Foodies Guide To Restaurants Near Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square always has a buzz about it. Bridging the gap between theatre land and politics-filled Whitehall, there’s as much chance of bumping into a cabinet minister as there is a famous actor.

It’s even more special at this time of year. Its festive lights and supersize tree make it a hub for Christmas party goers as much a tourist destination and the restaurants and bars around the area certainly cater as much for the passing tourist and pre/post-theatre diners, as corporate do’s and meetings.

Proper pubs really feature big round here for obvious reasons and all draw heavily on Being British.

Patriotic Pubs with great grub

On the site that was formerly the famous Scottish restaurant Albannach, now sits The Admiralty pub – a Fullers Brewery special – it’s taken Brit-history to its core. With the whole pub themed on the HMS Victory it’s oozing Britishness – all completed with a delicious Fullers pints & pies – what could be better?. We particularly love the Upper Deck area which gives views over the rest of the room and the Square although the Vaulted Gun Deck in the basement is also ideal for those wanting a little more exclusivity …

Just round the corner, top pub team Geronimo Inns have just opened the Clarence – with a similarly patriotic theme – featuring fab pub grub strong on the British cuisine theme – think Haggis Scotch Eggs, roasts with Yorkshire pudding, rabbit, queen of puddings and much more.

Top tip – if you sign up to The Admiralty and The Clarence websites they’ll both give you a free drink! That’s the start of a great night out right there…

Hip Hotel Dining

Hotels are also two to a penny round here – it being tourist central. Hotel restaurants are always hard, but we love the ones at The Trafalgar and Haymarket hotels precisely because they don’t feel like hotel restaurants. We’re massive fans of Brumus at The Haymarket – it’s trademark Firmdale design – easy going but uber-stylish – is perfect for this upmarket brasserie and it works well for lunch, dinner, tea, cocktails or late night dining. Their three course set menu for £19.95 is always a winner or if you want to go classic & traditional try the full afternoon tea for just £22.

The other hotel not to miss is The Trafalgar. In the summer months (or sometimes weather permitting at other times) the hotel also offers their Vista roof terrace which has the ultimate wow factor for an amazing reception & unrivalled London skyline views. Closed to the public over the winter but able to be used for pre-and post drink receptions with meals in the gorgeously sexy & sleek Rockwell Bar or one of the private rooms, it’s ideal for groups wanting a truly exclusive London experience. And don’t forget Rockwell has an amazing bourbon collection to keep you warm from within on winter nights.

Gourmet goodies

There are plenty of other gems in and around the back streets of Nelson’s Column, Sir Terence Conran has done it again with the all new Les Deux Salons. Its French restaurant upstairs is guaranteed to tick the gourmet boxes for foodies in the area with seasonal dishes such as Dover sole, grouse and venison all featuring. Downstairs the ground floor café, bistro, épicerie and cave a vin will also delight, while the stunning old wood panelling and amazing glass ceiling and balcony are just added extras providing a proper Parisian brasserie atmosphere.

More modern brasserie dining US-style can be found at The Avenue, also a stone’s throw from Trafalgar Sq. At one time, boasting the longest bar in London, it’s a slice of Manhattan on St James’. We love the weekend brunch with its unlimited bloody Mary’s and Prosecco alongside its menu of high end American-inspired dishes including fantastic grain fed USDA steaks, yellow fin tuna, partridge, and quail.