J. Sheekey

28-32 St. Martin's Court, WC2N 4AL.
W: www.j-sheekey.co.uk
T: 020 7240 2565

The West End's most famous fish restaurant

Review

Where is it?

Located in St. Martin's Court, between St. Martin's Lane and Charing Cross Road, J. Sheekey is a short walk from Leciester Square or the Strand, and easily reached from Leicester Square tube station. Despite being surrounded by tacky tourist souveneir shops and cheap pizza joints, the little pedestrian walkway lends an air of sophistication to the maroon-fronted restaurant. This is reinforced by the bowler-hatted doorman.

What's it like?

Inside, there's a series of small, wood-panelled rooms with white tablecloths, dimly lit by by seashell light fittings and decorated with black and white photos of theatreland stars from yesteryear. It creates a gentleman's club feel that is comforting and traditional, though its clientele is altogether more glam - keep an eye out for Joan Collins, Biggins and the Beckhams. Surprise surprise, civilians need to book early to get in, though they'll be made to feel just as special once they do make it in. Fish has been served here since its namesake opened the venue in 1896, so you can sample everything from delicious skate to gravlax, the infamous fish pie and fish stew, or lobster. Prices are pretty variable, with the legendary fish pie coming in at just £12, but other dishes can be as high as several hundred pounds if you're a caviar fan.

Why does Johnny Ikon love it?

This place feels just like home. Well, home with someone who's a really, really, REALLY good seafood chef anyway!

Johnny recommends somewhere to go afterwards

	Kingly Club 4 Kingly Court, W1B 5PW / 4 Upper St Martin's Lane, WC2H 9NY. Elegance, drama and history inform these two intimate venues
	The Library Bar The Lanesborough Hotel, Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA. Service, sophistication and situation
	Shoreditch House Ebor Street, Shoreditch, E1 6AW. The East End cool kids' very own private members club
	Home House 20 Portman Square, W1H 6LW. The most exclusive private members club in town