SquareMeal Bronze Awards

Offering stunning views from the eighth floor of the iconic OXO Tower, the OXO Tower Brasserie & Bar serves a fantastic selection of dishes and drinks in a fun and relaxed setting. With a daily live music line up as well as an impressive open kitchen, this laid-back spot is perfect for everything from lunch to pre-theatre dining to eating out with the kids. During the warmer months, there is also a beautiful terrace overlooking London's skyline where you can enjoy dishes from the modern European menu.

Inside, the décor is simple, with tables and chairs packed into every corner of the dining room. Glass walls ensure the space maintains a bright and airy feel to it, while offering breathtaking views no matter where you sit.

A broad all-day food menu focuses on championing local produce and changes every so often according to the seasons. The Brasserie is the more relaxed of OXO Tower's two restaurants, and the menu packs in a wide-array of easy-going dishes that cater to every occasion, from drinks and nibbles to celebration meals. The menu is broken up into snacks, small plates, mains and sharing plates, with dishes at the time of writing including grilled long aubergine with hazelnut salsa, yoghurt and date syrup, roast cod with fennel and mussel escabeche, and aubergine and scamorza ravioli with chestnut butter, as well as large sharing plates like a 28 day aged tomahawk with bearnaise sauce and chips. 

If you’re still hungry, there’s also a lovely selection of desserts on offer such as a polenta and kalamansi cake, and sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream. As well as the regular menu, OXO Tower Brasserie & Bar also offers set menus for larger groups, a dedicated children's menu and a Sunday lunch menu that inclues sharing roast plates with all the trimmings.

Meanwhile, the OXO Bar promises a keen focus on cocktails, with exciting signature creations alongside all the classics. For example, one named 8th Floor Smash features a tempting mix of vodka, Grand Marnier, strawberries and Champagne. There are also plenty of wines, beers, ciders and soft drinks to pick from.

Just one of the various places to dine within the Andaz London Liverpool Street Hotel, Eastway Brasserie is open all day for brunch, lunch and dinner. The brasserie has a buzzy, relaxed feel, ideal for catching up with friends, family, colleagues or clients. Natural light floods in through the large windows, and the green-gold pillars give the space an almost Parisian feel. Those stopping by for a drink can sit at the bar if they so wish while dining groups can choose from the intimate round tables that fill the floor.

There’s a small but varied wine list, featuring a global selection of bottles with a couple available by the glass or carafe too. Those who prefer grain to grape can enjoy familiar favourites like Amstel, Peroni or Neck Oil. In the cocktail department, you’ll find all the most popular concoctions right now: negronis, margaritas and martinis (normal and espresso), Aperol spritzes and more. Those not drinking, meanwhile, can opt for a 0% Heineken or tasty mocktail, such as a homemade cucumber and basil soda.

For a quick meal, Eastway Brasserie has a cracking selection of sandwiches and burgers, including buttermilk fried chicken with truffle mayo, Angus beef with Swiss cheese, a Mexican-style veggie wrap and classic tuna melt. We recommend staying for all three courses, as the rest of the menu is not to be missed. Kick things off with the likes of wild mushroom arancini, crispy calamari with daikon slaw or a Caesar salad with avocado, grilled chicken or tiger prawns.

When it comes to the main event, the grill takes centre stage, turning out ribeye steaks, salmon fillets, corn-fed chicken breast and grilled lamb cutlets. Veggies can opt for the aubergine gratin, pea and roasted tomato risotto or roast butternut squash and vegetable pakoras. End on a high with a decadent dessert like yoghurt and lime parfait, lemon honey panna cotta or a selection of British cheeses.

Paternoster Chop House sits in the heart of the City of London, next to St Paul's and the Old Bailey, offering diners luxurious British cuisine, house cocktails and an extensive wine list. As the name suggests, Paternoster is bringing back the spirit of the great British Chop House, with hearty meat and fish dishes cooked over coals and on spit roasts, and served alongside classic sides.

Though there are vegetarian dishes on the menu too, Paternoster Chop House focuses heavily on sourcing the best meat and fish from around the British isles. Fish are sourced from day boat fishermen, and all meat is butchered in-house, with every part of the animal used in different dishes. The Chop House is also a great place to come during game season, when venison, wild boar and various game birds all appear on the menu with classic trimmings.

Guests can snack on oysters with lemon and shallot vinaigrette, rarebreed pork sausage rolls or truffle roasted nuts while they peruse the menu, and there is a lot to peruse. Starters introduce the running theme of celebrating British produce with dishes like chilled pea soup or Severn Valley smoked salmon. These may seem dainty for a chop house, but that's to ensure there is plenty of room for lavish mains like roasted chicken supreme with pickled shimeji mushrooms, Paternoster steak and or dayboat haddock and chips.

The main event, however, is of course the charcoal grill, which turns out grass-fed ribeye, fillet and sirloin steaks, as well as sharing cuts like chateaubriand, porterhouse and tomahawk. All your favourite sauces are available too, and you can add tiger prawns to make it a surf 'n' turf. Sides include the likes of triple cooked chips, minted peas and creamed spinach, and desserts like sticky toffee pudding, Cambridge burnt cream and blood orange cheesecake don't disappoint either.  

Meanwhile, the stunning oak and marble bar is a great spot to relax and enjoy a huge selection of wines, beers and Tattinger champagne cocktails, including the Paternoster Royal (Tanqueray gin, citrus, strawberry, mint, Tattinger champagne) or the Zen Garden (Toki whiskey, Campari, Mandarine Napoleon liqueur, honey, Tattinger champagne). The bar also boasts an extensive collection of over 40 premium single malt whiskies.

One of the D&D group's more relaxed, family-friendly ventures, Bluebird is a spacious neighbourhood restaurant on the King's Road with a large outdoor terrace. Boasting a more chilled-out café and courtyard on the ground floor and a more refined restaurant and bar on the first floor, this is the perfect setting for almost any type of gathering.

Bluebird's restaurant offers a delightful range of modern European dishes, with enough choice to suit any palate. Starters dart around the continent and further afield, from caviar blinis with creme fraiche and chives, beef tartare and duck liver terrine to Brindisa Iberico Paleta, to burrata with Panzanella salad, to crispy duck salad with Chinese leaf and Thai dressing. Mains similarly celebrate a breadth of cuisines. Highlights include Kerala monkfish curry with rice and chapatis, lobster spaghetti, halibut with roasted salsify, salty fingers and brown butter hollandaise, lamb rump with bbq carrot purée, yoghurt, sumac and lovage oil or aged British grass-fed sirloin with onion purée, bone marrow and triple cooked chips. Guests can add the likes of charred hispi cabbage or truffle mash, as well as sauces such as peppercorn, bone marrow or smoked mayonnaise. 

For a more casual visit, there is also a weekend brunch menu, offering classics like eggs Benedict, Florentine or Royal, French toast with streaky bacon, wild blueberries and whipped creme fraiche, or dill-cured Loch Duart salmon with mustard and Danish rye bread. These actually appear as starters rather than simply breakfast options, and are followed by similar mains to the a la carte menu, with the addition of a bone marrow beef burger with cheddar, caramelised onions and chips. Sunday lunch is also available, offering either 40-day aged sirloin or Gloucester Old Spot pork belly, each served with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and horseradish. 

Desserts include hot chocolate cake, tonka bean and salted caramel baked Alaska or a selection of British cheeses. The wine list matches the food menu: a perfect balance impressive and accessible. 

Big Easy Chelsea is the original branch of the American BBQ restaurant to open in London, occupying a spacious site on the famous King’s Road. Taking inspiration from Southern States Gulf coast crab shacks and barbecue culture, these guys are one of the top places to enjoy slow-smoked meat and fresh seafood in the capital.  

All its meat is sourced from trusted butchers and carefully-selected producers, serving hand-cut quality steaks and pork from traditional breeds for the best quality and flavour. It also cooks a lot of its meat over a Parilla charcoal grill at this Chelsea joint to ensure an authentic smoky flavour. While all its lobsters are sourced from the icy seas off Nova Scotia. 

