For a “proper” lunch (i.e. no return to the office!) it just had to be the Savoy, a place neither of us had been to for many a year. The renovation is just gorgeous, akin to being wrapped and cossetted in luxury on leaving a positvely Artic London, for the warmth and luxury that is just the foyer. Headed straight to the American bar for a pre-lunch glass of fizz. Was ok but I'm not entirely sure the waiters armed with electronic order pads is in keeping with the 1920's ambience. On asking for the bill, we were unnecessarily informed that they could not transfer our bill to the Grill as it was “under separate ownership” – did I detect an element of disdain in such a comment…?

To the Grill – very buzzy and alive after the somewhat hushed tones of the bar, but predominantly full of suits on expense accounts with the odd inappropriately dressed tourist to add a bit of colour. We were seated at what initially seemed to be a good table, allowing good vantage of most of the room, but over the course of the afternoon, the somewhat low banquette began to cause lower limb ache – as I'm just 5' 3″ you can imagine how low the seat is to have such an effect on someone relatively short…

We did have every intention of opting for the bargain chef's lunch but the lure, or perhaps the aroma of the suckling pig on the trolley captured us both; and it was absolutely delicious with crackling to die for. Portions were generally good, two very thick slices of pork, but the accompanying dishes were a bit stingy especially the roast potatoes. To start I had the omlette Arnold Bennet, simply because I had never had it on previous visits and would definitely order it again. Himself had mussels, which were fresh, tasty and plentiful. Neither of us found room for dessert, which as expected, are on the traditional and heavy side.

Our only “complaint” is that the service, whilst friendly and helpful, was not terribly attentive even as the room began to thin out. Our wine was located well beyond arm's reach which is fine if the waiting staff are alert to when refills are required but we did have to ask for this a couple of times. That said, it did mean we only drank one bottle so kept the wallet and the liver happy!! We also had to ask for the bill twice. That said, it is definitely on the return visit list – a wonderful place to spend a very leisurely afternoon…

Firstly I have to say that the waiting staff here were great. Considering we went on a discount voucher, they couldn't have treated us better had we paid ££££s. They truly do not deserve to work in such an awful place and if anyone is in the market for good waiting staff, hot foot it down to St James's and rescue these poor souls.

Whilst I had read about the eclectic decor, nothing could have prepared me for how oppresive, sleazy and OTT it is in reality. I got off lightly as in my direct line of sight was a somewhat suggestive but otherwise inoffensive print of budding roses, my poor friend had an eyeful of Miss Whiplash for the entirety of the evening. What are they thinking? We fully expected some erotic dance act to appear at any minute…

The menu is not exactly inspiring but with so many classics, the expectation, particularly with this being MPW's “signature” establishment, was that they would be executed perfectly…oh dear. My prawn cocktail was a mound of shredded iceberg, with (granted) a generous serving of the world's tiniest prawns topped with a dollop of a somewhat bland Marie Rose sauce. It was ok but I make better myself. My companion's parma ham and avocado met the description but was plated with neither effort nor finesse. We both had fish and chips as main course – fish was fine but the chips had been heated to almost nuclear levels and were almost impossible to cut into due to the hardness of their outer skins. I don't mind admitting, I love chips and this is the first time I can recall that I finished my meal with chips remaining. We really could not face a stodgy dessert much to the consternation of the waiting staff ("it is included in the price").

On the MPW website there is currently a competition with a prize of dinner with the man himself at Wheeler's. I was half tempted to enter if only to see whether the quality of food improves when the boss is the diner. But then I thought of the headache I got from spending a few hours in that room and thought better of it…

I've never been to Mexico so cannot comment on the authenticity question, but as a new pre-theatre venue for me, it ticked all the right boxes. I have to agree with the SM reviewer as the room itself is somewhat uninspiring – personally I went for hotel foyer rather than dining room, but that doesn't detract from the enthusiasm and friendliness of the waiting staff who seemed genuinely pleased that the food was appreciated. The “top shelf” guacamole was interesting being that it is made at your table, but would have been better with slightly riper avocados and although advertised as sufficient for two, make sure your dining companion does not have a big appetite! Our mains or steak wrapped around a pepper and steak with bacon wrapped prawns were very good but the accompanying sides of rice and sauteed vegetables were a tad disappointing – vegetables being somewhat overdone and rice just lacking in any sort of flavour.

