Walking into The Bridge sets you back a century perhaps, but nothing gets you ready for the time warp you will encounter upon entering the second floor. It’s as if you’ve walked into an 18th century boudoir.

Navigating around mismatched and opulent sofas, throne-like armchairs and purposeful dim lighting, The Bridge makes a perfect setting for some dirty gossiping over a glass of wine or some clean fun, proved by a becoming cosy literary platform for my last bookclub meeting.

Although the food is minimal there are plenty of sweet snacks to cast your eyes upon.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
The Bridge | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks | Bottle of wine £ 19
15 Kingsland Rd, E8 4 | East
Mon – Wed 12:00 – 01:00, Thu – Sat 12:00 – 02:00, Sun 12:00 – 00:00

Mien Tay is my favorite of numerous Vietnamese restaurants on what only could be called the ‘Nam Strip. Okay, it’s not actually called that (by anyone I know) but the essence is there – it’s a small patch of Hanoi in London. Situated on Kingsland Road above Shoreditch, the few-hundred metre stretch has given birth to a multitude of fantastic and often cheap Vietnamese restaurants and cafes.

Mien Tay is minimally decorated and there isn’t any pretentious air about the place. But the constant buzz of waiters rushing past with steaming dishes, weaving through the closely-spaced tables is an inviting site. The food is cheap and you can bring your own alcohol. There isn’t even a corking charge!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Mien Tay | Restaurants (Vietnamese) | Noodle bowl £ 5.45
122 Kingsland Road, E2 8DP | East | +442077293074
Mon – Thu 12:00 – 15:00 & 17:00 – 23:00, Fri – Sat 12:00 – 15:00 & 17:00 – 23:30, Sun 12:00 – 23:00

The Tricycle has been running since 1980 and despite being in the northwest, far from the glamorous West End theatre hub, it has become one of London’s most adored and respected theatres. Eleven years ago a one-screen cinema was added on and in 2001 the Creative Space was built for educational workshops.

The theatre’s directors try to present work which reflects the cultural diversity of its neighborhood Kilburn, a heavily immigrant area and has put on plays by Irish, African-Caribbean and Asian writers.

The cinema kiosk serves ice cream and candy and it has a bar/café which has a simple menu of pasta, sandwiches and jacket potatoes. There is a separate eating area which doubles as an exhibition space. On Mondays cinema tickets are only £6.50.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
The Tricycle | Art & culture, Bars, Cinemas, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Theaters
269 Kilburn High Road | North-West | +442073281000
Box office Mon – Sat 10:00 – 21:00, Sun 14:00 – 21:00 | Café & bar Mon – Sun 12:00 – 23:00 (12:00 – 20:00 for food)

If you are looking for something vegetarian or vegan or simply good food, Vita-organic is the place to go. It is a treasure amongst the overwhelming plethora of choice in Soho. It’s often easy to get drawn into a familiar chain or think you’ve spotted an appetising cheap eat only to find the food lacks taste and the service is non-existent. Everything in Vita-Organic is, as you would imagine, organic and you can really taste it.

Food is ordered at the counter, but you don’t specify what you want, but rather how much. Portions come in scoops. You can order anywhere between 1 and 6 scoops on a plate and I would recommend three scoops for a filling meal. Even though it’s vegetarian, it’s very filling as many of the dishes use alternatives, such as coconut milk in place of cream. And during lunch time there is a great buffet.

Vita Organic opens its doors to allergy sufferers; many dishes are dairy or wheat free. Making the decision of which dishes make the cut on your plate can be difficult – the spread of food is vast, including stews, bakes, curries, stir-frys and salads. Save room for a fresh juice – the list is impressive.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Vita Organic | Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Vegan) | First scoop £ 3.80
74 Wardour Street | Central | +442077348986
Mon – Sat 12:00 – 22:00, Sun 12:00 – 21:00

Vijay has been serving up cheap delicious South Indian food since 1964. The modest décor – walls adorned with small wooden lacquered panels painted with images of Ganesh and other Hindu gods – isn’t why you come here. Rather, this Kilburn staple is known for consistent and quality made-to-order food.

Ample seating and plenty of staff on hand help keep the regulars coming back. The friendly boss is always swanning about, happy to have a chat. If in the area at lunch time and feel your tummy rumbling, pop in for the buffet. While most buffets follow the ‘quantity over quality’ mantra, Vijay serves up a tasty veritable feast for only £5.99.

South Indian food tends to have more dry dishes than North Indian cooking and this can be seen in the green banana and coconut dish, not often found on Indian restaurant menus. Make sure to also try the sweet coconut peshwari naan.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Vijay | Restaurants (Indian) | Lunch buffet £ 5.99
49 Willesden Lane | North-West | +442073281087
12:00 – 14:45 & 18:00 – 22:45 daily

After a trip to Tayyabs, it’s easy to see why the wall is plastered with framed awards and rave reviews. Most Londoners know the best curries are not found on self-proclaimed curry capital Brick Lane, and those in the know believe Tayyabs, within walking distance, is one of the best.

The no frills Pakistani restaurant is always bustling with an English and international crowd, truly reflecting the rich multicultural makeup of London. Tables are set close together to accommodate the steady flow of people and waiters seamlessly weave between them, providing efficient and fast service.

