 housemade ingredients, from savoury and creamy KitKat-so, a koji and KitKat combo, to the sweet-sour-umami Bitterless Aperitif, a fusion of grapefruit, radicchio and plantain. The zippy Vantapink Gimlet is a tangy, tart confection of Botanist gin, ‘spite cordial’ made with dock leaves, rhubarb and fermented nettles, while the No Spoon Old Fashioned, matching Del Maguey mezcal with walnut honey and hibiscus-based ‘purple bitters’ is punchily smoky and spicy. Top billing on our visit went to the Pitstop Fix, using Port Charlotte 10 whisky, KitKat-so, linden honey, tropical chilli and lemon for a delicious next-level sour – smoky and savoury, creamy and silky. lyaness.com The Coral Room at The Bloomsbury, Bloomsbury This luxe Bloomsbury hotel bar, tucked away on a quiet side street in a busy area of central London, combines bold interiors with an intriguing wine list. Saturated coral walls, huge white murano glass chandeliers and a sweeping, marble-topped art deco-style bar, super-sized pot plants everywhere and low, plushly upholstered chairs and sofas set a striking tone at the bar, matched by an extensive list of English sparkling wines, curated by master of wine Anne McHale, with options by the bottle and a small, ever-changing list of wines by the glass. thecoralroom.co.uk Dukes Bar at Duke's, Mayfair This bar might be world-famous but it still feels like one of London's best kept secrets, discreetly tucked away in a quiet Mayfair cul-de-sac. Inside, discover a lushly outfitted parlour that feels little changed since the hotel first opened its doors in 1908, with antique portraits on the walls, plump armchairs, courtly white-jacketed waiters and a cosy wood-panelled bar. Martinis are the name of the game here. Waiters will bring a trolley to your table stocked with ice-cold bottles of gin, vodka and decanters of vermouth and bitters, and assemble your drink with streamlined efficiency. If you ever tire of overly elaborate mixology and cocktails then a Dukes Bar martini is a delicious palate cleanser: clean, crystalline and, it has to be said, enormous – the two martini maximum at the bar is a wise one. dukeshotel.com Dover Yard at 1 Hotel Mayfair, Mayfair This sleek bar is hidden away in eco chic oasis, 1 Hotel Mayfair. Natural aesthetics include low gnarled wood tables with sofas and throws in soft, muted tones. A striking bar showcases delicate racing pigeon feathers worked into a gentle wave beneath the glass. Repurposed ingredients take the limelight in the eclectic range of sophisticated cocktails. Rum-based falernum liqueur is fat-washed with left-over breakfast pastries and shaken with the bar’s own lemon sour mash, made from squeezing surplus lemon and lime husks, to create the unique Pan Brioche cocktail, reminiscent of a whisky sour and topped with a tiny croissant. Rotating seasonal classics include the vibrant Purple Carrot Garibaldi that infuses vodka with English purple carrots, while the lower-ABV Palomito is a long, bittersweet and refreshing concoction of Campari, Mancino Chinato vermouth and pink grapefruit. 1hotels.com Beaufort Bar at The Savoy, Picadilly Tucked away deep at the back of The Savoy, you’ll find the hidden gem that is the Beaufort Bar. The vibe inside is dark and moody with dim lighting, black walls and opulent gold highlights for an intimate feel, but there’s also a surprisingly modern DJ and upbeat playlist as the night goes on. Early in the evening you’ll find a pre-theatre crowd, plus hotel guests and post-business meeting groups. Lounge on the comfy sofas and padded chairs with low tables. Take your pick from the complex signature cocktails on the menu with long ingredients lists, or the expert bar staff can make you the classics. A simple gin sour has been upgraded to the complex Seasonal Sour with an impressive nine ingredients, including port, pisco and sloe gin, topped with a pale vanilla foam. For a long drink, try the Good Fortune – a fruity blend of St Germain, grapefruit juice, sparkling wine and more. We were also tempted by the Croissantini, made with ‘croissant vodka’ – fans of a strong drink should give it a try. There’s also a selection of sustainable cocktails and alcohol-free options. It’s worth paying attention to the bar snacks on offer, too: there’s bumps of caviar and platters of oysters for ultimate decadence, but it was the plate of moreish sticky gochujang fried chicken topped with pickled ginger that we’d happily return to have a second time. thesavoylondon.com Sweeties at The Standard, King’s Cross Step into the Standard hotel’s sleek red pill lift and zoom up to the 10th floor for this luxe bar that combines retro interiors with playful, off-beat cocktails and unrivalled views of King’s Cross and St Pancras. In keeping with its home, a restored 1970s Brutalist office block, Sweeties takes its cue from the same decade, with opulent interiors including velvet sofas, mirrored tables, gold accents, wood panelling and patterned carpets. The cocktail menu features ‘feel-good ingredients and mood-enhancing mixes’ designed to be energising and uplifting. We’re not sure if we felt these effects but regardless the drinks are very good. Pick Me Up – made with eight adaptogenic (ingredients that help the body deal with stress) mushrooms, vodka, rum, caramel and burnt butter drank like an elevated espresso martini, layered and earthy, with rounded depth. Roots Manuva – riesling vermouth, golden beet caramel, turmeric, ginseng, ginger, orange and mead – is vibrant, honeyed and fresh, with a vegetal edge. No Whey Jose, blanco tequila with strawberry, red rice, rose and a salted hot coconut foam, was the delightful cocktail equivalent of a Campino strawberry candy. Purple Rain – Johnny Walker whisky, amazake, salted plum, cherry bark and blossom wine – was like an extra fruity old fashioned, bursting with berry flavours, smoky and subtly savoury. standardhotels.com Artesian at The Langham, Marylebone With its opulent surroundings – soaring ceilings, baroque chandeliers, a gilded bar and scalloped purple sofas – and equally illustrious heritage (it’s won multiple World’s Best Bar gongs), this decadent hotel bar, minutes from Oxford Circus, is a must visit. The menu on our last trip paid tribute to retro drinks, with sleek, minimalist takes on camp classics. A Woo Woo is a pleasingly silky, light affair, with peachy fruitiness and complexity from vermouth and Chivas Regal. The flirty, ditzy cosmopolitan is reimagined as a punchy short drink, with sultry earthy notes from Cynar, rounded fruitiness and a spicy kick thanks to rye whisky. artesian-bar.co.uk The Zetter, Marylebone and Clerkenwell Both the bars at the branches of this London hotel are reminiscent of an eccentric Edwardian sitting room – cosy, luxurious drinking den with earthy red walls, richly patterned rugs on wooden floors, a profusion of gilt-framed pictures and portraits, velvet sofas, carved wooden chairs and oriental vases. thezetter.com Pilgrm Lounge, Paddington A quirky, design-led, 73-bedroom hotel with lounge-bar and café that’s brought a fine Victorian building in London’s Paddington back to life. This boutique hotel on a pretty Victorian terraced street in Paddington has a hidden secret at the top of its original mahogany staircase. A retro-chic lounge, scattered with coral and olive velvet chairs, and marble tables, is the perfect hideaway for pre-batched cocktails from top London bars such as Bar Termini and Three Sheets. Doors open onto a sun-soaked terrace, where you can sit beneath straw parasols and enjoy the bustle of Paddington from a distance. thepilgrm.com Fitz's at Kimpton Fitzroy, Russell Square Original stained glass windows, a glittering disco ball, scalloped velvet sofas and contemporary artwork bring together the old and new in this luxurious drinking den at the Kimpton Fitzroy London. Its latest menu, The Theory of Colour, is a high-concept affair that explores how colours can influence moods, emotions and choices. The bar has created 14 different cocktails inspired by a 17th-century still life flower painting by Flemish artist Nicolaes van Verendael. On the menu, each drink is matched with a different treatment of the artwork, and guests are invited to select their drink based on which image is most appealing. Chrome Yellow is a gorgeously bright and tropical affair. With clarified banana, Mount Gay XO rum, cognac, pimento bitters and a passion fruit float, it’s impressively balanced, delivering bold flavours while remaining light and silky. On the more sultry end of the spectrum, Rothko’s Abyss features Toki whisky, Mancino rosso amaranto vermouth, coffee beans, vanilla and Campari. Intense and full-bodied, it’s perfect for fans of boulevardiers and negronis. fitzs.co.uk
Why every oenophile should discover Australia’s remote wine paradise
Often described as a paradise by winemakers, our expert shares what makes this boutique wine region so special
Margaret River is one of the most remote wine regions in the world, a strip around 60 miles long and 20 miles wide on the south-west tip of Australia, surrounded on three sides by the Indian Ocean. It’s also one of the newest, established less than 60 years ago when it was noticed how similar its climate and soils were to the best sites in Bordeaux. Margaret River's main grape varieties Margaret River – or Margs as the locals call it – has established itself among the most respected wine regions in the world. As in Bordeaux, cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc and sémillon thrive brilliantly, the latter two often blended to make wonderful, opulent whites that get better with a bit of bottle age, while chardonnay is perhaps its shining star, making dazzling wines that really sing of the region’s unique terroir. The geology here predates that of almost every other winemaking region by around 500 million years. Its well-drained gravel soils retain heat to help with the ripening of the grapes, while the clay beneath holds moisture during the dry summers. But its proximity to the ocean and its cooling sea breezes is the real key to the characteristic freshness, minerality and savoury salinity of the wines that distinguishes them from those from other, hotter parts of Australia. Margaret River's wine making While Australia’s wine industry is dominated by a few huge companies, Margaret River is very much a boutique region, accounting for only 2 per cent of Australia’s total production. Here, the focus is on small, often family-owned producers making high-quality wines, many of them organic or biodynamic, which aren’t cheap enough to compete with supermarkets’ budget bottles but generally offer great value when you’re prioritising quality over quantity. Margs has a thriving community of dynamic, innovative growers and winemakers who embody the pioneering spirit of the region, and their wines will rarely let you down. Want to stay over? Cape Lodge Margaret River is a long schlep from anywhere but well worth the journey. It’s often described as a paradise by winemakers and this holds true for wine-loving tourists too, as you’re never far from great wineries, excellent eating options, unspoilt forests or the majestic coast with pristine beaches that lure surfers from around the world. Cape Lodge is a luxurious retreat hotel set among gorgeous grounds, including its own lake and a vineyard producing award-winning wines. Quietly luxurious with airy, elegant rooms, a swimming pool and tennis courts, as well as a top-tier restaurant with a fantastic wine list, it’s secluded but within easy reach of Margaret River’s many charms. capelodge.com.au Best Margaret River wine to buy 2026 Vasse Felix Filius chardonnay Available from Majestic (£16.50) Felix was the first winery to be established in Margaret River, in 1967, and continues to be one of its finest. This is consistently delicious and is great value for the quality: juicy melon and nectarine fruit run through with a nutty warmth and a zesty acidity. Look out for its well-priced sémillon/sauvignon blanc blend in Tesco, too. Howard Park Margaret River Miamup cabernet sauvignon Available from Tesco (£12.50) Lots of bang for your buck here in this crowd-pleasing cab. Full-bodied and fruity but with Margaret River’s trademark freshness and vitality, it’s full of blackcurrant and plummy fruit, along with a savoury herbaceous finish. As good with pizza as it is with a steak. LS Merchants Margaret River chenin blanc 2023 Available from The Wine Society (£17.50) Chenin blanc fell out of favour in Margaret River a while ago but is now enjoying a welcome revival with wines such as this. Lemon curd, pink grapefruit and zingy lime juice softened by honeysuckle, creamy and slightly waxy notes along with the region’s distinctive and delicious streak of salinity. Lots going on here, a wonderful gastronomic wine. Check out more regional wine guides here: Best Hungarian wine Best Loise Valley Wine Best Georgian wine Best Sicilian Wine Best Greek Wine Best Catalonia Wine Best German wine Best South African wine
From slinky, speakeasy-style dens to cutting-edge mixology, London's cocktail bars are world-class. Here's a taste of what to expect
Looking for the best cocktail bars in London? As olive’s drinks writer, I've spent the past eight years scouring the capital’s bar scene to keep up with the latest trends, openings and hot spots. London’s bar scene is one of the best in the world (including four of the World’s 50 Best Bars; see the full list here), buzzing with cutting-edge mixology, top-tier bartender talent and, most importantly, really delicious cocktails. Here’s my pick of the best at the moment – from a Latin American-inspired basement bar in Notting Hill to a Dalston agaveria and award-winning cocktail lounge in Soho. There's plenty to keep your Friday nights and weekends busy; make sure you check back for more as I'll be updating this guide with the best new cocktail bar openings. For more like this, check out the World's 50 Best Bars, the best London hotel bars to visit, the best listening bars in London and the best London pubs for food lovers. Also check out our London food guides, including the best restaurants in Fitzrovia, best restaurants in Shoreditch, best restaurants in Marylebone and best restaurants in Notting Hill. Best London cocktail bars Homeboy, Islington Homeboy promises modern Irish hospitality and delivers it in spades. The acclaimed bar was established in 2018 by Dublin native Aaron Wall (Callooh Callay, London Cocktail Club), bringing NY dive bar vibes to Islington's Essex Road. Now something of a hub in the neighbourhood, it continues to serve excellent, refined cocktails in a warm, familiar space. Leaning solidly into whiskey, the drinks menu offers clever twists on classic flavours. We loved the sidecar-adjacent Wogan, which brings together Teeling Small Batch whiskey, apricot liqueur, lime and a hint of salt; and would choose the Taoiseach – with Redbreast 12 whiskey, triple sec, red vermouth and pomegranate – over a manhattan on most occasions. Special mention goes to the Luca, a complex, martini-style marvel featuring reposado tequila, white vermouth, tomato water and celery salt tincture – highly recommended if you like drinks with a savoury edge. Irish coffees in hot or frozen versions are just the ticket for those in need of a pick-me-up. Service is exceptional – friendly, knowledgeable and effortless – and a key part of what makes Homeboy such an enjoyable visit. Food is inviting and generous, with the likes of burgers, Guinness stew and proper Irish Sunday roast (including a vegan option). Beloved Irish deli staple the chicken fillet roll also makes an appearance – ours was delicious, and massive. homeboybar.com Swift, Soho Swift has three different sites in London – its Borough and Shoreditch outposts are well worth a visit but we’ve always had a fondness for the original Soho bar on Old Compton Street. It’s a two-part affair, with a light and bright, more casual space on the ground floor that’s just for walk-ins (do try the signature sgroppino with lemon sorbet, prosecco and St-Germain) and a secluded, slinky downstairs lounge that remains one of our favourite places to get a cocktail in central London, all inky, shimmering surfaces and moody lighting. It feels properly grown-up and chic but – crucially – never pretentious or unapproachable. It’s a place to cloister oneself away from the hectic city above. In our opinion the two best places to sit are either at the bar, where you can watch the bartenders do their thing – just the ticket for a solo cocktail – or in one of the sleek crescent booths (an excellent date night spot). The latest cocktail menu celebrates Swift entering its 10th year and divvies up drinks into four sections: Bright, Delicate, Rich and Stiff. It gets extra points for including a booze-free serve in each. On the lighter end of the spectrum, the bright-green Kew Gardens with basil, cucumber, prosecco and Gin Mare, delivered spritzy, verdant flavour, while the Chameleon marries the funk of Del Maguey Vida mezcal with green chilli, cachaça, lime, coriander and green pepper for a lively, vegetal, smoky take on a marg – do try this if you're a fan of more savoury drinks. The Stiff section celebrates spirit-forward cocktails, which as long-time devotees of boozy serves we interrogated especially closely. The Amber Cane comes out swinging, a seriously punchy, potent drink featuring Swift’s own blend of Jamaican rums with madeira and Bénédictine – we loved it. To round it all off, White Water, while not as lethal as the former, was a seductively smoky, tropical blend of Monkey Shoulder and Ardbeg 10 with coconut falernum and banana. If you want to continue the evening, don’t leave without trying the famous Irish coffee, a deliciously rich and silky creature that as far as we’re concerned is a miles better than an espresso martini. barswift.com Forbidden City at A.Wong, Pimlico Andrew Wong’s two Michelin starred vision of pan-Chinese cuisine is an unmissable experience but at the end of last year he also opened a standalone bar underneath his restaurant that convincingly makes the case for its own pilgrimage. Interiors are discreetly plush with black velvet chairs, dark wood and flashes of scarlet red, with tasselled lamps and ornamental birdcages. Cocktails come with twists inspired by Chinese flavours and ingredients. We’ve always thought that a negroni stands up rather well to spice and the bar’s version, infused with star anise, sichuan pepper and cinnamon is a winner, harmonising with the botanicals in the gin and vermouth. Spice also enhances The Xinjiang, which features tangy pomegranate granita with vodka, preserved plum and warming structure from ginger and cumin. Ultra-refined bar snacks are seriously impressive: we particularly liked oysters swimming in a punchy ‘fish fragrant’ aubergine sauce, superb steamed dim sum and deeply savoury wonton noodle soup. The bar also offers a £55 set menu complete with cocktail – a rather bargainous proposition if you’re keen to sample the high-end cooking of A Wong without the accompanying high prices of the 30-course tasting menu upstairs. awong.co.uk The Prince, Old Street ‘Sharp, strong, social’ – three words that certainly have their place in hospitality and give a good indication of what to expect from new Old Street cocktail bar The Prince. Service is sharp, in the sense of clean and friendly; drinks are strong, in concept and execution as well as ABV; and the vibe is undoubtedly social. Led by Will Hawes (formerly of Milk & Honey and Booking Office 1869), and Aaron Wall (of acclaimed Islington bar Homeboy), The Prince is a warm, intimate venue with an interior of dark wood, forest green and gold evoking 1920s charm. We enjoyed the genuine sense of inclusivity and camaraderie – sit at the bar if there's space. Signature drinks include black velvet, a beguiling mix of Guinness and champagne – closer to a champagne cocktail than a pint; and Buster's Stout