London
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United Kingdom
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London 〰️ United Kingdom 〰️
Many people often say that Melbourne is the coffee capital of the world, and it is. But London isn’t too far behind in my opinion, with institutions like Prufrock that have been around for years, and new independent venues opening all the time. And the restaurant and bar scene in the UK’s capital is no different. With so many great venues it’s hard to know where to go - whether it be for a drink or proper meal - but this list will hopefully help narrow it down. So here is my work-in-progress and frequently updated London list below.
Cafes
Paradox is a small container cafe (and design studio) located in Netil Market right next to London Fields, showcasing some of the best coffees around such as Dak, Campbell and Smye and more.
Ran by owners Dom and Eva, 46b Espresso Hut is the type of independent cafe everyone would want as their local. They serve Square Mile coffee and Greek treats such as their always tasty Leek and Feta pies.
Rosslyn has become an instituion and has pushed the specialty coffee scene forward in London since opening their first store in 2018. It’s standing room only and runs like a work horse. You won’t wait long for your carefully crafted brew.
Nagare - Spitalfields and Carnaby
Nagare gets its name from its meaning in Japanese that is: flowing like a river. Their two cafe locations represent just this, from carefully crafted design to seemless service.
Founded by two-time UK Barista Championship winner, Paul Ross with a feature menu that has up to twleve coffees on at the same time. Special Guests is for those who really like to geek out about coffee.
Nostos - Battersea and Westminster
Now with two locations, Nostos are another company that take their coffee very seriously. They roast their own and also offer coffee roasted by others handpicked and served with care.
You will find Ozone in many cafes across London and for good reason. The B Certified company roast excpetional coffee. Their flagship stores in Oldstreet and Cambridge Heath also do great brunch.
Lodestar a cosy cafe in Hackney that rotates and brews coffees they love, and you will too as a customer. Perfect to sit in, drink delcious coffee and enjoy the thoughtful space.
As per their Instagram bio, Day Trip are pourover perfectionist, taking care with every filter to order. Sit in the front courtyard and feel right at home.
The name says it all. Batch Baby is a multi-roaster cafe that love batch brew and always have a number on offer each day.
Maybe the best brunch (or lunch) spot in all of London with great coffee to go with their declious food.
46b Espresso Hut
Day Trip
Bakeries
There are many bakeries I love and then there is Pomphams. All their baked goods are worth a try but it’s the maple and bacon scroll I always go back for.
Italian style bakery with everything you love about Italy, such as the classic Italian pastry filled full of whipped cream that is a Maritozzo.
Layla Bakery - Portobello Road
Layla Bakery won me over with their bacon, hot honey and parmesan scroll, and then won me over again with every other pastry I’ve had there.
Situated in the arches of London Fields, E5 does sourdough so, so well. My favourite place for bread in London.
St. John Bread and Wine - Farringdon
St. John Bread and Wine. Need I say more? Great for dinner or lunch but also great for their baked goods.
Pavilion Bakery - Multiple Locations
Fancy lunch in the park? Then it’s Pavillon Bakery located in Victoria Park which is for you, located next to the duck pond. Eat in or takeaway to enjoy a picnic.
Jolene has a few spots around East London but their Redchurch Street location in Shoreditch is my pick. It’s small, it’s takeaway and their cookies and cakes are superb.
Layla’s Bakery
Pizza
Cooking out of the Spurstow Arms in Hackney, Dough Hands is London pizza at its best, and personally, I think it happens to be the best pizza in London.
If you haven’t heard of Crisp Pizza, you’re clearly not paying attention. Book your dough in advance via What's App or be prepared to wait for what is well worth it. Zero flop!
Yard Sale - Multiple Locations
With London style pizza taking over the city, Yard Sale stick to their guns with a more Neoplitan style dough. The perfect Friday night takeaway situation whilst watching a movie.
You may have to travel to St Albans for Gracey’s (or Battersea Power Station for a limited time) but their New Haven-style pizza is top notch.
Currently residing at You Call the Shots in Hackney, Bing Bong is NYC or Nonna style sliced pie brought to you by Rich Goodwin formally of Flor.
Dough Hands
Restaurants and Bars
I’ve never had a dish I didn’t enjoy at Lyle’s. Lunch or dinner, it doesn’t get much better than sitting in Lyle’s and sharing a few plates or more with friend as well as their deep wine list to top things off.
My kind of bar with snacks and wine that can be selected straight off the shelf or from the cellar to drink in and/or be taken away.
A produce-focused restaurant led by Ed Wilson - and his menu reflects just that by cooking with the seasons and always changing. The food here is made for sharing with plenty of snacks, smaller plates and those bigger to choose from.
Rochelle's Canteen - Shoreditch
Maybe London’s best lunch spot. It’s situated in a renovated bike shed with a lovely courtyard and is a short walk from Shoreditch High Street. It's both classic and modern European with influence from Britain.
St John’s Bread and Wine has to be the most London restaurant there is. A true institution led by the great mind of Fergus Henderson. The roast bone marrow is a must.
Italian food done how it should be done: simple yet using quality ingredients. The menu and pasta on offer are often changing. You can also go to Leo’s for breakfast and/or coffee on selected days.
If you like food cooked over fire and spice, you will love Kiln. Their noodles are some of the best you will have. Sit at the bar and watch the kitchen staff do their work.
Berenjak - Soho and Borough Markets
Delicious Persian food with amazing fit-outs. Tender kebab skewers and the best black chickpea hummus. The lunch set menu is the easiest way to try a bunch of dishes and be as full as can be.
Born out of lockdown, Tom’s Pasta serves huge squares of beef shin lasagna and a mountains of parmesan grated on top. Who says no?
Quality Chop House - Farringdon
I’m not the biggest fan of roasts unless they’re at my place - but I am a fan of Sunday lunch Quality Chop House. Their sister bar Quality Wines is also worth going to for their £15 express weekday lunch.
Turkish food made with passion and love with food cooked over charcoal grill. Go for the pide, kabab, smoked humus and lamb ribs.
Hector’s
Mangal II
Nagare
Pavilion Bakery