A local’s guide to visiting Simpson’s in the Strand, one of the oldest restaurants in London, with its historic sculptured front and unique architecture!
You see many vintage storefronts when you walk from Fleet Street to Trafalgar Square.
On the left, before the sculpted women’s busts at Milford Lane and before the Savoy buildings, you catch sight of Simpson’s in the Strand.
Simpson’s in the Strand, A Trip Into London’s History
This famous London institution features the very distinct architecture that we see today.
I have already spoken at length about many historical places in London, from Temple Church to Elm Court and Lincoln’s Inn Chapel.
I also love exploring St Pancras New Church or St Dunstan in the East to dive into the details of London’s history and culture.
The story of Simpson’s in the Strand begins in the early 19th century, starting more precisely in 1828.
At that time, London was the chess capital of the world, and this shaped the beginning of the establishment.
Simpson’s in the Strand was originally known as The Grand Cigar Divan and served as a reading club and cafe.
It was a place where people gathered to play chess or smoke cigars in a quiet atmosphere.
In 1848, John Simpson joined the business to transform it into a restaurant that would become one of the most famous in London.
To avoid interrupting the chess games in progress, he established the tradition of presenting large cuts of meat on rolling silver trolleys.
This allowed staff to serve customers directly at their tables without making any noise while the meat was carved in front of them.
For more than a century, the main room known as the Grand Divan was reserved exclusively for men.
Fun history fact? It was only in 1916 that women were finally allowed to dine there for the first time.
What about after visiting Simpson’s in the Strand – what’s nearby?
The neighborhood surrounding the Strand and the City is full of secret gems and historical routes that seem frozen in time.
Here are some essential stops, in my opinion, to complete your exploration of this fascinating area!
Milford Lane Sculpted Busts
Just behind the Strand on the small street of Milford Lane, you will find three strange and beautiful sculpted busts of women once adorning a building in the City of London.
St Bride’s Church Crypt
Nearby on Fleet Street is St Bride’s Church Crypt, which is often called the journalists’ church.
Its steeple is said to have inspired the traditional shape of tiered wedding cakes that we see today.
You can go down into the crypt to see Roman and medieval remains as well as a fascinating exhibition on the history of the press.
Temple Church
When you enter the grounds of Inner Temple and Middle Temple, you leave the noise of the city behind completely.
Temple Church was built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century and is one of the oldest churches in London.
It is famous for the knight effigies on the floor, and right next to it you will find the red brick architecture of Elm Court.
This area offers the classic look of the Inns of Court with gardens and fountains that provide absolute tranquility.
Lincoln’s Inn Chapel
Lincoln’s Inn Chapel is located a bit further north and is unique because it sits on an open cloister at the ground level.
The chapel is supported by gothic arches, creating a beautiful and very calm place where you can walk underneath the structure.
Secret Alleys in Covent Garden
Beyond the main square of Covent Garden, you can lose yourself in the secret streets like Goodwin’s Court or New Row.
Goodwin’s Court is a narrow alley with perfectly preserved 18th-century bow-fronted shopfronts.
It feels like a film set from the Georgian era and is hidden away from the modern commercial hustle and bustle.
Twinings on the Strand
Finally, you can visit Twinings on the Strand, which is the historic tea shop located directly opposite Simpson’s in the Strand.
It has been there since 1706 and features a tiny, fascinating museum in the back that is well worth a visit.
Simpson’s in the Strand, A Trip Into London’s History
Once you have finished admiring the storefront of Simpson’s in the Strand, you will find many historical and beautiful places to visit nearby.
For example, there is the more secret St Dunstan in the West church, or Clifford’s Inn and Middle Temple Gardens.
These legal districts are filled with secret gardens that offer a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.
You could start the day with a good rose latte and banana bread at the nearby Press Coffee Co.
After visiting Simpson’s in the Strand, you can head toward another historical building, the Norfolk Building on Surrey Street.
At the time of writing, you cannot go inside as it is under renovation and will reopen in February 2026, but the storefront plunges you directly into the past.
If you walk down Surrey Street, you will reach the River Thames and the free rooftop at Temple station which is perfect for a quiet moment.
And if you want to discover London in a different way, you can also follow:
- my London fashion itinerary
- my bookish itinerary
- my coffee and books itinerary
- my chocolate lovers itinerary
Simpson’s in the Strand London
Address: 100 Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
Website: Simpson’s in the Strand