Arquati History

Former Yates Brothers Wine Lodge the 'Arquati Bistro' was a family run restaurant and bar previously known as 'Stranded in London' which has been at 417 The Strand since 1983.

Arquati Bistro Italian Restaurant has an informal atmosphere, with unobtrusive light jazz and acoustic music played throughout the day, with more funky and upbeat music played during the evening. Being conveniently located in the heartland of London theatre, it caters towards both the pre-theatre diners and later to the pre-club crowd.



The bar and restaurant open at 12:00 noon and serve lunch until 3 pm. Opening again at 5 pm through to 11 pm Monday to Thursday and 11:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, with a supper hour extension on the bar for diners.

Only two Yates Brothers Wine Lodges operated outside the northern counties of England – the Grand Hotel at Douglas, Isle of Man and the unique "Bun Shop" on London's Strand also known as the "Tram Shed", which opened in the 1890's and remained there until 1981.

Yates' Wine Lodges were synonymous for good quality food and value for money, traditions that gladly remain with the Arquati Bistro.

Some believe the Arquati Bistro premises are haunted with two deaths historically on the premises, it could be and those with ESP claim to have a cold feeling in certain areas of the restaurant. Marco however thinks that it was just a draft before the recent refurbishment!

In 2011 owner Marco Arquati decided to re-launch "Stranded in London" as Arquati Bistro to help differentiate themselves from the multitude of coffee bars and sandwich shops who have colonised the Strand.