There’s no shortage of great gourmet experiences in London, but some of the best foodie finds are tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city’s busiest streets. So, we asked a few in-the-know London bloggers to share their favourite hidden restaurants, bars and cafés in all corners of the capital
Pavilion Café, Victoria Park, recommended by Tania Bunic, The London Thing
‘Positioned just on the edge of a lake, Pavilion Café offers a great brunch selection of Eggs Benedict/Royale, Full English and American style pancakes. It’s a favourite place for many East Londoners as it not only offers amazingly delicious food but its setting is to die for. I love Victoria Park and I spend a lot of time there but to have decent brunch options available in a place with a lake view is rather convenient!’ Corner Old Ford Road, Victoria Park, E9 7DE, victoriaparkvillage.com
‘If you’re looking for a cosy little cafe which offers healthy breakfast juices and tasty wholesome lunches, set amidst the tranquility of a greenhouse and the most beautiful plants and flowers, then head over to Clifton Nurseries. It’s a hidden gem with a calming, easy atmosphere, nestled between stucco-fronted villas, and shrouded in all the charm of Little Venice!’ 5A Clifton Villas, W9 2PH, clifton.co.uk
‘Islington’s Upper Street is known for its brunch spots, but just a few minutes’ walk away in nearby Barnsbury is Sunday, North London’s best-kept secret. Get there early to avoid the queue, and get your lazy weekend off to a solid start with their monster stack of pillowy buttermilk blueberry pancakes topped with bacon, maple syrup and honeycomb butter. There are plenty of healthy options on the mention too if you’re feeling a little less decadent.’ 169 Hemingford Rd, N1 1DA, facebook.com/sundaybarnsbury
‘If you are in Central London head to Mayfair Pizza Co nestled down Lancashire Court cobbles. They do the best pizzas and a selection of sweet pizzas too for dessert, including white chocolate and strawberries. My favourite is the Nutella calzone stuffed with marshmallows, it’s amazing and of course delicious!’ 4, Lancashire Court, W1S 1EY, mayfairpizzaco.com
‘UNI is a gorgeous, romantic and intimate restaurant in Belgravia; the food is a delicious fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine made from the highest quality ingredients by a former Nobu chef.’ 18a Ebury St, Belgravia, SW1W 0LS, restaurantuni.com
‘One of my favourite South London restaurants is Ilili on Streatham Hill. Its yellow front is inviting alone, but once inside, it’s a minimalist but bright restaurant that’s full of buzz and a local neighbourhood vibe. The menu here is bursting with vibrant and authentic Lebanese flavours and it’s great if you’re in the mood for a glass of wine and mezze sharing plates (their houmous and pitta is moreish. If you’re after something more substantial, their whole grilled seabass (perfectly crisp yet succulent), moussaka and various kebabs have all been on point every time I’ve visited. If you’re really setting out to indulge, end your meal with their to-die-for baklava.’ 53 Streatham Hill, SW2 4TS, ililirestaurant.co.uk
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