I visited Bumpkin for lunch on a cold wet Wednesday and was very happy I did so. The restaurant comes across to me as a haven of comfort food and a chilled relaxed venue to have a lazy lunch or dinner in. The lunch menu managed to be short without making you feel there wasn't enough choice – In fact if anything it leaves you with the problem of wanting everything. I had some fantastic game soup for starters followed by a delicious steak – extremely tender and considering the price much tastier than I've had in many fine dining venues. This was all washed down with Bumpkin's very own ale which on its own could have kept me in all day long. For the quality and the price you just simply can't go wrong with Bumpkin.

I had a superbly enjoyable trip to Locanda Locatelli last weekend and the restaurant lives up to everything you'd expect. Decor is quite contemporary and smooth and the tables spacious enough and chairs very comfy indeed. The food was as you'd expect excellent – nothing over the top in presentation and you get the feeling that the food is all about the taste rather than making it overly pretty. Not to say presentation wasn't good however. Our starters were tagliatelle di castagne ai funghi selvatici (home made chestnut tagliatelle with wild mushrooms ) and tortellini in brodo (meat parcels in a clear broth ) both totally delicious. I couldn't decide on my mains so persuaded my wife to try medaglioni di cervo, porcini, crema fritta e radicchio (medallions of venison with cepes, panfried cream and radicchio) while I had filetto di branzino in crosta di erbe e sale (fillet of wild sea bass in salt and herbs crust ) – to be honest they were both so good I wish I could have had both! For dessert I went for the cheese selection which may sound boring but finished the meal off perfectly. We'd asked the sommelier to select a glass of wine to match each course from the list by the glass and he did a superb job. I was pretty surprised how full the restaurant was considering we dined at 2pm – the full sitting a testament to Giorgio Locatelli's skill and hard work. Prices are pretty high but it's easy to see what you are paying for – definitely a great place for a special occasion.

I've had quite a few pleasant meals at Roast – breakfast being an occasional treat for me if in the area but like most of the reviewers here I think Roast comes into its own on a lazy Sunday. As Steve W says the menu is quite limited but at the end of the day it offers exactly what you would expect it to do. Service is capable and the atmosphere always seems to be relaxed. Great for a bite before hitting the markets.

Min Jiang is a truly great addition to the restaurant scene and I finally got to try it last night. The setting is beautiful – very light inside, tables were well spaced and a mix of modern and traditional touches in the decor give it a smart look. The outstanding view of London compliments food perfectly. We were only two dining but decided to order as much as we could to share and were not disappointed. Hot and aour soup and crispy salt and pepper squid were so good and the house special of the Peking duck was amazing, as was the creation of the dishes with the remaining duck. Mains of braised pork belly and lobster with noodles were superb. We were quite full from everything so only took a very light dessert of ice creams and sorbets. The wine list was very good with bottles for all pockets and the price of the meal was easily justified by the quality. Service is excellent and knowledgeable. With fantastic service, food and wine, plus a view to die for Min Jiang is going to be a big hit.

It's been a long time between my visits to L'Etranger and after today's trip out I'm definitely going to go back a lot sooner. The design of the restaurant is smart and quite chic without having to try too hard – spoiled for choice with tables by the window for bright and airy or a little more secluded and darker towards the back. The menus seem to be hugely expansive and cover a large selection of dishes and styles. Being a creature of habit I chose the tuna tartar for starters – very tasty and readied my taste buds for one of my favourite dishes and the speciality of the house – the black cod. Portions were huge – I've seen similar size portions being offered as a sharing plate for two at twice the price at other venues in town. Having tried it I can see why it is the house specialty and would advise you to try if dining here. Sadly the main had filled me up so again I had to skip dessert. The wine list is also a major attraction with an amazing selection suited to all wallets – and in some cases bank loans. I'm planning on returning to try the five-course champagne tasting menu – it's not cheap but given the food and the selection of champagnes including Cristal & Krug it could well be a perfect Christmas treat.

Personally I think the Sanderson has never quite got it right with its in-house restaurant. Whereas the St Martin's Lane hotel has Asia de Cuba which is still packed years on, the Sanderson never seems to be quite sure as to what it should be doing. The biggest selling point of the restaurant is the outside terrace – heated and covered in the winter which is a bonus but the interior section of the restaurant seems quite simple and plain. The menu is based around a sharing concept similar to Asia de Cuba but the portions fail to live up to the price. The dishes are very tasty and if you are not on a budget or if being entertained then knock yourself out but otherwise you may find the size of the bill (and the 15% service charge on top) a little bit of a shock. The Purple and Long Bars add a little more interest to the venue. Perhaps not a place to take Russian clients given the translation of the name.

I've eaten at both of the restaurants in the building, L'Atelier on the ground floor and La Cuisine on the first floor – both are very different in decor and cuisine but have two things in common – wherever you sit you can see the busy team of chefs buzzing around creating your delectable dishes. I love the counter concept of L'Atelier – very chic and cool – almost like a chic sushi bar without the sushi and instead a selection of cool little dishes to tempt such as Scottish lobster with a ‘mist’ of Hennessy and pig trotter served on parmesan toast. Upstairs the food is more mainstream but equally scrumptious with plenty of favourites on offer – the lamb and veal dishes particular favourites. As for dessert you must try the ‘boule suprise’, one of the most creative desserts I've ever had. I'd also tell you to make sure you check out the intimate little bar at the top of the building, one of London's best kept secret. Oops…

Not my average type of haunt but still one of my favourites for a cheap and guilty treat. It's a little too hectic upstairs and as you are now unable to book downstairs I find myself having to chance it more often – given the location there really is only a slim chance of sitting. The food is standard yummy BBQ fare – you get exactly what you pay for and value for money is part of that. The selection is good and always tasty – you don't expect much in the way of presentation but it's not needed. Sticky fingers a full tummy and a small bill will ensure I keep returning. Great for a bunch of lads before a night out or to annoy my colleagues by sitting at my desk with a take away for lunch.

