Centre Stage Venues

Remember when central London seemed a fuddy-duddy place to dine and the thought of schlepping up to town was no-one’s idea of fun? Well that’s all changed, with acclaimed restaurants and hotels promising fine gastronomy in an array of fabulous settings. Join me on a whistle-stop tour.

The German Gymnasium was Britain’s first purpose-built gym and the site for the indoors events at the first Olympic Games held in London, in 1866. No, I’m not taking you back in time to those sweaty days in the school gym, with Mr Peters shouting at you to jump over the pummel horse — this King’s Cross venue is grade II listed and its Grand Café is open from breakfast until dinner. Vegetarian options are available, such as schnupfnudeln (potato noodles) with seasonal young vegetables, and kids have their own menu. Up on the mezzanine, the sophisticated restaurant offers fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere — from a dinner for 32 guests to a 250-guest seated banquet. The space can be transformed to suit a theme, or you can simply allow the architectural beauty of the place to shine through.

The five-star Landmark London is a grande dame of the capital’s hotel scene, celebrating 120 years of existence, but still fresh and contemporary in feel. The lobby leads into the enchanting Winter Garden restaurant, under a glass-roofed atrium. The Landmark London opened in the romantic heyday of train travel and is conveniently located by Marylebone Station. Newly refurbished, it combines opulence and grandeur with contemporary flair and amenities. The Sunday champagne brunch here is perfect for a milestone birthday or anniversary, as is the afternoon tea, with sandwiches, scones and sweet delicacies. The Great Central Bar & Restaurant has an ever-evolving menu of globally inspired classics, served amid the ambience of a gentleman’s club.