Grey skies, historic pubs, and a surprisingly revolutionized dining landscape set the stage for this unapologetically carnivorous tear through the British capital. Filmed around 2011 for the inaugural season of The Layover, this rapid-fire journey through London effectively demolishes the outdated stigma surrounding English cuisine. The culinary scene here is a thrilling amalgamation of resurrected, centuries-old peasant traditions and incredibly diverse global influences, anchored by the legendary institution of the public house. The narrative angle focuses on the brilliant, bloody redemption of British food, celebrating the trailblazing chefs who championed nose-to-tail eating and the simple, perfect execution of local ingredients. From quintessential full English breakfasts to towering piles of roasted bone marrow, it is an absolute celebration of hearty, uncompromising flavor. Grab a proper pint and navigate this meticulously crafted guide to the historic eateries, meat pies, and bustling markets that define modern London.
When Anthony Bourdain visited London on his show The Layover Season 1 Episode 9, he and his crew picked many restaurants. Here are all the addresses and the dishes showcased on The Layover London, all in a convenient list:
READ MORE: LONDON: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN ON PARTS UNKNOWN
DISH – Blood Cake and Fried Eggs
WHAT IS IT?
Blood cake topped with two fried eggs.
WHERE IS IT?
St. John Hotel
1 Leicester St
West End, London, UK
THE LAYOVER LONDON NOTES
This location of St. John Hotel is already closed.
READ MORE: INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN LONDON: 29 PLACES TO VISIT
DISH – Full English Breakfast
WHAT IS IT?
A breakfast plate of fried eggs, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, white sausage, black pudding, toast, mini potatoes and bacon served with strong cup of tea.
WHERE IS IT?
Pellicci’s
332 Bethnal Green Rd
London, United Kingdom
THE LAYOVER LONDON NOTES
Anthony Bourdain did not stop by Pellicci’s (E Pellicci) on this episode but he suggested it if you are fancying a “fry-up” or Full English Breakfast.
DISH – Caffè Macchiato and Fernet Branca
WHAT IS IT?
Caffè Macchiato – espresso coffee with foamed milk; Fernet Branca – brand of bitter herbal liqueur.
WHERE IS IT?
Bar Italia
22 Frith St
Soho, London, United Kingdom
THE LAYOVER LONDON NOTES
According to Anthony Bourdain, Bar Italia is famous for its coffee and its excellent barista services.
DISH – Black Velvet and Smoked Haddock with Poached Eggs
WHAT IS IT?
Black Velvet – cocktail of Guinness and champagne; Smoked Haddock with Poached Eggs – lightly smoked haddock topped with poached eggs.
WHERE IS IT?
Sweetings
39 Queen Victoria St
London, United Kingdom
THE LAYOVER LONDON NOTES
Open for lunch only and where your waiter is your waiter for life – you wait until your waiter is available to serve you.
DISH – British Meat Pies
WHAT IS IT?
Pie with meat filling, usually served with mashed potatoes, beans or mushy peas.
WHERE IS IT?
Square Pie Company
various locations in London
Newman Arms
23 Rathbone St
Fitzrovia, London, United Kingdom
G.Kelly
414 Bethnal Green Rd
London, United Kingdom
Unfortunately, this restaurant has since closed its doors.
THE LAYOVER LONDON NOTES
Anthony Bourdain suggested these spots if you prefer a meat pie for lunch.
DISH – British Cheeses
WHAT IS IT?
Cheese produced in the United Kingdom, like Cheddar, Cheshire, Cornish Yarg, Durham Blue, Stilton, Wensleydale, Brie and Cornish Blue Cheese.
WHERE IS IT?
Neal’s Yard Dairy
6 Park St
London, United Kingdom
THE LAYOVER LONDON NOTES
Anthony Bourdain did not visit Neal’s Yard Dairy during this trip but suggested it if you are looking for cheese.
DISH – Oysters – Anthony Bourdain London
WHAT IS IT?
Saltwater bivalves living in brackish or marine habitats, often served raw on a half shell.
WHERE IS IT?
