Guidebook for Greater London
Food Scene
Chinatown
Gerrard StreetDespite its extensive alcoholic offerings, Barrica is not a place to get legless – it's a smart bar on Goodge Street, not a nightclub in Magalluf. Be sure to pick a few dishes off the brilliant tapas menu to keep things civilised.
21 locals recommend
Barrica Tapas Bar
62 Goodge StDespite its extensive alcoholic offerings, Barrica is not a place to get legless – it's a smart bar on Goodge Street, not a nightclub in Magalluf. Be sure to pick a few dishes off the brilliant tapas menu to keep things civilised.
Don't be fooled by the name: this red and yellow boozer just off Oxford Street's ropier end is not a hotspot for sherries and fine tapas.
21 locals recommend
Bradley's Spanish Bar
42-44 Hanway StDon't be fooled by the name: this red and yellow boozer just off Oxford Street's ropier end is not a hotspot for sherries and fine tapas.
Bloomsbury Coffee House is a daytime basement café that solves this problem. Owned by a young couple, the café has two rooms, wooden floors and quaintly mismatched furniture and crockery.
24 locals recommend
Bloomsbury Coffee House
20 Tavistock PlBloomsbury Coffee House is a daytime basement café that solves this problem. Owned by a young couple, the café has two rooms, wooden floors and quaintly mismatched furniture and crockery.
With a discreet entrance just by Holborn station, Asadal has been the go-to venue for Korean food fans in central London for many years.
19 locals recommend
Asadal Restaurant
227 High HolbornWith a discreet entrance just by Holborn station, Asadal has been the go-to venue for Korean food fans in central London for many years.
A product of the noughties gastropub boom, Great Queen Street still turns out dishes in the tradition of its antecedents, and of the year it was founded (2007).
18 locals recommend
Great Queen Street
32 Great Queen StA product of the noughties gastropub boom, Great Queen Street still turns out dishes in the tradition of its antecedents, and of the year it was founded (2007).
If there is a formula for the perfect British brasserie, it would undoubtedly involve plush leather upholstery, polished marble floors, a sprinkling of copper and more than a hint of oak. Akin to a stately gentlemen’s club, the service would be impeccable, while the cooking wouldn’t offend diners’ palates or risk displacing older patrons’ teeth.
30 locals recommend
Holborn Dining Room
252 High HolbornIf there is a formula for the perfect British brasserie, it would undoubtedly involve plush leather upholstery, polished marble floors, a sprinkling of copper and more than a hint of oak. Akin to a stately gentlemen’s club, the service would be impeccable, while the cooking wouldn’t offend diners’ palates or risk displacing older patrons’ teeth.
Set on the Lyttleton side of the famous National Theatre, Terrace Bar and Food is a popular addition to the South Bank icon.
7 locals recommend
Park Terrace Restaurant
24 Kensington High StSet on the Lyttleton side of the famous National Theatre, Terrace Bar and Food is a popular addition to the South Bank icon.
Traditional tearoom attached to a booksellers, with Chinese wallpaper, leaf tea and bone china.
17 locals recommend
Tea and Tattle
41 Great Russell StTraditional tearoom attached to a booksellers, with Chinese wallpaper, leaf tea and bone china.
Family-run fish and chip shop in dark-wood, pub-style restaurant, to eat in or to take away.
46 locals recommend
North Sea
7-8 Leigh StFamily-run fish and chip shop in dark-wood, pub-style restaurant, to eat in or to take away.
Italian pizza and pasta favourites in relaxed setting over 2 floors with outdoor seating.
14 locals recommend
Cosmoba
9 Cosmo PlItalian pizza and pasta favourites in relaxed setting over 2 floors with outdoor seating.
Classic Italian dishes in airy basement with aqua-blue furniture, framed photos and hanging guitars.
88 locals recommend
Ciao Bella
86-90 Lamb's Conduit StClassic Italian dishes in airy basement with aqua-blue furniture, framed photos and hanging guitars.
American-style burgers, hot dogs served with sauerkraut and fries, and Bourbon-infused milkshakes.
