Whether you’re poodling around London shopping, visiting palaces, museums, music events, theaters, art shows, or just taking the river taxi down the Thames in a dreamlike state of a skewed Venice (you didn’t know you could do that, did you), these are a couple of great eateries we have on our radar this month.
Pollini at Ladbroke Hall
79 Barlby Road
Notting Hill
W10 6AZ
Ladbroke Hall is fabulous, an event unto itself and equally fun whether you visit by day or night. It’s a walk-in venue with an eclectic and sophisticated vibe, set in a stunningly restored 43,000 square foot Edwardian building, which in 1903 was a car factory, later in WWI producing military vehicles before being reimagined in the 1980s as Thames Television Studios. Having this wild history, today it’s a dynamic cultural venue and arts hub hosting a wide range of contemporary art and musical events, workshops, exhibitions, and live jazz on Fridays.
Michelin-starred restaurant Pollini was designed by architect Vincenzo De Cotiis, with a striking black and white theme and site specific art works, and perfectly complements the whole. Executive Chef Emanuele Pollini is the culinary maestro who earned this Michelin star, on the heels of being voted Best Italian Chef by Gambero Rosso — who know what they’re talking about — in 2020.
The food at Pollini is a celebration of the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, with dishesfrom exquisitely homemade pastas with fresh seafood, to vibrant salads.
Pollini’s journey to this peak is notable, having honed his craft in a selection of respected Michelin-starred restaurants across Italy, including Lido Lido, La Buca, Terre Alte, and Frantoio Turchi, and as far as Clooney in New Zealand, before he returned to London to launch Pollini in the fall of 2023.
Beyond the main dining room, the restaurant has some unique spaces for private dining and special occasions, including the original 1944 Prouvé House, situated elegantly within the garden, and intimate, sophisticated The Library.
And you should try Pollini’s expertly crafted cocktails. The Mezcaleen, a smoky, citrusy creation made with Mezcal and kumquats, is a particular recommendation, as are their renditions of the classic Rum & Pisco Sour. You’ll be flying after a couple of Mezcaleens.
And there’s live jazz every Friday night in the Sunbeam Theater.
Bonus points: Ladbroke Hall just launched a new Speakeasy in collaboration with interior designer Linda Boronkay. Open Wednesday to Saturday, this late-night hideaway is set to be the afterparty spot for Jazz fans, gallery patrons, and Pollini diners.
Pollini operates six days a week, closed Mondays. Bookings are available from noon until midnight throughout the week, but Sunday service ends at 3pm, making it an ideal spot for an extended leisurely Sunday lunch. We love those.
https://ladbrokehall.com/restaurant/
Lita Bistro
Marylebone
7-9 Paddington Street,
London, W1U 5QH
If you’re going to stay in or near Marylebone, stay at Jane Austen’s old retreat, Henry’s Townhouse. It’s an absolute delight, you will be well taken care of, and is within walking distance to many restaurants.
Lita is a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Marylebone, a celebrated Mediterranean bistro, with a blend of classic elegance and contemporary innovation.
The restaurant’s name — “Lita” is short for abuelita (grandmother in Spanish) — hints at its core ethos. And it succeeds in evoking the atmosphere and warmth of a family setting in a modern restaurant. Wooden floors, simple decor, they focus on the food and ambience.
Awarded a Michelin Star in February, 2025, in less than a year in operation, cements its status among London’s top dining establishments.
Their menu presents a fresh and contemporary interpretation of classic European cuisine, with a lean towards the vibrant, produce-driven and celebration of the seasonal flavors of Southern Europe. Dishes include BBQ Cornish mullet with white bean ragu, and Cornfed Brittany poussin with piquillo pepper and plum, served with wild-farmed sourdough.
The heart of Lita is the open fire grill in the restaurant’s open kitchen. This is fundamental to their cooking, imbuing dishes with a unique smoky depth, a perfect char and aroma.
Lita has an exceptional wine list, featuring a range from unique offerings by small, biodynamic producers to celebrated, established European wineries.