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The Best Luxury Hotels in London

Posted by Emyr Thomas

London is one of the greatest cities in the world, with fantastic luxury hotels to match its reputation. Emyr Thomas shares his thoughts on the best luxury hotels in London.

The Connaught, Mayfair

The Connaught, sitting neatly on the corner of Mount Street in Mayfair, combines its splendour with impeccable service and traditional English grandeur. The style of the hotel is a restrained glamour and elegance with fantastic restaurant and bar offerings.

Hélène Darroze at The Connaught has 2 Michelin stars, offering fine French haute cuisine, while its two bars, the glamorous Connaught Bar situated towards the back of the hotel with its art deco flare and the warm, homely Coburg Bar with its heavy fabrics and open fire, are both excellent places to enjoy a martini in London and features in our choice of the best bars in London.

Claridge’s, Mayfair

Claridge’s is perhaps best known for its popularity amongst royalty, dignitaries and the glitterati. It is also a shining example of the grace of art deco with its beautifully crafted interior and fin de siècle elegance.

Whether you are taking afternoon tea in The Foyer, dining in Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s or sipping on champagne in Claridge’s Bar, you will marvel at the flawless style and service.

The Corinthia Hotel, near Embankment

The Corinthia hotel is the ultimate destination for those looking for luxury, style and relaxation. You will find it located just off from Trafalgar Square and even at first glimpse it radiates glamour.

As you enter the hotel you will become aware of the striking chandelier crafted out of Baccarat crystal dangling above you, which sets the tone for one of the best luxury hotels in London.

The rooms are large and stylish, there are two very good restaurants, a lovely bar, The Bassoon Bar, where the bar stretches out from a piano, and possibly the best spa in London.

The ESPA, cascading three floors beneath the hotel, is as luxurious as you could imagine – it is encased in black Italian marble and offers an equally impressive range of treatments. The Corinthia is our pick for one of the best luxury hotels in London.

The Langham, Fitzrovia

The Langham is conveniently placed just off the fanfare of Oxford Street, where the style of the hotel is grand with stylish flourishes throughout.

The dining options are also notable, with Roux at the Landau and the beautiful yet creative afternoon tea in the Palm Court. There is also Artesian pictured above, a cocktail bar serving a fabulous selection of drinks.

The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner

This five star hotel on the edge of Hyde Park is a brilliant example of traditional elegance. Decorated throughout in a refined style that is reminiscent of a long forgotten era, the rooms are decorated with drapes, delicate flourishes and muted colours.

The restaurant, Apsley’s, is a stunning Venetian-style dining room complete with glass roof and plush upholstery, serving up light Italian food worthy of its Michelin star.

The Dorchester, Mayfair

The Dorchester exudes traditional glamour and a quintessential British elegance, and it is easy to see why it is so popular. The style is unmistakably thirties’ glamour with a modern twist.

The bedrooms delight with their mixture of delicate floral touches and traditional British grace. The Dorchester has three top quality restaurants including China Tang, The Grill at the Dorchester, and the 3 Michelin Starred Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester.

Four Seasons Park Lane

The Four Seasons Park Lane re-opened in 2011 after a full transformation. The rooftop spa has spectacular views of London, and the restaurant, Amaranto, offers Italian-inspired food with international flavours and a dark, sexy bar area.

The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel

The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel at St Pancras International Station is an architectural marvel, standing ceremoniously with a sweeping driveway set back from Euston Road in London’s King’s cross area.

The London hotel features 245 guest rooms split between two buildings – 207 rooms are located in a new annexe and 38 beautifully restored suites are found in the original building. The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel oozes history from every corner, which is its biggest asset.

The Bulgari Hotel, Knightsbridge

The newly opened Bulgari Hotel in the middle of Knightsbridge has a lavish and sumptuous feel with a decadent blend of marble and silver throughout. The Bulgari has one of London’s best luxury cinemas, seating forty-seven in pure luxury.

The Bulgari Spa is also worth a visit, most notably the beautiful swimming pool and eleven treatment rooms.

Brown’s Hotel, Mayfair

Brown’s Hotel is a traditional British Hotel in the heart of Mayfair, but holds a modern, stylish bar on the ground floor. The Donovan Bar is cool, stylish, intimate and a haven for fashionistas.

The walls are adorned with Terence Donovan’s iconic black and white prints, which adds a contemporary twist to the history of the surroundings. Brown’s Hotel also offers contemporary British dining in the form of Hix Mayfair from Mark Hix.

Mandarin Oriental London, Knightsbridge

The Mandarin Oriental has a prime address in Knightsbridge with views over Hyde Park and with Harrods and Harvey Nichols moments away. The hotel features restaurants from two superstar chefs, with Bar Boulud from the US’s Daniel Boulud and our own Heston Blumenthal.

Avoid the waitlists for his Fat Duck restaurant in Bray and try his special cooking techniques in the heart of London.

The Savoy, Covent Garden

The Savoy is an institution on London’s hotel scene and caused quite a scene when it re-emerged a couple of years ago with a new look. The American Bar is a huge draw for visitors, but walk to the rear of the hotel where you’ll fine the grand Beaufort Bar, which has live singers on certain nights.

Cafe Royal, Piccadilly

Café Royal opened its doors on 3rd December 2012, but its official full opening occurs in the summer of 2013, the culmination of a four-year transformation of a former London grand dame.

The stunning hotel retains the heritage of the original building with its imposing staircase and opulent design features.

There are currently 159 rooms and suites (including six historic suites), a restaurant under the direction of Andrew Turner, 2 bars (including the spectacular Grill Room), soon to be followed by a private members’ club (with its own more formal restaurant) and a holistic well-being centre.

