Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's

While some restaurant watchers have been predicting the end of Gordon Ramsay’s domination of top-end London dining, current reader opinion on his soigne Claridge’s outpost suggests such forecasts are premature. Applause is widespread for every aspect of the operation, with the classical French cooking, skilfully updated by head chef Mark Sargeant, coming in for particular praise. Highlights of our meal included braised pork belly with roast foie gras, caramelised apples & spiced aubergine caviar, & a brilliant banana & bitter chocolate parfait with hazelnut mousse. Fans rate the service as ‘immaculate’ & both the heavyweight wine list & sumptuous décor – a symphony of pinks & peach – come in for praise, as too the stately charm of the hotel. Only the ‘giant price tag’ is hard to swallow, dictating a clientele that’s a mix of formal business, upscale tourists & celebrations.

Wine List: The Ramsay stable always produces excellent lists & this doesn’t disappoint. A great range of fizz kicks off the list, followed by 34 pages with not a bad wine on them. Of course the big regions dominate (the Bordeaux selection is stellar), but there are some fascinating discoveries to be made from the Savoie to Austria. Plenty of halves & big bottles complete an excellent all-round list. Best Buy White 2005 Jean Daneel Initial, Coastal Region, South Africa, £29. Best Buy Red 2004 Fleurs de Garrigues, Chateau les Auzines, Corbieres, France, £24.