Fitzrovia should be one of those Central London places that is considered a “tourist trap”! It is slap bang in the middle of everything. Literally by Oxford St and Soho and between East and West London. It has so many bars and restaurants; it is buzzing. You would typically think that it would be full of overpriced chain rubbish waiting to sting the tourists, but you couldn’t be more wrong.
Fitzrovia is actually very cool, giving a far more authentic London vibe than its neighbouring Leicester Square or Covent Garden. Think trainer wearing, media luvvies meeting for a pint on the pavement and gorgeous PR girls gathering for small plates and a bitch afterwork. It’s chic, cool and above all home to some of the best restaurants in town.
Lima is an exceptional, stunning Peruvian restaurant serving Pisco Sours and Ceviche to die for. Their refurbishment using the traditional colours of Peru against brutalist concrete is clever and eye catching. If you really want to settle in for the full experience I would highly recommend their tasting menu for £75 pp or £110 with matching wines or equally they have bi-folding doors to give that al fresco feel to stop by for some small plates.
If you simply want a drink then look no further Reverend JW Simpson. The hidden speakeasy is run by owner Rhidion, a master mixologist who pours his passion into quiz themed cocktail menus which changes seasonally. The interior is shabby chic again exuding that authentic London cool.
If you are out for a special occasion and fancy an Afternoon Tea the terrace outside the Charlotte Street Hotel offers some of the best people watching in London and you could easily lose hours soaking in the elegant chic of the hotel. If you would like less distractions and go fully immersive, then nowhere pulls out all the stops like Mr Foggs House of Botanicals. This place has the WOW factor in bucketloads, the cocktails, décor and staff are all on theme, it really is a sight to behold.
If you are simply knackered from shopping and want a decent glass of wine and a small plate of expertly “coal cooked food”, yet in a stunning art gallery vibe setting, swing by Carousel. The wine bar is super busy and feels a bit special. If you want to go for a full dinner, check the website as they have a “carousel” of guest chefs bringing their unique flavour which changes every few months.
It really is hard to choose where to go. Fitzrovia is also home to big hitters such as the famous Roka and Norma who have recently launched their summer terrace menu.
Reflecting on the area, maybe Fitzrovia is a tourist trap, one you may not want to leave.
Review and Images by Emmie Blower @emmiebhungry
