Where to eat and drink in London – Shaw Local

Editor’s Note: This series is brought to you by Goal Line Sports Bar & Grill in Crystal Lake.

The Bears are returning overseas for the first time in five years, having last played in London in 2019. This time, the Bears will face the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13.

Are you a Bears fan planning a visit to London for the rare opportunity to see your team abroad? Here are tips on where to eat and drink in London.

Traditional British cuisine

Fish and chips is, of course, a London classic. In Britain, chips are what Americans call French fries. Fish and chip shops are affectionately called chippies.

Here are some of the best chippie shops in and around central London that might be worth checking out:

• The Golden Chippy in Greenwich
• The Fryer’s Delight in Bloomsbury
• The Golden Hind in Marylebone
• The Shell of Lisson Grove in Marylebone
• The Mayfair Chippy in Mayfair

Other staples include a full English breakfast, which typically includes eggs, sausages, bacon, fried tomatoes, black pudding, baked beans, mushrooms and toast. Afternoon tea is another tradition for those looking to get into the British spirit.

The best pubs and sports bars for Bears fans

London is full of historic pubs, many of which are hundreds of years old. Here are a few classics to check out:

• The dog and the duck: This Soho pub has an ornate interior with tiles, mirrors and chandeliers. Originally built in 1734, the pub has an upstairs dining room named after George Orwell, who was once a regular.
• The Blackfriar: The interior of this downtown pub is unlike any bar you’ll see in America. There are wood carvings, stained glass, and marble columns. Monks and friars decorate the walls.
• The old Cheshire cheese: Also located in the City, this is a cellar pub that is much larger than it looks from the outside. It is one of many that were rebuilt after the fire of 1666. Many writers and authors have drunk within its walls.
• The French House: The French House in Soho is the place where Charles de Gaulle led the Free French Movement during his exile in London after the fall of France in World War II. This historic pub has a distinctly French feel.
• Ye Olde Mitre Tavern: This Holborn pub is said to have been built in 1546 and is located in an alleyway near Farringdon Station. It’s fairly unassuming from the outside, but inside this place is bursting with history.

On Bears game day, pubs called The Admiral in Trafalgar Square and The Barrowboy & Banker near London Bridge hosted pre-game NFL parties last year. In 2019, The Barrowboy & Banker was decked out in Bears gear.

Iconic London Markets

London has many outdoor markets to offer. You’ll find numerous markets all over the city selling everything from fresh food to clothes and jewelry. Here are two of the most famous.

District market is perhaps the most famous market in Europe. Located south of the River Thames near London Bridge, Borough Market is a foodie’s paradise. The market is open from 10am to 5pm on weekdays (but it is closed on Mondays), 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. Borough Market is 1,000 years old and has been in its current location since 1756. It offers more than 100 stalls, shops and restaurants.

The hotel is located in Notting Hill, Portobello Road Market is another iconic London market. This is a great Saturday market if you’re looking for more than just food. It’s divided into four main areas: fresh produce, homewares, antiques and a flea market. Portobello Road Market is open daily from 8am-7pm.

International options

London is famous for its curry. Brick Lane has some of the best Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani food in Europe. Soho and Mayfair also have some great Indian food.

Soho is usually a great place to eat well. This area has some of the best French and Italian restaurants in all of London. You can find pretty much anything you are looking for in Soho.