The Best Luxury Hotels in London by Bon Vivant

At Bon Vivant we have excellent relationships with the best luxury hotels in London, with access to preferential rates and additional complimentary benefits. If you are thinking of visiting London, contact us now to enquire about our London travel services to help plan your perfect trip.

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The Best London Hotels With Swimming Pools

Posted by Emyr Thomas

There are many different services and amenities to consider when selecting hotels for our holidays, and for some the spa and fitness facilities make all the difference. Emyr Thomas shares his tips on the best London hotels with swimming pools.

The Berkeley Hotel, Knightsbridge

The Berkeley Hotel resides on a beautiful quiet street in Knightsbridge, but only a hundred yards or so from the area’s high end shopping boutiques. In addition to two world class restaurants, Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley and Koffmann’s, and the gorgeous Blue Bar, the hotel has a beautiful rooftop pool.

The location and position of the pool mean you will enjoy stunning panoramic views across Knightsbridge and Hyde Park – visit in the summer and you may even be lucky enough to see the roof retract.

Shoreditch House, Shoreditch

A part of the Soho House group of members’ clubs, Shoreditch House also has a number of hotel rooms that are available to both members and non members. The rooftop pool is a particularly popular destination in summer, so if you’re not lucky enough to be a member, you can check in to the hotel and have full use of the facilities.

When the weather starts to get cooler you can also take advantage of the Cowshed Spa.

The Bulgari Hotel, Knightsbridge

A 2012 addition to London’s luxury hotel scene, The Bulgari Hotel‘s spa is set out over two floors and offers a swimming pool, vitality pool, thermal experience with ice fountains and cooling showers, relaxation room, 11 treatment rooms and a fully equipped fitness centre and nail salon.

There are also private facilities with a hydro-massage tub. The layout is intimate with an elegant contemporary Italian design, making The Bulgari one of the best London hotels with swimming pools.

One Aldwych, Covent Garden

Perhaps the largest of the luxury swimming pools is located in One Aldwych on the edge of Covent Garden. At eighteen metres this is perfect for people wanting a more energetic swimming experience.

It also boasts an underwater music system and chlorine free water. The final finishing touch is soft mood lighting surrounding the pool.

Town Hall Hotel, Bethnal Green

The Town Hall Hotel is positioned in East London’s trendy Bethnal Green. The pool area is designed in sprawling white marble complete with touches of brass. It has all the charm of a traditional spa with the flourishes of modern luxury. It also comes equipped with loungers at the side of the pool and a fitness centre.

The Corinthia Hotel, near Trafalgar Square

There is a beautiful ESPA spa inside the Corinthia Hotel offering a full list of fitness solutions, beauty treatments and well-being services, making it a destination in itself. The pool is a stunning stainless steal affair sunk into highly polished black marble.

There is also a unique amphitheatre sauna, vitality pool and a black mosaic steam room, making this one of the best London hotels with swimming pools.

The Langham Hotel, West End

The pool, located on the lower ground floor, was previously a large bank vault, but now forms part of the hotel’s Chuan Spa. The 16m pool sits alongside the fully equipped fitness studio, vitality pool, salt sauna and separate sauna and steam rooms.

If you want advice on London’s best hotels or assistance with booking your trip to London, speak to the experts at Bon Vivant – contact your concierge for further details.

Luxury Cinemas in London

Posted by Emyr Thomas

We have compiled a list of the best luxury cinemas in London that will supply you with an extra special film experience – from those serving up cocktails, beautiful venues, decadent sofas and great food. Emyr Thomas visited the luxury cinemas in London that go beyond the popcorn and coke buckets.

Screen on the Green, Islington

This vintage inspired cinema is a great alternative to the more mainstream options. Screen on the Green is located on Upper Street in Angel and will seat up to 125 people in very comfortable seats, some of which come equipped with footstools.

The popcorn is freshly popped and they also serve beer and wine and will serve you at your seat, making this one of the best luxury cinemas in London.

The Lounge at ODEON Whiteleys

This might be the ultimate luxury cinema experience in London. The interior is sophisticated and the seats are particularly plush and comfortable.

They serve up well-crafted cocktails and high quality dishes from adjoining restaurant Le Cafe Anglais – the space is available for private hire and events as well.

Everyman Baker Street

Situated on Baker Street, the Everyman Baker Street is a gem of a luxury cinema in London. They combine the perfect mix of comfy seats, a well stocked bar with an assortment of film watching friendly snacks.

After heading down the stairs into the low lit bar area you will discover showing times for a mixture of mainstream and more diverse films.

Aubin Cinema

In association with the delightful Aubin & Wills brand, the Aubin Cinema in Shoreditch has linked up with Shoreditch House to provide unrivalled comfort and style for up to 45 movie aficionados.

The selection of drinks and bar snacks is exactly what you would – well made cocktails and small bites. The films are equally appetizing with an emphasis on eclectic movies.

The Bulgari Hotel Cinema

The Cinema, dedicated to Sir Richard Attenborough, is a 47-seat private screening room with leather chairs and designer walls, featuring the most advanced cinema-quality HD sound and vision, 4K resolution in 2D or the latest Dolby 3D.

The cinema has a curated library of over 200 new and classic films all selected by Lord David Puttnam, chairman of the advisory Board of the Bulgari Hotel London, making it one of the best luxury cinemas in London.

Secret Cinema

This is not your normal run of the mill film experience. For one thing you’re not even allowed to know what the movie is or where it is being screened. What we do know is that they promise to entertain you with a fantastic recreation of the film itself.

