Thread: Eating out

If you want an old school British roast, you really can't beat Simpson's On The Strand. Expensive but well worth it. Simpson's also have a tiny little chop house tucked away in the City were you can get a very good lunch (I recomend the steak and kidney pie).

^ Simpsons seconded from this callsign too.

Especially breakfast.

I haven't eaten in Rules' since they laminated the menus. Presumably they sell tweed T-shirts with the logo on, too.

Had lunch at Fish by Southwark Catherdral last week. Very good quality everything cooked fresh in front of you, bit like sitting in a greenhouse though.

The Terrace at Harrods has vastly improved over the last 6 months.

Come on people, is there anyone eating out further north than Nottingham but south of the border.
Jakes Bar and Grill off Calls Lane in Leeds does some of the best steaks this side of my Ma's house!
There are also a few Italian eateries worth mentioning, Bibis Criterion in town (Under a brand new NCP car park but don't let that put you off)
and Salvos in Headingley both worth a look.

Took the gf to Simpson's for Valentine's. As good as ever, but the prices have risen since it was taken over by Fairmont. A cocktail apiece (the the Knight's Bar at Simpson's do absolutely the best martini in London), and three courses with drinks = £140.

A (slightly pished) look at the menu shows that they are now charging for main courses what I paid for dinner last year.

Still worthwhile, but forewarned etc...

Another favourite is Claridge's Reading Room, where a very good dinner can be had for around £30/head. Very comfortable, impeccable, unhurried service and beautifully cooked and presented food. Smart dress is required.

Belgo in Covent Garden is a Belgian restaurant which specialises in mussels, though other dishes are available. At lunchtime they do a £5.95 special which includes a drink. The restaurant is in the cellars, with industrial decor. Very busy and noisy in the evening, so best to book. Ideal for nights out in town, not least because they have over 100 different beers.


In Leeds, Bryan's of Headingley is an institution. It's a fish and chip shop with a restaurant attached. Huge portions (and superbly fresh fish), c/w bread and butter and pot of tea. No booking, and often very long queues to get in, especially on Friday night. Michael Parkinson has been going there for years (and still has to queue).

The Blue Bicycle in York is excellent, but very popular and advance booking is needed.

Harrogate is full of restaurants, and provided one avoids the various chains and themed places (just watch for all the Chelsea tractors outside), there are some great places; I particularly like Sous La Table near the conference centre.



In Belfast, Shu on Lisburn Road is currently thought to be amongst the best. Very good food and service, and not too expensive. Vargo's a couple of doors down is said to be good, though I've yet to visit - their midweek 3-courses for £17.50 may be worth a look. Nik's Warehouse down near the cathedral has been consistently good for years, as has Beatrice Kennedy (next to Queen's Uni) - both are owned by their chefs. The Plough (excellent seafood, esp. oysters) and the Hillside in Hillsborough, and the Tidy Doffer at Ravernet remain dependable, though the latter's use of 6th form morons as waiting staff may lead to delays, especially if you want to know what the soup or vegetables of the day are, for example, as they go off to ask the chef, then return having forgotten the answer.

Good thread - stickydom awarded.

Originally Posted by Arfur

Best food I've had in London is in clubs though - the Travellers is fantastic, and the best meal I've ever eaten was in the Foreign & Overseas.

While this is true in some cases, I would also say that the Lansdowne's dining room is very good (and very reasonably priced), some clubs are very disappointing. Lunch at the Oxford & Cambridge was pretty awful and I wasn't that impressed by the Rag, National Liberal or RAC.

Is School Dinners still about ? (It's been a while since I was allowed out)

Glasgow - Amarylis (1 Devonshire Gardens) gets the thumbs up and impresses the missus too.

London eateries that I've enjoyed - each provides good food and efficient service:

Astor Bar and Grill (the old Atlantic Bar and Grill), Piccadilly. "Buzzing" atmosphere and fabulous decor. If you've only time for drinks, Dick's Bar is worth a visit.

CVO Firevault, Oxford Circus. Fabulous lighting and relaxed atmosphere.

Prism, City. Less intimate atmosphere than the aforementioned eateries, but the location and architecture make it special.

Originally Posted by Arfur

Finally, Bank in Aldwych is always a good one for dates. V modern decor, the front of the restaurant has a good bar, and the restaurant serves interesting and excellent grub.

It's improved then? I was taken for business dinners a couple of times within the first few months of it opening and on neither occasion was impressed - if it's got better with age I might make another visit!

[quote="Arfur"]

Rules in Maiden Lane, Covent Garden never fails to live up to expectations. Mostly game on the menu, they've got their own hunting lodge in Scotland. And the weirdest decor of any restaurant I've seen.

quote] Couldn't agree more and (as anyone who has met me will confirm) I do like my food. Try the 2 course deal they do with a table booked after 2200.

If looking for a quiet pub type meal I recommend the White Hart on Drury Lane ( where it meets High Holborn), or walkers of Whitehall, which is, strangely enough, just off Whitehall (near Trafalgar Square). The specials at either are often top-notch.

The Astor Bar and Grill got an appalling review from Jan Moir in the Saturday Telegraph last week.

I recommend taking the Mrs up the Oxo tower for a good night out!

Sorry, couldn't resist it, I'll get my coat

Originally Posted by sparky8

I recommend taking the Mrs up the Oxo tower for a good night out!

Especially if you are unable to get in at the Rag, presumably, or you fancy a change from the In and Out.

Speaking of which, the In and Out (Naval & Military Club), has particularly good beef, all sourced from one farm, properly hung and never frozen.

Back to NI, and I should have mentioned Taps, on the Lisburn Road, which does authentic tapas - really very good and cheap if you go early. Zafron (Lisburn Road again), is an Indian with modern decor, no sitar music and good food. For the full flock wallpaper experience, and excellent curry, it has to be the Ganges in Holywood. Much is made of Deane's, Belfast's Michelin-starred restaurant - I haven't been, but a friend could not recommend it - pretentious, slow service and expensive.