7 Notable Business Lunch Venues in London’s Financial District From Historic Bentley’s to Modern Hawksmoor Wood Wharf

Post Published November 29, 2024

See how everyone can now afford to fly Business Class and book 5 Star Hotels with Mighty Travels Premium! Get started for free.


7 Notable Business Lunch Venues in London's Financial District From Historic Bentley's to Modern Hawksmoor Wood Wharf - Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill On Berkeley Square Makes Business Hours Count With A 45-minute Power Lunch





Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill on Berkeley Square caters to London's fast-paced financial district with its cleverly designed 45-minute power lunch. This venerable institution, established in 1916, seamlessly integrates speed and quality. Chef Richard Corrigan, a Michelin-starred chef, leads the kitchen, crafting a menu focused on premium seafood and classic British dishes. Bentley's is renowned for its impeccable service and prized selection of oysters. The restaurant's atmosphere is a blend of a lively buzz and attentive service, which appeals to professionals looking for a quick and satisfying midday meal. The use of seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients further enhances the dining experience, making it a flavorful reflection of London's culinary landscape.

Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill, nestled in Berkeley Square, has cleverly implemented a 45-minute Power Lunch concept. This caters specifically to the demanding schedules of professionals in the city's financial hub. It's a thoughtful approach to tackling the perennial challenge of extended lunch breaks that can eat into productivity.

This establishment is renowned for its oyster selection, showcasing a range of species from different locations. Each oyster variety exhibits distinct flavor profiles that are a testament to their origin. It's a delightful testament to the incredible diversity of marine environments and their impact on culinary experiences.

Bentley's has a layout that seems optimized for efficient service and quick turnover, which is critical for maximizing customer flow during busy periods. A well-managed operation in a demanding business environment like this is key to making a great impression on those seeking a quick and satisfying meal.


The menu, specifically crafted for this 45-minute window, prioritizes dishes that can be prepared and served efficiently, which is key for those needing to be back to work promptly. It illustrates the management's deep understanding of the dynamics of modern business lunches and the needs of professionals.

The strategic positioning on Berkeley Square certainly attracts a clientele drawn from the surrounding financial institutions seeking a sophisticated setting for a quick meal. This is a highly desirable location and can contribute to the overall appeal and prestige.

The building itself hints at the rich history of London, with its architecture spanning back to the late 19th century. It provides an interesting contrast to the modern, fast-paced financial activity buzzing around it, offering a glimpse into the evolution of dining within London.

In keeping with a commitment to quality, Bentley's adapts its menu seasonally to align with the availability of fresh, locally sourced produce. It's an approach that can maximize flavor and nutritional value. And a nice hint of innovative food thinking.

Bentley's, while geared towards a high-end market, recognizes that even discerning customers value efficient service without compromising on quality. It's a delicate dance, but a necessary one to keep the clientele coming back for more.

A dedicated and well-considered wine list complements the restaurant's seafood focus, showcasing pairings to elevate each dish. It's interesting how such a careful selection of wine can dramatically enhance the food experience. This likely rests on a good knowledge of wine chemistry and how it influences both flavour and aroma.

Bentley's has a standalone Oyster Bar, offering a more specialized and intimate experience for patrons. This demonstrates a growing trend within London and globally towards specialized and hyper-focused restaurants, providing specific experiences beyond the usual.

What else is in this post?

  1. 7 Notable Business Lunch Venues in London's Financial District From Historic Bentley's to Modern Hawksmoor Wood Wharf - Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill On Berkeley Square Makes Business Hours Count With A 45-minute Power Lunch
  2. 7 Notable Business Lunch Venues in London's Financial District From Historic Bentley's to Modern Hawksmoor Wood Wharf - Coq d'Argent Rooftop Restaurant Offers French Dining With St Paul's Cathedral Backdrop
  3. 7 Notable Business Lunch Venues in London's Financial District From Historic Bentley's to Modern Hawksmoor Wood Wharf - Goodman City Near Bank Station Masters The Art Of Client Meetings Over USDA Prime Steaks
  4. 7 Notable Business Lunch Venues in London's Financial District From Historic Bentley's to Modern Hawksmoor Wood Wharf - M Restaurant Threadneedle Street Combines Private Dining Rooms With An In-house Wine Bar