21 locals recommend
Burger & Shake
47 Marchmont StAmerican-style burgers, hot dogs served with sauerkraut and fries, and Bourbon-infused milkshakes.
Artisan espresso, drip and iced coffee in a hip, wood-furnished space, plus cakes and light bites.
61 locals recommend
The Espresso Room
31-35 Great Ormond StArtisan espresso, drip and iced coffee in a hip, wood-furnished space, plus cakes and light bites.
Simple Japanese restaurant specialising in savoury pancakes, where tables have embedded hotplates.
24 locals recommend
Abeno
47 Museum StSimple Japanese restaurant specialising in savoury pancakes, where tables have embedded hotplates.
Chic, blue-and-white 1950s Parisian-style cafe offering artisan breads, patisserie and bistro fare.
16 locals recommend
Café Le Cordon Bleu
15 Bloomsbury SquareChic, blue-and-white 1950s Parisian-style cafe offering artisan breads, patisserie and bistro fare.
Spanish restaurant on 2 floors with downstairs DJ bar hosting themed paella and flamenco nights.
14 locals recommend
Salvador & Amanda Bloomsbury
1 Vernon PlSpanish restaurant on 2 floors with downstairs DJ bar hosting themed paella and flamenco nights.
Tiny coffee bar for fresh brews, roasted beans and snacks, with simple benches on the street.
61 locals recommend
The Espresso Room
31-35 Great Ormond StTiny coffee bar for fresh brews, roasted beans and snacks, with simple benches on the street.
Part of a small restaurant chain, offering a menu of updated British classics and afternoon tea.
13 locals recommend
Scoff & Banter Bloomsbury
97 Great Russell StPart of a small restaurant chain, offering a menu of updated British classics and afternoon tea.
Straightforward hotel offering a sleek restaurant, a modern lounge bar & a traditional Irish pub.
39 locals recommend
Aux Pains de Papy
279 Grays Inn RdStraightforward hotel offering a sleek restaurant, a modern lounge bar & a traditional Irish pub.
Modern dining room and veranda for progressive Indian cuisine that embraces tradition and diversity.
21 locals recommend
Salaam Namaste
68 Millman StModern dining room and veranda for progressive Indian cuisine that embraces tradition and diversity.
Long-standing burgundy-toned restaurant serving classic French dishes, plus pasta and salads.
13 locals recommend
Sophie’s Italian Restaurant
79 Southampton RowLong-standing burgundy-toned restaurant serving classic French dishes, plus pasta and salads.
Informal venue with movie star photos, dishing up an eclectic menu of grills and comfort food.
13 locals recommend
Cagney's restaurant
13 Cosmo PlInformal venue with movie star photos, dishing up an eclectic menu of grills and comfort food.
Antalya Restaurant
103-105 Southampton RowRestaurant 92
92 Southampton RowThe Chambeli Indian Restaurant
146 Southampton RowPop art meets velvet banquettes and antiques in a restaurant serving updated classic French dishes.
23 locals recommend
Otto's French Restaurant
182 Grays Inn RdPop art meets velvet banquettes and antiques in a restaurant serving updated classic French dishes.
Parisian-style wine bar nook for a vast list of wines served with a concise, seasonal British menu.
37 locals recommend
Noble Rot Wine Bar & Restaurant
51 Lamb's Conduit StParisian-style wine bar nook for a vast list of wines served with a concise, seasonal British menu.
Coffee & Candy
61-66 Russell SquareContemporary, white-walled chain Italian cafe-deli, with pastas, handmade focaccia and a kids' menu.
52 locals recommend
Carluccio's
236 Fulham Rd.Contemporary, white-walled chain Italian cafe-deli, with pastas, handmade focaccia and a kids' menu.
Large restaurant with dim sum, Asian-fusion and banquet menus, plus private karaoke.
13 locals recommend
China City Restaurant
50 Russell SquareLarge restaurant with dim sum, Asian-fusion and banquet menus, plus private karaoke.
CHINA HOUSE
51 Marchmont StLow-lit Thai chain restaurant with a modern dark wood interior and square communal tables.
46 locals recommend
Busaba Soho
106-110 Wardour StLow-lit Thai chain restaurant with a modern dark wood interior and square communal tables.
Chain pizzeria where chefs in striped t-shirts toss handmade pizzas.
