Last night Blacklock Soho was named as one of OpenTable’s Icon Restaurants at a special award ceremony.
Described as “culinary landmarks shaping London’s dining culture” and selected by industry critics and experts, the recognition is very special to us and one that feels particularly meaningful given where we started.
Tucked away in a little basement, far from the noise above, Blacklock Soho was something of a hidden gem for many, and for some – still is. It was intimate, a little unpolished, and full of ambition. We didn’t quite know what it would become, only that we wanted to create a place where we served the very best food this land could offer, be kind to your wallet (aka great value for money) and most importantly we wanted to have fun.
It didn’t stay quiet for long.
Word spread, tables filled, and before we knew it that cosy basement had transformed into something much livelier, a buzzing, energetic restaurant that still holds onto the spirit it started with. Today, Soho is a place where all sorts of guests come together: theatre-goers popping in for a quick pre-show feast before heading to the West End, friends grabbing a post-work bite, and those in-between moments where you just want somewhere relaxed and generous.
Soho itself has always been about contrast, fast-paced yet full of hidden corners, steeped in history but constantly evolving. To have our first restaurant recognised in a neighbourhood like this, and to be part of its fabric, means a great deal to us.
Being named an Icon Restaurant by OpenTable isn’t just about what we do now, it’s a nod to the journey. From that small basement to the lively restaurant it is today, it reflects the people who’ve walked through our doors, the team who’ve brought it to life, and the community that’s embraced us from the very beginning.
We’re incredibly proud. And if you’ve ever joined us in Soho – whether for a quick bite before the curtain rises or a long, laughter-filled evening – you’re a big part of that story.
Here’s to where we started, and everything that’s still to come.