How to Choose an Elegant Place to Meet your Client in London

One time I took a client to a place I had only ever seen in pictures. The music was so loud we had to almost shout to communicate and they left with a polite smile and a very strong opinion on my judgment. Was not good.

Consider your options

Before looking into any menus, consider why you are taking them out. Are you meeting for the first time? Closing a deal? Or are you just thanking them after a long project? Often these can be confused.

A first meeting should be somewhere peaceful where you can actually hear each other. This is to make sure they remember you as an easy-going person. If you are closing a deal then you want somewhere private, with a table that’s not in the middle of the walkways! If you are thanking them then you can be a little more relaxed.

How well do you know the person you’re meeting? If you’ve worked with them for years then you could take a risk and go somewhere a little quirky. However if you’ve only emailed them four times then it is best to go for somewhere where you know you’ll be comfortable. No one has ever lost a client from going somewhere peaceful, quiet and with good service.

Also consider what they would like. Whilst I love a long menu, lots of people find three hours at a table a mild annoyance. Just ask them politely! In your email you can simply ask if they have any foods they avoid.

Choose somewhere elegant

An elegant place does not necessarily mean the most expensive place. It means that from the moment they walk in to when they leave they will feel like you have thought about where you are taking them. Good service when they arrive, a table that’s not stuck next to the toilets and good lighting to read the menus. All very basic!

Think about their likes and personality. If they have travelled from overseas they may really like a venue that is more upmarket with lots of panelling and good service. If the founder is younger they may like a more modern and relaxed venue. If your client is quite nervous they won’t thank you for putting them into a venue where everyone can see them.

Sound is important. Check the most recent reviews to see if it’s a loud venue with lots of music. If possible give them a call and ask what the usual noise level is throughout the week. They will be honest!

Easy to get to. Try to choose a place that is easy to get to from their hotel/office and is near a station. No one wants to be running late after walking there for 20 minutes in the wrong shoes! Usually central is easiest to get to and gives you an idea of how the evening will go. You also be within very close distance to 99 Regent Street and several other late-night spots should your client want a kick added to their evening.

Try to avoid trendy places. These can often be very busy. Usually more upmarket places will have a longer stay.

Booking a table

Give them a call. This allows you to ask them what they can offer and tells them it’s a business meeting so ask for a quiet table. Most places will try their hardest.

Ask them about their cancellation policy. Do they need a deposit? How far in advance do you need to know the numbers? Email this to yourself so if anything goes wrong or their flight is delayed you’ll be grateful.

Choose a time that is convenient. Choosing an earlier time will make it easier for them as they’ve travelled. It also means you’re flexible. If the evening goes well you can end on a high. Give yourself a bit of extra time as London traffic doesn’t care about your booking!

Tell them about any food allergies. This means no one is put into a tricky situation where the waiter has to tell them what they can’t eat.

Check the day before. Give them a quick message to the restaurant and client. This requires little effort but shows you’re organised.

During the evening

Get there a bit early. 10-15 mins early. This means you can check your table, have a quick chat to the staff and sort out payment. Ask the restaurant to save your card details or pay them incognito. This adds a bit of drama to the evening!

Dress a bit smarter than needed. You can’t go wrong with smart plain clothes. If you’re unsure about the dress code call them. Don’t guess!

Let them order first. Don’t rush them whilst they look through the menus. Don’t talk about business until after they’ve had their starters. Ask them how their day has been, how they’re finding their trip etc. They will remember feeling listened to much more than what they ate.

Don’t overdo it with the drinks. Keep up with their pace. I have seen deals go wrong because someone has got chatty after their 3rd drink! I have done this too!

Put your phone away. Don’t have it face down on the table, put it in your pocket/bag. If something comes up, say and walk away.

Finish on a high

Know when to finish. If they’re chatting away and enjoying themselves offer them a coffee or short walk. If they are constantly checking the time, finish the evening. It’s always better to have a short successful evening.

Make sure they know how they’re getting home. Offer to book them a taxi or tell them where the nearest station is. This is a simple gesture that will be remembered. Don’t leave them stood on the pavement trying to work it out!

Walk them to the door/car. Shake hands and thank them. Keep it short.

The next morning send them a short message. A line or 2 thanking them for their time and mention something non work related that you talked about. This shows you were listening!

Top tip – Take a charger. The last thing you want is your phone to die during your client dinner!

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