It’s halfway through the year and you’re looking at the remainder of your annual leave and what to do with it. It’s not an uncommon scenario – for most of us, there’s a cap on the amount of holidays we can take each year, so we have to make it count.
While summer is fast approaching (with the May bank holiday weather suggesting it might even be here), there’s the usual holiday haunts which might take your fancy: Ibiza; Mykonos; Barbados, perhaps…
However, if you’re looking for something new and not sure where to start, we’re drawing your attention back to some all-important travel trends for 2023 to see if you gain any inspiration for your next trip.
Top travel trends 2023
Solo travel
Team Coco is quite the advocate for solo travel, with our founder and editor-in-chief Laura Bartlett most recently setting off on her #vanlife adventures across northern England.
Independent travel has increased among solo travel, particularly with those over the age of 40. What’s great to see is these adventurous women showing that it’s never too late to go on your first trip by yourself – and that it may very well not be your last.
According to Angelee Rathor, founder of SevenTravel, solo travellers are optimising opportunities to explore the world and are “seeking the chance to reconnect with themselves” and not being “held back by not having a travel partner”.
Whether it’s taking a holistic health trip to Thailand, a yoga retreat in the Atlast mountains or a spa break in Bali, there are many wellness wanderlust journeys to embark upon to treat the body, mind and soul.
Train travel
Whether for a more picturesque journey or to be more sustainable in your globetrotting, more people are deciding to travel by train.
While there’s something significant about a plane window and that feeling of take-off, train travel allows you to take in the sights nad sounds of a country as arrive. Plus, it can be a lot more stress-free than the dreaded combination of arriving three hours early and security queues.
At SevenTravel, the brand is seeing more clients want to embark on a magical journey as they arrive at their final destination, with it “often preferred by many travellers now as a more environmentally friendly option”.
Sand and Safari
For those looking for a mixture of adventure and a restful time, there’s currently a surge in popularity for holidays involving a safari experience plus a trip to the beach.
If you want to explore the bush and see exciting wildlife on your safari tour in the wilderness, you need not say goodbye to relaxation as you can combine this with a trip to perfectly white sands afterwards.
Rathor shares insight that these holidays are more commonly booked around the colder months, when travellers are craving some much-needed winter sun. She goes on to say that SevenTravel “would recommend South Africa and Seychelles holidays, which offer 13 days of adventure, including game drives and beach bliss”.
So, with that being said – what kind of trip will you be booking next?
It’s rare to be in the position to try a restaurant so soon after it has received its Michelin star but a spontaneous trip to Plymouth across Easter weekend and a fortunate cancellation resulted in me sat at a table for two in Boringdon Hall, overlooking the cosy bar area and wall sculpture dating back to 905.
Chef Scott Paton and his team underwent numerous visits before being awarded a first star for Àclèaf, Borringdon’s finer dining restaurant. Its four-course menu (with optional additional cheese course and wine pairing) presents guests with four options to choose from for each one. With so much produce grown and sourced from the grounds and surrounding local area, I was particularly keen to try the seafood courses, as well as any dishes with garden ingredients such as the Boringdon bees’ honey (don’t worry, for anyone who remembers, the previous lavender-crazed ones have been replaced).
Quite the spread of bread and hors d’oeuvres arrived at the table, with truffle honey butter; beignets and manchego bites making up a few of the dishes – the range of flavours cutting through nicely with the delicate toasted flavour of a glass of Gusbourne sparkling wine.
No dinner is complete with some small form of entertainment and Àclèaf’s take on that is a small survey you have to fill out at the beginning of your meal. Presented with a selection of shapes, colours and leaves, you make these unknown choices based on whatever you’re drawn to – before handing them back to the waiting staff for a surprise later on down the line. You’re told nothing more and simply move onto your four courses.
Wanting to sample as much of the menu as possible, we opted for different dishes – focusing on one meat and one fish choice. To start with, we selected the chicken liver parfait with brioche and the scallop in citrus with green chilli. The first was a mouthful of luxury; delectably rich and creamy and with the choice to spread it across the crispy, flaky brioche or enjoy it solo and butter up your bread instead. The scallop was served as a tartare, the lime and chilli complementing the chunks of raw fish beautifully – though there could have been more of a kick.
The crab with curry and mango in the next course was refreshing in both senses of the word. Packed full of crisp taste and zesty flavour, the dish was also very meaty (something that’s absent even in non-tasting menu portions). We were torn between the turbot and “the hen” – actually guineafowl – and while roasted poultry is simply delicious, it’s probably not what I’d choose to order at a fine dining restaurant, particularly one that was just awarded a Michelin star. However the texture of the turbot dish wasn’t fully sold to us so guineafowl it was. It was undeniably tasty but nothing special so I’d take a risk on the turbot, if I were you, as the table next to us did and had more positive things to say. Diner’s regret – we’ve all been there.
The main ‘third’ courses of wagyu beef and lemon sole were both standouts
The wagyu fillet was a gorgeous cut of meat – served with a haggis beignet and potato slice and a thick gravy drizzled over. This dish saw comfort meet decadence, the satisfaction a steak brings to both a (carnivore’s) palate and stomach – with the refined elegance of a starred restaurant. The sole was very interesting. Presented rolled up, it was glazed in a buerre blanc and served with broccoli puré, a lemon Dashi gel and topped with dried caviar. Impressive and innovative.