Punch, a blend of three rums, cognac, lemon sherbet and stout, which sounds lethal but was in fact fruity and impeccably balanced. The real highlight though is the martini menu: a 10-strong list of favourites including the gin-vodka hybrid vesper, and the slightly savoury gibson, served with a pearl onion. Order straight from the list or let the bar staff tailor a martini to your exact preference – in our case, a 6:1 gin-vermouth ratio, three olives and freezing cold. "It's your drink," as the menu says, "it should be perfect for you." theprincebar.com The Black Duke, Vauxhall The Vauxhall roundabout was an unlikely dining destination until Jackson and Frank Boxer launched their much-praised Brunswick House in the surrounds of a Grade II listed Georgian mansion in 2010, and thanks to a restoration of the building’s 18th-century cellars they’ve now launched The Black Duke, making two good reasons why you need to visit. Inside, dripping candles add flickering cosiness to the carefully revived space, which includes 300-year-old fireplaces and chimneys restored to working order. Exposed brickwork, vintage tables and leather seating complete a pared-back yet inviting setting. The drinks list is pleasingly short and to the point – start with a one-sip negroni before moving on to crowd-pleasing cocktails with a twist; alpine herbal liqueur génépi adds herbal complexity to the house martini, while an excellent bergamot margarita highlights the floral charms of this citrus fruit. Elsewhere, non-alcoholic drinks included superior no/low brands like Botivo, and you can get £5 glasses of the house champagne, Pol Roger, between 6-8pm. Elevated snacks include devilled eggs, generous cheese, pickle and charcuterie plates, and a must-order grilled potato bread with green garlic butter. brunswickhouse.london Little Bat, Islington Neighbourhood bar is a descriptor that can be used too liberally when it comes to London drinking spots but it’s perfect for Little Bat. Sister bar to Callooh Callay in Shoreditch, it’s 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 Chiave, Shoreditch Chiave, meaning ‘key’ in Italian, cuts a subtle exterior on Shoreditch’s Redchurch Street bar the large, polished brass-effect key on the door. Naturally lit during the day from the sash windows, stay until sundown for the bar to transform into an intimate drinking den with dark mahogany tables and palo santo incense swirling up towards the enchanting red ceiling. Nine signature cocktails are the crowning glory, each of which is called after a song. Street Spirit (named after Radiohead’s 1995 track) is a vibrant twist on a Moscow mule with aniseed notes from raki – Turkey’s national spirit – effortlessly blended with a subtle salted caramel vodka. For crisp and aromatic herbal refreshment don’t miss Sunbeams with Tanqueray No Ten gin, chinotto nero and a blend of clarified sea buckthorn and basil. Margarita fans will not be disappointed with a Tommy margarita mixing equal quantities of Ojo de Dios mezcal and Don Julio tequila, with chilli liqueur and a spicy sumac rim. The team’s Turkish heritage is reflected in the small but thoughtful snack selection. Nibble on elegant, rice-stuffed vine leaves with pomegranate molasses for dipping, or hummus-filled cucumber bites. If you want to carry on the night, head downstairs to the small but compact dance floor with custom-made speakers and a classy HiFi mixer. chiaveshoreditch.com Mad Cats, Shoreditch Another listening bar has landed in Shoreditch – and this one is more than worth a visit. With a compact cocktail selection that chooses quality over quantity, Asian-inspired flavours sing with Muyu Jasmine Verte Liqueur, junmai sake and lemongrass, while there’s a dash of Lebanese inspiration with the Zaza cocktail, a spin on a classic tequila martini with infused za’atar oil. Red, white, rosé, orange and sparkling wines are available from traditional and new world regions, as well as five varieties of sake. East Asian flavours are carried across to the menu. The yellowtail carpaccio with jalapeño sauce and ponzu dressing is beautifully presented and citrussy without being too sharp. Towering brioche toast with crab and gochujang aïoli was a highlight, although there truly were no misses: charred Hispi cabbage is accompanied by an umami-rich wafu sauce, and the miso hake with chilli oil and samphire is buttery and delicate. Greek Cantaloupe sorbet makes the perfect palate cleanser ahead of the silky pandan crème brûlée. Attention to detail goes beyond the menu, with chopsticks resting on hand-painted model cats, DJs spinning vinyl only and an abundance of high-fidelity speakers to keep audiophiles content. Don’t miss a trip to the bathroom through the blue velvet curtain where The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is played on a speaker directly in your cubicle. madcats.uk Parasol, Stoke Newington From the team behind The Sun Tavern, Parasol is a latest addition to the slew of cool cocktail bars in Dalston. With a subtle exterior, stepping down concrete stairs reveals a plush curtain, behind which lies a speakeasy-style bar underneath the depths of Stoke Newington Road. Dark, cosy and with booths and tables plus seats underneath the paper lanterns at the bar, it’s a large space with a disco ball at-the-ready for DJ sessions until the early hours at the weekends. Those more sweet-inclined shouldn’t miss the fragrant Baklava with bourbon, amontillado, pistachio, honey, cardamom and orange blossom, or the whimsical Kinder Bueno with Irish cream liqueur, whisky, cacao and clarified milk. It was the Korean Jesus that stood out from the crowd – a gochujang twist on a spicy margarita balanced with plum soju, honey and with added aromatics from ginger and coriander. Fans of zingy, citrus flavours shouldn’t miss the silky Yuk Fu with Chilean pisco, green chartreuse, earthy matcha, pandan and coconut, and a piece of lemongrass delicately balanced on top. Alongside the house, ‘disco’ and sharing cocktails sit beers, ciders – including Parasol’s own Umbrella London brand – and a sizeable wine list. Bar snacks are kept simple but effective: paprika-topped creamy hummus and crisp Gordal olives make for great counterparts to the liquid refreshment. parasol-london.co.uk Cinco, Dalston Hidden away underneath sister restaurant Corrochio’s, Cinco is a rustic, sultry basement den with flickering candles and bare concrete walls decorated with Mexican art. First and foremost a bar that specialises in agave and Mexican spirits, its collection – including rare bottlings – is curated by Corrochio founders Daniel Corrochio and Amy McQuarrie from their travels across Daniel’s native Mexico. The bar even has its own in-house mezcal available to try and buy. Cocktails are surprising and layered, showcasing the full breadth of what agave spirits have to offer. The Doña Mago uses raicilla (another agave spirit), tomato liqueur, plum sake, Ancho Reyes chile liqueur and plum and tomato cordial for a fabulous margarita-esque drink with smoky, fruity, tangy charm. Another next-level take on a marg comes in the form of the El Chihuas, with sotol (another Mexican distillate, made from the desert spoon plant), fig, guanabana and yuzu liqueurs. The end result is a tropical, creamy drink with a delicate floral edge. The Mujer Moderna features butter-washed Abasolo whisky, Nixta corn liqueur, crème de cacao and chocolate bitters for an opulent, cocoa-tinged interpretation of an old fashioned. Cinco also has a nice little roster of no- and low-alcohol cocktails made using alcohol-free spirits and Mexican ingredients – the La Bikini Cero, with non-alcoholic agave spirit, chilli syrup, verdita water and pineapple has a pleasing spicy kick. corrochios.com Encore, Mayfair Downstairs from Lebanese rotisserie joint Toum, Encore successfully ticks off two cocktail bar buzzwords in one fell swoop: listening bar and speakeasy. Just steps away from Regent Street, this stylish subterranean bar unites a heady mix of Lebanese and French influences across the polished cocktail and snack menus. Twelve signature cocktails showcase inventive twists on classics – a sumac-spiced negroni with tequila is balanced by pomegranate, while the refined mezcal spritz brings in zingy and refreshing yuzu, lime and coconut water. Those sweet-inclined will enjoy the unique yet familiar taste of the tarte tatin: oak aged brandy, vanilla liqueur, coconut water and honey give a balanced sweetness that is never saccharine. The Encore batanga is a stand-out with added depth from sherry and spidery strands of red chilli scattered on top. Unctuous and warm comté madeleines were particularly irresistible from the elevated bar snack menu. Habibi funk and Arabic disco deep cuts can be heard spinning on vinyl, thanks to the sound-diffusing ceiling and speakers dotted around the intimate space. Rich red carpets, mid-century wood panelling and stylish contemporary artwork make the bar the perfect spot for a date night or cosy catch-up with a friend. toumrotisserie.com The Listening Room, Soho Soho’s Wardour Street contains a secret. Downstairs from Japanese-inspired grill and omakase restaurant MOI – and via an impressive retro-futuristic spiral staircase – resides The Listening Room, a spacious underground listening bar. Serious about audio, bespoke speakers are from London-based sound system maker Friendly Pressure, and the walls are covered in soundwave-like textured curves for great acoustics. The drinks menu is led by ex-Langham Dino Koletsas and infused with Asian flavours. The shiro negroni, a refreshing white spin on a negroni with yuzu sake, potato shochu and chrysanthemum bitters has a pleasantly floral nose. Them Apples cleverly recreates the flavour of fresh green apple without using the ingredient itself: instead sparkling green tea, whisky, tomato liqueur and marigold combine for an ultra-refreshing sip. The extensive sake and natural wine list is accessible to both the more experienced and more nascent sipper. Order sushi, small plates and skewers hot off the grill from the upstairs kitchen by executive chef Andy Cook who worked with Gordon Ramsay to open his outpost in Tokyo. The crisp, warm and slightly sweet steamed buns served with smoked cod’s roe was a strong start. Sushi is not one to miss either – we chose Icelandic sea urchin and chutoro tuna temaki delicately wrapped in nori, whose rich flavour was perfectly complemented by dots of wasabi and slices of pickled ginger. moirestaurant.com Side Hustle at The Nomad London, Covent Garden With Side Hustle’s grand marble-topped bar and dark wood, and leather-lined booths with brass rails, what was once the former Bow Street police station now feels like a slice of Manhattan real estate. This is very much in keeping with the NoMad hotel itself, a New York import, but when it comes to the drinks and food this lively bar and restaurant takes its cue from much farther south, with a cocktail menu centred around Latin American flavours and agave spirits. There’s a delightful roster of seasonal margaritas – a rhubarb expression with yuzu and Aperol is tangy and full bodied, while a bergamot and chilli creation has lovely floral notes with tingle of heat. Other classics include a zingy paloma but it’s also worth exploring the roster of house cocktails that explore the variety of agave spirits. We dived into the agave martinis, highlights of which include a dirty tequila-based variation with savoury depth from fino sherry, and a spicy martini using corn-infused mezcal and Thai bird’s-eye chilli for a cocktail with a proper poky punch. Don’t miss out on the bar snacks which include on-point guacamole, prawn croquettes, charred Padrón peppers with umami salsa macha, plus delicious tacos including baja fish, chicken tinga and pork carnitas. hilton.com A Bar With Shapes For A Name, Dalston The name of Remy Savage and Paul Lougrat’s Bauhaus-inspired bar takes pictorial form – the signage on Dalston’s Kingsland Road featuring a yellow triangle, red square and blue circle. If that sounds a little complicated then rest assured once you step into the bar – colloquially referred to as Shapes – everything takes a decidedly more minimalist turn. Inside, bare bones interiors look more akin to a science classroom than anything else, with bartenders flitting around in brightly coloured jumpsuits. The drinks list at Shapes is pleasingly pithy – just seven house cocktails and six bottled cocktails. The martini-style Habanero is an ingenious affair, using a distillate made from yellow habanero peppers that delivers all the vegetal flavours of the pepper minus the heat – funky and savoury, with a zingy Campari jelly garnish. The xscold is a surprising twist on a marg – here, eucalyptus adds a menthol edge to the herbaceous flavours of Amarás espadin mezcal and Ocho 8 tequila for a refreshing agave treat. From the bottled cocktails, a manhattan uses Buffalo Trace bourbon fat washed in olive oil, and a turmeric distillate, for a boozy whisky cocktail with dried date notes and fruity, earthy richness. clubbauhaus.com Bar Kinky, Fitzrovia 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 Câv, Bethnal Green Câv can be found in the railway arches of Paradise Row and comes courtesy of two London bar veterans, Chris Tanner (formerly of Milroy’s and Silverleaf, and founder of Dram London), and Edwin Frost (wine bars Half Cut and Oranj), who have partnered for this bar-cum-restaurant with a rotating kitchen residency. Minimal interiors shine a spotlight on the drinks, which don’t disappoint. The menu is pleasingly pithy, with a roster of revamped classics as well as £7 house martinis, surely one of the best deals in London right now. Cocktails are pared back and poised. The Cucumber Bamboo balances refreshing vegetal flavours with the salinity of Tio Pepe sherry; similarly, the Dill Martini delivers bracing herbaceous notes with a subtle savoury nod from anchovy oil. Câv’s take on the beloved picante with golden beetroot and bird’s-eye chilli offers earthy warmth, while the Plum Manhattan has a sultry fruity and spicy rye character. Their current kitchen residency is Iberian-inspired Tasca by Josh Dallaway and Sinéad Murdoch. Head chef Josh’s menu showcases some of Spain and Portugal’s best regional dishes. These include a trio of different gildas (do try the clever jambon-beurre-inspired one); whipped Wigmore cheese, like a savoury custard, topped with celeriac honey, leeks and fried bread; and the scarlet prawn and pork cachorrinho which is best described as a Porto version of a hot dog and not to be missed. Wine comes from sommelier Sinéad and her lively list focusses heavily on sustainably produced bottles, with 80% from women-led projects. cav255.london Nine Lives, London Bridge Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of London Bridge is a cosy oasis of a bar, serving up some of London's best cocktails. Nine Lives has a buzzy atmosphere, balancing the vibe of a live DJ with the volume at just the right level so you can still chat comfortably. Their new cocktail menu is headed up by William Campbell-Rowntree; the Mello cocktail, a mixture of vodka, Cocchi Americano and honeydew was beautifully refreshing. Equally good was the Godfather sour – made with bourbon, it had a pleasantly balanced taste. To eat there's a small but enticing menu from head chef Ramon Ramos, of tacos, from baja to barbacoa, and small plates. We liked the ceviche sampler, citrussy and refreshing. This cosy, romantic spot also has a bottleshop, offering takeaway cocktails, and outdoor seating to soak up the sun. ninelivesbar.com Oriole, Covent Garden From the moment you step into Oriole you know you’re in for something special. The speakeasy-style interiors – all low lighting, plush textures and eclectic global curios – create a sense of discovery that carries through the entire evening. Head chef Gustavo Giallonardo’s menu draws on the vibrant fusion cuisines of Latin America, with playful, elegant plates that surprise and satisfy. Highlights include sea bass ceviche in bright Amarillo leche de tigre, tender lamb rump with spring greens, huacatay and black olives (reminiscent of a crisp, savoury latke), and melting pork cheek with mash and kimchi Nikkei. Finish with pineapple tartare and a cooling coconut and tarragon sorbet. Live music fills the bar while the cocktail list – arranged by continent and complete with tasting notes – brings even the most obscure ingredients to life. Try the Saraburi Punch, inspired by Thai mango sticky rice, for something silky and delicately sweet. Warm, intuitive service seals the deal – a truly memorable night out. oriolebar.com Viajante87, Notting Hill An ambitious, continent-spanning menu, moody lighting and a chilled-out yet buzzy feel set the tone for this plush, Latin American inspired basement bar in Notting Hill. Viajante means traveller in Spanish and the team’s globe-trotting approach to flavours and drinks is reflected in a lively menu that takes you from familiar classics (palomas, pisco sours, spicy margaritas) to drinks made with unexpected and lesser-known ingredients you may not have come across before. Groups can also order carafes of agave spirits or caipirinhas, and you can even work with the bar to create your own custom cocktail. Viajante87 excels in offering polished and innovative agave riffs on classic drinks. The Mole Manhattan is a tribute to Mexico’s national food, mole, using fig leaves and Criollo de Oaxaca mezcal infused with cacao and sesame along with vegetal Cynar for an evocatively earthy, smoky and nutty cocktail – it’s a must order. The Charanda Old Fashioned is another star, made with Mexican Uruapan rum, Patrón reposado and amburana seed, the latter of which adds rich vanilla and toffee notes for a sumptuous and silky drink. Elsewhere, martini fans should delve into the Martini Malcriado (savoury and herbaceous from brown butter sage mezcal) and the bracingly icy Glacier Martini. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Leche de Bichos made with floral raicilla spirit, anise hyssop and jocoque, a Mexican fermented yogurt. Tangy and creamy with gentle anise notes, it’s an intriguing note to round off a visit to this west London gem. viajantebar.com Nipperkin, Mayfair Situated in the depths of NIJŪ Japanese grill and sushi bar, Nipperkin is inspired by 1950s Japanese listening bars. Step through ornate curtains into an intimate, mid-century space with plush seating and marvel as expert mixologists fan perfectly cuboid ice, behind them an impressive record collection and vinyl set-up. Centred around micro-seasonality, the drinks menu from award-winning mixologist Angelos Bafas is split into four harvest seasons. Hyper-seasonal British ingredients such as wild garlic, spring flowers and blackberries expertly coalesce with the classic Japanese such as yuzu, shiso and matcha. The highball pickled cucumber was seriously refreshing, as was the Granny Smith and yuzu with Exmoor raw wildflower honey. Macerated blackberries and sloes make a pleasantly herbaceous and bitter sip with Axia extra dry mastiha and Cambridge red bitters, while there’s umami savouriness on offer from the likes of Nipperkin’s aged mushroom spirit, Cambridge truffle gin and tomato liqueur. Don’t overlook the ‘dry’ season – the sour green gooseberries with a non-alcoholic citrus spirit and English wasabi tastes like a lemon meringue pie with a whisper of warmth. Dunk crunchy bar snacks from NIJŪ of seasonal vegetables and lotus chips into creamy tofu with shiso oil and buttery grilled aubergine – and you can even peep into NIJŪ’s kitchen when paying a visit to the adorned bathrooms. nijulondon.com Equal Parts, Hackney Michael Sager has partnered with Matteo Vaccargiu to open an Italian aperitivo bar in a green tiled-fronted corner spot, a few doors down from the original Sager + Wilde wine bar. It’s an elegant yet unfussy space, with plenty of wood panelling, flickering candles and vinyl twirling on the decks. Perch at the window ledge to watch trendy passers-by or bag a spot at the bar to see the team shake and stir signature cocktails in front of an impressive line-up of amaros, aperitivo and bitters. The Flor cocktail combines fino sherry and olive oil vodka with Matteo’s elevated clarification of fresh tomato, basil, chilli and a tiny touch of garlic for a bright, fresh finish, alla liquid bruschetta to evoke the Sardinian coast. The Orange is a gluggable concoction of orange wine, Meletti amaro and pear and elderflower syrup, while the ACE makes a refreshing twist on the garibaldi combining carrot cordial, fresh orange juice, Campari and soda. A seasonal infusion makes its way into a trio of classics; on our visit a strawberry and fig leaf martini combo that brightened the negroni, sbagliato and americano. equalpartslondon.com Archive & Myth, Leicester Square A partnership between the brains behind Magic Mike Live and cocktail legend Jack Sotti might seem unusual but is exquisitely executed in this central London speakeasy-style bar. Once through the secret door beside the Magic Mike entrance of Leicester Square's Hippodrome Casino, a sultry, sophisticated allure takes over in a room enrobed in velvet, vintage furniture, memorabilia from the venue’s times gone by and a nostalgic soul soundtrack. There's a whole menu dedicated to 'minor' (small yet punchy) half serves, allowing guests to taste more. Stored in the bottle at -20°, the stony Martini Mineraux is a blend of Renais gin, limestone and dash of Chablis, with a spray of lemon oil to finish. Sazerac De Nata is a unique twist on the original, with an absinthe-injected quail's egg yolk plopped into the brandy and pastry tincture to emulate the flavours of the popular Portuguese pastry. Juicy guava and tequila-laced Daisy, perhaps the prettiest of the ‘major’ full size cocktails, comes topped with a creamy toasted coconut and black cardamom meringue-like foam. Snacks from adjacent restaurant Chop Chop include veggie dumplings with spicy chilli oil, crunchy salt and pepper prawns and pillowy char siu pork buns, freshly served from bamboo steamers. archiveandmyth.com Kwãnt, Mayfair Former American Bar head bartender Erik Lorincz is generally regarded as one of the best in the business and his feted bar is the stage for an original new drinking experience. Kwãnt previously had digs on Heddon Street before the pandemic forced its closure. It reopened in 2023, and the new incarnation, minutes from Green Park station, is a refined tropical oasis with high ceilings and tall windows, Polynesian-inspired art, leafy palms, a huge glass cabinet filled with vintage spirits and an elegant six-seater island bar around which white-jacketed bartenders work seamlessly. Kwãnt’s new cocktail omakase is exclusive to this central counter, with one seating per night taking place at 6pm, Thursday to Saturday. Nikka is its first collaborator, with five mini cocktails showcasing the Japanese brand’s spirits, paired with small bites from chef Joni Ketonen. Bold flavour pairings pepper a smoothly paced, 90-minute session (suavely stewarded by Erik himself). Nikka Coffey gin is blended with sea urchin and bonito, and matched with sake, champagne and verjus for a mineral, saline aperitif. Elsewhere, the versatility of whisky is showcased in drinks like the smoky, refreshing Tomato with Nikka Taketsuru single malt, pickle brine, tomato and Seedlip Garden; and the earthy, savoury Beetroot featuring Nikka Miyagikyo single malt, beetroot, miso and aged sake (here paired with a moreish one-bite beef tartare). The omakase ends with our favourite drink of the evening, Oolong, a take on an Irish coffee with Yoichi single malt, oolong tea mixed with wasanbon sugar and a topping of soy meringue foam – a deliciously creamy, delicate digestif. Nikka’s collaboration runs until 31 March, after which the omakase continues with new brands yet to be announced. 5coursedrinktastingmenu.square.site/ Good Measure, Tooting The team at Tooting’s Taiwanese hotspot, Daddy Bao, has converted its basement storeroom into an intimate bar inspired by the drinking dens of Taipei. A large cherry wood table takes centre stage amongst the packed shelves, Taiwanese trinkets including intricate paper fans, lamps and elegant vases add cosiness and Malika chats away over the low counter while shaking and stirring concoctions inspired by trips to Taiwan. Get there before 7pm for the mini martini hour, working your way through the likes of bamboo charcoal filtered Haku vodka, floral Roku gin and bright and earthy fig and mezcal flavours, all at £5 a pop. On the menu proper, written up on the large fridges (it’s still a fully functioning storeroom after all!), the house negroni comes laced with sake and orange bitters while cream of matcha is an innovative twist on a milk punch with a clarified mix of gin, sake, Greek yoghurt and matcha cream. Pair with satisfying snacks such as crunchy fried chicken with miso mayo, aged sirloin tataki and smacked Szechuan cucumber. daddybao.co.uk Muse at RSA House, West End Hidden away in the elegant Georgian environs of RSA House, Muse offers a welcome respite from the busy nearby Strand, with a fine line in sustainably minded cocktails. In partnership with Idyll Drinks and Company of Cooks, the bar is on a mission to spotlight British ingredients, all served in a relaxed, subtly luxe setting. Drinks, designed by Marcis Dzelzainis (Sager + Wilde), are brimming with unusual seasonal and botanical ingredients, from hawthorn and rosehip rum cocktails to a truffle vodka martini. Particularly interesting are a roster of classic cocktails made with wild distillates. Our favourites included a pisco sour made with pineapple weed liqueur – smooth and creamy with a delicate tropical cast – and a wild carrot margarita with a warming, earthy, herbaceous character. thersa.org/muse-at-rsa-house The Bloomsbury Club Bar, Bloomsbury Tucked underneath the Bloomsbury Hotel is this cosy art deco den that will transport you back to 1920s high society that was loved by the writers and artists of the time. The low-lit interior features luxurious leather armchairs, wall-to-wall bookshelves and an impressive, curved bar that serves ancient Egypt inspired cocktails that you can enjoy alongside bar bites and live music. The names, flavours and ingredients of the cocktails are inspired by hieroglyphs found carved in stone near the pyramids. Se Shen, which means lotus flower, pairs gin with the refreshing flavours of hibiscus, rose soda and adds sweetness of strawberry and raspberry. If you like a bit of a kick to your drink, Wadjet (goddess of serpents) blends tequila, vermouth and strawberry, finishing off with a rim of chilli salt for added fire. Enjoy your drinks with a selection of bar snacks that include pea and gorgonzola arancini, and beef and cheddar sliders. thebloomsburyclub.com Three Sheets, Soho Max and Noel Venning need no introduction in the cocktail world. The original Three Sheets in Dalston is a bartenders’ institution, thanks to its stripped-back interiors, late-night vibes and innovative. The brothers were pre-batching cocktails before it became a trend, setting standards high with their floral sparkling French 75 served in a champagne bottle. This iconic cocktail is still on the menu at the new spot in the heart of Soho, joined by many new stand-out contenders. An elegant version of a dirty martini has a delicate floral finish thanks to Ethiopian Koseret tea-infused Belvedere and a silkiness courtesy of an olive oil fat wash. Mezcal Sunrise is a juicy, long drink with smoky depth and floral bergamot notes from earl grey-infused mezcal, bright and citrussy freshly squeezed mandarin juice and a touch of marigold powder for subtle earthiness. Sazzaquack makes a short, smooth whisky number with notes of black treacle and a subtle spice finish thanks to homemade five spice tincture. The vibe is a little sleeker than the original, with marble tables, teal blue booths and black and white photographs of Soho's characters reminding punters that they are in the hearty of London's drinking district. threesheets-bar.com Coupette, Bethnal Green This is a super cool drinking den, where banter over the bar (made from French centimes) is encouraged and staff greet you with smiles and a taster of the slushie of the day as a welcome refresher. The showstopping champagne piña colada is a must-try – a mix of Bacardi Heritage, French-Caribbean agricole rum, pineapple and coconut sorbet, topped up with Moët & Chandon brut. The owners let their creativity loose on the rotating menu, the current iteration, “Barely Legal”, taking inspiration from East London’s street art. Each page showcases a unique commission from a local muralist to complement the cocktail in question, with a handy summary ‘compass’ of flavours on the first page, categorising the menu into sweet, bitter, boozy dry and refreshing citrus. Start with the Paper Plane Cobbler, a long, refreshing take on a negroni, the bitter Aperol and sour Tamarillo Amaro balanced by sweet sauternes and guava gel. On the sweet side, Nuts For Nuts makes an ideal night cap, a rich, sweet and fluffy liquid made from peanut butter distilled gin, nut cream and blitzed pistachios, walnuts and cashews, with oloroso sherry giving a fresh edge. coupette.co.uk Hacha, Dalston London’s original agaveria adds a splash of contemporary sunshine to Kingsland Road, with peach and mustard tiles, plenty of palms and an array of art to whisk you away to warmer climes. Perch at the bar and glide your eyes over the agave list, numbered in price order to help you choose. Each of the mezcals and tequilas comes with a complementary pairing, be that a thimble of vermouth, square of chocolate or something salty. Award-winning agave cocktails include the iconic mirror margaritas, made with a house sour mix to keep things clear, both in colour and taste, allowing the spirit to shine in a clean and bright no-nonsense serve. The honey bee margarita is another stand out, the chipotle-infused honey giving a soft, salty sweetness with a hint of heat. Current food residency is handled by Mexican street food wizards, Tigre Tacos. Crisp coated chunks of soft fish topped with zingy cabbage and pico de gallo make the baja fish tacos a must order. Portobello mushrooms, pickled carrots and crispy soy lime kale take vegetarian tacos to new heights, while tuna tostadas blanketed in crisp frilly chives make a silky, crisp, crunchy contender to mix up the textures a bit. hachabar.com Dram, Soho You’d be forgiven for walking past this low-key and unassuming Soho frontage of sanded wooden shutters on Denmark Street, but head in and this Grade II listed building starts to slowly unfold with surprises. There’s a basement bar, an open garden terrace, upstairs pool table room, private events room and a hidden drinks development “lab”. The more you uncover, the more you appreciate the creative vision of the founders – Chris Tanner, Martyn ‘Simo’ Simpson and Jack Wallis – as they’ve skilfully dissected and reassembled the concepts of what a bar is. The lab is where seasonal ingredients are fermented or “cordialised” and find their way into a short but succinct cocktail menu. Many are on tap and so available swiftly in the bar areas. Try one of the lower ABV highball serves such as the Mezcal & Coconut, or a stirred-down cocktail like Beetroot and Raspberry Wine, with a subtle earthiness from the beetroot that balances well with the sweet sharpness of the wine. Keep an eye on their events page for weekly rotating chef takeovers from September - excellently paired with specially crafted drinks. drambar.co.uk Lowcountry, Shoreditch Head down to this intimate basement bar, whether you’re awaiting your tasting menu at Counter71 upstairs or just fancy an evening of sleek, American South-style drinks and hospitality from head bartender Ryan Sheehan. Signatures include a clear, delicate tomato water and jalapeño-infused tequila cocktail. Classic creations feature the likes of the vieux carré, a complex and silky New Orleans stalwart that combines rye, cognac, sweet vermouth and Benedictine with bitters, and the London negroni, which uses spirits from Highgate’s Sacred distillery. Southern-inspired snacks soak up the booze – fried chicken clusters and tater tots are served with ranch sauce and cheesy dip for dunking. counter71.co.uk Freddles, London Fields In a cosy, glittery room below lively neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar, Papi, Freddles is an intimate spot to meet friends over innovative drinks. Bartender Thomas Auger was born in Paris to French and Vietnamese parents and has picked up techniques from some of London’s top cocktail bars (NOLA, Discount Suit Company, Milk & Honey) to develop his own eclectic style. The 12-strong menu is split into two halves, the first a ‘playground’ in which Thomas experiments with a seasonal old fashioned, milk punch, long drink, and carbonised cocktail, plus two wild cards in the mix. The old fashioned might be incorporate marmite for an umami hit or coconut and pandan syrup in a tropical twist. Or the milk punch could be a spring take on a piña colada made with a clarified concoction of carrot juice and pumpkin purée. The weekly spotlight gives space for classic cocktails with Thomas’s touch. Think elegant sparkling elderflower and vodka twinkles, a punchy rye sazerac or a hanky panky made using bitter Fernet-Branca. Bar snacks include pillowy slabs of toasted milk bread to dip into treacle butter, and ex-dairy beef tartare with deep-fried waffles. papirestaurant.com/freddles Bar Lina, Soho Beneath the iconic pastel-hued Italian deli, a Soho stalwart since 1944, you’ll find this elegant basement bar hidden in true speakeasy fashion. The small space is adorned in 60s-style furnishings complete with deep red velvet banquettes, soft chrome lighting and a speckled red marble bar that boasts a backdrop of aperitif bottles. The menu focuses on revisitations of classic Italian cocktails, with a whole section dedicated to the negroni (including the La Voglia La Pazzia fatwashed in coffee butter) and the spritz (try the Mambo Italiano that uses Campari infused with rosemary and honey topped up with citrusy clarified grapefruit). The signature figlet is a short, bittersweet number combining two fig liqueurs (one homemade and one bottled in Seven Sisters using Italian fig leaves) with a touch of vanilla syrup. barlina.co.uk The Lower Third, Soho Think of the Lower Third as a neighbourhood bar with ambition. Located on Denmark Street, it's unpretentious yet smart enough to feel special, where it’s just as easy to order a beer and a shot as it is a deftly mixed cocktail. The bar is the first of several spaces that branch out, warren-like, into the building, a mix of smaller performance areas and larger capacity venues. Keen to pay tribute to the legendary musical heritage of Denmark Street as well as the site’s former incarnation, music venue The 12 Bar Club, there’s a commitment to showcasing new and local talent, as well as more well-known bands and artists. Back in the bar, Shannon Tebay, previously of the American Bar at the Savoy and Death & Co in New York, has created a roster of twists on classic cocktails, with names taken from albums by major artists that have recorded on Denmark Street. Hits on our visit included Never Mind the Bollocks – a savoury, vegetal margarita with St George Green Chile vodka, blanco tequila, Haitian clairin rum and banana; and Band of Gypsys, a seductively smoky, negroni-style drink with mezcal, Campari, vermouth, coffee and tropical notes from passion fruit. If you’ve ever wondered what a piña colada made with scotch tastes like, then try the Schoolboys in Disgrace, where Monkey Shoulder and Talisker 10 Year Old make a surprisingly successful match with coconut cream and melon liqueur – the whisky adding a warm, boozy backbone to the drink. thelowerthird.co.uk Dover Yard, Mayfair This sleek bar is hidden away in eco chic oasis, 1 Hotel Mayfair. Natural aesthetics include low gnarled wood tables with sofas and throws in soft, muted tones. A striking bar showcases delicate racing pigeon feathers worked into a gentle wave beneath the glass. Repurposed ingredients take the limelight in the eclectic range of sophisticated cocktails. Rum-based falernum liqueur is fat-washed with left-over breakfast pastries and shaken with the bar’s own lemon sour mash, made from squeezing surplus lemon and lime husks, to create the unique Pan Brioche cocktail, reminiscent of a whisky sour and topped with a tiny croissant. Rotating seasonal classics include the vibrant Purple Carrot Garibaldi that infuses vodka with English purple carrots, while the lower-ABV Palomito is a long, bittersweet and refreshing concoction of Campari, Mancino Chinato vermouth and pink grapefruit. 1hotels.com Lyaness, Southbank Ryan Chetiyawardana’s flagship bar is lauded for its innovative mixology, and also happens to be one of the nicest places to enjoy a cocktail on the South Bank. On the ground floor of the Sea Containers hotel, it combines a light, bright palette of sky blue walls, electric blue banquettes, opulent gold accents and a sweeping emerald green marble bar (leftover from the site’s previous iteration, the award-winning Dandelyan) with glorious views of the Thames. It is a fresh, modern take on what a hotel bar should be, with yearly changing cocktail menus a product of meticulous research and freewheeling creativity. The latest, Collaboration Menu, is themed around cooperation and the coming together of ideas. If that all sounds rather serious then, rest assured, the drinks themselves are fun and full of flavour. The menu makes use of 12 housemade ingredients, from savoury and creamy KitKat-so, a koji and KitKat combo, to the sweet-sour-umami Bitterless Aperitif, a fusion of grapefruit, radicchio and plantain. The zippy Vantapink Gimlet is a tangy, tart confection of Botanist gin, ‘spite cordial’ made with dock leaves, rhubarb and fermented nettles, while the No Spoon Old Fashioned, matching Del Maguey mezcal with walnut honey and hibiscus-based ‘purple bitters’ is punchily smoky and spicy. Top billing on our visit went to the Pitstop Fix, using Port Charlotte 10 whisky, KitKat-so, linden honey, tropical chilli and lemon for a delicious next-level sour – smoky and savoury, creamy and silky. lyaness.com Stereo, Covent Garden Beneath the depths of Covent Garden’s cobblestones sits Stereo, a cocktail bar that harks back to the analogue era with its 70s-esque brown wood panelled décor, vintage cocktails, vinyl-only DJ sets and live bands. From the focal point bar surrounded by orb-shaped lamps, disco punch bowls are mixed with STEREO house vodka and Thames Distillers gin as well as 70s- and 80s-inspired cocktails using vintage vermouth and other aged spirits. Negroni and espresso martini are on draft or choose from the likes of Flying Paper’s black sesame seed-encrusted tumbler with Buffalo Trace bourbon hibiscus, amaro Montenegro and lemon, or Sunset in Oaxaca’s evening pick-me-up with Tapatio tequila blanco, mezcal, rhubarb cordial, Aperol, lemon and orange blossom. Kick off the night with à la carte American-inspired dishes of dredged fried chicken sandos and macaroni cheese with a brioche crumb – chef-restaurateur Andrew Clarke of Acme Fire Cult consulted on the menu – accompanied by the smooth house band. Then dance until the early hours with their rotating line-up of DJs. If you get peckish, late-night bar snacks and nibbles will keep you going with the likes of warm popcorn with espelette salt and STEREO hot wings. stereocoventgarden.com 3’6 at Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly Fortnum’s third-floor bar has been revamped into a sleek, plush cocktail den, with inky blue walls, jewel-coloured velvet sofas and a striking 3D-printed bar complete with an undulating wooden wave installation that flows across the