2016 is a landmark year for heaps of London’s heaviest hitters. Some of them have survived wars, not to mention a whole army of fussy customers. Scroll down to read just what was happening in London when each opened, as well as how they’re celebrating.
Words: Eamonn Crowe and Yasmin Godfrey
2006: 10 years old
Prime Minister: Tony Blair
History lesson: A whale is discovered swimming in the Thames
Hawksmoor, Spitalfields
Steak supremo Hawksmoor debuted in Spitalfields and six restaurants later (NYC opens in 2017), it’s celebrating with the History of Hawksmoor menu. The six-course set menu cherry-picks Hawksmoor’s greatest hits, such as shortrib nuggets with kimchi ketchup (2012), and Tamworth pork belly ribs (2006). The menu costs £70 or £110 with accompanying drinks and trust us, it’s worth every penny.
Theo Randall at the Intercontinental Park Lane, Mayfair
Theo Randall’s first Italian success story has celebrated with a complete interior refurbishment, as well a menu refresh in honour of its birthday.
2001: 15 years old
Prime Minister: Tony Blair
History lesson: The Queen orders the American national anthem to be played after the Changing the Guard ceremony following 9/11
The Providores and Tapa Room, Marylebone and The Cinnamon Club, Westminster
The Cinnamon Club and The Providores have teamed up to celebrate, with Peter Gordon set to welcome Cinnamon Club founder Vivek Singh to The Providores on 18 October. They’ll be teaming up on a wine-paired dinner, so book your tickets here.
1996: 20 years old
Prime Minister: John Major
History lesson: Take That announce that they are splitting up (boo). The Spice Girls release 'Wannabe' (yay/boo/delete as appropriate).
Randall & Aubin, Soho
The brainchild of Jamie Poulton and Ed Baines is celebrating 20 years by launching Randall & Aubin Manchester this month. Long may they continue providing us with cracking oysters and glittering disco balls.
1991: 25 years old
Prime Minister: John Major
History lesson: Teen favourite Beverly Hills 90210 premieres
Christopher’s, Covent Garden
One of London’s oldest and most popular American restaurants was once home to a papier mâché factory, as well as London’s first licensed casino in 1870. There are a series of anniversary activities to stick your teeth into, including a greatest hits tasting menu, build-your-own-pancakes at weekend brunch and Afternoon Tea-nis (yup, dessert-flavoured Martinis).
Pied à Terre, Fitzrovia
Chef Richard Neat was the restaurant’s founding partner, so to celebrate 25 years he’s returning to the kitchen during this week only, to cook the ‘Iconic Menu’. Available until Saturday 10 September, you can find out how to get involved here.
Le Pont de la Tour, South Bank
Situated on a 19th-century site that used to be a tea warehouse, Le Pont de la Tour has been offering grand views of Tower Bridge and classic French cuisine for a quarter of a century. There are no planned events, but a whopping three Squaremeal stars is a stupendous present in itself.
1981: 35 years old
Prime Minister: Margaret Thatcher
History Lesson: Bucks Fizz win Eurovision with their song 'Making Your Mind Up'
Le Caprice, Mayfair
This stealth-wealth hotspot is in the mood to celebrate 35 years: you can dine on the Caprice Classics menu until the end of September for £35, including a cocktail. Miss the 80s? Enjoy retro classics including bang bang chicken, steak tartare and hot chocolate pot pudding. Fabulous cocktails of yesteryear will also get the birthday treatment, with a retro tipple which changes with the seasons – who said history was dull?
1966: 50 years old
Prime Minister: Harold Wilson
History lesson: Gordon Ramsay is born and (probably) swears immediately
Gaylord, Fitzrovia
Considered one of the capital’s most traditional Indians, Gaylord has launched its own label with Fratelli Wines to celebrate half a century in London. If it’s been aged for that long, it should be rather good.
1926: 90 years old
Prime Minister: Stanley Baldwin
History lesson: The Queen (you know, that lady who has everything in London named after her) is born
Quo Vadis, Soho
Previously run by Marco Pierre White and Damien Hirst in 1996, in 2007 the pair had a (rather large) falling out and moved on. The Hart brothers have since taken over, installing Jeremy Lee in the kitchen. Currently closed for a big revamp (and to make room for Barrafina Soho), Quo Vadis should be fresher than ever when it reopens on 12 September.
Veeraswamy, Mayfair
Regent Street’s pioneering Indian has created special dishes for you to devour in honour of its massive birthday. These include shahjahani badami, a mild chicken curry which was originally a Mogul recipe. Why? Veeraswamy’s first owner, Edward Palmer, was descended from Mogul royalty.
1916: 100 years old
Prime Ministers: H.H Asquith and David Lloyd George
History lesson: First-ever bombing of central London occurs when a German plane drops six near Victoria station
Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, Mayfair
Owned by chef Richard Corrigan for over 10 years now, the restaurant is celebrating with a party today and is also hosting a series of Sunday lunch events. Featuring four course of historic dishes, the ‘100 Club’ events are £45 per person and take place on 18 September, 16 October and 20 November.
Happy anniversary to all of the big birthdays this year, Squaremeal salutes you.
This article was published 6 September 2016