Pre-dessert, guests can opt to have a cheese course – at an additional cost of £16 per person. This was quite the show. A range of quince jams, parmesan scones, fresh honey, sliced pear and more arrived at the table before the cheese cart even pulled up. We then sampled a generous selection of Golden Cross goats cheese, 60-month aged Davidstow cheddar, solstice and Oxford blue – all of which were truly enjoyable. While a real treat, and one we opted in for, I found it to be an imbalanced serving compared the rest of the tasting menu. Though far be it from me to claim that too much cheese is ever a possibility, it kind of was here. We struggled to finish the table of treats and I think halving the portion – and the price – would result in a happier dynamic all around.
Remember those forms we filled out at the beginning of the meal? Well, the results came back in the form of palate-cleansers. Unknowingly, I’d selected a sour plate, with lime, vanilla and kiwi making up my (approved) surprise. The other options were sweet and savoury – but you’ll have to dine at Àclèaf yourself to see what you end up with on your plate.
Finally, it was time for our fourth and final course: steering away from the classic chocolate choice in an act of rogue behaviour, we ended up with a coconut mango cake dessert and a white chocolate and raspberry situation; both offering a light and sweet finish to the meal.
Should you be looking for your next occasion-worthy restaurant or perhaps be visiting Plymouth for the weekend, a booking at Àclèaf should be on your radar. Our tip? Book a celebratory stay at Boringdon Hall, enjoying the tranquilities of its Gaia Spa and save Àclèaf for a particularly special night.
We’re well settled into the new year and for those of us whose new year’s resolutions included eating more good food, we’ve got the restaurants that you need to visit now listed below. London has always been known as a foodie city but sometimes it can be a little overwheming deciding exactly where to go.
From Italian restaurants right on the river menus to tucking into a Sunday roast at the Gladwin brothers’ Rabbit in Chelsea, we’ve got a bunch of best eats to add to your foodie bucket list. Whether you’re looking for a Jamaican food fix or a spot to grab a good bite to eat before a gig, we’re here to steer you down the right course.
Restaurants to eat at in London to kick off 2023
Cafe Koko, Camden
Friends, you may have noticed that Koko Camden has had quite the makeover – and that includes the newly-introduced Cafe Koko eatery. From simple yet delicious tomato bruschetta and aubergine parmigiana to start, followed by beef rigatoni if you’re a pasta person – there’s plenty to eat at this restaurant. We probably preferred the pizzas on the menu and would particularly recommend the ‘Lambrechts’ with goats cheese, shawarma lamb, coriander and garlic yoghurt plus the plant-based ‘Hope and Anchor’ with fennel sausage, artichokes, superstraccia and pesto.
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We’ve all enjoyed many a brunch at its Fitzrovia and Victoria locations and the Riding House Cafe’s newest digs in Bloomsbury are also worth a visit. Keeping with its traditional decor, it’s a great spot to dine with friends and family – as well as having bar seating which is ideal for remote working come midweek.
The pea fritters and malted deep dish pancakes are both ever-dependable, with a special mention going to the breakfast ramen and the selection of skewers (panko halloumi, shimp and scallop, to name a few).
Ordinarily, we prefer our Middle Eastern restaurants classic but Ruya bears quite a bit of tradition in its fancy Mayfair restaurant. We enjoyed every plate and are already planning our next visit. The biggest shout outs go to the ‘antep fistiki rafik’ (feta cheese, goat curd and pistachios), as well as the infamous truffle cheese pide. The roasted bone marrow with slow cooked beef and hummus was also delicious, as were the lamb cutlets with smoked aubergine.
You’re going to want to make sure you order the popular cocktails Ruya is known for – the Nazar Sour cocktail, featuring cardamom-infused vodka, rose syrup, pear and blue curacao.
Tucked away on the lower ground floor of 3 Henrietta in Covent Garden is El Takoy. Bringing all the atmosphere of your favourite tiki bar, the cocktails are great and quickly-made at this cosy restaurant. Must-order dishes include the lamb barbacoa tacos, tuna and caviar taquitos, Hawaiian cauliflower popcorn and pork chicharon bao buns – with drinks recommendations inclduing the spiced mango daiquiris and pina coladas, which complement the aforementioned plates so well.
Who remembers these guys from Netil House? Well if you’ve been craving those grilled cheese sandwiches, you’re in luck – because the restaurant sites in King’s Cross, Shepherd’s Bush and the new one in Kensal Rise all feature them on the menu. You’re going to want to order the flat iron steak, too. Slightly pricier than the namesake restaurant but totally tasty and served with a refreshing and zesty chimichurri sauce.
Leave room for dessert as words can’t quite describe how chewy and gooey the brownie was, topped with sweet carrot and served with ice cream and don’t even get me started on what I’d probably call the best tiramisu I’ve ever tasted. The French toast is an absolute beast (size) but super light and fluffy and if you like biscoff, it’s your idea of heaven.
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Our first time to Rabbit in Chelsea – we’ve previously dined at the Gladwin brothers’ other restaurant, Sussex in Soho. With similar dishes on the menu, we were excited to be reunited with the loves of our life: the marmite eclairs, as well as trying the meaty and fresh cod cheek bites and steering clear of a January cold, thanks to the seaweed broth – packed full of goodness.
