The Owl, Foxlow Balham

The Owl, the new 35-cover cosy basement bar at Foxlow Balham by the team behind Hawksmoor has raised the bar on neighbourhood socialising. Beside the fact that it is of course sparkly and new, the black leather banquette seating and rustic chic brick walls make it reminiscent of the by-gone days of the London Underground. Available on a walk-in basis only or for special private hire events, this local favourite is becoming a one stop shop for a midweek fun and weekend gatherings (why ever venture to central London again?). Dishes from Foxlow’s menu are not available downstairs apart from a few delicious bar snacks (think: kabanos, nuts and olives…).

What to order

The drinks menu consists in 10 ever changing cocktails such as The Ultimate Gimlet (Hepple Gin, cardamom & pimped-up lime cordial), along with the most popular drink on the Foxlow menu, Miami Dolphin (rum, strawberry, lime & Pina Colada) and La Pomme Qui Rit (Calvados, peach, pear, porter and Pont l’Evêque cheese – yes you heard right, served straight up).

15-19 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9EX

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 The Larder

Recently opened in the heart of Fitzrovia, The Larder is a 35-cover all-day café and food store. The menu is designed by the Executive Chef Diego Cardoso using only seasonal ingredients to create tasty and simple food.

The Larder’s selection of food and drinks is sourced from the very best suppliers which gives you products such as artisan sourdough bread from Michelin-starred Hedone and European cheeses from trendy Marylebone cheesemonger La Fromagerie and a good selection of organic or biodynamic wines.

What to order

The Larder’s own branded coffee created by award winning Reads Coffee Roasters is probably the best choice to start the day. The breakfast menu combines health conscious dishes with more indulgent morning fare such as fruit salad with coconut; chia seed pots with mixed berries and toasted breakfast sandwiches filled with a full English. At lunchtimes, The Larder will offer a range of savoury tarts, homemade sausage rolls and sandwiches, salads with beetroot and feta, burrata & crushed avocado and green vegetables.

Fitzroy Place, 8 Pearson Square, London W1W 7EY

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The Harcourt

Established in 1826 The Harcourt will reopen on Friday 1st April, on Harcourt Street in Marylebone. Once known as ‘The Swedish Pub’, The Harcourt’s unique Scandinavian heritage is celebrated in its quality food and drink and inspired design. Preserving the building’s Regency layout, some of the features like the elegant panelling and the simple leaded windows date back to the early 19th century. The ground floor bar offers casual dining and drinks for up to 40 guests. The all-day modern European dining and drink menu includes Nordic and Scandinavian elements.

What to order

Stop by in the afternoon for the traditional Fika – the Swedish term for a coffee break with a pastry or sandwich. There is a thoughtfully curated wine list with an emphasis on Rieslings and Burgundies picked by Finbar Naumann and a very charismatic cocktail list designed by Swedish born Tess Pettersson.