You’re standing in a lift that feels like a rocket ship. Your ears pop. By the time the doors slide open on the 24th floor of Tower 42, the city of London has basically turned into a glowing circuit board beneath your feet. It’s City Social. If you’ve spent any time looking for a "view with a room" in the Square Mile, you’ve heard the name. But honestly, in a city where every new skyscraper seems to have a restaurant stuck to the top like a cherry on a sundae, is this one actually worth your Saturday night? Or is it just another expensive spot for bankers to talk about interest rates?
Most people think City Social is just about the skyline. They’re wrong. While the view of the Gherkin and the Cheesegrater is undeniably aggressive—in a good way—the real story is whether Jason Atherton’s culinary DNA is still holding up years after the initial buzz faded. It opened back in 2014. In "London restaurant years," that makes it a grandfather. Yet, it still pulls a crowd.
The Reality of Dining at City Social London
Let’s get the vibe check out of the way first. It’s dark. It’s moody. It feels like a place where a deal might get signed or a breakup might happen, and either way, there would be a very expensive bottle of wine involved. The interior design by Russell Sage Studio leans heavily into that Art Deco, mid-century glamour. Think dark wood, polished chrome, and black smoke mirrors. It’s sexy, but it’s also very "City." If you show up in a hoodie, you’re going to feel like a glitch in the Matrix.
The layout is clever. Instead of one giant, echoey hall, the space is partitioned. You get these circular booths that feel private even though you’re surrounded by people. It’s an intentional choice. You aren’t just a number; you’re in a pocket of exclusivity.
What’s actually on the plate?
Atherton is known for "modern British" cuisine, but that’s a broad term that usually just means "expensive ingredients handled with a lot of technique." At City Social London, the execution is surprisingly consistent. You’ll often find things like line-caught sea bass or Herdwick lamb. They don’t overcomplicate the flavors, but the presentation is surgical.
One thing you have to try? The pasta. It sounds weird to go to a skyscraper in London for pasta, but their ravioli—often featuring a rich, runny egg yolk or seasonal truffles—is legendary. It’s heavy. It’s decadent. It’s exactly what you want when you’re looking at a view that makes you feel small.
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The menu changes, obviously. Seasonality isn’t a suggestion here; it’s the rule. In autumn, you’ll see venison and deep, earthy root vegetable purées. Come spring, it’s all about peas, mint, and lightness. They know their audience. The people dining here want to be impressed, but they also want to recognize what they’re eating.
Why the Service Model Actually Matters
Service in high-end London spots can be... hit or miss. Sometimes it’s so stiff you feel like you’re being watched by a headmaster. Other times, it’s so casual it feels like they forgot you exist. City Social usually hits the sweet spot. The staff are fast. They have to be. The City of London doesn't do "slow."
There’s a specific choreography to how the waiters move. They manage to navigate those tight booths without knocking into your drink, which is a feat of physics given how narrow some of the walkways feel. You’ve got to appreciate the effort. It’s a well-oiled machine.
The Bar is a Separate Beast
Don't ignore the bar, Social 24. Honestly, some nights it’s better than the restaurant. The cocktails are themed around London landmarks, which sounds kitschy, but they pull it off. They use clear ice. They use bespoke glassware. They use spirits you can't find at your local Tesco.
It’s the kind of place where you grab a drink after work and suddenly it’s 11:00 PM and you’ve spent your commute money for the month. But the view of the Shard from the bar area is arguably one of the best angles in the city. You’re high enough to see the scale, but low enough to still feel connected to the streets.
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A Note on the Pricing
Look, we need to be real. This isn't a cheap night out. You’re paying for the postcode (EC2), the height, and the name on the door. A three-course meal without wine will easily set you back £80-£100 per person. Add wine, a couple of those fancy cocktails, and a tip? You’re looking at a significant investment.
Is it overpriced? Depends on what you value. If you just want good food, you can find it cheaper in Hackney. If you want the experience of being at the center of the financial universe while eating a perfectly cooked scallop, then the price makes sense. It’s theater.
Common Misconceptions About City Social
People often think you can't get a table here without booking months in advance. Not true. While weekends are packed, if you’re willing to eat at 6:00 PM on a Tuesday, you can often snag a spot with a few days' notice.
Another myth: "The food is secondary to the view."
While some "view restaurants" in London (we won’t name names) serve mediocre steak and soggy chips because they know people will come anyway, City Social has maintained a Michelin star in the past for a reason. They actually care about the kitchen. Executive chefs here have historically come from serious backgrounds. They aren't just reheating stuff in a microwave.
The Dress Code Reality
The website says "smart-casual." In London-speak, that means "look like you tried." Men generally wear blazers or at least a sharp collared shirt. Women go for cocktail dresses or tailored trousers. You don't need a tuxedo, but if you wear trainers, make sure they’re the expensive, pristine kind, not the ones you wore to the gym this morning.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Location
Tower 42 is an old-school skyscraper. It’s the former NatWest Tower. Because of that, the windows aren't floor-to-ceiling glass walls like you see at the Shard or the Salesforce Tower. They are large, vertical apertures.
This actually creates a cool effect. It frames the view. Instead of a dizzying panorama that can feel overwhelming, you get these "snapshots" of London. It feels more intimate. It also means there are "good" tables and "better" tables. If you want the absolute best view, you want to be facing south or east. The north view is fine, but you’re mostly looking at the sprawl of Greater London rather than the iconic landmarks.
Actionable Advice for Your Visit
If you’re actually going to do this, do it right. Don't just show up and hope for the best.
- Request a window booth. When you book, put it in the notes. They won't guarantee it, but they do try to accommodate. A booth away from the window is still nice, but you’re paying for the height—might as well see it.
- Go for the lunch set menu. If you want the experience without the three-figure bill, the lunch menu is a steal. It’s the best-kept secret in the City. You get the same view, the same service, and the same quality of food for a fraction of the price.
- Arrive 30 minutes early. Go to Social 24 first. The transition from the street-level security check (yes, there is a security check) to the bar helps you settle into the atmosphere.
- Mind the "City" holidays. The restaurant is very quiet during bank holidays or the week between Christmas and New Year. If you want a more romantic, quiet vibe, that’s when to go. If you want the high-energy, "Wolf of Wall Street" buzz, go on a Thursday night.
- Check the weather. It sounds obvious, but if it’s a pea-soup fog day in London, you’re basically eating in a white cloud. Check the forecast. You want a clear night or a dramatic sunset.
City Social London manages to stay relevant because it doesn't try too hard to be "trendy." It knows what it is: a high-end, sophisticated, slightly corporate but undeniably glamorous dining room. It’s a place for celebrations, for making an impression, and for reminding yourself why London is one of the most incredible cities on the planet.
Don’t expect a revolution on your plate. Expect excellence. Expect a bill that makes you wince slightly. But most importantly, expect to spend at least ten minutes just staring out the window, wondering how the hell they built all of this.
To make the most of your trip to Tower 42, ensure you have your booking confirmation ready at the ground floor security desk. Remember that the entrance is tucked away slightly off Old Broad Street—look for the signs for Tower 42 rather than just the restaurant name. Once you’re through security, take the dedicated lift to the 24th floor. If you're planning a visit on a Friday or Saturday night, aim to book at least three weeks in advance to secure a prime evening slot.