I grew up and lived just outside London until I was in my 30’s. I’m lucky enough that I still get to visit both on business, as well as to catch-up with friends fairly often.
The following is my “go to” list if you are visiting London and want some suggestions! I’ll add to it every couple of months with new finds and updates (or try to anyway!).
Hotels
- Conrad St James is my London “home from home” when I’m there on my own dime (frugality would never get this one past our travel policy!). It’s a lovely location just by St James’s Park tube, 15min walk from my favorite bars in Mayfair, and close enough to the Royal Parks and the River Thames for a nice weekend run.
Bars
- Discount Suit Company is a cool tailor’s stockroom that has been turned into a speakeasy style cotkail bar. Great modern twists and classics.
- The Crown and Shuttle is a nice pub just down one of my offices in London. Nice relaxed atmosphere, and a good range of beers (which changes every couple of months).
- The Surprise cracking Chelsea pub with good range of beers and nice food. Off the beaten track so typically more local!
- The Grenadier small pub on a back street near Buckingham Palace. Full of history and good for some alfresco beers in the summer!
- The Wilton Arms just around the corner from The Grenadier, this is a lovely pub for Sunday lunch (or a beer any other day of the week!).
- The Market Tavern is a great pub in Shepherds Market in Mayfair (one of my favourite areas of London). Good all year round, but really love it on a nice warm day for some drinks outside as the world goes by!
- Dukes Hotel is THE place to go for an amazing Gin Martini in London. So good, they only let you have two of them!
- Electric Shuffle is a great place to go with friends or colleagues for a game of Shuffleboard with a drink or some food. Couple of locations in London (one by London Bridge, the other by Canary Wharf). Good fun!
Food
- Blacklock is a great chop house / steak restaurant. However where they really excel is their Sunday Lunch where you can go “all in” and have a selection of meats to share! Venues across London, however the original in Soho is my favorite!
- El Pirata is a amazing tapas restaurant in Mayfair. Considering it’s location it isn’t too pricy. The food is amazing. The service so welcoming. The cocktails are lethal!
- Dirty Bones does the best fried chicken in London! Couple of venues across London, however the Shoreditch location is my favorite.
- Mango Indian is a great indian resturant not too far from London Bridge station / Borough Market. Really good wine selection as well (including one of my favourites - The Federalist).
- Kitty Fisher’s Mayfair is a lovely British restaurant in a cozy dimly lit space on Shepherd’s Market.
- Pizza Pilgrims is a great casual spot for delicious pizzas and drinks. Locations across London.
- Smith & Wollensky is a US import steakhouse. Tasty food, amazing cocktails and a great wine selection.