Culinary delights in the city
Culinary delights
Situated just a stones throw away from the hotel in London’s Square Mile, the Bloomberg Arcade is a pedestrianised public art and foodie haven featuring nine eateries with cuisine from around the world, including Caravan which celebrates all-day dining with a menu that combines signature favourites with new creations, showcasing flavours from all around the world whilst serving house-roasted craft coffee. It’s sunny terrace makes it the perfect spot for brunch and after work drinks. Or if you’d prefer something spiced try Brigadiers. This critically acclaimed Indian is inspired by the army mess bars of the country, it focusses on big, bold flavours cooked over an open fire. You’ll also find classic Nordic cooking at Ekte, delicious handmade pasta at Lina Stores, and Japanese flavours at the ever popular Koya, whose signature noodles are famous across the city.
For a classically British experience, from a full English shared with London cabbies, to that Cockney stalwart of smoked eels, look no further than one of the city’s legendary markets which bustle with traders selling a fantastic array of food and drink. Since the Sixties, the family-run Maria’s Market Café in Borough Market has been serving the best bubble and squeak and mugs of tea in London. Or if coffee is your preference Monmouth Coffee has some of the best in town, with a regularly rotating choice of beans and brews, accompanied by delicious pastries.
London is a cultural melting pot, and there are also incredible options for anyone wanting to try an eclectic mix of bold, international flavours. Bao serves up pillowy soft Chinese buns from their Borough Market location, Rambutan boasts fiery Sri Lankan flavours, and kolae (the sister restaurant of Som Saa) delivers on an authentic Thai experience. We absolutely recommend you sit at the bar to watch the kitchen in full swing.
Borough Market also has a host of exceptional wine bars, including Elliot’s and Vinoteca, which also serve fantastic food. Head further east and beneath the cobblestones of Leadenhall Victorian market is Beadles, a wine bar which hosts tastings and private events. If you’d like to pick up something to accompany a bottle at home, there’s also Cheese at Leadenhall, offering over 200 cheeses from Britain and Europe.
Occupying several floors, Eataly is a gourmand’s haven. Situated in Liverpool Street, it boasts a truly spectacular array of produce. You can easily spend hours getting lost exploring the very best ingredients and sampling the wine and cooking in one of the five excellent restaurants and bars that call Eataly home.
In a city bustling with great dining options, Hawksmoor has a formidable reputation – and for good reason. Their award-winning restaurants serve up some of the best steak in the city, and one of its most impressive roast dinners. Their grass-fed, native-breed, 35 day aged beef is a must try, and for those wanting a tipple, there’s an exceptional cocktail bar where you can sip a martini or two pre or post dinner. For seafood lovers there’s Sweetings on Queen Victoria Street, the oldest fish restaurant in the city, where you can enjoy the very best oysters and lobster.
Enjoy dinner while taking in sweeping views of the city at London’s highest garden. Sky Garden located on the 43rd floor of the city’s famous ‘walkie talkie’ it’s floor to ceilings windows offer panoramic views as you dine on modern British fare and expertly crafted cocktails. Whatever the time of day or occasion, this is a must for anyone looking to experience London at a whole new height.
