London Eats
eating my way through London, DND.
Going to a restaurant in London means discovery, interior design, hospitality, fashion, and gastronomy all in one. It’s confessions of love, belly laughs, bad dates, blowing out the candles, and trying something new. I’ve been ticking restaurants off my list one by one since moving to London and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed doing it. And what is all that research for if not to enjoy it and share?! Over the last two years, I’ve come face to face with some great flavors and restaurants that I find myself recommending repeatedly. I love to ask for staff faves and the inside scoop on popular orders.
This is an ode to some of my favorite meals I’ve had since moving to London. You’ll find where I went, how I felt about it, and what I ordered just in case you want to *copy, paste*. So here we have it! London Eats, (a series?). It’s not quite my ‘Neighborhood Guides’ but just as useful for any upcoming trip into the city. I find people need solid one-offs more than anything when filling in the blanks of an itinerary.
J.Sheekey (central) — Great spot for a birthday dinner, date night, or family birthday. It’s lively and polite. The noise level was just the way I like it, loud enough so no one could hear the conversation and just quiet enough that you can have one. Crisp white table cloths with a laid back feel. This is also one of those spots you’ll in the tabloids with Gracie Abrams and Paul Mezcal holding hands and walking in.
The Table: for 2
What was ordered? The Pan Fry Cornish Ray Wing, Monkfish & Tiger Prawns Tikka Masala with pilaf rice, Roasted English Carrots with labneh & pistachio.
Crisp W6 (west) — The pub is actually called The Chancellors pub. It’s perfect for groups, watching sports, and casual dates. Side note: I say the phrase “crazy sauce” at home a lot. I’m not quite sure where it originated but it’s very much an embarrassing dad-like phrase. However, there are two words for this pizza: crazy, sauce. This sauce has got to be a grandmas secret recipe of some sort? I hear the creator of Crisp learned how to make pizza during Covid. Did I do proper journalism to confirm? No. Remember, you and I are sitting on the couch gabbing away and this is just the thing I would say. But it’s true, I did hear that. It’s the kind of thin crust that doesn’t fall apart the moment you pick it up but also doesn’t taste like cardboard. And the garlic dipping sauce is enough to come back for on its own. I also suggest getting takeaway and eating the pizza on a bench along the river if it’s warm and sunny.
Best for: groups, watching sports, casual date
The Table? for 5.
What was ordered? one Vecna, one CrispW6 add hot honey, 1/2 Vecna/CrispW6, 1 Funghi, extra garlic dipping sauce
Bull & Last — A North London pub and local favorite. The Bull & Last is a hop, skip, and a jump from Hampstead Heath. Its got a cozy cabin interior perfect for a Sunday Roast and picnic tables lined up outside for people to spill out into on a sunny day. The Ferrero Rocher ice cream is my ultimate after dinner sweet treat. I have come to this pub and *only* ordered the ice cream. My apologies for anyone with a dairy or nut sensitivity (including myself). The pistachio ice cream is an easy second favorite.
Table: for 2
What was ordered? one pistachio ice cream, one Ferrero Rocher ice cream
Roka (central) — I recently saw The Lion King on the West End and it was even better than I expected. I loved the use of the aisles, the costumes, and of course, the music. Before the show, we went to grab a pre-theatre menu at Roka. A lot of restaurants in the west end will have this as an option to time it perfectly for your theatre outing. I highly recommend making a booking. Roka has one of my favorite pre-theatre menus (weekdays only*)! I specifically go for the black cod. The sticky sweet flavor of the cod tastes like home and holiday all in one. It’s warm and unique. The char gives it that off the grill flavor that makes the robata so loved. You won’t catch me making this at home which makes it the exact type of meal I prefer to order when I’m out.
The Table? for 2.
What was ordered? The premium pre-theatre menu (x2)
Bistro Freddie (east) — I came to Bistro Freddie to catch up with a friend and fellow foodie. The intimate setting is perfect for a friend catch up or anniversary date. I’d also happily take myself on a solo date here and sit at the bar (where the full menu is available). Part of my being pleasantly surprised is that my friend made the reservation and I had no expectations. Be sure to order a flatbread. & For dessert, anything chocolate will do! For both the sticky toffee pudding and the chocolate brownie they had on the menu that evening, we couldn’t put our forks down. We tried. We failed. Some failure is good.
The Table: for 2.
What was ordered? non-alcoholic apple and eucalyptus, grilled broccoli, roasted beetroot and whipped goat cheese with orange, celeriac flatbread, grilled bavette & peppercorn sauce, hand cut chips (steak frites)
Yum, all this talk about food, I better go make dinner. On the menu tonight: Spaghetti Bolognese using my fresh basil that’s thriving!! Loving being a basil plant mom.
Until next time!
xx Katie