Just a stone’s throw away from the iconic London Bridge, Flat Iron Square burst onto the social scene back in 2016, like a culinary comet leaving a trail of epicurean delight.
Bars, restaurants, a pulsating music venue, street food stalls that redefine the concept of ‘food on the go’, and outdoor seating that beckons you to savour the moment here – it’s a winning combo that was practically destined for success.
If you haven’t experienced it yet, what on earth are you waiting for? As we go over our fave spots in the area, brace yourself for a sneak peek into what awaits when you finally take the plunge!
The Good Slice
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The Good Slice stands out amidst the sea of eateries in Flat Iron Square. It’s a cosy, laid-back atmosphere that feels like a warm hug for your senses. The vibrant decor and the sizzle of the wood-fired oven create an ambience that’s as inviting as the aroma wafting through the air.
But let’s cut to the chase – or should I say slice? Their best-seller is the Truffle Shuffle. Imagine a crispy, thin crust adorned with a decadent dance of truffle-infused cream, wild mushrooms, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Lil’ Watan
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Lil’ Watan is all about authenticity without the unnecessary frills. They’ve bottled up the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine and unleashed it onto your plate.
From crispy falafels that practically do a happy dance in your mouth to mouth-watering kebabs that redefine tender, each bite is a passport stamp to flavour paradise.
But here’s the star of the show – the “Shawarma Sensation”. Imagine succulent layers of marinated meat, slow-cooked to perfection, wrapped in a warm, fluffy pita.
Gamekeeper
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Nestled in the heart of Flat Iron Square, this place is like the secret level of a video game – once you find it, you’re hooked. And trust me, it’s worth the quest.
Now, let’s talk about the real magic happening behind the counter. Gamekeeper is the maestro of game meat, transforming your dining experience into a wild and flavourful safari.
And here’s the pièce de résistance – the “Wild Burger Extravaganza”. It’s a juicy, succulent patty made from a symphony of game meats, topped with caramelised onions, and nestled in a pillowy-soft bun.
Tap & Bottle
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Tap & Bottle’s menu offers an awesome selection of grilled meats, seafood, and veggie options sourced from local suppliers. They’re best known for their perfectly cooked steaks like the popular 12 oz ribeye, seasoned with just the right blend of herbs and spices.
But it’s not just the top-notch food that brings in the crowds. Tap & Bottle has an extensive list of craft beers and wines from small independent producers. Pull up a seat at the bar and the knowledgeable bartenders will happily guide you through the options.
Bar Douro
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Bar Douro brings a taste of Portugal to the neighbourhood. This lively food hall is modelled after the bars and eateries that line the Douro River in Porto, offering a delicious array of authentic Portuguese cuisine and drinks.
The star at Bar Douro is the pipis – succulent Portuguese clams drenched in white wine, garlic and coriander. Get them by the kilo to share family-style or in one of Bar Douro’s signature cataplanas, cooked to perfection in a traditional copper pan right at your table.
Can’t get enough seafood? The enormous platter loaded with grilled prawns, salt cod and buttery lobster is a must for any pescatarian.
Where The Pancakes Are
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If you’ve got a hankering for hotcakes, this is the place in the city. Where The Pancakes Are has been dishing out fantastic flapjacks since 2014. Their motto is “pancakes all day, every day” and they truly deliver with their always-evolving array of sweet and savoury creations.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with their classic buttermilk or buckwheat batter options topped with maple syrup and fruit. But this place really shines with their decadent monthly specials like their November ‘Pumpkin Spice’ pancakes drenched in creamy maple mascarpone.
Smoke & Bones
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If you’re looking for mouthwatering BBQ done right, this is THE spot (yes, capital letters). Smoke & Bones fires up crazy good Texas-style meat from their custom smoker parked in Flat Iron Square.
We’re talking succulent brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs and juicy hot links that will make any carnivore swoon.
The star of the show is their 12-hour smoked beef brisket. Perfectly seasoned and smoked low-and-slow, it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. Get it by the pound or in a loaded sandwich with their house BBQ sauce and creamy slaw on a milk bun.
Ekachai
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Under strings of patio lights at communal picnic tables, Ekachai brings a laid-back Bangkok vibe to London. What started as a late-night pop-up is now a local favourite for authentic Bangkok-style cuisine.
The must-try at Ekachai is their fiery pad kee mao – wok-charred flat noodles tossed with chilli, garlic and basil. Add chicken, tofu or prawns for a protein punch. Their massaman curry with slow-braised beef is a rich, fragrant coconut milk-based stew that will transport you to Thailand.
Lupins
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This vegan cafe has been dishing out crave-worthy comfort food without any animal products since 2018. At Lupins, you’ll find all your favourite eats from fish and chips to fry-ups made entirely plant-based.
Lupins really excels at vegan versions of British classics. Their all-day fry-up features “facon”, sautéed spinach and tomatoes, baked beans and vegan black pudding made in-house. And their chunky veggie shepherd’s pie topped with creamy potato mash is total comfort food.
All the recipes are originals crafted by the head chef, who sources local ingredients and makes everything fresh in-house, including sauces, doughs and “cheese” using nuts, seeds and vegetables. You can taste the quality in every bite!
