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Operation forklift: London
© 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.
Big-Shot Chefs to Local Favorites: London Cuisine
For a long time, the words “British cuisine” would produce snickers among any non-Brit, but lately, thanks to the rise of the chef-star and the visibility of the likes of Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson and Gordon Ramsay, that’s changed. But London, like New York, is a gigantic melting pot of influences, and it’s possible to eat well and not spend a ton of money.
Morning
If you arrive hungry and don’t mind walking, check out the local chain that locals swear by, just across the bridge from the train station: Carluccios. It just returned to Covent Garden location (although there are many scattered around the city) and is a great place for a café breakfast with select breads, eggs and pancetta, and espresso.
Afternoon
For a delicious lunch that spares no expense when it comes to taste and a lot of expense on the part of its customers, try Little Bay. The pricing is simple -- courses are inexpensively priced according to what time it is, and you’re serviced classic bistro fare in a thoughtfully gourmet manner -- French fries rendered in goose fat, for example.
Evening
For pure spectacle and to see what all the fuss is about, check out British bad-boy chef Gordon Ramsay at the Claridge, with a take on continental cuisine using with British products. On special occasions, or if you’re really feeling up for a splurge, opt for the chef’s table, which seats up to six.
After dinner, have a nightcap, or a glass of wine at Cork and Bottle Winebar, with an impressive rotating list to select from but always something surprising and delicious.
Overnight
After a day of hearty eating and drinking, collapse at Sofitel St. James, within easy walking distance of Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square and more, is situated in the heart of London’s West End.
Carluccio’s
- Garrick Street
- 020/7836-0990
- Monday-Friday, 8am-11pm; Saturday 9am-11pm; Sunday 9am-10:30pm
Little Bay
- 171 Farringdon Rd
- 020/72781234
Gordon Ramsay at the Claridge
- Brook Street
- Phone: 020/7499-0099
- Monday-Friday: Lunch 12pm-2:45pm; dinner 5:45pm-11pm
- Saturday-Sunday: Lunch 12pm-3pm; Dinner 5:45-11pm; Sunday 6pm-10:30pm.
Cork & Bottle Wine Bar
- 44-46 Cranbourn Street (Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square)
- 020/7734-7807
- Monday-Saturday 11am-11pm: Sunday Noon-11pm
Sofitel St. James
- 6 Waterloo Place
- 20/7742200
- Rates start at £150