Langan's Brasserie — Restaurant in London

Returning to Langan’s after many years, I realised I’d been holding onto a memory — of a time when a meal here felt like a real occasion. It still carries that unmistakable Mayfair gloss, but somewhere between the nostalgia and the reality, something was lost.

The staff, to their credit, were excellent. From the warm welcome to the attentive, professional service throughout, they delivered everything you’d hope for from a place with Langan’s reputation. In fact, the service was easily the highlight of our visit.

The food, unfortunately, didn’t match the same standard. It wasn’t bad — just unremarkable. In a city full of exceptional restaurants, that simply isn’t enough. There was no dish that lingered in the memory, and that in itself felt like a missed opportunity.

What stood out even more, though, was the contrast between the formal expectations set in the booking confirmation — particularly around dress code — and the casual reality inside. My wife and I happily leaned into the occasion, dressing accordingly, especially on a hot summer weekend. But once seated, it became clear that others didn’t feel the same obligation. At moments, the room felt more like a trendy hangout than a Mayfair institution.

Perhaps most distracting were groups casually wandering the restaurant mid-service, phones out, more interested in filming than dining. It disrupted the rhythm and undermined the sense of occasion.

Still, maybe the change is ours, not Langan’s. The world has moved on — expectations, behaviours, and social norms with it. What once felt refined and exclusive might now aim for broader appeal. And perhaps it’s unfair to expect a restaurant to remain frozen in time just because our memories are.

In summary, Langan’s remains polished where it counts — the service is a credit to the team — but the overall experience no longer matches the glamour of its past. If you’re going for the nostalgia, manage your expectations. If you’re going for the name, you’ll still be treated well. But if you’re looking for that old Langan’s magic, you might find it’s been left behind in...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Langan's Brasserie in London, and the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. From the warm ambiance to the impeccable service, every aspect of the evening was a testament to the restaurant's commitment to providing an unforgettable dining experience. However, the true star of the evening was undoubtedly the seabass dish that left an indelible mark on my taste buds. My friend and I shared this dish which was a special of the evening.

The atmosphere at Langan's Brasserie is a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. The classic decor and subdued lighting create an inviting ambiance, making it an ideal setting for a memorable meal. The staff, attentive and friendly, added to the overall positive impression by providing seamless service throughout the evening.

Now, let's talk about the culinary highlight of the night—the seabass. I must say, it was nothing short of spectacular. The chef's expertise was evident in every aspect of the dish, from the perfectly seared exterior to the delicate flakiness of the fish. The seabass was masterfully seasoned, allowing the natural flavors to shine through. Each bite was a symphony of tastes, with a subtle hint of citrus that elevated the dish to a whole new level.

What impressed me most about Langan's Brasserie was the commitment to quality ingredients and culinary craftsmanship. The menu offers a diverse selection of dishes, but it's clear that each item is thoughtfully crafted to perfection. The seafood, in particular, stands out as a testament to the restaurant's dedication to delivering a world-class dining experience.

In conclusion, my recent dining experience at Langan's Brasserie was nothing short of exceptional. The ambiance, service, and, most importantly,...

I was rather excited to see what the fuss about Langan's was, however my excitement was quickly diminished upon arrival. When we arrived we were told to check our coats downstairs, while other guests had their coats taken and checked in by waiters, which is inconsistent service to say the least. We were then told our table was ready but as we were early we were asked if we wanted to sit at the bar first, so we did. It wasn't until 35 minutes later than the original booking time that a waitress took us to our table (she had spent the best part of that time fiddling with pound land fairy lights on an empty table). We were then passed to a different waiter whose English was non-existent. By that I mean he couldn't speak or understand a single word we said (it wasn't a case of fractured English , this was verging on impossible). The guinea fowl was plain, and the chips tasted as though they'd been left in the bottom of the fryer all day. The steak (priced at £40) was nice enough but not worth that amount of money. The maple cheesecake tasted as though it was shop bought as well. Whilst we were eating, the service in the establishment can only be described as waiters running around like headless chickens. It felt rushed and as though they couldn't wait to get us in and out of the door. The place also needs a major refurb and bringing into the 21st century. 3 urinals in a very confined space for the gents, while the decor and artwork was questionable (magnolia hasn't been in since the 70s). Overall, this was a disappointing experience and I don't think I'll be back unless the restaurant address...