We were actually in Chelsea to try Rabbit’s famous Sunday roasts. While we were initially gutted that the lamb had sold out (the only downside to leaving a roast dinner that late in the day), it turned out to be for good reason as it allowed us to try the pork (not our first choice) which was surprisingly meaty compared to others we’ve eaten elsewhere. The beef was perfect, as expected, and those fluffy Yorkshire puddings certainly did not disappoint.
Part of the restaurant group behind Kensington’s Zuaya and Como Garden, El Norte provides fine dining tapas to the streets of Mayfair. As well as a stunning decor, diners will be pleased to hear than their favourite small plates are on the menu, as well as some larger dishes, too. From delightfully creamy croquettes to a perfectly-cooked Iberico pluma, most of the dishes on El Norte’s menu impress both tummies and tastebuds. There’s also a unique cocktail list and extensive wine list – plus a proper party atmosphere come Friday nights.
An Italian restaurant offering up the hearty classic dishes we all know and love, ‘O ver takes pride in using the unique ingredient of pure sea water, which is extracted from the purest areas of the Mediterranean. The use of less sodium and more minerals in the restaurant’s cooking means that the food is lighter and easier to digest – so we can enjoy all the pizza with fewer food babies at the end of the meal.
The bruschetta, made with toasted bread made from pure seawater and served with Sicilian “Datterino” tomatoes, garlic, oregano and fresh basil is the ultimate refreshing starter, with which you want to begin your meal, while the parmigiana di melanzane (Neapolitan-style aubergine parmigiana) offers a more indulgent treat. The beef and pork meatballs with parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs and pine nuts were exceptionally tasty, while the fusillo pasta with Tuscan pork sausage, white wine and porcini mushrooms was another crowd-pleaser. Pizza-wise, we opted for the ‘Capricciosa’, with Roman grilled artichokes (the dream), Italian cooked ham and black Gaeta’s olives. Zero bloat afterwards, too. We’re sold on sea water pizza.
It’s not secret that London is spoiled for choice when it comes to Italian food. That being said, we are never disappointed to come across a new eatery in which to indulge. In addition to classic dishes such as burrata, lasagne and ‘nduja pizza, Pulia also boasts some more authentic plates you may not have sampled before. We enjoyed bruschetta with sliced pork loin, cacioricotta cheese and grilled artichoke; fresh orecchiette pasta with turnip greens, creamy anchovies and chilli; and cuttlefish stuffed with breadcrumbs, parmesan and parsley – the latter of which was a firm favourite.
Meaning ‘counter’ in Portuguese, Mostrador prides itself on setting out a gorgeous table full of various salads for lunch each day. From bulgar wheat to squash and sweet potato and probably the best vegetable tart I’ve ever eaten, they’re all fantastic choices for a quick and light lunch.
Should you wish to indulge a little more, you can enjoy an octopus starter, as well as spinach and ricotta gnocchi with pesto, before moving onto beef cheek, squid risotto and other main courses. Finish off with with a dreamy dulce de leche flan for dessert.
If you’re craving a bit of the Caribbean, head to your local Ma Petite Jamaica (either in Camden or Shoreditch) for your Jamaican jerk fix. First things first, order a pitcher of rum punch for the table – strong but not too sweet, this (combined with the reggae tunes playing) will transport you to your other island life. Food-wise, for starters we recommend the barbecue spare ribs and pepper shrimp wholeheartedly.
The jerk wings were finger-lickingly tasty – but the sauce was almost a jerk barbecue glaze. Delicious, but perhaps not the spicy jerk seasoning one might be expecting. Don’t fill up too much on your first course as the mains are worth saving room for: the brown stew chicken and oxtail stew with rice and peas were both hearty and flavoursome, while the jerk salmon was surprisingly good, too. The jerk chicken was a little dry but still did the job – and we definitely recommend adding fried plantain, roti (to mop up all that stew broth), callaloo and coleslaw as side dishes.
Although there’s a whole Indian winter situation going on across Europe right now, you’d still be forgiven for wanting to chase some last minute sunshine (or book a holiday for 2023) as the days grow shorter and darker. If this sounds like you, Greece should probably be on your radar.
While a hotel stay can be the epitome of luxury, there’s nothing quite like a beautiful villa to indulgently soak up some sunshine and chill poolside. Furthermore, what’s more luxurious than gorgeous Greek architecture and infinite privacy?
With properties all over the country, The Greek Villas is your one-stop shop for a higher tier holiday – particularly when compared to the average Airbnb. I visited one of the stunning homes in Corfu – Villa Daniela – which had recently undergone an exterior rennovation and enjoyed a little blitz break amid the approach to winter.
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Corfu
Corfu is a popular Greek island among holidaymakers and I certainly remember many school friends of mine over the years excitedly talking of their family trips to the destination.
Shamefully, my own experience of visiting the island is restricted to a pre-university clubbing holiday in Kavos. So, essentially, let’s say I hadn’t been to Corfu before this trip.
Corfu is a beautiful island – and a large one at that. Our villa was situated in Agios Stefanos, surrounded by gorgeous greenery and overlooking a stretch of blue – about an hour’s drive from Corfu Town.
However, the beauty of booking the Greek Villas is that the team can easily organise a transfer to the town centre, along with a knowledgeable tour guide to take you around the hot spots.
Spiridoula from Corfu Holidays Direct was so informative, taking us to key locations such as the Holy Monastery of Vlacherna and showing us nearby Mouse Island. We also visited the birthplace of the late Duke of Edinburgh, Mon Repos – where we strolled through the estate and toured the marble-floored Palaiopolis Museum with gorgeous views of the ocean.
