Imagine being born on February 29th 1992 and thinking you are 32 years old – but actually, on a technicality, you’re only eight years old. Mad, right?
Unlike many of us, leap-year babies only get to celebrate a birthday once every four years. Of course, we’re sure these savvy individuals have indulged in celebrations (and most importantly, presents) on February 28th, but it’s still a bit trippy.
Leap Day babies could win a £1000 holiday this February….
Well, loveholidays agrees that there’s a little bit of unfairness going on from the universe and has given little leaplings the opportunity to win a £1000 holiday. Suddenly we’re a bit envious of this particular birth date…
To celebrate Leap Day 2024, online travel agent loveholidays is giving away five £1000 holiday vouchers to those born on February 29th because…well because they’re out there doing God’s work, really.
According to the Office of National Statistics, 10,796 people have been born on February 29th in the UK, since 1995. Okay, so the odds aren’t quite as high as some Leap Day babies might have hoped. But still…
Commenting on the giveaway, Al Murray, Chief Marketing Officer at loveholidays says:
“Birthdays are a time to celebrate another go round the sun, and more people are choosing the gift of travel above anything else to do so. Having a birthday every four years means those born on leap day can miss out on the usual birthday fuss, so as part of our random acts of sunshine, we’re offering them the perfect opportunity to make up for ‘lost time’.”
How to enter the Leap Day competition
According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), 10,796 people have been born on February 29 in the UK since 1995. If you’re one of these people, you can enter the giveaway until the end of Thursday 29th February. Entrants will need to submit their full name, email address and date of birth. T&Cs, including I.D. verification, apply.
Five lucky winners will be able to use their vouchers on a well-deserved break, selecting from millions of holidays, from short-haul city breaks to longer-haul package holidays. Not a bad trade-off for being a Leap Day baby, we don’t think…
From new openings to old friends, London’s dining scene is as exciting as ever. While we do love cooking at home, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t also love eating out at a restaurant and enjoying both the food and ambience of dining out.
Full of both trusty chain restaurants and independent spots, perhaps you’ll know some of the restaurants listed here – or maybe there’ll be some hidden gems you’ll be sure to add to your list. While most of us are seasoned brunch-ers in this city, there are a variety of cuisines that are certainly underrated and well-deserving of a shout-out here.
So if you’re looking for a new restaurant or two to add to your list for 2024 – or if you are happy to be reassured that some old friends are still solid favourites, continue reading for your food fix below.
Best restaurants to book in London
Tandis, Finchley Road
Try Iranian cuisine in London at Tandis Persian Restaurant
One that might not be on your radar but certainly should is Tandis. Previously located in Haverstock Hill, the restaurant moved to Finchley Road some five years ago now – but we’re here to tell you that the same great taste remains. While it may not be as well known as other Persian restaurants more centrally-located, this is our Persian food editor’s family favourite and we’re here to guide you through the best dishes to order, should you (and you should) make your own reservation soon.
All Persian meals must start off with tearing the flatbread (usually lavash, taftoon) and scooping up thick lashings of the creamy mast-o musir (yoghurt dip with shallots). Other starters we’d recommend include the traditional tahdig (crispy rice from the rice cooker or bottom of the pan) topped with either gormeh sabzi (Persian lamb and herb stew) or gheymeh (lamb and split pea stew). If it’s your first time dining here – or at any Persian restaurant – kebab is the main event. You can choose from koobideh (minced lamb), barg (lamb fillet), jujeh (chicken) or shishlik (lamb chops) – all accompanied by saffron rice, a grilled tomato and salad.
However, if you’re a seasoned Persian diner – or just fancy trying something different – the khoreshts (stews) and rice dishes are so delicious and not to be missed. There’s plenty to choose from – but top dishes include fesenjan (pomegranate and walnut chicken stew) and zereshk polo (rice with barberries and braised chicken). Oh, and every Persian meal finishes with black tea and baklava – enjoy.
Umu restaurant in Mayfair has already been our Japanese highlight of 2024
Might we have just found our favourite Japanese restaurant in London? We’re ashamed to say it isn’t even a new opening, as Umu has been tucked away in a quiet corner of Mayfair for 20 years – but we’re certainly glad this hidden gem is on our radar now. From its discreet entrance to its elegantly simple dining room, Umu offers diners a Kyoto kaiseki experience, paired with impeccable service.
The Michelin starred spot immediately instigated a sense of calm as soon as you walked through the door – while the recommended sake (a light, floral style) went down a treat as we sipped alongside the first course of turbot carpaccio, as well as sea bass, lobster, chutoro (fatty tuna), scallop and yellowtail (my personal favourite) sashimi. Everything had a distinct freshness to it, with the accompanying soy sauce simply enhancing the existing flavour – as opposed to point blank adding it or even (this has happened at a few restaurants) masking the original taste of the fish.
The tempura selection was fantastic – with both lobster and mushroom proving both fish lovers and vegetarians would have an equally enjoyable experience at Umu – while the grilled turbot was plated up so simply but was so satisfying to both the tastebuds and the tummy. The star of the show? The nigiri selection was flawless. Both the toro topped with padron pepper and red mullet with bottarga excelled, while the langoustine and scallop gunkan varieties were also fantastic. The soy sauce, with lemon and lime juice and chives, was a great addition, too.
Those with a sweet tooth can round the meal off with the Mayfair Garden dessert; Japanese seasonal tiramisu with matcha green tea and a pourable Ginjo sake (my kind of pudding, this), as well as other seasonal sweet treats available.
Marlowe is the new restaurant in the Montcalm East hotel
New to the Montcalm East hotel by Old Street station is Marlowe. Inspired by legendary playwright, Christopher Marlowe, the restaurant pays homage to the vibrant history and diversity of the city. The bar staff make a mean amaretto sour cocktail which is great for sipping as you peruse the menu. The cured trout with pickled cucumber and ham hock and chicken terrine with cranberry relish both make great starters – both packed with good flavour.
For the main course, the slow cooked pork belly with baby gem, tomato and brioche was a standout – although we’d prefer either a less sweet tomato sauce or adding more of a fiery kick – and while the beef cheek and bone marrow flatbread was tasty, we wouldn’t personally class it as a flatbread (as is phrased on the menu). For desserts, opt for the pavlova which was the perfect sweet treat to finish – and make sure you sit by the window for some satisfactory London traffic-watching.