7 Notable Business Lunch Venues in London's Financial District From Historic Bentley's to Modern Hawksmoor Wood Wharf - Coq d'Argent Rooftop Restaurant Offers French Dining With St Paul's Cathedral Backdrop





7 Notable Business Lunch Venues in London’s Financial District From Historic Bentley’s to Modern Hawksmoor Wood Wharf

Coq d'Argent, situated on the sixth floor of No. 1 Poultry, offers a unique blend of French cuisine and stunning views of London's skyline, notably St Paul's Cathedral. This rooftop restaurant provides a double attraction: a spacious, landscaped terrace for those seeking al fresco dining and a sophisticated indoor brasserie for a more conventional experience. The menu, masterminded by Head Chef Damien Rigollet, emphasizes classic French dishes given a contemporary twist. It's worth noting the restaurant's prime location, within easy walking distance of Mansion House Tube Station, ensuring effortless access for those navigating the city's financial district.

The ambiance at Coq d'Argent is thoughtfully cultivated, aiming for an elegant and subtly discreet atmosphere. This makes it an ideal setting for business lunches or a more relaxed meal, especially for those wanting to combine food with stunning architectural backdrops. Whether one favors a traditional French dining experience or the vibrant buzz of the terrace with panoramic vistas, Coq d'Argent provides a compelling option for those seeking a memorable London culinary encounter.

Located atop No. 1 Poultry, Coq d'Argent is a rooftop restaurant with a contemporary glass design that cleverly blends in with the city's historic fabric, particularly the nearby St Paul's Cathedral. The building itself is quite the architectural statement, showcasing modern design elements in the heart of a historical district.

From its sixth-floor perch, Coq d'Argent provides a fantastic view of the London skyline. The restaurant acts as both a dining venue and an observation deck, allowing diners to appreciate the contrast between the historic Cathedral's dome and the surrounding modern buildings. It's a fascinating blend of old and new.

The restaurant emphasizes classic French cuisine with a meticulous focus on detail and technique. French cooking often relies on very specific techniques, and that's visible here in things like sous-vide cooking, which helps ensure consistent texture and flavor.

Similar to other high-end restaurants, Coq d'Argent modifies its menu based on the seasons. This not only enhances flavor but also takes advantage of the optimal nutritional value of foods when they're at their peak. This practice draws on established scientific principles for maintaining food quality.

Being in the heart of the financial district, the restaurant has become a popular spot for business lunches. It attracts professionals who value sophisticated settings and who are eager to network in an elegant atmosphere. It's clear that the ambiance can have a direct impact on decision-making and relationship-building.

The restaurant regularly hosts exclusive events and private dining, taking full advantage of its scenic views. This approach aligns with a broader trend within the hospitality industry towards personalized experiences, especially for the business crowd looking to impress.

Beyond the food, the bar at Coq d'Argent features unique and creatively crafted cocktails with a clear French inspiration. Cocktail making is a sophisticated science where careful flavor combinations can alter the overall taste and feel of a beverage.

The backdrop of St. Paul's Cathedral, with its 300-year history, adds a significant layer to the dining experience. It adds context and encourages a broader appreciation of the location and its historical relevance, which is integrated with the contemporary aspects of the restaurant.


Coq d'Argent’s interior design uses elements like Art Deco touches, marrying traditional French aesthetic elements with a modern style. Such design features can impact dining experience and mood, which is why restaurants pay such close attention to design.

Coq d'Argent reflects a wider movement within the London hospitality scene, specifically targeting the business community by offering a unique and sophisticated environment that successfully positions the restaurant within the competitive field. It highlights how strategic positioning is key to attracting and retaining clients.



