Harden's survey result
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”.
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”.
Summary
“Top up my bubbles and bring on the gorgeous succulent oysters!” – Richard Corrigan’s celebrated, 103-year-old veteran, near Piccadilly Circus, is “an all-time favourite” for many reporters – particularly the “bustling” ground-floor bar – thanks to its “barking fresh seafood” (“a wide variety” incorporating “superbly shucked oysters”, an “exceptional seafood platter”, dressed crab, and so on). “Downstairs is cosier” and the upstairs dining room can seem “bland” by comparison, but “ideal if you want it to be easier to talk in a bigger group”.
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 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
 Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £38.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.50 |
 Extras |
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|---|---|
| Service | 15.00% |
Restaurant details
Bentley’s Restaurant Diner Reviews
"The fish stew was simply delicious!"
"We had two different starters which were exceptional followed by the Cornish Fish Stew which was very good"
"A work party dinner in one of their small 'private' dining rooms. "
"A quiet evening but plenty of wonderful professional staff, so friendly. Outstanding oysters and fish, you just cannot go wrong. Very good choice of wines by the glass assisted by knowledgable sommelier . Lovely atmosphere. One of London’s best ! "
"I love Bentleys - no trip to London is complete without a trip to Bentleys the native oysters are to die for, the atmosphere is fantastic & upbeat . Dishes are oh so tasty especially from the specials board. Marvellous."
11-15 Swallow St, London, W1B 4DG
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑3:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑3:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑3:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑3:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑8 pm |
