50 most romantic restaurants in the UK 2019

by As rated by verified OpenTable diners

Updated January 25, 2019

There are many factors contributing to a romantic dining experience... world class ingredients, impeccable service and a unique ambience. This year's 50 most romantic restaurants showcase those seductive spots that enable couples to create delicious connections and memories that last a lifetime. The list is determined by analysing more than 851,000 reviews from more than 7,300 restaurants across the UK - all submitted by verified diners.

Angels with Bagpipes

4.6

4.6 (4317)

£26 to £40

Scottish

Old Town

About the restaurant

Having opened its doors in 2010, Angels with Bagpipes quickly established itself as one of the finest restaurants to have graced Edinburgh’s most iconic and historic street, The Royal Mile. With upmost pride in sourcing fresh Scottish ingredients.
Mixing an atmospheric Old Town setting with chic, contemporary looks, the restaurant reflects many of the city’s most defining features. With a humble facade nestled in the beautiful 17th century building, rich tones of bronze and marble cascade throughout the two tiers of Angels with Bagpipes.
Angels with Bagpipe’s kitchen has gained a glowing reputation in a city abundant with restaurants of the highest standards. Sourcing the best produce and ingredients, allowing the quality to shine through their elegant dishes. By blending innovative and traditional techniques, their menu is fresh and exciting throughout all seasons

Top review

Alan

Dined 2 days ago

We had a lovely meal, accompanied by nice wine. The service was great and the waiting staff very attentive.

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4.7

4.7 (5804)

£41 and over

Modern European

Orpington

About the restaurant

Chapter One is an award-winning Modern European restaurant with 3 AA Rosettes in Orpington, Kent. Following a major refurbishment in early 2019, Chapter One has relaunched with a more modern approach, tempting guests with greater variety and quality.

Under the direction of acclaimed chef Andrew McLeish, modern European cooking is available in two formats. In the Restaurant, sophisticated seasonal dishes are served in a refined setting with a weekly changing 3-course Lunch Menu du Jour, a seasonally-inspired 7-course Tasting Menu and an a la carte option. In the more informal Brasserie, a selection of favourites are cooked to perfection with the finest ingredients. The drinks offering is as exciting with an AA Notable Wine List, premium spirits, and cocktails. There is also a private dining room for corporate and private occasions.

Top review

Peter

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent food, service and value. Wholly recommend!

Claude Bosi at Bibendum

4.7

4.7 (1710)

£41 and over

French

South Kensington

About the restaurant

Welcome to our two Michelin starred, signature restaurant.

Located on the 1st floor of Michelin House, captivating stained glass windows boast a beautiful setting to arguably one of the most attractive dining rooms there is.

Claude Bosi's cuisine is reassuringly simple, allowing ingredients to be highlighted by their own seasonal qualities.

He runs an immaculately presented kitchen, which provides a fascinating backdrop to the guests' dining experience.

The knowledgeable front-of-house team are guided by Lorenzo Bigicchi, and the wine list is curated between Claude Bosi and his head sommelier Elio Machiné.

Please note when visiting us, the entrance to our Claude Bosi restaurant is located on Sloane Avenue.

Top review

MartinVIP

Dined 1 day ago

An amazing dining experience, undoubtedly and by far the best in London

Clos Maggiore

4.6

4.6 (15289)

£26 to £40

French

Covent Garden

About the restaurant

Clos Maggiore is an oasis of calm in the heart of Covent Garden. Influenced by the stylish country inns of Provence and Tuscany its unique interiors create a warmth and intimacy enjoyed by both business and private parties. The conservatory has a fully retractable glass roof creating a bright and airy dining space. Our extensive cellar at Clos Maggiore includes over 2,000 labels and was extended earlier this year to include an additional 400 wines at a low – mid price range. We are very proud to have been awarded the “Best of Award of Excellence” consistently since 2003 by Wine Spectator.

