UK GUIDE: LONDON
LONDON is set up like a compass and each area has its own little “vibe”. Most of us are very loyal to the area we live in and think it is the best area in London. Whilst I live in West London and think it is the best place to live, there are amazing places to go to everywhere else.
I have found places for you to visit in each area but please, if you have Spokin, search through on their restaurants and places in London on the Map feature - this is what I do every weekend! Plus, I am linking other guides below to help in your research - use this guide as a jumping off point and I will add to it throughout the years.
*If you are GLUTEN FREE scroll down to the end…
CHAIN RESTAURANTS I RECCOMMEND
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if you arent new here you know that this restaurant is one I have been promoting for years. The first time I ate here I was 17 ( i am now 32!)Throughout the years they have gotten better with their understanding for allergens Côte has a new allergy tablet, this details you the potential risk etc but the best feature is that under every dish, not only to they tell you the top 14 allergens but they detail every ingredient of the dish- down to the salt and pepper!
This is a fantastic feature, especially if you are like me and have a lot of allergens out of the top list! I can make sure there is no peas or chickpeas in every dish.
Côte is the one for allergies. Plus you can bring a cake if you are coming for an event -” Yes, you are very welcome to bring a cake to the restaurant for the celebration. Please let the restaurant know, you can find their details here.” That way you do not have to miss out.
I write to them when I book detailing my allergies and what I would like to eat. My server is always a manager if I do that and it eliminates me having to ask for a manger in the moment.
I go for date nights, breakfast, and all my events.
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This company goes above and beyond for educating their staff. They have brought in a really allergy reactor to share his thoughts on allergies in restaurants. The waiters are thoughtful and proactive. I love coming here, the prices are steep but if you are traveling or have a function/celebration this is your spot (or if you have money). From the starter, wine main this brings you everything. There are other locations too!
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Chipotle is free from all nuts, sesame, shellfish and egg.
If you want Fast and fresh food this is your place!
Yes there is a high risk of cross contamination with the other ingredients but you can watch watch they are doing, ask to change their gloves and also ask for a new fresh food that they cook in house.
Staff aren’t as educated as I would like but they have protocols and systems in place. The company takes allergies seriously!
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This restaurant has learned about allergy instances in the past and now champions us with Allergy advocates. The buns are sesame free (but may contain). I am able to eat a lot of the menu. If you are allergic to pea protein or lentils, please tell them to separate your pattys with the vegan ones.
It is a great evening out.
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I go here with my boyfriend. There are things on the menu that I can’t have but the staff is always very accommodating, they take my allergy card to the chef and they are always empathetic. We talk to the manager on duty every time. We go for the pizzas. In most restaurants they are doing such fancy pizzas with a lot of my allergens but wildwood knows, if it ain’t broke… I have the margarita pizza and it is incredible every time. I dream of the crust. We go back once a month and I love it.
AREAS TO GO
North London
Regent’s Park
Here you will find The London Zoo, Swans and Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Plus if you go further up to Primose Hill you can see a remarkable view of London (bring some tinnies).
CAMDEN
Home of a lot of famous artisitic, writers and musicians. Lots of markets, tattoo parlours, gothic wear and lots and lots of pubs by the water.
HAMSTEAD HEATH
Its on top of the world. This park feels more like a fairy tale - thats probably why C.S. Lewis wrote The Chronicles of Naria (which was inspired by this park). It is also a filming location for a lot of period movies plus they filmed a scene from Notting Hill there.
St. Johns Wood
Just up from Regent’s Park sits a lovely high street full of shops, pubs and cafes. Stop off at the Ivy if you are feeling fancy or if you are craving some American delicasies (allergen friendly) go to Panzer’s- get some fresh fruit while you are at it!
PLACES TO EAT/DRINK
All our food is gluten, nut and sesame-free, fresh, seasonal and made here with an attention to detail you perhaps wouldn't expect. We also have many dairy-free and vegan dishes so there really is something for everyone!
FRANCO MANCA PIZZERIA
“We take allergens — not ourselves — seriously.” Apparently this is the best pizza (said by the child I look after) - it does smell delish and I have heard amazing things. They also have an allergen emoji key on their menus!
