Toast the City Awards are back for a second year—bigger, bolder and even more ambitious.

Eastern City BID is delighted to stand alongside the other City BIDs in supporting this year’s awards, once again celebrating the restaurants, bars, green spaces and cultural gems that make the Eastern City and the wider Square Mile such an exciting place to work, visit and unwind.

Last year, thousands of you shared your favourite places to eat, drink and explore across the City. Winning venues included Galvin La Chapelle (Best Restaurant), The Wolseley (Best Breakfast), Humble Grape (Best Bar), The Rising Sun (Best Boozer) and The War of the Worlds (Best Experience).

For 2026, we’re welcoming back a stellar judging panel, featuring returning winners and some of the biggest names in hospitality. Judges will include Martin Williams (Evolv Collection), Karan Gokani (Hoppers) and Leonid Shutov (Bob Bob Ricard), joined by influential voices from across the industry—a dedicated team on the hunt for the City’s best coffees, sandwiches, experiences and green spaces.

Beyond celebrating standout venues, the Toast the City Awards will once again build a lasting resource on City AM, sharing the stories behind the places shaping the Square Mile today. Visit the Toast the City tab to explore the latest updates, nominee profiles, judge spotlights and features on past winners.

The first round of nominations is officially open—so get involved and champion your favourite Eastern City spots.

You can nominate across our refreshed list of categories:

Best Restaurant
Best Fitness Experience
Best Breakfast
Best Roof Terrace
Most Fun Experience
Best Coffee
Best Bar
Best Art or Culture Experience
Best Sandwich
Best Casual Dining
Best Overnight Experience
New Opening of the Year
Best Green Space
Best Boozer
Retailer of the Year

Vote for your favourites here