City, British, Traditional Restaurant Guide

“Very peaceful… staff were lovely… we had an extra plate of sandwiches and I chose the mini set of Martini which were totally lush…” – this posh St James’s hotel’s top culinary attraction, according to our survey, is afternoon tea in its very comfortable drawing room or conservatory.

Delectable Dining Deriving its name from an early spelling of Kensington, Cheneston's is our intimate and elegant restaurant, offering the finest British cuisine. As you step in from the bustling city streets of Kensington you will be struck by the fine traditional décor, rich ...

“A hidden gem in the heart of London” – this “discreet” dining room is tucked away in an Edwardian St James’s five star, but well worth discovering nowadays as its “top-of-the-range”, classic British cuisine is going from strength to strength, and its plush, traditional style is suited to many types of occasion including business and romance. In August 2021, Lisa Goodwin-Allen of Northcote in Lancashire (same ownership) was named as the new overseer from afar of the menu here. Perhaps she’s behind the boost in ratings, although there’s been no discernible revolution in its general culinary approach.

“With its excellent exterior cigar terrace, range of whiskies and food usually with a Scottish twist – there’s always a fun evening” (often buoyed by live jazz too) at Ranald Macdonald’s Scottish-themed Belgravia stalwart, a short walk from Victoria station. Eldest son of the 24th chief and captain of Clanranald, his wine-trade background is evident in a strong list, while the selection of steaks and venison reveal him as an early champion of British ingredients. Critics say the food is only “average”, but for a red-blooded business meeting it’s tailor made for the purpose.

A short walk from the back of Harrods, the bijou dining room of this luxury hotel changed its stripes a couple of years ago. Under chef Chris Prow, it now offers a much less formal dining style – with an all-day menu (majoring in dishes from the Josper grill) showcasing British cuisine – and an outside terrace in summer. Some regret the passing of the former incarnation, but overall ratings are good all round.

“Great coffee and an always-buzzy vibe” make it worth remembering this attractive, all-day Marylebone deli/café, which serves a mix of patisserie, cakes, soups, salads and sarnies from breakfast onwards.

“Tucked away in Dukes Hotel, off St James’s Street”, this swish brasserie provides food that’s “remarkably good and relatively inexpensive”. “I have found it more or less empty at lunch-time, so peace and quiet reigns”, but arguably “it deserves better support”. Top Tips – “well-cooked breakfast” and “very reasonably priced set menus”.

A very characterful Mayfair site – once a posh gentlemen’s outfitters and more recently a branch of Browns – now hosts this July 2022 newcomer (which opened too late to be included in our annual diners’ poll). Steaks feature prominently on a menu of ‘elevated’ British classics and there’s also a seperate all-day ‘tavern’ selection.

Named after the pseudonym used by the late Princess Margaret for incognito dining, this cosseting 1970s-style brasserie provides a “cosy and romantic setting” for aristos or commoners in search of comforting Anglo-French classics, washed down with wine in magnum bottles whose consumption is measured by a dipstick. It’s on top form these days, with improved ratings across the board.

2019 Review: “Like an old London club”, this traditional Mayfair dining room is “spacious” and “there is absolutely no rush to serve you and get you out”. In a similar vein, “you wouldn’t necessarily go there for the food”, except for the afternoon tea in the adjoining ‘Conservatory’, go for the classic or novelty-themed version (it’s currently ‘The Original Sweetshop’).

“Like a London club but with infinitely better food” – this “very civilised” St James’s veteran (London’s oldest restaurant, established in 1742, but not on this site) is “a real throwback to another era” (“it’s probably not the place to attract ‘influencers’, whoever or whatever they are!”). The menu (which majors in fish and seafood) is “as traditional as one can expect (as is the clientele)” – you are served “classic food, classically executed and classically served” and at its best results are “simply exceptional”. “Service is old-school professional” although, perhaps due to the strains of Covid, did not enjoy its customary 5/5 rating this year. Even so, Wiltons remains “a great place for meeting on business” and its pricing is such that it’s best to let the corporate credit card take the strain whenever possible. Top Menu Tips – “the Dover sole is still the best in the capital” and “their lobster thermidor is rich and everything you want in an indulgent food item”. Game is excellent in season and they do a “magnificent bone-in rib served from the trolley”.

Dine like royalty in regal surroundingsOpulently designed with a rich royal theme of grandeur with polished silver, beautiful chandeliers and tailcoat waiters offering traditional service at its most welcoming. Experience the finest of dining with a glass wall which all...