11-15 Swallow St, London, W1B 4DG
Harden's survey result
Summary
“Owner Richard Corrigan is often around and the food is always good” at this “iconic” fish and seafood “classic” – 107 years old (est. 1916) – which is to be found in a side street, near Piccadilly Circus. It offers two distinct experiences: “upstairs for very elegant fine dining, or in the bar downstairs for top-notch seafood with less formality – both excellent” (although the latter gets many people’s vote, as “there is always a good buzz in the bar area with a few famous faces sometimes”). “Possibly the best oysters in town (and the best shuckers too)” number alongside “top crab” and “the notably good fish pie” as its best menu options, all in a “reassuringly good-but-expensive” mould (“comfort seafood at West End prices”). Service that’s “very attentive and kind” from long-serving staff is intrinsic to the performance.
Summary
“A classic for oyster lovers!” – acclaimed Irish chef, Richard Corrigan, continues to be a superb steward of this 106-year-old veteran (established in 1916), cutely tucked away in a side street near Piccadilly Circus, which he has rebuilt over the years into one of the Top 40 destinations in our annual diners’ poll. “For outstanding oysters or fish, you can’t go wrong”, with tips including “cracking fruits de mer” and “simply delicious fish stew”. His “fabulous” and “professional” staff help create a “lovely” atmosphere, although the top ‘craic’ in the ground-floor bar is often tipped over the grander but more sedate upstairs restaurant. (Another excellent option, particularly in summer, is the superb heated outdoor terrace). On the downside, the pricing is somewhat “prohibitive of a frequent visit”, but fans say “despite the expense, a meal here is an all-round package that is predictable in a good way”. Top Menu Tips – “oh-so-tasty options from the specials board” and “ask for more soda bread!!”
Summary
Richard Corrigan’s 100-year-old veteran, down a cute lane a short walk from Piccadilly Circus, remains one of London’s best-known destinations, with “drinks and nibbles on the heated terrace” (“a godsend during the lockdown era”) as a precursor to sampling the “classic” fish and seafood provided either in the lively ground-floor seafood bar (“lush oysters”) or more stately first floor (think lobster Newburg, Dover sole). Satisfaction levels remain high, but the pressures of the times have weighed a little on ratings: even a fan noting the “brilliant food” also spoke of “rising prices” and “value that’s not quite what it was”. Most reports, though, remain a resounding thumbs-up: “my favourite… you’re guaranteed to have a happy time”.
Summary
“We always sit at the bar and enjoy superb oysters!” – so say fans of the “more casual downstairs” at Richard Corrigan’s “elegant” stalwart, near Piccadilly Circus, which some diners prefer over the “quieter” (prettier) upstairs dining rooms. Now over a century old, this remains one of the capital’s favourite destinations for fish that’s “invariably good” and “classic seafood” (with lobster, oysters, “epic fish pie”, “top fish ’n’ chips with mushy peas” and “the best dressed crab in town” all rating mention). Most diners love its “very relaxed” style (although one or two feel staff can be a bit “over-familiar”), and there are pitfalls to its super-handy West End location: it can seem “rather touristy”; “tables are closely packed”; and prices are a bit “elevated”. Top Tip – “fabulous outside terrace: summer lunch in the alleyway is bliss”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Bentley’s?
Owner's description
SINCE 1916, THE GRAND DAME OF SWALLOW STREET
Bentley’s has been serving its fish and chips and feeding the hungry shopping masses for over 100 years. A haven for fresh oysters, grilled fish and steaks from around the British & Irish Isles, Bentley's has been under the watchful eye of Michelin starred chef Richard Corrigan for the past 10 years.
For over 100 years, the foremost and the fashionable have been dropping in. A light lunch of langoustines, a dozen oysters and a flute of fizz with friends, before the theatre.
The Oyster Bar is relaxed, witty but serious about seafood. Our oyster boys are more chilled than a dozen of Loch Ryan’s finest, resting on a bed of chopped ice. Upstairs, the Grill serves suppers that sing out for themselves. Wild Cornish mussels followed by seared sea bass or roast grouse, for example, presented amidst décor that recalls William Morris, blue leather, warm wood and fish art on the wall.
We offer a range of private dining, from the elegant Crustacea Room to the impressive Swallow Street Rooms with their own bar. In addition the Grill and Rib Room can be used exclusively for breakfast or weekend lunches. There is no room hire and all of our rooms include complimentary canapés, tea/coffee & petit fours.
OPENING TIMES
OYSTER & CHAMPAGNE BAR
MONDAY - SATURDAY: 11.30am - 11.30pm
SUNDAY: 11.30am - 10.30pm
THE GRILL
MONDAY - FRIDAY: Lunch 12pm - 3pm
MONDAY - SATURDAY: 5.30pm - 11pm
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £40.00 | £50.00 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £22.70 | £38.50 | £0.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £39.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £17.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 15.00% |
Restaurant details
Bentley’s Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Where else in London could you drop in for oysters and Guinness without a booking and not raise an eyebrow? With more time it’s worth going just for the fish pie which is a cut above that of J Sheekey, in fact the best I’ve eaten in London. "
"I love Bentleys I make a pilgrimage here . Wonderful oysters, specials are always worth checking out & the ambience is fantastic. I always come away happy & well fed."
"Very proficient old school service, the freshest and best dressed crab I have had in years (so hard to find on menus now), and the rest of the menu both interesting and with fantastically sourced seafood. I’ll be back."
"Rated the food poor because it has become massively overpriced. A lot of shouting was happening at waiters from management, seemed to be a nearly new crew. I even overheard the waiter telling the management that one dish didn’t have what the customer wanted and he said give it to him anyway he might not notice. "
11-15 Swallow St, London, W1B 4DG
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑3:30 pm, 4:45 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑3:30 pm, 4:45 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑3:30 pm, 4:45 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3:30 pm, 4:45 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3:30 pm, 4:45 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑3:30 pm, 4:45 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑4:45 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
