Blueprint cafe – one of my favourite lazy lunch spots!

A great view of the thames and Tower Bridge – with the lovely touch of mini binoculours on each table… very quaint. It is definitely a cafe/ canteen feel to this place, although the service is great. We had lovely British seasonal food at decent prices, and spent a long leisurely lunch here without being rushed or made to feel unworthy since we werent really drinking.

The fact that this sits atop the Design Museum and is in Shad Thames makes this even more perfect. Taking a stroll before and after lunch, to see the museum treats or the waterside on a nice day, you could while away the hours very happily. I reccommend this place to almost anyone who I feel could enjoy it. Very relaxing and enjoyable.

Babylon… could be so much more.

I absolutely adore the venue as a whole, Kensington Roof Gardens is a fabulous oasis in the heart of London. I had hoped for so much more than what the restaurant provided upon my first and only visit.

The recently refurbished restaurant is a bit too fresh and green for me personally, however it is not offensive! The food was a slight let down as it is nothing to write home… or to you… about! Modern British/ European, ok food. The staff are friendly and relatively attentive. It was nice to have a drink on the terrace before moving to the table. And it was also very convenient to be able to enter the building without queuing as you normally would for just the club. So this could be a good way to start a night out if its a special occasion as it gives you ease of access to everything for the evening, although you still pay an entry fee. But on its own the restaurant just unfortunately did not appeal.

The Artesian bar is one of my favourite pit-stops when spending a long day shopping in the west end. Hidden around the corner of north Regents Street, its just out of the way enough of the rabble of Oxford Street shoppers and tourists, but close enough that you can stop in and enjoy a moment of luxury.

Beautifully revamped, this is the place to have a tea or drink during the day for a lovely ‘ladies-what-lunch’ pick me up, or to start a special evening with some cocktails. Service is impeccable, drinks are expensive and if you are lucky you may spot an A-list celebrity (Sam Rockwell in my experience!)

Archipeligo is hidden away and quiet. A small restaurant with interesting decor… it looks like the cluttered attic of an explorer's souveniers. It still manages to retain some charming allure, which the staff definitely add to with their helpful attitude as you begin your journey into the foodie unknown…

The food was definitely interesting, and if you are up for pushing your limits on taste-testing, then this is the place to go. I tried the crocodile, wildebeest and zebra. All very good, although I am not convinced that this was the best possible dish I could have containing these ingredients. The table next to us was sampling the ‘Lovebug Salad’ containing locusts and all sorts of insects – brave choice!

I wouldnt recommend this as a firm favourite, but for something out of the ordinary, this is perfect. Got to love Londoners for keeping this venue going, it is something be able to boast for a city! This restaurant would probably be good for a first date (lots of discussion topics!) or a group of friends looking for some adventure (although large groups would struggle to be seated). Overall a pleasant fun experience.

Having visited Aqua in Hong Kong almost every night for my entire stay there, I was convinced that Aqua is the best bar on earth, and was delighted that they were opening in London.

Although the London establishment cannot boast the wow-factor of double height floor-to-ceiling windows with views to Hong Kong Island at night, I had hoped for much more in all the other ways that the HK branch seduced me. Unfortunately Aqua London is in a word – bland.

Aqua Spirit has no palpable atmosphere, although there has been much effort invested in the interior of the bar and the grand entrance via the lifts from the ground level. The staff are keen to assist (mostly), although are lacking in knowledge. Usually when one does not feel exhilerated by the atmosphere, reaching for a cocktail helps… not so much here. Unfortunately the cocktails look and sound delicious, but dont carry the clout you would expect (especially at the price).

I gave Aqua Spirit several tries, including an events open evening as part of my job, and I can firmly, and sadly, say that I would not choose to go here for a drink unless I was in the area and wanted a less crowded spot to relax than on Oxford Street. There are much better bars hidden around this area, so I would suggest to save the pennies and head to Hong Kong to experience what the Aqua Group does best.

Anise is a great little hidden gem in the city. Entering Devonshire square always feels a little like finding your way through platform 9 and 3/4… a fantastic secret of another world! There are plenty of venues in here to choose from but Anise definitely stands out for a number of reasons.

The food is delicious… naturally as this is an extention of the established and delicious Cinnamon Club in Westminster. The cocktails are yummy, the atomosphere is lively and staff keen to help.

The decor is dark and moody, but with the help of some lighting, it feels like a place you want to hang out and have some lengthy conversations over some food and drinks, whether discussing corporate feats or friends' romantic lives!

Having been here for both a corporate event and a ‘night out for drinks’ this was a perfect location both times. A good size for an intimate event, it provided the extra interest-factor for guests, including organising cookery gift-bags. The canapes were falvourful yet elegant creations, and there were plenty of them!

On a Friday night, this place also transforms into a fun place with a mixed crowd, with a good DJ. You forget where you are!