The perfect day (and night) out, curated
London’s best meals aren’t always found on the main streets- they’re hidden behind unmarked doors, and in neighbourhood dining rooms that locals keep close. Whether you’re planning a romantic date or a girl’s night out, these curated dining routes are designed from me to you. By Anna Bodiam.
The couple’s route
Some parts of London feel made for romance, where time feels slow within softly lit dining rooms. This route stays in West London, moving gently from Notting Hill into Kensington and ending in Chelsea for an elegant nightcap. It’s the kind of day that feels effortless, no need to rush.
10:00- Start: The Tin Shed (Notting Hill)
A tranquil café that feels charming, ideal for couples easing into the day. Expect beautifully made coffee and a relaxed pace.
Read more on The Tin Shed
https://www.thetinshed.uk/where-we-are
10:45- Explore Portobello road
Browse antiques, food stalls, and the small side streets that make Notting Hill feel cinematic.
12:30- Lunch: The Ledbury (Notting Hill)
The Ledbury retains a warmth that suits a romantic lunch. Service is attentive with a dining room that feels slow. Ask for seasonal highlights from the trusty team.
Book in at The Ledbury
14:45- taxi/ walk to Kensington Gardens (10-20 mins)
Explore the much-loved nature of the gardens.
15:00- Afternoon pause: The Orangery (Kensington Palace)
An ideal pause between Notting Hill and Chelsea, offering classic afternoon tea. Even go as simple as a good pot of tea and a slice of cake.
Book in at The Orangery
https://www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace/visit/the-orangery-restaurant/
16:30- Taxi to Chelsea (10-15 mins)
18:00- Dinner: The Ivy Chelsea Gardens (Chelsea)
This restaurant is made for romance- a Chelsea blend of glamour, ease. And a little theatricality. Start with something light before moving into a classic main. If you want to lean into indulgence, add dessert- it’s part of the Ivy ritual.
Book in at The Ivy Chelsea Gardens
https://ivycollection.com/restaurants-near-me/the-ivy-london/the-ivy-chelsea-garden/
20:15- Walk to Cadogan Arms (5-7 mins)
20:30- Post-dinner: The Cadogan Arms (Chelsea)
Handsome interiors and warm lighting in a bustling atmosphere that isn’t too rowdy. Grab a pint or a glass of red and if hunger returns (which I doubt after this day), go for one of their elevated pub snacks.
Book in at The Cadogan Arms
The party-girls route
This is the route for when you want London at its most exciting. The beauty of this itinerary is its geography: it stays tightly in Central London, beginning with a glamorous brunch in Mayfair and moving into Soho for dinner without relying on long (probably drunken) taxi rides.
11:00- Start: Bacchanalia (Mayfair)
Maximalist, high-energy, and ideal for a group who want a glamorous start. Anything truffle-adjacent, seafood orientated or designed for sharing fits the mood; and whilst you’re at it, grab a cocktail or two.
Book in at Bacchanalia
13:00- Walk to Bond Street (10-15 mins)
Optional shopping interlude.
15:00- Cocktails: Claridge’s Bar (Mayfair)
The perfect reset between brunch and the night ahead: freshen your energy with one of their beautiful martini’s or something seasonal from the cocktail list and let the evening begin properly. If you want to keep it light, ask for a champagne-based cocktail.
Book in at Clardige’s Bar
https://www.claridges.co.uk/restaurants-bars/claridges-bar
16:30- Walk to Soho (15-20 mins)
18:00- Dinner: Bob Bob Ricard (Soho)
This is one of the most iconic dining rooms in Soho, with famous added “Press for Champagne” button that makes it all feel celebratory. It’s classic without being overly formal: laugh loudly and stay longer than planned.
Book in at Bob Bob Ricard
https://www.bobbobricard.com/soho/
20:30- Walk to Bar Termini (6-8 mins)
20:45- Post-dinner cocktails: Bar Termini (Soho)
A perfect Italian pit-stop full of personality. Their house negroni is the signature, or if you’re feeling fun, go for a spritz.
Book in at Bar Termini
22:00 onwards- Late option: Trisha’s (Soho)
Despite its vintage feel, Trisha’s is an excitable nightcap, offering live music and hearty drinks. Keep it simple with a vodka soda or whisky.
The polished route
This route is a masterclass in classic Central London. It’s designed for maximum elegance with minimum effort, each venue building naturally towards the next. This is for visitors who want the timeless feel, and a truly dignified look into the capital at it’s most shiny.
9:30- Start: The Wolseley (Piccadilly)
Breakfast at this grand European café is one of London’s great pleasures. It’s a timeless start to a refined day. Order a pastry, or if you’re committing, the classic Wolseley breakfast.
Book in at The Wolseley
10:45- Walk through St James’s
12:00- Light lunch: Franco’s (St James’s)
The restaurant that doesn’t chase trends- it’s understated and elegant, perfect for a quiet lunch amongst a loyal following. Franco’s offers the classic Italian done well, and pair with something crisp to wash it down.
