Dining out in London? Don’t hit a dud. Try one of these bad boys…
I’m always getting asked for locations that work for a good dining experience. So, here’s a list with the best occasion suggestions attached to help you out. #nomnoms
Willkommen! Bienvenue! Welcome!
Now, the worst thing about being in a city that is overrun by new restaurants is going to places that just aren’t great. The service might be bad, the ambience might be terrible or the food just isn’t worth the money. And let’s face it, eating out in London isn’t cheap.
So, I’m giving you a list of my faves. Now, just to be clear. Some of them I work with, which I have declared. But so what!
The deal with working for a venue is very simple. I don’t work with anywhere that’s shite. With my company, Deprave, we’ve had to turn down a lot of work this year where we could have “taken the money”. Plenty of other PRs take the money. But my business partner Rave and I said from the start we wouldn’t work with anywhere that didn’t give us tingles and feel like somewhere that we’d be proud to send any of our list of press and VIPs.
In short, if they’re on this list - they’re venues we genuinely love. No messing around.
The above picture is of me in Mexico at New Year. I cannot confirm or deny whether I ate all those tacos. Oink oink.
Happy eating!
Langan’s Brasserie, Mayfair
Those who know me well understand I probably spend half my life here (they are a client). But I love it. Personal favourites are breakfasts and Sunday Roasts. Great personal service, an extensive menu across the board and you’re able to feel instantly at home. I also had one of my first newspaper job interviews here. So it holds a nostalgic place in my heart. My pal Bryony Gordon LOVED the prawn cocktail…as you can see above.
10 Greek Street, Soho
I’ve been here a few times now and each time I fall harder for it. Totally seasonal, totally casual (but the food feels really high end) and everybody leaves their ego at the door. Grab yourself a bottle of white, order the olives and salted almonds to start and try anything you fancy – it’s all 100% going to be a killer dish. This place is very reliable and always satisfying.
Ixchel, Chelsea
Having done Holbox at new year I came back hunting for the best Mexican in town and Ixchel fell into my lap. Such a mega authentic menu and breathing a little fun into the stuffy King’s Road. Try the tacos or the smoky Short Rib. The bonus? They have the largest tequila selection I’ve found in London. Plus expertly made cocktails as you can see from my Paloma above...
Cora Pearl, Covent Garden
Need a date location (first date appropriate too) then this is the one for you. The crispiest triple cooked chips (YUM above), the best duck and staff that truly make you feel at home. It’s not big at all so you feel like you’re in a cute nook in Paris. It’s the sister restaurant of Kitty Fisher’s if you’re a fan. Right on the doorstep of Theatreland and Covent Garden – so a great location.
Parlour Kensal, Top of Ladbroke Grove
I used to live just a few doors down from this gorgeous place. Run by one of my favourite chef’s Jesse Dunford Wood, this place ticks all the boxes. An excellent garden, debatably the best Sunday Roast in London and the entire outfit is enthused with fun. Be sure to try their off-menu ‘secret’ burger, their chicken kyiv or their infamous cow pie. Also, the rolos for dessert. I could go on…
The Crown & Two Chairmen, Soho
This one is a surprise addition to my list. I’ve been here a few times, and you know what, they actually do good proper British pub grub in the heart of Soho and it isn’t going to cost you the earth. A surprisingly good roast on a Sunday too and a great team of staff.
www.thecrownandtwochairmenw1.co.uk
Lavo London, off Oxford Street
This Tao group establishment was a real hit for me from the get-go. I’ve hosted all sorted of great names here – Hayley Atwell did her Christmas bash here, Amy Jackson and Ed Westwick are regulars and Portia Freeman’s usually somewhere enjoying a cocktail. The langoustines (above), the meatball, the bread selection – it’s all fantastic. Gives you the feel of being in LA where any second some big A-Lister is about to arrive.
https://taogroup.com/venues/lavo-london/
Pavyllon at the Four Seasons, Park Lane (above)
Chef Yannick Alléno is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest chefs, holding 16 Michelin stars across his 17 restaurants around the globe. So, it’s not surprise Pavyllon received its first star after just over six months of opening. Eating at Pavyllon is the ultimate swanking dining experience. Great service but do make sure you sit at the counter and see the chefs at work. If you’re lucky Yannick himself will be there!
Bar Antoine, at the Four Seasons, Park Lane
Off of Pavyllon is a bar area where the mood changes, the vibe is more casual and the menu reflects the change. Think club sandwiches, burgers, great salads and amazing picky bits if you’re off to dinner but fancy a little hors d’oeuvre beforehand. Also, the best cocktails and a glorious terrace if the weather is being kind. The burger is a revelation.
https://www.pavyllonlondon.com/bar-antoine/
The River Café, Hammersmith
Sure, it’s ridiculously expensive. But goodness me it’s something else. I adore this place. If I have anything on my social calendar that requires a treat lunch or dinner, then I go here. The food is always spot on. Whether it’s lamb, monkfish (above), endless pasta options or a wonderful starter. It really is the most bankable of bookings. Plus, very fun for a celeb spot. Without fail there’s somebody of note there alongside you.
Scott’s Richmond
What I like about this is the fact it’s local to me. My local. The poshest place near my house. But you can approach it in many ways. Just drinks, summer on the terrace looking over the river or a sit down a la carte lunch or dinner. My favourite? Being spontaneous and sitting up at the crustacean bar. Oysters and scallops and Chablis. Oh my!
J Sheekey, West End
Going to the theatre but fancy a nice treat? Go here. Been to the theatre and hungry afterwards. Go here. This is one of my favourite winter venues. Their fish pie remains one of the best in London. I was once sat at the bar on my own with Robert Englund, the actor who played Freddie Krueger, alongside me. It was highly awkward. I love the fact you go into Sheekey’s and the world continues to spin outside yet inside it’s just you, the vibe and the food.
The Fox and Pheasant, Chelsea
There are so many things I love about this place. I love the private dining room upstairs (have done my birthday here a few times now). The menu is exceptional, with lots of options for glutards. An expert wine selection, a killer burger and their buttermilk guineafowl with honey and mustard is always the best nibble before dinner. The Fox and Pheasant does it right.
Until next week, Kids.
Love this. Thanks for sharing xx