Spanning three reigns of monarchs and 77 years from first opening the doors, the family-run Elysée is more than just somewhere to have dinner.
While great food is still at the heart of our ethos, an impressive refurbishment has seen the addition of a stylish cocktail bar, sumptuous private dining area and 700 square foot roof garden. This, along with live jazz and Greek music and a late license until 3.30am, six days a week, allows guests to indulge in a fantastic night out all under one roof.
The fusion of traditional Greek culture with the modern twists inspired by owners the Karageorgis family ensures Elysée is as fun, different and authentic an experience as London has to offer.
1936 The Elysée opened on Percy Street by George Varnava, after leaving his job as Maitre D’ at the Savoy Hotel. During the 1930s and 1940s, the restaurant became the ‘place to party’ attracting big screen stars, artists, writers and members of the British and Greek royal families.
In 1962 the restaurant was bought by George’s nephews, George, Michael and Ulysses Karageorgis.
The 1960s saw visits from His Royal Highness Prince Philip and the 1966 England world cup winning team to celebrate their victory amongst many other high profile guests such as The Beatles and Mohammed Ali.
In 2010, after a remarkable 48 years, the three brothers retired and handed the baton to three cousins, Giggs Karageorgis, Kyriacos Pattihis and Kerry Karageorgis.
Since its re-opening in 2010, the Elysée is proving it’s still a favourite haunt for those who enjoy the finer things in life.
Our spacious and light-filled dining rooms are found at the top of the Elysée’s elegant staircase and through the Bar area. The informal dining rooms, perfect for small lunch events and larger private functions and decorated with muted colours and contemporary decor, exude a certain sense of calm. Diners can choose to lunch or dine in one of our two spacious dining rooms, each with its own individual decor, which include an original and bespoke “smashed plate” chandelier, Georgian cornicing throughout and original Adams fireplaces.
The first floor cocktail bar
A late night cocktail bar in Central London serving some of the best cocktails in town. At the Elysée guests are encouraged to eat and drink in the chic yet relaxed atmosphere of the cocktail bar or our covered roof garden, but for something stronger the Elysée bar menu offers everything from a selection of fine European wines to imaginative twists on the classics and Greek-inspired cocktails, prepared by our expert in-house mixologists.
The roof garden
In London’s fashionable Fitzrovia, where outside spaces come at a premium, our roof garden is the pièce de résistance and one of London’s best party venues. The sheer decadence of the 700 square foot roof garden adds an extra dimension to the Elysée’s charm. Offering our Greek-inspired Mediterranean menu, cocktails from our bar and an array of different shishas, you can chill out to a modern Mediterranean vibe or host a private party, making it an event to remember at London’s most exclusive non-member party venue.
It’s an all year round terrace with the independently retractable roofs, heater lamps and soft lighting, so when the weather is distinctly un-Mediterranean the al fresco dining and drinking still goes on.
Read more