Best Restaurants Near London Luton Airport — Eat Like a Local
London guide: real food walking/short-cab from airport. Real, specific, no fluff.
Arriving at London Luton Airport: A Foodie's Guide to the City
After landing at London Luton Airport, you're just a short-cab ride away from the city's vibrant food scene. Before we dive into the neighborhood highlights, let's cover the essential information to get you started. You can grab a quick bite at the airport's various restaurants and cafes, but we recommend saving your appetite for the real deal in the city.
Neighborhood Spotlight: Luton Town Centre
For a taste of authentic British cuisine, head to Luton Town Centre, just a 10-15 minute drive from the airport. This historic neighborhood is home to the famous Luton Market, where you can sample local delicacies like traditional fish and chips, meat pies, and pastries.
Must-try Spots in Luton Town Centre
- The Old Town Hall: This 19th-century building turned cafe serves up delicious breakfast and brunch dishes, including their famous full English breakfast.
- Luton Market: Be sure to try some of the local specialties, like Bedfordshire clanger (a meat pie wrapped in a pastry crust) or a traditional English cream tea.
- The Griffin Inn: This cozy pub offers a range of traditional British dishes, including fish and chips, bangers and mash, and shepherd's pie.
Neighborhood Spotlight: St Albans
Just a short drive from Luton Town Centre lies the charming city of St Albans. This historic city is a foodie's paradise, with a range of restaurants serving up everything from traditional British cuisine to international flavors.
Must-try Spots in St Albans
- The Ye Olde Fighting Cocks: This historic pub is said to be one of the oldest in England, and serves up a range of traditional British dishes, including fish and chips and bangers and mash.
- The Alban Inn: This cozy pub offers a range of international dishes, including Italian, Mexican, and Indian cuisine.
- St Albans Market: Be sure to try some of the local specialties, like traditional English pastries or a delicious full English breakfast.
Neighborhood Spotlight: London's Camden Market
For a taste of London's eclectic food scene, head to Camden Market, just a short drive from St Albans. This bustling market is home to a range of international vendors, serving up everything from traditional British cuisine to international flavors.
Must-try Spots in Camden Market
- Camden Lock Market: This bustling market is home to a range of international vendors, serving up everything from traditional British cuisine to international flavors.
- The Camden Head: This cozy pub offers a range of traditional British dishes, including fish and chips and bangers and mash.
- Regent's Canal: Take a stroll along the canal and enjoy the scenic views while sampling some of the local street food.
What to Avoid
While London's food scene is incredibly diverse, there are some areas that you should avoid. The following neighborhoods are best avoided for foodies:
- South London's Brixton: While Brixton has a lively food scene, it's also known for its high crime rates and rough streets.
- East London's Stratford: This area is home to the Olympic Stadium, but it's also known for its high prices and tourist traps.
- North London's Wembley: This area is best avoided, as it's known for its high crime rates and rough streets.
Final Tips
Before you head out to explore London's food scene, be sure to:
- Download a ride-hailing app, like Uber or Lyft, to make getting around the city easy and convenient.
- Research the local restaurants and cafes in the areas you plan to visit.
- Don't be afraid to try new foods and flavors – that's what traveling is all about!
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