Catch Hannah Crosbie x Hithe + Seek until 2nd March
Stylish bar and kitchen Hithe + Seek has joined forces with wine conoisseur Hannah Crosbie for this limited edition menu of small plates and pairings. Available Tuesday to Saturday until 2nd Mach, the menu features six tasting-menu sharing plates, accompanied by matching wines. For just £99, this also includes a fruity aperitf cocktail with which to kick things off.
Themed around stages of love – or romantic encounters, should we say – this menu featured a variety of dishes, with excellent wines. Our favourites included the ‘Catfish’ which was, in fact, torched king oyster mushroom ‘scallops’ with oyster leaf and parsip purée, paired with a fresh but mellow Taittinger Nocturne Sec NV – while the ‘My-Type-On-Paper’ (langoustine and smoked cheese risotto with citrus bisque foam) was the ultimate decadent comfort dish and the New Zealand Pinot Gris was our favourite wine of the evening. The chilli and mango mousse, hidden in a dark chocolate sphere was perfectly seductive as ‘The Ex’ to end the meal – we would definiely deliberate going back to that one, to be fair.
Have you tried Armenian food? Another lesser-known cuisine of the Middle Eastern region, Lusin is actually the first Armenian restaurant to arrive in Mayfair’s hotspot of fine dining restaurants. The restaurant itself is as beautiful as you’d expect – and the menu is packed full of traditional dishes. Lusin’s signature aubergine rolls are stuffed with walnut and whipped cheese – and make for a great starter – as does the hummus topped with cubes of wagyu beef.
Also not to be missed are the kibbeh and sujuc (Armenian sausage) rolls. The restaurant’s specialties include a deliciously slow braised lamb shank, served with rice, the classic meat-stuffed manti and the signature dish: the cherry lamb kebab. While Lusin’s famous rose-flavoured ice cream with candy floss is popular across social media, we were more taken with the honey cake, which features layers of honey biscuits and cream and served with actual honey comb.
A charcoal grill restaurant, Fish Game prides itself on serving up a menu full of sustainable British ingredients, with a particular focus on game and fish. Founder Roberto Costa is known for his mouthwatering steak restaurant, Macellaio RC, so while we were increasingly tempted by the charcoaled beef ribeye, we wanted to try alternative dishes, that the new restaurant was more known for.
Starting things off with the chargrilled squid, with fermented chilli and fried cavolo nero – this was a dish we could have eaten on repeat, all night.Packed full of flavour, it set a very high standard from the get-go. The chilli lime-marinated, chargrilled octopus and bone marrow with butter chilli sauce was rich was delicious, nonetheless, and the steak tartare was not only tasty but made at the table, providing a little bit of dinner theatre, for those who enjoy it. The sweet and sour mallard was the perfect blend of flavours but the star of the show had to be the grilled Cornish monkfish, served simply with rosemary, lime and Maldon salt – and it was perfection.
An oldie but a goodie, Caravan is the OG brunch spot in London. With its renowned dishes remaining on the menu – such as the jalapeno cornbread with chorizo, it’s clear why this is a restaurant that has withstood the test of time. It’s latest location is in the heart of Covent Garden – and this spacious spot proves its popularity, as it is constantly packed full of brunchers.
The fried rice bowl with greens, a fried egg, kimchi mayonnaise, sambal, crispy shallots, peanuts and coriander was elevated with additional crispy tofu and halloumi – and the hazelnut chocolate and poached strawberry french toast with candied hazelnut was a delicious sweet treat with which to finish. The buttermilk fried chicken could have potentially done with a scallion pancake, rather than a classic one – but was delicious, nonetheless – and we experimented with hard juices by adding mezcal to our green juice. 10/10 would recommend.
Sticks ‘n’ Sushi, Shoreditch (and other locations)
Sticks ‘n’ Sushi has opened its latest London location, in Shoreditch
What was once a boutique-style restaurant in London has now grown to a huge chain that appears to be in every corner of the city – but we’re glad to report that quantity hasn’t compromised the quality at Sticks ‘n’ Sushi. The Shoreditch location features the same menu as the other restaurants so veterans can expect the same famous ebi bites (tempua shrimp), grilled edamame, sushi selection and yakitori sticks. Not to be missed are the scallop ceviche, scallops in kataifi batter with trout roe and the seared nigiris (not everywhere does these).
Sushi-wise, if you’re not opting for the mini maki maki (which includes highlight rolls such as the tuna, avocado and tempura shrimp Hells Kitchen and the seared salmon and snow pea Shake Aioli), there’s a miso marinated black cod futomaki and spicy tuna roll that never disappoint, either. Don’t forget to leave room for the sticks, with top choices including the beef with herb butter, miso marinated black cod, cheese wrapped in bacon, grilled shrimp and much more. If you’re worried about not fitting in dessert, don’t worry – Sticks ‘n’ Sushi follows Japanese protocol, where just a small sweet treat is necessary to finish the meal.
Get your Colombian food fix a El Rancho De Lalo restaurant
Brixton is home to El Rancho De Lalo – a Colombian restaurant which offers up canteen-style food. A family-run restaurant, there’s certainly a laidback and authentic ambience to this eatery. The chicharon (crispy cubes of pork belly) and the empanadas stole the show out of the starters – particularly when dipped in some tangy salsa – while the mains featured a variety of grilled meats, with our personal favourite being the whole grilled fish. We’ll be heading back on weekends, when a more extensive menu is served.
Hotel openings are second to none in London – fitting for a city that attracts the millions of tourists that the UK capital does. Arriving in the West End at the end of 2022, Hotel Amano as firmly cemented itself as a trendy spot to stay when in the city and comes complete with contemporary interiors and a moody ambience.
Complete with its own immersive restaurant – plus a rooftop bar, which offers gorgeous London views, Hotel Amano has good reason to be on your radar the next time you book somewhere to stay in the capital. From the gorgeous gold bathtub (which has no doubt graced your feeds on Instagram and TikTok) to the brass chandeliers and risqué artwork, if you’re not already convinced, continue reading to see why this you should stay in this hotel during your next trip to London.
Why not book Hotel Amano in Covent Garden for your next trip to London?
