Derek's review of Nobu London at the Metropolitan Hotel

At the peak of the recession, splurging £317 for lunch for two (without much booze too) is always going to be a little indulgent, particularly when the well sited tramp outside asked for money after and I didn't have a penny to give him.

Still, after expecting a disappointing culinary let down from reading the Sq Ml reviews , I was delighted with the results. The beef, sushi and (some) of the lobster dishes were first class. Service was adequate, but the setting over-looking Hyde Park is undeniably pretty, although the decor has faded a little. Ordering saki which had been filtered with the sound of whale music also made us laugh.

Overall it's a great place to enjoy food done in a brilliant style, with top quality ingredients. The portions though are miniscule and be prepared to either do a runner or abuse high quality drugs in the toilets when the bill arrives – it really is tramp punchingly pricey.