So you’re a young entrepreneur or business owner trying to work out where to take your first few clients for those daunting first meetings. Do you opt for an activity? A super-expensive dining experience? What happens if there’s a long silence? Don’t worry, we at The Buzziness Bee are here to deliver that guidance that you so desperately need.
We believe firmly that the best option for a first meeting with a client is a mid-range cafe or restaurant, usually for lunch, where you won’t put too much pressure on yourself or on the client. Everybody loves lunch! Believe us, your client will breathe a sigh of relief when they hear that you (a young entrepreneur with a lot to prove) haven’t chosen some ridiculous fancy restaurant or a massively time-consuming activity.
Don’t think, however, that the choice you just made is the end of the road. There are a plethora of factors to consider regarding the place you choose within the mid-range cafe/restaurant category. You don’t want it to be too loud or chaotic, but a nice touch of ambience can make the client (and you, if you need it!) feel the relaxation that you require within them to seal the deal.
The menu also plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of your meeting. The diversity of the selection improves the chances of there being something that your client likes, and finding the right portion sizes allows for enhanced comfort throughout the meeting. We will, in this guide, talk you through some of your best London-based options for restaurants and cafes, giving you jaw-dropping detail on every element of the dining experience!
Our Specially Selected Criteria
- Ambience – How nice is the ambience?
- Wi-Fi Availability – Is there good wi-fi access?
- Price – Is it going to break the bank?
- Menu Variety – Is there a very finite menu, or a huge one?
- Noise Level – Is it quiet or loud?
- Portion Size – Do they serve delicate dishes or big meals?
Each cafe/restaurant will be given a number from 1 to 5 for each category, and we’ll give our overall rating for it. Just remember that the highest number doesn’t necessarily mean the best; it depends on what needs the client has, and even what type of person they are. Some categories will be more important for one client than for another client!
The restaurants and cafes in this list are not in order of best to worst, the goal of this list is simply to help you more clearly evaluate your options!
The Wolseley
160 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9EB
The Wolseley is a timeless classic with its grand art deco interior, perfect for making a professional and impressive first impression. It’s a favourite among business elites in London, making it ideal for more formal client meetings. Hidden gem: their breakfast menu is highly praised and is a great way to start a day with a client over a luxurious meal.
| Ambience | 5/5 | Menu Variety | 3/5 |
| Wifi Availability | 2/5 | Noise Level | 2/5 |
| Price | 5/5 | Portion Size | 3/5 |
Our Rating: 8/10
Caffè Tropea
Russell Square, London, WC1B 5EH
Caffè Tropea is a cozy, family-run café in Russell Square Gardens, Bloomsbury, known for its peaceful setting and authentic Italian dishes. Serving the community since 1981, it’s a popular spot for locals, students, and visitors. Their menu includes Italian classics like pasta and pizza, alongside rich coffee blends.
| Ambience | 5/5 | Menu Variety | 4/5 |
| Wifi Availability | 5/5 | Noise Level | 3/5 |
| Price | 3/5 | Portion Size | 3/5 |
Our Rating: 10/10
Grind
2 London Bridge, London SE1 9RA
Grind offers a trendy, modern vibe, ideal for younger business owners looking to create a relaxed yet professional atmosphere. Their cocktails are a secret highlight, making it a great spot for both a daytime coffee meeting or an evening client dinner. Fun fact: Grind started as a single espresso bar and has now expanded to multiple trendy locations around London.
| Ambience | 4/5 | Menu Variety | 3/5 |
| Wifi Availability | 4/5 | Noise Level | 4/5 |
| Price | 2/5 | Portion Size | 3/5 |
Our Rating: 7/10
Sketch
9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG
Sketch is one of the most creative spaces in London, known for its playful, artistic décor and Michelin-starred food. It’s perfect for impressing a client who’s in the creative industry or appreciates unique spaces. Hidden gem: The futuristic pod bathrooms at Sketch are almost as famous as the food—be sure to visit them!
| Ambience | 5/5 | Menu Variety | 5/5 |
| Wifi Availability | 2/5 | Noise Level | 4/5 |
| Price | 5/5 | Portion Size | 3/5 |
Our Rating: 9/10
The Ivy (Covent Garden)
1-5 West St, London WC2H 9NQ
The Ivy has long been a go-to for London’s business class. Its sophisticated but not overly formal environment makes it perfect for any client meeting. The Covent Garden location has a rich history, being a famous spot for actors and celebrities. Fun fact: The Ivy’s name is inspired by the phrase “We will cling together like the ivy.”
