The Wigmore

Description

The Wigmore is a modern British tavern with old-school swagger, attached to The Langham in the heart of the West End. Think glossy green tiles, brass fittings, globe lights, and a generous bar that looks purpose-built for long conversations and perfectly poured pints. It opened in 2017 in a former banking hall, and you can feel that grand, confident heritage in the high ceilings and warm, retro-inspired design. It’s casual and cosy, yet unmistakably upscale—exactly the sort of place where a shopper in trainers, a theatre-goer in smart-casual, and a Langham guest in suit all seem right at home.

What sets The Wigmore apart—beyond the ambiance that skews both stylish and welcoming—is its food menu, overseen by Michel Roux Jr. The approach is modern British: public-house classics reimagined with skill and good humour, the kind that reminds you why Britain does comfort food so well. Regulars rave about the XXL stovetop cheese toastie, a three-cheese number that arrives gloriously pressed in cast iron, engineered for ooze-with-every-bite satisfaction. It’s become a London talking point for a reason. Fat chips dusted with Bloody Mary salt are another signature sidekick, punchy and oddly addictive. The scotch egg often gets a nod too—runny-yolk territory, crisp coat, and just the right amount of seasoning.

The drinks list is serious without being snobbish. There are cask ales and craft beers on rotation, a house Saison for those who like a fresh, lightly spicy pint, strong cocktails from the classics to new-school twists, and a confident wine list with by-the-glass options that suit both a quick bite and a leisurely dinner. The bar team knows their stuff and they’re happy to steer you toward the right pairing—for example, a bolder ale to match the toastie’s richness, or a sharp, citrus-lifted cocktail alongside fish or roast chicken with lemon and thyme.

Atmosphere-wise, this is a buzzy central London pub that leans sociable. Sports are shown for big fixtures—football, rugby, tennis—and there’s an easy camaraderie in the room when a match is on. Trivia nights draw friendly groups, and yet solo diners don’t feel out of place; counter spots are comfortable, and service is polished without being stiff. The crowd is a mix: hotel guests, Marylebone locals, office groups unwinding after work, and curious travelers who heard about the toastie and came to investigate. The team is used to it all, and they keep the room moving happily.

It’s also an inclusive, thoughtful space. Wheelchair users will find accessible entry, dedicated seating options, and an accessible restroom. The ambiance is LGBTQ+ friendly, dogs are welcomed with good cheer, and the staff can accommodate common dietary needs if given a heads-up. Expect modern conveniences like Wi‑Fi and contactless payments. Reservations are strongly recommended for peak times—this is central London, and The Wigmore’s popularity is real—though walk-ins can sometimes nab seats at the bar or earlier in the day.

As for the food’s Britishness—yes, the kitchen understands it. The Wigmore nods to public houses of the past while bringing flavours forward. That means proper roasts on the weekend, gravies that actually sing, and comforting puddings when the weather calls for it. The menu evolves with seasons, and specials reflect London’s wider food conversation. In 2025, the Toastie Takeover returned with guest chefs putting their own spin on the pub’s icon, with £1 from every toasted sandwich typically going to charity during the series. It’s that kind of place: a bit playful, very tasty, and quietly exacting behind the scenes.

It’s worth acknowledging that on very busy evenings service can stretch a little, as is the case with many sought-after rooms in the West End. Prices are in line with the location and the hotel pedigree. If you plan around those realities—book ahead, aim for earlier or slightly later seatings if you’re crowd-averse—you’ll likely see why The Wigmore is regularly praised by diners and finds itself recommended in lists of standout restaurants in London. For anyone searching The Wigmore London United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on a maps app before a theatre show or post-shopping spree, this is exactly the kind of polished pub experience most are hoping to find.

Key Features

• Modern British pub connected to The Langham, blending casual comfort with a smart, retro-inspired look
• Menu overseen by Michel Roux Jr, celebrating traditional British food reimagined with precision
• Famous XXL stovetop three-cheese toastie pressed in cast iron; a must-try for first-timers
• Fat chips seasoned with Bloody Mary salt; scotch egg and classic pub snacks done properly
• Cask ales and craft beers, including a refreshing house Saison; great wines and cocktails
• Sports viewing for major games; relaxed trivia nights that spark friendly competition
• Table service and comfortable seating; solo dining friendly with counter and bar spots
• LGBTQ+ friendly, groups welcome, and dogs allowed
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom
• Reservations accepted and often required during peak times
• Contactless, credit, and debit payments; Wi‑Fi available
• Private events possible in characterful spaces such as the Green Room
• Open since 2017 in a former banking hall, with heritage details and high ceilings
• Central London location just off Regent Street—handy for shopping, museums, and theatres
• Dine-in focus; not set up for delivery or takeout

Best Time to Visit

For a relaxed first visit, midweek afternoons and early evenings tend to be the sweet spot—buzzing but not overwhelming, with a higher chance of walk-in space at the bar. If the plan is to watch live sport, arrive early to snag a good sightline to the screens; big match days bring a lively crowd and faster-moving pints. Post-theatre evenings also see a cheerful mix of diners in dressy-casual, couples finishing the night over scotch or a final glass of wine, and late workers refueling on toasties and chips. It’s spirited without tipping into chaos.

