Nice hotel or restaurant to celebrate a 21st birthday?

[Mydoghealsmyheart]

My dd will be 21 later this year and I would love to take her and immediate family to celebrate in London. I don’t want it to be anywhere too “old” for her but equally special enough that she always remembers the occasion. So I’m seeking some nice suggestions for places that may be suitable? Thanks.

Anyone…..?

What's your budget, roughly?

Da Terra is expensive, but very interesting (Brazilian, tasting menu, absolutely beautiful open kitchen dining room).

The Devonshire and The George in Mayfair are very lovely but 'pubby', but a very special pub.

There's also The Ledbury, Bouchon Rancine, Frog by Adam Handling, Brat and KOL all in the middle of those.

The Brasserie of Light at Selfridges might be fun

Sketch? Hakasan

Ivy Asia St Paul's

Thanks to you all, I’m going to have a look at their websites and see what might suit her.

Balthazar in Covent Garden
Honey & Co - Lambs' Conduit St
Cafe Zedel - Piccadilly

We're going to Sketch at The Library next weekend for lunch, and it looks incredible - not stuffy or 'old' at all. And unusually for Michelin 3* you can do a la carte so she'd get the experience without massively challenging food

Thanks everyone, the suggestions are amazing and much appreciated. I’m having to look through the menus carefully as dd has a severe food allergy so some places might be out of the question. I think our budget will be around £60 per head but I’m not sure if this will get a special meal in London. Hopefully it will!

Skylon for the view? Tell them you need to book a window table as it is a 21st

I’ve just looked at the menu for Sketch and I don’t think a £60 per head budget will be anywhere near enough sadly. Does this mean I’m being unrealistic?

Check out 'Wears My Money ' latest blog post. Kate has listed lots of London restaurants that she recommends.

A budget of £60 isn't going to get you Michelin starred food but you will still get a lovely meal somewhere different.

I recommend the Big Mamma Italian restaurants in London - Ave Maria in Covent Garden is very 'Instagrammable' so might impress your DD.

Have a great time!

Lunchtime set menus are often better value
https://londontheinside.com/where-to-find-the-best-value-set-menus-in-london/

Does she have a favourite type of cuisine? I think you will get a better meal if you pick a cuisine and look for a restaurant that does really well cooked, authentic food rather than a 'high end' restaurant.

More thoughtful suggestions and ideas, thank you so much. I’m now wondering if a nice afternoon tea somewhere special would be better??

Sketch do afternoon tea

You won't get afternoon tea at a top hotel for £60 - I'd estimate £100 per head.
Plus, what would your daughter like? It's her birthday, so it needs to be something she would enjoy, not just her parents.

Sketch is hugely expensive, probably the most expensive.

https://london.danslenoir.com/

Ave Maria is a slight gamble you can't choose where to sit unfortunately so you might get a wonderful banquet but like us you may get the tiniest table in the world in a restaurant with the largest plates in the world and literally no where to put them!!

Ivy Asia St Paul's isn't too bad?
Hakasan has a good set menu

check out the lunch menus - often much better value and you combine it with a walk around or drink somewhere special as she’s 18.

Another vote here for Ivy Asia, very instagrammable and the prices are reasonable.

Oxo tower ,great views ,south bank quite fun in the evenings ,fairly reasonably priced. Not too stuffy for a 21 yr old.

If you want something special on that budget I’d be looking for a lunch menu somewhere. Many top restaurants do a set menu (2-3 choices per course) for a reasonable rate. But if you want good wine too you’ll be pushing it.

Ont the wine front, Hide do a corkage from their wine shop which can work out pretty well, and a decent lunch menu.

Where do you live? You may be better choosing a town/city more local and looking for special restaurant. Lunch tends to be much better value than dinner. London is very touristy and is fine if you know a little place in the 'burbs but otherwise overpriced.