The magic of Fallow begins with what most kitchens throw away. In the skilled hands of chefs Jack Croft and Will Murray, both formerly of Dinner by Heston, sustainability is more than a buzzword; it’s a genuine mindset that blends conscientious cooking with lip-smacking flavours. Take the smoked cod’s head with sriracha butter, a dish that transforms the often-discarded parts into a taste revelation or the deceptively simple Chelsea tart which uses whey—an often-overlooked byproduct of cheese-making. A meal here means not only do you eat well but you also do well, as you support a more sustainable future in dining.

Fallow, 2 St James’s Market, St James’s, London, SW1Y 4RP, UK

In the grandeur of The Langham’s Palm Court, afternoon tea is an act of revelry whereby traditionalism marries innovation with glee. The experience starts with an ensemble of finger sandwiches featuring Scottish smoked salmon with dill in tomato bread, and coronation chicken in garam masala bread, among others. Then, freshly baked classic and raisin scones are served with dollops of raspberry jam and clotted cream, followed by a Ploughman’s cheese scone with Westcombe cheddar offset by a tangy tomato chutney.

Next, the sweets—inspired by the nation’s favourites—are reimagined with a playful wink and are as inventive as they are indulgent. A custard cream takes on the form of a caramelised white chocolate shell filled with Madagascan vanilla cream and crunch; bread and butter pudding is transformed into a caramelised brioche with vanilla and apricot; and a 99 Flake becomes strawberry ice cream in a cone with cream. At Palm Court, afternoon tea makes your palate the privileged audience.

Palm Court at The Langham, 1C Portland Place, London W1B 1JA, UK

Kol’s culinary narrative begins in the heart of Mexico but unfolds on the fertile canvas of British soil. Under the mastery of Santiago Lastra, who cut his teeth in the kitchens of Noma and Mugaritz, a vibrant fusion of these two diverse landscapes comes to life in a captivating tableau of taste, texture, and colour.

Highlights from the menu include the signature langoustine taco which makes use of the Scottish variety and comes with homemade Mexican tortillas, and the deeply flavourful woodruff custard with Morita chilli, pink fir potato and caviar. Booking a dinner table at Kol may not be the easiest task, with lunch more readily available than the evening slot, but much like a well-simmered sauce: good things definitely come to those who wait. 

Kol Restaurant, 9 Seymour Street, Marylebone, London, W1H 7BA, UK

Monmouth Coffee has been transforming single-origin beans for over four decades and is considered one of the best coffee roasters in London. Here, coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up. Each sip of their meticulously brewed concoctions speaks volumes about its origin, revealing nuances of flavour as complex as the lands they come from. To complement the coffee, there are flaky, buttery croissants and some of the best canelé we’ve ever had.

Monmouth Coffee Company, 2 Park Street, The Borough, London, SE1 9AB, UK

A visit to Seven Dials Market is a riot of colours, sounds, and aromas. This food lover’s paradise, nestled in the heart of London’s Covent Garden, is a melting pot of culinary delights where the likes of Uzbeki hand-pulled noodles, Latino fried chicken, Malaysian baked goods, and the world’s first cheese conveyor belt can be found. With a wide variety of food stalls, it’s best to come with an empty stomach and a heart full of culinary curiosity to try as much as you can at Seven Dials.

Seven Dials Market, 35 Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9LD, UK

At Holborn Dining Room, pies ascend from humble comfort food to the star of the show. The Pie Room is dedicated to this and offers a trove of savoury delicacies handmade by head pie-maker Nokx Majozi and the talented pastry team. Whether it’s the chicken, chestnut mushroom, leek fondue and tarragon pie or the hand-raised pork pie with pork shoulder, smoked bacon, fennel seed and sage, each variant is an ode to British culinary tradition. The Pie Hole, which opens three days a week from Tuesday to Thursday; 11am to 3pm, offers  Londoners the opportunity to order or collect pies directly from the street-side hatch and pies can be pre-ordered online. 

Holborn Dining Room, Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7EN, UK

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