Floridita is one of those venues that people love or loathe. It's loud and busy and sometimes feels a little cheesy however for a fun night dining and drinking it's one of the best all-rounders and I'll often find myself dropping by with some friends if we are looking for a little bit of fun. I do tend to use the venue more for drinks than food but do always enjoy the spit-roast suckling pig or one of the lobster dishes. If you are lucky enough to have a membership you will be able to dine in the members area ‘Bar Constante’ where things seem to run so much smoother, although generally service is fine all through the restaurant. One suggestion if drinking however is to put away your gentlemanly ways and send a lady to the bar, as they will be served in a split second by the smooth barmen whereas gents seem to have to wait…and wait…and wait… Live music every night also adds to this lively venue – only the smoking ban preventing you smoking big fat Cuban cigars detracts from the Cuban experience. Oh and don't forget the mojitos!

The Albemarle in my opinion has improved so much since the revamp. The restaurant seems to have a lighter feel to it with a few more contemporary touches to it than in its previous incarnation. The menu is still hugely extensive and will certainly give you problems with so much to choose from. For my starter I settled with Dorset dressed crab with landcress – very fresh and tasty while my partner was persuaded by me to try the potted Morecambe Bay shrimps (One of the specialities from my original locale). My main was the Blythburgh pork cutlet with apple mash and Cumbrian black pudding and was absolutely superb. Feeling like a little bit of a pig we finished off with some fab bramley apple pie then a selection of cheeses. Prices are very reasonable taking into account you are dining in a Mayfair Hotel. The set lunch menu and pre-theatre dining menus also look a bargain at £25/£30 for 2 or 3 courses. Atmosphere can be mixed depending on the residents but was generally pleasant and relaxed. I'd definitely suggest stopping off at the Donovan Bar afterwards for a couple of cocktails.

The Botanist is a very buzzy place – the times I've been both the bar and restaurant have been heaving with plenty of people enjoying themselves. I can only really describe the place as adequate unfortunately – the dishes are relatively good but I would expect a little more bang for my buck and can't help feeling that it's not too much more than an overpriced Gastropub living off the relative wealth of the locals. Given the fact that there are so many other good venues in the area it's doubtful I'll return. On the brighter side service is good given the hectic atmosphere and the menu quite extensive – the cheese selection was probably the highlight for me. West End Prices without West End Quality.

From the moment I sat down with a glass of bubbly and nibbled some bacon popcorn in the bar area of Texture I knew I was really going to enjoy it. With the duo of Agnar Sverrisson and Xavier Rousset at the helm I knew I was in safe hands. From the starter of pea mousse via the asparagus with parmesan ‘snow’ to the anjou of pigeon with corn puree – taste and presentation were excellent as was the three way Lancashire pig. Wines chosen by Xavier went perfectly and was surprised even more so at how inexpensive some of the choices were given the quality and taste. Service was excellent along with an explanation of the dishes and how they were put together made the experience a very pleasant one. I was pleased to find out also that they now have private dining room – something that was lacking on my visit, perhaps I'll return for a pre-Christmas party will a few friends.

I like Sumosan very much – it gives me good Japanese cuisine time after time without the need for booking weeks and weeks in advance. Many friends of mine insist it's a poor alternative for Nobu or Zuma but I personally believe the five years it's been open is a testament to its popularity given the stiff competition. It may not have the A-list glamour of some of its competitors but I go there to eat good food and not to make a fashion statement. Service can very occasionally be a little slow at peak times but unless you want to rush through your meal not slow enough to be a problem. The black cod on my most recent visit was delicious along with the yakinku grill. In honesty I couldn't remark about the wine list as I usually stick to the Asahi black label. Food is well presented and fresh and Sumosan has never disappointed me – I suggest giving it a try.

My recent trip to Alain Ducasse was certainly a memorable one and I'm happy to say for all the right reasons. The dining room is bright and airy with well spaced tables giving you enough privacy for your business deals or flirting – or perhaps both? It has a nice modern feel without trying too hard but manages to retain an air of formality at the same time. From sitting down to leaving, the food and accompanying wine was exquisite and the constant supply of amuse bouches between courses a fine touch. John dory goujonettes with coconut and curry sauce were an interesting starter that worked surprisingly well and the roast rack and saddle of lamb suitably fab enough to keep my attention until I took on the selection of French cheese. With the chefs little delicacies coming so frequently a three course dinner seemed like a ten-course and the gentleman coming round with the sweet and bon-bon trolley at the end just added to the delights. Prices can run high but with a fixed price for two,three or four-course meal you do at least know what to expect. Make good use of head sommelier Hugues Lepin and his team who matched excellent wines by the glass for us with each course.

The Masons Arms was a big favourite of mine in my late teens and early twenties when the Lakes area was my home, and I try to visit whenever I head back that way. As a pub it's one of the warmest and friendliest venues with a huge selection of beers and ales for all tastes – the Damson Beer having been a long time favourite for me since a memorable trip there on my 18th birthday. The food is always good (for a country pub), the house pie or sausages and mash are really good. My advice if you are in the area for a while is to spend an evening there in the summer – take in the views and try a good selection of the ales although make sure you have someone to drive you home! Failing that I do believe they do have rooms available.