I could go on forever about London’s restaurants – the innovative ones headed by master (and celebrity) chefs are changing the way British food is perceived around the world. And it’s about time. Meat and two boiled veg is not a culinary tradition to brag about. That said, I love British food – but especially the traditional recipes. Meat pies, cornish pasties, wild game and foraged produce, and mulled wine (ok, I know that’s not just a British thing).
You can find them all at the first of the Three Places You Have to Go in London.
Borough Market, Southwark
The largest, and arguably oldest, market in London, Borough market has everything a foodie dreams of. Local produce, fresh caught game, towers of desserts, tables of artisinal breads and cheeses, and stands selling hot, mulled wine. Go early on Saturdays as the market opens at 8am to beat the crowds and get the fullest experience. The sprawling market is right next to London Bridge Station, and you can follow the signs (or the crowds) to the market.
8 Southwark Street London SE1 1TL, United Kingdom
Rules Restaurant, Covent Garden
Traditional English cookery, classically cooked game, pies, puddings, and thing-that-looks-like-Fancy-Feast-cat-food – Rules restaurant has the distinction of being the oldest continually operating restaurant in London (since 1798). It’s the kind of place where they take your coat at the door, lead you with understated pomp (as only the English can do) through elegant wood corridors, and seat you at a cozy table bathed in dim, yet warm light. And then I went and ordered the pheasant (game birds are very exciting to me), fail at using silverware to part the meat from the bones (what do I look like, a surgeon?), and proceed to dive in like I was at KFC and it was a Bucket o’ Chicken. I reveal this tale of appalling manners on my part as a warning: Only order game if you know how to eat it. That said, everything we had was rich and delicious. Go for the ambiance, go for the food, and go to dine in the presence of over 200 years of illustrious patrons (Dickens, Thackeray, Lawrence Olivier, and HG Wells, to name but few).
35 Maiden Lane Covent Garden, London WC2E 7LB, United Kingdom +44 20 7836 5314
La Fromagerie, Marylebone
As many times as I’ve been back to London, I have never learned how to pronounce “Marylebone .” If anyone can tell me, I’d be most appreciative. Regardless, the best cheese store in town is in Marylebone in London (South of Madame Toussaud’s Wax Museum and Sherlock Holmes’ apartments). I can’t begin to describe the sheer number and varieties of cheeses available – and I’ve been to a lot of cheese stores. This is, by far, the best. At least in London. Try the stinging nettle gouda for something a little different. In fact, pick up a baguette and jam at Borough Market, drop that off at your hotel, then make your way to Marylebone for a DIY cheese tray, and have yourself a picnic. That’s what I’d do. Hey, that’s what I did!
Photos by WanderFood
What are your favorite London restaurants? Tell me in the comments section!