London Eating out
For years, London had a reputation as possessing not-the-finest food options in Europe. How times have changed. Michelin stars positively burst from the kitchens of the capital and every restaurant seems to boast a chef with celebrity status.
If you like your meals to be star-studded, stick to the West End. Performers can often be found tucking into the meals at Joe Allen’s. Be sure to order their burger – it’s a bite of heaven.
London’s Indian community contributes much to city life – so much so that a recent survey proclaimed Chicken Tikka Masala as the most popular dish in the nation. The East End’s Brick Lane is the street to check out if your tummy is yearning for a spicy sensation. Be warned: If you’re terrible at making decisions, you may be in for some trouble – there are dozens of Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani joints to choose from and they’re all amazingly good. When in doubt, just follow your nose.
The gay community has a number of faves, including much-adored hangout Balans. Straights, gays and anyone in between flocks to this buzzy boite, situated in the heart of Old Compton Street. Solid food brings in the clientele, but it’s the cute waiters and late opening hours that keep them there. Early breakfasts often see a mixture of club kids still awake from the night before mixing with ‘ladies who lunch’ while they tuck into their early morning cocktails and eggs Benedict.
Vegetarians need not worry. First Out is a lesbian-owned café popular with the café culture crowd. A changing menu of healthy, delicious and organic options is always on tap, including its all-time favourite eggplant lasagne and freshly-squeezed juices. The basement turns into a lesbian lounge (men welcome) in the evenings.
Almeida
Lovely French restaurant in urbane Islington. 30 Almeida Street, N1. Tel: 020 7354 4777.
Balans
See and be seen gay dining on Soho’s main drag. 60 Old Compton Street, W1. Tel: 020 7437 8838
Butler’s Wharf Chop House
Hearty British fare in a memorable riverside setting by Tower Bridge. 36e Shad Thames, SE1. Tel 020 7403 3403.
Cinnamon Club
Fine Indian cuisine in upscale surroundings. The Old Westminster Library, Great Smith Street, SW1. Tel: 020 7222 2555.
Coffee, Cake & Kink (www.coffeecakeandkink.co.uk/)
Stylish, unique space where you can enjoy a luscious cup of fresh Monmouth coffee, enjoy a slice of cake, view the current exhibition as well as buy from a selection of kinky gifts. 61 Endell Street, Covent Garden. Tel: 020 7419 2996.
First Out (www.firstoutcafebar.com)
Popular gay and lesbian café. Very central. 52 St Giles High Street, WC2. Tel: 020 7240 8042.
Fifteen (www.fifteenrestaurant.com)
Delicious dishes from the hands of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. All profits go to charity helping the unemployed train for work. 15 Westland Place, N1. Tel: 020 7251 2749.
Gordon Ramsay
Sublime cuisine from the master of modern British cooking. 68-69 Royal Hospital Road, SW3. Tel: 020 7352 4441.
The Ivy
Notoriously trendy and a celebrity favourite, The Ivy is charmingly exclusive. 1 West Street, WC2 Tel: 020 7836 4751.
Joe Allen
Order the burger off-menu and see how many actors you can spot. 13 Exeter Street, WC2. Tel: 020 7836 0651.
Les Trois Garcons
Camp, eccentric celebrity magnet. Loungelover behind it is one of London’s hippest bars. 1 Club Row, E1. Tel: 020 7613 1924.
Sketch: Lecture Room & Library
Fabulous, glamorous restaurant with penthouse-high prices. 9 Conduit Street, W1. Tel: 0870 777 4488.
Wagamama
Excellent good value, modern noodle bars. 4 Streatham Street, WC1 and branches.
The Wolseley
Grand café in the Central European manner. 160 Piccadilly, W1. Tel: 020 7499 6996.
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