Hottest Spots
Best restaurants in London?
By Tina Kumar
London has some of the best restaurants in the world. Quite frankly some of my favourite restaurants are in London because after all London is home. No matter how many places you go to in London, you will always be able to discover new gems in and around the city. My favourites happen to be on the infamous streets of Mayfair. Although Mayfair never gets old, the memories associated with a Mayfair night out always bring happy memories. Maybe it’s the food, or the company, the occasion or perhaps its the impeccable service you end up paying a ton of money for? Whatever it may be, a night out in London is always a night to look forward to. Here are some of my top picks of the best restaurants in London…
Nobu
With the closing down of Nobu Berkeley Street and with Nobu moving to the new Nobu Hotel in Portman Square. The closest Nobu in the West you’ll find is on Park Lane and in the East at the Nobu Hotel in Shoreditch.
Nobu has the finest dishes to offer from exquisite yellowtail sashimi to the popular prawn tempura sushi, my personal favourites. It’s ambience of the restaurant that really puts me at ease whenever I visit. The dishes are well priced and the portion decent sizes. I believe Nobu is particularly goof for a date night or a large family gathering. A diverse environment for a light hearted evening.
Sexy Fish
Sexy Fish has to be one of the finest restaurants in the city; the music in particular is very cool. The food is delicious; however, some of the portions I believe are particularly small but the restaurant redeems itself by offering some of the best sushi in town.
My go to are the prawn gyozas, yellowtail sashimi, crispy pink shrimp and chicken yakitori skewers!
Novikov
With pan asian and Italian restaurants on offer. Novikov has to offer quite a bit. I particularly enjoy the pan asian side, before a concert, for a family dinner or when going for a celebration. Novikov never disappoints with the prawn money bags or har gau dumplings to the rare fresh fish on offer in a wok style dish.
Plus, you can never go wrong with the sweet and sour chicken or the honey and lime chicken with egg fried rice. Simple but with the pan asian fusion this dish is a go to after all the snacks and sushi. The cucumber and avocado sushi is simple and yummy; a great starter for vegetarians. Again, I personally favour the shrimp tempura sushi as always.
You can always head down to their lounge for drinks after dinner to continue the party! It has a very relaxed atmosphere and dimly lit, again for the cute date night vibes.
Hakkasan
Hakkasan seems to be the place where you can go back again and again and you will never get bored. The hot and soup soup with pomelo is great. However, if you want really good hot and sour soup I’d head over to Park Chinois across from Berkeley Square.
In Hakkasan classic dim sum are particularly good because they are colourful - a must try! You must also give the crispy duck salad and the fresh water prawn a go. Hakkasan is restaurant offering succulent flavour so its best to try an array of dishes to find your favourites. Rest assured you won’t be disappointed.
Charlie’s Mayfair
Charlie’s is a great for mid week evening dinner. Located in the heart of Mayfair, this quintessentially English restaurant is a wonderful setting offering the finest of dishes. The pudding is usually best from what’s on offer on the tray.
Sticks n Sushi
This restaurant will not disappoint, located in Convent Garden or the Soho branch, Sticks n Sushi offers some of the most fine dishes offered in the asian cuisine. The portions are small so that you can try a variety of dishes offered on the menu.
The menu is a little complex to read but the variety helps to find your favourites. The price is very good, reasonable and great, yummy food that light up any evening.
The Sun in Splendour, Notting Hill - Sunday Roast
The roast dinner here is some of the best in London. However, know that you might have to wait a while to get a table. Best to book in advance or reserve your place in the queue through a walk in. After your Sunday roast you're free to north and explore the infamous Portobello Road.
Sunday in Notting Hill doesn’t disappoint and the roast at this pub certainly doesn’t.
Art My Heart Out – LONDON Edition
By Jai Joshi
London’s top recommendations of the finest Art Galleries and Institutions. Five recommendations for an avid lover of Contemporary and Modern Art.