Hotel rooms at Amano
There’s a large selection of room typs at Hotel Amano, meaning whether you’re looking for a snug space to stay overnight or more space for a longer trip, this boutique hotel can cater to everyone’s needs. From ‘cosy’ and ‘comfy’ rooms to ‘roomy’ and ‘roomy plus’, whatever your preferred bed size, Hotel Amano has you covered. For anyone looking for an extra air of luxury added to your trip, the ‘goldy’ is an essential booking – as there’s nothing quite as aesthetically pleasing and opulent as a gold bath tub and shower.
An Israeli-Spanish fusion restaurant, Penelope’s serves up innovative dishes for its diners. With an extensive cocktail and wine list, the premium plates we recommend would have to include the nduja pork belly and the black challa calamari (this might be the tastiest calamari we’ve had in London). The beef short rib is an excellent main course – while the ‘seafood on fire’ makes for an impressive dish if you’re looking for some dinner theatre.
Penelope’s at Hotel Amano offers dinner and a show
Speaking of dinner and a show, Penelope’s is known for its sophisticated decor, which provides a glamorous ambience. As well as contemporary dishes, the dining experience itself is immersive – particularly come the weekend, when the restaurant hosts its famous Isramani nights. You’ve not been to a dinner party like it, with sparkler-garnished cocktails, shots straight from the bottle and belly dancers galore.
London knows a thing or two about a rooftop bar – and the terrace at Hotel Amano Covent Garden offers a gorgeous skyline view as you sit back and sip a cocktail. A unique panorama of the city, it’s the perfect place for an aperitif or post-dinner drinks. For anyone who needs a snack with their drink (our hands are raised), there’s a selection of bar bites available (coming from the kitchen at Penelope’s) so you can enjoy that gorgeous black challah calamari alongside your cocktail.
Hotel Amano also has a hidden rooftop terrace bar
Overall, Hotel Amano is perfectly-located the for typical tourist or traveller visiting London. In the heart of the West End, the hotel is just a five-minute walk from Covent Garden tube station (seven minutes from Holborn and 10 minutes from Temple). In addition to good transport links, guests will find themselves literally nextdoor to attractions such as the Lyceum Theatre, the Royal Opera House, London Transport Museum and a short stroll from Leicester Square. If Penelope’s isn’t the preferred dining choice, guests are spoiled for choice with restaurants and bars in the West End.
The hotel is a small boutique style – so if you’re looking for somewhere with a spa, gym and the whole works, Hotel Amano might not be for you. However, what this hotel does deliver is gorgeous decor, comfortable beds in stylish rooms, good food and a rooftop bar – on the doorstep of one of the most popular areas of London. So, what are you waiting for?
Doha was a buzz word and destination for travel in the lead up to the 2022 World Cup. However, a year on, beyond the world of football, there’s so much that the capital of Qatar has to offer. With the fuss that football brings having died down, keen and aspiring travellers alike should keep this city on their radar.
Turkey has enough tourists and Dubai has been done to death, quite frankly – so if you’re looking to explore more of the Middle East and plan a getaway of your own, Doha is definitely a destination to keep in mind. A cultural hub, with an abundance of art and history, the architecture is both an homage to old traditions, as well as a contemporary nod to futuristic endeavours.
Whether you’re strolling along the Corniche or paying a visit to the trendy Mshereib quarter, Doha is ideal for all those who favour a city break – read on to find out why.
Where to stay in Doha
Le Royal Meridien
Shopaholics, pay attention, as Le Royal Meridien in Qatar’s capital is situated right next to the the Place Vendomé mall in Doha. In fact, the hotel is a part of the mall, with its own entrance taking you straight from your slumber to shopping paradise. An undoubtely opulent place to stay during your visit, Le Royal Meridien boasts 377 rooms, suites, and residences – as well as five different eateries, including Anatolian cuisine and a sports bar. The spa offers both classic treatments, as well as an enchanting European bathhouse experience and the gym and swimming pool are also on-site for guests to use at leisure, should an escape from the city be needed.
Le Royal Meridien (L) and The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island (R) are two top hotels in Doha
The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Qatar
Think of The Pearl as Qatar’s answer to The Palm – a man-made island full of beautiful hotels, trendy cafes and restaurants and more. As well as this, it has become an increasingly popular residential area, too. The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island certainly lives up to the lavish lifestyle adopted on this island, offering guests a choice of 193 hotel suites, whose balconies all overlook the stunning Arabian Gulf.
With 11 different eateries (including NAR for your Turkish food fix and Chotto Matte for a more commercialised dining experience), guests are never short of a good meal. Couple that with a luxurious spa and a swimming pool looking out onto the marina and you’ve got yourself a pretty impressive hotel.
While the inside of this must-see museum is fascinating, the architecture of its exterior is almost a reason to visit in itself. Home to many archaeological and heritage artefacts, photographs and costumes, the National Museum tells the history of Qatar its storytelling relates to the wider region within the Middle East, too. French architect Jean Nouvel is the mastermind behind the museum’s impressive design, with its form emulating the desert rose, which is found in Qatar’s sandy regions.
The architect of the Louvre, I. M. Pei actually came out of retirement to design the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha – and his signature style can be seen by the floor to ceiling windows and beautiful design throughout. Based on the Tulun Mosque in Cairo, this is I. M. Pei’s only work in an Islamic country. From a beautifully-illuminated copy of the Qur’an written in golden kufic letters on indigo-dyed parchment to a jewelled falcon (symbolic of strength, grace and nobility in Qatari culture), there’s plenty of stunning artwork to see in this museum.
Visit both the National Museum of Qatar (L) and the Museum of Islamic Art (R) during your trip to Doha
Katara Cultural Village
The Katara Cultural Village is definitely worth a wander through during your visit to Doha. Coined as “the point where the Middle East meets Asia”, this space in Doha represents the fact that Qatar has long been a melting pot of different cultures within the region. Must-sees include both the Katara and Gold Mosques, as well as the impressive amphitheatre and various art galleries within the village. A fascinating spot and great during golden hour, as the light bounces off the tan walls perfectly.
A stroll to the souq is essential during your visit to Doha – where the market stalls sell everything from jewellery to tapestry-style goods. Around 4pm is a good time to visit, if you wish to avoid the crowds, but if atmosphere is your goal, the space becomes buzzier later at night. While there is something new and toy town-esque about this souq, you’ll find all the essential herbs, spices and more that you’d expect in other souqs across the Middle East.
