Guidebook for Greater London
Food Scene
At 100 years old, this original pre-theatre dining destination is renowned for its innovative, yet traditional menu that combines beloved British classics with Asian-inspired dishes like popcorn shrimp and crispy duck salad – the pistachio crème brûlée isn’t half bad either.
42 locals recommend
The Ivy
1-5 West StAt 100 years old, this original pre-theatre dining destination is renowned for its innovative, yet traditional menu that combines beloved British classics with Asian-inspired dishes like popcorn shrimp and crispy duck salad – the pistachio crème brûlée isn’t half bad either.
There's a lot more to brunch than avocado toast. Almond waffles, lobster spaghetti and gruyère omelette are just some of the tantalising options on Balthazar’s menu (they also serve the best bellini this side of Venice). This Manhattan import is widely renowned by the style set, with the likes of Victoria Beckham and Henry Holland regularly seen popping in.
40 locals recommend
Balthazar
4-6 Russell StThere's a lot more to brunch than avocado toast. Almond waffles, lobster spaghetti and gruyère omelette are just some of the tantalising options on Balthazar’s menu (they also serve the best bellini this side of Venice). This Manhattan import is widely renowned by the style set, with the likes of Victoria Beckham and Henry Holland regularly seen popping in.
Named after the famous Covent Garden theatre impresario, Augustus Harris is just seconds from the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and three minutes’ walk from Covent Garden Market. With space for only 35 diners over its two floors, Augustus Harris is a small but sophisticated venue with diners having the option to sit at traditional tables downstairs, beside large windows upstairs, or at the large, attractive copper bar.
6 locals recommend
Augustus Harris
33 Catherine StNamed after the famous Covent Garden theatre impresario, Augustus Harris is just seconds from the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and three minutes’ walk from Covent Garden Market. With space for only 35 diners over its two floors, Augustus Harris is a small but sophisticated venue with diners having the option to sit at traditional tables downstairs, beside large windows upstairs, or at the large, attractive copper bar.
Opened in 2010 in Covent Garden, Dishoom draws on the heritage of Bombay’s post-colonial Indian cafes, which began as bakeries then metamorphosed into culinary hubs for the community. Accordingly, the everyday menu at this sophisticated brasserie reflects the food of Mumbai. It offers a wide selection of traditional dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, from bun maska, to pau bhaji and tandoori grills. Building upon its heritage, Dishoom also celebrates all the major Indian cultural festivals, running special events menus for Holi, Diwali, Ramadan and Eid.
93 locals recommend
Dishoom
12 Upper St Martin's LnOpened in 2010 in Covent Garden, Dishoom draws on the heritage of Bombay’s post-colonial Indian cafes, which began as bakeries then metamorphosed into culinary hubs for the community. Accordingly, the everyday menu at this sophisticated brasserie reflects the food of Mumbai. It offers a wide selection of traditional dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, from bun maska, to pau bhaji and tandoori grills. Building upon its heritage, Dishoom also celebrates all the major Indian cultural festivals, running special events menus for Holi, Diwali, Ramadan and Eid.
Arts & Culture
The world-class Royal Opera House pays homage to some of the finest talents in opera, music, ballet and dance. With staggering interiors and an eclectic production schedule that tailors to every taste, it’s well worth a visit.
252 locals recommend
Royal Opera House
Bow StreetThe world-class Royal Opera House pays homage to some of the finest talents in opera, music, ballet and dance. With staggering interiors and an eclectic production schedule that tailors to every taste, it’s well worth a visit.
The National Portrait Gallery houses artwork featuring some of Britain’s most influential and powerful figures.
353 locals recommend
National Portrait Gallery
Saint Martin's PlaceThe National Portrait Gallery houses artwork featuring some of Britain’s most influential and powerful figures.
It’s free, it’s right on Trafalgar Square and you’re welcome to simply swing by and stand before artistic greatness whenever you like. Perfect, whether you’ve got ten minutes in your lunchbreak to check out Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ or time to wander the entire, glorious collection of Western European paintings from the thirteenth to the nineteenth centuries.
796 locals recommend
The National Gallery
Trafalgar SquareIt’s free, it’s right on Trafalgar Square and you’re welcome to simply swing by and stand before artistic greatness whenever you like. Perfect, whether you’ve got ten minutes in your lunchbreak to check out Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ or time to wander the entire, glorious collection of Western European paintings from the thirteenth to the nineteenth centuries.
It’s over 50 years since Laurence Olivier was the first director of the National Theatre Company, and 40 years since it moved into its permanent home on the South Bank, but the calibre of directing and performing continues to hold its own. From classics to new writing, championing rising talents alongside big-name stars, the programme always dazzles, and Travelex 15 ensures there are hundreds of seats for every performance from just £15.
218 locals recommend
National Theatre
Upper GroundIt’s over 50 years since Laurence Olivier was the first director of the National Theatre Company, and 40 years since it moved into its permanent home on the South Bank, but the calibre of directing and performing continues to hold its own. From classics to new writing, championing rising talents alongside big-name stars, the programme always dazzles, and Travelex 15 ensures there are hundreds of seats for every performance from just £15.
