The Best Places To Refuel During London Fashion Week

After a long day at the shows you need a drink. A stiff one probably. Cocktail Trading Co. is just the place – a subterranean space with exposed brickwork, marble tables, oxblood tiles and cocktail-obsessed bartenders. The drinks here are fun, creative and innovative – our favourite is the Violet Fizz. Cocktail Trading Co, 22 Great Marlborough St, London W1F 7HU

From pastries to sausage sarnies to what we’re dubbing the best salmon and cream cheese brioche rolls in the country, TRADE is our top recc for a stomach-pleasing breakfast, eye-opening breakfast on the go. Tucked away on Commercial Street, 5 minutes from Liverpool Street station, even if you’re on East, we’d say make a pilgrimage. Trade, 47 Commercial Street, London E1 6BD

There are loads of places in London that serve good avocado on toast (boy, we know it) but we’re calling Hubbard & Bell’s the best. Here, the ratio of avocado to toast is very favourable and they top it with crushed pistachios. We like. A lot. Hubbard & Bell, 199 - 206 High Holborn, London WC1V 7BW

Too many free Champagnes? We feel you. You need carbs, pronto. Head to Seven Dials and join the queue at Five Guys. Here you’ll find Cajun fries by the bucket load, freshly made burgers with unlimited toppings including that plasticky but wonderfully, delicious American cheese, and unlimited refills of Sprite Zero, Peach Fanta, Cherry Diet Coke, you name it. We guarantee you’ll be back on track after this. Five Guys, 1-3 Long Acre, London WC2E 9LH

Sometimes Fashion Week gets a bit too much and if you’re ready to break out of the crowd early, head over to Haggerston on Friday or Saturday night to Hawker House where you’ll find 3 floors of street food traders and bars in a chilled out atmosphere amongst East London foodies. Our bite of choice is Breddos Tacos’ crispy baja fish tacos – we can’t get enough. □Hawker House, 260-264 Kingsland Road, London E8 4DG

Roomy, well-located, plenty of tables + wifi, Hubbard & Bell is a freelancers paradise, complete with great pressed juices, quality brunch options and a buzzing evening atmosphere too. Hubbard & Bell, 199 - 206 High Holborn, London WC1V 7BW

Peruvian is popular in London right now and Ceviche in Soho is one of the best spots to find it. Take a break from the show circuit and head to Frith Street for wonderfully fresh salmon sashimi, pisco-drunk scallops, zingy seabass ceviche with chilli and sweet potato, and a cheeky midday pisco sour. Ceviche, 17 Frith Street, London W1D 4RG

You’ve been wearing heels all day and you’re in desperate need of a sit down. For somewhere cool and comfortable, head across the river to Rumpus Room in the Mondrian London. Here in the rooftop lounge, you’ll score dramatic views of the city, comfy red leather booths, a sophisticated crowd, and refined cocktails from resident mixologist Mr Lyan. Rumpus Room, 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD

Afternoon tea with a friend is the perfect excuse for a spot of respite over Fashion Week, giving you both time off of your heels and a much-needed sugar fix, and the Matthew Williamson-curated afternoon tea at Balthazar is just the ticket. Enjoy smoked salmon sandwiches, Irish buttermilk scones and hand-crafted cakes, with a selection of teas. Or, if you’re in the market for a stiffer bev, upgrade to the alcoholic choice, designed by Williamson himself: a vodka cocktail with crystallised rose petals, yellow Chartreuse and Champagne. Balthazar, 4-6 Russell Street, London WC2B 5HZ

Fashion types love their juices and in the morning FROWs are like rainbows as guests pile in with their pressed juices in tow. Roots & Bulbs in Marylebone would be right at home in LA and is one of your favourite healthy spots in the city. Its twice-cold pressed juices are delicious and fit to bursting with goodness. Our favourite is the G1: cucumber, celery, spinach, lemon, ginger & spice. Roots & Bulbs, 5 Thayer Street, Marylebone, London W1U 3JG

If you’re in the market for a sit-down brunch, head to Grainger & Co in Clerkenwell or Notting Hill for healthy, wholesome nosh. Founded by Sydney chef Bill Granger, here you get a relaxed atmosphere and nice, friendly service, along with comfy seats, friendly service and an interesting menu that will make your mouth water. We always get the broken eggs with ricotta here but the spiced miso mushrooms on sourdough are equally delectable, as are the ricotta hot cakes with honeycomb butter. Granger & Co. 175 Westbourne Grove, London W11 2SB

One of the best things about Fashion Week is friends flying in from out of town and Cucina Asellina is the perfect place to catch up over dinner. Located at the bottom of the ME Hotel in Aldwych, this Italian restaurant now runs with a new sharing, tapas style concept. We recommend starting with the Nocellara olives and a glass of bubbles ('tis Fashion Week after all) before moving on to share a Prosciutto and black truffle pizzette, lobster tortelloni, burrata, and the delicious and different moscardini (baby octopus) — and whatever else you can fit in! Cucina Asellina, Me London Hotel, 336-337 The Strand, London WC2R 1HA

For a quality coffee in central head to Nordic Bakery, a dimly lit cafe on leafy Golden Square where you can recap show notes over a strong Americano and while away an hour or so between shows. For something more indulgent satisfy a rumbling tummy with a sticky cinnamon bun or a delicious rye sandwich with salmon. Nordic Bakery, 14A Golden Square, London W1F 9JG

Scale the Walkie Talkie building and visit Skygarden for dinner – London’s newest eatery with a view. Stop for a thirst-quencher at Skypod Bar whilst admiring the views that stretch out across the Southbank and Canary Wharf, before heading up to Darwin’s Brasserie for a good feed. Here, you’ll find wholesome modern British fare; menu highlights include wild mushroom and truffled leek risotto, braised ox cheeks with roasted roots and venison pie with buttered kale. We know it’s Fashion Week and everything but we really rate the apple crumble with custard here too. Darwin Brasserie, 20 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 3BY