Explore Katara Cultural Village (L) or stroll through the streets of the Souq Waqif (R).
Msheireb Downtown Doha
Msheireb Downtown Doha is a pioneering urban regeneration project located in the heart of Doha. It is one of the world’s first sustainable downtown developments and represents Qatar’s commitment to modernity, sustainability, and preserving its cultural heritage. The development carefully integrates historic buildings and cultural landmarks with contemporary architecture and amenities, creating a vibrant and authentic urban environment, while also featuring cultural institutions, museums, galleries, and educational facilities. All of these are aimed at promoting art, culture, and knowledge-sharing within the community and serve as focal points for creativity, learning, and cultural exchange.
Place Vendomé
While just shy of Dubai Mall’s 12 million square foot size, this shopping centre in Lusail is still the most magnificent mall opening we’ve seen in quite some time. Inspired by classic French architecutre, the four-floored open concept mall is home to 580 shops, ranging from high-end to mid-range. Add a variety of eateries perfect to welcome tired shoppers in need of a break, the mall also comes complete with mini Bentley and Rolls Royce cars to tour the grand space from.
Doha Corniche
Walk along it or cruise on the waterfront baord a dhow – a classic Qatari boat – either way, the Corniche is not to be missed during your visit to Doha. The Corniche itself is a seven-kilometere stretch of promenade overlooking the beautiful seafront. Forming a half-moon shape around Doha Bay, it offers gorgeous views from every angle.
From a boat ride on the Corniche to shopping at Place Vendomé – there’s plenty to do in Doha
3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
From learning about traditional sports such as pearl diving to seeing the display hall of all past Olympic torches, the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is great for any sport fanatic. Here you’ll see a range of displays, as well as hear from guides who share interesting facts such as the history of pearl diving (which was once a huge trade in Qatar). Plus, there’s the more recent addition of the World Cup 2022.
Where to eat in Doha
Yedi by Chef Esat
If you’re in the mood for Anatolian cuisine, Chef Esat Akyildiz’s Yedi restaurant (located within Le Royal Meridien hotel in Lusail) is the spot to book. Here you’ll find authentic dishes, packed full of flavour, such as pastirma pide, adana kebap, kibbeh, pumpkin manti and much more. The atmosphere is cosy and the decor contemporary, allowing this restaurant to offer an experience which transports you to Turkish shores.
Serving up pizza and pasta that even Italians in our group approved of, ADRIFT Anda is the perfect place to ge your Italian food fix. Also located in Le Royal Meridien hotel, standouts included the pepperoni pizza, as well as the creamy (while containing no cream whatsoever) carbonara. A tip from us to you: save space for that tiramisu on the dessert menu.
You can find excellent Anatolian and Italian food in Le Royal Meridien in Doha
Saffron
As soon as you enter The Banyan Tree, you feel instantly transported to more exotic climes – and if you’re craving Thai food, you’ll be only too happy to venture high up in the sky to try Saffron. The hotel’s award-winning signature restaurant showcases fine-dining cuisine, keeping to traditional Thai cooking methods and the use of indigenous ingredients, while also adding an innovative twist to certain menu items. From steamed Thai dumplings to crispy rice noodle wrapped prawns to start; baked shrimp with glass noddles and southern style braised beef curry for mains, there’s plenty to choose from at Saffron – as well as a decent vegetarian offering, too (green curry with aubergine and papaya salad popped out at us).
What is Qatari cuisine, you might ask? Well, we got to try it for ourselves – at Saasna, a restaurant offering a modern take on the country’s food. Key dishes to try would be the matai salad, drizzled in a yoghurt sauce and topped with pomegrantes; chicken majbous – Qatar’s national dish, consisting of rice, meat and vegetables – and lamb badawi (a soft and tender meat dish). When in Rome, right?
From Qatari cuisine (L) to Turkish treats (R), Doha is a foodie hub
NAR
Another Turkish dining spot for you – but this one is located on The Pearl, within The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island hotel. While the restaurant itself appears fine dining, the concept of Nar is sharing plates and once you tuck into the variety of dishes ordered to the table, you’ll soon see that dinner at this eatery is a delicious and fuss-free affair. The hummus is exceptional, as is the muhammara; aubergine mutabbal; salt-crusted seabass and (although slightly less authentic) the wagyu tenderloin.
With exactly one week until the big day itself, it’s time to spread some festive cheer and what better way to spend a Christmas day out than in London? If you’ve got a day off or are planning one final weekend visit to London before Christmas Day itself, we’ve planned the perfect day filled of festive things to do in London.
London is a fantastic city but with so much going on, it can be overwhelming to map out a plan of things to do – especially at such a busy time of the year. With spots to hit on your solo festive date or with friends, family and the kids, we’ve certainly narrowed down a fun day out.
From wandering around streets adorned with some pretty spectacular Christmas decorations to enjoying a festive meal (be it at your favourite restaurant or bringing that restaurant home with you), we’ve got you and your family covered. Whether you’re looking forward to festive food and drink or being pampered for your final Christmas party, one thing is for certain: you’ll certainly be getting into the holiday spirit while following the itinerary we’ve carved out for you below.
Christmas coffee with Benugo
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a festive coffee or hot chocolate
Take a stroll around London and take in the festivities of the city when crowds are (possibly) a little less intense. Grab a Christmas coffee from your nearest Benugo and wander around the city’s hotspots for Christmas lights, such as New Bond Street, the Regent Street angels, Carnaby Street, Trafalgar Square and many more areas. Our heads were definitely turned by the apple crumble latte but a winter spiced hot chocolate also never fails.
London pamper day at Christmas
Achieve fuss-free festive chic with your hair, courtesy of Duck and Dry
Why not stop by Duck and Dry for a festive blowout or a new set of nails? Whether you want a bouncy blow-dry to match your mood or are looking for either a sparkly seasonal or cute candy cane manicure, this central London salon has you covered.
If you’re looking to get ready for party season with a stylish updo, you’ll be glad to know that the hairstyle is no longer just for weddings and more serious occasions, with them being a solid choice if you’re looking to show off some backless dress design – or, indeed, brave the glorious winter weather we’re graced with in the UK. At Duck and Dry, you can choose from the Top Kot, Ooh La La or Ducktail to add some festive glamour to your look – whenever the party may be.
