London Restaurant Tips by Sjalen

Prospect of Whitby: Thames pub classic Prospect of Whitby Review

The Prospect is one of the most famous pubs in London but because it is outside West End and the more central parts, it is still not that full of tourists. It supposedly opened in 1543 but was damaged by fire in the 18th century and it was during rebuilding that it changed its name and was given its name after a ship moored outside - that explains the Yorkshire connection. This must have been an improvement since it was previously known to the world as the Devil's Tavern for all the smugglers and others using it. Today it feels quite sofisticated compared to what it must have been like when the Docklands were a rough harbour area rather than the gentrified business centre we now know it as. Nevertheless, it has kept its wonderful maritime feel with a stone floor and wooden ship details as interior. Lots of tack and other things and even an old mast amongst all the other wooden beams. Very cosy place. Food is served from lunch and until evening all days and you can enjoy your food upstairs with views out to the river, or summertime on the terrace. It feels like you're on board an old ship yourself if you stay inside. :)

Address: 57 Wapping Wall

Comparison: about average

Directions: Wapping (see transport map of Docklands).

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Pub/Brewery

Spaniards Inn: Ancient inn Spaniards Inn, Hampstead Review

Another of my favourite London pubs. To be ctd.

Comparison: about average

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Pub/Brewery

Angel Inn: Highgate hit Angel Inn, Highgate Review

This is a 1930s pub which has changed interior lately but in a very nice way. It is airy, but still gets crowded weekend nights when it can get quite noisy. We came on a quiet Easter Saturday and had a fabulous meal and great pints. As the pub is in the middle of wonderfully intellectual but expensive Highgate, the pub aims to please those two categories as well as everyone else and we think it manages very well. Staff are friendly and the team of chefs in the open view kitchen come up with great homemade shepherd's pie and other things both British and foreign. There is a mix of Belgian and other foreign beers on tap as well as a few from the south of England and if you want standard lager you have to buy bottles - great! :) Good place for when tackling Highgate Cemetary.

Favorite Dish: Warm chicken, pesto and spinach leaf salad with a Moroccan twist...wow.

Address: 37 Highgate High Street

Comparison: about average

Directions: Right in the middle of Highgate - on top of the hill.

Phone: +44 20 8347 2921

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Pub/Brewery

Coach and Horses: Pub with children Coach and Horses, Greenwich Review

No, this is not my favourite London pub by any means. In fact, its location gives it a very touristy feel, but what is nice about it is that because it is under the roof of Greenwich market it has outdoor seating under cover, where you can watch the world go by and where children are allowed. It used to be difficult to go for a pint with children in England but slowly this is changing which is good for those of us who like to enjoy what we miss with England once we finally visit again :)

Comparison: about average

Directions: The touristy Greenwich market just above Cutty Sark and the harbour.

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 3

Theme: Pub/Brewery

Tattershall Castle: Riverside pub Tattershall Castle Review

I haven't been here for some years but last time you could get a decent ploughman's lunch (apple, bread, cheese etc.) and what is so special with this pub on a boat is the location. You can bring this ploughman's or another meal to deck and enjoy it to the sound of Big Ben whilst watching tourist boats and barges come passed you and the London Eye wheel on the other side of the river. Great location for a lunch even if the pub itself is really nothing special.

Address: Embankment

Comparison: about average

Directions: Between the Houses of Parliament and Hungerford Foot Bridge - just follow the river.

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 3

Theme: Pub/Brewery

various: Chinatown

Chinatown is small compared to some other in the world but nevertheless full of restaurants. You see grilled chicken in their windows but there is much more. Once you go in somewhere, it can turn out that the restaurant has four floors, each full of dining people. The food here is interesting and usually cheaper than other London eateries. You can also find great dim sums for your lazy Sunday dining...

Favorite Dish: Dim sum.

Address: Between Leicester Square and Shaftesbury Avenue.

Rating: 4

Theme: Other

various: Brick Lane

Brick Lane is one of the Asian centres of London so you will find lots of affordable and nice meals here if you like your curries. In fact, if you do, you can go shopping here too and find spices, cloth and anything else you might have looked for.

Favorite Dish: Most Indian/Pakistani veggie dishes

Rating: 0

Theme: Other