November at a glance
WELCOME to Tier Two (at least at the time of writing)–where multiple households must not mingle inside. Thankfully, myriad restaurants across London have reopeneddining spaces (most are covered and heated, but we still recommend your best winter coat and a side of supportive enthusiasm). In the east: , Stratford, where a meadow-inspired, sky-high terrace is protected by a cantilevered, cedar roof (). The chef’s own organic farm is only 40 minutes away. In the south: , Battersea–part of the Gladwin Brothers’ (true farm-to-plate pioneers) empire (). The wrap-around terrace is heated and dog friendly. Alternatively, try the five-course tasting menu at , in Borough Market, which uses up surplus fruits and vegetables from the founders’ market stall (). In the west: , Richmond–now open for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, for the first time (). The heated glasshouse is decorated nightly with seasonal flowers and illuminated by candlelight. In the north: . Emma Hughes, London Life’s restaurant columnist, recommends for wine and sharing plates and for tacos (; /plaza-pastor). Warm up with a post-meal stroll past London’s best Christmas light displays, which start to appear this week. Twenty-seven LED light curtains–a total of 220,000 bulbs–will adorn Oxford Street; in Covent Garden you’ll find a 60ft tree, 30,000 festive lights and 115,000 further sparklers strung across the Piazza and surrounding streets.
