Scoff & Banter Kensington

You'll find yourself on Cromwell Road surrounded by museums and tourists, but step into Scoff & Banter and suddenly you're in a proper neighbourhood spot. The vibe is refreshingly unpretentious for the area — exposed brick, decent lighting that doesn't make you squint, and a crowd that ranges from hungover weekenders to suits grabbing lunch. The menu reads like British food you actually want to eat: think loaded breakfasts, elevated pub classics, and cocktails that go down dangerously easy. It's the kind of place where you can rock up in trainers on a Saturday and feel completely at home, even if you're surrounded by the V&A just outside.