Arcade Food Hall

Arcade Food Hall is an upscale, digital food hall — London's first — housing multiple restaurants, cafes and bars from up-and-coming food and drink talent under one roof. Guests are treated to culinary offerings from all over the world: from Thai curries, Indonesian street food, and North Indian fast food to Spanish tapas, Japanese sushi, and American-style burgers. Plus, daily provisions counter serving coffee, lunchtime sandwiches and pastries, and an immersive dessert experience from the UK's most exciting confectionery connoisseurs.

• Web:

  www.arcade-london.com

• Address:

  103-105 New Oxford St, London

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 8am–4:30pm, Sun 10am–4:30pm

• More info:

  Located in the Centre Point building

• Subway:

  Tottenham Court Road

Bang Bang Oriental Food Hall

Quite possibly the only place of its kind in Europe, Bang Bang Oriental Food Hall is a massive food court with spacious seating. Totally worth making the trip to Colindale. The top floor hosts a couple dozen restaurants representing cuisines from all across the Asian continent, with a 360-seater Chinese restaurant occupying the ground level.

• Web:

  www.bangbangoriental.com

• Address:

  399 Edgware Road, London

• Phone:

  +44 20 8205 9098

• Subway:

  Colindale

Borough Market

London's Borough Market is unsurprisingly popular — it's been gaining momentum since the 12th century, after all — but those who arrive for an early lunch can take advantage of this London fixture's ample offering of street food from all over the world, followed by a stroll through the stalls vending local produce.

• Web:

  www.boroughmarket.org.uk

• Address:

  8 Southwark St, London

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 10am–5pm, Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 8am–5pm, Sun 10am–2pm

Brick Lane

Brick Lane is the heart of London’s Bangladeshi community. Road signs here appear in both English and Bengali, and the restaurants are authentic and unpretentious. Some iconic restaurants like the the Bengal Village, Aladin, Smokestak, Hawksmoor, All Star Lanes canbe found here. Beigel Bake, where you can get a traditional Jewish-style filled bagel with salt beef or smoked salmon is an absolute must.

• Web:

  www.visitbricklane.org

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

Heston Blumenthal's restaurant Dinner is known for its inventive menu of historically inspired British dishes. Choose from dishes such as Earl Grey Tea cured Salmon (c.1730), Spiced Pigeon (c.1780) and Tipsy Cake (c.1810). Alternatively, let the chef do the choosing by going for the Set Lunch Menu or splashing out on a seat at the Chef's Table, which directly faces the restaurant's custom-built show kitchen. Garden terrace tables are perfect for warmer days.

• Web:

  www.dinnerbyheston.com

• E-mail:

  molon-dinnerhb@mohg.com

• Address:

  66 Knightsbridge, London

• Phone:

  +44 20 7201 3833

• More info:

  Located inside Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park hotel

• Subway:

  Knightsbridge Tube station

Duke of Cambridge

The Duke of Cambridge is the first and only British pub to be certified as organic by the Soil Association. The menu at the Islington gastropub unsurprisingly features an excellent range of delicious organic food and drinks, and changes daily according to what seasonal food is available.

• Web:

  www.dukeorganic.co.uk

• E-mail:

  duke@dukeorganic.co.uk

• Address:

  30 St Peters Street, Islington, London

• Phone:

  +44 20 7359 3066

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sat noon–10pm, Sun noon–6pm

• Subway:

  Angel tube station

Gordon’s Wine Bar

Thought to be London’s oldest wine bar — established in 1890 — Gordon's is a wonderfully atmospheric venue that feels like something from another era. This candlelit cellar-bar serves a wide range of wines, sherries and ports from the barrel, as well as big hearty meals. Always busy, you're advised to arrive around 4pm if you want to bag a table.

• Web:

  www.gordonswinebar.com

• E-mail:

  info@gordonswinebar.com

• Address:

  47 Villiers Street, London

• Phone:

  +44 20 7930 1408

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 11am–11pm, Sun noon–10pm

• Subway:

  Charing Cross and Embankment tube stations

Ladies & Gents

What could easily have been a gimmick actually became one of Kentish Town's favourite watering holes: a former public toilet transformed into a below-ground bar. There is another one in Camden now — walk up or down Kentish Town Road if either is full.

• Web:

  www.ladiesandgents.co

• Address:

  2 Highgate Road, Kentish Town, London

• Phone:

  +44 20 7813 7562

• Opening hours:

  Thu 5pm–11:30pm, Fri & Sat 5pm–2am, Sun 5pm –11:30pm

Marksman Public House

Marksman Public House is an award-winning establishment in London's flourishing East End features a revamped 150-year-old pub, unmistakably modern yet layered with history, and an upstairs dining room where you can fully expect to be served one of the city's finest Sunday roasts.

• Web:

  www.marksmanpublichouse.com

• E-mail:

  bookings@marksmanpublichouse.com

• Address:

  254 Hackney Road, London

• Opening hours:

  Wed & Thu 4pm–midnight, Fri noon–1am, Sat 11am–1am, Sun noon–11pm

Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town

Sure, the concept of "insider-only" speakeasy is far from new, but we think this little place is worth seeking out. It's not just the satisfaction of being somewhere secret — Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town takes itself with a refreshingly healthy dose of irony, which shines through its "rules of engagement" (as point 2 reads, "The town is Scaredy Cat Town, not Cool Cats Town, the Mayor demands the highest standards of self deprecation"), all the while serving a great selection of inventive cocktails and finger foods; there's also a weekend brunch at 39£ a piece. To get here, enter through The Breakfast Club (Spitalfields) and head straight for the Smeg fridge. Don't even think of leaving the same way you came in lest you blow their cover: there is a separate exit through the toilet.