1. Royal Academy of Arts (RA)
The RA has been a British institution, celebrating artists for over 250 years. Founded in 1768 by a group of 40 Artists and Architects. Showcasing various Artists with full immersive installations, it not only allows visitors to see Art but to learn and practice the Arts. Former exhibition highlights include Anthony Gormley’s Winter 2019 Exhibition. The gallery is free to visit with special exhibitions at a fee. RA members receive free access to all exhibitions and are allowed to bring a friend. Learn more about the iconic institution here: https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/about-the-ra#who-we-are
2. Tate Modern Gallery
With over 70,000 artworks, from British to Contemporary and Modern, there is no wonder this gallery has made the list. Showcasing art since 1897, it is a symbol of British Art. Former exhibition highlights include Olafur Eliasson the Weather Project. Link: https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/unilever-series/unilever-series-olafur-eliasson-weather-project-0
3. House of Fine Art (HOFA)
Specialists in Contemporary and Modern Art, whilst cultivating international and upcoming talent is what they are known for. Showcasing selected artists in global glamourous gallery locations. From Los Angeles to Mykonos. Check them out: https://thehouseoffineart.com
4. CHRISTIE’S
Do Post-War & Contemporary Art excite your appetite? Head down to CHRISTIE’S to view only the finest of works. As an auction house, they have been leading this category for over a decade. Paintings sold include the likes of Andy Warhol to Jeff Koons. Be sure to pay them a visit. Please note to check their website, prior visiting when their open views are held. As auctions are private and by invitation only. More information can be found on their website: https://www.christies.com/?sc_lang=en&lid=1
5. Serpentine Galleries
The darling of London, located in Kensington Gardens consisting of the Serpentine Gallery and Serpentine Sackler Gallery. Champions of contemporary art since 1970. The newly refurbished Serpentine Sackler gallery was designed by famous architects Zaha Hadid. Totally worth a visit. Former exhibitions include Henry Moore and Damien Hirst. Perfect to visit during those warm summer afternoons. https://www.serpentinegalleries.org
The Waterway
By Tina Kumar
Discover The Waterway, a hidden gem in Little Venice, London. The drinks range from a variety of delicious cocktails, along with a selection of jugs to share. The Waterway is a great place for dining or just for drinks. I would call it a perfect place for a date or a family dinner on a Sunday. As for coming with friends you can sit outside to enjoy drinks al fresco or with a bigger group you can move inside for a bit more of a cosy-feel. The cuisine is English with roast chicken, burgers, steak, salads and interesting appetisers like halloumi popcorn. I would really recommend the cocktails and even mocktails for those who prefer to steer clear of alcohol. This a place you’ll want to come back again and again. If it’s your first time there I suggest you make a reservation for the terrace because it gets fully booked very quickly! Enjoy…
Insta @thewaterwayw9
The Waterway, 54 Formosa Street, London W9 2JU
The Prince London
By Tina Kumar
The Prince London is situated at a 5 minute walk from Earl’s Court station, close to the Chelsea and Fulham area. This unique spot is perfect for Friday and Saturday evenings. A rather large venue with some delicious drinks. The jugs go for about £32 - Pimms included! With normal drinks and cocktails around the £10 mark. If you are looking for a spot in London to go clubbing but to also not go clubbing The Prince is ideal. With music loud and a great buzz amongst a leafy green environment. You can be sure to have a fun night out! There are tables and reservations are advised. You can also walk in but you may have to wait in the queue sometimes. The Prince also has a variety of food options but you have go up to the various spots in order/collect it’s all a bit chilled. A relaxed environment but with the vibes to match the unique ambience of the party scene. The venue welcomes large groups, you can sit/dance and have an all round good time.
For more info visit their insta page @theprincelondon
14 Lillie Road, London, SW6 1TT
The Paternoster - St Paul’s
By Tina Kumar
In the midst of the summer and with a very close to a ‘back to normal’ situation; it could be hopeful that back to work in offices everyday will resume very soon. With that in mind I wanted to share with you a great coffee spot or for an after work drinks location in the heart of the city.
The Paternoster pub sits next to St Paul’s station and amongst the many premium fast food takeaways, it’s the perfect cosy place to go to in the busy City environment before London returns full to the going into the office everyday like before Covid. Currently, some offices have suggested that people go into work 3x a week and this could very much be the gradual return to work. This location gives a rather homely feel amongst a serious atmosphere. The pub has great choices of drinks from cocktails to beers and coffees. With a selection of food that will not disappoint. It not only accommodates small groups but if you are looking to go with a big group there’s more than enough space for everyone.
If you are looking for your next hang out spot on a Friday or Thursday evening this would be the place to host!
Insta page @thepaternosterpub
The Paternoster, near St Paul’s Cathedral, 2-4 Queen’s Head Passage, Paternoster Square, EC4M 7DZ