Harden's survey result
Summary
“It does rather ooze money and privilege, but the food is very good indeed” at Richard Caring’s “chic” Mayfair A-lister: “a classic with crowd-pleasing glitz” where (in Ian Fleming’s novels) commander Bond is a regular. “One of the grand seafood palaces of central London with a vast seafood bar”, its cuisine is “not in the grand gourmet mould” – “high-quality” fish and seafood “prepared with flair” from an “evolving menu, such that old favourites are regularly joined by creative new dishes”. “Service is always polished and efficient, and the room retains its glamour and buzz year in, year out”: “a go-to for any significant celebration… or just for a treat”. Top Tip – “perfect for business, with the best grilled Dover Sole”.
Summary
“Always sparkling” – this “glamorous” Mayfair “classic” (007’s favourite) is nowadays second only to its Theatreland stablemate Sheekeys in terms of the total number of nominations it receives in our annual diners’ poll; and likewise in the rankings as a “go-to place for fish”. More “sophisticated” (and expensive) than its rival, the crowd is better heeled and more A-lister here than in WC2 (and also, perhaps, with a greater share of “flash Harrys”). “Excellent Dover Sole”, “the best crab” and “top-quality fruits de mer” are typical of the “superb seafood”, “classily” delivered by “professional” staff, all of which make it popular for most occasions, including business entertaining. “It slipped down in the estimations” of one or two reporters this year due to general concerns that it risks becoming “overrated and overpriced”. But for the vast majority, the feeling is still that although “it’s obviously not cheap, it’s a real treat and a totally reliable one at that”.
Summary
“Eternally elegant” – this “discreet and yet see-and-be-seen” Mayfair A-lister (007’s preferred lunch spot) “always feels like a special occasion” (“people spotting here becomes a game”), and its mix of “glamour” with “very fine seafood and effective service” helps to put it in London’s Top-5 most-mentioned restaurants in our annual diners’ poll (and it’s only narrowly beaten by its stablemate J Sheekey in nominations for the capital’s best fish). “The menu is both familiar and innovative, with frequent new dishes and specials in addition to the classic fish and fruits de mer it is famous for” (of the former, for example, “top Dover sole”). “It is even more expensive than it ever was, but somehow one never minds the bill because the food and service seem to justify every penny.” And while it has “an upmarket and lovely interior”, if you can nab one of the pavement tables “sitting outside on Mount Street and watching the world go by adds to the ambience”.
Summary
“Oozing class”, this “classic Mayfair dining room” (James Bond’s favourite) offers “a true five-star meal”; a “consummate experience” combining “glamourous”, “traditional” surroundings populated by “ever-obliging staff” and “an interesting clientele, featuring many well-known faces”. Owned by Caprice Holdings, it is locked in a perpetual battle with its stablemate J Sheekey to top our poll for best London’s fish (the latter, as usual, edges it this year). However, even those who acknowledge “superb seafood” often note “the hefty price tag”, and there was the odd concern this year (supported by ratings) that “standards have slipped a bit” from their usual heady heights. In summer, the pavement tables are a big draw. In August 2021, Richard Caring announced that Scott’s is the latest of his landmark properties to get the spin-off treatment with the announcement of Scott’s on the River in Richmond – see also.
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 Scott’s?
20 Mount St, London, W1K 2HE
Restaurant details
Scott’s Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Noisy but good"
"Noisy but nice!"
"Fishy great."
"High end food, but not the quality you would expect for the prices. Very polite service. Atmosphere a little stilted"
"Overcooked fish, inexperienced waiter who tried to rush us through our meal. Normally much better than this."
"Not cheap, but imaginative food. Customers have evolved (along with the neighbourhood) from formally dressed 50s walking up the street to 6 start-the-evening 25's without a reservation dropped by limo at the door. "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £36.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 14.50% |
20 Mount St, London, W1K 2HE
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑5 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑5 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑5 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑5 pm, 5 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑5 pm, 5 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑5 pm, 5 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑5 pm, 5 pm‑9:15 pm |
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