Unique Restaurants For Food and Drinks in London

Last updated on March 23rd, 2023 at 10:57 am

One of the best parts of visiting a new place always involves exploring the local food options. And, in a huge city like London, there is no end to the list of unique restaurants and bars you can find. In this post, I have chosen to focus on the unique, historical, and fun restaurants/high teas/bars that I love in London. From Indian food served in an old library to cocktails created with science, there is much to explore! So, keep reading!

And, if you’re interested in learning more about bakeries in London, check out my post: Best of London: Bakeries, Cupcakes, and Sweet Treats

***Disclaimer: Be sure to check the entry restrictions for England as well as any activity you wish to participate in before booking any part of your journey.

Unique Restaurants of London

The Cinnamon Club

View of the Old Westminster Library in London

Dinner at the Cinnamon Club Restaurant in London

The Cinnamon Club is one of the most unique restaurants we visited in London. The setting is unusually fantastic: right in the middle of the Old Westminster Library. Surrounded by shelves and shelves of books, this restaurant creates the perfect setting for lively, philosophical discussions.

If you are looking for more traditional style Indian food, you will most likely be disappointed. Here, the chef is pushing the boundaries. The ultimate goal is “to craft a marriage between Indian flavors and western fine dining styles.” So, come prepared to have your mind and your taste buds expanded.

This place is quite popular, so be sure to secure your reservation in advance.

The Wardrobe Bar & Kitchen

Chicken and Mushroom Pie at The Wardrobe Restaurant in London

The Wardrobe Bar and Kitchen is a bright place filled with beautiful decorations that set a light and airy tone to the meal. They have a different epic pie every day as well as a strong menu. For our visit, we decided to try the day’s Epic Pie, which was chicken and mushroom. It was warm, delicious, and came with plenty of gravy. For our sides, we both chose peas with fries (although there is also an option for mashed potatoes).

Poppie’s Fish and Chips

Fish and Chips at Poppie's Restaurant in London

If you are visiting London, a stop in at Poppie’s Restaurant is considered an absolute must. With its unique retro interior, incredible collection of 1950’s paraphernalia, flaky fish and crispy chips, you are sure to fall in love with this place.

There are multiple restaurant locations throughout London, but the most famous one is in the East End. Any time of day, this place is popping, but the good news is that you have the options to dine in, take your food to go, or have it delivered to where you are.

Inspirational High Teas in London

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory High Tea at One Aldwych

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory High Tea in London

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory High Tea Desserts in London

Let’s be honest, after watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, who didn’t want to find a golden ticket hidden in a chocolate bar so that they could also visit Willy Wonka’s incredible factory of imaginative sweets?! Well now, in a sense, you can! Fun, whimsical, and enchanting are the words that I would use to describe this High Tea at One Aldwych in London. Every aspect of this experience is directly inspired from the movie. So, if you have ever wanted take a sip from the chocolate river or try ‘snozzberry’ jam, this is the place for you.

You can check out their menu by clicking here. Also, please note that this unique high tea experience is quite popular, so don’t forget to make a reservation!

Van Gogh High Tea at the Oscar Wilde Lounge

Van Gogh High Tea in the Oscar Wilde Room in London

Pianist in the Oscar Wilde Room in London

The stunning Oscar Wilde Lounge is located at Hotel Café Royal, one of London’s historic and iconic hotels. Once known as The Grill Room, this lavish, gilded room was renamed after one of the its most famous patrons: Oscar Wilde.

But, he is not the only famous person to have dined here. It was here that “Oscar Wilde fell in love with Lord Alfred Douglas, Aubrey Beardsley debated with Whistler, David Bowie retired Ziggy Stardust and Mick Jagger, the Beatles, and Elizabeth Taylor danced the night away.” If you are so inclined, you can request to see a map of the room which includes a list of the famous people who have dined at each individual table.

This high tea experience here is one of luxury and refinement. With soft piano music playing in the background, you will enjoy delicious teas, sandwiches, and sweet treats. I was especially impressed with their Van Gogh inspired High Tea over the summer. The recreations of his famous paintings as little delicacies were almost too beautiful to eat. (see the picture above and on the left)

Currently, they are offering an Autumn High Tea. You can learn more about the menu as well as make a reservation by visiting their website.

Out of This World Cocktails in London

The Alchemist Bar and Restaurant in London

Bartender Making the Mad Hatter Drink at The Alchemist in London

Mat Hatter Tea at The Alchemist Bar in London

This is where science and alcohol meet in the best way possible. Not only are the cocktails here absolutely beautiful and interactive, they are incredibly delicious as well.

A personal favorite of mine was definitely the Mad Hatter! The pictures above show the concoction process. The incredible creation starts in a glass ball which is heated over a burner. As the liquid warms, it is sucked up into the top portion where fruits and herbs have been placed. Here, the alcohol infuses with the incredible flavors before being served “steaming” with dry ice.

Other fun drinks that I really enjoyed include The Color Changing One and The Bath Bomb which fizzes.

To find the location nearest to you, view the menu, and learn more about this unique and fun cocktail bar & restaurant in London, please visit The Alchemist’s website.

The Beachcomber – House of Agricole Rhum

Rainy/gray days in London getting you down? Then make your way to The Beachcomber, perfectly designed to look just like an island paradise. It may be underground, but you will feel like you have been instantly whisked away to another world. With a movie of beach scenes playing in the background, great drinks, and more to help you feel like you are miles and miles away.

One thing that makes it especially unique is the fact that you can pick your drink based on their rating system which helps you pick your drink based on whether you prefer something that is sweet, sour, or strong.

In Conclusion

I hope you have a fantastic trip to London and I hope you enjoy the many unique restaurants and cocktail bars it has to offer. Feel free to add your own favorites in the comments down below!

Happy Travels,
<3 Christine