Ryan Shirley in England and Scotland: 28 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for London

Must-try foods in London

• Sri Lankan Egg Hoppers
  Sri Lankan Egg HoppersA classic staple at Hoppers, which recently expanded to a new Shoreditch location in 2026. These bowl-shaped fermented rice and coconut milk pancakes are served with a soft-cooked egg in the center and vibrant vegetarian sambols.
• Sichuan Wontons in Spicy Chilli Oil
  Sichuan Wontons in Spicy Chilli OilA viral favorite from Tofu Vegan, London's leading plant-based Chinese destination. These delicate dumplings are stuffed with a savory mix of mushrooms and tofu, doused in a signature house-made aromatic numbing chilli oil.
• Falafel Pita Pocket
  Falafel Pita PocketA cult-favorite street food from Pockets in London Fields. Renowned for its incredibly fluffy steamed pita, it is packed with ultra-crispy falafel, fried potato slices, and a complex array of house-made salads and tahini.
• Vegan Doner Kebab
  Vegan Doner KebabThe iconic plant-based take on a London late-night classic by What the Pitta. It features spiced soy pieces wrapped in fresh handmade bread with hummus, tzatziki, and jalapeños, frequently voted as the city's best vegan kebab.
• Burrata with Smoked Pepper and Citrus Dressing
  Burrata with Smoked Pepper and Citrus DressingA trending vegetarian dish at the newly opened Holy Carrot (2026). It highlights the restaurant's inclusion of high-quality dairy in its new menu, pairing creamy Italian cheese with bright, smoky Mediterranean flavors.
• Purr Honey Cake
  Purr Honey CakeA signature 100% vegan and gluten-free dessert from Cream Dream in Covent Garden. This Ukrainian-inspired multi-layered cake uses plant-based honey and cream to recreate the classic honey cake's delicate, melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Trip guide

• About London
  About LondonLondon, the capital of the United Kingdom, is a metropolis with a documented history spanning approximately two millennia. The settlement was established as Londinium by Roman forces in 43 CE on the northern banks of the River Thames. The city contains four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, and Maritime Greenwich.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit London is during late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October) for mild temperatures and blooming parks without the extreme summer crowds. While summer offers the most daylight and outdoor festivals, it brings higher humidity and peak season prices for flights and accommodation. For the best value and fewer tourists, visit during the late winter off-peak months of January and February.
• Getting around
  Getting around London

  • International Air Travel London is served by six major airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick, which offer extensive global connections and express train services like the Heathrow Express directly into central London terminals.
  • London Underground (The Tube) This extensive rapid transit system covers most of the city across eleven color-coded lines; it is most efficiently accessed using contactless payment or an Oyster card for seamless travel between zones.
  • Eurostar High-Speed Rail Providing a direct link from mainland Europe, these high-speed trains arrive at St Pancras International from cities like Paris and Brussels, offering a convenient city-center to city-center travel alternative.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Always stand on the right side of escalators in the London Underground to allow others to pass on the left.
  • Pay for public transport using a contactless card or mobile device, as cash is not accepted on buses or the Tube.
  • Check your restaurant bill for an optional 12.5% service charge before adding a separate tip.
• What’s new
  What’s new in London

  • V&A East Museum opening in Stratford.
  • London Museum relocation to Smithfield Market.
• VisitBritain↗
  VisitBritainThe official destination guide for London from the British Tourist Authority, providing travel information, attractions, and itineraries for the capital.