Regent Street is renowned for quality, style, heritage and success, but how many of you know that such traits can be found nestled behind the flagship stores, in the form of the award winning restaurants that line Heddon Street and Swallow Street respectively.
Together, these fine cuisine havens make up the Regent Street Food Quarter, home to both big name attractions, and quaint, independent eateries, all equally tempting and tasty.
In the newly pedestrianised Swallow Street, the ideal place to while an afternoon, one can find the famous FishWorks. This hugely successful restaurant joined the Food Quarter only a few months ago, quickly establishing itself as a firm favourite of the area. Open for lunch, breakfast and dinner, the menu boasts the freshest seafood, with the added bonus of a co-joined fishmonger open daily from 10am.
Keeping with the fish theme, Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill is to be found next door. Voted no.13 in Time Out's list of the top 30 places to dine in London, head chef Richard Corrigan offers an extensive menu reflecting his talent for finding the best ingredients and a passion for modern cooking.
Another award winning attraction is The Gaucho Piccadilly, voted 'Best Steak Restaurant in London', also by Time Out. A beautiful and historic building that presents the sophistication of Buenos Aires and the 'rustic charm of Estancia', The Gaucho is regarded as 'a first for London'.
Amble on up the street and try out The Cuckoo Club, recommended for the evening crowd. A glamorous members club with a sophisticated interior, the atmosphere evokes rock-chic, high luxury and delicious decadence. The menu offers a 'contemporary deconstruction of classical European food', with drinks created by head barman Andreas Jansson, winner of the UKBG/Campari Cocktail competition 2006.
The oldest on the block (in the distinguished sense) is Veeraswamy. Britain's oldest Indian restaurant, the newly transformed interior is the epitome of luxury, with classical dishes from aristocratic homes of several regions, Veeraswamy is renowned for attracting a mix of the rich, the famous and fashionable lovers of Indian food.
Around the corner, the temptation begins again, in the form of Heddon Street, where a taste of Europe can be yours. Stylish and popular French bistro Aubaine is popular wih celebrities such as Kylie Minogue and Sienna Miller, where French classics, fine wine, not to mention sumptuous macaroons are available from 8:30am to midnight.
If the Italian option is more for your tastebuds, Piccolino offers the fresh taste of Italy within chic, yet informal surroundings. Perfect for that working lunch or weekend brunch, the restaurant prepares its modern and classic dishes in a Neapolitan wood stove oven.
For an after work bite, The Living Room W1 is brimming with a lively crowd throughout the working week. Boasting both a relaxed dining space as well as a more formal area, the venue is designed to be 'home, but not as you know it'. With well known cookery writer and broadcaster Hugo Arnold consulting on the menu... the food especially is sure to be unlike anything waiting in your fridge...
For something that little bit different, Momo offers tantalising and sensuous North African food. A vibrant atmosphere makes this one of the most popular venues in town, with one of London's best kept secrets, the Kemia bar, home to a stunning Moorish look and 'killer cocktails'.
The latest addition to the Food Quarter is Tibits. The Swiss vegetarian success chose to open its first British branch on Heddon Street. Determined to alter the average Londoner's opinion of vegetarian food, Tibits offers over 35 dishes from around the world, all to be enjoyed in the fine interior courtesy of the Designer's Guild.
Finally, take things into the early morning on Heddon Street, with dinner at Below Zero before a decidedly cool cocktail in the world famous Absolut Ice Bar. With an ice sculpture theme that is ever changing, no trip to the Ice Bar is the same as the one before...
Once the night is over and morning has broken... head to Aubaine once more, where the a la carte breakfast is all the proof you need that whatever you desire, no matter the time of day, the Regent Street Food Quarter is a secret worth keeping.
Read the Regent Street Online reviews...
FishWorks
Veeraswamy
Aubaine
Bentley's Oytser Bar & Grill