18/09/2026
Ok, so in part this is a nostalgia post (I haven’t been to London since June), an excitement post (I’m en route to London as we speak) but also, maybe a useful post because I get asked by so many Frenchies about my favourite places to eat + drink in London all the time.
However, I feel I should make some caveats to this post:
1. This is the tiniest snapshot EVER + misses out a hundred more wonderful places run by even more wonderful people.
2. For those who don’t know, you choose a North London or South London camp when you move to London. Bar some misspent months in 2012, I am a North London gal, therefore my NL bias is strong.
3. This weekend was created for a French man who came with me to London (+ who is now, of course, dead to me 😉) but who loves meat + b**r, and who HAD NEVER BEEN TO LONDON!!!
So, all-in-all, think of this as a starter pack to London eating + drinking, with a very small spattering of culture thrown in there, as seen through the eyes of a relatively broke former London sommelier + restaurant-kid.
Featuring:
🇬🇧 St. JOHN Restaurant - a non-negotiable for all
🇹🇷 Mangal 1 - bring your own drinks + eat bbq’d sweatbreads as I do every time I’m back in town
🎨 Tate - to douse yourself in culture + enjoy the South Bank London
🍸 CLARIDGE’S - sexy cocktails in an iconic 5* hotel
🍻There is nothhhhhhing like a British pub - Founders Arms Lamb & Flag The Southampton Arms NW5
🍷You’ll find all the hospitality kids at The 10 Cases + their sister restaurant across the road Parsons
🇲🇾 One of my most memorable recent meals was the very badass Malaysian MAMBOW
💦 Last but not least, for the most British experience, get your pale as over to Hampstead Heath for a swim in the ponds
A big, friendly British cheers 🍻
