Guidebook for Greater London
Food Scene
Western’s Laundry is the second opening of Jeremy Cometto-Lingerheim and David Gingell, the pair behind Stoke Newington’s Primeur (recommended if you’re in the area). As good as its name, it really was an old laundry and inside has maintained a utilitarian feel. It’s all very a la mode, with food to match, centred around British produce – fish from the South West, in particular – with Asian flavours thrown in. A friend has been in raptures about a mackerel dish she had, but the menu changes daily so you never know quite what you’re going to get.
47 locals recommend
Westerns Laundry
34 Drayton ParkWestern’s Laundry is the second opening of Jeremy Cometto-Lingerheim and David Gingell, the pair behind Stoke Newington’s Primeur (recommended if you’re in the area). As good as its name, it really was an old laundry and inside has maintained a utilitarian feel. It’s all very a la mode, with food to match, centred around British produce – fish from the South West, in particular – with Asian flavours thrown in. A friend has been in raptures about a mackerel dish she had, but the menu changes daily so you never know quite what you’re going to get.
Rok seems to tick all the trendy boxes: informal, Scandinavian, fermented fare, British produce, smoked things. But it certainly delivers. The food, from the homemade pickles to the cured meats, is genuinely surprising and delicious. Ask the waiter to translate some of the Swedish words and be sure to sit somewhere where you can see the chefs beavering away in the open kitchen.
7 locals recommend
Rök Islington
149 Upper StRok seems to tick all the trendy boxes: informal, Scandinavian, fermented fare, British produce, smoked things. But it certainly delivers. The food, from the homemade pickles to the cured meats, is genuinely surprising and delicious. Ask the waiter to translate some of the Swedish words and be sure to sit somewhere where you can see the chefs beavering away in the open kitchen.
A Singaporean friend (who knows her noodles) says Tenshi is the best Japanese restaurant in London. It’s unassuming frontage (not dissimilar to one you might roll into on a side street in Tokyo) hides a family run joint over two floors. The menu covers all the Japanese favourites: katsu curry, ramen, sushi, even cold soba noodles with tempura to this reviewer’s delight. All presented with impeccable Japanese politesse.
17 locals recommend
Tenshi
61 Upper StreetA Singaporean friend (who knows her noodles) says Tenshi is the best Japanese restaurant in London. It’s unassuming frontage (not dissimilar to one you might roll into on a side street in Tokyo) hides a family run joint over two floors. The menu covers all the Japanese favourites: katsu curry, ramen, sushi, even cold soba noodles with tempura to this reviewer’s delight. All presented with impeccable Japanese politesse.
Word is that not much changes at this tiny Afghani restaurant on Islington Green. Four meat dishes and four vegetarian dishes make up the list of mains and the menu does not give much away. Example: Lamb with potatoes. Booking is essential (as is bringing cash) and service can be hit and miss, but it is worth a tripfor the pillowy Afghan bread alone.
73 locals recommend
Afghan Kitchen
35 Islington GrnWord is that not much changes at this tiny Afghani restaurant on Islington Green. Four meat dishes and four vegetarian dishes make up the list of mains and the menu does not give much away. Example: Lamb with potatoes. Booking is essential (as is bringing cash) and service can be hit and miss, but it is worth a tripfor the pillowy Afghan bread alone.
Drinks & Nightlife
The ‘Bar With No Name’ has long since shed its mysterious reputation and is now packed out every night with punters dying to sample the expertly crafted cocktails. Book ahead to avoid disappointment, and enjoy the deliciously Italian interior that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a film noir.
89 locals recommend
69 Colebrooke Row
69 Colebrooke RowThe ‘Bar With No Name’ has long since shed its mysterious reputation and is now packed out every night with punters dying to sample the expertly crafted cocktails. Book ahead to avoid disappointment, and enjoy the deliciously Italian interior that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a film noir.
For those looking for a slice of LA in London, Slim Jim’s is a safe haven. It has an authentic dive bar feel that manages to avoid kitsch and serves tasty, over-the-top American food. Sip on a bourbon, put a 50s song on the jukebox, and enjoy the seedy-but-sweet atmosphere.
20 locals recommend
Slim Jim's Liquor Store
112 Upper StFor those looking for a slice of LA in London, Slim Jim’s is a safe haven. It has an authentic dive bar feel that manages to avoid kitsch and serves tasty, over-the-top American food. Sip on a bourbon, put a 50s song on the jukebox, and enjoy the seedy-but-sweet atmosphere.
This historical watering hole is perfect for those fed-up with chains and predictable gastro-pubs. Set in what was once a brothel, The Four Sisters seems to capture the atmosphere of old London and is full of dark, candlelit corners perfect for sipping on the bar’s home-brewed, syrupy concoctions. A particular highlight is the Negroni, which can either be poured straight from aged oak barrels, or decanted into a take-away glass bottle.
51 locals recommend
The Four Sisters Bar
25 Canonbury LnThis historical watering hole is perfect for those fed-up with chains and predictable gastro-pubs. Set in what was once a brothel, The Four Sisters seems to capture the atmosphere of old London and is full of dark, candlelit corners perfect for sipping on the bar’s home-brewed, syrupy concoctions. A particular highlight is the Negroni, which can either be poured straight from aged oak barrels, or decanted into a take-away glass bottle.
A uniquely themed pub, Hoxley & Porter takes its inspiration from colonial explorers and the bar is filled with ferns, fans and filigree gold leaf. Step inside and be transported back in time as you sip on the fun, themed cocktails.
18 locals recommend
Hoxley & Porter
153 Upper StA uniquely themed pub, Hoxley & Porter takes its inspiration from colonial explorers and the bar is filled with ferns, fans and filigree gold leaf. Step inside and be transported back in time as you sip on the fun, themed cocktails.