Christoff.ai

Andrew Edmunds

restaurants•
London
London

Andrew Edmunds

46 Lexington Street, Soho, London W1F 0LW, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Since 1986, Andrew Edmunds has been Soho's most enduring romantic hideaway, housed in a Grade-II listed 18th-century townhouse that feels more like a secret than a restaurant. Currently closed for essential building works as of late 2024, this legendary institution is worth understanding for when it inevitably returns to enchant another generation of wine lovers and date-night devotees.

Andrew Edmunds: Soho's Legendary Candle-Lit Institution (Currently Closed)

Where wine bargains meet 18th-century romance in the heart of old Soho

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step into Andrew Edmunds and you're transported to old-school Soho at its most atmospheric. The intimate two-floor space embraces its 18th-century bones with creaky furniture, tongue-and-groove ceilings, and tiny tables for two that create an undeniably cozy—if cramped—setting. Candle-lit throughout, with chalk-board menus adding to the nostalgic charm, this place scores an impressive 8.5/10 for uniqueness while maintaining a refreshingly low 3.0/10 on the trendy factor scale. The absence of background music lets conversation flow naturally (8.0/10 for conversation-friendliness), creating that rare London dining experience where the buzz comes purely from human connection. It's bohemian charm meets institutional reliability, with an energy level that sits comfortably at 4.5/10—intimate without being sleepy, sophisticated without being stuffy.

Food & Drink

The kitchen operates on seasonal British and European principles, with daily-changing handwritten menus that might feature roast grouse, Dover sole, lamb, or potted beef with rye starters. Mediterranean influences appear through dishes like burrata, while desserts lean into classics like plum-almond tart, milk tart, and meringue creations. The seasonal approach means you're getting what's best right now, though reviews suggest the food quality can become variable when the restaurant gets particularly busy. The daily handwritten menu system adds an element of discovery to each visit, though it also means you can't plan your meal in advance. This isn't cutting-edge cuisine—it's honest, seasonal cooking that serves as the perfect backdrop to the wine and atmosphere that are the real stars of the show.

Service & Experience

The service philosophy here aligns perfectly with the old-school Soho vibe: relaxed yet attentive, without the theatrical flourishes of more contemporary establishments. Staff understand they're custodians of a Soho institution and generally treat both the space and guests with appropriate respect. The restaurant welcomes solo diners and actively encourages leisurely meals, suggesting a service style that prioritizes comfort over turnover. Reviews consistently praise the service quality, indicating that despite the intimate, cramped quarters, the team manages to maintain standards that complement rather than compete with the atmospheric setting. The approach feels authentically unhurried, which suits the venue's 4.0/10 flexibility score—structured enough to feel professional, relaxed enough to feel welcoming.

Value for Money

Here's where Andrew Edmunds truly distinguishes itself: the legendary 200-bin wine list offers near-retail pricing with low mark-ups that make it a genuine wine lover's paradise. This isn't just marketing speak—it's the venue's primary claim to fame and represents extraordinary value in central London. The wine selection extends beyond the main list to include sweet wines, ports, plus cocktails and spirits for non-wine drinkers. With a price level of 3/4, the restaurant positions itself as offering genuine value for money, particularly impressive given its Soho location. The combination of affordable wine pricing with the romantic 18th-century setting creates what many consider exceptional value for date nights. While the cramped tables might test your physical comfort, the pricing ensures your wallet remains comfortable throughout the evening.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

When the restaurant reopens (date TBC), reservations will be essential as they've always been. The venue operates Monday-Saturday 12pm-11pm and Sunday 12pm-10pm, with evening slots likely being the most atmospheric for the full candle-lit experience.

What to Focus On

Focus on the daily handwritten menu for seasonal specialties, but honestly, the wine list is the main event. Take advantage of those near-retail wine prices and explore bottles you might not normally afford. The seasonal British dishes provide solid accompaniment to your wine exploration.

Christoff's Insider Tips

When reopening, book exactly one week ahead by phone—there are no online reservations. Solo dining is completely normalized here, so don't hesitate to book for one. The cramped tables are part of the charm, but if you're particularly tall or need more space, mention this when booking as some tables offer slightly more room than others.

The Final Verdict

Andrew Edmunds represents something increasingly rare in London: an institution that has maintained its character and value proposition for nearly four decades. The combination of genuine wine bargains, atmospheric 18th-century setting, and old-school Soho charm creates an experience that scores 7.0/10 for depth. Yes, the tables are cramped and the food can be variable when busy, but these feel like minor quibbles against the backdrop of what this place offers. Currently closed for building works, its temporary absence only reinforces how special and irreplaceable it is in London's dining landscape. When it reopens, it'll likely return exactly as it was—because why fix what has worked so brilliantly for so long?

Christoff's Rating:
8.2/10

Perfect For:

Wine enthusiasts seeking retail-priced bottles in a restaurant settingCouples wanting authentic romantic atmosphere without breaking the bankSolo diners comfortable with intimate, conversation-friendly spaces

Quick Details

1

Andrew Edmunds

💖 Romantic hideaway
🍷 Wine lover's paradise
⭐️ Historic atmosphere
⭐️ Candle lit dining

Stepping into this Grade-II listed 18th-century townhouse feels like entering a Dickens novel where the wine list happens to be extraordinary. Candlelight flickers across creaky furniture and chalk-board menus while the 200-bin wine collection offers near-retail pricing that makes serious bottles accessible. Daily handwritten menus change with the seasons - roast grouse, Dover sole, lamb - prepared with the kind of old-school technique that modern restaurants struggle to replicate. The cramped tables for two create forced intimacy that somehow works perfectly in this nostalgic bolthole. Currently closed for essential building works, but when it reopens, it'll remain Soho's most romantic hideaway.

What's Great

✓ 200-bin wine list at near-retail prices

✓ Unmatched romantic atmosphere

✓ Grade-II listed historic setting

Keep in Mind

× Tiny tables can feel physically uncomfortable for larger groups or longer meals

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

When it reopens, book exactly one week ahead by phone - no online reservations and solo dining is totally normalized here

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Sat: 12pm-11pm, Sun: 12pm-10pm"
📍46 Lexington Street, Soho, London W1F 0LW, United Kingdom
💷££££
📞+44 20 7437 1457
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Andrew Edmunds has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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