Simpson's in the Strand

One of London's oldest traditional English restaurants is the Simpson's in the Strand. Simpson's gained a dual reputation from 1850 for its traditional English food, particularly roast meats, and as the most important location in Britain for chess in the nineteenth century, after a modest start as a smoking room and soon after as a coffee shop. After being purchased by the Savoy Hotel group of enterprises at the end of the century, chess was no longer a feature, but Simpson's has remained a celebrated dining location throughout the twentieth century and into the twenty-first as a supplier of classic English food. "A restful shrine of food," wrote P.G. Wodehouse.

Fairmont Hotels and Resorts has been in charge of Simpson's since 2005. The restaurant currently has extravagant glitz after another remodeling in 2020. High ceilings are complemented by leather banquettes and chandeliers, creating a decadent atmosphere. Although chess is no longer played in the halls, hints can be found in the décor and the renowned signage out front, and slicing meat at the table is still a tradition at London's most historic roast dinner.

Location: 100 StrandLondon WC2R 0EW, UK

Phone: 020 7420 2111

Website: simpsonsinthestrand.co.uk