Top review

Ann

Dined 5 days ago

Clos Maggiore is a brilliant, atmospheric venue. The staff are warm, friendly and professional and the food is excellent. We were made to feel very welcome and despite the two-hour dining window allocated, there was no pressure on us to leave. This was our third visit and it was amazing every time.

CORE by Clare Smyth

4.8

4.8 (3557)

£41 and over

British

Notting Hill

About the restaurant

Chef Clare Smyth’s first restaurant, Core by Clare Smyth, opened its doors August 2017.

Located in London’s Notting Hill at 92 Kensington Park Road, Core by Clare Smyth is a modern fine dining restaurant with a strong British ethos, in an elegant, relaxed interior.

Top review

CHRISTINE

Dined 5 days ago

This was our first time at Core and it lived up to all expectations, from the moment we arrived till we left everything was first class. We went to celebrate a special birthday and everyone at Core ensured it was a very enjoyable occasion.

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4.6

4.6 (1953)

£26 to £40

Scottish

Edinburgh

About the restaurant

A consistent multi award winning Restaurant Forage & Chatter in Edinburgh boasts the best locally sourced and foraged produce, nestled in Edinburgh's West End. A experience you will not forget. Come and visit us!

Top review

Christopher

Dined 2 days ago

Outstanding food with a relaxed environment. We really enjoyed our dinner and shall be back.

Frederick's

4.8

4.8 (4016)

£26 to £40

British

Angel

About the restaurant

Frederick's is a family-run restaurant that is now fifty-five years old. Frederick's is a relaxed, contemporary restaurant and bar with private dining options. Serving a modern, crowd-pleasing menu, with familiar yet focused service and an enviable wine list Frederick's continues to be run by the Segal family. We are proud to be regarded as an Islington Institution, and continue to work hard to ensure that this is the case for years to come.

Frederick’s is open from Tuesday through to Saturday with full hire parties bookable on Sunday and Monday (fifty plus guests). Our familiar team is looking forward to seeing you; we can’t wait to shake you a martini or decant a fine wine for you to enjoy.

Should you have any queries about a forthcoming booking, or if you are planning on organising a party please email andreea@fredericks.co.uk we will get back to you with pleasure.

Top review

HelenVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Visiting Family in London and was lucky enough to be taken to this little gem again. Food wine atmosphere staff all first class. Very enjoyable experience.

Gauthier Soho

4.8

4.8 (4600)

£41 and over

French

Soho

About the restaurant

Having earned a star within a year of opening Gauthier Soho, Alexis Gauthier is described by Zagat guide as "...one of the Best New French food destinations in London...". With an emphasis on vegetables in all dishes, Alexis provides a seasonal tasting menu with the best possible ingredients (British where possible) all 100% plant based. All served in a chic Soho Townhouse where the staff really make you feel special. There are also five private dining rooms for parties of all sizes.

Top review

Leonard

Dined on Feb 5, 2025

Great dinner, the flavors were exceptional and the wine pairing absolutely marvelous. It is truly incredible how the spirit and taste of French cuisine is kept throughout a full vegan dinner even in the most meaty dishes. This should inspire other chefs for sure.

Hakkasan - Hanway Place

4.5

4.5 (6342)

£41 and over

Chinese

Fitzrovia

About the restaurant

With 12 restaurants across the globe, located in the United States, Middle East, India, Asia and Europe, Hakkasan offers guests a world-class culinary experience.
Established in 2001 in London, Hakkasan Hanway Place is the original Hakkasan restaurant. Now, two decades later, Hakkasan Hanway Place continues to offer guests exceptional modern Cantonese cuisine, innovative mixology, and dramatic design.
The menu uses the finest ingredients and expert traditional techniques to create timeless yet innovative signature dishes such as the Chilean Seabass and Crispy Duck Salad.
The wine list is one of the most influential in the industry, and the bar team ride the waves of innovation, ensuring they are always ahead of the curve.

