Christopher’s, London’s original American restaurant and bar
since 1991, has reopened after an extensive, four-month refurbishment with new menus to complement the new look. Set in an iconic, Grade II listed building in the heart of
Theatreland, the new look for the Dining Room, Martini Bar and Club Room celebrates the glamour and elegance of Modern America whilst exposing and highlighting the exceptional
character of the original structure. Similarly, the menus reflect the history of Christopher’s, retaining the ever-popular USDA Prime steaks, and Surf ‘n’ Turf dishes, whilst introducing more contemporary classics and a brand-new, all-day menu in the Martini Bar.
Christopher's

Address
18 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7DD
Telephone
020 7240 4222
Cuisine
American
Other Branches
Christopher's
Region
Covent Garden
Nearest Station
Covent Garden (0.19 miles)
Lunch
Monday – Friday: 12:00 - 15:00
Dinner
Monday – Saturday: 17:00 - 23:30
Sunday 17:00 - 22:30
Weekend Brunch
11:30 - 15:30
Martini Bar
Monday – Wednesday: 11:30 - 0:00
Thursday - Saturday: 11:30 - 1:30
Sunday 11:30 - 22.30
Christopher's Picture Gallery


All In London Review
Skillfully blends British formality with American ease
Upon entry up a few steps, you enter a small domed reception area. The two staff were rather cool and formal and I began to feel uncomfortable when they failed to identify my colleague’s reservation on the first attempt. Then I was directed into the Martini Bar to await my companion. It’s a lovely long room – just faintly reminiscent of an intimate hotel lounge. There’s a small, well stocked bar at the far end and on the right is a beautiful brown marbled high table with bar stools and on the left are low level banquettes and cushion stools in ivy green and burgundy in open bays. It feels elegant and expensive but the light from the wall of windows gives it a relaxed feel.
Before I had time to inspect the cocktail menu a waitress appeared and I ordered a Virgin Mary. This appeared rapidly adorned with a celery stick and cherry tomato on a stick. The straws arrived shortly afterwards. It was fresh, peppery and seasoned just right. My colleague ordered a martini almost immediately he joined me – just a hint of vermouth and some olives. He was happy. But looking at the menu as we sipped my eyes roamed across the classic, contemporary and decadent martinis on offer (most priced at £10) including the Nutella martini, the chilli and ginger chocolate martini and the espresso martini.
There’s also a solid bar food menu here offering nibbles, salads and burgers. If I’d wanted an informal bite there was plenty to choose from.
However, I was keen to see the refurbished restaurant so we went up a delightfully restored (authentic wear marks) spiral stone stair case with huge oval shaped modern light fittings hanging down the central space. It’s worth just taking a peek at this architectural feature.
The restaurant décor is calming and tasteful – shades of grey and a dash of yellow and the ornate ceiling cornices well lit. I was pleased with our white clothed table – I could see out of the window and onto Waterloo bridge. It was comfortably busy too – there were only two empty tables on arrival and these were soon filled. It was low key, informal wear for the business folk and smart casual for the various ladies who lunch and others.
My colleague took a glass of Californian Pinot Noir and I stuck to a French Chenin Blanc. I was super impressed that the waiter didn’t blink an eye when we gave our somewhat complicated order – we wanted to share a starter and my companion wanted a burger with bacon and no salad (£14) (not on the restaurant menu). He tucked into the salted and herbed butters with the offered bread varieties while I munched through some olives.
They placed the Maryland Crab Cake with arugula, red pepper mayo and tomato jam in the centre. The cake was a good size – not too large – and it was warm, well flavoured and moist. Excellent choice.
There was a set lunch menu although the a la carte menu has a good selection – steaks and lobster feature strongly but there were numerous other choices including chicken, rack of lamb, pork bellies and zucchini flowers for the vegetarians. There were raw bar, salads, pasta and fish options too (I was sorely tempted by the red snapper). I choose the blackened salmon (which wasn’t very black but was expertly cooked otherwise) with jambalaya risotto and cress salad (£19). Please notethe English rather than American portion sizes. I also received a side of skinny fries (£4) which I don’t think I ordered having expected to steal a few of my companion’s. Whilst our choices didn’t allow a fulsome critique of the chef, what we had was very good. Better than expected.
There was a bit of a mix up with the coffees – it was quickly sorted out though. And whilst we had looked at the dessert menu we decided to share some ice cream – mainly because I was keen to try the salted caramel version. And I admit I also tasted the pistachio and vanilla scoops too.
The overall bill came to £112. I thought that this was on the pricey end but it is a smart and top end restaurant and slap band in the heart of Covent Garden that skilfully blends British formality with American ease. It’s good to see that the owners have breathed new life into a Covent Garden institution and restored it to its former glory.
Reviewed by KimT
Published on Jul 8, 2013
In The News
The venue reopens on May 16th
Best For
London's best pancake shops and restaurants
Don't forget the Jiff lemon...
