12 Of The Best Places For Lunch With The Girls
BEST FOR GETTING DRESSED UP
The Maine, Mayfair
The Maine opened its doors at the end of last year and has already established itself as a Mayfair hotspot for those in the know. Tucked behind Hanover Square, the New England-inspired brasserie is set in an 18th-century townhouse spread over three floors and also has an impressive year-round terrace. The Drawing Room has a cool mid-century aesthetic and a laid-back vibe, while The Brasserie & Tavern is best if you really want to get dressed up. Of all the spaces, our favourite it the terrace, where groups can order cocktails from the glitzy bar and enjoy crowd-pleasing dishes like rolls with aioli and homemade potato chips; crab and avocado salad; chargrilled octopus with puttanesca sauce and chorizo oil; and short rib croquets with jalapeno aioli. Meanwhile, the classic cocktail menu features margaritas, spicy palomas and martinis.
Unit 6, Medici Courtyard, 20 Hanover Square, Mayfair, W1S 1JY
Visit TheMaineMayfair.com
BEST FOR A BLOW-THE-BUDGET LUNCH
Isabel Mayfair
This Mayfair institution was made for special lunches with friends – and it’s hosted dozens of famous faces since opening in 2017, including Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham and Sienna Miller. Guests book in for lunch and often stay for live music and late-night cocktails in the evening. Groups can dine in the opulent gilded dining room with its art-deco and chinoiseries décor, or ask for table by the bar to watch the mixologists at work. Expect classic brasserie dishes on the menu, like tagliolini with Devon crab; roasted cod with mussels and braised leeks; and wagyu rump steaks with beurre blanc. Save space for Isabel’s signature Eton mess.
26 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, W1S 4HY
Visit IsabelW1.com
BEST FOR A SLICE OF ITALY
Daphne's, Chelsea
A buzzy old-school delight, Daphne’s has been serving well-heeled Chelsea locals since 1964. In the ensuing half-century, its striking Conservatory has played host to countless ritzy parties, though the 40-seat space really comes into its own in the summer when its retractable roof creates more of an al fresco vibe. Seasonal menus are pure Italian, presented in the classic antipasti-primi-secondi format – spaghetti alle vongole, aubergine parmigiana and vitello tonnato all feature in the line-up. Crisp white tablecloths, marble-topped bars and smartly turned out staff complete the classic feel. Order rosé and prosecco for the table and treat yourself to a couple of cocktails – we recommend the ‘Angel Whispers’ made with Cointreau, Maraschino, lychee, elderflower and lemon.
112 Draycott Avenue, Chelsea, SW3 3AE
Visit Daphnes-Restaurant.co.uk
Charlie McKay
BEST FOR VIEWS & VIBES
Decimo at The Standard, King’s Cross
Peter Sanchez-Iglesias won Michelin stars for both of his Bristol sites, Casamia and Paco Tapas. Now he also heads up Decimo. On the tenth floor of the Standard hotel, Decimo comes with floor-to-ceiling windows offering dramatic views across the London skyline. Accessed via a red elevator on Euston Road, the rattan-filled space includes an open kitchen, intimate standalone bar clad in Jatoba wood, and two attractive private dining rooms. When it comes to food, Sanchez-Iglesias merges the Spanish cuisine of his family with his love of Mexico. Expect tons of flavour via para picar gambas over ice; aguachile crab and jalapeño; cauliflower tacos; caviar-topped tortillas; a table-side prepared Caesar salad; and meat and seafood cooked over open fire. Make sure to have a pre-dinner drink at downstairs bar Double Standard.
10th Floor, 10 Argyle Street, King’s Cross, WC1H 8EG
Visit Decimo.London
BEST FOR OLD-SCHOOL GLAMOUR
Langan’s Brasserie, Mayfair
Langan’s has been an iconic Mayfair institution since the 1970s when the likes of Elton John and The Rolling Stones were regulars. In 2021, the restaurant underwent an extensive refurbishment with the inclusion of a glamorous new bar, a lounge for afternoon tea and a private dining room downstairs for special occasions. Diners can choose from oysters and other seafood dishes from the raw bar, steak and quality cuts of meat from the grill, and brasserie classics from the main menu like grilled Dover sole, spiced cauliflower with pesto and tahini, and risotto primavera with spring greens.
Stratton Street, Mayfair, W1J 8LB
Visit LangansBrasserie.com
BEST FOR SOMETHING CLASSIC
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
This west London outpost of the Covent Garden original is a close match for its legendary older sibling. In a sprawling Edwardian building right on the King’s Road, it’s busy and buzzy. Colourful, maximalist interiors add a sense of occasion to even a quick lunch, but we recommend clearing your calendar to make the most of the pretty garden out back. The menus are reassuringly familiar, featuring the iconic shepherd’s pie alongside lighter alternatives such as juices and healthier salads. Order classic cocktails or ask the barmen to make a sharing pitcher of something special.
