Cool bar/restaurant ideas WC2 or close?

[goingmadinthecountry]

DH and I are going to have a rare stay overnight in London for our 23rd anniversary in a couple of weeks - we'll probably stay at the Waldorf. Any ideas for somewhere lovely but not old fashioned style formal? Bearing in mind we're both knocking on a bit, but I try not to own up to it! Also champagne/cocktail bar? They've all changed a bit since it was my university stomping ground in the 80s, and more recently at least one of the 4 kids is in tow!

Thanks - want to avoid that wandering around then end up in Pizza Express because everywhere's booked! No real preference for type of food as long as it's lovely.

I would recommend The Blue Elephant on Fulham Broadway. Lovely Thai food and in the most gorgeous surroundings! It really is an experience!

Enjoy!

The Coburg Bar at the Connaught Hotel in Mayfair for the best cocktails in town, followed by dinner at Maze. Perfect. You'll need to book.

Had a couple of good lunches recently at Moti Mahal in covent Garden. They always have good deals - classy Indian.
Also in covent Garden - Wahacas (tapas Mexican).
Check out top table for deals in the area you are staying....

Where else? SMiths of Smithfield. Bleeding Heart in Farringdon. If you like Sushi, try sushi hiroba on Kingsway.

Don't go in for Champage bars much, but for my 40th we did have a glass of fizz at St Pancras. By the way, the new hotel (or old refurbished hotel) sounds fab.

gawd bleeding heart is fabulous. One of the best meals I've had in ages. Am going to take dh there if we ever sort out a sitter. Wonderful food. I haven't eaten in the Bistro but understand that's a bit less formal if that's what you were looking for. It's a lovely location too - hidden down backstreets in Hatton Garden so you can drag dh past the jewels afterwards ;-).

you eat in places I like fedup. Moti does lovely posh Indian food.

One Aldwych has a nice bar - have had cocktails and drinks there many a time.

I work near Chancery Lane...not great for shopping (thanks the lord) but the eateries aren't bad! Have only eaten in the Pub / bistro and it has been pretty good foodwise (although service was a little slow last time). Went to one aldwych once - very nice, but quite pricey!

Thanks for the ideas - will forward to dh so he can sort it out -for once- . Lots of great sounding places. Will be novellty to have a table for 2......

Champagne/wine bar in the area - The Crusting Pipe at Covent Garden (in the old covered market, downstairs) is a very short stagger from your hotel. Same 'chain' have Champagne Charlies along the Strand but not as nice IMO.

Dh is away tonight so I have a lovely evening planned - large glass of wine (hey, I'm not working tomorrow} and a look at all these places on the laptop. Zumba can wait another week....