The Hub of London is a hustle & bustle whirlwind of old and new high-rises, scurrying crowds and a city thats truly alive.
London is known as one of 'best cities worldwide', in the centre you'll never get bored and theres always something new to explore. Below you can find our gems of restaurants, pubs and wine bars.
Jinjuu, Soho
With a definition of 'Pearl', this is truly a Korean gem in the heart of the city. Serving the tastiest typical street food dishes and mouth-watering cocktails. Jinjuu offers terrace seating which is a great spot to people watch and a hip, vibrant ground-floor bar and basement dining room with an artsy decor by Victoriano Magdaleno for a unique experience.
Tip - Drink: 'Spiced Kimichi Mary'. Food: Signature 'Korean Fried Chicken' is a must.
Pix Pintxos, Soho
With several around London, this popular joint has nailed the Basque miniature tapas. Hidden Gemsss favourite PIX is based in Soho as it offers a twist with its 'Room By The Hour' basement cocktail bar if you want to continue your fun night once you've eaten. Influenced by Barcelona and San Sebastian's culture, you pick what you want and pay for the amount of 'Pinxtos' you've eaten - Cheep, cheerful and a cordial atmosphere!
Tip - Drink: Estrella or if you head to the hidden bar, definitely try their 'Moscow Mule'. Food: Croquettes or Boquerones is one of our go-to.
Scarlett Green, Soho
Part of the Daisy Green Collective which is successfully bringing the famed Australian brunching culture to London, Scarlett Green is a colourful, charming and buzzy cafe on Noel Street. Vibrant decor, antipodean cuisine and drinks, this cafe offers 'Bottomless' day and night dining experiences.
Tip - Drink: If you attend their 'Scarlett Nights' the Pornstar Martini Fountain is pretty cool! Food: Their buttermilk blueberry pancakes are insane!
La Bodega Negra, Soho
La Bodega Negra is one of it's kind nestled in the vibrant streets of Soho. On one side you will find a colourful, friendly Mexican style eatery known for it's tacos and sombreros, however on the other side of the street you will find a mysteriously hidden hacienda-style cellar restaurant with delectable tequila menu. How to get there? Look for the sex shop (pictured up) knock on the door and you'll be let in by a telephone ring and the night awaits...
Tip - Drink: 'Hibiscus Margarita' offs that spice is ever so nice! Food: Ceviche is a must try!
Circolo Popolare, Fitzrovia
Described as one of the most instagrammable restaurants in London, Circolo Popolare known as part of the 'Big Mumma Group' is a Sicilian dream. With a 'rainforest' looking exterior, this restaurant is hard to miss. Inside, expect an opulently decorated haven with 20,000 bottles, fairy-lights, flowers hanging from the ceiling - This eatery is one to wait for with it's high-standard service and mouth-watering cuisine.
Tip - Drink: Bottiglie di Rosso (Primitivo, Cavalieri Reali 2017). Food: Mafaldine Al Tartufa & The Big Burrata are heavnly.
Hide, Mayfair
Run by Michelin starred chef Ollie Dabbous, there's no surprise why this restaurant is known for it's impeccable service, unique interior, Hedonism wines and the finest quality of food. Enjoying views across Green Park, Hide is set across three floors, 'Above' offers an elegant tasting menu experience, the 'Ground' floor is for the all-day dining leisure with an sophisticated yet informal ambience and 'Below' provides an exclusive basement bar feel.
Tip - Drink: Why not go all out have a glass of their selection of Champagne. Food: Their succulent Duck and tender Octopus is a winner.
The Running Horse, Mayfair
Especially popular at Christmas with it's cosy fire-lit corner and twinkling fairy lights, The Running Horse is the oldest public house and kitchen in the heart of Mayfair. Sourcing ingredients from some of the UK’s finest independent food and drink producers, this pub ensures the purest British affair.
Tip - Drink: Pick from a selection of their craft beers. Food: Pie of the day is a must try.
Sketch, Mayfair
This eccentric 18th century townhouse provides a unique experience with three bars and a Michelin starred restaurant all flamboyantly decorated to ensure a sophisticated, distinctive one of a kind dining journey. One element in particular which has drawn a huge applause and most definitely an instagrammable hotspot are their egg shaped toilets. Vowed as one of the prettiest buildings in Europe, Sketch fuses food, drinks, music & art all in once space.
Tip - Drink: Their various selection of quirky cocktails are fabulous. Food: Afternoon tea is a British tick off the bucket-list.
Ed's Diner, Mayfair
Ed's Diner allows you to step back in time to the 1950's with it's bright red leathered booths, neon 'Order Here' signage, checkered flooring and a menu that truly defines the 'American Diner' experience. This laid back eatery is one to visit with the kids for an experience to all to enjoy.
Tip - Drink: Reeses Peanut Butter Shake! Food: Chicken 'N' Waffle (you got to go all in).
Ziggy Green, Mayfair
Another fabulous Aussie delight from Daisy Collective, Ziggy Green once again brings authentic coffee, eclectic cocktails and the famed Australian brunching vibe to Heddon Street. Located in a beautiful Grade II former cinema building, this cafe is the perfect pit stop from the shoppers paradise of Regents Street, fusing art, coffee and food in a unique setting with huge statement art pieces by UK artists Bonnie and Clyde and Grazie.