You will arrive at a secret location to discover actors taking on roles from the film and a setting that seems to extend out from beyond the screen. They even serve up the appropriate food and beverages from various outlets dotted around the set.

All guests are also invited to wear the correct costumes to extent the illusion. This is a unique and fantastic new take on film going.

One Aldwych Cinema

If you enjoy making a full evening of cinema then One Aldwych offers the perfect package. The typical evening starts with a movie screening and then moves onto dinner at Axis Restaurant.

The cinema itself is very luxurious and the martini or champagne inspired cocktails are a welcome addition.

Hackney Picture House

With a particularly niche selection of films, the Hackney Picture House is a great substitute to the standard movie formula. There is a mischievous approach to food – gingerbread moustaches and well-made sausage dogs alongside mini popcorn buckets. They also serve microbrewery beers at their well stocked bar.

Upstairs you will find the Hackney Attic hosting music events and quizzes, as well as a great view across the borough.

If you liked our guide to the best coffee shops in London, you should check out our guide to London’s best brunch or our guide to the best gastrooubs in London.

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The Best New Restaurants in London – 2012

Posted by Emyr Thomas

What a year 2012 has been for new restaurants in London – it often felt like there was a new opening every day! But with a restaurant scene as diverse, accomplished and ever-changing as London, only the very best will become firm favourites. Emyr Thomas shares his thoughts on The Best New Restaurants in London.

10 Greek Street, Soho

As its name suggests, 10 Greek Street is located at 10 Greek Street in Soho, and behind an unassuming entrance is a relaxed but buzzy restaurant with excellent cooking and a menu full of imaginative dishes that change regularly.

Bookings are taken for lunch but dinner is for walk-ins only, making 10 Greek Street a contender for one of London’s best no booking restaurants as well as one of The Best New Restaurants in London.

Duck & Waffle, The City

Duck and Waffle sits on the 40th floor of Heron Tower in the City. The restaurant serves European and British influenced cuisine 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Breakfast is served from 6am to 11am with dishes such as Foie Gras ‘All Day Breakfast’ and Duck & Waffle with fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup.

The restaurant has a capacity of 98 with floor-to-ceiling windows, an open kitchen, a 24-seat chef bar and a private dining room. With incredible views of London and food to match, this must surely be a contender for one of the best new restaurants in London?

Brasserie Zedel, Soho

Following the success of The Delaunay, Chris Corbin and Jeremy King launched Brasserie Zedel in Soho towards the end of June 2012. Brasserie Zedel is a large, bustling Parisian brasserie transported to the heart of London, which is open throughout the day, offering great value with remarkably low prices.

The restaurant has been designed by David Collins Studio in the Art Deco tradition, which is a vast, stunning dining room, discreetly hidden on the lower ground floor in the heart of the West End. Brasserie Zedel is one of The Best New Restaurants in London.

The restaurant has over 200 covers, half of which are reserved for walk-ins so don’t be disappointed if the restaurant appears to be fully booked.

Bubbledogs, Fitzrovia

Bubbledogs opened in July on Charlotte Street in Fitzrovia, with James Knappett (previously of The Ledbury, Noma and Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley, among others) as head chef and Sandia Chang (who has worked at The Berkeley, Noma and Per Se) as General Manager.

Bubbledogs serves hot dogs and grower Champagne. Yes,that’s right: hotdogs and champagnes. The restaurant has a separate ‘Kitchen Table’ in the back of the restaurant where the chef can showcase his real talent.

Chrysan, The City

The Hakkasan Group launched Chrysan Restaurant in The City behind Liverpool Street station. Chrysan is a Japanese restaurant in partnership with Japan’s Michelin-starred chef, Yoshihiro Murata.

Chef Murata is the third generation chef patron of Kikunoi, a traditional Ryotei restaurant in Kyoto, which holds three Michelin stars. In addition to an extensive à la carte offering, Chrysan features a signature kaiseki menu for dinner, as well as a special bento set lunch.

There’s also a bar named ‘NeNe’ which seats up to 30, offering a cocktail list and a menu of lighter dishes.

Caravan King’s Cross, King’s Cross

Caravan King’s Cross, the second outpost of Caravan Restaurant on Exmouth Market, opened in King’s Cross in August 2012, located in the Grade II-listed Granary Building, behind King’s Cross Station and St Pancras International.

The interiors reflect the area’s Victorian industrial heritage, which exudes a cool, current vibe with low hanging lighting, exposed brick work and reclaimed furniture.

The highlights on our visit were the small plates, including ‘Goat’s curd, nectarine, braised onion and pine nuts’, with the nectarine working surprisingly well with the curd, and the ‘Chorizo and butternut squash croquettes’, which succeeded in being crisp on the outside and unbelievably smooth on the inside. Caravan King;s Cross is one of The Best New Restaurants in London.

Ceviche, Soho

Ceviche Restaurant opened in Soho in early 2012, bringing fashionable Peruvian cuisine to London. The menu includes the Peruvian favourite Ceviche, salads with quinoa, hot Peruvian giant corn choclos, octopus BBQ anticuchos, beef saltados and a host of pisco based cocktails.

Ceviche makes a fun night out in Soho with a buzzy cocktail bar and varied, but light, Peruvian cuisine.

Dabbous, Fitzrovia

Dabbous restaurant and bar launched on Whitfield Street in Fitzrovia in late January 2012, the first solo venture from Ollie Dabbous, formerly of Michelin-starred Texture.

Spread over two levels, the restaurant has an industrial but organic design, with exposed brickwork, sheet metal and copper pipes offset by rustic candles and natural woods.

