Page 87
Three Great Restaurants to Take Clients in London
Words Baby-Leah Burnett
Since restaurants have reopened on the 4th after a long period of a deserted hospitality industry, the population has flooded into the city for their highly anticipated dining experiences. Among the population lies those who like to party in restaurant lounges, those who like a “Rose on the roof” (credit to Coq D’argent) brunch or those who are more on the corporate side and need to choose the most convenient yet appropriate place to dine for a business meeting. Lifestyle Editor, Baby-Leah has visited and reviewed 3 restaurants in prime areas of London, which are some of the best places to take clients mid-day or night, for a comfortable business meeting in the city.
The first restaurant I visited was probably one of the most instagrammable spots in London, Sketch. I kept in mind the variety of clients our vibrant city holds and thought, if I was a creative, where would I want to bring my client for a corporate yet quirky lunch? - perhaps something that could really inspire and spark imagination. Sketch is home to four beautiful restaurants, all unique from each other in their own special way. At the moment, the restaurants are only open from Friday to Sunday for limited times but I was lucky enough to get a reservation in The Parlour for Brunch. The Parlour is very quiet during the day and somewhat “busy” to the eye. It is perfect for a business meeting among any type of creative artist due to the chilled vibes, staff, an elaborate tea and coffee menu alongside a basic yet tasty European cuisine. Although my reservation was originally in The Parlour, I did end up changing my reservation to The Glade because I was so impressed with the interior. As you walk past the Parlour you are warmly greeted by the restaurant hosts with to your left a blue wonderland paired with live projections of art and to your right a sea of Pink - it's almost impossible not to take a picture! Myself and Food Editor, Talibah Simone decided we were going to continue our review in the Glade. This restaurant was truly unlike any other with a very strong Alice in Wonderland inspired decor! As we sat down, they offered us 2 circular tables pushed together with the choice to sit opposite or side by side - very convenient considering the nature of our lunch. We were able to take out our laptops, brainstorm, conversate all whilst eating from a beautiful set menu. They offer a 2 or 3 course meal at a very affordable price considering it is in Mayfair, a two course priced at £24 and a 3 course at £28. Overall, the aura, staff and location made Sketch definitely one of the best places for a business meeting - especially for a creative or someone who wants to stay classy but is in the mood for something different.
The second business-meeting worth restaurant on my list is French cuisine Coq D'argent. This restaurant is beautiful and right next to Bank station - very convenient and accessible for those who work in the city. Coq D'argent is a rooftop restaurant with beautiful scenery with indoor and outdoor seating. They have implemented plastic dividers due to COVID-19 which gives added privacy to your dining experience - perfect for a client where you would prefer a more confidential gathering. I joined Coq D’argent for their “Rose on the roof” Brunch which was overall a very pleasant experience. This menu is available on Saturdays from 12pm-3:30pm priced at £29.50 for 2 courses and £34.50 for 3 courses. They have excellent service from the staff which is what makes them such a great restaurant for a meeting. My client was 45 minutes late and the staff were very understanding, didn't rush me at all and also gave great conversation and recommendations… always a huge positive. I work in the hospitality industry and have worked in many restaurants around London, so I know how frustrating it can be as a staff member to have to serve late tables and keep the guests happy whilst also maintaining a nice-flowing restaurant. Coq D'argent handled this with ease and I was extremely impressed! Their food was delicious, their cocktails were delightful and their wine list was extensive which is always a plus! In all, I highly recommend Coq Dargent as a go-to. They even had phone charging boxes in the toilets which I think every restaurant in this day and age should strive to have!
Last but not least is one of my favourite restaurants, CUT at 45 Park Lane. This restaurant is part of The Dorchester Collection, located in the heart of Mayfair positioned right beside Hyde park which is perfect for a classy, corporate meeting. I visited CUT for dinner and for Bar bites in their Bar 45 and both experiences were not short of true perfection. This restaurant caters to your every need whether that is food, privacy, meetings, birthdays, night outs, it is an extremely versatile spot. My dinner experience was amazing, their atmosphere is very relaxed and service is immaculate. They pride themselves on making their guest experience incomparable. From the moment you are greeted to the time you sit down the staff adapt to your situation and reasoning behind dining. They give you just enough space to have a productive meeting alongside a brilliant dining experience. Not to mention, the people that come into 45 Park Lane make it a hotspot for networking! Due to the true excellence of this restaurant means that the prices are not easy on the bank account but it definitely allowed me to believe it is money well spent after my visits here. Bar 45 is also amazing for a meeting with a client. It comes with a beautiful lounge area equipped white a huge TV, sofas and stunning artwork - it can almost make you feel too comfortable! Interestingly, Bar 45 is a living canvas for artwork and showcases exhibitions every couple of months from contemporary british artists which is also available to buy! So picture this; a corporate meeting, surrounded by amazing artwork, comfortable seats, a TV, an amazing menu led by head Chef David McIntyre and perfect service. This location is definitely a personal favourite and is overall a must-visit whether it is a client you want to impress or a significant other. Either way 45 Park Lane makes the top of the list for business meetings.
