Restaurants for business lunches
Here, important business people can do their important business.
"Buy, buy"; "Sell, sell"; "Marjorie, pick up my dry cleaning you awful cow" are the last things you want to hear being screamed into the working end of a Blackberry at the table opposite you as you tuck into your beef carpaccio.
Although fear not, "Business Restaurants" need not necessarily mean you'll be sat opposite Gordon Gekko as he works through this year's empire-building manifesto... instead, think refined, conveniently located, with thoughtful seating to eliminate ear-wigging... maybe even the kind of place you want to show off how far your expense account will get you. These are all criteria of a good business restaurant.
We've put together a list of the best restaurants in London in which important business people can do their important business.
This New York steakhouse has branches in Mayfair, Canary Wharf and the City, as if deliberately targeting the capital’s business bods. Beef is grain-fed (with the exception of the grass-fed fillet), and you can also feast on Wagyu beef chorizo, lobster bisque and pan fried foie gras.
A reliable menu of European fish and meat dishes, a large choice of wines available by the glass and polite, attentive service make Villandry a safe bet for business meetings.
The atmosphere is soothing at The Quilon, thanks to spot lighting and ample space between tables. Dishes from the South-western coast of India are given a contemporary twist; the fish and seafood are particularly good.
This stylish eatery has views over Canary Wharf, an open kitchen and two covered terraces with gentlemen’s club-style seating. The menu is French, with plenty of hearty dishes like roast fillet of beef and pig’s cheeks with black pudding.
Set in a former library, The Cinnamon Club retains rows and rows of bookshelves, which coupled with high ceilings, give it an old world feel. This is in stark contrast to the food, which presents a modern take on Indian flavours.
The décor here has the sort of plain, if formal look that is best for neutral meetings where no one wants to rock the boat (it is after all a stone’s throw from the H.M. Treasury and the Foreign Office buildings). Classic Gallic food courtesy of Michel Roux Jr.
Perched at the top of South Place Hotel, Angler is a Michelin-starred restaurant with a beautiful rooftop terrace, showcasing sustainable seafood from British waters. A great place for a business lunch.
This stunning restaurant is housed within a Grade II listed building that was once a bank. The formal interior is ideal for business meetings, aided by impeccable service and the delectable French cuisine.
Time to give your palate a global work-out with some seasoned favourites and an inspired re-workings; open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Its location means there is a steady stream of City folk during the week, but it’s mostly very popular due to its award-winning Italian food.
