Last Updated on January 4, 2026
Restaurant of the Month – 74 Charlotte Street, a Confident New Chapter in Fitzrovia
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Tucked in the heart of Fitzrovia, just moments from Goodge Street and Tottenham Court Road, 74 Charlotte Street has the kind of quiet confidence that draws you in before you’ve even crossed the threshold. There’s a reason we’ve chosen it as our restaurant of the month: this is Ben Murphy’s first solo venture since his celebrated stint at Launceston Place. The attention to detail is evident the moment you step inside.
Murphy’s route to the kitchen wasn’t a straight one. He was on course to become a professional footballer before an injury changed his plans, a lucky break for anyone who loves good food. Training under Pierre Koffmann at The Berkeley gave him a grounding in classic technique, which he refined in France at Les Prés d’Eugénie and Le Bristol. Back in London, his time at The Greenhouse, The Woodford and Launceston Place revealed a chef with both precision and imagination. Twice crowned National Chef of the Year, Murphy now brings that experience and a clear sense of fun to his first solo kitchen.
The atmosphere inside 74 Charlotte Street has an easy warmth to it; calm, confident, and quietly polished, much like Murphy’s cooking. Designed by Chris Bagot Architects, the space unfolds in an open-plan layout flooded with natural light. Upstairs, the relaxed bar area sets the tone with butterscotch banquettes, softly glowing Santa & Cole lamps, elegant hanging shades and a marble-topped cocktail bar, all wrapped in a creamy, oaky palette of gentle curves and diffused light.
As you move downstairs, the mood continues. Light oak floors, tables and chairs create a seamless sense of flow and craftsmanship, while every detail feels deliberately thought through. A jazzy soundtrack drifts through the space, giving it a gentle rhythm that keeps things lively without ever intruding. Stylish yet comfortable; grown-up but never overly formal.
I can’t tell you how worthwhile it was to pause for a cocktail on arrival. The barman was a dream, crafting what I can honestly say was the most perfect martini I’ve ever had the pleasure of drinking. Their signature martini is made with Tanqueray No.10 – a high-strength gin at 47.3% ABV (be warned) – and dry vermouth, served ice-cold to create a crisp, balanced base.
A citrus tincture and a hint of salty vanilla solution add depth and roundness, layering flavour without ever overpowering the palate. It’s vivid, elegant, and utterly unforgettable.
With a martini spring in our step, we headed downstairs for dinner. Murphy’s cooking blends classical French technique with contemporary flair, focusing on seasonal, sustainable ingredients. Signature dishes include a showstopping Beef Wellington, while the set menu (two courses for £35, three for £39) offers a tempting way to enjoy it all without overspending. We chose the set menu and weren’t disappointed.
The wine list spans over 300 bottles, and we chose a Picpoul de Pinet Les Girelles by Jean-Luc Colombo, a crisp, citrus-bright white from the Languedoc with a subtle saline edge, its lively acidity cutting perfectly through the richness of the meal.
We started with the mackerel, served with leeks, calamansi and coconut, which was a beautifully composed dish where every element earned its place. The gentle crunch of the leeks, the soft, delicate fish and the silky coconut sauce worked in perfect harmony, lifted by the bright citrus of calamansi.
The chicken liver parfait followed, paired with their signature brioche laced with olive tapenade – worth ordering for the bread alone! The parfait was light and airy yet satisfyingly rich, topped with a shimmering consommé gel that added depth and balance; elegant, confident cooking and a fabulous start to the meal.
Onto our mains. My Cornish cod was perfectly cooked, soft, flaky and glistening. It was served with tender chunks of artichoke scented with vanilla and an earthy bisque that tied everything together beautifully.
My companion opted for the guinea fowl with celeriac in a Vin Jaune sauce, the distinctive Jura wine lending a nutty, slightly oxidised depth reminiscent of dry sherry but entirely its own. The dish arrived in two parts: one with delicately seasoned minced meat, the other with white breast meat and a smooth celeriac stuffing, both showcasing Murphy’s precision and mastery of balance.
The sides reflected the same care. Lightly pickled hispi cabbage with toasted breadcrumbs was tangy, buttery and textured. The ‘chips’ were thinly layered Pommes Anna-style potatoes, crisp on the edges and meltingly soft within. A simple green leaf salad provided a fresh counterpoint.
Desserts at 74 Charlotte Street continued the careful, playful approach. The yuzu, white chocolate and lemongrass creation arrived glossy and bright, looking exactly as a lemon should, its crisp shell giving way to a soft, zesty centre of preserved lemon and a hint of yuzu. The cheeseboard followed, offering goat’s cheese, Tamworth, Comté and blue, served with tangy onion chutney and thin, crisp rye crackers.
