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6 unmissable London food and drink experiences

Dining in the UK’s capital can be a daunting affair, with options in abundance. During a recent stay, I set about venturing my way through a range of tasty treats and tantalising tipples.

Bluebird, Chelsea

Returning two years later, Bluebird Chelsea experience is just as magical as I remember it. This is one of Chelsea and indeed London’s most cherished eateries, offering alfresco dining in their sun-drenched garden or in the magnificent 100-year-old building that was once home to the luxury automotive brand Bluebird Motor Company.

The restaurant is dripping in verdant foliage, provocative artwork, and a host of enticing dining enclaves. Then the food – wholesome bistro affair without frills, but with plenty of flavour. Don’t go home without trying the truffle mash potatoes, dry-aged Old Spot pork chop, and doughnut fondue for two with salted caramel sauce – our pics from the day. Summer is the time to visit – particularly with the grand floral installation adorning Bluebird’s walls and entrance. 

London Secret Wine Bar, Mayfair

Walking across Hyde Park into May Fair, the Farm Shop is an unassuming but very rewarding find. Upstairs is a shop bursting with produce from their Somerset farm, and then downstairs is a ‘secret wine bar’ (yes the secret is now out) where you can try a lovely range of wines by the glass, carafe or bottle. It’s informal, convivial, and cool.

Fresh meal options are included – the four of us selected the Bread and Somerset salted butter, Cheese & Charcuterie sharing board, and then half rotisserie chicken roasted baby potatoes with mixed leaf salad.

Angler & SP3

Visiting London’s South Place Hotel to interview its charming General Manager, I had to take the opportunity to visit the hotel’s two restaurants. First up was a glass of bubbles in the Michelin-starred Angler restaurant. One of London’s premier dining experiences with a focus on sustainable seafood from British waters. There’s a garden-themed open-air terrace and a chic seventh-floor indoor dining space.

Next, it was downstairs to SP3 for a hearty meal – the pork cheek is undoubtedly the hero dish – accompanied by great Chablis. Both restaurants are housed in the trendy South Place Hotel – a five-star hotel that effortlessly blends playfulness and business.

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The London Eye Champagne Experience, Waterloo

If you’re looking at combining an iconic tourist visit with something special, then look no further than the London Eye Champagne Experience. It all starts with skipping the crowds with Fast Track entry, and then a glass of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne served by your host and guide. There was a little envy from the passengers in the nearby cabins when they spotted our bottles and all the merriment.

The trips cost £59pp and happen hourly – they do sell out so book in advance. We weren’t the only love birds – another couple got engaged that morning, and another on our flight! While there’s no food served, there are plenty of eateries in walking distance once you’ve made your aerial turn.

Coq d’Argent, Bank

Coq d’Argent is one of London’s classic eateries, with a prime rooftop position in the heart of the Bank district – and was an excellent choice for our anniversary celebration. The restaurant itself feels like a destination with an array of spaces on offer, from the garden terrace with generous skyline views, enclosed garden, balconies and then elegant indoor dining.

The weekend Set Menu is excellent value at £40 for three courses (served Friday & Saturday for lunch and dinner).  The French cuisine is hearty and homely; my favourites are the truffled pomme puree, slow-cooked lamb shank, and fondant au chocolat noir to finish off.

Petersham Nurseries, Richmond

With a perfect spring day in London, my partner announced we were off for brunch in Richmond. Initially hesitant thinking I was off for sandwiches in a garden shop, I was in for a treat. From Richmond, it’s a sublime outdoor walk through the park until you come across Petersham Nurseries.

Several dining spaces are intertwined in the heart of the sprawling nursery, and the crowds come from far away for experience. We opted for the Tearoom, open for breakfast and lunch – but be prepared: the warmer the day the longer the queue at the entrance – though who minds a little wait when surrounded by such beauty? Menus are seasonal; if the Egg Frittata is available, it’s a winner.

Jared Ruttenberg

Jared Ruttenberg is a travel writer from Cape Town, South Africa. He enjoys connecting people and experiences through words, images and social media.

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12 Comments

  1. Chefs come and go. Restaurants open and close. The London food scene is always changing. Useful to have an update.

    1. Thanks Steve – there is indeed a lot of change in London – even since my last visit two years back so hope this helps!

  2. There are some charming little al fresco eating places around in London where designers have shown a lot of creativity with limited space.

    It’s such a pity that the British summer has let us down once again. There’s only so much that you can do with umbrellas, gazebos and patio heaters.

    1. Yes it’s a local challenge – and sometimes I think establishments go a little too far with trying to create “indoor fake gardens”. Feel free to reciprocally drop any tips for my next visit.

  3. We decided to have a quiet Saturday night in. Now I wish we’d headed into London for dinner.

  4. Great timing! I’ve got a London trip coming up when I’ll have to entertain 2 of my clients.

    Some great pointers here. Not just for the food but for places full of character too.

    1. Absoulte pleasure Dick – please do ry to remember to let me know which you visited – always love the feedback!

  5. I’ve been to Petersham Nurseries and it feels more like a day out in the country than a London venue. A welcome breath of fresh air.

  6. When did the London food scene change? Back in the 1980s when I had my first job and a surprisinhly well-paid job I could afford to eat out and was usually disappointed. Europeans and Americans who I came across saw British food as a joke.

    Steadily over the years London food has been on the up and you sometimes get a very good meal in what seems to be the most humble of establishments. Looking forward to trying some of these recommendations.

    1. I think that trend has been echoed in many countries – where they’ve looked to elevate the dining game, and I’ve also seen it in London over the past 20 years. Hope the tips help – let me know if you visited and enjoyed one!

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