City, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

2021 Review: “So many amazing, creative options for brunch” together with “renowned coffee” (“meticulously sourced and roasted in-house”) have made these “loud”, “brash”, “buzzy” and “quite hip” haunts – particularly the well-known Granary Square branch – key destinations, particularly at the weekend. When busy, however, service can be “hit and miss”; and the food has sometimes been a let-down of late: “it feels like random, trendy ingredients are thrown into dishes so they can charge more for them, rather than for culinary interest or flavour”.

2021 Review: “Such a classic City venue” – former banker, Soren Jessen’s smooth operation in a converted banking hall near Bank station has traded off Square Mile expense accounts for 20 years. In the last survey, nobody thrillled to the cuisine, nor did they tend to have very harsh words for it – “whenever I’m looking for dinner with a nice wine, I head to 1 Lombard Street where I won’t be disappointed”. In July 2020, well-known chef, Mark Hix joined the business as the new Director of Food and Drink, working alongside Executive Chef Robin Freeman to develop the menu and the dining room has also acquired some Hix-inspired artworks.

2021 Review: “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.

2021 Review: This very “convenient” and sizeable bar-restaurant from Drake & Morgan, near the Guildhall, is valued for its efficiency and reliable (if pretty standard) menu. Nothing about it will set the world on fire, but it’s a pleasant and versatile standby that can be pressed into action for any number of occasions.

2021 Review: This “warehouse-style” outfit from Gordon Ramsay near St Paul’s provides a handy amenity for business-lunchers and, out of business hours, has a “great atmosphere for families and groups”. But while it’s generally decent, especially for brunch, it’s rather “overpriced for what it offers” and apt to be “let down by average cooking and service”.

2021 Review: “The wine list’s brilliant” at these modern-industrial bars: “a huge range” that’s “regularly added to, with some unusual vintages”, “plenty at affordable prices” and “excellent options by the glass”. And this “wine focus attracts a more interesting crowd than some other chains”, all making the group “the perfect standby any night of the week”. “All branches are recommended”, with the one that’s super-handy for King’s Cross perhaps the most popular (though, being “always busy”, it can seem “squashed and hurried”, and booking is advisable). Perhaps the “food’s a bit average”, but practically all feedback actually focuses on its success as a “tasty” complement to the vino. Top Tip – “even better on a Sunday or Monday, when the wine’s sold close to retail price”.

2021 Review: “Making the best of an amazing space at the Royal Exchange” – Fortnum’s have taken over the operation formerly run by D&D London with this luxurious pitstop in the Exchange’s magnificent courtyard: not a great place to save money, but “perfect for small plates, plus a glass or two of champers”.

2021 Review: “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).

2021 Review: This banking hall conversion just moments from the Bank of England “feels like a gentleman’s club” and “has become a City mainstay” for its “good-quality ‘school’ cooking”. “They understand the ‘time essence’ of the business lunch”, so “service comes at a good clip”.

2021 Review: “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.

A "day-to-night café and wine bar" in the heart of the City.

Impressive views across the Thames to the Tate Modern and an ex-Aquavit chef are key attractions at this new hotel wine bar.