Our Neighbourhood Heroes.

This warm and welcoming brasserie startled life as a pub. Not just any old pub – Winston Churchill himself used to hide out here with a cheeky pint, long before it blossomed into a much loved local restaurant. Here you’ll find elegant Art Nouveau interiors, lovingly integrated into the original 19th century architecture, alongside classic French cuisine with plenty of gastronomic flair.

According to our CEO, Guy, there’s no better way to start the day than a bracing dip in the Serpentine, the river-like lake that runs through Hyde Park. There’s a lido for public swimming and the brilliant Lido Café is right on the waterfront – ideal for a big post-plunge breakfast and a view of the park.

This grab-and-go coffee spot is styled on a traditional Victorian shop and is a cosy place to caffeinate with just 6 seats. Start the day with their fresh pastries or grab one of their famed toasties for lunch, with a cup of “well-mannered coffee” of course. In keeping with the boutique format, the store also sell oils, jams and preserves, alongside beans from The Gentlemen Baristas roastery.

When you step inside this gorgeous Grade II listed building, you won’t believe it lay empty for years. Now it’s a stunning indoor food market under a brand new glass roof, with space for 500 to sit and sample the goodies on offer, from Taiwanese bao to some of the best pizza in town.

Starting off as a market stall run by a husband and wife and their passion for great baking, Trove is now bigger and better than ever. All the bread and pastries are utterly delicious, with no artificial additives and as many organic, locally sourced ingredients as possible. The breakfasts are legendary, particularly the merguez one.

A coffee lover’s café, Ezra & Gil prides itself on the quality of its brews, ground and roasted right here in Manchester. But, with a friendly, communal feel and deliciously varied menu, it’s far more than a coffee shop. Don’t miss the little provisions section – it’s perfect for stocking up on fruit, veg and cupboard items for your apartment.

Step off Peter Street, straight into Bavaria. A converted barn full of beer taps, it’s run by people who take their lager very seriously. In fact, every week they make the 1,500 mile round trip to the Urquell brewery in Prague to fill their tanks with the real deal. If you’re peckish after your pint, place an order with the Cook Haus – you won’t be disappointed.

Whether you’re just dipping your toe into the world of ales or you’re a card-carrying CAMRA member, a visit to the Oast House is a must. Their Ale Inventory includes everything from IPA and lager to Trappist and dark varieties, so be ready for a proper world tour of all things brewed.

Credit card need a bit of exercise? Less than 15 minutes from your apartment is the famous Arndale Centre, home to over 200 shops, boutiques, eateries and cafés. It’s right in the heart of town, with plenty of transport options, so if you buy too much to carry, you can always get ferried home.

This striking Grade II listed building has lived many lives – Royal Exchange, Second World War casualty and now glorious hub of Mancunian theatre. A far cry from the compact theatres of London, the space here is huge and awe inspiring. Catch a classic, like William Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams or Oscar Wilde, or explore some of the great new writing that the Exchange embraces.

Welcome to five extraordinary listed buildings, filled with incredible exhibits that tell the story of British science and industry like only Manchester can. The permanent collection covers subjects ranging from social history, costume and textiles to aviation and the decorative arts, not to mention the brilliant exhibitions held every year. All this and more, with free entry for all. Thank you, Manchester.

Founded by brothers Dan and Tom Lowe in 2013, these guys know a thing or two about beer and their attention to detail is second to none. With over 20 taps at the bar, get your hands on their Flagship faves, Adventure Series specials and Pioneer Series small batch beers. Cheers to that!

In the hip foodie hub of Finnieston, this popular restaurant has added a new dimension to eating out in Glasgow with its relaxed, sharing concept of contemporary dining. Expect simple, seasonal and ingredient-led menus which combine big, bold flavours with global influences. Plus, they’ve got a cracking wine list.

Glide downstairs from your Glasgow pied-à-terre and find yourself in what was once Anchor Line’s first class booking office, now the stunning Anchor Line Restaurant & Bar. Inspired by the transatlantic opulence of old ocean liners and full of modern twists on the building’s heritage, it’s where you’ll find the best of Scottish produce with plenty of flair from both sides of the Atlantic.

