Dinners in London

Dining in London comes in all shapes and sizes, with the British capital being renown for having some of the world’s best restaurants. If you want to take your evening to the next level, then the city knows how to provide.

Dance and dinner cruises along the River Thames make for an indulgent night out. Luxury bus tours with onboard multi-course dining and added sightseeing really hit the spot. How about you add some rock 'n' roll or classic TV magic to your dinner in London?

Here's all you need to know about dinners, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in London.

What are the best dinners in London?

London dinner cruise

The most popular London dinner experiences are by boat. These dining and dance boat cruises are a fun way to spend the evening. You’ll get to sightsee along the River Thames while tucking into a gourmet 4-course meal.

After boarding, you’ll be shown to your seats and offered a welcome drink to get you in the mood. Then, as you begin your journey down the river, it’s time to tuck into your meal. If you’re visiting in summer, you’ll get to see the sunset as well as the city illuminated against the night sky.

Live music provides a seductive backdrop to the whole affair, with performers serenading you with hits from the West End. After dinner, you can take to the dance floor and show off your best moves to the beat of the cabaret. If you prefer, just sit back and watch with a glass of wine or two.

Most trips run between Westminster and the Thames Barrier and finish back where they began. Note that the minimum age for dinner participants is 13 years.

London dinner bus tour

If you prefer to stick to dry land, then these dinners in London are just the ticket. You’ll be driven around the historic center of London on a luxury coach, enjoying sightseeing and a decadent dinner at the same time.

On arrival, you’ll be shown to your table on the top deck, where a panoramic glass roof provides optimum viewing conditions. As the tour gets under way, your dinner will be served. It’s a full-on 6-course menu, with all dishes freshly prepared and cooked on board.

Keep an eye out for some of London’s famous landmarks as you cruise around the streets. You can opt for wine pairing to be included with your meal for a little extra flair.

After the tour, you will be returned to the starting point. This experience is suitable for children aged 5 years and over. There are cloakroom and toilet facilities on board.

Fawlty Towers dining experience

Fawlty Towers fans will love this inventive dinner experience, which expertly captures the essence of the hit TV series. You’ll enjoy comedy antics from the professional actors while savoring a delicious 3-course meal. It’s certainly one of the more unusual dinners in London.

As you take your seats, the show unfolds, with character performers expertly bringing the likes of Basil Fawlty and Manuel to life. It’s a hilarious evening out, with 1970s-inspired food that is far superior to anything that may have once been served in that infamous hotel. Just remember that not everything will go to plan!

Hard Rock Café dinner

The famous Hard Rock Café in London is the perfect place for an iconic evening out. You’ll feast on classic American dishes, surrounded by rock 'n' roll memorabilia. Don’t leave without exploring the Vault where all the most authentic collectibles are kept.

There are a couple of different menus to choose from, with everything from burgers to mac and cheese on offer. For dessert, why not opt for a chocolate brownie to complete the all-American vibe? Children under 11 years can choose from a kid’s menu on the day if required.

Which places are seen?

Many dinner experiences in London take place on either a boat or a bus, which makes for prime sightseeing. Here’s what you’ll see during your evening if you choose one of these options:

Dinner boat cruises

From on board the boat, you’ll enjoy some of the best city skyline views, which are particularly enchanting when the buildings are lit up. On these London dinner cruises, you’ll sail past iconic landmarks like Canary Wharf and the O2 Arena.

The Houses of Parliament and the Thames Barrier are also on the cards, as is the illuminated London Eye. You will be able to take photos to capture the experience during your meal.

On your journey, you’ll also pass the maritime district of Greenwich. See if you can spot the Old Royal Naval College and the towering masts of the historic Cutty Sark tea clipper.

Dinner tours by bus

London dinners by bus will take you through the heart of the historic city. This means you’ll be able to tick off several major sights along the route, while sitting in comfort. These trips offer a pleasant contrast to the river cruises, as you’ll be able to get much closer to the landmarks.

Top spots include St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, as well as the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Keep your eyes peeled for The Shard and Tower Bridge too, both of which are lit up at night.

How much do dinners in London cost?

Hard Rock Café London dining experiences cost £25 per person for a 2-course set menu and £30 for three courses. You can enjoy this at either lunch or dinner.

The Fawlty Towers dining experience is £70 per participant, with the show lasting a couple of hours. You get a meal and a performance for that price, so this one’s a bargain.

Boat cruise dinners in London start at £80 per head for a 3-hour trip. This covers live entertainment and a sightseeing tour as well as the meal, so the evening out offers real value.

For a bus tour with a 6-course dinner onboard, expect to pay around £120 per person for a 2.5-hour ride. If you want to add wine pairing to your meal, this costs an extra £30 for four glasses. This may be more expensive than a boat cruise, but the level of luxury is outstanding, and the setting is even more intimate.

What is included?

A sumptuous 4-course meal with tea and coffee is provided on the London boat cruise dinners. You will also be given a glass of sparkling wine on arrival and the cabaret performance is complimentary.

London dining experiences by luxury bus include a 6-course meal, sightseeing tour, free Wi-Fi and an audio pen for guided commentary. Drinks are extra, unless you have purchased a wine pairing ticket, in which case you will enjoy four glasses with your meal.

The Fawlty Towers dining experience includes the 2-hour show as well as a slap-up 3-course meal. You can enjoy this at either lunch or dinner, depending on the day of the week. Drinks are extra and tips are always appreciated.

A 2- or 3-course meal is provided with your Hard Rock Café ticket, along with a soft drink, coffee or tea. You can buy alcoholic drinks on arrival if required. Priority seating is also included.

Where does it start?

Boat cruise dinners in London depart from Westminster Pier, which is right by Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. London bus dinner tours begin at the Victoria Embankment bus stop.

The Fawlty Towers dining experience is located at the President Hotel on Guildford Street in Russell Square. Meanwhile, you’ll find the Hard Rock Café conveniently located on Old Park Lane in Mayfair.

How long does it last?

Most of the London dinners by boat last around 3 hours, which gives you time to relax and enjoy your surroundings as well as the meal. The luxury bus tour takes 2.5 hours to drive around the designated route.

The Hard Rock Café experience and the Fawlty Towers dinner show are slightly shorter – these are both 2 hours long.

When is the best time for a dinner in London?

Most dinners in London take place in the evening. It’s a relaxing experience that is ideal to schedule at the end of a busy day of sightseeing and exploring.

Boat cruise dinners start at 7:45 PM, while the luxury bus dining tour departs at 7:15 PM. The Fawlty Towers evening dinner show begins at a similar time of 7:30 PM.

If you want a lunch option, book the Hard Rock Café, which offers midday dining as well as evening meals. There are also a few lunch slots available for the Fawlty Towers experience.

Travel tips

• The dress code for most dinners in London is smart casual – try to avoid sportswear and sneakers.
• For the boat cruise dinners, you will need to arrive 15 minutes before departure.
• If you have any dietary requirements, make sure you mention this at the time of booking.
• Toilet facilities are available on both the boat and the bus – the latter also has a cloak room for coats and bags.