Secrets in London: The Cut

Enjoying some pizza at Paradiso Olivetti on The Cut

London has many secrets, be it streets, shops, legends, or something you never even thought of. One is The Cut. Tucked in just behind Waterloo Station and Southbank is a street called The Cut.

You can’t miss it: the famous Old Vic Theatre (currently run by Kevin Spacey) is on the corner. Further down the street is the Young Vic, a contemporary theatre which was only meant to run for a few years to develop new talent but was such a success it has continued on. So, naturally, you get a lot of theatre types wandering around The Cut.

What you also get is great food. Located inside The Young Vic is The Cut Bar, a great café/bar/restaurant. Across the road, Meson Don Felipe is possibly London’s best-regarded tapas bar with Spanish staff, a guitar player, fabulous food and wine and a central bar to sit around or tables along the sides. It’s full of atmosphere and delicious.

Then there’s the Anchor and Hope pub. Do not go expecting your standard burger and chips – this place is about the food, the ingredients, what’s in season, what’s interesting – but served with a friendly, bustling pub attitude and atmosphere.

If you fancy Italian food, Paradiso Olivelli has outstanding pizza. And if you want seafood, head for Livebait. They’ve been there for fifteen years and aim to maintain their ethos of being “market-driven.” You get what’s fresh and good, not what fashion dictates. An unpretentious, easy to get to street, The Cut is great for an affordable treat.

- Philippa Burne

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