Martin Williams Shares Prime Dining Choices for Toast the City Awards

As Toast the City approaches this October, a look at prime dining venues in the heart of the City.

Bank has transformed significantly since my early days there with Gaucho in 2004. After leading the brand as MD, I embarked on a new entrepreneurial path, launching M on Threadneedle Street. Today, as CEO of the Evolv Collection, I oversee 33 venues, with nine strategically located in the Square Mile.

With my deep appreciation for London’s dining scene, I have numerous picks for ‘Toasting the City’. Some of these are venues I manage, while others are simply places I enjoy returning to.

Public voting for the Toast the City awards is now open on City AM’s dedicated website, allowing food enthusiasts to express their favorites.

Top Dining Venues for Toast the City

Brigadiers
Opening its doors in Bloomberg Arcade in 2017, Brigadiers quickly became a standout. While I fondly remember Andrew Wong's Kym’s, this restaurant has matured into a must-visit spot in the heart of the arcade. With its ideal setting for after-work drinks, the terrace is perfect for enjoying goat tiki buns paired with refreshing Sancerre. The hidden bar also invites you in for a game of pool alongside a glass of Pinot Noir and a Wagyu seekh kati wrap.

Brigadiers excels at both lunch and dinner service. Known for attentive staff, the restaurant's menu highlights include succulent tandoori lamb chops, Achari beef shortrib, and roasted goat shoulder. If you're looking for wine that complements spiced dishes, I recommend the Prophets Rock Pinot Gris from Otago for £80.

One Lombard
Formerly a banking hall, 1 Lombard Street has evolved into a landmark dining destination. Soren Jessen’s vision for transforming this iconic site into something gastronomic came true in 1998 when it opened as a restaurant, significantly elevating the area's culinary reputation.

From its inception, it became a favorite for celebratory dining, even earning the City’s first Michelin Star. I recently enjoyed an exquisite dining experience featuring caviar on rosti and short rib croquettes. The location remains a top choice for generous portions of seafood and meats. I discovered an exquisite St John-labelled 2018 Pinot Noir on the wine list, priced at £120, which paired beautifully with the menu.

As previously reported, One Lombard is currently undergoing a sale process, potentially marking the transition to a new ownership under Richard Caring, which means now’s a vital time to visit before any changes take place.

Coq d’ Argent
Last year, Coq d’ Argent was recognized with a Toast the City award for having the best roof terrace, and rightly so. This venue at 1 Poultry continues to impress with Chef Damien Rigollet at the helm for over two decades, serving impeccable Burgundian cuisine.

The asparagus tasting menu this spring was a culinary standout, paired splendidly with Chateau Lamothe Bousquet 2018 for £100. Classic offerings like escargots de Bourgogne, stuffed rabbit terrine, and Dover sole are exemplary choices. Their fondant au chocolat with pistachio ice cream has also earned its place as a City favorite.

This past summer, Coq d’Argent set records and has expanded its offerings with a Laurent Perrier terrace and the Mirabeau ‘Long Lunch’ garden. However, there’s some significant change on the horizon: the iconic Sir James Stirling-designed building is set to undergo redevelopment. Starting in 2027, Coq will move to a new location just a short distance away.

The new venue on Millennium Bridge promises stunning views over The Bank of England, St Paul’s, and Tate Modern, marking an exciting new chapter for this cherished restaurant. For now, it remains a strong contender for your votes in the Toast the City awards.

Voting is currently live for the Toast the City awards, featuring categories like Best Restaurant, Best Breakfast, Best Bar, and Best Roof Terrace. Visit cityamevents.co.uk/toast-2026 to cast your vote.