We wandered the streets of Corfu Town, stopping off to look at the Old Fortress – before heading to lunch. Avli is a typically Greek restaurant, serving traditional dishes under a leafy green terrace, overlooking the sea, and a spot I would highly recommend after an afternoon of sightseeing and souvenir-shopping.
Villa design
The villa has a contemporary Greek style in its architectural design and interiors. The six-bedroom property sits on a hillside, therefore offering beautiful panoramic views across the Ionian sea. The perfect place to gaze out onto the mountainous landscape of Albania – yes, Albania – with a glass of Greek wine…
Aside from the poolside terrace, there’s another level with sofas and a dining table, meaning guests can enjoy these stunning vistas throughout the day and in whatever style they choose. The outdoor living space has just recently been renovated, featuring comfortable sofas and lounge beds and a dining table for outdoor entertaining.
The interior living space is light-filled and clean-lined, with gorgeous raffia and wood furnishings in neutral tones. Large sliding doors connect the lounge area to the outside, while the bedrooms all offer views via windows or a terrace of their own to the front or back of the property.
Greek cuisine
Greek food is one of the best out there, in my opinion. I love the variety – feta, fish, meat, salad – it’s all fresh, made with love and leaves a huge smile on my face every time.
Feta is a lifestyle and I was sure to make sure that the private chefs at Villa Daniela knew my thoughts on the blessed cheese. Yes, that’s right – the property comes with a private chef as part of the package and everything we ate was absolutely divine.
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From the most beautifully-cooked, tender pork I’ve ever tasted to cucumber with kiwi and beef tartare; all meals were creative, delicious and wonderfully-presented. The chefs can cook up anything you wish, including traditional Greek recipes such as ‘Pastitsada’, a Greek dish consisting of pasta (usually bucatini) with braised meat in a spicy tomato-based sauce – as well as freshly-caught sea bass or sole, in a lemon butter sauce.
At the previously-mentioned Avli restaurant in Corfu, signature dishes included baked feta in a spicy tomato sauce; ‘Soutzoukakia’ which are spicy oblong-shaped meatballs in a spiced tomato and cumin broth; freshly-grilled prawns in garlic and the perfect Greek salad. Bathe me in feta – I won’t complain.
A personalised itinerary
If you wish to just lounge and live the lavish lifestyle in your Greek villa – you can. However, if you like to mix up your pool time with a few activities, that’s an easy option too.
The Greek Villas can organise pretty much everything and anything for guests: from sail boating the Ionian sea to wine tasting and beach picnics. We opted to have Villa Daniela turned into a spa for the afternoon, indulging in beautiful facial treatments and aromatherapy massages. Well, relaxing for some. Some of us chose to be brave (read, foolish) and go for a deep tissue massage. While it was clearly very necessary, it was so painful and I don’t think I’ve ever felt as though in a state of calm and distess simultaneously.
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Jokes aside, the team at Aurelia Spa were fantastic and I can only just apologise to my masseuse for putting her through the stress of ironing out my knots. I will strive to sit at my desk better and not haunch over my laptop on the sofa. I’ll try. I was able to sprightly saunter off to a table of Chef Fevus’ famous snacks. It was a happy day.
We also partook in a cooking class, making our own tzatziki – which we then ravenously devoured with crisps (Greek chip and dip, for the win) – as well as rolling our own dolmadakia. The stuffed vine leaves do remind me of healthy, Mediterranean spring rolls and it was the perfect entertaining activitiy for a slow Sunday evening. Even more entertaining thanks to special Chef’s Juice…
Villa Daniela was a dream and having, luckily, had many hotel stays over the years, it really did reignite my love of a more seculded space when it comes to choosing accommodation for a holiday. Right, off to scroll the website for my next Greek getaway.
The Greek Villas Rates
For the season of 2023, Villa Daniela has a starting rate of 10,000 euros per week
Yes, travel resumed quite prominently in 2022 but that doesn’t mean we have to say goodbye to the humble staycation.
In fact, with more people having become pet owners and there being a larger focus on sustainable travel, local travel has become more popular and Scotland is top of many people’s bucket lists.
With beautiful scenery, many people head to the Highlands, but don’t overlook the power of a city break. If you are journeying to Edinburgh or Glasgow, we’ve got some tips for you to take on board.
Where to eat, drink and stay in Scotland
Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital has a picturesque feel to it, with a combination of a medieval old town and buzzing modern centre. When you’re done visiting the castle and climbing to Arthur’s Seat, you might need some feeding and watering – and we’ve got you covered.
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Where to eat and drink in Edinburgh
Arguably, the best restaurant in Scotland, Ondine definitely offers something special to diners visiting the capital. This seafood restaurant serves up all fresh produce straight from the North Sea – including sizeable oysters, lobster, crab and much more. As we head into the colder weather, tuck into lobster thermidor and shellfish soup.
The Hanging Bat is a great watering hole off the beaten path if you’re a craft beer lover. The electic beer list includes some from the bar’s own brewing area with ales that are exclusive to The Hanging Bat. In addition, there is a selection of beers from across the world, as well as various wines, spirits and cocktails.
Rocco Forte Hotels is celebrating its 25th anniversary – so what better time to book a stay at The Balmoral? With arguably the best address in the city, a regal atmosphere is sensed as soon as you walk through the doors. While not everyone can stay behind the purple door of the J.K. Rowling suite (where the writer famously penned many parts of the Harry Potter books), the other rooms are perfectly comfortable – featuring gorgeous city views and aesthetically-pleasing marble bathrooms.