Don’t pass up the chance to see theatre like Londoners in Tudor times did, in what at the time was London’s home of dodgy ‘entertainment’, Bankside. The Globe has been carefully recreated to show the kind of setting Shakespeare would have written all his plays for. If you’ve never been, book groundling tickets and stand in the open-air pit like you’re at a rock festival. It makes the Bard’s poetry seem a lot less like homework and a lot more like first-rate drama.
449 locals recommend
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
21 New Globe WalkDon’t pass up the chance to see theatre like Londoners in Tudor times did, in what at the time was London’s home of dodgy ‘entertainment’, Bankside. The Globe has been carefully recreated to show the kind of setting Shakespeare would have written all his plays for. If you’ve never been, book groundling tickets and stand in the open-air pit like you’re at a rock festival. It makes the Bard’s poetry seem a lot less like homework and a lot more like first-rate drama.
On the north side of Waterloo Bridge, sitting on Aldwych, this elegant eighteenth-century landmark hosts several art exhibitions and events at a time, incorporating the Courtauld Gallery and temporary exhibitions in the Embankment Galleries. Hell, even the courtyard (once an Inland Revenue car park) makes itself useful, with the ice rink in winter, fountains in summer and alfresco cinema and live music seasons too.
217 locals recommend
Somerset House
StrandOn the north side of Waterloo Bridge, sitting on Aldwych, this elegant eighteenth-century landmark hosts several art exhibitions and events at a time, incorporating the Courtauld Gallery and temporary exhibitions in the Embankment Galleries. Hell, even the courtyard (once an Inland Revenue car park) makes itself useful, with the ice rink in winter, fountains in summer and alfresco cinema and live music seasons too.
Londoners should feel proud that, since it opened in 2000, this converted power station has become one of the world’s most esteemed art galleries. It’s a cathedral to international modern and contemporary art, now with the added Switch House tower for rooftop views and extra gallery space. It’s still free to explore and the ticketed exhibitions rarely disappoint.
2008 locals recommend
Tate Modern
BanksideLondoners should feel proud that, since it opened in 2000, this converted power station has become one of the world’s most esteemed art galleries. It’s a cathedral to international modern and contemporary art, now with the added Switch House tower for rooftop views and extra gallery space. It’s still free to explore and the ticketed exhibitions rarely disappoint.
You don’t have to be a local to know that Londoners are obsessed with travel. At the LTM happily, there’s always a bus or a train to hop on, in a vast museum full of real relics of the bygone ages of London transport. Find out why tube stations were used as wartime shelters, see decades of beautiful poster artwork and find out how the latest technology will run our services in the future.
95 locals recommend
London Transport Museum
The PiazzaYou don’t have to be a local to know that Londoners are obsessed with travel. At the LTM happily, there’s always a bus or a train to hop on, in a vast museum full of real relics of the bygone ages of London transport. Find out why tube stations were used as wartime shelters, see decades of beautiful poster artwork and find out how the latest technology will run our services in the future.
Shopping
Tucked behind the hustle and bustle of busy Monmouth Street sits Central London’s best-kept secret. This charming cobbled courtyard provides a welcome break from the cacophonous streets. From aromatherapy massage at Neal’s Yard Remedies to raw vegan chocolate cake (yes, really) at The Wild Food Café, it’s a true hippie haven.
48 locals recommend
Neal's Yard
Neal's YardTucked behind the hustle and bustle of busy Monmouth Street sits Central London’s best-kept secret. This charming cobbled courtyard provides a welcome break from the cacophonous streets. From aromatherapy massage at Neal’s Yard Remedies to raw vegan chocolate cake (yes, really) at The Wild Food Café, it’s a true hippie haven.
Vintage thrill-seekers rejoice. Balenciaga and Céline sit amongst the likes of Nike and Wrangler in this unrivalled sartorial metropolis, favoured by a string of celebrities and tourists alike.
7 locals recommend
Rokit
225 Camden High StVintage thrill-seekers rejoice. Balenciaga and Céline sit amongst the likes of Nike and Wrangler in this unrivalled sartorial metropolis, favoured by a string of celebrities and tourists alike.
Drinks & Nightlife
Eating and drinking has never felt more sumptuous than at The Savoy, where they continue to push the boundaries of the traditional British hotel dining experience. You’ll find drinks inspired by London postcodes (the Camden Rose Garden is every gin connoisseur’s dream) at The American Bar and the freshest oysters in London at Kaspar’s Seafood Bar & Grill, where you must order the liquid salted caramel for dessert – you’ll be fantasising about it for days later.
