Make January sparkle with complimentary Champagne at these 13 excellent restaurants

In the heart of the City of London is 14 Hills. For meals with views, this Fenchurch Street destination is a slam-dunk. Its name is inspired by the awesome prospect from the 14th floor with an outlook as far as the hills – not forgetting the Shard, Tower of London and Tower Bridge, of course. It’s picturesque inside, too, with an enticing cocktail menu and classic mains such as seared fillet of stone bass with fregola and garlic prawns. Want to rock a new do for your visit? Reserve a table here and you're eligible for a complimentary £15 hair treatment at Duck & Dry.

Bluebird is a Chelsea landmark for a reason. Over two decades it’s built a reputation for some of the best and most innovative British cuisine in London, with a menu devised by executive head chef Owen Sullivan delivering flavourful favourites such as miso-marinated Loch Duart salmon. It’s not only the food that’s incredible, the restaurant is a verdant haven of mature indoor trees, wild flowers and herbs, and kitted out with gorgeous Celia Birtwell textiles. Any reservations made at Bluebird Chelsea entitle guests to a complimentary £15 hair treatment at Duck & Dry Chelsea, Mayfair, or Islington when booking a blow dry. How exciting is that?

‘Fiume’ might mean  ‘river’ but if the restaurant is anything to go on, it’s also the Italian for ‘good thing’. Located in Battersea Power Station’s Circus West Village, this spot offers superb views of the Thames with a large Sicilian piazza-style terrace, set up to be cosy even in winter. The colder months call for comforting, hearty food that’s still vibrant, making Fiume’s traditional rustic southern Italian recipes and aperitivi perfect for the season.

Le Pont de la Tour does the tricky task of balancing classic yet innovative French cuisine with aplomb. With an aesthetic that is the epitome of 1930s Parisian chic, the restaurant exudes luxury and style, and diners can enjoy a dedicated wine cellar that boasts an impressive collection of old and New World bottles (as well as their complimentary Champagne).

Embrace culture in 2024 and head to the South Bank. With dozens of things to see, you can decide what to do over a relaxed lunch tucking into Skylon’s take on modern British cuisine. Situated on the third floor of the Royal Festival Hall in the Southbank Centre, there’s stunning views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, so you might want to take your time.

Soak up the buzzy atmosphere of London’s Soho at 100 Wardour St. An ideal destination for night owls, you can take it from dinner to live music and dancing into the early hours, then carry on the party the next day with a fancy brunch with friends. The Sunset Hour means £8 cocktails and there’s a set menu offering two courses for £18 or three courses for £23 including a glass of wine. Not forgetting the Champagne Lanson when you spend over £100.

If January means a weekend break, then start the getaway in style dining at the historic grade II-listed German Gymnasium. Handily located in the shadow of King’s Cross St Pancras station, it’s the ideal place to enjoy some German and Mittel-European favourites, grand café style. A complimentary bottle of German Extra Dry Sekt instead of Champagne? Your choice when you spend over £100.

Award-winning Bar of the Year for 2023 at the London Lifestyle awards, Madison promises to make your 2024 equally lively and enjoyable. While overlooking the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral, the rooftop bar and restaurant also effortlessly captures the spirit of New York City dining, with an eclectic menu inspired by the diversity and cultures of the Big Apple. After dining, let your hair down with live music and DJ sets. If you make a reservation at Madison, you can get a complimentary £15 hair treatment at Duck & Dry Chelsea, Mayfair, or Islington when booking a blow dry.

Quaglino’s is a byword for style and glamour. Tucked away in St James’s, it’s a perennial favourite with celebrities, who love the restaurant’s elegance and its unique blend of contemporary European cuisine, live music and outstanding cocktail list. Plus there’s a staircase that makes every entrance Insta-worthy. It’s no coincidence that it’s been a longtime favourite of the Royals – Princess Margaret had a permanently reserved table there.

Don’t be fooled by the name: the winner of Manchester's Best Restaurant 2023 and the British Restaurant Awards, 20 Stories, is actually on the 19th storey of No. 1 Spinningfields. But with 360-degree views of the city’s skyline, this restaurant not only oozes modern glamour but ensures you’ll have a tale to tell. Meat-eaters can pick the confit duck leg with honey-roast parsnip and spiced red cabbage, vegans will delight in the celeriac wellington, with wild mushroom and salsify.

For more outstanding views, head to the heart of Leeds. Angelica is a penthouse restaurant boasting a truly glamorous sixth-floor rooftop bar. Known for its classic and seasonal cocktail menu – there’s currently a winter Havana Club selection, it’s also a great choice for a special afternoon tea with friends. There are regular DJ appearances to make dining go with a swing.

On Level 5 of Trinity Leeds is Crafthouse, the grown-up sister to Angelica. This Modern British restaurant, bar and rooftop in the heart of Leeds boasts seasonal British menus with delicious grills, such as the saddleback pork chop, plus of course those views across the city, to sit back and enjoy. 

Orelle has been voted the best restaurant in Birmingham – and it’s not hard to see why. Offering panoramic views across the city, Orelle is all about modern French cuisine, with mains including roast chicken ballotine with crispy leg, pommes purée and jus gras. Throughout January there’s also a prix fixe menu with two courses for £29 and three courses for £35.

Make a reservation to any of these 13 restaurants here.