Don’t miss this gem of an Indian restaurant in South London. Instantly recognisable by the life-size tiger that protrudes above the door, Babur has been serving up top-notch food to locals for almost 40 years now and it has plenty of accolades under its belt, including the ‘Best Fine Dining Restaurant’ award at the 2023 Asian Restaurant Awards. Babur’s food menu includes classic dishes from all over India, elevated with the chef’s take on traditional recipes, including beetroot cutlet, crab bonda dumplings, tikka butter masala, and baby monkfish tail caldeen. The restaurant’s mango chutney has also been deemed London’s best by podcast Off Menu.
"Flawless, graceful service and elegant food. As humble as they are and it’s definitely not reflected in their prices, it makes sense that they’ve been listed in the Michelin guide for so long."
Londoners Oliver and Rebecca are behind this South-East London bakery and they are serving up innovative pastries using intentionally-sourced ingredients, UK-grown grains and high-welfare dairy. Think almond croissants with wholemeal butterscotch frangipane; marinated courgette and pecorino pastries; slow braised goat, Guinness and smoked cheddar croissants with a BBQ glaze; and potato and sauerkraut sourdough, alongside the classic bakery suspects too.
"Rebbeca and Oliver are running the most creative and energetic bakery in London, they deserve all the success in the world."
It’s only open three days a week but this wine bar and shop is worth seeking out for its organic and low-intervention wine. Pop in for a glass and bar snacks or book in for a dinner of European-inspired small plates (the white bean dip and the cheese & shallot galette are winners), or head in for one of the regular wine workshops. If you don’t feel like leaving the house, there is free shipping for most of south London or on orders of more than 12 bottles.
"Just the perfect steamy, little wine bar with phenomenal food from Josh and top class booze knowledge from Ben and Paris."
Nail your at-home grazing boards with products from Aga’s Little Deli. Pick up fresh British and French cheese, sourdough bread, eggs, butter, salami, and wine, and while you’re at it, make a quick pit-stop for coffee and a cake or a sandwich.
"Aga is the ultimate local legend for her coffee, pastries, sandwiches, soups and deli items, as well as her passion for what she does - run this town."
A beloved local fave (it’s even taken the top spot for London restaurants on Trip Advisor a few times), the 40-seat, family-owned Trattoria Raffaele has been serving up handmade Italian food since 2008. All the food is seasonal and fresh, including the pasta made from scratch and and the handmade bread and sauces for the pizzas. The regular menu is full of classic dishes but the specials board is where the real gems are to be found.
"A family-run, red checkered table-cloth institution that’s been running like a dream for years. Order from the specials board!"
This chippy has a strong claim to being the best in all of south London. Run by Moses Adamou, who opened it way back in 1962, Marlow Fish Bar does all the classics – cod, haddock, rock, plaice, battered sausage and fresh chips cut by hand. A true local institution.
"One of the best battered sausages in London. Best eaten stood outside in the cold air."
Enjoy a mean pint of Guinness and real ales on tap at this award winning traditional Victorian pub in South East London. Catch a game on one of the four screens, hang out in the child-friendly garden or warm up in the colder months by the fire. They’ve been named CAMRA South East London Pub of the Year twice so you can expect a great atmosphere along with qaulity bevs.
"Old school, Irish pub that takes their Guinness as seriously as you should. Paired with a bag of Taytos, always."
This delightful cafe has something for just about everyone, from fry-ups and pancakes to burgers and salads, as well as caff classics like chicken escalope, lasagna and jacket potatoes. It’s light on the wallet and generous on the service, and is perfect for a solo bite and a milkshake.
"A traditional Turkish run, all-day menu cafe, highly recommend a proper milkshake and a breakfast burger combo."
In New Cross and in the mood for jerk? Make a beeline for takeaway spot Smokey Jerkey. Though there’s curry goat, oxtail and stewed chicken on the menu, the jerk is where it’s at, especially the lamb, which delivers hits of fat, smoke and spice. Whatever main you go for, you can make it a proper feast with sides of rice & peas, patties, plantain, mac & cheese and coleslaw.
"Melty, perfect jerk. Get the curry goat gravy on the side of anything you are having."
Great staff, real ales on the bar, a pool table, screens for when the footy’s on, The Bricklayers Arms has everything you could want from a local pub. That means it’s a pretty popular spot but it always has a great atmosphere.
"Another pub that represents the dying art of all things traditional. Old boys at the bar, free snacks in napkin lined baskets dotted around on a Sunday, a meat raffle, the fish man that comes around with his cockles and prawns late into the night and events such as Heritage Vinyl Night. An absolute gem right next to my shop."
