As our capital city, London is a central hub for our amazing culinary heritage. From deep traditions to multicultural roots, there’s a smorgasbord of choices available out there, so if you’re looking to add a foodie-centric slant to your getaway, here’s our top ten recommendations to bring the wow factor to your stay.
Revive your vittles with afternoon tea
With so much to see and do in London, trust us, you’ll need at least one afternoon tea during your holiday to keep your energy up! From the oh-so-traditional to the chic modern twist, there’s so many options to choose from, such as the iconic Claridges, Fortnum & Mason, The Goring and Browns, to the more contemporary such as Farmacy in Notting Hill, where their High Tea is purely plant-based and they serve CBD-infused cocktails, chocolates and hemp leaf tea.
Eat your way around Borough Market
With its origins dating back to the 13th century, this is London’s biggest and best food market, in the shadows of Southwark Cathedral and close to London Bridge. With more than 100 stalls, stands, restaurants, bars and shops, showcasing the best national and international flavours, it’s hard not to be a little overwhelmed! We recommend working up an appetite before arriving here, and to bring lots of bags for the treats you’ll no doubt come away with…
The Bermondsey Beer Mile
If hops and barley are your thing, and your dream drink is a pint of the golden stuff, a trip along the Bermondsey Beer Mile (it’s actually more like two miles), is a must. A homage to the craft beer scene, this area starts at Maltby Street Market then along the Bermondsey arches. Best undertaken on a weekend when all the bars and breweries tend to be open. You’ll find some top-notch eateries at Maltby Street Market to line your stomach before you start!
Become a tea connoisseur
It’s said that the British Empire was built on tea, and tea fuels England to this day. So why not make your stay in the capital the epitome of ‘Englishness’ by booking yourself on to a tea masterclass? Tea aficionados Twinings offer a two-hour class where you’ll uncover the secrets of Britain’s favourite drink, whilst for the ultimate tea lover, book a bespoke blending session where you can create the blend of your dreams and come away with 1kg of your own special tea.
Indulge in an immersive Gin experience
Ah, good old London Gin. ‘Mother’s Ruin’ has a rich history here, way back before it became the artisanal drink it is today. If you like a tipple or two, London has many distilleries which offer tours and experiences, from the more well-known such as Beefeater and Slipsmith, to The Distillery with its ‘Ginstitute’ where you’ll learn the history of gin and create your own bespoke blend of gin. So why not treat that gin lover a unique experience during their luxury holiday in London?
Sunday lunch
What’s more British than a Sunday roast? After a morning exploring London, there’s nothing better than sitting down to a tummy-filling hot meal, and this city has plenty of excellent places to choose from. For a laid-back option head to a cosy pub, for the traditionalist an old-fashioned ‘chop house’ is a must, whilst a club or an elegant Michelin-starred restaurant is your best bet if you’re seeking something a little more refined. Either way, you’ll feel decidedly Dickensian tucking in to this traditional treat.
Take a picnic
If the weathers on your side, escape the concrete jungle and search out some greenery for an alfresco meal. Pick up some picnicky goodness at one of the many markets or independent shops that abound, then slip on a hat, grab a blanket and make for a green space or Royal park. Kew Gardens is lovely, dotted with benches to call your own, whilst Primrose Hill boasts amazing views and well worth the climb to the top. Soho Square, a tiny patch of grass, is fab for people watching whilst charming Holland Park boasts woodland to Japanese gardens.
Sip Martini’s a la James Bond
For effortlessly cool style, head to Duke’s Bar in Mayfair, home to mind-numbingly strong cocktails and Ian Fleming’s haunt when he was penning the Bond books. And yes, said to be the inspiration for the immortal words, ‘shaken, not stirred’!
Tuck into fish and chips along The Thames
OK, so it might not be the seaside, but there’s a lot to be said for a twilight stroll along the river, with a steaming wrapper of well-cooked fish and chips in hand.
Style it up with a post theatre dinner
Stumble out of a theatre after an amazing performance and nine times out of ten you’ll find yourself strangely ravenous – fear not, the streets around major theatres are set up for late-night meals. There’s something bohemian about dining at 10pm, and luckily there are a host of exciting places out there, whether for light bites or something a little more substantial.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury getaways in London here.
