Harden's survey result
Summary
Opened in 1870 as London’s first licensed casino, this impressive Covent Garden mansion is proof that it takes more than a fine space in a handy location to make a terrific eatery. Relaunched as a luxurious American restaurant in 1991 (by the son of a Tory grandee), it aims to import Manhattanite sophistication, top-quality surf ’n’ turf and high-class brunch to the capital, alongside a popular Martini bar. But, while it does still receive the odd nomination as a place for a business lunch, it’s largely ignored in our annual diners’ poll nowadays.
Summary
This stunning Covent Garden mansion (once a high-class brothel) is named for the son of one of Thatcher’s cabinet ministers, who launched it in its current guise as a grand American restaurant; and for about a decade it was the height of fashion. It retains a “great atmosphere” – and also, something of a following for business, brunch and its martini bar. But, given its location and dramatic interior, it attracts remarkably little feedback these days.
Summary
This veteran American-style surf ’n’ turf restaurant occupies a stunning Covent Garden mansion but for most of its long history (three decades) has been a missed culinary opportunity. So, “go to see the room, but don’t expect much of the formulaic food”, which often elicited criticism this year (“like an expensive McDonalds”). “One day someone will take this astonishing space with its magical stone spiral staircase and open a great destination”.
Summary
A Covent Garden mansion that once housed a bordello is now the “beautiful setting” for an all-day American restaurant and cocktail bar of 30 years’ standing. It tends to fly under the radar these days, although is still “great for pre- or post-theatre”, but its steaks and martinis are overshadowed by the “amazing pancake and French toast options” served for brunch until 4pm, which are “totally delicious” – and “the pecan pie is to die for!”.
For 33 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 Christopher’s?
18 Wellington St, London, WC2E 7DD
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £60.00 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £19.00 | £35.50 | £11.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £35.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.50 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £6.00 |
| Service | 13.50% |
18 Wellington St, London, WC2E 7DD
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 11 am‑12 am |
| Wednesday | 11 am‑12 am |
| Thursday | 11 am‑12 am |
| Friday | 11 am‑1 am |
| Saturday | 11 am‑1 am |
| Sunday | 11 am‑5 pm |
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