Colombian Coffee Company
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This coffee stall brings the art of Colombian java brewing to the heart of London. Tucked into a vintage Citroën van, Colombian Coffee Company serves up smooth, well-balanced cups using speciality beans direct from Colombia.
The star at CCC is their tinto – a small batch-brewed black coffee made with single-origin Colombian beans. It captures the quintessential flavours of a classic Colombian cup – notes of chocolate, caramel and citrus.
Beyond expertly brewed coffees, CCC serves up traditional snacks like freshly baked empanadas, Brazilian cheese bread and arepas loaded with cheese. It’s the perfect coffee break bite.
La Nonna
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The stars at La Nonna are their silky cacio e pepe and rich ragù alla bolognese, tossed with fresh tagliatelle or pappardelle. But don’t sleep on their seasonal specials like pumpkin ravioli in browned sage butter or fusilli with pork rib ragu.
Beyond pasta, La Nonna serves up antipasti like creamy burrata and zesty caponata. And you can’t go wrong with their focaccia – pillowy bread baked fresh each morning and topped with premium Italian ingredients.
The pasta dough and sauces are made in-house using Italian imports like Italian 00 flour (doppio zero flour) and San Marzano tomatoes. And the aromas of simmering ragu make you feel transported to an Italian kitchen.
Laffa
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Laffa first fired up their taboon ovens in Shoreditch in 2017 and has been a local favourite for authentic Israeli flavour ever since.
The star at Laffa is their namesake laffa bread – chewy, charred flatbread baked to order in a fiery brick oven. It’s then stuffed with your choice of fillings like slow-cooked lamb with tahini, crispy falafel or their Israeli salad with chopped veggies.
Beyond the stuffed wraps, Laffa slings incredible hummus, vibrant salads and their signature “sabich” – a fried eggplant and hard-boiled egg sandwich on a light, airy pita. And you can’t miss their crunchy, herb-packed bourekas pastries, imported straight from Tel Aviv bakeries.
Mother Clucker
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This stall slings mouthwatering buttermilk-fried chicken and loaded fries that have locals flocking. Mother Clucker first fired up their fryers in Shoreditch in 2016 and has been the go-to for crispy, juicy chicken ever since.
The star at Mother Clucker is their free-range chicken seasoned overnight in a secret buttermilk marinade then fried to golden, craggy perfection.
Beyond the fried chicken, Mother Clucker serves up indulgent loaded fries piled high with chicken, cheese, peppers and special sauces. They also dish out vegan cauliflower “wings” and crispy cabbage tacos for non-meat eaters. Something for everyone!
Savage Salads
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In a world where salads often get the side-eye, this spot has managed to turn the humble greens into a culinary spectacle. The vibrant colours of fresh produce lure you in like a siren song, promising a salad experience that’s anything but ordinary.
But what’s the real secret ingredient that makes Savage Salads stand out? It’s not just the freshness of their ingredients, it’s the creativity.
Picture this – a “Mango Tango Salad” that dances on your taste buds with the sweetness of mango, the creaminess of avocado, and the zing of a citrusy dressing.
CHOY House
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This hip hangout has been fusing Korean and Japanese flavours since 2021 to create seriously tasty quick bites. With its focus on creativity and quality ingredients, CHOY House is your spot for epic Asian-inspired eats.
The stars at CHOY are their legendary Korean fried chicken bao buns. Their secret recipe is crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, sandwiched with kimchi and chili mayo in a fluffy steamed bun.
Aside from buns, CHOY House whips up authentic Japanese katsu curry, steaming bowls of ramen and the iconic Seoul street food – Hotteok pancakes. And their mochi doughnuts with homemade ube or matcha filling prove everything’s better on a pillowy Japanese doughnut!
Cluck Farmyard
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Cluck Farmyard is a delightful little stall that captures the essence of a rustic countryside farm, right in the heart of London. As you approach, you’ll be greeted by the charming sight of whimsical chicken-themed decor that sets the tone for the feast that awaits you.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the chicken. Cluck Farmyard is known far and wide for its finger-licking, lip-smacking, cluckin’ good chicken dishes. They take this humble poultry to new heights, transforming it into a culinary masterpiece that will make you cluck with joy.
Their best-seller is the legendary Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Its succulent chicken pieces are marinated in a secret blend of herbs and spices, lovingly bathed in buttermilk, and then coated in a perfectly crispy, golden crust.
Breddos Tacos
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Breddos Tacos is a bit like the cool kid in the culinary playground – effortlessly blending street food vibes with gourmet flair. Nestled in the heart of Flat Iron Square, it’s the kind of place that makes you reconsider your stance on what a taco should be.
One of their best-sellers is the Baja Fish Taco. It’s pieces of crispy beer-battered fish, nestled within a warm tortilla, and topped with tangy pickled cabbage, creamy chipotle mayo, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Prime Time Lager
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Prime Time is famous for its curated tap list featuring over 14 lagers from microbreweries around the UK and Europe. They spotlight everything from crisp Czech pilsners to hoppy London IPAs.
Beyond lagers, Prime Time stocks craft ales, small-batch wines and inventive “low ABV” cocktails.
And they serve up epic bar snacks like Reuben sandwiches, chicken wings and tater tots loaded with cheese sauce and bacon. Hold the beer, their cookies & cream shakes also hit the spot!