Top review

Matthew

Dined 2 days ago

Service was awesome - made my 13 year old feel very special (birthday / valentines meal)

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Experience

The Devil Wears Prada - 3 courses & cocktail

Experience

Weekend Brunch

Experience

Taste of Hakkasan - 3 Course Menu and Champagne

Ham Yard Bar and Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (4704)

£26 to £40

Modern European

Soho

About the restaurant

Ham Yard restaurant has a frequently changing menu revolving around the freshest, seasonal ingredients and the best of British produce. Dishes range from house-glazed Ham Yard ham and hand rolled pasta to chilli beans on toast and ice cream sandwiches and not forgetting the ever popular Champagne afternoon teas. Our discerning guests will be tempted back time and again to sample our selection of small bar dishes, including truffled mascarpone and ham melts, pulled pork sliders with chipotle and parsley and cured sea trout with beet and horseradish.

Top review

Kelly Valentine

Dined 3 days ago

Vibrant buzy restaurant and bar . Excellent friendly service. Can’t go wrong

Hawksmoor Air Street

4.4

4.4 (13421)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

Piccadilly

About the restaurant

The Hawksmoor Air Street menu is equally steak and seafood, receiving some of the freshest produce from Brixham Market & high standard UK beef, as well as cocktails made by award-winning bartenders.

Top review

Joanna

Dined 4 days ago

Pre-theatre menu is excellent value, great service and ambience.

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4.6

4.6 (6847)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

London Bridge

About the restaurant

A short walk from London Bridge, Hawksmoor Borough serves British steak & seafood. A private dining room for up to 16 & tickets for Cooks' Room Supper Club.

Top review

Teodora

Dined 3 days ago

I had a wonderful time with my sister, and the food was absolutely delicious. We loved the tender filet & chips

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Hawksmoor Knightsbridge

4.5

4.5 (4641)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

Knightsbridge

About the restaurant

Hawksmoor Knightsbridge, off Brompton Road & between iconic department stores, Harrods & Harvey Nichols. Serving British steaks, sustainable seafood & set menus (£29 for 3), or a bar for a quick bite. Tables held back for walk-ins.

Top review

Edward

Dined 4 days ago

The one thing I value, the most is the consistency in the quality of the food and service. I come often and basically there are no disappointments. Sometimes there are a few nice surprises, not every time but enough to keep your interest up.

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4.7

4.7 (10678)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

Manchester

About the restaurant

Located next door to Spinningfields, we aim to serve the best steaks in Manchester. Sunday Roasts or for those looking for a casual bite, a set menu is available.

Top review

Carol

Dined 2 days ago

Fantastic food and service as always. Nice little treat for my daughter’s exam success. Thank you.

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Hawksmoor Seven Dials

4.6

4.6 (13091)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

Covent Garden

About the restaurant

Hawksmoor Seven Dials – Steak, Seafood & Cocktails in Covent Garden.

Tucked away in a former brewery just off Seven Dials, Hawksmoor is the spot for seriously good steak, seafood, and cocktails right in the heart of Covent Garden. Whether you’re settling in for a long lunch, grabbing a bite before or after the theatre, or just fancy a perfectly chilled martini at the bar, it’s the kind of place that feels special without being stuffy.

The menu is all about top-quality British produce—grass-fed native-breed beef cooked over charcoal, sustainable seafood, and proper seasonal sides. And if you’re around on a Sunday, the roast is not to be missed: dry-aged beef, crispy beef-dripping roast potatoes, and ginormous Yorkshire puddings. Basically, great food, good people, and a place you’ll want to come back to.

Top review

Steve

Dined 5 days ago

Hubby's birthday so quick trip to London to celebrate and booked a table at Seven Dials for lunch. Food was well presented and tasted amazing. Sides are for sharing so three between two was ample and could probably got away with two. Hubby enjoyed his can of beer, Hawksmoor own brand, and I loved the fact there was a decent choice of non-alcoholic beverages. The young lady serving us was great, even singing Happy Birthday to hubby when presenting him with his chocolates and birthday candle.

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Hawksmoor Spitalfields

4.6

4.6 (7231)

£26 to £40

British

Shoreditch

About the restaurant

Prime cuts of matured British beef and other classics served in stripped-back, bare-brick surroundings.

