Sharing Menus London

When you’re eating in London, sharing menus aren’t just a trend—they’re a way of life. Sharing menus, a dining style where multiple small dishes are ordered for the whole table to enjoy together. Also known as communal eating, it turns dinner into a social experience, not just a meal. Whether you’re with friends, family, or a new date, sharing food means more variety, less waste, and more chances to say, "Try this." It’s how Londoners actually eat when they’re not rushing between meetings.

This style of dining connects directly to the city’s food culture—where small plates, tapas-style bites, and mezze platters dominate the best spots in Shoreditch, Notting Hill, and Peckham. You’ll find it in places where the menu doesn’t list "main courses" but instead "to share," "for the table," or "small bites." It’s not about portion sizes—it’s about connection. And it’s not just trendy restaurants doing this. Even long-standing pubs and family-run spots in Camden and Brixton have quietly switched to sharing formats because people prefer it. You get to taste five different things instead of one, and no one ends up stuck with a plate they don’t like.

What makes group dining, the practice of ordering multiple dishes for a table to enjoy collectively. Also known as communal dining, it is a cornerstone of modern London social life. work so well here is the city’s diversity. You can start with Korean fried chicken, move to Moroccan-spiced lamb skewers, then finish with a Japanese takoyaki ball—all on the same table. The food doesn’t need to match. It just needs to be good, and meant to be passed. This isn’t fine dining etiquette. It’s real life. And it’s why places like The Lock Tavern, Bao, and The Little Beet have built loyal followings not by being fancy, but by making eating together easy and fun.

You’ll also notice that tapas style dining, a format where small, flavorful dishes are served in succession for sharing. Also known as small plates dining, it’s deeply rooted in London’s restaurant evolution. isn’t just about Spanish food anymore. It’s become the default for many new openings because it gives chefs room to experiment and diners room to explore. No one’s stuck with a £28 steak they didn’t want. Instead, you get six dishes under £15 each, and you can try the chef’s best idea without committing to the whole menu. It’s smarter. It’s fairer. And it fits how Londoners live now—busy, curious, and always looking for the next thing to try.

There’s also the cost angle. Sharing menus often mean you spend less overall while eating more. A group of four can order eight dishes and still pay less than if everyone ordered a main course and side. It’s the same reason why wine lists now come in half-bottles—Londoners don’t want to waste money or food. They want value, flavor, and connection. And that’s exactly what these menus deliver.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real places across London where sharing menus aren’t an afterthought—they’re the whole point. From hidden gems in Hackney to busy spots in Soho, you’ll see where the food is made to be passed around, who’s doing it best, and how to order like a local. No tourist traps. No overpriced platters. Just good food, shared well.