That said, it was an enjoyable meal (margaritas v good and half price at the time) and I will return but probably for a swift informal meal, rather that a leisurely, lengthy evening.

It's rare for me to return to any restaurant, particularly when time is not of the essence and there is a wide range of eatery options in the vicinity. As such, it is a huge confession to admit that not only have I been to Bishopsgate Kitchen at least four times in the past few months, I've also not yet managed to get past one particular dish. Now granted, poached duck eggs on ratatouille, manchego with sour dough does not sound like a must-order, but ohmigod, it is just such a lovely combination of flavours and colours, especially when you pierce the egg and a wonderful creamy yellow oozes onto the ratatouille. Comfort food that feels like it should be good for you, genius! I tend to agree with the previous reviewers here although have to stay that I have found the staff somewhat stand-offish, although they do tend to warm up as the meal progresses. I wasn't too bothered by the all glass frontage, although a vista onto the RBS building is perhaps not everyone's cup of tea! That said, you won't be that bothered by the view once the food arrives. I'm back there tomorrow and really want to attempt the HUGE burger, but can already hear the eggs a-calling!

I had wanted to go to le Gavroche for more years than I care to remember so expectations were naturally very high…unfortunately probably a bit too high as it turned out. Yes we had a lovely evening, yes the food, in the main, was great but there was just something… je ne sais quoi… Maybe it was the darkness of a basement after the brightness of an early summer's evening; maybe it was the laminate bound menu, maybe it was the waiting staff just reading the dish description from the menu when I couldn't decide between two dishes (perhaps they thought I was struggling with both the French and English wording), but whatever it was, I was just left with a small degree of sadness and disappointment that my expectations had not been met. I can imagine going again but to be honest, there's many others on my “repeat visit” list first…

Ohmigod – courtesy of the Square Meal search facility we stumbled upon this as a place for pre-dinner drinks and were absolutely blown away by it. Just a beautiful room with the most gi-normous display of lillies I have ever seen anywhere. Their scent added to the really chilled out feeling you get on entering the bar – a wonderful and swift antidote to the stress of negotiating a path amongst the Oxford Street Saturday evening shoppers. Unfortunately we only had time for a glass of fizz, but will undoubtedly return to take advantage of possibly the most extensive champagne list I have ever seen. The staff were very professional and attentive, even though it was clear that we were en route elsewhere. Luckily our restaurant reservation was at le Gavroche otherwise we may have been kicking ourselves for not staying on for dinner in Texture. Will definitely return…soon!

Two visits, 10 days apart, talk about chalk and cheese! First visit, busy Friday night, popped in for an early, quick dinner ahead of a visit to the O2 (long ago learned that there is absolutely no point in trying to eat at the arena before a gig – minimum of an hour queue just to eat at a High Street staple like Zizzi – I did it the once, never again!) Shown to a table immediately, attentive service, explanation of daily specials, food arrived swiftly and was exactly as ordered. Job done, all in just over an hour, arrived at O2 well fed and in good time for the start of the gig (Peter Kay, if you're interested – v amusing in an understated, old fashioned sort of way).

Second visit, a sleepy Monday night, Wharf was pretty much deserted as was Carluccio's. Similar deal, en route to the O2 (this time for the pop princess that is Kylie), bit more time to kill as she was not due on stage until 9. This time around, service almost non-existent. We were unable to read the specials board from our table and on asking for details, the waitress grabbed a small laminate card from another table and plonked it in front of us, clearly not interested in pushing any particular special concoction of the kitchen. It took several reminders before she remembered our ordered bottle of wine; the side salad to accompany my pasta arrived just as I finished my last mouthful – needless to say, it was sent back.