Top review

Semyon

Dined 5 days ago

Another outstanding steak experience in Hawksmoor!

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The Ivy Chelsea Garden

4.4

4.4 (14185)

£26 to £40

Contemporary British

Chelsea

About the restaurant

Modern British menus served in a refined, art-filled space with a garden terrace and an orangery.

Top review

ElinaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Great service , lovely atmosphere & delicious food as always !

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Experience

Breakfast Set Menu

Experience

The Ivy Chelsea Garden Afternoon Tea

Experience

Sunday Steak Supper

Jamavar

4.4

4.4 (1171)

£41 and over

Indian

Mayfair

About the restaurant

Michelin-starred Jamavar London, located on Mayfair’s iconic Mount Street is celebrated for its gracious hospitality, inviting atmosphere, and beautiful surroundings inspired by the Viceroy’s House in New Delhi, the acclaimed restaurant is a rendition of a palatial Indian dining experience in the heart of Mayfair.

Here, exceptional pan-Indian dishes are thoughtfully prepared by Culinary Director and Executive Chef Surender Mohan using the freshest British produce and most authentic Indian cooking techniques. In 2022, Jamavar London was awarded a Michelin star in The Great Britain & Ireland Michelin Guide for its high-quality cooking and holistic approach to Indian cuisine.

Top review

Russell

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent hospitality and friendly, humorous service; amazing food.

Kendell's Bistro

4.7

4.7 (3323)

£26 to £40

French

Leeds

About the restaurant

Kendells Bistro is a casual Informal place to dine with the main focus on quality of food, wine and service within a French bistro atmosphere. It’s relaxed and informal - no waiters topping up wine glasses after every sip or sneaking up behind you with a six foot pepper mill. Cloth napkins but not starched, blackboard menus and open plan kitchen, intimate cosy candles flickering, friendly without pretence.

Bookings of 5 or more will need to contact the restaurant directly, either by emailing info@kendellsbistro.co.uk or calling us on 0113 2436553.

Top review

Adrian

Dined 3 days ago

Fabulous the ambience the service and the food can not be beaten we have been visiting Kendells Bistro for many years and the standard has never faltered the team work incredibly hard to make sure the dining experience is amazing Thankyou

Margot Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (2793)

£26 to £40

Italian

Covent Garden

About the restaurant

Margot salutes Italy and its many regions with an emphasis on great food and great service. Celebrating the glamour and charm of Italian design and craft in simple elegance, Margot combines comfort and refinement in a lively setting.

Top review

Jay

Dined 3 days ago

Had a great pre-theatre meal here. Staff was incredible and food was excellent. Highly recommended.

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Popular dish

Tiramisú

Number 16 Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (3438)

£25 and under

Modern European

Glasgow

About the restaurant

Award- winning restaurant in the heart of Glasgow's West End.

Number 16 is a cosy, well established and much loved neighbourhood favourite offering quality food, friendly service and great value in relaxed surroundings. Run by a tight- knit, experienced and dedicated team; Number 16 is proud to bring fresh and unusual ideas to modern Scottish cooking. Our ever- changing menu features imaginative, balanced flavours and a commitment to using seasonal produce. We strive to make each dining experience a relaxing, unique and memorable one for every customer.

Top review

Jackie

Dined 4 days ago

Once again delicious food. One of Glasgow’s best restaurants.

Paco Tapas

4.6

4.6 (2063)

£26 to £40

Tapas / Small Plates

Bristol

About the restaurant

Award Winning Paco Tapas is named after chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias’ father, Paco, who is from Seville. The restaurant is deeply rooted in Spanish tradition and family heritage.

Located by the Bathurst Basin, Paco Tapas features dark walls, exposed brick, and sherry barrel tables, creating the perfect atmosphere for sharing plates with friends and family.

Our menu showcases a selection of classic interpretations and seasonal tapas dishes made with the finest ingredients, including Cornish day boat fish, deep-sea Carabineros from the Mediterranean Sea, and Amela tomatoes from Granada.

