Anyone for a second or third helping of London this week? Who would say no?
South African coffee, craft beer and food entrepreneur Brad Armitage of &Union - et al – guided us to his favourite pubs, cafes and eateries in London. Brad’s official list is in ELLE DECORATION International 25th Birthday Issue No. 85, now on shelf – for you to cut out and keep.
Take a look around. How cool are these places? Very, we think.
Don’t know how to get there? Enter our competition to win 2 Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy returns to London, worth R40 000. Details in our latest issue.
Have a taster.
The Ginger Pig
A small specialist butcher just off the Marleybone High Street, the Ginger pig is a celebration of old English ‘foodie’ traditions. Stop in for a quick bite, and do try the pies.
8-10 Moxon Street
Mayfair, London W1U 4ES, United Kingdom
020 7403 4721
Princi
This slick stone and glass artisan bakery by Rocco Princi and Alan Yau’s is a definite must visit. It is open late into the night and serves the best cannoli & espresso in town. I would stop here at the start and end of each day.
135 Wardour Street
Soho, London W1F 0UT, United Kingdom
020 7478 8888
Prufrock Coffee
Arguably the best espresso in London, and one can find their beans in use all over the East. My choice is their diminutive espresso counter at Present menswear purveyors on the Shoreditch High Street – from the hand of the Swedish Barista Champ (with the unpronounceable name).
140 Shoreditch High Street
Shoreditch
London
Albion
One of Shoreditch’s coolest hotels is Terence Conran’s The Boundary. At its base one will find a new take of the traditional English ‘caff’, The Albion. Stop by for a proper fry up, with the works! There is also a great selection of local artisan produce.
2-4 Boundary Street
London E2, United Kingdom
020 7729 1051
Rochelle Canteen
You may need one of the locals to point this hidden gem out. Rochelle Canteen is a great little lunch spot serving old standards like welsh rarebit & pigeon salad. The former school bicycle shed is now the kitchen of Melanie Arnold and Margot Henderson (wife of nose-to-tail chef Fergus Henderson).
Rochelle School Arnold Circus
London
E2 7ES
020 7729 5677
Spuntino
A stuffy little eatery in Soho that is nothing more than a central bar counter, and a few well-tattooed staff, serving a veritable cornucopia of tasty, finger-licking bits and bobs. Pulled pork sliders, and a whole bunch more. A great start to a night on the tiles. No reservations taken, so just roll in… and out.
61 Rupert Street, W1D 7PW
Happiness Forgets
If you are looking for a solid bar, serving great cocktails, this is it. Small and cheeky, this speakeasy is situated in the cellar of a Thai restaurant, but don’t be fooled by appearences – these guys know their way around a shaker.
9 Hoxton Square
London, N1 6NU
Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes
Converting a bag and shoe shop and spawning an arts community, record label and fashion retail – that is the best I can make of Dream Bags. It’s a very cool space, in the freshest part of town, attracting artists and media types. The beer selection is outstanding, and you can sit and watch the melting pot that is London, as the day passes. The food is pretty good too.
32 Kingsland Road
Shoreditch
London
E2 8DA
Euston Tap
8 Rotating cask ales, 20 different kegs of beer and over 150 bottled beers, Euston Tap has probably the finest selection of beers in London (second only to the White Horse). Situated in an old stone lodge outside of Euston station, this is a must for any claiming to be a beer lover. Try and drink your way across that selection – I dare you.
190 Euston Road
London
NW1 2EF
Guest contributor: Brad Armitage
Australian outdoor celebration
Very nice, wish I had this for recent trips, but will have it for next time!