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. We take a look at some of the Michelin Inspectors’ favourite restaurants within easy reach of the Tube network.
Contrary to common belief, the Circle Line is not, in fact, a circle. A 2009 extension from Edgware Road to Hammersmith means that it is no longer even a closed loop, as it had been for decades, and it now forms a spiral instead. The route started life as a service operated by the Metropolitan Railway in one direction and the District Railway in the other, with fierce competition between the two. In 1948, it became its own distinct line and has been serving commuters and city centre diners ever since. It is unique among the major lines for never reaching out to the suburbs, instead providing easy access to the abundance of restaurants in the heart of the capital.
Ladbroke Grove: Orasay
Modern British, Seafood
One of the great benefits of the Circle Line’s 2009 westwards expansion was the increased access it granted diners to wonderful restaurants in areas like Shepherd’s Bush, Hammersmith and Notting Hill. Among them is this neighbourhood spot that offers seasonal small plates with a seafood focus. Excellent ingredients power the cooking, which shows off the natural flavours wonderfully. Wood-grilled fish dishes like John Dory and whole sea bream offer a bigger, more decadent option to share.
Great Portland Street: Clipstone
Modern Cuisine
It should come as no surprise that this relaxed, well-run restaurant can be found on the corner of Clipstone Street. Just a short walk from Great Portland Street station, it very much has the feel of a neighbourhood spot despite its enviably central location. The friendly young team bring a really pleasant feel to proceedings, with a relaxed atmosphere accompanying the generous, balanced dishes. Its Michelin Starred older sibling, Portland, is just around the corner and equally convenient to visit on the tube.
Sloane Square: Kutir
Indian
The affluent borough of Kensington and Chelsea, found on the ‘bottom half’ of the Circle Line, is home to a host of top restaurants. Among them is the stylish Kutir, where the modern, interesting dishes are inspired by various regions of India. A range of menus allow you to adapt the experience to suit your needs, whether that be sampling as much as possible with a tasting menu or stopping in for a keenly priced lunch. Everyone is well-catered for too, with vegan, gluten-free and specific allergy menus available.
South Kensington: Ognisko
Polish
If you’re looking for Polish cooking in London, then it turns out that South Kensington is the place to head. Just a short walk from the station is Ognisko Polskie (The Polish Hearth Club), and their restaurant serves satisfying, enjoyably robust food in a grand setting. The building really is magnificent and the marquee terrace is equally inviting on warmer days. The capable kitchen does the setting justice with an extensive menu that includes a good selection of dumplings, while the service team run everything with impressive efficiency.
Bayswater: Hereford Road
Traditional British
Hereford Road is one of those restaurants where the chefs have enough confidence and experience to serve simple dishes in which trusted ingredients are left to do the talking. The menu is dominated by meat and game, from pork chop and duck leg to roast chicken and forerib of beef, in a nod back to its butcher's shop days. The dishes are packed with flavour and the keen pricing is more than enough reason to make the trip to Bayswater, with the set lunch menu particularly striking value at £19.50 for three courses.
Other restaurants that we love on the Circle Line include:
Westbourne Park: Dorian
Modern British
Baker Street: Chiltern Firehouse
World Cuisine
Farringdon: Moro
Mediterranean Cuisine
Mansion House: Brigadiers
Indian
Blackfriars: Cord by Le Cordon Bleu
Modern Cuisine
Temple: Spring
Italian
Embankment: Kerridge’s Bar & Grill
Modern British
St James’s Park: Yaatra
Indian
Victoria: Lorne
Modern Cuisine
Gloucester Road: Cambio de Tercio
Spanish
High Street Kensington: Akira
Japanese
Notting Hill Gate: Clarke’s
Modern Cuisine
Why not complete your culinary trip around London with a stay in a Michelin-recommended hotel?