East London
BRICK LANE
You want street art? GO HERE. You want vitage clothing? GO HERE. You want gorgeous bookshops? GO HERE!
It is also famous for bagels (Beigel Bake) and indian restaurants, but do your research based on your allergies.
SHOREDITCH
When you ask someone whats in shoreditch most people will say - BOXPARK- which is an outside area of food, music, and drinks. BUT there is so much around there - love going to Spitafields market and looking through the clothese (there is a strong smell of food so be careful if you are sensitive).
HACKNEY
This is hipster central and I love it. amazing green spaces, canal, street art and amazing craft beer!
BARBICAN
The Barbican is not only an incredible place to live and view but amongst these gorgeous set of flats is the Barbican centre - home to a cinema, theatre stages, bars and it is the grounds where I graduated from University… ps There is a Cote restaurant right next door!
PLACES TO EAT/DRINK
THE HOXTON GRILL
People in the allergy community love this place - A resturant attached to a great hotel chain, with places around the world. The booking portal also asks you for any dietary requirements before you reserve your table. From start to finish I felt safe, secure and I left full! Breakfast reasonable price but drinks were spenny! If you want a great breakfast this is the place to go!
CRATE BREWERY
Terrific Pizza, and craft beer. shared 2 pizzas (truffle & potato and Margherita) they were so good! I had a rhubarb cider. I have been here only once but the manager was terrific with my allergies. They can make a vegan option for 2 of the pizzas and there’s only walnuts and pine nuts on the menu.
DRAUGHTS
Drinks and games, what more could you want? “From avid gamers to nervous beginners, from first dates to lifelong friends & visiting families.” I love to spend a few hours here drinking and playing games. They do great cocktails (I don’t drink them) and I have had their chip & guac before and ordered seconds!
Central London
MARELYBONE
At the top of this lovely promenade sits Madam Tusseuds and at the bottom is Oxford Street. Gorgeous shops, pubs and food. You will fancy just by walking down here!
KENSINGTON GARDENS
Most people will tell you to go to Hyde Park, but just off it is Kensington Gardens - and yes the grass is greener on this side. It is home to wonderful monuments, statues, fountains, swans, ducks (and their poo). Walking through here you will think you left London!
FOYLES
An awards winning bookseller, this shop has 6 floors on every subject, auditorium, event space and a cafe! In the heart of Central London you can escape from the hustle and bustle for a few hours here.
RIVERBANK
Winter or summer this is a haunt for festivals or hot cider! Walk along the millenium bridge from St Pauls and discover what has popped up over night and then stroll down to the National theatre - ps. Don’t Swim in the Thames.
NATIONAL THEATRE
From new plays to musicals. You might find one of your TV/Film actors on stage here. You can find cheap plays and expensive ones. This theatre is one for everyone in your family. You can even book a guided backstage tour!
GLOBE THEATRE
No where else in London can you get tickets for £5 to see seasoned trained actors performing Shakespeare (yes you have to stand but it is well worth it). “one of the best ways to immerse yourself fully in the incredible range of culture and arts that exists in London.”
TOP SECRET COMEDY CLUB
“Comedy's worst kept secret” This comedy club has housed the top names in comedy sharing their new sets and the audience gets a cheap view and some pity laughs! It is a terrific way to see stand up comedy for a low price but great acts! AND you dont have to book, just get there early enough.
COVENT GARDEN
Perfect photo ops with amazing resturants a bars, plus in the square you will see performers and singers - hot tip - go up to the top of Punch & Judy bar and sit on the balcony (if theres space) and see the show!
ST PAULS
St Pauls cathedral is not only gorgeous on the outside but stunning on the inside. A crypt of ‘nation’s heroes’ and some to enjoy the view of London. Plus Lady Di got married there and Winston Churchill had his funeral there (not sure it was a choice for either of them, but it is a great fact).
