Rising from the heart of East London, 553 London has breathed spectacular new life into a truly legendary building. Sitting at 553 High Road, this stunning halal Mediterranean restaurant and lounge bar occupies the lovingly restored Grade II listed Cauliflower Hotel – a Victorian gem first established in 1900 that, in its heyday, was considered one of the finest buildings this side of London. After a seven-year closure following a fire in 2018, the historic landmark has been reborn as one of East London's most exciting new dining destinations.
The ground floor restaurant has been transformed into a grand, atmospheric space centred around an impressive wooden bar, with deep green tables and elegant brown patterned chairs creating a warm yet sophisticated ambience. Upstairs, the first-floor lounge and bar area comes alive most evenings with live music, curated DJ sets on Fridays and Saturdays running until 3am, and a packed programme of seasonal events that keeps things buzzing throughout the week.
The menu champions halal Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on expertly prepared grill-based dishes, drawing on flavours and techniques from across the Mediterranean. The à la carte selection showcases beautifully chargrilled meats and fresh seafood, complemented by inventive starters and indulgent desserts – all crafted to create that sense of effortless indulgence the restaurant promises. There's also a dedicated kids' menu for family dining, and the restaurant's commitment to serving halal-certified meats alongside its full drinks menu reflects its desire to cater to the wonderfully diverse local communities that call East London home.
With a bottomless brunch with live DJ sets on Saturdays and a signature halal Sunday roast, 553 London is clearly setting its sights firmly on becoming a go-to destination.