After reading Rachel Phipps’ post on the
‘10 London Restaurants and Cafes I Can’t Wait to Eat At’ I noticed some of the places on her list appeared on my own. In London there’s a lot of choice when deciding where to dine out and I often go to places I know rather than somewhere new which I’d like to change. Reading restaurant reviews, magazines and tweets I made a mental note of the places I want to go and since then added more. The majority of restaurants consist of new eateries and cult favourites and the menus are full of fast food, so I guess I’ll have to make sure I space out my visits.
Burger and Lobster (various locations)
Photo: Burger & Lobster
Burger and Lobster now have four locations in London, Mayfair, Soho, City and Farringdon and I still haven’t managed to eat in one. I know my friends are interested in going so all we need is a date and boom I’m there. The menu is pretty straight forward Burger, lobster or lobster roll all with chips and salad at £20 which is a reasonable price. With such a simple menu you’d think it would be easy to make a choice but just thinking about it I want to try both. I’ll have to go more than once or hope someone I go with takes a different option so I can try all they have on offer.
The Rum Kitchen (Notting Hill)
Photo: The Rum Kitchen
The first time I heard about The Rum Kitchen was when I read a review on Just Opened London, it seemed like my kind of place – Caribbean cuisine + rum = a happy Bee. I wanted to go there for my birthday meal but when I requested a reservation the place was all booked up. That’s why it’s still on my list. Having family from Jamaica I know there’s no better food than home cooked rice and peas and chicken but I love visiting Caribbean restaurants too, just to soak up the lively atmosphere and good vibes. Looking at The Rum Kitchen’s menu online I’m particularly drawn to the Jerk chicken wings, chocolate rum cake with choc sauce and extensive list of cocktails with hints of rum all around.
Bea’s of Bloomsbury (various locations)
Photo: Bea's of Bloomsbury
Cupcakes, cakes, sweets and pastries I can’t get enough. Afternoon tea and brunch have become less formal and make a fun alternative to lunch or dinner with friends. I’d like to try afternoon tea at Bea’s of Bloomsbury because the cakes look so delicious and the choice of sweet treats goes beyond the classic afternoon tea choice. When I go I’ll definitely take a slice of carrot cake to go.
Honest Burgers (Brixton and Soho)
Photo: Honest Burgers
It was a bad idea to write this post up at a time when I was feeling hungry. Looking at the mouth-watering meals from Honest Burgers didn't help. This is one of many British burger joints on the list that I have yet to visit, having read a couple of reviews from this eatery I’m worried that there’s no perfect time to go as it’s always busy and there will be a queue. Nevertheless it’s still my mission to tuck into one of the plump beef burgers that are encased in toasted glazed buns. YUM!
Bond & Brook (Mayfair)
Photo: Bond & Brook
My dream scenario would be to go on a shopping spree through Oxford Street and then refuel with lunch at Bond & Brook before hitting more stores. The restaurant operated by Rhubarb and can be found on the second floor of department store Fenwick on New Bond Street. I like the boutique exterior of the restaurant here, it looks really light and chic which makes it inviting. The restaurant serves brunch and afternoon tea menus as well as main courses and dessert. This would be great location for a glam lunch with friends or your mum or grandma.
Cottons Rhumshack (Shoreditch)
Photo: Cottons Rhumshack
Cottons have opened in a new location at Boxpark to bring the Caribbean sunshine to Shoreditch. This looks like the perfect place to enjoy atmosphere, food and drink the newly opened venue has hosted soca nights and happy hour with samba dancers so it seems there will be lots more fun events coming up. Much like The Rum Kitchen, Cottons has a laid back island exterior decorated like a beach shack. This will probably be the only way for me to experience the holiday vibe this season. As a pop up this restaurant is high on my list to visit, I think it’s only at Boxpark for the summer so I had better get there quick.
Patty & Bun (Marylebone)
Photo: Patty & Bun
P&B started off as just a pop up appearing at The Doodle Bar in Battersea and The Endurance on Berwick Street. Now it’s a permanent fixture right in the heart of central London, nicely tucked away on St James Street just off of Oxford Street. The thing that attracts me to P&B is how much sauce there is on the burgers, judging from the menu there’s lots variation (‘Lambshank Redemption’ burger - hello) and they have sides and desserts on offer too.
La Bodega Negra (Soho)
Photo: La Bodega Negra
I love Mexican food and La Bodega Negra serves Mexican street food so it’s a match made in heaven. I’d like to try the tacos, quesadilla and churros and see how they compare with other places I’ve tried them at. La Bodega Negra has a Mexican taqueria and café upstairs and an underground tequila cellar bar (nice). Being in Soho it’s no surprise that the restaurant access is through a sex shop around the corner but I’ve heard once you’re inside you can drink yourself happy with their huge selection of tequila.
Wishbone (Brixton)
Photo: Wishbone
When I eventually visit Brixton Market I will be sure to stop by Wishbone before I leave for some fried chicken to satisfy my food craving. I’ve read some reviews that were mixed so it would be good to decipher my own opinion. Looking at the menu it seems pretty straight forward with variations of chicken cuts and spices, the sides on offer are interesting too. I hear the Thai chicken thighs hit the spot so I’ll give those a go alongside the deep friend mac’ n’cheese.
Bubbledogs (Fitzrovia)
Photo: Katherine Poole
Last year I close to making a visit to the newly opened Bubbledogs restaurant for a friend’s birthday meal. However when we arrived the queue was over an hour’s wait and none of us could hold out for food for that long. I have yet to return and since then I’ve good things about the champagne and hotdog eatery. It makes a nice alternative to other posh-junk food venues and is in a central so it’s easy to pop by in you’re in town.
What London restaurants would you like to visit?
Bianca x