Prepare yourself for Glasgow’s best French cuisine, right downstairs in your own aparthotel. This cool and contemporary restaurant takes a fresh perspective on Gallic classics like escargots, French onion soup and moules frîtes, along with a brilliant rotisserie for the juiciest roast chicken you’ve ever had, and live jazz at the weekends.

Just a hop, skip and a jump from your apartment is a truly outstanding Scottish restaurant that puts real heart into showcasing the best of the country’s produce and championing local suppliers. From rich, soul-soothing Scottish comfort food to zingy Thai curries and Moroccan inspired delicacies, sumptuous afternoon tea to out-of-this-world cocktails, there’s something to delight everyone at the table.

Just ten minutes from your apartment is Kurobuta, a London take on an Izakaya (Japanese pub), with rock’n’roll on the stereo, a laid back atmosphere and delectable menus from breakfast to bar snacks. It’s an airy, elegant space when the sun’s up, and warm, intimate and effortlessly trendy in the evening. You might even want to stay all day.

Tibits is fresh, delicious and easy going, a real go-to for veggies and vegans thanks to the large selection of salads, hot dishes and desserts available. It’s a great all-dayer; for long breakfasts, after work drinks or a leisurely meal. You pay by weight, so you can take as much or as little as you like and what’s even better is that you can order it all to-go.

If you’re in the mood for something seriously special, head to The Gannet, an elegant Three Rosette restaurant in achingly hip Finnieston. Here you’ll find mouth-watering menus of bona fide seasonal Scottish produce, cleverly put together by some of the country’s savviest chefs. Think perfectly prepared Perthshire pigeon, zingy Shetland herring and sumptuous cheeseboards from Glasgow’s most famous cheesemonger.

Tucked away under an arch, this brilliant little restaurant is one of the best places in the city for a touch of Tel Aviv. Sit at the bar to feel the flames on your face, and don’t hold back on the delicious cocktails. We tried most of the menu and there wasn’t a dud one among them.

A taste of Malaysia in Glasgow’s Southside. Julie Macleod, MasterChef contestant and one of the city’s brightest culinary sparks, cooking vibrant, lovingly prepared dishes passed down from her mother. It’s a tiny place and there’s no booking, so be ready to join the waiting list and relax somewhere else with a drink – trust us, it’s well worth it.

Haggis bon-bon, anyone? Tuck into some real Scottish dishes, many with a modern twist but most like mam used to make. The friendly staff are happy to recommend their favourites if you’re new to the cuisine and the place is surrounded by the bars and pubs of Merchant Square, so it’s the perfect pit stop on a night out.

The best cocktails in the city are to be found here, along with a chilled vibe and oh-so-trendy surroundings. The heart of Glaswegian café culture since 1896, The Kelvingrove Café serves craft concoctions of nifty things like amaro, cacao and fortified wine. It’s worth jostling for a seat at the bar, and plump for an Old Fashioned – you won’t regret it.

This area is packed with brilliant bars and eateries, but our favourite has to be Bungo Bar. Classic mixes meet seasonal cocktails and there’s even a barrel aged collection that’ll blow you away. The cosy, carefree atmosphere and great service make it difficult to leave, though it’s perfect to pop into on any visit to the Southside.

Although we’ve recommended this gaff for the street food market alone, you’ll want to allow enough time to explore. Sprawling across 7 railway arches, there’s live music, art, vintage markets, events and pop ups galore. We could happily stay here all day and night without a hint of a yawn.

For art lovers who prefer to shun the crowds and larger exhibitions of the Tate Modern next door, then Bankside Gallery provides a welcome alternative. A calm oasis opened by the Queen in 1980 it holds niche exhibitions and is open seven days a week, so there’s no excuse not to pop in and have a gander.

Free fact for you – Shakespeare’s original London theatre was actually in Shoreditch, but the landmark he’ll forever be associated with is on our doorstep. Built in 1587, there are regular productions of his greatest works including Much Ado About Nothing.

Found in an old metal box factory, everything in this place has a story – including the eclectic artwork. And they celebrate British seasonal ingredients which gets a bit tick from us. Mark’s Bar is hidden downstairs with sunken bar, cinema-style seating and cocktails to knock your socks off.

