Big London
Big Londoners need their playtime too. So book the babysitter, reserve your table and reconnect at one of Marie-Claire Chappet’s rendezvous hotspots for that long overdue date night…
For new romantics…
Cool and sophisticated: for Big Londoners only.
Hawksmoor, Knightsbridge
Hawksmoor’s latest outpost is an Art-Deco haven that retains the iconic restaurant’s signature style and sumptuous menus. Make sure to try the new additions to the menu- the Devilled Lobster and Citrus scallops.
thehawksmoor.com 0207 590 9290
Sushi Samba, Bishopsgate
This fusion restaurant is the epitome of cool, urban dining. Its sleek, architecturally stunning indoor and outdoor interiors (above) are matched only by the dizzying height of its location on the 38th and 39th floors of the Heron Tower. Those with vertigo need not attend.
sushisamba.com 0203 640 7330
Bar Boulud, Knightsbridge
Situated in the Mandarin Oriental hotel, this sister restaurant to the hugely successful New York venue, is a reliable culinary treat with a relaxed atmosphere suited to that all-important date.
barboulud.com 0207 201 3899
Balthazar, Covent Garden
Book in advance to avoid disappointment and prepare to feel smug when you’re finally there, Balthazar is one of London’s finest gastronomic delights- a special choice for a rare parent date.
balthazarlondon.com 0203 301 1155
Just the two of you…
Beautiful dining rooms for some old fashioned romance
Berner’s Tavern, Fitzrovia
One of the most beautiful and ostentatious dining rooms in London, Berner’s Tavern is a decadent choice for a romantic evening.
bernerstavern.com 0207 908 7979
Bob Bob Ricard, Soho
With luxury booth seating, a lively club room and impeccable service: romance and glamour are Bob Bob Ricard’s selling points. Well, that and a button that says ‘Press Here for Champagne.’
bobbobricard.com 0203 145 1000
34 Restaurant. Mayfair
Warm, inviting and stylish; with a house pianist during the week and a jazz trio at weekends, 34 is pure modern romance.
34-restaurant.co.uk 0203 350 3434
Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden
Voted the most romantic restaurant in London, Clos Maggiore’s blossom filled conservatory (above) and warm décor make it a stunning setting for an intimate date.
closmaggiore.com 0207 379 9696
For cocktails and conversation…
Rekindle the spark with some fizz and flirting…
Barts, South-Kensington
Sssssssh! Barts speakeasy is the worst kept secret in London, located somewhere on Sloane Avenue but I couldn’t possibly tell you where…
barts-london.com 0207 581 3355
The Blue Bar at the Berkeley
For a classic, sophisticated bar date, The Blue Bar at the Berkeley has long been a standard. Try their signature champagne cocktail-The Berkeley.
the-berkeley.co.uk 0207 235 6000
69 Colebrooke Row, Angel
An under-the-radar bar for those in the know, 69 Colbrooke Row’s unassuming façade contains the best mixologists in London.
69colebrookerow.com 07540528593
The Beaufort Bar at The Savoy
The Beaufort Bar is an Art-Deco venue with bespoke cocktails and a glorious history. Set on the stage that once hosted the likes of Gershwin and where live music still prevails: buckle in for an evening of old-fashioned glamour.
fairmont.com 0207 836 4343
For part-time party animals
For staying up way past your bedtime…..
Bermondesy Arts Club, Bermondsey
It used to be a pubic toilet and now, after a swanky renovation, it’s one of London’s brand new hot spots. Grab one of their signature Negronis (above) and try not to think about the previous occupants.
bermondseyartsclub.co.uk book@bermondseyartsclub.co.uk
Chiltern Firehouse, Marylebone
Beg, borrow or steal a reservation at Andre Balaz’s latest venture. This eatery-cum-nightclub has fast become the hottest venue in town.
chilternfirehouse.com 0207 073 7676
Ronnie Scotts, Soho
A great destination to make the most of the babysitter: take in a late show at London’s legendary jazz spot. Carriages at 3am.
ronniescotts.co.uk 0207 439 0747
Duck and Waffle, Bishopsgate
The highest restaurant in the UK (40 floors up) is also the most hardworking. Open 24/7 it’s an inspired choice for a late night snack and some unparalleled views before heading home to your Little Londoners.
duckandwaffle.com 0203 640 7310
For more Big London see the Sept/Oct issue of Little London: on sale 22 Aug.
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