Eating Italian: a list of top Italian restaurants in London

Someone asked if anyone knew any romantic but inexpensive Italian restaurants to go to. I've written this to answer the call but didn't want to limit myself to only romance and have listed 11 top restaurants plus a little Italian deli in town and my favourite pizza takeaway. The order I put these in doesn't mean anything. It's just the order I've written them in. I've also given links to each restaurant. Though there are various sites you can go to look up restaurants, I've provided Yelp links for all the restaurants so you can see what other people think too.

1) Italian Kitchen
Area: Bloomsbury
Nearest train/ tube: Tottenham Court Road/ Holborn/Covent Garden.

Cosy, delicious, romantic and so Italian. I just have to walk by it and I smile.

2) Made in Italy
Area: Chelsea
Nearest train/ tube: South Kensington/ Sloane Square

I went here with a friend as I was working on Kings Road. It's bustling and busy and we were lucky to find a table as it's normally booked out (so I was told). If more than one of you has pizza, they come out together on a big slab which is especially good if you want to share different kinds of pizza amongst you. If you can, try to sit upstairs.

3) Assaggi Restaurant
Area: Bayswater
Nearest train/ tube: Bayswater/ Notting Hill Gate

If you're out west and looking for a date worthy Italian restaurant for a special occasion, this is your spot. With only 11 tables and a Michelin star, you need to book in advance.

4) Gourmet Pizza Co
Area: Southwark
Nearest train/tube: Temple/ Waterloo/ Southwark

My friend took me here when I was at the London film festival and it was great to find a place with affordable food that overlooked the Thames (though an even better view is the Pizza Express near the Globe - if you get a window table you have a direct view of St. Paul's and I actually love their pizzas and their doughballs despite the fact they are a chain). And it's right in the middle of the Southbank which is one of my favourite places to be. The staff was OK but get a table by the window and the views will eliminate all thoughts of anything else.

5) Donna Margherita
Area: Clapham
Nearest train/ tube: Clapham Junction/Clapham Common

This is the place for Neapolitan food - and though you can get a range of food, I love the pizza the best. It's another cosy and buzzing restaurant that can accommodate a group of friends or a romantic dinner. The first time I was there, the owner came over and showed me how to eat my pizza the true Neapolitan way by folding each slice over so it was easy to eat by hand.

6) Ziani
Area: Chelsea
Nearest train/tube: Sloan Square/South Kensington

This was recommended to me and I've never been BUT I've been told it's a hidden gem so check it out and let me know how it is. I'll be trying there next.

7) Ciao Bella
Area: Bloomsbury
Nearest train/ tube: Russell Square

As you would expect from a restaurant in town, this place can be loud, crowded and a bit rushed but it has the candlelight ambience and tasty food that could transport you to Italy for a few hours of romance.

8) Fratelli La Bufala
Area: Hampstead
Nearest train/tube: Hampstead Heath/ Belsize Park

Didn't want to leave you folks up north out of the Italian restaurant list though I've been told this is a place to mainly go for pizza. Do a walk on the heath and build up an appetite. Yum yum.

9) Franco Manca
Area: Brixton
Nearest train/ tube: Brixton

I haven't been here yet but all I ever read are great reviews. I tried to go down to have the pizzas there once but they are only open 12-5 Monday - Saturday and I got there too late. I'm thinking a pizza and a film at the Ritzy would be the perfect spot for an afternoon date (plus you could then extend it into drinks in the evening if it's going well ;)

10) Numero Uno
Area: Clapham
Closest train/ tube: Clapham Junction/ Clapham South

Though I don't usually go this far down Northcote road (no I'm NOT lazy), this is a cute little Italian. Maybe not a first/ romantic date place, but good if you want something fun but more casual.

11) Osteria Pulcinella
Area: Twickenham

My flatmate Trish has recommended this little gem for those out in Twickenham. Her words: delicious and nice for a date as its cosy, dark and atmospheric. On top of that? Charming waiters.

Italian Cafe for a quick bite

Bar Bruno
Area: Soho
Nearest train/ tube: Leicester Square/ Tottenham Court Road

This is a little deli that caters to your Italian craving without skimping on quite English choices like egg and chips.

My Favourite Pizza Takeaway – EVER

For pizza that is tasty, affordable, isn't greasy and has great lunch deals, my household wholeheartedly recommends Napoli Pizza. You can get deep pan, thin crust, or stuff crust and order online at napolipizza-battersea.co.uk or call 020 7978 6555. Open 11:30 am until late; there are even special deals for collection from their Lavender Hill base. Try it. It's the only place I'll call. Who needs poncy and pricy if you're eating in your flat

Do you have any Italian restaurants to add to the list? Would love to hear of more to try!

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The things I like to do on my day off

Day off? What's that? But when I do have a moment...

