England is a country most often remembered for its Royal Family, abundance of castles, and its towns with names that are pronounced differently from the way its spelled. It is a place often known as a haven for all arts. Well… all arts except one. By all accounts, English food is at best beautiful when drunk, and at worst terrible when sober. Even so, there is one city that defies the English curse of bland cuisine: London.
London is home to as many types of cuisine as there are countries in the world. It prides itself on being incredibly global, incredibly vibrant, and incredibly picturesque. That’s why a significant part of its culinary reputation comes with the bonus of beautiful locales. This article will introduce you to some of London’s best and most attractive restaurants, and exactly why you should head over to take a pic for your latest upload.
THE IVY CHELSEA GARDEN
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The Ivy is on King’s Road, a cultural hotspot filled with museums, cafes, and beautiful gardens. Even so, it distinguishes itself from the other restaurants in the area because of the gorgeous plants adorning every surface. You’ll see its namesake ivy curled around the corners of the main dining area, and flowering plants not only on tables but also on every windowsill. Even so, the most photogenic area is Ivy’s garden terrace. Located in the back of the restaurant, you’ll find yourself surrounded by antique mirrors, gorgeous throws, and a stunning botanical garden that wouldn’t be out of place as its attraction.
SKETCH
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Stepping into Sketch without warning can often feel like stepping into a modern art gallery, one composed of four very different culinary sections. In the Gallery, you encounter a collection of over 200 pieces of artwork adorning the walls of what must be Barbie’s high-class tea room. The Lecture Room is elegant in orange, boasting a two Michelin star menu. The Parlour is more casual, with a floor to ceiling display of liquors behind its understated bar. Finally, the Glade is an Alice in Wonderland-esque trip, filled with lush trees on the walls and a pink piano that plays itself. Make sure you don’t miss the bathroom, where the toilets resemble nothing less than science fiction cryo pods.
MR. FOGG’S TAVERN
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You can’t talk about England without talking about pubs, and in London, if you want an incredible looking pub, you can head over to St. Martin’s Lane. The Tavern has two distinct halves. On the bottom floor, you go back in time to days gone by – the pub is fully wood-paneled and decked out enough to make you feel nostalgic for the Victorian era. Upstairs is a gin and cocktail lounge, although it can feel like stepping into somebody’s home. Guests sit on chaise lounges, and the furniture aesthetic is more old curiosity shop than the elegant dining area. Still, the vibe is most definitely unique, and the cocktails are divine.
SEXY FISH
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Don’t let the name put you off – this place is all about appealing to you with glitz and glamour. Everything about Sexy Fish is bold and demanding of your attention. From the bronze mermaids and gold on every conceivable surface to the giant shark statue they have just because there’s not a single part of this restaurant that wasn’t meant to be photographed. Be sure you don’t miss the fish tanks – not only are they gorgeous, but they also have the distinction of being two of the largest live coral reef tanks in the world.
THE PETERSHAM
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Last but not least, the Petersham. This lovely little greenhouse is bright and cheerful. Here, the plant life is celebrated at the well-lit outdoor tables, with flowers blooming every which way you look. The restaurant interiors are more understated, subtle, and elegant while still sharing the beauty of every season. Flowering plants adorn every table, perfect for getting you in the mood for the Petersham’s incredibly fresh and tasty Italian menu.
