London is a very difficult city to describe. A vast, sprawling metropolis, the British capital contains within its boundaries a multitude of atmospheres and aesthetics. It’s a series of interconnected villages, each one with its own unique flavour. That’s why we thought it best to talk you through some of London’s most interesting districts. And who better to do it than the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors? We asked a handful of the team to talk us through their favourite areas of London.
Borough Market
“The beating heart of the London Borough of Southwark, Borough Market is somewhere I’m excited to visit every time I come to London. The market itself is a very special place, and the epitome of the word ‘bustling’ – if you’re not one for crowds, perhaps this isn’t the area for you. Personally, I can’t get enough of the buzz in the air while I walk from stall to stall, browsing an array of enticing produce to take home with me. It’s also an increasingly great place for restaurants, with recent additions to its global tapestry including the Thai sharing plates of Kolae and the terrific Greek cuisine at OMA, where you can feel the buzz of the market below while you dine.”
Explore more of the city's best markets.
Clapham
“As a Clapham resident myself, I am well-used to the area’s many virtues. This is one of those parts of London that people actually live in, not just visit. It’s therefore ideal if you want to see another side of London that’s filled with fewer tourists and more locals. Its core appeal lies in being well-located on the Northern Line for quick access to the city centre, while having the wonderful green space of Clapham Common. It’s an area with a real vibrancy to it, a place that always feels alive. When it comes to food, Trinity offers a unique appeal. The Upstairs restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand and is perfect for a few good value small plates, while the One Star ground floor is ideal for a special occasion. It’s well-loved by the locals and has become a part of the fabric here.”
Covent Garden
“Covent Garden is best described as an ‘all day, every day’ kind of place. There is virtually no time when you could walk through its streets and not feel a certain electricity in the atmosphere. Much of this comes from its proximity to the Royal Opera House and London’s many theatres, but there’s so much else to do here too, from marvelling at the street performers to learning something new at the London Transport Museum. The fact that Covent Garden is so central, and something of a cultural hub, means it’s bound to have a number of great restaurants. The fun places to visit are the big, lively brasseries like Delaunay and J. Sheekey, while The Savoy Grill and Rules are two of the most iconic restaurants in the country.”
Discover our selection of restaurants with pre-theatre menus, in Covent Garden and beyond.
Notting Hill
“I’ve been in West London since my student days 30 years ago and have lived in a number of its neighbourhoods. Notting Hill, with all its multicultural luminosity, is one of the best. It’s also a brilliant place to eat. All Saints Road was pretty much a no-go block back in 1995, before The Sugar Club opened and changed everything. Today, it hosts both a great pub, The Pelican, and an Indian restaurant, Empire Empire – both of which hold a Bib Gourmand. You also have zeitgeist-capturing spots like Dorian and, incredibly, two Three MICHELIN Star restaurants in walking distance of each other: The Ledbury and CORE by Clare Smyth. To me, Notting Hill is London: it’s Carnival and Portobello Road Market; it’s where I buy my vinyl, my clothes, my books and my coffee.”
Want more recommendations? Check out our list of the best restaurants in Notting Hill.
Shoreditch
“There’s a slightly maverick vibe about Shoreditch. It’s a place that does what it wants, seemingly without the constraints that other neighbourhoods might feel. Yet despite its hipster credentials, this is no example of style over substance; the Shoreditch dining scene has genuine depth and quality, and it’s the place in London I get most excited about eating in. Along with trendsetters like The Clove Club, which holds Two MICHELIN Stars, there are popular, much talked-about places like manteca and Brat. The latter, inspired by the cuisine of the Basque region, played a major role in the wood-fired cooking trend that’s become a key part of London’s restaurants.”
Find out more about Shoreditch and the surrounding London Borough of Hackney.
Hero Image: Neal's Yard in Covent Garden (© chris-mueller/iStock)
