London Food and Drink

£2.50 for a spirit and mixer?

Yep, welcome to Simmons Bar Happy Hour baby!!

And, the great news is, it’s on for much longer than an hour. Try 3-9pm Sunday to Friday (or 3-8pm in the West End).

Simmons Bar is all over London with 22 different venues and whilst you’re not going to get an authentic experience from an independent business, YOU CAN’T ARGUE WITH THOSE PRICES.

Some of the bars are tiny and for obvious reasons, they can get quite busy, so book a table if you’re heading there during peak times.

Trullo may not be the most affordable restaurant (it’s definitely treat territory) but the wonderful thing about pasta it’s rarely ever super expensive – even when it’s homemade.

And for what I describe as the BEST Pappardelle with beef shin ragu I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a few!), I’d say that £14 isn’t too hard to stomach.

If you’re on a budget, my advice is to order some of their amazing sourdough and olive oil and instead of starters, order 3 pasta dishes to share between 2. You will not regret it!!

If you’re wanting somewhere cosy for a romantic meal, ask if you can sit in one of the booths downstairs when booking.

This has got to be one of the most beautiful pubs I’ve ever laid my eyes on.

With the interior divided up into wooden compartments made up of carved mahogany and etched glass, there’s a real playfulness to the layout. Though watch out, you may find yourself having to crawl through a few to find your own private space!

The pub has also been featured in many iconic films and TV shows, including David Bowie’s Grammy Award-Winning “Jazzin’ for Blue Jean” in 1984; which also served in music video for his single “Blue Jean.”

I don’t even want to reveal how often I think about the bacon butty from Cricks Corner.

We discovered it because it used to be James’ local cafe when he first moved to London and now, 6 years on and when it’s definitely not local anymore, we still make the journey to get one of these bad boys. It will set you back around a fiver but I promise you – IT IS WORTH IT.

It also helps that the coffee is great and it’s always nice to support an independent business!

For veggie and vegans, there’s options too and a new outdoor seating area means that there’s a bit more space to sit down and enjoy.

Too busy? Take it to go and explore Highgate, or walk over to Hampstead Heath.

Please do check their Instagram account before making the visit. Being a small business, they can be closed from time to time or have shorter hours – but they’re very good at posting about this!

Brasserie Zedel is the only reason I’d ever send anyone into Piccadilly Circus – but I promise having to deal with the crowds will be worth it for this!

The restaurant was originally part of The Regent Palace Hotel – and you can absolutely tell. The art deco interiors are still there and ready to take you back to the 1930s.

There’s a set menu that runs ALL THE TIME and whilst the starter is little more than some grated carrots with some dressing (it’s still lush though), the fact you can get a 2 course meal for £13, and a 3 course for £17.25 is fantastic.

Big shout out also to the French onion soup (£8.25) and of the 3 times I’ve been, there’s been live music on so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that’s it’s there when you visit too!