Joe Allen

Joe Allen restaurant, down a London side street in the heart of the Theatre District, is a London institution that, like the London Eye, remains lively and fascinating. It used to be that you had to work to find the dark door and tiny plaque by the entrance, now a proper awning marks the spot. Descend into theatrical nirvana, an exposed-brick dark-wood New York-style complex plastered with show posters, photos, and programmes. The long bar, seasonally-changing North American menu, and seriously A-list regulars are all crowd-pleasers. Jimmy the resident pianist has been playing six nights a week since the doors opened thirty years ago. He knows absolutely everyone. Casual, reliable, and open from lunch til late, Joe Allen is one of the West End's biggest hits."The burger at this Covent Garden cellar restaurant has achieved cult status, due to never having being listed on the menu. It is top-quality meat, well-cooked. To try it, you must first of all be "in the know" and then ask your waiter. - © Evening Standard 2003 / Charles Campion" - Critic reviewAverage price - £25-£34 / €35-€49