• Web:

  www.themayorofscaredycattown.com

• Address:

  12-16 Artillery Lane, Spitalfields, London

• Phone:

  +44 20 7078 9639

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Wed 5pm–11:30pm, Thu & Fri 5pm–midnight, Sat noon–midnight, Sun noon–10pm

Ministry of Sound

Converted from an old bus station in the 90s, the Ministry of Sound is a legendary spot in London's clubbing scene, and it's an international brand, too. Located close to Elephant and Castle, south of Waterloo, the club boasts five rooms, four bars, a VIP lounge, a courtyard area and what's said to be the world’s best sound system.

• Web:

  www.ministryofsound.com

• E-mail:

  info@ministryofsound.com

• Address:

  103 Gaunt Street, Elephant & Castle, London

• Phone:

  +44 20 7740 8600

• Opening hours:

  Fri 10:30pm–6am, Sat 11pm–6am. Last entry at 4am

• Subway:

  Elephant & Castle tube station

Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club

Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club is perhaps the capital's most iconic jazz venue. Up and running since 1959, Ronnie Scott's has had the pleasure of hosting some of the world's most renowned musicians. Whether it's the weekly jam sessions in the upstairs cocktail bar or any of the top notch live bands playing in the main club, it is guaranteed you will enjoy the evening in style in one of the coolest and classiest places in London.

• Web:

  www.ronniescotts.co.uk

• Address:

  47 Frith Street, Soho, London

• Phone:

  +44 20 7439 0747

• Opening hours:

  Open daily. See website for exact opening hours

• More info:

  Booking a spot in advance is highly recommended

• Tickets:

  Prices vary depending on event.

Afternoon Tea at Brown's Hotel

Afternoon tea at Brown's Hotel is served in the cosy, timeless setting of the English Tea Room, complete with wood panelling, fireplaces and original art. Tuck into a selection of sweet and savoury snacks and enjoy a cup of tea from Brown's unique Prestige Seasonal Tea Library, all to the sound of music from the Baby Grand Piano. And have your plate replenished at no additional charge.

• Web:

  www.roccofortehotels.com

• E-mail:

  tea.browns@roccofortehotels.com

• Address:

  Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London

• Phone:

  +44 20 7493 6020

• More info:

  At Brown's Hotel

• Subway:

  Green Park & Piccadilly Circus tube stations

Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason

In 2012, Fortnum & Mason's newly renamed Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon was officially inaugurated by the Queen, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge. Today, having afternoon tea or high tea in the Tea Salon is a suitably regal matter. A selection of cakes and pastries from the Coronation Cake Carriage, salmon blinis, and tea and cake pairing menus are all available.

• Web:

  www.fortnumandmason.com

• E-mail:

  reservations@fortnumandmason.co.uk

• Address:

  181 Piccadilly, West End

• Phone:

  +44 20 7734 8040

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 10am–8pm, Sun 11:30am–6pm

• More info:

  The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is located on the fourth floor of Fortnum & Mason

• Subway:

  Green Park and Piccadilly Circus tube stations

Afternoon Tea at Hotel Café Royal

Ladies and gentlemen, pick your best jacket because afternoon tea at Hotel Café Royal requires you to be dressed appropriately. And for good reason. During the week, tea is taken in the excellent Ten Room restaurant, whereas weekend bookings are served in the glamorous Oscar Wilde Lounge, named this way because the man himself was a regular patron. There is nothing standard about this experience — delightful surprises at every step.

• Web:

  www.hotelcaferoyal.com/afternoon-tea

• E-mail:

  restaurants@hotelcaferoyal.com

• Address:

  68 Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, London

• Phone:

  +44 20 7406 3310

• Subway:

  Piccadilly Circus tube station

Afternoon Tea at Roseate House

Planning to visit Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens? Exploring the canals around Little Venice and Paddington? Why not take some time out to rest and have afternoon tea at the luxurious Roseate House London (formerly known as Royal Park Hotel). Indulge your tastebuds and try the fresh raisin scones with Devonshire clotted cream, the lemon posset, the carrot cake, the Victoria sponge and the specialty loose leaf tea.

• Web:

  www.roseatehotels.com/london/roseatehouse

• E-mail:

  info@theroyalpark.com

• Address:

  3-5 Westbourne Terrace, Paddington, London

• Phone:

  +44 20 7479 6600

• Subway:

  Lancaster Gate and Paddington tube stations

Afternoon Tea at Royal Albert Hall

Any music enthusiast will want to book afternoon tea at the Royal Albert Hall. This iconic London venue has hosted countless numbers of memorable concerts throughout the years and it is home to the annual BBC Proms. Afternoon tea is served in the venue's very own Verdi Restaurant, from Wednesday to Sunday. Twinings tea is served alongside sweet treats and finger sandwiches. If you would like a classier upgrade you can always order a glass of Moët & Chandon champagne.

• Web:

  www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/afternoon-tea

• E-mail:

  food@royalalberthall.com

• Address:

  Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London

• Phone:

  +44 20 7589 8212

• Subway:

  Gloucester Road & South Kensington tube stations

Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester

Afternoon tea is served five times a day at The Dorchester in the timeless Promenade and at the elegant Spatisserie. Choose from Vintage Afternoon Tea on The Balcony, the Dorchester Afternoon Tea, Champagne Afternoon Tea or the bite-size Spatisserie Afternoon Tea. Special seasonal teas are also available at different times of the year.

• Web:

  www.dorchestercollection.com/en/london/the-dorchester/restaurants-bars/#afternoon-tea

• E-mail:

  restaurants.tdl@dorchestercollection.com

• Address:

  Park Lane, London

• Phone:

  +44 20 7629 8888

• Subway:

  Hyde Park Corner & Green Park tube stations