If you know me, you know I’m a stickler for fantastic food and divine drinks so when a restaurant offering BYO (bring your own) it immediately peeks my interest! Plus, in this climate, it’s a great way to save a few quid on a night out too (just check corkage charges!
But where an earth in London can you bring your own booze along with you?
Tayyabs
You can’t kick off a BYO list without starting with the famous Tayyabs in Brick Lane.
Founded in 1972, Tayyabs is a family owned and run business who have been serving London the finest award winning Punjabi cuisine for almost half a century. The menu is one that needs to be tried for yourself, but if you’ve not before then you’re best off starting with their signature dish; the lamb chops. If you’re not a meat eater, you need not worry as there is an extensive vegetarian menu also.
Corkage: free!
Address: 83-89 Fieldgate St, Whitechapel, London E1 1JU
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 12:00 to 23:30
Little Georgia
I’m guessing that there’s probably quite a high chance that you’ve not tried Georgian food before, but now is your chance!
Using locally sourced, fresh ingredients mean the team delicious homemade food that really does give you a truly authentic “taste of Georgia”. If you’re not sure where to start food wise, start with the Khachapuri which is delicious Cheese bread, and Khinkali which are savoury pork & beef dumplings.
Corkage: free, but only an option at their Hackney location.
Address: 87 Goldsmiths Row, Hackney, E2 8QR
Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 6pm – 10pm, Saturday & Sunday: 1pm – 10pm
Viet Soho
Finding a BYO in central London isn’t an easy task, but luckily Viet Soho (formally Viet Pho) ticks both boxes for you!
When it comes to the food, the Hu Tieu noodle soup is worth a try, as is the Spicy Bun Bo Hue; both divine and full of so much flavour.
With an authentic menu and welcoming staff, you won’t regret the wait you’ll likely have on arrival for a table. You also won’t be disappointed by the incredible value for money on offer here either. Viet Soho really does tick a lot of boxes!
Corkage: £4 for a bottle of wine and £1 for beers
Address: 34 Greek St, Soho, W1D 5DJ
Hours: Mon – Sat 12:00 to 22:00
Marie’s Cafe
This is a proper little gem of a place, hidden in the bustling area of Waterloo but can be spotted by the queue that’s usually out the door!
By day, Marie’s Cafe is a traditional greasy spoon cafe, and by night, a highly authentic Thai restaurant; such a great use of space if you ask me! The value for money here is also crazy, so get it on your list, as there’s not many places you can get a sharing platter for under £10. And, as for all good Thai places, the Pad Thai is dreamy!
Corkage: free!
Address: 90 Lower Marsh, London, Waterloo SE1 7AB
Hours: Monday – Friday 07:00 to 22:30, Saturday: 07:00 to 16:00 then 17:00-22:30, closed on Sunday
The Beach Hut
Of course, with a name like The Beach Hut, this ones’s a fish & chip restaurant, based in Highbury.
With a beach like feel, The Beach Hut not only offers your traditional fish and chips done well, they are also a little more exotic with the likes of oyster on the menu too! There’s also a ‘catch of the day’ board, beachside tacos and an array of veggie specialties too.
Corkage: free!
Address: 28A Highbury Park, London N5 2AA
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 15:00 to 00:00, Wednesday 15:00 to 00:30, Friday & Saturday 15:00 to 01:00, closed Monday & Sunday
I'm Squibb Vicious, better known as Haydy!
Happiest with a craft beer in hand, eating til my heart is content or exploring somewhere new.
Here you can read about my adventures!