Features > Institutions

Institutions

The Foodism team dive into the history of the decades-old restaurants that make up the fabric of London's dining scene, from gilded classics to neighbourhood stalwarts

After fifteen years and three Michelin stars Hélène Darroze isn't done trying to do better

by Molly Codyre

The chef and patron of three-Michelin-star Hélène Darroze at The Connaught talks to Molly Codyre about fifteen years of running one of London's best restaurants and the desire to always do better

For 35 years, The River Cafe has remained one of London's most significant restaurants

by Molly Codyre

When it opened in 1987, The River Cafe fundamentally changed what it meant to eat in London. 35 years on, the restaurant's impact endures

Bellamy's: "The primary job of a menu is to seduce"

by Molly Codyre

Famously one of the few restaurants frequented by the late Queen Elizabeth II, Bellamy's eschews snobbery in favour of a welcoming and warm presence, an attitude that has kept it going for 18 years

In London's most iconic hotel, 116 years of history lay the foundations for forward-thinking cooking

by Molly Codyre

The Ritz is such an impactful destination that it has forever changed our vocabulary. How do you cook food that stands up to a place with so much history, in one of the city's most glorious dining rooms?

In St John's Wood, a 79-year-old Jewish Deli has become a culinary status symbol

by Molly Codyre

The iconic jade-green tote bags, the cult-favourite smoked salmon – Panzer's Deli is a local institution that's deeply entrenched in the St John's Wood community

For three decades, through fire and furore, Pied à Terre has endured

by Molly Codyre

Over its 31 year history Pied à Terre has lived through changing chefs, tabloid scandals and Michelin stars. Through it all, David Moore has remained at the front lines, greeting guests and ushering the restaurant forward

E Pellicci, Bethnal Green Road: a café with a story to tell

by Molly Codyre

Originally opened in 1900 by the grandparents of the current owners, E Pellicci has a long and storied history that has formed strong ties with the community

St John: "The rules were very simple: no music, no flowers, no curtains."

by Molly Codyre

With an impact on the dining scene that extends beyond the UK and around the world, Fergus Henderson and Trevor Gulliver's St John is an institution in every sense of the word

After 28 years, Mangal 2 is redefining what Turkish food in London means

by Molly Codyre

Opened by Ali Dirik in 1994, Mangal 2 has undergone a metamorphosis under the stewardship of sons Ferhat and Sertaç, who are creating a modern philosophy of Turkish food in London

Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill: serving up freshly shucked oysters for 100 years

by Molly Codyre

At Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill, Richard Corrigan has restored this storied seafood restaurant to the glory of its early days, ensuring the oysters remain fresh and the doors stay open to all

Quo Vadis: a century of history in the former home of Karl Marx

by Molly Codyre

Originally opened in 1926 by Peppino Leoni in the former home of Karl Marx, Quo Vadis has seen many people pass through its doors over the years, cementing its status as one of London's most iconic dining institutions