Big Easy specialises in slow-smoked meat cooked over oak, and you can expect lots of it on the menu. The stars of the show are its real pit-cooked BBQ meat platters, which are all served with BBQ beans and house slaw. Try its Texas smoked brisket cooked for 18 hours, pit-smoked Bar.B.Q chicken dry-rubbed with a house spice blend and finished with a sticky glaze, and Carolina pulled pork served with Carolina sauce. Daily specials keep things interesting, while a rotating roster of meal deals are great for diners looking to eat out on a budget. Kids menus, a daily happy hour and a weekend boozy brunch offering keep people coming back for more.  

Beer and cocktails are the main players on the drinks front. There’s a slushy bar serving all the classics – think Mojitos, Pina Coladas and Margaritas served over ice. While a host of Big Easy signatures include things like a Rum Punch featuring a trio of white, golden and dark rums, apple, mango, lime and bitters. Local IPAs and bottled favourites are on hand for beer lovers, as are a selection of wines and non-boozy options if you aren’t drinking.  

Quaglino's, which finds itself tidily tucked away in St James, oozes glamour, offering diners modern European cuisine with top-shelf cocktails. Head chef Jack Smith devises punchy, fresh dishes using seasonal ingredients, while Ivan innovates and the drinks team innovate behind the bar. Thanks to this combination of team and setting, the result is something that truly everyone can enjoy, whether they are looking for somewhere to catch up over a cocktail or celebrate a milestone. 

The only way to start an evening in a space this stylish is with oysters and/or caviar, and a glass of Champagne which is available by the glass or bottle. Those staying for a full dinner have a treat ahead of them. Starters showcase Jack Smith's expertise with options like parsnip velouté with whipped mascarpone, winter truffle and confit chestnuts, or smoked duck and pear salad with red endive and kumquat jam. Slow-cooked Gloucester Old Spot pork belly with spiced carrot and black garlic will delight meat-eaters, while the burnt butter confit halibut will satisfy any seafood lovers. Vegans aren't left out here and can choose from saffron risotto with baby turnips or gnocchi with roast pumpkin, oyster mushrooms and kale crisps. Guests can finish their meal with a choice of desserts, including mulled apples and pears with white chocolate mousse and cinnamon crumble or gingerbread creme brulee with sugared cranberries and mascarpone. 

The team are well aware how good of a date spot this is, and offer two-person sharing dishes to accommodate couples, including a 1.3 kilo chargrilled Tomahawk, Loch Duarte salmon wellington, chargrilled chateaubriand or braised beef short rib with gratin dauphinoise, wild mushrooms and winter truffle. 

When describing Quaglino's, it would be a crime not to mention the live music, as it is the perfect accompaniment to the excellent food on offer. 

Restaurant group D&D London are determined to bring back the great British chophouse with this addition to Bermondsey’s already-strong dining scene. Overlooking the River Thames, the ethos behind Butlers Wharf Chophouse harks back to a time where meat took centre stage, portions were hearty and provenance was placed at the fore.  

Heading up the grill is head chef Behzad Gotla (previously at Gordon Ramsay’s Maze) who shares the restaurant’s long-standing commitment to great British produce, local suppliers and great-tasting grills. The meat-centric restaurant serves larger cuts made for sharing, and which are cooked over charcoal grills, in josper ovens or on spit roasts. All its meat is sourced from rare-breed dairy cattle that are raised in East Anglia and dry-aged for a minimum of 35 to 40 days before being butchered in house. Each cut can be served alongside a selection of sauces (hello bone marrow and red wine jus) and sides including triple-cooked chips and mac ‘n’ cheese.  

Elsewhere, there are plenty of classic British favourites including a cheeseburger, steak and ale pudding, chicken, leek and mushroom pie and BBQ pork ribs. While the dessert menu is a homage to great British puddings, including a bourbon and coke sticky toffee pudding. Butlers Wharf Chophouse also does roasts on Sundays which must be ordered by a minimum of four people – sharing is caring after all.  

Don’t miss a selection of house cocktails, including a Gardener’s Negroni scented with rosemary, or a Melon Blossom made with peach and orange blossom vodka, lemonade and dried peach. There’s also an extensive wine list that features a range of affordable and fine wines and available by the glass, carafe or bottle.  

Diners can gawk at views of Tower Bridge while they eat, while the décor inside offers a definite nautical theme with wooden surfaces representing boat decking.  

If you have grown tired of the London restaurant scene’s need to constantly outdo itself with ever zanier concepts and oh-so-modern dishes (deconstructed Earl Grey cheesecake, anyone?), consider Bolton’s for your next meal out - a resolutely traditional restaurant which will embrace you like a warm hug from an old friend.

Found in the heart of the City of London, the subterranean dining room at Bolton’s is joyfully old-school, complete with a deep red carpet, tables dressed with white tablecloths and oil paintings depicting historical figures or pastoral scenes. While the space feels quintessentially British, the focus of the kitchen is actually Italian cuisine - fastidiously sourced produce lies at the core of the a la carte, which is replete with staple Italian dishes that in some instances, have been given contemporary updates.

The offering kicks off with breakfast, served from 8am, when early risers can tuck into a full English (vegetarian and vegan versions available), eggs any style or toasted baps filled with the likes of bacon and sausage. For the more virtuous, there is smashed avocado on toast, which can be washed down with a freshly blitzed smoothie.

Later in the day, the a la carte takes centre stage, offering a whole host of comforting Italian fare. Begin with starters such as deep-fried calamari or scallops topped with bacon and spinach, before moving on to indulgent pasta dishes such as lobster linguine or pappardelle topped with meatballs, tomato sauce and a touch of cream. Carnivorous types meanwhile, can enjoy veal, beef or chicken cooked various ways, padded out with side orders of sauteed mushrooms or a mixed leaf salad.

Bolton’s wine menu is lengthy, but well considered, featuring bottles sourced from across Italy, as well as varieties from Spain, France and Portugal. For those who don’t fancy wine, there are spirits, brandies and non-alcoholic juices.

Holbeck Ghyll is an elegant country hotel nestled in the heart of the Lake District, surrounded by stunning landscapes and serene lakes. The hotel boasts a fine dining experience in its restaurant of the same name, offering dramatic views of the surrounding countryside and a menu that focuses on locality. 

The restaurant is helmed by Head Chef Ross Marshall, who hopes to take diners on a journey through Britain using some of the best produce from not only Cumbria but up and down the country. There are two tasting menus to choose from - one at five courses, and the other at eight. The latter, and larger, shows off the chef's signature dishes and is inspired by traditional European cuisine, executed with a modern flair. Examples from this menu include scallop and chorizo with cauliflower and romanesco and apple, as well as cured salmon with cucumber, sea herbs and avocado with creme fraiche and caviar. 

The five-course menu celebrates seasonal specialities with dishes such as duck liver with thyme, honey and mushroom on brioche, alongside venison bolognese and loin with cavolo nero and parsnip. For dessert, there's chocolate, coffee and mascarpone with Kahlua and hazelnut. 

If a taster menu isn't really your thing, simply browse the a la carte selection at your leisure. There is some crossover with the taster courses, so for example, if you'd love to try the duck liver dish but don't fancy going the whole hog, you could simply pick out those you like the look of most here. Wine is also a big part of the experience at Holbeck Ghyll, with the wine list having been curated by the in-house sommelier to complement the ingredients featured on the menus. Opt for a wine flight, or discuss your ideas with the team on they'll help you plan the perfect pairing.

A trip to Sketch is more of multi-sensory experience than a straightforward meal out and yet this venue is proving to sceptics that a restaurant can indeed carry both style and substance with Michelin awarding it three stars.

The venue is divided between four restaurants and each boast their own uniquely breath-taking interiors that just beg to be photographed. The brainchild of restauranteur Mourad Mazouz and esteemed chef Pierre Gagnaire, this Mayfair haunt is ideally located to catch the area’s affluent populous of party goers and thrill seekers who are always looking for the next best thing.

The Gallery, previously known for its pale pink aesthetic, has undergone a design revamp thanks to British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare CBE and architect India Mahdavi with a new, sunshine-yellow scheme complemented by copper walls. The design is a celebration of African culture and artwork installations include four hand-painted, wood-carved masks and ten framed quilts.

