suggestions for non-touristy places to eat in central London?

It's been awhile since I've spent any time in London, and I'm really looking forward to a day wandering around in late October.

I used to live in Bayswater, and want to go back and hang out around there - ending up at the British Museum. Obviously, this is a *very* touristy area so I'm looking for recommendations for places to eat that aren't tourist traps. Or are they all?! I have no idea what my old neighborhood is like now (14 years later), but I'm assuming it's changed quite a bit. 

I'd also like to visit the area around Waterloo - I used to work near the station.

Any suggestions? Must go-to pubs? Anything else to see/do off-the-beaten path?

I don't know where it is in relation to where you'll be, but we're kicking ourselves for not going to John Torrodes restaurant when we were there earlier this month.

http://www.smithsofsmithfield.co.uk/sos/index.html

The Old Fire Station next to Waterloo is a nice pub and does good food, though can get busy in the evenings and a bit loud.

You might want to check out www.beerintheeveing.com for pub reviews and a searchable database.  I am afraid that I don't really know Bayswater.

Vicky

Can I bring this topic up again?  I'm not horrible bothered about touristy, but am concerned about location. 

Dh is working in London for the latter half of this week, and I'm going down there to hang out Thursday after work and Friday during the day.  The thing is, my train gets into Kings Cross shortly after 7 and then we'll want to get supper.  We're not spectacular at London, but do need some food probably near the hotel that night, and any other good suggestions would be nice.  Especially any good treat spots for myself on the Friday when I'm being a total bum and enjoying possibly whatever museum I run into first. 

Oh yes, and I think I owe at least one person some beer, if they want to claim it. 

Where is the hotel?

Vicky

Where is the hotel?

Vicky

How brilliant am I to ask for recommendations near our hotel, and not include the location?!  Oxford Circus is where we are staying.  I'm not even sure what the area is like, it's just where his work got the hotel for the first two nights, so we are staying for a third. 

Teeheehee!

Okay, one of my favourite pizza places in London is not too far... http://www.sohopizzeria.co.uk/ (cool jazz)

My favourite veggie restaurant... http://www.mildreds.co.uk/ (packed in the evening, great for lunch)

You could wander down to Piccadilly Circus and treat yourself to a cocktail here http://www.5thview.co.uk/contactus.aspx 

Or just go into Chinatown and take your pick.

This http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/56/5660/Dog_and_Duck/Soho is my favourite pub in Soho.

I'll have a think about anywhere else.


Vicky

hey you two.  what about MY beer?   :\\\'(

Friday lunchtime anyone?



Vicky

Friday lunchtime anyone?

happy hour for me please

Can I bring this topic up again?  I'm not horrible bothered about touristy, but am concerned about location. 

Dh is working in London for the latter half of this week, and I'm going down there to hang out Thursday after work and Friday during the day.  The thing is, my train gets into Kings Cross shortly after 7 and then we'll want to get supper.  We're not spectacular at London, but do need some food probably near the hotel that night, and any other good suggestions would be nice.  Especially any good treat spots for myself on the Friday when I'm being a total bum and enjoying possibly whatever museum I run into first. 

Oh yes, and I think I owe at least one person some beer, if they want to claim it. 

If you're a meat eater Bodeans on Poland St. is a great Barbeque place.  And there's a Yo! Sushi right there too if that's more your thing.  It's right off Oxford Circus.

Eeep, sorry Vicky, just saw your post.  We are with the fil at lunch, but can do a happy hour if you can too, as garry suggested. 

If you're a meat eater Bodeans on Poland St. is a great Barbeque place.  And there's a Yo! Sushi right there too if that's more your thing.  It's right off Oxford Circus.

Thanks Mindy.  The Barbeque place is more our thing.  We don't do well on sushi!