Dabbous is booked incredibly far in advance, but we would recommend visiting the bar for some drinks and to try out their bar menu, which includes an excellent steak sandwich. It also makes for a great venue for a private party, where you can sample some exquisite canapés. Dabbous is widely regarded as one of The Best New Restaurants in London.

Colbert, Sloane Square

Inspired by the great French pavement cafés, Colbert is an informal, neighbourhood restaurant at the heart of Sloane Square from Chris Corbin and Jeremy King (see Brasserie Zedel above). Colbert opens early for breakfast and continues to serve food and drinks throughout the day until post-theatre.

The Cube by Electrolux, Southbank

Although not strictly a permanent restaurant, but a temporary 6 month installation on top of Royal Festival Hall on the Southbank, The Cube by Electrolux has still been one of the most exciting dining options for Londoners throughout 2012.

Michelin starred chefs including Sat Bains, Claude Bosi and Tom Kitchin each took up residency at the Cube, showcasing a tasting menu of their best dishes accompanies by matching wines. The Cube runs until 31 December 2012.

Read Our Other ‘Best Of’ Articles

If you liked this ‘best of’ feature, why not read our guide to the best brunch in London, the most romantic restaurants in London or the best coffee shops in London?

What has been your favourite restaurant of 2012? Which new restaurants are you excited to see in 2013? We would love to hear your thoughts below.

Cabaret and Burlesque Shows in London

Posted by Emyr Thomas

Cabaret with its flair for naughtiness and decadence can be an inviting option for an evening out in London. We have compiled a list of places that promise to recreate the heyday of debauched fantasy; when cocktails flowed and teasing was only for starters. Read on for our guide to the best cabaret and burlesque shows in London.

The Box Soho

Perhaps the most controversial host is The Box in Soho, which invites and thrills the audience with wanton abandon. Set behind grand wooden doors is a nightly show of wonder, sexual fantasy and an uncompromising rush for passion.

The after midnight start only adds to the illusion and relinquishment of sensibilities at one of the edgiest burlesque shows in London.

Herr Kettner’s Kabaret

Whilst The Box might be the seedier underbelly of burlesque delight there are other venues that offer a more refined formula. Herr Kettner’s Kabaret presents a sensual world stepping out from the raving twenties.

The atmosphere is complete with the delight of an exposed thigh and the twinkling of an eye.

Whirling around this venue is a rich tapestry of vintage cabaret with several rooms containing various delights. The next Herr Kettner’s Kabaret takes place on Friday 14 June, with live swing jazz music courtesy of The FB Pocket Orchestra, swing dance lessons from London Swing Cats with plenty of other entertainment as well.

There are also magicians and a dedicated space where they will take vintage tinged photos of you – this is one of best burlesque shows in London, for sure.

Forever Crazy

Forever Crazy is a wonderland of French derrières and naughty hip swinging all being offered up for a tantalisingly limited residency on Southbank.

The blend of sensuality, stunning lighting and beautifully crafted femininity make for a delightful experience and adds to the quality cabaret and burlesque shows in London.

Le Crazy Coqs

Inspired by the heady undertones of Parisian culture and the vibrant debauchery of Gatsby’s New York comes The Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zedel.

The art deco backdrop makes this the darling of thirties’ glamour. With an excellent cocktail list and live music this is a glamorous taste of cabaret sophistication.

Volupte

Next up is a burlesque club nestled in the heart of the city’s legal district. Volupte is a safe crowd pleaser with a gentle approach to burlesque. The acts are naughty but light-hearted with a sweet tooth friendly cocktail list.

The selection of sweet sensations for deserts is also the perfect addition to this naughty but nice burlesque show in London.

If you liked this ‘best of’ feature, why not read our guide to the best brunch in London, the most romantic restaurants in London or the best gastropubs in London?

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The Best Coffee in London

Posted by Emyr Thomas

Welcome to Bon Vivant’s guide to the best coffee in London from independent shops across the capital. Whether you’re looking for the perfect cappuccino, a strong espresso or a simple brew in a great setting, we’ve compiled a list of London’s best coffee shops to help you discover some hidden gems.

Lantana – Fitzrovia

This delightful coffee house is nestled down a lane in Fitzrovia. Lantana’s Australian ownership is reflected in the brunch style dishes, flat whites and relaxed atmosphere. It runs an In and Out operation with the premise being split into two; one for takeaways and the other half for sit down meals.

The cakes are particularly good and breakfast dishes always delight. Coffee is sourced from Monmouth Coffee (see below) and the benches outside also mean this is a great spot in summer.

Kaffeine – Fitzrovia

The people at Kaffeine know how to make a seriously good cup of coffee, maybe even the best coffee in London. Whether you want a smooth cappuccino or a perfectly blended flat white, the accommodating and knowledgeable staff always deliver.

The selection of food is very good with an emphasis on healthy, seasonal food alongside their regular baked treats. The space itself is small but perfectly formed with a good vibe. This is a great spot near busy Oxford Street if you’re looking for a caffeine fix.

Caravan – Clerkenwell

Caravan, run by the former chef of The Providores, is located on Exmouth Market. This establishment serves a variety of international inspired dishes with all food being sourced seasonally.

It also boasts its very own coffee roastery in the basement, which supplies some of the best coffee shops in London. The open plan layout and double facing glassed front make this an ideal location for enjoying a vibrant part of London.

Caravan has a second outpost on Granary Square behind King’s Cross station, Caravan King’s Cross, both of which serves some of the best brunch in London.

Fleet River Bakery – Holborn

Fleet River Bakery, sitting neatly between Holborn and Lincoln’s Inn Fields, offers a fine combination of baked goods, well made coffee and great food made on site. The space is split over two floors with photography adorning most of the walls.