174 locals recommend
Pizza Express
39 Abbey RdChain pizzeria where chefs in striped t-shirts toss handmade pizzas.
Drinks & Nightlife
Large casino with slots and tables, plus big-screen sports and live entertainment.
41 locals recommend
The Hippodrome Casino London
Leicester SquareLarge casino with slots and tables, plus big-screen sports and live entertainment.
Styling itself on stateside ‘boutique’ bowling alleys, this retro-themed venue is the more upmarket of Bloomsbury’s two bowling dens (see also Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes).
37 locals recommend
All Star Lanes-Holborn
Bloomsbury PlaceStyling itself on stateside ‘boutique’ bowling alleys, this retro-themed venue is the more upmarket of Bloomsbury’s two bowling dens (see also Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes).
This diminutive Polish hideaway stocks some 50 different vodkas, categorised according to descriptions such as ‘clean and clear’, ‘dry and interesting’ and ‘nice and sweet’.
17 locals recommend
Bar Polski
6 Little TurnstileThis diminutive Polish hideaway stocks some 50 different vodkas, categorised according to descriptions such as ‘clean and clear’, ‘dry and interesting’ and ‘nice and sweet’.
With half-a-dozen ornately carved, sumptuously tiled bar areas under one high, stucco ceiling, the Princess Louise is a classic example of the Victorian public house.
19 locals recommend
Princess Louise
208 High HolbornWith half-a-dozen ornately carved, sumptuously tiled bar areas under one high, stucco ceiling, the Princess Louise is a classic example of the Victorian public house.
Friend at Hand
2-4 Herbrand StreetTraditional pub with stripped floors and multi-screen live sports.
The Brasserie
134 Southampton RowSightseeing
Buckingham Palace is the London residence and administrative headquarters of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is often at the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality.
1912 locals recommend
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the London residence and administrative headquarters of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is often at the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality.
The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London.
2099 locals recommend
London Eye
The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London.
Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, and often extended to refer to the clock and the clock tower.
1337 locals recommend
Big Ben
Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, and often extended to refer to the clock and the clock tower.
The Shard, also referred to as the Shard of Glass, Shard London Bridge and formerly London Bridge Tower, is a 95-storey skyscraper in Southwark, London, that forms part of the London Bridge Quarter development.
828 locals recommend
The Shard
32 London Bridge StThe Shard, also referred to as the Shard of Glass, Shard London Bridge and formerly London Bridge Tower, is a 95-storey skyscraper in Southwark, London, that forms part of the London Bridge Quarter development.
Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London built in 1886–1894. The bridge crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London and has become an iconic symbol of London.
37 locals recommend
Tower Bridge Rd
Tower Bridge RoadTower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London built in 1886–1894. The bridge crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London and has become an iconic symbol of London.
The London Dungeon is a tourist attraction in London, England, which recreates various gory and macabre historical events in a gallows humour style. It uses a mixture of live actors, special effects and rides.
234 locals recommend
The London Dungeon
Westminster Bridge RoadThe London Dungeon is a tourist attraction in London, England, which recreates various gory and macabre historical events in a gallows humour style. It uses a mixture of live actors, special effects and rides.
Parks & Nature
Russell Square
Russell Square is a large garden square in Bloomsbury
Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in London and one of its Royal Parks. The park is the largest of four that form a chain from the entrance of Kensington Palace through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, via Hyde Park Corner and Green Park past the main entrance to Buckingham Palace and on through Saint James's Park to Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall. The park is divided by the Serpentine and the Long Water.
3079 locals recommend
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in London and one of its Royal Parks. The park is the largest of four that form a chain from the entrance of Kensington Palace through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, via Hyde Park Corner and Green Park past the main entrance to Buckingham Palace and on through Saint James's Park to Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall. The park is divided by the Serpentine and the Long Water.
Arts & Culture
The British Museum is dedicated to human history, art and culture, and is located in the Bloomsbury area of London.
1546 locals recommend
British Museum
Great Russell StreetThe British Museum is dedicated to human history, art and culture, and is located in the Bloomsbury area of London.
The Royal Opera House is an opera house and major performing arts venue in Covent Garden, central London.
