Maybe it’s the warm, terracotta walls of the historic building’s interior dining space, the inviting fireplace and wide-plank wooden floors; or maybe it’s the bursts of color from the framed posters, labels and abstract art. Whatever it is, there’s something about entering Pivot that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into a room where everyone happily awaits your arrival — and they’re glad you’re there.

Before your next trip to London, make reservations and head to Pivot’s location at 3 Henrietta St. Then, slip off your overcoat and stop in at the ground-floor bar for a warming drink, or head upstairs and order from the main menu.

© Steven Joyce

Intimate in setting and offering a selection of tables and elegant leather banquettes, this Covent Garden restaurant is the creative domain of Britain’s star chef Mark Greenaway. Opened in fall 2021, it’s already achieved a Michelin Guide entry, two AA Rosettes and the Hardens Food Guide Certificate of Achievement.

Chef Greenaway was voted Best Chef in Edinburgh during the Scottish Food Awards 2018; Best Chef by the Edinburgh Evening News Restaurant Awards 2018; has held Three AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence since 2018; and was recommended in the Michelin Guide in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Chef Greenaway is also the author of Recipes from Restaurant Mark Greenaway, which received Best Cookbook in the World in the 2017 Gourmand Book Awards.

© Pivot

The menus at Pivot change with the seasons and always strongly focus on Greenaway’s creative interpretation of classic British dishes featuring locally sourced produce and other ingredients. You can choose a pre-starter of warm spinach, artichoke and sweet potato dip with fresh pita bread and a glass of Portuguese Vinho Verde, or a martini made with Sipsmith Sipping Vodka out of London. Mains include grilled langoustines with melted garlic and parsley butter; roasted cod fillet; and sides such as Dauphinoise potatoes, roasted beetroots, braised Roscoff onions or charred Hispi cabbage.

Local favorites include split-roasted bone marrow with thyme and garlic accompanied by warm pita bread, seasonal Cornish oysters, wild mushroom on toast, free-range English chicken and Cumberland sausage. For dessert, delectable staples include sticky toffee pudding and custard, a selection of English cheeses, and vanilla poached pear with soft whipped cream. Ice cream flavors vary, but may very well include salted caramel ice cream — perfect with a cup of coffee from The Gentleman Baristas.

© Steven Joyce

No matter the season, you’ll enjoy outstanding service and a knowledgeable wait staff. Besides the main dining room and bar menus, there’s also breakfast, Sunday roast and pre-theater choices. The restaurant’s location directly off of Covent Garden makes it the perfect choice for an evening out before or after attending a performance.