Definitely indulge in a Full Scottish breakfast the next morning at Brasserie Prince – before you set about your tourist travels around the city. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea in Palm Court or dine at Number One, the hotel’s 4 AA Rosette restaurant. With a menu that offers a contempory take on Scottish cuisine, all dishes use seasonal ingredients. Loch Duart salmon, Goosnarch duck and hand-dived scallops are just a few items from its seven-course tasting menu. With a cultured mind and a full stomach, a trip to The Balmoral Spa should not be overlooked, as guests can immerse themselves in this urban oasis, with relaxing treatments.
Although Glasgow is typically less of a tourist hot spot than Edinburgh, the city should not be overlooked. With gorgeous architecture in the cloisters of the university, plus its overspill of culture via the Scottish Opera, Ballet and National Theatre. It’s also a musical hub.
They say cracking good food and boy do they mean it. Choose from classic crab cakes to a whole one and then order seared scallops and monkfish tail scampi as well. Come hungry as you’ll want to order it all – and neither your tummy or your tastebuds will be disappointed.
Aptly named, Hide and Seek is tucked away at the old home of a popular seafood spot. Now serving carefully-crafted cocktails in an elegant bar, there are both the timeless classics and more innovative creations to satisfy the cravings of those who are in search of a tipple.
Overlooking private gardens and the city centre just beyond, this landmark hotel has stunning Georgian architeture which instantly impresses – before your eyes widen at the newly-renovated rooms and suites, all spacious and complete with bath tubs to lounge in after a day of touristing Scotland’s vibrant city.
A five-star hotel emphasises luxury, boasting its AA accreditation. Sadly the spa is closing from 10 November for renovations but THAW, the Winter Spa Garden (the Kimpton’s new outdoor pop-up) is the epitome of tranquility, allowing guests to take a dip in the hot tub before fully immersing yourself in a day of relaxation in the steam room and sauna.
Isag is the hotel’s restaurant, serving up traditional Scottish dishes such as cullen skink, venison haunch and Shetland cod. Other notable plates include trout pastrami, crab and prawn squid ink ravioli and plaice with brown shrimp butter sauce.
With the weather taking a cooler turn and the days being shorter than ever, it’s no surprise that people are looking for new bars to grab a drink after work or on the weekend.
While you have your local watering holes for a quick glass of wine or a beer, sometimes you’re seeking out a trendier bar with more ambience. Perhaps you want to get dressed up – or maybe you’re just after a killer cocktail, but whatever the reason, the bartenders at the following places know how to make a mean drink.
Cosy cocktail spots in London
Ever After, Shoreditch
Find this East London gem in Hoxton Square – a small cocktail bar and kitchen serving up bespoke drinks and small plates to share.
Enjoy an espresso martini three ways – with vodka, bourbon or tequila (and all will have you questioning the original being so popular, trust me) – and snack on sharing dishes such as a melt-in-your-mouth ox cheeky, oyster mushroom and pepper skewer or courgette and feta-filled ravioli. Don’t miss the homemade chocolate mousse, that’s served to you in big dollops from a bowl.
Never has a hotel bar generated so much buzz as this one but the Hilton London Metropole’s Bow Bar is quite the spot to grab a drink.
Each cocktail has been carefully crafted by the creative mixologists behind the bar, to bring you the likes of the Charlie Chaplin (Beefeater 24 gin, homemade tamarind beer and freshly squeezed lime) and the Blinker, which will have even whiskey sceptics turn their heads.
I’d say nestled in Stratford but Haugen’s building is pretty impossible to miss as you walk yourself through and past the Westfield shopping centre. While the restaurant itself certainly has plenty to offer (cheese fondue, anyone?), the rooftop is wear things get really cute and cosy.
Nibble on bretzels (hot, buttered, soft versions of the traditional snack) and nocarella olives as you sip your Haugen Breeze or Sky High Spritz. Blankets are included.
We all need a local bar to head to for post-work drinks and if you work in the city and are looking for something that’s a little more spruced up, check out Shutters.
With an extensive wine list, boasting everything from Chablis to Whispering Angel, there’s also a decent set of cocktails to work your way through. The Mango No.5 and Secret Gin Garden are not to be missed, nor are the crab nachos – go get ’em.
One of the world’s best bars (2019), Coupette in Bethnal Green is both authentic and completely unassuming. With its unpretentious nature having no effect on the quality of its cocktails, this bar is definitely worth a stop.
With each page of its menu focusing on a different cocktail chapter, the drinks range from ‘chocolate and red wine’ to ‘sour little sweetie’ – all fun, eclectic and unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before. Snacks are on hand too – as well as cheese and charcuterie plates, they’ve got confit duck leg, fried chicken and croque monsieur sandwiches.
Enjoy magical Mezcal cocktails, all the way from Mexico, at this hidden gem in Stoke Newington. From the sharp and sassy Sabrina drink, with pink peppercorns and lime, to the fresh and fizzy Paloma – there’s a long list to work your way through at Doña.
And if you get hungry? Tigre Tacos is just upstairs, serving the best fish and vegetarian tacos and tostadas. Baja fish and grilled prawns have our vote…
We all know the feeling – you’re super excited for your date but you have no idea where to go. You want the food and drink to be enjoyable, fairly priced and the restaurant to have the right kind of buzz to set everyone at ease and in the right, romantic mood.
