Restaurants and pubs near London fireworks displays

Guy Fawkes Night is upon us, and what better way to brace yourself against the whizzes and bangs of London’s fireworks or warm yourself up after a night of standing in the cold than to pop into a local bistro, gastropub or wine bar for a restorative tipple or some rib-sticking winter food? Read Square Meal’s suggestions for the best food-and-fireworks combo in your area this Bonfire Night.

Battersea Park (Saturday 5 November, 8pm)

The Duke of Cambridge

This good-looking Victorian pub does a good range of real ales plus winter warmers such as bangers and mash and Lancashire hotpot, as well as seasonal specials such as venison pie with buttered kale and butternut-squash risotto.

The Prince Albert

For a longer-than-average pub wine list and dishes including steak, shepherd’s pie and evening specials such as roast cod with curried lentils, head to this characterful gastropub-by-numbers from the ever-reliable Geronimo Inns chain.

The Three Bridges

Formerly a trattoria, The Three Bridges has gone all gastropub, with promising results. Menu choices include classics such as ale-battered haddock or trendy cuts including honey-roast Middle White pork knuckle with mustard mash.

Brockwell Park (Saturday 5 November, 8pm)

Brixton Village

There’s plenty to tempt in Brixton Village, although its popularity is increasing daily, so book ahead or be prepared for queues. Thai restaurant Kaosan is a deserved hit, relative newcomers Honest Burgers are making a name for themselves, while pioneer Cornercopia offers British grub gone glamorous. Plummeting temperatures will make the market a less cosy option come winter, when the crowds should thin out.

Lombok

If you’re looking for a blast of chilli heat to warm you up after the fireworks, head to Lombok in Herne Hill, purveyor of pan-Asian goodies, from Burmese yellow curries to satay chicken, and wok-fried Singaporean chilli crab.

The Prince Regent

Cosy rooms, a lived-in feel, and guest ales make this gastropub a second home for many Herne Hill locals in winter. Add to this its perfect location opposite Brockwell Park, and The Prince Regent is a no-brainer. It’s bound to be busy on Bonfire Night.

Cleveland Square (Saturday 5 November, 7.30pm)

L’Accento

This rustic Italian makes for a cracking post-fireworks supper. Wash hearty pasta and classics such as calves’ liver or Sicilian caponata down with one of the big-hitting reds on the wine list.

Le Café Anglais Oyster Bar and Café

Inject a touch of glamour to your Bonfire Night bash at Rowleigh Leigh’s marble-topped oyster bar. Pick-and-mix seafood options include anything from native oysters to dressed crab, while buttery omelettes or steak and chips will warm the cockles – as will a glass or two of Champagne.

Tukdin

Authentically flavoursome Malaysian food that has the stamp of approval from the area’s ex-pat community is the order of the day here. The bargain-priced menu includes dishes such as sea bass poached in tamarind soup with lemongrass, or squid sambal.

Corams Fields (Friday 4 November, 5pm)

The Norfolk Arms

This Spanish-influenced gastropub mixes Brit favourites such as ham-hock-and-pistachio terrine and roast guinea fowl to Iberian delicacies including chickpea-and-tomato stew and pata negra ham. It’s a popular hang-out for Bloomsbury foodies, and there’s plenty here to like.

The Queen’s Larder

This picturesque inn with well-stocked cellars majors in traditional plates, from ploughman’s to sausage and mash and Spam fritters.

Vats wine bar and restaurant

A wine bar of the old school located on one of London’s loveliest streets, Vats boasts a well-rounded 100-bin list plus wine-friendly snacks such as smoked-haddock mousse and confit duck.

Richmond Park (Sunday 6 November, 5pm and 7pm)

The Brown Dog

Hidden away on a residential backstreet in Barnes, The Brown Dog is worth seeking out for hearty dishes that hit the spot, such as cottage pie and fruit crumble. Or pop in for a selection of cheeses from La Fromagerie accompanied by a nice glass of red.

The Idle Hour

On the Barnes side of Richmond’s vast parkland is The Idle Hour, an enjoyable little pub with a cosy bar and a kitchen that takes pride in sourcing its ingredients. Enjoy tub-thumping British fare such as the house organic burger with onion marmalade and goose-fat fries, followed by sticky-toffee pudding – perfect for Guy Fawkes Night.

The Prince of Wales

Civilised and spacious, this top-notch gastropub at the Putney end of Richmond Park offers gut-busting snacks such as ‘pig sandwiches’ and Scotch eggs for a casual post-fireworks feast. The à la carte is excellent, too – don’t miss the much-lauded salt-caramel chocolate fondant.

The Victoria

Paul Merrett’s gastropub on the north-east side of Richmond Park serves keenly priced food such as slow-cooked shoulder and cheek of Gloucester Old Spot pork with Provençal jus, and pan-fried hake wrapped in serrano ham with Champagne-cream sauce.

Weavers Fields (Saturday 5 November, 7.30pm)

Brawn

A few streets from Weavers Fields but more than worth the walk, Brawn offers punchy, take-no-prisoners bar snacks and meals to discerning meat lovers. Snack on small plates such as pork rillettes or chanterelles with warm duck-egg yolk on toast and sample organic wines from the refreshingly individual wine list.

The Camel

This handsome pub mixes the traditional and the trendy to stylish effect. The tiny venue is good for a cosy pint and a game of backgammon after the fireworks, while food runs to stomach-warming pies.

Mason & Taylor

Draught British ale is the speciality at this Shoreditch pub. The beers are paired with well-priced mix-and-match small plates in the British-continental vein – ideal for a pre- or post-display stop-off snack.

Wimbledon Common (Friday 4 November, 6.45pm and 8.30pm)

The Fox & Grapes

Claude Bosi’s swanky inn is perpetually packed with Wimbledon foodies. Drop in for a homemade Scotch egg and a pint of ale at the bar, or book a table in advance and feast on a reviving plate of pork belly with crisp crackling, or a slice of treacle-and-pecan tart.

The Lawn Bistro

Ex-Bord’eaux chef Ollie Couillaud has resurfaced in the neighbourly environs of Wimbledon Village with the launch of this friendly ‘local hub’. Tuck into gutsy French dishes with a seasonal bent such as herb-crusted lamb’s tongues with sauce ravigote.

Top spots for a sky-high view

Altitude 360

Take in a panoramic view of London and its fireworks from Altitude 360, the tallest riverside building on the Thames.

Babylon

With views spanning from Canary Wharf in the east all the way to Richmond Park, the south-facing heated terrace is the place to see the best of London’s fireworks displays.

Coq d’Argent

Visitors can enjoy an easterly view from the comfort of this rooftop restaurant’s dining room.

Oxo Tower Restaurant

Views of the Thames and St Paul's give the Oxo Tower’s terrace an exceptional perspective, all the way across central London to Primrose Hill.

Vertigo 42

The highest restaurant in London, Vertigo sits 42 floors up in Tower 42; from this vantage point, diners can see almost five miles in all directions. Bag a south-facing table for views of the Thames, Tower Bridge and St Paul’s.