Once a central London bus stop, Arcade Food Theatre is an impressive 12,500sq ft, Grade II-listed location filled with six independent kitchens, a coffee and bakery counter, three bars, an outdoor terrace and The Loft, an incubation-focused mezzanine kitchen space available for private hire. 

Inspired by food markets from around the world, Arcade Food Theatre is an all-day and all-night space where guests can use the venue as they like. Large groups can take over one of the banquet-style tables, while those hitting a deadline can plug into one of many discreet power supplies and work away uninterrupted – it’s as much about groups as it is solo diners. We recommend going as a gang based purely on greed: trust us, you’ll want to try everything. 

Each of the seven restaurants offer counter-top seating if you choose to dine at just one spot, otherwise guests can order from multiple sites, leave their phone number, and collect when their dishes are ready. When it comes to drinks, a central bar serves up interesting cocktails (we enjoyed the paprika-tinged ‘Japanese Highball’), craft beer, cocktails on tap and a decent selection of wine.

Architecturally, leading design studio Macaulay Sinclair has created a contemporary response to brutalist building Centre Point’s mid-century modernism: terrazzo, marble and polished concrete sit in contrast to hardwood and marmoleum details, giving off the vibe of a stylish 60s penthouse filled with modern touches. Two structural ‘pilottis’ – both sculptures themselves – bring the outdoors in, natural light floods through double-height ceiling-to-floor windows, and there’s giant cacti and plants galore. It’s a good-looking space.