It’s been a sombre weekend, to say the least. For most of us, the reality of no longer having the constant, assuring figure of the Queen in our lives still hasn’t quite sunk in, and throughout the UK we’re all looking for the perfect way to pay tribute to such a remarkable woman.
Most likely the last person you would have expected to see in a restaurant, on the rare occasions the Queen dined out, she did so in London’s finest dining rooms. If you’re looking for somewhere to raise a toast in her honour, these are the perfect places.

Quaglino’s
Not many people know it, but the first ever restaurant The Queen visited in her reign as Monarch was Quaglino’s. In fact, in 1956, Queen Elizabeth II was the first ever Monarch to dine in a public restaurant. Ever. And we love her for that.

Over the years, the restaurant has hosted other royals, including Princess Margaret, Prince Harry, and even the likes of Grace Kelly who later became Princess of Monaco after meeting her Prince in no other than Quaglino’s.
Queen Elizabeth II was the first ever Monarch to dine in a public restaurant.

WHERE: 16 BURY ST, ST. JAMES’S, LONDON SW1Y 6AJ
WEBSITE: WWW.QUAGLINOS-RESTAURANT.CO.UK

The Ivy
The original Ivy Restaurant (not the chain) has been delivering classic, seasonal dishes to the people of London for over 100 years, so it’s only natural that the Queen has popped in once or twice. The first visit was in the private dining room in the nineties, and most recently in 2017, she visited again to celebrate an invite-only party with other royals and comedian David Walliams.

WHERE: 1-5 WEST ST, LONDON WC2H 9NQ
WEBSITE: WWW.THE-IVY.CO.UK

Fortnum & Mason
The Fortnum & Mason Piccadilly store has held a Royal Warrant for many years, awarded to them for supplying the Royal Family with food and pantry treats – from Queen Anne sending 250lbs of Beef Tea to Florence Nightingale, to being the Christmas shopping destination of choice for Queen Elizabeth II and The Queen Mother.
In 2012, the Queen visited Fortnum & Mason with both Catherine and Camilla to formally open The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, named after Her Majesty in honour of her Diamond Jubilee, and enjoyed their iconic afternoon tea – even dressing in Fortnum & Mason colours to mark the occasion.

In 2012, the Queen enjoyed their iconic afternoon tea – even dressing in Fortnum & Mason colours to mark the occasion.

WHERE: 181 PICCADILLY, ST. JAMES’S, W1A 1ER
WEBSITE: WWW.FORTNUMANDMASON.COM

Annabel’s 
Whilst not strictly a restaurant, we couldn’t write about the notable establishments the Queen has been to without giving a mention to Annabel’s, said to be the only nightclub the Queen has ever visited.
Granted, the Queen would have visited the old Annabel’s site, located just two doors down (the club reopened in 2018 after a £100M revamp). Apparently, she drank a gin martini.

Apparently, she drank a gin martini

WHERE: 46 BERKELEY SQUARE, LONDON W1J 5AT
WEBSITE: WWW.ANNABELS.CO.UK

The Goring
The Goring has been a firm Royal favourite for many years. The Queen Mother even had a favourite dish, Eggs Drumkilbo, which remains one of the most popular dishes on the menu today. Later, George Goring accepted an O.B.E. from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace for ‘services to the hotel industry’, and this was followed by the appointment of a Royal Warrant in 2013 – the only hotel to have ever been granted one.
With this in mind, the Queen is said to have visited the hotel more than a few times. In fact, rumour has it that there’s even a secret underground passage between The Goring and Buckingham Palace.

WHERE: 15 BEESTON PL, LONDON SW1W 0JW
WEBSITE: WWW.THEGORING.COM

Bellamy’s
Smoked eel mousse with caviar followed by roast quail is what the Queen is said to have ordered at Bellamy’s – the French brasserie that was most likely her favourite restaurant of all, known to have visited it at least twice.
She first visited the restaurant for her 80th birthday, organised by the Queen Mother’s former lady in waiting Lady Penn, returning ten years later to dine with Princess Anne and Princess Alexandra.
Bellamy’s owner, Gavin Rankin, was previously managing director of Annabel’s and Harry’s Bar before opening Bellamy’s in 2004.
This French brasserie was most likely her favourite restaurant of al

WHERE: 18 BRUTON PL, LONDON W1J 6LY
WEBSITE: WWW.BELLAMYSRESTAURANT.CO.UK

Claridge’s
A Royal favourite, the Queen visited this five star luxury hotel many times over the years, attending many an event or celebration. Most recently in 2016, she attended the Gold Service Scholarship event to celebrate the UK’s best young waiting staff.
The main restaurant is currently being refurbished, but the Foyer & Reading room is still open all day serving Claridge’s iconic dishes as well as afternoon tea.

WHERE: BROOK STREET, LONDON W1K 4HR
WEBSITE: WWW.CLARIDGES.CO.UK

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Source the handbook


Quaglino’s

The Ivy

Fortnum & Mason

Annabel’s 

The Goring

Bellamy’s

Claridge’s

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