Mamma mia, here we go again, I cannot resist… London!

Periodically, the coolest city in Europe, where a part of my heart wanders since my very first European solo trip, comes back to my mind and I miss everything about her.

Today, I mainly miss those places I had a happy hour before going to the theatre or after a day spent in old historical libraries.

So, let’s g back there together! Let me show you the best restaurants and pubs where I had the chance to enjoy a good meal with a varied choice of food and drinks and where I could feel comfortable and sometimes shocked by the peculiar design.

The Den

Let’s start with the very British style hall in St Martin’s Lane Hotel, The Den. Leather sofas, carpets and lighting will take you back to the 70ies, also together with the very iconic oak-panels that will embrace your afternoon tea with a great selection of cakes and focaccia. I was lucky enough to enjoy this place in summer, when the The Den terrace is the best place to be! They’ll let you try a selection of G&T inspired by the artworks that you’ll find inside.

Mint Leaf

If you are into London theatres, maybe you’ve bumped into Mint Leaf many times, since it’s located opposite Her Majesty’s Theatre.

From the utside it’s quite hard to have an idea of what the place is like insiede. A low-lit bar and restaurant, with wooden runaways, a wide and impressive selection of drinks to mix up for the very best cocktails and an alternation of dramatic dark wood hues and colorful small sofas.

The Indian cuisine and all the best possible contaminations make the difference; this place boasts top chefs together with an accurate selection of wines from all over the world.

The Culpeper

I love the Culpeper! A way in between a Budapest ruin pub and an elegant bistrot, dressed up with wooden chairs and old style sofas and desks with typewriters.

Modern lamps give a symmetrical sense of order and cleanness in a space populated by classic and classy objects with a vintage soul.

Good selection of food, good service and… they definitely know how to prepare a Gin Tonic.

You can also book a room here, and they have the same style as the pub.

St Luke’s Kitchen at Library

Do you know who is St Luke? He is the patron of artists and butchers.

Art and books will show their spirit and presence here, in this kitchen and library that look like a cozy private home.

You’ll find this place (if you carefully look for it) in the middle of Covent Garden.

Bronte

I was attracted by this place overlooking Trafalgar Square thinking it was named after my beloved Emily, but actually this Bronte was Lord Nelson aka the Duke of Bronte, once living here.

Well, this place was a nice design surprise, because of the bright colors, strong light and airy spaces. Also the terrace is great, even if I wasn’t lucky enough to experience it.

What I appreciated about the menu, is the fusion of very pop-brit food (fish and chips, burgers, eggs) with fusion ornaments and sides, such as chili miso relish, edamame, special kinds of rice.

Lupita central

Authentic mexican dishes and wide selection of Tequila, mezcal and Mexican beers in a modern and warm design.

Here you can (you definitely must) enjoy tacos and I have to say you’ll particularly enjoy it if you are not veg, since the top food is sea-fresh baja (white fish) or hunky pastor (spit-roast pork and bacon with pineapple).

Do you have any other hot spot to list with me, for happy hours fan, in London? Write in comments 😉