ceiling. Design your own cocktail, mixing and matching spirits, cocktail styles, flavours and bitters. A negroni-style drink with tequila, strawberries and rose is herbaceous, floral and delicate. Other highlights include highballs made with house-fermented sodas – try pomegranate and rosemary. fortnumandmason.com Bar Daskal, London Bridge This warm and intimate Iberian-inspired wine bar comes from Harts Group, the brains behind Barrafina and Parrillan, bringing Spanish wines, sherries and cocktails to Borough Yards in London Bridge. Creamy walls, stone chequered floors, cheerful Mallorcan fabrics and objects, and a bar covered in terracotta-hued tiles bring relaxed Med vibes to the space. Spanish fortified wines and spirits take centre stage in the pithy cocktail list – try the Eduardo, featuring dry sherry, vermut and bitters for a toasty, savoury take on a manhattan. The sherry list also shines: we tried a funky unfiltered manzanilla and a complex, nutty palo cortado. bardaskal.co.uk Eve Bar, Covent Garden Hidden away in one of central London’s busiest neighbourhoods, Eve Bar is a slinky, neon-lit drinking den with zero-waste cocktails and superior bar snacks. Sister bar to the Michelin-starred Frog by Adam Handling upstairs, Eve leans into its biblical moniker with illuminated stained-glass windows and ornate branches, apples and foliage snaking around the space. Its cocktail offering is intimately linked with the restaurant – ingredients that can’t be used upstairs in the kitchen are repurposed in the drinks downstairs. The latest menu, Technique, showcases this in drinks such as the Chicken Butter OF, which combines the eponymous butter (a signature of chef Adam’s) with Michter’s Sour Mash whisky and porcini – the end result is a supercharged old fashioned with opulent butterscotch notes. Another winner, Rocket Fuel, is an elevated spicy margarita, with chilli and kimchi adding tangy, funky heat. Non-alcoholic drinks also impress – the Olive Garden with Everleaf Forest, apple and olive brine is subtly saline and flavourful. Don’t miss out on the next-level bar snacks courtesy of Frog. Dainty and refined, favourites included decadent duck egg and parmesan custards served in a billowing flourish of dry ice, and springy sourdough with more of that luscious chicken butter. evebar.co.uk Swift, Borough Acclaimed London bar Swift has brought its trademark art deco style and speakeasy vibes to Borough. The two-storey space is modelled after the original Soho site (there's also one in Shoreditch), with a lighter, airy bar on the ground floor, with a no-reservation policy and an aperitivo drinks offering – perfect for post-work drinks. Downstairs, discover an intimate, glossy and dimly lit subterranean set-up. Named the Back Pocket, it’s a seated-only area with a new menu of original cocktails (although you can still find Swift classics including its impeccable Irish coffee) inspired by the history and people of the surrounding Borough area. Drinks are free of fussy garnishes yet complex and nuanced. Highlights include the Biscuit Town – malted milk scotch, cacao, demerara, chocolate and vanilla bitters – and full of comforting creamy chocolate and biscuit notes. The Golden Hinde, featuring mead, anejo tequila and brown butter, is perfectly balanced: toasty, rich and layered. The Pilgrim marries peaty, smoky scotch and spicy bourbon with juicy, fruity notes from cherry to make a fabulous fruity whisky cocktail. barswift.com Cellar at Kindred, Hammersmith The hectic roundabout at Hammersmith Broadway is an unexpected setting for cocktails, but members’ club Kindred, in the elegant Grade-II listed Bradmore House, has launched Cellar, a laidback café and bar open to the public. In relaxed and casual surroundings, cocktails come courtesy of resident mixologist Julian de Feral (Milk & Honey, Lutyens and Hawksmoor) and offer plenty of accessible, crowd-pleasing twists on classics. Try the Brambl-ita – Curado Cupreata smoked tequila with lime, spiced chocolate bitters and blackberry liqueur – for a vibrantly fruity, satisfyingly zingy twist on a margarita. Those looking for a lighter tipple should opt for the Kindred Spritz, using flavour-packed non-alcoholic aperitif Everleaf to add extra oomph alongside cherry aperitif, peach and jasmine soda and sparkling wine for a delicate, floral drink. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Cellar takes a classic espresso martini and injects it with tropical character with the addition of Aluna coconut and coffee liqueur, Cargo Cult banana spiced rum and spices for an opulent serve. wearekindred.com Sweeties, King's Cross Step into the Standard hotel’s sleek red pill lift and zoom up to the 10th floor for this luxe bar that combines retro interiors with playful, off-beat cocktails and unrivalled views of King’s Cross and St Pancras. In keeping with its home, a restored 1970s Brutalist office block, Sweeties takes its cue from the same decade, with opulent interiors including velvet sofas, mirrored tables, gold accents, wood panelling and patterned carpets. The cocktail menu features ‘feel-good ingredients and mood-enhancing mixes’ designed to be energising and uplifting. We’re not sure if we felt these effects but regardless the drinks are very good. Pick Me Up – made with eight adaptogens (ingredients that help the body deal with stress) mushrooms, vodka, rum, caramel and burnt butter drank like an elevated espresso martini, layered and earthy, with rounded depth. Roots Manuva – riesling vermouth, golden beet caramel, turmeric, ginseng, ginger, orange and mead – is vibrant, honeyed and fresh, with a vegetal edge. No Whey Jose, blanco tequila with strawberry, red rice, rose and a salted hot coconut foam, was the delightful cocktail equivalent of a Campino strawberry candy. Purple Rain – Johnny Walker whisky, amazake, salted plum, cherry bark and blossom wine – was like an extra fruity old fashioned, bursting with berry flavours, smoky and subtly savoury. standardhotels.com/sweeties Seed Library, Shoreditch Ryan Chetiyawardana’s latest venture is a slinky drinking den in the basement of the One Hundred Shoreditch hotel. Whereas his flagship bar – Lyaness at Sea Containers in Southbank – showcases a high-concept approach to mixology, Seed Library is deliberately more casual and low key. Walk-ins are encouraged and the space, with its sultry lighting, wood-panelled walls, red velvet chairs and warm palette, feels retro and slightly louche, yet very welcoming. Expect elevated riffs on cocktail classics with a touch of whimsy. The vibrant Breakfast Bellini with Patrón tequila, century beans, breakfast fruit and champagne is served with a fried egg sweet balanced on top of the glass. Asteriod Garden is a celestial spin on the English Garden, lifted with shochu and pink meteor wine, while apple blossom and tundra tea bring refreshment. A Coriander Seed Gimlet is gorgeously executed – clean and citrusy with a backbone of gentle, warming spice. Bar snacks include the likes of nocerella olives, spiced nuts and chilli rice crackers - everything you want from a nibble: savoury, salty and crunchy. Analogue lovers can find East London's Diggers Dozen spinning vinyl at the weekend. seedlibraryshoreditch.com Dona, Stoke Newington There’s something soothingly womb-like and seductive about descending into Doña, with its basement setting and sumptuous, lavishly trimmed décor of wall-to-wall rich reds and pinks scattered with prickly cacti, velvet seating and a fabulous pink-fringed bar. It’s an all-female affair – founded by friends Thea Cumming and Lucia Massey, and functions as both mezcal bar and community arts platform – there’s music and performance most nights, with an emphasis on female and queer artists, and a lively cultural programme. There's also tacos on tap, thanks to Tigre Tacos upstairs. Thea has her own mezcal brand, Dangerous Don, and founded London Mezcal Week, so it’s no surprise Doña is a treasure trove of rare and small-batch mezcals. If you’re new to mezcal then we recommend starting with the short but hard-working cocktail list, which explores the versatility of this smoky agave spirit. Take the Fiorella: made with Quiquiriqui mezcal, dry vermouth, Italicus and Empirical Ayuuk, it has the clean, crystalline feel of a martini but with a herbaceous, earthy backbone. Or try the Monika, with Dangerous Don Café, chocolate, crème de cacao, Cocchi Americano and amaretto, which tastes like a refined, elevated espresso martini, replete with coffee, chocolate and nutty notes. Doña also makes a cracking house margarita – we asked for a spicy version and the end result was superb, poky and zesty with a savoury, briny twang at the end. bardonalondon.com Connaught Bar, Mayfair Low-lit, slinky, plush luxury is the name of the game at this acclaimed hotel bar, whose tastefully decadent surrounds – metallic accents, mirrors, a mutedly rich palate and plenty of seating to sink into – is matched by impeccable service and even more impressive cocktails. If you only order one drink let it be the martini – made at a trolley by your table with theatrical, expert aplomb (watching them pour the martini in a high, silvery stream into your glass is a sight to behold). Tanqueray No Ten is the recommended serve, along with a blend of vermouths and your choice of homemade bitters (ranging from tonka bean and lavender to cardamom, on our visit). The end result is spot on, silky textured and very generous in size – don’t drink one on an empty stomach. Their latest menu, Formae, also has much to explore, drawing inspiration from the shapes and forms of the surrounding bar. We tried the Voronoi – a fruitier, lighter take on a margarita with Tapatio tequila, Michoacan mezcal, vetiver liqueur, lime and timur sherbet, vermouth, grapefruit hops bitters and agave water. Thought has gone into the zero-alcohol offering, too – we enjoyed the sprightly Pietra with ginseng and bergamot kombucha, osmanthus honey syrup and sauvignon blanc juice. Complimentary buttery olives and crackers are continuously refilled by meticulously attentive staff, and winning canapés include ultra-light and crispy tempura made with seasonal veg, crispy salmon sashimi with chipotle mayo and velvety guacamole. the-connaught.co.uk/connaught-bar Three Sheets, Dalston A stripped-back cocktail bar with a succinct list of drinks, Three Sheets has raked in the plaudits over the years but still retains a buzzy neighbourhood hang-out vibe. It was the first venture from the Venning brothers, originally from Manchester, who have worked in leading cocktail bars for years, most notably Max’s experience with Tony Conigliaro’s Drinks Factory and 69 Colebrooke Row and Noel’s time in Manchester at tequila bar Crazy Pedro’s. More recently, they've also helped found Crouch End's Little Mercies (see below) and Highbury wine bar Top Cuvée – as well as its roaringly successful shop, Shop Cuvée. Max and Noel aren’t big on the showy side of cocktail making – behind the bar is a simple shelf of bottles containing only what the mixologists need for the short cocktail list. This no-frills approach allows the brothers’ northern charm to shine through; they chat away and recommend local haunts while shaking up drinks as though hosting you in their own home. The pithy drinks list changes seasonally, but usually features their famous fizzy pre-bottled French 75, made with gin, verjus, clarified lemon juice, moscato and orange flower. Poured straight into your glass like champagne, it’s dangerously easy to drink (you can buy it buy the glass, or, even better, by the bottle).threesheets-bar.com SOMA, Soho This understated bar occupies subterranean premises on Soho’s Denman Street, next door to sister restaurant Kricket. Inside, expect pared-back yet polished cocktails served in low-lit, slinkily minimalist surrounds – think a stainless steel bar, indigo walls and walnut furnishings. SOMA – like Kricket – takes inspiration from the Indian subcontinent, serving snappily executed riffs on classic cocktails that showcase clever spicing and an eclectic approach to ingredients. Start with the mooli, a crystalline affair of vodka with curry leaf-infused vermouth served ice-cold from the freezer and garnished with a sliver of pickled mooli. Savoury and peppery, delicate and clean, it may be a Marmite drink for some, but fans of a gibson martini should make a beeline for it. The chaat – mezcal, tequila, chaat masala, kumquat and a moreish gooseberry salt – is winningly clean, zesty and saline, while the oak is a silky, nutty, opulent marriage of cardamom, aged gin, amaro, vermouth and amontillado sherry. It's the perfect nightcap to end the evening. somasoho.com Little Mercies, Crouch End Modern, easy-drinking cocktails are the focus at Alan Sherwood’s (Peg + Patriot, Scout) laidback establishment. Inside, it's calm and composed – expect a minimalist interior of exposed brick, a concrete bar, pendant lamps and inky blue walls. The cocktails here are elegant, with plenty of homemade ingredients – most recently, a negroni made with the bar's own passionfruit vermouth. There's also a fun yet innovative approach to classic drinks, think bellinis made with lacto-fermented peach, kiwi gimlets and 'Snickers' old fashioneds. littlemercies.co.uk Nightjar, Shoreditch The busy City Road in Shoreditch seems an unlikely setting for a stylish, subterranean speakeasy bar but that’s exactly where you’ll find Nightjar. On the outside, a tall wooden door sandwiched between two cafés is the only evidence of its existence, but go inside and discover a plush space replete with candlelit tables, leather banquette seating and flatteringly dim lighting. The bar’s characteristically detailed drinks menu riffs on old cocktail recipes (ranging from the pre-prohibition to post-war periods) but adds its own twist. Try the Honeymoon – a short, fresh yet punchy blend of Glenfiddich 21-year-old whisky, Nightjar’s ‘forbidden fruit liqueur’ (a mix of citrussy pomelo, sherry and dry vermouth), Cynar, mead, lemon and geranium leaf. It's a complex drink, dry and delicately smoky, with subtle honey and aniseed notes. Drink nerds should investigate the bar’s vintage spirits menu, which is full of rare, aged spirits dating from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. barnightjar.com Photography: Laura Aziz (Muse at RSA House)
Feel your absolute best this spring with nourishing dishes, morning rituals and expert tips to shake off the winter funk
As the weather turns warmer, the flowers unfurl and the days stretch a little longer, spring's arrival offers a fresh start – a chance to savour the simple pleasures that make life joyful. We've curated advice from the experts for how to nourish your mind, body and soul over the spring months, from connecting with loved ones and establishing pre-work habits, to in-season bakes, dishes and drinks, tips for adding energy boosts to your day, plus travel ideas to disconnect. Whether you’re in the kitchen, outdoors or planning a getaway, there are countless ways to refresh your lifestyle, bring more joy and energy into your life, and help you feel your best all through the season. 1. Brush off winter Embrace the new season by shaking off winter routines and trying something different in the kitchen. Experimenting with lighter meals, fresh herbs or colourful salads can energise your body and mind, helping you feel more in tune with spring. Discover olive's best spring entertaining dishes to shake off winter funk, featuring this crispy chicken schnitzel with pickled radishes. 2. Bring the garden to your plate Incorporate edible flowers and floral flavours into your cooking and baking this spring. Dishes scented with rose water, elderflower or orange blossom not only look beautiful but can lift your mood and bring a sense of playfulness and creativity to your kitchen. Check out our curation of floral recipes for recipe inspiration, featuring this stunning lemon and elderflower almond cake. 3. Refresh your morning routine Set the tone for your day with a nourishing breakfast and a mindful start. Simple habits like hydrating, stretching or stepping outside for fresh air can boost your mood, increase energy and help you feel more grounded as you head into the milder months. Read our health experts' morning routine tips for more ways to get your day off to a perfect start. 4. Add spring greens to dishes Make the most of vibrant spring greens by adding them to veg-packed dishes. These leafy vegetables are packed with vitamins, calcium and fibre, supporting a healthy gut, bones and your immune system. Cooking with seasonal greens brings extra colour and freshness to your daily dishes, making mealtimes more joyful and nutritious. Seek ideas in our favourite spring green recipes, including this crowd-pleaser of a dish: mac 'n' greens pie. 5. Cook something special for loved ones Sharing homemade food fosters connection and gratitude, and Mother’s Day in March is a a lovely excuse to bake a cake or cook a special meal for loved ones (which is shown to boost both mental and emotional health). Taking time to celebrate together can be a highlight of the season. See our Mother's Day menu for inspired ideas, such as this Peruvian-style roast chicken and rhubarb and pistachio galette. 6. Enjoy spring-inspired coffee serves Refresh your coffee routine with one of our spring-style coffee serves, such as this floral espresso tonic or iced matcha latte. Swapping your usual brew for something lighter or brighter can add a sense of novelty to your day and help you savour the moment. See our five spring coffee serves for light and bright coffee ideas. 7. Treat yourself to a spring escape Spring is the perfect time for a quick getaway to recharge and explore somewhere new. Whether it’s a countryside retreat or a city break, a change of scene can spark creativity, reduce stress and leave you feeling revitalised. Discover olive's top travel ideas in our spring getaways for food lovers including Porto abloom with pretty purple flowers. 8. Go off grid in an eco-friendly treehouse Reconnect with nature by booking a stay in a luxury treehouse hotel. Waking up among the trees, with birdsong and fresh air all around, can have a calming effect and encourage a deeper appreciation for the outdoors. These breathtaking treehouse hotels in Europe for foodies combine incredible views with gourmet food hamper deliveries and total peace. 9. Add a pinch of Irish charm to your cooking Embrace the spirit of St Patrick’s Day with traditional Irish recipes or a feast of comforting favourites. Cooking and sharing Irish dishes, such as classic soda bread or hearty stew, brings people together and offers a chance to honour heritage, while this Guinness rarebit offers a clever Irish twist on a favourite snack. Our Irish coffee and chocolate Guinness cake will also help lift spirits as winter fades. 10. Mix a bracing spring cocktail Celebrate the longer evenings with a round of refreshing spring cocktails, using ingredients like rhubarb, zingy lime or fresh herbs. Creating and enjoying a new drink can be a fun way to unwind and sharing cocktails with friends offers a great social boost. Discover our spring-feel cocktails, including this vibrant pink rhubarb gin. 11. Celebrate Eid with special dishes Celebrating the end of Ramadan, Eid brings families and friends together to share festive dishes and special sweet treats. Preparing traditional Eid recipes is a joyful way to connect with loved ones and cultural traditions, encouraging joy and gratitude. See our collection of Eid recipes to inspire you, such as Monica Sawhney Haldar's recipe for gulab jamun, an Indian sweet dessert of cake-like doughnuts soaked in a rose-cardamom syrup. 12. Spotlight rhubarb in stunning bakes Rhubarb bursts into season in spring, offering a tart, tangy flavour that transforms cakes, crumbles and puddings. Baking with rhubarb not only celebrates the season but also provides a source of vitamin K and antioxidants, supporting overall wellbeing and adding a beautiful pop of pink to your table. Our rhubarb collection has it all, from pies and crumble bars to bread and butter pudding. 