Despite sometimes feeling like more of a restaurant than a pub because of the limited space for drinkers, The Garrison is still one of the best gastropubs south of the river. The design is rustic chic, the atmosphere cosy and lively, and the food top notch.

Clerkenwell has its share of gastropubs, but The Peasant remains one of the best. The downstairs bar area is full of character, serving a long list of ales and beers, with plenty of room for both drinkers and diners. The upstairs dining room is relaxed and airy, ideal for long lunches with the family.

The Duke W1 is widely regarded as one of Marylebone’s best-kept secrets. The bar and upstairs dining room are intimate, if a little cramped, with a cosy and friendly atmosphere. Portions are generous, including a cracking ‘Ginger Pig’ rib-eye steak.

The Dean Street Townhouse is a new boutique hotel and dining room from the Soho House Group. The restaurant service classic British cuisine from first thing in the morning until the early hours and already feels like a Soho institution.

Polpo is a Venetian ‘bacaro’ with a New York vibe on the former Soho premises of Aperitivo, from ex-Caprice Holdings director Russell Norman. Polpo has a no reservation policy for dinner, so expect to queue, as this place is currently very popular, and deservedly so.

An ideal way to end a weekend is with a Sunday evening dinner at Scott’s. From the moment the doorman wearing a bowler hat greets and escorts you into the dining room and you see the fabulously ornate oyster bar, you know you’re in for a treat, and the food, service and ambience deliver just that. Scott’s is glamorous, exciting and a place ‘to see and be seen’.

Since striking out alone from Gordon Ramsay Holdings, Marcus Wareing’s cooking has flourished even further and his eponymous restaurant presents haute cuisine at its finest. The décor is dark and seductive and the service and food are impeccable. The Chef’s table, in its own luxurious space overlooking the kitchen, is ideal for a celebration with friends, family or business colleagues, and a great place to witness one of London’s best chefs in action.

Serving fine Italian food from first thing in the morning until the early hours, Cecconi’s is an excellent lunch spot to break up a day’s shopping on nearby Bond Street. Cecconi’s is fun and glamorous, with a real buzz about the place – and Prosecco on tap is never a bad thing.

The Donovan Bar at Brown's Hotel in Mayfair is cool, stylish and intimate. The walls are adorned with Terence Donovan's iconic black and white prints, which adds a contemporary twist to the history of the surroundings.

The Library Bar at The Lanesborough hotel is a perfect place to relax with a drink to the sound of the grand piano – immerse yourself in the memory of an almost forgotten era of refinement and sophistication. It may be expensive, but it's worth it.

Having heard so many great reviews about Bistrot Bruno Loubet, I was very excited about trying it for myself, especially since it's in my neighbourhood. The room was a little too crowded for my liking, with very little space between the tables. The food, although certainly good, did not quite hit the mark with me and I left slightly underwhelmed, which probably has something to do with my having built the place up so much before trying it for myself.

I will definitely return though as I think it showed real promise.

The Modern Pantry sits quietly in a lovely little square in EC1, hidden amongst Clerkenwell's bars and restaurants. The white decor is clean and fresh but the lighting is a little too bright for my liking. We were fortunate to have been placed at our own 4 seat table, rather than the communal table that stretched through the restaurant.

We were all thoroughly impressed with everything that we ordered – the starter of grilled aubergine had a delightfully light soy glaze and the miso marinated stake was tender and succulent.

Service was generally quite pleasant and efficient. I did, however, have a little issue with the waitress asking me how I wanted my steak cooked only to tell me that I couldn't have it cooked that way as the chef had his / her own view. Don't ask me for my preference if I can't have it!

We ate in the downstairs 'cafe' as the main restaurant had not yet opened. I would suggest investing in better sound insulation as it was very loud when at full capacity.

In short, a lovely little place for a post work dinner with friends. Good food and very reasonably priced.

Date: Friday 12 September 2008