23 locals recommend
The Savoy Hotel
StrandEating and drinking has never felt more sumptuous than at The Savoy, where they continue to push the boundaries of the traditional British hotel dining experience. You’ll find drinks inspired by London postcodes (the Camden Rose Garden is every gin connoisseur’s dream) at The American Bar and the freshest oysters in London at Kaspar’s Seafood Bar & Grill, where you must order the liquid salted caramel for dessert – you’ll be fantasising about it for days later.
Built in 1787, this listed building has an impressive history and was one of the few to have survived the bombings of World War Two. Said to be named after the renowned Punch & Judy puppet shows that once took place in Covent Garden’s square, the pub is located across from the West Piazza. From the pub’s iconic balcony guests have fantastic views of the central square and can enjoy watching performances from the famous street performers. Nowadays, Punch & Judy has been reinvented as a traditionally British Taylor Walker pub offering real ales, fine wines, and an extensive range of spirits and mixers, as well as hot and soft drinks.
6 locals recommend
Punch & Judy
40 Henrietta StBuilt in 1787, this listed building has an impressive history and was one of the few to have survived the bombings of World War Two. Said to be named after the renowned Punch & Judy puppet shows that once took place in Covent Garden’s square, the pub is located across from the West Piazza. From the pub’s iconic balcony guests have fantastic views of the central square and can enjoy watching performances from the famous street performers. Nowadays, Punch & Judy has been reinvented as a traditionally British Taylor Walker pub offering real ales, fine wines, and an extensive range of spirits and mixers, as well as hot and soft drinks.
Bringing a slice of the Emerald Isle to London, The Porterhouse is one of London’s most famous Irish bars, consistently drawing a large, lively after-work crowd with its reasonably priced drinks. Everything from the spiral staircase that leads downstairs to the abundance of wooden furniture gives this fine pub the feel of an old tavern that’s been spruced up for the 21st century.
13 locals recommend
The Porterhouse
21-22 Maiden LnBringing a slice of the Emerald Isle to London, The Porterhouse is one of London’s most famous Irish bars, consistently drawing a large, lively after-work crowd with its reasonably priced drinks. Everything from the spiral staircase that leads downstairs to the abundance of wooden furniture gives this fine pub the feel of an old tavern that’s been spruced up for the 21st century.
Offering a salubrious interior that boasts red leather Chesterfield-style sofas underneath walls adorned with vintage artefacts, The Covent Garden Cocktail Club bears a resemblance to an English gentlemen’s club, while also sharing similarities with prohibition-era New York City. Entrance is subject to membership, which is free to sign up for – but the form must be completed 24 hours before visiting. Members can invite a maximum of three guests each.
11 locals recommend
Covent Garden Social Club
6-7 Great Newport StreetOffering a salubrious interior that boasts red leather Chesterfield-style sofas underneath walls adorned with vintage artefacts, The Covent Garden Cocktail Club bears a resemblance to an English gentlemen’s club, while also sharing similarities with prohibition-era New York City. Entrance is subject to membership, which is free to sign up for – but the form must be completed 24 hours before visiting. Members can invite a maximum of three guests each.
Sightseeing
One of the city’s newest but most-loved icons, the slowly revolving wheel that stands by the Thames continues to be a tourist favourite. Each glass-walled pod is designed to allow everyone (who dares) views to the north, south, east and west, making this a brilliant way to get the measure of London. And each visit now starts with a fun, 4D short film before you board.
2099 locals recommend
London Eye
One of the city’s newest but most-loved icons, the slowly revolving wheel that stands by the Thames continues to be a tourist favourite. Each glass-walled pod is designed to allow everyone (who dares) views to the north, south, east and west, making this a brilliant way to get the measure of London. And each visit now starts with a fun, 4D short film before you board.
The Queen’s des-res lives up to its picture-postcard image as soon as you see it, and all year long you can get a nosey round The Queen’s Gallery, where you’ll find pieces from the Royal Collection. Plus, from February to November the Royal Mews is open for strolling along, and the State Rooms are open throughout August and September (as well as for one-off tours during the year when the Queen isn’t home).
1912 locals recommend
Buckingham Palace
The Queen’s des-res lives up to its picture-postcard image as soon as you see it, and all year long you can get a nosey round The Queen’s Gallery, where you’ll find pieces from the Royal Collection. Plus, from February to November the Royal Mews is open for strolling along, and the State Rooms are open throughout August and September (as well as for one-off tours during the year when the Queen isn’t home).
Just across the road from the Houses of Parliament is this royally-approved abbey, where Gothic grandeur at its most splendid. Visit Westminster Abbey and see where 16 royal weddings, a lot of funerals and every coronation since 1066 have taken place. That said, due to the fact that Westminster Abbey is still a fully functioning church, the visiting times often vary.
668 locals recommend
Westminster Abbey
20 Deans YdJust across the road from the Houses of Parliament is this royally-approved abbey, where Gothic grandeur at its most splendid. Visit Westminster Abbey and see where 16 royal weddings, a lot of funerals and every coronation since 1066 have taken place. That said, due to the fact that Westminster Abbey is still a fully functioning church, the visiting times often vary.