All that being said, the food was fine on both occasions – I can rarely be tempted away from their ravioli so I'm probably not the best judge, but all my dining companions on both occasions, finished their plates too, so a sure sign of approval on that front. Just need a bit of consistency on the service front…

“You cannot be serious” I muttered to my friend who had suggested this as a lunch venue, remembering the one and only time I had been in this previously grotty, soul-less pub. “No, no, it's really changed” she enthused shoving me through the doors before I had chance to turn and bolt in the opposite direction. How right she was; walking in I experienced that ‘messiah’ moment, normally reserved for participants in home makeover shows. A wow factor indeed.

Fortunately we had booked as it was pretty busy relatively early on in the lunchtime period. We were seated immediately by very friendly staff – indeed all the waiting staff were efficient, friendly and helpful. My friend, from a previous visit, recommended main courses only given portion sizes and she was not wrong. Her burger was huge and my warm chicken salad was certainly an ample lunch dish. Both were very well executed and presented – particular mention has to be made of the chicken which was the tastiest and succulent piece of meat I have eaten in a long, long time. Another huge plus point is that most of the wines are offered by the glass – as City lunches aren't what they used to be a glass is sometimes all we have time for and it was refreshing to be offered something other than the standard Pinot, Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

The only downside to our meal was the inconsiderate large party behind us who managed to squeeze about 14 people onto a table designed for 8! Their whooping and yelling at every new arrival to their party was an unwelcome distraction but given the amount of alcohol they were shipping in, it was clear that they had no thought for any other diners in the vicinity. A shame but more a comment on the behaviour of some people these days rather than a direct fault of the pub itself, although perhaps they could have done something to deter the crowd that at times gathered around the table. That said, the food and staff are such that this will be added to local lunch venues and recommended accordingly.

A proper pub, with decent sized portions of good honest food, served by helpful and friendly staff. Have had lunch there twice recently, both on somewhat inclement days, and the hearty food hit the spot on both occasions.

Although it does not live up to its name, (I found it a somewhat soul-less place in terms of the room, the service, ambience and atmosphere), the food is nigh on fautless. I started with the intriguing charcoal scallops with n'djuia whch despite being a more than ample serving, I could have easily eaten over and over again. As this was a lunchtime with work beckoning into the afternoon, I opted for a pasta main course of fidelini with fresh crab – although this did not exactly live up to its “spicy” warning on the menu, it was a beautifully cooked, fresh and tasty dish. For dessert, we both had the pannacotta with coffee spumane and our giggles when two dishes of what can only be described as boob-shaped blancmange arrived, were clearly lost on the waitress. Clearly too young to remember Benny Hill or any of the Carry On's! The dish itself was a wonderful concoction of flavours and soft textures, once the initial hit of espresso wore off.

I would definitely recommend and return to l'Anima but it would be a much better experience if only the staff were just a little bit more friendly rather than perfunctory. We had to ask for everything and although we were not in a particular hurry, it would have been nice to have had a little more attention paid to us, especially given the prices charged.

First of all, the fish is fab – moist, tasty and in the lightest but tastiest batter I've had in a long time. That said, we did have to wait quite some time before it arrived, so much so, that one of my lunch companions remarked that we may have been served quicker in the takeaway queue! The chips may well have been “chipped” on the premises, but we're not too sure where they left their taste. I got somewhat embarassed by how much table salt and vinegar I had to add, but even then, I really could not get any semblance of taste from them. A discussion with one of the friendly waiters concluded that they may have been taken out of the fryer a tad too early, but given that this is a fish and chip shop, surely it is reasonable to expect that they serve quality chips to go with their wonderful fish?

The restaurant itself is probably just a tad too “new” and really tries a little bit too hard on the design front and so resembles a Cockney themed environment rather than the authenticity such a menu requires. That said, we will probably give it another go, not least because it is within easy reach of the office, but in the hope that all the current teething problems do get ironed out and we end up with a decent “chippie” on our doorstep!