Tip - Drink: Flat White, please! Food: Their fancy 'Bacon Roll' has an unexpected delicious twist.
Shoryu Ramen, Regents Street
With various locations across London & UK, Hidden Gemsss favourable spot is Shoryu's Regents Street branch, which in actual fact is where this ravishing ramen bar first started! Shoryu allows you to experience true Hakata cuisine, offering their signature Tonkotsu Ramen, Shoryu buns and a fine selection of the famed Japanese, Saké.
Tip - Drink: Nigori Cloudy Saké or Sapporo Beer if you're not a fan.Food: Karaka Tan Tan Tonkotsu if you love a bit of spice!
Seven Dials Market, Covent Garden
Once a Banana Factory now turned into a chic multi-levelled food court in the lively Covent Garden quarter, Seven Dials Market provides a feel good space run by street food connoisseur, KERB, with the finest independent vendors, a book shop and somewhere to hold events.
Tip - Drink: Partnered with Gipsy Hill Brewery, their Pale Ale is a score. Food: Head to the 'Truffle' stand and try their ultimate Burger!
Nell Gwynne Tavern, Covent Garden
Named after the infamous mistress of Charles II, Nell Gwynne Tavern is one of London's charming and historic hidden treasures located steps away from The Strand. A lively yet cosy setting of dark wood decor and hanging lamps, this traditional pub offers a great selection of local beverages and 45 records with is famed jukebox!
Tip - Drink: Either their well kept real ales or why not try their Gin Den! Food: A simple yet tasty offering of Toasties if you're peckish.
Kanada-Ya, Piccadilly
With a few others dotted around London, Kanda-Ya's Piccadilly gem is by far our favourite spot with it's small capacity, down to earth dining atmosphere. With a line always outside, this award-winning Japanese Ramen Bar is another excellent place in London to truly taste an authentic Tonkotsu, this time inspired by the small town of Yukuhashi, Fukuoka.
Tip - Drink: A nice selection of Saké's or Whiskies, why not try for an Dijestif! Food: Mostly definitely try their Tonkotsu X.
Gordon's Wine Bar, Charing Cross
Although this picture doesn't do it's justice, Gordon's Wine Bar is one of it's kind located in the heart of the city. This family affair is thought to be the oldest wine bar in London, established in 1890. Dickensian style decor, a candle-lit cave and a wine list that doesn't disappoint this wine bar is a rare find.
Tip - Drink: We'd definitely recommend a Red, their Château Baret Pessac-Leognan Bordeaux is flavoursome. Food: If you're lucky enough to bag yourself a magical table, go all in on their delightful sharing platers.
Caravan City, Bank
Famed for some of the finest coffee beans worldwide which are selected and roasted in the city, Caravan is a special spot for the coffee and brunch lovers. With several around London, City is one of the bigger scaled roasters served as a multi-terraced all-day dining, coffee and cocktail venue with flexible working & events space.
Tip - Drink: Their 'Daily Espresso' blend hits the spot for your caffeine fix. Food: Their Fried Jalapeño cornbread (pictured above) are fabulous.
Banh Bao Brothers, Waterloo
Set within the former railway arches which is now a popular graffiti paradise and dining / drinking hotspot, Banh Bao Brothers merges within it's creative and artsy ambience. It's vivid, intriguing decor is definitely a place to visit and eat a slice of Vietnam.
Tip - Drink: Whatever tickles your fancy, perhaps something special from their cocktail menu. Food: Given the name, you have to try their Bahn Bao's.
Vaulty Towers, Waterloo
Run by the brains behind The Vaults and situated along the edgy, creative spot of Lower Marsh, Vaulty Towers is a fun, vibrant quirky Tavern with colourful theatrical propped decor scattered throughout the venue. Offering a fun selection of activities like 'Quiz Nights', creative cocktails and bar eats as-well DJ's spinning classical tracks, this pub is one to put on your pub crawl lists.
Tip - Drink: A highlight of this Tavern is their seated Treehouse area (pictured above), reserve in advance and grab yourself a tasty Espresso Martini on tap! Food: Gyoza Taco's is a must.
SushiSamba, Liverpool Street
SushiSamba, defines sophistication and authenticity located in the lavish skyscraper, Heron Tower. Situated on the 38th & 39th floor this restaurant boasts impeccable views across the city. With a high-standard restaurant and bar/terrace, SushiSamba caters for every occasion with their unique blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian culture and cuisine.
Tip - Drink: Head to their magical terrace and you'll spot their glowing tree (picture above). Grab a 'Tom Yam' cocktail and enjoy! Food: Green Bean Tempura with Black Truffle Aioli & their Sasa Rolls are to die for.
The Mayor Of Scaredy Cat Town, Liverpool Street
This is most definitely one of the hardest places to find in the city, located beneath the popular brunch spot 'The Breakfast Club'. To get there, you'll need a password to be able to step inside their Smeg fridge door - Mysterious, we know! If you're aware of this secret spot, you'll know it's a magical cozy, candle lit basement bar serving late night drinks and epic tunes.
Tip - Drink: Their 'Scaredy Papa' cocktail will give you a wake up kick! Food: 'The Mayors Weekend Boozy Brunch' is an ace option, offering unlimited cocktails and food by the famed Breakfast Club.
On a side note, although the centre can get hectic theres so many places you'll discover and fall in love, why not be a tourist for the day and join a walking tour to discover all the gems!
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