How to Entertain Clients in London Today: What’s Changed and What Still Matters

Entertaining clients in London has always been part of how business gets done. But the way people go about it? That’s changed. A lot. The old-school rules of stiff suits, three-hour formal dinners, and painfully rehearsed small talk don’t hold up like they used to. People want real conversations. Good food. And a night that feels like it belongs in this city — not like you’re ticking off a corporate checklist.

If you’re planning to host clients in London, whether you’ve been here for years or you’re just getting your footing, it helps to know how things have shifted. The expectations, the venues, the tone — it’s all moved with the city.

It’s Less Formal, But More Personal

There’s this old image people have of London client dinners: big mahogany tables, white tablecloths, maybe a waiter in tails. That still exists if you go looking for it, but honestly? It’s not where most of the real conversations happen anymore.

Now, it’s about settings that feel sharp but comfortable. You’re not trying to put on a show — you’re trying to make a connection. The places people go to for client dinners still carry weight, but the atmosphere is softer, more human. Think polished brasseries, members’ club dining rooms that don’t shout their exclusivity, or tucked-away restaurants with proper service and no need to overcompensate.

Choosing The Right Restaurant Means More Now

Picking the right place isn’t about booking the fanciest table on the map. It’s about reading the room — knowing your client, understanding the vibe, and showing you’ve got good instincts.

If you’re entertaining someone traditional? A Central London institution like The Wolseley or Scott’s still carries weight. The kind of places where the service is quiet, the details are right, and you don’t have to explain the choice.

But if you know your guest prefers something newer, more understated? From elegant Mayfair nights out to the endless sharp, design-led spots in Soho, Fitzrovia, or even Marylebone, there are many options that say you’re paying attention to where London’s actually moving — not stuck in a time warp.

The key? The venue does some of the talking for you. It shows you know the city without having to spell it out.

How You Show Up Still Counts

Dress codes have loosened, sure. But this is London — how you present yourself still matters.

It’s not about rigid rules anymore—just showing you’ve got a grip on the vibe. Tailored separates. Clean shoes. Quiet good fabrics. You want to look like you know the city, not like you just googled “business dinner outfit” an hour before.

For men, a sharp jacket and decent trousers go a long way. For women, simple, clean lines. You don’t need logos all over you or head-to-toe designer. London rates subtlety higher than flashiness — always has.

And small details get noticed. Being a few minutes early, handling the introductions properly, knowing how to deal with the bill — it all adds up.

It’s Not Always Dinner Anymore

Another shift? Client entertaining doesn’t start and stop with dinner these days. Depending on the client — and the industry — a breakfast meeting, coffee at a members’ lounge, or even afternoon tea can hit the mark.

Places like Claridge’s for tea or Chiltern Firehouse for a low-key breakfast meeting have become common ground for building relationships. You’re showing you know the drill—without turning it into a performance.

In summer, the rhythm shifts. Garden setups like The Ivy Chelsea Garden or Dalloway Terrace let the vibe breathe a bit. You’re still polished, but it’s looser, easier. That edge of polish that matters definitely stays, as we said.

The Conversation? It’s Softer, Too

Gone are the days of diving straight into business with a checklist in hand. London client meetings, especially over food or drinks, have always run on a certain rhythm. You ease into the serious stuff.

Start with the city — what they’ve seen, what they’ve heard about. Travel. The restaurant itself. Small details about the venue or the area. London’s full of easy conversation starters — use them.

Once the conversation settles, then the work talk comes naturally. Push too hard, too fast, and it feels off. Let it flow, and people open up.

What Hasn’t Changed? Discretion Still Wins

Trends come and go, but subtlety still runs deep here.

Whether you’re over coffee in Marylebone or a late dinner in Mayfair, play it cool. Skip the name-drops and the humblebrags—nobody’s keeping score out loud.

What sticks are the small things: knowing their drink, reading the room, leaving space in the conversation. That’s what lands.

Wrapping Up Without Awkwardness

The end of the evening still matters. The trick is to wrap it up before it dips—know when to call it.

Handle the bill smoothly. No drama. If you’ve hosted well, it shouldn’t feel transactional — it should feel like the natural wrap-up to a good evening.

Thank them for their time. If it’s appropriate, suggest a next step. And follow up — a quick message the next day keeps the connection going without overdoing it.

Entertaining clients in London isn’t about rigid rules anymore. Still, it’s not a grab-whatever-you-want kind of place. London’s best moments usually go to the ones who move a little quieter.

That ease comes from preparation, not performance. You’ve picked a place that does the talking for you, where the service is smooth and the lighting flatters everyone just enough. You know how to time the dinner—when to lean into the business talk, when to back off, when to let a silence land without rushing to fill it.

There’s no script, but there is a pace. Let them order first if you’re unsure, steer clear of anything showy on the menu, and always be the one who knows when to close the evening.

The idea is to lead subtly, creating an exciting experience and an inviting space. What takes place then is an experience that is balanced, thoughtful, and nothing short of impressive.