The result means it’s as welcoming as it is spacious. The lunchtime rush can be a bit overwhelming so this is best enjoyed in the morning with some of the best coffee in London.

Workshop Coffee – Clerkenwell

Placed on a busy corner of Clerkenwell, this bare bricked coffee shop knows a lot about coffee. If the impressive roastery at the back isn’t convincing enough then the above the norm coffee machine will quell any further doubt.

Each cup at the Workshop Coffee Co. is brewed to perfection by baristas who take pride in their work.

The space with its communal tables, rough finish and well lit vaulted ceiling offers a good example of London at its trendy best.

Look Mum No Hands! – Shoreditch

The unique quirk of this coffee shop is that alongside its serious approach to coffee is an equally serious interest in all things two wheeled. The warehouse style space, serving up Square Mile Coffee, is a good retreat from the hectic buzz of the city.

There is a good selection of baked goods and oodles of space to sit down in. If you’re in a rush there is a perfectly placed coffee van outside Look Mum No Hands! serving up coffee to the commuter crowd.

Salt – Covent Garden

Salt is located just off Covent Garden on Great Queen Street, serving up generously portioned food, good service and some of the best coffee in London. They run an artisan bakery that compliments their continually changing menu.

The tea is brewed to the right temperature and time, which makes this a great place for any non-coffee drinkers. Beyond the well presented bar area, with a beautifully adorned oven, is a communal seating area if you’re planning on lingering.

Fernandez & Wells – Soho

This popular establishment, with various cafes dotted around central London, is inspired by the growth of farmers’ markets. This approach to food means that their hot and cold offerings are both delicious and inventive.

When paired with a great cup of coffee from the people at Hasbean its easy to see why Fernandez & Wells always has a buzz inside their well designed premises.

Monmouth Coffee – Covent Garden

Having started roasting coffee from a basement in Monmouth Street in the seventies, Monmouth Coffee can be considered the original independent coffee shop.

They now have two new branches, one in amongst the stalls of Borough Market and another in a warehouse space in Bermondsey.

There is always a lovely atmosphere in each shop and the communal nature of the tables only adds to the experience. It is easy to see why this has remained such a popular coffee destination that serves some of the best coffee in London.

If you liked our guide to the best coffee in London, you should check out our guide to London’s best brunch or our guide to the best gastrooubs in London.

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The Best No Booking Restaurants in London

Posted by Emyr Thomas

While we would always recommend booking restaurants in advance to secure the best tables and privileges for our members, there’s no way of avoiding the recent wave of restaurants that don’t accept reservations. Read on for Bon Vivant’s guide to London’s best no booking restaurants.

Spuntino – Soho

Spuntino is our favourite of Russell Norman’s Polpo empire with a menu and design reminiscent of New York with its various sliders and Mac’n’Cheese dishes.

Spuntino makes a great destination for a late night bite in Soho where you can sit at the counter with your Negroni and be thankful for the low lighting and a clientèle that won’t judge. Spuntino is one of our favourite no booking restaurants in London, for sure.

Morito – Exmouth Market

The owners of Moro, the acclaimed Spanish restaurant on Clerkenwell’s Exmouth Market, have opened a small tapas bar, Morito, right next door to their main restaurant.

This is one of our favourite tapas bars in London and definitely worth a visit. Reserved for walk-ins only, this is one of the best no booking restaurants in London

Opera Tavern – Covent Garden

The most recent restaurant from the team behind Salt Yard and Dehesa, Opera Tavern in Covent Garden saves its downstairs tables and counter seats for walk-ins.

Located in a renovated pub, the Spanish restaurant and tapas bar retains some of the building’s original features, and the exposed bricks and low lighting create a relaxed, intimate feel.

Polpo – Soho, Covent Garden, Smithfield

The original Polpo was based in Soho and has now spawned a few siblings across London, including the new Polpo Smithfield, each offering Italian sharing plates based on Venetian bacaros with exposed brickwork, low lighting and cool, young waiters.

Polpo Soho was the original no bookings restaurant in London.

Burger & Lobster – Mayfair, Soho and Clerkenwell

From the people behind the Goodman steak restaurants, Burger & Lobster serves, you guessed it, burgers and lobsters, each priced at £20.

The original site in Mayfair has recently been joined by a sibling on Dean Street in Soho with a new site in Clerkenwell on St John Street due later this year, all designed by designLSM.

Brasserie Zedel – Piccadilly Circus

Hot on the heels of The Delaunay, Chris Corbin and Jeremy King launched Brasserie Zedel in Soho at the end of June as ‘a large, bustling Parisian brasserie transported to the heart of London’.

While the room is grand and impressive (designed by David Collins Studio), the food is more casual and very reasonably priced – just as a brasserie should be.

The dining room is vast and has over 200 covers, half of which are reserved for walk-ins. The size of the room makes it one of London’s most accessible no bookings restaurants.

Corner Room – Bethnal Green

This is the lesser-known younger cousin of Nuno Mendes’s Viajante. Corner Room delivers innovative food worthy of a Michelin star at prices that are a fraction of the prices charged at Viajante.

The two restaurants share a chef and are housed in the same building (also home to the Town Hall Hotel) in London’s trendy East End, but the similarities end there. If you head out east, Corner Room should be your one stop as it is one of the best no booking restaurants in London.

Other notable mentions are 10 Greek Street and Barrafina, both in Soho, and Albion at the Boundary in Shoreditch.

If you liked this top 10 feature, why not read our guide to the best brunch in London, the best private dining rooms or the best alfresco restaurants in London?

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The Best Restaurants for a Business Lunch in London

Posted by Emyr Thomas

Looking for the best restaurants for a business lunch in London? Read on for expert concierge Emyr Thomas‘s guide to the best London has to offer for an important business lunch or meeting.

