J Sheekey

‘Far & away the best fish restaurant in London’ according to its numerous fans, this theatreland classic continues to win applause for its well-judged food served in a ‘refined’ yet ‘buzzy’ atmosphere. Discreetly tucked away from the West End crowds down a pedestrian cut-through, Sheekey’s series of dining rooms offers a variety of seating from high stools at a counter to leather banquettes & intimate, wood-panelled alcoves. There’s a variety of eating, too, from the traditional (fish & chips, seafood platters, jellied eels) to the more eclectic (razor clams with chorizo & broad beans, or grilled scallops with chilli & fennel). As at sister restaurant The Ivy, the quality of cooking is sound rather than sensational, & prices more reasonable than the fame of the restaurant might lead you to expect. With regular celebrity spots almost guaranteed, securing a peak-time table can be problematic, though brilliantly drilled staff try to accommodate walk-ins & plans to open an adjoining shellfish & Champagne bar should ease the pressure.