Barkingside

Barkingside is firmly a place to eat. With nearly thirty restaurants across the town, this is somewhere people come to for food rather than to stay overnight. The quality is noticeably high: Royal Thali is rated 4.8 from over 1,200 reviews, Maison Fraise and Urban Chocolatier Barkingside both sit at 4.7 from more than 1,600 reviews each, and German Doner Kebab scores 4.5 from around 1,300. Vijay's Virasat and other venues give the town genuine depth in its dining scene.

The range spans sweet and savoury, quick service and sit-down meals. You could have chocolate and pastries at Maison Fraise, Indian curry at Royal Thali, traditional kebab, or something else entirely. This is not a town built around a single cuisine or style, but rather one where different communities have established places to eat that draw custom and maintain strong ratings.

For something beyond a meal, Owls Play Centre at Fairlop Waters offers an indoor play facility rated 3.8 from just over 1,000 reviews. Otherwise, the draw here is almost entirely culinary. Barkingside works best as a destination for eating out rather than as a base for a longer stay or for visiting attractions.