Where to Eat & Drink | London
A shortlist of places in London for bon vivants
Guide by the Bearleaders
Bistrotheque | London | Tip by Tina Norden
London never stops to amaze with its variety, and on any given day you could enjoy a meal from pretty much anywhere on the globe, have an amazing cocktail, see a show or concert and visit an exhibition. Like all cities of this size, London really is a collection of neighbourhoods that keep changing and evolving.
Fortunately, you can be guided by these Bearleaders’ tips for London. These tastemakers and travel experts are the true in-crowd when it comes to the best spots to eat, drink and what to do.
Where to eat & go for a drink
BISTROTHEQUE
This incredible gem is right at the top of Hackney Road in a very unpromising side street. The food is always excellent, the upstairs restaurant is airy and industrial – and the downstairs cabaret had fabulous shows served alongside great food and cocktails.
instagram | maps | by Tina Norden, Architect
LEROY
A wonderful little bolthole in a side street of Shoreditch with delicious food and a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
But make no mistake, they take food and wine very seriously.
CAFÉ CECILIA
Tucked away on the canal close to Broadway Market, a stylish and minimal restaurant with excellent food and lovely service.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on various days, they also have excellent baked goods.
MORITO
An offshoot of the consistently excellent Moro, this unassuming place sits right on busy Hackney Road.
Wonderful Spanish tapas in a cool environment guarantees a good night out.
VIET GRILL
Kingsland Road is famous for its Vietnamese food and this is my favourite – fun interiors and always good food.
TAYER + ELEMENTARY
Right on Old Street in a very basic building is what is supposedly one the world’s best cocktail bars. Tayēr is at the back, so make sure to sit at its beautiful timber bar and watch the mixologists rustle up incredible cocktails in an apothecary style setting.
instagram | maps | by Tina Norden, Architect
NIGHTJAR
Great cocktails and live music – what is not to like.
Blink and you miss the tiny doorway on a grimy strip of City Road – and descend to this lovely little hidden den.
NICKEL BAR
The Ned has seven restaurants and three bars under one roof, but for a drink seek out Nickel Bar with its live stage on the ground floor - avoid Wed-Fri nights for the best experience. Or descend to the basement to enjoy the Long Bar and the Parlour, alongside fabulous live entertainment in an intimate setting.
BOUNDARY ROOFTOP
Formerly owned by Terence Conran, this cute little hotel and a fabulous hidden rooftop bar.
With cover to allow for London weather, it is an all year round destination.
THE IVY
This famous art deco restaurant serves British classics with a modern flair.
maps | by Alon Ben Joseph, Jeweller
CINNAMON BAZAAR
Indian cuisine like you haven’t tasted before. Fresh, light and modern interpretations of classics, paired with stellar cocktails in a casual environment.
CECCONI’S LONDON
Perhaps the most beautiful Italian restaurant outside of Italy, with an elegant curved dining table and bar at its centre stage and the freshest produce straight out of Italy.
Located in The Ned, a former bank headquarters from 1924, this luxurious hotel was imagined by Nick Jones of Soho House fame. An even more luxurious and old-world interpretation of the membership club, its ten restaurants nevertheless remain open to the public.
SESSION ARTS CLUB
A super cool venue combining great contemporary cooking and mixology with arts and entertainment.
L’OSCAR RESTAURANT
Inside a beautifully restored baptist church, you find this excellent restaurant. Grand interiors and unbeatable atmosphere make this a great spot for lunch, dinner or a drink.
SESSION ARTS CLUB
A super cool venue combining great contemporary cooking and mixology with arts and entertainment.
POLLEN STREET SOCIAL
Michelin-starred food is served in a surprisingly accessible and relaxed atmosphere, with some presentational flair.
SEABIRD RESTAURANT
Located at the Hoxton hotel, this is the place to eat seafood while watching the sunrise. An amazing cooled open-air terrace made for the summer.
BRUNSWICK HOUSE
A wonderful gastropub combining contemporary food with a classic interior. They have a talent for making local vegetables shine.
SHANGHAI MODERN
Looking for an affordable place in London where you can just walk in? This family-style restaurant in Chinatown is a great pick, with a lot of vegetarian options as well.
maps | by Alon Ben Joseph, Jeweller
ISABEL MAYFAIR
This bar in the middle of buzzing Mayfair feels decidedly upscale and yet intimate. Anyone looking for a truly glamorous and decidedly London experience owes it to themselves to sit down at its grand bar for a drink.
SCOTT’S
Open from midday, the restaurant offers terrace dining and cocktails in Mayfair.
THE IVY CHELSEA GARDEN
The menus are designed to offer an eclectic mix of modern British food and international dishes.
HAKKASAN
I have been coming here since they opened up in 2001. At the time it was a real trendsetting place. They created a unique atmosphere by mixing haute cuisine Cantonese dishes and modern cocktails. I still love coming here for the quality of food, service and atmosphere.
BOCCA DI LUPO
The restaurant has received various awards and accolades for its stripped-down, honest regional Italian cuisine.
HUTONG
I enjoyed an amazing birthday cake here. The panoramic view you’ve got here - 33rd floor of The Shard - is so beautiful, plus they serve delicious Northern China cuisine.
SEXY FISH
Focuses on Japanese cuisine and has the largest Japanese whisky collection in the world. They serve just as many innovative cocktails. Difficult to get in, so book in advance.
COAL OFFICE
The restaurant was created by Chef Assaf Granit and the British Designer Tom Dixon.
Coal Office is not your average restaurant, but more an engaged and active experience beyond just eating, a food and design playground where even recipes are shared.
CAKES & BUBBLES
Enjoy the creations of Albert Adrià, who formerly was part of the famous El Bulli restaurant. Try his pastries at Cake & Bubbles, served with a selection of champagne and sparkling wines.
HIDE
The very best food from Ollie Dabbous and wines from Hedonism wines. The staircase alone is worth the visit.
What to do
LIBERTY LONDON
A truly unique and characteristic boutique department store in a stunning Tudor-style building. They carry current and up-and-coming fashion trends and have their own floral and graphic prints on fabric, which they have been making since 1875. So grab a tie whenever you’re there.