The food is less heavy than most ghee-filled Indian or Pakistani dishes and the delicately flavoured lentil and baby aubergine curry (dhal baingun) is a must. The fresh mango lassis come by the glass or in jugs to share and are a delicious accompaniment to the meal. Powerfully spiced sizzling grilled meats are a specialty. Although they don’t serve alcohol, you are free to bring your own. There is no corking charge.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Tayyabs | Restaurants (Pakistani/Indian) | Dhal Baingun £ 5.00
83 Fieldgate Street | East | +442072479543
12:00 – 00:00 daily

Traditionally dim sum is never served past 15:00, so for anyone who has craved the Chinese delicacy at night, look no further.

The main difference between Ping Pong and most dim sum restaurants is that there is plenty of options for vegetarians. An assortment of baked, steamed and fried puffs, rolls, buns and dumplings arrive at your table as they are ready in circular bamboo vessels, stacked on top of one another.

Drinks wise, the non-alcoholic coolers are rejuvenating, particularly refreshing is the pineapple juice, coconut puree and fresh lime combo.

A wooden lattice theme runs throughout the restaurant with a brown and beige décor. Upstairs, hanging orange cylindrical lanterns engraved with Chinese characters create a warm soft glow. While there are some private tables, much of the restaurant operates in a shared table policy, creating hubs of bustle, chat and consumption.

Through the giant glass walls you can watch theatre goers, tourists and commuters rushing to catch their trains at Waterloo.

While you can find other Ping Pong branches dotted around London, this location is perfect for a post-dinner wander along the south bank, my favourite part of London.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Ping Pong | Restaurants (Dim sum) | Spinach & beef dumplings £ 3.39
Festival Terrace Belvedere Road | Central | +442079604160
Mon – Sat 12:00 – 00:00, Sun 12:00 – 23:00

My friends and I affectionately call this our local, because while it isn’t around the corner from us, it’s certainly one of the nicest pubs in our area. Inside, a collection of wooden tables and and cushioned chairs are lit by mismatched chandeliers. Palm trees covered in fairy lights and massive mirrors in elaborate frames add to the red burgundy decor.

Traditional tasty pub food is served at reasonable prices and a carnival-like old fashioned popcorn machine provides a steady flow of free popcorn, placed strategically around the circular bar in large bowls for anyone to take.

My favourite part is the beer garden at the back. Half the space is covered and there is plenty of seating. The covered area has three sets of large semi-circular tables with booth-like seating. Sitting outside in winter is fine too as there is a very efficient heating lamp system.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
The Regent | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Pub) | Glass of wine £ 3.25
5 Regent Street | North-West | +442089692184
Mon – Thu 12:00 – 23:00, Fri – Sat 12:00 – 01:00, Sun 12:00 – 10:30

‘Pan Asian’ cuisine has come to be the norm in London, with chains like Wagamama, Tampopo and various spin offs the somewhat recent craze has created. While Busaba Eathai calls itself Thai, the menu begs to differ, with items like ‘Chinese broccoli with garlic and shiitake mushrooms’ it definitely spans further than Thailand on the culinary map. Jasmine smoothies and asparagus fried rice are a couple of the unique combinations you can find at this buzzing Soho eatery.

The stylish low-lit restaurant has large square wooden tables that fit 8 people, operating in a shared table policy. The service is quick. If you are alone or with a friend and want a great view people watching, take a seat in the front and watch Soho’s rich demographic walk by.

Located in the centre of Soho on Wardour street, Busaba Eathai celebrates its 12th anniversary this year. Its overwhelming success has also spurred two fellow central locations off Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Busaba Eathai | Restaurants (Pan-Asian) | Pad Thai £ 7.20
106-110 Wardour Street | Central | +448712238021
Mon – Thu 12:00 – 23:00, Fri – Sat 12:00 – 23:30, Sun 12:00 – 22:00

This laid back cafe serves a varied selection of vegetarian and vegan food. The savory selection ranges from sandwiches, soups and deli items such as homemade hummus and pates.

There are also delicious hot mains like vegan lasagna, roast Mediterranean bake and spinach, tofu and spelt tartlet all served with your choice of three hot or cold sides such as edible flower salad, red cabbage or broccoli and kale.

The food is very tasty and filling, yet at the same time super healthy, and it’s no surprise that many of the dishes include super foods like goji berries and guarana.

A selection of fresh juices from the smoothie bar gets you salivating while the desert counter boasts vegan cashew-based homemade vegan ice cream with fruit, muffins, flapjacks, cupcakes and truffles.

In the evening, classic cocktails, wine, beer and cider is served and the location is lovely. The bright and airy space in the heart of Camden, with nearly half its walls in the form of large windows, has a gorgeous view, overlooking the canal. Watch out for live music and DJs in the evenings as well.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
inSpiral Cafe, Bar & Lounge | Bars, Music, Relaxing, Snacks, Restaurants (Veg) | Meal £ 7.45
250 Camden High Street | North-West | +442074196798
Mon – Thu 10:00 – 22:00, Fri – Sat 10:00 – 02:00, Sun 10:00 – 23:30