Bob Bob Ricard

Bob Bob Ricard is an extravagant dining establishment located on Upper James Street in Soho, London, famed for combining British comfort cuisine with French-Russian luxury. Established in 2008 by Leonid Shutov and designer David Collins, the venue features intimate Orient Express-inspired booths finished in royal blue leather, polished brass, and hand-cut crystal. It is universally celebrated for introducing the playful and viral 'Press for Champagne' button at every single dining booth, turning fine dining into an engaging, interactive occasion.

The culinary program delivers uncompromising quality across hearty and refined plates, from slow-baked Beef Wellington and truffle-infused potato dishes to imperial caviar and dessert spheres melted under hot chocolate sauce. Conveniently situated just a short walk from Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus tube stations, it remains a premier highlight for couples, groups of friends, and travelers seeking an unforgettable urban gastronomic experience in central London.

Reasons to Visit

• The Iconic Champagne Button: Press the gilded brass button installed at your private booth to instantly summon fresh flutes of vintage champagne.
• Exceptional Interior Architecture: Marvel at David Collins' masterpiece of Orient Express luxury design, featuring intricate woodwork, brass trims, and turquoise leather.
• Decadent British-French Fare: Indulge in world-renowned Beef Wellington, artisan meat pies, Siberian caviar, and signature vodka poured at sub-zero temperatures.
• Intimate All-Booth Seating: Every table in the dining room is an intimate booth, guaranteeing exceptional privacy and premier comfort during your meal.

Things to Avoid

• Avoid Showing Up Without a Booking: Walk-in tables are virtually non-existent during peak evening hours, so always secure a reservation online well ahead of time.
• Avoid Bringing Young Children: The Soho restaurant enforces a strict age limit prohibiting guests under 15 years old.
• Avoid Wearing Gym Clothes or Hats: Guests in casual athletic wear, running shoes, or baseball caps may be refused entry at the door.
• Avoid Carrying Only Cash: Bob Bob Ricard operates as a totally cashless venue; bring physical credit cards or mobile payment devices.

Local Transportation Tips

Bob Bob Ricard is located at 1 Upper James Street in Soho, easily reachable via London Underground stations: Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines) is a 4-minute walk south, while Oxford Circus (Central, Victoria, and Bakerloo lines) is a 6-minute walk north. Numerous central London buses stop along Regent Street and Shaftesbury Avenue, both within short walking distance.

Travel Etiquette

• Dress with Care: Embrace smart, polished fashion to blend harmoniously with the glamorous dining room aesthetic.
• Mind Booth Courtesy: The dining booths are private, but refrain from speaking loudly or conducting business calls on speakerphone.
• Photography Etiquette: Capturing photos of your booth and the champagne button is welcomed, but avoid shining flash lights toward neighboring tables.
• Tipping: A discretionary service charge of 15% is typically added directly to your final restaurant bill in line with central London dining standards.

Recommended Age Group

Bob Bob Ricard is curated specifically as an upscale adult leisure and dining venue with strict guest entry guidelines.

• Babies (0-2 years): Not Recommended. The venue strictly enforces a minimum age policy of 15 years old and does not permit infant seating or strollers.
• Kids (3-12 years): Not Recommended. Children under 15 are not permitted inside the Soho dining room.
• Teens (13-19 years): Neutral. Teenagers aged 15 and above are allowed when accompanied by adults, but the adult-centric atmosphere caters primarily to older guests.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. The ultimate destination for dates, lively dinner parties, cocktail connoisseurs, and celebration dinners.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. Highly comfortable booth seating, gracious staff, and classic British culinary dishes offer an exceptionally comfortable dining outing.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• Wheelchair Access: Street-level entrance is available, with accessible seating options situated on the ground floor; booking ahead allows staff to reserve the most accessible booth.
• Restroom Facilities: Accessible restrooms are available on site with step-free navigation.
• Acoustic Environment: Booth partitions provide moderate noise buffering, though ambient evening volume can be lively during peak service hours.

Did You Know?

Bob Bob Ricard reportedly pours more champagne than any other independent restaurant in the United Kingdom, largely driven by the popularity of its signature table call buttons!

Cool Statistics

• 100% of the tables in the restaurant are private banquette booths.
• Over 1,000 bottles of premium champagne are popped and poured here every single month.
• Minus 18°C: The exact chilling temperature at which artisanal vodka shots are served tableside.