7 Notable Business Lunch Venues in London's Financial District From Historic Bentley's to Modern Hawksmoor Wood Wharf - Goodman City Near Bank Station Masters The Art Of Client Meetings Over USDA Prime Steaks





Nestled near Bank Station in London's financial district, Goodman City has become a go-to spot for those seeking a sophisticated steakhouse experience, especially when it comes to client meetings. This establishment skillfully blends British culinary influences with the classic New York grill aesthetic. Their focus is undeniably USDA Prime steaks, sourced from both sides of the Atlantic. This includes carefully selected corn-fed beef from the USA, alongside Scottish grass-fed, Irish grain-fed Angus, and rare-breed beef from Devon. The restaurant even showcases the maturing process with a visible glass-walled dry-aging room, highlighting the importance of this step for a prime steak.

The menu features a selection of cuts that have gained recognition, such as the Galician steak and their oysters, promising a high-quality dining experience. However, Goodman's dedication to quality cuts of meat and impressive service is somewhat counterbalanced by a limited selection of vegetarian choices, potentially making it a less suitable choice for those with such preferences.

The restaurant’s ambiance fosters a sophisticated and polished atmosphere that's perfect for business dealings. This is evident in the consistently positive feedback received, cementing Goodman City's reputation as a top-tier London restaurant. But be aware that it’s a weekday-only destination, closed for both Saturday and Sunday. If your clients enjoy a good steak, a meeting at Goodman City can elevate the level of professionalism within the encounter – but be sure to plan around their limited business hours.

Goodman City, nestled near Bank Station in the heart of London's financial district, has carved a niche for itself as a prime spot for client meetings. Their specialty? USDA Prime steaks, a designation awarded to only the top 2% of beef in the US based on strict criteria for marbling, texture, and taste. It's a clear signal of a commitment to providing high-quality dining experiences.

The restaurant's location is undoubtedly strategic, being easily accessible for busy professionals in the area. It makes sense that those involved in finance and business would gravitate towards places that minimize time lost commuting. Some research even suggests that comfortable and well-designed spaces foster creativity and better collaboration, and Goodman City seems to have mastered this balance.

Goodman City's approach goes beyond just serving a great steak. They've curated an environment that's comfortable and refined, which can potentially lower stress levels during business negotiations. The atmosphere helps to establish a level of calm during often pressured decisions.

Their aging process for the meat is another interesting detail. They dry-age the meat for up to 35 days, a method known to enhance flavor and tenderness through enzymatic breakdown of the muscle tissues. It highlights a focus on scientifically driven food preparation methods to maximize the quality of the meat.

The wine pairings they offer show a keen understanding of food science, specifically, how certain wines can complement the different flavors and textures of each steak cut. A good wine can both elevate and balance the taste, contributing to a more well-rounded experience.

High-end dining environments have been linked to establishing trust and positive rapport. It's likely no coincidence that Goodman City has built a reputation as a place where deals get done over exceptional meals. It's not simply the quality of the food, but the entire experience.

Cooking techniques are also carefully considered. They employ methods like sous-vide, a precision approach to cooking, to ensure that the steaks are cooked consistently to the desired temperature, without losing any moisture or texture. It illustrates a dedication to precise control over the cooking process.

Attentive service also seems to be a crucial element. Beyond the technical aspects of the food and drinks, there's a focus on the overall customer experience. It speaks to how building a sense of belonging through quality service can influence the long-term loyalty of high-spending clientele.

Goodman City's aesthetic is another thoughtful detail. The modern design integrated with classic elements contributes to a sense of calmness. It's likely not just coincidence, as research has shown how well-designed environments can contribute to overall dining satisfaction.

While some might find the limited vegetarian options a downside, Goodman City's focus remains on offering a refined experience for carnivores seeking top-notch steaks in a prime location. And for that specific purpose, it seems to be fulfilling its mission remarkably well.