As a final flourish to what had been a truly successful meal at 74 Charlotte Street, the petits fours arrived: delicate Chantilly-filled choux pastries with a hint of pumpkin, alongside decadent chocolate truffles in caramel and passion fruit.
I visited on just day five of service. Yet, even at this early stage, everything felt assured, from the impeccably timed courses to the confident, precise cooking to the thoughtful attention to detail throughout the space. If this is anything to go by, Ben Murphy may well have a lasting success on his hands; 74 Charlotte Street is a restaurant that promises to be as impressive in a year as it is today.
The restaurant opens for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday.
74 Charlotte Street
Fitzrovia
London
W1T 4QH
020 7326 3802
If 74 Charlotte Street doesn’t float your boat, there are plenty more openings in November. London’s dining scene shows no sign of slowing, with a wave of exciting restaurants arriving this month. From Mediterranean riverside charm to atmospheric wine bars and glamorous Italian newcomers, here are a few launches worth knowing about.
Tower House, Richmond
Set within a beautifully restored mid-19th-century clock tower on the banks of the Thames, Tower House brings a relaxed, modern Mediterranean feel to Richmond. Executive Chef Theo Hill’s menu champions open-fire cooking and seasonal produce, while the riverside terrace and glasshouse dining room make the most of those sweeping views.
Address: 11 Bridge Street, Richmond, TW9 1TQ (thisistowerhouse.com)
Phone: 020 4636 9696
The Marlborough, Mayfair
The Mayfair pub formerly known as The Marlborough Head is being reimagined under the stewardship of Carl McCluskey’s Crisp Pizza, backed by the team behind The Devonshire. Expect a refined but familiar pub experience with excellent food, sharp interiors and the attention to detail that has defined their earlier successes.
Address: 24 North Audley Street, London W1K 6WD (WhatPub)
Phone: +44 20 7629 5981
Humble Grape, Bow Lane
Wine lovers can now sip and socialise beneath the historic arches of St Mary-le-Bow. The latest Humble Grape outpost occupies the church’s 11th-century crypt, offering a distinctive setting for European-style sharing plates, an impressive wine list and the warm, relaxed atmosphere the brand is known for.
Address: St Mary-le-Bow Church (crypt), Bow Lane, London EC2V 6AU (humblegrape.co.uk)
Phone: 020 3848 8809
Trogolo, Notting Hill
From the team behind Petersham Nurseries, Trogolo is a Florence-inspired trattoria and bar on Westbourne Grove. The menu highlights both British and Italian producers, with a focus on elegant simplicity and vibrant flavours, served in a stylish, light-filled space.
Address: 296 Westbourne Grove, London W11 2PS (trogolo.uk)
House of the Gods & Amazing Grace, Canary Wharf
A striking new arrival for Canary Wharf, this opening pairs the decadent House of the Gods rooftop bar and restaurant with a fresh outpost of Amazing Grace, known for its food, music and late-night energy. Expect skyline views, sleek design and a dose of hedonistic glamour by the water.
Address: 12 Bank Street, London E14 4DD (houseofgodshotel.com)
Phone: +44 330 1744 422
Harry’s, Covent Garden
Richard Caring’s lively Italian restaurant concept continues its expansion, taking over the former Tuttons site in Covent Garden. This will be the largest Harry’s yet, all polished brass, leather banquettes and dolce vita spirit, bringing a splash of glamour to the heart of Theatreland.
Address: 11-12 Russell Street, London WC2B 5HP (harrysdolcevita.com)
Phone: 020 4587 2605
Corenucopia, Chelsea
Clare Smyth extends her acclaimed Core brand with Corenucopia, a luxurious new bistro in Chelsea. While details remain under wraps, Smyth’s pedigree ensures expectations are high for what could be one of the most anticipated launches of the year.
Address: 18-22 Holbein Place, London SW1W 8NL (corenucopia.com)
Sale e Pepe Mare, Marylebone
The team behind Los Mochis brings Sale e Pepe Mare to The Langham. Expect timeless Italian elegance, classic seafood dishes and a touch of Riviera glamour, ideal for lingering over a martini at one of Marylebone’s most polished new addresses.
Address: The Langham, 1c Portland Place / Regent Street area, London W1B 1JA (saleepepe.co.uk)
Phone: 020 7235 0098
Looking for something tried and tested? We also recommend Sunday Lunch at The Dining Room (Goring Hotel)
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