I've asked my London Walks colleagues to chip in their suggestions and I'll share them here regularly on The Daily Constitutional.
The Rules: All "reviews" were conducted anonymously and we paid our way. No kick-backs, no payola, no deals: these are the places that we London Walks guides - and London Walkers – choose when eating and drinking out and about in London. No buckshee burritos, nary a gratis granola bar was received in exchange for these recommendations.
And I promise never to use the word "eaterie". Seriously: have you EVER heard anyone SAY the word eaterie?
The Criteria: As well as the one-offs, the unique cafes, bars and stalls that make London so special, I'll be featuring reliable chains along the way. They have to be in London and within five minutes of the end of a London Walks tour.
I hope you enjoy them.
Have your say: As usual we'd like to hear from you – drop us a line with your own London foodie (and drinkie) tips. Buon Appetito!
A.S-G London, May 2016
It has the feel of a speakeasy and is easily the most unassuming door in the West End…
But it leads to one of Soho's great delights, Soho's Secret Tea Room upstairs at the Coach & Horses pub…
Afternoon tea, with a gramophone record accompaniment (down with vinyl, long live shellac!), is served between 12midday and 6pm every day.
Changed days for the Coach & Horses, the fabled Norman's pub, once famed as the rudest establishment in London. But fear not, the pub downstairs is still going strong and the upstairs tea room is a lot of fun with the tea and cakes easily matching up to the illicit thrill, the coup de théâtre of the secret door pictured above. I suppose you could even ask for gin in a china cup to really enhance the illegal shebeen feel of the entrance. Drop them a line for booking at [email protected].
It's been recommended to The Daily Constitutional by LW guide Richard III and he can point you in the right direction after his Soho In the Morning tour on Friday mornings.
Find the Coach & Horses at 29 Greek Street…
A London Walk costs £10 – £8 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com.
