Top Best American Restaurants in The Clachan

"Designer Tom Dixon went full steam ahead with the maritime theme here, transforming Sea Containers House, a great lump of an office building on the south bank of the Thames, into a hotel that is meant to resemble a transatlantic liner. A transatlantic liner, however, that also references Art Deco, Pop Art and disco, and that makes expressive use of a distinctly non-nautical palette (velvet banquettes in mimosa-yellow, wardrobes in bubblegum pink, staff uniforms in baby blue). Outside, there's Tate Modern to your left, Shakespeare's Globe to your right, and all of London seemingly spread out before you beneath the balcony of the hotel's brilliant, brassy rooftop bar 12th Knot."

"There are few hotels better situated (and certainly none more strikingly decorated) than Sea Containers. Designed under the creative direction of the legendary Tom Dixon, the impossibly chic digs are located just steps away from London landmarks like the National Theatre, Tate Modern and Borough Market. Even if you’re not spending the night, make it a point to pop up to the hotel’s twelfth-floor rooftop bar, 12th Knot."

"Inspired by the golden age of transatlantic travel, expect to find influences from both sides of the pond on the menu at Sea Containers. This is a beautiful place to dine in central London, with lots of space to enjoy the variety of small plates, sharing platters and comfort food classics, as well as a striking stainless steel bar for afters."

"What: Even if you’re not a fan of Texan BBQ we’d go so far to say that a trip to Blues Kitchen is probably worth it if for no other reason than to try these devilish deep-fried doughballs. The dessert menu is concise and it’s no wonder – what else would you possibly choose when Oreo cookie donuts with a salted caramel dip are on offer?. Find them at:Brixton, Camden, Shoreditch"

"Not only is The Blues Kitchen renowned for its blues and rock’n’roll music, diner style food and boozy cocktails, it’s also hugely popular thanks to its Oreo stuffed deep fried doughnuts. Served alongside salted caramel dipping sauce you won’t be able to resist a bite (or ten) of these little dough balls. They’re as dirty and indulgent as they sound but oh, so good."

"Restaurants American King’s Road. Still whoopin’ and hollerin’ after all the years, this Chelsea BBQ/crabshack pulls the crowds with its good-timing New Orleans vibe, high-decibel bluesy sounds, crazy low prices and gut-busting helpings of messy US soul food. Voodoo chicken wings, pit-cooked ribs, stacked burgers and bargain-priced lobsters are the headline acts, with support from a raunchy line-up of X-rated shakes and slushy cocktails."

"Why: Gut-busting portions and a meat-heavy menu come together to make this American joint a favourite among Londoners. Big Easy was serving up baskets of lobster and dry-rubbed, pit-cooked ribs – complete with plastic bibs – long before anyone else, and still holds its own today. Bottomless themed nights, such as ‘Shrimp Tuesdays’ offer excellent value – just be sure to leave your belt at home.Where: Canary Wharf, Chelsea + Covent Garden"

"BBQ ribs scream American feasting and the stickier the better. Big Easy's ribs are dry-rubbed with salts and spices for maximum flavour on that all-important dark crust. With branches in Covent Garden, Canary Wharf and on the King's Road, wherever you are, you'll be able to get your hands on some."

"Nothing beats a good, juicy burger and going meat-free doesn't mean you have to miss out. Smoky Boys has a delicious range of vegetarian and vegan burgers to sink your teeth into. Try their Smoky Vegan for a moving mountain patty topped with salsa, vegan cheese and grilled onions."

"Why: Although it’s only been open since 2014, The Colony Grill Room feels like it’s been around for decades, and we mean that in a good way. Traditional grill fare and old-school charm are the major draws here, but for us, dessert is the highlight. If you opt for a sundae to end your meal, you get the unrivalled childish thrill of ticking off which toppings you like, and these range from chocolate flakes and marshmallows to honeycomb and crushed meringue."

"A post shared by dC (@desdemonacheung) on Nov 28, 2018 at 8:56pm PST. Be transported back to the 1920s at Mayfair's The Colony Grill Room. Enjoy a drink in the cosy cocktail bar adorned with vintage snaps, before settling down to an intimate meal at this classy hangout modeled on traditional American grills."

"If the bare-bricked walls and bottled beer are a little too grubby for your refined tastes then head down to The Beaumont hotel in Mayfair. Within its hallowed walls you will find The Colony Grill Room, an upmarket restaurant that channels a nostalgic art deco feel."

"Starting with a classic 1950’s American diner, complete with oversized portions, Waffle Jack’s can be found on Merton Park Parade in Wimbledon. Visitors can expect to choose from a complete range of American classics; anything from burgers, Philly cheese steaks and bagels to their renowned breakfast pancakes and waffles. As the name suggests, the restaurant prides itself on its freshly baked waffles served your way with a choice of topping including bacon or maple syrup."

"Waffles are coming at you in every possible incarnation, so that you can enjoy them gluten free, egg-less, sugar free and red velvet."

"Cult chicken and waffle spot Sweet Chick has made its way from Manhattan to London, taking over the Carluccio’s site on Market Place just off Oxford Street. Think American comfort food done well: alongside its staple dish the restaurant dishes up ‘shrimp and grits’ (scallions with poached egg and cheddar grits), chicken wings, mac and cheese, maple glazed bacon and the like. Wellness fever may be sweeping the nation – but there’s still a place for downright indulgence."

"A post shared by Tommi's Burger Joint (@burgerjointuk) on May 12, 2017 at 8:16am PDT. There's nothing refined about Tommi's Burger Joint, but when it comes to burgers, refined is overrated. They started out as a pop-up, but quickly found a permanent home in Marylebone."

"Rich Mix allows creativity in all its magnificent forms – live music, theatre, poetry, film, art, design and drawing, so it’s a little distinct from the other places on the list, but the charity behind the cross-media arts centre, The Rich Mix Cultural Foundation, has a pretty inspiring goal. And that’s to offer the public space to discover more about the creative offerings of people from various migrant populations. Since taking over the former clothing factory on Bethnal Green Road, Rich Mix has put on many free exhibitions, screenings and concerts."

"This fantastic creative space in the East End, on the site of what used to be in a leather factory, has regular exhibitions featuring emerging and established artists. 39-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Free entryrichmix.org.uk"

"Taj opened its first Jiva spa in Europe last year in the heart of London’s Westminster - so it still feels brand-spanking new. The spa takes inspiration from ancient Indian wellness philosophies, offering a menu of body rituals and facials which blend traditional healing techniques and use luxurious Temple Spa products. Unwind in between treatments in the atmospheric vitality pool or break a sweat in the fitness suite."

"Normally we only feature restaurants on this list if they've opened - but Ave Mario (from the people behind Gloria and Circolo Poplare) has been quietly soft launching for a couple of weeks (Instagram is filled with pics of the neon lit loos) and we've also checked it out. It will be huge, much like the enormous ice cream cake that they wheel about the room. New additions to the menu include a caviar section, massive cocktails and a veal milanese that's twice as big as your head."

"Restaurants Japanese Great Portland Street. When to go: when it’s just you and a pal – or a date – and you’re after fish, fusion, fashion and fun. What to have: anything that’s getting the blow-torch treatment."