As London and swathes of the South East prepare to be plunged into Tier 3 tonight, many city dwellers will be planning a final meal out before eateries are forced to close their doors.
Some 61 per cent of England’s population will be under the harshest set of Covid restrictions from just after midnight on Wednesday morning, which force all restaurants, pubs, bars and theatres to shut.
Eateries favoured by celebrities and high society are preparing for one last full service – and there’s still hope if you fancy a last-gasp night of culinary delights at a famous eatery.
FEMAIL has done the culinary leg work, searching for reservations at VIP dining spots across the capital, and there are plenty of tables still available if you’re hellbent on a last supper in a swish restaurant.
THE IVY
The original restaurant on West Street in London’s theatre district – with its decadent decor and stain-glass windows – has three time slots available this evening
Classic celebrity haunt The Ivy may now be a nationwide chain but the original eatery on West Street has been a West End staple for decades, with famous faces enjoying intimate tete-a-tetes behind its colourful stained-glass windows.
Book tonight? Find a fine plate of food – perhaps the famous shepherd’s pie? – at 8:45pm, 9pm, 9:30pm (020 7836 4751, the-ivy.co.uk)
STRINGFELLOWS – GENTLEMAN’S CLUB AND RESTAURANT
Stringfellows has partnered with The Paris Grill, and its newly designed menu offers an assortment of seasonally changing classics
Tucked inside late owner Peter Stringfellow’s famous Covent Garden venue, the 40-seat restaurant recreates a bygone era of cabaret, and is a great spot for intimate romantic meals or business dinners.
Stringfellows has partnered with The Paris Grill, and its newly designed menu offers an assortment of seasonally changing classics.
Book tonight? There are a number of time slots available for a party of two tonight: 6:30pm, 6:45pm, 7:15pm and 7:45pm, 8pm, 8:15pm, 8:30pm, 9pm, 9:15pm, 9:30pm (020 7993 6941, stringfellows.com/restaurant)
MARCO PIERRE WHITE’S LONDON STEAKHOUSE COMPANY
The London Steakhouse Company serves up a choice of top steak cuts from master butcher Aubrey Allen
The City branch of this London restaurant, the first to bear Marco’s name, is a traditional steakhouse in the heart of the Square Mile, just off bustling Bishopsgate.
It serves up a choice of top steak cuts from master butcher Aubrey Allen, and a range of grilled and roast meats, fish mainboards and classic English puddings. There’s an additional branch in Chelsea.
Book tonight? There are plenty of tables available this evening: 6:30pm, 6:45pm, 7:30pm, 7:45pm, 8:15pm, 8:30pm (020 7247 5050, londonsteakhousecompany.com)
TEMPER SOHO
All temper’s tasty meats are served alongside tacos and homemade parathas, and mezcal cocktails
temper Soho is a unique barbecue, steak and open fire pit restaurant where meals are prepared before your eyes using only wood and charcoal in a huge fire pit in the middle of the room.
All its tasty meats are served alongside tacos and homemade parathas, and mezcal cocktails.
Book tonight? For early diners there are a couple of slots, while those who prefer a later meal can also bag a table: 6:15pm, 6:30pm, 9:15pm, 9:30pm (020 3004 6669, temperrestaurant.com/reservations)
IMPERIAL TREASURE
Whether you go for its assortment of authentic Dim Sum and signature Peking duck or something from its live seafood menu, the classic Chinese cuisine from Imperial Treasure is a step up from your usual takeaway
If you’re in the mood for a Chinese, why not treat yourself to an extravagant dining experience at Imperial Treasure.
Whether you go for its assortment of authentic Dim Sum and signature Peking duck or something from its live seafood menu, this classic Chinese cuisine is a step up from your usual takeaway.
The group has about 23 restaurants under its name, as well as over 50 accolades; its Shanghai branch was recently awarded Michelin 2-star status.
Book tonight? There are plenty of tables available for this evening – despite 44 being booked today alone on OpenTable: 6:30pm, 6:45pm, 7pm, 7:15pm, 7:30pm, 8pm, 8:15pm, 8:30pm, 9pm (020 3011 1328, imperialtreasure.com/uk/reservation)
GAUCHO CHARLOTTE STREET
Gaucho’s new socially responsible vision for the way restaurants operate both socially and environmentally launched with the Charlotte Street branch
This branch of the popular Argentinian steakhouse has recently been given a new look and features the chain’s first ever Beef Bar experience – counter top dining complete with your own chef.
Its new socially responsible vision for the way restaurants operate both socially and environmentally launched with the Charlotte Street branch as part of Gaucho’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
Book tonight? There’s plenty of choice to fit in around your plans: 6:30pm, 6:45pm, 7pm, 7:15pm, 7:30pm, 8pm, 8:15pm, 8:30pm, 8:45pm, 9pm (020 7580 6252, gauchorestaurants.com/restaurants/charlotte-street/)
GORDON RAMSAY’S LUCKY CAT
Get lucky? Gordon Ramsay’s Asian restaurant Lucky Cat has tables available for this evening
Located in London’s Mayfair, Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay is an Asian open kitchen and late night lounge inspired by the drinking clubs of 1930s Tokyo and the Far East.
Dine on Asian inspired small plates, Robata grilled dishes, sushi and sashimi crafted in the open kitchen and signature raw bar. Gordon and his executive head chef, Ben Orpwood, have designed each dish to be shared at the centre of the table.
Book tonight? There are currently timeslots left for this evening: 5:30pm, 9:15pm, 9:30pm (0207 107 0000, gordonramsayrestaurants.com/lucky-cat)
CHUCS MAYFAIR
You’re in luck, as there’s still space to dine at Chucs tonight at 9:45pm, according to OpenTable
Upmarket Italian Chucs, which has branches all over London, is open for business tonight, with a late night table still available at its flagship Mayfair branch.
Book tonight? You’re in luck, as there’s still space to dine here tonight at 9:45pm, according to OpenTable (020 3763 2013, chucsrestaurants.com)