5 Restaurants To Base Your Weekend Plans Around This Spring If you’re a foodie it’s likely that your weekend plans are often based around new and enticing dining experiences you want to try. With that in mind, we’ve pulled together a list of 5 must-visit London restaurants on our hit list, as well as recommendations of other things to do whilst you’re in the area, so you can really make a weekend of it. CRISPIN, EAST LONDON Crispin is nestled in Spitalfields, East London, and is a local’s favourite for a good reason. Cafe by day, serving brunch and unrivalled coffee, and wine bar and restaurant by night, it’s the perfect spot to plan your weekend. Head chef Lewis de Haas, who led Petersham Nurseries and The Shed previously, bases his offerings on a European menu with a twist, turning to independent growers and local ingredients to create them. As for wine, expect natural varieties to compliment every palette. CRISPIN, EAST LONDON Crispin is nestled in Spitalfields, East London, and is a local’s favourite for a good reason. Cafe by day, serving brunch and unrivalled coffee, and wine bar and restaurant by night, it’s the perfect spot to plan your weekend. Head chef Lewis de Haas, who led Petersham Nurseries and The Shed previously, bases his offerings on a European menu with a twist, turning to independent growers and local ingredients to create them. As for wine, expect natural varieties to compliment every palette. Whilst you’re there… Explore Spitalfields Market, soak up the energy on Brick Lane and savour a bagel at the infamous Beigel Bake. If you’re looking to rack up your step count mre and the weather is on your side, wander to Victoria Park – one of the most-loved parks in the city. PECKHAM CELLARS, SOUTH EAST LONDON The goal here is simple; to remind us that wine isn’t and doesn’t have to be pretentious. As soon as you step into Peckham Cellars, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and it’s a must-visit if you’re spending a weekend exploring South East London. With reasonably priced, flavour-filled dishes and a thoughtfully selected wine collection, it’s an excellent stop for lunch or dinner. There’s casual counter dining as well as tables and there’s an inviting, neighbourhood feel that we can’t get enough of. PECKHAM CELLARS, SOUTH EAST LONDON The goal here is simple; to remind us that wine isn’t and doesn’t have to be pretentious. As soon as you step into Peckham Cellars, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and it’s a must-visit if you’re spending a weekend exploring South East London. With reasonably priced, flavour-filled dishes and a thoughtfully selected wine collection, it’s an excellent stop for lunch or dinner. There’s casual counter dining as well as tables and there’s an inviting, neighbourhood feel that we can’t get enough of. Whilst you’re there… Add The Prince Of Peckham to your list if you’re seeking a pub, where there’s unique Caribbean-British fusion food and live music. We’d also recommend heading up to Frank’s Cafe during summer months, a rooftop bar where you can also find a variety of live music and events as part of Bold Tendencies; a not-for-profit organisation supporting artists of all varieties. LEGARE, TOWER BRIDGE A Bermondsey neighbourhood hotspot, the menu rotates around seasonal antipasti and pasta made by hand with consideration and flare. The interiors are minimal and chic – think whitewashed walls and concrete floors – which allows you to focus on the open kitchen, ever-changing menu and its offerings. The wine list is sourced from an edit of Italian producers, offering a flavour to pair with every dish. LEGARE, TOWER BRIDGE A Bermondsey neighbourhood hotspot, the menu rotates around seasonal antipasti and pasta made by hand with consideration and flare. The interiors are minimal and chic – think whitewashed walls and concrete floors – which allows you to focus on the open kitchen, ever-changing menu and its offerings. The wine list is sourced from an edit of Italian producers, offering a flavour to pair with every dish. Whilst you’re there… Kick off your weekend by exploring Borough Market and enjoy the bustle, day or night, or venture to Maltby Street Market, another local’s favourite. For coffee, there’s Fuckoffee or Hej Coffee, who know how to brew the best cups in the area. If you feel like stopping off for a drink, try The Wolfpack or for a more elevated offering, book yourself in at Bermondsey Arts Cocktail Club, which also brings us live jazz. KILN, CENTRAL LONDON A beloved restaurant in central London, this spot always makes it onto hit lists when it comes to dining, so we’d recommend booking in advance. However, there are still walk-ins available at the counter; arguably, that’s where the action is. The Thai-inspired menu often rotates, using locally sourced, quality ingredients. Expect spicy selections and flavours with a kick – the signature clay pot baked glass noodles are a must-try. KILN, CENTRAL LONDON A beloved restaurant in central London, this spot always makes it onto hit lists when it comes to dining, so we’d recommend booking in advance. However, there are still walk-ins available at the counter; arguably, that’s where the action is. The Thai-inspired menu often rotates, using locally sourced, quality ingredients. Expect spicy selections and flavours with a kick – the signature clay pot baked glass noodles are a must-try. Whilst you’re there… There are endless possibilities in central London, meaning you can easily be spontaneous without planning. However if you want some loose ideas for Soho, start your day at the Photographer’s Gallery; a six-story space championing photography and all it does to move and entertain us and explore Carnaby Street for shopping. If you’re full of energy, extend your plans until after dark, when Soho really comes to life. 12:51, NORTH LONDON 12:51 is brought to us by James Cochran; winner of ‘Great British Menu.’ Situated on Upper Street with minimal, quirky interiors it’s a restaurant that’ll be the highlight of your weekend. With a curated playlist of funk, soul, hip hop and rock & roll tunes that transition the venue smoothly from day to night, enjoy a five course tasting menu tailored for lunch or dinner, as well Sunday roasts. 12:51, NORTH LONDON 12:51 is brought to us by James Cochran; winner of ‘Great British Menu.’ Situated on Upper Street with minimal, quirky interiors it’s a restaurant that’ll be the highlight of your weekend. With a curated playlist of funk, soul, hip hop and rock & roll tunes that transition the venue smoothly from day to night, enjoy a five course tasting menu tailored for lunch or dinner, as well Sunday roasts. Whilst you’re there… Check out some of London’s fringe theatres including The Almeida, Pleasance Theatre, and King’s Head Theatre Pub. At world-famous Sadler’s Wells, watch anything from ballet to flamenco, or if you’re planning a weekend with little ones in tow, a puppet show at the Little Angel Theatre will transport you to another world. MORE LIKE THIS Arts & Culture 12 Must-Visit Wine Bars To Discover In London With many pubs and bars to choose from in London, we are often spoilt for choice. Whether you’re planning ...read more Travel 6 Hotel Openings of 2021 To Inspire Your Next Trip With hopes of a more optimistic future, we’ve rounded up this year’s most highly anticipated hotel openings. read more Arts & Culture 9 Must-Know Vegan And Vegetarian Restaurants In London It could be argued that the capital’s most pioneering cooking is now produced by the plant-based crowd, who run ...read more