197 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 5EQ
Visit TheIvyChelseaGarden.com
BEST OUT EAST
Mama Shelter, Shoreditch
Mama Shelter’s outdoor bar offers a sun-filled spot for drinkers and diners. Located right in the centre of the hotel, the space comprises an open roof terrace, while a refreshed food menu includes an extensive brunch offering, with the new cocktail collection including a ‘candy shop daiquiri’. It also hosts regular drag brunches, a raucous affair, with some of London’s best drag acts and DJs, and bottomless drinks. For al fresco dining, the Garden Bar serves an extensive selection of cocktails alongside dishes like niçoise salads with artichokes, moules mariniere, truffle macaroni cheese with poached eggs, and giant baked cookies with ice-cream and salted caramel sauce.
437 Hackney Road, Shoreditch, E2 8PP
Visit MamaShelter.com
BEST FOR SUMMER POP-UPS
The Berkeley, Knightsbridge
Every year, The Berkeley opens a summer pop-up on its spacious terrace – a lovely spot for sharing drinks with friends in the sunshine. Last month, the hotel welcomed Il Giardino, an Italian-inspired pop-up bringing a slice of Mediterranean life to London. The space is lined with olive trees, herb plants and candles. Diners will be welcomed with warm focaccia and a list of Mediterranean wines, before choosing from dishes like grilled asparagus with truffle and parmesan; sautéed octopus with broad bean purée and fried breadcrumbs; lemon and chilli baby chicken with fennel and olive salad; roasted wild seabass and caponata; and tagliolini with Sicilian pesto. There are also cocktails from the spritz trolley, and desserts including ice-cream, tiramisu and lemon meringue tart.
Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL
Visit The-Berkeley.co.uk
BEST FOR INTERESTING INTERIORS
Gold, Notting Hill
This neighbourhood restaurant and late-night bar opened a few years ago on the site of the renowned Portobello Gold pub. The modern European spot focuses on produce-led sharing plates and minimal-process cooking in wood ovens or over open flame – think nettle ravioli with sheep’s ricotta and sorrel followed by wood-roasted whole sea bream with wild oregano and capers. Modern bohemian interiors make use of the original shell of the building for an edgy look, while contemporary furniture, aged metals and indoor trees soften the space to create a warm environment. There’s also a party room for private events.
95-97 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, W11 2QB
Visit GoldNottingHill.com
BEST NEW SPOT
Boundary, Shoreditch
Last month, The Boundary Shoreditch hotel opened its new restaurant. Boundary is headed up by Swedish-born chef Robin Freeman (of 1 Lombard Street fame) and the menu features classic European dishes with a Scandi twist. Guests can dine indoors on the comfortable sofas or head to the terrace to dine outside. Menu highlights include scallops with anchovy and parsley butter, steak tartare with asparagus, roast chicken with wild garlic butter, and grilled cod with roe beurre blanc and nettle risotto. Stay into the evening to try drinks from the experimental cocktail menu and a range of European wines.
2-4 Boundary Street, Shoreditch, E2 7DD
Visit Boundary.London
BEST FOR VARIETY
The Ned, City
Anywhere that has ten restaurants and bars should probably be on this list. Of the multiple spaces, we like The Ned’s Library bar, which has 30 champagnes on offer, sold by the glass or bottle, a martini trolley and a selection of classic house cocktails. Alas, if you’re not a member you won’t be able to access the rooftop pool and bars. However, the open-plan restaurant space, which is housed in the impressive former Banking Hall, offers plenty of choice (we’re a big fan of Cali-inspired Malibu Kitchen, which serves superfood salads, raw veggies and cured fish and pretty-in-pink Millie’s Lounge), and live acts play on its central bandstand.
27 Poultry, City, EC2R 8AJ
Visit TheNed.com
BEST FOR LAID-BACK LUNCHES
Chameleon, Marylebone
Chameleon is a multi-experiential space inside Grade I-listed One Marylebone. The space offers a Tel Aviv-style sharing menu in its outdoor restaurant, which is split between the garden and nine individually styled private greenhouses, with the largest able to host 30 guests. Accessed through a speakeasy entrance that leads into the garden, guests will find an outdoor space which splits al fresco dining between relaxed seating and dining tables, with a focus on cocktails and sharing mezze plates.
1 Marylebone Road, Marylebone, NW1 4AQ
Visit Chameleon.London
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