A stunning backdrop for a special occasion, The Gallery is known for its quirky afternoon tea which offers a different take on this classic British passtime. Assorted sandwich are filled with the likes of salmon and ricotta, and croque monsieur, while mini desserts come in the form of apricot eclair, cirtrus tart and strawberry marshmallow. Scones are smothered with clotted cream and strawberry and poppy jam, followed by a slice of Victoria sponge from the cake trolley.

The venue also offers an a la carte menu which can largely be described as modern European with some strong French influences. One remarkable and eye brow-raising feature of the menu is that it's split into two; traditional and open minded. Some dishes are completely different, others almost the same but with a more unusual toppping or garnish. Which menu would you choose?

To give you a flavour, dishes from the traditional side include spring lamb stew, dover sole and fish soup with stone bass and smoked cod, while the open minded options include smoked eel tartare, alongside grilled red mullet with onion fondue and pan-fried squid.

Long-standing Italian restaurant Manicomio Chelsea (there’s a sibling site in the City) is a fixture of Chelsea’s Duke of York Square and well-known among locals as a reliably good place to eat. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Manicomio Chelsea can cater to almost every culinary whim, with well-drilled staff and a warm atmosphere coming as standard.

The dining room here is a sleek and sophisticated affair, complete with navy blue walls, brown leather banquette seating and heavily dressed tables. As for the menu, expect a short but well considered list of classic and contemporary Italian dishes, primed for comfort and indulgence (although there are a few more virtuous offerings for the health conscious too). To begin your meal, order antipasti such as homemade focaccia, a warm bowl of seasonal soup or London burrata with grilled English asparagus and yuzu miso dressing.

For your pasta course, choose between dishes such as rigatoni with native lobster, tomato, chilli and garlic or potato gnocchi with Tuscan sausage and wild fennel ragu. Meat and fish options meanwhile include a classic chicken Milanese with grilled lettuces, runner beans and a Parmesan and caesar dressing, as well as char-grilled yellowfin tuna accompanied by a Panzanella salad. You can also pad out your meal with side orders including zucchini fritti and rosemary al forno potatoes.

For pudding, tuck into traditional Italian desserts of gelato or tiramisu, or cater to savoury preferences with an artisan British cheese board to share between the table. For those who prefer liquid afters, be sure to peruse Manicomio Chelsea’s vast selection of European wines, while those who diners who favour other alcoholic beverages won’t miss out either thanks to Manicmio’s selection of classic cocktails sitting alongside house signatures, plus a range of craft beers and pale ales too.

Paris Grill can be found in the heart of London's city centre, and has been impressing guests for many years, since 1978. Recently, the restaurant underwent a major makeover, and whilst the ethos of its original charm still remains, it has revived its beauty with a bit of a contemporary art deco flair. On the menu, you'll find a range of delicious home comforts, along with seasonally changing dishes that reflect the best ingredients that are available, along with traditional recipes.

Here, wines are carefully sourced and selected with a special focus on those from France, and the menu includes a variety of stunning dishes, beginning with some pretty tasty starters. Scottish loch salmon with a marinated beetroot salad, tempura black tiger prawns on a bed of baby gem with sweet chilli sauce, and escargots roasted in garlic butter with parsley. Next up are some of the Paris grill classics, including bronze copas roast Christmas turkey pork collar, served with all the traditional trimmings, corn fed chicken wrapped in bacon, truffle mashed potatoes, sweet onion purée and a roast rack of lamb, mashed king edward potatoes, sweet onion purée, braised red cabbage.

If you're looking for something vegetarian, try the pithivier with grilled vegetables and a spicy tomato sauce, or the truffle risotto with white mushroom and parmesan crisps. From the charcoal grill, you can enjoy a chateaubriand with roasted tomatoes, balsamic rocket salad and French fries, with a selection of sauces. Fish dishes include the sea bass en papillote with new potatoes, and fillet of cod with creamed leeks, mashed potatoes and white wine sauce.

When it's time for dessert, try the glazed apple tarte tatin with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream, or regional French cheese and refreshing sorbets.

It is an unfortunate truth that half of restaurants close within their first year of trading, so there is always something extra special about dining out somewhere that has stood the test of time. Enter long-standing French restaurant Le Cafe du Marche, which was founded by Charlie Graham-Wood way back in 1986 and remains an independent, family-run restaurant to this day.

Le Cafe du Marche is housed in a converted warehouse, built on the foundations of the coach houses for the neighbouring Charterhouse and once a storage warehouse for St Barts. Much of the building’s original features remain in tact, although the dining room here certainly doesn’t feel outdated or industrial, with Le Cafe du Marche managing to seamlessly blend its more rustic elements with romance and whimsy - think crisp white tablecloths, wicker chairs, potted plants and plenty of natural daylight (come nightfall, the room is romantically lit by candlelight). Add to that specials written up on blackboards and smartly dressed waiters and it would be easy to fool yourself into thinking you are dining out in rural France, rather than the heart of the Square Mile.

As for the menu here, expect a regularly changing offering which makes the most of seasonal ingredients and has a provincial French accent. The menu is a set offering, with diners able to choose between two or three courses; to begin your meal, you might order a warm bowl of soup or pate de campagne with rhubarb chutney served atop toasted sourdough. Main courses meanwhile (all served with frites and green salad) could encompass the market fish of the day or English rack of lamb with wild mushrooms and dauphinoise potatoes.

To finish, discover the dessert of the day or end on a savoury note with a cheese board. If you prefer liquid afters, check out Le Cafe du Marche’s carefully considered list of regional French wines.

2 Veneti is a cosy Italian restaurant in London’s Marylebone where diners are able to enjoy authentic Venetian specialities and honest Italian service in a traditional setting. Despite being located in one of London’s busiest districts, this homely spot offers a small slice of Italian comfort away from the bustling tourist-lined streets of the city. Inside, interiors boast warm, red brick walls, wooden tables and dim lighting, while during the summer months it offers alfresco seating outside the front of the restaurant, the perfect place to soak up some sun while watching the comings and goings of London life.

2 Veneti’s menu offers a combination of classic Italian dishes and traditional Venetian recipes. Examples of antipasti might include, for example, stewed baby octopus in tomato sauce with peas and polenta, and thinly sliced veal with tuna and caper mayonnaise and pickled onion. An array of pasta dishes includes unlikely pairings – think gnocchi with radicchio and gorgonzola, and Bigoli (Venetian pasta) with anchovies and onions. While secondi might include grilled calves' liver with French beans, Marsala and shallots, and slow-cooked ox cheek in red wine with cavolo nero. The menu is priced on a set-menu basis, with diners able to choose between one and four courses for a fixed price.

The extensive wine list focuses solely on Italian wine-making regions, with particular emphasis on bottles from the Veneto region. Expect a range of more affordable bottles through to fine and premium wines, with the option to order them by the glass, carafe or bottle.

Do note that 2 Veneti is also available to takeaway should you like to enjoy its authentic dishes from home or as a treat in the office.

A staple of South East London since 2003, The Garrison is a relaxed neighbourhood pub and restaurant offering up brunch, lunch, dinner and Sunday lunch. Pared-back furniture and decorative plants populate the space, while large windows flood it with natural light through the day. The focus here is locality, with some ingredients travelling mere meters from their origin.
There is a wide selection of local gins, including entries from Peckham, Chelsea and Camden, each paired with Lixir tonic or used in a cocktail. The Garrison spritz, for example, features London dry gin, black raspberry, elderflower, citrus and prosecco. Other house cocktails include the more exotic Palomares, a blend of mezcal, orange, grapefruit and reduced pickle brine. More traditional cocktails are also available on request. There is a reasonably priced, global wine list as well as sparkling, beers and ciders.

The fare here is best described as British-leaning, with some elements reminiscent of pub classics, others more modern and diverse. As such, you might start with pig’s head croquettes, picalilli and crispy pig ears or salt and pepper Brixham squid with fermented red pepper dipping sauce. While the menu changes regularly, diners can be sure to find something they enjoy in each course. Your main course could be a hearty Cornish fish stew, whole baked cauliflower with pine nuts and coriander or 45-day dry-aged Longhorn ribeye with glazed Roscoff onion and bone marrow jus.

