Guide to the Circle line

Guide to the Circle line

Until 2009 the Circle line was quite literally a circle and Londoners were free to ride around on an infinite loop. After it extended to Hammersmith this was no longer the case. Whilst this might mean it loses some of the novelty factor, it also means there are even more fun places and things to do on the Circle line. Whether you fancy some arts and culture, a delicious meal, or you want to see the city sights, you can find it here. Uncover some great museums, restaurants, and things to do with our guide to the Circle line.

In this guide
  1. The guide to London's Circle line
    1. La Petite Bretagne – Flavours from Brittany
    2. RavensWall Climbing Centre – Stop climbing the walls by climbing the walls
    3. Bush Theatre – Dynamic new theatre productions
    4. Westfield – Massive West London shopping mall
    5. Embassy Café – Family-run breakfast destination
    6. Ukai – Stylish sushi and cocktails
    7. Portobello Road Market – Record-breaking street market
    8. Putera Puteri – Malaysian home cooking
    9. Bizzarro – Old-school Italian restaurant
    10. London Bubble Football – Zorb out
    11. Madame Tussauds – Take selfies with the stars
    12. Honey & Smoke – Vibrant Middle Eastern flavours
    13. Wellcome Collection – Thought-provoking museum
    14. Fox Fine Wines & Spirits – Wine lovers' bar and restaurant
    15. Coal Office – Contemporary cooking and style
    16. The Chocolate Cocktail Club – Chocktail factory
    17. Barbican Conservatory – London's tropical haven
    18. Galvin La Chapelle – Renowned French restaurant
    19. Cococure – Top afrobeats nights
    20. Tower of London – Famous ancient fortress
    21. The Monument – Breathtaking London views
    22. The Cannick Tapps – Modern subterranean pub
    23. Kirin – Refined Chinese restaurant
    24. The Delaunay – Grand European vibe
    25. Palace of Westminster – Explore a historic building
    26. Chez Antoinette – Modern French bistro
    27. Tozi – Venetian-style dining
    28. Saatchi Gallery – Impactful new art
    29. The V&A – Celebrating art and design
    30. Baba Ghanouj – Authentic flavours from Beirut
    31. Grato – Modern Italian eatery
    32. Farina – Down-to-earth traditional pizzas
    33. The Beachcomber – Lively tiki bar

The guide to London's Circle line

La Petite Bretagne

Flavours from Brittany

In Hammersmith you can visit La Petite Bretagne, a cosy French restaurant specialising in Brittany-style crêpes and galettes. Both sweet and savoury options are served, including a two course meal featuring one of each. Fillings at this contemporary eatery range from cheese, egg, and bacon, to chocolate and raspberries.

  • Closest station: Hammersmith

RavensWall Climbing Centre

Stop climbing the walls by climbing the walls

Discover bouldering in West London at the RavensWall Climbing Centre, where both beginners and experienced climbers are warmly welcomed. This contemporary facility offers instructions to help you get started, ensuring a smooth learning experience. More experienced climbers can develop their skills further with private coaching, while the centre's social events provide an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals.

  • Closest station: Goldhawk Road

Bush Theatre

Dynamic new theatre productions

World-renowned destination Bush Theatre is great for theatre-lovers hoping to see new stage productions by up-and-coming playwrights. It produces shows that highlight a diverse range of voices and is also home to its own theatre company made up of local residents. There's a bar and terrace on-site for food and drinks.

  • Closest station: Shepherd's Bush Market

Westfield

Massive West London shopping mall

Westfield London is a prominent shopping destination in West London, featuring an extensive array of major high-street brands. This expansive mall offers a diverse selection of shops and experiences, catering to a wide range of interests, from children's activities to luxury retail options. Visitors can also try activities like bouldering, mini-golf, and participate in events such as make-up masterclasses and cooking demonstrations.

  • Closest station: Wood Lane

Embassy Café

Family-run breakfast destination

Exit at Latimer Road to visit Embassy Café, a proper no-nonsense British café. The exterior is bright red and once you're inside you can enjoy classic café food in a friendly setting. All-day breakfasts are the big draw here. There are seven to choose from, including a vegetarian option.

