Harden's survey result
Summary
“A unique institution for fish, not to be missed” – this timewarped Victorian curio has been part of life in the Square Mile for as long as anyone can remember (it was founded on a different site in the 1830s and has been here since the 1920s). Seating is fairly crammed and higgledy-piggledy – be it at the counter or in the rear dining room – but that’s all part of its appeal for a besuited clientele who don’t begrudge the daunting prices for simple seafood dishes and proper puds, washed down by the most ardent traditionalists with Black Velvet in pewter tankards.
Summary
“It feels as if one has been decanted into the 1920s but I never fail to enjoy my visits!” – “This unique City institution has a charm and authenticity that can’t be imitated” – a “joyous throwback” (founded, on a different site, in 1830) which offers “simple, well-executed British seafood classics” (followed by steamed puddings) at lunchtimes only, to a largely besuited crowd. The “eclectic seating arrangements” can “be a surprise to newbies” – you either perch at “makeshift bar-tops”, or cram into the rear dining room where “service is hindered by the lack of room, but everyone mucks in and plates get passed around”. “The waiters are nearly as old as the building, but that just adds to its appeal…”. “Black Velvet is served in pewter tankards, and a ‘bill of fare’ serves instead of a menu”. The experience comes at “ridiculous prices”, but most reckon they’re worth paying… “and the place does now take cards”.
Summary
“It feels as if one has been decanted into the 1920s but I never fail to enjoy my visits!” – “This unique City institution has a charm and authenticity that can’t be imitated” – a “joyous throwback” (founded, on a different site, in 1830) which offers “simple, well-executed British seafood classics” (followed by steamed puddings) at lunchtimes only, to a largely besuited crowd. The “eclectic seating arrangements” can “be a surprise to newbies” – you either perch at “makeshift bar-tops”, or cram into the rear dining room where “service is hindered by the lack of room, but everyone mucks in and plates get passed around”. “The waiters are nearly as old as the building, but that just adds to its appeal…”. “Black Velvet is served in pewter tankards, and a ‘bill of fare’ serves instead of a menu”. The experience comes at “ridiculous prices”, but most reckon they’re worth paying… “and the place does now take cards”.
Summary
“A throwback to 100 years ago” – this “unique”, “magnificently unchanged” Victorian relic is “an old school experience of the best sort” and a revered haunt for its pinstriped clientele, attracted by “some of the finest fish and seafood”. “Sitting at the bar is lovely and you get great attention from the waiting staff”, or sit down at the back to a full meal of “black velvet in a tankard, followed by oysters and then lovely fish (perfectly cooked), with splendid jam sponge”. That prices are slightly “outrageous” has always been part of the package. Except for private parties, it’s always been a weekday lunch-only venue, but in September 2018, they seem to be experimenting with the odd evening service.
For 31 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 Sweetings?
Restaurant details
Sweetings Restaurant Diner Reviews
"A City institution that could do with a little less reliance on its history and a little more on quality. Nothing is ‘poor’ but nothing is great and a lot of the pleasure is in its no frills approach and ‘out of date’ charm. However, in the burgeoning hospitality that the Square Mile scene now has, it is far than near the top of ‘value for money’ at the price-point where it is positioned."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £26.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
39 Queen Victoria St, London, EC4N 4SA
Opening hours
| Monday | 11:30 am‑3 pm |
| Tuesday | 11:30 am‑3 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:30 am‑3 pm |
| Thursday | 11:30 am‑3 pm |
| Friday | 11:30 am‑3 pm |
| Saturday | CLOSED |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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