VIBE

This swank pub near Victoria Station serves up gourmet versions of classic British fare (think posh bangers and mash) in an atmospheric, down-at-the-heel aristocratic setting. The more casual downstairs is reminiscent of a classic pub with its heavy oak furniture and a convivial bar, though large, sunny windows chase away the dark, smoky shadows found in less refined public house establishments. The upstairs, a dressier dining room (complete with gilded mirrors, starched linens, and wine glasses) swaps "pubbiness" for understated elegance, and the urbane crowd reflects that. The food is divine and the ambiance on both floors bustling but not overwhelming: a lovely upscale pub experience. We’d lunch with friends downstairs but take our parents or significant other for a more refined meal upstairs.

CROWD

A civilized slice of the upper crust: professionals and not-so-starving artists.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

It’s casual–we’d wear jeans or khakis, flats, and a cute sweater.

GO HERE WITH

A date; family; friends; colleagues or clients

WHY WE LIKE IT

We dig the relaxed feel and divine eats downstairs, and we like the more formal yet still pleasingly chilled out vibe in the upstairs, too.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Would be nice if we could make reservations for the downstairs.

GOOD TO KNOW

Reservations can only be made for the upstairs dining room (the more pubby downstairs is first-come, first-served), and bookings can only be made for a maximum of six people.

OTHER LOCATIONS

The Pantechnicon (London); The Orange (London)

CLOSEST COMPS

Tom's Kitchen (London); St. John Bread and Wine (London)

Read more about The Thomas Cubitt in The Diary

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