Camille Kenny-Ryder is the blogger of Thoroughly Modern Milly and a writer for the Weekend Journals. Milly talks about the places to go for fine dining, getting up early, and where to head to for a weekend getaway from the city.
Photo: Thoroughly Modern Milly
What do you feel defines the cuisine in London?
Diversity. You can eat any cuisine whenever you feel like it. Many of the world’s best chefs have come to London to open restaurants so you can have the world’s best restaurant experiences here. There are also great markets to enjoy international cuisine all over the city.
What is the one local dish you feel travellers can’t leave London without trying?
I can’t think of just one dish. British cuisine has become interwoven with so many other culinary influences. I would say go to Borough Market and try anything there or head to St John and enjoy a thoroughly British and very special meal.
What about your favourite restaurants?
It changes every month. Currently, I love Lina Stores for a quick Soho meal of homemade pasta. Duddell’s serves amazing smart Chinese in a beautifully transformed chapel and Core and Roganic are unbeatable for a fine dining meal out.
Duddell’s. Photo: Thoroughly Modern Milly
Core by Clare Smyth. Photo: Thoroughly Modern Milly
Do you have a favourite spot for an afternoon tea?
I tend to prefer a classic afternoon tea but at the moment The Lanesborough is offering a wonderful Frida Kahlo inspired tea!
What is one travel tip you would give to travellers heading to London?
Don’t try to do everything in one trip, it’s too big! Pick a couple of neighbourhoods to conquer and have fun getting lost while wandering the little streets.
Name one best kept secret of London
Get up early on the weekend and explore before the crowds get there!
What is one thing you feel travellers must do in London?
I love the Columbia Road Flower Market on a Sunday morning.
Name some tourist traps travellers should avoid in London
Try to avoid the touristy restaurants round Leicester Square and Piccadilly. There are brilliant small eateries just round the corner that are much better value and offer much better food!
What about your favourite spot for a weekend getaway from the city?
If you have a little longer than three hours, I recommend Cornwall, where I wrote my Weekend Journals book on. The produce is amazing which means the restaurants are great – visit Coombeshead Farm. Less than three hours I’d recommend Brighton (eat at Silo) or Suffolk (visit the Pump Street Bakery).
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