Entertaining Clients in London: Where to Go 

Where to Take Clients in London (Without Overthinking It)

Entertaining clients in London can go one of two ways—you either impress them effortlessly, or you drag them through an overbooked, overpriced mess that makes them question why they agreed to this in the first place.

London’s got everything: sleek restaurants, lowkey but high-end bars, activities that go beyond the usual dinner-and-drinks routine.

You just need to know where to take them. Here’s how to make sure they leave with a good impression.

Mayfair: Polished, No-Fail Options

If you’re entertaining a client who expects the best—or at least wants to feel like they’re getting the best—Mayfair is your go-to.

It’s polished, full of spots that scream old money, and if you pick the right place, you’ll get service that actually makes your client feel important (which, let’s be real, is half the job).

Start with a power lunch somewhere like Scott’s or Hakkasan.

Scott’s is classic, all about seafood and perfectly chilled martinis, while Hakkasan does upscale Chinese with dim lighting that makes everything feel a little more exclusive.

If it’s an evening thing, head to Claridge’s Bar for drinks—smooth service, strong cocktails, and just the right amount of Mayfair arrogance, and follow up with a London Club table at one of the area’s exclusive celebrity hotspots.

And if they’re into cigars?

Go full old-school and take them to the terrace at The Connaught.

Soho: For Clients Who Want a Bit of Edge

Not everyone wants the Mayfair treatment. Some clients want something cooler, a little less predictable. That’s where Soho comes in.

If you want something livelier, take them to Bob Bob Ricard, where every table has a “Press for Champagne” button. Over-the-top? Yes. But it works.

For drinks, Bar Termini does some of the best negronis in London, served in tiny, delicate glasses that make you feel like you’re in some hidden corner of Italy.

If they’re into speakeasies, Disrepute is underground, moody, and great for a more private conversation.

If you need somewhere last-minute, just walk into Soho House—but only if you’re a member, obviously.

The City: Suits, Deals, and Business Dinners

If your client works in finance, chances are they won’t want to leave the Square Mile.

The City is built for business meetings, meaning restaurants and bars here know exactly how to cater to that crowd—discreet, efficient, and expensive enough to put on the company card without looking cheap.

For lunch, Duck & Waffle is the move—sky-high views, solid food, and open 24/7 in case you’re dealing with someone jet-lagged and running on New York time.

For dinner, take them to Blacklock for some of the best steak in London, or City Social if you want them to feel like they’re dining above the rest of London (literally—it’s on the 24th floor).

Drinks? It’s all about rooftops and hidden cocktail bars.

Madison is an easy choice, overlooking St. Paul’s, but if you want something with fewer tourists, head to The Ned’s bar scene—plenty of options, a bit of an old-money feel, and usually packed with the kind of people who like talking about their latest deal.

Covent Garden: A Safe Middle Ground

Covent Garden is one of those areas that works when you don’t know exactly what your client wants. It’s central, it’s got variety, and it feels distinctly London without being too much.

Start with dinner at Clos Maggiore—often called the most romantic restaurant in London, but also just a great spot if you want somewhere atmospheric with solid French food. If you need something more casual, Flat Iron does great steak without the Mayfair pricing.

For drinks, Mr Fogg’s Tavern has a quirky, Victorian explorer theme (a bit much, but entertaining), or you could take them to The American Bar at The Savoy, which is old-school glamour in the best way.

Shoreditch: For the Cool, Creative Crowd

If your client is in media or anything remotely creative, Shoreditch is the move.

It’s got that “we don’t do corporate” energy while still being packed with restaurants and bars where plenty of actual business happens.

Lunch at Dishoom is always a good idea—Indian food with a bit of a story behind it, and an atmosphere that feels lively without being chaotic.

If you need something more upmarket, Brat is all about fire-cooked food and Michelin-starred simplicity.

For drinks, head to Nightjar for cocktails that come with a bit of theatre (expect dry ice, fancy garnishes, and things served in unexpected glasses).

Or, if you just want a good bar without too much fuss, The Hoxton’s lobby bar is the kind of place where you can have a casual meeting that still feels intentional.

South Bank: Laid-Back but Still Impresses

Sometimes, the best way to entertain a client is to take them somewhere with a good view and let the city do the talking.

That’s where South Bank comes in. It’s all riverside walks, cultural spots, and restaurants that feel lively without being too formal.

Start at Skylon for drinks—floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Thames, with cocktails that aren’t just there to look pretty.

If it’s a dinner situation, head to OXO Tower for views and solid food, or if they’re into seafood, try Sea Containers, which has a great riverside terrace for summer evenings.

If you want to do something a bit different, catch a show at the National Theatre or book a private capsule on the London Eye—not for everyone, but some clients will love it.

Where to Take Clients in London: The Key to Entertaining Clients in London

London has something for every type of client, whether they want old-school luxury, creative cool, or just a really good steak.

The trick is knowing what they’ll appreciate most—some people want to be impressed, others just want somewhere relaxed where they can actually have a conversation.

Get that right, and the city will do the rest.