Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Fairlop Waters

"Located on the 43rd floor of the Walkie Talkie building in the City of London, the Sky Garden is the capital’s highest public garden and one of the coolest places to visit in London for free. The garden’s large plant-filled atrium has floor-to-ceiling windows with amazing panoramic views out over the city below and is open throughout the day and into the evenings on weekends – making it one the best free things to do in London at night too!. There’s also an open-air covered terrace on one side."

"For a lunch date to remember, 155 meters high at the top of the famous ‘Walkie-Talkie’ building, the Sky Garden offers spectacular views of the city. But it’s the incredible tropical garden which makes this iconic London landmark a must-see. There are multiple restaurants and bars to choose from, but for informal yet stylish lunchtime dining, we highly recommend Darwin’s Brasserie to take in some of the best views of the city."

"Branches of the growing chain of Sushisamba restaurants can be found in New York, Chicago, Miami and beyond. London’s outpost is found on the 38th and 39th floors of the City’s Heron Tower so it’s likely you’ll see deals being brokered at nearby tables, but the atmosphere is kept in check by personable staff and the spread of dating couples out to have a good time. The menu’s an eclectic mix, too, featuring a blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, alongside one of the most comprehensive sake selections in the city."

"Sushisamba – the Brazilian, Peruvian and Japanese joint – is finally back up and running, and is certainly one of the best City of London rooftop bars. The indoor restaurant is now open as well as both outdoor terraces. Choose between the sprawling views on the East Terrace or toast the summer on the Tree Terrace under our iconic 26ft orange tree."

"It’s located on the 38th and 39thfloors of the Heron Tower, and has epic 360 views over the City. Needless to say both the interior design and views are very photogenic. SushiSamba is also one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in London."

"Head to the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate for 24 hour views of London. Open seven days a week, this all-day dining spot takes British cuisine and gives it a playful twist, with waffles taking focus. Book one of the squidgy leather window booths for the best views, and tuck into waffles topped with caramelised banana, hazelnut chocolate spread, vanilla ice cream and peanut crunch, or, go for the signature savoury one with crispy duck let confit, fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup."

"A sour, hesitant welcome by a pompous ground-floor doorman made for a bad start to my visit to Duck & Waffle on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower. Once in situ service is still somewhat inconsistent - I found it slow at times, over-attentive at others - but overall the vibe here is relaxed and informal. The destination is more moderately priced than Sushisamba below, the clientele more diverse and the offering more accessible."

"At Duck & Waffle the fun begins in the lifts, which feel like you’re shooting up into the sky. One of London’s highest restaurants, it’s located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower, and being open 24/7 means you can catch the stunning panoramic views whenever you fancy. It’s the kind of place people go to be seen – but it’s smaller and less showy than its sister SUSHISAMBA, which sits a few floors below."

"Who wouldn’t want their very own ‘press for Champagne’ button?. A favourite for Dream Home boards on Pinterest, these nifty little buttons aren’t the only photogenic feature of Soho’s Bob Bob Ricard. Just take a peek inside the private dining room that’s modelled on the Royal Dining Carriage – it’s elegant, it’s elaborate and it’s giving us serious FOMO."

"The whole experience is luxurious, from the iconic 'Press for Champagne' button beside every table, to the genius comfort food menu with an opulent twist. Think Lobster Mac & Cheese and 28 day-aged Beef Wellington. The incredible décor will make you feel like you've time traveled on to the Orient Express or into a Gatsby party."

"This sexy Soho spot is glamorous, fun and endlessly impressive — if not at all cheap. Highlights of the 20s style decor include a “Press For Champagne” button (and it works), while the chicken kiev is a must-try from the Russia-meets-France menu. So long as a spot of garlic won’t kill the mood, that is."

"Shoreditch restaurant Smokestak keeps its barbecue low, slow and predictably smokey, with no dish showcasing its talent with the tongs quite like its signature 15-hour smoked brisket. Thick slices of its treacly, intensely flavoured, fat-dripping meat are best enjoyed piled high inside a brioche bun, scattered with piquante slices of pickled red chilli. Alternatively, give the restaurant 24 hours notice and you can enjoy an entire brisket cut for the table."

"As well as introducing a line of DIY meal kits, SMOKESTAK has launched a weekend takeaway and delivery service. Available on Fridays and Saturdays, deliveries can be made within two miles of the Sclater Street restaurant, or collected if pre-ordered. For a full feast, diners can begin with crispy pigtails; smoked cod roe and potato skins; crispy ox cheek with anchovy mayo; and new autumnal dishes such as mushrooms on toast with beef dripping gravy."

"Being outside Smokestak in Shoreditch is already a delightful experience as the smell of the burning wood and charcoals that fire the barbecues is simply irresistible. Couple that with their covered, heated when needed terrace area and there's no reason not to book in with another household immediately, especially if you're in the market for sensational wood-fired cooking."

"If you're craving some seriously good BBQ food, you don't need to book a flight to Memphis. Hop on the train to Camden, where Porky's offers deliciously deep-fried, juicy southern-fried chicken, whisky by the glass and a rock 'n' roll playlist to boot."

"You can get that exact dish in Porky’s, another mini-chain of American diners in London. But, as the name suggests, pigs are what you want. Porky’s pulled pork, a dish very much a la mode, is hard to beat."

"Situated in the heart of Haringey, Forks and Green is a little gem of a place. With their cosy decor, exceptionally attentive staff, and hearty food, one word comes to mind: home. Consistent with the service and quality at Forks and Green, when it comes to the menu, you are spoilt for choice."

"Taking on the identities of two of the world's most flavourful cuisines, Mommi is a finely executed hybrid of Japanese and South American cultures making for one sensational culinary offering. Tease your palate with their raw plates, including some incredibly unique sushi dishes."

"Splendidly refurbished in 2010 it was built between 1721-1724 to the designs of John James, as one of the Fifty Churches projected by Queen Anne’s Act of 1711. The reredos is from the workshop of Grinling Gibbons and frames a ‘Last Supper’ painted for the church by William Kent in 1724. The windows contain Flemish glass of the early 16th century from Antwerp."

"St Mary Woolnoth was said to have been founded originally by Wulfnoth, a Saxon noble, on a Roman Temple to Concord. The church is famous among architects. It was built by Nicholas Hawksmoor in 1716-1721."

"This bizarre looking Anglican church was designed by Hawksmoor – his only City of London church. The original dated back to Norman times"

"A Halal Chinese chippy tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac road where they sling fish and chips alongside takeaway classics with some added fusion curveballs. A smaller menu than most, but Kar Woo has nailed certain items such as salt pepper king prawns which are light, crisp and golden with just the right amount of seasoning, fluffy chicken fried rice and tangy Singapore noodles — all dishes come with the bonus option to pick and mix extra options such as chilli oil, naga sauce and fresh spring onions. What Kar Woo really excels in here is in sacrilegious but wonderful offerings not normally seen on a Chinese chip shop menu."