Guidebook for Greater London
Food Scene
Taking its cue from Alsace, this sparky number from Messrs Corbin & King pays homage to the era of grand cafés. Simple but flawless all-day sustenance is the deal, served against a backdrop of cosy booths, wood panelling, smoky mirrors and flattering lighting. Impeccable service comes as standard.
32 abantu bendawo batusa
Bellanger
9 Islington GrnTaking its cue from Alsace, this sparky number from Messrs Corbin & King pays homage to the era of grand cafés. Simple but flawless all-day sustenance is the deal, served against a backdrop of cosy booths, wood panelling, smoky mirrors and flattering lighting. Impeccable service comes as standard.
It may be a gluten-free zone, but this branch of the Beyond Bread Bakery is a rousing success – particularly if you roll up for a late breakfast. Naturally the staff of life crops up here, there and everywhere, but the kitchen also does a good line in mini pizzas, quiches and cakes.
10 abantu bendawo batusa
Beyond Bread
267 Upper StIt may be a gluten-free zone, but this branch of the Beyond Bread Bakery is a rousing success – particularly if you roll up for a late breakfast. Naturally the staff of life crops up here, there and everywhere, but the kitchen also does a good line in mini pizzas, quiches and cakes.
The owners may be holed up at POTL’s offshoot in Padstow, but this original branch still pulls the crowds with its offer of briny fresh seafood served in a buzzy neighbourhood setting. Menus depend on the day’s catch, although glistening platters of fruits de mer steal most of the limelight.
77 abantu bendawo batusa
Prawn on the Lawn
294 St Paul's RdThe owners may be holed up at POTL’s offshoot in Padstow, but this original branch still pulls the crowds with its offer of briny fresh seafood served in a buzzy neighbourhood setting. Menus depend on the day’s catch, although glistening platters of fruits de mer steal most of the limelight.
As friendly as its name, this family-run bistro has a trump card up its sleeve in the shape of chef Christoph Lange. Having worked at big hitters including Maaemo and Noma, it’s no surprise that his beautiful, thoughtful dishes are shot through with fancy new-Nordic magic – although the prices are mercifully restrained.
45 abantu bendawo batusa
Salut! Restaurant Islington
412 Essex RdAs friendly as its name, this family-run bistro has a trump card up its sleeve in the shape of chef Christoph Lange. Having worked at big hitters including Maaemo and Noma, it’s no surprise that his beautiful, thoughtful dishes are shot through with fancy new-Nordic magic – although the prices are mercifully restrained.
Drinks & Nightlife
A short stroll off the main Upper Street drag, this high-ceilinged Canonbury bar is bright and airy yet cosy and discreet. Cocktails are the mainstay here, from barrel-aged negronis to sweet spring juleps. They have a rigorous approach to ingredients with local gin championed and syrups made in-house – and you can really tell.
51 abantu bendawo batusa
The Four Sisters Bar
25 Canonbury LnA short stroll off the main Upper Street drag, this high-ceilinged Canonbury bar is bright and airy yet cosy and discreet. Cocktails are the mainstay here, from barrel-aged negronis to sweet spring juleps. They have a rigorous approach to ingredients with local gin championed and syrups made in-house – and you can really tell.
The ‘Bar With No Name’ has long since shed its mysterious reputation and is now packed out every night with punters dying to sample the expertly crafted cocktails. Book ahead to avoid disappointment, and enjoy the deliciously Italian interior that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a film noir.
89 abantu bendawo batusa
69 Colebrooke Row
69 Colebrooke RowThe ‘Bar With No Name’ has long since shed its mysterious reputation and is now packed out every night with punters dying to sample the expertly crafted cocktails. Book ahead to avoid disappointment, and enjoy the deliciously Italian interior that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a film noir.
For those looking for a slice of LA in London, Slim Jim’s is a safe haven. It has an authentic dive bar feel that manages to avoid kitsch and serves tasty, over-the-top American food. Sip on a bourbon, put a 50s song on the jukebox, and enjoy the seedy-but-sweet atmosphere.
20 abantu bendawo batusa
Slim Jim's Liquor Store
112 Upper StFor those looking for a slice of LA in London, Slim Jim’s is a safe haven. It has an authentic dive bar feel that manages to avoid kitsch and serves tasty, over-the-top American food. Sip on a bourbon, put a 50s song on the jukebox, and enjoy the seedy-but-sweet atmosphere.
A uniquely themed pub, Hoxley & Porter takes its inspiration from colonial explorers and the bar is filled with ferns, fans and filigree gold leaf. Step inside and be transported back in time as you sip on the fun, themed cocktails.
18 abantu bendawo batusa
Hoxley & Porter
153 Upper StA uniquely themed pub, Hoxley & Porter takes its inspiration from colonial explorers and the bar is filled with ferns, fans and filigree gold leaf. Step inside and be transported back in time as you sip on the fun, themed cocktails.