The English Grill at The Rubens at the Palace

Old-school British Epicureanism lives on in perpetuity at this fittingly esteemed location, a mere corgi's walk from Buckingham Palace. Following a 2017 refurbishment and a revival of retro Brit dishes on London menus, this fine diner feels both up with the times and resolutely traditional. Amid coloured-glass chandeliers and dimly lit, silver-edged finery, hotel guests, couples and business men sink into royal blue armchairs. Suited and sociable staff guide across traditional European starters, followed by meat and fish grills or perhaps calves' liver with onions. Top orders include a textbook slice of pink-hued beef Wellington, and a pillow-soft egg, lobster and cream bake. Vegetarians won't feel sidelined thanks to a few strong options, but this celebration of pies and roasts is geared to full-throttle carnivores. A member of the South African Red Carnation hotel group, expect dazzling Bouchard Finlayson wines. Such decadence in this postcode comes at a price, but HRH would approve.