Forget pie and mash and jellied eels (unless you really want to try them, of course). London is one of the biggest foodie cities in the world. You can find every type of cuisine imaginable and plenty of foodie things to add to your itinerary, from pizza-making workshops to fine dining in Soho or sampling some of the world’s finest caviar and truffles at Fortnum and Mason. True gourmets will love the chance to linger at a food market and snaffle up some global goodies on the go. But if you really want to push the boat out, why not book a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant? Currently, there are 70 in London, with nine earning two stars and three earning the maximum three. Even if your budget doesn’t stretch that far, you won’t have to travel too far to find something to tempt your taste buds. And rest assured that there’ll be a Premier Inn hotel in London that’s ready and waiting whenever you need to sleep off the post-lunch slump.
Places to eat in London
Restaurants
Whether you’re after something truly special or just a cheap and cheerful pre-show dinner, there’s plenty on the menu in the UK capital.
Think a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant is way out of your price range? You may be pleasantly surprised. While the price of the evening tasting menus can be hard to swallow, even some of London’s finest eateries have tasty deals if you time it right. Take La Gavroche, for example. This two-Michelin starred restaurant in Knightsbridge features delicious creations from legendary chef Michel Roux Jr. And while the nine-course tasting menu here will set you back over £250, the ‘business lunch’ is just £69 including wine.
Yes, it may be a London cliché, but afternoon tea at the Ritz on Piccadilly has to be experienced once in a lifetime - believe us when we say you won’t need to eat another thing for the rest of the day. There is an endless supply of cakes and scones, which just keep being replenished until you tell them to stop. And once you think you're too full to move, they bring around the cake trolley! Luckily, our Premier Inn hotel near the Ritz is just a short waddle away.
Looking for a pre-show dinner that won’t cost as much as your front row seats? Drury Lane’s BungaTINI really can’t be beaten. This gorgeous little pizzeria in the heart of theatreland has a fun, friendly vibe with fantastic decor and attentive staff. Many people rave about its pizza-making workshops where, after a welcome drink, you make and eat your own creation, and even get dough to take home.
The Ritz
La Gavroche
Cafes
Whether you’re looking for the newest twist on smashed avocados or the most Instagrammable latte, you’ll find all of this and more in London. The independent cafe scene here is legendary - and growing faster than you can say “make mine a tall, half-caff, soy americano please.’
One of London’s quirkiest cafes can be found in the trendy area of Fitzrovia. Attendant is a former Victorian public toilet, splendidly converted into a subterranean cavern lit by flickering candle - and still complete with its original Victorian urinals. Beans are house-roasted and there are some innovative food options to try, such as the ever-popular breakfast bowl.
If you’re staying in our hotel near Brick Lane, a trip to Cereal Killer Cafe is a must - if only to see what all the fuss is about. The two-storey café in Shoreditch is like a museum of 90s cereals and the decor is delightfully kitsch. Once you’ve finished marvelling at all the memorabilia, it’s time to choose what to eat. The cafe offers more than 100 different cereals from all over the world, all served with a choice of milks or ice-cream. There’s also cereal-inspired cocktails, to-die-for salted caramel hot chocolate and savoury options like cornflake chicken.
Looking for an afternoon pick-me-up? Head to Danish bakery Ole & Steen on St James. Besides the great coffee, some of the finest baked goods in the city are on offer - think gorgeous cinnamon slices, delicious dark chocolate swirls as well as a tasty line of savoury treats.
Cereal Killer Cafe
The Attendant
Food Markets
Whether you wanted to pick up something interesting for lunch at Camden Market, some fresh fruit and vegtables in Brixton or just want the chance to sample food from around the world, these are the street food markets you need to get a taste of in the capital.
The best-known market in London and a foodie institution in itself, you could spend hours at Borough Market. Fresh-shucked oysters, mountains of artisan cheese and innovative breads all vie for your attention, but what will make your lunch list? Our advice is, wherever you see a queue, join it. Most famous of all are the doughnuts from Bread Ahead, the coffee at Monmouth Coffee Company and the cheese toasties at Kappacasein.
While Brick Lane is great for global cuisine every day of the week, come at the weekends and you’re really in for a treat. Situated in the stunning Old Truman Brewery building, you’ll find over 30 traders from all over the world. But will you try food from Poland, Malaysia, Korea or Ethiopia?
Staying in a Premier Inn hotel near King’s Cross? Make sure you head to the street food market at Granary Square while you’re there. Kerb is held every lunchtime between Wednesday and Friday and it’s full of innovative street food traders. Head to Caracas Baby for a Venezuelan fix, Shellybelly’s for authentic Caribbean cuisine, or go to Chale! to try their Supermalt Chicken.