Enjoy a festive feast at Sushisamba for lunch in London
Christmas has arrived at both the Heron Tower and Covent Garden locations of Sushisamba in London, with guests able to immerse themselves in what the restaurant has coined Sambazonia – a spectacularly festive experience. Whether you’re opting to sample the Festive Taste of Samba menu, which features a selection of seasonal specials – from arroz de lagosta (with a whole lobster) to a Samba Kaiseki platter – miso-ginger cured salmon, seared yellowtail with truffle and more – and Japanese wagyu maki. Of course, Sushisamba’s winter terrace is open for aperitif or digestif cocktails in the heart of the Covent Garden piazza, too.
A visit to Winter Wonderland is only custom at Christmas
Yes, yes, we know it’s nothing new but if you’re heading to London for Christmas, a trip to Hyde park’s magical winterland is a classic choice. If you go in the daytime, you’ll find less crowds – plus, if you’re going to have a wander around with a hot chocolate or mulled wine, there’s probably not much more of a festive spot to do so. An off-peak ticket will cost you just £5, which isn’t too bad as far as activities go in the city – but be mindful that certain attractions (including ice rinks, the circus and a giant wheel) inside will require their own booking and come at an additional cost.
Sack off busy London reservations in favour of a festive feast at home with Côte
Making a reservation for dinner during the festive period can be more headache than it’s worth – so why not invite a few close pals over for a dinner party at yours? While Côte’s festive feast boxes are no longer bookable for Christmas, there are the New Year’s Eve menus still available so you can cook up a storm that will bring about full smiles and tummies across the board.
We thoroughly enjoyed the classic Christmas turkey, indulgent chateaubriand and vegetarian butternut squash and goat’s cheese pithivier with all the trimmings included, too. Proving that there is a good feeling to be had about the New Year’s Eve offerings, these include the likes of beef wellington, côte de boeuf, lobster and much more.
So you did Veganuary – congratulations. But are you looking for vegan eats?
Honestly, it’s admirable to successfully commit to no meat, dairy and animal products for the month. Did you find it easier than you thought you would? Did you actually enjoy eating more vegetables and plant-based foods? Did you even feel healthier for it? Whatever your reasons for doing Veganuary, however you felt from it, if you’re looking to continue eating vegan, I’ve got you on this. Discover all of these vegan food spots in London!
If you’re looking for a vegan restaurant set up post-January, look no further than The Gate. A vegetarian veteran in the London food business, The Gate has not only served green dishes since it opened 30 years ago, but it is now almost entirely vegan. Think leek and carmelised onion tart; courgette, pumpkin and cauliflower gyoza and aubergine schnitzel. Vegan pancakes and a vegan alternative to the Full English make appearances on the brunch menu and there’s even a fully dedicated vegan supper club menu. Featuring five courses, it even includes paired vegan wines.
Arancini Brothers
Dalston, Ely’s Yard (food truck), Kentish Town, Maltby St, Old St
Vegan eats don’t get much better than vegan arancini balls. Big Dave and Little Dave met in Australia, learning how to make the popular risotto balls from Sicilian chefs in Melbourne. Arancini Brothers now has five locations across London and as of December 2018, their risotto balls are 100 per cent vegan (and wheat free, in case anyone wanted to know). Not only are the arancini balls delicious (go for the loaded kind, with aubergine and spicy sauces) but the salad wraps and burgers (featuring vegan chorizo) are tasty too. My favourite? The butternut squash, for sure.
If you’re continuing being vegan after Veganuary, we have to sort you out with a go-to burger spot. Halo Burger is the UK’s first 100 per cent plant-based burger joint and uses Beyond Meat for its patties. With a newly-opened branch in the heart of Shoreditch, you can now get your vegan burger fix in East London too. Halo Burger’s quarter pounder with cheese uses 99 per cent less water, 93 per cent less land, 90 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions and 46 per cent less energy than the average beef burger – how’s that for a clear conscience?
London is certainly not short of fast food vegan spots or vegan cafés so it’s great to show the finer dining style restaurants that are vegan (or mostly so) too. Pied a Terre is not fully vegan but it does offer its guests a competitive number of vegan dishes on its menu and has done so for a while now. The Michelin-starred restaurant has a separate vegan (and vegetarian) menu which offers dishes such as carrot velouté with ginger and pickled celery; spelt risotto with coconut and saffron and lime sorbet. Vegan options are available as both à la carte and a tasting menu.
Crudo (meaning raw) opened its ceviche shop late last year. The healthy fast food eatery offers diners a range of ceviche bowls, as well as ‘create your own’ options. Veganuary saw Crudo welcome a vegan bowl to the menu – with chickpeas, quinoa, rocoto (peppers), avocado, sweet potato, crispy onion and cassava chips. The option was so popular – between vegans and meat-eaters alike – that the restaurant opted to keep it on the menu for good!
This trendy vegan, sugar-free and wheat free restaurant definitely had to make it on the vegan London list. Post-Veganuary, this micro-chain is a great place to continue your plant-based eating. With dishes such as BBQ kimchi slaw baps; wild mushroom and squash risotto and plant-based mozzarella melts, you’ll soon forget about meat and fish dishes. If you’re a fan of tempeh (Indonesian fermented soy beans in cake-like form), make sure to try the T.L.T; a sandwich/burger situation that will keep you full all day long.
Don’t shoot the writer but I prefer Kalifornia Kitchen to the popular by Chloe as far as Instagrammable vegan restaurants go in London. If you enjoyed Veganuary and staying plant-based is your goal, Kalifornia Kitchen is your one-stop vegan shop. Popular plates include the rainbow beetroot carpaccio, buckwheat and banana pancakes with coconut yoghurt and jackfruit tacos. You can get your fill of burgers too – but the restaurant vowed not to be ‘another fast food vegan eatery’ and prides itself on serving healthy dishes. It’s single use plastic-free too!
If you love London’s vegan street eats but the cold weather is getting to you, Genesis is the café for you. Completely vegan, favourite dishes include fried avocado and jackfruit hoisin tacos – as well as the growing-in-popularity seitan pulled pork. Seitan chicken curry and roasted cauliflower bowls are other popular plant-based meals. Don’t skip out on the desserts either – the ice cream (made from cashews and coconut) is on point.
