Eating

Eating out in London is a wonderful experience. Modern British food is imaginative, varied and delicious. As you’d expect in a world city, you can find the food of almost any country here.

There are a huge number of fashionable, cutting-edge and eclectic dining options in the West End, as well as Chinatown’s huge variety of Asian restaurants. The East End’s Brick Lane and Whitechapel are essential for the fiery curries so loved by Londoners. 

As you head out of the centre you’ll find gastropubs – upmarket boozers serving mouthwatering big-plate specials to a young clientele.

London also has lots of options for filling, good-value feeds. Sandwich shops cater for hungry workers: grabbing a baguette from one of these and heading to the nearest park for a spot of people-watching is great fun. There are also countless take-aways, fast food joints and – get in quick while they’re still around – traditional pie and mash shops, like the much loved Goddards of Greenwich. You’re also never far from a supermarket (Tesco and Sainsbury’s are two well-known stores) to provision up if you want to self-cater.

Mildred’s 
Central London’s best veggie restaurant is a treat for carnivores and herbivores alike. Tel: +44 20 7494 1634; 45 Lexington Street W1.

Wong Kei 
Cheap Cantonese food served in a communal setting. Legendarily rude waiters. Tel: +44 20 7437 3071; 41-43 Wardour Street W1.

The Eagle 
London’s first gastropub serves great Mediterranean food in a relaxed atmosphere. Tel: +44 20 7837 1353; 159 Farringdon Road EC1.

Bermondsey Kitchen 
Trendy but relaxed eatery, with a varied and changing international menu. Tel: +44 20 7407 5719; 194 Bermondsey Street SE1.

New Tayyab 
Enticing aromas, a buzzing atmosphere and superior Indian food.  Tel: +44 20 7247 9543; 83 Fieldgate Street E1.

Geales 
Fantastic fish & chips in a traditional London setting. Tel: +44 20 7727 7528; 2 Farmer Street W8.

Stockpot 
Great value, top-end grub in the heart of Soho. Tel: +44 20 7287 1066; 18 Old Compton Street.