Sure, not everyone enjoys eating on their dates but if you’re both fellow foodies, then I’ve listed a few restaurants I’ve visited recently that have inspired ‘date vibes’ in my brain. While I may have just been dining with friends or family, I’ve made mental notes to return on other occasions. It never hurts to have a few in the bank…
Pizarro Bermondsey is José Pizarro’s second London restaurant and can be found just next door to José’s original tapas bar. Serving up a number of small tapas style dishes, as well as larger plates, there’s good food, wine and atmosphere.
In addition to pan con tomate and the daily-changing croquetas, guests should make sure they order the cod in a traditional Catalan sauce with sautéed baby spinach and presa ibérica.
Its cosy atmosphere emphasised by the mixture of sofas, cushions and seats at the bar, Christina’s offers delicious snacks and carefully curated cocktails for guests to enjoy.
The banana espresso martini is a must-order and both the wild apple spritz and fig leaf colada are the sweet treats you could be looking for. Nibble on cheese and charcuterie boards and the new freshly-baked open sandwiches as you enjoy your drinks.
It could just be me but being taken out for tacos could just be the most perfect dinner date there is. Pair them with a watermelon margarita that comes out of the fruit itself and you’ve got yourself a fun night ahead.
There’s popcorn prawns and jackfruit pibil nachos to start and then you can devour on the likes of lamb barbecoa, barbecue tofu and citrus pork tacos. There’s also corn ribs – whether you choose to eat them on your date or not.
Eclectic food, drinks and decor is what the Soho venue is known for and now Chotto Matte has opened up a second London location in Marylebone. The dark atmosphere and dim lights offer the perfect ambience for a romantic dinner.
What to order? Wagyu beef gyozas, king crab tacos, red prawn truffles and spicy tuna crispy rice bites are the perfect small plates to start off with – before moving onto sea bass ceviche and various sashimi cuts. The snow crab California and the Sato (sea bass and salmon tartare) rolls are great sharing options, too. While the miso marinated black cod never fails to impress the senses and the stomach, the slow cooked braised beef and crispy duck in honey orange ponzu are also crowd-pleasers.
For those who enjoy the finer things in life, this Mayfair establishment, featuring a menu from two Michelin-starred chefs, could be the ultimate way of impressing a date.
It’s rare for me to hype up a classic margarita but the one at IT London is done very well, although those with a more adventurous sense of taste can opt for seared wagyu with teriyaki sauce, veal cutlet Milanese and Josper grilled scallops, too.
Free-flowing booze alongside your food? Few people would complain. The concept of bottomless brunch is a popular one – and sometimes the venues offer endless breakfast or lunch dishes as well.
Whether you’re a Prosecco person or prefer Bloody Marys and Mimosas, brunch cocktails get everyone in the spirit of things and a lot of fun is to be had in the 90-minute (usually) period. Never has it been so socially acceptable to day drink – we have brunch to thank for that.
With more and more restaurants offering bottomless brunch menus, it can be overwhelming to find the right one – or one in the area of London you require. So we’ve tried and tested a variety so you can make the most informed decision possible.
Best bottomless brunches in London
Bunga Bunga
Often referred to as the home of bottomless brunch, this immersive dining experience provides dinner and a show.
With metre-long pizzas and Aperol Spritzes that keep on coming, if this doesn’t put a permanent smile on your face, the boylesque, circus and cabaret that comes as part of the weekly Buff Brunch most certainly will.
Swingers’ crazy golf bottomless brunch is the latest boozy offering to hit London – featuring bottomless tequila cocktails, crazy golf and street food. Head to the West End location for its new ‘Sunday Set’ which includes 90 minutes of unlimited drinks, a reserved area, a round of crazy golf and epic street food – all for £49 per person.
Say goodbye to the standard eggs benedict and mimosas and feast upon some of London’s most fabulous street food: burgers from Patty&Bun, margaritas and more from Pizza Pilgrims, tacos not just for Tuesday from Breddos and sweet treats from Crosstown Doughnuts. Tequila cocktails will ensure all that good food will get washed down nicely, while the party is sure to get started with tunes from Swingers’ resident DJ. The only consequence? The struggle to work the next day.
This place might as well be offering bottomless food as well as guests are able to help themselves to the Chef’s Traders Table to start with, before choosing made-to-order eggs, an omelette, pancakes or waffles to enjoy while they wait for their mains.
If you’ve still got room, get ready to devour dishes such as lamb shoulder, hake fillets and spiced vegetable roulade (to share for the table) before heading back to the Traders Table to secure a plate loaded with desserts. Wash all four courses down with unlimited bubbles and then pass out.
The ultimate indulgence, this Crazy Brunch is like no other. Perfect if you’re celebrating a special occasion, on a hen do – or simply want to splurge a little bit. One option is to enjoy bottomless prosecco and cocktails for £95 – or guests can upgrade to drinking Veuve Cliquot for an extra £25.
Start with a range of dishes including focaccia, mozzarella, fried squid and courgettes and some salads, before moving onto the main event: pizza. Choose from the iconic Tartufo (usually priced at £48 a la carte), margherita, spicy salami or three-cheese. Just save some space for dessert as tiramisù is on the menu.
As if more adrenaline needed to be injected into a bottomless brunch, Hijingo is the multi-sensory bingo experience that combines live entertainment with bottomless bubbles and cocktails.
