Voting is now open for Toast the City, celebrating all the places that make the Square Mile the vibrant, exciting location it is – and we need YOUR help.
The City of London is not only the country’s financial heart – home to 600,000 workers and 47 million visitors a year – it’s also a thriving hub for world class restaurants, bars, and cultural projects. The Toast the City Awards 2025 will celebrate both new and established institutions, along with the people behind them who have helped shape the Square Mile into one of London’s most vibrant destinations.
The Awards will bring together top names in hospitality to select the best pubs, restaurants, entertainment spots, sandwich shops, hotels, venues and outdoor spaces, all nominated by you.
Nominations are now open with 18 categories to choose from, so visit www.cityamevents.co.uk/toast-awards to nominate your favourite Cheapside spots now. Categories include Best City Restaurant, Best City Bar, Best Cultural Experience, Best Family Experience, Best Fitness Experience, Best Roof Terrace, Best Overnight Stay and more.
Vote for these shortlisted Cheapside businesses:
Best Restaurant:
• Brigadiers – At Brigadiers, you can stream all the latest sport, enjoy beer and cocktails on tap and play pool and classic card games.
• COYA City – Guests are taken on an captivating journey to Latin America through exquisite Peruvian food, experimental pisco infusions, cultural events and unforgettable parties.
• Hispania – Since 3013, Hispania has invited diners to experience exquisite culinary journeys that capture the essence of Spain.
• Sweetings – Sweetings has been serving lobsters, salmon, Dover soles and oysters since 1830 and because of their reputation, customers have stayed loyal to the restaurant.
Best Breakfast:
• Where’s Fred’s – Where’s Fred’s is an intimate café and wine bar hidden in a charming location, often only discovered by word-of-mouth.
• Millie’s Lounge at The Ned – A British restaurant and bar serving classic dishes alongside a selection of curated wines, craft ales and themed cocktails.
• The Fortnum’s Bar & Restaurant – Offering an unforgettable seasonal and contemporary menu as well as a personal shopping service, The Fortnum’s Bar & Restaurant is located in the stunning, al fresco-style surroundings of the Royal Exchange’s central courtyard.
• 1 Lombard Street – Open seven days a week, 1 Lombard Street has seen the city meet for breakfast, lunch, dinner, Saturday brunch and Sunday Roasts since 1998.
Best Bar:
• The Fortnum’s Bar & Restaurant – Offering an unforgettable seasonal and contemporary menu as well as a personal shopping service, The Fortnum’s Bar & Restaurant is located in the stunning, al fresco-style surroundings of the Royal Exchange’s central courtyard.
• The Libertine – Hidden beneath The Royal Exchange and just moments from Bank Station, The Libertine bar and restaurant is the city’s indulgent escape.
• The Nickel Bar at The Ned – A vibrant American-style cocktail bar serving drinks and bites from morning until late, featuring live performances from jazz trios to up-and-coming talent at New Music Mondays.
Best Boozer:
• The Golden Fleece – Located near St Paul’s Cathedral, The Golden Fleece is a classic City pub serving seasonal food and great drinks perfect for any occasion.
• Ye Olde Watling – With over 150 years of heritage, this British brand is renowned as a specialist in perfect pints and unbeatable pies, complemented by tempting dishes across its classic pub menus.
Best Casual Dining:
• BAO City – BAO City is a restaurant and karaoke venue offering Taiwanese cuisine, Mood Matching cocktails, vegan options and an unforgettable experience.
Best Coffee:
• The Crypt Cafe, St Paul’s Cathedral – Nestled amongst centuries of history, both Cathedral visitors and the general public can enjoy a wide variety of flavourful drinks and a tasty lunch.
Best Cultural Experience:
• St Paul’s Cathedral – St Paul’s Cathedral is a vibrant working church, a national treasure and a London icon. The Cathedral has been the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of London for over 1,400 years.
Best Family Experience:
• F1 Arcade – Whatever the occasion, F1 Arcade’s state-of-the-art bespoke F1 racing simulators provide a thrilling racing experience like no other.
• Puttshack, Bank – Surrounded by the grand architecture of the historic No. 1 Poultry building, you can experience the tech-infused mini golf courses, unique event spaces, drinks, dining and more.
• St Paul’s Cathedral – St Paul’s Cathedral is a vibrant working church, a national treasure and a London icon. The Cathedral has been the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of London for over 1,400 years.
Best Hidden Gem:
• Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral – This mindful and introspective service of sung Evening Prayer allows visitors and worshippers to experience the astounding voices of the Cathedral choir.
Best Roof Terrace:
• Coq d’Argent – From weekday lunches to elegant dinners and bespoke private events, you can experience refined luxury with exquisite French cuisine, welcoming service and spectacular views.
• Madison – Taking inspiration from the lively and eclectic New York dining scene, Madison is the home to several rooftop terraces offering breath-taking views across the City of London skyline.
Best Sandwich:
• Porterford Butchers – Founded in 1983 by two good friends, Porterford Butchers is dedicated to selling only the best quality meat and always valuing their customers first.
Best Team Experience:
• F1 Arcade – Whatever the occasion, F1 Arcade’s state-of-the-art bespoke F1 racing simulators provide a thrilling racing experience like no other.
Best Green Space:
• Festival Gardens – This sought-after lunchtime spot has benches which surround a central lawn alongside a tranquil fountain.
Best Fitness Experience:
• Barry’s Bootcamp – Whether you’re At-Home, Outdoors, or in a Red Room, Barry’s is dedicated to changing lives worldwide through their workouts and community.
Best Late Night Venue:
• Coq d’Argent – From weekday lunches to elegant dinners and bespoke private events, you can experience refined luxury with exquisite French cuisine, welcoming service and spectacular views.
Best Overnight Stay:
• The Ned – Set just moments away from Bank Station, The Ned hosts 250 bedrooms, ten restaurants and a range of men’s and women’s grooming services.
Members Experience:
• Eight Club Bank – Eight Bank offers a one-of-a-kind combination of banking and social club services set in the welcoming basement lounge hidden under the historic streets of London.
• The Ned – Ned’s Club is a place for wide-ranging professionals to make connections and memories.
• The Walbrook Club – The City’s only family-run private members’ club. The Walbrook Club is subtle, polished and inviting, open to men and women on an equal basis.
We are proud to join the other City of London BIDs: Aldgate Connect, Culture Mile, Eastern City, and Fleet Street Quarter, in partnering with City AM on Toast the City.
Toast Awards judges include:
- Steve Dinneen – City AM Life & Style Editor + Head Judge
- Tom Sellers – Chef patron Restaurant Story
- Martin Williams – CEO at Evolv (formerly D&D London)
- Kate Hart – CEO Eastern City BID
- Yasmin Jaunbocus – Head of PR at Hot Sauce
- Gareth Banner – Group Managing Director of The Ned
- Jaspreet Hodgson – Vintry Ward, City of London
- Libby Brodie – City AM Wine Columnist
- Tony Matharu – Founder Blue Orchid
- James Robson – Founder Fallow, Roe
- Allen Simpson – Deputy Chief Executive of UKHospitality
- Tun Shin – Food Photographer & Content Creator
- Lylaa Ali Shaikh – Food Influencer
- David Harry, AKA TheLondonSpy – London Tour Guide
- Adam Bloodworth – Deputy Life&Style Editor