5 London Spots Florence Pugh Loves
Florence Pugh’s love of food is no secret, lovingly documented across her socials for years now, so when a London recommendation of hers surfaces, it’s worth paying attention. From St James’s institutions to neighbourhood favourites tucked away in north and south London, these are five spots that come fully Pugh-approved.
Maison François
Maison François brings a slice of Parisian brasserie life to St James’s. Opened in 2021 by restaurateur François O’Neill, it runs from breakfast through to late dinner, serving classic Gallic dishes built for sharing, from comté gougères to entrecôte au poivre, alongside a show-stopping dessert trolley.
Downstairs, Frank’s wine bar adds a moodier, more intimate space for a nightcap. It’s exactly the kind of all-day spot that’s rare in this part of London, making it a firm favourite for a leisurely lunch or an indulgent Parisian-style dinner.
Where: 34 Duke Street, St James’s, London SW1Y 6DF
Website: www.maisonfrancois.com
Dukes Bar
Tucked into a quiet cobbled courtyard in St James’s, Dukes Bar has been part of Dukes Hotel since 1908 and is best known today for its legendary martini ritual.
It was also a favourite haunt of Ian Fleming, who is said to have drawn inspiration for James Bond’s “shaken, not stirred” line from evenings spent here. With its mahogany panelling, dim lighting and old-world theatre, it remains one of London’s most atmospheric spots for a drink.
Where: 35 St James’s Pl, London SW1A 1NY
Website: www.dukeshotel.com
Darby’s London
Set in the shadow of the new US Embassy in Nine Elms, Darby’s is Robin Gill’s ode to New York oyster bars, blended with the Irish American roots of his father, Earl “Darby” Gill, a jazz trumpeter the restaurant is named after.
For an easy, unfussy meal with real personality in, it’s well worth the trip.
Where: 3 Viaduct Gdns, Nine Elms, London SW11 7AY
Website: www.darbys.com
The Westbourne
Set on a quiet corner of Westbourne Park Villas, The Westbourne has been serving Notting Hill since 1852, evolving from a traditional corner pub into one of the area’s most popular gastropubs.
Its terrace boasts one of the best in the area, packed out in the summer months and just as good for a quiet pint when the weather turns.
Where: 101 Westbourne Park Villas, London W2 5ED
Website: www.thewestbourne.com
Cinder
Led by chef Jake Finn, Cinder is a fire-led Mediterranean restaurant with two north London homes, in Belsize Village and St John’s Wood, both built around open fire cooking and in-house butchery.
The menu leans into charred snacks and cedar plank salmon alongside signature dishes like the crab doughnut, all served without fuss in an elegant, lively room with an open kitchen and heated terrace. Its combination of bold, seasonal flavours and neighbourhood charm has earned it a double AA Rosette and spots on Vogue’s Top 45 restaurants in London and the Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Local Restaurants.
Where: 66 Belsize Ln, Belsize Park, London NW3 5BJ
Website: www.cinder.com