Cinema!
Sunday lunch with friends
A wander through Columbia flower market
Walking...along the Thames, through parks, in the countryside (when I'm in
the countryside)
Coffee and a Clapham wander
Read a book in the park with a picnic
Southbank people watching
Visit the bee shop
Morning fry up
Read a book in bed on rainy days
Peruse the Tate (both of them)
Watch TV. Lots of it.
Brick Lane bargain dress shopping
A trip somewhere, anywhere
And a new addition? Write lists...

What about you? What do you like to do?

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Old school: my 70s phone

So there was disbelief that this phone exists but it does. It is true. I found it in the attic when our roof was caving in. It was a pretty olive that matched our lounge, I cleaned it off and it was like I'z back in the 70s. Yes, the time I don't actually remember phones from. So I plugged it in and it worked. And it sounds like this:

Oh yes. Old school.

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Things that give me the shudders: part 1

My friend Agnes kindly shared this ad with me. Yes - it's a company that encorporates the hair or ashes of your dearly departed into a piece of jewellry. Tacky jewellry at that. Not only does the thought of wearing someone's ashes on me creep me out, but the advertisement itself is just plain horrible. Saying all that, I just found out my cousin has one with her mom's ashes in it. Shudder.

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A little Canadian perspective

I've always wanted to travel across the US, and to do it by train? Magic. I first encountered Lloyd's cultural conversations as part of Counterpoint and felt inspired by the depth and breadth of conversation. When I heard about the planned journey across the US to lead more of these conversations, I jumped at the chance to be a part of it. Not only am I facinated by the experience and the conversations that will take place, but as a filmmaker, I'm excited to be able to capture it on film.

Tonight I brainstormed with my DP, Michelle, about what we could do and capture as we travelled through the country. Capturing the tuttlers (us included) and the conversations are very important, yes, but being there, talking about culture, we want to experience even more.  So if we can arrange it, we'd love to speak to a new immigrant and a multi-generational individual/ family in each city. Time allowing, we'd speak to people in their own homes or a place in the city that represents their city/ their culture in the city – whatever helps them identify themselves in the community – basically where ever they feel represents their culture, their home.

Beyond that, the most exciting part of the cultural conversations is my place in them.  Michelle and I are both Canadians and so in these US - UK conversations, where do we belong? Growing up in Canada, we were fed daily doses of US television and ads and I've lived in England for 8 years now. Though I still sound Canadian, my language is peppered with Britishisms so no one is sure where to place me. And in some ways, neither can I.  So maybe this journey will help me find a bit more about where I sit amongst these countries where we all speak English but our worlds often feel miles apart.

So do you know anyone in the countries we're visiting who might want to be interviewed individually? Or show us around the place they call home so we can know a bit more about their culture? Your thoughts would be most welcome!

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On the allergy ward: Last. Tree shot. Ever.

Those of you who see eye the calendar with trepidation as spring approaches unsure of how bad allergy season will be in the upcoming year, I understand your pain. At one point, my allergies got so bad that I had to stay at home for a week as my eyes were swollen shut and I had to have Kleenex permently stuffed up my nose to prevent my brain from turning to snot and escaping. It was then that I marched into the doctor and demanded allergy shots.

So three years ago I was tested and prodded and started on a course of treatment that basically ensured me a weekly hospital visit since then. And its all free from the lovely NHS! When I arrive at the hospital, I get a shot with a small portion of the allergen I'm allergic to. For me, I'm getting grass, tree and dog shots. I then have to wait an hour in case I have a reaction, they check the injection site and check my peak flow and if it's all good I get to go.

I can't believe how it's changed my life. Ever since I was a kid, 5 minutes in a room with a dog I'd have an asthma attack and break out in hives. Since my shots I've spent an entire weekend in the company of a dog and other than a bit of a throat tickle, I was fine. I even let a dog lick my hand for the first time (it was bizarre and a bit uncomfortable...don't generally have my hand licked by anyone)

Today I was informed that I had received my last shot ever for my tree allergies. A joyous occasion! I have 4 more for grass and then have my dog shots once every 6-8 weeks until November. I'm so close to being done I can taste it!

No more red swollen arms from my tree shots. No more grumpy nights. I'm free of the tree! Caloo calay! I'm chortling in my joy.

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Tiny Wallop's brings life to the world's last music hall

Only a 10 minutes walk from tower hill, down a tiny side street, is the crumbling facade of Wilton's - the world's last surviving grand music hall. History seeps from the walls and you feel like you have stepped back in time to the 1800's when 1500 people would often cram into the music hall to take in opera, burlesque, circus acts and comedy.

On stage: The Tiny Wallops

Last night I went to Wilton's to see the Tiny Wallops who are doing a series of shows to help save the music hall. Their show is full of singing and dancing, magic and seance and plenty of audience participation.  The Tiny Wallop's consist of Tiny Wallop himself and a gang of questionables from Madam JoJo to the mustache twirling Morning Glory. Corsets and bloomers, suspenders and buckles, they are a feast for the eyes on the exquisit backdrop of the main hall in Wilton's.

