Harden's survey result
Summary
“Brilliant brekkie” has always been a star turn at this Fitzrovia haunt, whose attractions are heightened by its stylish setting and “friendly” staff. For more substantial meals, it can seem “competent, but not worth a detour”. It celebrated 10 years in business by opening a sibling in a former branch of Carluccio’s in Spring 2022 (no reports as yet). It’s set within Bloomsbury’s love-it-or-hate-it Brunswick Centre: a fine example of late-1960s modernist (brutalist?) architecture.
Summary
Breakfast or brunch is “a real treat” at this all-day bar-brasserie just north of Oxford Street in Fitzrovia, which provides “a fantastic choice” in a “lovely open setting”. There’s little feedback on dining options later in the day, despite a recent revamp and the introduction of a five-course tasting menu.
Summary
For “a social start to the day” or to kill off “a boozy afternoon”, many recommend this all-day bar/brasserie just north of Oxford Street in Fitzrovia, whose vibey looks and “great brunch menu” have earned it a big fanclub. At other times, some reckon “the food is underwhelming” – a view possibly shared by the management, who shut up shop for ten days in August 2019 to give the interior and general offer a ‘facelift’. It now boasts a new long bar and five-course tasting menu.
Summary
For “a social start to the day” or to kill off “a boozy afternoon”, many recommend this all-day bar/brasserie just north of Oxford Street in Fitzrovia, whose vibey looks and “great brunch menu” have earned it a big fanclub. At other times, some reckon “the food is underwhelming” – a view possibly shared by the management, who shut up shop for ten days in August 2019 to give the interior and general offer a ‘facelift’. It now boasts a new long bar and five-course tasting menu.
For 32 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 Riding House Café?
Restaurant details
Riding House Café Restaurant Diner Reviews

"Reliable place for brunch with great cocktails. Service can be slow and we had to chase the waiting staff for two of our dishes. That said, its convenient location and reasonable prices (by today’s standards) mean I know I will be back soon. "

"Varied menu featuring an enticing range of small plates, bowls and skewers, but the cooking is uninspiring. Portions sizes not generous, and it can be very noisy. Attentive but not intrusive service. "

"Great place for an informal lunch/supper with a nice vibe. But it will need to adjust its pricing. However much I like the vibe, I can eat much better food for this price."
Prices
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Wine per bottle | £26.00 |
Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
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Service | 10.00% |
Number of Diners: | |
Required Time: | |
Opening hours
Monday | 8:30 am‑10:30 pm |
Tuesday | 8:30 am‑10:30 pm |
Wednesday | 8:30 am‑10:30 pm |
Thursday | 8:30 am‑10:30 pm |
Friday | 8:30 am‑10:30 pm |
Saturday | 9 am‑10:30 pm |
Sunday | 9 am‑5 pm |
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