13. Take a bloom-filled spring getaway Choose a destination famous for its spring flowers and gardens. Surrounding yourself with blossoms can lift your spirits, inspire creativity and provide a beautiful backdrop for relaxation and exploration. Discover olive's list of 10 unmissable destinations to see spring in full bloom. 14. Gather and go outdoors for spring equinox The spring equinox signals the return of light and new beginnings. Gather with loved ones for a wholesome meal outdoors, whether it’s a picnic or a simple lunch in the garden. Fresh air and shared food can lift your mood, and is a wonderful way to mark the turning point of the season. See our best outdoor entertaining ideas for special ways to socialise outdoors, including a backyard campfire. 15. Assemble an Easter feast with loved ones Easter is a time for celebration as well as extra special food, from classic roast lamb to simnel cake and hot cross buns. Sharing a festive meal with family or friends can create lasting memories, while indulging in seasonal treats (Creme Egg cupcakes, anyone?) adds a sense of occasion and fun. Discover our joyful recipes in our main Easter recipe collection, or take a look at our best Easter dinners, cocktails, desserts and cakes. 16. Forage for wild ingredients Foraging introduces you to the edible treasures growing in parks, woodlands and churchyards. Learning to identify wild foods like wild garlic or nettles encourages mindfulness and a deeper connection to nature, while adding unique flavours to your meals. See our guide to urban foraging, then put your finds to good use with our wild garlic recipes. 17. Host in spring without the stress Invite friends or family for a relaxed spring-feel dinner party. Focus on simple, make-ahead dishes that let you enjoy the company rather than worrying about perfection. Sharing good food in a low-pressure setting can reduce stress and boost happiness. Get started with some of our exciting spring dinner party recipes, including this wedge salad with blue cheese dressing. 18. Cook with fresh, seasonal flavours Cooking with the best of spring’s produce – think asparagus, jersey royals and watercress – ensures your meals are full of flavour and nutrition. Eating seasonally supports local growers and helps you feel more connected to the rhythms of nature. See our spring recipes, March recipes and April recipes for springtime meals, including this vibrant asparagus risotto, finished with lemon zest, chives and a mountain of parmesan. 19. Host a springtime afternoon tea Host or attend an afternoon tea, filled with all manner of scones, cakes and delectable sandwiches. This quintessential afternoon ritual is a lovely way to slow down, connect with friends and enjoy a little indulgence as the weather brightens. See our guide on how to create the ultimate Easter afternoon tea for seasonal suggestions for the best table décor, finger food and bakes, including these gooey Easter blondies. 20. Mark International Women’s Day In honour of International Women's Day (8 March), support female-led restaurants or try your hand at recipes by female chefs, such as Nisha Parmar's colourful three-course dinner. Celebrating women in food champions creativity and diversity within the industry, inspiring positive change. Join olive in celebrating the very best of female-led restaurants from across the UK. 21. Add healthy, seasonal dinners to your rotation Focus on nourishing your body with nutritious spring recipes that make you feel energised. Dishes packed with vegetables, grains or high-fibre carbs and lean proteins can support physical wellbeing, and encourage a positive relationship with food. Make the humble radish shine in this meze dish flavoured with cumin and dill – the preserved lemon and yogurt base is the perfect accompaniment. See our healthy spring recipes for more unique, creative dishes. 22. Bring the brightness with creative bakes Spring baking is a joyful way to mark the new season, whether you’re making lemon drizzle muffins, a chocolate Easter cake or pistachio cookies. Baking can be a mindful activity, offering comfort and a sense of accomplishment, not to mention filling your home with delicious aromas. See our 33 days of spring baking for new delicious ways to bring brightness. 23. Book a hotel in full bloom Stay at a hotel renowned for its alluring gardens, where you can stroll among blooming borders and enjoy the sights and scents of spring. Being immersed in nature can reduce stress and foster a sense of peace and joy. Take a peak inside 10 hotels with beautiful gardens to book this spring. 24. Re-establish pre-work habits Revisit or create pre-work rituals that support productivity and wellbeing, such as journaling, gentle exercise or a few minutes of calm. These small acts can reduce stress, improve focus and help you transition smoothly into your day. Try these 10 pre-work habits to set you up for a productive day. 25. Add little energy boosts to your day Feeling like you need to shake off that winter fuzziness? Try incorporate small, energising habits throughout your day, such as opening your curtains to let in morning light, taking short walks or enjoying a glass of water before your first coffee. These simple actions can help maintain steady energy and improve your mood. Read our piece on the 24 little boosts to build energy into your day for more simple tricks to reduce lethargy. 26. Visit a food market on the weekend Exploring a local food market is a sensory treat and a great way to discover unique seasonal produce. Meeting producers and sampling new foods can inspire creativity in the kitchen as well as supporting local businesses. Take a look at our curation of the best food markets to visit for weekend inspiration. 27. Explore a small foodie town Explore one of the UK’s charming small towns known for their food scenes, from the quirky Totnes in Devon to the handsome Settle in the Yorkshire Dales. Sampling local specialities, visiting independent shops and chatting with producers is an enjoyable way to while away the hours over a spring weekend. Find more foodie hotspots here: 25 small towns across the UK that every foodie should visit. 28. Book a special March getaway March is an ideal month for a spontaneous trip, with fewer crowds and the first signs of spring emerging. A short break can offer a much-needed reset and help you embrace the season’s sense of renewal. See fields in bloom, enjoy a city break or plan a blow-out trip – our guide to where to visit in March covers it all. 29. Discover European getaways for spring produce Travel to places where spring produce is at its peak, such as Jersey for jersey royals or Ireland for oysters. Tasting local ingredients at their freshest is a delicious way to celebrate the season and expand your culinary horizons. Our guide to the best European gourmet escapes to catch spring produce at its peak has all the details. 30. Create a spring dessert showstopper Celebrate the Easter holidays with an indulgent dessert for loved ones. Our curation of Easter dessert recipes features plenty of inspired sweet treats, from white chocolate cakes and raspberry cheesecakes to hot cross bun bread and butter pudding.
Making your own mochi brownies at home is easier than you think... plus it only takes 20 minutes. Discover content creator Verna Gao's simple recipe
Want to make matcha mochi brownies? Content creator and recipe developer Verna Gao (aka @vernahungrybanana) shares her recipe for these vibrant green mochi brownies topped with white chocolate and strawberries. Try her recipe below, then discover more matcha recipes and Japanese recipes. Read more about Verna Gao's food travel series. Verna says, "I bet you didn't know you can make easy mochis in brownie form in just 20 mins! These are my matcha mochi brownies with white chocolate and strawberries and they’re super easy and absolutely addictive to eat. "This method of making mochi saves you tons of time versus the Japanese guys bashing it with a hammer. This is a single-serving recipe but feel free to double up for a bigger batch." Watch her video below, then find more of Verna's food and travel content over on olive's Instagram. Keep an eye out for her next video, where she shares her favourite foodie destinations, including the best places to try local dishes and recipes to make at home. View Green Video on the source website Verna Gao's matcha mochi brownies recipe
Pintxos is going to be a big trend this year: here’s where to eat
Be transported to the Basque Country in these chic pintxos bars across the UK, each making buzzy hangouts for relaxed grazing
Looking for an authentic taste of the Basque Country without taking the flight? The UK's clutch of cool pintxos bars offer the best of south-west Europe’s snacking culture and serve up the classics in a typically casual fashion, from gildas and gambas al ajillo to lightly sparkling txakoli. Capturing the spirit of pintxos (Basque-style tapas), these buzzy tabernas make great spots for Spanish-style grazing and sipping. Best pintxos bars in London Legado, Shoreditch Experience Basque dishes on a fine dining level at this elegant outlet, inspired by Basque-born chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho's childhood. Open for walk-ins only, The Taberna – the pintxos and tapas bar separate to the main restaurant – features an all-day menu that's nearly impossible to pick favourites from. However, the gordal olives and the chicharrón de Cádiz are currently on the menu and are must orders. You can also find pan con tomate, bocadillos and croquetas among the options, with a broad drinks list featuring vermouth, dry and sweet sherry and ‘three-sip’ cocktails. legadorestaurants.com Tollington's, Finsbury Park Housed in a former chippy, this Iberian-style fish bar breaks with tradition, inspired by the flavours of northern Spain but using local ingredients to give it a distinctive twist. Vermouth flows on tap, while the chips get a spicy salsa brava makeover – fried in beef dripping and finished with a generous hunk of homemade allioli. The line-up also includes the mighty bifana sandwich, pickled anchovies and battered cod cheeks. The standing-only terrace and walk-in-only bar counter area elicits the energy of a backstreet San Sebastián bar, plus a back room for sit-down meals. instagram.com/tollingtons.fishbar Bar Flor, Belgravia Tucked away above Wildflowers in Belgravia, Bar Flor is a warmly lit wine bar inspired by Spain's love of sherry and vermouth. Expect a thoughtful selection of sherries – from saline manzanilla to the palo cortado and raisin-rich PX – alongside English vermouth from Vault, which can be enjoyed neat or topped with soda or tonic. There’s also Basque cider and a handful of cocktails, including a bittersweet adonis (sherry and vermouth) and a dirty martini with a tangy peschiole pickle liqueur twist. Crafted by co-founder and chef Aaron Potter, the menu offers a line-up of pintxos and tapas that are perfectly matched to the drinks. Highlights include cave-aged manchego with honey, juicy gambas al ajillo and a deep-fried oyster draped in iberico guanciale. The must-order is the calamari sandwich: crisp, hot, deep-fried squid tucked into a baguette and slathered with garlicky allioli – a nostalgic nod to Madrid’s classic bocadillo de calamares. Bar Valette, Shoreditch Bar Valette captures the spirit of a warm neighbourhood hangout – expect mustard-hued banquettes, crisp white tablecloths and pops of modernist art, with the hum of conversation from the semi-open kitchen and bar. The bar's Pintxos Hour is a must for those seeking a taste of Basque Country's lively bar culture. From Tuesday to Saturday 5-7pm the bar serves up £4 drinks and a changing menu of pintxos, including classic gildas, barbajuans, mussel and pork skewers, and sardine toast. It’s a convivial way to graze your way through a variety of appealing morsels, in a buzzy setting that feels both welcoming yet stylish. barvalette.com Bask Street Boys, Seven Dials Market Bask Street Boys within Seven Dials feels more true to the pintxos bars in San Sebastián, where you tend to stand up and eat. The rotating line-up of pintxos, cold cuts, cheeses and classic gildas evokes the Basque ethos: simple, confident food done properly. Pan con tomate (our favourite on our visit) sits alongside golden Spanish tortillas, made with distinctly Basque ingredients like paprika-spiced txistorra (a type of chorizo). Graduating from KERB’s inKERBator programme in 2024, the team traveled extensively through the Basque region, learning from local chefs and home cooks, and perfecting recipes passed down through generations. baskstreetboys.com Topa, Islington By day this neighbourhood spot is the slick Provisions deli, well stocked with continental cheeses, charcuterie and fine wines. Come evening, Provisions morphs into Topa (meaning cheers in Basque) – a homage to San Sebastián just minutes from Highbury & Islington station. The set-up is as convivial as the food: a communal table stretches through the space, inviting guests to share dishes and conversation, while those seeking a cosier setting can opt for a barrel table. Chef Simon Shand draws on the deli’s premium produce to craft Basque bites, from nutty ossau-iraty cheese paired with roasted pickled onion to morcilla blood sausage with apple – a clever balance between savoury and sweet. The gildas, a trio of guindilla pepper, anchovy and olive, deliver a punchy hit of salt, heat, crunch and creaminess. From the plates think meltingly tender pork cheek stew atop creamy polenta, and wild mushrooms crowned with raw egg yolk and translucent guanciale. Order a glass of txakoli to drink, the lightly sparkling Basque white wine, or try a patxaran and tonic for a traditional aperitif with subtle notes of sloe berry. provisionslondon.co.uk Bar Rioja, King's Cross Tucked away around the corner of King's Cross St Pancras, Bar Rioja is an Andalusian-style hideaway dedicated to the celebrated wines of Rioja. This intimate spot is perfect for those interested in immersing themselves in the region’s famed hospitality. Pintxos are the star of the show here – from the quintessential Basque gilda (anchovy, pickled pepper and green olive skewered together) to more indulgent plates such as slow-braised, roasted Segovian suckling pig with celeriac purée and amontillado sherry jus. Hire the space and book in a tasting with passionate owner Richard Bigg for a truly memorable evening, his knowledge of Rioja’s vineyards is matched only by his enthusiasm for sharing them. barrioja.co.uk Best pintxos bars across the UK… Pintxo de Bath, Bath Tucked away in Bath’s theatre district, Pintxo is a Basque-inspired tapas bar that brings a slice of northern Spain to Somerset. The pretty garden out back is the perfect spot for lingering over its dedicated sherry menu, while inside the menu is all about sharing plates and sociable snacking. Start with pan con tomate y jamón, or opt for tinned sardines with bread and aïoli before moving on to albóndigas (meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce), gambas al ajillo and fried padrón peppers. For something sweet, the concise dessert menu delivers: warm chocolate and almond cake, and vanilla ice cream can be enjoyed solo or together, ideally with a shot of pedro ximenez sherry on the side. pintxobath.co.uk Curado, Cardiff Brought to life by the trailblazing team behind Welsh deli Ultracomida, Curado is Cardiff’s go-to for authentic pintxos and relaxed Spanish vibes. Settle in at the bustling bar for chargrilled lamb cutlets dressed with a punchy garlic and parsley picada, or opt for baked Valencian goat’s cheese and cuttlefish a la plancha. Pintxos and jamón are sourced straight from Spanish suppliers, ensuring every bite feels like a quick trip to the Basque Country. When the evening calls for a little more, slip next door to cosy sister spot Vermut, where sherry and the eponymous herbal wine take centre stage. curadobar.com Pintxo, Fowey Step away from Fowey’s bustling quayside and wander towards the esplanade, where Pintxo sits tucked between lofty townhouses. This lively tapas bar is the go-to for a Spanish-inspired lunch, with a menu that champions Valencian rosemary almonds, fiery pickled chillies and manchego drizzled with orange blossom honey. There’s plenty for those in search of something special: think spider crab and saffron croquetas, best paired with either a chilled glass of manzanilla, Spanish brandy or a pour of traditional El Gaitero cider. pintxofowey.co.uk 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 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
This cheese bread loaf is soft and tender from the milk, with a lovely savouriness from the miso and cheese
Try our cheddar, chive and miso loaf, then discover soda bread, sourdough bread, rye bread, baguettes and more easy bread recipes. This recipe makes a very soft dough at first, so be patient and oil your hands well. It is also great toasted the next day. Cheddar, chive and miso loaf recipe
If you love seafood, this coastal Spanish wine region should be on your radar
Explore Rías Baixas, a unique northern Spanish region known for producing wines with a distinctive saline zip – a perfect partner to seafood
What’s special about Rías Baixas? Located in Galicia, on the north-west tip of Spain, the proximity of Rías Baixas to the Atlantic means it sees high rainfall and cool temperatures. Its deeply verdant landscapes and wild, craggy coastline is a marked contrast to the parched plains and sun-drenched beaches found further south. It's also one of Spain’s most important fishing areas: historically, the men would go out to sea while the woman stayed ashore to tend grapes and make wine. Still today, most of the winemakers here are women – the most widely planted grape is albariño, known for being reliably good drinking. Main grapes White: albariño, treixadura, loureiro, caíño blanco, torrontés, godello Red: sousón, espadeiro, caíño tinto, loureira tinta, mencía, brancellao, pedral Perfect pairings: seafood here is super-fresh, and pairs brilliantly with albariño. Oysters, mussels, clams, crabs, lobsters and goose barnacles are the best local matches, but it’s a very versatile wine that suits many other light, fresh dishes. Serve the reds slightly chilled with more robust flavours – try paprika-spiked octopus, chorizo or grilled veg – or a simple tomato-based pasta sauce. Rías Baixas wine-making Young albariño is fresh and zesty, with notes of white peaches, green apples and orange blossom. Some are kept on their lees (lias) after fermentation, which creates some texture and imparts more tropical notes; the best are left to age for many years, during which they develop more complexity and structure. But, all carry a distinctive saline flavour thanks to the proximity of the sea. The vines are trained onto high pergolas called parras to maximise airflow and prevent the damaging mildews that thrive in the humid climate. Most grapes come from tiny plots owned by the thousands of growers who sell their crops to the winemakers and, although organic production is impossible here because of the climate, most growers keep fungicide spraying to a minimum and work hard to maintain rich biodiversity and soil health. Other local grapes also make fantastic white wines, and there’s a welcome return of interest in traditional red grapes, too. Want to stay over? Quinta de San Amaro Set among picturesque vineyards in the heart of the Salnés Valley – and only 10 minutes from spectacular beaches – this historic house with outbuildings has been beautifully restored, offering 14 dreamy rooms, a small pool, spa treatments and plenty of space for relaxing. There’s a very good on-site restaurant, too. Or, head to O Grove on the coast, where Beiramar and D’Berto come highly recommended – there are also several wineries nearby that offer tastings. quintadesanamaro.com Best Rías Baixas wine to buy 2026 Extra Special Albariño Available from Asda (£11) Grapes in Rías Baixas are expensive to produce – all harvesting must be done by hand, and yields are low while land prices are high, so quality wines at a budget-friendly price can be hard to find. This bottle, produced by Bodegas Pazo Cilleiro, ticks all the boxes of what we know and love about albariño, while being great value for money. Expect ripe pear, citrus and peachy fruit shot through with a bright, appetising acidity. Terras Gauda O Rosal 2024 Available from Les Caves de Pyrene (£22.47) Found in the O Rosal sub-region on the banks of the Miño River bordering Spain and Portugal, Terras Gauda is unusual in that it sources most of its grapes from its own vineyards and specialises in the rare caíño blanco grape variety. Here, this is blended with albariño and loureiro grapes to create an aromatic, complex wine with seductive layers of lemon curd, pink grapefruit, cantaloupe melon, jasmine and bay, plus a briny flourish. Bodegas Attis Xión Cuvée Tinto Available from Laithwaites (£22) Established in 2013 by brothers Robustiano and Baldomero Fariña – whose family history contains generations of local fishermen and vine growers – Attis is one of Rias Baixas’s most exciting and pioneering producers, championing native red varieties that are otherwise in danger of extinction. This blend of pedral, sousón and espadeiro is juicy and refreshing, with red berries, astringent herbs, a whisper of spice and minerality. Check out more regional wine guides here: Best Sicilian Wine Best Greek Wine Best Catalonia Wine Best Loise Valley Wine Best German wine Best Georgian wine Best Hungarian wine Best South African wine
