When the clock strikes 5 PM in London, the city quickly sinks into a deep ultramarine blue.
The wind whipping against the cobblestones signals that it’s time to turn up your collar.
I’m CityNomix.
Today was a marathon.
I started by heading out to the seaside town of Margate in Kent to dig for some rare Stussy archive pieces I’d been eyeing.
(Check out the report on that exciting haul here: Stussy Margate Archive Store Guide)
Immediately after, I rushed back to central London.
With no time to rest, I headed straight to Soho for a pilgrimage to the legendary record shop “Sister Ray” to hunt for Oasis vinyl.
(Read about that vinyl obsession here: Oasis Pilgrimage London Sister Ray Vinyl)
To top it off, preparing for my return to Japan, I hit up Marks & Spencer (Details) for food souvenirs and Boots UK (Details) for skincare treasures. My hands are currently screaming under the weight of heavy shopping bags.
“Okay, I can’t walk another step.”
My body has officially gone on strike.
I have zero energy to hail a taxi and head to a distant restaurant tonight.
Luckily, I am staying at the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel.
I decided to have dinner right downstairs at the hotel’s main dining venue, Booking Office 1869.
Actually, I had a fantastic breakfast here previously (Booking Office 1869 Breakfast Review), so I was confident the evening atmosphere would be equally impressive.
Here is my honest review of a walk-in dinner experience at Booking Office 1869, including a small mistake I made along the way.
Dining in History: St. Pancras Station Direct Access
A Transformation from Day to Night
After dropping my heavy bags in my room and freshening up, I headed down to the lobby floor.
Booking Office 1869, as the name suggests, occupies the space that was once the original ticket hall for St. Pancras Station.
Stepping inside feels like entering a different era.
Soaring ceilings, imposing brick walls, and giant palm trees dominate the space.
The atmosphere completely transforms from the crisp morning light I experienced at breakfast.
At night, amber lighting floods the room, creating a seductive, sophisticated social hub.
A DJ spins down-tempo lounge music from a booth, blending with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses.
It is a design masterpiece where history meets modern London culture.
Can You Walk In Without a Reservation?
I hadn’t made a reservation this time.
Given the restaurant’s popularity, I was a bit worried.
However, since it was a weeknight, when I told the reception, “I don’t have a reservation,” they guided me to a seat smoothly.
Of course, reservations are likely essential on weekends or during the holiday season.
But it seems they keep some capacity for hotel guests and local business people to drop in.
I was seated at a high table, perfect for soaking in the buzz of the room.
It’s an ideal spot for solo dining or a quick drink.
Dissecting the Booking Office 1869 Dinner Menu
I settled in and examined the menu.
Printed on high-quality cream cardstock, the list is simple yet appetizing.
The categories are divided into “To Start,” “For The Table,” “Grill,” “Mains,” and “Sides.”
The price range is standard, perhaps even reasonable, for a high-end hotel dining room in London.
My body was craving protein after walking all day.
However, I wasn’t quite in the mood for a heavy Ribeye Steak (£42).
I wanted something casual but substantial.
That’s when I spotted the “Booking Office Smash Burger” (£24).
I have a weakness for the word “Smash Burger.”
A patty pressed onto the iron griddle until crispy? You can’t go wrong.
Also, I noticed “Oysters” on the menu.
Since arriving in the UK, I’ve awakened to the quality of local seafood.
My experience at Dean Street Townhouse last year (review here) solidified my trust in London’s seafood game.
I ordered without hesitation.
The Water Mistake and The Perfect Beer
The “Still or Sparkling” Trap
When taking my drink order, the waiter asked:
“Would you like water? Still or Sparkling?”
Operating on autopilot, I replied:
“Still, please.”
This was my rookie mistake of the night.
What arrived was a bottle of HILDON, a premium mineral water brand holding a Royal Warrant.
Served in a beautiful cut glass tumbler, the water was undeniably smooth and delicious.
The bottle certainly elevated the table setting.
