The Sign of the Don Bistro

In the tiny City of London ward of Candlewick, in the triangle formed by Bank, Monument, and Cannon Street stations sits a mighty bar and bistro that is making waves with London’s diners and food critics. Occupying the 18th-century premises of an historic port and sherry import business along St Swithins Lane (carefully converted by the same impresarios who brought you Bleeding Heart in Holborn), The Sign of the Don Bistro complements the award-winning Don Restaurant and the adjacent bar, serving up British, French, and Portuguese, and Spanish delicacies.

Only the best of British produce goes into the dishes that have made The Don Restaurant and the neighbouring Sign of the Don Bistro’s name in the City of London. Located along St Swithins Lane, near Bank and Cannon Street stations, this bistro takes its cues from the premises that it has made its home. For over two centuries this place imported and distributed Portuguese wine and sherry, and the interior reflects this heritage with upcycled wine vats, port casks fashioned into lampshades, and sculptural details wrought from wine barrels. You can even see the labels of the old port wine’s intended destinations still stencilled on the walls.

Along historic St Swithins Lane, The Sign of the Don Bistro (and the attached bar) required considered restoration in close collaboration with various City of London historical committees. The results are fantastic – hardly surprising considering the people behind this operation are the same masterminds that restored the Bleeding Heart family of venues to their former glory in Holborn. Breakfasts and lunch and dinner from the a la carte menu are influenced by classic British cuisine, with French, Spanish, and (you guessed it) Portuguese dishes standing alongside. These gourmet options, plus impeccable service and a unique setting have made The Sign of the Don Bistro a hot spot in region of Bank – needless to say, reservations are a must.