I couldn’t do a vegan restaurants in London round up without including Farmacy – a restaurant which focuses on the connection food has with our bodies. Pro-organic and byodynamic farming, the restaurant’s earth bowls are my go-tos (think spiced buckwheat, daikon kimchee and sumac-roasted aubergine). Tofu Pad Thai and a no-beef burger are also favourites on the menu that promotes plant-based, healthy eating.
Is it me or is February onwards when I start thinking of new swimwear to add to my wardrobe? January was a trial month so it’s now game on for getting fit and healthy – but the fun part that comes with that is choosing a whole new bikini attire. This year I’m trying to be super sustainable; realistically all my old bikinis and swimsuits will do just fine. But I am a girl who is into fashion and, if I’m honest, I do want a new bikini for holiday. My way of doing this slightly more ethically? Buying from sustainable brands and sellers. I’m not talking buying second-hand (although there is nothing wrong with this AT ALL) but through upcycled swimwear. How are these recycled pieces made? ECONYL is a high-quality, eco-friendly material created from recycled nylon found in discarded fishing nets and marine waste. There are so many brands designing sustainable swimwear nowadays that we’re definitely all spoiled for choice.
Sibling duo and all round girl bosses Helaina and Chloe Thomas founded Tucca Swim, aiming to bring unique designs that were sustainable to the swimwear market. The bright prints and clashing colours are made more wearable by the multiway designs of the swimwear, making it easier to make your pieces last.
After realising how much plastic and polyester particles are released into the water, the sisters wanted to fix this and came up with their designs. With their collection being made from eco-friendly fabrics (78 per cent recycled polyamide and 22 per cent elastane), the recycled nylon lasts on average three months longer than normal swimwear fabrics. It also is better protected from sun cream and chlorine – how cool is that? Even the brand’s packaging is biodegradable and plastic-free!
All Tide + Seek swimwear is sustainable; made from Repreve which is a polyester fibre completely made out of recycled plastic. The ocean racks up so many discarded bottles and with each piece of swimwear meaning there are five less plastic bottles in landfill – that’s a huge success by our books. Tide + Seek also cuts out the use of new petroleum in the process of swimwear-making so there are fewer greenhouse gas emissions too. The pieces are handmade in Bali and come in pretty, mermaid-esque shades and patterns. The all-in-ones are our favourites!
More so known for its outdoor gear, British brand Finisterre has pledged to only using ECONYL in its swimwear (and jackets). You won’t find any single-use plastic in the packaging either. Finisterre uses Neoseed (a durable water repellent) instead of fluorine, which breaks down naturally without affecting the environment. Sustainability is at the heard of this brand; turning plastic problems caused by discarded fishing nets and other nylon waste into high-performance fabrics.
Perhaps a less ‘instagrammable’ brand, this one is where fashion meets function – and is perfect for those of you who are more into surfing, sailing and serious swimming (as opposed to the ten minutes we tend to spend in the sea).
You might recognise this standout ‘sports luxe’ style from last season’s Love Island but these swimsuits are here to stay – even outside the villa. Pursuit the Label promises a solution to the problem swimwear production causes the environment; the London-born brand uses the highest quality recycled fabrics to create every piece in the collection. Not only is the entire range designed and manufactured in London, but it is all created from ECONYL (that recycled nylon fabric that we’ve been banging on about throughout this article!)
Not only are the actual swimwear garments sustainable but the production side of things is ethical too. All packaging is made from 100 per cent recycled cardboard and is fully recyclable and production is done in small batches, to limit any clothing going to waste. The founders, Annabel and Hannah, are even involved in the entire production process, meaning that they’re there to observe and ensure ethical the work force.
Ethically-made swimwear could not get cuter. Marble Swimwear offer their customers these adorable printed, candy coloured pieces – most of which are reversible, meaning it is also incredibly useful come a week-long holiday. Both flattering and supportive for both the sun loungers and the more active ones among ourselves, the brand uses 78 per cent ECONYL so you can have your conscience clear, knowing you’re supporting the recycling of ocean plastic. What makes us at ease a little more is knowing that the brand has individually chosen and vetted every single element of their production to ensure that it’s environmentally conscious – we’re impressed.
Probably the most important day for some of us…Pancake Day (officially known as Shrove Tuesday) falls on 25th February – and I’ve got you covered on the best places to eat them.
Whether you like sweet or savoury; fluffy or stacked, I’m bringing you the best that London has to offer so you’re fully prepared for Pancake Day.
This list is worth keeping in mind post-Pancake Day too – you’ll thank me later when it’s your turn to pick where to go for brunch.
I mean, with a name like this, could you eat anywhere but this popular pancake spot come Pancake Day? Proud of their buttermilk batter, the restaurant also offers guests a vegan, dairy-free and wheat-free option with their 3-in-1 batter, made using organic rice and buckwheat flour, soy milk and chickpea water. This Pancake Day also happens to be Where The Pancakes Are’s 5th birthday and to celebrate, there’s a day-long pancake party – there’s even a pancake race!
I’m more of a savoury girl myself so the Boulder Breakfast is always appealing to me: vegan pancakes, smashed avocado, roasted pepper and cherry tomatoes, green herbs and chickpea salsa and tahini dressing. Other popular favourites include pancakes with banana, hazelnut-sunflower-cocoa-nib praline, basil marshmallow and sea salted caramel. Don’t miss out on the Dutch Baby either – a Yorkshire Pudding style pancake situation. Yummmmm.
Find them at Where The Pancakes Are, Arch 35a, 85a Southwark Bridge Road, South London, SE1 0NQ
The OG of pancakes in London. Who didn’t relish in their £5 pancakes on Mondays – this saved me during university. It’s now only £5.95 for the classic sweet and savoury options on Monday Madness – something to bear in mind post-Pancake Day! Top of my list has long been the classic My Old Dutch with smoked bacon, chicken, ham, red & yellow sweet peppers, mushrooms, sweet corn & cheese.
If you prefer sweet pancakes, the butterscotch ones with chocolate chip and chocolate sauce go nicely with a ‘create your own’ style of adding bananas, strawberries and Ferrero Rocher. My Old Dutch even has a selection of vegan pancakes – I’ve not tried them but hole crêpe does vegan cheddar and chorizo, spinach and mushroom sound great. There’s even vegan lavender honey!
