Business trip, so I had little say in where I ended up eating. Been to London countless times though.
Lunch at The Hoxton Hotel, Southwark
Nice atmosphere, quite busy on a Monday afternoon. The place looks very good, lots of green plants, wooden floors, nice large bar. Food was less spectacular unfortunately. I had a fillet of seabass with leeks in cream sauce, and it was just too creamy/sweet. The others had a salad (one wanted to order something healthy but the salad was almost drowned in mayonaise), and 2 burgers that looked good but not spectacular.
Dinner at Annabel’s
Private club. Beautiful restaurant/bar. This was my second time. I’m not a member, but a good business relation is. The place (we were at the Garden, downstairs) was packed with families, couples, and business people, all joyfull and happy. The food was surprisingly good. We shared a bunch of appetisers with the four of us, including a magnificent beef carpaccio. I had a sole meuniere as a main which was really good. Desserts were also excellent. If you can get in, I’d 100% recommend going.
Dinner at Brasserie Blanc (The City)
Surprisingly affordable! Lots of main courses around GBP 20. Also very good, honest, not necessarily ground breaking, but still highly enjoyable food. Like how a very good home cook would cook, a style which I really love. Again the place was packed (Tuesday), the restaurant is open and airy. We were with a group of 9 people. Did not see what everybody had, but my starter of scallops was good. Curry sauce. As a main I had the stonebass (fillet of white fish) with a creamy sauce and potato puree. Desserts were also very good, I had the pistacchio soufle with some vanilla icecream on the side. Everyone enjoyed their food!
Dinner at Roka Mayfair
Japanese. A restaurant to see and be seen, and to impress clients. Not necessarily for the food, but it’s still enjoyable. Don’t expect traditional, pure flavours though: e.g. mayonaise in sushi. The sashimi was good, though not much choice. The bbq beef was also worthwile. Do not go for the food, as there are other, better, Japanese restaurants. But this restaurant still offers a highly enjoyable evening imho, provided you are on an expense account.
Breakfast at Claridge’s Hotel Mayfair
Quintessential London landmark. We were in a separate room, but the main breakfast area was packed. Silver cutlery, beautiful plates. We were with a large group, say 40 people, and had a selection of sandwiches (salmon, bacon), fresh fruit, muesli, pastry, tea, coffee. What can I say other than that it’s a great place. I had drinks there the day before, before going to Roka, and the bar is also very nice. Had 2 great negroni.
Drinks at The Ned in The City
The place to be when you’re in the City on a weekday night. Live music on a Tuesday night.
Sleep at Apex Temple Court Hotel on Fleet Street
Very enjoyable, would 100% recommend.
