Just St James

Back in 1912, a whopping (for then) £4m was lavished on this enormous former bank in St James’s, which comes complete with a grand, ornate interior, gilt & imposing marble columns. The edifice still oozes wealth, although it now plays host to after-work hedge-funders & other high-flyers. Following a serious re-vamp, the whole place has been revitalised with raised terrace seating & an appetising, all-British menu. Meals start impressively with the likes of slow-cooked ox-tongue & gherkin faggot, ahead of gamey Highland venison on a well-seasoned crostini with fig chutney & juniper jus or excellent homemade pumpkin & sage gnocchi with watercress purée. The wine list is varied & interesting – try the Brazilian Miolo Chardonnay. Breakfast, afternoon tea & live music on Saturdays aim to attract visitors outside the working week, while the Buddha Bar-esque space downstairs manages the natural progression from drinks to dinner (or dinner to drinks) with real style.