Book in at Franco’s
13:30- Walk to Fortnum & Mason (5 mins)
14:00- Afternoon tea/ browsing: Fortnum & Mason
Here, browsing becomes part of the day. Additionally, add the pit-stop between lunch and dinner for some afternoon tea if you have time. If not, pick up some biscuits for later.
Book in at Fortnum & Mason
https://www.fortnumandmason.com/45-jermyn-st
16:30- Walk to Mount Street, Mayfair (15 mins)
18:00- Dinner: Scott’s (Mayfair)
Scott’s is one of the best places in London for seafood, with an atmosphere equal part refined and confident. Get oysters to start and then a seasonal fish.
Book in at Scott’s
20:15- Walk to Dukes Bar (10-12 mins)
20:30- Post-dinner: Dukes Bar (St James’s)
The perfect end to an incredibly classy day. This is the time to order a final martini before relishing at home over the glamour you’ve experienced with a little buzz.
Read more on Dukes Bar
https://www.dukeshotel.com/dukesbar.html
The early bird’s route
There’s a special kind of London that belongs to the early risers- the sense you’ve unlocked the city’s calm. This route is designed for gentle discovery in Kensington and Chelsea with plenty of time outdoors and stops that feel restorative.
08:30- Start: Hagen Espresso Bar (South Kensington)
Scandinavian simplicity that suits early mornings. It’s perfect for a quick, but good coffee before the day ahead. Go for an espresso or flat white, and a cinnamon bun if you need a sugary pick-me-up after the early wake up.
Read more on the Hagen Project
https://www.thehagenproject.com
09:00- Walk to V&A (5-10 mins)
Have a wander around the infamous museum and take it in whilst the coffee hits.
10:30- Brunch: Muriel’s Kitchen (South Kensington)
This is a local favourite, especially for those who like classic brunch done well. It’s cheerful and casual, altogether curating a relaxed vibe for the early diners. They do eggs any style and hearty pancakes, alongside their artisan coffees.
Read more on Muriel’s Kitchen
https://www.murielskitchen.co.uk
12:00- Walk to Hyde Park (15-20 mins)
Revel in the beauty which is Hyde Park. Absolve into the serenity of the greenery before your next stop.
13:00- Lunch: The Serpentine Bar & Kitchen (Hyde Park)
Luch by the lake is the true tranquillity and slow starts of early goers manifested into a dining space. Serpentine oversees the park views and rewards you for being out before the crowds. Order something light and seasonal, or a simple comfort dish done well.
Read more on The Serpentine
https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/hyde-park/serpentine-bar-kitchen
14:30- Taxi to Chelsea (10-15 mins)
15:00- Afternoon coffee: Bluebird Chelsea
A Chelsea staple- fashionable and made for lingering. Sit outside and watch the neighbourhood go by over a mid-afternoon coffee or glass of wine.
Book in at Bluebird Chelsea
https://bluebird-restaurant.co.uk
The foodie route
For those of you who book ahead, arrive hungry, and treat restaurants as the main event, this one’s for you. This route delivers London’s culinary best beginning in Marylebone, building through Mayfair and ends in Soho where London’s best nights often begin.
10:00- Start: Monocle Café (Marylebone)
A European city break condensed under a London roof; Monocle Café is a smart starting point for food-focused travellers. Go for a small breakfast plate or a pastry with one of their excellent coffees.
Read more on Monocle Café
https://www.portmanmarylebone.com/maps/monocle-cafe/
11:00- Walk Marylebone High Street (5-10 mins)
Explore the village through its literary charm and boutique shopping on the way to kill time before lunch.
12:30- Lunch: St. John Marylebone
Bold British cooking done with confidence. The food is rich with an experience that feels distinctly London in a cultural way, not a touristy one. Look out for exciting new options that you may not have tried before, such as pig head or lamb’s heart.
Book in at St. John
https://stjohnrestaurant.com/a/restaurants/marylebone
14:00- Walk to Mayfair (10-15 mins)
15:00- Mid-afternoon: Mount St Restaurant (Mayfair)
This restaurant is ideal for a mid-afternoon glass of wine and something small before Soho. The room is refined and service is calm. Chat over oysters and let dinner be the main event.
Book in at Mount St
17:30- Walk to Soho (15-20 mins)
18:00- Dinner: Mountain (Soho)
In Mountain situates one of the most exciting tables in London, with their menu that feels modern yet grounded in classics. This where travellers should go if they want something current, but not predictable. Share plates!
Book in at Mountain
https://mountainbeakstreet.com
20:15- Walk to Swift Soho (10 mins)
20:30- Post-dinner cocktails: Swift (Soho)
Polished but relaxed, ideal for rounding off a foodie’s day without losing momentum. A classic cocktail like a martini or old fashioned are reliably strong.
Book in at Swift
https://www.barswift.com/swift-soho
