The first time I stepped in to The Social I could not believe I hadn't had the pleasure of visiting previously... As more and more of my friends have come to realise I write articles about the hidden treasures of London I'm put under more and more pressure to pluck somewhere interesting out of thin air wherever I am in London. Most of the time I relish this and can expertly duck us in to a cool wine bar or backstreet restaurant but there are still a few areas of London where I am short of ideas!
Oxford Street, it has to be said is a one stop shopping heaven/nightmare. Whichever way you look at it your tired feet will at some point give up on you and you'll be craving a sanctuary... Established by Heavenly Records at the end of the 90s - The Social is it. With a colour scheme reminiscent of The Big Lebowski film set and a - just on the right side of kooky - cocktail list featuring some classics and new faves (but sadly no White Russian).
The wooden clad interior and fab brown leather booths take you a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street and you can even grab one of the gourmet Hot Dogs if you need to seriously refuel. Feel free to get carried away as most nights they open the basement club for nights including Hip Hop Karaoke!
Find your way with 242 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
KöD brings a Scandinavian touch to London’s steak scene. Tucked in a quiet courtyard near Liverpool Street, it serves tasty steaks with a Nordic charm.
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A hidden little café, Store Street Espresso serves standout hot coffee, pastries, and beans from top roasters. Take them outside to nearby green spaces!
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Grasso in Soho fuses Sicilian flavors with NYC diner vibes. Enjoy their unforgettable mozzarella sticks with nduja & honey, chicken parm, and lamb ragu.
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Sunny day in London? Brunch at Hampstead’s Ginger & White, stroll High St shops, grab ice cream, then relax on the Heath. Get ready for a perfect outing!
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"London Fields Lido" is for those rare days when it's actually hot and sunny. Beat the crowds, head over to this colourful pool and meet me there!
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Bun House in London may go viral for custard buns, but their chili green beans and prawn dumplings steal the show. Worth the queues!
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At Tokyo Diner, queues prove its charm: authentic Japanese flavors, standout Chicken Katsu Don, bilingual staff, and no tipping — truly unforgettable!
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Zephyr is a 10/10 dining gem with fresh seafood, flawless flavors, and an atmosphere that truly blows you away. Ready for the best tarama in the city?
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Wagtail by Monument offers rooftop dining with cocktails, excellent food and flexible seating. Come for the award-winning drinks, and friendly service.
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Hidden in a Notting Hill alley, this Korean gem serves killer kimchi pancakes, sizzling main dishes and good vibes worth every penny.
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Ta’mini brings Beirut flavors to Russell Square. They serve the best cheesy ka’ak, mana’ish, fresh juices and homemade ayran. A real treasure in London!
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242 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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