Harden's survey result
Summary
“Dinner table at the window… can’t beat it”. “Smart food, smart ambience and smart clientele” characterise Jason Atherton’s City outpost – a favourite for client lunches whose 24th-floor setting in the former NatWest tower means that if your convo about the deal flags, you can always chat about the view. The French tyre men removed its star after 10 years in early 2025 – but our reporters have not detected any significant changes.
Summary
“Great vibes and view of the city” are undisputed attractions of Jason Atherton’s City eyrie on the 24th floor of Tower 42 (which old timers will remember was the highest building in the UK till 1990). Critics say “the food here is a little bland and not as memorable as you would want given the standard and price”, but more common is the view that it’s all-round “excellent” and it remains a firm favourite for business entertaining. (It’s now one of only two survivors of Atherton’s ‘Social’ brand).
Summary
“Beautiful views from the old NatWest Tower” help seal the deal at Jason Atherton’s City outpost. “It feels quite corporate but is a good place for business”, and wins many recommendations from expense-accounters as their top venue for wining and dining. “The food is always very good with a good seasonal choice on the menu. Staff are well trained and happy to spend time chatting to guests even when they’re busy. The setting is unique overlooking the Square Mile and the ambience is special”.
Summary
“Jason Atherton’s City branch is still guaranteed to wow guests – from the plush elevator to the stunning views, everything screams impressive” at this 24th-floor venue in Tower 42 (fka the NatWest Tower). The food is “tasty” – if “not the most adventurous” (i.e. plenty of steaks) – “but staking out a view in one of the deep booths, glass in hand, and watching the city spread out for miles is a pretty spectacular way to spend an evening”.
For 34 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 City Social?
Tower 42 25 Old Broad St, London, EC2N 1HQ
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £38.50 | £49.50 |  |
|
|
| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 125.00 | Dinner only |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £24.50 | £41.50 | £8.00 | £13.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £42.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
Tower 42 25 Old Broad St, London, EC2N 1HQ
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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