Nipa at the Lancaster London

Modelled on its opposite number at the Lancaster’s twin in Bangkok, Nipa comes with history as well as a view. The all-female kitchen brigade are a dependable, long-established team, so it makes sense to drop in here rather than take your chances elsewhere. Nipa’s menu is the kind you could recite in your sleep – tom yum soup, fishcakes, spring rolls & satay, followed by ‘traffic light’ curries of different colours, pad thai noodles, head-clearing hot & sour salads & artfully carved fresh fruit – although it’s also worth checking out the chef’s specials (stir-fried sweet & sour sea bass with Asian vegetables, say). Prices are steep & the setting is a predictably classy take on the traditional Thai restaurant interior, but Nipa scores with its overall quality, care & a lovely aspect over Hyde Park.