Step into a bygone era and savor the culinary delights of London’s oldest restaurants. These establishments, some dating back centuries, offer a unique experience that transcends the fleeting trends of the modern culinary landscape. While the city pulsates with the energy of pop-up eateries and Instagrammable plates, these venerable institutions beckon you to a world of classic charm and enduring flavors.
A Culinary Journey Through Time
The allure of these old-school restaurants lies in their ability to transport you back in time. Each one offers a glimpse into a different era, preserving traditions and flavors that have stood the test of time. The atmosphere is as much a part of the experience as the food, evoking a sense of nostalgia and a connection to London’s rich culinary history.
Maggie Jones’s transports you to the swinging ’70s with its unassuming charm and unchanging menu. Imagine yourself surrounded by the sounds of disco and sipping a glass of house wine from a bottle brought to your table. With its timeless dishes like prawn cocktail and chicken in tarragon sauce, Maggie Jones’s is a delightful throwback to a simpler time.
Oslo Court embodies the elegance of the early 1980s. Step inside its pastel pink haven and soak in the plush atmosphere, a relic of a bygone era. The menu, with its timeless classics like veal Holstein and duck à l’orange, will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into a time capsule.
The Patriarchs of London’s Culinary Scene
Rules, founded in 1798, is a true institution. With its thick carpets, old paintings, and dark wood, the restaurant evokes a sense of history and tradition. Its private dining rooms are perfect for intimate gatherings, where you can enjoy the personalized service of a dedicated waiter. Rules has never truly gone out of fashion, still attracting a discerning clientele of actors, politicians, and anyone with a taste for the finer things in life.
J. Sheekey’s, a fish restaurant founded in 1893, is another gem in the heart of Covent Garden. The wood-paneled dining room exudes classic elegance, transporting you back to a time when fine dining was an art form. Along with Scott’s and Wiltons, Sheekey’s forms the holy trinity of West End fish restaurants, each offering a unique experience that has stood the test of time.
Sweetings, a lunchtime institution since 1830, is a haven for bankers, lawyers, and stockbrokers. The traditional atmosphere is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city outside. The star of the show is the Dover sole, accompanied by the legendary Black Velvet, a heady mix of Guinness and champagne.
A Culinary Fusion of Old and New
Veeraswamy, the first Indian restaurant in London, opened in 1926. While the restaurant has undergone transformations over the years, its colonial-era charm still lingers.
The India Club, founded in 1946, offers a true Anglo-Indian experience. The threadbare white jackets worn by the waiters and the timeless dishes like lamb bhuna and dosas transport you to a bygone era. It was here that India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, met Edwina Mountbatton for friendly meals.
Simpson’s in the Strand, a restaurant steeped in history, dates back to 1850. Its grandeur and traditional charm have endured, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. While the restaurant has been temporarily closed due to the pandemic, its reopening is eagerly anticipated.
These restaurants are a testament to the enduring appeal of classic cuisine and the enduring power of tradition. In a world of ever-changing trends, they stand as a beacon of stability and comfort, offering a taste of London’s history and a culinary experience that is both timeless and unforgettable.
