The long-awaited moment is finally here; a new notch in the timeline of British history and we’re living in it…
While yes it’s certainly a moment in history, despite the media hype, in reality, it’s been reported that only a “mere 9% of British adults say that they care “a great deal” about this weekend’s events [and] only 7% describe themselves as committed royalists, willing to give uncritical support to the monarchy.”
That said, whether you’re a royalist, a republican or don’t really have an opinion on ‘The Firm’, one things for sure; it’s a Bank Holiday, which means we’re all going to get merry this weekend, cheering or shouting in equal measure at the pomp and ceremony of it all.
Across the city, pubs, bars and clubs have been given the green light to stay open an extra two hours on Friday and Saturday, so get ready to raise a glass as it’s going to be a weekend affair we’ll never forget, whatever your bag.
If you’re currently devising a plan of how you’re going to spend the three-day weekend, then why not visit one of the below listed London spots which have been frequented by the royals themselves?
Perhaps this is your chance to visit these eateries knowing that you won’t bump into one of the squad! Or, maybe you’re just intrigued to see the king of places the royal family patronise. Either way, it’s a chance to see how the other half live. Kinda…
Anyway, without further ado and with the help of the travel gurus from the Bindy Street App, we’ve pulled together this list on where the royals dine out in London
Dean Street Townhouse, Soho
Bindy Street App tell us that, “In the midst of Soho, set in a gorgeous Georgian townhouse, this boutique hotel and all-day restaurant is a popular spot for the royals. Famously known for hosting Prince Harry and Meghan’s very first date, reservations are often snapped up pretty quickly, so be speedy if you’d like to celebrate the coronation in true royal style by booking in for an evening of ambience and a great meal with service that goes above and beyond”.
All of which, we think, you’d expect from the type of clientele they have to deal with…
That said, that excellent service may be directed elsewhere, at more important people, so we should revise and say be prepared to wait a very long time for food. However, when it comes to said food, it’s actually pretty good and satisfies a specific craving for classic British fare.
Expect a medley of top hits in this genre including fish and chips, grilled dover sole, mince and potatoes and pig cheek with mash. Oh, and Dean Street Townhouse stays open until 12am on weekdays and 1am Friday to Saturday which means you don’t have to brave Soho’s packed bars if you want to stay out late – that gets a tick from us.
Address: 69-71 Dean St, London W1D 3SE, United Kingdom
Website: sohohouse.com
Bluebird Restaurant, Chelsea
“Frequented by none other than The Duchess of Cambridge, Bluebird is a Modern European restaurant on Chelsea’s Kings Road featuring a stylish dining space, a cosy bar and lounge area, and a picturesque outdoor terrace. If you want to live it up like a royal on Saturday the 6th of May, the venue will be hosting a grand Coronation party where guests can experience live music, sip on some cocktails, and even see an exclusive royal carriage”, says Bindy Street App.
Make no mistake, this place is as Chelsea as it gets, attracting a crowd of well-to-do locals and plenty of prats, quite honestly. The venue itself is undeniably gorgeous, a combination of an industrial warehouse with high ceilings and metal beams and, well, your living room with comfy sofas and draping greenery. There’s also a sprawling outdoor area which is ideal for hanging out in; fingers crossed for that Bank Holiday sunshine.
Address: 350 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UU
Website: bluebird-restaurant.co.uk
Fortnum & Mason
Fancy a very expensive picnic hamper to bring in the Coronation? “Luxury department store Fortnum & Mason have had connections to the royal family since its formation with William Fortnum, having once been hired as a Footman at the court of Queen Anne in 1707 and where William made an enterprise of selling palace wax candles after Queen Anne’s requests of new candles every single night”, explains our old buddy Bindy.
At the moment, this iconic department store is offering a Coronation Collection full of limited edition items including hampers, champagne and trinkets. The ‘Coronation Celebration Picnic for Two’ hamper is yours for just £200. Of course, you could just make your own picnic hamper for a fraction of the price, based on this one. Here’s what’s inside for inspiration:
- Pickled Vegetables with Saffron Aioli
- Coronation Chicken Scotch Egg with Mango Chutney Dip
- Wild Mushroom and Truffle Scotch Egg
- Coronation Native Lobster with Gem Lettuce Cups
- Rosemary and Thyme Cheese Sables
- Mini Beef Wellington with Horseradish Creme Fraiche and Watercress Salad
- Asparagus, Pea and Broccoli Salad with Pesto Creme Fraiche
- British Isle Cheeseboard
- Vanilla Panna Cotta
- Elderflower Strawberry jelly
- Meringue
- Still Water
- Fortnum’s Coronation English Sparkling Blanc de Blancs, 750ml
Website: fortnumandmason.com
Address: 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER
The Goring Hotel, Belgravia
“The Goring Hotel is infamous for its elegance, where the late Queen Elizabeth II could be seen holding her annual Christmas lunch and where Kate Middleton spent her last unmarried evening before the royal wedding. Step inside these fancy doors on Saturday 6th May to sip on a martini at The Goring’s ambient cocktail bar, dine at the elegant acclaimed restaurant, or embark on an Afternoon Tea experience like no other”, the experts at Bindy Street App once again so politely inform us.
A tiara’s throw away from Buckingham palace, this place is as you’d expect, luxury all the way. The dining room is an opulent place to eat, with white linen table cloths and waiters in waistcoats. Under the Swarovski chandeliers you can enjoy British classics with contemporary twists. Could be worse, hey?
Address: 15 Beeston Pl, London SW1W 0JW
Website: thegoring.com
Bellamy’s, Mayfair
“It was rare to see the late Queen Elizabeth II dining out in London, but when she did, she could be seen having a private evening meal at Bellamy’s” explains Bindy Street App.
“The brasserie-style, French restaurant clearly had a special place in her heart as this is where she celebrated her 80th birthday dinner. Spend the King’s Coronation in this cosy setting complete with an oyster bar and a selection of French wines and cocktails”, they add.
Located off Berkeley Square, Bellamy’s offers a little bit of Paris in Mayfair. It is also a previous winner of Tatler Magazine’s “Most Civilised Restaurant Award”. The menu draws from the Franco-Belgian brasserie tradition and standout dishes include the smoked eel mousse and Feuilleté of Snails with wild garlic butter, although we can’t imagine the late Queen eating the latter as she had a strict no garlic rule.
The best thing about this elegant French restaurant is that it offers a weekly-changing ‘table d’hôte’ menu at just £35 for three courses, for both lunch and dinner, meaning that those of us who don’t come from royalty can still dine here without breaking the bank.
Address: 18 Bruton Pl, London W1J 6LY, United Kingdom
Website: bellamysrestaurant.co.uk
Chiltern Firehouse, Marylebone
“This high end hotel (former fire station dating back to the 1800s), has famously attracted young royals; Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi threw a bash at the venue to celebrate their engagement in 2019, and Meghan Markle has been spotted at the bar catching up with friends over a negroni. Why not book a table on Coronation day for brunch, lunch, or dinner with a side of sparkling wine, a selection of cocktails, or even a cosy cup of tea by the fireplace”, says Bindy.
We’ve got to admit that the food at this most celeb-beloved hotel is pretty darn good, even if the main man Nuno Mendes has since moved on (several times).
Website: chilternfirehouse.com
Address: 1 Chiltern St, London W1U 7PA