January is not kind to waistlines, and it’s not kind to wallets either. Many of us have to eat and spend frugally after our Christmas and New Year indulgences, but everyone will splash out at least once in this dull and hungry winter month. If you are thinking about a night out with family or friends but don’t want your diet to go to waste, here are three restaurants that serve up fantastic food, with minimal calorie options and a sympathetic price tag.
For an all-in-one option that covers dinner and a show at a bargain price, there’s no better place than Bel Canto. This restaurant is unique in the UK, because you will get a light-hearted operatic performance from animated vocal professionals while you eat and drink. There are also string quartets, pianists and classical guitarists, so the entertainment is varied and never takes itself too seriously. For just £44, you will receive a full evening of fantastic entertainment and a 2 courses of a healthy and varied selection of fish, meat and vegetables. The food here is divine, and clearly not made with any cheap or greasy ingredients. You’ll feel full but not bloated, all the vegetables and salads are completely fresh, and the meat and fish is organic and responsibly sourced. Considering a ticket to the opera would normally come in at around £50, and dinner at about the same sort of price, we think this is a brilliant deal that anyone can enjoy.
The Sterling, which resides at the foot of The Gherkin, serves up an interesting and alternative Light Bites menu. The portions are generous but use top quality low-fat ingredients, and you can indulge in something a little different such as chicken & chorizo terrine, which tastes naughty but actually has minimal calories. The smoked haddock Florentine is particularly good, and you won’t pay more than £7.50 for anything from the Light Bites menu. The Sterling also have daily specials depending on what fish has just been line-caught or what meat is ripe in season, so you’ll always have a varied choice of dishes. This venue is also particularly lovely on a sunny day, as you can eat al fresco on the patio with The Gherkin looming above you.
If you’re focusing more on price and are looking for a great bargain (and perhaps not quite so worried about a little gluttony), then you should have a look at The Bulter’s Wharf Chop House. Boasting fantastic views of Tower Bridge, this quirky and contemporary restaurant offers you three courses and a glass of delicious champagne for just £25 a head. You could save even more money by having two courses at £20, but we feel you may find it impossible to choose between a starter and a dessert. This is good, hearty food. You can choose from game, pies, meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, and the menu is consistently interesting and eclectic. A fantastic selection of side dishes are available at around £4 each, but the drinks are a little more expensive. The wine list is wonderful but slightly dear, however if you’re a cocktail, beer, ale or lager drinker, you’re looking at standard pub prices.
Call Best Venues London to book a space for a private event, or simply to try one of these restaurants out for your January treat with friends – we won’t charge you a penny for our services.
