Asian Cuisine Pubs in London

The Jackalope in London is what happens when a traditional British pub has an existential crisis and emerges as something brilliantly unexpected. Tucked away in the heart of the city, this isn't your typical London watering hole – it's a fascinating double act that combines the cozy warmth of a classic pub upstairs with a surprisingly authentic Chinese noodle paradise below. It's like finding out your proper English uncle secretly moonlights as a kung fu master. Walking into the upstairs pub feels like stepping into a time capsule of British drinking culture, but one that's been lovingly maintained rather than left to gather dust. The wooden panels gleam with decades of stories, while the carefully curated selection of beers on tap – from perfectly poured Guinness to crisp Sapporo – suggests someone behind the bar really knows their stuff. The Jackalope manages to pull off that rare trick of feeling both historic and completely current, like a vintage leather jacket that somehow never goes out of style. But it's the unexpected twist downstairs that really sets The Jackalope apart from every other London pub. Follow your nose down to the lower level, and you'll find yourself in what might be the city's most surprising noodle bar. The aroma of aromatic broths mingles with the familiar pub scents in a way that shouldn't work but absolutely does. It's as if some cosmic alignment occurred where East meets West, and both sides decided to stay for another round. The food menu is a love letter to Asian cuisine that doesn't pull its punches. Those extra hot pork and chickpea noodles have become something of a local legend, with a spice level that separates the cautious from the brave. The glass noodles might be a touch soft for some purists, but those pork wontons? They're the kind of dish that makes you wonder if you should order a second portion before you've even finished the first. Everything arrives steaming and fragrant, served with the kind of efficient cheerfulness that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit. What's particularly clever about The Jackalope's setup is how it caters to different crowds without feeling disjointed. Upstairs, you might find city workers loosening their ties over pints, while downstairs, food enthusiasts slurp noodles with the kind of focused dedication usually reserved for solving complex math problems. The prices strike that sweet spot between "reasonable enough for a casual Tuesday" and "worth it for the quality you're getting" – exactly what you want from a proper neighborhood establishment. The atmosphere shifts as naturally as London weather throughout the day. Lunch brings a bustling crowd seeking something more interesting than another sandwich, while evenings see the space transform into a proper social hub. The staff navigate this daily metamorphosis with the kind of unflappable grace that suggests they've seen it all and still love what they do. Here's an insider tip: if you're coming with a group, which The Jackalope handles beautifully, try to snag one of the corner tables upstairs. They offer the perfect vantage point for both people-watching and keeping an eye on the bar situation. And while you might have to order at the bar upstairs and counter downstairs rather than getting table service, consider it your chance to stretch your legs between courses. Dog owners, rejoice – your four-legged friends are welcome upstairs, making The Jackalope an excellent pit stop during weekend walks. The pub's NFC payment system means you won't have to fumble for cash, though they accept pretty much every payment method short of crypto and seashells. The Jackalope represents something special in London's ever-evolving pub scene – a place that honors traditional pub culture while fearlessly embracing something new. It's the kind of spot that makes you want to text your friends immediately after discovering it, even though you're tempted to keep it as your own secret. Do yourself a favor and make the trip to The Jackalope for your next night out. Just remember: if someone in your group says they can handle the extra hot noodles, make sure to film their first bite. You know, for posterity.

Looking for the best-kept secret in London's curry scene? Let me introduce you to Gurkha's Pride, the kind of place that ruins all other Indian restaurants for you (in the best possible way). This London gem is where curry dreams come true and dinner plans turn into "remember that night" stories. Listen, I've eaten my way through enough London curry houses to write a book, but the moment I tasted Gurkha's Pride's lamb curry, I knew the game had changed. The chef here doesn't just cook - they orchestrate flavor symphonies that make your taste buds dance bhangra! You know those places where every bite makes someone at the table go "Oh. My. God."? THIS IS THAT PLACE. The dining room buzzes with that perfect mix of clinking glasses, excited chatter, and the occasional "you have to try this" reaching across tables. It's like someone bottled the essence of a perfect night out and opened it right here in London. The menu? HOLD ONTO YOUR TASTE BUDS, FOLKS. Their momos (think heavenly dumplings) are so good, you'll want to send a strongly-worded letter to every other dumpling you've ever eaten, apologizing for calling them "decent." And don't even get me started on their biryani - it's the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and have a moment. You know the moment I'm talking about. The best part? They've nailed that sweet spot between fancy enough for date night and casual enough for Tuesday takeaway. Your wallet won't hate you, but your Instagram followers might when they see what they're missing. Pro tip: their garlic naan should be classified as addictive substances. You've been warned. Speaking of dates - whether you're trying to impress someone special or hosting the squad's monthly dinner, this place has your back. The staff here? They're like your wingmen in the best possible way. Need recommendations? They'll guide you to curry nirvana. Want to pretend you're a curry expert? They'll play along. Here's the intel you need: They take reservations (smart move for weekend nights), they do takeout (for those "I can't be seen in public today" moments), and they even deliver (bless them). The bar situation? ON POINT. Their Gurkha beer selection pairs with the food like they were meant for each other - because they were. Fair warning: once you try their Mixmas Karahi Special, regular curries will taste like sad attempts at happiness. The cocktail menu is dangerously good too - the kind of dangerous that starts with "just one more" and ends with group karaoke at midnight. They've got this cozy vibe that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile. The decor hits that perfect balance between traditional and modern, like your cool aunt who travels the world but never forgets where she came from. And yes, they have vegetarian options that would make even the most dedicated carnivore consider switching teams. Look, I'm going to level with you - this place gets busy. Like, "why didn't I listen and make a reservation" busy. But even when it's packed, there's this electric energy that makes you feel like you're exactly where you should be. The kind of place where strangers at the next table become your food critics for the night, and everyone's sharing bites of their dishes like old friends. Don't sleep on Gurkha's Pride, London. It's that rare spot that actually lives up to the hype - and then some. Whether you're a curry connoisseur or just someone who appreciates food that makes you involuntarily dance in your seat, this is your next favorite place. Trust me, future you is already grateful for this recommendation. Now go forth and feast - just save me a table!