Best hotels in Wales for a wild weekend break, 2026
Discover the best hotels in Wales for short breaks, from Snowdon to Cardigan Bay
Looking for places to visit in Wales? For a couples retreat, stay in one of the luxurious suites in the stunning Llangoed Hall, in Brecon, and receive the ultimate fine dining experience in their award-winning restaurant. Or get the whole family together and rent a holiday cottage at the Trefeddian Hotel, based in the picturesque village of Aberdovey on the west coast of Wales. With gorgeous views and great food, there is something to suit everyone in our guide to the best Welsh weekend breaks. Heading to the capital? Read our pick of the best restaurants in Cardiff, then check out the best restaurants in Pembrokeshire. Best Welsh hotels for food lovers The Grove of Narberth Doubles start from £285 per night, check availability at booking.com Offering quiet, carefully considered luxury in a beautifully restored 15th-century house in the Narberth Hills, Grove is warm, calm and a place to completely switch off and relax. Warm, friendly staff and a labyrinth of cosy lounges make the space feel more like a home than a hotel. Hunker down in an armchair by an open fire or wander the wooded grounds to soak in views of the Preseli Hills. Add-on experiences include foraging and wild swimming for the adventurous, or a nearby vineyard tour for tastings of Welsh wines. The two restaurants, Artisan Rooms and Fernery, are headed by executive chef Douglas Balish. The former is a more casual brasserie, while the latter offers an unmissable five- or seven-course tasting menu. Changing each season, it tells a story of local producers from west and south Wales, featuring ingredients from Grove’s kitchen garden. What makes it a truly exceptional experience is the infectious enthusiasm with which sommelier Cathryn Bell and the team lead guests through the menu, telling personal stories and highlighting the importance of everyone involved in making each dish come to life. There are just 13 rooms in the main house, each adorned with warm, natural tones. Elegant individual quirks include freestanding lamps, four-poster beds with wraparound curtains, and exposed beams for those nestled into the eaves. For an extra treat, suites in the Herb Cottages outbuildings offer a little more space to relax, along with log burner and private garden. Most rooms come with freestanding bath, robes and slippers for the ultimate off-grid getaway. Maintaining the focus on local produce, the two-course breakfast menu starts with lighter options such as yogurt and granola, charcuterie or fruit, followed by cooked dishes including a full Welsh breakfast, eggs benedict or french toast. Doubles start from £285 per night, check availability at booking.com Squirrels Nest Treehouse, Llandrindod Wells Treehouse available from £295 per night, check availability at Squirrels Nest Set on a 130-acre working family farm and enveloped by the 900-acre Maelinaidd Hill, this hideaway exudes rustic charm in an idyllic setting. Each of the three treehouses has been designed by owner and carpenter John, who’s brought his knowledge of craftsmanship to life with locally sourced timber – oak, larch and western red cedar – colourful interiors and large glass windows that frame the picturesque countryside. From taking an afternoon siesta on a hammock elevated on stilts to soaking in a private outdoor hot tub with a view, there does not seem to be a shortage of ways to unwind. In-treehouse massage appointments can also be arranged for those looking to make the most of their countryside escape. There’s a curated menu of hampers that showcase the best of Welsh treats. Firepits, BBQs and pizza ovens are also available for a bit of alfresco cooking. Or order in from Llatho Country Kitchen which delivers freshly made platters, cakes and bites straight to your treehouse door. The generous breakfast hamper is packed with local goodies such as sausages, bacon and eggs plus Welsh butter, honey and jam to slather onto homemade bread. Treehouse available from £295 per night, check availability at Squirrels Nest The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny Doubles from £220, check availability at booking.com or Expedia This former coaching inn, now a characterful hotel, stands proudly in the historic Monmouthshire market town of Abergavenny, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons. Its 34 bedrooms, four of which are in separate cottages, are contemporary in design but complement the hotel’s main 18th century architecture. Cosy up on a leather Chesterfield sofa by the open fire in the main (Foxhunter) bar for drinks and more casual food, head to the Oak Room restaurant for more formal dining (you will be serenaded by a pianist on Friday and Saturday nights), or head to the dining room for afternoon tea (discover our best afternoon teas across the UK here). Fans of fine dining can also book a table at Michelin-starred sister restaurant, the Walnut Tree, five minutes’ drive away. This is a hotel with its own, slightly offbeat, style and all the bedrooms have their own distinct feel – choices range from superior, deluxe and super deluxe rooms to the lodge (a Victorian house) and four contemporary cottages adjacent to the hotel - but try and book the mews (a former stables), set just off from the hotel for ultimate quiet and comfort in a simplistic modern styled room. Personal touches are everywhere, from the hotel’s own ground coffee produced by Round Hill Roastery in Bath provided with in-room tea trays to relaxing classical music played through vintage-style radios to the large walk-in showers and his ‘n’ her bath robes. Breakfast is served in the main dining room - choose from local sausages, thick-cut bacon and creamy scrambled eggs or, for something lighter, homemade granola with yogurt, fruit and a moreish berry compote. The main event here, however, is the baked goods. The hotel also runs an artisan bakery, just across the lane, and this supplies them with delicious pastries and breads (including buttery pain au chocolates, mince pies, freshly baked candied grapefruit brioche, gooey Valrhona chocolate and hazelnut brownies and freshly baked potato bread). Doubles from £220, check availability at booking.com or Expedia Twr y Felin, St. Davids Doubles start from £191 per night, check availability at booking.com Housing over 100 pieces of commissioned artwork, Twr y Felin is Wales’ first ever contemporary art hotel. From modern portraits of Tom Jones and Anthony Hopkins in their restaurant, Blas (meaning taste), to intense landscapes in the bar area, there’s a lot to see inside the hotel. The building is a former windmill situated in the picturesque city of St Davids in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. Rooms to the back of the hotel have stunning views of Caerfai Bay, one of the many outstanding stops on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. For those wishing to indulge even further, wellness treatments are well worth booking. Blas Restaurant, inside Twr y Felin, aims to reflect the beauty of the hotel's surroundings on the plate. Changing with the seasons, the menu includes dishes made from local produce such as Solva crab (Solva is a short drive or a longer walk along the coastal path), which is delightfully fresh, and Welsh lamb served with beetroot and goat’s cheese. Most of the fish and seafood is caught locally, with meat and fowl farmed nearby. Pembrokeshire has a great foraging community with the chefs actively involved and including their wares on the menu – an example being the wild garlic served with the Welsh lamb. For many, St Davids is a special place full of fond memories; Twr y Felin is a great place to create even more. Doubles start from £191 per night, check availability at booking.com Llanerch Vineyard, Pontyclun Doubles start from £140, check availability at booking.com A farmhouse hotel, restaurant, cookery school and vineyard in South Wales. Guided tours and tastings show guests how Llanerch’s Cariad wines are made, and how the local terroir affects the taste of each vintage, including the sweet Cariad sparkling brut. Celebrating seasonal produce grown, caught or reared in the region, try dishes such as curry spiced mushroom fricassee, roasted Welsh lamb cannon and rib, and pan-roasted stone bass with shellfish bisque in the fine-dining restaurant overlooking the vineyards. Stay overnight in one of the comfortable rooms so you can enjoy the wine tastings without having to drive home, and wake up to sweeping vineyard views. Doubles start from £140, check availability at booking.com Palé Hall, Snowdonia Rooms start from £279, check availability on booking.com Situated on the cusp of Snowdonia, Palé Hall occupies a breathtaking position overlooking the tranquil Dee Valley. Nestled within a 50-acre estate, this AA Five Red Star, Relais and Chateaux destination is ideal for a peaceful retreat. Sustainability is key to Palé Hall’s ethos. Impressively, the whole building is carbon-neutral, powered by an onsite hydro-electric plant. This principle also extends to the fine dining restaurant – the first in Wales to receive a Michelin Green Star. Every effort is made to champion local, seasonal produce on the tasting menus designed by head chef, Gareth Stevenson. Expect dishes such as roasted squab pigeon and miso-glazed langoustine, plus inventive sweets like a ‘Moscow mule’ vodka lime jelly topped with ginger beer espuma. A more informal bistro also offers casual dining options. The grand Victorian country house is immaculately furnished with period features, yet maintains a warm and welcoming atmosphere. All eighteen bedrooms are themed after Welsh counties and range from smaller Classic rooms to Turret and Superior suites. The exquisitely decorated interiors effortlessly blend antiques with modern elements such as ‘hidden’ television screens within mirrors. You can even stay in rooms formerly occupied by Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill! Additionally, there are four modern garden suites which are ideal for families. Any stay here is only enhanced by the team of attentive staff, who make every effort to ensure a memorable guest experience. Rooms start from £279, check availability on booking.com Parva Farmhouse, Tintern Doubles start from £90 per night, check availability at booking.com Some might call this three-storey farmhouse a restaurant-with-rooms, on the grounds that it’s the food that’s the standout here – chef-owner Roger Brook previously headed the kitchen at the Michelin-starred Walnut Tree Inn near Abergavenny and has already been awarded a Michelin plate at Parva Farmhouse. But Roger and his wife, Marta, prefer to call it a gourmet bed-and-breakfast to emphasise that this is a small, friendly place run without fuss (Roger does the cooking while Marta hosts). Whatever you call it, it’s well worth making a detour to. The 17th-century roadside building was once a farmhouse but in recent decades had been run as a bed and breakfast, and has been fully refurbished. We loved Room 4, tucked at the end of the corridor on the top floor, with fabulous river views. Although some of the inherited furniture remains, it’s now partnered with a contemporary bed, soothing moss-green walls and bed throws, and stylish lamps. Doubles start from £90 per night, check availability at booking.com Ynyshir, Eglwys Fach House room and dinner starts from £420 per person, check availability at Ynyshir At first, on arrival, nothing quite prepares you for the surprises in store at Ynyshir. A stunning white mansion-style property in immaculate grounds close to Snowdonia, it looks like any other top-end country house hotel but then you step into the bar with its black walls, bare floorboards and sheep fleeces draped over chairs. And then you spot the twin decks and shelves of vinyl – essentially a DJ booth within the restaurant with its open kitchen facing the diners. Pure theatre. Cornish crab arrives live and kept in tanks before being cooked and picked to order to retain freshness. The sauce made from the crab shells was intense and rich, the sweet crab meat and Singaporean chilli sauce was served with a hot steamed bun and coriander. A single Orkney scallop was barbecued only on one side so it was quiveringly fresh and opaque, topped with aged wagyu fat and elder vinegar, while made-to-order Montgomery cheddar macaroni cheese with Wiltshire truffles was simply off the scale. No macaroni cheese will ever get close to it. House room and dinner starts from £420 per person, check availability at Ynyshir The Royston, Llanbrynmair King doubles start from £116 per night, check availability at booking.com If this splendid white house, perched on a mid-Wales hillside, looks incongruously urban, it’s because the building’s original owner built it to mimic his townhouse in Clapham; in went ornate staircases and fireplaces, generous bay windows and statement stained glass. Today it’s run as a relaxed guesthouse by Clive Sweeting and Rob Perham, creative and hospitable ex-advertising execs who moved here from Brighton, bringing with them a sense of fun, and playfully eclectic furnishings (top hats are a bit of a theme). Design junkies in search of a digital detox will love it. All seven bedrooms are large, with Egyptian cotton bed linen, original art by Rob, and daringly smoky walls in olive or slate. Look out, too, for Danish-made Meraki smellies in the black-and-white metro-tiled bathrooms, and hand-woven Welsh blankets on the beds. But no TVs – you’re here to switch off. Winners for views and space are the first-floor “Superior” rooms (5 and 6), which have bay windows looking out to the Cambrian mountains (vintage binoculars and bird-watching guides are supplied) and armchairs by Italian designers Moroso. King doubles start from £116 per night, check availability at booking.com Highbrook Cottage, Powys Price from £100 per night (three-night minimum stay) or £700 per week, check availability at Kip Hidewayas Spring is possibly the best time to visit this mid-Wales cottage, with daffodils blooming in the garden and lambs gambolling in the field beyond the brook. On sunny days, hike up the surrounding hills for magnificent views across Powys, or – if it’s cold – hunker down under Welsh blankets in front of the log burner. The cottage is one of a number of holiday lets run by the Kinsey-Jones family, who have owned the nearby farm since 1913. As they diversify from sheep farming into viniculture, with 800 vines producing a variety of natural wines at the bottom of the drive, they’ve also put time and skill into decorating this homely and cosy building. It’s a 16-century stone cottage with a slate roof, wooden beams and the customary uneven staircase. The two double bedrooms are comfy, with scalloped linen bedding, Welsh blankets and matching hot water bottles. The only sounds from outside are the stream in the front garden, the occasional bleating sheep, and a particularly determined blue tit trying to access the kitchen window. A 10-minute drive from the nearest village, Kinnerton, the cottage makes a good base for exploring the more famous towns of Ludlow, Hay on Wye or walking the Brecon Beacons. Price from £100 per night (three-night minimum stay) or £700 per week, check availability at Kip Hideaways One Cat Farm, Lampeter Cabins start from £250 for two nights, check availability at One Cat Farm Weave your way down winding Welsh lanes, through the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park (in springtime past fields of lambs and forests of bluebells) and you’ll end up in a small valley four miles south of the harbour town of Aberaeron. Tucked away down quiet tracks woven among rolling fields is One Cat Farm. It was was set up by Jessie Roberts-Duffey and Lyndon Duffey, who returned to Wales with their young family in 2015 to build a small, unique glampsite (there are no tents here but four cosy cabins, designed and built by Lyndon). Wheelbarrows are parked outside The Pig Shed (a communal kitchen and lounge area) so guests can leave their cars behind and cart their luggage down the narrow stone path that leads to the cabins (here known, playfully, as dens). Baskets of freshly cut logs are waiting for you to start your first campfire and a pared-back but homely communal kitchen is kitted out with a fridge, hobs, a toaster and kettles (and shelves filled with jars of popping corn, bottles of balsamic vinegar and fresh eggs). On one wall, a mini honesty shop (you put your money in a tin can) offers glamping luxuries including packets of marshmallows, bottles of Fentimans ginger beer and bars of NOM NOM peanut butter chocolate (made in Llanboidy, an hour down the road). Cabins start from £250 for two nights, check availability at One Cat Farm Llangoed Hall, Brecon Doubles start from £280 per night, check availability at booking.com A ‘white palace’ allegedly home to the first Welsh parliament. A Jacobean mansion won in a card game. A family home restored to its former glory by designer Laura Ashley’s family. The site that Llangoed Hall sits on certainly vaunts a colourful history. Now it’s home to a country house hotel with acclaimed restaurant, extensive gardens (walled, rose and fruit among them) and stunning bedrooms. All 23 bedrooms were styled by Sir Bernard Ashley (husband of Laura and owner of the hotel in the 1980s and ‘90s) and have been painstakingly maintained by the current owners. The most beautiful are the master suites. In ours, tall, arched windows gave views of the croquet lawn and the idyllic Wye Valley beyond. A four-poster bed was carved with swirly details, duck-egg blue settees matched the wall behind, and an antique wardrobe and writing desk were artworks in themselves. Then there was the bathroom, which came with a stand-alone bath, parquet flooring and a corner armchair. It was the kind of room you fantasise about owning... Doubles start from £280 per night, check availability at booking.com The Trefeddian Hotel, Aberdovey Doubles start from £110, check availability at booking.com Snowdonia's picturesque estuary village of Aberdovey, on the west coast of Wales, makes a peaceful weekend getaway. For a mixed generation get-together, we recommend one of the handful of cottages at the Trefeddian Hotel. A classic family-friendly retreat with a bit of old-fashioned grandeur still palpable despite extensive remodelling and renovation, it’s in a quiet position just outside the village, separated from the sand dunes by a golf course (visit off-season and you can watch its greens being dutifully nibbled by a flock of sheep). Cottage guests can use all the hotel facilities, which include a great children’s games room and swimming pool. There is a restaurant too but, if you’re staying in a cottage, you can eat in and enjoy home-cooked family meals some nights and, if you have willing grandparents in tow, leave them to babysit on others while you enjoy a meal or two out. Doubles start from £110, check availability at booking.com More travel inspiration... 12 small towns across the UK every foodie should visit The UK's best pubs with rooms UK boutique hotels for food lovers 10 exciting UK city breaks for food lovers Best restaurants with rooms UK spa hotels for food lovers Best romantic UK hotels Best seaside staycations Best country hotels