  • Closest station: Latimer Road
Ukai – Circle line guide
Ukai
Ukai – Circle line guide
Ukai
Ukai – Circle line guide
Ukai
Ukai – Circle line guide
Ukai
Ukai – Circle line guide
Ukai
Ukai – Circle line guide
Ukai
Ukai – Circle line guide
Ukai
Ukai – Circle line guide
Ukai

Ukai

Stylish sushi and cocktails

Ukai is close to Ladbroke Grove station and is a sophisticated destination for elegant sushi and Japanese dishes. Based in a former pub, there's a compact but smart interior and a menu of beautifully-presented food and classic and signature cocktails. Expect sushi and sashimi, tempura, ceviche, plus classic Japanese sides like miso soup.

  • Closest station: Ladbroke Grove
Portobello Road Market – Circle line guide
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road Market – Circle line guide
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road Market – Circle line guide
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road Market – Circle line guide
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road Market – Circle line guide
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road Market – Circle line guide
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road Market – Circle line guide
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road Market – Circle line guide
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road Market – Circle line guide
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road Market – Circle line guide
Portobello Road Market

Portobello Road Market

Record-breaking street market

From Westbourne Park you can check out Portobello Road Market, the largest antiques market in the world. On the busiest days the stalls stretch for over a mile, selling collectibles, vintage fashion, and new goods. There are also vendors selling fresh food and stalls with takeaway dishes to fuel all that rummaging.

  • Closest station: Westbourne Park

Putera Puteri

Malaysian home cooking

Visit Royal Oak to check out Putera Puteri, a modern eatery specialising in homemade Malaysian food. This is a cool and casual setting to sample authentic flavours, with dishes ranging from chicken satay to laksa and traditional fried rice. Dishes can be made veggie-friendly on request so everyone can enjoy these distinctive flavours.

  • Closest station: Royal Oak

Bizzarro

Old-school Italian restaurant

A few minutes from Paddington station, Bizzarro is an old-school Italian spot that's been open since 1957. In an elegant setting with warm and welcoming service, you can enjoy classic recipes from the Abruzzi region. The menu includes Italian favourites like pizza, pasta, lasagne, and garlic bread, plus Italian wines.

  • Closest station: Paddington

London Bubble Football

Zorb out

Bubble football, also known as zorb football, offers a hilariously unconventional twist on traditional football by encasing players in oversized inflatable balls. This amusing setup allows participants to bump, roll, and collide with each other in a safe and entertaining way. Ideal for children's parties, corporate team-building exercises, stag and hen parties, and various group events, it adds a unique and fun element to any gathering. The Marylebone branch of London Bubble Football offers both indoor and outdoor pitches.

  • Closest station: Edgware Road

Madame Tussauds

Take selfies with the stars

Get next to famous faces when you visit the world-famous attraction Madame Tussauds, moments from Baker Street station. Pose for a photo with figures from the worlds of royalty, sport, music, and film, or take part in immersive experiences and escape rooms. There's something for the whole family to enjoy here.

  • Closest station: Baker Street

Honey & Smoke

Vibrant Middle Eastern flavours

Full of colour and modern design, Honey & Smoke is a vibrant destination for Middle Eastern food. Dishes ranging from meat and fish and seafood to fresh veggies are lovingly grilled over charcoal here. The food is ideally paired with the Mediterranean wines and fresh cocktails on the drinks list.

  • Closest station: Great Portland Street

Wellcome Collection

Thought-provoking museum

Around the corner from Euston Square station there’s the Wellcome Collection. Science, art, and culture collide at this intriguing museum. It hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions, including curiosities, has a peaceful library and reading room, and a bright and airy café and bookshop that retails a broad range of books and gifts.

  • Closest station: Euston Square

Fox Fine Wines & Spirits

Wine lovers' bar and restaurant

Alight at Moorgate for Fox Fine Wines & Spirits, a relaxed bar, restaurant, and bottle shop with lots for wine fans to appreciate. At this contemporary venue you can enjoy a drink, get some food, or buy a bottle of wine to take home. Private hire is also available here.