7 Notable Business Lunch Venues in London's Financial District From Historic Bentley's to Modern Hawksmoor Wood Wharf - M Restaurant Threadneedle Street Combines Private Dining Rooms With An In-house Wine Bar





7 Notable Business Lunch Venues in London’s Financial District From Historic Bentley’s to Modern Hawksmoor Wood Wharf

M Restaurant Threadneedle Street is a modern dining destination in the heart of London's financial district that's cleverly combined a high-quality grill restaurant with a sophisticated selection of private dining rooms and its own wine bar. This makes it a versatile location, able to host a range of events, from corporate meetings to more celebratory gatherings. The restaurant's commitment to excellence has been recognized, as it was awarded the title of "Best Grill Restaurant in London" in 2018. A large part of the draw is the selection of steaks and the extensive wine list, covering wines from across the world. In a nice touch, the steaks are aged in a Himalayan salt chamber which, supposedly, enhances their flavor profile. The location near Bank Station makes it easily accessible for business professionals, while the variety of spaces, like a dedicated members' lounge and a cocktail bar, cater to different tastes and needs. One might even consider it a destination in its own right due to its combination of great food and unique spaces. It seems to be a restaurant that strives for a level of sophistication that caters to both business and personal occasions, demonstrating that the world of business dining can extend beyond just a quick lunch.

M Restaurant Threadneedle Street, situated in London's financial hub, is a fascinating blend of a modern grill restaurant, extensive private dining facilities, and a dedicated wine bar. It offers a unique experience for those seeking a combination of culinary excellence and sophisticated event spaces.

Let's explore some of the interesting features that distinguish M Restaurant:

Firstly, the restaurant boasts a remarkably deep wine list, including over 1,000 labels from various regions around the world. This vast selection allows for interesting explorations of different wine profiles, potentially enhancing the dining experience. It seems they've developed an approach to pairing wines with the dishes in a systematic way.

Secondly, the design of the private dining rooms is carefully considered, paying attention to acoustics. Soundproofing materials have been used, a feature that's crucial for ensuring privacy during sensitive business discussions or client meetings.

Thirdly, the restaurant has its own dry-aging chamber where premium cuts of beef are aged for up to 100 days. This age-old technique enhances the meat's flavour and texture by utilizing the natural enzymatic processes within the meat. This adds a scientific dimension to their cooking method.

Fourthly, M Restaurant uses cutting-edge wine preservation technology. This allows opened bottles to remain drinkable for up to 21 days. That's a major innovation, potentially saving patrons from discarding unfinished bottles and ensuring that they get a consistently good tasting experience.

Fifthly, the emphasis on seasonal menus adds a layer of culinary sophistication. By aligning the food offerings with the harvest calendar, M Restaurant can leverage the best quality ingredients at their peak nutritional and flavour levels. This shows a good understanding of how food chemistry and biology plays a role in taste.

Sixthly, the presentation of food appears to be carefully orchestrated, using techniques popular in modern gastronomy. The focus on visual appeal is likely connected to the scientific evidence that visual aspects strongly affect our taste perception and overall dining experience.

Seventhly, the restaurant incorporates global culinary trends, resulting in interesting flavour combinations and textures. The use of molecular gastronomy adds another interesting layer, offering unusual textural experiences. This blends the scientific side of cooking with established gastronomic techniques.

Eighthly, M Restaurant seems to have put considerable effort into designing an atmospheric experience. The use of lighting and temperature control might affect guests' moods and comfort levels, which suggests a thought-out approach to the design of the dining environment.

Ninthly, the in-house wine bar isn't just a bar. They host themed wine tastings regularly, providing an opportunity for patrons to gain a deeper knowledge of wines and enhance their overall appreciation. This points towards a growing trend of creating more educational and enriching dining experiences.


Finally, the private dining rooms aren't just suitable for formal corporate events. The restaurant emphasizes that the rooms can be adapted to cater to various occasions, from corporate team dinners to more casual gatherings, showcasing their adaptability to a variety of business needs.

In conclusion, M Restaurant appears to be a carefully constructed establishment that not only serves high-quality food and wines, but also considers aspects of atmosphere, design, and culinary innovation to create a complete dining experience. It showcases a modern take on a classic London restaurant.


See how everyone can now afford to fly Business Class and book 5 Star Hotels with Mighty Travels Premium! Get started for free.