11-15 Swallow St, London, W1B 4DG
Harden's survey result
Summary
“I love Bentley’s!” – “You always come away happy and well fed” from Richard Corrigan’s carefully nurtured institution, which has a “lovely, old school feel that’s not too formal”; and which celebrates its 108th year in 2024. “Choose upstairs or down depending on your preferred level of formality”: “downstairs is jollier” – “the Oyster bar is an absolute favourite” – while “upstairs is more calm and quiet”. In both locations, you can enjoy “consistently great” fish and seafood prepared in a traditional style. And in summer, the “gorgeous”, big, heated terrace on the pavement outside comes into its own. Personable service is “attentive”, but “you are left in peace” when required and this is a “great and reliable central London business choice”. Top Menu Tip – “the dressed crab here is the best in town”; “wonderful oysters, and the specials are always worth checking out”.
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”.
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 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 | £40.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 15.00% |
Restaurant details
Bentley’s Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Food is really well done, but lacks a bit of definition and no real wow factor. Service is very precise."
"Very good fish restaurant bur a litte bit too expensive"
"I just love Bentley's . Every time I come to London I eat here. Fantastic fish dishes, superb oysters & it's always worth choosing dishes from the specials board. We like to sit in the Oyster bar which has an upbeat buzzing atmosphere. The Irish soda bread is yummy."
"Very good fish restaurant "
"Very good seafood "
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 pm, 5 pm‑9 pm |