However, checking the receipt later, I saw a charge of £6.
In London, asking for “Tap Water” is standard and nothing to be ashamed of.
If you want to save money, the correct answer is, “Tap water is fine.”
Nevertheless, sipping Hildon from a crystal glass in this stunning environment felt like a well-deserved luxury for my tired body.
Beer Bathed in Amber Light
Putting the water incident aside, I started with a beer.
I ordered an IPA (I forgot the specific brand, but it was a local craft brew).
Look at this lighting.
The golden liquid illuminated by the warm glow of the pleated table lamp.
The fine foam head.
The moody background blur.
It looks delicious before you even take a sip.
The hoppy aroma and bitterness spread through my mouth, signaling the start of a relaxing evening.
The alcohol slowly worked its way down to my tired feet.
This is the joy of travel.
Tasting Notes: London’s Land and Sea
Milky and Fresh Oysters
The oysters arrived shortly after the beer.
A glossy shell resting on a bed of crushed ice.
They were medium-sized but incredibly plump.
First, I tried one without any condiments.
…Intense.
It didn’t have the massive size of some rock oysters, but it packed a concentrated, milky sweetness followed by a burst of ocean brine.
Next, I added a squeeze of lemon and the accompanying green vinegar sauce.
The acidity tightened the creaminess of the oyster, creating a refreshing finish.
Washing it down with IPA was pure bliss.
I ordered just one to try, but I could have easily devoured a half-dozen.
The Smash Burger: A Meat Lover’s Dream
Then, the main event arrived.
The Booking Office Smash Burger.
Visually, it was overwhelming.
A giant pickle skewered on top of the bun like a flag.
Crispy bacon rebelling against the confines of the burger.
And cheese melting everywhere.
A “Smash Burger” involves pressing the ground meat firmly onto the griddle.
Unlike gourmet burgers that rely on thickness to retain juice, this style focuses on the crispy, caramelized crust (the Maillard reaction) and the direct texture of the meat.
Cutting into it, you feel the density.
Taking a bite, the first sensation is pure “meatiness.”
The lean patty wasn’t greasy; instead, the beef umami intensified as I chewed.
The combination of the giant pickle and sauce was remarkable.
The acidic pickle cut through the saltiness of the bacon and meat, while the special burger sauce tied everything together.
It looks like junk food, but the flavor profile is calculated and refined, befitting a hotel dining room.
And the side of fries.
A metal cup piled high.
Thick-cut, crispy outside, fluffy inside.
The burger was so voluminous that finishing the fries was a challenge, but they made for an excellent beer snack.
Verdict: Booking Office 1869 Dinner Review
Why CityNomix Recommends It
Satisfied in both stomach and spirit, I asked for the check.
Even including the service charge, I felt the price was reasonable given the location and quality in central London.
Here are three reasons why I recommend dinner at Booking Office 1869:
- Atmosphere:
Dining inside a historical landmark is an experience in itself.
The evening vibe is particularly suitable for dates or special occasions. - Convenience:
Direct access to St. Pancras Station is a huge advantage for travelers.
Whether before or after the Eurostar, or like me, after a tiring shopping day, you can enjoy a top-tier meal without the stress of travel. - Food Quality:
Even casual dishes like the burger show a dedication to ingredients and preparation.
It left me wanting to return to try the steaks and grilled items next time.
Travel Tips: Dress Code and Water
The dress code is “Smart Casual,” but it isn’t overly strict.
I was dressed for a day of walking (clean and presentable, of course), and it was fine.
However, it’s best to avoid flip-flops or sportswear.
And remember the water.
If you are budget-conscious, be brave and ask for “Tap Water.”
But occasionally, spending £6 on a bottle of Hildon to feel like a British gentleman isn’t so bad.
It’s all part of the memory.
Great food, good drinks, and a magnificent space.
There was no better place to end my night in London.
Thank you for the meal.
Now, time to haul these souvenirs back to my room and pack for tomorrow.
Official site: Booking Office 1869
Google Map:
