My Current Foodie Favs
London gets a bad rap for food, but I genuinely think it's one of the most exciting dining cities right now. Between ambitious restaurant groups, neighbourhood wine bars, Michelin-starred pubs, and a constant stream of new openings, there’s never been a better time to eat your way around the city.
One of my recent favourites is Berenjak's new Mayfair outpost. Despite its cult status, I'd only ever been to the Soho Farmhouse location before. The Mayfair restaurant completely won me over. We started with a bottle of Château Musar recommended by the sommelier—a 2018 Lebanese red that paired beautifully with everything we ordered. The lamb and chicken kebabs were exceptional (some of the best chicken I've had in London recently), but surprisingly, the standout dish was the fish, glazed with a sweet, sticky molasses sauce that I haven't stopped thinking about. We ordered two dips, every pickled vegetable available, and still wished we'd ordered more. Always a good sign.
The Pachamama group continues to dominate my restaurant recommendations. Zephyr remains my favourite, although honestly you can't go wrong with Bottarga, Nina, or the original Pachamama. They're the kind of restaurants that manage to feel buzzy without sacrificing the food.
For places that feel a little more under the radar, I keep returning to Café Cecilia, River Café, and Rochelle Canteen. They're all very different, but each does that effortless, ingredient-led cooking that London does so well.
If steak is the goal, Bistro Freddie always delivers. It has the right amount of energy without feeling overdone. Nearby, One Club Row has quickly become one of my Shoreditch favourites—excellent martinis, a stylish crowd, and the sort of place that works equally well for a long lunch or a late dinner.
Italian restaurants remain one of London's strongest categories. Manteca is still difficult to beat, but Osteria Angelina deserves far more attention. The original Angelina remains a favourite, but the newer Osteria concept feels especially interesting and a little different from what's already out there.
South African cooking is finally getting the recognition it deserves, with Kudu and Impala leading the charge. Both are worth seeking out.
Lita continues to impress and fully deserved its Michelin star. It's one of those rare restaurants that manages to feel both ambitious and relaxed.
For wine bars, Noble Rot remains a classic. Elsa (formerly July) is currently at the top of my list to try, and Quality Wines in Farringdon has one of my favourite by-the-glass selections in the city, even though I still need to spend more time exploring the food menu.
London's pub scene is also operating at an incredibly high level. The Devonshire continues to be one of the city's hottest tables, while The Walmer Castle and The Hero have become regular favourites. For something more refined, The Harwood Arms in Fulham remains London's benchmark Michelin-starred pub.
The team behind The Hero has also brought Cece's onto the scene—a small Italian restaurant with plenty of atmosphere, excellent martinis, and exactly the sort of place you'll end up staying longer than planned.
On my list for sushi is Eel Sushi, from the team behind Michelin-starred Dorian. Expectations are high.
And then there are the restaurants that sit firmly in the special-occasion category: Core by Clare Smyth, Ikoyi, The Ledbury, and Hélène Darroze. Beyond London, I'm still determined to make the pilgrimage to The Fat Duck and The Waterside Inn.
For now, that's the hit list.

Favourite Shops in London
​When people ask where I actually shop in London, these are the places I return to most often.
Dauntlessly unique, Da Lua in Brompton Road and Marylebone is one of my favourite discoveries. Expect beautifully crafted pieces with strong Asian influences, plenty of leather, silk, and organza, and the sort of embellished details that make everything feel one of a kind.
For homeware, Daylesford is always worth a visit, particularly if you're looking for gifts or pieces that feel elevated but still practical.
For reliable high-street staples, I always check Arket and COS first. They consistently offer the best balance of quality, simplicity, and price.
Chiltern Street remains one of the best shopping destinations in London, particularly for menswear. Dashing Tweeds and New & Lingwood are both worth browsing, while Diverso on St Christopher's Place is my go-to for classic Italian-inspired tailoring and menswear.
For womenswear, Joseph remains a favourite. They do separates exceptionally well and tend to build each season around a strong colour palette, making it easy to mix and match pieces over time.
One of my favourite beauty stops is the French Pharmacy in Marylebone. It's where I stock up on skincare whenever I'm nearby.
For gifts, the small shop tucked behind Wildflowers is a hidden gem. Think prints, candles, ceramics, and thoughtful homeware you'll actually want to keep for yourself.
Flabelus has become my current travel shoe obsession—comfortable, chic, and surprisingly versatile.
Max Mara remains a classic for investment pieces, particularly outerwear.
And finally, London's sample sale culture is one of its greatest strengths. I always follow my favourite brands to see when they're hosting pop-ups or archive sales. Recently, La Veste held a pop-up just off Chiltern Street, while MDLO appeared in Notting Hill. Some of my best purchases have come from these temporary events.