All Bar One Villiers St.

Exceptional Service and Scrumptious Fish & Chips

Nestled in the heart of London's bustling Charing Cross, All Bar One offers more than just standings cocktails and noteworthy pub fare—it presents an experience wrapped in the enchantment of attentive service and an almost magical ambiance. With enough rave reviews bouncing between customers like a London cab during rush hour, I arrived with high expectations, eager to sample the seemingly legendary fish and chips. Sure enough, the plate arrived with a ceremonious crunch that echoed the crackle of an expertly fried batter. A delicate steaming fish met every forkful with fresh whispers from the sea; triumph was declared. Not to be outdone, gloriously chunky chips held their own, steering clear of the pitfalls of oiliness, which, let’s face it, no one enjoys.

But it's not merely the groundswell of gastro-delight that captures the heart here; it’s the personnel who feel candidly far from transactional in their exchanges. Throughout my meal, enigmatic figures such as Mark and the charming Gwale flitted in and out of diners’ reviews like recurring characters you hope will make yet another glorious return. Whether managing a bustling Saturday night or softly guiding you through emotional fire drill proceedings, the spirit of hospitality remains steadfast throughout—all sparkled by the kind of personable service escapades that turn an ordinary dinner into a cherished story worth narrating. Indeed, for a taste of complete satisfaction tempered with human connection, All Bar One is clearly the place where Londoners converge amid clattering plates and soaring suspicions of how likely they are to recommend this hub next time they recount their best evenings in town. — Clarissa Cuisinier