What could be more quintessentially Scottish than taking in over 450 years of brewing brilliance? Tennent’s offers a terrific tour of its Wellpark Brewery in the East End, where you’ll find out everything you need to know about the brews and the memorably wacky advertising that makes Tennent’s a household name.

The last few years have seen this city blossom into colour, with breath-taking murals hiding around corners on the gable ends of abandoned buildings. Explore all four corners of Glasgow by following this spectacular art trail and keep your eyes peeled for the flying taxi, the three-storey panda and the city’s real patron saint, Billy Connolly.

If you like your pubs as much as we do (no judgement here) then you’re going to love this one. This National Trust owned beauty is the only surviving galleried London coaching Inn, and has been established on the site since medieval times serving pretty much every classic pub dish.

NME calls it “quite possibly the finest small venue in the world” and Glasgow heartily agrees. Some of the globe’s biggest bands have rocked its four walls, including Oasis, Radiohead and Coldplay, just to name a few – you can see the rest on the venue’s Steps of Fame. You’ll have an unforgettable night, whether you’re moshing with the band or cosied up in the downstairs bar.

This mecca for wine lovers is well worth a trip to stock up on supplies. Their handpicked range contains 300 wines including organic offerings and they also have a handy refill service for those planning a few visits. For the ultimate cheese and wine party pop next door to Blackwood’s Cheese Company.

There’s more than one way to skin a cat – or get to get to the top of western Europe’s tallest building. So, avoid the queues and instead head up, quite literally, to Aqua Shard on the 31st floor. Perfect for date night, and for the boys there’s quite a view from the bathroom.

Go here for the ultimate British experience. An institution in its own right, this old world, old money establishment has an overflow of memorabilia on every surface and hanging on the walls and ceiling. The story is that a guest gave a barman a carving of an American eagle, and this was followed by an eskimo until you have the word of today.

Downstairs to Claude’s Kitchen is this cosy brick-walled champagne bar buzzing with live music at the weekends. Something of a Parson’s Green institution, they have over 40 bottles of bubbles to choose from, so it won’t be long ‘til you’re taking to the dancefloor and sampling some of their delicious cocktails too.

Michelin starred seafood in Moorgate, er, hello! Situated at the top of the South Place Hotel this restaurant does a mean trade in sustainable seafood from British waters, the dishes also happen to be picture perfect so that helps! Instagram foodies, fill your boots.

Even for a Londoner, discovering Apsley House is akin to unearthing a hidden gem. The London townhouse on the corner of Hyde Park is home to the Dukes of Wellington, with the current Duke living in modest accommodation at the rear of the Grade I listed building. Sometimes referred to as the Wellington Museum, the house is now run by English Heritage and is open to the public as a museum and art gallery.

So, you may need to wait to get your hands on these delicious steamed milk buns but boy, are they worth it. These Taiwanese snacks come with a variety of fillings from fried chicken to lamb and the good news is they serve Taiwanese lager to you while you queue. Winner.

A branch of the Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington, the Museum of Childhood is home to one of the world’s finest collections of children’s toys, doll’s houses, games, and costumes – the museum has been amassing childhood-related objects since 1872. With lots of hands-on stuff for kids, the café helps revive adults downstairs.

The green oasis in the middle of Liverpool Street was opened by Clive Watson, co-founder of London hotspots The Garrison and Riding House Café. Best spot in the house as far as we’re concerned is at the bar at the end of the open kitchen where you really feel a part of the action. Toasty.

‘Traditional Scottish restaurant with whisky and oyster bar’ is the slightly intimidating top line for this restaurant, but once you get your head around the haggis, oysters and 7oz Tournedos fillet steak that’s on the same menu – we reckon you’ll have a grand old time. Even if you’re not a live music fan you’re likely to enjoy it here. Sláinte!

Opened in 2015 by ex-Goldman Sachs trader Rohit Chugh, this restaurant focuses on Indian Street cooking including Dhal Fry and Shakarkandi Chaat – a traditional dish with chick pea, sweet potato, tamarind and mint yoghurt. The venue also includes a Toddy Shop, which trades from breakfast onwards, and the Dining Room that offers a dinner menu from 17.30. You’ll be spoilt for choice here.

Offering over 50 soft hard and soft French cheeses, this is actually one of a very small chain of three specialising in, well, cheese and champagne. Bringing ‘rustic fare and fizz to London’ the concept may seem simple but it really works. It’s small so try to book ahead and don’t be put off by the faux-rustic feel.

If you love an old-school pub then let us introduce you to the little gift that is the Cross Keys. It’s everything you could ever want from a proper boozer – dirt cheap pints, dry roasted peanuts, homemade ham sandwiches and a facade covered in foliage, now, who said that heaven wasn’t a place on earth?

Okay, so an enclosed garden in the middle of Canary Wharf might not be quite what you’re expecting but thanks to this 300-metre enclosed space above Crossrail it’s a surprising delight. Working in partnership with the Space Theatre to deliver a summer programme of performance, they are open to the public until 21.00 daily.

A weird one, this one. Part museum, part immersive experience. Dennis Severs’ House offers visitors the chance to step back in time into perfectly preserved surroundings and a “still-life drama” created as a “historical imagination” of what life would have been like inside for a family of Huguenot silk weavers.

If ‘spirited sophistication’ is your bag then Dirty Martini Minories might be the bar for you. Having just undergone a £1.2m refurbishment to transform into a slick but also very affordable drinking den for city types looking to let their hair down.

In the shadow of the Gherkin is The Alchemist – an experimental cocktail bar serving concoctions you simply won’t see anywhere else. Drinks are served in copper kettles, refillable hip flasks and teacups, to name but a few. Our particular favourite is the Pot O’ Gold – a bright, punchy brew of gin, rhubarb and pink grapefruit with boozy pineapple jelly.

The most authentic Italian cuisine in the City can be found at Caravaggio’s, a local stalwart since Pavarotti himself hosted its opening in 1996. Upmarket but unstuffy, the restaurant has breathed new life into a former banking hall and the surroundings are as elegant as the sumptuous dishes and fine wines at your table.

This glorious glass-ceilinged arcade of fancy shops doesn’t feel much like a market now, but it’s been one since the 1^st Century. It was once the very centre of Roman London – one of the largest markets in Europe and bigger than Trafalgar Square. Today, it’s perfect for both marvelling at its beauty and treating oneself to a spot of retail therapy.

At first glance, The Dragon Bar might not look like anything to write home about but this drinking den is part of the Shoreditch establishment. Originally located on Leonard Street, the bar moved to its current home in 2016 but thankfully retained the sawdust floor vibes it had become so popular for. Yee hah!

Every now and again a restaurant opens that attracts rave reviews from all that visit – Frenchie is one of them, when it first opened in 2016 reservations were like gold dust – now, things are slightly easier. The food is delicious, but a word of warning – it’s quite pricey, and erm, cosy!

Don’t miss the opportunity to discover over 1300 years of British history at this historic Grade I listed house and garden. Home to the Bishop of London since 704, there is a great events programme with talks, tours and concerts on all year round.

Jellied eels and custard mince beef might not be everyone’s cup of tea but if you want a Greenwich tradition then you’ve got one right here. Founded in 1890 the shop had a brief break between 2006 and 2012 for the founders great-grandchildren to try their hands at other things, it is now re-open to pie lovers’ delight.

Okay, we’re not going to lie. This one’s at the top end of the price bracket that we’d recommend but if you’re looking for somewhere special then this could be the one. Gymkhana is a Raj-era Anglo-Indian sports club serving fine Indian cuisine, which is an experience in itself. Fill your boots.

The latest restaurant offering from superstar chef Ollie Dabbous also has a mean line in cocktails – the establishment is backed by the guys from the Experimental Cocktail Club – with a menu is conceived by ‘drink historians’ Jared Brown & Anistatia Miller. Drink Up!

The fashion bunch are a fickle lot but the magazine editor’s new restaurant of choice, Isabel’s, is seriously worth a visit. Bringing some much-needed action to Albemarle Street the venue’s hot, the interiors on point and owner Juan Santa Cruz, an impossibly good-looking silver fox. Winning.

