Coq D'Argent

No. 1 Poultry stands directly opposite the Bank of England — James Stirling's distinctive postmodern building, Grade II* listed, a City landmark that polarised opinion when it opened and has since become one of London's most recognisable addresses. Coq d'Argent sits on its roof, and that combination of architectural significance, City-centre position, and elevation creates a venue with few genuine equivalents in London.

Twenty-Five Years on the Rooftop

Coq d'Argent opened in 1998 as part of the original D&D London (now Evolv Collection) portfolio, with Conran designing the restaurant interior. Twenty-five years of operation have done what no amount of launch marketing can achieve — the venue has become an institution. City professionals know it. Event planners shortlist it. The rooftop garden, designed by Arabella Lennox-Boyd, has matured into a genuine horticultural space rather than the container planting and temporary furniture that characterise most London rooftop venues.

French Cuisine Above the Bank of England

Head Chef Damien Rigollet's kitchen delivers classic French cooking with Burgundy influence — a style that matches the venue's character without reaching for unnecessary complexity. The express lunch at one end, the full tasting menu at the other, and a wine list that takes French regions seriously throughout. For events, the kitchen operates at restaurant standard rather than adapting to volume — guests eat as well at a 150-cover dinner as a table of four at lunch.

The City's Outdoor Room

The terraces and garden are what most visitors remember. In summer, the garden becomes an oasis — lawn, planting, champagne, the dome of St Paul's above the surrounding buildings. In winter, heated terraces with blankets and seasonal installations create atmosphere that keeps the outdoor spaces functional year-round. The North Terrace, fully covered and heated, operates as a standalone event space for up to 100 standing.

The Bank of England facade, the Mansion House, the spires of the City's churches — they form a panorama that connects events to London's financial and civic history simultaneously. For corporate entertaining in the Square Mile, the view says what the host doesn't need to.