Restaurants in London

Famous Notting Hill pub famous for its extraordinary floral display and Churchill memorabilia. Thai restaurant upstairs.

Bombay-style café with house chai, generous small plates, and buzzing atmosphere inspired by old Irani cafés. Expect queues — it's worth it.

London's home of the Cronut — flaky, cream-filled croissant-dough pastry — plus the cookie shot, frozen chocolate eclair, and proper afternoon tea. South Bank location.

Light-filled all-day café in Bermondsey — spelt scones, Scotch eggs, daily roasts, and natural wine. The kind of place locals keep to themselves.

Greenhouse-style restaurant inside the Bloomsbury Hotel — seasonal British sharing plates, great cocktail list, and the terrace is one of London's most photographed. Walk-ins welcome at the bar.

Tiny neighbourhood pub since 1819 — panelled bar, open fire, and a menu of proper British pub food. Mayfair's best-kept secret. No bookings taken.

Simple, honest Turkish-Cypriot café on Chapel Market — meze plates, grilled meat, and Efes beer. Local Camden institution with no tourist gimmicks.

Handmade pasta from the team behind Bridge Eatery — tagliatelle, pappardelle, and filled pasta at counter-service prices. Farringdon's best-value food. Arrive before noon or queue.