Enjoy two hours of bingo on steroids, while munching happily on a brunch main dish of your choice and bottomless Prosecco and beer. The short rib Benedict and Miso Salted Caramel Chicken & Waffles are both pretty special – though not as special as winning on of the three prizes up for grabs on the day.
This Shoreditch Izakaya offers brunch for £35 – with the option to make things bottomless for an extra £25. With food and drink including a complimentary welcome drink and snack upon arrival, followed by a vast selection of seriously good sushi for the table, as well as pork belly skewers and hirata buns, Japanese fried chicken (karaage) and, I’m going to call it, the best miso glazed aubergine you’ll ever eat.
If you’re going for free-flowing booze, choose between bubbles or the restaurant’s signature cocktails: a Coffee Cobbler, the refreshingly moreish and deceptive Summer Cup (we’re excited to see winter’s alternative) and a twist on a Bloody Mary.
Everyone’s favourite Mexican spot has launched a drag brunch, led by a bearded bombshell named Cazeleon – with tunes taken care of by in-hose DJ Reuben.
Choose from either classic, spicy or hibiscus margaritas, beer or prosecco and enjoy feasting on guacamole and tortilla chips, sea bass ceviche, a Mayan-style poke bowl (with chicken or avocado) and pork al pastor with pineapple pico de gallo. Taco time is sacred here and options include fish, chicken and mushroom.
Bottomless brunch at Cabana involves two courses and a choice of bottomless prosecco, spritz cocktails or bloody marys.
Enjoy a selection of starters, including blistered padron peppers, corn ribs, guacamole and cinnamon sugar churros, brought to the table to share. For mains, there’s a choice of churros French toast, a breakfast burger, açai bowl, fried chicken and cornbread, avocado cornbread toast and breakfast tacos.
Okay, so fine, this one isn’t bottomless. But anywhere serving up steaming bowls of poutine deserved a mention. Don’t believe me? Go check West 4th out for yourself.
I’m personally not a pancakes or waffles kinda girl (particularly sweet) so I was frothing at the mouth reading the words ‘breakfast poutine’. Featuring a poached egg, those beautifully fried potatoes are topped with cheese curds, spinach, mushrooms and homemade brown butter (froth, froth) and hollandaise, with the option to add – breathe – maple bacon lardons.
There’s tons of other things on the menu to choose from and a decent cocktail list to work through, bottomless or not.
A city like London is great for many reasons – not least because it offers a plethora of fantastic spots to dine out With so many top restaurants in the capital, one is never stuck for ideas of where to go out to eat.
However, there is most certainly such a thing as too much choice – even if you narrorw things down to your favourite cuisines, London boasts a variety of Japanese restaurants or good places to grab brunch on the weekend.
If you’re someone who is struggling to choose where they next grab a bite to eat, why not scroll through our carefully curated selection below, to help plan your next meal. Follow your stomach (and our words of wisdom), people…
Top restaurants to book in London
Papa L’s Kitchen, Piccadilly
Originally designed to be a pop-up, Papa L’s Kitchen is putting African cuisine on the map, with founder Lawrence Gomez boasting head chef of The Ivy Covent Garden and working at Sexy Fish as some of his accolades.
Launching a new winter menu for the season, it’s the best time to visit. A pioneer of modern African cuisine, signature dishes include spiced plantain and red mullet stew.
If you eat fish and you don’t order the grilled King tiger prawns, I have no words, nope, nothing sees me make sense of that choice, sorry. Papa’s lamb chobs, in a delightfully sweet and sticky barbecue sauce, are also a triumph.
It’s not too often that a British menu catches the eye but Hām offers it up with a modern twist.
Still keeping things simple, standout dishes include ricotta dumplings with cavolo nero and pecorino sardo, as well as the beetroot with goats curd. It’s also worth noting that the restaurant’s suppliers include Lake District Famers, for meat, and Henderson for seafood.
Designed to be a cosy neighbourhood go-to, the restaurant’s passion for good food and wine makes it sure to be a staple among the residents and visitors of West Hampstead.
Mozzarella fans, pay attention because this is the forté of this restaurant that first opened in Rome in 2004.
From a mozzarella tasting menu (featuring classic, smoked, ricotta and burrata) to dishes incorporating the blessed cheese, there’s plenty for guests to choose from as they dine at one of London’s three restaurants.
Our top picks would have to include the fried mozzarella bits (because who can say no to fried cheese?), as well as the squid ink pasta with prawns and the beef tagliata.
This all-day modern Mediterranean restaurant is a great spot to enjoy a meal or drinks in East London.
Drawing inspiration from Niko Kontogiannatos’ (ex-head chef of Caravan Fitzrovia) native Greece, while putting an electric spin on the food, expect dishes such as braised octopus with skordalia in a chilli lime dressing and roasted aubergine with rose harissa and rocket.
For mains, indulge in the slow cooked lamb shank and creamy mash potato or opt for the sea bass with roasted courgette and pumpkin. Dessert can come in the form of the peanut butter and coconut mousse – or an espresso martini.
Tacos are not just for Tuesday, and some of the best in the city can be found at Nine Lives bar.
The team at Tigre Tacos are working tirelessly in the truck to provide the likes of octopus tostadas and prawn tacos.The baja fish is very tasty and there are a selection of vegetarian options too – all with the same spicy kick.
