11 Of My favourite foodie spots in London

Living in Cardiff means I am only a 2hr train from central London, making the English Capital an accessible and easy destination for day trips, weekend breaks and work events and luckily I get to visit on a fairly regular basis. This, of course, means I have a variety of favourite foodie spots from family-friendly dining to cocktails, coffee on the go to brunch and breakfast spots. In collaboration with SquareMeal, the UK's best-known restaurant, bar and venue website that offers unbiased reviews and an easy to use booking system, I thought I would share my favourite foodie places in the Capital city.

Breakfast and Brunch

La Boheme, Soho

Located in the heart of Soho, Cafe Boheme, a very cool and chic long-standing French establishment that has been going for 25yrs and serves up some of the best french toast with Chantilly cream and rhubarb around as well as pastries and cold-press juices and is somewhere I love to have an indulgent treat when I'm in that part of town. Open until the early hours of the morning this is also a great place for a late night coffee and chat with friends or indulge in one of the many traditional French dishes they offer.  They also have live jazz every day from 3-6:30pm.

Leicester Square Kitchen, West End

The boys and I enjoyed a really fantastic breakfast at Leicester Square Kitchen last year and while it's a very upmarket space they were very accommodating of my two young children. While the kids loved the freshly baked Pain au chocolat  I opted for The Peruvian scrambled eggs with coriander, chargrilled sourdough and crushed avocado and chillies - it was delicious and one of the best breakfast I have had in a while. The location is also fantastic being right in the heart of the West End.

Cool Lunches

Wild Food Cafe, Covent Garden

My go to spot for a relaxed, healthy and plant-based lunch is a colourful and eccentric atmosphere. The wild food cafe is also a bit of a haven of calm from the rest of London and feels like a place you can chill out and indulge in some freshly made vegan food. I love that the menu is always changing and the staff are always very helpful and happy - my kind of place. 

Bar Gansa, Camden

With so many great places to eat in Camden, you are really spoilt for choice but I what always draws me back to Bar Gansa is that it's a nice relaxing place to sit down after a morning of exploring Camden and enjoy a lunchtime cocktail with some delicious Spanish Tapas. I've never had a bad experience here and the staff clearly love working here and that Spanish passion comes through in the food and drinks they serve up.

Bread Street Kitchen - Kids Pizza Masterclass

Last year we had the chance to try out the Kids Pizza Masterclass at Bread Street Kitchen and it was so much fun and I highly recommend it if you're visiting the capital with your kids. Kids are given the chance to make their own pizza creation along with with a delicious dessert, plus the leave with with a special Tillys Treats apron. Best of all is there is a brunch course with a glass of champagne for the parents so everyone wins. 

Casual Evening dining

The Hoxton Grill, Shoreditch

Set in the hipster district that is Shoreditch a visit to the Hoxton Grill will not leave you feeling disappointed. The menu is contemporary and offers lots of modern twists and I'm not lying when I say I have had one of the best vegetarian burgers here. The interior is very cool and welcoming with an open kitchen so you can watch your food being prepared while getting comfy on their large leather American diner style seats. 

Family Fun at Planet Hollywood, West End

While I am not a huge fan of chains something does have to be said for how fun and over the top Planet Hollywood in London is and the kids absolutely love it. Family dining at it's best and you don't worry about the kids being loud or singing along to the music and the food portions are generous to say the least. The dessert menu will have your kids eyes on storks with massive chocolate sundaes. The surroundings are of course Film and movie orientated and will keep children entertained. Recommend this place if you're in the city with kids. 

My Halloumi burger at The Hoxton Grill

Drinks with Friends

The Ship, Wardour Street 

Wardour street in itself is a somewhere I love to wander around as it's so steeped in the British Film and music history and it was once home to The Marquee Club which hosted acts such as David Bowie, The Who and the Sex Pistols before closing it's doors in 1988. However, The Ship pub still stands and that was often frequented by Jimi Hendrix, Keith Moon (who was eventually barred for his riotous behaviour) and Sean Lennon. Knowing these greats of modern music sat and had a pint at The Ship, have always made it a favourite for me and while it may be small and unassuming it's a place full of heart and culture.  

French House, Soho 

I don't even need to mention a place like French House which Francis Bacon and Dylan Thomas have already deemed as near-perfect but if you have not heard of it before make sure it's at the top of your list to visit on an evening out in London. It attracts a bohemian set and those who enjoy a good conversation over a half pint (they don't do pints) as there is a no music, no tv, no phone rule but that doesn't mean it's not full of electric atmosphere as it's near to full every night with people bustling around in deep conversations in every corner of The French House.

On the Go

Monmouth Coffe House 

Part of a very small independent chain that roasts its own coffee, I think there are 3 Monmouth Coffee houses in London and they all take their coffee very seriously. Saying that the proof is in the pudding and the coffee is excellent as is the inviting atmosphere of the shops making them a great place for a quick stop with a slice of cake thrown in. 

Portobello Road Market 

Not only is Portobello Road Market great for finding a bargain but it also offers up an array of delicious street food from curries to freshly made fruit smoothies, I have never been disappointed and have also found excellent vegetarian and vegan options as well. The market is so Vibrant that you can easily spend a couple of hours there. 

My son enjoying a fresh Watermelon juice at Portobello Road Market

I would love to hear what your favourite places in London to eat are and if you have any recommendations of your own. Most of the places I have mentioned above are long-standing establishments as many places come and go in the city over the years, I have done this to make this guide as relevant as possible but it is always worth checking online before heading somewhere.

In collaboration with Square Meal