Guidebook for Greater London
Food Scene
There’s something very retro about Korova. The decor combines original tiling with new features such as an art-deco-style cocktail bar. The soundtrack was the very best of the 1960s. Our steak had a green peppercorn sauce based on a heavy reduction of stock – haven’t seen one of those for a loooong time. If ‘Come Dine with Me’ had been on telly between 1965 and 1985, that chocolate mousse would have played a recurring role.
9 locals recommend
Korova
9 Campdale RdThere’s something very retro about Korova. The decor combines original tiling with new features such as an art-deco-style cocktail bar. The soundtrack was the very best of the 1960s. Our steak had a green peppercorn sauce based on a heavy reduction of stock – haven’t seen one of those for a loooong time. If ‘Come Dine with Me’ had been on telly between 1965 and 1985, that chocolate mousse would have played a recurring role.
Reliably excellent standard flavours are supplemented with intriguing diversions such as rhubarb and verjus, or elderflower and prosecco. On the counter there’s usually a gooey curiosity such as Guinness and blue cheese or chocolate-beetroot cake. For parties and special occasions you can order flower-shaped sorbets, layered balls and bombes, and ‘antarctic rolls’ of ice-cream in sponge. Drinks continue the high-level tone with fabulous hot chocolate made with Callebaut Couverture, Newby teas and Square Mile coffee. Service can be slow, if we’re being picky, but on the whole this place is excellent.
34 locals recommend
Ruby Violet
3 Wharf RoadReliably excellent standard flavours are supplemented with intriguing diversions such as rhubarb and verjus, or elderflower and prosecco. On the counter there’s usually a gooey curiosity such as Guinness and blue cheese or chocolate-beetroot cake. For parties and special occasions you can order flower-shaped sorbets, layered balls and bombes, and ‘antarctic rolls’ of ice-cream in sponge. Drinks continue the high-level tone with fabulous hot chocolate made with Callebaut Couverture, Newby teas and Square Mile coffee. Service can be slow, if we’re being picky, but on the whole this place is excellent.
the menu is long and there are plenty of adventurous house specials. To start, Lalibela salad – beetroot and potato served warm – was tangy and sweet, and spiced chicken salad packed a punch. For mains, we tried fried lamb with spinach and spring greens, as well as a little separate pot of spiced couscous, just in case we developed injera fatigue. Tofu spinach tibs (tibs are sautéed dishes) was deliciously savoury, if very oily.
19 locals recommend
Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant
137 Fortess Rdthe menu is long and there are plenty of adventurous house specials. To start, Lalibela salad – beetroot and potato served warm – was tangy and sweet, and spiced chicken salad packed a punch. For mains, we tried fried lamb with spinach and spring greens, as well as a little separate pot of spiced couscous, just in case we developed injera fatigue. Tofu spinach tibs (tibs are sautéed dishes) was deliciously savoury, if very oily.
Great quality fish and chips and usually have an array of fresh caught fish dishes, oysters and lovely sides.
10 locals recommend
Lure Fish Kitchen
56 Chetwynd RdGreat quality fish and chips and usually have an array of fresh caught fish dishes, oysters and lovely sides.
Fabulous French wine bar offering small but incredibly tasty sharing style dishes. The wine selection is truly wonderful and the staff is endlessly knowledgable and passionate about wines, cheeses and all things French! Highly recommended and great atmosphere :)
9 locals recommend
Authentique - Epicerie & Bar
116 Fortess RdFabulous French wine bar offering small but incredibly tasty sharing style dishes. The wine selection is truly wonderful and the staff is endlessly knowledgable and passionate about wines, cheeses and all things French! Highly recommended and great atmosphere :)
Casual, cozy and tasty new Korean restaurant recently added to the neighbourhood! Highly recommend the table grills or a sizzling stone bowl ‘Bibimbap’ for a wintery evening :)
KKINI
131 Fortess RdCasual, cozy and tasty new Korean restaurant recently added to the neighbourhood! Highly recommend the table grills or a sizzling stone bowl ‘Bibimbap’ for a wintery evening :)
Asakusa London
265 Eversholt StVery unassuming but very tasty and authentic Japanese restaurant!
This gorgeous Victorian mansion is the perfect place for a cup of tea in Hampstead village with the added benefit of soaking in some Hampstead history with the museum on the upper floors. Sadly their scones are on the dry side but extra cream tends to do the trick :)
30 locals recommend
Burgh House & Hampstead Museum
New End SquareThis gorgeous Victorian mansion is the perfect place for a cup of tea in Hampstead village with the added benefit of soaking in some Hampstead history with the museum on the upper floors. Sadly their scones are on the dry side but extra cream tends to do the trick :)
A very old world London staple which used to be a Rolls Royce dealership in the 1920’s (apparently). If you don’t feel like shelling out the big bucks on a fancy dinner, it’s the best place to get a very affordable and mouthwatering ‘Cream Tea’ . The scones are fluffy, perfect and unlimited and their tea selection is marvellous! A perfect late afternoon treat that won’t break the bank but will leave you feeling ab fab!
