Best Beach in The Valley

"Starting just east of Chalkwell Station, this beach is the choice of people who value peace for winter walks or sunbathing hot summer days. Chalkwell Beach is removed from Southend’s bustling arcades and entertainment, and has a vast belt of pebbles and sand tracked by a quiet, residential esplanade. And even if Chalkwell Beach has a more restrained atmosphere, there are shops selling beach paraphernalia and amenities like cafes just behind."

"Out of the way of the hustle and bustle of Southend’s central seaside, Chalkwell beach offers a quieter beach area for relaxation."

"One minute the sea will be there, then at low tide it’s literally completely disappeared. (Hence why the pier needed to be so long back in the day!). The largest beach which is closest to everything is Jubilee Beach."

"Why: Wild West décor and a hefty menu make this Texas-style grill in Hoxton a worthy addition to this list of the best American restaurants in London. Whether you’re in the mood for a mighty slab of quality meat slow-cooked in a hickory-burning smoker, fried chicken and fries, or a pimped-up burger, we promise you won’t go hungry at Red Dog Saloon. If you’re feeling particularly famished and reckon you can eat a lot in a short space of time, why not enter the ‘crabby patty challenge’?"

"Complete with a Man vs Food eating challenge (break the record for most patties in your cheeseburger and you get it for free), all the dishes on the menu at Red Dog Saloon are reminiscent of any good chain in the USA. With burgers and pulled pork sandwiches, mac 'n' cheese and St Louis pork ribs, plus hot (and extra hot) chicken wings you pay for by the platter, Red Dog will fill almost every craving you can imagine. Which is what great American food is all about, isn't it?"

"Located in Hoxton and Soho, the Red Dog Saloon serves old-school Austin barbeque and world-famous burgers. From classic bar snacks like Buffalo wings, tacos and nachos to barbeque favourites like southern fried chicken, burgers and cheesesteaks. The saloon also gives brave customers the chance to take on their famous crabby patty challenge, allowing you to add as many patties as you can handle for the chance to eat for free."

"Peddling the US ‘roadside burger’ experience in stripped-back diner surrounds, Shake Shack has all the stateside trappings – from buzzers announcing when your food’s ready to drive-by style hatches for picking up your full tray. Just add hot dogs, frozen custard ice cream and thick shakes. Flagship site: 24 Market Building, The Piazza, WC2E 8RD"

"From humble beginnings as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park, Shake Shack has cemented itself as an international household name. Today London has seven branches and serves some seriously good burgers, fries and shakes. Not only do they serve mouthwatering hot dogs, the shack serves another kind of dog – of the canine variety."

"Fashion fans should bookmark this undeniably chic patisserie pronto. Pasticceria Marchesi is one of Milan’s most established bakeries and is now owned by one of the world’s biggest fashion powerhouses, Prada. They opened a London outpost earlier this year and it’s become one of Mount Street’s most Instagrammable spots – for both it’s sweet treats and sugar almond coloured interiors."

"Spread across two floors, Kitty Hawk is a hot spot for lunch near Liverpool Street. Join the swanky bar and restaurant as they serve hearty steaks in their downstairs venue, and if you're looking for a spot of liquid lunch head upstairs to the swish and buzzing bar."

"In the same month as they announced they were closing their King's Cross venue for good, MEATliquor revealed the site of their next new restaurant - Bloomsbury. They're opening in the Brunswick Centre, taking over the old Las Iguanas site."

"Restaurants Global Moorgate. It’s American dude food with attitude at this deliberately scruffy City hangout, which comes courtesy of London’s BBQ king Neil Rankin (Pitt Cue, Temper etc). Neon signage flashes and a punk soundtrack plays as punters sit at diner-style booths and hoover up dishes from a deliciously meaty, US-style menu – think pulled pork and kimchi hash, pancakes topped with fried chicken… and lots of good eggs."

"Feast on pancakes topped with fried chicken, banana and maple syrup. City Point, 1 Ropemaker Street, City, London, EC2Y 9AW. Tube: Moorgate Station"

"Restaurants Global Moorgate"