The Best of London

Best Restaurant:

‍Gloria Trattoria

‍Gloria Trattoria is a little slice of Italy set over two floors, complete with 70's Capri-style decor and a vibrant menu full of Italian classic dishes. Opened in 2020, it was the first London opening for the now famous French Big Mamma Group, and is expertly run by an eccentric bunch of young, talented, and passionate people from Bel Paese and Naples. Alongside a few twists on the traditional, everything is fresh and homemade, using only the best ingredients imported directly from 180 small producers in Italy. To top it all off, their carbonara is served from a big wheel of cheese right in front of your eyes!

‍Looking for more foodie spots in Shoreditch? Check out our free guide to the best restaurants in the area!

‍Location: 54-56 Great Eastern Street, London, EC2A 3QR

Best Bar:

‍BookBar

‍First seen on Islington’s Blackstock Road in 2021, BookBar serves as a social hub for book lovers; hosting author events, wine tastings, supper clubs, and their famous monthly book club. Behind this petite and welcoming shop front, you’ll find a bar serving coffee, wine, and a selection of beers. Their cosy seating area is perfect for a quiet chat with a friend whilst you peruse their extensive book collection which surrounds you on countless shelves. It is a place where customers are brought together by a love of literature, and are openly encouraged to ask the staff for recommendations if they find themselves stuck. BookBar remains to be a hidden gem of North London, and is a unique experience worth checking out.

‍Islington is full of hidden gems, from charming antique markets to buzzing bars. Read our Neighbourhood Guide to all its best spots here.

‍Location: 166 Blackstock Road, London, N5 1HA

Best Activity:

‍Glide at Battersea Power Station

‍This winter season saw the exciting opening of the newest ice rink in the city, Glide. Nestled next to stunning views of the River Thames, skate around in the unique venue featuring three interconnecting rinks with a beautifully lit, 30ft christmas tree as its centrepiece. If that wasn’t enough to get their visitors in the festive spirit, the area is surrounded by twinkling fairy lights and igloos which are available for private hire. With new openings constantly popping up around Battersea Power Station, guests will never be short of something to eat and drink once off the ice. Don’t worry if you haven’t had the chance to dig out your ice skates, Glide is open until the 8th of January.

‍Want to discover all that Battersea has to offer? Here’s our list full of its best restaurants, cafes, shops, and fun activities in the area!

‍Location: Nine Elms, London, SW11 8EF

Best Cafe:

‍Rhythm & Brews

‍Rhythm and Brews is an award-winning vinyl café spot in London’s Chiswick, and for good reason. As visitors sip on delicious coffee or tuck into a hearty brunch, they’re also encouraged to pick out a vinyl record to add to the cafe's playlist! And if that wasn’t enough of a vibe, the venue transforms into a live music venue by night where visitors can get cosy and listen to intimate performances from local talent or grab a glass of prosecco from their licensed bar

.Chiswick is a buzzing borough, with plenty to discover. Check out our free Neighbourhood Guide, covering all its fantastic local gems and even Sunday markets.

‍Location: 22 Walpole Gardens, Chiswick, London, W4 4HG

Best New Opening:

‍Avora, A New-World Cocktail Experience

‍From the creators of Alcotraz and Moonshine Salon comes Avora, an immersive, sci-fi cocktail experience with a rich storyline, impressive technology, and colourful characters. Once you've donned your purpose-built jumpsuit, you'll be briefed by CEO Geoff Rosbourne and sent on a mission where you'll enter the ecosystem of this new, mystical world. Become part of the story by harvesting magical buds, foraging for colourful cocktails, and interacting with the Avorians - surrounded by beautiful flora and luminous, glowing trees.

‍Interested in London’s latest new spots? Whether it’s the city’s hottest new rooftop bar or a buzzing new pop-up, we’re constantly updating our list of all of London’s most exciting openings here!

‍Location: Unit 5C, Rosewood Building, Hackney Road, London, E2 8GY

Want to be kept up to date with the best spots of London and new openings in 2023? Make sure to download the Bindy Street app to find more must-visit cafes, restaurants, bars, and activities that are waiting for you in the city.