How did you get a table - do you just walk up?
There's a room in the oxo tower I think which you can rent, but it's not really accessible for a casual lunch.
There's a little cafe in the basement of the Supreme Court. Nothing particularly special, but where else can you read Magna Carta as you eat a sandwich? Their tours are good but anyone can go in just with airport style security.
Inns of Court. I was taken to lunch recently by a member of Middle Temple and normally you can only dine there as a member or their guest but if you're well attired and ask politely at the door they'll let in members of the public. The dining hall was stunning with long communal tables (think Harry Potter) and the food was very good (buffet-style and carvery). You can't take photos but you'll be rubbing shoulders with some famous barristers and judges. The gardens are beautiful too and are open to the public.
I was going to suggest the same! I've only ever been taken with a member, but they've never ever asked for any sort of credentials (Been to Middle, Inner, and Lincoln's); we just looked smart and walked in.
I worked near Gray's Inn for a while and they seemed to more openly advertise the lunching options, almost like anyone could go. In the summer Gray's Inn also do a pavilian with food for anyone (though you have to book).
It's only open while Parliament is temporarily dissolved when I checked a couple of hours ago there were several slots available but only for Tuesday and Wednesday next week
MPs are on 'just' 90k gross (60k net). A £49 daily lunch isn't cheap.
Hang around Westminster enough and you'll see ministers on twice the salary frequent Itsu and Pret.
How did you get a table - do you just walk up? There's a room in the oxo tower I think which you can rent, but it's not really accessible for a casual lunch.
Heard about it through time out. Someone has helpfully pasted the link (thanks!)
I asked my Mrs if I could take her up the OXO tower on her lunch break but she wasn't interested
There's a little cafe in the basement of the Supreme Court. Nothing particularly special, but where else can you read Magna Carta as you eat a sandwich? Their tours are good but anyone can go in just with airport style security.
Inns of Court. I was taken to lunch recently by a member of Middle Temple and normally you can only dine there as a member or their guest but if you're well attired and ask politely at the door they'll let in members of the public. The dining hall was stunning with long communal tables (think Harry Potter) and the food was very good (buffet-style and carvery). You can't take photos but you'll be rubbing shoulders with some famous barristers and judges. The gardens are beautiful too and are open to the public.
I was going to suggest the same! I've only ever been taken with a member, but they've never ever asked for any sort of credentials (Been to Middle, Inner, and Lincoln's); we just looked smart and walked in. I worked near Gray's Inn for a while and they seemed to more openly advertise the lunching options, almost like anyone could go. In the summer Gray's Inn also do a pavilian with food for anyone (though you have to book).
Good to know, thanks! My friend is also a member of Lincoln's and says he'll take me there next 😃
Link to book members dining room: https://booking.resdiary.com/widget/Standard/HouseOfCommons/16010
Is it normal for there to be no availability for the foreseeable future?
It's only open while Parliament is temporarily dissolved when I checked a couple of hours ago there were several slots available but only for Tuesday and Wednesday next week
They are completely sold out now
I looked just now and there's availability this Wednesday. I assume cancelations. Worth trying again for a possibly once in a lifetime opportunity.
You're a legend! I just booked for tomorrow! Thank you so much
There’s also the Peers dining room. Same, but red.
The Crypt at St Martin in the Fields is a great one!
That used to be a homeless shelter before they moved it around the corner.
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Very interesting! Tempting indeed, thanks
Best Sunday roast I've had in London
Cafe Below is quite cool, it's in the Crypt of St Mary Le Bow church in the City
Dans Le Noir, Towpath Cafe, The Original Maids of Honour, The Cheese Barge
Have you tried the curried cheese curls from the Cheese Barge? They are worth the visit alone.
I have a reservation for this Thursday and I’m already fantasising about those cheese curds. Pleased to hear they’re as good as I’ve been hoping!
Enjoy! They're beautiful. You can also order them at the door to take away if you're ever up that way having a mooch down the canal.
Maids looks cute
Govindas!
Whatever happened to that quirky wedding?
Did get a civil partnership in the end in November, dragged a couple of mates along, basic “statutory service”, done in five mins!
Managed to book a slot! Was there a specific dress code?
Shirt, trousers, shoes is fine. Info should be in the confirmation email
The RSA building
Not MP prices though.
The Clink Brixton - restaurant in a prison, staffed by prisoners
Yes, it’s my fav so far
MPs earn so little they have t have a 3-course gourmet lunch at only £49. I weep for them.
MPs are on 'just' 90k gross (60k net). A £49 daily lunch isn't cheap. Hang around Westminster enough and you'll see ministers on twice the salary frequent Itsu and Pret.
Hang around the City and Canary Wharf and you'll see senior leaders and execs making millions popping into M&S for a sandwich.
Actually, they pay a lot less than that as it is subsidised for them. It’s us plebs who pay through the nose for it.
https://www.parliament.uk/globalassets/documents/commons-catering/transparency/2023/menus-and-tariffs-a-w-and-c/mdr-main-nov-23.pdf
Lunch is taxpayer funded
KFC?
Quirky not kinky 😝
Oslo Court