Many people say us Brits don’t have cuisine, and we do, but one thing we do particularly well is embrace others. Our cities are essentially huge food markets, with streets filled with food from around the world. We do prepare some amazing food, but we are even better at being a global food capital. I had been invited to join a Soho food tour, hosted by Chubby Fellow in collaboration with Jet2, to highlight their expansion at Gatwick and the new destinations available.
Our tour had been specially curated for us, ensuring that each food stop would reflect one of the new destinations. I didn’t really know what to expect, I had never done a food tour before. I knew as much as to expect food, and the country list was a bit of a hint, but what dishes to expect was a mystery.
Jet2’s Expansion
Jet2’s new routes couldn’t be anymore suited for a food tour. Each one being known for a different culinary world. From fresh seafood-rich coasts in Croatia, spice-infused dishes in Turkey, social tapas culture in Spain and the comfort of home cooking in Italy.
New Jet2 Destinations from Gatwick in 2026
- Croatia
- Greece
- Italy
- Portugal
- Spain
- Turkey
Each country had its own dishes, each as delicious as the last, although I will admit I will always hold a soft spot for italian food in my heart. But the fact you can eat your way across Europe in Central London is astounding. Then consider the fact you can get a train to Gatwick and actaully visit these countries in just a few hours? Even better.
Stop-by-stop Food Tour Breakdown
Our guide David met us in Golden Square Park, Soho, and began introductions. Over the next few hours we would be exploring five different restaurants, each with a cuisine inspired by one of Jet2’s new routes.
But to kick us off they had premixed a cocktail, a Gin Basil Smash, for us to enjoy as we walked to our first restaurant. David had a history in mixology, and it showed. I will definitely be ordering one of those again next time I am in a bar. We joked that it’s a shame it’s green and not red to fit the Jet2 theme. But that would soon be rectified at our first stop.
Stop 1: Tapas Restaurant — A Taste of Spain
We all did a very short walk to our first stop, Bar Krokette. I had never had croquettes before, but I will be again soon. We were all given a sample of two, Jamon Iberico & Prawn croquettes, paired with a Spanish Vermouth.
I have neither before, and initially mistook the Vermouth for red wine. It turns out Spanish Vermouth starts out as white wine, but takes on its red hue through the infusion of caramel, spices and botanicals. I cannot decide which of the two corequettes I preferred, both were delicious. Since the tour ended I have been pestering my friends to return with me for these.
Stop 2: Chocolate — Inspired by London
Of course as well as acknowledging Jet2’s new routes, we had to pay homage to where those routes start. Our next stop would be a quicker one, but also one of my favourites. The London-based chocolatier William Curley.
I definitely have a sweet tooth. If I go anywhere and don’t have a dessert, my heart breaks a little. Still I was a tad surprised to get a sweet treat early. At William Curley they had a lovely little sample bag prepared for us that included Tuscan raspberry & Rosemary & Olive oil chocolate truffles.
Both treats were gone within seconds of me opening the packaging. William Curley focuses on quality ingredients that transform each bar into something special. We didn’t have the time to experience it, but apparently they make one of the best hot chocolates in the city. So I have bookmarked the location and will definitely be returning.
Stop 3: Lina Stores — A Culinary Shortcut to Italy
Italy has always been my favourite place in europe, not least for its amazing food. Pasta, pizza, cheese and wine are some of my favourites. So our next stop would be to Lina Stores.
An Italian Deli that’s been around since 1944. Originally it was meant to be named Lina’s Store, after its founder, however a typo when registering named it Lina Store’s. However maybe that was a calling, as over 80 years later they now have stores across the UK.
They had a platter ready and waiting for us, Prosciutto San Daniele & Ubriaco rosso cheese. The cheese had a rich aroma that paired well with its rich history. David told us that in WW1 Italian farmers would hide their cheese in used vats of grape musts so that they wouldn’t be stolen. This stained the outer layer of cheese, giving it the red colour and name.
Stop 4: Suvlaki — The Road to Athens
Now our next stop took us all the way to Greece for souvlaki. I don’t think I have ever eaten Greek food before, so I was excited for my first experience. The last time I went to Greece I was 8 and basically living off burgers and chips, so I was well overdue for a something new. Suvlaki had prepared Pork Souvlaki & courgette fritters, paired with a crisp white Greek wine.
What I loved about the Soho Food tour was that for the best food in London, they took us away from big chains. Instead focusing on smaller, independent restaurants like Suvlaki that take pride in every dish. It really showed here, and I loved the aesthetics and vibe of the restaurant. It was cosy, with warm lighting that even in the middle of the day and a busy city, slowed you down and warmed your soul in a way only evenings ever do.
The tables that were big enough to share food, but small enough to make sure the whole group could talk together and share stories without feeling the need to raise your voice. Suvlaki is a restaurant that was co-founded by friends over their love of food and bonding together. And as we shared our souvlakis together you could really feel that brought to the table.
Stop 5: Cafe De Nata — A Sweet Finish
Sadly we were heading to our final course, but one I was very excited for. We were on to Portugal, and Pastel De Natas. I have not had one since my trip to Lisbon over a year ago, and I could not wait to have another one.
David handed us one each, and we took photos holding our baked treat in front of the restaurant. In Soho people often wander in the road, as in certain hours its restricted traffic. I checked the road was clear when I took my photo, but I didn’t think to account for a cyclist that was on the wrong side of the road. Who unfortunately hit my backpack, causing my Pastel De Nata to fall into the road, where it was immediately run over by a taxi.
I still got one, as I went straight into the store and bought one myself. My biggest regret is that I didn’t buy a full pack. It was just as good, if not better than my first ever one. And brought back all those memories of my trip. At Cafe De Nata, they have fresh ones being made every few hours. So even at the end of the day you have no risk of getting anything stale.
Spotlight on the New Jet2 Destinations
Of course the restaurants on Soho Food Tour weren’t chosen by random. David had spent a long time trialling and tasting to find the best restaurants in the area (a job I am very jealous of) but every restaurant was selected to highlight one of Jet2’s new routes from Gatwick Airport.
| Destination | Why its Exciting | For the Foodies |
|---|---|---|
| Croatia | Coastal cities, island hopping. | Croatian Gin Cocktails to start the travel mood. |
| Greece | Sun-drenched villas, ancient culture and complete relaxation. | Succulent souvlaki |
| Italy | Romance, architecture and of course, La Dolce Vita. | Gelato, espresso, and handmade pasta passed down through generations by Italian Nonnas |
| Portugal | Laid back charm and vibrant cities | Pastel de nata and port wine |
| Spain | Beach breaks, relaxaction and late night culture | Tapas, paella, jamón ibérico and churros for dessert |
| London | The gateway to Europe | Luxurious, high quality chocolatiers |
From London Streets to Jet2 Runways
That did bring us to the end of our food tour, it was my first, and certainly won’t be my last. Food is both a gateway to travel, and a powerful way to bring back memories of past trips. I loved all of these restaurants, but now I am more excited than ever to explore these countries. If you want to do your own private food tours, I have provided a link to Chubby Fellow below. Alternatively, if one dish really inspired you to travel. I have provided links to Jet2 Holidays.
Exploring London with a food tour got me to see an area I had been to hundreds of times before in a whole new light. The only issue now is after trying all that food, I cannot wait to book my net flight, but can’t decide on where first.