A few years ago now I wrote on my ‘Glam Travel Guide’ blog a little round up type review of a couple of places in London I had been lucky enough to try out. I thought I would post them up here too for anyone who is looking for great places to eat and drink, and for anyone who doesn’t live in London and is thinking about visiting. Hope you enjoy, and as always let me know what you think.
Oblix at The Shard, London Bridge
I thought I would start with a restaurant located in The Shard. I have visited The Shard many times since it was built back in 2009, I have been to most of the restaurants/bars, some visited for business, others pleasure. Oblix at The Shard was the one that made the best impression on me. Not just for the incredible views (it is located on the 32nd floor), but also the drinks and food too. Bear in mind an evening here wont be cheap (not ideal if you are on a budget), you wont have to actually pay to enter The Shard itself, if you are just eating & drinking.
The space itself compromises of a Lounge & Bar area where you can sip cocktails and fancy wine (open daily, times vary), and a main Restaurant area which serves food until 10:30pm. The restaurant also serves Afternoon Tea, Monday-Friday for 1 hour at 3pm until 4pm (this needs to be booked in advance). The dress code to enter The Oblix is smart, they will not let anyone enter in sportswear (so leave your trainers at home).
The style of food served here is described as Contemporary Grill, so expect the likes off Chicken, Steak & Grilled Fish, most of their menu is Seasonal so don’t be surprised if you come back again and it has changed, as with most contemporary restaurants they do like to change things up now and again.
Writer’s Menu Recommendations:
Starter: Caesar salad, crispy cured ham & parmesan £9.50
Main: Beef tenderloin (180g) £32.00 with Hand cut chips £5.50
Dessert: New York cheesecake £9.00
Drinks: Pink Cadillac £12.50
(ketel one vodka, lemon, lychee, lavender, raspberry, egg whites)
Total cost for meal £68.50pp (Service charge not included)
For more info or to book a reservation check out their website.
Duck & Waffle at the Heron Tower, Bishopsgate
Another great alternative to The Shard which also boasts great views is the Duck and Waffle restaurant which is located 40 floors up the Heron Tower in Bishopsgate, The City. Again this is another experience just like The Shard- so of course if heights aren’t you thing I wouldn’t recommend it, but the views once you are up there definitely make for a memorable evening. The great thing about this restaurant is that it is open 24/7 so if you did want to do something a bit different and say go out for a brunch date then you could do so here! If you really want to splash the cash they also offer private dining. For more info and to look at the menu’s etc go to their official website HERE.
Writer’s Menu Recommendations:
Starter: Rosemary & Garlic Bread £6.00
Main: Slow Cooked Lamb Sloppy Joe served in a brioche bun with chipotle and coriander £12.00
Dessert: Banana Brulee Waffle £12.00
(homemade hazelnut & chocolate spread, vanilla ice cream, peanut crunch)
Drinks: Strawberries & Cream £14.00
(removed Pimm’s, Reyka vodka, dry vermouth, split cream, strawberry leaf infusion)
Total cost for meal £44.00 pp(Service charge not included)
Address: Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Gaucho, Various Locations
Gaucho is one place I really love to eating at in London. This Argentinean inspired chain offers some of the best cuisine and wine around the world. Gaucho has 14 restaurants in the UK (primarily in London) as well as in Dubai and Buenos Aires. The restaurants cater for all occasions and each restaurant has a different vibe, each restaurant has luxurious décor and really is a spectacle when you walk in. The staff are trained to give you a special, unforgettable dining experience and are very attentive- but not so attentive that it feels like they are also part of your table. Gaucho offer lots of menu options and the main option is their highly recommended a la carte menu which offers a variety of steaks and various meats. Restaurant opening times usually vary between locations but they are usually open until midnight mon-sat and until 11pm on Sundays, so if late night dining is something you enjoy I would 100% recommend trying out Gaucho.
Writer’s Menu Recommendations:
Starter: Chorizo Sausage £8.25
Main: Lomo- 225g Medallions £29.50 served with Baby Sweet Potatoes £4.95
Dessert: Dulce de Leche Cheesecake £9.25
Drinks: ATAMISQUÉ ‘SEMILLITA DEL SUR’- Bottle of White Wine £39.50
Total cost for meal £91.45 pp (Service charge not included)
STK, The Strand
Carrying on from my Steak restaurant theme, here is another great Steak house to try out. STK London is located on The Strand in central London, and is a great place to come for some quality Meats and Drinks. Like Gaucho STK is considered quite expensive and the interior is very lavish, but unlike Gaucho the atmosphere is a little more laid back as all sorts of people dine here. One great thing about STK which is worth the visit is the large central bar lounge which is the focal point of the restaurant. As well as be known for its steak, seafood is very popular and a big part of STK’s menu too. This restaurant like Gaucho’s, is also open late at night so it is perfect for after dinner drinks as well.
Writer’s Menu Recommendations:
Starter: LIL’ BRGS- Wagyu Beef, Special Sauce in a Sesame Seed Bun
Main: 200kg Fillet Steak with Parmesan Truffle Chips and Pepper Sauce
Dessert: Fairground- Candy Floss, Vanilla Milkshake, Marshmallow, Salted Caramel Popcorn, Strawberry Doughnuts
Drinks: STK Martini
Okay so there we have just a few of the best restaurants I have been lucky enough to eat at in London. If you have been to any of these, I would love to hear about it and please check out my favourite bars on the next page.
Glam Travel Reviews 
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