Rockwell Bistro & Wine Bar

Rockwell opened in January 2025 on the lower and ground floors of The Trafalgar St. James, running out of the hotel lobby and along the Spring Gardens frontage a few paces from Trafalgar Square. Design LSM layered it in natural tones and organic materials: dark oak and rattan, plush seating, round booths in red velvet, and full-height trees that shade the tables. After dark the lighting stays low and gold.

The wine list runs to fifteen countries and makes room for English sparkling and still bottles alongside the classic regions. Food is built for sharing rather than for courses, with small plates, boards and Wagyu beef from a Sussex farm. There is a street-level terrace on Spring Gardens through the warmer months, and wine and cheese tastings can be arranged with a couple of days' notice.

Music is why this one is on our list. Thursday brings a live session, Friday vintage jazz and swing, and Saturday a guest DJ from seven until eleven, played across the whole floor rather than tucked into a corner. Taken exclusively it holds 72 seated or 100 standing across 270 square metres, with a professional kitchen behind it and the hotel's events team to run the night.