If you want to make sure you are at London’s newest and best restaurants on the best tables with special privileges, contact us about our corporate concierge services to make sure you really impress your clients.

L’Anima, Liverpool Street

L’Anima offers contemporary Italian cuisine in elegant surroundings close to The City. With floor to ceiling glass windows and the white décor, the restaurant is dazzlingly bright and the food is equally good.

Corrigan’s Mayfair

Corrigan’s Mayfair has a well-made dining room built to last and a menu as timeless as they come, in stylish and glamorous surroundings. With a number of private dining rooms, Corrigan’s is an excellent spot in Mayfair for a business lunch, whether in the main dining room or in greater privacy in one of the separate rooms.

Coq d’Argent, The City

Situated in the heart of the Square Mile, Coq d’Argent’s restaurant serves modern French cuisine while the brasserie and terrace serve a lighter menu with more of a modern European hint.

Coq d’Argent has an outdoor terrace and a large and rather beautiful garden terrace, with great views of some of London’s most well known landmarks, including St Paul’s Cathedral. With its location Coq d’Argent is a perfect spot for a business lunch in The City, and a contender for one of the best restaurants for a business lunch in London.

Tempo, Mayfair

Tempo offers contemporary Italian cuisine at decent prices in the heart of Mayfair with a cosy, relaxed and intimate feel. The menu is influenced by the chef’s time in Sorrento and features cicchetti and many sharing dishes.

One of Tempo’s most striking areas is the stylish first floor bar, with its large floor to ceiling windows overlooking Curzon Street, perfect for a business meeting if you don’t have time for lunch downstairs.

Hawksmoor – Spitalfields, Covent Garden and The City

With three locations across London and a fourth one in the West End imminent, Hawksmoor is one of London’s best steakhouses. The menus read like a meat eater’s dream and they also have great bar areas should your lunch meeting continue into the evening.

Avenue Restaurant, St James’s

Like many of the D&D Group’s restaurants, Avenue is a big, table-clothed, classic, fine dining style of restaurant. In that lovely part of St James’s towards Pall Mall, The décor is suited to the area, with food erring slightly on the masculine corporate side, with gutsy and strong flavours.

The Wolseley, Mayfair

The Wolseley has maintained its place as one of London’s chicest destination, which remains popular with businessmen and fashionistas alike. The grand dining room is an impressive space and the location is ideal for those wanting something buzzier in the Mayfair area.

Galvin La Chapelle, Shoreditch

Galvin La Chapelle is the Galvin brothers’ venture in St Botolph’s Hall, a beautiful 19^th century building close to Spitalfield Market. The fine dining restaurant is dark and romantic, but during the day makes a good spot for lunch in beautiful surroundings. The Galvin brothers also have a more casual all-day cafe with outdoor seating.

Lutyens, Fleet Street

Located in the former Reuters building on Fleet Street, Lutyens is unmistakably Conran and a good addition to an area without many good dining options for a business lunch or dinner. The restaurant includes a large bar with a charcuterie counter, a 130 seat restaurant and 4 private dining and meeting rooms.

Portal, Clerkenwell

Portal is a modern Portuguese restaurant and bar in the foodie haven of St John Street. Architecturally, the dining room is stunning: a glass conservatory set in amongst a listed brick courtyard with atmospheric and beautiful up-lighting creating a dramatic backdrop. Food is mainly Iberian-inspired and although not inexpensive, the quality of ingredients remains high throughout the menu and worth the price.

Green’s Restaurants, The City

Green’s Restaurant is quiet and suits the crowd – think bankers, but an older crowd. This is a sophisticated restaurant, and the menu doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, and all your most comforting British favourites are there.

This is a well-polished restaurant and perfect for the crowd it continues to attract every day. Not one for a youngster, but it’s a relief to book into a restaurant with no surprises, no queues and simple, excellent quality produce and service.

The Grill at The Dorchester, Mayfair

The Grill at the Dorchester at the glamorous Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane has an illustrious culinary history and the menu places an emphasis on procuring high quality British ingredients, with classic British dishes such as grilled Dover sole holding court.

The Grill at The Dorchester manages to retain its sense of duty to its past whilst adapting to compete with an ever-changing and increasingly demanding London palate.

The Delaunay, Aldwych

The Delaunay sits on the corner of Drury Lane and Aldwych, and the restaurant is open seven days a week serving breakfast, afternoon tea, and à la carte lunch and dinner menus ‘inspired by the grand cafés of Europe’. While dinner is a glamorous affair, it’s a great spot for an unstuffy lunch that has the threat of lingering long into the afternoon.

Dean Street Townhouse, Soho

The Dean Street Townhouse is a boutique hotel and dining room from the Soho House Group. The restaurant service classic British cuisine from first thing in the morning until the early hours and it’s a great place for a business breakfast or lunch in Soho, but make sure you clear your calendar for the rest of the afternoon, as lunch often merges into dinner here.

Benares Restaurant, Mayfair

London has many excellent Indian restaurants, and one of the best is Benares on Berkeley Square in Mayfair. Benares is famous for matching wines with Indian food to bring out the flavours and spices. If you have a group of people, book the Chef’s Table where you can watch the chefs cook in the kitchen in front of you. Wash it all down with one of their signature passion fruit martinis – you’ll never want to leave.

Morgan M, Barbican

The new site of Islington’s famous French restaurant, Morgan M, has arrived in The City. Although tucked away opposite Smithfield Market, it isn’t at risk of being ‘happened upon’ but it is certainly worth seeking out.

