The First Timer’s Guide To Eating In London

A cuppa is the soggy backbone of British society and afternoon tea is a tradition. There’s no better place to eat finger sandwiches and gossip for three hours than Claridge’s. At the luxury Mayfair hotel, there’s the feeling of royalty in the air, a live pianist in the room, and mini vanilla bourbon religieuse in your mouth.

Brits claim home-cooked Sunday roasts—meat, veg, and crispy potatoes—are best. But there are excellent ones in London pubs like The Camberwell Arms, which has the scent of butter in the air and floorboards that creak as people carry pints from the bar. The roasts are for two, so split the rolled pork belly and apple sauce with someone you love.

Indian food is a must in London and bhajis are a must to start a feast. The Tamil Prince, a polished pub-cum-Indian restaurant, serves wild, flailing vortexes of turmeric-stained, deep-fried onion that are some of the best around. Dunk liberally in tangy mint chutney, then order pints, chicken lollipops, and channa bhatura.

Soho is crammed with rickshaws blasting David Guetta, pub crowds overflowing into the street, and noisy bars and restaurants. Recentre at British institution Quo Vadis. White tablecloths, immaculate martinis, and saucy suet-crust pies set the scene for a proper Long Lunch. It’s a classy place, but raucous behaviour is still encouraged.

A day at Borough Market involves fighting queues, pigeons, and the overwhelming feeling you should really stop eating—but can’t. Prepare for all that mental and physical exertion with an early doors stop-off at Brindisa’s Chorizo Grill for an excellent roll stuffed with sweet strips of piquillo pepper, spicy slabs of chorizo, and rocket.

The Salomon and clog-clad crowd piles into 107 Wine Shop & Bar in Clapton for a glass of something fizzy and funky. Embrace the laissez-faire atmosphere of a walk in-only dinner party with one of London’s best wine lists. Snag a stool at the single communal table for excellent European-leaning small plates or join locals for a drink and a lean.

The honey-glazed char siu pork at this casual spot is as dependable as your oldest pair of jeans. Located in Chinatown, a few streets away from several of the West End’s big theatres, Cafe TPT is an easy option for a pre-show beef flank curry or post-show roast duck on the weekends, when it stays open until midnight.

Museums are cool and all, but have you been to Harrods’ perfume hall? Take yourself—and the cloud of oud that now follows you around—to Lebanese spot Ishbilia in Knightsbridge. Warm pita is a given, nutty hummus is a must, and the chef’s specials are exactly that: special.

Paul Rothe & Son feels like the sandwich shop Paddington Bear would work in. Butter is spread, tea cups rattle, and pots of jam line the walls. The place has been around since 1900 and feels it in the best possible way. Swing by for a bacon sandwich or get a silky smooth egg mayo and anchovy to go and wander up to Regent’s Park.

There’s nothing like the honk of a rickshaw, the wheezing of a big red bus, and a massive M&S to feel like you’ve arrived in London. After a Sunday shopping on Oxford Street, take refuge in Royal China Club. It’s a short walk away—enough time to show off your yellow Selfridges bags—and has restorative cheung fun and honey roast pork puffs.