To complement the food, we offer a carefully curated selection of sherry, wines, and cocktails.

At Paco Tapas, we aim to create a fun and approachable dining experience, focusing on great ingredients and even better memories. Inspired by the legacy of Paco himself, our restaurant is a tribute to Spanish warmth, flavour, and hospitality.

Top review

Jake

Dined 2 days ago

Had an amazing time, food was delicious and staff were super friendly

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Peace and Loaf Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (2595)

£41 and over

British

Newcastle upon Tyne

About the restaurant

Headed up by Chef / Owner Dave Coulson, Peace & Loaf is a restaurant unlike any other in the region. Dave has an unrivalled reputation and passion for creating flavoursome and innovative dishes, which shows with the diverse menu and delicately decorated food on offer. Highlighting the importance of using only the freshest, locally sourced produce, Peace & Loaf will offer exciting, seasonal menus that will incorporate Dave’s signature dishes. Heavily inspired by traditional British cuisine with Dave’s own inventive flare, the meticulously crafted dishes will excite and intrigue even the most discerning of palates.

Top review

Terence

Dined 3 days ago

EXCELLENT EXCELLENT Food & Service the food was superb & exciting with always a depth of flavour layered with surprise after surprise of textures & tastes WONDERFUL SERVICE as always is attentive and knowledgeable but never overbearing or intrusive great stuff with supporting things i.e. superb hot latte/great decaf americano with hot milk At P&L EXCELLENCE is always the normal standard

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Experience

Mother's Day

Smiths Restaurant Wapping

4.9

4.9 (7873)

£41 and over

Seafood

Wapping

About the restaurant

Smith's of Wapping is located on the River Thames with fantastic views of Tower Bridge and The Shard.
Smith's, famous for fish, was initially established in 1958 and today offers fine dining facilities.

We are now open from 12pm until 230pm for lunch and 5.30pm until 11pm (last seating time is 9pm) on Monday to Thursday.

Friday dinner starts at 6pm until 11pm (last seating is 9.30pm).

Saturday dinner starts at 5.30pm until 11pm (last seating is 945pm)

On Sundays we are open from 12pm until 3.30pm for Lunch
And 6pm until 10pm (last seating time 8.30pm) for Dinner.

Should you not find the time that you are looking for, please contact the restaurant directly as there may be availability.

Top review

Jess

Dined 3 days ago

From start to finish the staff were incredible, we came for my Mums 60th and they made it very special. The food was amazing as always too

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Popular dish

Apple Tart

Popular dish

Smith's Classic Prawn Cocktail

Popular dish

Large Brixham Dover Sole

Stones Restaurant Matlock

4.9

4.9 (2725)

£26 to £40

British

Matlock

About the restaurant

Tucked away in the heart of former spa town Matlock, Stones is a cosy restaurant serving modern British cuisine. The restaurant’s interior is smart and intimate while the kitchen marries British produce with recipes inspired by international cuisine. Don’t be fooled by the apparent simplicity of the seasonal lunch and dinner menus, every dish demonstrates the culinary imagination, technique and flair of the vibrant kitchen team, led by head chef Kevin Stone. The additional tasting menu offers eight courses partnered with a carefully selected optional flight of wine. Catering for all dietary requirements, Stones offer distinct vegetarian and GF menu. Diners can enjoy views overlooking the coursing waters of the River Derwent. Discreet, informed service with an informal approach, allowing the food to take centre stage, Stones is one of the finest dining experiences in the area, carrying two AA rosettes for culinary excellence. ***Visit www.stones-restaurant.co.uk for up to date menus.***

Top review

Andrew

Dined 5 days ago

Great meal, I had been recommended the pigeon starter and beef fillet main but assume the menu is changed regularly as neither were available . Still a great meal

The Chefs Table

4.8

4.8 (3819)

£26 to £40

British

Chester

About the restaurant

Lunch Menu - Two Courses for £35 / Three Courses for £40

We are an independent restaurant in the heart of Chester offering microseasonal dining with menus designed around what's growing on our farm in Daresbury. Menus change every four to six weeks.

