Providing easy access to the city's vast array of restaurants, The London Underground is not only a convenient way to travel around the capital, but a greener alternative too. The simplest way to pay is to tap your contactless card or smartphone. You can also buy an Oyster card (a pre-payment card which you can top up as required). In this article series, we take a look at some of the Inspectors’ favourite restaurants within easy reach of the Tube network. For information on London's transport network, we've got that covered too.
The Metropolitan Line is where it all began. Opened in 1863, it’s not just the oldest route on the tube, but the first underground railway in the world. To begin with, the Metropolitan Railway was a private and independent company. Its tracks stretched out for 80km into the heart of Buckinghamshire, and the company began to build housing estates along its route – areas like Harrow, Pinner and Rickmansworth became known as ‘Metro-land’. Today, the line may be shorter, but it still connects the north-west suburbs to the centre of London and, of course, its fabulous array of restaurants.
Amersham: Artichoke
Modern British
While the Metropolitan Line’s central belt may hog the majority of its restaurants, one of the top spots can be found right at the end of the line. Artichoke is located in the pretty Buckinghamshire town of Amersham, an ideal place for north-west Londoners who wish to avoid travelling into bustling Zone 1 for dinner. The cooking is assured and skilful, without being fussy – the emphasis is not on overcomplication but on flavour. Smart combinations and quality ingredients underpin the dishes.
Farringdon: Bouchon Racine
French
Bouchon Racine seems tailor-made for a guide to tube line dining. Located just a few steps away from Farringdon station, it requires minimal effort from the hungry Londoner to indulge in the roster of time-honoured French dishes. Anyone with a passion for Gallic cuisine will find something to love here, whether it’s rabbit with mustard sauce or a knock-out crème caramel. Décor-wise it’s a simple and rustic affair, but all the better for it, filled to the brim with wholesome charm.
Barbican: St. Barts
Modern Cuisine
‘The City’ is particularly well-served by the Metropolitan Line, with a number of top restaurants found in the capital’s swish business district. Among several MICHELIN Starred establishments in this area is the admirably understated St. Barts. Taking cues from Nordic styling, the décor is simple and uncluttered with wooden tables and sheepskin throws. The chefs craft similarly clean dishes that showcase the power and purity of top-drawer produce. Proof, if you needed it, that less is more.
Moorgate: Angler
Seafood
On the lookout for seafood in the city? Get the tube to Moorgate and revel in the quality fish and shellfish on offer at Angler. It sits on top of the South Place hotel, but offers a feel all of its own with a bright colour scheme and mirrored ceiling. Expect premium shellfish like langoustines and lobster to start, before top-notch fish – much of it Cornish – attractively presented in dishes such as wild turbot with squid ink noodles and monkfish with parmesan gnocchi.
Liverpool Street: Gunpowder Spitalfields
Indian
Spitalfields is a wonderful destination for foodies; the area houses a variety of restaurants, each offering something a bit different to diners – not to mention the stalls and sellers at Old Spitalfields Market – and it’s all within easy walking distance of Liverpool Street station. Among the delights on offer around here are the fresh, original small plates at Gunpowder; a well-run, hugely likeable place serving vibrant dishes from across all of India's regions – and at appealing prices too. The Chettinad pulled duck is a sure-fire winner.
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Other restaurants that we love on the Metropolitan Line include:
Baker Street: Mayha
Japanese
Great Portland Street: Portland
Modern Cuisine
Why not complete your culinary trip around London with a stay in a MICHELIN recommended hotel?
Hero Image: St. Barts (© Steven Joyce)