112 locals recommend
The Wolseley
160 PiccadillyA very old world London staple which used to be a Rolls Royce dealership in the 1920’s (apparently). If you don’t feel like shelling out the big bucks on a fancy dinner, it’s the best place to get a very affordable and mouthwatering ‘Cream Tea’ . The scones are fluffy, perfect and unlimited and their tea selection is marvellous! A perfect late afternoon treat that won’t break the bank but will leave you feeling ab fab!
A new addition to our next door neighbourhood, Belsize Park, this is a really charming and high quality fish mongers offering all day beautiful dishes with a constantly changing menu based on freshness and availability. It’s very small so call ahead if you’re wanting to get a table. Lovely wine selection too and a divine selection of oysters.
Bourne's Fishmongers & Seafood Bar - Belsize
31 Belsize LnA new addition to our next door neighbourhood, Belsize Park, this is a really charming and high quality fish mongers offering all day beautiful dishes with a constantly changing menu based on freshness and availability. It’s very small so call ahead if you’re wanting to get a table. Lovely wine selection too and a divine selection of oysters.
Drinks & Nightlife
The refurbed Tufnell Park Tavern, opened in 2010 with a huge and attractive multi-roomed pub/deli/restaurant, has filled the gap and become a popular haunt for locals. The food is British and modern European, ranging from breakfast through a large selection of pizzas offered seven days a week through a full carte to standard Sunday roasts. The wine list is compact and notably good, with prices starting under £20. Try to go in fine weather and sit in the unusually spacious back garden, which is paved but decked out with lovely pots of culinary herbs.
65 locals recommend
Tufnell Park Tavern
162 Tufnell Park RdThe refurbed Tufnell Park Tavern, opened in 2010 with a huge and attractive multi-roomed pub/deli/restaurant, has filled the gap and become a popular haunt for locals. The food is British and modern European, ranging from breakfast through a large selection of pizzas offered seven days a week through a full carte to standard Sunday roasts. The wine list is compact and notably good, with prices starting under £20. Try to go in fine weather and sit in the unusually spacious back garden, which is paved but decked out with lovely pots of culinary herbs.
This West Hampstead pub and dining room has just had a bit of an overhaul. It might look slightly different but the emphasis on fine food and drink remain, with craft beer and gastropub fare keeping it busy. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own records to play, too.
70 locals recommend
The Gallery
190 Broadhurst GardensThis West Hampstead pub and dining room has just had a bit of an overhaul. It might look slightly different but the emphasis on fine food and drink remain, with craft beer and gastropub fare keeping it busy. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own records to play, too.
The most endearing local pub with an excellent wine and craft beer selection. The pub is filled with locals and is fast getting it's name as the place to be every evening.
68 locals recommend
The Spaniards Inn (Stop) station
The most endearing local pub with an excellent wine and craft beer selection. The pub is filled with locals and is fast getting it's name as the place to be every evening.
Dartmouth Arms
35 York RiseIt doesn’t get more ‘old world’ English than the Holly Bush. The most perfect hidden away Hampstead pub to cozy up with a cider, ale or lovely glass of fine wine! Great way to end a day after strolling thru Hampstead Heath :)
80 locals recommend
Holly Bush
22 Holly MountIt doesn’t get more ‘old world’ English than the Holly Bush. The most perfect hidden away Hampstead pub to cozy up with a cider, ale or lovely glass of fine wine! Great way to end a day after strolling thru Hampstead Heath :)
Sightseeing
Royal Botanic Gardens Car Park
Hampstead Heath
Tate Britain
MillbankThe National Gallery
Trafalgar SquareA hidden Hampstead gem and historic National Trust Landmark Mansion. Beautiful curation of paintings, antique needlepoint and art objects and most definitely the largest collection of harpsichords and antique pianos perhaps in all of London. The gardens alone are worth a visit!
20 locals recommend
Fenton House
Hampstead GroveA hidden Hampstead gem and historic National Trust Landmark Mansion. Beautiful curation of paintings, antique needlepoint and art objects and most definitely the largest collection of harpsichords and antique pianos perhaps in all of London. The gardens alone are worth a visit!
Neighbourhoods
Best place for a stroll back thru time accompanied by a soup enriching walk thru Hampstead Heath
115 locals recommend
Hampstead
Best place for a stroll back thru time accompanied by a soup enriching walk thru Hampstead Heath
Lovely charming neighbourhood not far from Tufnell Park, filled with pastel row houses, cafes shops and restaurants. Take a stroll up to the top of the legendary Primrose Hill for the best views of the London skyline in the whole city.
790 locals recommend
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill RoadLovely charming neighbourhood not far from Tufnell Park, filled with pastel row houses, cafes shops and restaurants. Take a stroll up to the top of the legendary Primrose Hill for the best views of the London skyline in the whole city.