Voting is now open for Toast the City, celebrating all the places that make the Square Mile the vibrant, exciting location it is – and we need YOUR help.
The City of London is not only the country’s financial heart – home to 600,000 workers and 47 million visitors a year – it’s also a thriving hub for world class restaurants, bars, and cultural projects. The Toast the City Awards 2025 celebrate both new and established institutions, along with the people behind them who have helped shape the Square Mile into one of London’s most vibrant destinations.
Voting is now open with 18 categories to choose from, so visit www.cityamevents.co.uk/toast-awards to vote for your favourite Aldgate spots now. Voting is running between 1st September – 3rd October, followed by the Toast the City Awards celebration later in October 2025.
Categories include Best City Restaurant, Best City Bar, Best Cultural Experience, Best Family Experience, Best Fitness Experience, Best Roof Terrace, Best Overnight Stay and more. The Toast Zone map goes beyond the official Square Mile, squeezing in even more places all the way to Aldgate East!
Vote for these shortlisted Aldgate businesses:
Best Restaurant
Cinnamon Kitchen City – Open since 2008, Cinnamon Kitchen brings a new wave of culinary creativity and experimentation to the City.
Best Breakfast
Nora’s Café – Nora offers a wide variety of delectable dishes from local and international cuisines, all prepared with signature recipes and presentations.
Best Bar
Devonshire Terrace – In the heart of Devonshire Square, Devonshire Terrace is your refreshing escape from city life, all year round.
Jin Bo Law Skybar – Located high above Hotel Saint, explore the rooftop terrace, enjoy exceptional cocktails, and cast your eyes upon the stunning views of Tower Bridge, the Shard, the Walkie Talkie, the Gherkin and more.
Best Boozer
Aldgate Tap – Enjoy coffee, beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks for all occasions at Aldgate Tap, housed in the Portsoken Pavilion.
Hoop & Grapes – With over 150 years of heritage, perfect pints and delicious pies, experience tempting dishes from our British pub classic menus.
The Crutched Friar – Just a 2 minutes’ walk from Tower Hill tube, you can enjoy the large selection of cask ales in the historic building where the friars once lived.
Best Casual Dining
Xian BiangBiang Noodles – Xi’an Biang Biang Noodles is a canteen-style space which specialises in hand-pulled belt noodles.
Best Coffee
Senzo City – SENZO is an independent speciality coffee house offering ethically sourced coffee beans to create a exceptional & authentic coffee experience.
ZeroToOne Coffee – Whether you’re sitting in catching up with friends, or grabbing a cup to go, this cozy space is where specialty coffee meets good vibes.
Best Cultural Experience
Whitechapel Gallery – Whitechapel Gallery is a ground-breaking arts institution, founded in 1901, located in the heart of London’s East-End.
Wilton’s Music Hall – Wilton’s present extraordinary theatre and music in the oldest Grand Music Hall in the world.
Best Family Experience
The War of the Worlds: The Immersive Experience – Talented actors bring the story to life, as you’re guided through immersive room sets, with special effects and three incredible Virtual Reality sequences that you see, smell and feel.
Best Hidden Gem
Discount Suit Company – Opened in 2014 in a former suit tailor’s store room, Discount Suit Company offers timeless cocktails served to a soundtrack of Northern Soul and Vintage Rock n Roll.
Satyrio – Offering a combination of comforting Italian food, a large selection of fine wines and an unbeatable service all in a relaxed atmosphere.
Best Roof Terrace
Jin Bo Law Skybar – Located high above Hotel Saint, explore the rooftop terrace, enjoy exceptional cocktails, and cast your eyes upon the stunning views of Tower Bridge, the Shard, the Walkie Talkie, the Gherkin and more.
The Culpeper – The breath-taking rooftop woodland garden is now open for lunch and dinner, where you can find delicious food being cooked over our rooftop grill.
Best Sandwich
Dauns – Dauns is the UK’s first fully vegan Scandinavian-inspired cafe, bar and deli.
Best Team Experience
Axeperience Axe Throwing – Offering a full range of options to suit your budget and get you in the lanes as soon as possible, Axeperience guarantees an incomparable event.
Boom Battle Bar Aldgate – No matter the occasion, there is something for everyone to get involved in with a selection of games including Axe Throwing, Crazier Golf, Augmented Reality Darts, Beer Pong, Shuffleboard & more!
Best Green Space
Devonshire Square – Every day is different at Devonshire Square, thanks to the diverse mix of businesses, shops, restaurants and people.
Best Fitness Experience
City Bouldering – With over 100 bouldering problems ranging from VB-V9, a traverse wall, a Kilter Board, a dedicated gym, and a training area, there’s something at City Bouldering for everyone.
Foundry Gym Aldgate – Foundry has been redefining the gym experience since 2016 through tailored coaching, expert support, and a community dedicated to inspiring you.
Best Late Night Venue
Polo Bar – The Polo Bar has been serving incredible food and drinks since 1953. Wish a 24-hour licence, you can share food, coffee and cocktails at any time of the day.
Best Overnight Stay
Tower Suites by Blue Orchid – Tower Suites is one of the most charming 5 star hotel near tower bridge in London offering an extensive range of accommodation, hospitality, gym, spa and events services.
Toast the City is delivered in partnership with City AM and the City BIDs: Aldgate Connect BID, Cheapside Business Alliance, Culture Mile, Eastern City, and Fleet Street Quarter.
Toast Awards judges include:
Steve Dinneen – City AM Life & Style Editor + Head Judge
Tom Sellers – Chef patron Restaurant Story
Martin Williams – CEO at Evolv (formerly D&D London)
Yasmin Jaunbocus – Head of PR at Hot Sauce
Gareth Banner – Group Managing Director of The Ned
Jaspreet Hodgson – Vintry Ward, City of London
Libby Brodie – City AM Wine Columnist
Tony Matharu – Founder Blue Orchid
James Robson – Founder Fallow, Roe
Allen Simpson – Deputy Chief Executive of UKHospitality