The brunch menu, meanwhile, features similar options but with the addition of more morning-style options like avocado on toast with heritage tomatoes, feta, black olive crumb and herb dressing, full English (with a veggie option) and yoghurt and granola with mixed berry compote. Sunday lunch offers a choice of Salt Marsh lamb leg, Hereford sirloin, middle white pork belly, Castlemead chicken and a nut roast for vegans.

Tucked away underneath Roka Charlotte Street, the Shochu Lounge showcases the very best of Japanese spirits and cocktails in a sultry subterranean drinking den. Like the restaurant above, Shochu Lounge is an easy walk from nearby Goodge Street station, or Tottenham Court Road station.

This is certainly one of the most striking bars in London, with eyes immediately drawn to a cherry tree that sprawls over the top of the tables and chairs, carpeting the ceiling with pink blossom. The design aesthetic is very different to upstairs as well - simple, sturdy tables are built from polished dark timber, whilst the dark red upholstery and low lighting gives Shochu Lounge a moody after-hours vibe.

As you might guess from the name, shochu sits at the heart of the drinks menu. Shochu remains one of Japan’s most popular spirits - it is a distilled spirit made often from rice or barley, but it can be made from all sorts of other ingredients, including sweet potato, chestnuts and buckwheat. Shochu Lounge serves its own shochu made from barley, alongside a list of other Japanese producers. Typically around 25% alcohol by volume, shochu sits in between spirits like vodka and whisky, and drinks like wine and sake, making it suitable for drinking neat over ice, or in cocktails. Shochu Lounge offers both, and the range of shochus available covers a huge array of different flavour profiles. Meanwhile, the cocktail list includes drinks such as the Negroni San, made with buckwheat shochu, campari, vermouth and cedar wood.

Shochu Lounge also offers bar snacks to go with your drinks, including spicy edamame, Wagyu sushi with oscietra caviar, tiger prawn tempura and spicy beef and padron pepper skewers.

The Swan enjoys a lovely position adjacent to the village green in Southrop. Dating back to 1606, this former bakehouse is now a cosy and inviting pub and restaurant serving seasonal British dishes with a contemporary twist.

The Swan is decorated in a traditional style complete with roaring fires, wooden furnishings and comfy, inviting seating. The garden room offers a more open space for dining. During the warmer months, there is also a patio area which is perfect for al fresco dining, drinks and socialising with friends and family (and the dog is welcome too, of course).

The Swan boasts a menu of quality British fare and hearty favourites, from tasty homemade pies to generously filled Longhorn beef burgers, fish dishes and stews. You might start with the likes of cod's roe and fried almonds, or country terrine and pickles. While mains include confit duck, kohlrabi and apple slaw, as well as steak and chips. 

For those visiting on Sundays, there is a traditional Sunday lunch menu on offer which includes roast pork and beef, as well as a vegetarian option. All roasts are served with Yorkshire puddings, vegetables, greens and gravy. If you have any room left for dessert, perhaps you'll go for the sticky toffee pudding served with ice cream, or the selection of local cheeses served with sourdough crackers.

Perfect for families, The Swan is also a great place to gather and socialise, with many popular sporting events on show. You can also catch fireside live music at The Swan, as well as local events and exhibitions.

Children, families and dogs are all welcome at The Swan, but if you're dining with younger guests, you can ask the team to see the cygnets menu for child-friendly plates.

Tucked away on a cobblestone lane just off Thistle Street, Cafe St Honore serves a daily-changing menu inspired by Scottish produce. At the helm is Neil Forbes, formerly of Atrium and holder of The Scottish Chef of the Year 2011 title. It’s an elegant bistro, serving a refined menu of French-adjacent fare within similarly elegant interiors.

Behind the Parisian blue frontage and net curtains, you’ll find a smart film-set-worthy cafe adorned with elegant linen tablecloths, checkered floor tiles, and carefully tarnished mirrors. It’s not a large dining room, but it's a mighty one without a hair out of place. It’s the type of restaurant you’d expect to have a regular clientele of poets, painters, and cultural cognoscenti - but it’s not a place for frills and pretentiousness. The Cafe St Honore menu is one of simplicity and technique, making use of local produce and supporting independent suppliers where possible.

Dishes come to us as Franco-Scottish amalgams. You can kick things off with organic pork rillettes served with piccalilli, Belhaven smoked trout with pickled cucumber and horseradish cream, or chargrilled Phantassie asparagus with hollandaise. The mains have previously included plates of slow-cooked lamb shoulder served with a herb crumb, ratatouille, and salsa verde; and pearlescent fillets of East Coast cod, with a saffron veloute, sea spaghetti, and Shetland blue shell mussels and aioli.

You’ll also find an approachable lunchtime menu of cafe classics, presented as a two or three-course set menu. And the wine list contains several bottles from across the globe showcasing the best of the new and old world styles. The desserts are classics in style, with choux buns, chocolate fondants, and creme brulees on offer. But if you can’t save the space for dessert on your visit, keep an eye on the website for Forbes’ own recipes including that for his creme brulee.

The City outpost of sophisticated Italian restaurant Manicomio first opened its doors back in 2008 and has been wowing the crowds ever since with its authentic Italian cuisine and impressive wine list.

Located inside a striking glass fronted Norman Foster building, set back from Cheapside and just moments from St Paul’s, Manicomio City is a shrewd choice for business folk looking to enjoy a long lunch, but also welcoming enough to serve as the backdrop for catch ups with friends or even a romantic date night. The dining room is a simple and elegant space, which benefits from plenty of natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling glass windows, while tables dressed with white tablecloths and smartly turned out staff add to the air of sophistication.

Manicomio City’s menu is an all-day affair, kicking off with breakfast. Early risers can stop by to tuck into the likes of Tuscan sausage with a fried egg muffin, or go down a more virtuous route with the likes of organic porridge drizzled with honey and topped with blueberries. You can wash down your morning meal with tea and coffee, or a glass of fresh fruit juice.

Later in the day, Manicomio City’s menu expands to encompass the traditional Italian format of antipasti, pasta, meat and fish dishes, sides and desserts. Work your way around the menu by tucking into the likes of fried pork meatballs with smoked Mozzarella and nduja ketchup, followed by rigatoni with tiger prawns and a classic chicken milanese. You can pad out your meal with side orders of zucchini fritti and mixed greens with chilli and garlic, before rounding things off with a sweet treat such as tiramisu or two scoops of your preferred gelato.

As for the drinks, expect to be enthralled by Manicomio City’s wide-ranging 220 wine list - cin cin!

Fresh, seasonal produce is at the forefront of the concept at Paradise. Boasting a decadent menu of British and modern European-inspired dishes, it is clear that food is an important part of the experience at this unique bar and restaurant in Kensal Green.

The restaurant itself appears old-fashioned but opulent. Rich, velvet furniture of royal blues and mustard yellows are joined by feature chandeliers and gold-framed mirrors. Combining this with an exciting, creative menu makes for a delightful atmosphere that is both lively and glamorous. 

On the usual dinner menu, you'll find an array of starters with bold flavours. A punchy piccalilli dressing joins crispy smoked ham hock while cured seabass has avocado, ponzu sauce, pickled cucumber and caviar as its accompaniment. Heading into the mains it is a similar story; aubergine comes spiced with curried chickpeas and labneh while a tender lamb chop is served with a minty pesto as well as pea, leek and pink fir potatoes. The team know when to show-off their skills though with classics like battered haddock left the way everyone loves - crunchy and served with mushy peas, tartare sauce and hand cut chips. 

An impressive list of desserts are there for the finishing touches on your meal. A traditional sticky toffee pudding ticks the boxes with a butterscotch sauce, crunchy hazlenut praline and vanilla ice cream. English strawberries and a mint gel provide a refreshing side to a rich dark chocolate delice and diners without a sweet tooth have a selection of British cheeses to indulge in. 

Paradise is ready to impress every day of the week with a brunch menu of sweet annd savoury options as well as a traditional roast on a Sunday. They don't just serve a simple roast though, the menu spoils you with a three meat roast of chicken, beef and slow-cooked pork belly served with all the trimmings and lashings of red wine gravy. Make sure you wear your stretchiest jeans for this one.