Morgan Meunier delivers fine, modern French cuisine and has already built up a following in London for his creativity and consistency – for a midweek supper or business meeting this is certainly one of the area’s best finds.

Bon Vivant’s ‘Best Of’ Guides

If you liked this ‘best of’ feature, why not read our guide to the best brunch in London, the best cocktail bars in London or the best gastropubs in London?

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The Best Private Dining Rooms in London

Posted by Emyr Thomas

If you’re looking for the best private dining rooms in London, read on for expert tips from Emyr Thomas on where to book for group dinners or special occasions.

Our concierge team have excellent relationships with the best private dining rooms in London, so why not remove the hassle by using our concierge services who can take care of the whole process for you? Contact us for further details on the best private dining rooms in London

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, which holds 3 Michelin Stars, offers a selection of private dining options, including the intimate Salon Prive and the Salon Park Lane, which has glorious views over Hyde Park and can accommodate up to 28.

Our favourite room is the Table Lumiere, which is ideal for up to six guests. Cocooned by a luminescent oval curtain, it is surrounded by 4,500 shimmering fibre optics that drop dramatically from the ceiling, making it one of the best private dining rooms in London.

While diners are able to hear the buzz of the restaurant, they are partly screened from view, giving a sense of intimacy without any loss of atmosphere.

The Balcony at Galvin at Windows

Situated on the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane, ‘The Balcony’ is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows offering peerless views across Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and London beyond. Guests have the option to tailor their own menu based on the restaurant’s modern French inspired a la carte dining option. The Balcony can seat up to eighteen guests on one private table.

Bob Bob Ricard

Bob Bob Ricard in Soho, designed by David Collins in the style of an Edwardian train, oozes Art Deco decadence and the curtained private dining carriage still feels a part of the main restaurant and its buzzy atmosphere. Bob Bob Ricard offers all day dining and has one of London’s best cocktail bars on the lower ground floor.

The Chef’s Table at Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley

Marcus Wareing’s cooking presents haute cuisine at its finest with dark and seductive decor and impeccable service. The Chef’s table, in its own luxurious and intimate air-conditioned space at the heart of the restaurant, is ideal for a celebratory lunch or dinner.

The larger Pomerol Room (pictured above) is an elegant, refined space to enjoy exquisite cooking, making it one of the best private dining rooms in London.

The Sommelier’s Table at The Connaught

The Sommelier’s Table at The Connaught offers an intimate lunch or dinner curated by Head Sommelier Hugues Lepin and two Michelin-starred Chef Hélène Darroze.

Guests booking The Sommelier’s Table, which can accommodate up to eight guests, firstly consult with Hugues Lepin to create an exclusive wine menu for the meal, and Hélène Darroze will then create a tasting menu to match the selected wines.

The Sommelier’s Table at The Connaught is a hidden gem, discreetly tucked away in the wine cellar. Guests are greeted by a round solid oak table, with oak and leather chairs, surrounded by carefully selected art work, a warm and moody contrast to the cool white of the wine cellar’s limestone walls and flooring.

Hedone, Chiswick

Opened in July 2011 by self-taught chef Mikael Jonsson, Hedone instantly established itself on the London dining scene and gained its first Michelin Star in 2012.

The glass-walled Private Dining Room at Hedone affords comfort and privacy with a fantastic view of the wine cellar. Seating from 8-16 guests at a time and offering a bespoke menu for the whole table and Sommelier-matched wines.

The Wine Cellar at The Stafford Hotel

The Stafford’s Wine Cellars are the ideal setting for entertaining your guests and challenging their taste buds with some of the finest wines from around the globe. The Main Chamber seats up to 44 for lunch or dinner and the whole space can accommodate up to 95 guests for a standing reception.

The wine tastings are hosted by Gino Nardella, The Stafford’s Master Sommelier, who has been at the hotel for over 30 years. Guests can also have a tour of the cellars including an air raid shelter, which houses an intriguing selection of World War I and II artefacts.

The Kitchen Table at The Gilbert Scott

The spacious Kitchen Table at The Gilbert Scott is surrounded by walls of wine in the “engine room” (the kitchen) of the restaurant. The buzz of the kitchen creates a fantastic atmosphere from the intimacy of your own private space.

The chefs will share the event, bringing food to the table and perhaps carving your main course (such as a slow roast shoulder of Cumbrian lamb) in front of your party. The arc-shaped table seats up to 10 with the whole party facing towards the kitchen for a birds-eye view of the action.

Tempo, Mayfair

Tempo offers contemporary Italian cuisine at reasonable prices in the heart of Mayfair with a cosy, relaxed and intimate feel. The menu is influenced by the chef’s time in Sorrento and features cicchetti (Italian small plates) and many sharing dishes. The wine list is a small, eclectic selection of 65 wines, primarily featuring top small producers from Italy.

One of Tempo’s most striking areas is the stylish first floor bar, with its large floor to ceiling windows overlooking Curzon Street. There is also a warm and welcoming private room that is suitable for breakfast meetings, lunches and dinners seating up to 24 people, or for receptions and private parties up to 40. The room can also be combined with the Bar next door for exclusive hire of the first floor, making it one of the best private dining rooms in London.

Private Room at The Ivy

The Private Room at The Ivy is situated in the heart of Covent Garden, just above the celebrated restaurant and below the newly opened The Club at The Ivy. It shares their distinctive décor of stained glass windows and wood panelling and is a firm favourite with the capital’s theatre, literary, film and media crowds.

The reception area with bar and baby grand piano can accommodate 60 guests for drinks and canapés, while the main dining area seats up to 32 on one table or 60 on individual tables of 10 for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Clos Maggiore

The private dining room at Clos Maggiore seats up to 23 guests and is a stunning backdrop for a wedding reception, business event, canapé party or celebratory lunch.

