As Jones Lang LaSalle noted in our recent report ‘London’s West End: Review and Outlook’, London is now arguably the restaurant capital of the world, with Core West End at its epicentre. London’s dining industry is in good health; in a recent Zagat survey, 40% of diners claimed that London’s dining scene is better today than a year ago, with only 3% claiming it is worse.

Demand for restaurant, bar and club space in the West End remains as fierce as ever, from both local and international operators. In particular, London seems to be flooded with upmarket burger and simple steak restaurants, and I for one love it! The beauty of a good burger is that it is quick and easy and transcends the age spectrum, working equally well for a big social occasion as well as dinner for one on the hoof.

The area has seen steady demand in the last year or so, with notable entrants in 2012 including; BRGR.CO, Burger and Lobster, Patty and Bun, Mash, Hawksmoor and Honest Burger. I personally had an exquisite Flat Iron steak at another 2012 entrant last week (see photo below) in the Carnaby Village which JLL central team has recently won the lease advisory instruction for.

Steak from Flat Iron, follow them on twitter here – @FlatIronSteak

Icelandic chain Tommi’s, another personal lunchtime favourite, has now opened permanently on Marylebone High Street after a successful pop-up round the corner from JLL offices on Marylebone Lane. Furthermore, Shake Shack and Five Guys, two larger US chains have also just entered the market.

Lunch time burger; outside the Wallace collection, in Marylebone

The importance of having a decent leisure component to complement the retail offer and maximise the visitor’s experience is something that has been discussed by this blog many times. All retail places should be aiming for a strong leisure component in their tenant mix. For those of us that are lucky enough to work in the number one shopping destination in the world, just enjoy the food and worry about the calorie count later.