In this article, you'll learn the following:
It’s a very, very exciting time to be a foodie in London. It seems there are more restaurants demanding to be visited than we could ever hope to cram into our diaries. But that doesn’t mean we’re not going to try! So with that in mind, we’ve partnered with Secret London to identify some of London’s top trending restaurants right now, so you guys know exactly where you should be booking your next meal out.
Speedboat Bar
A feast for the senses is probably the best way to sum up a dining experience at Speedboat Bar, bringing a taste of Bangkok’s Chinatown to London’s with more fun and pizzazz than you’d ever expect from a relatively unassuming restaurant. But whilst a TV showing sports and a pool table create a pleasantly laidback feel, you can rest assured there is nothing remotely muted about the menu. Designed not only to feed your senses but perhaps to totally reawaken them, dishes such as chicken skins with Zaep seasoning, cellophane noodles in Suki sauce, crispy pork and black pepper, and pineapple pie with Taro ice cream will have you climbing aboard the Speedboat Bar time and time again.
How to get there: Catch the Northern line from London Waterloo to Charing Cross. It's 10 minutes walk from there. The address is 30 Rupert Street, W1D 6DL.
The Devonshire
If you’ve managed to get a reservation here in recent months then hats off to you, because with their table ‘drops’ getting snapped up just minutes after release, The Devonshire is getting booked up months in advance, time and time again. And it’s only making the foodies even more determined to get in. Aside from their superior Guinness (poured with an 82:18 nitrogen to carbon dioxide split as opposed to the regular 70:30 making it much closer to what you’d find in Ireland) it’s the brilliant atmosphere and delicious gastro-pub menu that gives them their edge. So when you do manage to secure that table, toast to your victory with a creamy pint of Guinness and tuck into everything from scallops with bacon and malt vinegar to Iberico pork chop and duck fat chips.
How to get there: Catch the Bakerloo line from London Waterloo to Piccadilly Circus. It's 5 minutes walk from there.The address is The Devonshire, 17 Denman Street, W1D 7HW.
Crisp
It’s without a doubt the most talked about pizza place in London right now, and the hype does not appear to be waning. The clue here is most definitely in the name - this has got to be some of the crispiest pizza in town, so don’t turn up expecting anything remotely resembling a chewy sourdough base. But do reserve your pizza dough ahead of time, because whilst they do hold some back for daily walk-ins, they’re guaranteed to be claimed pretty fast. Top orders would have to be the Vecna with pepperoni, burrata and hot honey, and the Picante with a spicy tequila sauce. There’s also a special thicker-crusted Grandma pie, but they only make 5 per day and they have to be pre-ordered.
How to get there: Catch the Northern line from London Waterloo to Leicester Square, and then hop on the Piccadilly line to Hammersmith. It's 10 minutes walk from there. The address is The Chancellors, 25 Crisp Road, W6 9RL.
Donia
Until recently, it’s fair to say Filipino food might have been one of London’s more (however unfairly) overlooked cuisines. But those days are behind us because Donia’s contemporary street food menu has put it well and truly on the map, with dishes such as Adobo mushroom croquetas, prawn and pork dumplings with white crab, lamb shoulder pie and milk ice cream. Oh and don’t forget the freshly baked Filipino bread with chive butter. She might be new on the block but she’s got the drinks menu down as well, with cocktails such as the Pipino (cucumber, gin, sesame, lime and coconut) and the Plum (umeshu, Campari, mezcal, vermouth) as well as a great wine list being the perfect accompaniment to your food.
How to get there: Catch the Bakerloo line from London Waterloo to Oxford Circus. It's 8 minutes walk from there.The address is 14, Top Floor, Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, Carnaby, W1B 5PW.
Supernova
If it weren’t for the tantalising smells of sizzling meat wafting out of the door, you’d be forgiven for thinking the swathes of people congregating outside 25 Peter Street were just overspill from the latest Supreme drop. But no, these people are here for one thing and that is smash patties. It’s the only thing they serve aside from french fries and sundaes and people are losing their minds over these criminally crispy meat lattices sandwiched between a soft potato bun with tangy pickles and a house sauce. So next time you find yourself in the streets of Soho, just follow that mouthwatering scent and you’ll find the exploding star.
How to get there: Catch the Northern line from London Waterloo to Tottenham Court Road. It's 8 minutes walk from there. The address is 25 Peter Street, W1F 0AH.
Wes and Sandy’s pick of the week
The round-up wouldn’t be complete without a recommendation from South Western Railway’s winged friends, Wes and Sandy. Whilst Wes likes to keep a bird’s eye view of London’s best pubs, clubs and music venues, Sandy spends her time tuning into the city’s hottest new restaurants and upcoming cultural events. But one thing they can always agree on is their love of a traditional, white tablecloth dining affair. And Bistro Freddie in Shoreditch is their current favourite spot (along with the rest of London) for this type of occasion. With exquisite French wine and hearty bistro dishes such as mushroom parfait and chicken and tarragon pie served in cosy yet elegant surroundings, it’s got all the makings of the perfect, classic dinner date.
How to get there: Catch the bus 243 from Waterloo Station / Tenison Way (Stop J) to Great Eastern Street (Stop Y). The address is Bistro Freddie, 74 Luke Street, EC2A 4PY.
Save money by travelling with SWR
Now it’s time to plan your travel. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave.
Don't forget to check out SWR Rewards to unlock rewards when you travel with us. Enjoy discounts on any of our rewards including days out, dining deals, theatre tickets, hotel stays and much more.