This French fine dining restaurant is nestled within the Four Seasons Hotel. Awarded one star in the 2018 Michelin Guide, the chef Anne-Sophie Pic, is something of a big deal who in 2011 was named World’s Best Female Chef by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Billing itself as a modern public house the Lady Abercorn is the newest addition to Liverpool Street. With wood panelled walls its big USP is that they serve a daily roast with bottomless Yorkshire puddings and a menu of both traditional and unique gravies. Where do we sign?

The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), is the oldest of London’s symphony orchestras, founded in 1904 they perform over 120 concerts a year and were named by Gramophone as one of the top five orchestras in the world. They’re running with the millennials too with their own YouTube, Instagram, twitter and Facebook accounts. Modern.

A modern building from the outside but with a traditional auditorium theatre space inside, the story goes that in 1966 after losing funding and having to close the local community were so determined to keep the historic architecture that they took it down, piece by piece, and saved it for when money came by to put it back together.

If feasting and sharing (or ‘Salo Salo’ to those in the know) sounds appealing, this Filipino gem will definitely float your boat. Open for lunch and dinner, the tapas style dishes designed by head chef Jonathan Villar are mouth-watering. What’s more, they have private dining rooms to book and a fab cocktail menu with over 120 Sakes to work your way through.

Alastair Hook set up Meantime in Greenwich in 1999, way before every pub on the block had a bespoke ale menu. Now, his beer is available all over the world but there’s something quite special about sipping a pint just a few metres away for where it was brewed, and they serve food too. Drink up!

If you fancy venturing towards Chelsea, this little spot on the King’s Road ticks a lot of boxes. A healthy all day brunch menu with gluten free options and serious smoothies, a Mediterranean grill in the evening catering for both the carnivores and veggies amongst us, and daily offers that shouldn’t be sniffed at.

This buzzy restaurant specialises in a Spanish and North African take on tapas and has proven a hit with locals and visitors alike. The open style communal dining in an expanse of polished concrete and large windows is pretty easy on the eyes and they serve cava on tap. What more could you ever wish for?  

We’ll be honest with you here, this museum is sometimes unfairly overlooked. Sure, the history of the English capital city from prehistoric to modern times might be a snooze fest for some but the museum had the largest urban history collection in the world with more than six million objects and boasts over one million visitors a year.

Situated in an old warehouse this family friendly museum is the eastern most outpost of the Museum of London and tells the history of London’s River Thames and the growth of the Docklands. Boasting a cafe and restaurant it also contains the Mudlarks Gallery where children under the age of eight can really let off steam. Praise be!

Spread across three rooms, this Italian fine dining restaurant is courtesy of the Michelin starred chef Gonzalo Luzarraga. We love the unusual flavours that are inspired by his travels around the world, and the creative presentation.

Sabor is the hot new joint from the former exec chef of Barrafina, which anyone who has any knowledge of London restaurants will know is really bloody brilliant. The news that she was leaving to set up shop alone was met by some with disappointment but her new joint along with Nieves Barragan Mochacho serving up regional Spanish food has delighted all.

Step inside this ode to millennial pink for a cocktail or the perfect afternoon tea moment. The Gallery, re-modelled by India Mahdavi is one of the stand-out drinking parlours in London, akin to stepping back in time to 50’s New York.

Slightly out on a limb as far as the cultural compass is concerned, The Barbican Centre has a history of delivering some seriously impressive exhibitions. Its recent Basquiat exhibition was a sell-out success and previous hits have included a retrospective of Jean-Paul Gaultier. Make sure to check what’s on here while you’re in town.

This 275-year old-pub has been re-opened as the go-to drinking establishment for trendy folk by restauranteurs Zoe and Layo Paskin. Keeping the ground floor as an original pub where ‘time will slip by’ the duo have turned upstairs into The Mulwray — a cocktail bar decorated in dark velvets and marble. Ooh, la la.

As well as one seriously impressive atrium the British Museum can also boast to be one of the world’s oldest museums – first opening its doors in 1759 – and a not too shabby collection of over 8 million objects, which are regularly rotated. It’s also a great spot to take afternoon tea in its Court Cafe.