This spot makes the list because HELLO matcha pancakes in both sweet and savoury form. Those with a sugar tooth can get theirs sweet with carmelised banana, maple syrup and avo-butter while there’s the savoury option with a choice of house-cured salmon or grilled bacon, turmeric poached egg and avo-butter if you’re a ‘two starters instead of dessert’ kind of person.
Find them at 24 Henrietta St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8ND
A solid breakfast spot, my go-to at Granger has always been the scrambled eggs – they’re folded so perfectly into a rose shape, how could I order anything else? But a strong contender also comes in the form of their pancakes. Not officially listed in the menu as pancakes, the ricotta hotcakes are served with banana and honeycomb butter. You can also add bacon – which, of course, I did in a heartbeat. You might be ordering these for breakfast long after Pancake Day, I’m just saying.
Find them in Chelsea, Clerkenwell, King’s Cross and Notting Hill
Celebrate Pancake Day this year with The Breakfast Club’s annual Pancake Challenge. Having been running for five years, try finishing a plate of 12 pancakes in 12 minutes. I can eat a lot in a short space of time but I’ve not tried this challenge myself yet! If you can finish it all before the timer buzzes, you get your Pancake Day treat for free – indigestion comes as a bonus. Don’t worry if you can’t – it’s only £20 so not absurdly costly for the amount of pancakes. Plus, I’m sure you’re friends will help you out if push comes to shove.
The Breakfast Club has also launched five pancake specials to celebrate the launch of the new ‘Breakfast Pub’ in Battersea. Celebrating popular pub favourites, these include the ‘ham, egg and chips’ pancake stack and the ‘lemon meringue mess’. Ready, set, scoff.
Find them in Angel, Battersea, Brighton, Canary Wharf, Croydon, Hackney, Hoxton, London Bridge, Oxford, Soho and Spitalfields
London is lucky enough to boast a number of Japanese restaurants – and despite many having different focuses on ramen, sushi, yakitori and more, it can be a bit of a minefield trying to navigate which one to choose for your next meal.
With new Japanese restaurants popping up on every corner, it is no easy feat to decide which one to book. This is especially true when izakaya, sushi bars, shabu-shabu, robata grills and more are all on offer in the capital. Here we’ve rounded up the 17 best Japanese restaurants in London.
If you’re looking to plan ahead for your next dinner date or want to give your London restaurant hotspots list a little update, we’ve got your Japanese food fix covered.
Best Japanese food in London
Umu Restaurant, Mayfair
Umu Restaurant in Mayfair excelled in our books
It’s hard to pin point one’s favourite restaurant, even within a particular cuisine. Londonjust has too many greats. But, dare we say we migt have just found our favourite Japanese restaurant in the city? Having been gracing the quieter streets of Mayfair for 20 years now, Umu is by no means a new restaurant – but we’re certainly glad this hidden gem is on our radar now. From its discreet entrance to its elegantly simple dining room, Umu offers diners a Kyoto kaiseki experience, paired with impeccable service.
Taking a step back from the flashy decor and atmosphere most sushi restaurants in London exude, this Michelin starred restaurant immediately brought about a sense of calm as soon as you walked through the door – while the recommended sake (a light, floral style) went down a treat as we sipped alongside the first course of turbot carpaccio, as well as sea bass, lobster, chutoro (fatty tuna), scallop and yellowtail (my personal favourite) sashimi. Everything had a distinct freshness to it, with the accompanying soy sauce simply enhancing the existing flavour, as opposed to feeling the need to drown the poor fish in the stuff.
The tempura selection was divine – with both lobster and mushroom proving both fish lovers and vegetarians would have an equally enjoyable experience at Umu – while the grilled turbot was plated up to perfection. The star of the show had to be the nigiri selection, which was utterly flawless. Our only complaint was that we wanted more! Both the toro topped with padron pepper and red mullet with bottarga excelled, while the langoustine and scallop gunkan varieties were also fantastic. The soy sauce, with lemon and lime juice and chives really made a difference, too.
Those with a sweet tooth can round the meal off with the Mayfair Garden dessert; Japanese seasonal tiramisu with matcha green tea and a pourable Ginjo sake (my kind of pudding, this), as well as other seasonal sweet treats available.
When you think of Japanese food, you often think of Nobu. The chef and his brand have become synonymous with the cuisine and if you’ve dined at any one of the restaurants within the group, you can probably understand why. The Shoreditch location in London offers up trendy interiors, gorgeous architecture – and, of course, delectable food. The bottomless brunch menu is definitely one to be considered as guests can enjoy a sushi buffet, featuring everything from classic sashimi to innovative sushi tacos.
Moving onto mains, the choices include the ‘OG’ miso marinated black cod, as well as teriyaki beef or scrambled egg donburi. There’s a dessert buffet bar and unlimited Prosecco, Asahi Beer or lychee elderflower cocktails. It’s a steep £110 but perfect for any Japanese food connoisseur or for an occasion.
From the same family as Roka and Zuma, Inkonito in Soho offers a similarly luxurious menu spanning across sushi and robata-grilled dishes. From crab and salmon tartare with shichimi rice cracker to start with to beef cheek and butter lettuce wraps, this is an eclectic menu that offers a creative spin on classic Japanese dishes.
With a menu that focuses on temaki (hand rolls), as well as sashimi, nigiri and robata grill items, it’s a smaller one than most restaurants might offer. However it’s all about quality not quantity and sushi lovers can indulge in the choice of akami diced red tuna and toro-taku minced fatty tuna. Not to be missed? The sesame seaweed salad.
Famed for its innovative crystal sushi – which was invented by its own chefs and involves adding hand-crafted jellies to the classic maki roll – Shiro is the latest addition to the Aqua group and has set up shop in the city.
We started by feasting upon gorgeously plated dishes such as the spicy tuna and salmon tartare (served with lotus chips and Oscietra caviar) and the chargrilled beef tataki with black garlic ponzu and pickled wasabi. One thing we ordered as an appetiser that was unexpectedly terrific was the avocado tempura – which you absolutely must order and ask for more of the green chilli yuzu kosho mayonnaise.
