Welcome to a curated selection of some of the best restaurants and bars in West London – that could rival a rooftop! While rooftop bars often steal the spotlight, these hidden gems offer an equally magical experience, where every moment feels special. An awesome alternative!
Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner for two, a lively gathering with friends, or simply a moment of solitude to savour exquisite cuisine, you’ll find that these restaurants and bars offer a space where memories are made.
Bingham
Nearest tube: Richmond
Why is it so awesome: Classy cocktails with a river view, inside library arm chair vibe. This is the perfect pre dinner drink destination.
Website: Click here
Cafe Laville
Nearest tube: Edgware Road
Why is it so awesome: The canal backdrop infuses the atmosphere with summertime vibes. Despite its stunning location, the ambiance remains delightfully understated, adding to its allure. Evoking a relaxed café culture with a touch of beachside dining ambiance, it’s a charming spot to unwind.
Website: Click here
Electric Cinema
Nearest tube: Notting Hill
Why is it so awesome: A cosy sofa chaired cinema that serves cocktails! If you going to watch a movie, do it in style while sipping bubbles. So the choice now is arm chair or front row sofa bed for two!
Website: Click here
Farmacy
Nearest tube: Bayswater / Notting Hill
Why is it so awesome: Vegan heaven. Though not being a vegan and a stomach that hates wheat, lentils and all things vegan, I usually hate vegan restaurants as struggle for food for me but brunch is a great compromise. It’s also a great place for those on a health kick with shots that are full of goodness. Or you can actually drink real vegan bubbles at the lovely bar – less full of goodness and more full of bubbly brunch vibes!
Website: Click here
Gaucho
Nearest tube: Richmond
Why is it so awesome: Indulge in riverside summer vibes with a vast array of steak choices. If you are a meat eater this is your sunshine go to. Choices of steak presenting on a board while you sip on your champers. Exuding summertime charm, this restaurant consistently delivers memorable experiences. It is a big favourite of mine and I’ve celebrated countless birthday lunches and dinners here. While the indoor setting boasts elegance, with a lively atmosphere, I personally prefer the alfresco dining option for its tranquillity transforming you from Richmond to pretend we are on the French Rivera. .
Website: Click here
High Road Brassiere
Nearest tube: Stanford Brook
Why is it so awesome? Summer vibes and a beautiful bar. It’s a summer go to but be warned I once went for lunch and was still chatting 8 hours later so had dinner too! Oh and you can’t miss their salted caramel truffles!
Website: Click here
Hollyhock Cafe
Nearest tube: Richmond
Why is it so awesome: The views, vegan offerings and the quirky fairytale setting. Perfect little hideaway from the world for coffee and catch ups. Take a book or meet friends for coffee. Note no alcohol is served here.
Website: Click here (shared website with its sister café)
Infernos
Nearest tube: Clapham Common/ High street
Why is it so awesome? The infamous Clapham club made famous by students, sticky floors and the Hollywood Aussie star Margo Robbie! A drunken must when you first move to London for dancing to cheesy tunes!
Website: Click here
Incognito
Nearest tube: Richmond (also in Kingston)
Why is it so awesome? Novelty over priced fun and frivolous drinks, perfect for some silliness. From the ‘rub a dub dub’ to the ‘Ferris wheel’ there’s a cocktail for everyone’s cravings.
Website: Click here
Little Bird
Nearest tube: Clapham Junction overland
Why’s it so awesome? A spin off from the Richmond Rock Rose group. Beautifully crafted cocktails, delicious food and a little bar for walk ins that I prefer to dine at.
Website: Click here
London Cocktail Club
Nearest tube: Clapham Common
Why is it so awesome? Film memories from ‘Cocktail’ famous sign to a ‘Titanic’ lounge to a ‘Star Wars’ loo! This bar brings the bubbles and brunches too! Not just for the evenings!
Website: Click here
No1 Duke Street
Nearest tube: Richmond
Why is it so awesome: Great vibe for a predinner drink venue or its own destination. From a roaring fire, sofa chairs and cocktails to a restaurant, quirky menu and fine wine alfresco dining. Great for all occasions.
Website: Click here
Rick Stein
Nearest train: Barnes Bridge
Why is it so awesome: Superb service at this sensational seafood river setting restaurant. A perfect Sunday spent!
Website: Click here
Rock & Rose
Nearest tube: Richmond – 7 mins🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Why is it so awesome: Food is great, cocktails even better and ooozes glamour in a non pretentious way. One of my all time favourite go to restaurants and bar. It is perfect for date night or girls night. Super special but not overwhelming. Oh and if you like a cocktail then you have to have the geisha (formally called the pretty woman!)
Website: Click here
Summer House
Nearest tube: Royal Oak
Why is it so awesome: Self named ‘summer and seafood all year round’…. this is summer in a restaurant. Set in little Venice though you could be in the real place minus the accents. Floral decoration, fabulous fish and holiday feels all around – it’s a must when needing that sunshine happiness (and is sheltered if the rain wins!)
Website: Click here