If you spend as much time on social media as I do, then you have probably come across plenty of Instagram-worthy locations in London. Increasingly, bars and restaurants are marketed on the basis that they look great on Instagram. But, just like advertisements for luxury holidays, sometimes the location is not really as good as it has been made to look.
I visited a few Instagram-friendly locations to check them out.
Sketch is located near Hamley’s toy store between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly. It’s famous for its pink bathroom with toilets shaped like eggs. Previous visitors who’ve posted photos from there include celebrities such as Bella Hadid and Kylie Jenner.
I went to try out their drinks, appetisers, main courses and desserts. I ordered their Mac & Cheese as a starter, which was delicious, but a bit expensive for such a small portion. As for the main delicacy, I split the poached turbot and beef fillet with my friend. Taste-wise these were good choices, but not worth £40 per dish (see menu here). We also tried their pink cocktail and the marshmallow-based dessert, but the cocktail was surprisingly bitter and the dessert looked like nursery food.
As for service, we were treated with respect by the waiters, and we enjoyed the overall atmosphere. But we ended up paying about £80, which seems a bit steep for decent food which just happens to be in a trendy location.
Elan Café is in the upmarket area of Knightsbridge. I waited in line for about 20 minutes before I was seated. As I was waiting in the queue, I noticed a sign informing guests that they cannot stay for more than 45 minutes in total, which instantly made me stressed out. After we were seated in a part of the cafe which notably lacked the Wow! factor, we were given a menu. It looked promising and I knew instantly what I wanted…but it was sold out. Likewise with three more of my ‘choices’! I ended up having to go for avocado toast, almost the last thing I wanted. After 15 minutes, they finally took my order and about 15 minutes later, my avocado toast was ready. It did taste ok, but I could certainly make that at home for £9 less than the £10 I was charged. Their overall lunch menu looked nice, it has a Mediterranean/Middle Eastern vibe to it (you can view the full menu here), which always feels like home to me. I just wish I could have had what I asked for. Shortly after finishing our food, we were handed the cheque without asking for it. Not exactly made to feel welcome.
The last location I visited is called Tonight Josephine, which is yet another girly and pink dining place in London.
I visited the branch in Waterloo, which was a little compared to what I’d seen in the pictures. Nonetheless it was fit for Instagram, and I did end up taking a bunch of pictures. As for food, I was not offered a table because it was fully booked, but I sat at the bar with a drink, which was not overpriced. Although the location wasn’t quite as nice as I’d seen on Instagram, I’d say it’s a good place to spend time with friends.
And I got enough Likes to make me like the place!
