In a world that constantly demands more & faster, some kitchens offer a radical alternative: Slow down. Pay attention. Taste deeply. There’s something truly special about dishes that have been given time to develop flavour, so let’s explore some of my favourites where patience really pays off.
First up is Dishoom, where the aroma of spices greets you like an old friend as soon as you walk through the door. This Bombay-inspired gem is all about slow-cooked magic. My good friend and fellow food critic, James Harrington, who I somehow always run into here, can’t stop raving about their black daal, simmered for an incredible 24 hours. He describes it as “a dish that makes London's chaos seem like a bad dream you woke up from.” It's hard to disagree: one bite, and you’ll be reassessing life choices — or at least wondering why every meal can’t taste this good. Pair it with their naan, and you’ll feel like you’ve reached the peak, dining with the Indian gods. The only downside? You might find yourself pacing around the block, daydreaming about that daal long after you leave.
Average bill: £25-35 per person
Next on my list is The Barley Mow in the heart of London. This cozy pub has mastered the art of slow-cooked meats that practically fall off the bone. Take their beef brisket, for instance — cooked to buttery perfection over hours of gentle heat, it’s the kind of dish that could make you momentarily forget your own name. Each bite is deeply satisfying, and the accompanying gravy is so good, you might consider asking for a side mug to drink straight. The ambiance is relaxed, and with a pint in hand and a belt loosened a notch, you can settle in for an evening of indulgence — just don’t expect to leave without a food baby!
Average bill: £20-30 per person
Let’s not miss out on Kricket, where Indian cuisine takes center stage. Their slow-cooked goat curry is a dish that can bring the whole world to harmony. The layers of flavour are so deep and complex that it feels like a culinary journey through India itself. Served with fluffy rice, the dish packs a bold punch of carefully layered aromatic herbs. I spoke with Chef Will Bowlby about this. “Every spice has a story,” he said, carefully plating curry that seemed to contain entire landscapes. “Slow cooking allows those stories to unfold, to breathe.” The vibe here is lively and hip, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with friends while Instagramming your food like the true influencer you are. Just be warned: after this, fast food won’t stand a chance.
Average bill: £30-40 per person
The Eagle is one of those places that feels like home the moment you step inside — a classic gastropub that truly captures the essence of slow cooking. Their Sunday roast is legendary, with meat that’s been lovingly cooked to perfection. The roast beef is remarkably tender, practically melting in your mouth, and the Yorkshire pudding is a fluffy marvel that could soften the heart of the toughest cynic like me. The communal dining experience adds to the charm, and you may find yourself sharing stories with strangers or bonding over the universal language of “Oh my god, this meat is incredible.” Just don’t blame me if you have to roll home afterward!
Average bill: £25-35 per person
Blacklock reimagines food preparation as a contemporary culinary meditation. Here, the motto is simple: if it isn’t slow-cooked, it isn’t worth serving. The menu changes regularly, but I was lucky enough to feast on their “All In” roast (£26) , which melted in my mouth and made me question all my previous gastronomic experiences. Buried within a historic City of London basement, this venue channels generations of British communal eating traditions. Plus, the staff is so friendly, you’ll feel like you’re dining with family — if your family were professional chefs who wanted nothing more than to spoil you with delicious food.
Average bill: £20-30 per person
I was thrilled to discover SlowBurn in Walthamstow. This low-key, unpretentious spot stands out for its commitment to encouraging diners to take their time and fully appreciate their meals. The philosophy here is simple yet profound: the world becomes a happier place when we savour great flavours at a slower pace. With a focus on carefully sourced ingredients and thoughtful cooking techniques, SlowBurn transforms simple dishes into something really special — like rich, velvety mushroom risotto (£19), prepared with seasonal fungi and finished with a drizzle of truffle oil that elevates it to new heights. The ambiance is simple and relaxed, especially since the restaurant shares space with Blackhorse Lane Ateliers, London’s only craft jean makers, creating a unique blend of culinary and artisanal mastery.
Average bill: £20-25 per person
Stepping into Phoenix Palace felt like entering the lavish rooms of a Chinese emperor, but in fact it turned out to be one of the most heartwarming places I’ve ever been to. This gem specialises in dim sum and clay pot dishes, those glorious slow-cooked casseroles that make you rethink your relationship with time and comfort food. As my clay pot arrived, steam wafted up like a warm hug on a chilly day. The layers of succulent meat, vibrant vegetables, and that heavenly gravy had me wondering how I ever lived without this dish in my life. “Food is how we remember,” said chef Zhan Chen, watching me, shamelessly mopping up the last bits of sauce with a piece of bread. “It’s how we stay connected to our roots, even when we’re thousands of miles away.” I couldn’t agree more.
Average bill: £45-60 per person
