Courtyard at 51 Buckingham Gate

Follow the cobbled mews next to the five-star 51 Buckingham Gate hotel and you’ll be greeted by the sweet tinkle of a cherub-adorned fountain as you enter the tranquil, leafy Courtyard. Decorated with a turn-of-the-century red-brick frieze depicting scenes from Shakespeare’s sylvan plays, this open-air garden and terrace is the perfect spot for romantic assignations. A barbecue gets into full swing during the summer, but at other times peckish punters can dip into an international mixed bag offering everything from mezze platters, bruschetti and Thai salads to sizzling fajitas, surf and turf platters, lamb cutlets with grilled asparagus and desserts such as mango tiramisu. The raised veranda is popular with cigar aficionados and cocktail lovers alike, and it’s also an excellent vantage point for special ‘opera under the stars’ evenings.