Weekends are prime time for roasts. If a Sunday roast is non-negotiable for your London itinerary, book well in advance and aim for a lunchtime slot. The roast chicken with lemon and thyme, Yorkshire puddings, proper gravy, and those fat chips can make a solid quartet. People often debate the best sidekick to a roast—greens and horseradish? cauliflower cheese? more gravy?—but here the kitchen treats the staples with care, which is half the battle won.

If you’re in London during the Toastie Takeover season in 2025, swing by during the featured month to try the limited-edition chef collaboration. During the grand finale months, demand spikes a bit; planning ahead pays off. Generally, summer days are excellent for daytime meals with soft light pouring over the bar, while cooler months are arguably peak Wigmore thanks to that comfort-forward menu. Either way, timing is everything: the room’s energy changes pleasantly between lunch and late evening, so pick your vibe accordingly.

How to Get There

Located by Regent Street in central London, The Wigmore sits right by The Langham and within strolling distance of Oxford Circus. The underground is the simplest option: Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines converge nearby, making it easy to reach from most parts of the city. Several bus routes run along Regent Street and Portland Place, and black cabs or ride-hailing cars can drop at the hotel’s entrance if you’re dressed up for theatre or simply don’t fancy the Tube.

From Soho, Fitzrovia, or Marylebone High Street, it’s a pleasant walk—ideal if you’re making a day of shopping and galleries. Those with mobility needs can use step-free routes via Oxford Circus and the surrounding streets; once at the pub, accessible entry, seating, and facilities are available. If you’re driving, know that central London parking is limited and often pricey; where possible, choose public transport or a taxi. For visitors hitting multiple West End spots in one go, The Wigmore works nicely as a pre-theatre meal, a mid-afternoon snack break, or a late-evening wind-down.

Tips for Visiting

Plan and book. The Wigmore is popular, and peak hours fill quickly, particularly on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Book a table if you’re set on a full meal. If you’re keeping it casual, aim for the bar area—walk-ins fare better there between meal rushes.

Dress code is smart casual by default. No formal requirements, but you’ll feel comfortable in anything from neat jeans and trainers to a blazer or dress if you’re on a theatre date night. During winter, bring a layer; the high-ceilinged room stays warm, yet a brisk London evening always calls for a coat.

Zero in on signatures. The XXL stovetop cheese toastie is the headline act for good reason. Pair it with a crisp, cold beer or a zippy white wine by the glass to cut through the richness. If you’re a chips person, don’t miss the Bloody Mary salt version—strangely craveable. For something classic, a well-executed scotch egg hits the mark. And if you’re in a Sunday frame of mind, a roast with all the trimmings is a very British way to settle into the room.

Ask for drink guidance. The team knows the cask ales and craft beers intimately, and there’s usually a thoughtful seasonal rotation. If you like a farmhouse-style pour, ask about the house Saison. Cocktail lovers should look for pub-friendly builds with a modern twist. Fans of wine will find a compact but clever list—great for splitting a bottle with the table or sipping by the glass over snacks.

Consider timing around sports and quizzes. If you’re here for a big game on TV, arrive early for the best spots and enjoy the communal cheer. If you’d rather a quieter pub meal, come outside match times or later in the evening after the final whistle. Trivia night is terrific for groups, but check the schedule and book ahead—quiz crowds can fill the room fast.

Keep the London norms in mind. Contactless is widely accepted, and a discretionary service charge is typically added to the bill. Staff can adapt dishes for common dietary needs; flag any allergies early. There’s Wi‑Fi if you need to answer a few emails or map your next stop, though the pub really encourages living in the moment—sharing plates, tasting new beers, and arguing (politely) about the perfect roast sidekick.

Bring the right company—or come solo. The Wigmore is social by design, great for groups celebrating a birthday or finishing a long day’s shopping on Regent Street. It’s also a good call for solo diners who like to perch at the bar with a book or watch the quiet theatre of service unfold. Dogs are welcome, and yes, staff do notice a well-behaved pup—the room has a friendly, relaxed feel that extends to four-legged visitors.

Expect a lively atmosphere at peak times. That’s part of the fun in central London, though if you prefer a calmer pub experience, choose earlier lunches, mid-afternoon slots, or later dinners. When the room is humming, the team works hard to keep things moving; still, good planning helps—reserve, arrive on time, and consider sharing plates first if you’re ravenous.

Finally, don’t skip dessert if you’ve got room. Puddings often echo the classics, and they’re done with the same care as the savoury menu. A citrusy finish, a proper British pud, or even a petite scoop can be the tidy ending a meal here deserves.

In short, The Wigmore brings together the best bits of a London pub—convivial energy, honest plates, well-kept pints—with the polish of a grand hotel team and a chef’s exacting standards. It’s central, it’s memorable, and it rewards return visits. Whether you come for the legendary toastie, a Sunday roast, or a craft beer before a West End show, this is the kind of place that makes travelers say, yes, that’s the London pub experience I was hoping to find.

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