Guest Review: Richard Arnold

DONOVANS

MELBOURNE

40 JACKA BOULEVARD, ST KILDA, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA; +61 (0)3 9534 8221

Heartily recommended for the wine list, the Wagyu beef, the staff, the ocean view – & for its proximity to the Stokehouse, another favourite noshery down under. Both restaurants prove that the Pacific Rim remains one of the greatest culinary corners of the world.

THE IVY CLUB

COVENT GARDEN

I am a huge fan of the daily roasts, & thanks to the expert ‘casting’ of [its director] Fernando & his colleagues, the library restaurant feels more like a salon than a private members’ club. If it’s on, opt for the veal roast or the steak-&-ale club pie.

DURRANTS HOTEL

MARYLEBONE & PADDINGTON

26-32 GEORGE STREET, W1H 5BJ; 020 7935 8131

My parents & I are very fond of this watering hole behind The Wallace Collection. The bar is a favourite haunt – it’s worth a trip for the honeyed sausages alone. It is one of the few private hotels left in London, hence the atmosphere of a large family home from days of yore. It also does the capital’s best Christmas lunch.

Richard Arnold is a regular face on GMTV, whether presenting his showbiz slot from the studio sofa or out on the road. He currently hosts Challenge TV’s quiz show Take It or Leave It. His media career started with a job on Inside Soap magazine.