Reconnective repasts: Where to go for a business lunch

The past several months have not been kind to the ‘personal touch’ that once oiled the gears of commerce. Take the classic business lunch as an example. It’s about meeting face-to-face outside the stifling trappings of the office, talking casually, relaxing and getting a PR-free ‘feel’ for your guests and the company they represent.

Zoom calls are a feeble substitute – and in any case are much less filling.

If there is a time to revive the business lunch and reconnect with clients and counterparts, it’s now, with the festive season providing an excellent pretext. And with that agreed, the next question concerns where to eat, because as any lunching executive knows, the choice of restaurant will send a clear message about you, your company and your regard for your guests.

On that score, we’ve a few dining experiences in London that can’t miss on all those levels. We start with The Folly, a two-level eatery on Gracechurch Street, close to Cannon Street and Monument. The convenient central location is definitely part of its appeal, but it’s the décor that really charms; every space is literally verdant, giving guests a sense of having unexpectedly stepped into a thriving garden.

Menu-wise, there’s something for everyone, with no clear theme shining through. What does become apparent with each bite is The Folly’s reliance on fresh, top-quality seasonal ingredients and imaginative, expert preparation. From the Chorizo Scotch Egg to the Roast Pork Belly to the Chocolate Cherry Sundae, every choice will leave you wanting more.

Moving on to the vicinity of Aldgate tube station, we arrive at Satyrio. Here, the interior is simple, timeless and light, rightly placing emphasis on putting you at ease as you consider the Italian cuisine options before you. A glass or two of wine from their rightly renowned hand-picked selection will certainly help you attain the desired state of mind.

As for the food, it’s seasonal and delicious in the way only the best-prepared Italian food can be, with outwardly simple lists of ingredients magically yielding entire symphonies of flavour, texture and aroma. Even standbys like Bistecca Rib Eye somehow manage to be rustically satisfying and sophisticated at the same time.

Is Fleets more bar than restaurant, or more restaurant than bar? Wherever the balance is, it’s simply right. Located in Blackfriars, this relatively new arrival makes a powerful business lunch case for itself right out of the gate: convivial atmosphere, flawless service, excellent food, and of course, an endless range of refreshing beverage options at your beck and call.

Make no mistake – whether measured by quality, imaginativeness or flavour, the food here is in another realm from mere pub grub. Choose from classics like beer battered haddock, mushy peas and triple-cooked chips, or go for something more adventurous like the chicken katsu – they’re just a fraction of a surprisingly varied lunch menu. Whether or not you accompany your choice with wine or a craft beer, you’re guaranteed to leave Fleets with a happy buzz.

There may be times when you’re not quite sure which direction your lunch guests’ culinary tastes run. As with so many other dilemmas, the best answer to this one is curry: and some of London’s finest Indian cuisine is available at The Cinnamon Club. Located in the Grade II listed former Westminster Library, the atmosphere here is appropriately classic and hushed, with some walls still lined with thousands of books from floor-to-ceiling.

In contrast with the architecture, the fare is modern Indian – light, fresh, clean, yet fully flavoured. There’s tremendous value to be had here too, with set lunches offering such delights as Jungle style curry of free-range chicken legs and pilau rice or Venison and prune kofta along with starter and dessert for just £30.

Over to Tower Hill, where Cento alla Torre offers a supremely elegant take on Italian dining together with stunning views over Tower Gardens and the Tower of London. It really doesn’t get more evocative – and it’s a great way to make a business lunch truly memorable.

The food fortunately measures up to the ambience, with most ingredients fresh from local markets and even the pasta made from scratch on the premises. Favourites include Risotto con Funghi, the hearty Paccheri con Guanciale, a range of authentic pizzas, or the simple satisfaction of a well-made steak or rack of lamb. The wine list is short but very well selected for the dishes on offer.

Last but not least is our lunchtime tour of London’s restaurants is Lorne. Found just five minutes away from Victoria Station, the accent here is on British and European dishes with a touch of eye-opening flair, all in surroundings that put guests immediately in an ‘at home’ mood.

As to the menu, how does Roast Scottish halibut sound? Or Venison haunch? All very honest, timeless, and beautifully balanced with a healthy variety of vegetables and sauces. Pudding choices are just as intriguing, with Orange and olive oil polenta cake topping the list. For those looking for an extra helping of value, Lorne also offers a set menu with three courses for £39.

The six recommendations here are all surefire lunch hits – but are by no means your only great options. London is just that kind of foodscape; no matter where you are, there are restaurants nearby that mean business.