Olives Restaurant at the Millenium

With its own street entrance, high ceilings & tasteful decor, this Italian within the Millennium Gloucester Hotel fights hard against corporate anonymity. It’s not exactly a destination, but the kitchen manages to turn out decent, quick-fix dishes in an area not overflowing with drop-in eateries. Begin with beef carpaccio, rocket & Parmesan, before opting for some homemade pasta such as tagliolini with crab, chilli & garlic. A good selection of salads (radicchio, rocket, pomegranate & almonds, say) makes it a fair shout for a healthy lunch; otherwise head along after work for happy-hour cocktails in the neighbouring bar – if you can tolerate its airport-lounge vibe. A user-friendly Italian wine list comes with a vineyard map & detailed notes, while service remains prompt & attentive throughout.