Maroush

It's no secret that kebabs are the late night deal, something to get into the stomach once one might have had one drink too many. I'm sure everyone has at least once queued in a kebab shop at a random time of night on the way home - and potentially regretted that stop the following morning.

Maroush is an exception to the rule, and it's definitely far from a kebab shop. Maroush offers amazing Lebanese food served until early hours of the following day and if you make it before 1am, you can enjoy kebab & beer.

The light from the fake torch lights in the facade will guide you to the place run by guys who look like agents of the Lebanese secret service. The food inside, served at any time of the day and long hours during the night, also gets delivered home if you live near enough (and have the patience to wait for it).

DETAILS:
Maroush - www.maroush.com/ - 4 Vere St, London W1G 0DH

Sacred

Half way between the crowds of Regents and Carnaby street there is a little oasis, a sacred place to disconnect from the crowds, where sacred conversations happen. A sacred friend brought me here for the first time a while back, and since then when we need it, we come back for sacred coffee (for him), tea (for me) and a pick among the sacred cakes and muffins.

A few months ago, Bea came to live in London, and we took her to the sacred place. She fell in love with Sacred and now she frequently craves for sacred coffee, tea, cakes and conversation.

DETAILS:
Sacred Cafe - www.sacredcafe.co.uk - 13 Ganton St, London W1F 9BL

Lima

Following the recommendation of some Spanish friends who have been living in Peru for a long while, I came to have dinner at Lima not long after it opened and I was  amused by every bite I took. I'm not going to deny that I had knocked down a couple of pisco sours in the bar downstairs before dinner, which everyone knows makes your palate exquisite.

Lima is located at the end of Charlotte St and before getting into the hassle of Oxford St. As you would understand given the location and the fact that the restaurant is small, you will need to book a table in advance. 

The menu is not very long, which in a way is helpful so you don’t go crazy trying to decide what to order, but you will see a sample of the main proteins (pork, lamb, beef and a choice of fish). I will advice you to share so you get a chance to try more things. My recommendation is that you don't miss the Sea Bream ceviche (with Tiger’s milk #obvs), the suckling pig and the beef Pachamanca – and whilst you decide make sure that you have a pisco sour – or a Cuento del Diablo.

DETAILS:
Lima - http://www.limalondon.com/ - 31 Rathbone Place, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 1JH

Beach Blanket Babylon

Beach Blanket and Babylon is a pretty place where pretty people meet. I've always found it a bit overrated but I can't deny that it's actually pretty and I get fascinated by the decor and the people who hung out there. My main purpose for visiting the place, other than people watching, is the long list of varied - and well made - cocktails that they have. On Saturdays they also have a DJ playing some tunes to the pretty crowd.

However, I also like to come here for a late lunch when visiting Portobello Rd - the menu is not long but it has a bit of everything to satisfy all the palates - pasta, salads, fish, burger, schnitzel - as it's three blocks away from the crowds visiting the market so you're in a safe place (and with pretty people!).

If you, however, want to visit the restaurant at "peak time" make sure you have a reservation, even if it's just for drinks. The place gets packed with pretty people over the weekend.

DETAILS:
Beach Blanket Babylon - www.beachblanket.co.uk - 45 Ledbury Road, London W11 2AA / 19-23 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA

Hispania

This is my favourite Spanish restaurant in the city, and actually located in The City. It's not only about the food, although the food is amazing, but also because the building is beautiful, and the ambiance they've managed to create makes you feel like home! - the staff who couldn't be friendlier or more helpful.

I was introduced to it by my sister's father in law last summer - a bit of a long story -, and since then I've been plenty of times and it's always been amazeballs. The place is usually busy so I recommend that you book a table, as even if there is a bar area it tends to be packed.

You shouldn't miss the "croquetas de compango" (or the "croquetas de cecina"), the tuna tartare, and the "arroz negro" (black rice) - it is so yummy! I will always include the Padron peppers because I absolutely adore them.

I must warn you that the amount showing at the bottom of your bill will be not be low, but I can assure you that you will have a superb experience - and you can't take your boss or the in laws, they will fall in love with you - if they haven't already.

DETAILS:
Hispania - www.hispanialondon.com/‎ - 72-74 Lombard St, London, Greater London EC3V 9AY

The Fray

This is the second time that I've seen The Fray live, and it's the second time that I happen to be with them in a confined space enjoying their music; just as if they were playing at home. The same day that their new album Helios came out, it was presented at London's Scala - a really good venue because it's easy to get to as it's just off King's Cross and it's small enough to be able to stand close to the stage.

There is something always really special when seeing a band for the first time but it's also incredible when you see them in a small venue. I fell in love with them, yet again especially with Joe.

Even if they're best known for their slow songs as "Cable Car (over my head)" and "How to Save a Life", I leave you the link to their new single of the last album that has a higher beat and you will be driven to put on your cowboy boots. Love Don't Die!

 

DETAILS:
The Fray - www.thefray.com/‎ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WptxUWvrINQ
Scala - www.scala-london.co.uk - 275 Pentonville Rd, London N1 9NL 

Mestizo

I love Mexico, their food and tequila (even if the following day it might feel not such a good idea). So imagine how happy I am living just 2 blocks from one of the best Mexican restaurants in London. Maybe it's not too cool for school but the food is just glorious.

Always start with the guacamole -you can never get enough guacamole- and then with some panuchos and jaladas. Once you've eaten the starters and downed your first frozen margarita, you can jump into the serious stuff: the taco tray. Just be bear in mind that you can do a lot of tacos, so just place 2 orders for 4 people - my favourite meats for the tray are alambre and pastor, but anything is good. I never miss the quesadillas with huitlacoche, and for the more adventurous I'd suggest the enchiladas con mole. Yes, that's a lot of food, hence you'll need the tequila flowing.

If you're in the hood or you crave for real Mexican food, you must pay a vist. Viva Zapata!

DETAILS:
Mestizo - london.mestizomx.com/‎ - 103 Hampstead Rd, London NW1 3EL