You’ve probably heard of Phileas Fogg’s fictional account of travelling around the world in 80 days. But how about eating your way around it in nine restaurants? And let’s face it, after the past two years, everyone deserves to treat themselves to deliciously prepared food amid a buzzing, joyous atmosphere. 

Just minutes from many of central London’s main tube stations (Bank, Cannon Street, Mansion House, Blackfriars, London Bridge and St Paul’s), the conveniently located Bloomberg Arcade is the ultimate culinary – and cultural – destination in the City. You can soak up an impressive collection of rotating contemporary artworks while you’re there, plus enjoy a slice of history (as well as pizza), since the arcade sits directly above the ancient Roman Temple of Mithras. The Temple and Bloomberg SPACE gallery are free to visit.

An integral part of London, Bloomberg Arcade prides itself on showcasing incredible, unique cuisines. It’s the ultimate place to rekindle old friendships and make new ones, as the community spirit in this exciting culinary hotspot is more than enough to make you forget about the past. This is what awaits you… 

The restaurants

Ahi Poke by Poke House

Bring some much-needed sunshine into your life with a taste of Hawaii. From signature poke bowls, including the newly launched K-Bowl (seared salmon, spicy Korean sauce, broccoli and cucumber), to a build-your-own option, these fresh, raw ingredients are as delicious as they are colourful. Stuck on what to plump for? Try the Vegan House Bowl. It’s packed with tricolour quinoa, kale, vegan ‘chicken’, carrots, chickpeas, avocado, teriyaki dressing, crushed almond and sesame seeds. Filling yet healthy, and very, very tasty.

Bleecker Burger

Banging burgers, fries and shakes abound at this American-inspired joint. Dedicated to producing the best possible grub, Bleecker uses only top-quality beef from grass-fed cows on independent English farms. And boy is it good. Aged for up to 45 days, it’s the base of all its burgers. 

Brigadiers

If you’re a fan of Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Gymkhana, you’ll love the sizzling barbecue dishes inspired by a traditional Indian army mess hall here at Brigadiers. Arrive hungry and try to tackle the famous Beast Feast – a centrepiece of either suckling lamb, wood-roasted Goan suckling pig or tomahawk steak and lobster, and Brigadiers will do the rest. 

Caravan

Healthy, vibrant, global flavours make up this London institution famed for its moreish small plates. The sun-drenched terraces at Caravan also make a perfect pitstop for one of its house-roasted craft coffees, while those popping in after work can enjoy a cocktail or three.

Ekte

Fancy Scandi without setting foot on a plane? Then exciting Ekte is the one. You can’t visit without trying a sensational Smørrebrød. More than just open-faced sandwiches, these Danish delights on sourdough homemade rye bread feature a variety of fresh, seasonal toppings. Think fried plaice, prawns and remoulade, and beef, celeriac and crisp shallots. There are also vegetarian and vegan options. Don’t forget to wash it all down with some schnapps. 

Homeslice

Ever had award-winning pizza? Now you can. Served by the slice or whole (20 inches), this menu is focused on combining the classics (margherita, mushroom or salami) with innovative flavour and texture profiles. Sauces such as truffle soy glaze or jalapeno salsa prove this is no ordinary pizza place, so fill your boots. Remember to order an Aperol too. When in Rome (sort of)…

Koya

A trip to the Land of the Rising Sun has never been easier. As well as oodles of udon noodles, these Japanese cuisine specialists dish up authentic izakaya small plates that’ll transport you to the lantern-lit back streets of Tokyo. Think tempura prawns and vegetables, mushrooms in walnut miso, sweet tofu and spring onion, slow-braised beef shin, and so much more. Be sure to sample the sake too. Kanpai!

Lina Stores

This Italian delicatessen and open-plan restaurant offers a side of sophistication with your pasta. Mouthwatering piles of signature pappardelle, tagliatelle and casarecce accompanied by the tastiest ingredients (black truffle, Calabrian chilli, Parmigiano Reggiano, beef shin ragu…) will leave you spoiled for choice. And if you’re kicking off the year by cutting down on your meat intake, try the vegan buckwheat mafaldine mushroom dish, you won’t be sorry! Save room for the Italian classic dessert, zabaglione. Lina Stores does it so well.

Vinoteca

With a wine list to wow, not to mention sensational seasonal food to soak it all up, this affordable yet cool bar is the perfect January (and beyond) pick-me-up. Choose red, white, rose, orange, sweet or sparkling, from all the big hitters such as France, Argentina, Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, New Zealand and England. Mains from the Winter Menu include Detox: Grilled Marinated ‘Vegan Bavette’ with watercress, horseradish and chips and a Retox version with steak bavette; as well as Scottish Smoked Haddock with a saffron risotto and samphire and herb breadcrumb. The cured meats and cheese, along with plenty of tempting small plates, will ensure you’re here long enough to work your way through those vast wine offerings.

Work up an appetite

Bloomberg Arcade is perfectly positioned for the nearby London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE, which houses more than 14,000 Roman artefacts, sculptures and exhibits. You can easily work up an appetite either there or at the other plentiful tourist attractions just walking distance from this happening hub:

Monument – where you can climb to the top to drink in panoramic views of the capital

St Paul’s Cathedral – you’ll need your camera at the ready to snap the gilded interiors, mosaic ceilings and the famous whispering gallery in the circular dome

Leadenhall Market – a covered, elegant, Victorian shopping arcade with cobbled streets

Shakespeare’s Globe – an Elizabethan-era theatre that hosts both traditional and contemporary productions of the playwright’s work

Museum of London – learn all about the city’s key milestones through artefacts, interaction exhibitions and films.

So spoil yourself, and all those friends you weren’t able to see for so long and make a date at Bloomberg Arcade this month. It’s a marvellous way to beat the winter blues and reconnect with the city we’ve missed for so long. Start the new year as you mean to go on: with variety, excitement and making time to enjoy yourself...

Visit the Bloomberg Arcade website for more information, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook

Head over to our fantastic competition for your chance to win FREE meals to the value of £450 at a selection of the restaurants… Enter today!