The dynamic capital has endless Insta-worthy and intimate spots, but let me give you some food for thought #foodporn. Do you need to completely rearrange the plates for the best light before anyone gets to tuck in? From sprawling orange trees in Sushi Samba to intimate igloos at the Coppa Club, these top 12 city bites will give you the best date night and deserve a prime spot on your Instagram feed.
Here are
Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden
Fairy-lights, flowers and a fireplace make up the ingredients of an ideal date night but add in the fact you’re dining under a canopy of white blossoms and the romance factor just went through the roof. Romantic settings don’t get more splendidly over-the-top than this, so head there early evening to snap that crucial shot which is guaranteed to bring in those coveted Insta likes.
Sushi Samba, Covent Garden
Set on the famed Opera Terrace atop the historic market building, expect rainbow-coloured plates of sushi, Peruvian sides and a marble spiral staircase thrown in for good measure. If you’re living that pay cheque to pay cheque life, then I recommend pulling up a velvet seat at the sexy cocktail bar and sampling one of their concoctions under a living ceiling of lush South American and Japanese plants.
Sushi Samba, Heron Tower
Occupying the 38th and 39th floors of the Heron Tower, the sky-high favourite serves up a spectacular view of London’s glimmering skyscrapers and famous landmarks, with some Brazilian and Japanese on the side. iPhone at the ready (looking suave of course), capture a shot of the circular bar that snakes around the all-important tree sculpture with glowing orange leaves.
The Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury
The unique thing with this
Sky Garden, The City
Sky Garden is a quintessential favourite when it comes to swooning over a spectacular view over London’s financial district. Perch on a rail amidst the landscaped gardens filled with South African and Mediterranean plants before ordering an expensive cocktail and feeling like a celeb!
The Landmark London, Marylebone
Fancy a full English or a pan-seared fillet? Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner beneath an eight-storey glass roof atrium, set amongst palm trees and marble furnishings.
Ting at the Shard, London Bridge
So a trip to the Shard is all about taking in the sensational view right? Throw in some British Asian fusion dishes and you’ve arrived at Ting, the Shard’s highest restaurant on Level 35. Revel in the opportunity to create the ultimate flat lay of scallops with edible plants and an unparalleled view of London in the background or perhaps boomerang their signature afternoon tea.
Annabel’s, Mayfair
Anyone who’s anyone in the Instagram world knows that this iconic members’ club in Berkeley Square is THE Insta shot in Mayfair. Founded in 1963, Annabel’s has been the regal hangout place for stars, including Frank Sinatra, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Elizabeth Taylor and Leonardo DiCaprio. With killer octopus rice on offer, try to score yourself an invite by innocently befriending a member, and if that fails, just take the obligatory selfie in front of the lavish exterior.
Coppa Club, Tower Bridge
Open-air enchantment will be the backdrop to your Instagram photos when you wine, dine and hang out at the Coppa Club. Part of an outdoor terrace, this dreamy venue is
Wild Food Cafe, Neal’s Yard
Farmacy (as in health from the farm, get it?) is free from most things – dairy, refined sugars, meat, additives and chemical nasties – though happily, not taste. Priding themselves on growing their ingredients on a biodynamic farm located in Kent, as well as sourcing from local producers, Farmacy is on mission to create innovative raw, organic and sustainable food for the new generation of movers and shakers. They have pioneered a sanctuary of delicious plates and holistic well-being. A good vegan dessert is harder to come by than the 216 bus, but with the Raw Chocolate Tart lovingly crafted from algaroba, avocado & chocolate cacao powder, dates & coconut raw base, you won’t need a pricet ticket to Bali for va-voom Insta shoots. All-in-all, it’s a crowd-pleasingly delicious spot – go with a group and make sure to invite that one picky.
Fortnum & Mason at the Royal Exchange, The City
So let’s get things clear, this is all about the Fortnum’s atrium shot. Don’t leave it too late in the day
Park Chinois, Mayfair
If you fancy a spot of time travel, step through the doors of Park Chinois. Still London’s most theatrical Chinese restaurant, the atmosphere is a wonderful embodiment of a glamorous 1930s Shanghai speakeasy, replete with red velvet bar stools, bartenders in crisp white jackets and a jazz quartet – all very romantic. You can go one of two ways: to the glittering Salon de Chine, where live entertainment accompanies the fine dining; or down to Club Chinois, with its plush-yet-cosy cocktail bar and cabaret acts.