Some of the capital's best spots for a glass (or two) of wine, from cult natural wine bars to laidback neighbourhood joints
Looking for the best London wine bars? I've spent the past eight years writing about London's drinks scene for olive, and one of the things I'm most excited about is the explosion in new-wave wine bars across the capital. From trendy natural wine spots in Shoreditch to Gallic boltholes in Covent Garden and vermuterias in King's Cross, there's something to cater for every taste. So whether you're in the mood for a glass of funky orange wine, a fizzy pét nat or a big, bold Italian red, we've got you covered. Make sure you keep coming back here for updates, as I'll be refreshing this guide with the latest openings and discoveries. Next discover the best new restaurants in London, best dining experiences in London and best food and drink festivals to visit. Also discover some of our London food guides, including the best restaurants in Covent Garden, best restaurants in Kings Cross and best restaurants in Shoreditch. If you're partial to a cocktail served with stellar sound systems, discover our favourite listening bars in London. Best wine bars in London Passione Vino, Clerkenwell There’s something about the sight of a hefty wine menu that can induce a brain fog – too much choice can often be overwhelming. So, what if you got rid of it? Veronese Luca Dusi has been importing and selling Italian wine in London for more than 20 years, and he has no truck with wine lists. At his much-loved east London fixture, Passione Vino in Shoreditch, guests simply drink whatever Luca thinks they might enjoy. He’s brought the same idea to his new site on Exmouth Market, where you can tell staff what you’re in the mood for and they’ll make their own intuitive recommendations, bringing over a few bottles to try and talking passionately about different grapes, producers and regions. It’s a relaxed, interactive and inclusive way to choose wine, and you’re almost always guaranteed to discover something you really like. On to the bar itself, Passione Vino has taken over the digs of a family tattoo parlour on Exmouth Market. A rich blue frontage – the original ‘Electric Tattooing’ still picked out in gold on the windows – leads into a warmly inviting space with bare plaster walls, metallic-topped tables and a bar lined with colourful jars of pickles and bottles. The wine list is an all-Italian affair and our server did a fine job of introducing us to new grapes and styles we hadn’t tried before. We enjoy a peachy, lemony sylvaner from the Alpine Isarco Valley in South Tyrol; a fresh, red fruit-and-herb-flecked nebbiolo from Valtellina in Lombardy; and a soft, fragrant pòllera from the ancient region of Lunigiana which straddles Tuscany and Liguria. All of this is accompanied by a food menu that showcase the country’s best ingredients: we snacked on crunchy housemade pickles, Puglian altamura bread with Sicilian EVOO and salty, nutty chunks of parmesan, alongside excellent platters of Italian cheese and charcuterie. Those looking for more substantial repast can explore the small plates – do try the Cantabrian anchovies draped across a pillow of milky, creamy buffalo stracciatella. passionevino.co.uk Bar Flor, Belgravia One of the best things we ate on our last visit to Madrid was a calamari sandwich: crispy, hot, deep-fried squid in a baguette with a garlicky aïoli from Bar La Campana, eaten outside on the pavement. That same trip also included a visit to legendary sherry bar La Venencia – former haunt of Hemingway and Republican soldiers – where phones are banned, we sipped chilled copitas of fino and our bill was chalked up straight on the wooden bar. Our core memories of holidays in Spain almost always involved fortified wine, whether sherry or – equally enjoyable – a glass of sweet red homemade vermouth drawn directly from the barrel, served over ice with a slice of orange and olives. Flor is the layer of yeast that grows over fino and manzanilla sherry in the cask, imparting its characteristic savoury flavours. It’s also the name of the bar cloistered away in the eaves above smart Med-inspired sister restaurant Wildflowers in Belgravia, a warmly lit space decked out in buttery neutrals with a delicate floral mural wrapped around the walls. A short, snappy drinks list nevertheless has lots to say: there is of course vermouth and sherry which you can drink with soda water or tonic, or neat – the former comes from English brand Vault, while the latter runs the gamut from uber-dry saline manzanilla to rarer sherries like deliciously full-bodied palo cortado (our favourite), and raisiny PX. There’s Basque cider and a small roster of cocktails: we adored the bittersweet adonis using sherry and vermouth, and a dirty martini given a tangy twist using peschiole pickle liqueur. Sherry is a fantastically food-friendly wine and the menu features simple but delicious pintxos and tapas from co-founder and chef Aaron Potter. From cave-aged manchego and honey to gambas al ajillo and deep-fried oyster draped in iberico guanciale there wasn’t a duff dish, but the luscious calamari sandwich is a must order and reminded us of the last one we had – wolfed down in that busy Madrid street. wildflowersrestaurant.co.uk/barflor Godet, Islington A good pub is a glorious thing but typically not a place for wine drinkers. Yes, there might be a plethora of tropical IPAs and amber cask ales on offer, but we’ve had our fair share of rickety – sometimes grim – pub wine, and even when the quality is good the choice is usually much more limited compared to what’s on tap. Godet is an Essex Road denizen with the spaciously proportioned bones of an old Victorian boozer (it was formerly The Seveney in another life) but with a decidedly more chic peach and sage palette. It calls itself a ‘wine pub’ and we can see why – the vibe inside feels decidedly laid back, bustling and akin to the neighbourhood local it once was. We were impressed by the equal importance given to grape and grain here, with a pithy rotating list of low-intervention wines chalked up on blackboards and a roster of nine beers on tap. The former draws heavily from France (as befits Parisian owner Sylvain’s heritage) while the latter showcases classic and experimental brews from London and across the UK. You could stop by for a pint here as easily as you could a date-night glass of gamay. Godet has hosted several kitchen residencies – previous ones have included Nordic pop-up Jomfru by Anna Søgaard and Perk’d Up Burger – and its latest, modern Chinese outfit Ling Ling’s, delivers flavour-packed pan-Asian hits. Our crispy pork and water chestnut wontons and zingy pomegranate radish cakes made for deliciously umami bar snacks and winning matches with our glasses of textured, floral orange wine and delicate chilled red. Other highlights to keep an eye out for include regular wine tastings and meet the winemaker events, and vinyl DJ sets on Fridays and Saturdays. Or just swing by for a beer – that’s what we’re planning to do next. godetlondon.com Stable Wines, Islington Stable Wines makes a good case for being one of London’s most beautiful wine bars. Arrive in a glass-walled space on Essex Road which functions as a wine shop – complete with a striking oak and volcanic stone counter, and head downstairs where a former bank vault has been turned into a magical candlelit, labyrinthian cave: dimly lit with bare brick and stone walls, full of arches, alcoves and cosy nooks. It feels like you’ve descended into an ancient pagan temple but in a sexy, sultry way – a date-night spot par excellence. Owners Alex Young and George de Vos are also the brains behind the much-adored Goodbye Horses and The Dreamery, and Stable Wines has similar decorative touches – like the sculptural painted paper lanterns dotted throughout, including a beautiful rice paper shade in the ground-floor shop illustrated with whimsical folkloric scenes by artist Lucy Stein, who also lent her touch to the other venues (such as the Chagall-esque ceiling at The Dreamery). Wines channel a ‘zero zero’ ethos, meaning natural and low-intervention bottles: just tell the server what you’d like and they’ll bring something out for you. A highlight on our visit included a textured, honey-floral pét nat. Next-level snacks and small plates include uber-umami Guinness rarebit oysters, crunchy fingers of layered potato topped with beef tartare, grilled squash with a crisp pastry filled with hazelnut cream, and an unmissable silky whipped chocolate mousse doused in olive oil. @stablewines Bar Levan, Peckham Peckham's answer to the Parisian wine bar comes in the form of Bar Levan, where bottles line deep red walls, candles flicker alongside vintage Ricard vessels and co-owner Mark curates the list of regularly rotating European natural wines chalked up on the board. Staff wind through the handful of tables to make recommendations - a chilled, crunchy Austrian red perhaps as a progression from a rosé on a warm summer's evening, a honeyed Georgian orange (find out where to eat and drink in Tbilisi here) with nutty finish to warm up on a colder night or a fresh, salty, appley Bavarian pinot blanc to accompany the succinct food menu. Smoked sausage embedded into a slice of brown butter brioche is a rich uplift on a hotdog. Beautiful orange peaches with creamy burrata and glistening crispy sage sit alongside Vesuvio tomatoes as fantastic vehicles for warm, crusty baguettes delivered at 2am each morning. An eclectic rotation of DJs on a Friday night add an extra je ne sais quoi to the already buzzy vibes of Peckham punters that spill out onto the pavement in the warmer months. There's also a short aperitif list including refreshing Lillet and soda or the floral negroni made with Suze, Lillet rouge and ELLC gin. barlevan.co.uk Sager + Wilde, Hackney With its many wines by the glass, its adventurousness and its legendary cheese toasties, this East End venue was the first of the capital’s new-wave wine bars and it's still one of our favourites. There’s an unstuffy feel, where clued-up sommeliers bring a selection of bottles to try depending on your mood – think a fresh, bright Transylvanian white blend, juicy Georgian red made from indigenous grapes and toasty Alsatian crémant made using auxerrois grapes often reserved for whites rather than sparkling. The fino sherry-laced house martini, lifted with a pickled grape, makes a delightful aperitif to sip while you’re making your wine selection. On the food menu, glistening anchovies are neatly placed beside hunks of sourdough and a generous slab of butter, while charcuterie and cheese plates showcasing the likes of finocchiona, chorizo and Westcombe cheddar come with crackers and apricot jam. Don’t miss the aforementioned toasties – our favourite being the spicy ‘nduja-stuffed number complete with crunchy cheese skirt. sagerandwilde.com Dynamic Vines, East Dulwich Dynamic Vines, the UK’s leading importer of premium biodynamic and organic wine, has opened its first wine bar, offering European wines alongside charcuterie, cheese and bread to Dulwich denizens. The candle-lit space can be found on upper Lordship Lane – one of London’s best independent shopping streets – harbouring a cornucopia of much loved suppliers including neighbouring Mons Cheesemonger (which supplies the snacks), Moxon’s fishmonger and Bora & Sons greengrocer. A pithy, seasonal menu showcases independent winemakers, with wines sourced from minimal intervention, sustainable vineyards. When we visited we enjoyed a glass of IGT Venezia Giulia Slatnik, a chardonnay-dominant Italian orange with notes of stone fruits and baking spices with a touch of paprika. We also loved the gently sweet Jurançon Marie Kattalin, a French dessert wine with a rich nose of stone fruit, caramel popcorn and a hint of coconut. With a few individual tables as well as a large, eight-seater communal table and an outdoor terrace for sunnier days, this is a space which can be enjoyed all year round, with wines to take home or enjoy in the bar without any corkage fee. dynamicvines.com Marjorie's, Soho Though slap bang in the middle of Soho, its locals rather than tourists who frequent this Parisian-inspired wine bar, tucked away on a side street. Perch at the large counter table on the ground floor while owner Michael and team pour wines. A wooden dresser showcases the 100% French wine line-up, covering a diverse mixture of regions and styles. New bottles are opened each day to keep the ‘by the glass’ list interesting, with a sparkling, a couple of skin contacts, three reds and three whites on rotation – that might be a pétillant, oak-aged chenin blanc from the Loire, a chilled beaujolais or a robust Crozes-Hermitage. To pair alongside the wines, there's baguette with French butter and La Fromagerie cheese plates as well as Morello cherry rolled in chicken liver parfait and hazelnuts for a savoury Ferrero Rocher twist. Other highlights include lamb tartare studded with summer vegetables – sliced radishes, peas, broad beans and edible flowers – and comforting poached chicken and nutty rice bathing in a rich, frothy brown butter emulsion, with radicchio and leaves doused in floral orange blossom dressing to pair. For dessert, a towering slice of puff pastry mille-feuille comes layered with silky crème diplomat and strawberries, while cocoa nib and hazelnut-flecked warm chocolate mousse is spoonable comfort. marjorieslondon.co.uk La Compagnie Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden This stylish little wine bar hidden away in Neal’s Yard is the perfect cosy bolthole for a glass or two in this tourist-thronged patch of central London. La Compagnie has been a fixture on London’s new-wave wine bar scene since 2014 – it has sister bars in Paris and New York – and is set over two floors and a terrace, the latter a particularly lovely spot for drinking in warmer weather. The focus is very much on smaller producers and hard-to-find bottles, with friendly staff on hand to make suggestions. Those looking for a bottle have a hefty slab of a menu to investigate but there’s also an impressively lengthy list of wines by the glass – perfect for trying lots of different things. Spot-on recommendations from our server come paired with seasonal European small plates from new head chef Ranieri Raimondi. Highlights include a delicious Jura chardonnay, zesty and minerally, with plump, buttery drunken scallops in a rich foie gras sauce; and torched mackerel with breadcrumbs and endive paired with a light and velvety Corsican red full of juicy red fruits. compagniewinebar.com/london Farm Shop Wine Bar, Mayfair True hidden gems are hard to come by in London but Farm Shop’s underground wine bar truly feels like one. By day it’s a fancy Mayfair deli on South Audley Street, supplied by the company farm in Bruton, among other artisan producers. There are piles of fresh fruit and veg, stacks of chutneys and jams, and loaves of sourdough and pastries laid out in the window. From the afternoon, the basement space comes into its own. There’s no signage from outside, so it’s just the arrows inside the deli that guide you downstairs to a warm, cosy room, speckled by candlelight with a relaxed, welcoming vibe where you can sit along the windows to people-watch. The menu includes classic treats like rotisserie chicken and cheese toasties, alongside sharing boards of charcuterie and cheese from Somerset, near the company farm, as well as a selection of Swiss offerings. Clearly experts in cheese, with temperature-controlled rooms to store it, this is a great place to try Yarlington, Montgomery cheddar and a creamy Bath Blue. Most importantly, the wine list is 150-strong with some varieties from the company’s vineyard. Prices for a glass of house of red start at just £4.50, so it’s a surprisingly reasonable option for such a high-end area. A particular highlight is the Maid of Bruton sparkling rosé, which is ideal for a celebratory drink. farmshop.co.uk/london/wine-bar/ Carousel Wine Bar, Fitzrovia Carousel reimagines the wine bar format, doing away with cheese and charcuterie in favour of flavour-packed small plates, like Cornish tuna crudo in a lemon vinaigrette with crispy leeks; rye and Westcombe cheddar toast kimchi; fried chicken with pickled cucumber and scotch bonnet honey; and ceps tagliatelle with butter emulsion and parmesan, wiped clean with lofty sourdough spread with cultured butter. Make sure to finish with the large scoop of chocolate mousse, elevated with crunchy hazelnuts, sea salt flakes and olive oil. A list of minimal-intervention wines focusses on small, independent producers, with a concise list available by the glass or carafe, as well as an impressive bottle offering. carousel-london.com/winebar Trullo Wine Bar, Islington Feted Italian restaurant Trullo has opened a small but perfectly formed wine bar next door with punchy, moreish antipasti and intriguing left-field bottles. It’s a small space, and interiors are kept clean and simple – white and grey walls, black-and-white photographs of past and current Trullo staff and a long counter lined with wine bottles. It feels suitably cosy compared to the traffic rush of St Paul’s road outside. The seasonally changing wine menu, chalked up on a blackboard, flits everywhere from Catalonia to Cyprus, with plenty to entice. There’s lots available by the glass and pours are pleasingly generous. Adventurous wine drinkers will find much to explore on the list. We tried Georgian Okro’s Wines Rkatsiteli, a supercharged orange wine with cider-like funkiness and spicy, savoury intensity, but more crowd-pleasing, accessible natural wines are also available, like the tangily fresh Can Sumoi Xarel-lo from northern Spain. Equally appealing is the short and sweet antipasti menu: pillowy, salt-flecked focaccia; luscious whipped cod’s roe with salted crisps for scooping; crisp arancini and flavour-packed crostini – try the whipped ricotta and confit garlic. trullorestaurant.com Sol's, Bayswater Sol’s sees the team behind Margate’s Fort Road Hotel serving Iberian-inspired dishes in a sleek, wood-decked delicatessen and wine bar in flourishing foodie neighbourhood Bayswater. Highlights include tinned sardine pâté on sourdough; roast pumpkin, braised coco beans and taleggio; half a roast chicken with peppers and aïoli; and perfectly plump jamón croquettas. Don’t miss the chocolate mousse: rich, glossy, studded with sea salt and topped with a cluster of toasted hazelnuts. The drinks list includes low-intervention, European-focussed wine curated by food writer Mina Holland. Perch at the window-side counter with a glass of chilled Côtes du Rhône for a cosy date night spot (and if you really enjoy it, you can pick