Please note we are currently card-only and unable to accept cash.

Meat / Game / Pescatarian / Vegetarian / Vegan / GF / DF

- - -
If your preferred time is not available please make a note on your reservation and we will try our best to accommodate you in the event of a cancellation. If you don't see the time you would like, please email us at info@chefstablechester.co.uk with the preferred time, party size, and telephone number and we will check our availability.

Top review

PeterVIP

Dined 2 days ago

10/10 in every respect - best restaurant in the North West

The Ivy City Garden

4.2

4.2 (7834)

£26 to £40

Contemporary British

Liverpool Street

About the restaurant

Located in the historic Bishopsgate Gardens, The Ivy City Garden brings the familiar luxury of The Ivy, West Street to the City of London.

Top review

Ollie

Dined 2 days ago

Great meal at the city garden branch for Valentine’s Day. The meal was made by the impeccable service from Iva the manager and her colleagues Miraj and Kymani (apologies on spelling). Couldn’t fault the service at all and it was so impressive that we will definitely be back!

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Experience

Breakfast Set Menu

Experience

A Valentine’s Day to Remember

Experience

1917 Two-Course Heritage Menu

The Poet at Matfield

4.8

4.8 (3072)

£26 to £40

British

Tunbridge Wells

About the restaurant

The Poet offers an informal yet refined dining experience in the heart of the Kent countryside. Set in a charismatic 16th century building, diners can expect food of the highest standards, made using the finest local and seasonal produce and lovingly prepared by a small team of chefs led by Head Chef & Director Lee Adams.

In addition to the food, we offer a selection of fine wines, quirky cocktails, and have a collection of over 25 craft gins available.

World War I poet Siegfried Sassoon lived in Matfield and is the inspiration behind our name. Sassoon was awarded the Military Cross for "conspicuous gallantry" and later won acclaim for his writing. We're pretty sure he would have loved our food too!

A warm welcome awaits diners from General Manager and Director Tom Haacke and his team. We look forward to seeing you!

Please be aware we do not cater for the vegan diet.

Late cancellations - £20 per person.

Top review

Dario

Dined 3 days ago

Lovely staff, lovely setting. Food was delicious and accommodating of my wife’s coeliac related gluten free requests.

Gallery

4.7

4.7 (8178)

£41 and over

Contemporary British

Covent Garden

About the restaurant

Introducing Gallery (formerly known as Thames Foyer), a vibrant space at the heart of the hotel for drinking and dining, where guests can enjoy a perfect blend of our theatrical flair and relaxed charm.

The beautiful new space will seamlessly integrate contemporary style whilst remaining true to our much loved heritage. Innovative menus, carefully crafted by our talented culinary team, will entice you in showcasing traditional recipes with a modern twist.

The Savoy’s legendary afternoon tea will return, in addition to breakfast, coffee, lunch, cocktail hour and dinner.

Our delectable lunch offering will be available between 12:30 and 17:30 on a walk in basis.

*Please note that any reservations made are subject to the timely completion of the renovation and we may need to contact you to offer alternative dates should we experience a delay with the work.

Dress code: smart casual.

Top review

Ben

Dined 2 days ago

Wonderful afternoon tea in the lovely Gallery restaurant. Pianist playing soft music added to a beautiful ambience. Impeccable service. Can’t wait to return. A special mention to Marcel our waiter. I believe he was still training but he was a wonderful servant.

Wreck

4.6

4.6 (3219)

£26 to £40

Bistro

Liverpool

About the restaurant

Welcome to Wreck, from the team behind Sticky Walnut, Burnt Truffle, Hispi, Pinion and Kala. We look forward to welcoming you soon. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner with roasts served on a Sunday!

Top review

Brigitte

Dined 4 days ago

Great ambience, service and food. Had 2 courses for £45. But paid more for the main course sirloin for 2. Worth it. Was delicious. Portions too big!

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Experience

Bistro Menu - 3 for £20

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