DK Travel : London

A city of infinite colour and variety, London is both richly historic, tracing its roots back over 2000 years, and unceasingly modern, at the forefront of fashion, music and the arts. There is a fantastic amount to interest and entertain the visitor here: a selection of the best of the best is explored here.

Lord Leighton

Yorkshire-born Frederick Leighton (1830–96) was the most successful painter in Victorian London and president of the Royal Academy. He had this exotic house built for him in 1899.
Lord Mayor’s Show

Every year, the City of London elects a Lord Mayor who processes through the Square Mile in a gilded coach. Military bands, floats and city guildsmen in traditional costume go from Guildhall to the Law Courts. Evening fireworks.

Lord Mayor’s Show
Louis Patisserie

This wonderful old tea room is part of Hampstead folklore. Sink into a comfortable sofa and sample some of the tempting cakes on display in the window.
Lounge Lover

Delicious cocktail bar, funky interior, its pricey but the drinks are worth it. Gets crowded on the weekend so book ahead. Crowd can be a bit stuffy, so recommend stopping by at a not so busy time. Food is good too!
Loungelover

The two lion sculptures at the front door set the scene for a gloriously over-the-top cocktail bar. Inside, there are ceiling-high vases, an open-mouthed hippo's head on the wall, red-gem studed antlers, and much, much more. The service is friendly, the long cocktail list is imaginative and on some Sunday nights there is great soul-style live music to accompany your drinks and Japanese food.
Lower Marsh

Once London’s longest street market, stalls sell inexpensive music, clothes, hardware and food. Open mornings Mon–Fri.
Lowlander

Belgian beer and European cuisine served in a relaxed setting attract drinkers and diners alike at this popular spot.
Luigis

Luigi's on Wardour Street offers delicious Italian food. Whenever I've been there I've had a great time, be it a work outing, a romantic dinner for two or a riotous evening with friends.

The service is on the right side of attentive - you're left alone to enjoy your meal and they're always around when you need them.

Thoroughly recommended
L’Artisan du Chocolat

Combining artistry and craftsmanship, Gerald Coleman creates some of London’s most innovative chocolates.
L’Aventure

This intimate, French restaurant is busy every night of the week. The menu is changed daily and there is a terrace lit with fairy lights.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes, and extra charges.
- under £15
- £15–£25
- £25–£35
- £35–£50
- over £50