Blackfriars is a beautiful, historical restaurant in the centre of Newcastle located in a 13th century friary. The friary was restored in the late 1970s, after having slowly fallen into disrepair over hundreds of years. The restaurant serves British food made from local ingredients, with an emphasis on wild game when it is in season. The autumn a la carte menu features hand-dived scallops, Yorkshire grouse, wild mushrooms and slow cooked duck eggs served with truffles. As well as functioning as a restaurant, Blackfriars also runs a small cookery school, which offers classes for children, teens and adults. The restaurant puts on medieval-themed events throughout the year, such as the New Years’ Medieval Banquet. At these light-hearted events, there is live music, and 13th century food such as suckling pig and pottage is served. Guests are encouraged to dress up in medieval costumes and everyone can enjoy the local Lindisfarne mead.

For a slightly less medieval - although no less traditional - British meal, Blackfriars also offers a beautiful afternoon tea. The lower tier of the tea is made up of five different finger sandwiches and a sausage roll made from wild hog and seasoned with winter truffles. For the upper tiers, Blackfriars offers a selection of lightly spiced scones, and four miniature cakes. The team at Blackfriars are happy to prepare gluten free or vegetarian afternoon teas but will need at least 48 hours notice, so please book well in advance.

Blackfriars can host a range of corporate and group events in the friary’s historic Banquet Hall. The stone Hall was used in 1334 by King Edward III during his war with Scotland to receive Edward Balliol. It is furnished with locally-made oak tables, lit by stained glass windows and decorated with recreations of medieval banners. The hall can seat up to 50 people, and is a very atmospheric location to hold a function or party.

Gaucho’s Hampstead location is a source of joy for north Londoners looking for a respite of Argentinian steak indulgence in the quaint neighbourhood. Just around the corner from Hampstead underground station; this restaurant is wonderfully situated close to the beautiful green forested expanse of the heath, and everything else that the charming village has to offer. The mainline rail station is also nearby, making this a super easy restaurant to get to, from public transportation links.

Come to Gaucho for any and all occasions, from special birthday steak treats to casual Sunday family outings for a sumptuous roast dinner. The restaurant features a stunning courtyard terrace replete with a traditional Asado fire pit, which is used all year round. The terrace can be booked out as an event space to comfortable fit up to 40 people. You can look forward to delicious barbeques in the summer or warm up by the fire in the winter, as you feast on hearty prime cuts of beef.

There are several menus to choose on depending on your mood, from the classic a la carte options to sharing platters for the whole table. You can expect well-sourced Argentinian, free range premium Black Angus meats from the Pampas province. The whole experience feels wonderfully authentic from the starters of buttery, crumbly beef empanadas and fresh ceviches to the great selection of meats.

The chateaubriand or the Gaucho sampler is superb for sharing, or for when you can’t make your mind up and want a bit of everything. This modern take on the traditional Argentinian way of enjoying life, is rather refreshing. Polish off the indulgent dining affair with a dulce de leche inspired dessert. The wine list is also impressively one of the largest collections of Argentinian booze outside of the country or you can bring your own, with no corkage fee on Mondays.

You can find Alma de Cuba within the historic walls of the former St. Peter's Catholic Church on the south side of Seel Street in Liverpool. This iconic building marks the transformation of Liverpool's first church into a social venue. The church was opened on September 7 1788, and St. Peter's served as a Catholic sanctuary for an impressive 188 years until 1976, for a short time offering its building to the local Polish community. Fondly known as 'The Polish Church,' it holds a cherished place in the city's heritage, and held the title of the oldest surviving Catholic Church in Liverpool until its closure in 1978. After being abandoned for a short amount of time, the team at Urban Splash led the refurbishment of the building, before reopening as the stylish restaurant and bar, Alma de Cuba.

Start your meal with adobo spiced chicken wings with a hickory glaze, or some cajun roasted salmon with a salsa and herb dressing. Perhaps you'll enjoy the serrano ham with a celeriac remoulade, or the small cubed and fried potatoes in a paprika and tomato mix - the patatas bravas. For your main, enjoy the roasted chicken fillet wrapped in serrano ham, served with chorizo glazed peppers and onions, sweet cherry tomatoes and paprika potatoes finished with a pomegranate Rioja jus, or the 8oz beef patty burger with BBQ spiced pork with melted Manchego cheese, baby gem lettuce and tomato, served on a toasted brioche bun, with Cuban fries, alma slaw, gherkins and onion rings.
Be sure to enjoy a delicious dessert, like the banoffee mess with toffee sauce, mixed thrugh a sweet whipped cream and crushed meringue pieces.

An award-winning dining experience in the vibrant heart of the UK’s capital of curry. Asha’s is the perfect venue for an after-work gathering, a pre-theatre meal, or a post-movie curry. Signature cocktails & spectacular food in a stunning setting, enjoy the finest Indian culinary traditions in truly opulent surroundings. It’s everything Indian food should be.

Following the unparalleled success of Pizzeria Franco, which was acquired and ran by Sami and Laura Wasif in the 1980s, a new opportunity arose to build a larger eatery in Clapham Common. What came from this was a restaurant designed by founder Sami, hand-built by Brixton designer and wordsmith Anand Zenz, and the first Anglo-Italian multi-award winning Pizzeria in London - Eco.

The name Eco is inspired by semiotician and code-breaking author and professor Umberto Eco, born in Alessandria, Italy. At the time that Eco was being converted from a Morley’s into the most popular and loved Clapham food institution of its time, Umberto Eco’s novel-turned-film ‘The Name of The Rose’ was playing at the Clapham Picture House next door, a story about the truth behind the meaning of a name.

Nestled in Brown's Hotel, in its luxury Mayfair location, Donovan Bar provides a taste of luxury when it comes to London drinking spots. An impressive menu comes courtesy of the legendary maestro of cocktails, Salvatore Calabrese; one of the world's leading bartenders and former President of the United Kingdom Bartender's Guild. If you want the opportunity to drink cocktails made by the same master mixologist that has prepared drinks for move stars and royalty, it is not surprising that it will cost you more than your average round in London.

A stylish bar provides intimate sophistication and a decadence that is typical of Mayfair. A white and grey aesthetic adorns the bar with deep, emerald, velvet chairs, gold accents and patterned glass tables, creating a sleek, picturesque dining room. Guests can sip on tea and coffee during the afternoon while working in this gorgeous setting, before the bar transforms into a place for impeccable pre-dinner drinks, selected from a varied list of Salvatore's personal classics and new, original concotions.

The drinks menu is split into themed cocktails by author, actors and musicians, iconic people, iconic moments, signatures and vintage selections. With drinks inspired by Oscar Wilde, Winnie the Pooh, Orson Welles and Agatha Christie, you can be sipping on an unusual, tasty concotion while reading facts about the drink's origin. A selection of spirits, champagnes and rare vintage alcohols ensures a premium, luxury experience.

While the drinks menu is definitely the star of the show, the bar does offer a great selection of food that turns the spot from a bar into an all-round dining experience. Taking inspiration from European flavours, sharers and small plates compliment the atmosphere well; while larger dishes of beef fillet and seared salmon match the surrounding decadence. 

Located in the small village of Hunsdon, just five minutes’ drive north of Harlow, The Fox & Hounds is a family-friendly gastropub known for its imaginative food and convivial atmosphere. The pub’s setting within the pretty Hertfordshire countryside makes it a popular spot for weekend drinking and dining among locals and visitors alike, particularly when the weather is fine.

The Fox & Hounds is owned by head chef James Rix and his wife, Bianca, who is in charge of the front of house. James previously worked alongside Gary Rhodes and was head chef at Tom Conran’s The Cow in Notting Hill prior to taking over the kitchen at The Fox & Hounds in 2004. The pair worked hard to restore the building, which is decorated in shades of blue and grey, and softened by rustic wooden tables and chairs, ambient lighting and gilt-framed mirrors and portraits. The pub also sports a wood-burning stove for cosy winter days and a pretty garden for alfresco drinking and dining during the warmer months.

