It’s not all jellied eels in London. Some prefer sushi, darling…
From Jack the Ripper to jellied eels, London’s history and cultural charm has been reeling in the entertainment seekers since the very first pub opened its doors in 1667 – or so they say. The pub in question is the Olde Cheshire Cheese (145 Fleet St, EC4), a winding, twisting maze of a ‘boozer’ whose cellar actually dates back to a thirteenth-century monastery. And you can still down there and drink.
Aside from the gentlemanly charms of the old English pubs of course, you can hardly be blamed for wanting a touch of class from the Big Smoke ocasioanlly and luckily, London prides itself on hosting some of the fanciest, most exciting nightspots in the world. The rich and famous phone ahead to ensure they get in to MO*VIDA (8-9 Argyll Street W1F) – one of the West End's most exclusive restaurant/clubs tucked safely away in the vaults of the London Palladium. This decadent slice of celebrity serves up more champagne per square metre than any other venue in the UK, and the international to Asian inspired menu, multiple alcoves and private sections for those too-cool-for-school mean MO*VIDA is the place to
see and (perhaps not) be seen.
True fishy fanatics would have heard of Nobu by now. With one in Vegas and three in London the sushi-seekers flock to the Mayfair offering, (Metropolitan Hotel, 19 Old Park Lane, W1K), all keen to sample chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa’s first UK restaurant. The black cod with miso is still the dish that leaves other restaurants floundering – how does it taste so good? Watch the A-listers dripping green tea ice-cream down their tops and don’t ask any questions. It’s Stella McCartney’s favourite.
Themed bars are cropping up all over town. Fancy a drink in sub-zero temperatures? The deliciously cool Absolut Icebar (31-33 Heddon St, W1B) is kept at minus 5 degrees all year and everything inside is carved from ice, frozen from a Swedish river. How about a cocktail in an Alpine ski chalet? Moose (31 Duke St, W1) offers cream timber-lined walls, cowhide seating, Nordic murals and amusingly titled dishes such as Heidi or Matador Pie. Try the passionfruit and vodka martini for a kick
and thank the Lord you don’t have to ski home.
When Justin Timberlake’s in town, he’s first into Sketch (9 Conduit St, W1S). A high class restaurant at heart, this showy complex also offers an art gallery, The Parlour Tea Rooms for cakes, pastries and gossip, and of course, the infamous Sketch Bar. Parts of this hideaway for anti-hedonists are for members only after 8pm, but the restaurant is all you need visit in order to say you’ve truly “done the London scene”. Forget Buckingham Palace, this is one of the Smoke’s most prestigious attractions. Best of all, and perhaps why it’s going from strength to strength is that Sketch is not at all pretentious. Sure it’s full of beautiful people, but it seems to attract the beautiful souls as well.
However high you live the life while you’re in town, don’t miss out on the smoky pubs for true Olde English atmosphere. London’s a melting pot of magical opportunities, with a fair few magical people in the mix. And after all, in how many cities can you really drink a pint in an ancient monastery?
By Becky Wicks
For some discounted fine dining deals try:
Sway, London - three course dinner set menu with a complimentary glass of soft drink. £9.99
Nahm, London - two course lunch menu £15 per person - exclusive offer
See more Mangez in May offers
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