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Pubs & Restaurants in London

From pub grub and ale to musical and theatrical performances worthy of the royals, London teems with age-old nocturnal tradition and ultime trendiness. Some 5,000-plus pubs and bars include everything from public houses to exclusive celebrity hangouts. A traditional British pub awaits on practically every corner, among them Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, one of the city’s oldest.

Almost every cuisine in the world is represented in London, from quality Italian cooking at The River Cafe out in Hammersmith, or Chinese in Soho and curry almost everywhere.

Pubs

Gordons Wine Bar

Gordons wine bar is thought to be the oldest wine bar in London (which probably makes it one of the oldest in the world!) and has been established in its present form since 1890. The bar is loved by old and young alike due to the totally unique atmosphere in which time seems to have stood still. As you enter the bar you find yourself in a room with old wooden walls covered in historical newspaper cuttings and memorabilia faded with age. Make your way to the cellar and you need to stoop to get to your rickety candlelit table – anonymity is guaranteed! If the sun is out you can also sit outside in Watergate walk and enjoy watching the world go by.

St. Stephens Tavern

Centuries-old brewery Hall & Woodhouse renovated this fading landmark, fittingly traditional all round. Diagonally opposite Big Ben, its carved wood, etched glass, original fixtures and fittings, and high, high ceilings are a pleasure to behold – particularly when viewed from the beautifully upholstered mezzanine with a bird’s-eye view of the tourist bustle at ground level.

Blackfriars WineBar

Situated under a railway arch, just off Blackfriars Road, Blackfriars Wine Bar is the ideal place for lunch, a quick drink after work or your office party. Whichever it is, we offer good wholesome food, interesting wines and friendly service from experienced staff.

Ideally located for Southwark Station on the Jubilee Line Extension, Blackfriars Wine Bar is minutes away from the riverside and all of the attractions of the South Bank and Bankside.

Restaurants

Brackenbury

The Brackenbury is a local treasure. Tucked away down a leafy West London side street it offers gourmet food at ridiculously reasonable prices. A timely overhaul of the once lurid interior has created a wonderfully soothing space where locals and BBC glitterati come to bask in the intimate vibe. Menus change seasonally and the friendly owner ensures that only the freshest ingredients find their way into her kitchen.

The Savoy Grill

The Savoy Grill virtually never closes. Furthermore, the simple but perfectly sourced, steak meals are the ideal restorative after a hard party the night before, and their barman makes one of the best Bloody Mary's in the world. Take shelter from the elements and give your body and senses a treat with a blow-out at the Grill. By the time coffee and dessert arrives, you’ll feel ready to take on the world.

Giardinetto Restaurant

Discreetly tucked away, just off Piccadilly, Giardinetto oozes exclusivity and sophistication. With its frosted glass windows, automated entry system and slick attentive service this restaurant fits seamlessly into its Mayfair location - a definite improvement on its previous basement premises in Charlotte Street. Despite the move across town, Head Chef Maurizio Vilona continues to offer Ligurian specialities, as well as classic Italian dishes with a twist.

Shanghai Blues

Cross the threshold of Shanghai Blues and plunge into its dimly lit innards. Nattily dressed oriental waitresses guide you through the solid lines of its dark, distinctive interior. Touches like the weighty blue stools and the elliptical tumblers demonstrate the lavish attention to detail.

Taste bud priming entrées including crunchy chick peas, pickled cucumbers and classic prawn crackers lead the way for the diverse and reputation-deserving Dim Sum.