Off the Beaten Track London Restaurants

Off the Beaten Track

adjective • according to c&é, an unusual or unique experience in an unexpected location.

Unsurprisingly I’ve had so many friends, family and followers reaching out about where to eat in London. I’ve always been someone who seeks out a good food experience. What you see on C&É are food experiences that are “on brand” and usually all within zone 1 and maybe 2 of the city. I don’t tend to share things where you meander far. But of all the people who have been reaching out for tips to enrich their experience, one person told me that they were visiting London for the 4th time and wanted to go to neighborhoods they wouldn’t expect to necessarily go… “where do the locals go?”

Funny enough, I think it really depends on where you live to determine where the locals go. For me, I tend to travel either very north or very east for food often or I find a hidden gem in the city’s center. So here are three places you have to visit!

Right on the high street in a gorgeous suburban neighborhood full of young professionals sits Little blue Door. You walk into essentially a flatshare from the people working there to the eclectic thrown in decor, it’s a really casual and fun environment to be in. You’re given a tour and the next thing you know, you’re sitting in one of the sitting rooms or the dining and enjoying a bloody mary.

I went for the Saturday bottomless brunch with a friend. There were an array of gorgeous local produce turned salads, a loaded frittata and all the hot and cold beverages I wanted. The icing on the top were the generous portions of the hot foods. From the pancakes doused in dark chocolate and topped with ice cream to the avocado toast for those looking for a bit more healthy to start the day on.

What I love about this place is that the menu changes often based on what’s available, they treat you like you’re a member of the Friends cast and it’s a place to be any time of the day or night. So beautifully themed and branded, unlike most restaurants I see in England or even Europe.

You all know I love a good Soho House establishment. The service, food and everything in between is always consistent. They also always make the best coconut milk latte in all of London, in my opinion.

I recently went to The Allis, twice. The first was to check out the lunch/all day menu and the second time was to get some work done in the afternoon before visiting Westfield mall nearby. The menu literally offers something for every single person’s appetite and dietary needs, which you will rarely find in London. There were plant-based options, gluten free, vegetarian and the ones who want essentially a dinner for lunch. I decided to go for a more vegetarian route and would definitely suggest the cauliflower rice {which I HIGHLY recommend}, taro chips and avocado dip and the veggie burger. One thing that I think I will also come back for is the kale caesar salad.

If you’re looking to find a casual place where you can graze through the afternoon and get some work done or even just a quiet place to work with a strong dessert game, then The Allis is the best place to go! It’s very well situated between a few stations and just a few minutes walk away from each.

Okay, I know this isn’t geographically off the beaten track, but it is VERY unexpected. If you’re new to London, Green Park station sits in the middle of Mayfair, edge of the greens of Green Park and just up the streets from Piccadilly Circus and St. James’ Park… basically it’s in one of London’s poshest areas and right smack in the middle of the city.

I work in Mayfair and always struggle with finding decent places to eat for lunch and sometimes dinner too. Think Time Square in New York City, Mayfair is packed with quick unhealthy eats, lots of American food establishments or the complete opposite would be that the streets are lined with Michelin-starred restaurants. Both extremes are the best options sometimes.

Murger Han Han sits just off of London’s busiest streets and offers fresh, hot food in minutes! More importantly, it offers incredible noodles! Hand pulled right in front of you, spiced to your needs and served whilst still steaming.

If you work in the area, then I suggest you call ahead of time and let them know exactly when you’re coming in for lunch so they can start the preparation time otherwise it’s literally a little paradise of fresh food in the city’s absolute centre. It’s so unexpected, it belongs on this list. Plus, you know I LOVE anything noodle-related.