London, Shortlisted

Hi all,

For our May shortlist, we’re heading to a springtime favorite: London! I started visiting this city while I was studying in England during university and have tried to get back as often as possible since (and with the exception of this most recent + gloriously sunny visit, I have been rained on every trip).

Rain or otherwise, I always have a hard time choosing between stacking my time with favorite dishes at forever favorites (Rochelle Canteen! Roti King! Brat!) or branching out to try something new at the many new/new-ish spots that very much deserve to be tried — and perhaps also added to the ever-growing favorites list. I usually opt for a mix of both and I’ve done my very best to keep this a tight edit for you. As always, there are shops + coffee + select wellness/culture things to slip into your days as well. There’s also the stay I always try to book (hi, NoMad!) as well as other stays I highly recommend if they’re booked up / you want to base in a different part of the city. All to say, I hope that this list will help you plan your next trip (and please let me know if I missed *your* favorites in the comments!)

Thank you for being here, have a beautiful rest of your month, and see you in June with a shortlist I have been working on since the early, early days le SUD aka we’re heading back to the south of France to properly lean into the start of summer by the sea.

xR

PS In addition to all things eat/drink/do/stay in London, I’ve also included THE countryside estate to book if you feel like balancing a city stay with a night or two outside the city! Heckfield Place in Hampshire sits on an idyllic 438-acres, is only about an hour from London and has the kind of hyper-local, hyper-seasonal biodynamic food + drink program you want it to have (directed by Skye Gyngell of London’s Spring) including afternoon tea with very excellent cake + a stunning spa I’m still dreaming about. More below!

[restaurants | wine bars]

Rochelle Canteen | If you haven’t been, you need to book a lunch here immediately (and then if you’re like me go back each and every trip). Rochelle Canteen is consistent AF, sources from the best producers, and is always such a vibe no matter the time of year. The menu changes daily — if there’s beans and/or pie on the menu (also in all weather), order them

Leila’s Shop | A quick walk around the roundabout from the aforementioned Rochelle Canteen, I love heading here for a little provisions stock-up and/or a lunch at their café next door. The café menu is tight and seasonal and changes daily and the space is cozy and perfect. I had a memorable solo lunch of very good soup with very good vegetables and very good bread while reading a very good book on a rainy afternoon a few trips back and it remains one of my coziest memories

Brat | Staying in Shoreditch, Brat (on Redchurch St. right around the corner from Shoreditch’s Dishoom location) is one of the first reservations I make when I know I’m going to London. I’ve dined here with my mom for New Year’s Eve lunch / with my book editor for a long “work” dinner / with my partner for many many vermouth + tonic dates at the bar. I haven’t yet done it but I would absolutely eat here solo. All to say, it suits whatever company you have. The menu is Basque-inspired and relies heavily on the open-fire grill. No matter who I’m with I always order the chorizo, the grilled red peppers, and the burnt cheesecake. (They also have Brat x Climpson's Arch in Hackney)