London

Savitri Tan

She is an associate at Isomer Capital, an investment firm focused exclusively on pan-European venture capital. She has experience in growing and developing startups and founders, from the early stages of formation through to financing. In her previous role, she worked closely with over 600 founders and led the entrepreneur-first company building team, helping over 200 aspiring founders each year to meet their co-founders and start a technology company from scratch. She speaks five languages and holds a degree from Oxford University.

A business breakfast – Dishoom

For the startup and venture capital sector, I would choose Dishoom in King’s Cross, because it opens early and is easy to reach for Londoners coming from the east and west. Dishoom has five restaurants in London and offers a relaxed atmosphere with 1950s Indian décor. In addition to familiar items such as yogurt, fruit, and toast, you can also try their famous egg naan accompanied by chai (spiced tea). It’s the perfect taste of northern India on a cold London morning.

A stylish bar with vintage decor, wooden chairs with turquoise cushions, geometric tiled floor, a large wooden bar with barstools, shelves of bottles, and an industrial staircase under a skylight.

An hour alone in a beautiful place – Host café

This café is housed in an old church near Mansion House underground station, close to the River Thames. The space is very large and allows you to enjoy space and privacy when you want to work, even though it is not a co-working space. Being a converted church, it is a great place to think and reflect. An on-site café serves excellent coffee, cakes, and snacks. I consider it a small, quiet oasis in the middle of the city. In the evening, the space is often used for underground music concerts.

A café counter inside a building with high arched ceilings, stained glass windows, wall plaques, a menu board on an easel, and a glass fridge displaying drinks. The setting combines historic and modern elements.

A formal lunch with a client – Engawa

Engawa is a Japanese restaurant on a side street off Piccadilly Circus, opposite the Ham Yard Hotel and behind all of London’s famous theaters. It’s in the heart of Soho, so the space is small and the decor and menu are excellent. It’s ideal for lunch: there’s no loud music, so you can concentrate on conversation. What’s more, it’s located in a neighborhood full of bars where you can work or hold other meetings in safety before or after lunch.

A dimly lit restaurant with wooden tables set with napkins and chopsticks, dark bench seating, a decorative divider with abstract designs, and framed art on cream-colored walls.

A relaxing lunch – Casse Croute

There’s a place called Casse Croute on Bermondsey Street near London Bridge that’s very informal but offers a rotating menu of classic seasonal French bistro dishes. It feels like you’re somewhere in the countryside: the menu is presented on a blackboard and the wine list pairs perfectly with the dishes. This is where I like to come with clients who are also good friends. It’s a small place, so booking is essential, but you won’t regret it.

A street corner café with a red awning and outdoor tables, where people are sitting and talking. The building is brick with signs for Bermondsey Street and Tanner Street visible.

A trendy aperitif – Kingly Court

Kingly Court in Carnaby is a very lively place with many restaurants and bars where you can have an aperitif or a bite to eat in a young and relaxed atmosphere. The venue, located a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Street, is very trendy. You can enjoy Peruvian dishes or Israeli tapas and a glass of wine, Caribbean rum cocktails, or even champagne and oysters. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s a bar and jazz club nearby called Cahoots that will take you back in time to 1940s London.

A lively outdoor market scene shows people dining and socializing under a large blue-and-white striped umbrella, surrounded by shops and colorful buildings on multiple levels.

An ideal place for informal meetings – Dean Street Townhouse

For an informal meeting, I would recommend Dean Street Townhouse in central London, part of the Soho House group. With company or alone, it doesn’t matter. You can order a quick coffee, a fresh juice, or enjoy a traditional afternoon tea if you wish! The restaurant has good Wi-Fi and there are various informal seating areas with comfortable sofas and armchairs, creating a relaxed and quiet atmosphere for concentrated work.

A cozy, elegant restaurant with patterned armchairs, red and blue seating, dark wood floors, and framed art on red-patterned walls. Tables are set for dining, and a fireplace adds warmth to the inviting atmosphere.

A gourmet dinner – Story

The Story restaurant on London Bridge is incredibly creative and dinner is full of surprises. It won a Michelin star just five months after opening. They don’t offer a classic menu from which to choose what you want to eat, but you can start with each person’s preferences to build a tailor-made lunch with classic and new dishes inspired by the season. The chef aims to tell the story of British cuisine through the centuries and how different cultures and traditions have influenced food in the UK.

A modern restaurant with round tables covered in white linens, red chairs, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and an artistic ceiling installation of flying birds. Outside, greenery and a red double-decker bus are visible.

The latest trendy spot – Big Mamma

Since opening in 2018, many influencers, creatives, and celebrities have been flocking to Gloria and Popular Circle from the “Big Mamma” restaurant group. The menu is informal and based on sharing large dishes with friends in a ‘family style’. It’s great for groups and for celebrating an occasion. People come here for the fantastic atmosphere, fun music, and over-the-top, maximalist 1970s decor. The only problem is that you often have to wait a long time to get a table.

The place to be and be seen – Annabel’s

There are so many places in London! The most exclusive are private clubs such as Annabel’s in Mayfair, which is the favorite place for famous actors, musicians, international business tycoons, and even, sometimes, members of the royal family to have a drink. However, you have to be a member or be invited by a member to get in. It’s a great place to spend the whole evening. The restaurant has just been refurbished and includes various themed rooms with different atmospheres and fun and unusual decorations.