The West End’s Restaurants, Bars and Clubs

Hard to think you’re hip to the vibe of London if you don’t have a strong appreciation of the West End. Entertainment capital of the world maybe, food galore, and bars and clubs to party your butt off in. You are lucky to be here!

Here we list a selection of the best museums and galleries, shopping areas, bars and clubs, and finally restaurants to visit in the West End. We recommend you give them all a try!

National Gallery

An art museum in Trafalgar Square, this has a collection of more than 2,300 paintings starting from a period of the mid-13th century. Masterpieces from almost every European school of art are displayed in the gallery.

The Sainsbury Wing Extension hosts a collection of Italian paintings, while the basement is used for temporary exhibitions. The most popular paintings are displayed in the east wing of the gallery. For those hungry after a tour of the gallery, it also hosts a café and fine dining restaurant.

Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN  Website: www.nationalgallery.org.uk/  Nearest tube station: Charing Cross

National Portrait Gallery

Considered the first portrait gallery in the world, the National Portrait Gallery houses a collection of portraits of historically important British people. The collection covers portraits of British royals to sport stars in all their glory. All the paintings of artists, musicians and scientists are arranged in chronological order. Finally, the BP Portrait Award held annually is very popular with Londoners and the best entries are exhibited.

Address: St. Martin’s Place, London WC2H 0HE  Tel: 0207 306 0055

Website: www.npg.org.uk/  Nearest tube station: Leicester Square

The Royal Academy of Arts

The first art school in Britain, founded in 1768, the Royal Academy of Arts has gained popularity because of its galleries. The Summer Exhibition of the Academy, which has been held for more than two centuries, is the biggest event. Here artworks by the public as well as the Royal Academicians’ works are displayed.

Address: Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD  Tel: 0207 300 8090

Website: www.royalacademy.org.uk/  Nearest tube station: Piccadilly Circus

London Transport Museum

This museum explains London’s transportation heritage. The entrance is enticing, with the sights and sounds of transportation systems from various parts of the world. But the main charm is the second floor. This transports viewers to the 1800s, with its display of a horse-dawn omnibus, the first-ever passenger railway and underground engine, as well as the original map of the London tube. There is also a play section for the kids.

Address: Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB  Tel: 0207 379 6344

Website: www.ltmuseum.co.uk/  Nearest tube station: Covent Garden

Oxford Street

Oxford Street is THE major road in the West End of London. It is Europe’s busiest shopping street, with around half a million daily visitors, and approximately 300 shops. So there’s almost nothing a shopper cannot find, including too many other shoppers!

Address: Oxford Street, London W1B 5AH

Website: oxfordstreet.co.uk/  Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road

Regent Street

This is considered to be one of the most popular and famous shopping destinations in the UK, as well as the world.

Regent Street is a one-stop destination for street shopping. Finally, the icing on the cake for this street is the Christmas shopping season, with amazing lights and a feeling of warmth.

Address: Regent Street, London W1B 5AH  Website: www.regentstreetonline.com/  Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus

Bond Street

Since 1700, Bond Street (which is actually called New Bond Street, with Old Bond Street leading off it) has been the shopping haunt of the wealthy in London. Many designer shops for fashion, accessories, art and jewels are here.

Bond Street is a classy amalgamation of history, elegance and luxury.

Address: New Bond Street, London W1S

Website: www.bondstreet.co.uk/  Nearest tube station: Bond Street

St. Christopher’s Place

A purple clock is a beacon towards the continental-style paved marketplace and high-end designer shops of St. Christopher’s Place. Housing an extensive range of fashion apparels, bars and restaurants, St. Christopher’s Place is a must visit for those who crave a refined shopping experience.

Address: St. Christopher’s Place, London W1U 1AY

Website: www.stchristophersplace.com/  Nearest tube station: Bond Street

Liberty

This department store is famous for its mock Tudor apartment structure. It was built in 1924 with timber taken from the ships HMS Hindustan and HMS Impregnable. The department store gives off a cosy, homely feeling with a few rooms retaining the original fireplaces. The store in the West End is also famous for its iconic textures in design as well.

