Where to find a good lunch in London is a fun but possibly daunting challenge. There are said to be over 5,000 restaurants in London ranging from the corner cafe to the best in the world and every price point that goes with that. Then you have the choice of almost any cuisine you can think of and London boasts having many of the world’s top chefs to add to your decision-making woes.

So, here’s another post in my series of ‘lunch at…’ to help you.  I usually put my disclaimer at the end but here it is to let you know that this is an independent review and my visit was paid for by me!

Today I’m featuring J Sheekey, a famous London fish restaurant, dating back to 1890 when it started life as a market stall selling oysters. It is now a London institution, a well-loved part of the dining scene here and, in a wonderful nod to its past, has an oyster bar where we took our lunch, alongside the main restaurant room.

Arriving down the small pedestrian thoroughfare the exterior is impressive and enticing and yet my dining companions claimed to have walked past the red canopies and wooden tables on several occasions without even noticing this fine establishment. The location is really handy for Covent Garden but more importantly for the nearby theatres and galleries.

Sheekey’s impressive entrance

We met early and were among the first there but very soon the place was packed and it was clear these were regulars, comfortable in their usual seats, tucking into familiar fare. This was our first visit and we had chosen the Oyster Bar section as it’s a bit cheaper than their main room but still offers a good choice of dishes.

The Oyster Bar

My lunch group, a regular bunch of diners, are not easy to please so I was relieved that they finished their plates and reported back in very positive terms. The highlight was the Deep Fried Goujons with tartare sauce, meaty, tasty with a crispy coating. I had the Sheekey’s Fish Pie which was a great winter dish with plenty of fish filling including good salmon chunks.

Sheekey’s Fish Pie

Goujons

The Cornish Fish Stew was another winner and the extra portion of thin chips (Pommes Allumettes) disappeared right away. Our fourth member of the party had the Seared Scallops as she was not so hungry and loved the chilli and garlic sauce they were in.

Cornish Fish Stew

Irresistible chips

Scallops

Sadly we were under time pressures so could not try out any of the desserts but I would definitely go back and indulge myself another time.

Our dishes cost between £11.25 and £13.75 which we felt was very fair for the quality of the food and the surroundings as well as the good service.

For more information about this restaurant click here.