Best & Cool Bars in Nine Elms

"The ferns, fig trees and purple African lilies that clamber up the final three storeys of the 'Walkie Talkie' skyscraper are mere wallflowers at this 155m-high rooftop garden – it's the rather extraordinary 360-degree views of London (the best in the City) that make this vast, airport-terminal-like space so popular (advance booking recommended). Located on the 35th floor of 20 Fenchurch St, the Sky Garden has front-row seats for the Shard and vistas that gallop for miles east and west."

"Located on floor 36 of the iconic Walkie Talkie, the views from the Darwin Brasserie are pretty striking. Although Fenchurch Restaurant – one of Sky Garden’s other offerings – is higher, the Darwin Brasserie has better views thanks to its position further back from the Sky Garden’s atrium roof. A good option if you want to enjoy the sights without the flocks of camera totting tourists."

"Sky Garden is on top of one of the skyscrapers found in London. You can visit levels 35 through 37 of the "Walkie Talkie" for free—just make sure to book a ticket in advance."

"Perhaps the most Instagrammable restaurant in London, Sketch boasts distinctive powder-pink interiors set in an 18th-century Mayfair townhouse. The Wes Anderson-esque space, the work of Paris-based interior designer India Mahdavi, comprises pink walls and matching scalloped, pink-velvet booths, completed by artworks courtesy of David Shrigley, who also designed the restaurant’s flatware. The food is equally well-designed, described by the restaurant as “site-specific sculptural works."

"If you've never heard of Sketch, you've never opened Instagram, and if you've never opened Instagram... let us explain Sketch. One of the prettiest places to eat and drink in London, Sketch is an enviable plot that promises everything from afternoon tea flanked by pink velvet interiors, gastro cuisine in a woodland setting, and those (yes, those) egg-shaped toilets."

"I don’t think I know anyone who has been to Sketch and not ‘grammed a pic, so it’s no shock that this is one of the best places to take photos in London. Every detail at Sketch has been thought through, so make sure you capture some of them. Of course, you can take a photo in the egg/space ship bathroom, but it’s been done before!"

"It's part of London's vast culinary mythology, and it feels a bit like stepping back in time to Covent Garden's theatrical heyday. J Sheekey offers a cornucopia of the city's freshest seafood in a darkly lit, brass embellished ambience which is perfect for highbrow romancing or laid back business dealings. Start with scallops in a halfshell with garlic and chilli for £17.50, and move on to a grilled Dover sole with bearnaise for £39.50."

"What: West End regulars will have undoubtably walked past the bright red façade of J Sheekey on many occasions before but if you haven’t ventured inside before, it’s a great spot for a pre-show meal. Diners come to J Sheekey for its inimitable fish cookery which courts all the classics with a light touch. Tuck into rich fish pie, potted shrimps or fruits de mer for a satisfyingly retro meal.Where: 28-32 St Martin's Court, WC2N 4AL"

"A jewel of the Covent Garden dining scene, this incredibly smart restaurant was opened by 1890s fishmonger Josef Sheekey on the permission of Lord Salisbury (who wanted somewhere to eat after the theatre)."

"Forgive us while we get lost in The Anchor and Hope’s menu, where a three cheese and hazelnut souffle with pumpkin and extra parmesan hangs out with deep-fried pigs head and sauce gribiche. Sundays are when things get really indulgent: much of weekday menu is on offer, alongside bonus roasts and the likes of a suet-crusted sharing pie filled with pheasant, Calvados and chestnuts. For simpler pleasures, the pub also offers a set “Worker’s Lunch” menu which offers one course for £11 and three for just £18."

"The museum also has an IMAX theater (fee*). Next you have the Natural History Museum and its giant life and earth science specimens are housed in a beautiful building that looks more like a cathedral than a museum. Its collection holds over 80 million items and you can see everything from dinosaur skeletons to specimens collected by Charles Darwin to a giant mineral collection. There is also a seasonal butterfly house (fee) at the museum."

"Hidden behind the busy Hackney Road, Rogues London is stoking the fires of a brilliant residency at Hackney Coffee Club. In a charming courtyard at the back of the building, the team have set up an outdoor kitchen that gently wafts tantalising smells across to hungry diners. The tables are covered and heated, surrounded by festoon lights that add to the secret garden atmosphere."

"195 Waldegrave Road, Teddington, Richmond-upon-Thames TW11 8LX EnglandItalian, Pizza, Mediterranean, EuropeanLunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late NightTakeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Cash Only, Free Wifi, Reservations, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service[email protected]+44 20 8977 8779http://www.la-dolce-vita-teddington.co.uk/"

"01/06/2021: What a fabulous host Fabulous chef Authentic Italian cuisine Great value We will be back many times Out of ten I score 9.5 Thankyou la dolce vita teddington. 29/05/2021: My friend was craving a pizza and I have been meaning to go back to this place. We went for an early dinner and say in their courtyard."

"01/06/2021: What a fabulous host Fabulous chef Authentic Italian cuisine Great value We will be back many times Out of ten I score 9.5 Thankyou la dolce vita teddington. 29/05/2021: We had a wonderful meal in this amazing restaurant. We were in the back garden, was like if we were in Italy."

"Murger Han is a X’ian Chinese restaurant with branches in Euston, Mayfair and the City that seriously delivers the goods, and is super cheap too. The speciality here is Biang Biang noodles. They are made fresh in house every day and hand pulled by the chef into one giant 12 foot sheet and then cut into wide, thick strands before cooking."

"This is the third Murger Han and as in its other incarnations, they'll have a menu of Xi’an dishes made to family recipes with the Biang Biang noodles and the murgers themselves (slow-cooked meat in flatbread) being the biggest draw."

"Give us diner nachos, served with spicy Jalapeño salsa and summery guacamole, and we're happy. Give us pulled pork, cooked for 16 hours with barbecue sauce and house slaw, and we're very happy. Give us Jamie's Insanity burger, and we're ecstatic."

"Taking over Asma Khan's old space at Kingly Court comes this hugely-anticipated permanent restaurant from another supper club chef. Imad's story is of refugee to restaurateur but his legions of fans testify to their delight in his food. Jimi Famurewa was the first reviewer and while he noted teething pains, he also praised the cooking that spoke to "abundance, simplicity and the traditions of the home"."

"Imad Alarnab was a successful restaurateur in Damascus when he fled the war that destroyed his livelihood. His first permanent restaurant has newly opened in Carnaby and is going down a storm. Serving Syrian Mezze, including Imad’s famous falafel, this is a great place to go if you’re looking to share with friends and family."

"The Leicester Square Theatre has an illustrious past, as it was the venue of the Cavern Club in the swinging Sixties. The group The Small Faces had a residency there, the Rolling Stones played there with the Who, and the Sex Pistols held several gigs there, including their preview of 'London Calling'. Over the last few years, it's been a venue to some of the world's top comedy acts."

"There are now 3 Amused venues in London, one in Soho, another in Camden, and the third in Covent Garden downstairs in the Australian themed pub, 'Walkabout'. This perhaps tells you a little about the kind of comedy they put on. The group also run comedy courses for beginners and absolute beginners for anyone hoping to get in on the act."