Welcome to London – we hope you’re not too fatigued after the first quarter of the fashion merry-go-round in NYC. London is a minefield so why settled for second rate? We’ve pulled out the best of the old and new spots to hang out in London – whether to kick off the heels for the night or nip in for a pitstop.
SE1
Heading to the Topshop Space at the Tate Tanks for Unique, Richard Nicoll, Fashion East or Peter Pilotto shows? It can feel a bit dark and gloomy round those backstreets, but these places will light up your day. And if you’re pouring out of the Tate at 4pm after the Unique show on Sunday you’ll be glad of all the Sunday opening tip-offs you can get!
Baltic
A gorgeous contemporary, whitewashed barn-like space with amber chandeliers cascading from the ceiling. Polish, Swedish dishes on the menu and great vodka cocktails. Open Sundays.
74 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8HA
+44 (0)20 7928 1111
www.balticrestaurant.co.uk
Elliots
British dishes, very seasonal, right in the heart of Borough Market.
12 Stoney St, Borough Market, SE1 9AD
+44 (0)2074037436
www.elliotscafe.com
Lord Clyde
A distinctly untrendy but particularly cosy, endearing traditional local pub. A haven of tranquillity in a Borough sidestreet bookended by Peabody Trust residences, the Lord Clyde is a lived-in home from home for middle-aged regulars and penny-conscious students. Open every day.
27 Clennam Street, London SE1 1ER
+44 (0)20 7407 3397
www.lordclyde.com
Anchor & Hope
This meat paradise has stood the test of time thanks to a relentlessly devoted following. Always busy. Open every day.
36 The Cut, London SE1 8LP
+44 (0)20 7928 9898
Roots & Culture at Skyroom
If your LFW closes with Meadham Kirchoff on the Tuesday book for this nearby unique supper club. Roots & Culture will be perched on a roof in a architectural pavilion. Only Tuesdays.
www.rootsandculture.co.uk
Boot & Flogger
A veritable labyrinth with a beautiful wood-paneled interior and plenty of original charm. Top quality food.
Monday 11am – 9pm Tuesday – Friday 11am – 11pm. Closed Sunday
10-20 Redcross Way, London SE1 1TA
+44(0)207 407 1184
www.davy.co.uk/bootandflogger
Story
London’s hottest new restaurant of the Noma ilk. Book in advance. Closed Sun, Mon.
201 Tooley St London, Greater London SE1 2UE
020 7183 2117
www.restaurantstory.co.uk
Tozino
For darker than dark, gastronomic and bacchanalian pleasure head to Spanish Tozino. Almost medieval in ambience, you’ll find it behind a heavy velvet curtain on Ropewalk, a teeny tiny strip of outstanding bars, restaurants and food sellers. Wed – Sat 5-10pm, Sun 12 – 5pm
Lassco Ropewalk, Maltby St, London SE1 3PA
www.bartozino.com
FEAST
Street food festival FEAST gathers up some of the city’s best traders including Pizza Pilgrims and Caravan and Bob’s Lobster.
The Quadrangle, Guys Hospital, St Thomas Street, SE1 9RT
13-15 September.
www.wefeast.co.uk
Roast
If you’re looking to up the glam stakes, Roast could tick the box, high above the bustle of Borough Market. British food, English wine, London Fashion.
The Floral Hall, Borough Market Stoney St, London SE1 1TL
+44 (0)845 034 7300
www.roast-restaurant.com
Skylon
Nestled in the layers of the Royal Festival Hall you have the choice of a smart restaurant, bar and bistro. Great views across the Thames.
Royal Festival Hall, London SE1 8XX
+44 (0)207 654 7800
www.skylon-restaurant.co.uk
José
Another tiny, corner Iberian gem.
104 Bermondsey Street, London Se1 3UB. Open every day including Sundays til 5.30pm.
+44 (0)20 7403 4902
www.josepizarro.com