The Counting House is a grand old Victorian bank hall turned into a pub. With its high ceiling, ornate decoration and island it’s a pretty grand setting in which to sink a pint. Its run by Fullers so don’t expect anything too fancy, but you’ll still manage to find something to your fancy on the menu.

On the banks of The Thames with a gorgeous tree-filled garden, this iconic pub has something for everyone. A relaxed lounge bar? Tick. An award-winning comedy club? They do that too. Live music and an impressive line up of guest ales? Go on then.

This dog and family friendly independent gastropub near to Fulham Broadway is a great place to tuck in to a Sunday roast or their famous steak night on a Wednesday. Great wine list and friendly service, make sure you find the secret garden.

This outpost from that shouty chef off the telly isn’t your typical boozer, oh no. Gordon Ramsey’s gastropub boasts views over the river that, honestly, are pretty bloody good. Remember that this is a pub though, a fancy one perhaps, but a pub no less and you’ll love it.

Another London classic which is often overlooked for trendier destinations, the National Gallery was founded in 1824 to display a collection of just 36 paintings. Today it’s home to more than 2,000 pieces of work from virtually every European school from Italian Renaissance masterpieces to seventeenth-century Dutch, Flemish, Italian and Spanish Old Masters.

Now we don’t mean to boast, but The National Maritime Museum may be the largest museum of its kind in the world with ten galleries to view. At the centre of the Royal Museums Greenwich it was the heart of maritime Britain for hundreds of years and makes for a breath-taking visit for Londoners and visitors alike.

This Soho hot spot is best enjoyed at the bar, where, if you’re lucky the chefs will do shots with you. OK, so that’s not for everyone but what is, however, is their excellent take on Israeli fare with a Mediterranean edge – start with a loaf of kubaneh, a buttery bread from Yemen and you’ll be in heaven.

Established in 1971, The Photographer’s Gallery has become something of a London institution in its own right. The largest public gallery in London dedicated to photography from the latest emerging talent to historical archives and established artists, if you even have a fleeting interest in photography this place is for you.

Set a few streets back from the hubbub of Old Street The Princess is a rare example of an old-school boozer that’s been given the hipster treatment and actually turned out well! Winning a roster of awards over the years we can safely say that this is one of the best pubs in the area, and we’ll drink to that. – Native

One of Mayfair’s oldest pubs, this place was briefly part-owned by Madonna’s ex-husband Guy Ritchie. This boozer specialises in top end pub fare: Cornish lobster, Hampshire quail and Yorkshire venison loin sitting on the menu alongside a wide range of real ales and single-malt Scotch whiskeys. It really is a posh pub lover’s paradise.

Self-titled as ‘bringing a slice of the countryside to London’, they’re not kidding. A cosy pub with vintage tables and stripped oak floors, it’s full of locals and their 4 legged pooches,. The perfect place to settle in on a Sunday afternoon and watch the world go by with a glass of red in hand.

Known for its blockbuster summer parties which attract the very best of the London social scene, The Serpentine Galleries comprise of two galleries situated 5 minutes walk from each other on either side of The Serpentine Bridge. The first was established in 1970, and the latter Serpentine Sackler Gallery designed by Zaha Hadid Architects in 2013.

Ciao, Bella! This all-day Italian cafe and restaurant on the corner of Old Street may be about as Italian as PG Tips but you’d never know from the food. Opened by the boys behind the famous day party Love Brunch their pizza and pasta is some of the best in town.

Read any tourist travel blogs and you’d be led to believe that Brick Lane plays home to the best curry houses in town. Not true, we say. This no-frills Punjabi restaurant has the best aromatic, spicy dishes in town and has been a well-guarded secret among locals since 1972. Shhh! You didn’t hear it from us.

In the market for a super-sleek wine bar with exposed brick walls, wooden floors, and thick velvet blinds? Then this place is for you, while the decor is definitely chic the real pull is the extensive wine list put together by duo Michael Sager and Charlotte Wilde, sold by the bottle or the glass at refreshingly affordable prices.

On the very edge of the city sits the Whitechapel Gallery, founded in 1901 to ‘bring great art to the people of the East End’ it champions brilliant up-and-coming artists and provides a local hub for the arts scene. Don’t be fooled by the galleries eastern positioning, either, it plays a central role in the cities cultural landscape.