Emyr's Reviews

Situated in the beautifully revamped Langham hotel, the David Collins designed bar is sleek, sexy and dramatic. With its 50 types of rum, Artesian is ideally placed for a post shopping cocktail or a refined haven from the frenzy of nearby Soho.

The Connaught hotel features two exquisite bars that are ideal for very different occasions. The warmth and intimacy of the Coburg Bar makes it a wonderful place to relax after a day at the office or shopping, while the design and the cocktails at the Connaught Bar are perfect for an upbeat glamorous evening with friends. We highly recommend one of their signature Martinis.

Visiting the chic and elegant Launceston Place is a culinary treat from ex-Petrus chef, Tristan Welch, whose menu presents haute cuisine with a British twist. Both the chef and the restaurant are increasingly rising to prominence in London, therefore expect highly accomplished refined British food. Launceston Place is well located for dinner after the concert at Royal Albert Hall.

Regularly featured in ‘best of’ lists and highly revered throughout the world, St John is an institution on the London dining scene. Housed in a former smokehouse around the corner from Smithfield Market, St John features simple, pared down British cooking that celebrates great ingredients and uses offal and neglected cuts as part of its ‘nose to tail’ ethos.

Magdalen features hearty British cuisine in a relaxed and unassuming setting near London Bridge. With a daily changing menu from chefs with real pedigree, the food is a class act, with friendly and professional service to match.

The Parlour offers fine cakes, sandwiches and tea in a grand setting with a cool and quirky vibe. There is a no reservation policy, but any wait will be worth it.

The Princess has established itself as a top dining experience in Shoreditch, combining a gastropub, serving classic pub dishes, in the downstairs bar area, with more of a fine dining experience in the upstairs dining room. Book ahead for the fine dining, or turn up early for the walk in downstairs. The Princess has a lengthy wine list, with many by the glass and carafe options.

Re-launched in 2008 under the direction of Ben Maschler, the son of the Evening Standard’s restaurant critic, Fay, The Drapers Arms has been lovingly restored to its former glory. While the upstairs dining room can feel a little cold, downstairs it is bustling and welcoming. The Drapers Arms was awarded a Bib Gourmand in the 2010 Michelin Guide.