London Solo + Sustainable Dining

Regional Dining Discussions U.K., Ireland
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Hey folks, this forum has been amazing in other cities, so I’m trying again with London, a city that I do not know well at all. :slight_smile:

I’ll be in London in early April, staying in Faringdon/Clerkenwell. I’m looking for a more casual neighborhood or industrial vibe atmosphere (i.e. smaller spaces, no white table cloths), ingredient forward/seasonal restaurants, with a plus for prioritizing sustainability and unique wines by the glass or exciting wine pairings.

Here’s I’m considering so far:

  • Brat
  • Brawn
  • Carousel (guest chef, still TBD)
  • The Water House Project
  • Bibi (over my normal price range and I realize it’s an outlier flavor-wise on this list, but it looks so good I would consider making the splurge if it’s worth it)

Any thoughts on these? Is there anywhere else I should aim for?

My budget range is up to around £150, though I’m open to pushing that one night for an experience I can’t get anywhere else.

Thanks!

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We love The Barbary, Barrafina and Koya. We always go to those three places on our trips to London. Enjoyed Hoppers although long wait time.

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Brat is outstanding.

I liked Bibi, but I liked Gymkhana more.

The recommendation of The Barbary is a good one. I loved that last time I tried it.

We did Bubala in Soho on one trip, and I really enjoyed that.

If you are down to travel a bit, you should hit up Mambow. It is in Hackney, but it is outstanding. See if the Mamapen pop up is still in the 13 Cantons. It is the only Cambodian restaurant in London (and was really, really good).

I am heading back over to London for work the first two weeks of April. Right now, on the list are:

Akoko, Restaurant St. Barth’s, and the OG St. John’s. Most likely going to try and get to OMA and Chet’s if possible. Still putting together the list of places I want to try this year (I go 4-5 times a year).

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Asma Khan (of Darjeeling Express)’s Biryani supper club on April 6 still has spaces open, they’re usually sold out.

Look at Trishna or Kanishka vs Bibi. Dishoom on the more casual end for Indian.

Look forward to your trip report!

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Also all three places I mentioned have mainly counter seating so good for a solo diner. Out last trip we were able to reserve at Barbary at Neal’s Yard and the Barrafina on Drury Lane. Koya is in soho but we usually do lunch there. Eaten at Dishoom over the years but lines were too long at convent garden spot and they didn’t take reservations after 5:30 (or some very early hour).

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Thanks! I did Dishoom King’s Cross a few years ago. Very much enjoyed it, but it’s way too much food for a solo traveler with no fridge for leftovers. :joy: That’s why I appreciate an Indian tasting menu—it gives me a chance to explore the menu without overdoing it or wasting food.

Your others also look wonderful and are all going on my list.

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I’ll miss the Supper Club by one week. :smiling_face_with_tear: Thanks for the rec though! That sounds great.

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Thank you! Saw your recs on my Paris thread too. These are all wonderful!

I’m leaning toward Brat (though a later reservation than I wanted) for one night, and then waiting to see who the guest chef at Carousel is for my second night.

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