Christmas at the Ivy

The Xmas tree that welcomes patrons as they enter the Ivy restaurant, a favourite haunt of celebrities

Romantic restaurants in London

If you’ve booked a weekend away through The Co-operative Travel and are planning to whisk your other half off to London for a few days of romance, entertainment and indulgence, you’ll need to prepare a list of romantic restaurants so that you can wine and dine your better half at a moment’s notice.

Now, if there’s one thing that London has in abundance it’s restaurants, so rather than just picking the first place that you see, take a look at this list of loved-up eateries below and make sure you show your beloved how much you really care.

Petite budget

When it comes to planning the perfect romantic city break, UK cities have a lot to offer for even the smallest of budgets and none more so than London.

So if you’ve splashed out on fancy hotel, spent all your cash buying Beefeater-themed souvenirs or forked out a month’s wages for the very best tickets to your favourite show, fear not, London still has a romantic eatery for you.

If you’re already in the West End, the restaurants of China Town are atmospheric, authentic and affordable places to grab a bite. Try Leong’s Legends on Macclesfield Street or Bi Bim Bap on nearby Greek Street for some delicious Asian delights.

Healthy budget

If you’ve got a little more cash to splash, then London really is your oyster, and if it’s oysters that you want, head straight The Wright Brothers seafood restaurant on Lamb Street near Spitalfields.

There you and your date can enjoy some of the very best oysters, crab, lobster and scallops that London has to offer, all in the beautifully-designed and finished surroundings of this cosy East End eatery.

What’s a budget?

If money is no issue, then you, your taste buds and your beloved are all in for a real treat as London is home to some of the best restaurants anywhere in the world.

For romance, top picks include Berners Tavern on Berners Street, Claude’s Kitchen on Parson’s Green Lane, Club Gascon on West Smithfield and Galvin at Windows, the Michelin-starred restaurant on the 28^th floor of the Park Lane Hilton.

Whatever your budget and whatever your tastes, London is guaranteed to have a restaurant to suit, so why not take your other half on a culinary tour of London during your romantic weekend away?

Barbecued Chicken

If only I hadn't had the Indian around the corner, this smelled delicious.

A Guide to Shoreditch

 

Shoreditch, a diverse and historical part of London is popular with a range of people, from artists and musicians to city professionals. When looking at what Shoreditch has to offer, it comes as no surprise that this area of London is so popular. With a range of galleries, shops, bars and restaurants Shoreditch is a hub for culture and entertainment. 
  

In terms of property in the area, Shoreditch presents a fantastic mix of old and new. Providing the area with a bit of history, Petticoat Lane and Columbia Road offer more traditional period property. In contrast to this, there are many new developments that are providing Shoreditch with modern contemporary apartments to cater for the growing interest in the area. Such developments include London Square in Leonard Street and The Penthouses on Batemans Row. Shoreditch has something for all styles and tastes. With improved connections to the suburbs due to the newly opened east London Line, the area is set to continue to grow in popularity. 

 The area of Shoreditch has a fascinating history that dates back hundreds of years. During the industrial revolution of the 1800s, Shoreditch took part in changing the landscape of London and became the centre for the textile and furniture industries. Shoreditch also experienced the darker parts of London’s history and did not escape the devastation of WW2 with much of the area being destroyed during the Blitz.

During the 1980s, the image of Shoreditch was rebranded with many artists, musicians moving to the area to take advantage of the cheap studio space.

 In terms of eating and drinking in Shoreditch, you certainly won’t go hungry. With a vast array of restaurants, cafes and bars, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing somewhere to eat. The Hawksmoor, 157 Commercial Street is certainly a high contender. This award winning restaurant and bar is the place to go to for steak this side of the Atlantic.


   For the best Vietnamese food in the area, pay a visit to 134 Kingsland Road where you will find Song Que. Always packed out, it’s not hard to understand why with their excellent menu and fantastic value for money.

Shopping in Shoreditch is certainly a different experience to the mainstream shopping areas in London. With markets and plenty of independent stores, Shoreditch offers something quirky and different from the high street. When shopping in Shoreditch pay a visit to Broadway market, with over 100 stalls the market has something for everyone and with its competitive prices it is hard to beat.
 

 On Sundays make sure to call into Columbia Road (if you are up in time) and then the Old Truman Brewery.

  Famous for art and culture, visit one of Shoreditch’s galleries for art, furniture and gifts.  

For information on property in Shoreditch, visit Stirling Ackroyd.