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The Best Food and Drink in London for Food Lovers

The Best Food and Drink in London for Food Lovers

London is a food lover's paradise, with a dazzling array of cuisines, styles and flavours to suit every taste and budget. Whether you're looking for Michelin-starred dining, cosy gastropubs, traditional British fare, afternoon tea or quirky restaurants, you'll find it all in the capital. Here are some of the best food and drink experiences in London that you shouldn't miss.

Michelin-starred restaurants

If you want to treat yourself to the finest food in London, you can't go wrong with a Michelin-starred restaurant. There are over 70 of them in the city, ranging from one to three stars, and offering everything from French haute cuisine to Indian fusion. Some of the most famous ones include Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Heston Blumenthal's Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Gordon Ramsay's Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and Clare Smyth's Core by Clare Smyth. Be prepared to pay a premium price for these exceptional meals, and book well in advance.

Gastropubs

For a more casual and affordable option, head to one of London's many gastropubs, where you can enjoy hearty and delicious food in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Gastropubs are pubs that serve high-quality food, often with a twist on classic British dishes. Some of the best ones in London include The Harwood Arms, the only Michelin-starred pub in London, The Anchor & Hope, famous for its sharing dishes and seasonal menu, The Bull & Last, renowned for its pies and Sunday roasts, and The Marksman, which won the Michelin Pub of the Year award in 2017.

Traditional British restaurants

If you want to sample some of the most iconic dishes of British cuisine, such as fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd's pie or sticky toffee pudding, you'll find plenty of restaurants in London that serve them with pride and quality. Some of the best ones include Rules, the oldest restaurant in London, which specialises in game and oysters, The Ivy, a celebrity favourite that offers classic British dishes with a touch of glamour, St John, a temple of nose-to-tail eating that celebrates British ingredients and offal, and Simpson's in the Strand, a historic institution that serves roast meats from silver-domed trolleys.

Afternoon tea

No visit to London is complete without indulging in the quintessential British tradition of afternoon tea. This consists of a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes and pastries, and of course, tea. You can find afternoon tea in many hotels, cafes and restaurants in London, but some of the most popular ones include The Ritz, The Savoy, Claridge's and Fortnum & Mason. For something more unusual, you can also try themed afternoon teas, such as Alice in Wonderland at The Sanderson, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at One Aldwych or B Bakery's afternoon tea bus tour.

Quirky restaurants

If you're looking for something more adventurous and fun than your average restaurant, London has plenty of quirky options to choose from. You can dine in the dark at Dans le Noir?, where you'll be served by blind waiters and have no idea what you're eating until you taste it. You can eat among animatronic dinosaurs and tropical plants at Rainforest Cafe, where you'll also experience thunderstorms and waterfalls. You can enjoy a multi-sensory journey through different worlds at Gingerline's immersive dining experiences, where you'll also take part in interactive games and performances. Or you can feast on medieval food while watching knights jousting and acrobats performing at Medieval Banquet.

Hotel Indigo London Paddington

If you're looking for a great place to stay in London that also offers excellent food and drink options, look no further than Hotel Indigo London Paddington. This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Paddington, close to Hyde Park, Oxford Street and many other attractions. It combines modern design with Victorian features, creating a cosy and stylish atmosphere. Each room is individually decorated with vibrant colours and local artwork.

The hotel also boasts an on-site Italian restaurant called Bella Italia. Here you can enjoy authentic Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients and cooked with passion. You can also relax with a drink at the bar or on the Garden Terrace.

Hotel Indigo London Paddington is an ideal choice for food lovers who want to explore the best food and drink in London while staying in a comfortable and convenient location.