The 25 Best Birthday Dinner Restaurants In London - London - The Infatuation

"Getting a table for a group at a reasonable time at this candlelit Indian-Irish restaurant can be tricky. But we’re more than willing to get strategic for things like the smooth, nutmeg-forward Irish coffee and a tamarind and sour plum medley inspiringly called ‘Executive Lamb’. Plus, the mood at this converted old bookies in Hackney is serotonin central—laughter drowns out the music and everyone’s got a sentimental twinkle in their eye. Take a deep breath, and put the plan you had to one side. It’s best to approach the Shankeys booking system without a set date in mind. There are reservations available, but rarely on the date you wanted. Also know that even at 6pm or 9:30pm—it’s plenty lively. If emotional gambling doesn’t make you want to dry heave, you can also manifest boldly and hit the ‘notify’ bell on their booking platform." - jake missing, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna, heidi lauth beasley