This really is a little gem. No it's not the busiest, most atmospheric or luxurious of restaurants, but if you're looking for high quality, tasty Thai food without breaking the bank, then this is definitely worth trying. We had a range of meat, seafood and vegetable dishes, each beautifully presented and clearly cooked from fresh. Every plate went back empty, aside of course, from the obligatory ornate vegetable sculptures!

Service was pleasant without being obtrusive and whilst it is probably not a venue to linger in (think the chairs would get a wee bit uncomfortable after a while) for a delicious meal away from the hustle and bustle of Holborn/Kingsway, it is worth seeking out.

As this is fast becoming my West End pre-theatre restaurant of choice (at least three visits in the past few months) I thought it was high time it was given a bit of recognition. It may not be the fanciest place I've ever eaten at, but for a good quality, good value two course meal served and enjoyed within an hour or so, it is very hard to beat. My dining and theatre companions have varied on each occasion and no-one has left the table disappointed. Pasta dishes are the standout choice, but pizza and regular main dishes are also highly commended. Staff have always been friendly and accommodating, and very aware that at certain times of the day, customers time is at a premium but manage to achieve the fine balance between unhurried and speedy service. Definitely worth signing up to receive their regular offers for an even better value meal!

My second visit to CK but this time, it was not warm enough to sit out on the terrace, which was a shame as I cannot say that I am particularly blown away by the room itself. Yes it is big, grand and elegant, but the regimented table layout means that you are aligned and very close to the neighbouring tables (a particular bug bear of mine) and many diners do tend to take a somewhat haphazard route through the room, meaning that many tables feel like you are sitting in a throughfare to the “facilities”. The noise from their neightbouring bar was also much more noticeable this time and is somewhat at odds with the elegance of the restaurant.

That said, the food is nigh on fautless. A trip to India some years ago has made me somewhat picky when it comes to Indian food, but the menu at CK is simply gorgeous. My starter of venison kebabs created a lovely slow burn on the palate as all the flavours developed whilst my friend's Welsh lamb version had so many layers of flavour it was almost beyond belief. Service was relaxed, unhurried and knowledgable – I couldn't decide between the barramundi or king prawns for main course and was gently swayed to the former by the waiter. A fabulous choice as the fish and seafood curry that arrived was full of flavour and beautifully presented. Portion sizes are pretty good – we didn't have room for dessert.

It is not the cheapest of places but for authentic Indian taste and flavour with a modern twist, it is highly recommended. Just that personally, I'll be saving my next visit for when the conditions allow al fresco eating!

Feeling completely drained after being lucky enough to have had tickets for the Nadal/Murray battle at the O2, we could not face the endless queues that constitute dining at the arena after an event, and instead jumped the tube one stop to Canary Wharf. After a bit of a hunt (don't follow the subterranean signs – stick to street level and head towards Waitrose instead!) we eventually discovered Jamie's. Although the restaurant was pretty packed we were offered a table on the condition that we were there just over an hour – this suited us so we were seated immediately. Our waitress was attentive but not overly hurried even given our limited table time. We shared a starter of bruschetta topped with crab, chili and lemon and although it looked like some sort of shop bought sandwich spread, tastewise it could not have been further from such a comparison. The initial fresh crab taste morphed into a slow warm burn as the chili kicked in – absolutely on the spot to take away the chill of the day. For mains we both had the scallop and squid ink angel hair pasta, which although a bit “gloopy” in parts was utterly delicious. My friend, who is a keen cook and uses Jamie's recipies a lot, was finally convinced of his suggestion of leaving some of the cooking juices in the serving bowl – it did keep the somewhat generous helping warm and moist until the last mouthful. Whilst I would not aim to go here again for a “proper” night out, for a relatively quick meal at the end of shopping on the Wharf, or indeed, to avoid the tedious queues at the restaurants within the O2 either before or after an event, this really will stay on my list and be recommended to others.