| Ambience | 4/5 | Menu Variety | 4/5 |
| Wifi Availability | 3/5 | Noise Level | 3/5 |
| Price | 4/5 | Portion Size | 3/5 |
Our Rating: 7/10
Dalloway Terrace
16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN
This floral-filled terrace is an oasis in the heart of Bloomsbury, offering a quiet yet stunning atmosphere for business conversations. Its changing seasonal décor is a hidden gem, making it feel new every time you visit. Perfect for a relaxed meeting in a beautiful, Instagrammable setting.
| Ambience | 5/5 | Menu Variety | 3/5 |
| Wifi Availability | 4/5 | Noise Level | 2/5 |
| Price | 4/5 | Portion Size | 3/5 |
Our Rating: 8/10
Aqua Shard
Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY
Aqua Shard is ideal for clients who you want to impress with sweeping panoramic views of London from The Shard. The modern British menu combined with the jaw-dropping vistas makes it a perfect location for closing important deals. Hidden gem: Try to book around sunset for an extra wow factor!
| Ambience | 5/5 | Menu Variety | 4/5 |
| Wifi Availability | 3/5 | Noise Level | 3/5 |
| Price | 5/5 | Portion Size | 4/5 |
Our Rating: 7/10
Dishoom
12 Upper St Martin’s Ln, London WC2H 9FB
Dishoom’s Bombay café vibe is stylish yet affordable, making it great for more casual client meetings or those in creative industries. The vibrant setting adds to the lively atmosphere, perfect for informal yet impactful conversations. Fun fact: Each Dishoom location is designed around a different story, with Covent Garden inspired by Bombay’s cinema culture
| Ambience | 4/5 | Menu Variety | 4/5 |
| Wifi Availability | 3/5 | Noise Level | 5/5 |
| Price | 3/5 | Portion Size | 4/5 |
Our Rating: 8/10
Fei Er Cottage
37 Strutton Ground, London SW1P 2HY
Fei Er cottage is your go-to for if the client you need to woo has let on that they love Asian food. The owner, Paul, is something of a business master himself, so meeting him might give you some inspo on how to approach your meeting. The food is a classic, elegant take on Chinese cuisine, and the atmosphere of the place is vibrant and authentic like nothing you’ve seen before!
| Ambience | 5/5 | Menu Variety | 4/5 |
| Wifi Availability | 4/5 | Noise Level | 3/5 |
| Price | 2/5 | Portion Size | 4/5 |
Our Rating: 10/10
Brasserie Zédel
20 Sherwood St, London W1F 7ED
Brasserie Zédel is a hidden gem tucked away in a grand, gilded dining room that feels like you’ve stepped into Paris. It’s ideal for business meetings with a European flair, and its central location is very convenient. Fun fact: Despite its stunning interior, the prices remain reasonable, offering a touch of luxury without breaking the bank.
| Ambience | 5/5 | Menu Variety | 3/5 |
| Wifi Availability | 2/5 | Noise Level | 4/5 |
| Price | 2/5 | Portion Size | 3/5 |
Our Rating: 8/10
The Ned
27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ
The Ned is a versatile venue housed in a former bank, with multiple dining areas ranging from British to Asian cuisine. It’s great for impressing clients thanks to its glamorous setting and variety of options to suit different moods and tastes. Hidden gem: The Vault Bar is a great secret space for a post-dinner drink in a former bank vault!
| Ambience | 5/5 | Menu Variety | 5/5 |
| Wifi Availability | 4/5 | Noise Level | 4/5 |
| Price | 5/5 | Portion Size | 4/5 |
Our Rating: 9/10
Tips For A Successful Client Meeting
Plan Ahead: Set a fun agenda. Jot down your key points and make sure both you and your client knows what to expect. You usually shouldn’t be surprising your client with anything, unless it’s dessert!
Pick the Perfect Spot: This is where our guide comes in, but you’re already an expert!
Arrive Early: Get there ahead of time to snag a good table and calm those pre-meeting jitters. Plus, you’ll have time to sip on some coffee and do a little last-minute prep!
Listen Like a Pro: Show your client that you’re all ears! Ask questions, nod, and engage with their ideas. It’s like a dance—make sure you both have a turn leading!
Keep It Light: Don’t be afraid to sprinkle in a bit of humor. A laugh can break the ice and make the conversation flow more easily. Just save the dad jokes for after the deal is sealed!
Follow Up with Flair: After the meeting, send a cheerful thank-you note or a fun recap of your discussion. It shows you care and keeps the good vibes going for future chats!
Whether you’re looking to make a bold first impression with skyline views, host a more relaxed and casual client chat, or find a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of the city, London’s café and restaurant scene has something for every business owner. From the elegant charm of The Wolseley to the creative buzz of Dishoom, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect spot to take a client and leave them both impressed and inspired. Whichever place you choose, each location brings its own unique blend of ambience, cuisine, and experience—so your client meetings can be as memorable as they are productive.
