If you’re always trying to snag a seat at London’s hottest tables, on a quest for a great martini under a tenner, or just love a meme that pokes fun at East London hipsters, you’re in the right place. Hannah Crosbie has mastered all three.

In fact, her restaurant and bar recommendations have become a bit of a bible for us. From her refreshingly witty book, Corker: A Deeply Unserious Wine Book, to her tongue-in-cheek social media commentary, she has cemented herself as a bona fide tastemaker and one of our absolute go-to wine experts. Trust us when we say, “If Hannah’s recommending it, we’re booking it.” Here, she shares her definitive guide to eating and drinking in London…

The best meal I had this year was… at Tempo in Bethnal Green – so much fun, so delicious. Bouncy meats and champagne are how to win me over. But my most visited spot of the year is probably Camille. 

A dimly lit café interior with a high window, sheer curtains, and two empty stools at a bar. On the counter sits a cocktail—reminiscent of something Hannah Crosbie might recommend—and a small plate of food, blurred lights outside.
Camille, London

My favourite new opening on the London food and drink scene… was Auguste, but when it comes to old school institutions, Quo Vadis gets everything right.

My favourite cocktail of all time is an Adonis – you can get an awesome one in Bar Flor above Wildflowers.

My favourite cocktail of all time is… an Adonis. My preference is at Maison Premiere in NYC, but you can get an awesome one in Bar Flor above Wildflowers.

For an excellent but affordable wine list… go to Half Cut – it’s seriously good for its wine. Industry legend Holly Willcocks is on the wine list, who is also working at the brilliant (but more spenny) Mountain in Soho. She’s translated her fab taste into an affordable wine list at this neighbourhood spot.

A bowl of Vietnamese noodle salad topped with sliced beef, prawns, herbs, chopped chilli, and fried shallots, surrounded by fresh greens, lime, dipping sauces, and leafy table decor in a style reminiscent of Hannah Crosbie.
Cafe East, London
A modern bar with shelves filled with various bottles of wine and spirits, glasses hanging above the counter, and purple accent lighting. Wooden chairs and tables are visible in the foreground, creating a scene worthy of Hannah Crosbie's tasting notes.
Half Cut Market, London

The best place to go on a hangover is… Cafe East in Blackheath. It used to be my go-to when I lived southeast. There’s no problem that pho broth can’t solve. I allow myself one hangover a month, and the places worth getting one for are Quo Vadis and Rasputin’s –  both neck-and-neck for the top spot.

The best place to go when you just need a glass of wine and a bowl of chips is… Bistro Freddie.

The best martini in London is…the extra freezy one at Bob Bob Ricard – a must. 

A luxurious restaurant interior with plush blue velvet banquettes, gold accents, patterned walls, and a mirrored ceiling. Curated by Hannah Crosbie, the bartender stands behind a well-stocked bar amid warm lighting and elegant decor.
Bob Bob Ricard, London

The best martini in London is the extra freezy one at Bob Bob Ricard – a must. 

My favourite pub is… The Drapers Arms, and always will be.

Everyone’s on the cheap cocktail trend right now… and All My Gods in Bethnal Green has a great selection of shots, cocktails and beers.

For a sexy date night spot, go to… Rasputin’s – it has a great horny vibe any time of the day. Roses of Elagabalus is a fabulous queer spot that’s one of the most unique spaces I’ve visited in forever.

If you want to dance until the small hours, head to… Club Cheek in Brixton. It’s my current fave. Night Tales is also a classic.

Sasa Sushi, London

If there’s one place I want to gatekeep (but won’t), it’s… Sasa Sushi in Angel.

If you’re looking for a parents-visiting-London restaurant vibe… Hawksmoor St Pancras is perfect. And if you have friends visiting, I always recommend Bar Crispin. 

The best London neighbourhood is… wherever I’m living, I manage to fall in love with wherever I’m based, which is currently North London. Islington, Finsbury Park, and Camden are all getting a lot of love right now.

The best coffee place is…Barman Coffee in Camden

I’m aching to try… Rules. I’ve never been, which feels a little sacrilegious. 

The best place to go for a drink in the sun is… 10 Cases. It is so wonderful in the summertime, watching the dregs of Covent Garden-goers pass by. Otherwise, I’d say The Drapers Arms when they’re shucking oysters outside.

If you’re looking for cool interiors, head to… Anything by the Ham Group. Bistro Freddie, Studio Voltaire, Bar Crispin. All bangers.

If you’re looking for somewhere with an excellent playlist or DJ… Jumbi always have someone brilliant on or a great talk happening. The same goes for The Standard.

The best hotel bar is… Seed Library. It feels like its own constant entity underneath the constantly evolving hotel upstairs. Everyone there is so knowledgeable and brilliant, and the drinks are the right balance between fascinating and non-fussy.

For cool interiors, head to anything by the Ham Group. Bistro Freddie, Studio Voltaire, and Bar Crispin. All bangers.

If it were my last day on Earth… I’d be drinking Old Pol Roger or Billecart-Salmon, and going anywhere that will have me crying.

Shop Hannah’s book, Corker: A Deeply Unserious Wine Book, on Amazon and follow her. on Instagram @hannahcrosb

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