Meanwhile in London Pt. 3: Four Places Worth a Stop – From London to Nottingham

Rowley’s, London – A Mayfair Institution

Tucked away on Jermyn Street, Rowley’s is the kind of restaurant that feels like it belongs to another era. Dark wood panelling, white tablecloths and an atmosphere that has long appealed to the bankers, businessmen and regulars of Mayfair and St James’s.

While the restaurant is best known for its steak and fries, we went for another British classic: fish and chips. Crisp, golden batter, perfectly cooked fish and, perhaps most memorably, the mushy peas. Sometimes the simplest dishes are the ones worth returning for.

Our pick: Fish & chips, with an extra appreciation for the mushy peas.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham – A Pint of History

Few pubs come with a setting quite like this one. Built against the sandstone rock beneath Nottingham Castle, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem claims a history dating back to 1189, making it a contender for the title of England’s oldest pub.

Its maze of small rooms, low ceilings and caves carved directly into the rock make it feel more like stepping into a piece of medieval history than visiting an ordinary pub. Add the legends of knights, crusaders and Nottingham’s most famous outlaw, Robin Hood, and you have a place where the surroundings are every bit as interesting as the pint.

Our pick: A traditional British ale, preferably enjoyed in one of the cave rooms.

Raymond’s, Nottingham – Modern British Dining, Made for Sharing

A more contemporary addition to Nottingham’s dining scene, Raymond’s takes a relaxed approach to modern British cooking. The menu is built around snacks and sharing plates, combining familiar ingredients with thoughtful, often unexpected details.

Two dishes stood out in particular. First, the milk bread served with whipped Marmite butter – soft, rich and dangerously easy to finish. Then the smoked beef sausage with creamed corn and burnt pepper salsa. A seemingly simple combination that turned out to be one of the most memorable dishes of the trip.

Recognised by the Michelin Guide, Raymond’s is proof that ambitious cooking doesn’t have to come with a formal atmosphere.

Our pick: Milk bread with whipped Marmite butter and smoked beef sausage with creamed corn and burnt pepper salsa.

Beigel Bake, London – A Brick Lane Classic

Some of London’s most memorable food experiences don’t require a reservation. On Brick Lane, Beigel Bake has become something of an institution, serving freshly baked beigels around the clock since 1974.

Forget elaborate menus and complicated presentations. The reason to visit is the legendary salt beef beigel, generously filled with tender beef, mustard and pickles. It’s straightforward, satisfying and a reminder that great food doesn’t always need much explaining.

Our pick: The salt beef beigel with mustard and pickles.