The modern European menu changes with the seasons but favours rustic Italian and French flavours. The food is simple, but sophisticated, meaning you’re likely to encounter dishes such as pappardelle with a braised partridge and pancetta ragout, braised pigs cheeks with chorizo, greens and mashed potatoes or duck breast served with a duck fat potato cake, red cabbage and wild mushrooms. The kitchen also offers steaks, whole fish and seafood cooked in its Josper oven and vegetarians get a look in with mains such as pumpkin ravioli, spinach, sage butter and parmesan.

On Thursdays and Fridays, the pub serves Adnams beer-battered fish and chips to eat in or take away, and on Sundays whole ribs of beef are cooked in the Josper oven for a roast lunch. Drinks include all the usuals, from beers to wine, spirits and softs.

Café Spice Namasté, nestled at the edge of Royal Albert Wharf, is a true hidden gem. This cosy Indian restaurant has won the hearts of locals and critics alike, thanks to its authentic Parsee food and relaxed, friendly vibe. The pared-back space features wood floors, vibrant Indian furnishings and stained glass windows. Here, diners can enjoy chef Cyrus Todiwala’s award-winning food and experience Parsee food hard to find elsewhere in London, or even the UK. Cyrus’ wife Pervin, who is also a trained chef, is co-patron and operations director.
Start your meal with a punchy cocktail like the lime and chilli mojito or garam masala old fashioned, which swaps the whiskey for aged rum. There is also an impressive global wine list, with plenty of affordable options by the glass or bottle. Classic beers like Cobra and Staropramen are also available, as well as a couple of pale ales too.

Needless to say, the food is the main event. Snack on homemade papads and chutneys while you peruse the delicious and varied options. There are some that might seem more familiar, such as halloumi shashlik or potato dosa, but there are plenty more that might not. These include pao com batata grain decebola (a potato and onion seed sourdough, served with olive oil and balsamic), grilled trout marinated in green chutney, venison tikka aflatoon (grilled venison haunch fillet marinated in anise, lime and orange) and a smoked, cured duck breast with soy, ginger and honey. Mr Todiwala’s Parsee lamb dhaansaak is a must-try, featuring lamb cooked in pureed lentils and vegetables, served with caramelised onions, rice, spiced meatballs and red onion salad. Alternatively, go for Parsee style lamb shank, slow-cooked in a tomato-based source and flavoured with whole spices.

To mop up all the excellent sauce, be sure to order some bread. Choose from naans like chilli cheese or Peshwari, as well as Keralan parathas and various rice dishes. Finish with a dessert such as zafrani creme brulee, Bombay creme caramel or kulfi for the full experience.

C London is the result of four generation of Italians, starting with Giuseppe Cipriani in 1932, who started out in the restaurant business in Venice with Harry’s Bar. The restaurant is a well-established institution in the heart of London that has welcomed high-class clientele from all around the world for years.

The Mayfair restaurant caters to a well-heeled audience with their outstanding range of Italian fare, set within a beautifully decorated interior. Inside the restaurant, the décor is sophisticated and chic, a time capsule of a grander time with plush furnishings and rich colour palette. C London is classy and timeless.

The menu features a great variety of Italian classics and specialties, with many borrowed from Cipriani’s original restaurant in Venice, Harry’s Bar. Plus there are a few internationally-inspired dishes such as the sashimi and Japanese dover sole, from the Yotto Selection.

There are several daily menus, however the dishes rarely change, to keep up with the authenticity of the establishment, so you can expect the likes of veal chop ala milenese, beef carpaccio, and steak tartare as starters. The range of ingredients in the dishes is impressive and luxurious too, such as imperial gold oscietra caviar, as the restaurant places great emphasis on sourcing stunning produce.

The main menu features plenty of freshly made pastas and pizzas, such as spinach and cheese cannelloni, bucatini cacio e pepe, pappardelle with veal cheeks, scampi ravioli, and many more exciting dishes. For secondi piattis, punters can dine on seabream with lemon and capers, lamb chops, and veal kidney, while the grill section delivers hearty rounds of wagyu beef and ribeye tagliata.

For dessert and wines, there is a lovely selection of puddings such as crema antica and a well-executed rendition of tiramisu, while the wine list heavily features Italian regional specialties in additional to well-sourced international bottles.

The first Franco Manca pizzeria, a true pioneer of Neapolitan-style sourdough pizza in the UK, was born in the heart of Brixton Village. Centrally located within the Granville arcade, which feels like a step back in time itself, is where it all began at unit four, Market Row. In its natural home, nestled in between the independent shops, craft boutiques, and quaint cafes underneath the railway arches, the white awning peeps out over the charming wooden outside seating. The restaurant is just around the corner from Brixton tube station, iconic Electric Avenue bars and clubs, and the Prince of Wales for a post-pizza brew.

The founder, Giuseppe Mascoli, bought the premises from the previous pizzeria owner, paying homage to him by aptly borrowing his name for his empire, which translates to ‘Frank’s missing’.  While the Franco Manca brand has certainly grown, this pizzeria still holds onto its true origins as a cosy and intimate restaurant. As you peer through the glass windows to see where it all started, the interior is friendly and familiar. It feels like a true Italian experience, with well-used peels proudly hung up on the white tiled walls and the warm aroma of the hot Tufac brick, imported from Naples. Each pizza only takes 40 seconds to bake within the 500 degree wood-fired ovens.

It is well worth the trek and queues to grab a pie from the small pizzeria, you can be guaranteed value for money with quality, organic ingredients and smashing sourdough bases. The produce is either imported from Italian or grown locally, all carefully selected to ensure the food is at its seasonal prime. And the fresh lemonade definitely helps wash it down nicely. This is a must for all Franco Manca fans to experience the original, which is arguably still the best.

The Company Shed is a fishmongers and restaurant located off Coast Road, West Mersea.

Originally a stand-alone fishmongers, The Company Shed now has a simple, seasonal menu of locally caught fresh fish platters, oysters and hot seafood. The restaurant itself is rustic and unique, with a focus on fresh quality ingredients.

Perhaps you'll kick things off with the smoked mackerel pate followed by the salmon and prawn platter served with garlic mayo and salad. Alternatively, if you're looking for hot dishes you might enjoy the crispy fried calamari, or the freshly seared scallops served with thyme and bacon butter.

Dishes vary depending on produce and availability, however you will also find a small selection of pre-order dishes available, such as the grilled lobster, tuna burger and fish pie.

There is also a good drinks menu available at The Company Shed, including small batches of good quality local wine from the East Mersea Island Vineyard. You will also find Mersea Island beers made at their own micro brewery, plus prosecco, and soft drinks.

The Company Shed is simply decorated with wooden tables and chairs sitting alongside the fresh fish counter. The interior appears relaxed and sociable.

There is also a substantial and tempting sounding takeaway menu available with vegetarian and vegan options upon request. You will need to pre-order and collect using the online ordering form.

Children are welcome at The Company Shed, there is not a separate children's menu however you will find some smaller dishes.

If you're looking to organise a special event or party, The Company Shed welcomes your booking either at the restaurant, or at your chosen venue. Contact the team if you would like to talk about menus and dishes for your private booking.

It is also worth noting that those visiting from off the island are encouraged to check the tide timetable before crossing.

Based in the smart Charlotte Street Hotel, expect to be greeted by doorman as you arrive at the Oscar bar and restaurant. The restaurant is all about serving top quality, seasonal food in a fun and colourful setting.

The front of the hotel is impressive enough by itself, with the whole ground floor façade painted mint green from head to toe, contrasting with the pale brick wall of the rest of the building above; a huge union jack hangs from above the door signalling that this is an old-school British hotel.

However, once you head into the Oscar bar and restaurants, prepare to be greeted by waves of colour and huge pieces of modern art which will grab your attention as soon as you walk in. The restaurant maintains a wonderful balance of being not overly casual but also not taking itself too seriously, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal with friends and family alike.

The a la carte menu consists of classic British dishes with a few influences from elsewhere in Europe. For starters you might go for the game terrine with hedgerow chutney, and toasted sourdough, or perhaps the decadent lobster cocktail. Main courses range from venison loin with clapshot, Brussels sprouts and bacon, to black cod, served with bok choy and Furikake rice. There’s also a separate pasta section if you’re feeling like something a little lighter, with options such as an oxtail ragu pappardelle on offer.