Address: Regent Street, London W1B 5AH  Tel: 0207 734 1234

Website: www.liberty.co.uk  Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus

Berwick Street

Berwick Street is a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood with a rich heritage.

Discover independent vinyl shops, traditional London pubs, bespoke tailoring, textiles, vintage, food, fashion and one of London’s oldest markets.

Address: Berwick Street, London W1F

Website: www.berwickstreetlondon.co.uk/  Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road

Carnaby Street

This place is synonymous with the swinging London of the 1960s. Carnaby Street has undergone a major revamp and is now a trendy marketplace.

It has about 140 bars, famous streetwear shops like Diesel, cosmetic shops like Mac, in addition to a few shops selling vintage clothing.

Address: Carnaby Street, London W1F 7DN

Website: www.carnaby.co.uk/  Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus

Kingly Court

Kingly Court is one of the major reasons for the reclaimed popularity of Carnaby Street.

A lovely little square hidden near Carnaby Street, full of nice restaurants and bars. Hence, this is the place to go when you’re around Soho and need a break from shopping or work.

Address: Kingly Court, London W1B 5PW

Website: www.carnaby.co.uk/food-and-drink/kingly-court  Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus

St.Martin’s Courtyard

St. Martin’s Courtyard is located in one of the popular shopping destinations of London, Covent Garden marketplace.

St. Martin’s Courtyard is a culmination of beauty, fashion and lifestyle shops which are unique in their style. It also has restaurants and a yoga centre.

Address: Slingsby Place, London, WC2

Website: stmartinscourtyard.co.uk  Nearest tube station: Covent Garden

Café De Paris

For 90 years, this place has hosted many big shows. It’s continuing the tradition by still being the go-to place for burlesque, magic and jazz. Along with a cabaret and dining area, the place also has a nightclub for party revellers.

Address: 3 Coventry Street, London W1D 6BL  Tel: 0207 734 7700

Website: www.cafedeparis.com/  Nearest tube station: Piccadilly Circus

Tiger Tiger

Tiger Tiger caters to every Londoner’s party needs with trendy, spirited music and a comfortable atmosphere. This place is perfect for those who consider dining and partying to be synonymous.

Address: 29 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4SP  Tel: 0207 930 1885

Website: www.tigertiger.co.uk/london/  Nearest tube station: Piccadilly Circus

Dirty Martini

This is an elegant cocktail house in Covent Garden. Dirty Martini has skilled mixologists and friendly service. As a result, it has become increasingly popular with those who want a tad of sophistication with their Martini.

Address: 11-12 Russell Street, London WC2B 5HZ  Tel: 0207 632 2088

Website: dirtymartini.uk.com/  Nearest tube station: Covent Garden

Artesian at The Langham

Truly an artistic place, the Artesian at The Langham provides an all-day gourmet dining menu, in addition to creatively crafted rum creations. Their cocktails remain cool for a longer period of time due to the use of technologically crafted ice.

Address: 1C Portland Place, London W1B 1JA  Tel: 0207 636 1000

Website: www.artesian-bar.co.uk/  Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus

Scoff & Banter

This place, located in the Radisson Blu Edwardian, serves a mix of classic and contemporary British fare. It is in a large terrace which has a restaurant as well as a bar.

Address: 31-36 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LH  Tel: 0207 666 0902

Website: www.scoffandbanter.london/  Nearest tube station: Covent Garden

Mint Leaf

This is a modern take on Indian tandoori and curries. It also has a long cocktail bar. Consequently, this place is a must visit for those looking for a spicy Asian treat.

Address: 4 Suffolk Place, London SW1Y 4HX  Tel: 0207 930 9020

Website: www.mintleaflondon.com/  Nearest tube station: Charing Cross

Imli Street

This place has made Indian street food popular among the locals. It serves them in a contemporary dining room with traditional touches.

Address: 167-169 Wardour Street, London W1F 8WR  Tel: 0207 287 4243

Website: www.imlistreet.com/  Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road

 

 

 

Cinnamon Soho

A delicate and scrumptious fusion of traditional Indian food with traditional British food. As a result, this place a must try while visiting the West End.