This American restaurant and martini bar sticks to crowd-pleasing buttermilk pancakes for weekend brunch, however for Pancake Day customers are given a list of ingredients to build their own. We'll take the blueberry-buttermilk base with coconut yoghurt/nutella/salted caramel ice cream/chocolate sauce and everything else please.
User Reviews
Feb 16, 2011
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Jan 24, 2010
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Rosemary Bartholomew
Jan 12, 2010
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Dec 15, 2009
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The standard of food was very high, and I was surprised at how good value the brunch menu was. They also did a fantastic 'breakfast martini'! We already have plans to go back.
Sep 4, 2009
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Aug 18, 2009
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The staff were very courteous and prompt with the service. We lingered a little longer as we weren't going to the theatre afterwards and there was no problem with this.
It's rare to find a restaurant that serves excellent food cooked to perfection, so I enthusiastically recommend any one to try out Christopher's. I am going again with a few more friends for my birthday!
Corinne
Aug 5, 2009
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May 18, 2009
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May 5, 2009
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I'd definitely recommend this place to anyone - particularly if you are planning to see a show at the Lyceum Theatre in Covent Garden, as the restaurant is right outside.
Apr 18, 2009
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Apr 9, 2009
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We hadn't booked in advance and were helpfully accomodated with a table later that evening, so we had drinks in the bar, again a great atmosphere.
Food was great, and I'd definately go again
Mar 24, 2009
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Jan 8, 2009
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Oct 23, 2008
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Oct 1, 2008
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Sep 26, 2008
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Sep 22, 2008
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The bar has a superb range of Martinis and delicious cocktails of all varieties-always lovingly created packed full with amazing flavours.
Service is excellent and staff are attentive, unobtrusive and helpful.
Relaxed and stylish atmosphere.
Would highly recommend for pre- or post- dinner or theatre drinks (good restaurant at Christopher's too!)
Sep 11, 2008
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There was so much cboice on the menu it was hard to decide what to have.
It is a great find right in the heart if theatreland.
I thoroughly reccomend Christopher's
Sep 9, 2008
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Sep 3, 2008
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Always superb food, nice but unpretentious surroundings wonderful cocktails and a nice buzz - very good, knowledgeable staff who remember you. I can also recommend the Martini class for the lovers of that drink informative and fun.
Can be quiet but I like that...
Highly recommended
Sep 3, 2008
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Sep 3, 2008
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Aug 10, 2008
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Jul 17, 2008
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Jul 15, 2008
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I am looking forward to the next visit
Jul 3, 2008
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Well worth a visit - I shall certainly be returning & will be treating my daughter!
Jun 18, 2008
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Jun 16, 2008
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The good is good quality, and the portion sizes are well above adverage. Service is good to excellant, especially at the price. Wine selection is very good, and again at a very reasonable, price.
Try to establish the table with the view across the river. You will not be disappointed.
C. M. Eve.
Jun 16, 2008
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Jun 10, 2008
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Jun 8, 2008
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Jun 8, 2008
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Firstly the brunch was fantastic: bloody marys in the bar downstairs waiting for all friends to arrive the upstairs for GREAT food from an extensive menu. Healthy choices and things from the grill menu. Had a great time and coming back on July 6th!
The bar downstairs is a great place to meet people after work when you want to go somewhere where you can hear each other talk and sit in pleasant surrondings. Martinis are sublime and I could've quite happily worked my way through the list given enough time. Service from highly attentive staff was impecable.
Top marks! Than
May 31, 2008
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We then had dinner from the set menu - which had a great variety and the food was excellent. The service was great too - it was much more than we had hoped for and we're definitely going back!!
May 30, 2008
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Apr 9, 2008
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Apr 7, 2008
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Apr 5, 2008
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Apr 4, 2008
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bar, and sampled some of their brilliant selection of very well made cocktails. Nice
atmosphere in the bar too.
Dinner was excellent. Great variety of dishes, great presentation, although I was a
little diappointed by the size of my desert, but all round excellent quality. Service was
attentive without being overbearing, and they happily changed my drink without fuss when
a mistake was made.
Would recommend Christopher's for an excellent evening out, but save up first as it is a
little on the pricey side, but certainly justified.
Mar 12, 2008
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We love the ambience as well; you can't ask for more from a restaurant and Christopher's delivers it all. Just off the Aldwych in Wellington Street, it is easy to find and to get to.
Feb 29, 2008
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Comment on this reader review
Dec 14, 2007
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Dec 7, 2007
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The building itself is beautiful and restaurant has a very elegant feel. Drinks in the bar downstairs before dinner are a must - lovely atmosphere.
There is a good selection of food and all of our meals were excellent. The service is very good as you would expect of a restaurant of this calibre.
I would definitely recommend the restaurant and look forward to my next visit.
Dec 4, 2007
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Dec 4, 2007
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Sep 16, 2007
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Sep 16, 2007
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Aug 10, 2007
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Aug 7, 2007
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Aug 7, 2007
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Jun 10, 2007
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