London eateries

My grandsons loved Poppies for fish and chips and every Wagamama they ever visited, especially the one in Covent Garden.

Punjab near Covent Garden is good Indian. We go there every trip.

Agree Punjab is great but so are Dishooms for Indian fare.

If near Chinatown Joy King Lau is wonderful.

Check for Nando’s. Wagamama, Pret a Manger, Wasabis, Pizza Express and Kebab shops.

Pub grub is fine and yes children are allowed in pubs. The gorgeous Art Deco Blackfriars pub is worth a visit and its near St Pauls. 10 minute walk.

Have traditional English breakfasts which will include beans.

The diverse populous of London ensures a wonderful choice of ethnic meals.

Bill’s is a chain serving American meals.

Visit Borough Market, check out the food hall in Harrod’s, visit Mercado Mayfair.

You won’t starve in London!

Not only is a 17 year allowed in pubs but can drink beer cider or wine with a meal when bought by an adult

I agree with Pret a Manger and Nando's as teen friendly. If you're kids are hankering for pizza, look for a Franco Manca. (Better than Pizza Express.)

Personally, I'm a pub person and like to drop in for some "traditional" English fare. Why would I go somewhere that serves the same food I can get back home?

You have thousands of options in London, but the area around St Paul’s is predominantly offices (catering to well heeled bankers with large expense accounts), so your weekend choices maybe more limited.

I worked in London for 25+ years and have never heard of B-Bakery.

Popular chains including Wagamama (Asian), Leon (slightly healthier salads and burgers), Nando’s chicken and Le Pain Quotidien are good value.

Poppies fish and chips is excellent. If anyone in the group has the slightest interest in music history, the Poppies in Soho was formerly the Two I’s (eyes) coffeehouse and they were the birthplace of British skiffle music after World War II.

I have 2 must-eats on my upcoming trip to London--Dishoom (Indian food, I go to the Carnaby St one) and The Cheese Bar at Camden Market, which is a fun area to explore that you all might enjoy. Cheese Bar features, as you might expect, fabulous artisan British cheese dishes--fondue, grilled cheese, cheese platters, souffle, etc.

For Indian, I’d really suggest heading to the East End - Brick Lane. There’s a bunch of restaurants there, and by most accounts are all pretty good. Londoners take the hawkers as a bit of fun, and no one seems to complain like these places are tourist rip offs. Still, I found Eastern Eye Balti House to be particularly good, along with Merez which is a bit smaller and quieter. It’s a quick tube ride to Liverpool station and short walk from there. You’ll pass by/through Spitalfields market as well which has a variety of food stalls. I liked Borough and Camden markets more though. These markets can be fun options, where everyone gets to pick something they want.

The aforementioned Blackfriar pub was some of the better pub grub I had and definitely recommend it. Otherwise, pub food kind of peaks near mediocre. The bar is set low.

Off topic: If you’re interested in checking out the East End, I highly recommend Alternative London’s street art tour. It was one of the highlights of my recent trip, and not something I’m all that into. I bet the kids would love it, and a tour with a curry on Brick Lane is a winning combo.

I have never come across Poppies. Although I have tried many, many fish and chip places over the years, the Golden Hind on Marylebone Lane takes some beating.

Mayfair Chippy, not cheap but worth it, just off Oxford Street. Pizza Union in Spitalfields, not far from Liverpool Street tube, pukka Italian pizzas and only £6 each.

Forgot the Regency Cafe near Westminster for a great no frills full english, scenes from Layer Cake filmed there and Pret… always reliable good food.

@Jennifer

There’s a Poppies in Shoreditch.

Thank you Ruth, Laurel, Claudia, Roger, Frank, Jennifer, Dale, Christa, Awrzesinski, and Mike! I just went through all the sites and am ready to dig in. Bummed I have to wait three months. I really appreciate the thoughtful suggestions.

• Brandon