Work takes us a lot of places. London happens to be one of them. The glamorous perception that the outside world, or non-travelers, have of work travel escalates when you talk about places like London - the culture, the atmosphere, the culinary scene - make it extremely alluring. Reality is you have the same hotel breakfast, conference rooms and office buildings for the majority of the trip.
Luckily, every once and a while some time opens up to explore the city, and for us that means checking out the best food and drink the city has to offer. Within the 6-7 trips to London this year visits have been paid to old favorites and what will now become new go-to restaurants and bars.
Highlights
Kiln: Have been itching to get to Kiln for years and finally made the trip. Definitely did not disappoint. Great meal from start to finish, incredible view sitting at the counter watching the chefs work their magic on the Thai grill, seafood and clay pot dishes they were constantly slinging. The skewers were all excellent as was the glass noodle and brown crab with pork belly. Order and beer and get ready to order another round of food because why not - it’s that good.
Tayēr + Elementary: Bar in the front with unique cocktails (new addition to world’s best bars list), small chefs counter, large extremely modern and sterile bar with fantastic food and excellent / inventive cocktails. Loud, euro-trap, drill and other hip hop bumps as you sample drinks and bites until you’ve tried nearly the whole menu…
Lyaness: The new concept from the Dandylan crew focuses on 7 key ingredients (each unique in their own way - think purple pineapple), crafts cocktails around each and still carry through on their attention to detail you would expect from the crew behind the world’s former #1 bar. However, it has been hard to find cocktails that compare to the classics from the prior concept or the reserve cocktail list like the Koji Hardshake or stranger things old fashioned. Still a world’s top bar, but perhaps we’ve gotten nostalgic already that Dandylan has gone away. Many thanks to the lovely staff for a great nightcap of a mini-martini made with Tanqueray from the 70’s. Cheers gents.
Kwānt: Newly opened and already a favorite. Head bartender behind the world-renowned American Bar @ the Savoy Hotel delivers on all fronts. Great vibe, interesting cocktails, incredible service. Almost didn’t put this on the list because I still want to be able to walk in and sit at the bar without a reservations (not that we’re driving loads of traffic to any place…but still). Great solo or in groups.
Bao (Borough Market): Will always find an excuse to go to Bao, and it has become even easier with the new location in Borough market. Expanded menu from the SoHo location but the bao are as good as ever. Expanded to a few new dishes like the 40 day dry-aged beef bowl and the Thai fried chicken (both great) but if you’re going to Bao, get as much Bao as you can.
Din Tai Fung: Milwaukee isn’t known for incredible diversity in cuisines (it is getting better!). Xiao Long Bao and dumplings do not disappoint here and the authenticity / hand-made nature definitely comes through. Could be seen as a bit over-priced but hey, when you don’t get it frequently pay a little more and enjoy it.
Oriole: Still a favorite bar to date. Yes it is on the world’s 50 best list and has received many accolades but it is an extremely friendly atmosphere with fantastic creativity in everything from the menu being exploration themed to cocktails being served with a twist (Mezcal drink was served with the middle of the large ice cube bored out, filled with a chili mixture and served right-side up in the glass so as it melted the chili would slowly blend into the rest of the cocktail). Definitely go if you get the chance. Bit of an odd location in a market that is closed at night, but look for the oriole sign above the only set of doors that look like something exists there.
Hakkasan Yauatcha: New hotspot for high-end contemporary Chinese. Unsure how to feel about it. Food was good. Bit of an odd atmosphere. Might be a bit overpriced for what you get. Not a bad experience, just doesn’t stand out compared to the others on this list.