252 locals recommend
Royal Opera House
Bow StreetThe Royal Opera House is an opera house and major performing arts venue in Covent Garden, central London.
The National Gallery is an art museum in Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster, in Central London. Founded in 1824, it houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900.
796 locals recommend
The National Gallery
Trafalgar SquareThe National Gallery is an art museum in Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster, in Central London. Founded in 1824, it houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900.
Horse Guards is a large Grade I listed building in the Palladian style between Whitehall and Horse Guards Parade in London. The first Horse Guards building was built on the site of the former tiltyard of Westminster Palace in 1664.
120 locals recommend
Horse Guards Parade
13 Macclesfield StHorse Guards is a large Grade I listed building in the Palladian style between Whitehall and Horse Guards Parade in London. The first Horse Guards building was built on the site of the former tiltyard of Westminster Palace in 1664.
When he wasn’t designing notable buildings (among them the original Bank of England), Sir John Soane (1753-1837) obsessively collected art, furniture and architectural ornamentation.
183 locals recommend
Sir John Soane's Museum
13 Lincoln's Inn FieldsWhen he wasn’t designing notable buildings (among them the original Bank of England), Sir John Soane (1753-1837) obsessively collected art, furniture and architectural ornamentation.
A glimpse of Victorian London in the home of one of England's greatest authors.
93 locals recommend
Charles Dickens Museum
48-49 Doughty StA glimpse of Victorian London in the home of one of England's greatest authors.
Shopping
The Brunswick Centre is a grade II listed residential and shopping centre in Bloomsbury, Camden, London, England, located between Brunswick Square and Russell Square.
83 locals recommend
The Brunswick Centre
Bernard StreetThe Brunswick Centre is a grade II listed residential and shopping centre in Bloomsbury, Camden, London, England, located between Brunswick Square and Russell Square.
Primark
14-28 Oxford StCovent Garden
41 James StLike it or not, Oxford Street is the main artery of London shopping. It’s not the place to head for independent shopping, as only massive brands can afford the rents attached to Oxford Street premises, but it is unrivalled in its offering of cheap high street shopping and jumbo department stores.
1427 locals recommend
Oxford Street
Oxford StreetLike it or not, Oxford Street is the main artery of London shopping. It’s not the place to head for independent shopping, as only massive brands can afford the rents attached to Oxford Street premises, but it is unrivalled in its offering of cheap high street shopping and jumbo department stores.
Borough Market is a wholesale and retail food market in Southwark, Central London, England. It is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London.
1617 locals recommend
Borough Market
Borough High StreetBorough Market is a wholesale and retail food market in Southwark, Central London, England. It is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London.
Westfield London is a shopping centre in White City, London, United Kingdom, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.
737 locals recommend
Westfield Shopping Centre
Westfield London is a shopping centre in White City, London, United Kingdom, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.
Harrods is an upmarket department store located on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, London.
1522 locals recommend
Harrods
87-135 Brompton RdHarrods is an upmarket department store located on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, London.
Revival Retro is an independent, Time Out Award-winning London shop. We specialise in fabulous 1920s, 1930s and 1940s vintage inspired clothing, shoes and accessories that fit and flatter real figures! Fashions fade, but style endures – and we encourage every woman to discover and own theirs.
15 locals recommend
Revival Retro
30 Windmill StRevival Retro is an independent, Time Out Award-winning London shop. We specialise in fabulous 1920s, 1930s and 1940s vintage inspired clothing, shoes and accessories that fit and flatter real figures! Fashions fade, but style endures – and we encourage every woman to discover and own theirs.
Entertainment & Activities
SEA LIFE Centre London Aquarium
Westminster Bridge RoadSEA LIFE London Aquarium
ZSL London Zoo
Outer CircleLondon Zoo
From a jar of tiny moles to a huge elephant skull that helps to explain the Cyclops myth (its large central cavity could well be a monocular eye socket), there is plenty here to draw gasps of amazement.
43 locals recommend
Grant Museum of Zoology
21 University StFrom a jar of tiny moles to a huge elephant skull that helps to explain the Cyclops myth (its large central cavity could well be a monocular eye socket), there is plenty here to draw gasps of amazement.