It’s the time of year where many of us are missing summer and craving some of that sunshine we got so used to. So why not hop on a plane and go get some of it in Portugal?
It seems as though everyone is well acquainted with the country’s capital, the beaches in the Algarve and the Porto wine region. But have you been to Cascais? I’m here to make a strong case for it as a summer beach destination and as a place to chase the Mediterranean sun towards the end of the year too.
Cascais offers much of what Lisbon does and is just a short drive or train ride from the capital – meaning you can enjoy good food and wine, plus the beach, in no time at all.
Staying at the Grande Real Villa Itália was a perfect choice as it’s a short walk from the town centre but also offers guests the peace and tranquility of being that little bit removed from the buzz. Plus, there’s gorgeous sea and pool views for those whose balconies face that way – it’s a glorious wake up call.
While many might visit Cascais for the day, I found that the few days I had were all too short and am already planning to visit this charming seaside town again. As someone who tries to do all she needs to in a city or town, just in case another visit in the future isn’t possible, that’s saying something.
Currently in bed craving clams and custard tarts, let’s start by talking about the food. Portuguese food is never a let down and Cascais steps up to the plate (quite literally), feeding it’s tourists and locals the best of what the country has to offer.
For a trendy and ambient buzz, Taberna Clandestina is the perfect choice. Offering up various croquettes, meat and cheese boards and carpaccios to start, it’s all washed down beautifully with a glass – or bottle – of vinho verde. The selection of beers and rosé also do not disappoint. For mains, I could not recommend the grilled octopus more, as well as the traditional Portuguese salted cod fish with egg and potatoes.
Seafood fans need to visit two eateries in particular – Azimut – which is a casual beach side dining spot, offering up the traditional way of cooking clams in vinho verde, garlic and coriander or parsley, as well as octopus salad and a mango seabass dish that is impressive to both the sight and stomach.
O Pescador is another casual restaurant that is perfect for dinner. Upon entering, guests feel like they’re walking into a fisherman’s tavern and if the nautical decor doesn’t have you intrigued, the smell you are immediately immersed in will. The menu is vast but forget everything you’ve heard about suspiciously long menus as none of it applies here. From the typical national dish cataplana (of which there are a variety of choices, I chose prawns and fish) to sting ray with plantain, there’s so many options from which to choose and it is all delicious.
Taberna da Praça is worth visiting for the fact that it is situated within the Fortress Nossa Senhora da Luz, alone. When in doubt, order the whole menu, is what I always say, and that’s exactly what was done here. It’s always a good meal when the servers have to play Tetris with the plates and add another table to your sitting. From garlic prawns and fried courgette flowers to a chopped tender meat dish called pica-pau in an addictively-tasting house-made sauce, this focus group found nothing bad to say about any of the dishes. Scrambled eggs come with tomatoes and asparagus, as well as the classic cod fish and the mussels and monkfish stew is truly special.
Now while my writing might suggest otherwise, there are reasons to visit Cascais that are unrelated to food, too.
I was lucky enough to be taken on a tour of the Quinta do Pisão national park, where we learned all about the sustainable initiatives of the nature reserve – as well as being able to walk the Mirandesa donkeys (native to northern Portugal) that live there (sadly, food aside, I am too old and big to safely ride them).
We embarked upon one of the hiking trails, learning about how the working farm is responsible for local products via its agriculture, forestry and dairy farming. We were treated to a picnic lunch, as hikers are offered this, as well luxury camping packages, before returning to the shop to purchase some local fig jams and honey.
Embrace the sea air and enjoy views from the harbour on a private boat trip – or climb your way up to the lighthouse and look out onto beautiful sea views. The town itself is adorned with cute trinket shops and cafes, should you wish to grab an ice cream and wander through the streets.
For those wanting a more guided visit of the city, the team at Shortcuts Tourism are your guys – for example, did you know that during World War Two, Estoril, Cascais became a centre point for spies and double agents due to Portugal’s neutrality. The Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service was largely filmed in Portugal and the cast stayed at Palacio Estoril Hotel in 1968. José Diogo, who still today remains one of the Heads of the Concierge Desk, played a small part in the film handing room keys to James Bond, when he was just 18 years old.
A popular excursion for people visiting Cascais is to travel to neighbouring Sintra. A 20 minute drive or 45 minute journey via public transport is all it takes and soon I found myself transported to this medieval-style town. I say this mostly because Sintra is known for its various castles, all of which are worth visiting.
Most people will be familiar with the vibrant red and yellow hues of Pena Palace and I must confess I was slightly disappointed to find out this was not where we would be visiting during our own trip. However, never one to not hold my hands up to being proven wrong, this is exactly what Andre did. We visited the Monserrate Palace and it was absolutely stunning. From the grounds to the beautiful architecture, it is well worth the visit and, once again, I’m already planning another visit to see some of Sintra’s other palaces.
In between a traditional cherry liqueur chocolate cup shot and a ‘Sleepy Pillow’ cake from best known bakery in Sintra, Piriquita, founded in 1862, I also managed to squeeze in a visit to the National Palace and Gardens – so I’m gradually working my way through my list.
Top tip: take a jumper or jacket as Sintra is known for its own microclimate and it’s often far chillier there than in Cascais.
Although lying on one of the beautiful beaches is pretty fabulous, Cascais is a great place to escape for a long weekend – have I convinced you to book your next break here?
Fly to Lisbon with TAP Air Portugal, with flights from £39.12 one way.