  • Closest station: Moorgate

Coal Office

Contemporary cooking and style

Explore contemporary Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes in stylish surroundings at Coal Office. This place is what happens when a top chef and top designer come together. There are updated takes on classic dishes like manakish bread, Yemeni pancakes, and date ice cream. The chef’s table experience is a truly memorable culinary journey.

  • Closest station: King's Cross St Pancras

The Chocolate Cocktail Club

Chocktail factory

Instead of the usual array of mixology classics, this unique cocktail bar focuses on chocolate-based concoctions. You can sample a wide range of chocolate-infused booze, including a red wine blended with chocolate flavour, and a chocolate G&T. If that isn't enough chocolatey goodness for you, browse the food menu with chocolate treats as well as savoury food. There's even a chocolate-themed afternoon tea to indulge in at this quirky bar.

  • Closest station: Farringdon

Barbican Conservatory

London's tropical haven

If you visit the Barbican Conservatory you can escape to tropical climes without leaving the city. This indoor conservatory houses around 1,500 species of plants and trees originating from all over the world. There are also pools with carp, koi, and terrapins. This is a peaceful space that's open on selected days.

  • Closest station: Barbican

Galvin La Chapelle

Renowned French restaurant

Exit at Liverpool Street for Michelin-starred dining at Galvin La Chappelle. Serving the finest French cuisine, this restaurant has held its Michelin star for over a decade. The menu uses classic techniques and seasonal ingredients to create contemporary dishes like crab and scallop lasagne or peach soufflé. There’s a well-selected wine list too.

  • Closest station: Liverpool Street

Cococure

Top afrobeats nights

Close to Aldgate station, Cococure is one of the capital's leading afrobeats venues. There's loads happening at this slick contemporary venue - sample West African street food, enjoy a classy signature cocktail, or dance all night with DJs and special parties. Whatever you're in the mood for, this place won't let you down.

  • Closest station: Aldgate

Tower of London

Famous ancient fortress

With a history of over 1,000 years, the infamous Tower of London has many stories to tell. This ancient structure stands out from its modern surroundings. During a visit, explore the grounds, moat, and the fortress itself, and discover its past. The place is home to well-known artefacts, most importantly, the Crown Jewels.

  • Closest station: Tower Hill

The Monument

Breathtaking London views

Next to Monument station you’ll see the imposing Monument to the Great Fire of London. You don’t have to just look at it – you can climb its 311 stairs right to the top. Once you get there you can take in awe-inspiring city views, as well as get some unique photo opportunities.

  • Closest station: Monument

The Cannick Tapps

Modern subterranean pub

Leave the train at Cannon Street and pop into The Cannick Tapps for a drink. This modern pub is below ground and specialises in gin and craft beer. It's spacious, with a big choice of drinks. Stone-baked pizzas are on the menu if you're peckish and at weekends there's a bottomless brunch.

  • Closest station: Cannon Street

Kirin

Refined Chinese restaurant

Well-established Chinese restaurant Kirin serves refined food with influences from all over the country, but an emphasis on Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine. Enjoy a meal in the luxe dining room or make use of the private dining area. The sophisticated menu includes roast duck and a selection of dim sum.

  • Closest station: Mansion House/Cannon Street

The Delaunay

Grand European vibe

Close to Temple station is The Delaunay, where you can sample classic European recipes like stroganoff, schnitzel, and bratwurst. Giving the feel of a grand European café, this spot provides all-day dining ranging from breakfast to late-night snacks. From the bar, try something from the broad range of classic and original cocktails.

  • Closest station: Temple
Palace of Westminster – Circle line guide
Palace of Westminster
Palace of Westminster – Circle line guide
Palace of Westminster
Palace of Westminster – Circle line guide
Palace of Westminster
Palace of Westminster – Circle line guide
Palace of Westminster
Palace of Westminster – Circle line guide
Palace of Westminster
Palace of Westminster – Circle line guide
Palace of Westminster

Palace of Westminster

Explore a historic building

Exit the train at Westminster and you’re right next to the Palace of Westminster, best-known as the home of Big Ben and the UK parliament. As well as fab photo opportunities from outside, you can attend a guided tour of the building, with some tours being free for UK residents.

