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 Northern Line is one of the more misleadingly named routes on the London Underground. It connects both north and south London districts to the centre and, in fact, does not serve the Tube’s northernmost station, but it does run to its most southerly point at Morden. At one stage it was known as the Edgware-Morden Line, when Bakerloo-style names such as Mordenware and Edgmorden were proposed but never used. Eventually the Northern Line was settled on, in part to give a very simple name to quite a complicated line. Today, it is a fabulous tool for London’s diners, who can find top restaurants in both its central and more suburban areas.
Tufnell Park: Bull & Last
Traditional British
A good neighbourhood pub is a thing to be cherished, and the residents of Tufnell Park really lucked out by getting one of London’s best. A lovely Victorian building in a classic corner site, it’s a well-run and well-kept place with an appropriately welcoming team. The cooking comes straight from the gastropub textbook, blending pub classics with more ambitious dishes, but all underpinned by hearty flavours and strong execution from the kitchen team.
Angel: Plaquemine Lock
Creole, Cajun
At nearly 9 miles long, a walk along the Regent’s Canal is a fabulous way to explore multiple areas of North London. If you need something to eat along the way, it’s hard to look past this colourful pub, which sees New Orleans come to London. The menu of authentic, good value Creole and Cajun dishes vary in size and include recognisable names like jambalaya, gumbo and fried green tomatoes. Quality ingredients are prepared with care, resulting in a satisfying taste of Louisiana.
Goodge Street: Lima
Peruvian
From the jazzy lampshades to the food on your plate, there is a tremendous vibrancy to what they do here at Lima. Sandwiched between Goodge Street and Tottenham Court Road stations, it serves Peruvian dishes that burst with colour and offer a dose of originality. Seafood features heavily on the menu, with much of it raw in the form of tiradito and ceviche – while tres leches is available for dessert. Pisco fans can bask in the cocktail menu, which makes extensive use of the South American spirit.
Nine Elms: Evernight
Japanese, Izakaya
Owing to its super-swish development in recent years, the Battersea Power Station branch of the Northern Line may be getting a lot more use these days. If you’ve veered this way when the line splits at Kennington, consider hopping off at Nine Elms to sample the great Japanese food and drink available at this take on an izakaya bar. Dishes deliver plenty of flavour and show a degree of imagination, while sake and shochu lists are on hand to satisfy enthusiasts.
Tooting Broadway: Smoke & Salt
Modern Cuisine
On Tooting High Street, you’ll find this popular neighbourhood spot that – as the name suggests – incorporates plenty of smoking into the menu, along with pickling and preserving. Dishes like BBQ shimeji mushrooms and smoked chicken with rose harissa can be ordered as individual small plates, or alternatively you can take choice out of the equation with their set sharing menu – which also comes in pescatarian, vegetarian and plant-based versions. The short wine list is sensibly priced and is joined by some classic cocktails.
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Other restaurants that we love on the Northern Line include:
Old Street: Popolo
Mediterranean Cuisine
Tottenham Court Road: Barrafina
Spanish
Bank: Bob Bob Ricard City
French
Leicester Square: Cinnamon Bazaar
Indian
Charing Cross: Ochre
Modern Cuisine
London Bridge: El Pastor
Mexican
Battersea Power Station: Archway
Italian
Clapham Common: Trinity & Upstairs (at Trinity)
Modern Cuisine & Modern British
Balham: Chez Bruce
French
South Wimbledon: Takahashi
Japanese
Why not complete your culinary trip around London with a stay in a MICHELIN recommended hotel?
Hero Image: Smoke & Salt (© Tom Hampson Photography)
