When you move to any city, it can take some time to figure out what pocket you belong in. In NYC a more conservative following congregates on the Upper East Side. Where as the city’s trend driven hipsters, have found solace in the streets of the Lower East Side, Williamsburg and Fort Greene. In London, a city so vast each corner is becoming more and more defined by it’s inhabitants and it’s restaurants. Neighbourhood is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the site for your restaurant. Are the people of Notting Hill going to love your sushi and sake concept? Is another cocktail bar on Kingsland road a good idea? Does Soho want a new wine bar? Taking a look at the fabric of a neighbourhood can make or break your business.
Once you settle on your corner of the world that suits you, make sure you canvas it, so you know who your locals are, and who will become your regulars. It’s those repeat guests of the neighbourhood that are your bread and butter. They are the ones that pop by on a Monday evening holding your bar up, they know your team and are more like family. They will host milestone birthdays, special occasions and look to you for a pick me up on a bad day. And as we navigate a world of restaurants post-pandemic, connecting with your locals will be more important than ever.
Here are some of our favourite areas of The Big Smoke that have a cultivated community with their food and drink establishments, and we can’t wait to see them all up and running again.
Victoria Park / The Village
It’s a long running joke if you live in the village, you never leave. But why would you? With great pubs like The Empress and The Lauriston, a fab butcher by Ginger Pig and an awesome wine shop Bottle Apostle there is just no need to go anywhere else!
Bermondsey Street & Maltby Street
What was once a derelict area nobody really wanted to wander down, is now filled with some of London’s most beloved restaurants. Pop into Jose or his sister site Pizarro. Stop by Casse Croute or their other property, Pic Nique. Fancy a glass of wine? Head over to 40 Maltby Street, and try some of their small plates too! On the weekend you’ll find a market, with local goods - It is not to be missed.
Stroud Green
A great part of the city to take a stroll in, that is full of neighbourhood haunts has got to be Stroud Green. Grab a sandwich at Max’s Sandwich shop, Sunday lunch at The Old Dairy. Stop for a pint at The Faltering Fullback, one of the great pubs with the most amazing garden. And do not miss a pizza or pasta at Pizzeria Pappagone’s, a family run Italian haunt that transports you right to Naples.
