2ndcupoftea

‘When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life’… Such runs the oft quoted Samuel Johnson line. Much quoted, in this case, because it is surely true. What a wonderful city London is. There is more to do and see and experience here than any other city I know. I’ve been a little slack in terms of adding things to 2nd Cup of Tea for my own city, but here are a few tips and as usual, watch this space for further additions…

Eating

Retreat Cafe, First Floor @ The Power Yoga Company, The Glasshouse, 11-12 Lettice Street, London, SW6 4EH This place looks like New York, feels like Melbourne and tastes like healthy heaven.

Great Vegetarian Food in Fulham

Australian owner Kim has had the wonderful idea of providing delicious healthy food, just as you pop out of your yoga session – or just for passers by on the look out for great food. This is vegetarian food at its innovative best. Having recently joined their ranks, it’s delightful to discover just how good it can be. Have a look at her website – my travelling kitchen – as she also organises retreats and providers private catering.

Pubs

The Mug House, 1-3 Tooley Street, London SE1 2PF – Tucked away under London Bridge, this place has changed hands a few times, but retained it’s traditional character superbly. Pints are still served in old fashioned tin tankards and the new menu is, if not cheap, then certainly very good.

Old London Pub, The Mug House, London Bridge

This is a great place to escape tourist crowds and feel as though you’re drinking where Londoners have done so for centuries. The Mug House website is here – for on-line dinner reservations.

Restaurants

Baozi Inn, 25 Newport Court, London WC2H 7JS, Chinatown. I really enjoy showing my groups London’s Chinatown and encouraging them to sample some authentic ‘London Chinese’. I’ve been coming to this part of London since I was 16 and tried most restaurants by now I think. My favourite – and most authentic? – to my mind, is Baozi Inn. Tucked away at the entrance, it’s menu, presented under pictures of Chairman Mao, has all sorts of weird and wonderful dishes, most of which I have no clue what are, but all of which are delicious. Tel 020 7287 6877