London Official Guide 2014 - London & Partners

Restaurants,Bars & PubsThere are more than 8,000 restaurants inLondon, so you will always be able to find a greatrestaurant to suit your group. London boastsmore than 60 Michelin-starred restaurants,as well as having a wide choice of mid-pricedrestaurants, and serves international cuisinefrom some 70 different countries.Your clients can sample amazing menusfrom celebrity chefs such as Jamie Oliver,Gary Rhodes, Heston Blumenthal andGordon Ramsay, or visit the latestpop-up bars. Make sure they leave timefor British favourites too, such as fish andchips and other classic British cuisine,afternoon tea, or traditional pubs.For showstopping events, secret supperclubs, stylish meeting rooms and finedrinking, London’s restaurants and bars willalways impress. Aqua Shard and Hutong,recently opened in the iconic Shard building,offer stunning views and cutting-edgecuisine. The city’s international street foodscene goes from strength to strength – theWest End and Soho have lots of street foodand small plate restaurants for gourmetburgers, pizza, tapas, Mexican and Asiancuisine, providing fresh, authentic fare thatis perfect for those on the go.Or choose from quirky restaurants suchas the high tech décor and Japanese foodat Inamo St James, or the jungle-themedRainforest Café, or speciality cuisine at forexample The Cinnamon Club (Indian) orAlbannach (Scottish).In London your clients will discover:Dining on their doorstepLondon’s vibrant restaurant scene meansthat wherever your group stays, or whereverthe conference takes place, they will findfood and drink to delight. Central hotspotssuch as St Martin’s Courtyard, CarnabyStreet and Seven Dials offer a range ofindependent eateries and bars. Thosestaying near the Eurostar terminal will enjoyGolden Arrow near the beautifully restoredSt Pancras International station, which offersa vast list of wines paired with exquisitedishes. Near Canary Wharf’s financialdistrict, try Cinnamon Restaurant and Barfor smart yet unstuffy dining. If your clientsare staying by Heathrow Airport, TrunkRestaurant in the Radisson Blu EdwardianHeathrow hotel is a must-visit thanks to itseclectic internationally-inspired menu. Oryour clients can eat at new restaurant Scoff& Banter, at the Radisson Blu EdwardianHampshire in Leicester Square.For full Restaurants, Bars & Pubs listingssee our websiteslondonandpartners.com/travel-tradelondonandpartners.com/convention-bureau1 21 2Afternoon teaWith tea in a pot, scones with cream and jam,finger sandwiches and dainty cakes, nothingcould be more British than afternoon tea inLondon. From the Savoy to Claridge’s,London offers some top afternoon teas.Please note that advance booking is oftenessential and smart dress codes may apply.Value eatsLondon’s cafés, bars and pubs provide greatatmosphere at good prices. Try Mayfair’sSports Bar for pizzas and homemade burgers,or the George & Dragon pub in WestBrompton for traditional fare, while Fire &Stone offers good value pizza, and SpaghettiHouse and Masala Zone provide filling, freshand authentic food. If your group is off tothe theatre, pre or post-show meals areoften great value and can be combined asa package with a show.Dine on the riverThe River Thames is a beautiful settingfor a meal. Book a Bateaux London or CityCruises trip to feel the gentle swell of thewater while dining, or sipping afternoon teaor sunset drinks. You can hire an entireboat for parties of more than 65. Or trythe RS Hispaniola, a permanently mooredboat boasting fabulous views of theHouses of Parliament.Bars & pubsA night out at one of London’s many barswill be a bonding experience for your group.They can enjoy creations from expertmixologists at the May Fair Bar, or a privatecocktail party at Dirty Martini Covent Garden.Or your party may like to sample a pint ina traditional pub, a real British institution.With fascinating history and quirky originalfeatures, London’s pubs offer refreshmentsand food in traditional surroundings, oftenwith a bit of local legend thrown in forgood measure.Opposite: Royal Exchange Grand Café1 London pub2 Alfresco food and drinkMeals with a viewThese restaurants offer spellbindingviews of the capital and a chance totake in the city at sunset and nightfall.●●Galvin at Windows Restaurant: seton the 28th floor of the London Hiltonon Park Lane and offering stunningviews across the capital●●Minako at the Met: enjoy an Asianfusion menu at one of London’shighest restaurants●●Azura Bar and Restaurant: withfloor-to-ceiling river vistas andal fresco dining, this Canary Wharffavourite shows off London’s Docklands●●Sushi Samba and Duck & Waffle inHeron Tower offer great views, stylishdécor and delicious original food●●Skylon: on the South Bank offerslovely views over the River ThamesBespoke meals and eventsLondon’s restaurants and bars deliverunforgettable experiences for bothleisure groups and business events andreceptions. Try Hawksmoor Guildhall fordelicious steaks in amazing wood-panelledsurroundings, while the D&D Londongroup of restaurants, including Orreryand Quaglino’s to name just two, offerhigh-quality dining across London witha choice of cuisines. Grand locations foran à la carte meal include Oxo TowerRestaurant, Babylon at Kensington RoofGardens and Homage at the Waldorf Hilton.For a complete evening out try one ofmore than 30 Late Night London venuessuch as Grace or Opal, which both offerdinner, receptions with drinks and canapés,and dance floors where your party canmake a night of it. For something trulydifferent, organise a four-course banquetcomplete with jugglers and costumes foryour group at the Medieval Banquet nearthe Tower of London.15 londonandpartners.com