Heading to London for the Virgin Money London Marathon on April 28? You are likely pre-occupied with packing and travel logistics, which doesn't leave much time for planning the fun part of your racecation.
Racertrips.com has recruited London locals to share their personal recommendations for the Best Places to Eat and the Top Things to Do in this beloved, historical city.
Best Places to Eat
Great Place for Overall Dining
Coppa Club
3, Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames St, London
"My favorite restaurant ever," says Racetrips™ Ambassador Elizabeth Ayres. Situated on the Thames River right by the Tower Bridge, Coppa Club is perfect day or night for the views. It's also extremely easy to get to, and the menu has a wide choice of options, including a vegetarian menu and a kids menu.
Elizabeth says the pizzas are absolutely amazing. If you want to make a night of it, the bar is open late and there's not a drink they don't have. Through April, you can even book your own igloo, where you can sit and drink or eat in total comfort while watching the world go by.
Great Place to Carbo Load
Padella
6 Southwark Street, London
This cozy restaurant offers patrons fresh, handmade pasta at an incredible value. Padella is recommended by Racetrips Ambassador Gregory Haber-Smith for a top London restaurants overall, as well as a great place for carbo-loading. "The plates are reasonably sized, but you can always have two," he says. "The service is also very quick, so you don't have to worry on the pre-race early night."
Great Place to Carbo Load
Pepeno Ristorante & Pizzeria
3, The Sphere, 114 Silvertown Way, Royal Docks, London
You'll find huge portions of pasta and pizza at this Italian restaurant, recommended by Racertrips Ambassador Rowena Evans. "The prices are low (for London), and service is always with a smile," Rowena says. "It's where the locals go for a good Italian feed."
Great Place to Carbo Load
ASK Italian
Multiple Locations
This U.K. chain restaurant is a runner's delight leading up to the race, says Ambassador Gemma Morris. With locations across London, their menu features a ton of dishes ideal for carbo loading, but there are also healthy and gluten-free options. Gemma's dish of choice the night before a race? The Purple Basil Pesto Genovese, which is a fresh tagliatelle entree.
Great Place for Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Mildreds
4 Locations
Mildreds is "the go-to place for amazing veggie and vegan food," says Ambassador Elizabeth. The service is fantastic, and the staff is happy to offer suggestions based on dietary requirements. "As an omnivore, I was pleasantly surprised at how excellent the food tasted and have gone back several times specifically for their Sri Lankan Curry," she says.
The restaurant is also recommended by Ambassador Deo Kato, who favors the Dalston location. It has a stylish and contemporary atmosphere with a calm outdoor seating area perfect for a sunny evening. The restaurant has a large local following at lunchtime and can get busy in the evenings, so you may have to prep yourself for a little bit of a wait.
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