J Sheekey

"As soon as you step into J Sheekey on St Martin’s Court, the hive of tourists buzzing around outside becomes a distant memory. This seafood restaurant feels a bit like a time capsule, transporting you to a glamorous place where crisp white tablecloths are the height of fanciness, and people wear ties to dinner. Whether you get the thick, buttery scallops or fried haddock and chips, J Sheekey knows what it’s doing. It’s proper without feeling too fancy, and the food is good enough that we’d fight those West End crowds for a table." - rianne shlebak, jake missing, heidi lauth beasley, daisy meager

"Despite your genius plan that involves crisp eating via jacket pocket throughout loud musical numbers, chances are you’re still going to leave the theatre hungry. Plan ahead and go for a big late lunch at seafood spot J Sheekey, around the corner from Leicester Square. You can get their classic fish pie with a glass of wine, or opt for the £36 two-course set menu that runs until 4:45pm, and after 9:30pm until close." - jake missing, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna

"As soon as you step into J Sheekey off Leicester Square, the hive of tourists buzzing around the West End becomes a distant memory. This seafood restaurant feels like a time capsule, transporting you to a glamorous room where crisp white tablecloths are the height of fanciness, people wear ties to dinner, and you might spot the occasional famous face. It’s been around since 1896, with its rich walnut walls and deep green sofas. And once you’re sitting in one of the corner seats of this narrow-feeling spot, you’re happily locked in for the evening." - jake missing, heidi lauth beasley, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna, daisy meager

"We would never usually point anyone in the direction of the West End on a weekday at 7pm, but as soon as you step into J Sheekey on St Martin’s Court, the hive of tourists buzzing around outside becomes a distant memory. This seafood restaurant feels a bit like a time capsule, transporting you to a glamorous, understated place where crisp white tablecloths are the height of fanciness, people wear ties to dinner, and you might spot the occasional famous face. There are rich walnut walls and deep green sofas, and although there are multiple rooms, it’s a narrow-feeling spot, so once you’re sitting in one of the corner seats, you’re locked in for the evening. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch The service is pristine, with staff accommodating theatre-goers with a speedy bill, while offering refills of the free bread to people who are settling in. And pretty much everything on the menu is a safe bet. Whether that’s thick, buttery scallops, or fried haddock and chips, J Sheekey knows what it’s doing. It’s proper without feeling too fancy, and the food is good enough that we’d fight those West End crowds for a table here. Food Rundown photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Spicy Tuna & Avocado Tartare This tuna tartare has a nice spicy kick to it, and the layer of avocado gives it a lovely, creamy texture. photo credit: Rianne Shlebak Lobster & Gruyère Croquettes Gruyère and lobster meat go well together, despite some saying you should never mix seafood and cheese. But would we rush to re-order these croquettes? There’s nothing too memorable going on, so probably not. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch J.Sheekey's Fish Pie The oozing, brown breadcrumb and parmesan crust is one of the most comforting things we’ve eaten since discovering you can successfully dip Bahlsen Choco Leibniz in cups of tea. But the smoked fish is what makes it. That and the creamy mashed potato lid that makes every bite moreish and satisfying. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Fried Fillet Of Haddock This big piece of haddock is golden and crispy, the bed of mushy peas underneath adds some lightness to it, and the thick fluffy chips are objectively perfect. Oh, and it’s important to incorporate the tangy tartar sauce in every bite. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Goan Monkfish & Tiger Prawn Curry A rich, tomato curry filled with soft chunks of monkfish and meaty prawns, this is one of our favourite things to order." - Rianne Shlebak

"J Sheekey is one of London’s most classic West End restaurants with everything you’d want from a classic West End restaurant. Mirrored lamps you can check out your own banging outfit in? Check. Classy old-fashioned interiors that make you feel like Jordan Belfort might pop in from the outdoor terrace at any moment? Yes. Lots of lobster on the menu? Absolutely. If you’re looking to get dressed up without spending a small crustacean-fuelled fortune, then just order their excellent fish pie and a glass of wine. You’ll still have a great time." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, sinead cranna, rianne shlebak