J Sheekey
Price guide: Expensive
28-32 St Martin's Court, London, WC2N 4AL
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#39 of 115
expert-rated restaurants in London- Recommended for:
- Business travellers, Culture vultures, Foodies, Honeymooners, Mature travellers, People watching, Relaxation, Romance, Trendiness
Expert review of J Sheekey
I love perching at the oyster bar of this old Covent Garden restaurant.
Founded in 1896, J Sheekey started as a fishmonger that served meals to the property developer’s post-theatre dinner parties. Now it’s a highly regarded restaurant and favourite lunchspot of the acting fraternity.
Food and drink:
A convivial mix of classic British and simple contemporary dishes. The popular fishcake is posh school dinner stuff to the locals and it’s pleasant enough but you may wonder what the fuss is about. The fish and chips on the other hand are fabulous. Of the pricier dishes, I’ve had sensational salt-baked gilthead bream, and love having the fruits de mer – it’s a true feast.
Ambience:
Walls are lined with black and white photographs of British theatrical greats, though you’ll probably recognize a few from tv and cinema. The thrill, of course, is when they’re sitting at the next table – which won’t be far away as the place is so cramped.
Service:
Good in my experience but I’ve heard a few contrasting stories. Expect a forthright rejection if you don’t book in advance any day except Sunday. Thursday nights are especially busy.
Location:
On a characterful theatre-land alley.
Price advice:
Expect to pay around £120 for a three-course meal for two with wine.
Other useful branches:
Not a branch, as such, but sister restaurant Scott’s of Mayfair is also a fish specialist and much-loved by the celebrity crowd – see website for details.
More information on J Sheekey:
- Price guide:
- Type:
- Restaurant
- Food:
- British, Modern, Seafood, Traditional
- Address:
- 28-32 St Martin's Court, London, WC2N 4AL
- Telephone:
- 020 7240 2565
- Website:
- http://www.j-sheekey.co.uk
- Serves:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Opening times:
- Restaurant Mon-Sat noon-3pm, 5.30pm-midnight; Sun noon-3.30pm, 6-11pm. Oyster bar Mon-Sat noon-midnight; Sun noon-11pm.
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Reservations:
- Always essential
- Free tags / Keywords:
- oyster bar
Community comments (2)
It's sister restaurant Scotts in Mayfair is equally as good. Why hasn't this made the Top 100?
Because I had to keep the list to 100! As I mention above, Scott's is certainly worth a visit, and no doubt some people will prefer it, but I plumped for Sheekey first because of its Theatreland location and the fact that the oyster bar allows for more casual, flexible all-day dining.