The tempting dessert menu features dishes such as a white chocolate fondant, and chestnut bread and butter pudding. There is also both an extensive breakfast and brunch menu on offer which is largely focused around egg-based classics, and an afternoon tea menu too. This is all accompanied by a suitably impressive wine list as well as a long list of signature cocktails.

In the enchanting back streets of Barnes, The Brown Dog stands out as a delightful, independently owned pub and dining room in South West London's Little Chelsea. This traditional free house, rooted in the heart of the historic village of Barnes, offers a warm and inclusive atmosphere. As a cherished community pub, The Brown Dog has been a local staple for years, welcoming everyone, from locals and tourists to children and dogs.

At The Brown Dog, community love and friendship is at the pub’s core. The team take pride in thoughtfully selecting their suppliers, collaborating with outstanding British producers, and adapting their menu to embrace seasonal changes. Fun is a fundamental element of hospitality according to The Brown Dog, and as they become a neighbourhood favourite.

Dating back to 1898 and formerly known as The Rose of Denmark, The Brown Dog retains much of its original charm and features. The bar boasts a thoughtfully curated wine list, lagers, cask ales, and the signature Brown Dog Ale, making it the ideal spot for a casual drink. The seasonal menu, filled with home cooked favourites, caters to all occasions, from quick bites to leisurely gatherings with friends and family. The Brown Dog invites you to indulge in the charm of history, character, and community.

For the table, guests are recommended to order a selection of dishes to share. Choose from giant queen Spanish olives and smoked almonds, to padron peppers with flaked sea salt and duck terrine with toasted sourdough and pickles. When it's time for mains, enjoy dishes of daily market fish with crab bisque, saffron potatoes and spinach, or roasted aubergine salad with curried yoghurt, beetroot, kohlrabi, apple and pomegranate.

Gaucho Canary Wharf is spectacularly situated within the financial district on the banks of the river Thames. Gaze out at the panoramic view from the pretty terrace or cosy up inside, with its sleek continental interiors, the lights of the city brightening the horizon at night. Watch the boats go by as you sit up top amongst the cowhides.

Enjoy a business lunch or a DJ hosted “Electric brunch”, whatever the occasion Gaucho has got something impressive up its sleeve. Come for a casual weekend dinner or host a formal steak affair, entertain friends with cocktails at the bar, or dine alfresco with a stunning view. The open kitchen is a real treat, where you can watch as the chefs expertly create a dish worthy of being Argentinian.

The menu is just as impressive as the view and location, if not more. There are several menus to choose from, depending on the mood and occasion. From canapes to festive menus, there’s even a children’s menu. The signature menu features all the Argentinian restaurant classics. For starters do try the beef empanadas or a zingy tuna ceviche with avocado mousse. The mains feature marbled Ancho Ribeye, tender Lomo, and succulent Sirloin with a strip of juicy crackling. For desserts, Dulce de leche reigns supreme with the cheese cakes and sticky toffee puddings.

Nearby you’ll find great links to the rest of London and whole host of sights and activities for a pre-steak adventure to work up an appetite. Otherwise take it all in, enjoy the views and relax with a group of friends, colleagues, or family at this superb restaurant. A premium docklands location, within close proximity to Canary Wharf and Heron Quays, Gaucho is perfect for the suits looking for a great dining experience with a delicious steak after work.

Korean barbecue restaurant Koba is a long-standing fixture of Fitzrovia’s restaurant scene, having thrilled diners since opening its doors in 2005. The restaurant is unique in that its dining room is smarter than people have come to expect from barbecue restaurants, while a refurbishment in 2016 helped to give the space a little bit of extra sheen.

Of course, the main appeal of dining here is the chance to practise your skills on the grill and have a go at cooking your own lunch or dinner, but there are plenty more dishes on the menu to entertain you before you get to that stage. Appetisers at Koba include a daily-changing soup and a squid and seaweed salad, while you can pad out your table barbecue with assorted kimchi or a portion of steamed rice. Drinks wise, expect a succinct but impressive list of wines from around Europe (with a few international flourishes too), alongside tempting house cocktails and a few Korean beers.

The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, and if you are flying solo at lunchtime, we would recommend nabbing a spot at the bar. Koba’s lunch menu includes stir-fried noodles topped with chicken, vegetables or seafood, while you can also enjoy steamed rice topped with the likes of spicy pork and grilled mackerel.

If you are short on time, you will also be glad to know that some of Koba’s menu is available to take away. Among the dishes that you can bring back home or to the office are a Korean-style pancake topped with seafood and spring onion, or a kimchi and pork stew on a bed of steamed rice.

Koba is also a viable option when it comes to dining out in a group. For parties of eight people or more, there is a set menu available which takes away the burden of having to order for multiple people.

Wheelers Oyster Bar is the oldest restaurant in Whitstable and has bucket loads of charm to match. Based in a bright pink and blue painted townhouse on Whitstable’s High Street, the restaurant serves a small ever-changing menu of seafood dishes, cooked using fresh produce which has been caught by the local fisherman. If you’re looking for a traditional, harbour-side seafood meal, look no further than Wheelers.

Whilst from the outside Wheelers Oyster Bar looks rather like an old-fashioned sweet shop with the bright colours of the façade contrasting with the plainer buildings on either side, the interior ia far more rustic. The tiny dining room features a fireplace at one end, nautical-themed paintings and ornaments on the walls, and mismatching chairs around the tables, giving Wheelers Oyster Bar more of a cottagey ambience.

The a la carte menu always features five options for each course and the dishes on offer vary based on the season and availability. Everything on the menu is cooked completely fresh by the team whether that means baking bread or making ice cream, meaning that there’s a lot more to Wheelers Oyster Bar than just the fish. To begin your meal however, there is of course always a huge variety of wonderful oysters available.

Starters on offer can vary from a pan fried crab cake served alongside a harissa, crab and lime mayonnaise, to caramelised scallops served with apple sauce, bacon, and black pudding sauce. When it comes to main courses, options might include a lobster lasagne, or perhaps monkfish baked in honey, buttermilk and saffron with a prawn and aubergine curry. Puddings can range from a caramel tart with millionaires shortbread ice cream, to an apple and blackberry soufflé.

Wheelers doesn't have an alcohol license, meaning that you can bring your own along, and there’s no corkage fee either.

Bacco “the God of wine” brings you good food, good wine and good company. The service style is very attentive yet relaxed. Stefano, the owner of the restaurant and his Piemonte Chef, Luca are proud of providing freshly cooked food using with the freshest of ingredients. The Piemonte chef adds his own favourites like vitello tonnato, filled pasta and ragout. The Italian wine list is extensive – ranging from small producers to well-known vineyards.

Number Twelve is a modern Italian restaurant housed in the Ambassadors Hotel Bloomsbury. The hotel’s location means that the restaurant is easily accessible from anywhere in London, just a five-minute walk from King’s Cross and Euston. The restaurant offers carefully prepared dishes using the finest locally-sourced seasonal produce. Well-equipped to cater to all group sizes, this is a great place for a catch up over a drink or throw a party. There are lighter bites available, and the restaurant is open late too.

Diners can start off their meal with a sumptuous starter like hot pepper Dorset crab soup, mushroom and fontina arancini or a smoked duck salad with quail’s eggs, pancetta and olive crostini. Those craving meat will be well-cared for thanks to the grill, which turns out cuts including ribeye, sirloin, corn-fed chicken, maple glazed pork belly, organic Scottish salmon or a mixed selection.

Aside from the grill, there are some more global mains such as braised oxtail with beef cheeks and creamed parmesan polenta, spicy fennel and wild boar sausage orecchiette or roasted hake with clams, potato puree, leeks and shiitake mushrooms.

To end the meal, there is a selection of decadent desserts including Madagascan vanilla pod rice pudding, dark chocolate mousse, passion fruit cheesecake and orange and rosemary polenta cake. Those seeking a more savoury finish to the meal can opt for the cheese selection with organic honey truffle, featuring Montgomery cheddar, taleggio, stilton, caprino and gorgonzola.

