Fogo de Chao at Bishopsgate has been nominated for the Best Casual Dining award as part of the Toast the City awards 2026.
The Brazilian restaurant brings what it describes as an authentic Churrasco Experience to the heart of London’s Square Mile, combining food, theatre and genuine hospitality.
Katherine Farquhar, relationships and events manager at Fogo de Chao Bishopsgate, has been with the business for nine years and joined the Bishopsgate opening team ahead of the restaurant’s launch in August 2023.
Farquhar says her focus has been on bringing authentic Southern Brazilian hospitality to one of London’s most competitive dining destinations.
When asked what makes Fogo de Chao stand out, Farquhar is clear: “We bring a little piece of Southern Brazil to the Square Mile. It’s not just the food, it’s the warmth, generosity and theatre of the authentic Churrasco Experience, delivered with genuine Brazilian hospitality.”
She says the restaurant’s regulars would describe Fogo de Chao in just three words: “Warm. Generous. Unforgettable.”
On what the restaurant does better than anyone else, Farquhar points to making guests feel individually valued, noting: “What starts as a quick lunch often turns into ‘just one more slice of Picanha’.”
The biggest operational challenge, she explains, has been meeting growing demand without compromising on quality, ensuring every guest feels equally well looked after whether visiting for a Tuesday business lunch or a Saturday family celebration.
Farquhar also sees significant opportunity in the City’s broader transformation, noting that the Square Mile is “evolving into a true seven-day destination” beyond the traditional working week.
She describes a shifting atmosphere around Bishopsgate since the restaurant opened, saying new openings and more visitors are making the area increasingly vibrant, adding that Fogo de Chao views nearby venues as neighbours rather than competitors.
Among the small details Farquhar obsesses over is the choice of glassware, saying “the right glass can elevate an exceptional wine into a memorable experience.”
The most meaningful piece of feedback the restaurant has received came from a Brazilian guest, who told the team: “It tastes like home,” which Farquhar describes as the highest compliment imaginable.
The customer mix at Fogo de Chao reflects the City’s own evolution, with corporate diners and client entertainment driving footfall during the week, while weekends increasingly attract families, friends and celebration parties.
Farquhar singles out the Barbican as a City venue she rates highly, describing it as a cultural landmark that “brings people together through food, arts and community.”
Voting for the Toast the City 2026 awards, which cover bars, restaurants, galleries and green spaces across the Square Mile, is currently open via the Toast the City website.