Copyright cityam
London’s Square Mile played host to a celebration of culinary and cultural excellence last night at City AM’s inaugural Toast the City Awards 2025. Supported by five Business Improvement Districts, the Eastern City, Culture Mile BID, Aldgate Connect, Cheapside and Fleet Street Quarter, the awards highlighted some of London’s most innovative restaurants, bars and cultural projects. Event sponsors included AON and nationwide drinks distributor, Matthew Clark with brands such as Menabrea, larger, Woodford Reserve whiskey, Gin Mare, Fitz English sparkling wine and Quinta da Pedra Alta wines. The judging panel included restaurateurs, editors, influencers and hospitality leaders, from Michelin-starred chefs to wine columnists. Held at The Steel Yard, the event gathered nominees, judges and guests in a venue known for its industrial atmosphere and restored Victorian arches. Over 30,000 readers cast their votes after a shortlist was unveiled in September, with the winners revealed live during the evening’s proceedings. Finalists were announced in early autumn following a nomination period from May to July. Winners were decided through a mix of public votes and judging panel deliberation. The event concluded with one lucky voter winning lunch for four at the City Restaurant of the Year. City AM’s Toast the City Awards winners Best Restaurant was awarded to Galvin La Chapelle, while The Wolseley City was named Best Breakfast. Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge won Best Overnight Stay, and Duck & Waffle secured Best Late Night Venue. Cultural and entertainment excellence was celebrated, with St Paul’s Cathedral taking Best Cultural Experience and Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds: The Immersive Experience named Best Family Experience. Bridewell Theatre won Best Hidden Gem, and F1® Arcade was recognised for Best Team Experience. Decicco Bar claimed Best Sandwich, Third Space City was awarded Best Fitness Experience, and Finsbury Circus Gardens earned the title of Best Green Space. In drinks and nightlife, The Rising Sun took Best Boozer, Humble Grape Fleet Street was awarded Best Bar, and Coq d’Argent landed Best Roof Terrace. Lazy Coffee was recognised as Best Coffee destination, and The Jugged Hare won Best Casual Dining.