The show is supposed to begin with a magician at 8 but for some unknown reason, she wasn't there that night but it wasn't announced until the clock struck 8. So we helped ourselves to another drink, a nice cloudy cider for me and a rose for my friend.  Nothing over 5 pounds and I would recommend going to the small side bar behind the box office.  I don't think people know it's there so you're served almost instantly.

An old fashioned school bell rang and the doors were opened. As the lower hall filled up, we went to the upstairs balcony where we had a perfect view of the stage. Unfortunately, though we had a good view, the troop's voices didn't seem to quite reach us up top so we only heard bits of the show.  The second half was much better as someone told them we couldn't hear up top, but it was still a bit muffled at times.  I would definitely recommend going but do get there early to get a seat on the first floor.  Do beware, you may get chosen for the stage regardless of where you're sat but you will get to be involved a lot more.  Also, as my friend said, when she sat on the main floor, she laughed so much her stomach hurt, so it must be even funnier than I thought it was. (You can even hear me laughing on the clip I captured below)

It was all a bit campy, a bit naughty and a whole lot of fun.  The whole group could sing beautifully when the need arose and looked completely comfortable on stage, ready to vamp with perfect comic timing and make it look effortless as they did it. If you want some "Victorian jewels to feast your eyes upon," or if "two spoonfuls of tawdry filth washed down with half a cup of yes" is your cup of tea, they'll be back on the stage on Sunday, 14 February for their Massive Little Big Top Extravaganza.  Only £10 and if you are lucky (unlike us) you'll get a bit of magic at 8 before their show begins at 9.  Do check out the Wilton's website for more details.

Save Wilton's

Though the crumbling facade adds an old world mystique to Wilton's, the building is actually semi-derelict. Only 60% of the space is safe, and in use. At this rate of decay, this building will no longer be usable in less than 3 years. With only a roof, crumbling walls, and floors that have fallen in, they are in need of donations to keep this hidden London treasure alive.

If you want to help save Wilton's, you can donate now through Just Giving.  Even the smallest amount will help!

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List of London things to do for a first time tourist

So you're coming to London and you want to hit some of the London highlights but don't want to just stand underneath the Big Ben or take the £20 red tourist bus. Now if you are in the big smoke for only a couple of days, here are a few suggestions. This is by far an exhastive list and is one for the general travellers who want to see the sites and have a few extra things thrown in.

• British Museum: Has the Elgin Marbles, mummies, and the Rosetta Stone to name a few. Nearest tube: Tottenham Court RoaVictoria and
• Albert museum: Lots of quirky displays including musical instruments and keys.  Nearest station: South Kensington
• Borough Market: All sorts of great local food - Saturday mornings the best! Nearest station: London Bridge (Borough exit)
• Sir John Soane Museum: Largest house museum in the world. Nearest station: Holborn
• Southbank Centre: Worth checking if there are any free events, there often is. Nearest station: Waterloo/ embankment
• National Theatre: Some plays have £10 seats available.  Best new writing/ classical theatre in London. Nearest station: Waterloo/ embankment
• BFI: Lots of both new, old and art house films. You can either drink out front and people watch overlooking the Thames or head to the back of the BFI. Here is Benugo's - my favourite spot for a drink and chip buttys (a french fry sandwich) on comfy couches in funky mismatched patterns. Nearest station: Waterloo/ Embankment
• Rock and Sole Plaice: Reportedly one of the top 10 places in the country to get fish and chips.  Across from one of the best ice cream places as well. Nearest station: Covent Garden.
• Near covent garden is lots of bespoke shopping in areas such as Neal Street and there is a great coffee place called Monmouth coffee which should be on Monmouth Street.  There are also lots of street performers around the square.
• Best free view of London: Primrose hill.  A bit of a climb but it is where movies have been shot and you can see all of central London.  Beautiful. Nearest station: Chalk farm
• Best pricy view of London (but very romantic) - OXO tower.  You eat overlooking the thames sometimes with a jazz band playing. Nearest station: Waterloo.

If you have time, do the trip down the Thames to Greenwich on the thames clipper (that's the name of the ferry) if it's a nice day and if you want to go slightly out of town I'd go to Hampton Court Palace to wander through the hall of the former of of Henry VIII and his many wives.  Kew Gardens is also near by that area.  There's a walk along the treetops which is supposed to be lovely.

If you are ever here at the lead up to Christmas they do a carol service at St Paul's which is absolutely magical and there are christmasy concerts at the Royal Albert Hall which is an amazing venue.

Have some other must see London locations? Give us your tips!

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Social Media, tech and communications event calendar for London

One of the things I've noticed is that it can be hard to keep track of all the social media, tech and communication meetups in the UK with the initial focus on London events. I know I often miss some good ones as do a lot of people I know. So I've set up a calendar until www.plancast.com adds a feature that does the same. If you have an event please let me know and I'll add it or if you know/ run lots of events, I'm more than happy to add you to the calendar so you can add your events! Fast and easy.

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