PLACES TO EAT/DRINK
CHAIN RESTAURANTS
Central London is home to ALL of the chain restaurant I detailed earlier in the guide. There are those and MANY more. And a few shake shacks to add :)
South London
SW (SOUTH WEST) SE (SOUTH EAST)
BATTERSEA PARK
Stunning gardens, lakes and lots of areas for activites (including Go APE). You might see a famous person runnning or doing boxing there - keep your eyes peeled.
RICHMOND PARK (SW)
YES, your eyes are working, that is a deer you see in the park. Richmond Park is a National Nature Reserve. Be careful to know what gate you are going to as it is very big and you can end up on the other side of where you want. Also why not stop in to Richmond town and have a walk along the thames or a pint - in the summer there are a lot of ice cream vans along the way (but watch out for the tide coming in or you may need to camp out in the put or get very wet).
KEW GARDENS (SW)
Kew Gardens is the most beautiful walk you will ever do in my opinion. There are many attractions within the walled gardens such as Temperate House - a Victorian glasshouse and iron structure (largest in existence). I’d advise, if you are not a memeber, to book in advance.
GREENWICH (SE)
Maritime fanatcis will want to come here! Lots of museums such as Heritage site for Maritime Greenwich, MeridianLine and the Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark and the National Maritine Museum. Our home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Plus enjoy the views of London by going on the cable cars.
CLAPHAM
Want a night out in London? Go to Clapham - but remember there are around 4 stations called clapham and they are far from each other, so make sure if you are going somewhere make sure to check which one!
PLACES TO EAT/DRINK
Sophie’s Steakhouse
Whether I want a glass of Prosecco or a Chateu briand, Sophie’s is the place to go. From the service to the food to the vibe I love this place. They are very helpful, with clear protocols and the food is delicious. Sophie’s is a bit pricey but definitely somewhere to go for a classier London vibe. Plus Chelsea is a short walk to Battersea Park.
West London
PORTOBELLO ROAD
Weekends is when the full markets are. “Portobello Road Market is open daily (except Thursdays) from 8am to 7pm in spring and summer and 9am to 6pm in autumn and winter. On Thursdays, it opens for a half-day from 9am to 1pm. Portobello Road Market's main trading day is Saturday.” Saturdays start around 830-930 After 1130 it starts to get packed. Be careful as some stalls have open nuts!
HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE
This bridge is closed to motor traffic, which means it is quiet and safe. They closed it due to cracking infrastructure but safe for foot, cycle and and river traffic. Gorgeous photo opportunities.
HOLLAND PARK
Holland Park area is among the most expensive residential areas in London and the United Kingdom. But the actual park is stunning and it is in the middle of High Street Kensington and Notting Hill. The kyoto garden is a gorgeous with a koi carp, bridge, waterfall and Japanese maple trees. If you are lucky you might spot a Peacock in the trees.
PLACES TO EAT/DRINK
COTE EALING
This is my local and the staff/managers/chef are incredible. READ ABOUT COTE
PRODCUTS TO TRY (& WHERE TO BUY)
SHOPS I LOVE
EATALY
Want to be in Italy? me too. This is the best I’ve got. I first found Eataly in NYC and now it is in London (Liverpool Street). This shop offers artisan products at great prices. I get my truffle oil there but even if you don’t eat here it is a remarkable shop to see.
SELFRIDGES
Selfridges is a fantastic department store. From designers to toys to gifts to coffee. You can find everything in there, but I only go in for window shopping. Which reminds me - their window displays are incredible! Must see!
MARKS & SPENCER
When I need food on the go, I go to M&S. They have clothing which is quality, and school uniforms but the foodhall is out of this world. Their pre made food can help you make a dinner party for 6 or their sandwiches are perfect when you are starving. Gluten free and vegan options too.
PLACES TO AVOID
The places either rip you off, do not have good allergy awaress or have treated me and my allergies badly in the past. I would say give these ones a miss.
AUGUST STEAKHOUSE
CAFE ROUGE
BELLA ITALIA
PRET A MANGER
GAILS
PIZZA EXPRESS
Are you Gluten Free?
Gluten is not one of the foods I avoid, but I know it is for many of you. I am providing Morgans Website and guide for you as she is Coeliac and has provided a terrific tour of London avoiding gluten!
