Nice / fun lunch in London

[Icanttakethisanymore]

We need to choose a place to go for team Christmas lunch. We are all quite into food and eat everything. I guess budget for the food is about £100pp (extra for drinks is fine). We went to Fallow last year which was nice but a bit hectic. I'd prefer somewhere a bit smaller and understated.

Sorry I should add - there is only 4 of us so no special requirements on big groups.

How central do you want to be? Brunswick House is a big fave of mine, the room is incredible and feels very cosy and festive in the winter! Otherwise how about Quality Chop House, St John, Noble Rot (any of them).

What a fun dilemma to have!

Blacklock hospitality is fantastic

The Devonshire is more relaxed with good food. Bob Bob Ricard (soho) is a bit of fun, but the beef wellington is amazing. Duck Soup is cosy if you’re ok with sharing dishes. What sort of food/atmosphere do you like?

Any of The Ivy cafes are brilliant. Buzzing atmosphere x

We are based in Borough but happy to travel for a good feed!

Brunswick House - Ahhhhhh, I have never been here but I have driven past this place so many times! I'll check it out.

St John and Noble Rot both look great interesting dishes / flavours which appeals.

Nigella is always raving about https://www.bouchonracine.com/ as is Jay Rayner.

What food do you like? What kind of atmosphere are you after?

Oh if you are Borough way Brunswick House is very doable! The restaurant is also a showroom for LASCO and has about fifty chandeliers, loads of massive mirrors, art, sculptures etc, and the food is absolutely top notch!! Plus the wine list is great and the cocktails are rather yummy too.....

I've never eaten at the devonshire but have been for drinks a lot and a friend had a birthday do there once. I like the look of the menu but I think probably something a bit more 'interesting' from a food perspective for a special meal. Having had a look I'm definitely going to go for a slightly less special meal sometime soon!

Recently we've been to The French House and The Palomar which were both really enjoyable. The atmosphere at the latter wasn't too much to rave about but food was really nice in both cases.

I've not been to Bob Bob Ricard but have heard of it - that could be a good shout.

Bob Bob Ricard is good fun but (I thought) a bit fur-coat-no-knickers once you got over the novelty of the "press for champagne" button! Like it was a nice visit, but the food was nothing to write home about, and I think you can do much better for the money!

Thank you - I'll take a look.

In terms of atmosphere, nothing too OTT. I went to Sexy fish a little while back and whilst it's great for people watching, it's not my / our scene. Interesting food in bistro or pubbish environments works for us, or something a bit more formal but more traditional / classic rather than a glitzy vibe.

Recently we've been to The French House and The Palomar in Soho which were both really enjoyable. The atmosphere at the latter wasn't too much to rave about but food was really nice in both cases.

I might get pissed and buy a chandelier 😂I am a sucker for fancy interiors

We actually got married there earlier in the year (can you tell we are fans!?) and fully intended to buy something silly on our wedding day! Obviously time flew and we completely forgot, but we're intending to go back on our first anniversary to put it right!!

Oh wow! Congratulations.

We used to live in Shad Thames and go down to the south coast at the weekend - we used to pass this place on the way every week and admire it!

What about https://www.quovadissoho.co.uk/

Ah, I have heard of this place but not been. Or may have been for a drink many years ago... certainly not eaten there though.

Shoreditch Dishoom is fun

Bob Bob City was awful, don’t know about the others. How about Rules, It’s the dog’s, or The Wigmore?

We've actually been to Rules for a Christmas lunch a few years back. It was fab but I think we'd like to try something new. Someone I spoke to mentioned the Wigmore recently - I'll take a look. Thanks!

Ah - yes, I do like Dishoom but I've been a fair bit so looking for something new.

Wilton’s?
le Frog (Adam Handling)

I also love Prawn on the lawn but probably also one you know well. My friends son is a chef for Adam Handling, they are not my thing but everyone else I know absolutely loves his restaurants

Here is my current list of "restaurants I've heard/read about that look fun and I must go sometime". Fill your boots!

The Dover, Dover St
Lolo Bermondsey st
Pavyllon Mayfair Hyde park corner
Restaurant 1890 Savoy Hotel
Bistro Freddie Shoreditch
The Hero Maida Vale
Brutto
Cafe Francois Borough Market
Maison Francois Piccadilly
Santo Remedio - Mexican Marylebone
Seabird
Waterhouse project
Blanchette D’arblay street

Thank you!

Of these I can share feedback on;

Cafe Francois - we work round the corner and go for lunch a fair bit. Because we tend to go on non-special occasions we often opt for the lunch menu which is great value. Definitely worth a visit.

Brutto - I had a wonderful long lunch here a couple of years ago. Great atmosphere, delicious food and wine. I loved it.

Guinea Grill or Berners Tavern, or indeed the Bleeding heart Tavern Bistro... all 3 are more 'posh pub' vibe?