Running the London Marathon this Sunday? We salute you! London’s restaurant and bar scene is also behind you, with plenty of them offering up discounts and freebies to those showing off their medals. Check out our pick of the best below and treat yourself to a feast, god knows you deserve it.
Amber, Aldgate
The deal: After running a gruelling 26.2 miles, some much-needed refuelling is required in the form of many carbs. What better than a crispy pide piled high with toppings from Amber? Medal holders can get a free helping here on marathon day, with toppings including chorizo with caramelised onions, rocket, cherry tomatoes and goats’ cheese.
Where: 21 Piazza Walk, E1 8QH
Bunga Bunga, Battersea
The deal: Present your medal this Sunday or Monday at the original Bunga Bunga in Battersea and you could bag yourself a free whole pizza. Varieties to pick from include Ruby Loves topped with nduja spicy soft sausage, calabrese salame, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella – that’s enough to motivate anyone.
Where: 37 Battersea Bridge Road, SW11 3BA
The Coal Shed, Tower Bridge
The deal: After running 26.2 miles, you’ll probably be in need of a feast, although you might not be up to a steak dinner straight away. Luckily The Coal Shed, which has a knack for cooking tasty meat, fish and veg over natural fire and charcoal, is offering marathon runners 20% off their total food bill from 23-28 April, giving you a few days to recuperate first.
Where: One Tower Bridge, 4 Crown Square, SE1 2SE
Lady Abercorn’s Pub & Kitchen, City
The deal: The speedier runners among the flock this year can reward themselves with a free slap-up roast dinner (between 12-3pm) at Lady Abercorn’s Pub & Kitchen at Andaz in Liverpool Street. The first 100 runners through the door will be able to feast on roasts served with bottomless Yorkshire puddings, so you can carb load like never before.
Where: 40 Liverpool Street, EC2M 7QN
Le Caprice, St James’s
The deal: This classic restaurant will be serving up a post-marathon brunch from 11.30am-4pm on the big day, with medal holders entitled to a free dish from the brunch menu. Pick from the likes of waffles with sweet-cured bacon, and remember to take off your foil cape before entering, as Le Caprice is a rather fancy spot.
Where: Arlington Street, SW1A 1RJ
Mac & Wild, City and Fitzrovia
The deal: Those looking to have a post-race pig out can head to either Mac & Wild site, where they’ll receive a free Veni-Moo burger. The stacked burger features one beef and one venison patty, alongside gherkins, caramelised onions, cheese and bearnaise sauce, all served in a brioche bun. Just don't forget to bring your bling!
Where: 9a Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YN; 65 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 7PS
Maxwell’s, Covent Garden
The deal: Maxwell’s is continuing its tradition of offering a free burger for all medal winners, as well as 25% off food for marathon volunteers. Chow down on either a Veggie Burger with a spicy quinoa and cheese patty, or a Maxwell’s Old Timer, topped with lettuce, tomato, red onion, gherkin, and relish.
Where: 34 King Street, WC2E 8JD
Skylon, South Bank
The deal: Skylon is also getting in on the action, by rewarding marathon runners with a free drink. Medal holders can sit back, relax and take in panoramic views of the spectacular London skyline, all while gloating to their friends about their impressive finishing time.
Where: Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
Sophie’s, Soho
The deal: After abstaining from junk food and alcohol for weeks (or maybe months), race finishers are more than entitled to a drink or two. Luckily, Sophie’s Soho is giving away a free 10oz Martini to all medal holders on the day, including chilli, lychee and pumpkin varieties.
Where: 42-44 Great Windmill Street, W1D 7NB
If you’re only spectating, check out our guide of where to eat and drink along the route (while you cheer on the runners).