  • Closest station: Westminster

Chez Antoinette

Modern French bistro

Chez Antoinette is a peaceful escape from Central London. This modern bistro serves contemporary interpretations of French classics. All-day dining is available, with sweet and savoury breakfast dishes and a classic menu with options like beef bavette and cauliflower steak. Wines are available from across France, as well as cocktails.

  • Closest station: St James's Park
Tozi Restaurant & Bar – Circle line guide
Tozi Restaurant & Bar
Tozi Restaurant & Bar – Circle line guide
Tozi Restaurant & Bar
Tozi Restaurant & Bar – Circle line guide
Tozi Restaurant & Bar
Tozi Restaurant & Bar – Circle line guide
Tozi Restaurant & Bar
Tozi Restaurant & Bar – Circle line guide
Tozi Restaurant & Bar
Tozi Restaurant & Bar – Circle line guide
Tozi Restaurant & Bar
Tozi Restaurant & Bar – Circle line guide
Tozi Restaurant & Bar
Tozi Restaurant & Bar – Circle line guide
Tozi Restaurant & Bar
Tozi Restaurant & Bar – Circle line guide
Tozi Restaurant & Bar
Tozi Restaurant & Bar – Circle line guide
Tozi Restaurant & Bar

Tozi

Venetian-style dining

Near Victoria station there's Tozi, a thriving contemporary restaurant specialising in Venetian-style plates. This is a popular venue for a sociable Italian meal. It's a cool and friendly space with a menu of dishes made for sharing. Try calamari, cheeses, or pasta, washed down with a pick from the lengthy Italian wine list.

  • Closest station: Victoria

Saatchi Gallery

Impactful new art

Explore the cutting-edge of contemporary art at the Saatchi Gallery, located a short walk from Sloane Square station. Exhibitions change regularly but typically feature thought-provoking and avant-garde work from emerging artists from the UK and elsewhere in the world. You’ll also find exclusive prints and gifts in the gallery shop.

  • Closest station: Sloane Square

The V&A

Celebrating art and design

One of the museums near South Kensington station is the Victoria and Albert Museum, often referred to as the V&A. This world-leading museum focuses on art and design, with a permanent collection and diverse temporary exhibitions that celebrate art, fashion, jewellery, and applied arts. Varied events and workshops take place too.

  • Closest station: South Kensington

Baba Ghanouj

Authentic flavours from Beirut

Gloucester Road is home to Baba Ghanouj, a restaurant that brings the flavours of Beirut to London. Dishes are made with carefully-sourced fresh ingredients, with tempting mezze like hummus, falafel, and sujuk all on the menu. Lebanese wraps and pizzas are also served at this contemporary eatery, alongside freshly prepared juices.

  • Closest station: Gloucester Road

Grato

Modern Italian eatery

Near High Street Kensington station there's Grato, a sleek Italian restaurant with modern art on the walls. There are seasonal menus of fresh Italian dishes like burrata, grilled sea bass, and pasta options. The selected wine list showcases Italian bottles. As well as the main dining room, a private dining space is available.

  • Closest station: High Street Kensington

Farina

Down-to-earth traditional pizzas

From Notting Hill Gate you can visit Farina Pizzeria, a relaxed and straightforward restaurant that makes pizza in the traditional Neapolitan way. Dough is freshly-made each day and fermented for up to 48 hours. As well as an eclectic choice of pizzas, pasta and antipasti are on the menu.

  • Closest station: Notting Hill Gate
The Beachcomber – Circle line guide
The Beachcomber
The Beachcomber – Circle line guide
The Beachcomber
The Beachcomber – Circle line guide
The Beachcomber
The Beachcomber – Circle line guide
The Beachcomber
The Beachcomber – Circle line guide
The Beachcomber
The Beachcomber – Circle line guide
The Beachcomber
The Beachcomber – Circle line guide
The Beachcomber
The Beachcomber – Circle line guide
The Beachcomber

The Beachcomber

Lively tiki bar

When you're in the mood for a party, check out The Beachcomber. This place has a huge selection of rums and the country's largest range of Rhum Agricole from the French Caribbean islands. Expect Thai food, exotic cocktails, lively decor, and DJs playing afrobeats, dancehall, and bashment sounds to keep you dancing.

  • Closest station: Bayswater

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Editors

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.