Address: 5 Kingly Street, London W1B 5PF  Tel: 0207 437 1664

Website: www.cinnamonsoho.com/  Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus

Pescatori

With an alfresco dining area, this Italian restaurant serves fresh seafood delicacies. Therefore it is a rage among seafood lovers.

Address: 57 Charlotte Street, London W1T 4PD  Tel: 0207 580 3289

Website: www.pescatori.co.uk/  Nearest tube station: Goodge Street

Randall & Aubin

Oysters and seafood are served in addition to a contemporary British menu. This is all served under a revolving disco light. This place serves the food on marble tables.

Address: 14-16 Brewer Street, London W1F 0SG  Tel: 0207 287 4447

Website: www.randallandaubin.com/  Nearest tube station: Piccadilly Circus

Polpo

Modelled on a ‘bacaro’, or Venetian gastropub, Polpo keeps up with the meaning. It is a humble Italian restaurant which serves sharing platters of good food in addition to good wine.

Address: 6 Maiden Lane, London WC2E 7NA  Tel: 0207 836 8448

Website: www.polpo.co.uk/  Nearest tube station: Charing Cross

Opera Tavern

With a menu that changes seasonally, the Opera Tavern is a Spanish-Italian restaurant. It serves a wide range of tapas. Downstairs it has a grill, while upstairs is a room filled with chandeliers.

Address: 23 Catherine Street, London WC2B 5JS  Tel: 0207 836 3680

Website: www.operatavern.co.uk/  Nearest tube station: Covent Garden

Blanchette

This is a bistro with a Parisian vibe. Blanchette cooks up sharing platters of French cuisine modified with a contemporary twist.

Address: 9 D’Arblay Street, London W1F 8DR  Tel: 0207 439 8100

Website: www.blanchettesoho.co.uk/  Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus

Aqua Kyoto

This has a rooftop setting with designer glasses and Japanese cuisine. Aqua Kyoto pairs this up with contemporary cocktails served with a twist.

Address: 5th Floor, 240 Regent Street, London W1B 3BR  Tel: 0207 478 0540

Website: aquakyoto.co.uk/  Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus

Jamie’s Italian

Comfort food served with a flair and antipasti in a comforting atmosphere. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s restaurant also has a roof terrace, and is perfect for snacking and drinks.

Address: 17-19 Denman Street, London W1D 7HW  Tel: 0203 376 3391

Website: www.jamieoliver.com/italian  Nearest tube station: Piccadilly Circus

Spaghetti House

Spaghetti House in the West End has a history of 60 years of cooking up pizza and Italian pasta delicacies. Also famous for the Spaghetti House seige at the Knightsbridge location, where a student held up the restaurant for the £13k cash from the week’s takings.

Address: 5 Argyll Street, London W1F 7TD  Tel: 0207 437 2503

Website: www.spaghettihouse.co.uk/  Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus

Rules

The oldest restaurant in London, Rules transports its patrons back to an old-world charm. It serves British food like game raised on Scottish farms, in addition to roast beef on the trolley.

Address: 35 Maiden Lane, London WC2E 7LB  Tel: 0207 836 5314

Website: rules.co.uk/  Nearest tube station: Covent Garden

Scoff & Banter

Serving themed afternoon tea in the traditional British style, this restaurant is also famous for its comfort food, as well as cocktails.

Address: 20 Mercer Street, London WC2H 9HD  Tel: 0207 845 8607

Website: www.scoffandbanter.london/

Nearest tube station: Covent Garden

Hippodrome Casino

The West End also has the historic Hippodrome Casino, which is open 24 hours a day. It has a number of slots and tables, in addition to a big screen for live sports entertainment. It’s been going for 110 years, and has witnessed the presence of Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder and Judy Garland. Roulette, Black Jack, a steakhouse, cabaret and music shows are spread out on the three floors of the casino.

Address: Cranbourn Street, London WC2H 7JH  Tel: 0207 769 8888

Website: www.hippodromecasino.com  Nearest tube station: Leicester Square

In conclusion, visit the West End in London for a bit of style, scrumptious fare and a different reality inside the comfort of the theatres.

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