Future Food Director, Francis Loughran shares his most favoured experiences in the culinary capital of London

City: London

Trip: December 2015

Experienced by: Director, Francis Loughran

Delicious Diversity is the only term I can use to sum up London's the eclectic mix of food, cafes and restaurants. On a recent three day business trip to London in mid December 2015, I had the pleasure not only enjoying the Christmas - cheer; which London does so well, but I found time to sample some of London's eclectic mix of food and restaurants. There's never been better, or frankly exhilarating time to dine and eat from a world of cuisines from London's delicious diversity. There are few culinary capitals that can compete with this one. Eat like a king or a local, there is something for everyone.

1. Cicchetti | Picadilly, London

www.sancarloccicchetti.co.uk

"Set in sophisticated yet relaxing interiors using light colours alongside huge expanses of light grey Italian marble, San Carlo Cicchetti reinterprets the delightful Venetian culinary custom of cicchetti – delicious small plate dishes to share or eat alone, enjoyed with a beer or glass of wine"

2. Granger and Co | Notting Hill

www.grangerandco.com

"an all-day eatery designed to reflect the Australian spirit: sunny, easy-going and generous. From waiters and waitresses dressed in Australian label, Jac + Jack to a shrimp burger on the dinner menu - every aspect of this restaurant has been carefully selected and executed to create the comforting and 'Bill Granger' feel"

3. Tom's Kitchen | Canary Wharf

www.tomskitchen.co.uk

"The ethos of Tom’s Kitchen is simple: use the very best seasonal and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible"

4. Selfridges Food Hall | London

www.selfridges.co.uk

"When it comes to Food Halls, Selfridges hits every mark. International and local products adorn the shelves making this space a culinary heaven for anyone slighty interested in food"

5. The Wolseley | Piccadilly, London

www.thewolseley.com

“The Wolseley is a cafe-restaurant in the grand European tradition located in St James’ on London’s most famous Boulevard, Piccadilly”

6. Ottolenghi | Belgravia, London

www.ottolenghi.co.uk

"This Ottolenghi outlet is largely a take-away shop but has one small communal table out the back if you're lucky to get it. The menu changes daily and is based on what is in season and available at the time. Hot mains like lamb moussaka, dukkah crusted tofu or baked polenta get paired with rotating salads that are a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach"

7. Maltby Street Market | Ropewalk, London

www.maltby.st

"A walk down the Maltby Street Market will open your senses to some of London's top producers. Go with an empty stomach and expect to try something new along the way"

As the Future Food team continues to travel the world for business, projects and pleasure, we continue to experience and unlock the latest and most diverse culinary offerings from every corner of the globe. The Global City Hopping series is designed to share these experiences with you and open your eyes to what is happening in the food and beverage international scene.

Global City Hopping: London