up a bottle from the fridge to go). instagram.com/solslondon/ Half Cut Market, Holloway Positioned halfway between Camden and Islington (hence its name) on York Way, Half Cut Market redefines the dining experience with its unique restaurant, wine bar and bottle shop blend. This charming venue, vibrant with a lively atmosphere, boasts an impressive selection of low-intervention and natural wines curated by the expert Holly Willcocks, inviting you to sip in style. Enhance your tasting experience with small plates thoughtfully crafted by the talented Aidan Richardson, a chef celebrated for his outstanding experience at Brat. The menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring that even the most devoted regulars – affectionately dubbed 'cutlets' – always have something new to enjoy. Among the standout dishes, the mackerel with lovage and dandelion deserves special mention – it’s so exquisitely tender that it melts in your mouth. halfcut.world Oranj, Shoreditch Oranj started as an online bottle shop and wine delivery service in 2020, specialising in natural wines. At its first bar, off Brick Lane near Shoreditch, unmarked double doors lead into a warehouse space that ticks all the trendy east London boxes – dim lighting, concrete and stark industrial fittings galore – enlivened by splashes of orange, bottles dripping with wax on the tables and high ceilings. The mood is relaxed (founder Jasper Delamothe describes the bar as a “pub for wine drinkers”), and staff are friendly. While there’s a lengthy bottle list for natural wine nerds to plough through, a pithier list of wines by the glass (as well as cocktails including dry gin martinis and spicy margaritas) is a good place to start. Highlights include Domaine Pierre Frick Pinot Gris Fischbach Maceration, an incredible skin contact wine with notes of tangerine, apricot and raspberry; and Magna Carta Wines Uthando Syrah, fresh and zippy with crunchy red fruit. Oranj also has rotating kitchen residencies. Our visit saw Nigerian-Colombian fusion cooking from Ayo Collective (highlights include zingy prawn tartare with lime apple and tropical lulo fruit; and lamb cutlets with incredible crispy sweetbreads), while previous residencies have included New Orleans-inspired outfit Decatur, and cult Vietnamese pop up Ha's Đặc Biệt from New York City. Check out @oranjwine for what’s up next. oranj.co.uk Bottle + Rye, Brixton 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 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 Bedales of Borough, Borough Located in the middle of Borough Market, Bedales of Borough is the labour of love of three childhood friends – Rob Dann, Jamie Watts and Mario Sposito – who took on a failing wine shop in 2012 and transformed it into one of London’s best-loved wine bars, with delicious food to match. With a wine list focussed on celebrating and supporting the diverse and colourful world of small, independent winemakers, and a menu where much of the produce is sourced from neighbouring shops within Borough Market itself, it’s little wonder that Bedales of Borough – affectionately known as ‘BoB’ to regulars – is still going strong a decade on. bedaleswines.com Bar Crispin, Soho With its stylish continental vibes, this poised bar on Soho’s Kingly Street serves lavish small plates ranging from native oysters, Neal’s Yard cheeses and Trealy Farm charcuterie, and elegant sharing dishes from head chef Brendan Lee. Make a beeline for the anchovy and potato focaccia; a decadent double-carb affair of bread topped with golden piped swirls of mashed potato, whole anchovies and salsa verde. We also loved the day-boat fish – sole on our visit – which arrived, soft and flaking, in a luscious pool of brown butter, topped with briny capers. Alongside this, a natural wine list focusses on indigenous, rare and old-world grapes, featuring smaller producers who use biodynamic, organic and sustainable practices. Expect to see wines from French regions such as the Loire, Jura, Savoie and Burgundy, as well as further afield, from Slovenian orange wine to Greek assyrtiko. The menu is ever-changing, with some wines only available in finite qualities so novelty is guaranteed. Staff are imaginative and generous with their recommendations, rustling up for us their last-ever bottle of Kiss Kiss Maddie’s Lips; a juicy yet elegant German pink fizz with creamy red fruit notes. barcrispin.com The Mulwray, Soho This plushily intimate, grown-up wine bar is hidden away above the Blue Posts pub on the edge of Chinatown, a setting that inspired its name (that of Evelyn Mulwray, Faye Dunaway’s character in the classic 1970s noir film). In contrast to the bustling surrounds of the pub downstairs,The Mulwray exudes a sense of lush calm, with a pin-sharp décor that includes high ceilings garlanded by foliage, dusty pink stools and sweeping midnight blue banquettes framing a panoramic window. The seasonally changing natural wine list – created by sommeliers Honey Spencer (previously Noma Mexico) and Sarah Wright – is playfully divided into sections such as ‘Firm Favourites’, ‘The Path Less Trodden’ and ‘Wild + Free’ and accordingly there’s a wealth of interesting wines to try if you’re in the mood to explore, from crisp and crunchy Austrian rosé to funky Portuguese co-ferments. Adventurous wine drinkers should make a beeline for the Sortevera Taganana Blanco, a gorgeously smoky, stony Tenerife white. theblueposts.co.uk/the-mulwray Noble Rot, Holborn Noble Rot is unique in that it started out as a cult wine and food magazine, which then grew into a wine bar and restaurant in Lamb’s Conduit Street. Since it opened in 2015 it has won numerous awards for its wine but also its food, which is overseen by executive chef Stephen Harris (of the acclaimed Sportsman in Whitstable) who backed owners Dan Keeling and Mark Andrew. The self-styled ‘Franglaise’ menu includes the likes of beef bourguignon with kale and mash; and braised turbot with fennel and saffron velouté, which can be matched with wines ranging in price from a £24 bottle of Portuguese vinho verde to a 1985 bottle of red burgundy at £6,750. Do visit their other – equally excellent – sites: in Soho's Greek Street and Mayfair's Shepherd Market. noblerot.co.uk The Nook Deli & Wine Bar, Highbury This cosy venue on St Paul's Road in Highbury delivers quietly impressive small plates and a vibrant wine list in intimate, friendly surroundings spread over two compact floors. It's a joint effort from husband-and-wife team Angus and Lale Oztek-Pook, who both worked at the likes of The Mash Inn and Arthur Hooper's before opening their own place. The wine list – Angus's baby – is ever-changing and skips from exciting English wineries such as Renegade and Tillingham to wines from Austria, Turkey and Hungary, plus plenty in between, with a focus on organic, minimum intervention and biodynamic bottles. Highlights for us include Weninger Rozsa Petsovits, a deliciously funky Hungarian rosé, and La Fea Tambe, a tangy, floral orange wine. The petite cocktail list also impresses: try a lemony, herbaceous martini made with mastiha liqueur. The food is Lale's domain and seriously impresses, with masses of precise, vibrant flavours. Described as European with a Turkish twist, the menu, like the wine list, skips gaily across the continent. Try super-sized, golden, crisp pork schnitzel with fruity plum sauce; impeccably crisp, dainty seasonal salads; pillowy burrata with an umami garland of samphire, chilli and almonds; and hummus punchily spiked with naga chilli oil. Even the sides deliver, such as properly crispy potatoes with dips of piquant walnut ketchup and a ferocious yet moreish hot sauce made with Carolina Reaper chillies. Leave room for dessert: hazelnut parfait with miso caramel and cocoa nibs was as exactly as good as it sounds. There's also a chance to do some shopping before you leave, thanks to the restaurant's little deli and small selection of records from indie labels. thenooklondon.co.uk Passione Vino, Shoreditch Wine importers Luca Dusi and Federico Bruschetta have run this Shoreditch shop since 2013, supplying Italian wines from 75 different producers to top restaurants including Hélène Darroze at The Connaught and The River Café. Behind the shop itself is a ‘secret bar’ which also spills downstairs to the basement with small tables which can be booked. There’s no wine list or menu as customers are encouraged to discuss their tastes so the team can recommend something just a little out of their comfort zone. passionevino.co.uk Top Cuvée, Highbury This friendly, understated neighbourhood wine bar and restaurant on Blackstock Road is a relaxed affair. The wine list changes regularly but focusses on interesting low-intervention bottles, with mostly light reds and textured whites on offer. The menu lists only a few options by the glass but this is deceptive – staff are happy to let you try most wines, depending on what’s open. Winners on our visit included Lucy M 3 Colours Red: a juicy, gluggable red made, unusually, with pinot noir and two white wine grapes – pinot gris and sauvignon blanc. Another hit, Podere Pradarolo Vej 210, was a lovely malvasia with bold stone fruit notes. They also have a cocktail list courtesy of Three Sheets, featuring an elegantly tropical take on a G&T as well as a deliciously tannic margarita made with an orange wine reduction. Drinks are accompanied by an affordable, seasonal small-plates menu – try the likes of beef dripping potatoes with aïoli, charred leeks and smoked cream, and Blythburgh pork chop with burnt apple purée. Do check out their shop – Shop Cuvée – launched in 2020 to roaring success – for everything from natural subscriptions to superlative bottled cocktails. topcuvee.com The 10 Cases, Covent Garden The name stems from the fact that this buzzy little Covent Garden bar and bistro only ever buys 10 cases of the wines on the concise list in a quest to offer customers new experiences each time they visit. It was opened in 2011 by Ian Campbell and Will Palmer, who were bored of overpriced wine lists that never changed. Will says: “I think part of the success of 10 Cases is the constantly changing wine list and having more than 300 wines with very small cash mark-ups and small corkage charges. I think the ability to be able to drink really good and interesting wine in an unpretentious setting strikes a chord with many people.” 10cases.co.uk <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2018/10/Interiors-at-The-10-Cases-London-0f6afdd.jpg" width="3976" height="2652" alt="A restaurant has white walls with wine bottles painted onto them. There is a distressed wooden bar with blue leather high stools dotted around it. The bar is laid with napkins, cutlery and wine glasses" title="Interiors at The 10 Cases Wine Bar, Covent Garden" /> 40 Maltby Street, Bermondsey Located under the railway arches where the weekly Maltby Street food market takes place, this bar is owned by nearby Gergovie Wines, an importer of natural wines free from pesticides and fertilisers. The wines from the shop can be enjoyed in the bar with seasonal dishes such as crab quiche and lamb sweetbreads with creamed broad beans. 40maltbystreetcom Quality Wines, Clerkenwell There are around 200 bins at any one time and, since it opened in June 2018, almost 2,000 different wines have graced the shelves. Gus says: “We try to keep things interesting and ever-changing, with around 18 wines by the glass. Many of our customers end up talking to each other and sharing wine – that is a particular source of pride.” qualitywinesfarringdon.com Peckham Cellars, Peckham Elegant floor-to-ceiling Crittal windows frame this breezy, laidback wine bar on Queen's Road in Peckham. Start with a glass of lemony Gusbourne fizz from Kent before delving into a wine list defined by sustainably minded, small-scale producers, with plenty of affordable options by the glass. We try another Kentish stunner – Westwell's Ortega Amphora 2019, fermented in terracotta jars – with fragrant apricot and honey suckle notes before moving onto summery, cherry-tinged chilled gamay, available on tap at the bar. A quietly industrious open kitchen amiably sends out plates of unfussy yet deceptively indulgent food. Highlights include springy sourdough with whipped lemon and rosemary butter, porchetta layered with crispy, salty shards of crackling and filo-wrapped asparagus with a soft-boiled duck egg for dipping. Save space for pudding – a decadent lemon meringue pie sundae is the childhood dessert of dreams. South-East Londoners looking for interesting wines to drink at home should also check out PC's Club Del Vino, which delivers curated cases of wine, as well as discounts and offers on the bar's online wine shop. peckhamcellars.co.uk The Winemakers Club, Holborn A shop and wine bar in the Victorian arches beneath the Holborn Viaduct, the site of this bar was a wine cellar for more than 150 years, including a spell as the Oddbins’ fine wine store. The bar offers wines from small organic and biodynamic producers from around the world, all them working with the same philosophy of focussing on the region and the grape varietal, and not using chemicals. The short weekly-changing seasonal menu includes root vegetables with farro and yogurt, and pigeon, bread sauce and hazelnuts. thewinemakersclub.co.uk Elliot’s, Borough Market Since opening in 2011 in the buzzing surroundings of Borough Market, Elliot’s has focussed on working with small-scale producers for both its drinks and produce, much of it sourced from the market itself. The bar adopted an all-natural or low-intervention wine list early on and has worked with Master of Wine Isabelle Legeron on its wine list. All the wine producers share the same mindful approach to wine-making as chef-owner Brett Redman does to cooking simple dishes such as grilled sweet and sour squash with chicory and Tunworth cheese, or cauliflower caponata and flaked almonds. Elliot’s also makes its own soft drinks and seasonal infused spirits. elliotscafe.com Le Bar a Vin, Blackheath Parisian Jean-Philippe Tessier has created his own corner of France in this Blackheath wine bar, where cheese and meat platters are served alongside Gallic classics such as quiche lorraine, chicken chasseur and duck leg confit. What was once a neighbourhood Indian restaurant has been given the full French makeover, right down to the vintage belle époque posters. Jean-Philippe runs his intimate, minimalist and relaxed bar almost single-handedly and is always willing to share his wine knowledge, whether it’s about his beloved natural and biodynamic wines or which French cheeses work best with them. lebaravin.co.uk Photography credits: Aleksandra Boruch (Carousel Wine Bar) Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Why every wine lover should become acquainted with Lebanese wine – our expert reveals all
Discover ancient Lebanese viticulture with wines from the Bekaa Valley to sip alongside a Middle Eastern spread
More than 5,000 years ago the sea-faring Phoenicians were based in modern-day Lebanon and began trading their wine with settlements all around the Mediterranean. They also took vines and viticultural know-how, which established the wine industries in many of those countries that survive to this day. This ancient wine culture was revived in the 19th century by French clergymen who planted vines in the Bekaa Valley, where most Lebanese wine is still made. The Bekaa is a high-altitude plateau 1,200 metres above sea level – cool summer nights maintain grape freshness while cold winters kill off diseases. Lebanon's main grape varieties White Chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, viognier, obeideh, merwah Red Cabernet sauvignon, syrah, cinsault, carignan, merlot, meksassi, mourad and soubbagh. What food should you pair Lebanese wine with? Lebanese wines are generally robust and have bags of flavour, so think of food along the same lines. A Middle Eastern meze spread would be ideal, the whites and rosés going particularly well with hummus strewn with pomegranate seeds, tabbouleh and cheese pastries, while the reds are brilliant with olives, spiced meat kebabs, grilled lamb chops and anything using aubergines or tomatoes. Lebanese wine making Lebanon’s modern history has been plagued by political instability, financial crisis, occupation and war. But the Lebanese are brave and resilient people, and for decades their wineries have continued to produce their distinctive wines in the face of adversity. Most grapes planted are familiar French varietals that suit the climate well but some ancient indigenous grapes are also grown. Domaine des Tourelles (see below) particularly champions old vines, including some that grow wild on the slopes of Mount Lebanon and are more than 150 years old – its fabulous orange wine called Skin is made from these. Travelling to Lebanon At the time of writing the UK government advises against all but essential travel to Lebanon, which is all the more reason to support this beleaguered country by buying its wonderful wines. But do bookmark it for the future when hopefully stability returns. It’s a really beautiful country and its vibrant capital, Beirut, is full of fantastic food, wine, music and the indefatigable joie de vivre of the Lebanese people. Best Lebanese wine to buy 2026 Château Musar Jeune Rosé Available from London End Wines (£15.75) Founded in 1930, Château Musar was the first to bring Lebanese wine to the attention of the UK wine trade in 1976. Its Bordeaux-inspired reds are particularly sought after but this mourvèdre/cinsault blend rosé has plenty of Lebanese character too. Like a fruit salad of raspberries, watermelon, nectarines and orange blossom with a whisper of citrus and nutmeg. Ksara Blanc de Blancs Available from Strictly Wine (£18.87) Château Ksara was established by Jesuit monks in 1857 who planted vines for sacramental wine. Ancient Roman cellars were discovered on the same site in 1898 and are still used by Ksara to store its wines. This is a blend of sauvignon blanc and semillon with some barrel-fermented chardonnay – opulent, tropical fruit but with plenty of freshness and a slight nuttiness. Domaine des Tourelles Cuvée Pierre Brun Available from Majestic (£14) François-Eugène Brun recognised the Bekaa’s wine potential and built Lebanon’s oldest commercial winery in 1868. Faouzi Issa now brings modern elan to these historic wines, like this cabernet, syrah, cinsault and carignan, aged in concrete vats for two years – dark fruits layered with cloves, cedar wood and a hint of rosemary. Check out more regional wine guides here: Best German wine Best Georgian wine Best Jura wine Best Sicilian wine Best Greek wine Best Hungarian wine Best South African wine Best Portuguese red wine Best Italian red wine
16 easy mocktail recipes for every occasion
Want all the flavour with none of the hangover? From elderflower-flavoured sips to drinks that'll warm the cockles in winter, our non-alcoholic cocktails will do the trick
Looking for the best mocktails? Try our ideas below, including a refreshing virgin mojito and zesty non-alcoholic gimlet. Other mocktails recipes include passionfruit martinis, kombucha spritzes and mulled tea punch. Need ingredients for your cocktails? We've got lots of non-alcoholic spirits to try out, including plenty of non-alcoholic gins.
28 showstopping lemon desserts that are bursting with citrusy flavour
Create one of our citrusy bakes and desserts, from lemon drizzle cake to lemon meringue pie and a zesty cheesecake or two, including vegan options
Looking for lemon desserts? Finish your meal with a refreshing citrus hit by serving the perfect lemon pie recipe or one of our sweet lemon tart ideas. Then check out our lemon cake recipes and for more sweet inspiration, try our chocolate desserts. Going on a picnic? Take a batch of our lemon cupcakes or lemon and blueberry tray bake bars. Now try all of our favourite sweet and savoury lemon recipes.