Wright Brothers Oyster and Porter House
Borough Market, 11 Stoney St
London, United Kingdom
THE LAYOVER LONDON NOTES
Although Anthony Bourdain did not stop by Wright Brothers Oyster and Porter House (Wright Brothers Borough Market) on this episode, he suggested it as a place for oysters and seafood.
DISH – Pint of Guinness – Anthony Bourdain London
WHAT IS IT?
A pint of dark colored Irish dry stout.
WHERE IS IT?
The Two Chairmen
39 Dartmouth St
Westminster, London, United Kingdom
THE LAYOVER LONDON NOTES
An 18th century pub where Anthony Bourdain met with Chef Marco Pierre White whom he dubbed “the first celebrity chef”.
DISH – Maxim’s Quail’s Eggs Maintenon, Drippings on Toast, Fresh Crab, Smoked Salmon, Crispy Calamari, and Pâté de Foie Gras – Anthony Bourdain London
WHAT IS IT?
Maxim’s Quail’s Eggs Maintenon – poached quail eggs on puff pastry with sauce on top; Drippings on Toast – fat drippings from beef or pork served on toast; Fresh Crab – steamed fresh crabs served with crab mayo; Smoked Salmon – smoked salmon that is properly garnished, served with brown bread and butter; Crispy Calamari – battered and fried squid rings with fresh lemon and sauce tartare; Pâté de Foie Gras – pâté made of duck liver.
WHERE IS IT?
Wheeler’s of St. James’s
St James’s St
St. James’s, London, United Kingdom
Unfortunately, this restaurant has since closed its doors.
THE LAYOVER LONDON NOTES
When Anthony Bourdain visited, Chef Marco Pierre White closed off a portion of his restaurant. This location is already closed but Marco Pierre White has opened new locations of Wheeler’s of St. James’s.
DISH – Chicken Tikka Masala – Anthony Bourdain London
WHAT IS IT?
Roasted marinated chicken in spiced curry sauce.
WHERE IS IT?
Hot Stuff
17-19 Wilcox Rd
Oval, London, United Kingdom
Unfortunately, this restaurant has since closed its doors.
THE LAYOVER LONDON NOTES
Although Anthony Bourdain did not visit Hot Stuff on this trip, he suggested it for a “quintessential selection of what has long since been identified as British food”.
DISH – Ale – Anthony Bourdain London
WHAT IS IT?
Beer brewed through warm fermentation with a sweet and full-bodied taste.
WHERE IS IT?
Badley’s Bar
42-44 Hanway St
Fitzrovia, London, United Kingdom
THE LAYOVER LONDON NOTES
Aside from Bradley’s Bar, Anthony Bourdain also stopped by Trisha’s in London’s Soho area to feature London’s club drinking scene. Trisha’s is also locally known as “The Hideout” and “The New Evaristo Club”. Although he did not visit it on this trip, Bourdain also suggested The Phoenix Artist Club for club drinking. Usually open only to union members of stage and screen, tourists can get a day pass if they have purchased a ticket to the cinema, theater or any show or art gallery.
DISH – Egg and Bacon Roll – Anthony Bourdain London
WHAT IS IT?
A roll or sandwich of eggs and bacon.
WHERE IS IT?
Cabman’s Shelter
17, 15 Pont St
Belgravia, London, United Kingdom
THE LAYOVER LONDON NOTES
Cabman’s Shelter is often identified as the green hut that serves as a takeout counter for sandwiches, croissants, noodles, tea and other simple fare.
READ MORE: ANTHONY BOURDAIN ROMANIA : ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED ON NO RESERVATIONS
The London layover served as a vital, highly influential love letter to a city that successfully fought its way out of the culinary dark ages to become a global destination. Reuniting with legendary, boundary-pushing chefs highlighted the profound respect he held for the mentors and madmen who forever altered the British dining landscape. The unabashed celebration of offal, blood cakes, and traditional working-class fare underscored his core philosophy: that authentic, historical food is always superior to pretentious dining. It remains one of the most culturally significant and mouth-watering defenses of British gastronomy ever captured on film. Allow this meat-heavy, pint-fueled itinerary to guide your next epic adventure across the pond.
