City, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

“It is rare to encounter a five-star ambience, as well as welcoming service, and a high standard of food, all at once in the City” and, on pretty much all accounts, there’s “no better place if you’re looking for an exceptional evening location” than the 37th floor of the ‘Walkie Talkie’ (“go for a walk in the garden... with a drink... take in the amazing view…”). As the survey was concluding in June 2019, chef Dan Fletcher left for Somerset, and a new chef, George Farrugia (ex-Bob Bob Ricard) joined this operation run by caterers ‘rhubarb’ – hopefully the good all-round performance will survive the upheaval.

“An amazing choice of wines” is served by “lovely staff, who are passionate and knowledgeable about the list” at these “proper wine bars”, whose liquid offering is “complemented by a very good food menu” of “well-made” dishes (small plates, plus cheese and charcuterie). The Battersea original is still the branch attracting most feedback, although the chain is spreading eastwards, and its operation in the crypt of St Bride’s Church and newer Liverpool Street branch are “very competent”: next stop is an opening in Canary Wharf.

“An amazing choice of wines” is served by “lovely staff, who are passionate and knowledgeable about the list” at these “proper wine bars”, whose liquid offering is “complemented by a very good food menu” of “well-made” dishes (small plates, plus cheese and charcuterie). The Battersea original is still the branch attracting most feedback, although the chain is spreading eastwards, and its operation in the crypt of St Bride’s Church and newer Liverpool Street branch are “very competent”: next stop is an opening in Canary Wharf.

“The Christmas igloo during December was one of the nicest experiences ever…” – “the absolutely stunning location on the Thames is perfect for a summers day…” – “you can snuggle up on a sofa in front of the fire during the winter months…”; “the food is a bit so-so, but who cares?”: all are comments from fans of this all-day ‘club without membership’ near Tower Bridge. It’s part of a growing chain, with most branches in the Thames Valley, and a (much less interesting) sibling in a bank-conversion looking across the road to St Paul’s Cathedral.

“The wow factor” of its “remarkable views by day or night” helps make this “fun and busy” space – the top three stories of this landmark City tower (originally restricted to those working in the Gherkin, now open to the public) – a “good choice for a special occasion”. The catering has its fans too, although critiques include that it can be “ordinary” or “very expensive”. Top Tip – “good set menu”.

“Simple, well-prepared steaks” and “an excellent wine list (before you even get to visiting the cellar itself)” are the main treats in store at this South African-owned wine bar. Its “out-of-the-way but still central setting” by the Wobbly Bridge and directly opposite Tate Modern really comes into its own “when you can sit outside in the summer” (otherwise the nearby Thames merely sets the scene as you arrive and depart).

“Escape the feel of the City for very reasonable home cooked-food” in the ancient crypt of Bow Bells church. “There are no better dining establishments in the Square Mile: affordable, great service, good food with delicious daily changing salads” including “excellent veggie and vegan options”. Depending on when you go, it’s either a “quiet” space or quite a “noisy” one.

“Spectacular views” reward a trip to the 24th floor of the City’s Tower 42, run since 2014 by Jason Atherton’s empire – “an elegant dining room, whose bar is quite sexy at night time with the lights of London on display”. Unsurprisingly, it’s most recommended as a “reliable option” for business entertaining, a service it carries out with aplomb. A foodie paying their own way, however, might judge the cuisine “OK, but nothing overly exciting”.

“Go for the spectacular views alone”, “especially at night with the city lights twinkling below”, from the “unique perspective” of this all-day brasserie at the top of the Walkie-Talkie tower. “The menu is limited and fairly expensive”, but – on most accounts – “the food is surprisingly good” for the location.

“At midnight, perched high above London in this flashy 40th-floor restaurant, it’s thrilling watching the lights of the traffic; and the signature duck & waffle dish with maple syrup was like none we have tasted before” – that’s the fanboy view on this luxury diner at the top of the City’s Heron Tower, and the fact that it’s open 24/7 makes it a big brunch destination. Sceptical diners were more in evidence this year, though, criticising the “stodgy and unbalanced” menu, or “food that’s average, but a bill that’s WAY above average”: “once you take away the hype, that you can eat in the middle of the night and it’s up a skyscraper, it’s actually nothing special”. “Getting a reservation can be difficult, though: book way ahead and eat at a strange hour!”