2020 has been one wild ride so far. Who would have thought at the beginning of this year that the world as we knew it would change? I remember venturing into the West End as lockdown restrictions were starting to lift and was amazed by how quiet the city was.
Luckily with the green light from the government and the Eat Out To Help Out Scheme, London has come back to life and the vibe is different. I am actually enjoying the quieter city as its very rare and its allowed me to take in the beauty of London at a slower pace, with less crowds and less queues.
I have been working with Westminster Council on their Sightsee Crowd Free campaign. The campaign is encouraging people to take advantage of the beautiful West End while it’s still relatively quiet, and I’ve put together 10 delicious suggestions of places to visit.
The question many people have asked me as I’ve shared posts on Instagram of myself eating out is – is it safe?
The answer is yes. I can visibly see the difference of how restaurants and cafes are operating during this time. It includes wearing face masks and having signs to encourage people to adhere to social distancing and government guidelines.
There have also been many initiatives from the council, blocking off roads to accommodate a safer dining experience. Restaurants have poured on to the streets now making the West End an Al Fresco dining heaven.
HERE IS MY LIST OF TOP 10 PLACES YOU CAN ENJOY IN THE WEST END WITHOUT THE QUEUES.
COVENT GARDEN
Floral Street Coffee House
Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee from The Gentlemen Baristas with a seasonal menu and a beautiful floral scenery. Usually you’d have to elbow your way to get the best floral spot in the house. But the few times I’ve passed this beautiful place there have been spaces available outside and the coffee is outstanding.
www.floralstreet.coffee
24 Floral St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DP
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Arabica
You know that Japanese speciality coffee place in Covent Garden that always has a long queue outside? Well it’s still a popular spot but luckily you won’t have to wait as long to get your coffee fix. The coffee at Arabica has won numerous awards. If you go here, make sure that you try the Spanish coffee (with condensed milk). It’s 100% worth the trip.
www.arabica.coffee/en/location/arabica-london-covent-garden/
5 King St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8SD
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Abuelo
Covent Garden has always had a bit of outdoor dining which is great, but given the circumstances they’ve also extended the seating with blocked off roads, similar to Chinatown and Soho. Thanks to this I recently got to enjoy an outdoor brunch at Abuelo, an Australian-meets-South-American coffee house. The farm to table food at Abuelo is as good as it looks.
www.abuelocafe.co.uk/
26 Southampton St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7RS
Avo bar
Avo bar is the perfect option for those who want to enjoy a healthy meal. As you guessed from the name it’s all about avocados. They have a great quality all day menu and the staff are really lovely. If you visit, make sure you try the avocado, egg & salmon on sourdough.
www.avobar.co.uk
24 Henrietta St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8ND
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SOHO
Hoppers
This Sri Lankan hotspot has Michelin star for a reason. After being on my foodie list for so long I finally managed to visit on the eat out to help out scheme with a great value menu for just £20. The food did not disappoint, in fact it was incredible.
What I loved more was all the outdoor seating, making it feel like I was dining at a hawker centre in Asia.
49 Frith St, Soho, London W1D 4SG
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BaoziInn
You probably recognise BaoziInn from all the colourful dim sum you’ve seen on Instagram. BaoziInn is one of those places I’ve visited time and time again, and each time the food is consistent. My recommended dishes at BaoziInn are the Prawn Wonton, Zha Jiang Pork Noodles and Dan Dan Noodles.
BaoziInn actually have 3 locations within the West End so you’ll be sure to find space in at least one of them (the 3rd branch has a special focus on Taiwanese cuisine)
www.baoziinn.com
– 24 Romilly St, Soho, London W1D 5AH
– 25 Newport Ct, West End, London WC2H 7JS
– 8 Little Newport Street, London WC2H 7JJ (Taiwanese)
CHINATOWN
Bun House
Bun house is located within Chinatown and has a menu dedicated to fluffy Cantonese steamed buns. Each time I visit I get reminded of old rustic cafes in Hong Kong. You can now dine outside with a beautiful view of Chinatown. I recommend trying the lamb bun, pork & prawn dumplings and the custard bun.
www.bun.house
26-27 Lisle St, West End, London WC2H 7BA
Hide Mayfair
Hidden inside of Hide is the famous oak staircase you’ll have seen over and over again on your Instagram feed. Do you recognise the below?
Hide Mayfair is a tranquil restaurant in the middle of a normally busy Picadilly, split across 3 floors. Less than six months after opening, Hide was awarded a Michelin Star. That alone is a great reason to visit.
www.hide.co.uk/
85 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 7NB
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Brasserie of light
Brasserie of light is a beautiful Art Deco space set within Selfridges department store. The interior is stunning with high ceilings, unique decoration and plenty of natural light (hence the name perhaps). You’ll find a menu with British & international food options to take a break from shopping.
www.brasserie-of-light.co.uk/
400 Oxford St, Duke St, Marylebone, London W1A 1AB
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Flatiron
I’ve been talking about enjoying less queues and Flatiron is a place where there is usually plenty of it. Despite the cheap price point (£12), I actually think flatiron does one of the best steaks in London. So eat your heart out while the waiting list is short.
17 Beak St, Soho, London W1F 9RW
http://flatironsteak.co.uk/
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Long gone are the days we had to fight to get outdoor seating on a sunny day. I personally love it! It gives me the feeling that I’m abroad and I hope that this change stays.
I hope you enjoyed this list of places to visit in the West End. Also check out Westminster Council’s website for more inspiration on things to do.
What are you waiting for? Enjoy a calm London while you can :)
This post is in paid partnership with Westminster Council but all recommendations remain my own.
I love reading g your articles. Your pictures are great.
Great selection! I also like Sticks N Sushi and Brasserie Zedel! Steph x
http://www.stephstyle.com