Filled with light from the full height windows overlooking the Covent Garden piazza, it’s light and airy during the day and warm and inviting come the evening aided by dark wooden panelling and a roaring log fire. Clos Maggiore features in our list of the most romantic restaurants in London.

Trishna Restaurant

Trishna is located at 15-17 Blandford Street in Marylebone, specialising in the coastal cuisine of South West India. The menu of sharing plates is a modern take on traditional coastal classics, using British seasonal ingredients, which resulted in Trishna winning its first Michelin Star in 2012.

The private dining room is in the basement, with the restaurant’s wine cellar as a backdrop, which seats up to 12 guests.

The Temple at the Andaz Hotel

The Greek Masonic Temple is hidden in the depths of the Andaz Hotel with grandiose throne-like chairs, heavy mahogany, Grade II listed marble columns and a zodiac ceiling. The impressive space makes a great private dining space, but is also used for events such as fashion shows, product launches and wedding receptions.

Corrigan’s Mayfair

Corrigan’s Mayfair has a well-made dining room built to last and a menu as timeless as they come, in stylish and glamorous surroundings. The Kitchen Library is situated in a private booth in the kitchen, surrounded by an encyclopaedia of famous recipe books, where guests are often served by the Chefs, making this a contender for one of the best private dining rooms in London.

Mossimann’s Private Dining Club

Set in a luxurious and intimate converted 19th century church, Mossimann’s Club is one of the most prestigious private dining clubs in the world. Ranging from the Montblanc Room, one of the world’s smallest private dining room seating only two guests, to the Mappin & Webb room that can accommodate up to 50 guests in the grand dome-shaped Belfry, Mossimann’s offers excellent private dining facilities.

The Gherkin, London

Searcys The Gherkin at the top of the Gherkin offers five elegant private dining rooms that are ideal for a business meeting or special celebration, offering incredible views of London and beyond with a great location in the heart of the City.

If you liked this top 10 feature, why not read our guide to the best brunch in London, the most romantic restaurants in London or the best alfresco restaurants in London?

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The Best Beer Gardens in London

Posted by Emyr Thomas

Emyr Thomas shares his thoughts on the best beer gardens in London, along with a few of the best bar terraces.

The Gun, Docklands

With a beautiful riverside setting and a large decked terrace to embrace the British summer, The Gun is one of the best dining experience in the Docklands offering a great British pub menu.

In the summer, be sure to visit A Grelha at The Gun, an al fresco Portuguese BBQ of fresh fish and meats on the decked terrace, making this one of the best beer gardens in London.

The Albion, Islington

The Albion is a traditional English country pub in the heart of London, with the main attraction being its garden, one of the best beer gardens in London.

The French windows in the restaurant area open onto a terrace of over 450 sq metres, which can seat over 120 people for dining and drinking surrounded by herb beds, fruit trees and an original Georgian walled garden.

In the summer months, the outdoor barbeque is a real draw, as well as the whole roast suckling pig for 10 to share, making this one of the best beer gardens in London.

The Avalon, Clapham

The Avalon has 3 impressive outdoor spaces, including a front terrace, a side garden and a beautifully landscaped rear garden, which features an al fresco Mediterranean menu complete with charcoal barbecue and rotisserie.

With plenty of space for diners and drinkers, The Avalon the pub of choice for South Londoners with one of the best beer gardens in London.

The Engineer, Primrose Hill

Despite the ample dining space, the bar area is on the small side, but there is respite in the form of a back garden, which is an ideal spot for long summer lunches. The Engineer has one of the best beer gardens in London.

The Ship, Wandsworth

Housed on the banks of the Thames by Wandsworth Bridge since 1786, with a quiet and relaxing front bar, a large conservatory and an excellent garden overlooking Wandsworth Bridge, The Ship is a lively and sociable spot for summer drinking, making it one of the best beer gardens in London.

The Ship Wandsworth also serves excellent food, much better than your average pub food.

The Windsor Castle, Notting Hill

Covered with beautiful wooden floors and panels, with its labyrinth of connected rooms, the Windsor Castle is an authentic, historic British pub. The relaxed and friendly feel extends to the rear garden with its ivy-clad walls, which is always bustling in the summer.

The Stag, Hampstead

Situated on the Hampstead / Belsize Park border, a short stroll from Hampstead Heath, The Stag’s main selling point is its spacious garden, which is ideal for the summer and also when it becomes a little cooler, as some of the cabanas come with their own heaters.

The stag is known for its decent ales and classic British menu, which also features a barbeque in the garden in the summer.

Drapers Arms, Islington

While the upstairs dining room can feel a little cold, downstairs it is bustling and welcoming with excellent quality cooking, resulting in The Drapers Arms being awarded a Bib Gourmand in the 2010 Michelin Guide.

The terrace at the back of the pub is a much coveted spot when the sun shines making it one of the best beer gardens in London.

The Crabtree, Hammersmith

The Crabtree is a newly refurbished Victorian pub set on the river between Hammersmith and Putney, which has stunning views of the Thames. Although they serve classic gastropub food, the main attraction is the lovely and extensive beer garden, right on the edge of the Thames.

The House, Islington

Nestled on a leafy street, just moments from Upper Street, The House is a pub with higher ambitions in the kitchen. Along with a cosy and intimate interior, there’s a fairly spacious front terrace from which to enjoy a beer in the sun.

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If you liked this top 10 feature, why not read our guide to the best gastropubs in London, the best brunch in London, the most romantic restaurants in London or the best alfresco restaurants in London?