We did, indeed, try the crystal sushi – opting for the scallop and caviar version with kimchi jelly. It was definitely flavoursome but it’s all about your preference of texture, as there’s a gelatinous aspect to it which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Other excellent dishes included the prawn tempura maki roll, a selection fo sashimi including sea bass, scallop and salmon – as well as lamb cutlets and the coveted hamachi (yellowtail) kama (collar). Washed down with a few tasty cocktails and finished off with a gorgeous matcha tiramisu, it’s a special meal and one that comes Team Coco recommended.
Calling all yakitori dishes, if raw fish isn’t quite your thing but you still want your Japanese food fix, Junsei is for you. Our favourites included the classic tebasaki chicken wings – as well as more acquired taste skewers such as heart, neck and gizzard. Veggie options include eringi (king oyster mushrooms) and okra, while larger plates such as the grilled scallop and sea bream donburi are firm favourites too.
All the way from New York, Sushi on Jones have come across the pond, setting up shop in London. If you’re looking for traditional, delicious sushi in the concept of Japanese omakase, this is a great spot. With just a handful of seats at the sushi bar, guests can enjoy watching their sushi being prepared (the chef’s selection tasting menu focuses on nigiri) as they sip on a fabulous selection of sake.
Sometimes sushi just isn’t what you fancy and on a cold winter’s day like January has been serving us so far, we see your point. So what better than a steaming bowl of hot noodles swimming in a warming bowl of broth? Choose from classic pork to braised beef; a crunch tempura prawn or curry-based both. There’s endless options to choose from, whether you want to stick to your favourite or try them all – just leave room for the Happy Endings ice cream sandwich for dessert.
We may not be known for always having good weather but one thing London does quite well is having a good terrace (rooftop or normal) – whether the sun decides to shine or not. The perfect setting for some al fresco dining, we’ve got both the rooftop views and the citsyscape and greenery to ensure that ambience is on par with the food and drink our diners will consume.
As always, we’ve gone about doing the ‘hard’ work for you; trying out the latest terraces in the city – so that you can make your most informed decision next time the temperatures hit anything worthy of leaving you big coat at home. With a few sunny days and warmer temperatures than the Baltic ones we’ve ‘enjoyed’, here are our top terrace recommendations for 2024.
Summer seems to be here and Spitalfields E1 is here to make sure you make the most of it – starting with a wonderful weekend of events. If you’re in East London until June 4th, you can experience the newly-opened Lamb Street market which features delicious dishes from all your favourite cuisines. We were lucky enough to get a sneak preview and had both our tummies and tastebuds hugely satsifed by the jerk chicken and curried goat from Rudie’s Jerk Shack (don’t worry, there was plenty of plantain plus rice and peas). We’ll see you back there for some birria tacos from Dos Mas Tacos, halloumi fries from Ebby’s Kitchen and duck wraps from The Duck Truck – and much, much more.
If you download the Spitalfields E1 app, you can grab yourself some of those halloumi fries for free when ordering from Ebby’s – plus there are other deals to be scooped up.
Enjoy a gorgeous steak dinner (or whatever other tasty morsels from the menu that take your fancy) and then head out to the terrace to enjoy some gorgeous, panoramic views of London. Alternatively, be boujie and book one of Wagtail’s igloos for your own private dining and soak up the views throughout your meal. We enjoyed a beautifully zesty ceviche, along with super succulent scallops – and we know our scallops. We did opt for a tender and flavoursome rib-eye but if you’re not huge on meat, there’s roasted monkfish and risotto (and more) to choose from, too. Finish off with the pumpkin crème brûlée of your dreams.
Though not a rooftop terrace, this unsuspecting spot tucked away near London Bridge station is a gem you’re going to want to bookmark. With a cute café style interior, there’s outdoor seating for when the sun decides to (more permanently) shine. But let’s get onto the food. We were seriously impressed. From steak sandwiches to miso-glazed aubergine, this place can do it all. The fish pie was pretty phenomenal, while the creamy mushrooms on toast was another favourite. The standout, however? The goats cheese and courgette tart – trust us, it’s not to be missed.
Known for its wood-fired cooking (in a pizza oven, yet there is none on the menu), In Horto is “where rustic dining meets the botanical”. With snacks such as chorizo bites in a honey and mustard dressing and burrata drizzled with caponata and smoked white balsamic dressing, it’s a strong start to the meal – but don’t forget to leave room for your main course. It was a hard choice to make, with dishes such as wood-fired rice with baby globe artichoke tempting us, but we finally decided on slow roasted braised lamb with harissa vegetables and cod filet with fire-roasted ratatouille to share. Everything had a home-cooked meal sense to it – in the best way – and with the shutter windows open for summer, this is certainly the spot for a lowkey, relaxed night out to enjoy good food and a glass (or bottle) or wine.
With multiple varieties of smørrebrød on the menu, you’d be forgiven for ordering one of each topping and leave it there. However, while these are all incredibly delicious (we’d strongly recommend the curried herring, Danish blue cheese with pear and the roas beef), we would say you’d be sorely missing out should you opt to not progress to the rest of the menu. The crispy sardines with pickled egg mayo was seriously special, while the duck salad was also very tasty – though guaranteed you’ll be fighting over those delicious duck pieces. The frikadeller (meatballs) with creamy mash, gravy and pickled cucumber was the ultimate comfort dish but as we head into summer, you might decide to go for the equally satisfying herb-crusted lamb chops or grilled halibut.
The newest roof terrace to hit London, Cavo is located within The Outernet complex in central. With Mediterranean dishes such as octopus carpaccio and seafood stew, there’s a huge menu to absorb here. Some dishes (the black truffle taglioni) were more to our liking than others and we had hoped for the Josper grill to give our main courses a bit more of a tasty charcoal flavour than it did, however for some light bites and cocktails, it could be the city’s new summer hotspot.
Knowing that Shiro London is part of the popular Aqua Group, there’s definitely reason to go into this restaurant with high hopes – and boy, did it not disappoint. From a surprisingly delicious avocado tempura to both tasty and well-presented salmon and tuna tartare (complete with lotus root chips for serious scooping), the menu impressed from the start. The crystal sushi personally wasn’t for us – but an innovative venture, all the same. We preferred the classic dishes – particularly enjoying the chutoro (fatty tuna belly), unagi (grilled eel) and hamachi (yellowtail) nigiris. A lowkey but ambient atmosphere, Shiro Sushi is one to book this year.
