London, England, is known for its long history, high social class, generational traditions going back hundreds of years, and of course, the Royal family. But not everything in London is layered with the poise of yesterday.
These six unique restaurants are breaking the mold and daring to step outside of tradition to bring you a unique take on gourmet meals in an inviting atmosphere.
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6 Unique Restaurants in London You Must Visit:
Duck & Waffle
Inspired by broad European and British influences and spirit, the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere encourages a convivial experience for guests through its array of dishes designed for sampling and sharing. Waffle places emphasis on local, rustic, seasonal, and sustainable British ingredients, manifested in daily inspirations created from the market’s freshest offerings. The restaurant welcomes guests 24/7,365 days a year, keeping pace with a City that’s always on the move, offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night menus.
Inside, the wrap-around floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Olympic Park, The Tower of London, and the Gherkin. The restaurant and the private dining room are the highest in the country, making the City the perfect backdrop for your next event!
Duck & Waffle features a theatrical open kitchen, a private dining room for 18 guests, and an inside-out bar, where you and your guests can interact with their team as they create libations.
Duck & Waffle embodies a truly unique experience!
Mr Fogg’s Residence & Secret Garden
Mr Fogg’s Residence is based around the Victorian traveler, Phileas Fogg, a character in Jules Verne’s novel, ‘Around the World in Eighty Days. The eccentricity and fun of Mr Fogg is brought to life in the polished wooden paneled walls of the Residence from the backdrop to his vast and rare collection of artifacts and antiquities that were collected from all corners of the earth, the walls, shelves, and even ceiling of his home boast rarities from exotic creatures to statuettes, each with a story tracing its journey from far-flung corners of the world to its pride of place within his Mayfair residence.
Mr Fogg’s residence can hold private events for 20 to 150 guests.
Stumble upon a mysteriously concealed entrance somewhere on Bruton Lane, only a stone’s throw away from Mr Fogg’s humble Residence. Unlatch the gate and unearth a most remarkable discovery, a hidden gem in the heart of Mayfair – a secret English Victorian walled garden. Shrouded in greenery, adorned with whimsical garden features, and serving botanical-infused cocktails, this quaint outdoor addition to Mr Fogg’s famous Mayfair watering hole is simply a breath of fresh air away from the bustling streets of London.
Mr Fogg’s secret garden is currently able to accommodate private events for up to 30 guests. They also offer catering services for groups ranging from 15 to 450 guests.
Yauatcha Soho
Michelin-starred Yauatcha Soho, located in the heart of vibrant London, is an all-day dim sum teahouse offering a wide selection of modern authentic dim sum alongside European patisserie and an extensive range of teas, wine, and cocktails.
The design of the restaurant is a modern interpretation of the old Chinese teahouse. At the same time, the lighting and seating embody the atmosphere of a vibrant ‘chatter shop’, similar to the traditional Hong Kong dim sum restaurants.
The restaurant offers Cantonese dishes with a modern influence, with an extensive range of steamed, baked, grilled, and fried dim sum, such as Yauatcha’s signature dishes of Scallop Shui Mai and Venison puffs.
Hakkasan Hanway Place
The original Hakkasan restaurant, Hakkasan Hanway Place, is a Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in London’s Soho. The glamorous dining room combines Chinese history, tradition, and architecture. Chinese cuisine from the Executive Head Chef of the Hakkasan Group, Chef Tong Chee Hwee, is found on the Hakkasan menu.
Strong Chinese and Cantonese influences are weaved through the authentic dishes, with innovative signature offerings including Peking duck with caviar and pancakes or roasted silver cod with champagne and honey. The eclectic Taste of Hakkasan menu offers a journey through flavors for between 2 and 7 people. A 16-meter bar at Hakkasan restaurant in London showcases inventive Asian-inspired cocktails, which can be enjoyed at Ling Ling, the chic late lounge.
Mount Street Restaurant
Situated in the elegant Victorian building on the corner of Mayfair’s Mount Street and South Audley Street, The Audley offers guests three distinct experiences: The Audley Public House, a traditional London pub on street level, Mount St. Restaurant, a modern London restaurant on the first floor, which then leads to three floors housing four beautifully designed spaces, each with its own story and available for private hire.
Built in 1888, The Audley was designed by Thomas Verity, the man who designed the exterior of the pavilion at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Paris-based Luis Laplace, who designed various Hauser & Wirth spaces, including Somerset and Menorca, was the lead architect behind the restoration of The Audley. With a signature style that is both bold and timeless, Laplace’s design is refined and tailored while subdued, allowing the art to take centre stage in the building.
Over 200 pieces of art feature throughout The Audley, including works by Andy Warhol, Henry Matisse, Lucian Freud, Ferdinand Hodler, Peter Fischli, and David Weiss.
Franco's
Franco's is one of the first Italian restaurants in London!
Franco’s sprung to life on Jermyn Street in 1946 and has continued to serve the residents, community, and visitors to Jermyn Street and St James’s for 70 years. It is believed that Franco’s was one of the first Italian restaurants in London. Located at the St James’s end of Jermyn Street, Franco’s is surrounded by the lifestyle boutiques, private clubs, art galleries, and hotels of the area.
Open all day, the personality of the restaurant evolves from a bustling ‘English’ breakfast to a sharp and charged lunch, leading on to an elegant dinner setting. Regardless of the time of day, relaxed and friendly service ensures there is always somebody to greet you with a smile.
