Tuesday 31 October 2017

London: The Food List

I'm all about food while travelling, and London is one of the best Western cities to get cheap, interesting eats ... big cities love Instagrammable food gimmicks! I've realised that nearly all my picks are in Soho, but I guess that makes it easy to try them all!

(Crosstown)
(Soft Serve Society)

(HIPCHIPS)

Bone Daddies

Soho
This is the number one place I recommend people for a good cheap eat. It's all ramen, and the broth is divine!

Crosstown Doughnuts

Soho
Now growing into a chain that you can find across London, I rarely venture into Soho without getting a donut from here!

Soft Serve Society

Shoreditch
One of the little stalls that make up Boxpark, here you can get some delicious matcha soft serve, or even the black charcoal and coconut!
www.softservesociety.com

HIPCHIPS

Soho
You get a box of crisps with a selection of sweet or savoury dips. While most people got a medium box of 4 dips to share, we got two large boxes between two people, with 12 dips in total. We barely made a dent, but it was worth it to sample so many delicious dips!
www.hipchips.com

Bubbledogs

Soho
Champagne and hot dogs ... as if that isn't a winning combination!
www.bubbledogs.co.uk


(Cereal Killer)


(Tombo)

(Bao)

Cereal Killer Cafe

Shoreditch

This place seems to have every box of cereal ever, and the cereal cocktails on offer will make you struggle to pick just one. For someone who loves cereal as much as me, this was heaven!

Tombo

South Kensington
A matcha menu ... need I say more?
www.tombocafe.com

Bao

Soho
A tiny little eatery, pop in and get a few of of the tiny yet delicious bao. The buns will melt in your mouth!
www.baolondon.com


Yorica!

Soho
All vegan (yay lactose free) frozen yoghurt. Delicious, and with big serving sizes!
www.yorica.com

Inamo

Soho
So look, the food as this Asian-fusion restaurant isn't fantastic - but you don't go for the food. You go for the interactive tables that let you order your food, watch it being cooked and even play games with your dinner mates!
www.inamo-restaurant.com

(Rinkoff Bakery)
(Koya)

(Nosteagia at Pump)

Rinkoff Bakery

Whitechapel
A bit further out, but totally worth it for the cakes and pastries like the creme egg crodough!

Koya

Soho
Japanese that is (Roch has argued) better than Bone Daddies, serving udon. I went for the Japanese breakfast.
www.koyabar.co.uk

Pump

Shoreditch
Set in an old petrol station, Pump is a street food market with some good picks including my first experience of bubble waffles from Nosteagia!
www.facebook.com/pumpshoreditch

Fire & Stone

Covent Garden
Pizza in a venue that feels a little fancier, and very delicious!
www.fireandstone.com

Franco Manca

London
This chain has extremely simple, yet delicious pizzas. The novelty has worn off a little for me because we get it for free every Friday at work, but you should try it!
www.francomanca.co.uk

Duck and Waffle

Shoreditch
And the best for last ... By far and away my favourite restaurant in the world. You may have to book two months in advance on the day bookings open, but the incredible food and views from the 40th floor are worth it, and it's not even that expensive! You can also go to Duck & Waffle Local near Piccadilly and while not the same menu, still a great meal!
www.duckandwaffle.com

(Duck and Waffle)
(Duck and Waffle)


(Duck and Waffle)

London: The Fun List

I'm the kind of person who is always looking for something new to see or do. So, having now lived in London on two separate (albeit relatively short) stints, I have trawled a fair few 'to do' lists and found some alternative things to occupy my time. I've created this list for people who have a little bit of extra time in London and want something a little bit more than the usual staples such as Borough Market and The London Eye ...




God’s Own Junkyard

Walthamstow
A huge collection of neon signs.

Sky Garden

London
I’m forever telling people to forego the cost and queues of the London Eye and head up to the Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie. You do have to book in advance, but it’s free, and there’s a bar up top. They even have events up there such as sunrise yoga (with breakfast buffet)!

Waterloo Graffiti Tunnel

Waterloo
Head around the back of Waterloo Station to find this tunnel, absolutely covered in graffiti - it’s London’s answer to Melbourne’s Hosier Lane. If you’re lucky you might also spot groups of emos, looking like they’ve come straight out of 2002.

Grant Museum of Zoology

Fitzrovia
I wasn’t that excited about this, but I was surprised - this place is amazing! A huge collection of skeletons, artefacts and things in jars. Look out for the 4000 jars of mice skeletons, or the jar of moles!

House of Dreams

East Dulwich
A house turned private museum containing the art of Steven Wright - loud and eclectic! It’s only open certain days a month so plan ahead!

The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities

London
A museum of curiosities, as well as a cocktail bar and on some days, a petting zoo for peculiar animals!

Old Brompton Cemetery

Kensington
London has Seven Magnificent Cemeteries, and this is one of them (that I have been to at least). If you like the sound of 35,000 gravestones, stoned arcades, catacombs and a chapel, then take a visit (and maybe the other six too). You can also check out Fulham Palace nearby.




AccelorMittal Orbit

Olympic Park
The world’s longest and highest tunnel slide. I will say no more.

Morning Gloryville

London
This is a dawn ‘rave’ held once a month around London. Expect crazy costumes, smoothies, yoga and a lot of dancing - all sober! A lot of fun.

Junkyard Golf

Shoreditch
London has a few novelty mini golfs, but I really enjoyed this one. It has a super chilled, low-key vibe and the courses themselves are really well done.

Ballieballerson

Shoreditch
I am yet to get to this one, but you can’t go wrong with a cocktail bar accompanied by a pit filled with one million balls and UV lights.

The Four Thieves

Clapham
This is a pub with a bit extra in Clapham Junction. Downstairs is good food and drink, then head upstairs for remote controlled race cars, VR booths, mini golf and arcade games!


Queen of Hoxton

Shoreditch
I always recommend this place because of the rooftop, which changes theme seasonally. When I went last it was completely rainbow, with a fort tower you could climb and sit in and food such as a rainbow bagel icecream sandwich. At the time of writing the’ve just launched the new Moroccan medina theme!

Draughts

Hackney
London’s first board game cafe - eat and drink from the menu while playing one (or five) of the 600 available games! Remember to book.

Evans and Peel Detective Agency

South Kensington 
Upon entering you’ll have an appointment with the detective who will go over the case you wish to be solved, before being let into the secret speakeasy bar. They’ve also just opened a pharmacy in Chiswick!

Sketch Gallery

Mayfair
A number of rooms, but the standout is the entirely pink suite for afternoon tea. Make sure you check out the toilets.

Primrose Hill

Camden
This is a great place to hangout in the summer. One of the only actual hills I know of in London, it had fantastic views over London. Take a picnic and drinks!

Ziferblat

Shoreditch
This is a Shoreditch ‘cafe’ with a twist; help yourself to tea, coffee and biscuits from the kitchen, play an instrument, read a book on a beanbag, the only catch is you pay to be there by the minute. It’s actually quite cheap, and great if you need a homey place to chill or work.