The wine list at Number Twelve is global, featuring a range of old and new wines, available by the glass or bottle. There are sparkling options for special occasions including Bottega, Mercier, Moet and Veuve Clicquot, and cellar reserves like a Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

Number Twelve also offers afternoon tea and private dining for ten to 200 guests, which you can find out more about below.

Indulge in contemporary British cuisine at The London Carriage Works, where dishes are wonderfully crafted using local, fresh, and seasonal produce. Since its opening in 2003, TLCW (as it’s known to friends) has swiftly risen to become one of the most loved restaurants in Liverpool, earning accolades and critical acclaim. The London Carriage Works holds 2 AA Rosettes and an AA Notable Wine award, the restaurant offers an extensive wine list for lovers to enjoy. Housed in a building dating back to the 1860s, once a warehouse for coach and carriage builders, TLCW keeps its historical charm with decor that resembles a Venetian palazzo.

The a la carte menu begins with pre dinner nibbles of pumpkin compression with sweet tea and tabasco along with 16-hour braised short rib with Roscoff, Marmite and sherry. Starters include cured code with clam chowder, lardons, sprouts and yeast, along with a partridge dish that contains haggis, turnip, gooseberry, honey and whiskey. Also on the starter menu are dishes revolving around mushrooms, artichokes, salmon and venison.

Mains include a curried cauliflower dish with charcoal, quince and bhajis, along with salt-baked carrots, pickled carrots, kale and hazelnut pesto, and a delicious dish of a lamb rump shepherd's pie with minestrone, mint and puffed potato. There are plenty of delicious sides to enjoy, too, including the beef dripping triple cooked chips, winter greens with preserved lemon and nori, and bitter leaves with pressed pear, pickled walnut and Blackstick's blue cheese. For dessert, try the cheesecake made with brie, hazelnut, pumpkin seed granola crackers and spiced fig, or the apple and cinnamon doughnut with sesame caramel with a rich and creamy brown butter ice cream.

The Jolly Gardeners is a neighbourhood gastropub in Vauxhall which serves a regularly changing menu of seasonal sharing plates, as well as local beers and an extensive wine list.

First opened in 1880, the Victorian boozer reportedly was favoured by the likes of Charlie Chaplin in its heyday and has been home to many concepts, including a German-themed operation. In 2021, The Jolly Gardeners was taken over by five childhood friends, who all had experience working in the hospitality industry but found themselves on furlough or being made redundant due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead of sitting on their laurels, they used the opportunity to make their life-long dream of opening a pub together a reality.

The Jolly Gardeners is a large, spacious venue which features an original timber bar at the centre of the pub, with stools and high tables on one side and a formal dining area on the other. The restaurant’s menu of sharing plates changes weekly and focuses on seasonal, local ingredients where possible. Dishes you might find on your visit include the likes of Merguez sausage with harissa and mint yoghurt or grilled steak skewers with cassava and chimichurri. Vegetarians are not left out of the fun either and can opt for plates such as BBQ cauliflower wings with sesame aioli and spring onions or barbecued sweet potato with broad bean and corn succotash.

For dessert, you might find tempting sweet treats including a raspberry and sesame ‘Lambeth mess’ with meringues and vanilla cream or a chocolate and pistachio tart with salted caramel ice cream.

As for the drinks, The Jolly Gardeners is home to an extensive wine list, as well as local beers and house cocktails. On Sundays, head here for a classic roast, complete with all of the expected trimmings.

Once a brothel and a home to Karl Marx (though not at the same time), no restaurant embodies the frivolity of Soho quite like Quo Vadis. The restaurant has passed through various hands over the years - it was run in partnership by Marco Pierre White and Damien Hirst up until 2007, but since then has been under the watchful gaze of Sam and Eddie Hart, the brothers behind the phenomenally successful Barrafina restaurants, among others. 

One of the Hart Brothers' first moves was to bring in Jeremy Lee as head chef and in doing so, they kick-started a new era for the restaurant that has put it back on the map as one of London's most essential visits. Lee had built a reputation for pared-back British cooking at The Blueprint Cafe, and breathed new life into Quo Vadis with his rustic, generously-portioned British classics. Quo Vadis was right at the heart of an era where London fell back in love with classic British cooking. 

The old restaurant safekeeps a great deal of history, but it is bright and spacious with windows that look onto Dean Street and plush leather banquettes that remain comfortable for well over a two hour sitting. The restaurant is open to the public, but Quo Vadis has long been a private members club too, and you'll also find two bars and a litany of nooks and crannies hidden away in its labyrinthine passageways. 

The menu is seasonal, and sticks largely to great British and Mediterranean produce. Gentle, rustic dishes like rabbit with lardo, mustard, girolles, parsley and garlic, and griddled ox tongue with carrot, pumpkin beetroot and horseradish come and go on the menu alongside old favourites - Lee's famous smoked eel sandwich (served with plenty of fresh horseradish and pickled red onion) is always on the menu, as is a pie of the day. Cocktails are also excellent - Quo Vadis makes a famous negroni but arrive early to take advantage of a fantastic aperitivo selection.

Riverstation is situated between Bristol Temple Meads station and Millennium Square, with the city centre being merely a short stroll away, so what better place to stop for a bite to eat if you find yourself in Bristol.

The restaurant has stunning views of Bristol's harbourside, located on the first floor of the building. Just peruse the diverse menus, all are crafted with fresh seasonal ingredients, paired beautifully with wines from around the world, that are selected from an extensive list. If your visit falls on a Sunday, treat yourself to the delightful experience of a mouth watering Sunday roast, complete with all the trimmings. Whether you're seeking an elegant evening out for a special celebration, a leisurely brunch with friends on a weekend, the comforting tastes of a Sunday roast, or cocktails after work, the wide ranging menu ensures that there is something to suit every palate. Each of the menus are made with seasonal British ingredients from land and sea, selected by the head chef Garreth Ball.

The seasonally changing restaurant menu features a selection of fresh and inspiring dishes. Meanwhile, the bar downstairs serves up exceptional brunches alongside a tempting array of English classics and shareable small plates. Complement your dining experience with a fine selection of local beers and ciders, an assortment of wines from around the globe, and a meticulously crafted cocktail list.

Starters include the smoked mackerel pate with clementine butter and toasted sourdough, along with Devon crab and crayfish cocktail with chicory, radicchio, samphire and Bloody Mary sauce. On the main menu is the Chicken supreme with sautéed Cornish potatoes, romanesco, cauliflower, truffle cream and salsa verde. Last but not least, enjoy a dessert of coconut rum crème brulée with pineapple carpaccio and lavender shortbread.

Tucked away in a little corner of Chelsea is The Fox & Pheasant, a comfortable and cosy gastro pub owned by singer James Blunt which pays as much attention to its food offering as it does its selection of drinks. Despite its city credentials this backstreet local feels distinctly countryside thanks to rustic interiors and a certain charm from the warm and welcoming staff.

The pub’s history dates back to 1846, when it was originally founded as the Bedford Arms. Ten years later it was re-christened the Prince of Wales before settling for its current moniker in 1965. With such a lengthy legacy it’s of little wonder that you’ll find historic markers throughout. The three fireplaces give a sense of snugness perfect for cold winter days, while the wood panelling and lead-laced windows add to the feeling of a traditional (if upmarket) boozer.

As you might expect, The Fox & Pheasant serves a menu of pub classics alongside a selection of bar snacks, while the ever-popular Sunday roast is a weekly highlight (roasties, Yorkshires and plenty of gravy all come as standard). From the weekday line-up you’ll find the choice of dishes like steak and chips, beef and ale pie and a sweet potato and mushroom Wellington, while Saturdays bring a brunch that features crowd-pleasers like avocado on toast and eggs Benedict. A set menu during Tuesday-Friday lunchtimes means you can enjoy two courses for £18.50 – the perfect midweek pick me up we think.

If you prefer to prop up the bar then you’ll be pleased to know there’s a good selection of beverages on offer, with everything from fine wines and Champagnes covered through to craft beers and ales. To help you while away the hours there’s also a dartboard strung up for guests to use, while well behaved dogs are welcomes – and even provided with dog biscuits – should you wish to bring your sidekick.