Christoff.ai

Bar Story

restaurantsā€¢
London
London

Bar Story

199 Tooley St, London SE1 2JX, United Kingdom

Interactive map
Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Tooley Street with Shard views, Bar Story transforms dinner into a 3.5-hour narrative journey that's earned two Michelin stars and a cult following. Chef Tom Sellers' edible storytelling concept has created something genuinely unique in London's fine dining scene, though you'll need military precision to secure a table.

Bar Story: Where Michelin Stars Meet Edible Theatre

Two stars, one beef-dripping candle, and the booking battle of your life

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The moment you step into this intimate space, you're entering a carefully crafted storybook world. The bright, serene dining room feels deliberately calmā€”scoring just 3.5 on the energy scaleā€”with an open kitchen that lets you witness the theatrical preparation. The sophistication level hits 9.5 out of 10, evident in every detail from the storybook decor to the Shard views from the first-floor private dining room's balcony. This isn't a place for spontaneous visits or casual catch-ups; the structured experience scores just 2.0 for flexibility and 1.5 for spontaneous discovery. The intimate setting naturally limits group sizes, making it perfect for couples or very small parties. The atmosphere strikes that rare balance of being relaxed yet undeniably refined, creating an environment where the 2.5-3.5 hour experience feels purposeful rather than prolonged. With conversation-friendly scoring at 4.0, you can actually talk without shouting, though the focus inevitably shifts to the theatrical food presentation.

Food & Drink

The modern British cuisine here transcends traditional boundaries, with seasonal menus that read like poetry and taste like innovation. The signature beef-dripping candle isn't just Instagram baitā€”it's a genuine flavour revelation that guests consistently rave about. Dishes like snail porridge and golden-beet caviar showcase the kitchen's ability to transform familiar ingredients into something extraordinary, while the Oreo-inspired dessert proves they're not taking themselves too seriously. The 9-course dinner menu represents serious culinary ambition, with each dish contributing to the overarching narrative concept. Guest reviews consistently praise the 'outstanding food & service' and 'unique flavours,' though some note the pacing can drag. The seasonal evolution keeps regulars coming back, and the 'spectacular wine pairings' suggest the beverage program matches the kitchen's ambition. At 8.5 for uniqueness and 9.0 for experience depth, this isn't just dinnerā€”it's culinary theatre that happens to be delicious.

Service & Experience

With an OpenTable rating of 4.8 from over 1,100 reviews, the service clearly hits the mark for most guests. The team delivers what's described as 'warm, attentive service' throughout the extended experience, which is crucial when you're committing to 3.5 hours. The open kitchen concept means the service feels more integrated with the cooking process, adding to the theatrical element. Staff appear well-versed in the storytelling concept, helping guide guests through the narrative journey rather than simply delivering plates. The fact that guests consistently praise the service alongside the food suggests the team understands their role in the overall experience.

Value for Money

At Ā£250 for the 9-course dinner and Ā£140 for the 5-course lunch, Bar Story sits firmly in special occasion territory. The price level of 3 out of 4 reflects the Michelin-starred positioning, but you're paying for more than just foodā€”you're investing in a complete experience. The optional wine pairings and non-alcoholic alternatives show thoughtful pricing structure, though expect the bill to climb significantly with additions. Given the two Michelin stars, the unique concept, and the 3.5-hour experience, the pricing aligns with London's top-tier dining scene. However, the months-ahead booking requirement and substantial time commitment mean this isn't casual spendingā€”it's event-level investment that needs to justify itself beyond just the meal.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Lunch service (Friday-Saturday 12pm-2pm) offers the 5-course experience at Ā£140, making it slightly more accessible than dinner. Evening slots run Tuesday-Saturday from 6pm-9pm, with weekends being the most coveted. The restaurant is closed Sunday-Monday, which actually works in your favour for planning.

What to Focus On

There's no choice to makeā€”only tasting menus are available. Focus your decision on whether to add the wine pairings, which guests consistently describe as 'spectacular.' The non-alcoholic pairings show they take all guests seriously, not just wine drinkers.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Book exactly 3 months ahead at 10am when reservations dropā€”this is the only reliable way to secure weekend slotsThe beef-dripping candle is genuinely unmissable and will likely be the most talked-about moment of your mealThe first-floor private dining room offers Shard views and a chef's table experience if you're planning something truly special

The Final Verdict

Bar Story delivers on its ambitious promise to turn dinner into narrative theatre, earning its two Michelin stars through genuine innovation rather than just technical skill. The beef-dripping candle alone justifies the Instagram buzz, but the overall experience runs much deeper than social media moments. Yes, the Ā£250 price tag and booking battle are significant barriers, but the 4.8 rating from over 1,100 guests suggests most find it worthwhile. The 3.5-hour commitment isn't for everyone, and the structured nature means you're along for Chef Tom Sellers' ride rather than creating your own experience. But when that ride includes some of London's most creative modern British cuisine in an intimate setting with Shard views, it's a journey worth takingā€”at least once.

Christoff's Rating:
8.7/10

Perfect For:

Special occasion celebrants with serious food appreciationMichelin-hunting food enthusiasts who enjoy theatrical diningCouples seeking an intimate, memorable experience with Instagram-worthy moments

Quick Details

1

Bar Story

ā­ Michelin stars
ā­ļø Edible storytelling
ā­ļø Shard views
ā­ļø Tasting menu
ā­ļø Theatrical dining

Two Michelin stars and an edible storytelling concept create London's most theatrical fine dining experience, where each course arrives as part of a narrative that unfolds over 3.5 immersive hours. The signature beef-dripping candle and snail porridge have achieved Instagram legend status, while Shard views from the first-floor balcony provide a cinematic backdrop for proposals and anniversaries. Only tasting menus are offered,9 courses at Ā£250 or 5 courses at Ā£140,but the experience justifies every penny through sheer creativity and flawless execution. The bright, serene dining room with storybook decor creates an atmosphere that's both intimate and special occasion-worthy. Booking requires strategic planning with reservations dropping exactly three months ahead, but the resulting experience delivers the kind of culinary theater that transforms ordinary celebrations into unforgettable memories that guests discuss for years.

What's Great

āœ“ Two Michelin stars with unique edible storytelling concept

āœ“ Spectacular Shard views and Instagram-worthy signature dishes

Keep in Mind

Ɨ Ā£250 tasting menu requires months-ahead booking and significant time commitment

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Book exactly 3 months ahead at 10am when reservations drop - that's the speedrun strat for snagging weekend slots

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

šŸ•"Tue-Thu: 6pm-9pm, Fri-Sat: 12pm-2pm, 6pm-9pm, Sun-Mon: Closed"
šŸ“199 Tooley St, London SE1 2JX, United Kingdom
šŸ’·Ā£Ā£Ā£Ā£
šŸ“ž+44 20 7183 2117
šŸŒWebsite

Featured In My Guides

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

London's Best Special Occasion Restaurants 2025 Guide reference image

London's Best Special Occasion Restaurants 2025 Guide

restaurants in londonā€¢
Aug 19, 2025
ā† More restaurants in Londonā† Explore all of London