We're often asked if we have any restaurant recommendations in London, well here are a few ideas for your next night out. From immersive experiences and luxury interiors, to fine dining supperclubs and street food halls, we think these are some of the most fun places to go.
The Ned, Bank
This hotel is located in Central London, in the busy financial neighbourhood. We love this place because of its luxury and extravagant interiors. Inside on the ground floor there are 8 restaurants open to the public (the rest of the hotel is members only): Italian, French, Asian/Pacific, Californian, American, they have a pretty good selection of options (and it's not toooo pricey!).
"Each of our restaurants have their own distinct space within the banking hall, separated by 92 verdite columns and rows of Grade I-listed walnut banking counters."
The Waterhouse Project, Bethnal Green
Our founder Maud has recently started working with these guys as Front of House for some of their events. This amazing supper club concept was created by Gabriel Waterhouse, who left Michelin Starred Galvin La Chapelle "with the aim of making fine dining accessible".
"Gabriel and his team serve an eight course monthly changing tasting menu inspired by the best of British produce. The Water House Project has pioneered a new type of dining, 'Social fine dining', bringing a social community element to what is often perceived as a 'stuffy' industry. Each month our wines are paired by our friend and sommelier Jonny Orton who is undertaking his final exams at the Institute of Master of Wine."
Mari Vanna, Knightsbridge
We first discovered this incredible place in Moscow (Russia) where it was first created, and visited the London restaurant last year. Every detail is so well thought of, even a cat roams the floor in the Moscow restaurant, in true homely Russian style.
"Laden with extraordinary attention to detail, Mari Vanna will immediately transport each guest into an archetypal Russian home adorned with the iconic Russian Bear, stacking dolls and Cheburashka, bookshelves filled with Russian literature, elaborate chandeliers hung far and wide and crystal bowls of Sushki, a traditional Russian tea bread, placed on each table. Reminiscent of pre and post Soviet Union Russian, the wallpaper peels back to show the generations that have passed. A manicured garden of flowers and herbs fills the open floor-to-ceiling windows at the front of the restaurant, while a wood-burning oven rests in the corner waiting for the cold winter months.
The menu offers time honoured Russian classics such as the flavoursome customary soup Borsch with Beets, Broth, Beef, Cabbage, Carrots and Potatoes served with Sour Cream in a beautiful tureen that holds enough for seconds or thirds; try the dish that can be found on any dining table across Russia on any given holiday, the Olivier Salad with Diced Carrots, Green Peas, Pickles, and Cubed Bologna with a Light Sage Mayonnaise or the beloved Beef Stroganoff served with Buckwheat and Mushrooms in Truffle Oil."
Mercato Metropolitano, Borough
We love to come here with friends, it's the perfect place to try different types of food and all sit together. Designed in place of a disused paper factory, Mercato Metropolitano hosts more than 40 vendors, a micro-brewery and lots of community projects.
"The site is owned by Peabody – one of the oldest and most well-respected housing associations in London, and a company that shares MM’s values of community, quality, and social responsibility.
These values are maintained throughout every touchpoint of the site; from the recycled materials to the no-frills layout. It’s entirely based on a sustainable economic model that is socially responsible and an asset to the local community. With its authentic environment, MM brings out the natural beauty of its industrial buildings and creates inviting spaces for the community. Our trading partners use only the very best ingredients, always keeping their passion and artisan values at heart."
Dishoom
"The old Irani cafés have almost disappeared. Their faded elegance welcomed all: rich businessmen, sweaty taxi-wallas and courting couples. Students had breakfast, families dined, lawyers read their briefs and writers found their characters. Fans turned slowly. Bentwood chairs were reflected in stained mirrors, next to sepia family portraits.
Opened early last century by Zoroastrian immigrants from Iran, there were almost four hundred cafés at their peak in the 1960s. Now, fewer than thirty remain. These cafés broke down barriers by bringing people together over food and drink. They were the first places in Bombay where people of any culture, class or religion could take cool refuge from the street with a cup of chai, a simple snack or a hearty meal. People from all walks of life shared tables, rubbed shoulders and broke bread together.
Shared spaces beget shared experiences, and Bombay was more open and welcoming for the existence of these cafés. Dishoom pays homage to the Irani cafés and the food of all Bombay."
Dinerama, Shoreditch
Another place with so many food and drink choices! This place gets super busy on weekend evenings (it's actually only open at those times).
"Explore ten bars across two levels at our open-air street food arena in the heart of Shoreditch. Choose between creative dishes from around the globe then grab a craft beer, cocktail or wine while our tunes bring the VIBES."
Petersham Nurseries, Richmond
A short trip to the outskirts of the city and you will discover a magical space in between plants and flowers. Cycle or walk through Richmond park until you get to this restaurant. Take your time wondering through the plant nursery and find a spot inside or outside to indulge in a tasty meal.
"A charmingly casual yet sophisticated restaurant, set within a glasshouse. Brimming with bougainvillea and fragrant jasmine, draped with Indian blinds and decorated with antique furniture, mirrors and paintings. Respecting the Slow Food philosophy, the Café serves seasonal, Italian inspired food."
The Vaults, Waterloo
A slightly unusual eating space: book tickets to one of their events and you will experience an entertaining immersive adventure.
"Our mission is to collaborate and conspire, embracing artists from all walks of life to come together and inspire others. Set in a maze of disused railway arches under Waterloo station in London, we encourage those that have a natural affinity to the unusual, the daring and the unknown. We want talented artists from every vocation to mutate their art; to make stuff that is challenging, accessible and imaginative. We are unparalleled, we are unexpected and we are under your feet.
The Leake Street graffiti tunnel, founded by Banksy, is a public space where you can view the ever-changing work at any time."
Sketch, Mayfair
"A magical forest. Chairs wearing ballet shoes. Hot pink sofas as far as the eye can see. If a restaurant had just one of these things, we’d be pretty intrigued right now. But when that place has all of these things, and a Mayfair postcode to boot, we’re practically straining at the leash to get inside. sketch is the creation of restaurateur Mourad Mazouz and celebrated chef Pierre Gagnaire, and every inch of it practically begs to be Instagrammed." - Secret London
Also check out their funky new interactive website (although we warn you, you might end up spending more time on it than you think!).