Harden's survey result
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”.
Summary
“Celebrating over 100 years of serving some of the best fish and seafood in London” – Richard Corrigan’s “British classic” near Piccadilly Circus is “expensive”, but “utterly reliable” – “it’s easy to forget that this is one of the best restaurants in the West End”. Downstairs “the booths in the busy oyster bar are best”: the “old-fashioned, silver service” upstairs is more comfortable but “not as involving” as below. Top Menu Tips – “exceptional oysters and lobster”.
For 30 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 |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £35.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
Bentley’s Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Sitting at the lovely oyster bar is the preferred mode here if there are just two of you but the cocktail bar is intriguing with amazing drinks being whistled up by a wonderful team. Naturally, the seafood is exceptional - oysters, both raw and cooked, are the standout items but the grilled lobster and Cornish fish stew are fabulous. Always a warm welcome and attentive service - such a treat to be there in dark times."
11-15 Swallow St, London, W1B 4DG
Opening hours
| Monday | 11:30 am‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 11:30 am‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:30 am‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 11:30 am‑11 pm |
| Friday | 11:30 am‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 11:30 am‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 11:30 am‑10 pm |
