Cozy, Arty and Historical London: Where to Eat and Drink?

This city always has a lot to offer and sometimes I, as a foreigner, have a different approach and can appreciate things that Londoner’s themselves might take for granted or don’t see anymore. So here I made a list of top 3 things (in no particular order) I enjoyed during my visit to London, writes Sabine ‘Bee’ Koch.

Larry’s at NPG – ‘dine with the stars’

Reopening in 2023 after a £41 million renovation, the National Portrait Gallery is now home to Larry’s Bar – tucked away in a basement Victorian coal storage and is a hidden treat. Food is lovely, drinks are good and intoxicating plus you are sitting among the stars, with 100 portraits from the collection on display across every wall. You feel like you are eating and drinking inside an exhibition. Who doesn’t want to dine with Audrey or Marilyn? Larry’s has a great breakfast/brunch menu and the staff are knowledgeable with the drinks menu and helped us with some great recommendations on our visit.

A perfect way to pause for a couple of hours in the heart of the cultural city.

Open daily from 10:30am

www.npg.org.uk/larrys-bar

Surrounded by works from the NPG Collection, Larry’s celebrates Soho and theatreland.

: Smoked salmon royale: smoked salmon, dark rye, avocado, poached eggs, lemon hollandaise, house chilli pesto (£16,30)

: Blueberry buttermilk pancakes (£14.60)

Farmer Cafe, Conway Street, Fitzrovia

Staying around the corner, I stumbled into this unassuming neighbourhood café in Fitzrovia. I was lured in by the incredibly cozy looking spot that felt like a haven of warmth and good vibes on a grey January morning and I was amazed by the quality of the food (at great prices!). Coffee was outstanding – and I am quite picky, as an ‘almost Italian’, the smoothie fresh and healthy and the poached eggs simply a Chef’s kiss. The staff are lovely and welcoming and make you feel at home.

Historic Fitzrovia gem – 35 Conway Street, London, W1T 6BW (photo from instagram)

Berry Go Round Smoothie £4.50

I loved it so much, that I came back the next day for more and it was just as wonderful.

https://farmercafe.uk/ (never mind the incredibly bland and characterless website!)

Veeraswamy – one of London’s most historically significant restaurants

If you want to treat yourself to something special, try Veeraswamy, London’s oldest surviving Indian restaurant. The Michelin-star-food is delicious, traditional with a modern twist. The food is amazingly colourful as are the interiors of the restaurant itself. You feel you entered another world, old school and modern at the same time. And let’s not forget the service – it is simply world class!

I tried the 4-course Tasting Menu (£90) with the main course served in a silver crescent of 4 curries with lemon rice & naan. If you are more on a budget, you can just go for 1 or 2 dishes to try out the excellent cuisine (pre-theatre menu 2 courses £34). I highly recommend it!